THE SKIN OF THE TIGEB CAT. 243 



patched with yellow and black. " It's tanned as soft as 

 store-goods," he continued; "I shot it this day two 

 weeks, and an Injin woman tanned it for me." 



" Thank you, Mike ; that is the prettiest skin I ever 

 saw," leaning her face down until it was hidden in the 

 glossy folds of the robe. 



" Wall, it is ; but I wish it was a heap purtier for 

 you." 



Miss Jackson moved on toward the camp slowly, but 

 Mike stood with his hand leaning on the prow of the 

 stranded boat. She had gone a few steps, when, con- 

 scious that he Avas not following, she said : 



" Come and see how they will admire it at the camp ; 

 that is the greatest trophy of the year !" 



" No, it isn't no trophy," said Mike, in an extenuating 

 tone, not moving from his place ; " it is the best I had to 

 give you, Lou Jackson. I'd give you anything you'd 

 ask fur." His deep voice quivered as he spoke. 



"Thank you, Mike, thank you!" said Lou, turning 

 hastily to the hunter and seizing his hand, " it is every- 

 thing I want !" and then as hastily dropping it, as 

 though frightened at her own eagerness, she walked 

 rapidly toward the camp, bearing with her the skin, and 

 leaving Mike standing by the boat, with his eyes fixed 

 on her receding figure. His stalwart frame was bent, 

 and with the breech of his rifle he ground a hole in the 

 heavy sand. A dog, one of the wandering curs from the 

 camp, coming to the water's edge, set up a doleful cry 

 near him. 



