He's going
to show him a little country sport to-nicht to edify him."
Dannie outlined the plan of Jimmy's campaign. Despite
disapproval, and a sore heart, Mary Malone had to smile--perhaps
as much over Dannie's eagerness in telling what was contemplated
as anything.
"Why don't you take Jimmy's gun and go yoursilf?" she asked. "You
haven't had a day off since fishing was over."
"But I have the work to do," replied Dannie, "and I couldna
leave--" He broke off abruptly, but the woman supplied the word.
"Why can't you lave me, if Jimmy can? I'm not afraid. The snow
and the cold will furnish me protiction to-night. There'll be no
one to fear. Why should you do Jimmy's work, and miss the sport,
to guard the thing he holds so lightly?"
The red flushed Dannie's cheeks. Mary never before had spoken
like that. He had to say something for Jimmy quickly, and
quickness was not his forte. His lips opened, but nothing came;
for as Jimmy had boasted, Dannie never lied, except for him, and
at those times he had careful preparation before he faced Mary.
Now, he was overtaken unawares. He looked so boyish in his
confusion, the mother in Mary's heart was touched.
"I'll till you what we'll do, Dannie," she said. "You tind the
stock, and get in wood enough so that things won't be frazin'
here; and then you hitch up and I'll go with you to town, and
stay all night with Mrs.
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