"I think you did great," she exclaimed, after they had talked for
awhile about the bear.

"Oh, I didn't do much," was the reply.

"Yes, you did. If it hadn't been for you, the bear would have killed
the captain. He told me so himself."

"Well, I'm glad I was there to save him. It was my good turn, that's
all, and one must never expect praise for that. But, say, Whyn, have
you seen the bear's skin? It's a beauty. The neighbours skinned it,
and Phil's father is going to take it to the city. He thinks that he
can sell the meat as well, for some people like it to eat."

"What a letter I shall write to Douglas," the girl replied, as she
clasped her hands together. "Isn't it great, the many wonderful things
I have to write about!"

"And I shall write to Miss Royanna," Rod declared. "I know she will
like to hear about that bear, though she will be so sorry that the
captain got hurt."

"And will you write to your mother?" Whyn asked.

"Yes, I suppose so. But I don't know whether she's interested in bears
or not. But I know that Miss Royanna is, for she's interested in
everything. Say, Whyn," and Rod lowered his voice, "I wish she was my
mother; wouldn't it be great?"

"Oh, Rod!" and the girl looked her astonishment.