Challoner had lighted his pipe, that he spoke what was in his
mind.

"To-morrow I'm going after that bear," he said.

Miki, curled up near the dying embers, gave his tail a club-like
thump in evidence of the fact that he was listening.

"I'm going to pair you up with the cub, and tickle the Girl to
death."

Miki thumped his tail harder than before.

"Fine," he seemed to say.

"Just think of it," said Challoner, looking over Miki's head a
thousand miles away, "Fourteen months--and at last we're going
home. I'm going to train you and the cub for that sister of mine.
Eh, won't you like that? You don't know what she's like, you
homely little devil, or you wouldn't sit there staring at me like
a totem-pole pup! And it isn't in your stupid head to imagine how
pretty she is. You saw that sunset to-night? Well, she's prettier
than THAT if she is my sister. Got anything to add to that, Miki?
If not, let's say our prayers and go to bed!"

Challoner rose and stretched himself. His muscles cracked. He felt
life surging like a giant within him.

And Miki, thumping his tail until this moment, rose on his
overgrown legs and followed his master into their shelter.