cleft and found the cubs. They were tender as spring lambs."

"And Miss Genevieve went through all that!"

"Yes. Told you she's the grittiest little girl ever--and a lady! My
God, when I think of it all! . . . Well, she's come through it alive.
What's more, she's not going to suffer any bad consequences from it,
not if I can help it! Come on. Got your heirloom rag?"

"Safe--inside pocket."

"All right, then. Come on. You don't think I'm aching to hang 'round
this cursed hole, do you?--now that she's gone!"

He flung his bow and quiver over his shoulder, thrust the signal flag
into the skin pouch, and turned to go.

Lord James stepped before him, with hand outstretched.

"One moment, Tom! Here's for home and America--a fair field, and best
man wins!"

"It's a go!" cried Blake, gripping the proffered hand. "May she get
the one that'll make her happiest!"




CHAPTER IV