The affair was growing mysterious.

It seemed like a conjuration.

As Thornton got to his feet, Buck seized his mittened hand between his jaws, pressing in with his teeth and releasing slowly, half-reluctantly.

It was the answer, in terms, not of speech, but of love.

Thornton stepped well back.
"Now, Buck," he said.
Buck tightened the traces, then slacked them for a matter of several inches.