I hope they've got more, and I hope they've gentled down by this time and are used to being without him.
Anyway, they can do without him now easier than what I can, because..." Bud did not finish that sentence, except by picking Lovin Child up in his arms and squeezing him as hard as he dared.

He laid his face down for a minute on Lovin Child's head, and when he raised it his lashes were wet.
"Say, old-timer, you need a hair cut.

Yuh know it ?" he said, with a huskiness in his voice, and pulled a tangle playfully.

Then his eyes swung round defiantly to Cash.

"It's stealing to keep him, but I can't help it.