"But I was more than a fool when I thought--" "I didn't blame you much for that," smiled Betty.

"You see, both times you heard us talking it happened that Taggart was somewhere in the vicinity, and--" "Well," interrupted Toban with a grin; "I reckon you two will be able to get along without any outside interference, now." They both watched in silence as he went to the door and stepped outside.

He halted and looked at them, whereat they both reddened.
Then he grinned widely and was gone.
Betty stood at one side of the sitting-room door, Calumet at the other.
Both were in the kitchen.

Bob, also, was in the kitchen, though Calumet and Betty did not see him; so it appeared to Bob.

Having some recollection of a certain light in Betty's eyes on the night that Calumet had brought home the puppy, Bob's wisdom impelled him to compare it with the light that was in them now, and he suspected--he knew-- And so, very gently, very quietly, with infinite care and patience, lest they become aware of his presence, he edged toward the kitchen door, his rifle in hand.