Nell an' Bo, now, they made a difference, an' a difference I never knew before." He calculated that this difference had been simply one of responsibility, and then the charm and liveliness of the companionship of girls, and finally friendship.

These would pass now that the causes were removed.
Before he had worked an hour around camp he realized a change had come, but it was not the one anticipated.

Always before he had put his mind on his tasks, whatever they might be; now he worked while his thoughts were strangely involved.
The little bear cub whined at his heels; the tame deer seemed to regard him with deep, questioning eyes, the big cougar padded softly here and there as if searching for something.
"You all miss them--now--I reckon," said Dale.

"Well, they're gone an' you'll have to get along with me." Some vague approach to irritation with his pets surprised him.

Presently he grew both irritated and surprised with himself--a state of mind totally unfamiliar.