Here, Dandy--Rupert--Sue!" They were all in his arms, their cold noses snuggled under his warm chin.

But this time he didn't care what they did to his clothes--nor what he did to them.

He was alone; Todd had gone down to the kitchen--only he and the four companions so dear to his heart.

"Come here, you imp of the devil," he continued, rubbing Floe's ears--he loved her best--pinching her nose until her teeth showed; patting her flanks, crooning over her as a woman would over a child, talking to himself all the time.

"I wonder if Floyd will be good to them! If I thought he wouldn't I'd rather starve than--No--I reckon it's all right--he's got plenty of room and plenty of people to look after them." Then he rose from his chair and drew his hand across his forehead.