Piqued as he was, his heart exulted.

For the time his own jealousy must be suppressed.

His accounting with Dan Anderson on this phase of the matter would come later; meanwhile he must handle the situation carefully--literally for what it is worth.
"As I was saying," continued Dan Anderson, "what's a breakfast or two among friends ?" "If it is among friends," replied Ellsworth, "and if you'll remember that, we'll eat with you." In answer Dan Anderson began to kick together the embers of the fire and to busy himself with dishes.

He was resolved to humiliate himself before this girl, to show her how absolutely unfit was the life of this land for such as herself.
Suddenly he stopped and listened, as there came to his ear the distant thin report of a rifle.

Ellsworth looked inquiringly at his host.
"That's my friend, Tom Osby," explained Dan Anderson, "He went out after a deer.