Page:Ballinger Price--Fortune of the Indies.djvu/236

 likely," Alan commented, laughing. "That's what she's attached to."

"What base motives you give her," Mark objected. "She has higher impulses, I assure you."

"I'd rather have a dog," Alan said, shaking the brazier.

"Plenty along the bank to choose from," Mark suggested. "If you're jealous, you might add one to the establishment."

So they laughed, and their laughter drifted strangely out into the stillness of the Chinese creek and was lost among the oozy sedge. Ping-Pong took her thumb out of her mouth and chuckled solemnly.

"Funny little rascal!" said Alan, unbending.