Page:Max Brand--The Seventh Man.djvu/157

Rh, and fastened it securely in the pocket of the cloak.

She drew Joan in front of her and held her by both hands.

“Joan, darling,” she said, “munner wants you to go with Bart up through the mountains. Will you be afraid?”

A very decided shake of the head answered her, for Joan's eyes were already over her shoulder looking towards the big dog. And she was a little sullen at these unnecessary words.

“It might grow dark,” she said. “You wouldn't care?”

Here Joan became a little dubious, but a whine from Bart seemed to reassure her.

“Bart will keep Joan,” she said.

“He will. And he'll take you up through the rocks to Daddy Dan.”

The face of the child grew brilliant.

“Daddy Dan?” she whispered.

“And when you get to him, take this little paper out of your pocket and give it to him. You won't forget?”

“Give the paper to Daddy Dan,” repeated Joan solemnly.

Kate dropped to her knees and gathered the little close, close, until Joan cried out, but when she was eased the child reached up an astonished hand, touched the face of Kate with awe, and then stared at her finger tips.