She remained in a quandary, unable to
speak.
"Don't you want me even when you wake up at night?"
"Why?"
"Because you're so afraid of the dark."
"Joan's not afraid. Oh, no! Joan loves the dark."
If Kate maintained a smile, it was a frozen grimace. It had only been a few
days--hardly yesterday--that Joan left, and already she was a little
stranger. Suppose Dan should refuse to come back himself; refuse even to
give up Joan! She started up, clutching the hand of the child.
"Quick, Joan, we must go!"
"Joan doesn't want to go!"
"We'll go--for a little walk. We--we'll surprise Daddy Dan."
"But Daddy Dan won't come back for long, long time. Not till the sun is
away down behind that hill."
That should mean two hours, at least, thought Kate. She could wait a
little.
"Joan, what taught you not to be afraid of the dark?"
This problem made Joan look about for an answer, but at length she called
softly: "Jackie!"
She waited, and then whistled; at once the bright eyes of the little coyote
appeared around the edge of the rock.
"Come here!" she commanded.
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