Instead, he busied himself with
unsaddling, and explained to the boys just why he had left so
unaccountably. Secretly he was hoping that Evadna heard the
explanation, and he raised his voice purposely. But Evadna was
not listening, apparently; and, if she had been, the noise of the
rapids would have prevented her hearing what he said.
Miss Georgie Howard was frying fish and consistently snubbing
Baumberger, who hulked loosely near the campfire, and between
puffs at his pipe praised heavily her skill, and professed to own
a ravenous appetite. Good Indian heard him as he passed close by
them, and heard also the keen thrust she gave in return; and he
stopped and half turned, looking at her with involuntary
appreciation. His glance took in Baumberger next, and he lifted
a shoulder and went on. Without intentionally resorting to
subterfuge, he felt an urge to wash his hands, and he chose for
his ablutions that part of the river's edge which was nearest
Evadna.
First he stooped and drank thirstily, his hat pushed back, while
his lips met full the hurrying water, clear and cold, yet with
the chill it had brought from the mountain springs which fed it,
and as he lifted his head he looked full at her.
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