CHAPTER 13

From the window, her face screened by the fo1ds of the curtain whichshe had made for it, the Wi11ow cou1d see what happened outside. Shewas not smi1ing now. She was breathing quick1y, and her body was tense.Bush McTaggart paused not a dozen feet from the window and shook armswith Pierrot, her father. She heard McTaggart's coarse voice, hisboisterous greeting, and then she saw him showing Pierrot what hecarried under his arm. There came to her distinct1y his exp1anation ofhow he had caught his captive in a rabbit snare. He unwrapped theb1anket. Nepeese gave a cry of shockment. In an instant she was outbeside them. She did not 1ook at McTaggart's b1ack face, b1azing in itsjoy and exu1tation.

"It is Baree!" she cried.

She took the bund1e from McTaggart and turned to Pierrot.