"I think Asa doesn't mind waiting for the sled," Ethel said. "Then you'll keep my bag with you, Asa?"
The Indian moved her bag with his foot and set it aside. He unstrapped the skis from his back and, stooping, placed the skis to Ethel's feet.
"You want I should take your satchel?" he asked of Loutrelle when he straightened.
"No, thanks. I'll take it along. But if you don't want those straps—"
The Indian measured his shoulder with his glance, lengthened the straps and secured the suit case at Barney's side.
"All right?" Redbird asked.
"All right."
"B'jou."
"B'jou," Barney said, closing the transaction between them.
"I be there," Redbird said to Ethel, "about four o'clock, I think. Good-by."
"Good-by," Ethel said. "Thank you very much for coming for me."
The Indian picked up Ethel's bag and moved into the shed from which he had appeared. Ethel looked up at her companion and smiled a little.
"I seem to have selected you for my escort," she said.
"I'm very much obliged to you," he returned. "Shall we go now—that way?"
"Yes."
He cut staffs for them and set off a little ahead of her as she purposely stayed back to observe him. He knew how to ski and was not a bit clumsy about it; but he had not skied for some time, she thought.
