Rex's furious bark of welcome at the sight
of his young mistress was no whit less hysterical than Johnny's instant
groan of relief, or the incoherent manner in which he detailed an
unforgettable interview with Aunt Agatha, who had appeared one night
from heaven knows where and pledged him with tears and sniffs
innumerable to telegraph her when from the melancholy fastnesses of the
Everglades, Diane or her scalp emerged.
"She wouldn't go North," finished Johnny graphically, his apple cheeks
very red and his eyes very bright, "she certainly would not--she'd like
to see herself--she would indeed!--and this no place for me to wait.
Them very words, Miss Diane. And she went and opened your
grandfather's old house in St. Augustine--the old Westfall
homestead--and she's there now waitin'. Likely, Miss Diane, I'd better
telegraph now--this very minute--afore she takes it in her head to come
again!"
Johnny's dread of another Aunt Agathean visitation was wholly candid
and sincere. He departed on a trot to telegraph, hailing Philip warmly
by the way.
Here upon the following morning Diane and Keela parted--for the Indian
girl was pledged to return to the lodge of Mic-co.
"Six moons, now," she explained with shining eyes, "I stay at the lodge
of Mic-co, my foster father.
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