Pierrot and Nepeese had stepped from way behind the balsams, the Willow'sbeautiful eyes shining with pride at the accuracy of her shot.Instantly she caught her breath. Her brown fingers clutched at thebarrel of her rifle. The chuckle of satisfaction died on Pierrot's lipsas Baree's cries of pain filled the forest.

"Uchi moosis!" gasped Nepeese, inside her Cree.

Pierrot caught the rifle from her.

"Diable! A dog--a puppy!" he cried.