OCR Text |
Show 57 roar of supplication, then tossed them to the beast, who sat like a circus bear to chomp the fish contentedly. "Now you run along, Ephraim," called Mr. Raintree, shutting the door. "We've got company, and I have a hunch you make them nervous.'? Cap gave a vigorous nod of agreement. He stood behind his chair, ready for anything. "Gosh, Mr. Raintree," Josh said in amazement, "you really are friends with all these animals." "Oh, you might say that. We just respect each other, that's all." "But how do you do it?" Josh insisted. In the midst of peeling a potatoe, the old man paused to consider. "Oh, I guess I just meet them on their terms. That's about all there is to it." The crow sat atop a cupboard, his little black eyes watching every move the man made. "Boy, I wish I could do that," Josh sighed. "Me too," Cap said. The sizzle of fish frying sounded through the cabin. Mr- Raintree came and sat across the table from them. "All it takes is patience-and love. By the way," he said, his face concerned, "you boys didn't happen to run across a sad-eyed burro named Diogenes, did you? The rascal wandered off yesterday." Cap started to giggle, but a threatening glance from Josh stilled him. 'Yeah, last night over by the rim of Quartz Canyon," Josh said. "He liked to scared the pants off me." "Well, he'll be back in a day or two," said Mr. Raintree with a chuckle. "He likes my pancakes too much to stay away. Now where are you two headed for anyway? We don't get many visitors this far |