Now come on. I'm going to talk to your mother
rather you like it or not! And what happens between us, it's up to her.
I have a right to try to make the rest of her life happy, if I can, for
by the fires of torment, I sure messed up the beginning!"
177 "Yes, sir," the young man answered, "you sure did!"
178 Mad Cat looked at him and they both laughed. "I'll take you to
mother, father. As you say, it's her choice. I think she kind of hoped
you'd come back some day. Women are crazy, I guess!"
179 "Maybe this boy's smarter than I THINK he is!" laughed Mad Cat.
Everyone laughed.
180 As Mad Cat turned to leave, Swift Deer blocked his path. "The
caravan leaves in two weeks," he mentioned, "will you be back in time to go with it?"
181 "Alone, or with family," answered Mad Cat, "I'll be back!"
182 "It will be with a family," announced Swift Deer. "I'm sending two
squads of guards with you. You're in no condition for much of a fight,
and her brothers may need some friendly persuasion, if they've got the
same temperament as your offspring, here!"
183 "He's mild compared to them," said Mad Cat. The two disappeared
down the street.
184 "Do you think it will work out?" asked Great Mountain.
185 "He's been in love with the woman for nearly eleven seasons. It
will work out. That boy's got some growing to do, but I think that will
work out, too. When he learns what kind of a man his father really is,
all that hate will turn to respect and love."
186 "I hope you're right," sighed Great Mountain, "I kind of like that
little spitfire!"