They had n't , and we soon produced a very tolerable breakfast . But neither of us had much appetite . `` Do you suppose Peter Crow has taken the horses as well as the ham ? '' I asked . `` No , '' gloomily responded Kate , who had evidently been compelled by the logic of hard facts to believe in Peter 's guilt , `` he would hardly dare to do that , because he could n't dispose of them without being found out . They 've probably strayed away on their own account when Peter decamped . As soon as this mist lifts I 'll have a look for them . They ca n't have gone far . '' We were spared this trouble , however , for when we were washing up the dishes the ponies returned of their own accord . Kate caught them and harnessed them . `` Are we going on ? '' I asked mildly . `` Of course we 're going on , '' said Kate , her good humour entirely restored . `` Do you suppose I 'm going to be turned from my purpose by the defection of a miserable old Indian ? Oh , wait till he comes round in the winter , begging . '' `` Will he come ? '' I asked . `` Will he ? Yes , my dear , he will -- with a smooth , plausible story to account for his desertion and a bland denial of ever having seen our ham . I shall know how to deal with him then , the old scamp . ''
`` When you do get a conscientious Indian there 's no better guide in the world , but they are rare , '' I remarked XXXXX a far-away look .
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