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some size, isn’t he? I haven’t seen one as large before.” Her father reached out gingerly to pat the animal. “He isn’t likely to bite, is he?” he asked, his hand poised in midair.
    â€œNo,” replied Carrie, putting a hand possessively on Kusac’s head. “He’s quite friendly.”
    Her father hesitated. “You know he’s too old to tame, Carrie. A mature wild animal won’t take kindly to captivity, nor can they ever be completely trusted.”
    â€œI know, Dad. I only want to give him a chance for his leg to heal, then I’ll set him free.”
    â€œVery well. Get Richard to clear some space for him in the barn,” he said, giving Kusac a friendly but cautious pat on the side.
    As he did so, Kusac turned his head to look up at him, licking the man gently on the hand.
    â€œWell, he seems very friendly,” he said, mollified, before turning to look at his daughter. “What’s wrong?” he asked, seeing her frown.
    â€œIf Kusac sleeps in the barn, the cold could kill him. There’s no way to heat that place,” she objected.
    â€œYou aren’t seriously suggesting we bring a wild animal that size into the house!” her father exclaimed. “He could turn on you without warning. I’m sorry, but I’m not prepared to let you risk our lives. It’s out of the question.”
    â€œThen I’ll sleep in the barn, too.”
    â€œYou’ll do no such thing! You’re far too badly injured to be anywhere but in bed now. There’s no question of you sleeping in the barn.”
    â€œIf it’s too cold for me, then it’s too cold for Kusac,” Carrie interrupted calmly. “Kusac sleeps with me, either in the house or in the barn, I don’t care which.”
    â€œFor goodness sake, grow up, Carrie! We’re talking about a wild animal, not some orphaned lamb!” Her father’s angry voice filled the room.
    Richard sighed and turned his back on them. He hated rows. Funny, but he’d always seen Elise as the argumentative one. It was unlike Carrie to cross their father like this.
    â€œHow much older do I have to be, Dad?” Carrie asked quietly. “I’m hardly a child now, and I do know what I’m doing.”
    â€œAt twenty-three most girls are well and truly married,” her father grumbled. “If you had a house to run, you wouldn’t have time to bring in useless stray animals. I think it’s high time I arranged a marriage for you since you don’t seem capable of choosing a partner from among the young men in Valleytown.”
    â€œStop ducking the issue, Dad. The barn or the house, which is it to be?” insisted Carrie.
    â€œJack? You’ll back me up on this, won’t you?”
    â€œMe?” said the doctor, pausing as he put on his coat. “I don’t want to be involved in a family argument, Peter. I will say this, though. The cat is too weak to be a danger to anyone at present, and living in a cold barn will certainly kill him.”
    Her father glanced from one to the other. “Oh, very well,” he said, exasperated. “Have it your own way. You’ve obviously got it all organized between the two of you. But as soon as he’s recovered enough to be moved, out to the barn he goes!
    â€œGood day to you, Jack!”
    With that he stamped out of the kitchen, back to work with his beloved wines.
    â€œThanks, Jack,” said Carrie, trying to stand.
    â€œIt was nothing, but your Dad has a point, you know. Our friend could turn nasty at any time.
    â€œRichard, you make some kind of cage to put Kusac in at night; and you, Carrie, you’ll keep your promise to me by getting back up to bed before you collapse!” he said, accepting his gloves from Richard.
    â€œBy the way, how did you come by the name? Kusac, eh? Not bad, it rather suits him. Well, I must be off. I’ll call back to see you both in a