What other reason could he have? She made up her mind to ignore him. He’d soon stop. But he didn’t. He finished one tune and started another. It was bad. He couldn’t carry a tune, and his tone was breathy and unsteady. She didn’t know how he could stand to listen to himself. He must have a tin ear. She put her fingers in her ears and tried to go to sleep, but she found herself becoming more and more awake. Finally she couldn’t stand it any longer. “Would you please stop whistling?” she asked irritably. “I’m trying to sleep.” “I’m protecting you.” “From what?” “From wolves and cougars. They don’t like whistling.” “I can’t imagine they would. Not the way you do it. I’m sure you could walk from here to Canada and be perfectly safe.” “I’ll make you a bargain.” “What?” Victoria asked, wary of any bargain he might offer. “I won’t whistle any more if you won’t wake me up with any more false escapes.” “What do you mean false escapes?”
