"What are you thinking about? I'll just be gone for a little while."

"Nothing really. Go ahead, I'm not stopping you."

Though she seemed reluctant to let him go, Samuel gently patted her head. Despite his own reluctance, he left anyway.

Before leaving, he called out to William, "Will, I've got something to take care of. Keep an eye on them for me."

William, who was by the stream, replied, "Sure, go ahead. I've got things covered here."

After watching his buddy ...