ng out upon the bluff, whereon sat the village, and
down on the broad meadow, he admired the location with the eye of a
young pioneer. What a delightful spot for a plantation! His boyish
imagination pictured a home like "The Hall" on the bluff overlooking
the creek. Back of that he would have the negro cabins and the
stables, for he would have fine horses like Nat. With such a home he
would be as important a man as Squire Danesford and his father need be
under obligations to no man. Had Lisbeth married her cousin and gone
to England? And so day dreams drifted into those of sleep.

The next morning he returned to Ahneota and told him what had
occurred. The old chief seemed contrite after his debauch, but did not
mention it. As Rodney left him he said: "Better be Ahneota's brother,"
but the boy shook his head, saying: "You know why I cannot be."

Francois had left the village. Caughnega did not look at the boy as
they met. That evening Conrad came and, much to the boy's surprise,
suggested that they go fishing in the morning. Rodney readily agreed
and the following morning they went up the creek several miles to a
place where the stream broadened out into a small pond. Its shores
were lined with lily pads under which the pickerel lay in wait for
their prey, motionless as sticks, which they resemble.

Rodney, who had fished there, led the way to the mouth of a little
inlet, where a tree had fallen into the water. He had cleared away the
rotten limbs so that he might go far out on the trunk and be able to
cast the bait at a specially inviting spot. Wishing to be friends, he
offered Conrad the place at the farther end and also the loan of his
better fishing gear. Conrad, who was very glum, hesitated, but finally
accepted the offer.

Now, there is luck as well as skill in fishing, as every one knows who
has tried it. Again and again they would both cast their minnow bait,
which was exactly similar, and Rodney's would be the hook that was
seized. Once, while the latter was baiting his hook, a huge pickerel,
darting like a flash of light, took Conrad's and he, being too eager,
yanked vigorously before the fish had taken the bait far enough into
the mouth to be securely hooked. Rodney immediately skipped his bait
over the place and the fish, taking that, was skilfully landed. He was
a beauty. The look of hatred in Conrad's face startled his companion
but he soon forgot it in the sport he was having. Tired at last, he
said: "