p in front of a
cheerful wood fire. David declined to accept the chair which Bert
placed for him, and opened his business at once.

"Don," said he, "would you be willing to take that money you gave me
and keep it until I call for it?"

"Of course I would," replied Don, readily. "You haven't paid that
grocery bill, then? Well, I wouldn't either. You are not responsible
for it."

"I offered to pay it, but Mr. Jones wouldn't take the money. He says
my credit is good for six months."

"Why, what has come over him all of a sudden?" said Don, who did not
know that his father had had an interview with Silas that very day.

"I wish I knew. There's the money, and you won't let anybody have it,
except mother or me, will you?"

"You may be sure that I will take good care of it this time. Don't
forget that bear hunt, tomorrow."

"No. I'll be on hand bright and early. Good-by."

David hurried out, and picking up the basket and bundles he had left
in the barn, started for home. When he got there, he was surprised to
see that Dan was at work. He had pulled off his coat, rolled up his
sleeves and with a frow and mallet in his hands, was busy splitting
out shingles. David said nothing to him, but went into the house to
put away the tea, coffee and sugar and place the articles he had
bought for his mother in a conspicuous position, so that she would be
sure to see them, the moment she entered the door. While he was thus
engaged, Dan came in smiling, and trying to look good-natured. David
was on his guard at once.

"I'll tell you what I've made up my mind to do by you, Davy," said
Dan, "an' when you hear what it is, if you don't say I'm the best
brother you ever had, I want to know what's the reason why. I ain't
goin' agin you like I told you I was."

"I am very glad to hear it," said David.

"No, I ain't. I'm goin' to be pardners with you, an' I'm goin' to
give you half the money we make outen them quail. I'll give you half
what I've got hid away, too."

"I have no claim upon that," replied David. "It belongs to Don
Gordon, and if you are honest you'll give him every cent of it."

"I can't do it," said Dan. "Kase why, I give pap three an' a half of
it, an' spent six bits myself."

"Then give him what you have, and tell him that you will hand him the
rest as soon as you can earn it."

"Not by no means, I won't," said Dan, quickly. "Ten dollars ain't
nothing to him."

"That makes no difference. It is his, and he ought