the fix and makes the best of what you finds and
turns trouble into a good time! That's what I calls risin' above
trouble," and Skipper Zeb slapped Charley upon the shoulder in hearty
approval. "Now we'll set in and eat. I'm as hungry as a bear, and I
could eat a bear if I had un to eat."

"'Twill be bear's meat you'll eat," smiled Mrs. Twig, placing a dish of
meat on the table.

"Charley knocks un over, and 'twere a white bear," Toby announced. "And
Charley fights a wolf pack, and knocks one of un over with an ax."

As they ate Skipper Zeb heard from Toby the stories of Charley's fight
with the wolves and of the shooting of the bear, interrupting the
narrative with many delighted exclamations.

"Now I wants wonderful bad to hear how you lads were makin' out to get
back to Double Up Cove after you leaves the Black River tilt," said
Skipper Zeb. "The wind comes to blow a gale before you has time to get
to Swile Island, and I wonders and wonders about un, and I fears you
gets in a wonderful bad fix. But they's no way I can be helpin', so I
says, ''Tis no use to worry. To-day's to-day and to-morrow's to-morrow,
and so I'll trust the Lard and the good sense o' the two lads to get un
out o' any fix they gets in.'"

"Were you findin' the oars we caches on Swile Island?" asked Toby.

"Aye, I finds un, but I'm not findin' the boat," nodded Skipper Zeb, a
puzzled look on his face. "I'm not knowin' what to think o' that. When I
finds the oars this marnin' I says, 'The lads gets to Swile Island,
whatever.' But when I'm not findin' fin or feather o' the boat, I'm not
knowin' what to think about un. I figgers that they's no chanst to get
away from Swile Island with the boat, whatever, with the storm and the
high seas that's runnin' for a week or ten days, and I knows you'll be
gettin' out o' grub."

Then Toby told him of his own and Charley's experiences, and while he
listened admiringly he asked many questions.

"Well, now! With good sense and the Lard's help you pulls out of a
wonderful bad fix. You does all you knows how, and then prays the Lard.
That's the way! 'Tis no use wastin' time prayin' till you does your best
first," and Skipper Zeb nodded his head approvingly. "Well, now!" and
leaning back his head he looked at Charley approvingly. "When you shoots
a deer I'll be namin' you a Labradorman! 'Tis the proudest name I'm
thinkin' of, and _that_ you'll be! There's a fine chance to knock over
some deer right handy. I