we can do something right. Would you mind
shaking hands with me again, Darry. It does me good, sure it does."

Of course Darry complied, though he had his doubts as to whether Mr.
Squires would ever have the nerve to connect himself with any movement
looking to the purging of Ashley village of its rough element.

In fact, if anything were ever done he believed such women as Miss
Pepper would be the ones to run the evil-doers out of town, and put up
the bars.

Darry had taken the three animals home, pleased to know that after all
half his traps had found victims on this second day.

He judged from this that he was doing very well, and with a little more
experience could consider himself a full-fledged trapper.

Later in the afternoon he thought of the ducks, and passing out upon the
marsh walked until he discovered several feeding among the wild rice,
when he started to creep up on them with infinite cunning.

Reaching at last a bunch of grass as near as he could hope to go he
waited until two were close together, when he fired his right barrel.

As the remaining mallard started to rise in a clumsy fashion Darry gave
him the benefit of the other barrel.

When Mrs. Peake saw what fine birds he had secured she was loud in her
praise, for their coming meant at least one good meal without cost, and
every cent counted in this little family.

Again Darry busied himself with his pelts.

He was pleased to find how much easier the job seemed after his
experience of the preceding day; and when the skins had been stretched
upon the boards they had a cleaner look that satisfied the eye.

After that he plucked the three ducks for the good woman, saving her a
task she never fancied, and winning her thanks.

Then he looked after the gun, believing that it is wise to always keep
such a weapon in the best of order, since it serves its owner faithfully
when called upon.

"I had some visitors while you were away," announced Mrs. Peake, when
after supper they were seated by the table.

Darry looked up from his work of whittling more stretching boards,
interested at once.

CHAPTER XIV

THE LONELY VIGIL OF THE COAST PATROL

Mrs. Peake looked amused.

"A young man called on me," she said.

Dairy's face lighted up.

"It must have been Mr. Singleton!" he exclaimed, eagerly.

She nodded in the affirmative.

"Did he come to see me?" he asked.

"No, I rather think he wanted to have a little talk with me. You see