al, who,
finding the little home undefended if Darry went away, might think it
safe to continue his persecution.

When Darry strode forth into the marsh the next day he again carried the
gun.

He found his traps all safe. Undoubtedly his defiance had had its effect
upon the mind of Jim; and however much he may have felt like repeating
the thievish act which Darry's prompt arrival on the scene had nipped in
the bud, he dared not attempt it.

He was beginning to be afraid of this young chap who kept a chip on his
shoulder, and dared him to knock it off.

This time four victims attested to the skill with which the new trapper
attended to his business.

Already was the list reaching respectable proportions.

He expected to cross over that afternoon to see Abner, and carry the
mail again; and it would be with satisfaction that he could inform his
good friend how the traps Joe had left behind were still fulfilling
their destiny at the same old stand.

The sky was clouded over when he started out on his long trip.

He had during his leisure minutes fashioned a sort of sail that could be
used with the wind astern; and as this happened to be the case now Darry
got it in position for service.

With the sail, he just rushed along over the bay; and all the while sat
there taking his ease instead of dragging at the oars.

Having spent some years on the waters there was little in connection
with boats, big or little, that the lad did not know.

He had found some good wood which Abner had expected to use for the
purpose at some future date, and one oar was already pretty well
advanced.

By the time he crossed again he believed he would have them both
completed; and at that they would be nothing of which anyone need feel
ashamed.

The favoring wind kept up until he drew in to the little landing where,
as before, Abner stood waiting for him.

That was a great night for Darry. First there came the supper with those
jolly fellows, whose laughter and jokes he enjoyed so much; after that a
nice quiet chat with Abner, who asked for all the news, and was deeply
interested in his success in catching the sly denizens of the marsh;
although he frequently sighed while Darry was speaking, and the boy
could easily comprehend that at such times the poor man was picturing in
his mind how Joe used to go through with the same experiences.

When Darry thought it only right to tell how the three cronies had
stolen his possessions, and