would keep him busy for two or three weeks. Of course David wanted
work, but just then he wanted money more. He wanted to pay that
grocery bill, so that he could look Silas Jones in the face the next
time he met him.

When the brothers got into their boat and rowed away, David went back
to his traps, while Dan, who had been disappointed in his hopes of
hearing some private conversation between the visitors and his
brother, shouldered his rifle and disappeared in the woods.

David worked away industriously until the sun told him that it was
nearly four o'clock, and then he put on his coat and started off to
keep his appointment with Don and Bert. He found them waiting for him
at the General's barn, and he was not a little surprised when they
seized him by the arms and pulled him into the carpenter-shop, the
door of which they were careful to close and lock behind them.

"Now I know we can talk without danger of being overheard," exclaimed
Don. "We've got lots to tell you; but in the first place," he added,
opening his pocket-book, "there's your money."

The expression of joy and surprise that came upon David's face as he
hesitatingly, almost reluctantly, took the crisp, new bill that was
held toward him, amply repaid Don for the loss of the pleasure he had
expected to derive in spending the money for Christmas presents.

"Why, I understood you to say that father and Dan had drawn this
money," said he, as soon as he could speak.

"So they did, but my father says the loss is mine and not yours."