gleam in his eyes grew stronger, and there was a perceptible lift
of his shoulders as he answered:

"I meant 'em to be read an' understood! From the main road
passin' that cabin up there on the bank, straight to the river,
an' from the furthermost line o' this field to the same, is my
premises, an' on every foot of 'em the signs are in full force.
They're in a little fuller force in June, when half the bushes
an' tufts o' grass are housin' a young bird family, 'an at any
other time. They're sort o' upholdin' the legislature's act,
providing for the protection o' game an' singin' birds; an' maybe
it 'ud be well for you to notice 'at I'm not so old but I'm able
to stand up for my right to any livin' man."

There certainly was an added tinge of respect in the hunter's
tones as he asked: "Would you consider it trespass if a man
simply crossed your land, following the line of the fences to
reach the farm of a friend?"

"Certainly not!" cried Abram, cordial in his relief. "To be sure
not! Glad to have you convenience yourself. I only wanted to
jest call to your notice 'at the BIRDS are protected on this
farm."

"I have no intention of interfering with your precious birds, I
assure you," replied the hunter. "And if you require an
explanation of the gun in June, I confess I did hope to be able
to pick off a squirrel for a very sick friend. But I suppose for
even such cause it would not be allowed on your premises."