"I'll tell you all I can, sir, without pay," flushing as he spoke; for a
sudden memory of the cruel needs at home made him almost regret yielding
to his first impulse of pride and self-respect.

The young man flushed a little also, and slid he silver piece back into
his own pocket rather quickly.

"Pardon me," he said in a graver tone than he had yet used. "I shall be
very grateful for your information."

"Well, sir, there's old Uncle Adam Standish, he's the best I know," said
Morton, as they led the way towards the village, followed by the others.
"He can hit his bird on the wing every time, and he can 'honk' so's to
fool any goose alive, and find the best blinds of anybody 'longshore."

"Really? He must be a genius!"

"Yes,"--wondering what a genius might be,--"if he'll only let you go
with him you'll have a good shoot."

"If he'll let me! Why shouldn't he? I expect to pay him for his
trouble."

Morton laughed.

"_That_ wouldn't make any difference. He doesn't seem to care much
for money; all he notices is how a man handles his gun. If you hold it
just to suit him, he'll go, and if you don't, he won't."

"How ridiculous! Well, do for goodness' sake tell me in what manner I