"How did it happen, son. Let's have the whole story." Mr. Flitter pulled
off his boots, lighted his pipe afresh, and leaned back to listen.

"I wonder who that woman is," he remarked, when Dan had finished his brief
account. "I know most people for miles around, and it's strange I don't
know her from your description. However, I shall make inquiries and find
out."

During the days that followed, Dan lived in a new world. His feet trod the
earth, and he trudged for miles the woodland ways. But his mind was in
fairyland.

It was an enchanted world through which he moved, and he was master of
all. The trees on every side were crowds of admiring people, and the
branches were so many outstretched hands pointing to him. His breast
swelled with pride. He walked erect, his head held high, while his eyes
flashed with a triumphant light. The birds sang his praises; the squirrels
chattered one to another, and every brook babbled "Daniel Flitter, Daniel
Flitter." His name had appeared in the paper! He was no longer an obscure
person, but a hero--a wonder! He kept the clipping carefully wrapped up in
his pocket. Often he would sit down in some quiet forest spot, unfold his
treasure and look long and proudly upon those two magic words. One day as
he sat studying the paper a desire came into his heart to know all of
those wonderful words before and after his name. He could not read, never
having gone to school. In fact he never wanted to do so. His one aim was
to be a mighty hunter and trapper like his father. But now, a longing had
entered his soul; a spark from the mysterious fire of life had found a
lodging which needed only a little fanning to produce a bright and fervent
flame.