The Fourth Watch

Vi

's the meani

took his pipe from his mouth, a

from home during the day, only coming in late at night when his son was in bed, so they had little chance for conversation. It was a busy season, and they must make the most of it. So while the one scoured the forest for partridges, the other searched the river for ducks and geese. But Dan did not feel inclined to say anything to his father about what he had done. To him it was not worth mentioning. Th

itter had come home earlier than usual, having had a fine day's shooting on the river, and was in excellent spirits. Game was in great demand, and he looked hopefully for good sales

" insisted Mr. Flitter, noticing the star

you mea

paper says that you saved two people fro

d the boys in the neighbourhood think? Would they make fun of him any more? He could show them now that he was somebody, for hi

he whispered;

y, look at t

's Brav

ong piece all

you did. Why didn't you

" asked Dan, unheeding

ting with his finger, spelled

who those people we

ays that the young man lives in the city.

the boy. "But I don't see how they know a

story." Mr. Flitter pulled off his boots, ligh

account. "I know most people for miles around, and it's strange I don't kno

rld. His feet trod the earth, and he trudged for mil

y 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 hear

I wish I knew how to read. All the boys in this settle

and when you were little it was too far for you to walk. You might go

much that they'll make fun of me. I only know a few of

voice as he spoke. "If she were alive now you would know as much as any boy of

e a deep sigh. "She'd help me every nig

his supper in silence, and while Dan washed the few

n having deep thoughts to-night, and I've come to the conclusio

dad?" questi

ought enough about your mind--your education, I mean. Besides, there are deeper and more serious

ugh," and Dan looked inquiri

t what more have I done for you--and you are my own son? Now look here," he added, after a pause,

'you me

ing. Let's off to bed, and we'll hav

ular rounds made to the traps set for the wiry mink, lumbering raccoon, and the wily fox. Each night, the animals brought in during the day had to

in the little cabin, the elder doing his best to impart his scanty knowledge to the younger. They were happy times for Dan. He had something

ten met on the road, what was he doing there? What were they whispering about? and why did they look at him in that way, when he entered the house? Where was his father? Who was that lying on the bed so very still? Could it be dad? He had never seen him like that b

a sturdy maple. While cutting at the latter the birch had suddenly turned over and swooping to the ground with a resounding crash had buried Mr. Flitter beneath the branches ere he had had time to escape.

e had never known before pressed upon his heart. He wished to be alone, somewhere in the woods, out there where no one could gaze upon him. His father was dead! For him there was no consolation from the words of the Man of Sorrows. The life beyond had no meaning for him. His mother had taught him to say t

the Burial Service. The words of hope had no meaning for him. An awful feeling of desolation filled his heart as he watched the earth thrown into the grave. A shiver passed through his body, caused not by the coldness alone. Several came to speak to him. He did not want to see them. He turned and fled down across the field