rs whar yo' used
allus ter bear erway the prize, grandpap," interposed Smiles hurriedly,
with the obvious design of changing the current of the old man's
thoughts.

The latter seated himself on the rock, his face lighting with
reminiscence, as he complied, with the words, "Wall, ef I does say hit,
thar warn't many in Kentuck er West Virginny could handle a shootin'
iron with Big Jerry in them days, an', come County Fair time, I mostwise
allus kerried off the money prize an' the wreath give by ther queen.
'Twarn't fancy shootin', like they hes on the stage yo' war er-speakin
of, p'raps, but hit took a stiddy hand an' a clar eye ter do the trick.
Gener'lly the spo't ended with the pick er the rifle shooters a-trying
ter cut down ten weighted strings et a hundred paces, an' more times
then once I done hit in as many shots."

Then, as though somewhat ashamed at the boastfulness in his words, he
added hastily, "But I take no credit fer thet Gawd give me the skill
ter do hit, an' I might hev used hit ter better purpose then ofttimes I
did, fer I was overproud er my skill.

"I shor' thanks ye fer this hyar rifle-gun, an', come Thanksgiving time,
I hopes ter send ye a wild turkey bird killed by hit."

"If you do that I shall be more than repaid," responded Donald. "Well,
good friends of mine, I must be on my way; but don't think that you have
seen the last of me. I've found the ideal spot in which to spend a
vacation, and next summer I'll be back here again, D. V."

"What's 'D. V.'?" asked the girl, curiously.

"It stands for _Deo Volente_--Latin words which mean, 'God willing.'"

"I hopes thet yo' _does_ come back, an' we-all will be here ter welcome
ye, D. V." said Rose; then added, shyly, "I hev a gift fer yo' ter take
back home ter leetle Muriel, ef yo're willin'. Hit's in the cabin, an',
ef yo'll wait, I'll run an' git hit fer ye."

"Of course I'll be glad to take it to her, my child, and I know that
she'll be delighted both with it and the stories I shall tell her about
Smiles. But wait, I will go with you, for there is one thing more I want
to do before I leave, if you can find me a piece of string."

With a question in her wide-eyed glance, Rose led him back to the little
mountain homestead and, as soon as they were inside, hurried to produce
the desired article.

"Now then, hold up your arms," commanded Donald lightly.

Rose obeyed, and, slipping the string about her yielding waist, he drew
it taut and tie