e edges of the reeds, their white bellies
plainly to be seen. After all those in sight had been picked up, Curly
was allowed a short search on his own account. It made Bobby shiver to
see him plunge into the icy water; but Curly did not mind. He found two
more inside the reeds; then was hauled over the gunwale and settled
himself happily, wet fur and all, in the bottom of the boat.

The homeward trip seemed to Bobby interminable. He was very cold; his
fingers ached; the anticipations of the day had all been used. The
sudden rise of waterfowl near at hand aroused in him no excitement;
their presence was just now useless from the shooting standpoint.

"We might try the big slough to-morrow," said Mr. Kincaid, more as an
audible thought than as a remark to Bobby.

"I don't want to go to-morrow," said Bobby.

In spite of Mr. Kincaid's advice, he could not prevent himself from
anticipating the arrival at the cabin-float. A dozen little bends he
mentally designated as the last before the lagoon; and each
disappointment came to him as a personal affront.

But finally, when he had fallen into the indifference of misery, the two
elms loomed in silhouette against the skyline.

Mr. Kincaid held the boat while Bobby stepped ashore; then made it fast,
and, without bothering with the game, opened the hut and lit the candle.
Bobby sat down dully. He had no further interest in life. Mr. Kincaid
glanced at his disconsolate little figure humped over on the stool, and
smiled grimly beneath his moustache. But he made no comment; and set
about immediate construction of a fire.

Bobby relapsed into a dull lethargy which took absolutely no account of
space or time. The shadows danced and flickered against the wall. He saw
them, but as something outside the real centre of his consciousness. The
wind howled by in gusts that shook the structure; Bobby did not care if
it blew the whole thing over!

"Come, Bobby! Supper!" Mr. Kincaid broke in on his black mood.

"I don't believe I want any supper," mumbled Bobby.

Mr. Kincaid took two long steps across to him, picked him and the stool
up bodily, and set him against the table.

"Now get at it," said he.

Bobby languidly tasted a piece of bread and butter.

In five minutes he was at his fifth slice, and had had four eggs and
three pieces of bacon. In ten the world had brightened marvellously. In
fifteen Bobby was chattering eagerly between mouthfuls, rehearsing with
some excitement th