od morning, or rather good afternoon," said the stranger. "I believe
they told me your name was Darry, and that you are stopping with one of
the life savers. My name is Paul Singleton, and I'm down here, partly
for my health, and also to enjoy the shooting. It turns out to be pretty
lonely work, and I'm looking for a congenial companion to keep me
company and help with the decoys later. I'm willing to pay anything
reasonable, and I carry enough grub for half a dozen. My boat is small,
but affords ample sleeping accommodations for two. How would you like to
try it," and the youth smiled broadly.

Darry was thrilled at the prospect, although he could not see his way
clear to accept it just then.

First of all he would not think of doing so without consulting Abner,
who had been so kind, and who expected him to remain with the little
family; then, it was nice to believe that Mrs. Peake would feel sorry to
lose him; and last of all he knew little or nothing about the bay or the
ways of guides, and the duties connected with the profession.

"I'd like it first-rate, but just now I don't see how I could accept,"
he replied.

"If it's a question of wages--" began the young man, who was watching
the various expressions flit over Darry's face with an eager eye.

"Not at all. I was only thinking of my duty to Abner Peake and his wife,
who have been so good to me. Perhaps later on I might accept, providing
you have not already filled the place."

"I suppose you know best, but somehow I've taken a notion I'd like to
have you along with me, Darry. For a week or two I mean to just knock
around here, sometimes ashore and again afloat. Perhaps when the
shooting begins in earnest you may be able to give me a different
answer."

"At any rate by that time I shall know more about the bay and the habits
of the ducks that drop in here. I'm a stranger, you see, Mr. Singleton,
and though I've done some hunting in India and other places where our
ship lay at anchor for weeks, I know little about this sport. I can cook
as well as the next fellow, and of course know something about boats,
though more used to sails than gasoline."

"You're too modest, Darry. Some chaps would have jumped at the chance to
have a fine time. But I like you all the better for it. I see you are in
a hurry, so I won't detain you any longer. It's understood then that if
you can get off later you'll come to me?"

"I'll only be too glad to do so, Mr. Singleton," wa