t as good in quality, and would not be apt to bring
as high prices in the fur marts as those to be captured when real cold
weather had set in; but there are times when one has to make hay while
the sun shines; and he could not be sure that he would have the
opportunity to do these things later.

Besides, the supply of rats seemed unlimited, so rapidly do they breed
all over the Eastern coast, from Maine to the Florida line.

The rain continued all that night and the better part of the following
day.

It was one of those easterly storms that generally last out portions of
three days, and are followed by a lengthy spell of good weather, with
touches of frost in the early mornings.

Darry made his regular pilgrimage to the marsh in spite of the rain, and
this time found only two prizes to reward his diligence.

From this he determined that it was time to make a change of base, and
set his traps in other places where the game might not be so wary.

At any rate he was having no further trouble with the Dilks crowd, and
in that he found more or less satisfaction.

Unconscious of the fact that he was being watched from time to time by
one of the cronies of which Jim boasted, Darry went about his business,
satisfied to do his daily duties, and each night count some progress
made.

Twice had he crossed the bay to the strip of sandy beach where the tides
of the mighty Atlantic pounded unceasingly, day and night.

His coming was always eagerly anticipated by the whole crew of the
life-saving station, and for a good reason.

It happened that on his visit just after the easterly storm had blown
out, while they were all gathered around just before dark, chatting and
joking, Darry cocked up his ear at the tweeking sound of a fiddle, which
one of the men had drawn out of its case, and was endeavoring to play.

Altogether he made a most doleful series of sounds, which upon analysis
might prove to be an attempt to play "Annie Laurie," though one would
need all his wits about him to settle whether this were the tune, or
"Home, Sweet Home."

The men looked daggers at the player, for the screeching sounds were
certainly anything but pleasant.

Darry sauntered over. He had played since a little lad, some Italian
having first taught him; and on the brigantine Captain Harley had a
violin of more than ordinary make, with which he had coaxed the cabin
boy to make melody by the hour.

"Sounds like a pretty good instrument?" sugge