"It was a good winter's work," said the Doctor.
"'Twere that now! 'Twere a wonderful good winter's work—just t'cotch that un!" enthused Mrs. Long.
"What are you going to do with it?" asked Doctor Grenfell.
"We keeps un for you," said David. "The time was th' winter when we has ne'er a bit o' grub but what we hunts, all of our flour and molasses gone. But we don't take he to the trade, whatever. We keeps he for you."
Out on a coast island Captain William Bartlett, of Brigus, Newfoundland, kept a fishing station and a supply store. Captain Will is a famous Arctic navigator. He is one of the best known and most successful masters of the great sealing fleet. He is also a cod fisherman of renown and he is the father of Captain "Bob" Bartlett, master of explorer Peary's Roosevelt, and it was under Captain Will Bartlett's instruction that Captain "Bob" learned seamanship and navigation. Captain William Bartlett is as fine a man as ever trod a deck. He is just and honest to a degree, and he has a big generous heart.
Doctor Grenfell accepted the silver fox pelt, and as he steamed down the coast he ran his vessel in at Captain Bartlett's station. He had confidence in Captain Bartlett.
"Here's a silver fox skin that belongs to David Long's lads," said he, depositing the pelt on the counter. "I wish you'd take it, and do the best you can for David, Captain Will. I'll leave it with you."
Captain Bartlett shook the pelt out, and admired its lustrous beauty.
"It's a good one! David's lads were in luck when they caught that fellow. I'll do the best I can with it," he promised.
"They'll take the pay in provisions and other necessaries," suggested Grenfell.