Already was the list reaching respectable proportions.
He expected to cross over that afternoon to see Abner, and carry the mail again; and it would be with satisfaction that he could inform his good friend how the traps Joe had left behind were still fulfilling their destiny at the same old stand.
The sky was clouded over when he started out on his long trip.
He had during his leisure minutes fashioned a sort of sail that could be used with the wind astern; and as this happened to be the case now Darry got it in position for service.
With the sail, he just rushed along over the bay; and all the while sat there taking his ease instead of dragging at the oars.
Having spent some years on the waters there was little in connection with boats, big or little, that the lad did not know.
He had found some good wood which Abner had expected to use for the purpose at some future date, and one oar was already pretty well advanced.
By the time he crossed again he believed he would have them both completed; and at that they would be nothing of which anyone need feel ashamed.
The favoring wind kept up until he drew in to the little landing where, as before, Abner stood waiting for him.
That was a great night for Darry. First there came the supper with those jolly fellows, whose laughter and jokes he enjoyed so much; after that a nice quiet chat with Abner, who asked for all the news, and was deeply interested in his success in catching the sly denizens of the marsh; although he frequently sighed while Darry was speaking, and the boy could easily comprehend that at such times the poor man was picturing in his mind how Joe used to go through with the same experiences.