"Huh! Mees'er Gilloy use Mike's canoes."
"So he told us. He says they are the finest anywhere," said Julie, ingratiatingly.
"Bedder buy one," came from the Indian.
"Verny, we might rent another one—we only have two in the lake, you know, and we all prefer canoes to boats," whispered Joan.
"We can't afford any added expense," replied Mrs. Vernon.
But Mike understood the meaning of that whisper, so he wisely said: "Come see fine canoes."
He led the way to his shop on the banks of the little stream and displayed the various methods of his trade. The girls found it all very instructive and interesting. Then he said:
"Mike take canoe to lake fer leddy—no charge."
"What do you mean by that?" wondered Julie.
"Mike give fine canoe—one week try; leddy not like, Mike come take him home. No pay."