In a short time they came out into the open country; and there was no longer any danger that the attack from the mysterious assailant would be renewed.
"Young man, you have done me a great service; and you have done a greater one to another person," said the stranger.
"Who's that?" asked Dory, puzzled by the strange speech of his companion.
"I mean the one who fired the gun at me," answered his fellow-traveller.
"That's funny!" exclaimed Dory. "You and he seem to be fooling with each other. He shot at you, and didn't mean to hit you; and now I have done him a great service. I suppose you don't mean to pay me for the service I did him," laughed Dory.
"I should be willing to pay you more for what you did for him than for what you did for me."
Dory was bewildered.