The boys recovered their dignity at once, and Mr. Hewes himself was less composed than they were. He glanced at the big catamount, lying dead on the blood-stained leaves, and then at the young hunters, in mute astonishment.
"Are we on your property, sir?" inquired William, breathing hard, and hiding his tingling hands behind his back.
"You are, sir," said Mr. Hewes; "but what of that? You're welcome to go here when you please."
"We did not mean to trespass, I assure you," said George, "and I suppose that animal is yours."
"You are welcome to him also," said Mr. Hewes, "and you are brave boys. What!" Again his astonishment overcame him, and he bent down to pick up the pistol.
"Well, of all things in the world!" he remarked again, almost at a loss for something else to say.
The boys had gathered themselves together by this time, and were standing like two soldiers at attention.
"You had better go and tell your uncle what you have done," said the tall man, with a half smile.
The prospect was too much for the twins. They exchanged a frightened glance. "Oh no, no, no!" they both exclaimed.
"That would never do at all," said George. "You don't know Uncle Nathan." After this outburst they recovered their composure, and looked as if killing a catamount was an every-day occurrence.