"I never done nuthin' like it afore," confessed the unhappy Joe.
"And if you never do again, Joe, it's all right," said Bob. "Maybe Dave Brandon won't be glad to hear about this."
"As sure as me name's Joe Tomlin, I'll fetch it to yer; an'—an'—say, pardner, is it all right?"
"Sure thing," cried Bob. "Hello, Dave!"
"Oh, ho, but I am glad!" exclaimed the latter, when he had heard the news. "It's simply great! I know just where I'm going to put that rug, Bob. Sure, it's all right," and he slapped the trapper good-naturedly on the back.
For once, Joe Tomlin's face wore a pleased expression, and when he turned away, Dave murmured, sotto voce, "No longer 'Surly Joe,' but happy Tomlin."
A few days later Dave Brandon was in possession of Old Ephraim's pelt.
After Sam Randall and Tom Clifton, accompanied by Jim Havens, had paid their visit to the mountains, and returned to tell of wonderful exploits, a grand dinner was given in the old Rickham House. The guests were Howard Fenton, his father, Stuart Wells, Jim Havens, Hank Merwin and Neil Prescott.
Sam Bins, in honor of the occasion, did himself proud, as Dick Travers expressed it. After the meal the trapper and Neil Prescott told several stories; Bob Somers sang a popular song, while Dave Brandon, after a great deal of urging, delivered a recitation.
It was Dick Travers, however, who provided the sensation of the evening. The day before, he had received a package from Portland, but jealously guarded its contents. Now they were exposed to view.