“There’s something mighty strange an’ curious ’bout them two boys of our’n goin’ up to the outlet to fish when they know’d that the watchman was there,” thought Matt. “’Tain’t like them at all, that way of doin’ ain’t, an’ it’s my opinion that they are up to something. Well, if they can get the start of their pap they’re smarter than I think they be.”
Up to this time Matt and his family had had perfect confidence in one another. What one knew the others knew. If their domestic life had not been altogether harmonious, they had at least managed to get on very well together, and had stood shoulder to shoulder against the common foe—the landlords and guides, who were determined to drive them out of the country. But Rube’s offer to return the stolen property Matt had in his possession and divide the reward had changed all that. The rogues had not yet fallen out with one another, but they were in a fair way to do so, and when that happened honest men were likely to get their dues. It was not long before a series of incidents occurred which brought about an open rupture.
By the time Sam made his appearance, supper was ready. The boys, who were usually talkative, had nothing to say while the meal was in progress, and that was enough to confirm Matt’s suspicions.
“They’ve got something on their minds, both of ’em, an’ I know it,” said he, to himself. “Jakey, have you made up your decision where you’re goin’ to get some grub fur us?” he added, aloud.
Jake replied that he had not given the matter a moment’s thought. He intended to do as he had always done—stop at the first house he came too, and if he found dogs there, or the smokehouse too strongly fastened, he would go on to the next.
“I don’t reckon I shall be back much afore mornin’,” said he. “We’re a mighty fur ways from where any guides live, an’ I may have to go cl’ar to Injun Lake afore I can get any grub.”
“Then you’ll get ketched sure,” said the old woman.
“Hadn’t you better take Sam along to help?” inquired Matt.
“No, I won’t,” answered Jake, promptly. “He’d be that skeared that he wouldn’t dare leave the boat; so what help would he be to me, I’d like to know. I don’t want him along.”
Jake had always refused to permit his brother to accompany him on his numerous foraging expeditions, and Matt had never thought any thing of it until this particular night; but now his refusal made him distrust Jake. He believed that the boy had private reasons for wishing to go on his dangerous errand alone, and told himself that it might be a good plan to follow him and see where he went and what he did while he was gone. So when Jake, after eating his share of the bacon and potatoes, hauled me out of the corner and left the cabin without saying a word to any body his father got upon his feet, paused long enough to fill his pipe, and also went out into the darkness. He did not follow Jake very far, however, because his inherent laziness proved stronger than his lack of confidence in the boy, and, besides, the latter did not do any thing out of the way. He held straight for Deer Lake outlet, but instead of following the trail he struck off through the woods, avoiding the hatchery and the watchman who kept guard over it. Then Matt turned about and went back to the shanty, while Jake launched the canvas canoe and boldly set out on his dangerous mission. I have often wondered at the nerve the young reprobate displayed in going off alone on these midnight plundering expeditions. He seemed to think no more of it than you would of going fishing. On this particular night Jake was not lonesome, for he had some very agreeable thoughts for company; and as he communed aloud with them I learned, somewhat to my surprise, that he had hopes and aspirations as well as some other boys of my acquaintance.