156 WITH GUN AND GUIDE 



which lies half-way between the Penobscot and St. 

 Johns on the Allegash system of waters, when he 

 noticed a canoe lying in the mouth of the Chemquassa- 

 bamticook River. The occupant of the canoe was 

 catching trout in a famous deep pool on the left-hand 

 entrance to that river. It was indeed ^Nicholas, and a 

 shout of recognition went up from him and Frank al- 

 most in unison. 



Now, if ever a maiden listened with rapture to a 

 lover's tale, Frank listened to the story his faithful 

 father brought back to him. Anita's letter was read 

 and fondled o'er and o'er, her ring was kissed raptur- 

 ously, and the old voyager was made to narrate all the 

 incidents that had occurred in that Rocky Eden in 

 Nictau Lake so many times that the sun had swung 

 half-way round his course before they thought of cook- 

 ing the mess of brook trout which was lying in the 

 bottom of Frank Talmunt's canoe. After their dinner 

 of broiled fish and roast partridge, the balance of the 

 day and most of the night were spent in discussing 

 plans for the delicate yet grave work ahead of them. 

 The old Penobscot, having been a trapper and hunter 

 for nearly half a century and knowing all about the 

 route to be traversed by his protege, gave him minute 

 directions and sage advice to guide him on his fateful 

 journey, and then as 



u Night's candles were burnt out, and jocund day 

 Stood tiptoe 011 the misty mountain tops," 



