Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-03-08

inquired.
 wouldn't say't I was CT wouldn't say't wasn't" he answered. "Jes' go- in t try"
 Uncle ED was always careful not to commit himself on doubtful point. He had fixed his hook and sinker in moment, and then we went out on rocky point near by and threw of into the deep water. Suddenly Uncle Eb gave a jerk that brought groan out of him and then let his hook go down again, his hands trembling, his face severe.
 'By mighty! Uncle Eb," he mutter- ed to himself, T thought we he'd him thet time.'
 He jerked again presently, and then I could see tug on the line that made me jump. A big fish came thrashing into the air in minute. He tried to swing it ashore, but the pole bent, and the fish got fresh hold of the water and took the end of the pole under Uncle Eb gave it a lift then that brought it ashore, and good bit of water with it. I remember how the fish slapped me with it's wet tail and sprinkled my face shaking itself be- tween my boots. It was a big bass and in a little while we had three of them. Uncle Eb dressed them and laid them over the fire on a gridirOn of green birch, salting them as they cook ed. I remember they went with fine relish, and the last of our eggs and bread and butter went with them.
 Our breakfast over, Uncle Eb made me promise to stay with Fred and the basket while he went away to find a man who could row us across. In about an hour heard boat coming, and the dog and I went out on the point of rocks, where we saw Uncle ED and an other man heading for us. half over the cove. The bow bumped the rocks be- meath us in minute. Then the stran- ger dropped his oars and stood staring at me'and the dog.
 Say, mister" said he presently, "can't go no further. There's a reward OHereQ Ter you an tneC DUy.
 Uncle Eb called him aside and was talking to him long time.
 I never knew what was said, but they came at last and took us into the boat, and the stranger was very friendly.
 When we had come near the landing on the York state" side, I remember he gave us our bearings.
 Keep t the woods." he said. "till you're out O harms way. Don't go near the stage road fer awhile. Yell find store little way up the noun. tain. Git yer provisions there, an about eighty rod further yell strike the trail It'll take ye over the mountain north an t Paradise road. Then take the white church on yer right shoulder an go straight west"
 would not have remembered 1t so well but for the fact that Uncle ED wrote it all down in his account book, and that has helped me over many a slippery place in my memory of those events. At the store we got some crack CTS and c.Aese. tea and coffee. dried beef and hel>&y, bit of honey and a loaf of bread that was sliced and but tered before it was done up. We were off in the woods by o'clock, according to Inele Eb's diary. and I remember the trail led us into thick brush. where had to get out and walk long way. It was smooth underfoot, however, and at noon we came to a slash in the tim Der full of briers that were all aglow with big blackberries. We filled our hats with them. and Uncle Eb found a spring. beside which we built fire and had memorable meal that made me glad of my hunger.
 Then we spread the Oilcloth and lay down for another sleep. We could see the glow of the setting sun through the tree tops when we woke and began our packing.
 Well hey t hurry" said Uncle Eb. Ger wen never git out O the woods t'night. s bout six mile CT more t Paradise road. es I mek 1t. Come. yer slOwer'n a toad in tar barrel'
 We hurried off on the trail. and re- member Fred looked very crestfaller with two big packages tied to his col lar. He delayed a bit by trying to shake them of. but Uncle Eb gave him a sharp word or two @nd then he walk cd along very thoughtfully. Uncle Eb was little out of patience that even- ing. and I thought he bore down too harshly in his rebuke of the old dog
 You shifless cuss." he said to him. 'ye'd jes' dew nothin' but chase squir- rels an let me break my back t carry yer dinner"
 IL was glooming fast in the thicl, timber. and Uncle Eb almost ran with me while the way was plain. The last ringing note of the wood thrush had died away. and in little while it was so dark I could distinguish nothing hut the looming mass of tree trunks.
 He stopped suddenly and strained his eyes in the dark. Then he whistled sharp, sliding note. and the sound of it gave me some hint of his trouble
 ''Ciit down. Willie" said he. .'an' tex my hand. I'm 'fraid we're lost here n the big woods
 We gropcd about for a minute trying to find the trail.
 No use" he said presently, we'll hev t stop right here. Oughter known better'n f come through s near sun down. Guess it was more'n anybody could do"
 He built a fire and began to lay out