THE MIDNIGHT ALARM
Darry found himself greatly interested in the little diary left behind
by the boy naturalist, and which, besides containing an account of his
catches in the way of fur-bearing animals, also explained his methods of
setting snares and traps, how he cured the skins when taken, and where
he received the highest prices for the same.
All of this information was eagerly devoured by his successor, who felt
that it was certainly up to him to do his share toward supporting the
little family of the life saver who had been so kind to him.
He wandered out late one afternoon to look around and see what prospect
there might be for game; since the fall season was now on, and the boom
of guns beginning to be heard on the bay, where the ducks were
commencing to congregate.
As he drew near the cabin just at dusk he was surprised to discover a
figure making off in a suspicious way, as though not desirous of being
seen.
He recognized the lurker as Jim Dilks, and the fact gave him
considerable uneasiness, for he had not forgotten how the other vowed to
get even for his discomfiture, and Jim's methods of wiping out a score
were sometimes little short of shocking, if Darry could believe half he
had heard.
Had the fellow been prowling around in hopes of meeting him again, and
trying conclusions a second time?
Darry could not believe it, for such a thing would not be in line with
the reputation of the village bully.
He would be more apt to try and obtain a mean revenge by doing some
injury to the kind woman who had given refuge to this shipwrecked lad.
Evidently Mrs. Peake should know what he had seen, and so as soon as he
entered the kitchen, he spoke of it.
"Jim Dilks hanging about here," she echoed, in rising anger; "I'd just
like to know what that scamp wants, that's all. No good follows his
visits, as every one about this section knows to their sorrow."
"I'm afraid I'm the cause of it all. Unfortunately my being here is apt
to bring trouble down upon you. Perhaps it might be as well if I moved
on, as he said," remarked the boy, dejectedly.
The woman looked at him quickly, almost sharply.
"Do you want to go?" she demanded.
"No, oh, never; but it would save you trouble, and I have no right to
bring that on you," he cried, hastily, and with emotion.
"Then I say you shan't go away, not for a dozen Jim Dilks. You belong
here now. I've done what I said I never would do, given away my Joey's
things, and you're my boy, I say. I won't let you go away! This is your
home as long as you want to stay. Let me catch that Jim Dilks trying to
chase you off, that's all."
Darry could not trust his voice to say one word, only caught up her
work-stained hand and pressed it to his lips, then fled from the house.
And yet as Darry stood out under the old oak that shielded the cottage
from the burning sun in summer, and the biting winds of the "northers"
in winter, looking up at the first bright evening star that peeped into
view, he felt a happiness deep down in his boyish heart that could not
be excelled by a prince of the royal blood coming into his palace home.
He was merry all evening, and the twins romped as they had not done for
many a day, in fact, ever since their brother had left them.
The mother looked on in silent approval, thinking that once more home
seemed to have a brightness about it that had been long lacking.
When all had retired save Darry he sat by the fire thinking.
Somehow he could not forget that skulking figure he had seen leaving the
vicinity of the cabin at dusk, and he would have given much to have
known just what mission brought the vindictive Jim out there.
The bully's home was in the village, and he had no business so far away,
unless bent on an errand that would not bear the light of day.
A sense of responsibility came upon the boy as he sat there.
What if this young wretch should be cruel enough to poison the chickens,
or the three pigs that were expected to help carry the family over the
winter?
The thought gave him a bad feeling, and almost unconsciously he reached
out his hand and picked up the gun that Joe had purchased with money
earned through the sale of roots dug in the woods or furs secured
through clever deadfalls.
There were a few shells in the box, and among others, several containing
very small shot, that might sting pretty lively, but could not do much
damage to a half-grown boy as tough as Jim Dilks.
And it was with that same individual in his mind that Darry pushed two
of these small bird shells into the barrels of the gun.
He did not know that he would care to send even this charge directly at
a human being; but in case it became necessary he wanted to make
certain he would do little harm.
After that he seemed to feel easier in his mind, for he lay down and was
soon fast asleep.
Something awoke him about midnight, and thinking he had heard a sound he
sat up to listen; then he heard it again, and felt sure it must be a
cough, as of some one partly choking.
He was worried and left his lowly bed to go to the door connecting the
rooms and listen, but nothing came from beyond.
Could the sound come from outside?
He slipped on some of his clothes, and stepping over quietly opened the
outer door, looking into the night.
The new moon had long since vanished behind the horizon, and yet he
could see some sort of flickering light, coming from that region back of
the house.
At the same time he believed he caught the muttering of voices, or it
might be a low chuckle, followed by a plain sneeze.
Smoke came to his nostrils, and that meant fire!
Darry had a sudden vision of Jim Dilks getting even, and it took the
form of a burning corn-crib or chicken house.
Filled with indignation, he turned back into the house, and snatched up
the old shotgun; gone now was his hesitation with regard to using the
gun to pepper the rascally gang that took orders from the even more
rascally Jim.
Without saying a word Darry shot out of the door and turned the corner,
when his worst fears were realized, for he saw flames rising up
alongside the pigsty, which adjoined the building in which the fowls
were kept.
His first act was to fire the right barrel of his gun in the air, and at
the same time give vent to a shout.
Immediately several shadowy figures, which in spite of their bent
attitudes he knew to be boys, started to scamper away, in sudden alarm
lest they be recognized, and made to pay the penalty in the squire's
court.
As near as Darry could tell there were three of them, and as they ran he
believed he could recognize Jim Dilks in the centre of the group.
The temptation was too great to be resisted, and filled with indignation
because of the cowardly trick of which they had been guilty, Darry took
a snap shot at the running bunch.
It was music to his ears to catch the howls that immediately arose; but
he knew no serious damage had resulted because they ran faster than ever
after that, quickly vanishing from view in the shadows.
There was work to be done if he would save the humble quarters of the
family porkers from destruction, and the hennery as well.
He knew where the rain barrel stood that held the wash water, and
snatching up a bucket he hastily dipped it in, after which he rushed
over to the fire and dashed the contents upon the blaze.
Back and forth he galloped, using considerable discretion as to where he
put the water so as to head off the creeping fire.
Mrs. Peake now came running with another bucket, and proved herself a
woman in a thousand by assisting the new addition to the family put out
the last of the conflagration.
When there was not a spark remaining, and beyond the grunting of the
pigs and the cackling of the fowls, everything had fallen back into its
usual condition, one or two neighbors arrived on the scene, asking
questions, and busying themselves generally, though had it depended on
their efforts the frail buildings must have gone up in smoke before now.
Of course many questions were fired at Darry, and he felt that it was
necessary he should tell what he had seen, though cautious about saying
he had fully recognized any one of the three skulkers, no matter what
strong suspicions he may have entertained.
He believed he had a means of identifying one or more of them,
nevertheless, when the proper time came.
More neighbors arrived, attracted by the shots and the confusion, for
nothing could quiet the excited chickens; and for an hour there was more
or less discussion on the part of these good people.
Finally the excitement died out, the last neighbor went home, and the
Peake cabin was left to those who belonged there. There was no further
alarm during the balance of that eventful night.