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 After a lengthy pause, painful alike to both men, John remarked, "The season will soon be over for thy new trade, what has thee in mind to do while the river is closed?"

"I had not thought of that, and Neighbor Watson did not mention the matter when he and Martin were here," replied William; and he looked greatly distressed, and his fears of a long unoccupied winter were not allayed when John, with a slightly malicious gleam in his eyes, suggested that perhaps he "could board for the dull season with his new partner."

The poor man was more worried than ever. To lose forty pounds of flesh would have given him no particular concern, but to risk, as he might be doing, as many pounds sterling; that was terrible.

"As thee has never consulted with me about thy affairs, William, it is not my province to be thy adviser now; but I never knew thee was accustomed to sail a boat, even small river craft, and the winds on the river are sometimes full of danger, as we have cause to know; and has thee had any teaching in the