Page:Castlemon--Joe Wayring at Home.djvu/109

 pleased to know that there was, or had been, at least one other man in existence who knew what trouble was. "I ain't got no friends nuther. These rich folks have tried to starve me since I came here, but they didn't do it-not by a long shot."

"Now, if I were situated as you are," continued Tom, "I would draw a bee-line for Sherwin's pond—"

"Where's that?" inquired Matt.

"It lies off that way, fifteen miles from the head of this lake," replied Tom, indicating the direction with his finger, and wondering at the same time how Matt could have expected to render acceptable service as guide to the guests of the hotels, when he was not acquainted with the surrounding country. "There are about twelve miles of rapids in the stream that connects the lake with Sherwin's pond, but your punt will go through easy enough if you can keep her clear of the rocks. As I was saying, I would go down there, put up my cabin and live in peace. I'd make more money, too, than I could by acting as guide and boatman."