Let Dan believe that he had become discouraged and given up the enterprise.

If he wanted to know what it was that took his brother over to General Gordon's house so regularly, David could tell him that he was doing some work there, which would be the truth; and besides it would be all Dan had any right to know.
As fast as the birds were caught, they could be locked up in one of the empty negro cabins; and any one who found out that they were there and tried to steal them, would run the risk of being caught by Don's hounds.

It was a splendid plan, taken altogether, and David's eyes fairly glistened while it was unfolded to him.

He thanked the brothers over and over again for their kindness and the interest they took in his success, and might have kept on thanking them if Don had not interrupted him with-- "O, that's all understood.

Now, before you begin work on those traps we want you to help us one day.