As Dan looked his eyes began to dilate, his mouth came open, and the butt of his rifle was gradually lowered until the muzzle pointed toward the clouds.

He was sure he saw something familiar about the face, but the sight of it was most unexpected, and so was the sound of the voice which reached his ears a moment later.
"Dannie!" came the hail, in subdued tones, as if the speaker were afraid of being overheard by some one besides the boy whom he was addressing.
"Pap!" cried Dan.
[Illustration: Dan Recognizes his Father.] As he spoke he arose from his concealment, and the man on the other side of the bayou--Dan was pretty certain now that it was a man--stepped out into view, disclosing the well-known form and features of Godfrey Evans.

Dan could hardly believe his eyes, and even Godfrey seemed a little doubtful.
"Is that you, Dannie ?" asked the latter.
"You're just a shoutin'," was the reply.
"Nobody ain't thar with you, I reckon," said Godfrey.
"No, I'm all by myself.

But be you sartin that's you, pap ?" "In course I am, an' I've been a waitin' an' a watchin' fur yer.

I'll bring you over.