Then it was that the captain turned his attention to trapping, which he had followed for several years.  There were several big brooks flowing into the river, draining a large area of country, principally wooded, and these abounded with mink, raccoon, and other fur-bearing animals.  The captain was an expert, and knew the most likely places where game could be best taken.  Rod at times went with him on his regular rounds to visit the traps, and it was always a great joy to the boy when he was allowed to carry back some furry prize which had been secured.

Next to these trips, Rod’s chief delight was to sit before the big open fire on a cold or stormy Saturday afternoon, and listen to the captain as he told stories of his sea life, while he worked fixing up his traps, making stretchers for the pelts, or doing other odd jobs.  How the boy’s heart would thrill, and his eyes sparkle with animation as Captain Josh told of furious seas he had encountered, the dangers he had escaped, and the races he had made with other sailing-vessels.  Sometimes he would tell an amusing tale, at which the boy would laugh in high glee.  Often Rod would ask questions about the sailors, the sea-monsters, and the various ports the captain had visited.  Sometimes they would pore over an old geography, while the captain pointed out with his big fore-finger the countries he had visited, and the routes he had taken.  Rod was thus so well acquainted with certain countries that his teacher was much surprised at his knowledge.

It was only natural that people should talk about this strange friendship between the rough old sea-captain and the little boy.  How their tongues did wag, and many were the visits of protest paid to the rectory.  The principal discussion, however, always took place at the regular meetings of the Ladies’ Aid Society.  This was done most of all for Mrs. Royal’s benefit.  She knew this, and with much self-restraint she resisted making any reply for some time.  But at one meeting, when the criticism became extremely severe, she could stand it no longer.  Mrs. Harmon had just been indulging in one of her long dissertations, and finished by asking the rector’s wife if she did not consider it very unbecoming for a small boy, and a waif at that, with no doubt bad blood in his veins, to be so much in the company of a rough creature like Captain Josh.  He should be at home, studying his lessons and learning the Catechism.

“Mrs. Harmon,” Mrs. Royal replied as calmly as possible, “I have listened for some time to the criticisms which you and others have made about our allowing Rodney to associate with Captain Josh, and I think it is about time for me to say a word.  Mr. Royal and I have talked over the matter very carefully, and we can see no harm in what is taking place.  The captain has taken a remarkable fancy to the boy, and I know for certain that Rodney has received no harm from him.  On the contrary, he has been benefited, for the captain has taught him many useful things.