He expected to meet his father face to face, and he was ready to use every argument he could think of to induce him to surrender the pointer, that is, if the animal should be found in his possession.

If arguments and entreaties failed, he was prepared to use other means, although he knew that by so doing he would bring certain punishment upon himself.

Very fortunately, however, he chanced to reach the camp during his father's absence, and all he had to do was to liberate the pointer and go home with him.
"I'm glad it happened just as it did," thought David, drawing a long breath of relief; "I don't want to get into trouble with father, for I have seen him angry too many times.

If he should catch me here now I believe he'd half kill me." "Halloo, Dannie! What brung you up here so 'arly, an' whar be you goin' with the dog ?" David's heart seemed to stop beating, and his old single-barrel grew so heavy that he could scarcely sustain its weight.

His first impulse was to take to his heels, but the unexpected sound of the familiar voice seemed to have deprived him of all power of motion.