For the last two years , however , his most profitable source of summer income had been the trout pond . The former owner had allowed anyone who wished to fish in his pond , and Dan made a regular business of it , selling his trout at the big hotels over at Mosquito Lake . This , in spite of its unattractive name , was a popular summer resort , and Dan always found a ready market for his catch . When Mr. Walters purchased the property it somehow never occurred to Dan that the new owner might not be so complaisant as his predecessor in the matter of the best trouting pond in the country . To be sure , Dan often wondered why it was the pond was so deserted this summer . He could not recall having seen a single person on it save himself . Still , it did not cross his mind that there could be any particular reason for this . He always fished up in the cool , dim creeks , which long experience had taught him were best for trout , and came and went by a convenient wood path ; but he had no thought of concealment in so doing . He would not have cared had all Carleton seen him . He had done very well with his fish so far , and prices for trout at the Lake went up every day . Dan was an enterprising boy , and a general favourite with the hotel owners . They knew that he could always be depended on . Mrs. Phillips met him at the door when he reached home . `` See , Mother , '' said Dan exultantly , as he held up his fish . `` Just look at that fellow , will you ? A pound if he 's an ounce ! I ought to get a good price for these , I can tell you . Let me have my dinner now , and I 'll go right over to the Lake with them . '' `` It 's a long walk for you , Danny , '' replied his mother pityingly , `` and it 's too hot to go so far . I 'm afraid you 'll get sun-struck or something .
You 'd better wait till the cool XXXXX the evening .
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