diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:33:35 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:33:35 -0700 |
| commit | 7ceab87c566d758179980b9a1824b787274d61bc (patch) | |
| tree | 1d72b8925fb11b1e26441703e4cf7e96a5f68883 /old/tjnwd10h.htm | |
Diffstat (limited to 'old/tjnwd10h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/tjnwd10h.htm | 6757 |
1 files changed, 6757 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/old/tjnwd10h.htm b/old/tjnwd10h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..18ed57f --- /dev/null +++ b/old/tjnwd10h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6757 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=us-ascii"> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of With Trapper Jim in the North + Woods, by Lawrence J. Leslie. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times;} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 12pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced; } + // --> + </style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of With Trapper Jim in the North Woods +by Lawrence J. Leslie +#3 in our series by Lawrence J. Leslie + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: With Trapper Jim in the North Woods + +Author: Lawrence J. Leslie + +Release Date: January, 2006 [EBook #9649] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on October 13, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRAPPER JIM IN NORTH WOODS *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan, David Garcia +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +</pre> + + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + THE CAMPFIRE AND TRAIL SERIES + </h2> + <h1> + WITH TRAPPER JIM IN THE NORTH WOODS + </h1> + <center> + <b>By Lawrence J. Leslie</b> + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + 1913 + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="TOC"><!-- TOC --></a> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2> + <p> + CHAPTER + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH1">I. WHAT LUCK DID FOR THE CHUMS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH2">II. HOW POOR TOBY WAS "RESCUED"</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH3">III. WHAT WOODCRAFT MEANT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH4">IV. THE SECRETS OF TRAPPING</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH5">V. WHAT CAME DOWN THE CHIMNEY</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH6">VI. STEVE STARTS GAME</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH7">VII. THE UNWELCOME GUEST</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH8">VIII. SMOKING THE INTRUDER OUT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH9">IX. BEFORE THE BLAZING LOGS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH10">X. THE TRAIL OF THE CLOG</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH11">XI. "STEADY, STEVE, STEADY!"</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH12">XII. THE END OF A THIEF</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH13">XIII. A GLIMPSE OF THE SILVER FOX</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH14">XIV. THE PURSUIT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH15">XV. GLORIOUS NEWS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH16">XVI. SURPRISING BRUIN—Conclusion</a> + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + WITH TRAPPER JIM IN THE NORTH WOODS. + </h2><a name="image-1"><!-- Image 1 --></a> + <center> + <img src="silverfox.png" height="570" width="450" + alt="'the Silver Fox!'"><br> + <b>"The Silver Fox!"</b> + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH1"><!-- CH1 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <center> + WHAT LUCK DID FOR THE CHUMS. + </center> + <p> + "It was a long trip, fellows, but we're here at last, thank + goodness!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, away up in the North Woods, at the hunting lodge of + Trapper Jim!" + </p> + <p> + "Say, it's hard to believe, and that's a fact. What do you + say about it, you old stutterer, Toby Jucklin?" + </p> + <p> + "B-b-bully!" exploded the boy, whose broad shoulders, encased + in a blue flannel shirt, had been pounded when this question + was put directly at him. + </p> + <p> + There were five of them, half-grown boys all, lounging about + in the most comfortable fashion they could imagine in the log + cabin which Old Jim Ruggles occupied every fall and winter. + </p> + <p> + "Trapper Jim" they called him, and these boys from Carson had + long been yearning to accept the hearty invitation given to + spend a week or two with the veteran woodsman. A year or so + back Jim had dropped down to see his brother Alfred, who was + a retired lawyer living in their home town. And it was at + this time they first found themselves drawn toward Jim + Ruggles. + </p> + <p> + When he heard of several little camping experiences which had + befallen Toby Jucklin and his chums, the trapper had struck + up a warm friendship with the boy who seemed to be the + natural leader of the lot, Max Hastings. + </p> + <p> + Well, they had been writing back and forth this long time. + Eagerly had the boys planned a visit to the North Woods, and + bent all their energies toward accomplishing that result. + </p> + <p> + And now, at last, they found themselves under the shelter of + the roof that topped Old Jim's cabin. Their dreams had come + true, so that several weeks of delightful experiences in the + great Northern forest lay before them. + </p> + <p> + Besides Toby Jucklin, who stuttered violently at times, and + Max Hastings, who had had considerable previous experience in + outdoor life, there were Steve Dowdy, whose quick temper and + readiness to act without considering the consequences had + long since gained him the name of "Touch-and-Go Steve"; Owen + Hastings, a cousin to Max, and who, being a great reader, + knew more or less about the theory of things; and last, but + not least, a boy who went by the singular name of + "Bandy-legs" Griffin. + </p> + <p> + At home and in school they called him Clarence; but his + comrades, just as all boys will do, early in his life seized + upon the fact of his lower limbs being unusually short to dub + him "Bandy-legs." + </p> + <p> + Strange to say, the Griffin lad never seemed to show the + least resentment in connection with this queer nickname. If + the truth were told, he really preferred having it, spoken by + boyish lips, than to receive that detested name of Clarence. + </p> + <p> + These five boys had come together with the idea of having a + good time in the great outdoors during vacation days. + </p> + <p> + And Fortune had been very kind to them right in the start. + Although Max always declared that it was some remark of his + cousin that put him on the track, and Owen on his part vowed + that the glory must rest with Max alone, still the fact + remained that once the idea popped up it was eagerly seized + upon by both boys. + </p> + <p> + They needed more or less cash with which to purchase tents, + guns, and such other things as appeal to boys who yearn to + camp out, fish, hunt, and enjoy the experiences of outdoor + life. + </p> + <p> + As the Glorious Fourth had exhausted their savings banks, + this bright idea was hailed with more or less glee by the + other three members of the club. + </p> + <p> + It was not an original plan, but that mattered nothing. + Success was what they sought, and to attain it the boys were + quite willing to follow any old beaten path. + </p> + <p> + An account of valuable pearls being found in mussels that + were picked up along certain streams located in Indiana, + Arkansas, and other states, suggested the possibility of like + treasures near at home. + </p> + <p> + Now, Carson, their native town, lay upon the Evergreen River; + and this stream had two branches, called the Big Sunflower + and the Elder. The boys knew that there were hundreds of + mussels to be found up the former stream. They had seen the + shells left by hungry muskrats, and even gathered a few to + admire the rainbow-hued inside coating, which Owen told them + was used in the manufacture of pearl buttons. + </p> + <p> + But up to that time no one apparently had dreamed that there + might be a snug little fortune awaiting the party who just + started in to gather the mussels along the Big Sunflower. + </p> + <p> + This Max and his chums had done. Their success had created + quite an excitement around Carson. + </p> + <p> + When it was learned what was going on, farm hands deserted + their daily tasks; boys quit loafing away the vacation days, + and even some of those who toiled in the factories were + missing from their looms. + </p> + <p> + Everybody hunted for pearls. The little Big Sunflower never + saw such goings on. They combed its waters over every rod of + the whole mile where the fresh-water clams seemed to exist. + </p> + <p> + When the furor was over, and there were hardly half a hundred + wretched mussels left in the waters that had once upon a time + fairly teemed with them, the results were very disappointing. + </p> + <p> + Two or three small pearls had been found, it is true, but the + majority of the seekers had to be satisfied with steamed + mussels, or fresh-water clam chowder, as a reward for their + hard work. + </p> + <p> + The wide-awake boys who first conceived the idea had taken + the cream of the pickings. And from a portion of the money + secured through the sale of these beautiful pearls they had + purchased everything needed to fill the heart of a camper + with delight. + </p> + <p> + Here, as the afternoon sun headed down toward the western + horizon, the boys, having arrived by way of a buckboard wagon + at noon, were looking into the flames of Trapper Jim's big + fire in the log cabin, and mentally shaking hands with each + other in mutual congratulation over their good fortune. + </p> + <p> + There was a decided tang of frost in the air, which told that + the summer season was gone and early fall arrived. + </p> + <p> + It might seem strange that these boys, who in October might + be expected to be deep in the fall school term, should be + away from home and up in the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + That was where Good Luck remembered them again, and the + explanation is simple enough. + </p> + <p> + Even in the well-managed town of Carson, school directors + sometimes neglected their work. And in this year, when the + vacation period was three quarters over, the discovery was + made that the big building was in such a bad condition that + certain extensive repairs would have to be made. + </p> + <p> + In consequence, greatly to the delight of the older scholars, + it was decided that school for them could not take up until + the middle of November. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Max learned of this delightful fact he knew the + time had come for their long-promised visit to Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + They had been tempted to go during the summer months, but as + there was little to do in the woods at that period of the + year save fishing, the boys had been holding off. + </p> + <p> + Now they could expect to use their guns; to see how Jim set + his cunning traps that netted him such rich rewards each + winter season, and to enjoy to the full that most glorious + time of the whole year in the woods, the autumn season, when + the leaves are colored by the early frosts and the first ice + forms on the shores of the little trout streams. + </p> + <p> + As the afternoon passed they recovered from the effects of + the long railroad journey overnight and the joggling + buckboard experience. A thousand questions had been fired at + Jim, who was a good-humored old fellow with a great love for + boys in his heart. + </p> + <p> + "Take things kind of easy to-day, boys," he kept on saying, + when they wanted to know why he didn't get busy and show them + all the wonderful things he had in store for his lively young + visitors. "I want you to rest up and be in good trim for + to-morrow. Plenty of time to begin work then. Knock around + and see what it looks like where Old Jim has had his hunting + lodge this seven years back." + </p> + <p> + So they did busy themselves prying into things. And between + that hour and dark there were very few spots around the + immediate neighborhood that they had not examined. + </p> + <p> + Jim's stock of well-kept Victor steel traps were commented + on, and stories listened to in connection with this one or + that. No wonder the hunting instinct in the lads was pretty + well aroused by the time they had heard some of these + stirring accounts. + </p> + <p> + "If the whole bunch of traps could only talk, now," declared + Owen, as he handled a big one meant for bear, "wouldn't they + make the shivers run up and down our backbones, though?" + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim only smiled. + </p> + <p> + He had a thousand things to tell the boys, but, of course, he + did not want to exhaust the subject in the beginning. By + degrees they should hear all about his many adventures. It + would be his daily pleasures to thrill his boy visitors with + these truthful stories as they gathered each night around the + roaring fire and rested after the day's work. + </p> + <p> + The shades of night, their very first night in those + wonderful North Woods of which they had dreamed so long, were + fast gathering now. + </p> + <p> + Already the shadows had issued forth from their hiding + places, and the woods began to assume a certain gloomy look. + </p> + <p> + Later on, the moon, being just past the full, would rise + above the top of the distant hills toward the east. Then the + woods might not seem so strangely mysterious. + </p> + <p> + "When you're ready to begin getting supper, Uncle Jim," said + Max, "you must let us lend a hand. We don't know it all by a + long sight, but we can cook some, and eat—wait till you + see Steve begin, and Toby—Why, hello, here we've been + chattering away like a flock of crows and never noticed that + our chum Toby was missing all the while!" + </p> + <p> + "Missing!" echoed Steve, jumping up eagerly at the prospect + of their first adventure coming along; and no doubt already + picturing all of them stalking through the big timber, + lanterns and torches in hand, searching for the absent chum. + </p> + <p> + "Who saw him last?" asked Max. + </p> + <p> + "Why, a little before dark," Owen answered, promptly, "I + noticed him prowling around out among the trees. He called + out that a cottontail rabbit had jumped up and was just + daring him to chase after her." + </p> + <p> + "Looks like he accepted the dare, all right," said + Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "Where's a lantern? I choose a lantern. You other fellows can + carry the torches, because I got burned the last time I tried + that game." + </p> + <p> + Steve was already beginning to hunt around as he talked, when + Trapper Jim, who had meanwhile gone and opened the door of + the cabin, called to them to be still. + </p> + <p> + "I thought I heard him right then," he said, "and it sounded + to me like he was calling for help. Get both those lanterns, + boys, and light 'em. We've got to look into this thing right + away." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH2"><!-- CH2 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <center> + HOW POOR TOBY WAS "RESCUED." + </center> + <p> + Of course the greatest excitement followed this announcement + on the part of the old trapper. + </p> + <p> + Steve darted this way and that, fairly wild to do something; + and Bandy-legs, too, showed himself anxious to help. But, as + usual, it was cool Max, assisted by Owen, who managed to + light the two lanterns. + </p> + <p> + Steve pounced on the first one that was ready, true to his + word. + </p> + <p> + "Come on, you slow pokes!" he exclaimed, making for the door; + "why, our poor chum might be drowning for all we know, and us + wasting time here." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I reckon it ain't so bad as that," remarked Trapper Jim. + "Hard to drown a tall boy in a three-foot deep crick. + Besides, he's <i>up</i> the wind from here, while the water + lies the other way. That's one reason none of us heard him + before." + </p> + <p> + They were all hurrying along by now. Bandy-legs, being a + little timid, and not altogether liking the looks of the dark + woods, had picked up the gun belonging to Max. + </p> + <p> + "My goodness!" he called out after the others, being in the + rear of the little procession, "there's no telling how long + poor old Toby might 'a' been letting out his whoops, and with + that door shut we didn't hear him." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we can right now, all right!" called back Steve, who + was running neck and neck with the trapper, swinging his + lighted lantern in such a reckless, haphazard fashion that he + was in momentary danger of smashing the useful article + against some tree. + </p> + <p> + They could all hear Toby calling very clearly now. + </p> + <p> + "Help! Oh, h-h-help!" + </p> + <p> + "One thing sure," Max remarked; "Toby hasn't tumbled down + into a hollow tree stump! His yells sound too plain for + that." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, shucks; forget it!" said Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + Some time before, while the boys were hunting for Bandy-legs, + who had become lost in a large swamp not twenty miles away + from Carson, they had finally found him, caged fast inside a + large hollow stump. He had climbed to the top of this to take + an observation, when the rotten wood, giving way, had allowed + him to fall inside. + </p> + <p> + It had been a bitter experience for Bandy-legs, and his chums + never mentioned it without him shivering, as memory again + carried him back to the hours of suffering he had spent in + his woody prison. + </p> + <p> + As they advanced the cries grew louder: + </p> + <p> + "H-h-help! Boys, oh, b-b-boys, come q-q-quick! I can't + h-h-hold on much longer!" + </p> + <p> + "Say, he must be away up in a tree!" exclaimed Steve. + </p> + <p> + "No, his voice sounds closer to the ground than that," + declared Max. + </p> + <p> + "Tell you what," panted Bandy-legs from behind, "he's just + gone and fell over some old cliff, that's what. You know how + clumsy Toby is." + </p> + <p> + That sounded rather queer, since it was the speaker himself + who had always been getting into scrapes because of this + trait. + </p> + <p> + "Cliff!" snorted Steve, "like to know how anybody could ever + fall up a cliff. You mean a precipice, silly." + </p> + <p> + "Guess I do," admitted Bandy-legs, "but it's all the same. If + you're on top it's a precipice, and if you're down + below—" + </p> + <p> + "Listen to him holler, would you?" interrupted Steve. "Hold + on, Toby, we're coming as fast as we c'n sprint! Keep up a + little longer! It's all right! Your pards are on the job!" + </p> + <p> + Max thought he saw Trapper Jim laughing about this time. From + this he imagined the other must have guessed the true state + of affairs, and that poor Toby could not be in such desperate + straits as they believed. + </p> + <p> + The darkness was intense there under the trees. + </p> + <p> + Several times did impulsive Steve stumble over obstacles + which in his eagerness he had failed to notice. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim was doubtless sizing the various boys up by + degrees, and long before now he had read most of their + leading characteristics. But anyone would be able to know the + headstrong nature of Steve Dowdy, after being in his company + for an hour. + </p> + <p> + "Where are you, Toby, old fellow?" called Steve. + </p> + <p> + "H-h-here! L-l-lookout, or you'll f-f-fall over, too," came + weakly from a point just ahead of them. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, didn't I tell you?" shouted Bandy-legs. "It is a + <i>precipice</i> after all, and p'r'aps an awful high one! + Hold on, Toby, don't you dare let loose when we're right at + hand." + </p> + <p> + Max had felt a thrill again at the prospect of such a peril + threatening Toby. But another look at Trapper Jim reassured + him. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Jim, "be mighty careful how you step, boys. Get + down on your hands and knees and creep up here to the edge of + the awful chasm. Now, hold the lanterns down, so we can all + of us see." + </p> + <p> + Cautiously did the alarmed Steve do as he was told. Four + pairs of eager eyes took in the situation. Amazement + staggered the boys for the space of ten seconds. Then they + burst out into loud laughter. + </p> + <p> + And no wonder. + </p> + <p> + Toby was hanging there all right, red of face from his + long-continued exertion, and looking appealingly up to his + chums. He had caught hold of a friendly stout root as he + found himself going over, and to this he clung, digging his + toes from time to time into the face of the "precipice," and + in this way managing to sustain himself, though almost + completely exhausted by the alarm and strain combined. + </p> + <p> + "Ain't you g-g-goin' to h-h-help me?" he gasped, amazed no + doubt to hear his heartless chums laughing at his misfortune. + </p> + <p> + "Let go, Toby!" cried Max. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, drop down and take a rest!" added Steve, who could + enjoy a joke to the utmost when it was on Toby, with whom he + often had words; though all the same they were quite fond of + each other. + </p> + <p> + "W-w-want me to get s-s-smashed, d-d-don't you?" answered + back the indignant boy, as he continued to clutch that root, + as though he believed it to be the only thing between himself + and destruction. + </p> + <p> + "Look down, you loon!" cried Steve. "Call that a big drop? + Why, I declare the ground ain't more'n six inches down below + your feet! Shucks; did I ever hear the like!" + </p> + <p> + Toby did twist his neck the best he could and look. Then with + a glad cry he released his hold on the friendly root to fall + in a heap. + </p> + <p> + "Let's get down to him," said Trapper Jim, "he must be pretty + well used up, I reckon. Perhaps he's been hangin' thar half + an hour'n more." + </p> + <p> + "But whatever made him do such a silly thing?" asked Steve, + as they proceeded to go around the edge of the little "sink," + led by the trapper, who knew every foot of ground. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I don't know that it was so queer after all," declared + Jim; "you see, when he fell over here in the dark, how was + Toby to know whether he was hanging over a precipice ten feet + deep or a hundred? All he could do was to keep hold of that + root and holler for help." + </p> + <p> + "And he did that to beat the band," declared Owen. + </p> + <p> + "I guess it was all real to him," the trapper went on to say; + "and chances are, when he heard the trickling of this little + brook that runs through the sink here, he thought it was a + river away below him. Oh, I can feel for Toby all right. I + once had an experience myself something like his. But here we + are down. How're you feeling, son?" + </p> + <p> + "P-p-pretty r-r-rocky," declared Toby, who was sitting up + when they reached him, and seemed to be trembling all over, + as the result of the nervous strain to which he had been + subjected. + </p> + <p> + "Don't blame you a bit," declared Max, who saw that the poor + chap had in truth suffered considerably. "Lots of fellows + would have thought the same as you did, Toby. I might myself, + if I'd slipped down that way in the dark. Here, grab hold + with me, Steve, and we'll help Toby home." + </p> + <p> + "Anyhow," admitted Toby, as they put their arms about him, + "I'm g-g-glad you did c-c-come. R-r-reckon I'd f-f-fainted if + I just had to let g-g-go." + </p> + <p> + "Rats! I don't believe it," scoffed the unbelieving Steve. + </p> + <p> + Once they reached the trapper's cabin, and came under the + cheerful influence of that crackling fire, even Toby's + spirits rose again. He had by this time recovered some of his + usual grit, and could afford to laugh with the rest at his + recent experience. + </p> + <p> + It was about as Trapper Jim suspected. + </p> + <p> + Toby had been tempted to follow the lame rabbit for some + little distance into the woods. Finally, finding that he had + gone pretty far, and with night closing in rapidly all around + him, the boy had started to return. + </p> + <p> + Becoming a little confused, he had stumbled one way and + another, and in the end fallen over the edge of the shallow + sink. + </p> + <p> + Throwing out his hands even as he felt himself falling, he + had caught hold of the projecting root. Here he had hung, + trying again and again to climb up, but in vain; and quite + sure that a terrible void lay beyond his dangling legs. + </p> + <p> + At first Toby had been too alarmed to even think of calling + for help. But as time went by, and he realized the desperate + nature of his predicament, he tried to shout. + </p> + <p> + This was never an easy task to the stuttering boy, and + doubtless he made a sorry mess out of it. + </p> + <p> + But all's well that ends well. Toby had been gallantly + rescued, and now the five chums were doing their level best + to assist Trapper Jim prepare supper. + </p> + <p> + Would they ever forget the delights of that first meal under + the roof of the forest cabin? Often had they partaken of a + camp dinner, but never before had it seemed to have the same + flavor as this one did, surrounded as they were with those + bunches of suggestive steel traps, the furs that told of + Jim's prowess in other days, and above all having the + presence of the grizzled trapper himself, a veritable + storehouse of wonderful information and thrilling + experiences. + </p> + <p> + And after the meal was finished they made themselves as + comfortable as each could arrange it, using all Jim's furs in + the bargain. + </p> + <p> + "Now, let's lay out the programme for to-morrow," suggested + Max. + </p> + <p> + "Me to try for the first deer," spoke up Steve, quickly. + "Squirrel stew, like we had for supper to-night, is all very + well, but it ain't in the same class with fresh venison. Yum, + yum, my mouth fairly waters for it, boys!" + </p> + <p> + "Some like venison and some say gray nut-fed squirrels," + remarked Trapper Jim. "As for me, give me squirrel every + time." + </p> + <p> + "But we ought to try and get one deer anyway, hadn't we?" + Steve pleaded. + </p> + <p> + "Sure we will," replied the owner of the cabin, heartily, + "and I hope it falls to your gun, Steve, seeing you dote on + venison so. But it might be to-morrow I'd like to set a few + of my traps, and reckoned that some of you boys'd want to + watch me do the job." + </p> + <p> + "That's right," cried Owen and Max together, their eyes + fairly sparkling with delight at the anticipated treat. + </p> + <p> + So they talked on, and Trapper Jim told lots of mighty + interesting things as he smoked his old black pipe and sent + curling wreaths of blue smoke up the broad throat of the + chimney. + </p> + <p> + "Wonder if the moon ain't up long before now?" remarked + Steve, finally. + </p> + <p> + "Go and find out," suggested Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Steve arose, stretched his cramped legs, and, going + over to the door, opened it. They saw him pass out, and as + the trapper had started to relate another of his deeply + interesting experiences the boys devoted their attention to + him. But it was not three minutes later when Steve came + rushing into the cabin, his eyes filled with excitement, and + his voice raised to almost a shout as he cried out: + </p> + <p> + "Wolves; a whole pack of 'em comin' tearin' mad this way!" + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH3"><!-- CH3 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <center> + WHAT WOODCRAFT MEANT. + </center> + <p> + "Wolves! Oh, my gracious! You don't say!" cried Bandy-legs, + making a dive for the two sleeping bunks that Steve had built + along one side of the inside wall of the cabin. + </p> + <p> + Of course there was an immediate scurrying around. All the + other boys were on their feet instantly, even tired Toby with + the rest. + </p> + <p> + Max instinctively threw a glance toward the corner where his + faithful gun stood. He did not jump to secure it, however, + because something caused him to first of all steal a quick + look at Trapper Jim. When he discovered that worthy with a + broad smile upon his face, Max decided that after all the + danger could hardly be as severe as indications pointed. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Steve had managed to slam the door shut, and was + holding it so with his whole weight while he tried to adjust + the bar properly in its twin sockets. + </p> + <p> + Steve was trembling all over with excitement. A thing like + this was apt to stir him up tremendously. + </p> + <p> + "Why don't some of you lend a hand here?" he kept calling + out. "Plague take that clumsy old bar, won't it ever take + hold? Get my gun for me, can't you, Bandy-legs? Listen to the + varmints a-tryin' to break in, would you. Wow! Ain't they mad + I fooled them, though? Say, I wonder now if they'd think to + get on the roof and come down the chimbly. Hand me my gun, + Bandy-legs! Get a move on you!" + </p> + <p> + By this time Jim was doubled up with laughter. + </p> + <p> + "Hold on you cannon-ball express boy," he remarked, as he + stepped over and began to take away the bar which Steve had + managed to get in place with so much trouble; "I guess we'll + have to let these critters come in. They look on Uncle Jim's + cabin as their home." + </p> + <p> + "What, wolves!" gasped Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Well, hardly, but my two dogs, Ajax and Don," replied the + trapper. "You see, I didn't want them along when I borrowed + that buckboard and team to fetch you all here. So I left 'em + with a neighbor three miles off, and told him to set 'em + loose to-night. So you thought they were wolves, did you, + Steve? Well, I guess they look somethin' that way, and the + moonlight was a little deceivin', too." + </p> + <p> + With that he threw open the door. + </p> + <p> + Immediately a couple of shaggy dogs bounded in and began + barking furiously as they jumped up at their master, showing + all the symptoms of great joy. + </p> + <p> + "Sho, one'd think they hadn't seen me for a whole month, + instead of only a few hours," laughed Trapper Jim, as he + fondled the dogs. + </p> + <p> + Then the five boys in turn were introduced, as gravely as + though Ajax and Don might be human beings. + </p> + <p> + "They're quick to catch on," remarked Trapper Jim. "They know + now you're all friends of mine, and you can depend on 'em to + stand by you through thick and thin." + </p> + <p> + "What are they good for?" asked Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "This smaller one is reckoned the best 'coon dog in the + woods," replied the other, patting the head of Don. "If + there's a striped-tail in the district and I set him to + working, he'll get him up a tree sooner or later. And when + the animal is knocked to the ground Don knows just how to get + the right grip on his throat." + </p> + <p> + "But his ears are all slit, and his head looks like it had + been scratched and gouged a whole lot," remarked Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Well, old 'coons, they've got pretty sharp claws sometimes, + ain't they, Don?" continued the old trapper. "And in the + excitement a dog can't always just defend himself, eh, old + fellow! They will get a dig in once in a while, spite of us." + </p> + <p> + Don barked three times, just as if he understood every single + word his master was saying. + </p> + <p> + "And how about Ajax?" Bandy-legs continued. + </p> + <p> + "He's a general all-around dog, and ain't afraid of anything + that walks. Why, boys, I've known him to tackle and kill the + biggest lynx ever seen in these parts, and that's something + few dogs could do." + </p> + <p> + "What's a lynx?" asked Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "A species of wildcat that sometimes strays down this way + across the Canada border," replied the trapper. "Generally + speaking, he's bigger'n the other and fierce as all get out. + Fact is, I believe I'd sooner have a panther tackle me than a + full-grown, ugly tempered lynx. Some people call it the + 'woods devil,' and they hit it pretty near right, too." + </p> + <p> + "Hasn't a lynx got some sort of mark about him that makes him + look different from the ordinary bobcat?" asked Owen. + </p> + <p> + "Why, yes," replied Trapper Jim, "there's some difference in + the beasts; but I reckon the little tassels that kinder adorn + the ears of the lynx mark him most of all." + </p> + <p> + "Looks like a full house, now," remarked Max, who had not + hesitated to make up with both the dogs, being very fond of + their kind. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, while I have company Ajax and Don'll have to sleep in + the shed or lean-to outside," remarked the master of the + dogs. "Of course, when I'm here all by myself they stay + indoors with me. And I tell you, lads, they make a fellow + feel less lonely in the long winter days and nights. Dogs are + men's best friends—that is, the right kind of dogs. + They become greatly attached to you, too." + </p> + <p> + Toby just then seemed to become greatly excited. Finding it + difficult to express himself as he wanted, he pointed + straight at Steve, and was heard to say: + </p> + <p> + "A-a-attached to you! S-s-sure they do; S-s-steve knows! Saw + one attached to h-h-him once. Wouldn't h-h-hardly let go." + </p> + <p> + At that there were loud shouts, and even Steve himself could + hardly keep from grinning at the recollection of the picture + Toby's words recalled. + </p> + <p> + "'Spose you fellers never <i>will</i> get over that affair," + he remarked, as he put his hand behind him, just as if after + all these months he still felt a pain where the dog had + bitten him. "Cost me a good pair of trousers, too, in the + bargain. It was a bulldog," he added, turning toward Trapper + Jim, "and he was so much attached to me that he followed me + halfway 'over a seven-foot fence. Would have gone the whole + thing only the cloth gave way and he lost his grip." + </p> + <p> + "Well, that showed a warm, generous nature," remarked Trapper + Jim; "some dogs are marked that way." + </p> + <p> + "This one was," declared Steve. "But I got even with the + critter." + </p> + <p> + "How was that?" asked the other, looking a little serious; + for, himself a lover of dogs, he never liked to hear of one + being abused. + </p> + <p> + "I got me one of those little liquid pistols, you know, and + laid for my old enemy," Steve continued; "he saw me passing + by and came bouncing out to try my other leg. But he changed + his mind in a big hurry. And, say, you just ought to 'a' + heard him yelp when he turned around and faced the other + way." + </p> + <p> + "You didn't blind the poor beast, I hope?" remarked Jim. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, nothin' to speak of," said Steve, gayly. "He was all + right the next day. Ammonia smarts like fun for awhile, but + it goes off. But, listen, whenever I passed that house, if + old Beauty was sitting on the steps like he used to do, as + soon as he glimpsed me, would you believe it, he'd turn tail + and run quick for the back yard and watch me around the comer + of the house." + </p> + <p> + "You had him tamed, all right," said Max. + </p> + <p> + "We called it an even break, and let it go at that," said + Steve. + </p> + <p> + When the boys began to yawn, and betrayed unmistakable + evidences of being sleepy, their host showed them how he had + arranged it so that they could all sleep comfortably. + </p> + <p> + There were only two wooden bunks, one above the other. + Trapper Jim was to occupy the lower one, and turn about, the + five boys were to have the other. + </p> + <p> + This necessitated four of them sleeping on the floor each + night. But as there were plenty of soft furs handy, and the + boys announced that they always enjoyed being able to stretch + out on the ground, Jim knew he would have no trouble on this + score. + </p> + <p> + So the first night passed. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps none of them slept as well as usual. This nearly + always turns out to be the case with those who go into the + wilderness for a spell. The change from home comforts and + soft beds to the hardships that attend roughing it can be set + down as the principal cause. + </p> + <p> + However, nothing serious occurred during the night calculated + to disturb them. It is true Toby did fall out of the upper + berth once, landing on a couple of the others with a thump, + but then such a little matter was hardly worth mentioning + between friends. + </p> + <p> + And they could understand how Toby must be dreaming of his + recent trouble, as he hung over that terrible abyss by his + hold on a single root. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the root gave way in his dreams, and Toby made a + frantic effort to save himself. + </p> + <p> + Morning came at last. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast was cooked and eaten with considerable eagerness, + for immediately it was over the boys expected to accompany + their host while he made his first tour of the season, + intending to set a few traps in places that had been marked + as favorable to the carrying out of his business. + </p> + <p> + They could hardly wait for Trapper Jim to get through his + chores. + </p> + <p> + Presently Jim went over several lots of hanging traps and + selected those he wished to use on the first day. + </p> + <p> + How he seemed to handle certain ones fondly, as though they + carried with them memories of stirring events in the dim + past. + </p> + <p> + They all looked pretty much alike to the boys, but Jim + undoubtedly had certain little familiar marks by means of + which he recognized each individual trap. He mentioned some + of their peculiar histories as he picked out his "lucky" + traps. + </p> + <p> + "This one held two mink at a pop twice now, something I never + knew to happen before," he remarked. + </p> + <p> + "And this old rusty one was lost a whole season. When I + happened to find it, there was a piece of bone and some fur + between the jaws, showing that the poor little critter had + gnawed off its own foot rather than die of starvation. Made + me fell bad, that did. A good trapper seldom allows such a + thing to happen." + </p> + <p> + "Do mink really set themselves free that way?" asked Owen. + </p> + <p> + "They will, if given half a chance," was Jim's reply. "That's + one reason we always try to fix it so that mink, otter, + muskrats, fisher, and all animals that are trapped along the + edge of streams manage to drown themselves soon after they + are caught. It saves the pelt from being injured, too, by + their crazy efforts to break away." + </p> + <p> + "And what of that trap over there? You seem to be taking + mighty good care of it," said Max, who was deeply interested + in everything the trapper was doing. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I hadn't ought to complain about that trap," came the + answer. "Year before last it caught me a silver fox, as the + black fox is called. And perhaps you know that a prime black + fox pelt is worth as high as several thousand dollars." + </p> + <p> + "Hear that, will you!" exclaimed Steve. + </p> + <p> + "H-h-how much d-d-did you g-g-get for it?" asked Toby. + </p> + <p> + "Well," Jim went on to say, "it wasn't a Number One, but they + allowed I ought to get eight-fifty for it; which check was + enclosed in the letter I'll show you some day. I keep it to + prove the truth of my story." + </p> + <p> + "A bully good day's work, eh?" remarked Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Best that ever came my way," admitted the other. + </p> + <p> + "Gee, wonder now if we'd be lucky enough to set eyes on a + silver fox worth a cool thousand or more?" ventured + Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "It is barely possible you may, boys," remarked the trapper; + "because I saw a beauty two or three times during the summer. + And I'm kind of hoping there may be some sort of magic about + this same trap to coax him to put his foot in it." + </p> + <p> + "A single fox skin fetching thousands of dollars!" remarked + Steve, as if hardly able to grasp it as the truth. "Whew, + that beats finding pearls in the shells of mussels all + hollow!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Owen broke in, "and even Ted Shafter and his crowd + hunting wild ginseng roots and selling it to the wholesale + drug house at big money doesn't cut so much of a figure after + all, does it?" + </p> + <p> + "One thing I want to ask you, boys, right in the start," the + trapper took occasion to say; "while you're up with me you + must promise never to shoot at a fox, a mink, a marten, an + otter, or in fact any small fur-bearing animal." + </p> + <p> + "We give you our word, all right, Uncle Jim," said Steve, + readily. + </p> + <p> + "Of course," continued the old trapper, "my one reason for + asking this is to keep you from ruining good pelts. It would + be pretty tough now if after I caught that black fox I found + that his skin had been so badly torn by birdshot that it + wasn't worth handling." + </p> + <p> + "That's right, it would," admitted Owen. + </p> + <p> + "You can depend on us to hold back," Max added, sincerely. + </p> + <p> + "Well, this is about all the traps I care to put out to-day," + and as he spoke Jim made them up in two bundles, one of which + he gave to Toby and the other to Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + He saw that, ordinarily, these two were the least important + members of the club. And in the kindness of his heart he + wished to make them feel that he needed their especial help. + </p> + <p> + So Toby and the other chum slung the traps over their + shoulders with ill-concealed pleasure in that they had been + singled out for such attention by the old trapper. + </p> + <p> + "Then you don't mean to set Old Tom to-day," asked Owen, + pointing to a big trap, whose weight and grim-looking jaws + announced that it was intended for large game. + </p> + <p> + Old Jim smiled and shook his head, as he replied: + </p> + <p> + "Hardly any use, unless we run across bear tracks. Such a + thing might happen, you know; because it did snow last night, + and there's a good inch on the ground right now." + </p> + <p> + "But, hold on," said Owen, "I understood that bears always + went to sleep in the fall and stayed in some cave or a hollow + tree till spring came." + </p> + <p> + "They do," answered the trapper, "but generally hang around + till the first real hard blizzard comes along. This little + snow don't count, and every day a bear is able to be around + hunting roots and such things, why, the less he has to live + on his own fat, you know, But we're all ready now, so come + along, boys." + </p> + <p> + The dogs were left at the cabin, which Jim did not even shut + up. He knew Ajax and Don would stay close at home; for the + sight of the strings of traps told the intelligent dogs they + could not be allowed to accompany their master on this + expedition. + </p> + <p> + An hour later, and Jim was showing the eager and curious boys + who remained at a little distance, so that their scent might + not cause the cautious mink to abandon his usual trail, just + how he set a trap in order to catch the cunning little + animal, and make him drown himself with the weight of the + trap. + </p> + <p> + The snare was set at the mouth of a hole in the bank of a + creek, and which, Jim informed them, was one of many visited + by the male mink each night as they wandered up and down the + stream. + </p> + <p> + He used some animal "scent" contained in a small bottle to + help attract his prey. Then, after destroying all evidences + of his having been there as much as he possibly could, + Trapper Jim rejoined the boys. + </p> + <p> + "Now we'll head for the marsh where I put several traps day + before yesterday and mean to add a few more to-day," he + remarked. "As we go, I'll try to explain just why a man has + to be so very careful whenever he matches his wits against + those of a wily and timid little beast." + </p> + <p> + They hung upon every word Jim uttered, for these secrets of + the woods were things all of them had long wanted to know. + What could musty old school books teach them that could equal + the knowledge they imbibed straight out of the fountain of + experience. + </p> + <p> + It was while Jim was holding forth in his most effective + manner, so as to thrill every one of his boy friends, that + they saw him come to a sudden stop. + </p> + <p> + His eyes were fastened upon the white ground just in front of + them, and as he pointed with his gun he electrified the boys + by saying: + </p> + <p> + "Mebbe after all we might have use of Old Tom to-morrow, for + there's the tracks of a big bear." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH4"><!-- CH4 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <center> + THE SECRETS OF TRAPPING. + </center> + <p> + "Bully!" cried Steve, looking almost as happy as he did on + that never-to-be-forgotten day when they found their first + lovely pearl in a mussel taken from the Big Sunflower River. + </p> + <p> + "A b-b-bear!" exclaimed Toby. "L-l-let me s-s-see." + </p> + <p> + All of them were soon eagerly examining the marks so plainly + described in the light snow. Bruin had evidently shuffled + along here, heading for some favorite place in the + neighboring marsh, where he knew food was still to be found. + </p> + <p> + "We'd better leave the old chap alone for a bit," announced + Jim. "When I can make sure by his coming back to his den the + same way that he's got a regular trail, we'll lay for him." + </p> + <p> + "I'd like to get in a shot with my gun," declared Steve. + </p> + <p> + "H-h-ho! Much g-g-good your N-n-number Seven shot'd d-d-do + against his t-t-tough old hide!" jeered Toby. + </p> + <p> + "Get out! You don't think I'm such a ninny as that, I hope," + answered Steve, indignantly. "Hey, take a look at that shell, + and this one, too, will you? Know why that black cross is on + them? Course you don't. Well, I'll tell you." + </p> + <p> + "H-h-hurry up then and t-t-tell me." + </p> + <p> + "They're buckshot shells," declared Steve. "Each one's got + just twelve buckshot inside, all as big as pistol bullets. + And at short range they're calculated to bring down a deer + like fun. I'd be willing to take my chances against a black + bear, given a good opening to hit him back of his foreleg. + Now you know a heap more'n you did before, Toby Jucklin." + </p> + <p> + "S-s-sure," answered the other, nodding his head + good-naturedly. + </p> + <p> + "But remember," said Jim at this juncture, "a good bearskin + is worth all the way from five to twenty dollars to me. But + after you've made a sieve out of it with twelve or + twenty-four buckshot from that scatter gun, why, I hardly + think I could give it away." + </p> + <p> + "So Steve, please restrain your bear-killing feeling just + now," said Max. "Whether we get him in a trap or shoot him on + the run the bear steaks will taste just as good; won't they, + Uncle Jim?" + </p> + <p> + "I reckon you're right," replied the trapper, without any + great animation; for doubtless he had found bear meat pretty + tough eating, and given his choice would any day have much + preferred the porterhouse steak which Steve had so often at + home that he turned up his nose at it. + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at the marsh where the countless muskrats + had their homes, a new species of interest was aroused. + </p> + <p> + Jim showed them how he had to employ entirely new tactics + when dealing with the muskrats than in connection with the + mink. The former were banded together in colonies, and the + trapper had to be constantly on the alert lest in capturing + one prize he frighten the whole family away. + </p> + <p> + "But I learned my business many years ago," the old trapper + declared, with considerable pride, "when beaver lived in the + North Woods. There never were more wary little animals than + those same beaver, and the man who could circumvent 'em had a + right to call himself smart." + </p> + <p> + After setting three traps he led the way to a place where he + had left one baited on the occasion of his previous visit to + the marsh. + </p> + <p> + "You see, here's where I set it on the bank," he remarked, + "and the chain ran down there to a stake in deep water." + </p> + <p> + "But it ain't here now, Uncle Jim," said Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Because a curious and hungry musquash, anxious to reach the + bait I stuck on a splinter of wood just above the trap, set + it off." + </p> + <p> + "And then sprang back into the water, because that was his + natural way of doing when alarmed, and soon drowned there. + Was that the way it worked, Uncle Jim?" asked Max. + </p> + <p> + The old trapper looked fondly at him and answered: + </p> + <p> + "Exactly as you say, son. Men who trap these cunning small + fur-bearing animals never get tired of studying their habits; + and the one who enters most fully into the life and instincts + of mink, 'coon, marten, otter, fisher, or even the humble + muskrat, is the fellow who succeeds best in his business." + </p> + <p> + "B-b-but all the m-m-muskrats I ever saw could swim and + s-s-stay under w-w-water's long as they p-p-pleased," Toby + broke out with. + </p> + <p> + "That's a mistake," said Trapper Jim. "None of these animals + can live under water all the time like a fish. They have to + come up to breathe just so often. Beaver have houses made of + mud and sticks. The entrances to these are always down below: + but you find the tops of all beaver houses above the + surface." + </p> + <p> + "But," said Steve, "I've seen muskrats dive just as Toby + says, and waited with a club to have 'em come to the top of + the water again; but lots of times I'd have to chuck it up as + no good. How did that happen, Uncle Jim?" + </p> + <p> + "That is easily explained," answered the trapper. "Just as + alligators do, so mink, otter, and muskrats have holes that + run up into the bank of a stream, their nest being always + above ordinary high water. When you missed seeing your rat it + was because he happened to be near enough to dive down, enter + his tunnel, and make his way up to his nest. You see, there + are lots of queer things to be learned, if you only keep your + eyes and ears open when in these woods." + </p> + <p> + "But show us if you really did get one in your trap," urged + Bandy-legs, who knew much less about all these things than + any one of the chums, yet felt considerable eagerness to + learn. + </p> + <p> + So with a stick that had a fork at the end Jim felt around in + the water at a point he supposed he would find something. + </p> + <p> + And, sure enough, he presently caught the chain and speedily + pulled out the trap. It was not empty. A plump-looking + muskrat was caught by both forelegs. + </p> + <p> + "You got him, all right, sure," commented Steve. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim was taking the victim out, and carefully + resetting the trap in the same place it had been before; + after which he renewed the bait. + </p> + <p> + "Like as not I'll have another to-morrow, and for days to + come," he remarked; "unless they get suspicious on account of + the scent we leave by touching things. I try to kill that all + I can. But when animals are unusually timid, it's often + necessary to come in a boat, and do it all without setting a + foot on shore, because, you know, water leaves neither trail + nor scent." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, the sharpest-nosed hound in the world is knocked out, + I've read, when the game takes to the water." + </p> + <p> + It was Owen who made this remark, and the trapper nodded his + head in approval as he added: + </p> + <p> + "I see you are a great reader, my boy. That's a mighty fine + thing. There's only one that's better—proving the truth + of things by actual experience. And while you're up here in + the grand old North Woods with me I hope you'll pick up a lot + of useful information that you never would find in any school + books. Now we're ready to visit the second trap that was set + a little farther along." + </p> + <p> + To the satisfaction of the trapper this furnished a victim + equal in size to the first one. + </p> + <p> + "I didn't know muskrats counted for much, Uncle Jim," + remarked Steve, who saw the sparkle in the old man's eyes as + he handled the second prize. + </p> + <p> + "Oh well, the skins didn't pay for the trouble years ago," he + said in reply, "but of late years good furs are getting so + scarce that they are using heaps of muskrat pelts, generally + dyed and sold under another name. It is a good serviceable + fur, and if taken up North answers the purpose very well." + </p> + <p> + "Why do you say 'up North'?" asked Owen. + </p> + <p> + "Max there can tell you, I'm sure," laughed the trapper. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, well," remarked the one mentioned, "I do happen to know + that the farther north you go the better the fur. And, of + course, that means a higher price in the market, since all + pelts are graded according to size and quality." + </p> + <p> + "That means, I suppose," said Owen, "that a muskrat skin + taken away up in Northern Michigan or Canada is more valuable + than the same sized pelt that was captured down, say, in + Florida." + </p> + <p> + "Often worth twice or three times as much," remarked the + trapper. "Stands to reason, too, since the little critters + don't have much need of thick hides where the weather is + generally warm." + </p> + <p> + "I can see through that all right," Steve admitted, "but + ain't they queer lookin' little rascals, though! Some plump, + too!" + </p> + <p> + "Fat as butter this season," observed Jim. "And I'm just + longing to see how they taste. Last year they didn't just + seem to suit my particular brand of appetite." + </p> + <p> + "What's that?" almost shouted Steve, "say, Uncle Jim, you're + just trying to give me taffy now, sure you are." + </p> + <p> + "That's where you're mistaken Steve," said the trapper, + smiling at the horrified expression on the boy's face. + </p> + <p> + "But—you don't mean to say you <i>eat</i> muskrats?" + demanded Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Do I? Well, you wait and see how I'll tackle these this very + evening. And if we're lucky enough to find a third one in my + other set trap, why, you boys can have a look in, too." + </p> + <p> + "Me eat rats?" cried Steve, scornfully. "Mebbe I might if I + had to do it or starve to death; but not when I've got other + stuff to line my stomach with, I'm no Chinaman, Uncle Jim." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you'll change your tune before long," remarked the + other, "and it's a mistake to class these clean little + animals with common rats. The Indian name for him is + musquash, and thousands of people appreciate the fact that + his meat is as sweet as that of a squirrel." + </p> + <p> + "And I've been told," said Max, "much more tender." + </p> + <p> + "That's a fact," declared Jim, "I've got so I never try to + fry a squirrel nowadays unless he's been parboiled first. + They're the toughest little critters that run around on four + legs." + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at the third trap it was found to contain + another "victim of misplaced confidence," as Old Jim called + it. + </p> + <p> + "Plenty to go around now, boys," remarked the trapper. + </p> + <p> + "You'll have to excuse me," said Steve, shuddering. + </p> + <p> + And yet before three days went by Steve had been induced to + taste the musquash, as Trapper Jim prepared them, and found + the dish so good that afterwards his tin pannikin was shoved + forward for a second helping as often as any of the others. + </p> + <p> + On the way home, after all the traps they had brought had + been set, Bandy-legs noticed a tree that stood up black and + grim, as though a fire had destroyed it at some time. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Jim, when his attention was directed that way, + "quite a few years ago we had a big fire up this way that did + heaps of damage. And I've noticed that the conditions this + fall are just about the same as that year. Why, we've hardly + had any rain at all in the last two months." + </p> + <p> + "The woods must be pretty dry then, I should think," Max + remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Dry as tinder," replied the other. "This little snow will + all disappear, and unless we get a heavy fall soon, it + wouldn't surprise me if some careless campers or deer hunters + let their camp fire get into the brush when the wind is + blowing great guns. Then there'll be the mischief to pay. But + I hope it won't be any one of you boys." + </p> + <p> + Each and every one of them solemnly declared that he was + firmly resolved to be unusually careful. + </p> + <p> + Finally they reached the cabin. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon Old Jim skinned the three musquash, and + showed the boys how he fastened the hides on stretching + boards, which would cause them to retain their shape while + they dried. + </p> + <p> + "We never put skins in the sun or near a fire to dry," he + observed, seeing that most of the boys were anxious to learn + all they could. "The best way is to stand 'em in the shade + where the breeze can play on 'em. But, of course, you mustn't + let the pelts get wet while they're drying." + </p> + <p> + Sure enough, Jim cut up the musquash, and gave evidences of + satisfaction at finding them so plump. + </p> + <p> + As the afternoon began to wane Bandy-legs surprised his chums + by actually volunteering to go out and gather wood for the + fire. + </p> + <p> + This was really such an unusual occurrence that Max surveyed + the other curiously as he passed out. + </p> + <p> + He wondered if Bandy-legs, generally quite lazy, had seen the + error of his ways and meant to reform. + </p> + <p> + It appeared that Max was not the only one who thought this + action odd, for Owen spoke of it. + </p> + <p> + "What d'ye suppose struck that boy?" he remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Never knew him to volunteer to do a thing before," declared + Max. + </p> + <p> + "I should say not," Steve broke in. "Generally speaking, we + have to use a stuffed club on Bandy-legs to get him to do + anything but eat." + </p> + <p> + Toby chuckled. + </p> + <p> + "Gr-g-great s-s-stunt," he ejaculated, "g-g-got him anxious + to t-t-try stewed m-m-m-m—" But that name was really + too much for Toby, who had to be satisfied by pointing at the + kettle in which Trapper Jim had placed the dismembered + musquash. + </p> + <p> + At this the others laughed. + </p> + <p> + They were lounging around in the cabin at the time. A small + blaze burned in the big fireplace at the bottom of the + wide-throated chimney. + </p> + <p> + "What I want to know," remarked Owen, who had been examining + one of the skins stretched on the thin board, "is why they + fix these different ways. I've read that some skins are cured + with the fur out and others with it in; some split and others + dried whole." + </p> + <p> + "Glad you mentioned that," said Jim, looking pleased. "Skins + are of all kinds. Some we dry cased, without cutting. I'm + going to show you the whole business by degrees, if we're + lucky enough—" + </p> + <p> + He stopped short in what he was saying, and seemed to cock + his head on one side, as though listening. + </p> + <p> + "Say, I guess there must be some kind of bird or animal in + your old chimney, Uncle Jim," remarked Steve. + </p> + <p> + "I thought I heard it, too," Owen declared. + </p> + <p> + All listened. + </p> + <p> + "There it goes again," said Steve; "and something dropped + down right then. I was thinking of that story you told us + where a bear came down through the big chimney of a cabin. + Wow! Listen to that, would you?" + </p> + <p> + As Steve cried out in this way, the rattling in the chimney + suddenly grew into an alarming noise. Then a large object + fell with a crash into the fire. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH5"><!-- CH5 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <center> + WHAT CAME DOWN THE CHIMNEY. + </center> + <p> + "It's a bear!" whooped Steve, as he made a headlong dash for + the corner where his double barrel stood. + </p> + <p> + Forgotten just then was the injunction of the old trapper + that they should not shoot any thing that wore fur, as it + would cheat him out of all his expected profits. + </p> + <p> + If a bear became so bold as to enter the cabin by way of the + chimney he must surely be treated, with scant ceremony. + Buckshot or birdshot, it mattered little which the gun + contained, since at close quarters the load would carry like + a large bullet. + </p> + <p> + But Steve had not even managed to lay a hand on his gun, when + he was amazed to hear above the barking of the two dogs, loud + shrieks of laughter from Max, Owen, and Toby. + </p> + <p> + Even the hoarser notes of the trapper seemed to join in. And + when there chanced to be a little break in all this racket, + Steve caught a wailing voice crying aloud: + </p> + <p> + "Put me out! Somebody throw a bucket of water over me, and + put me out! I'm all a-fire! Why can't you help a feller?" + </p> + <p> + A figure was dancing around like mad, now slapping at his + trousers leg, and then trying to reach the middle of his + back, where his coat seemed to be smoldering. + </p> + <p> + It was Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + Steve instantly recognized his chum, and this fact, taken + with the noise in the chimney, gave the thing away. + </p> + <p> + Bandy-legs had tried to play a prank on them, and, as usual, + made a sorry mess of it. + </p> + <p> + While sitting there and looking at the wide-throated chimney, + perhaps his mind went out to what Jim had told about the + curious bear which, hunting around on the roof of a cabin to + ascertain where that fine odor of hams came from, fell down + the chimney. + </p> + <p> + He would climb upon the roof and lower a make-believe + wildcat, fashioned out of an old moth-eaten skin Jim had + thrown away. + </p> + <p> + That accounted for Bandy-legs' astonishing announcement that + he would go out and gather some of the wood for the night. + </p> + <p> + It also explained to Max just why he had been stout string + that lay upon the trapper's table. This would be needed in + the carrying out of his trick. + </p> + <p> + But, like the incautious bear, Bandy-legs had also leaned too + far over the top of the chimney. Perhaps he wanted, not to + sniff the smoked hams below, as in the case of Bruin, but to + hear the shouts of consternation when his make-believe bobcat + landed in the fireplace, apparently jumping up and down as + Bandy-legs jerked the string. + </p> + <p> + The consequence had been that he fell into the opening, and, + landing on all fours, scattered the little fire in every + direction. + </p> + <p> + But seeing that the boy's clothes were really on fire in + several places, Max grabbed up the first thing he could think + of that might be depended on to extinguish the smoldering + cloth. + </p> + <p> + "Hold on, that's my supper!" shouted Trapper Jim, clutching + the hand of Max before he could empty the kettle. "Here's the + water-bucket; use that." + </p> + <p> + And Max did so, drenching poor dancing Bandy-legs from head + to foot with the contents of the pail. + </p> + <p> + "That's the time Bandy-legs came near getting more than his + share of the grub," declared Owen, who was busily engaged + stamping out some of the smoldering brands that had been + scattered around so promiscuously when the sprawling figure + of the boy landed in their midst. + </p> + <p> + "Somebody carry that old skin outside," said Trapper Jim. + "It's burning more or less, and we'll have the cabin so full + of smell we won't be able to stay in it much longer." + </p> + <p> + Toby volunteered to do this, although he had to handle the + thing carefully so as not to get burned. + </p> + <p> + "I'll go after another bucket of water," remarked Max; "and + I'd advise our practical joker here to jump out of those wet + duds and get into some dry ones in a hurry." + </p> + <p> + Bandy-legs, looking disgusted and rather silly, was beginning + to shiver, as the door, which now stood open to ventilate the + cabin, allowed the chilly air of approaching evening to + enter. + </p> + <p> + "Guess I will," he remarked; "'cause I've got that wood to + gather." + </p> + <p> + "You bet you have," declared Steve; "we don't let you off + from that job. And when you've got your hand in, we'll expect + you to take care of the fuel business right along, see?" + </p> + <p> + "See you in Guinea first," muttered Bandy-legs, bristling up. + </p> + <p> + They could never coax him to tell what he had really intended + doing at the time his treacherous heels slipped on the roof, + and he fell down the big opening through which the smoke + escaped. + </p> + <p> + Still, no one needed explanations. The fact of his lowering + the old abandoned pelt, bundled up so as to look as much like + a live bobcat as possible, spoke for itself. + </p> + <p> + Somehow or other this trip seemed to be particularly hard on + practical jokers. Owen gravely remarked that all who were + ordinarily given to playing pranks would take notice. + </p> + <p> + "Needn't look at me that way when you say that," remarked + Steve. "I used to be a great hand for jokes, but never again. + I've reformed, I have." + </p> + <p> + "Y-y-yes, like f-f-fun you have," scoffed Toby, who knew + Steve "like a book," and had no faith in his professed change + of heart. + </p> + <p> + After a while things looked comfortable again. + </p> + <p> + The fire burned cheerily on the hearth and Jim's kettle, + hanging from an iron bar that could be let down, steamed and + bubbled, and began sending out appetizing odors that even + Steve sniffed with less resentment than he had anticipated. + </p> + <p> + "What d'ye think of it now, Steve?" asked Uncle Jim. + </p> + <p> + "Huh, if you mean the smell, why, it ain't so very bad," + replied the boy. "Fact is, makes me think of rabbit stew, + some." + </p> + <p> + "Beats any rabbit you ever ate; just wait," prophesied the + trapper, who knew that once Steve overcame his prejudice he + would admit as much himself. + </p> + <p> + Bandy-legs had finished dressing, and as he lacked certain + garments to complete his attire, the other boys temporarily + helped him out. When his own were dry he would return the + borrowed articles. + </p> + <p> + As though desirous of doing penance because of his wretched + failure as a prank player, Bandy-legs did work, bringing wood + to the outside of the cabin with unwonted zeal. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, the trapper finally had to stop him. + </p> + <p> + "Looks like you meant to swamp us with firewood, son," he + remarked, surveying the pile that was heaped up against the + side of the cabin. + </p> + <p> + "Huh, thought I'd get enough while I was about it," + Bandy-legs replied. + </p> + <p> + "Well, you've done yourself proud, my boy, and I reckon I'd + stop now. We've got all we can use till to-morrow night. And + I don't like too big a stack against the cabin wall. A spark + from the chimney might set her going, and I'd hate to be + burned out." + </p> + <p> + The supper was a success. + </p> + <p> + Of course they had plenty of other things to eat besides + Steve's pet dish. The boys made sure of this, not fancying + the idea of having to depend upon the musquash alone. + </p> + <p> + All of them but Steve tasted it and declared it fine. He + could not be coaxed to even sample it at the time; but Old + Jim believed Steve would come around in time. + </p> + <p> + "It's just because these plump little critters are so + common," he remarked, with a smile of satisfaction, as he + emptied the balance of the stew into his own pannikin. "If + they cost four dollars each, now, and only the millionaires + could buy 'em, you'd think they beat anything going." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said bookworm Owen, "that's the way it was with + diamond-back terrapin. Time was in Virginia and North + Carolina, yes, in Maryland, too, when a man hired out to a + planter along the coast, he had it entered in the contract + that he was not to be fed on terrapin. They were looked on at + that time as common stuff. To-day the rich pay five dollars + apiece for decent-sized little fellows. You're right, Uncle + Jim, it makes a lot of difference." + </p> + <p> + Talking in this strain, and picking up useful as well as + interesting information from time to time, as Trapper Jim + explained things to the boys who were his guests, the evening + passed pleasantly away. + </p> + <p> + Even Bandy-legs seemed to forget his recent troubles part of + the time. + </p> + <p> + Max, seeing him rub various portions of his body tenderly, + asked whether he had really been burned. And when the baffled + joker was induced to show several red marks, Max insisted on + applying a soothing lotion, which took out much of the pain. + </p> + <p> + It was an evening long to be remembered by the boys. Steve's + turn to occupy the extra bunk had come around, and he felt in + high feather in consequence, while the other boys had to + select their places on the floor. + </p> + <p> + But everyone seemed in the best of humor, and the soft furs + promised to make just as good beds as they could wish. + </p> + <p> + When Max stepped out just before retiring to see how the + weather promised for the morrow, he found a clear sky, the + moon just peeping into view, and a wholesome tang in the air. + </p> + <p> + And as Max stood listening to the far-away mournful call of + an owl to its mate, and noted the flood of soft moonlight, it + was no wonder he said to himself: + </p> + <p> + "I tell you it's good to be here!" + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH6"><!-- CH6 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <center> + STEVE STARTS GAME. + </center> + <p> + "Wish you fellows luck!" said Owen. + </p> + <p> + It was the next morning. Breakfast had been dispatched, and + there was still a distinct odor of bacon and coffee in the + air. + </p> + <p> + All of them were getting ready for the duties laid out for + the day; and this remark of Owen's had been intended for Max + and Steve. + </p> + <p> + Eager to indulge in a hunt, with the dim prospect of bringing + home a fine deer, Steve had begged Trapper Jim to let him go. + This was on the evening before, while they sat by the blazing + fire in the cabin. + </p> + <p> + Now Old Jim had, of course, sized up impulsive Steve pretty + well before now. He liked the boy very much, for he knew + Steve was warm-hearted and a true comrade. But he hardly + fancied having so impatient a lad go off by himself. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, he had told Steve that if he could get Max to + keep him company on a little hunt, he would post them with + regard to where they were most likely to run across game. + </p> + <p> + And Max had only too gladly agreed. + </p> + <p> + He had a new magazine 30-30 repeating rifle. It was a small + bore, but by using the soft-nosed bullets that mushroom out + upon striking even the flesh of an animal, it would prove + just as powerful as a heavier gun. + </p> + <p> + And Max was secretly just wild to try it on a deer, though he + did not show his feelings the same way Steve would have done. + </p> + <p> + Both boys were ready to start out when the others left to + make a round of the traps. They had received final + instructions from Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + "Got your compass, Max?" asked his cousin. + </p> + <p> + "It's O.K.," replied the other, touching his pocket, + suggestively. + </p> + <p> + "D-d-don't forget your g-g-grub," said Toby. + </p> + <p> + "Both of us got the snack of lunch stowed away," Steve made + answer, as he pointed to the bulging side of his khaki + hunting coat that had a game pocket running all the way + around inside, "big enough almost to stow a deer in," Steve + had laughingly declared. + </p> + <p> + "But I hardly think Max would ever need a compass," + Bandy-legs observed. "You know he never yet was lost in the + woods." + </p> + <p> + "Glad to hear that, son," remarked Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + "Sure thing," Bandy-legs went on to say, "Max, he can tell + the points of the compass by the bark or the green moss on + the trees, by the way the trees lean, and lots of other ways; + can't you, Max!" + </p> + <p> + But the other only smiled, as though he thought there was no + need of his wasting breath when, as Steve declared, he could + have a loyal chum "blow his horn" for him. + </p> + <p> + "All ready here, Max," announced Steve, anxious to start. + </p> + <p> + So, with a few parting words the two hunters left the + vicinity of the cabin in the forest. The others were just + about ready to start out to learn what the various traps + contained. + </p> + <p> + "Don't forget about that bear, Uncle Jim!" shouted Steve. + </p> + <p> + "I sure won't," answered the old man, waving his hand. + </p> + <p> + "If he's been back over that trail you'll lug out Old Tom and + give him a chance to earn his keep, won't you!" pursued + Steve. + </p> + <p> + "That's right, I will." + </p> + <p> + Satisfied with the answer, Steve followed after Max. + </p> + <p> + Now, although Steve had shot quail and ducks, rabbits and + squirrels, he was not a big-game hunter. As yet he had to + secure his first deer. And as the sporting instinct was + coming on very markedly in the boy, he was anxious to be able + to say he had shot a "lordly" buck. + </p> + <p> + It was always that, with Steve, whenever he boasted of the + great things he intended doing on a projected hunt. No + ordinary doe seemed ever to enter into his calculations at + all. + </p> + <p> + "And a five-pronged buck, too," he declared. "I wouldn't + waste my precious time with anything less." + </p> + <p> + Knowing that Max had had more or less experience in the line + of hunting, Steve was secretly pleased to take lessons. There + might be times when Steve was inclined to boast that he knew + it all; but when out with Max he felt that this style of + bluff would not go. + </p> + <p> + They headed in the direction the trapper had laid out for + them. Since the old man had spent many years around this + region it stood to reason that he ought to know a good deal + concerning the places where game was most likely to be found. + </p> + <p> + "Think we'll get one, Max?" asked Steve, after they had been + walking for nearly a full hour through the forest. + </p> + <p> + "It's a toss-up," replied the other; "hunting always is, + because you never know whether the game is there or not. And + even if you are lucky enough to start something, perhaps + you'll fail to bring it down." + </p> + <p> + Steve laughed incredulously. + </p> + <p> + "Trust me to do that same," he avowed, "if only I can get my + peepers on a five-pronged buck. Think of what I've got in the + barrels of my gun, Max, twelve separate bullets in each + shell, and propelled by nearly four drams of powder. Wow! I'd + sure hate to be the luckless deer that stood up before all + that ammunition." + </p> + <p> + "Especially when the keen eye and sure hand of Steve Dowdy is + back of it all," chuckled Max. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, well, I don't want to boast, you know, Max, 'cause I + might happen to make a foozle out of it. I was only speaking + of the hard-hitting qualities of this little double-barreled + Marlin of mine, that's all." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we must wait and see," said Max. "Perhaps you'll make + good right in the start; and then, again, something might + throw you down. The proof of the pudding's in the eating of + it, they say." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I do hope we get a deer, even if it doesn't fall to my + gun," Steve continued to say. "It'd be too bad now if we + spent a whole two weeks up here with Trapper Jim and never + tasted any game besides measly squirrel, rabbit, or maybe + partridge, if they're still to be had." + </p> + <p> + "You forget musquash," added Max. + </p> + <p> + "Bah! I <i>wanted</i> to forget it," declared the other. + </p> + <p> + "Suppose we knock off talking for a while, Steve," suggested + Max. "We're coming to one of the places he said we might find + deer. And they've got pretty sharp ears, let me tell you + right now." + </p> + <p> + "But you said we were always hunting up against the wind, so + our scent wouldn't be carried to the game," Steve observed. + </p> + <p> + "That's true enough, Steve, but even then good deer hunters + seldom talk above whispers when they expect to run across + game. This is one of the times when we can apply that old + maxim we used to write in our copy books at school." + </p> + <p> + "Sure, I remember it well," chuckled Steve, "'speech may be + silver, but silence is gold.' I'm dumb, Max." + </p> + <p> + And for a wonder, not another word did Steve utter for over + half an hour. As he was usually such a talkative fellow, this + keeping still must have been in the line of great punishment + to Steve. + </p> + <p> + But, then, there are times when the sporting instinct sways + all else. And Steve understood that still hunting deer meant + a padlock on the lips. + </p> + <p> + After all, disappointment awaited them. + </p> + <p> + They put in a solid hour looking over all the territory first + mentioned by Trapper Jim, but without starting a single deer. + </p> + <p> + "They've been around," Max finally observed, "and not long + ago either, because you can see the tracks as fresh as + anything; but it must have been yesterday, because they're + not here now." + </p> + <p> + "Looky!" exclaimed Steve, "here's where a five-pronged buck + must 'a' rubbed himself against this tree, because there's a + big bunch of red hair sticking to the rough bark. Glory! + Wouldn't I like to have been about over there by the log when + he was doing it. Oh, such a shot!" + </p> + <p> + "You could hardly have missed him from there," laughed Max. + </p> + <p> + "What next?" asked the disappointed one. + </p> + <p> + "The sun's getting up pretty near the top of its range. That + means it's near noon time," remarked Max. + </p> + <p> + "And time for grub, eh?" cried Steve. "Well, I won't be + sorry, believe me, for several reasons. First place, I'm + hungry as all get-out. Then, again, I'm tired of toting all + this stuff around. Say when, Max." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, we'll keep on for half an hour more till we come to a + stream where we can get a drink. Then in the afternoon we'll + circle around some, so as to reach the other promising + section Jim told us about. Come on, Steve." + </p> + <p> + Nothing rewarded their search; and chancing upon a gurgling + creek about the end of the half hour, the two boys found a + log to sit down upon. + </p> + <p> + After eating they rested for quite a spell. + </p> + <p> + Finally Steve could stand it no longer, but urged his + companion to "get a move on him." So once again the two + hunters walked on. + </p> + <p> + Steve was beginning to complain of being nearly done up, when + Max asked him not to talk again only in a whisper, as they + were now close upon the other feeding ground of the coveted + deer. + </p> + <p> + And this caused Steve to brighten up immediately. In his + eagerness to find game his pains were forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Max arranged that they separate and advance along parallel + lines, so as to cover more territory. + </p> + <p> + He had been going on himself some little time when suddenly + he heard Steve's gun roar. A second shot followed fast on the + heels of the first, and Max, excited, ran in the direction of + the sounds. A few minutes later he heard the lusty voice of + Steve calling out: + </p> + <p> + "Take care, Max, he knows you're coming! Run for it! He's + starting for you! Get a tree, Max, get a tree! He's a holy + terror!" + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH7"><!-- CH7 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <center> + THE UNWELCOME GUEST. + </center> + <p> + Max saw what had happened in that one glance he took. + </p> + <p> + Steve had met his deer at last; and sure enough it was a + sturdy buck that had five prongs to his antlers, showing his + years. + </p> + <p> + Whatever upset Steve could only be guessed; but although he + had certainly sent in two shots he had failed to bag the + game. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps he wounded the deer with the first shot and the + animal had fallen. Flushed with triumph, Steve had given a + yell and started to hasten toward his quarry with the + intention of bleeding it, as he understood should be done. + </p> + <p> + Then, when the buck scrambled to his feet, and charged + straight at the young hunter, Steve had been so rattled that + he missed entirely with his second shot. + </p> + <p> + After that it was run or take to a tree for Steve. + </p> + <p> + And sheltered behind an oak, around which he had been chased + again and again by the angry buck, Steve had seen his chum + appear in sight. + </p> + <p> + It was then he shouted his warning. + </p> + <p> + Max had no intention of picking out a tree for himself, as + Steve suggested; at least not so early in the game. Time + enough for that when he found he had made as bad a bungle of + the affair as his chum seemed to have done. + </p> + <p> + Here was the fine chance to try his new rifle that he had + been hoping would come along. + </p> + <p> + "Look out!" + </p> + <p> + Max hardly heard this last warning, cry from the boy who + looked out behind the friendly oak. He had dropped on his + right knee and raised his gun. + </p> + <p> + The buck was coming on pretty fast, considering the fact that + he seemed to limp and be losing blood from the wound Steve + had given him. + </p> + <p> + Max knew he had a difficult task to place his bullet where it + was calculated to do the most good. There was little of the + deer's breast exposed as with lowered head he charged toward + this new enemy. But Max had all the necessary requisites that + go to make up the good hunter—a quick eye, a sure hand, + and excellent judgment in a pinch. + </p> + <p> + He took a quick aim, and meant to fire while the buck was + still a little way off. This was to give him a chance to pump + a new cartridge into the firing chamber of his gun in case + the first shot failed to do the work. + </p> + <p> + After that—well, of course, there still remained the + tree Steve recommended, and Steve ought to know a good thing + when he saw it, since he had been saved from those really + dangerous-looking antlers by a sheltering tree. + </p> + <p> + But, then, Max did not mean to register a miss. + </p> + <p> + He pressed the trigger at just the right time as the buck was + rising in the air. And when he saw the deer crash to the + ground, although he felt a thrill of satisfaction, cautious + Max was not like Steve, rushing headlong forward to bleed his + game. + </p> + <p> + On the contrary, his first act was to go through the rapid + action that placed his rifle in serviceable condition again. + </p> + <p> + "Take care, Max," yelled Steve, seeing the buck struggling, + "that's how he fooled me, the sharp dodger! He's the tricky + one, all right, you bet! Watch him climb up again, now! Take + that big tree right alongside you, Max!" + </p> + <p> + But instead of doing this Max advanced toward the spot where + the buck had fallen. He was ready to send in another shot + should it be needed. But there was no necessity. + </p> + <p> + The buck gave one last violent kick and then lay still. + </p> + <p> + "All over, Steve; you can come along," said Max, beckoning + toward the other. + </p> + <p> + Steve stopped to pick up his gun, examined it with apparent + solicitude, as if to make sure it had not been injured, and + then carefully replaced the discharged shells with fresh + ones. + </p> + <p> + "You never can tell what them there old five-pronged bucks + <i>will</i> do," he said, as he came up to where Max stood, + surveying their prize; "and it's best to be on the safe side; + so that's why I waited to load my gun." + </p> + <p> + "And I reckon, Steve," said Max, with a smile, "that if you'd + waited before to see if your buck got up again, you'd have + downed him for keeps with that second barrel, and then you + wouldn't have had to hunt up the safe side of a tree." + </p> + <p> + "Guess that's all to the good, Max," replied the other, + humbly. + </p> + <p> + "Pretty fine-looking buck, ain't he, Steve?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I should say yes," was the answer. "And just to think + he's the very five-pronged old boy I've been talking about + this long while." + </p> + <p> + "My, but he acted as though he was mad at you!" Max went on, + anxious to hear some of the particulars of what had happened. + </p> + <p> + "That's straight goods, Max, and he had reason to be mad at + me. I plunked him with that first shot and he went down. I + thought I had him and started to run in, when, shucks, he got + up again!" + </p> + <p> + "Then you fired again, but so rapidly that you missed; was + that it, Steve?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I admit I was some rattled," replied the other. + </p> + <p> + "And then after you missed him, Steve?" + </p> + <p> + "Huh, after that things commenced to happen. They came so + fast they kind of got me twisted," and Steve made a comical + face with this statement that almost set the other off into a + roar of laughter. + </p> + <p> + But he knew that if he gave way it might offend Steve and + cause him to bottle up his explanation; so Max held in. + </p> + <p> + "And then?" he went on. + </p> + <p> + "Oh," said Steve, "I saw a tree and headed for it kerslam. + But the old buck he seemed to be on the high-speed gear + himself. First thing I knew he bumped me for fair, and then + came back to stick me with his horns. But I didn't just care + for knowing him any closer, and I rolled out of the way." + </p> + <p> + "You managed to get your tree after that, didn't you, Steve?" + </p> + <p> + "Seems like I did, Max, though honest to goodness, now, if + you asked me how I did it I couldn't tell you. Reckon I must + have just <i>flown</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," laughed Max, "they always say fear has wings." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, now, looky here, you're mistaken, Max, sure you are. I + wasn't afraid right then, only somewhat rattled." + </p> + <p> + "From the excitement of the thing," remarked Max. "Of course, + and anybody would have been about the same. But lend a hand + here and let's turn our deer over, Steve. I want to see where + you hit him." + </p> + <p> + This they speedily accomplished; and then Steve, who had been + pondering over something, broke loose again. + </p> + <p> + "Max," he said, with a little quiver to his voice, "I noticed + just now that you said <i>our</i> deer. Do you mean to let me + claim a share in this thing, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, of course," replied the other, as if in surprise; "we + both shot him. See, here's where a buckshot from your gun + struck him in the side. They must have scattered more than + you thought they'd do at such a short distance." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Steve; "looks like it. But, Max, it was you who + killed him." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I ended him, that's right," said Max, who was nothing if + not generous, "but only for you holding him here after + wounding him, where would I have come in? Why, I'd never have + had the first sight of the buck." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that's so," said Steve, smiling grimly, "I <i>held</i> + him all right, didn't I? But when he was chasing me around + that old tree so lively, Max, somehow I didn't happen to look + at it that way. Fact is, I thought the plagued buck was + holding me." + </p> + <p> + "All the same," declared Max in a tone that settled it, "we + got him, and both of us gave him a chance to bleed. You + weakened him at first, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, did I?" remarked Steve, feeling of his ribs, as if to + make sure none of them were broken. "Well, you see, I can't + help but wonder what would have happened to me if the old + beast hadn't been weakened, just like you say." + </p> + <p> + That was too much for Max. And, besides, having coaxed the + whole story from his chum now, he thought it would not matter + very much if he did indulge in a good laugh. + </p> + <p> + To his surprise Steve joined in. Evidently the realization + that he had actually helped kill a genuine five-pronged buck, + fulfilling his wildest dream, caused Steve to be less + "touchy" than usual. + </p> + <p> + "But we must manage to get him home some way, Max," he + remarked after a while, when they had grown weary of admiring + their prize. + </p> + <p> + "Think we could tote several hundred pounds four miles?" + demanded Max. "If it was a little doe, now, I might be + willing to tie the legs along a pole and try it; but I balk + at this big chap." + </p> + <p> + "Then what shall we do?" asked Steve. + </p> + <p> + "I'm going to cut it up the best way I know how," his chum + replied. "All we want to take along is one hind quarter. + Plenty on that for two meals. And like as not we'll find the + old chap pretty tough." + </p> + <p> + Accordingly the boys set to work. Steve knew next to nothing + about such things, but was willing to do whatever his comrade + asked of him. And while Max professed to be a clumsy butcher, + he certainly did his work in a way to draw out words of + praise from the delighted chum. + </p> + <p> + "There, that job is done," said Max, when the sun was nearly + halfway down the western sky, "and I'm glad of it, too." + </p> + <p> + "We can take turns carrying the hind quarter," remarked + Steve, hefting it; "after all, it doesn't seem so very + heavy." + </p> + <p> + "I'm going to wrap it in the skin, which I removed the first + thing," Max continued. + </p> + <p> + "But it's too bad to leave all the rest of our fine buck," + sighed Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, don't think I mean to let the foxes and other animals + make way with the rest of the venison! I've got this rope + here around my waist; you know it comes in handy sometimes." + </p> + <p> + Steve laughed. + </p> + <p> + "For pulling silly fellows out of quicksand and bog holes," + he remarked. "Oh, yes, don't think I've forgotten what + happened in that Great Dismal Swamp. But do you mean to yank + the carcass up in a tree, Max? Is that the way you expect to + use the rope?" + </p> + <p> + Max nodded in reply. + </p> + <p> + They soon accomplished this. + </p> + <p> + Max seemed to know just how to go about it, and presently the + balance of the deer swung there in space, six feet or more + from the ground, and as many below the strong limb over which + the rope had been thrown. + </p> + <p> + "Think it'll be safe, do you?" asked Steve, puffing from the + exertion of pulling such a weight upward. + </p> + <p> + "From every kind of animal but a bobcat. If one of that tribe + happens along and is hungry, of course he could drop down on + the upper part and munch away," was the reply Max made. + </p> + <p> + "Which happens to be the fore quarters of the buck, the part + we don't care about so much," said Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I had that in mind when I fixed the rope, Steve." + </p> + <p> + "I might have guessed it, because you're always thinking + ahead, Max. And shall we start for home now?" + </p> + <p> + "Shortly. Let's get rested a bit more. And I want to fix + directions straight in my mind so we'll hit the cabin first + shot," Max answered. + </p> + <p> + "Four miles, you said, didn't you?" Steve asked, with a big + sigh; for now that the excitement was over he began to feel + tired again. + </p> + <p> + "That's what Uncle Jim said," remarked Max. + </p> + <p> + After a while they started on their way and trudged along + nearly two miles in silence, Steve insisting on sharing the + load, which Max had made possible by fastening the venison to + a pole, so that each could grasp it. + </p> + <p> + "Max," said Steve about this time. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, what is it?" replied the other, as they changed places. + </p> + <p> + "Catamounts and lynx and bobcats like fresh meat, of course; + but you don't think now, do you, Max, they'd hurt those + beautiful five-pronged horns?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course not," replied the other, walking on again. + </p> + <p> + "Because we ought to get those to mount and keep in one of + our rooms at home, Max." + </p> + <p> + "Your room, Steve; you're a thousand times welcome to my + share in them." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, thank you, Max, that's awful kind." + </p> + <p> + After a wearisome march they approached the cabin. It was + late in the afternoon, but no friendly smoke arose from the + chimney. + </p> + <p> + The returned hunters saw this fact with astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "What does it mean!" Steve remarked, as they came to a halt + and set their burden down upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + "Hi, fellows!" called a voice. + </p> + <p> + Some one stepped out of the bushes across the little clearing + and waved his hand. It was Owen, and he seemed to be + beckoning in the most mysterious manner possible. + </p> + <p> + Max and Steve exchanged puzzled looks. + </p> + <p> + "What in the dickens is up now!" exclaimed the latter. + </p> + <p> + "Owen wants us to cross over to where he is," Max went on to + say; "and I reckon the quickest way to find out is to join + him." + </p> + <p> + "Ginger, I can see Toby there, too; yes, and now I get a + glimpse of Trapper Jim and Bandy-legs! They're all sitting in + a row on that log, Max, and lookin' solemn-like at the cabin. + What in the wide world is up? She ain't a-fire that I can + notice." + </p> + <p> + "Come along; let's find out," said Max, stooping to his end + of the pole upon which the hind quarter of venison was slung. + </p> + <p> + "I'll just bust if I don't know soon, because I hate + mysteries," muttered Steve, as he copied the example of his + chum. + </p> + <p> + When the two victorious hunters came upon the rest, Jim and + Toby and Bandy-legs got up off the log. They even smiled a + little, but Max thought there was something rather forced + about this half grin. + </p> + <p> + "What's happened?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," added Steve impetuously, "what are you all pulling + such long faces for, just like it was a funeral or something; + tell us that?" + </p> + <p> + "It <i>is</i> something nigh as bad as a funeral," said + Trapper Jim, a twinkle appearing in his eye. + </p> + <p> + "We're certainly bereft—of our home," added Owen, + making a wry face. + </p> + <p> + "What!" gasped Steve, looking from the speaker across to the + cabin. + </p> + <p> + "It's not exactly a funeral, but an eviction," remarked Owen + again. + </p> + <p> + "He means," said Bandy-legs, "we're kicked out of our + cabin—that to-night we'll have to sleep on the cold, + hard ground, with only the sky for a blanket. And what's + worse, it was my turn to try that jolly old bunk. Hang the + luck, why couldn't he stay where he belonged and leave us + alone!" + </p> + <p> + "Say, if it's an animal that's got in, and is holding the + fort, why, let's go up and cross-fire him from the windows," + suggested impetuous Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Not on your life!" exclaimed Trapper Jim, catching hold of + Steve before he could break away. "That's just what we + <i>don't</i> want to do—disturb him too violently or + kill him while he chooses to hold the fort there." + </p> + <p> + "But why are you so careful about his health, Uncle Jim?" + asked the bewildered Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Because our guest happens to be a striped skunk!" was the + appalling answer he received. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH8"><!-- CH8 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <center> + SMOKING THE INTRUDER OUT. + </center> + <p> + "A polecat!" gasped Steve. "Thunder! What a nice mess we're + in." + </p> + <p> + "That's just what," echoed Bandy-legs. "It's half an hour now + since Uncle Jim sighted the striped beast through the window. + He was a-settin' on the table then, and having a spread all + by himself. Then, of course, after that he gets sleepy, and I + just bet you right now he's curled up as nice as you please + in the very bunk I expected to occupy to-night. Just my + luck!" + </p> + <p> + "But we ought to get rid of him," said Max, hardly knowing + whether to laugh or feel provoked, for he was very tired and + hungry and did not enjoy the prospect of sleeping + out-of-doors without even a solitary blanket, while that + saucy little beast retained possession of the whole cabin. + </p> + <p> + "We've been waiting and watching and hoping this half hour + and more," said Owen, with a rather forlorn smile; "but still + he doesn't come out of the window where he must have gone + in." + </p> + <p> + "H-h-he likes it in t-t-there. Most c-c-comfortable place he + ever s-s-struck," Toby remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Where were the dogs when he went in?" Max asked. + </p> + <p> + "Off with us," replied Owen. + </p> + <p> + "We got back an hour before noon," Trapper Jim remarked. + "After lunch we hung around for a while and I fixed all the + pelts we brought in." + </p> + <p> + "Any mink?" asked Steve, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, one good pelt," answered Jim. "Then, about the middle + of the afternoon I said we might take a little range around + on our own hook and set the bear trap in the bargain, for the + old chap had been along the trail to the marsh again." + </p> + <p> + "Bully!" exclaimed Steve, who was hard to keep quiet. + </p> + <p> + "We tied the dogs some little distance away from where we + meant to set our bear trap, because they'd want to follow the + trail and spoil everything," Uncle Jim went on. + </p> + <p> + "And we helped him set her, too," remarked Bandy-legs, + proudly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, if we get a bear, it'll be partly yours, boys," the + trapper went on to say. "After that part of the business had + been carried out we started on our hunt. But to tell you the + truth, boys, we never saw a thing worth shooting." + </p> + <p> + Max suspected that Toby and Bandy-legs made so much noise + floundering through the dry leaves that they gave every + squirrel and rabbit plenty of warning, so that they could + make themselves scarce long before the expedition came along. + </p> + <p> + But if this was the truth Trapper Jim would not say so. What + were a few rabbits or squirrels in comparison with the + company of these jolly, interesting boys? The game he had + with him all the time, but not so Owen, Toby, and Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "Then we came home again," said Owen, taking up the story; + "and it was by the greatest luck ever that Uncle Jim just + happened to look in at the open window and discovered the + skunk. Just think what might have happened if we'd burst in + on the little beast and scared it!" + </p> + <p> + "And me with only one suit, which is bad enough as it is, + having holes burned in it, without having to bury the same," + Bandy-legs remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Oh," said Steve, "you wouldn't have felt it much, for + p'r'aps we'd have buried you with your clothes. But, however, + are we going to coax him out of there, boys?" + </p> + <p> + "I move Steve be appointed a committee of one to go and ask + our friend the skunk to vacate the ranch," said Owen. + </p> + <p> + "A good idea," added Max. "Steve, he's got a most convincing + way with animals. They take to him on sight." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that five-pronged buck did, you're right, Max," + admitted the candidate for fresh honors. "But I draw the line + on skunks." + </p> + <p> + "They ain't got a line; Uncle Jim says it's a stripe," + vociferated Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "But the day's nearly done and we've got to do something + about it," remarked Trapper Jim. "Can't one of you think up a + way? He acts like he meant to stay in there as long as the + feed holds out." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps he's heard the dogs," suggested Owen. "We've got + them tied up close by, and every little while one gives a + yelp." + </p> + <p> + "They seem to just know there's something up," declared + Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "S-s-sure t-t-thing," added Toby, seriously. + </p> + <p> + "Max, haven't you got a plan?" asked the owner of the cabin, + turning toward the other eagerly, as though he guessed that + if they found help at all it would be in this quarter. + </p> + <p> + "I was just thinking of something," replied the boy, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, go on," Trapper Jim continued. + </p> + <p> + "We couldn't coax him out, and if we tried to frighten the + little rascal it'd be all day with our staying in that cabin + again while we boys are up here. But perhaps he might be made + to feel so unpleasant in there that he'd be glad to move + off." + </p> + <p> + "Good for you, Max; I can see you've got an idea," cried out + Jim, approvingly. + </p> + <p> + "I don't think skunks like smoke any more than any other wild + animals!" Max ventured. + </p> + <p> + "Smoke!" ejaculated Steve. "Hallelujah! Max has caught on to + a bully good idea. Let's smoke the little beggar out. + Everyone get busy now." + </p> + <p> + "Hold on," said Trapper Jim, catching Steve by the sleeve + again; "go slow." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, go mighty slow," complained Bandy-legs. "You know well + enough, Steve Dowdy, that I can't smoke at all. There's no + use of my trying, because it makes me awful sick every time." + </p> + <p> + "Listen to that, would you!" laughed Steve. "The simple + believes we're all going to get pipes and blow the smoke + through some chinks in the cabin walls. Cheer up, old fellow, + it ain't quite as bad as that." + </p> + <p> + "When we've got some stuff that will burn," continued Max, + "I'll climb up on the roof, set fire to it, and drop it down + the chimney. Then after it gets a good start I'll follow it + with some weeds Uncle Jim will gather, and which he knows + must send out a dense smoke after I've clapped a board over + the top of the chimney flue." + </p> + <p> + "Bravo!" cried Owen, so loud that the chained dogs near by + started barking. + </p> + <p> + "A very original scheme," said Trapper Jim, patting Max on + the back. "And the sooner we start in to try how it works, + the better." + </p> + <p> + "I've got only one objection," Steve spoke up. + </p> + <p> + "Well, let's hear it," demanded Owen, frowning. + </p> + <p> + "I think Max ought to let Bandy-legs run that part of the + business," Steve went on to say, "he knows more about + chimneys than all the rest of the push put together. He's + examined 'em from top to bottom inside." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, rats!" mocked the one upon whose unwilling head all + these high honors were being heaped. + </p> + <p> + "I object," spoke up Toby, bound to have his say. + "B-b-bandy-legs never c-c-could resist the t-t-temp-tation to + d-d-drop in himself. And think what'd h-h-happen if the + s-s-skunk saw him comin' out of the f-f-fireplace + a-whoopin'." + </p> + <p> + "Let's get the stuff to burn, lads," said Trapper Jim, who + certainly enjoyed hearing the boys chaff each other in this + way. "And everybody keep away from that side of the house + where the window stands open." + </p> + <p> + They were not long in finding what they wanted. + </p> + <p> + "Make this up in a little bundle, boys, so I can drop it down + quick after I've set a match to it," and Max gathered the dry + stuff together as he spoke, waiting for one of the rest to + tie it with a cord. + </p> + <p> + "And this other I'd drop down loose like," said Trapper Jim, + as he held up the bunch of half-dead weeds he had collected. + "These give out the blackest smoke you ever saw, and if you + shut off the draft after they get going good and hard, + nothing living could stay long in that cabin." + </p> + <p> + "That's the ticket!" remarked Steve, enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + He certainly did enjoy action more than any one of the chums. + Steve was happy only when there was "something doing," even + though the source of excitement lay in a miserable little + highly scented skunk that had taken a liking to Jim's cozy + cabin and seemed ready to remain there indefinitely. + </p> + <p> + So they adjourned to the rear of the little squatty + structure. Everybody took great care to keep away from the + one open window. Some of the boys had had little or no + experience with the species of friendly animal now occupying + their quarters. Still, it was strange how great a respect for + his feelings they entertained. Why, no fellow seemed to want + to even be <i>seen</i> looking rudely in. + </p> + <p> + Max readily climbed upon the roof. + </p> + <p> + He purposely made considerable noise while so doing, and for + good reasons. It was just as well that the inmate of Jim's + cabin knew they were around and objected to his remaining + there. + </p> + <p> + And then, again, Max had a little fear lest the skunk make a + sudden appearance, popping out of the chimney before he could + really get busy. That event, should it take place, would + likely enough upset all his well-planned calculations. + </p> + <p> + Max under such conditions would wisely seek safety in flight. + Indeed, he had already picked out the very place where he + could jump from the roof of the cabin and make sure of + landing in a soft spot. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he reached the roof he hurried over to the + chimney, intending to start operations by dropping something + down. + </p> + <p> + "I ought to notify the little rascal that the flue is marked + dangerous," Max was saying to himself, "so that if he's + started up he can just back down again." + </p> + <p> + Fortunately nothing happened, and Max was not compelled to + take that sudden flying leap. + </p> + <p> + The chimney, as is the case with all log cabins, was built on + the outside. It was composed of slabs of wood, secured with a + mortar made principally of certain mud. + </p> + <p> + In process of time this became thoroughly baked, and the heat + assisted in this transformation. It was now as hard as flint + rock. + </p> + <p> + That the flue was a generous one we already know. Had that + not been the case Bandy-legs could never have fallen down + through it to land in the fireplace below. + </p> + <p> + Max had counted on this fact. + </p> + <p> + Having notified the intruder to keep away from the fireplace + under penalty of getting hurt, and feeling that the way was + now open to undertake the carrying out of his little scheme, + Max returned to the point where he had reached the roof. + </p> + <p> + The others had seen to it that the balance of his dry stuff + was placed where he could lay hands on the same. So Max by + degrees dumped all this down after the first lot. + </p> + <p> + "Now to set it going," he remarked. + </p> + <p> + "You seem to be having a bully old time up there all by your + lonely," said Steve, half enviously. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I'm a cheerful worker," Max replied. + </p> + <p> + He had arranged some of the best of the stuff so that after + applying a match he could send it down upon the top of all + that had gone before. + </p> + <p> + "How is it?" asked Trapper Jim, who was standing on something + or other, so that his head came above the low, almost flat + roof. + </p> + <p> + "It's burning all right; I can see it taking hold," came the + reply from Max, who had been cautiously peering down the + gaping chimney. + </p> + <p> + "Then take this stuff and follow suit," remarked the other, + handing up the armful of weeds he had himself gathered. + </p> + <p> + "Hurry up about it, too, Max," sang out Steve. "We want the + show to begin. It's cold down here, believe me." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it'll be warm enough," declared the owner of the cabin, + "if that onary little beast turns this way after he crawls + out of the window. And I'll advise you all to give him plenty + of room." + </p> + <p> + "We will, thank you," the others sang out in a chorus. "Oh, + you skunk, we like you—at a distance! Go ahead, Max, + fix him!" + </p> + <p> + Having dropped the weeds Jim had selected down the flue, Max + only waited until the black smoke began to pour out. + </p> + <p> + Then he quickly clapped a board Jim happened to own over the + top. + </p> + <p> + "That ends my part of the work here," he called out, crawling + over to the side of the cabin where he could have an + unobstructed view. + </p> + <p> + Heads appeared around the corners of the structure, but no + soul was venturesome enough to dare show himself in plain + view. + </p> + <p> + And so they waited to see what the result of the bright plan + would be. Already smoke was oozing out of the opening on the + side, and it did not seem possible that anything but a + salamander could stand the stifling fumes much longer. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH9"><!-- CH9 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <center> + BEFORE THE BLAZING LOGS. + </center> + <p> + "He's coming!" called out Max from above. + </p> + <p> + "Take care, everybody!" cried Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + In one way it was laughable to see the tremendous excitement + caused by the small striped animal with the bushy tail. The + skunk emerged from the window in something of haste. Reaching + the ground it seemed to cast one look backward, as though + either feeling provoked at being forced to vacate such nice + quarters, or else wondering what all that rank odor of + smoldering weeds meant. + </p> + <p> + Then the skunk sauntered jauntily off toward the woods, + looking as saucy as you please. The dogs bayed from their + place of confinement; the boys stepped out to wave their + hands after their departing guest; but not one was bold + enough to wish to lay a hand on him. + </p> + <p> + "Good-by and good luck!" called Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + "Next time don't stay so long," laughed Owen. + </p> + <p> + "He's little, but oh, my, how mighty!" remarked Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Look out, he's stopped!" shrieked Bandy-legs, and with that + everybody made a headlong plunge back of the cabin again. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Bandy-legs himself hid in a thicket and looked rather + white on reappearing again after Max sang out that the coast + was clear. + </p> + <p> + "They say one swallow don't make a spring," remarked Owen, + when all danger was over, "but it strikes me one polecat + does." + </p> + <p> + Of course, since the object of his labor had now been + successfully accomplished, Max took the board away from the + top of the chimney. + </p> + <p> + This allowed the smoke to escape in a normal way. + </p> + <p> + But when they stepped inside the cabin the boys were loud in + their expressions of disgust. + </p> + <p> + "That weed was sure a corker for smell as well as smoke, + Uncle Jim!" declared Owen. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I guess you're right there," chuckled the trapper. "I + admit it does run a pretty fair race with Mr. Skunk himself, + and that's why they give it his name. But it did the business + all right, eh, boys?" + </p> + <p> + "That's what," assented Steve, who had been holding his + breath until he could get used to the tainted atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + "And we ought to be thankful it's no worse," declared Max, + joining them. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Trapper Jim went on to say, "I remember a case where + in a logging camp some greenhorn was foolish enough to kill + one of the animals, and the result was they had to build new + quarters. Nobody could stand it in the old place. There's + nothing more lasting." + </p> + <p> + "It ain't overly nice right now," asserted Steve. "I'm + wondering which I like least, the perfume our visitor left or + the one your old skunkweed made." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, we'll soon change all that, boys," declared Trapper Jim. + "Build up the fire and we'll get busy. Just wait and see how + it's done." + </p> + <p> + It was, after all, a very simple thing. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim's idea seemed to be built on the principle that + "like is cured by like." He believed in overpowering one odor + with another. + </p> + <p> + And when that cabin began to fill up with the appetizing + scent of frying onions, flanked by that of some ground + coffee, which Jim allowed to scorch close to the flames, even + "hard-to-please Steve" admitted that everything seemed + peaceful and lovely again. + </p> + <p> + "But after this," he remarked, "I hope when we all go away + from home we'll be careful to close the blinds as well as the + door." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," added Owen, "and hang out a sign 'This house is taken; + no skunks need apply.' One dose was enough for me." + </p> + <p> + "But, s-s-say, wasn't it a c-c-cunning little b-b-beast," + observed Toby, "and d-d-didn't he look real sassy when he + m-m-marched off with his t-t-tail up over his s-s-shoulder?" + </p> + <p> + Steve looked at him severely. + </p> + <p> + "You'd better be mighty careful how you admire one of them + striped critters at close quarters, Toby, if ever you meet + one in the woods," he remarked. + </p> + <p> + "S-s-sure I will be careful," replied the other, with a wide + grin. + </p> + <p> + "Because," Steve went on to say, "if you ever do get in + collision with one, we'll have to bury every stitch you've + got on, crop your hair close, and make you sleep and live in + some old hollow tree. Ain't that so, Uncle Jim!" + </p> + <p> + "I guess that's about the size of it," came the reply. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you d-d-don't need to w-w-worry about me," Toby hastened + to say. "I know enough to k-k-keep out of the r-r-rain. I + d-d-don't like his l-l-loud ways any b-b-better'n the rest of + you." + </p> + <p> + "Well, don't say I didn't warn you," Steve continued, + severely. "I'm a little suspicious about you, Toby, because + you always did like cats. And I'm going to keep an eye out + to-morrow for a handy hollow tree so's to be all ready." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, s-s-shucks! I h-h-hope you'll n-n-need it your own + self," was what Toby sent back at him. + </p> + <p> + By the time supper was ready the boys were as hungry as a + pack of wolves in January. And everything tasted so good, + too. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim showed them how to cook some of the venison in a + most appetizing way. It was "some tough," as even the proud + Steve admitted; but, then, what boy with a gnawing appetite + ever bothered about such a small thing? + </p> + <p> + The idea that they had actually shot the deer themselves + would cover a multitude of sins in the eyes of the young + Nimrods. + </p> + <p> + And while they were satisfied that the disagreeable odor left + behind by their unwelcome guest had been dissipated, Trapper + Jim knew better. They would detect faint traces of it about + the place for days to come, and find no difficulty about + believing the trapper's story about the abandonment of a + lumber camp. + </p> + <p> + "Are all s-s-skunks s-s-striped like that one was?" asked + Toby, during the progress of the meal. + </p> + <p> + "There he goes again," burst out Steve; "I tell you, fellows, + we're going to have a peck of trouble with this here + inquirin' mind of Toby's." + </p> + <p> + "G-g-go chase yourself!" blurted out the stuttering boy, + indignantly. "I'm only tryin' to g-g-get information at + c-c-close quarters." + </p> + <p> + "And you'll get it, all right," chuckled Steve. "You'll be + satisfied, I reckon; but think of us, what we'll have to + stand. Just you let that close quarters racket die out, Toby + Jucklin." + </p> + <p> + "Some of the animals are jet black," remarked the trapper, + "and they fetch a better price than the striped skins." + </p> + <p> + "Glory be!" ejaculated Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter with you?" demanded Steve. + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean to tell me they use the skins for furs?" + Bandy-legs continued. + </p> + <p> + "Sure they do," replied Steve; "ain't that so, Uncle Jim?" + </p> + <p> + "They make splendid furs," was what the trapper remarked. + "The striped ones are dyed, of course. And they have a way of + removing any faint odor that happens to remain." + </p> + <p> + "Faint odor!" echoed Steve, sniffing the atmosphere. "I + wonder if there ever is such a thing in connection with these + awful beasts." + </p> + <p> + "That shows you haven't read up about them, Steve," remarked + Owen. "Why, there are a whole lot of skunk farms all over the + Northern States." + </p> + <p> + "You're fooling me, Owen," declared Steve, reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + "How about it, Uncle Jim; am I kidding him?" demanded Owen, + turning toward the old trapper, who was enjoying all this + talk immensely. + </p> + <p> + "Heaps of skunk farms, yes, siree," he replied, promptly. + "They soon get to know the man who feeds them and give him no + trouble. He's a peaceable little critter, and only when he + gets excited does he go to extremes." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I want to give 'em all a wide berth," Steve asserted. + "And if I meet one in the woods I'm willing to let him have + the whole path. I'd take off my hat and bow in the bargain, + if I thought he wanted me to. Because I've got a whole lot of + respect for the skunk family. They're just immense!" + </p> + <p> + So they talked and jollied each other as they went on eating + one of the "bulliest suppers" they had ever sat down to, as + more than one of the boys loudly declared. + </p> + <p> + The dogs had been brought in and were given their share from + the remains of the venison that had been cooked, the balance + of the hind quarter having been hung out in the frosty air. + </p> + <p> + All of the boys had taken a decided fancy to the dogs, and in + return the intelligent animals seemed to reciprocate this + friendly feeling. Accustomed to sharing the cabin with the + trapper at night as his only companions during the long + winter months, they did not take kindly to the new rule that + made them sleep out in a kennel while the boys were present. + And when allowed inside they hugged the fire in a way that + told how much they appreciated its cheery warmth. + </p> + <p> + They were lying there later on in the night and Trapper Jim + had just mentioned that it must be time for him to take the + dogs out, when old Ajax lifted his head and growled. + Immediately little yellow Don did the same. + </p> + <p> + "What ails 'em?" asked Steve, as the dogs got up and stood + there, the hair along their necks and backs rising up. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I reckon they scent some animal prowling around + outside," remarked the trapper, making for the door. + </p> + <p> + "Good gracious! I hope now it ain't that same old skunk come + back because he's changed his mind!" exclaimed Bandy-legs, + glancing hastily around, as if to see where he could hide. + </p> + <p> + The trapper, however, seemed to know that there was no danger + along those lines. He took down the bar, and, throwing open + the door, stepped out. + </p> + <p> + As he did so there was a sudden vicious snarl that thrilled + the boys, and then the dogs bounded out with a chorus of wild + barks. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH10"><!-- CH10 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <center> + THE TRAIL OF THE CLOG. + </center> + <p> + The excitement was tremendous for the time being, with the + barking of the two dogs and the cries of the boys. + </p> + <p> + All of them had heard that savage snarl as Trapper Jim + stepped out. + </p> + <p> + "Was it a bobcat?" demanded Steve, who had been wise enough + to snatch up his gun before following the trapper out of the + door. + </p> + <p> + "Just what it was," replied the other. + </p> + <p> + "Three to one he was at our meat!" exclaimed Max. + </p> + <p> + "You can see it swinging yet," declared Owen. + </p> + <p> + "That's right, son," the trapper admitted; he was hanging to + it when I broke out so sudden-like. When he snarled like that + I ducked some, because it ain't the nicest thing a-going to + have a bobcat on your shoulders. But I saw him make a spring + and land among the branches of the tree. Then he was gone, + and the dogs they run out, givin' tongue." + </p> + <p> + "The moon's just climbin' in sight," said Steve, eagerly; + "d'ye think I'd stand a chance to get a crack at him if I + hurried along to where the dogs are barking like mad?" + </p> + <p> + He acted as though seriously contemplating such a bold move. + The trapper laid a hand on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "You'd best stay just where you be, son," he said, quietly, + but in a way Steve understood. "Only a foolish or reckless + hunter'd try to get at lose quarters with a bobcat of nights. + They scratch like fun, and there's always danger of blood + poisoning from such wounds." + </p> + <p> + So Steve was forced to restrain his ardor. But he + relinquished his plan with rather bad grace. + </p> + <p> + "I'll get you yet, old feller," he was heard to mutter, as + they heard the wildcat emit a mocking, tantalizing cry at + some little distance away. "You see if I don't, now!" + </p> + <p> + And when Steve once set his mind upon accomplishing anything, + he generally got there, for he was very persistent. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim, thinking that the dogs had had all the + excitement necessary, and wishing to put a stop to their + racket, blew a whistle he carried. + </p> + <p> + So well trained were the dogs that upon hearing the signal to + return to their master they immediately stopped barking and a + few minutes later Ajax showed up, quickly followed by Don. + </p> + <p> + "You chased him off, didn't you?" said the trapper, stooping + down to pat his pets by turns. + </p> + <p> + The dogs each gave a single bark, as though to say "yes," and + their wagging tails told how much they appreciated these few + words of praise from their master. + </p> + <p> + "Will the cat come back again, do you think?" Owen asked. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon not," laughed Trapper Jim; "since he's found out we + keep dogs around the camp. A bobcat hates dogs about as much + as human beings do skunks. If you ever run across him again, + Steve, it'll be somewhere else; p'r'aps up where you left the + rest of your fine buck." + </p> + <p> + "Well, he didn't get our breakfast, anyway," remarked + Bandy-legs, quite bold again, since all the danger seemed + past. + </p> + <p> + "Will you leave it out there after this, Uncle Jim?" asked + Max. + </p> + <p> + "On the whole," replied the other, "I guess not. It'll keep + all right indoors. And if that hungry cat should come back, + the dogs'll smell him and keep up a tarnal barkin' that'll + knock our sleep galley-west." + </p> + <p> + So he proceeded to lower what was left of the venison, which + was thereupon carried inside the house and hung up from the + rafters, along with numerous other things—packages of + dried herbs, stalks of tobacco which Jim had had sent up from + Kentucky, where a friend grew the weed, and some dried + venison that he called "pemmican" or jerked meat. + </p> + <p> + As they were all tired and in need of a good night's rest, + the boys were just as well pleased with this assurance that + their sleep should not be broken. + </p> + <p> + "I guess that pesky skunk didn't have time to crawl in my + bunk," announced Bandy-legs, in a satisfied tone, after + sniffing the blankets carefully. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you're always seeing ghosts where there ain't none!" + declared Steve. + </p> + <p> + The night passed away without any serious disturbance. Once + or twice there was an outbreak of barking on the part of the + dogs, still haunted by memories of the bold bobcat that had + dared come so close to the cabin. Trapper Jim had to go out + once to quiet Ajax, whose deep-toned baying seemed to annoy + him. + </p> + <p> + Morning arrived, and the boys, as usual, were up at the first + peep of day. There was so much to be done they could not + waste time in trying to sleep after the darkness had gone. + </p> + <p> + On this particular day quite a number of things awaited their + attention. First of all they meant to seek the spot where the + big bear trap had been set in the hopes that they would find + Bruin caught. + </p> + <p> + This was only a beginning. + </p> + <p> + Next in order, Steve and Max had decided to start out, taking + Toby along, and fetch in the balance of the venison, Toby had + expressed a desire to see the arena where Steve and the + five-pronged buck held their little circus. He also wished to + try how fast he could hurry around that tree, so as to be + prepared in case the time ever came when necessity would + compel him to adopt the same tactics. + </p> + <p> + Finally, Trapper Jim, and possibly the ether two boys, would + have to make the rounds of the traps to take out any catch, + and set them again. + </p> + <p> + On the whole it promised to be a rather energetic day. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast having been disposed of the boys all got ready to + move on. This time the dogs were taken, because they might + prove valuable in case a bear was caught. But Trapper Jim + made sure to hold them in leash. He valued the dogs too much + to think of taking any more chances of having them injured + than he could help. There was no need of risking their lives + with a trapped and furious bear when a single bullet would do + the business. + </p> + <p> + "Close that window, boys," said the trapper when they were + ready to go. + </p> + <p> + "You bet we will," declared Steve. + </p> + <p> + "No more unwelcome guests—whew!" ventured Bandy-legs, + as he started to accomplish the duty mentioned by the + trapper. + </p> + <p> + They made quite a large party as they sallied + forth—five boys, the trapper, and the two dogs. Each of + the boys had a gun of some sort, for they had provided + themselves with weapons against this trip to the North Woods + and two weeks or so with Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + "I pity the poor bear," said Max, as he looked around at the + assortment of weapons and the eager faces back of them. + </p> + <p> + "He'll sure die of fright when he sees this bunch all in + their war paint," Steve observed. "'Specially when he gets + sight of Bandy-legs there with that silly old pump gun he + bought and is afraid to use." + </p> + <p> + "Who's afraid?" sang out the injured party. "I ain't used it + just because there ain't been no chance yet, see? If I'd been + along with Max when that buck showed up, guess I'd 'a' give + him as good as you did." + </p> + <p> + "Listen, would you, fellers!" exclaimed Steve, and then he + laughed. "Say, wouldn't it have been a circus if that deer + got to chasing Bandy-legs around a tree! Run? Well, he'd have + to stir those stumps of his faster than he ever did before in + all his life, or he'd be hangin' on the ends of them horns. I + guess you're lucky not to have been there, my boy!" + </p> + <p> + "We're getting near the place where we set that trap, I + reckon," remarked Bandy-legs, partly to change the course of + the conversation, for it sometimes made him feel + uncomfortable when Steve got to joking upon the subject of + his short lower limbs. + </p> + <p> + "Correct, son," replied the trapper. "I'm glad to see you + noticed the lay of things when we was here yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "It's right over yonder," continued Bandy-legs, anxious now + to let Steve see that he was not as stupid as the other made + out. + </p> + <p> + "What makes you so sure of that, Bandy-legs?" asked Max. + </p> + <p> + "Why, you see, I remember that tree with the big bunch of + scarlet leaves. I was lookin' at that while Uncle Jim set the + trap. Ain't another clump like that anywhere around, I + reckon," was the smart reply Bandy-legs made. + </p> + <p> + The old trapper nodded his head. + </p> + <p> + "He's right," he said. "I took them same five leaves for my + mark, too. The trap was set just beyond. But, of course, that + ain't sayin' we'll find it there now." + </p> + <p> + "Not find the trap, do you say, Uncle Jim?" exclaimed + Bandy-legs; "why, whatever could happen to it?" + </p> + <p> + "If so be the bear came along and put his foot in, so them + powerful jaws they closed like a vise, I reckon he'd walk off + with it," the trapper replied. + </p> + <p> + "That's so, you didn't fasten the chain to a stake or a + tree," said Owen. + </p> + <p> + "But I remember that you had a big clump of wood fixed to the + end of the chain; what was that for?" Bandy-legs asked. + </p> + <p> + "I k-k-know; that's the c-c-clog," Toby interrupted them to + remark. + </p> + <p> + "Just what it was," Trapper Jim admitted. + </p> + <p> + "A clog, was it?" Bandy-legs continued; "but what's the use + of it?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll explain," the other remarked; "when we set a bear trap + we generally fasten the chain to a heavy piece of wood. When + Bruin shuffles off he drags this after him. And in the course + of time it weakens the old chap, for he's losing blood all + the time." + </p> + <p> + "That's kind of cruel; but go on, Uncle Jim," Owen remarked. + </p> + <p> + "I guess you're about right, son," said the other, "and + there's lots that's cruel about this trappin' business. But + the women must have their furs, and ever since Adam's time I + reckon the animals has had to supply covering for human + beings. Eve thought it all over many a time, and I try to be + as humane in my work as anybody could." + </p> + <p> + "But there's another use for the clog, isn't there?" asked + Max. + </p> + <p> + "To be sure there is," Trapper Jim replied. "You see, it + drags on the ground and leaves such a plain trail that any + tenderfoot could foller it." + </p> + <p> + "Then you really have no use for the dogs," spoke up Owen. "I + supposed they were going to lead us along the trail." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, they'll do that, all right," laughed the trapper; "but + to tell the truth I fetched 'em along for exercise and to + keep them from getting uneasy more'n anything else." + </p> + <p> + He stopped and appeared to be listening. + </p> + <p> + "Can you tell if he's there?" asked the wondering Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "I can tell that he ain't there," replied the trapper. "It's + all as still as anything. That means either our bear didn't + come along his trail after we set the trap, or else he's come + and carried it away with him." + </p> + <p> + "She's gone!" ejaculated Bandy-legs, as he craned his neck + the better to see the spot where, as he remembered, the big + trap had been set, artfully concealed, squarely in the track + Bruin used in going to and fro from the marsh to his chosen + den, where he expected to hibernate during the coming winter. + </p> + <p> + "You're correct, son," Trapper Jim declared. "The bear has + been here and walked off with my prize trap. Here's where the + clog tore up the ground, you see. I reckon now any one of you + boys could follow them marks." + </p> + <p> + "With my lamps blindfolded," Steve ventured. + </p> + <p> + "Then come on with me. We ought to have bear steak for supper + to-night," and holding on to the eager and straining Ajax, + while Owen looked after Don, the trapper led the pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Everywhere could be seen the plain marks where the weighty + clog had plowed into the ground when the trapped bear pulled + it along after him. + </p> + <p> + As the trapper had said, the merest tyro could easily have + followed such a broad, blood-marked trail. + </p> + <p> + Sooner or later they must expect to come upon the bear unless + he had been able, through good luck, to reach his den ere + now. + </p> + <p> + The excitement on the part of the two dogs grew more intense. + </p> + <p> + "We must be crawling upon him, I should think," Max remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Just what we're doing," the trapper replied, "and, unless I + miss my guess, we'll find him caught fast in this thicket + just ahead. Slow up, boys. There's no need of hurrying any + more, for I think he's waiting up for us right here." + </p> + <p> + With their hearts beating like trip hammers the boys now + approached the thicket into which the plain trail of the + heavy clog seemed to plunge. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH11"><!-- CH11 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <center> + "STEADY, STEVE, STEADY!" + </center> + <p> + "Listen!" said Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + All of them became silent. Even the dogs, as if recognizing + some vein of authority in that one word spoken by their + master, ceased barking, though still straining hard in the + leash, as though fairly wild to break away. + </p> + <p> + There was a crackling of the bushes, and this grew louder. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I see him!" cried Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "Get ready to shoot, everybody, if I give this word; but + don't pull trigger unless you hear me yell you to," called + out the trapper. + </p> + <p> + Then there was a savage roar that seemed to make the very air + quiver. Out of the thicket scrambled a big black bear, + looking furious indeed. + </p> + <p> + Thinking they were about to be attacked, and in a panic at + the very idea, some of the boys leveled their guns. They + might have pulled trigger, too, in their excitement, only for + the quick warning the old wood's ranger gave. + </p> + <p> + "Hold your fire, everybody. It's all off. No danger as long + as that clog remains fast!" was what he shouted. + </p> + <p> + Max could readily grasp the situation. He saw that the angry + beast could only come just so far, because something was + holding one of his hind legs. + </p> + <p> + "The clog's got fast among the rocks in there, and he's held + as tight as can be; that's what's the matter," Steve sang + out. + </p> + <p> + Of course the only thing left to do now was for some one to + put a bullet where it would be apt to do the most good. + </p> + <p> + Who would be appointed to carry out this part of the + programme? + </p> + <p> + Steve hoped Trapper Jim would look favorably upon him when + seeking a candidate. He had never shot a bear in all his + life, and while there would be little glory attached to the + passing of one that was held fast in a trap, still it would + be something to think of later on. + </p> + <p> + But Trapper Jim was a wise man. He supposed that every one of + the boys was fairly quivering with eagerness to be the one + selected. + </p> + <p> + As he looked around at the five anxious faces the trapper + scratched his head, as though unable to decide. + </p> + <p> + "It can't be did that way," he muttered. "They must draw lots + for it, and the shortest straw wins out. Hear that, boys?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and it's all to the mustard," said Steve, keeping on + the alert, and ready to pour in the contents of both barrels + should the trapped bear give any evidence of freeing the + clog. + </p> + <p> + "Then here goes." + </p> + <p> + With that the trapper fastened Ajax to a tree, and then, + bending down, picked up a number of twigs. These he seemed to + pinch off so that they were all of a size but one, which was + shorter. + </p> + <p> + "Remember, boys," he said, as he mixed these in his hand, so + that one could not be told from the others, "it ain't the + longest pole that knocks the persimmons this time. The feller + who gets the short straw has the chance. Take a pick, Steve." + </p> + <p> + Steve, of course, could not hold back. And while the dogs + were jumping to the length of their leashes and barking + madly, with the bear roaring an accompaniment as he tugged + desperately at his chain, he drew a splinter of wood. + </p> + <p> + "Missed! Gee, what tough luck!" Steve exclaimed, in a + chagrined voice, as he stared at his prize. + </p> + <p> + "Try your luck, next!" said Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + Max made a choice. He met with the same result that had given + Steve such an overwhelming sense of disappointment. + </p> + <p> + Then Owen stepped up eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "I've got it picked out," he remarked, "and it's all over but + the shouting." Then he chose, and was jeered by Steve. + </p> + <p> + "That leaves it a toss-up between Toby Jucklin and + Bandy-legs!" he exclaimed, envy plainly marked in his voice. + </p> + <p> + The two who had yet to draw looked a little frightened. Truth + to tell, neither of them experienced anything in the shape of + an overwhelming desire to "slay the jabberwock," as Owen put + it. + </p> + <p> + "Draw, Toby, and be quick about it," Steve flung out; "don't + you see the old chap's getting all out of patience. Pull out + a straw, now, and be done with it. Whatever you draw settles + it." + </p> + <p> + So Toby, with trembling fingers, did as he was told. And + immediately he glanced down at the one he had taken, he + grinned. + </p> + <p> + For it was one of the longer straws, similar to those taken + by the others. Bandy-legs grew pale. + </p> + <p> + "Do I have to draw?" he asked, almost piteously. + </p> + <p> + "Sure you do!" cried Steve. "There's only one left, and you + draw that. It's the fatal short one, too. You ring up the + prize, Bandy-legs!" + </p> + <p> + "But—I didn't have any choice!" remonstrated the one + selected by fate to be the executioner of the trapped bear. + </p> + <p> + "Huh, I like that!" laughed Steve. "Why, you had a chance + every time one of us stepped up and made a pick. Go on, now, + and get ready to do for him, unless you've got cold feet and + want to hand it over to somebody else." + </p> + <p> + But somehow Steve's jeering remarks had stirred Bandy-legs' + pride. He looked hard at the other. Then he shut his jaws + tight together. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks! I guess I'll do the job myself!" he remarked. + </p> + <p> + "With that pop gun of yours?" asked the incredulous Steve. + </p> + <p> + "No, I'm going to ask Max to lend me his rifle," replied + Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "Much you know about a repeating rifle!" continued his + tormentor. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I did fire it a few times at a target, didn't I, Max?" + protested the chosen one. + </p> + <p> + "You sure did, and really hit the target once," Max hastened + to answer, as he exchanged guns with Bandy-legs. + </p> + <p> + "Huh, that ain't sayin' much, when like as not the target was + a <i>barn</i>!" + </p> + <p> + Ignoring this last thrust from Steve as something beneath his + notice, Bandy-legs saw to it that the hammer of the repeating + rifle was drawn back. + </p> + <p> + "Where'll I stand, Uncle Jim?" he demanded, trying to appear + quite cool; but the experienced old trapper knew very well + how he was secretly quivering all over. + </p> + <p> + "Here, drop down behind this rock and rest your rifle on it," + he said. "Now, wait till I say the word, and then press the + trigger. Aim just back of the foreleg, because you're more + apt to reach his heart there." + </p> + <p> + "What if I don't kill him?" asked Bandy-legs, with a big + sigh. + </p> + <p> + "Clap another shell in and give it to him. Reckon you know + how to work the trombone action, don't you?" the trapper went + on to say. + </p> + <p> + "Sure I do," answered the Nimrod, lowering his cheek to the + stock of the gun. + </p> + <p> + "Remember, now, and don't shut your eyes, Bandy-legs!" + advised Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Let up on that, Steve," remarked Max, who was greatly + interested in seeing the novice get a square deal. + </p> + <p> + Half a minute of waiting followed. The dogs continued to jump + and bark, and the bear, made savage by his pain, tugged at + his chain and growled. + </p> + <p> + "Shoot!" said Trapper Jim, suddenly. + </p> + <p> + Almost with the word came the clear report of the rifle, + showing that at least Steve's jibes had had the effect of + putting Bandy-legs on his mettle. + </p> + <p> + With a fearful roar the bear fell over and began struggling. + The dogs seemed almost frantic now in their desire to break + loose. + </p> + <p> + "Quick, work the pump action and get ready!" called out + Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + Bandy-legs managed to do as he was told, though he was + shaking so by this time that he almost let the gun drop. + </p> + <p> + "Hold on, no use wasting another shot. I reckon he's done + for," was what he heard Trapper Jim say. + </p> + <p> + "And you've been and gone and killed a real live bear, + Bandy-legs!" said Max. + </p> + <p> + The boy heaved a sigh as he gave back the rifle. + </p> + <p> + "But he was held fast in a trap, Max," he said, moodily; + "guess that ain't so much to crow over." + </p> + <p> + "But ain't he a whopper!" exclaimed Steve, who was at the + bear's side almost as soon as the animal had ceased to + struggle. + </p> + <p> + "If we only had a c-c-camera here now we'd take him with his + f-f-foot planted on the old b-b-bear and holdin' his + g-g-gun!" exclaimed Toby. + </p> + <p> + Here was plenty of work for all hands. + </p> + <p> + The bear must first of all be skinned, because Jim said he + had a splendid hide that would be worth a good deal to him + when properly dried. + </p> + <p> + Then they wanted some of the meat, in fact all that was worth + while, for Jim would dry that which they did not consume. + </p> + <p> + "Plenty of fat, too," he observed, as he worked. "I like + that, because I'm short just now on bear's grease, and a + supply would come in handy." + </p> + <p> + "What do you use it for, Uncle Jim?" asked Owen. + </p> + <p> + "Dozens of things. I rub it on boots, I keep my guns and ax + from rustin' by smearin' it on. Why, long ago in the woods + I've known where families made candles out of bear's fat by + using a wick in the middle." + </p> + <p> + By degrees he managed to cut the bear up. The meat was + wrapped in packages, so that it might all be transported to + the cabin. + </p> + <p> + "What about the trap; will you set it again?" asked Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Not here," was the reply. "No other bear is likely to come + along the trail this fellow made. One of you boys had best + tote it back home. I may need it again this winter if the + season stays open and the bears come out to look around, like + they do mild winters." + </p> + <p> + It was well on toward noon when they arrived once more at the + cabin, each one being pretty well loaded down. + </p> + <p> + They concluded to have a bite to eat before attempting + anything further. But the cooking of the bear meat would have + to be deferred until later in the day, as it would take too + much time. + </p> + <p> + Feeling refreshed after their meal, the boys announced + themselves ready to undertake any further business. + </p> + <p> + Max, Steve, and Toby were to take that four-mile tramp after + the venison that had been left behind on their former trip. + </p> + <p> + "Seems like we're getting our share of happenings up here," + remarked Steve, as he and his two chums tramped steadily on. + </p> + <p> + "Well, yes, it does look that way, Steve." + </p> + <p> + "Things come along right smart these days and nights," + continued the other. "And already it's paid us for the long + trip, 'cording to my calculations." + </p> + <p> + "It certainly has," admitted Max. + </p> + <p> + "With more'n a week more to come," added Steve. "And there's + only one thing I feel bad about, too." + </p> + <p> + "I think I could give a guess what that is," said Max; "the + bobcat." + </p> + <p> + "Hit it plumb center that time," laughed the other, as he + shifted his gun to the other shoulder, for on the four-mile + tramp it was beginning to feel rather heavy. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I wouldn't bother my head any over that fellow getting + away scot-free," Max continued. "He didn't do any damage, + and, as Uncle Jim says, you might have been sorry if you went + out in the dark woods looking for trouble. When anybody does + that he generally finds it, all right." + </p> + <p> + "But I hope I just happen on the old pirate again while we're + up in this neck of the woods," observed the persistent Steve. + "I'd just like to look along the barrels of my gun at the + varmint, as Jim calls him." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Steve, and he said he had an idea this was the same old + cat that gave him a peck of trouble last winter, stealing + some of the animals that were in his traps, but always + avoiding getting caught himself." + </p> + <p> + "Why, Uncle Jim even tried to poison the thief, but nary a + bite would the cat take of the doctored meat," Steve went on. + "I hope this is the same tough old customer and that I sight + him when I've got my gun along, that's all." + </p> + <p> + "We've got there, Steve. I can see the very tree where we + hung up the balance of the little buck we knocked over." + </p> + <p> + Steve could not but note how Max persistently gave him an + equal share in the credit of killing the deer. It warmed his + heart toward such a generous chum. But, then, that was always + the way with Max Hastings. + </p> + <p> + "Let's go a little slow, Steve," he continued; "we can't see + the deer, because of the leaves that still hang on to the + oak." + </p> + <p> + Silently then they advanced. + </p> + <p> + And just as they arrived at a spot where they could see the + hanging carcass, again did they hear that ferocious snarl as + on the preceding night. Steve instantly threw his gun up to + his shoulder, and at the same instant he heard Max at his + elbow saying: + </p> + <p> + "Steady, Steve, steady! Look out, he's going to jump." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH12"><!-- CH12 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <center> + THE END OF A THIEF. + </center> + <p> + The wildcat had evidently found the hanging carcass not a + great while before. At the time the three boys approached he + had been regaling himself as he clung to the upper part of + the dangling buck. + </p> + <p> + Being only half satisfied he seemed angry at being disturbed + in his meal. The boys happened to be "down the wind" from + him, and this would explain how it was they came upon him + apparently unawares. But when a wildcat is in a frightfully + bad humor he does not run off very easily, and this one, + according to what Uncle Jim had said, was unusually bold. He + had proved this by approaching the cabin of the trapper on + the preceding night. + </p> + <p> + Crouching there on the swaying carcass of the deer, and with + his chops all bloody from his recent meal which they had + disturbed, the bobcat presented a truly terrifying + appearance. + </p> + <p> + His short ears were laid back close to his head, his yellow + eyes glowed as though they were balls of phosphorescence, and + the hair on his back seemed to stand up on end. + </p> + <p> + Max had his gun in readiness, too. + </p> + <p> + He was not going to take any more chances than were + necessary. Steve seemed to be all ready to fire, and he knew + the other to be a pretty good shot. But, then, who could + wholly depend upon such an excitable fellow? + </p> + <p> + Then the cat sprang! + </p> + <p> + Max heard Toby utter a shout of warning that was swallowed up + in a tremendous roar close to his ears. Max sprang aside, and + he thought he saw Steve doing the same sort of stunt. Toby + was already safe behind the friendly trunk of a tree. + </p> + <p> + To the relief of Max the leaping cat seemed to crumple up in + the air. It turned completely over, as though by the impact + of something that had struck it. And when it reached the + ground it lay even beyond the hanging venison. + </p> + <p> + "Wow!" came from Steve. + </p> + <p> + He was scrambling to his feet, having dropped his gun. There + was a look of mingled satisfaction, surprise, and pain upon + his face. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter?" asked Max, noticing how the other was + rubbing his right shoulder where the butt of his shotgun had + rested. + </p> + <p> + "Hurts like fun!" replied Steve, making a wry face. + </p> + <p> + "You mean it kicked, don't you, Steve?" + </p> + <p> + "Kick? Well, I'll be sore for a month of Sundays," replied + the other, grunting as he touched a tender part. "Did you see + me go over?" + </p> + <p> + "Sure I did, but I thought you were dodging the leap of the + cat, the same as I did myself," returned Max. + </p> + <p> + "Dodging nothing!" said Steve. "I tell you that pesky gun + clean kicked me off my pins. Never had it play me such a + trick before." + </p> + <p> + Max stooped and picked up the shotgun. Then he laughed. + </p> + <p> + "It's all as simple as pie," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean I was that excited I pulled both triggers at + once?" cried Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Well, both hammers are down, and," breaking the gun as he + spoke, "you can see for yourself the shells are empty." + </p> + <p> + "Glory! No wonder I blew that old cat away, then!" cried + Steve. "With all those two dozen buckshot chasing through him + the poor critter must have been nearly torn to pieces. And + there my fine door mat goes a-glimmering!" + </p> + <p> + Investigation proved that Steve's fears were realized. The + terrific discharge at such close quarters had so riddled the + skin of the wildcat that it was not worth attempting to save. + </p> + <p> + "What a shame!" said Steve, as he got up again after + examining the dead beast. "He was a jim-dandy, too. If I'd + only had a crack at him thirty yards away instead of ten + feet, I'd have saved that lovely pelt." + </p> + <p> + "But it was a corking good shot, I tell you, Steve," declared + Max, warmly. + </p> + <p> + "That's j-j-just what it was," added Toby, who had parted + company with the friendly tree, now that the danger seemed a + thing of the past. + </p> + <p> + "To hit a tiger cat sitting on a limb is considered a good + enough showing," continued Max; "but to knock holes through + him while he is in the air jumping deserves high credit. + Think of that every time your shoulder hurts." + </p> + <p> + "Anyhow," remarked Steve, cheerfully, "I can bat right or + left handed, and I can shoot a gun the same old way; so this + little accident won't knock me out of the running. But I'd be + happier if I hadn't just ruined that skin." + </p> + <p> + "Well, better lug him home, anyway, if you feel able to," + advised Max. "Uncle Jim will be glad if he recognizes the + crafty old thief of last winter in this cat you knocked + down." + </p> + <p> + "Guess I will," Steve remarked, "though he'll be a load to + tote. We'll wait and see how you come on with the venison." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, don't bother about that," said Max. "Toby and myself + will look out for all we want to take with us." + </p> + <p> + "But those antlers—I promised to decorate my room with + those, Max!" + </p> + <p> + "That's all right," declared Max. "Come for them before we + leave here. You know the place, and by that time the foxes + will have cleaned them nicely for you." + </p> + <p> + And so things were arranged. + </p> + <p> + An hour later and the three lads headed for camp again. Each + one toted his share of the burden. But long before the cabin + was reached Steve began to feel sorry that he had determined + to display the wildcat to the others in order to prove his + story, and also let Trapper Jim see whether the victim of his + double shot was the same despised and hated bobcat that had + given him so very much trouble in the preceding year. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless Steve was a most determined boy. And having + started in to accomplish anything he could hardly be + influenced to give it up just because his back ached and his + lame shoulder protested. + </p> + <p> + Max insisted on changing loads with him when they were + halfway home. + </p> + <p> + "I can carry it better than you with your sore shoulder, + Steve," he said, when the other started to protest; "besides, + I've made this bundle of venison so it can be tied on your + back. You'll find it a relief. Don't say another word, for + you've just <i>got</i> to do it. All very good to show how + plucky and game you are, old fellow, but if you should get + knocked out by too much exertion, why, don't you see, it'll + break up the whole shooting match for the rest of us?" + </p> + <p> + Max put it that way for a purpose. He knew Steve's generous + nature, and that the other could be prevailed upon to do a + thing for the sake of his chums, when he would not budge so + far as any personal benefit was concerned. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, well, if that's so, perhaps I'd better throw the old + thing away," Steve declared. + </p> + <p> + "No," said Max, "that would be foolish, after you've carried + it two miles now. Besides, I feel sure Uncle Jim'd like to + see the cat. If he knows his old tricky enemy has really and + truly kicked the bucket, he'll rest easier this year. One + thief like this can give a trapper heaps of trouble. He + learns to look for his dinners in the traps." + </p> + <p> + "All right, then, Max; but it's awful good of you to change + over," declared Steve. "Why, this load ain't a circumstance + beside mine. I'm sorry for you, though, and if—" + </p> + <p> + "Let up on that sort of talk, please, Steve. If I find it too + much I'll own up. Then Toby here can take his turn." + </p> + <p> + "S-s-sure thing," assented the party mentioned, smiling + good-naturedly. + </p> + <p> + But, after all, Max carried the trophy of Steve's shots close + to the camp. Then, thinking the other might like to be seen + coming in with his own game, he made him change again, though + Steve winced as he worked his lame shoulder. + </p> + <p> + The others had returned, and were all busily engaged with the + trophies of the traps. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim, upon finding that Owen and Bandy-legs manifested + a certain amount of interest in all he did, took great + pleasure in showing them just how the skins must be removed + from the animals and fastened securely to the stretching + boards, so they would not shrivel up when drying. + </p> + <p> + He managed to impart considerable interesting information + while working, and Owen, determined not to get all these + facts twisted, was seen to be scribbling something down every + little while. + </p> + <p> + When they saw what constituted Steve's load, and heard from + Max and Toby the true story of how the savage animal was shot + while making a leap toward the young Nimrod, admiring looks + were cast on Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Gewhittaker, but ain't he a savage-looking old monster, + though!" declared Bandy-legs, examining the dead cat; "a + whole lot bigger'n that one we got in the Great Dismal Swamp, + fellows, let me tell you right now. Look at the teeth and the + needle-pointed claws, would you! I'm glad I didn't have to + face this critter." + </p> + <p> + "And Bandy-legs," Steve could not help saying, "this sweet + little cat didn't have its hind leg caught in a trap, either. + It was free as air, and if my lucky shot hadn't gone just + where it did, I guess I'd be in rags right now." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said the other, in no wise hurt by what Steve said, I + never claimed to be a hunter like you, Steve and you know it. + I guess shooting a trapped bear is about my limit. But I know + <i>you</i> wouldn't run away from the biggest old pig-stealer + that ever came down the pike." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Bandy-legs," said Steve, "and really and truly I + don't believe I would, not if I had my trusty gun along." + </p> + <p> + The afternoon was wearing away, and all of them believed that + they had been through quite enough excitement for one day. + Besides, they had covered a good many miles since morning and + felt rather like resting. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim was getting some of the bear meat in readiness + for cooking. He knew it would be anything but tender, but + long experience had taught him how to pound it with a little + contrivance he had, thus opening the tissues and allowing the + juices to escape. In this way a tough beefsteak can be made + more palatable if one cares to go to the trouble. Sometimes + he parboiled meat and then fried it. + </p> + <p> + As the sun went down Max stood outside the cabin, looking + around at the picture. The air was fresh and invigorating and + he drew in a big breath, as, turning to Owen who had just + come out to join him, he remarked: + </p> + <p> + "Talk to me about the good times we've had before; I tell you + nothing ever happened to this lucky bunch that was halfway + equal to this!" + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH13"><!-- CH13 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <center> + A GLIMPSE OF THE SILVER FOX. + </center> + <p> + There was no audacious bobcat around to worry them that + night. Steve had indeed, as Owen said, "laid the jabberwock + low," when he discharged both barrels of his shotgun at once. + </p> + <p> + They were all under obligations to Steve. Every time that + lame shoulder of his gave him a more severe twinge than usual + he could, figuratively speaking, of course, shake hands with + himself. + </p> + <p> + It is a great thing to be a public benefactor. There was + Bandy-legs, for instance, who, much to his own inconvenience, + had shown Trapper Jim and the rest just how easy it would be + for some animal to drop down the wide-throated chimney during + the absence of the cabin's owner and play havoc within. + </p> + <p> + The panic excited by the squatter skunk had been another + lesson. And in consequence Trapper Jim, aided and abetted by + Bandy-legs, who was a pretty clever hand at making things, + had arranged a contrivance that worked much after the manner + of a grating over the top of the chimney. + </p> + <p> + This, while allowing the smoke to escape freely, put up the + bars against the admission of any would-be intruder, even a + squirrel. + </p> + <p> + It would do temporarily. Trapper Jim said that later on when + he borrowed that big buckboard again and transported his + lively guests to the town and the distant railroad, he had it + in his mind to secure a sheet of that heavy close-woven wire + netting, such as was used in stable windows and for many + other purposes. It allowed a free circulation of air, and yet + prevented the entrance of sneak thieves. + </p> + <p> + So on this night Bandy-legs could go to sleep in peace on the + floor, he having given up the bunk to the next one on the + list. + </p> + <p> + If he woke up in the night and raised his head to find the + fire burning low, he need not imagine every grotesque shadow + in the dimly lighted cabin to be a fierce animal that had + crept in while they slept. + </p> + <p> + When day came again they laid out their programme as usual. + Of course, Uncle Jim, having started his season's work, could + not neglect his traps. Every day when the weather allowed he + must trudge the rounds and see what Fortune had sent him. + </p> + <p> + Besides, a humane trapper wishes to end as quickly as + possible the torture of any creature that has been caught by + the leg in one of his steel contraptions. + </p> + <p> + "It's a cruel enough business at the best," Jim Ruggles told + the boys as he sat and spoke of his past experiences, "and + often I've been sorry I ever took it up. But there must be + trappers as long as women will demand rich furs in the winter + season. My only satisfaction is that I've been kinder toward + the little animals of the woods than most brutal trappers + would be." + </p> + <p> + "But, however did you come to take up such a queer profession + in the beginning, Uncle Jim?" asked Owen that morning, as + they got to talking about the many years the old man had + spent in this way. + </p> + <p> + Owen had discovered, before now that that Jim Ruggles was + really a man of education, having been a college graduate. + </p> + <p> + He smiled at the question, did the old trapper. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, there were a lot of things combined to send me to the + woods," he said, musingly. "First of all was my intense love + for all the Big Outdoors. Seemed like I could never get + enough of it. The more I saw of the forest, the more I felt + drawn to it. I guess I had the woods hunger from boyhood. + Max, here, knows what it is." + </p> + <p> + "I think I do," remarked the one mentioned. "I feel the + craving come over me at times and have hard work to resist." + </p> + <p> + "Well, take my advice, son, and fight it off," remarked + Trapper Jim. "Anyhow keep it in subjection. The world needs + you. There's plenty of work for such as you in the busy marts + of men. Don't allow yourself to ever dream of spending your + whole life lost in the wilderness like I've done. What can I + look back to but a life that's been wasted, so far as being + useful to my fellowmen is concerned? A little run to the + woods now and then to renew your vigor and draw in new + strength—let that be all." + </p> + <p> + "But you said there were other reasons why you came here, + Uncle Jim," persisted Owen. + </p> + <p> + At that the old man actually laughed. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose while I am at it," he said, "I might as well make + a clean sweep and confess all. Well, I was a foolish young + man at the time, you see, and took it to heart because a + certain young lady I thought heaps of wouldn't accept me. + But, then, my health was nothing to boast of in those days, + and doctors had said it would be a good thing if I could + spend a year up here." + </p> + <p> + "And you did?" continued Owen. + </p> + <p> + "Been here ever since," replied the trapper. + </p> + <p> + "And you don't look weakly now, Uncle Jim." + </p> + <p> + "I should say not," laughed the other, as he stretched his + muscular arms above his head. "The open air, free from all + disease germs, such as abound in cities; the long tramps; the + freedom from worries; and, above all, the plain food and + regular hours built me up wonderfully. Perhaps, after all, I + did the right thing, because I'd have been dead long ago if I + remained among the city dwellers." + </p> + <p> + "And, how about the heartless girl—did you ever see her + again, Uncle Jim?" asked Owen, with a boy's freedom of + speech. + </p> + <p> + Again the trapper laughed and then sighed. + </p> + <p> + "I never saw her again, son," he replied. "Years later I + heard she married but I couldn't tell you whether his name + was Smith or Brown. Then came the news that Susie had died, + leaving one child. Sometimes I'm seized with a sort of + yearning to look that boy up, and perhaps do something for + him, just because I cared for his mother. But I never have, + because before I get started it begins to look foolish to + me." + </p> + <p> + The old man had a tear in his eye. And both Owen and Max felt + drawn to him more than ever. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you ever so much, Uncle Jim, for telling us all this," + Owen said, in a soft tone that caused the trapper to look + fondly at him as he went on: + </p> + <p> + "Well, I've spoken to you boys about things that Have been + lying deep down in my old heart buried for many a year. But + just forget it. And let's see what Luck has got in store for + us to-day. I'm going to get out a couple of my special fox + traps." + </p> + <p> + Something about the way he said this as well as the eager + flash that shot athwart his rugged face caused Max to cry + out: + </p> + <p> + "Fox traps! You've got some reason for saying that, Uncle + Jim." + </p> + <p> + "Maybe I have, son," remarked the trapper, smiling more + broadly at this evidence of astuteness on the part of the + boy. + </p> + <p> + "Is it the silver fox?" demanded Max. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I thought I had just a glimpse of the little darling + yesterday when out with the boys," observed Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + "But you didn't mention it before now—I didn't hear any + of them say a word about it," Max went on. + </p> + <p> + "That's right. I thought I'd keep it quiet. But what's the + use when such sharp eyes keep tabs on every move I make. + Besides, you two might like to watch how I set a trap to + catch a fox. Because they're about as smart as any animal + that walks on four legs." + </p> + <p> + Soon afterward the boys started out with the trapper. Steve, + feeling his lame shoulder, concluded to rest up for a day, + while Bandy-legs confessed that he much preferred doing a + number of things about the cabin, perhaps catching a few + pickerel in the little pond not far away, as Trapper Jim kept + a supply of live minnows on hand to be used as bait when + fishing with "tip-ups" through the ice later on. + </p> + <p> + So Max, Owen, and Toby saw how the two traps were set for the + black fox, whose pelt is the one known as silver fox, and by + long odds the most prized of all furs, sometimes one fine + skin fetching thousands of dollars. + </p> + <p> + They found another mink caught, besides a number of muskrats. + And in the last trap was a beautiful silky otter. Trapper Jim + seemed highly pleased when he looked at his various prizes + for the day. + </p> + <p> + "Seems like you boys must have brought me good luck," he + declared. + </p> + <p> + "I hope we have," laughed Owen. + </p> + <p> + "I never hit such a nice mess before so early in the season," + continued the trapper, "and it wouldn't surprise me a great + deal now if I caught that splendid silver first shot out of + the box." + </p> + <p> + "S-s-say, wouldn't that j-j-just be g-g-great," said Toby. + </p> + <p> + "Well, the traps are set and it's been pretty nigh a + morning's work, because there's so much to do about trapping + a smart fox. But, boys, let's hope that to-morrow or some + other day it'll all be paid back, and I'll be able to show + you what a beautiful skin the black fox sports." + </p> + <p> + "But you've taken them before, you said, Uncle Jim," Owen + observed. + </p> + <p> + "Sure, two or three times, and pretty good ones at that," + replied the trapper, with a chuckle. "But you know, it's + always the same old story in this business." + </p> + <p> + "What's that?" asked Max. + </p> + <p> + "The skins you've captured in the past never compare with + those you see on the backs of live animals. The best is + always to come, eh, Max?" + </p> + <p> + "J-j-just like it is in f-f-fishing," declared Toby. "The big + one in the w-w-water b-b-beats the one you've l-l-landed. I + used to think the w-w-water just m-m-magnified 'em." + </p> + <p> + "No, it's the hope we have. Possession dulls the interest. + You boys know that the apples next door always taste better + than those you have in your own orchard." + </p> + <p> + The three whom Trapper Jim addressed just looked at each + other and laughed. Nobody answered him. There was really no + need of words. Jim knew boys from the ground up, and loved + them, too. He had once been a boy himself. + </p> + <p> + On the way back home he told them many interesting things + connected with the shrewdness of mink and otter, and how + smart the trapper had to be to outwit them. + </p> + <p> + "That's one of the pleasures of the business," he went on to + say; "this continual matching of a man's wits against the + instinct and cunning of these same clever little varmints. + Why, a single old mink has kept me guessing pretty much all + winter and changing my methods a dozen times." + </p> + <p> + "But I reckon you got him in the end, Uncle Jim," said Max. + </p> + <p> + "What makes you believe that, son?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, because you never give up once you've set your mind on a + thing," replied the boy, admiringly. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I don't knuckle down <i>very</i> often, that's a + fact," chuckled the trapper; "though there have been + occasions. That girl episode was one, you remember, Max." + </p> + <p> + "But you got the sly old mink, didn't you?" persisted Owen. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I got him when I had just about exhausted every scheme + I could think up," answered the trapper; "and let me tell + you, boys, that day when I carried him to the cabin I felt as + big as the President of the United States." + </p> + <p> + Another night of comfort followed. Trapper Jim said it began + to feel real lonely, now that the bold bobcat no longer came + prowling around trying to steal things. + </p> + <p> + But the boys enjoyed having a good rest undisturbed by any + sudden clamor. + </p> + <p> + This time only Max and Steve accompanied the trapper. Owen + found that he had wrenched his ankle, and had better take a + day off, and Toby had arranged to try the pickerel with + Bandy-legs, who had caught a few on the previous day. + </p> + <p> + Steve had heard about the traps set for the "silver," and he + wanted to be along if there was anything doing. + </p> + <p> + When they arrived near the first trap it was untouched. But + the second they found sprung and empty. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, he was caught and broke away. It's too bad!" cried + Steve, pointing to traces of blood and some shining black + hairs on the jaws of the Victor trap. + </p> + <p> + But Trapper Jim was saying angry words to himself. + </p> + <p> + "Caught the finest silver I ever set eyes on only to have him + snatched by a sneak of a pelt thief!" and he pointed as he + spoke to the imprint of a shoe in the soil. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH14"><!-- CH14 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <center> + THE PURSUIT. + </center> + <p> + "Stolen!" burst out impulsive Steve, his face pale with rage. + </p> + <p> + Both boys felt keenly for their friend, Trapper Jim. He had + looked forward so long to capturing his rare prize; he had + taken such great pains to set his traps with that object in + view; and now, after success had come, and the black beauty + was caught, it must be terribly aggravating to discover that + some one had happened on the spot, robbed the trap, and was + far away with the precious pelt. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim did not often give way to his feelings. He + quickly got a fresh grip on his emotions and could talk + calmly again. But there was a gleam in those piercing eyes of + his, undimmed by age, that made Owen glad he did not stand in + the shoes of the pelt thief. + </p> + <p> + "When do you think he was here, Uncle Jim?" Max asked, as he + examined the plain track of the thief's shoe. + </p> + <p> + "This morning, and not more than an hour ago," came the + answer. "He was heading as straight as could be for our + cabin, like he meant to drop in on me; but after this he + turned back. The temptation was too much. Few men could let a + chance pass by to pick up a silver fox when a common red + wouldn't bother 'em the least bit." + </p> + <p> + "But, say, I hope you don't mean to let him get away with the + skin altogether, Uncle Jim," flashed Steve, with an angry + look still on his face. + </p> + <p> + "Well, that wouldn't be like me," returned the trapper, + quietly; and Max realized that his was the determined, + bulldog nature that never lets go, while with Steve it was a + flash-in-the-pan, hasty action, without a careful laying out + of plans. + </p> + <p> + "Then we'll pick up the trail and follow it?" asked the eager + boy. + </p> + <p> + "As soon as we can have Ajax here, son." + </p> + <p> + "But why wait for the dog?" complained Steve. "It'll take all + of an hour to get back here again." + </p> + <p> + "That and more," replied Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + "And that time will be wasted," Steve went on. + </p> + <p> + "Listen," remarked the trapper. "Long ago I learned that + things like this are done best when you go about them + soberly. Once I start on this trail of the pelt thief, and I + mean to keep on it if it takes me a hundred miles! What does + an hour count for in that case, Steve?" + </p> + <p> + "Mighty little, I guess," admitted the boy. + </p> + <p> + "There are other reasons for getting the dog," continued the + trapper. "This rascal will expect pursuit. And so every + little while he'll do things to cover up his trail. P'r'aps + he'll wade along a stream, and come out by way of rocks that + would leave no mark. Then, again, he'd run along a log and + jump from stone to stone. All these things would delay me. + What took ten minutes of <i>his</i> time would consume an + hour of mine. It's much easier to set a problem than to solve + one." + </p> + <p> + "Sure thing. I understand now why you want the dog," Steve + confessed. + </p> + <p> + "Ajax has a good scent. His nose is very keen. Here's a rag + the thief must have dropped. Once I let the dog smell of + this, and he'll follow that trail hour after hour, so long as + it don't get too cold." + </p> + <p> + "Shall I go and get Ajax! I would run all the way," Steve + suggested. + </p> + <p> + "Well, with that lame shoulder of yours, son, you'd have a + hard time of it holding a running dog in leash. So we'll have + to get Max here to attend to that part of the business. Think + you could return without any trouble, my boy?" + </p> + <p> + "Well," replied the other, with a laugh, "all I'll have to do + will be to let Ajax have his head. He'll keep to our trail, + all right." + </p> + <p> + "Just what I expected you to say," remarked the trapper. "And + now be off with you. We'll be nosing around here. Leave your + gun with me, as you'll need both hands to manage the dog." + </p> + <p> + "And what message will I carry to the other boys?" asked Max. + </p> + <p> + "Explain things in a few words, and tell Owen to take charge + until we show up again. It may be to-night, and again it + might not come about until to-morrow. But they've got + a-plenty to eat, and that satisfies boys." + </p> + <p> + And so Max hastened off. Although not as impetuous by nature + as Steve, he knew that every minute gained now would shorten + the lead which the audacious pelt thief had upon them. And so + Max sprinted more or less whenever he had the chance. + </p> + <p> + It was not over an hour when he once more made his + appearance, with the excited Ajax towing him. And evidently + Max had had no easy job of it, trying to hold the eager hound + in, for he looked relieved and rubbed his muscles after + Trapper Jim took the leash. + </p> + <p> + The boys were deeply interested in all that followed. They + saw the trapper hold the soiled rag upon which the thief had + perhaps wiped his hands for the hound to sniff at for a + minute or two. + </p> + <p> + Then Trapper Jim led Ajax to the footprints and made him + catch the same particular odor, + </p> + <p> + When the intelligent hound gave a bay and led the way along + the trail of the thief, his nose close to the ground and his + tail in perpetual motion, Trapper Jim looked pleased. + </p> + <p> + "He's got the scent, all right, lads," he observed, "and + after this he'll never forget it. There are few hunting dogs + that can be taught to follow a human being as well as they do + animals; but Ajax is an exception." + </p> + <p> + "Now we're off!" exclaimed the restless Steve, exultantly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and the rascal will have to hump himself if he hopes to + escape us. I haven't given up all hopes of reclaiming that + silver fox pelt yet," and the trapper really seemed in a + better humor than he had enjoyed since the first discovery of + his great loss. + </p> + <p> + For quite some time they hurried on. Ajax was straining at + his leash most of the while, and seemed capable of picking up + the scent even when there was not the faintest trace of marks + that Max could discover. + </p> + <p> + "It was a mighty good thing we thought of the dog," Steve + admitted, and then, seeing the trapper looking humorously at + him, he gave a short laugh, as lie hastily added: "I mean it + was a wise head that concluded to send for Ajax, and not + start off half-shot, like some foolish fellows would have + done." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," added Max, "in several places I've lost the trail. And + three times now the fellow's run along a fallen tree, jumping + off where he saw hard ground or stones. That would have given + us trouble and delayed us, but Ajax followed the scent + without looking for a trail. + </p> + <p> + "Here's a creek," interrupted the trapper, "and chances are + the thief will use it to try and hoodwink us." + </p> + <p> + They waded through, regardless of the icy cold, for the water + was not up to their knees. + </p> + <p> + "Don't see any tracks on this side, Uncle Jim," sang out + Steve. + </p> + <p> + "No, and I guessed we wouldn't," replied the other. + </p> + <p> + "But he crossed over, didn't he!" demanded the boy. + </p> + <p> + "Chances are he did," answered Trapper Jim, "but before + stepping out he went either up or down the creek a ways. + First of all we'll try up. If that fails us after we've gone + some distance, we'll come back here and try the other way." + </p> + <p> + But it chanced that his first guess was the right one. They + had gone along the bank of the creek less than eighty feet + when Ajax uttered a sound and gave evidence of renewed + excitement. + </p> + <p> + "The rascal found the water too cold and came out at the + first chance," remarked Trapper Jim. "You see, there's a + shelf of rock here. No sign left for our eyes, because the + warm sun has dried up any wet marks he made. But Ajax has + caught the same scent as there was on that rag." + </p> + <p> + "And we're off again. Hurrah!" cried Steve, delighted to know + that the clever tactics of the pelt thief could not prevail + against that keen sense of smell possessed by the hound. + </p> + <p> + After that the fugitive did not seem to think it worth while + to make any more efforts to conceal his trail. + </p> + <p> + "That cold water was too much for him," suggested Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Or else he expects he's done enough, and that no one, not + even Trapper Jim, could follow him," Max had said; "but I + rather think he knew a dog would be put on his track. That + water business is always the trick used to throw a hound off + the scent." + </p> + <p> + "Quite right, son," remarked the trapper; "but I allow this + fellow has got me guessing good and hard, and that's a fact." + </p> + <p> + "You mean because he's quit trying to hide his trail?" asked + Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Well, partly that, but there's another thing," Trapper Jim + went on to say. + </p> + <p> + "I think I'm on to it," observed Max. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I saw you look some surprised at the time, son," + declared the trapper. "But Steve, here, saw nothing. Did you + notice, Steve, which way we headed at the time we first + picked up the trail at the sprung trap?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, yes, it was almost due south, wasn't it?" asked Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Right, son, and look at the sun now," the trapper remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Gee, that's queer!" muttered the surprised Steve. + </p> + <p> + "What is?" asked Max, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "The sun—why, it's swung around on the right. Say, + don't tell me time's passed like that, and it's afternoon + now. Why, we haven't felt hungry enough to tackle that bully + lunch Max fetched along when he came back with the dog." + </p> + <p> + Both of the others laughed at this. + </p> + <p> + "That's one on you, Steve," said Max. "See, my watch says + just ten-thirty. The sun didn't swing around at all, but the + trail did." + </p> + <p> + "It's heading north now, is it?" demanded Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Straight as can be," replied Trapper Jim. + </p> + <p> + "But the cabin lies that way!" objected the puzzled boy. + </p> + <p> + "Just what it does," admitted Jim. "When the thief sat down + to rest back there he must have been thinking it over. And he + made up his mind to do something on the spot, for when he + started again he cut out a new course direct." + </p> + <p> + "Whew, the nerve of him!" exclaimed Steve. + </p> + <p> + "What makes you say that, Steve?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, don't you see, he's got the fever bad. Thinks p'r'aps + Uncle Jim here might have another silver fox pelt laid away, + and while he's about it he reckons he'd better double up." + </p> + <p> + But Trapper Jim shook his head. He knew no pelt thief would + ever display such boldness as Steve suggested. There must be + another reason for the sudden change of plans on the part of + the fugitive. + </p> + <p> + "Have we gained on him?" asked Max, presently. + </p> + <p> + "Considerable," replied the trapper. + </p> + <p> + "How d'ye know that?" demanded Steve, + </p> + <p> + "There are plenty of signs to tell me," came the answer. + "Anyone used to following a trail would have seen them. And I + reckon, now, Max hasn't been blind all this while." + </p> + <p> + "No," replied the one spoken of. "I saw water still oozing + into a deep track when we passed that boggy ground, and right + then and there I concluded we must be less than half an hour + behind the thief." + </p> + <p> + "Good!" ejaculated the trapper; "anything else. Max?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, yes," returned the boy, calmly. "There was a little + twig that righted itself even as I looked at it. His foot had + bent it down. Now, I shouldn't think it could have stayed + that way more'n half an hour at best." + </p> + <p> + "I saw it, too," added the trapper; "and it pleases me more + than I can say to find that you keep your eyes about you, + son. It ought to be a lesson to Steve here. Queer, how one + person can see so much and another nothing." + </p> + <p> + "Well," ventured Steve, "I have noticed one thing, anyhow." + </p> + <p> + "Glad to hear it, son. Tell us what it is, now." + </p> + <p> + "The dog," remarked Steve. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, what of Ajax?" questioned Jim. + </p> + <p> + "He acts different now." + </p> + <p> + "And from that you conclude what?" queried the trapper. + </p> + <p> + "Why, we're closing in on our game," Steve went on. "I've + hunted enough to know how dogs show that." + </p> + <p> + "Fine! We'll give you credit for that point, Steve, because + it's a fact," laughed the trapper, in a half-hushed way. + </p> + <p> + "Aw! I ain't quite such a silly as I look," remarked Steve. + </p> + <p> + "I should think not," said Max, and Steve hardly knew whether + to take the observation as a compliment or the reverse. + </p> + <p> + "And, now, lads, we'd better stop talking," said Trapper Jim. + "I reckon we're close enough on our man for him to hear us if + we're noisy. And, perhaps, if he learned we'd nigh overtaken + him, he might start off on the run." + </p> + <p> + So for some time they kept on in abject silence. Not a word + was spoken, and save for the panting of the eager hound and + the labored breathing of the trackers, all was still. + </p> + <p> + The country had become quite rough, and Max knew they must be + passing over the hills he had seen from the cabin, lying to + the south. They had had to climb them when on the way from + the distant town, and Max even hoped some day to circulate + among them with his rifle. But he had hardly expected that + when he did, it would be while on the track of a human being. + </p> + <p> + "He slipped here—you can see the marks his shoes made + in the shale," said Trapper Jim, pointing to the ground in + front, which sloped downward rapidly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, my land!" ejaculated Steve, "look where the marks lead, + right to the brink of that precipice or the bank of a deep + ravine. Honest, now, I believe the feller must 'a' gone over + there." + </p> + <p> + "Just what he did," added Trapper Jim, solemnly; "and it'd + make an ugly fall for a body, too." + </p> + <p> + They crept to the edge and looked down. The bottom of the + ravine was many yards below, and there were cruel rocks, + partly hidden by dense vegetation, now brown from the touch + of Jack Frost's fingers. + </p> + <p> + "Listen, that sounded like a groan!" exclaimed the awe-struck + Steve. + </p> + <p> + "I think I can see something among the weeds," remarked Max; + and hardly had he spoken than a hand was raised to wave + toward them and a voice full of pain called out: + </p> + <p> + "Help! Oh, help!" + </p> + <p> + Led by Trapper Jim the boys made their way down the steep + rocky bank of the ravine. The first object they saw was the + pelt of the silver fox, for the thief had removed it during + his various stops so as to lighten his load. Then they came + upon the doubled-up figure of a comparatively young man, at + sight of whom Trapper Jim frowned and seemed strangely moved. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH15"><!-- CH15 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <center> + GLORIOUS NEWS. + </center> + <p> + "So you're the pelt thief, Ed Whitcomb, are you?" said + Trapper Jim, gloomily, as he leaned on his rifle and looked + down on the young fellow, at whom Ajax was sniffing as though + he recognized an old friend. + </p> + <p> + Max caught the name. He recognized it, too. Trapper Jim had + told them how he had brought a young fellow up from the + railroad town two seasons before for company. His name had + been Ed Whitcomb, too. They had seemed to get on for a time + splendidly, but finally split on the subject of drinking, for + Trapper Jim was very set against using liquor in any shape, + and would not allow a drop of it in his cabin. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I'm the thief, Uncle Jim," said the man, trying to + suppress a groan. "The temptation when I happened on that + silver was too much. I obeyed a sudden impulse and sole it. + Reckon, just as you used to say, too much drink had warped my + judgment, because there was a time when I'd sooner have cut + my hand off than steal." + </p> + <p> + "But you got sorry for it, I reckon," said the trapper, a + little more softly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, something rose up in me and rebelled," replied Ed. + "Perhaps it was the memory of the mother I had as a boy. Yes, + it must have been only that. I reckoned she could see what I + done and it'd make her feel bad." + </p> + <p> + "You turned back?" Trapper Jim continued. + </p> + <p> + "I turned back, sure I did," the wounded man went on, + eagerly. "I was going to find you and tell you what a fool + thing I'd done, tempted by the devil, and how sorry I was. + Then I slipped and went over the rocks up there. But I + deserve all I've got, Uncle Jim. I was a scoundrel; and after + all your kindness two years back, too." + </p> + <p> + "But what were you coming up here for?" asked the trapper. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Mosher, the grocery man, said some letters had come in + his care for you and these youngsters that were at your + place. He told me you'd arranged to have a half-breed bring + up any mail that arrived, but that the carrier was down on + his back with malarial fever. So I said I didn't mind running + up. Was so late starting I had to spend the night in the + woods. And then this morning that temptation got me." + </p> + <p> + "But you repented—you meant to do the right thing, Ed. + Oh, I'm glad you turned around and faced the other way before + this thing happened." + </p> + <p> + "So am I," groaned Ed, "but I'm afraid my leg's broken, and + I'm sore inside like I'd fractured some of my ribs. What's + going to come of me I don't know. And perhaps I don't care + much either, though you'll be glad to know, Uncle Jim, that + me and strong drink have parted company forever. Ain't tasted + a drop these three months; but it shows what it did for me + when I could stoop low enough to <i>steal</i>, and from one + of the best friends I ever had." + </p> + <p> + "That'll do for you, Ed," said the trapper, dropping on his + knees beside the wounded man; "we're all weak and liable to + give in to temptation. The fact that you repented is enough + for me! We're going to carry you home with us." + </p> + <p> + "Home—to your cabin, after I was so mean as to + steal—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't ever mention that to me again," ordered the trapper, + sternly; "forget it just as though it had never been. Yes, + your leg is broken, Ed, the left one, and quite a bad + fracture, too. But I know how to fix you up, and in three + weeks you'll be hopping around on a crutch." + </p> + <p> + Ed fairly devoured him with his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "They broke the model after they made you, Jim Ruggles," he + muttered, as he put his hand to his side, indicating great + pain there. + </p> + <p> + "Now let's see what's wrong about your ribs, lad," said the + trapper, as he started to undo the other's coat, and then his + heavy blue woolen shirt. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon you have got a rib cracked," he said, after a + careful examination; "but nothing serious. Hurt for a while + when you take a long breath, but it'll knit together again. + And now—" + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim stopped short in the middle of a sentence. He was + staring hard at something he had seen all of a sudden. + </p> + <p> + "Where'd you get this, Ed Whitcomb?" he demanded, in a thick + voice. + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he caught hold of a locket which hung about the + neck of the other by a little gold chain. It had been burst + open possibly by the fall, and as Trapper Jim started to draw + the shirt of the wounded man together again he had disturbed + this keepsake, which, turning about, disclosed the face of a + pretty young woman. + </p> + <p> + "Why, she gave it to me," replied the other, weakly; "I've + worn it that way ever since she died; and you're the first, + right now, that's ever looked on it, Jim." + </p> + <p> + The trapper's eyes filled up. + </p> + <p> + "What was she to you, Ed Whitcomb?" he asked, gulping hard. + </p> + <p> + "My mother, of course," came the answer. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim simply turned the face on the locket so that Max + could see it, and then he said in almost a whisper: + </p> + <p> + "Susie Benedict!" + </p> + <p> + Max understood. This, then, was the girl for love of whom Jim + Ruggles had partly given up his ambition of ever being + anything worth while when he fled to the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + How wonderful things do happen at times Max thought. + </p> + <p> + Why, only a few hours before Jim had been confessing to Owen + and himself how sometimes he felt as though he would like to + hunt up Susie's boy and do something for him, as he was + possessed of ample means. + </p> + <p> + And here a strange freak of fate had brought them together in + this remarkable way. Why, they had even spent a winter in + company without Trapper Jim ever suspecting the truth. + </p> + <p> + But it was all right now. + </p> + <p> + And Max privately confided to Steve, who demanded to know who + Susie Benedict was at the first opportunity, that Old Jim + would spend no more winters up there alone with his two dogs. + </p> + <p> + "They'll make a team of it, and be as happy as two clams," he + declared; while Steve was very much tickled at the way things + had turned out. + </p> + <p> + So, under the directions of the trapper, who was setting the + broken leg without delay, the two boys fashioned a rude but + effective litter upon which the wounded young man could be + comfortably carried. + </p> + <p> + The boys took turns with Trapper Jim in carrying the litter. + Nothing seemed to weary the old trapper. He trudged on over + hill and through the woods, as though his frame might be made + of steel. + </p> + <p> + But every time a halt was made he would come around to see if + his rough bandages still held, and the hand that touched Ed + Whitcomb was as tender as that of a woman, while his voice + was filled with solicitude when he asked how the other felt. + </p> + <p> + And Ed Whitcomb understood it all now. He marveled to think + that this man, whom he had known so long, and who had really + been the means of causing him to reform before it was too + late, had once loved his mother! + </p> + <p> + Darkness came on. + </p> + <p> + They were still some distance from the cabin, and both boys + looked tired, though unwilling to confess to the fact. + </p> + <p> + "We're going through with it, that's what!" said Steve, with + a snap of his jaws, when the wounded man suggested that they + ought to rest. + </p> + <p> + And they did. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim showed them how to make some torches that would + give a pretty good light. And the one who did not assist with + the stretcher went ahead to show the way. + </p> + <p> + And along about nine o'clock the barking of the dogs brought + the three boys in the cabin to the door. + </p> + <p> + Great was their surprise when they learned what had happened. + Ed Whitcomb was made comfortable in the lower bunk, and the + boys at once agreed the trapper was to occupy the other. The + floor and those soft furs would furnish them with good enough + beds. + </p> + <p> + Of course the three who had been at home were wild to hear + all about it. And Max thought it best to get them outdoors + where he could relate the whole story, even to the fact of + Jim Ruggles having once been head over ears in love with + pretty Susie before she turned him down. + </p> + <p> + They thought it was the greatest thing that had ever come + under their observation. And all agreed that since Ed + Whitcomb had repented after taking the precious pelt, and was + on the way back with it, he must be all right. + </p> + <p> + They meant to treat him as a man and a brother because it was + evident that Uncle Jim was bound sooner or later to adopt the + other as his son and heir. + </p> + <p> + And that pelt <i>was</i> a beauty, too; though none of the + boys could realize that, according to what Trapper Jim said, + it might be worth all of fifteen hundred dollars. + </p> + <p> + Another day came around. + </p> + <p> + Of course the trapper, having neglected his catch on account + of the theft of the silver fox pelt, had to start off + unusually early. + </p> + <p> + This time Owen accompanied him, his ankle having improved. + </p> + <p> + Toby, encouraged by the catch of fish which he and Bandy-legs + had made on the preceding day, started out again, determined + to make a record. + </p> + <p> + The other three remained in and around the cabin, bringing up + firewood, looking after the skins that had been placed in the + air, where the sun could not get at them, and doing such + chores as would fall to the lot of Trapper Jim were he alone. + </p> + <p> + The letter which reached them had been from Mr. Hastings, + telling them he had seen Steve's folks, as well as Mr. + Griffin and Toby's guardian; and that since they had gone so + far, and the school would not be ready until late in + November, they might stay another week longer than they had + contemplated, if they cared to do so. + </p> + <p> + And by a unanimous vote the five boys had immediately decided + that they <i>did</i> care, so they enjoyed the prospect of + more happy days ahead. + </p> + <p> + It was almost noon when Toby was seen running frantically + toward the cabin and minus his cap. Every few steps he would + cast a look of fear over his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "What ails you?" shouted Steve, and Toby, though he could + hardly speak, managed to blurt out: + </p> + <p> + "B-b-bear—eatin' up all m-m-my f-f-fish. M-m-meant to + t-t-tackle me n-n-next!" + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH16"><!-- CH16 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <center> + SURPRISING BRUIN—<i>Conclusion</i>. + </center> + <p> + "WHOOP!" shouted Steve, as he made a headlong plunge in the + direction of the cabin door, closely followed by the other + two. + </p> + <p> + Of course all of them were after their guns, and it hardly + seemed five seconds to Toby, panting without, ere his + companions were tumbling pellmell through the cabin door + again, each clutching his favorite weapon. + </p> + <p> + "Lead us to him, Toby!" commanded Steve, arrogantly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, show us the big hulking beast that devoured your fish, + Toby," said Bandy-legs, "we'll fix it up with him. I'm no + slouch of a bear killer myself." + </p> + <p> + "Aw, rats!" scoffed Steve. "This ain't one of your docile + trapped bear kind, Bandy-legs. This one can run like all + get-out. If he ever starts after you, it's dollars to + doughnuts you'd never get away on them short pins of yours." + </p> + <p> + "Can bears climb trees?" asked Bandy-legs, nervously. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I should say yes, black bears especially. They live + half the time up in trees," replied Steve, who was pushing on + just behind Toby himself. + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Bandy-legs discreetly allowed Max to pass him also. + Since Nature had placed a serious handicap on him when + dealing out those short legs, it seemed only right that he + should be allowed a little extra distance. Then, in case the + hungry fish-eating bear did see fit to charge them, all of + the boys would be placed upon something like an equal + footing. + </p> + <p> + Toby was furious by now. + </p> + <p> + He might have been simply frightened at the time he made his + appearance before the cabin, but that feeling was rapidly + giving way to anger. And bursting almost with indignation, he + had to try and express himself to his comrades, despite the + impediment in his speech, which was always worse when Toby + grew excited. + </p> + <p> + "B-b-been all the b-b-blessed m-m-mornin' a-c-c-coaxin' them + p-p-pickerel to t-t-take hold, and h-h-here that b-b-bloomin' + old c-c-crocodile of a b-b-bear had to s-s-swallow h-h-half + of 'em in one b-b-big b-b-bite!" + </p> + <p> + Max chuckled as he listened. He even found time to wonder + whether Toby, if pressed, knew what sort of animal he meant + by a "crocodile of a bear." But then a good deal of allowance + must be made for a stuttering boy, and especially when he has + a grievance as big as the one Toby shouldered. + </p> + <p> + "There's the pond ahead," cried Steve; "now show us your old + bear." + </p> + <p> + "Come this way," said Toby. "I g-g-guess he's eat up all my + s-s-string; and now he's hunting f-f-f or the can of + b-b-bait." + </p> + <p> + He led them into a thick part of the wood. + </p> + <p> + "L-l-look!" whispered Toby, pointing. + </p> + <p> + "It is a bear, as sure as you live!" exclaimed Max. + </p> + <p> + "C-c-course it is," Toby went on; "w-w-what'd you think + m-m-made me run? G-g-guess I know a s-s-stump when I see + one." + </p> + <p> + Max held the impetuous Steve back. + </p> + <p> + "Wait," he said, "and let's all fire together. This bear + isn't held by a trap, and if you only wound him there'd be a + pretty kettle of fish." + </p> + <p> + "Ain't no f-f-fish left; he's d-d-devoured even my b-b-bait, + the old glutton!" bellowed Toby, shaking his fist toward the + bear. + </p> + <p> + Bruin evidently had enjoyed his unexpected meal immensely. + Likely enough he had never before in all his life been + offered a fish dinner gratis. Perhaps some of these other + two-legged creatures that drew near, holding the funny sticks + in their hands, might offer him another nice mess of pickerel + fresh caught. + </p> + <p> + So the bear stood there on the edge of the pond watching them + approach, as though not a particle afraid, only + curious—and still fish hungry. + </p> + <p> + "See him licking his lips, would you!" cried Bandy-legs, + still in the rear. + </p> + <p> + "L-l-liked 'em so m-m-much, he w-w-wants m-m-more, hang him!" + </p> + <p> + "We'll give him some cold lead instead," declared Steve, + holding his double-barrel ready so he could shoot from the + left shoulder; "see if he'll be able to digest it." + </p> + <p> + "He'll die just now, anyhow, if all of us nail him," remarked + Max, laughing at the way the bear stood there watching them + spread out like a fan. + </p> + <p> + "Aren't we close enough. Max?" asked Bandy-legs, who was + nearly twice as far away as the two bolder spirits, + </p> + <p> + "Yes," piped up Steve, "let's get to work. You count three, + Max; and remember, Bandy-legs, don't you dare shoot till you + hear him say 'three' plain as dirt." + </p> + <p> + "But, Steve," said Max. + </p> + <p> + "What d'ye want?" grumbled the other, trembling with + eagerness to begin operations. + </p> + <p> + "I hope you've only got one hammer raised," continued Max. + "It'd be pretty tough if you fired both barrels again, and + lamed your left shoulder, too." + </p> + <p> + "Cracky! I guess you're right, Max. Wait a few seconds till I + set one hammer down. I ain't going to take the chances. + Shooting left-handed's bad enough, but what'd I do if I lamed + that arm, too!" + </p> + <p> + "Try it w-w-with your l-l-legs!" observed Toby. + </p> + <p> + "All ready!" called out Max. + </p> + <p> + "Q-q-quick! He's m-m-moving off!" shouted Toby. + </p> + <p> + "All the better," said Max, coolly. "We can get a good aim at + his side now; just back of the shoulder, remember, + Bandy-legs!" + </p> + <p> + "C-c-count!" begged Toby, who hated to think of the bold fish + robber getting off scot-free after his recent raid. + </p> + <p> + The bear was ambling off. Perhaps he had come to the wise + conclusion that too much fish at one time was bad for a + bear's digestion. And then, again, he did not altogether like + the looks of all these queer two-legged creatures with those + crooked black sticks which they kept poking out at him. + </p> + <p> + He would not run away, because, of course, he was not really + afraid; but even a bear might be allowed to conduct a + masterly retreat. + </p> + <p> + "One!" called out Max. + </p> + <p> + The three guns were leveled. + </p> + <p> + "Two!" + </p> + <p> + Then cheeks pressed the stocks and eyes glanced along the + tubes, while itching fingers began to play with waiting + triggers. + </p> + <p> + "Three!" + </p> + <p> + It was almost the roar of a cannon that followed. Three guns + had spoken almost in the same breath. + </p> + <p> + "H-h-he's g-g-gone!" yelped Toby, who could see better than + any of the others, because no little puff of white powder + smoke obscured his vision. + </p> + <p> + A tremendous thrashing in the water told them that the + wounded bear must have toppled over into the partly frozen + pond. + </p> + <p> + "Look out for him!" cried Max. + </p> + <p> + He had ejected the used cartridge from his magazine rifle + with one quick motion. Another sent a fresh one into the + firing chamber. + </p> + <p> + Steve had drawn back the second hammer of his gun, and in + this fashion then the two chums advanced straight toward the + spot where they had last seen the bear. + </p> + <p> + Bandy-legs, more cautious, kept farther off, though he, too, + aimed to reach the border of the little lake, in order to see + what was going on. + </p> + <p> + "Got him!" whooped Steve, when he discovered that the bear + was evidently fatally wounded, and fell back into the water + every time he tried to climb the bank. + </p> + <p> + It was Max who thought to mercifully put an end to the + stricken beast's sufferings by another well-directed shot + from his rifle. + </p> + <p> + The bear was now dead. Even Toby put in his claim to a + partnership in bringing about its demise. The right of first + discovery rested with him, and he was ready to take up a + defense of his claim at any time. + </p> + <p> + So, in order to avoid all bad feelings, and insure peace in + the family hereafter, Max declared that the honor should be + jointly shared by tie whole four of them. + </p> + <p> + "Whenever we speak of 'our' bear, you'll know which one we + mean," he remarked; "and, now, the next thing is to get the + old chap up on dry land." + </p> + <p> + Securing some rope and a couple of blocks he had seen at the + cabin, doubtless used when Trapper Jim wanted to haul logs, + or with one man's power do a three-man job, Max fashioned a + block and tackle. + </p> + <p> + With this they easily got the bear up the bank. + </p> + <p> + Then Max tried his hand at removing the skin, after which he + cut up the bear, with Steve's assistance. And before Trapper + Jim and Owen got back from setting a dozen more muskrat + traps, as well as attending to those that had been neglected + on the preceding day, everything needful had been done. + </p> + <p> + Great indeed was the surprise of Trapper Jim when he finally + arrived, tired and likewise hungry, to smell cooking bear + steaks, and discover not one bear skin stretched out properly + to cure, but two. + </p> + <p> + The last one had been somewhat torn where the various leaden + missiles had passed through. But the trapper assured the boys + that if placed in the hands of a good fur dealer it could be + easily sewed up, and would make them an elegant rug for their + club room, + </p> + <p> + "Every time you walk on it you'll remember this delightful + little vacation spent with Trapper Jim in the North Woods," + he declared. + </p> + <p> + "And it will always have just a faint fishy smell to me, + because the rascal ate up all Toby's morning catch before we + got him," remarked Max. + </p> + <p> + "S-s-say, we had f-f-fish for s-s-supper last night, didn't + we?" demanded Toby. + </p> + <p> + "That's right, we did," spoke up Steve, "and right sweet + pickerel, too, thanks to the one who stuck it out all + afternoon watching his poles and keeping one eye on the woods + for the mate of our bear to appear. Oh, they were nice, all + right! And I just dote on pickerel, all but the boot-jack + bones." + </p> + <p> + It can be safely assumed that they were a merry crowd that + night. + </p> + <p> + The boys, realizing that their period for fun up in those + glorious North Woods had been extended another week, were + bubbling over with joy. + </p> + <p> + Trapper Jim had everything to make him contented, and even + happy. Every time he touched that elegant fox skin he felt + like shaking hands with himself because of the satisfaction + it gave him—not so much the value of the pelt as the + proud consciousness that he had finally been enabled to + capture another of those rare and almost priceless prizes + which every fur taker dreams about. + </p> + <p> + And then, again, doubtless Uncle Jim found great reason for + thankfulness every time he glanced toward Ed Whitcomb. What + had been a vague, half-formed dream in his mind bade fair to + become a reality. He was Susie's boy, and circumstances had + thrown them together in a way so strange that it was surely + intended that they should part no more. + </p> + <p> + As for the wounded man, although he might often deep down in + his heart deplore the weakness that had taken possession of + him at sight of the captured silver fox, still, since it had + brought Jim and him together, and revealed a new and entirely + unsuspected bond between them, why should he regret it. + </p> + <p> + Besides, Trapper Jim declared he owed the fox skin to Ed, + anyhow. He had discovered that the animal had gnawed its foot + almost off, and long before Jim and the boys came along would + have gone limping off on three legs only that Ed appeared + just in time to knock it on the head. + </p> + <p> + With nearly two weeks ahead of them, it was only natural that + Max and his four chums should anticipate other glorious + times. And that they met with no disappointment in this + respect the reader who has followed them thus far with + interest will discover when he reads the next volume of the + series: + </p> + <center> + "CAUGHT IN A FOREST FIRE." + </center> + <center> + THE END. + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of With Trapper Jim in the North Woods +by Lawrence J. Leslie + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRAPPER JIM IN NORTH WOODS *** + +This file should be named tjnwd10h.htm or tjnwd10h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, tjnwd11h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, tjnwd10ah.htm + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan, David Garcia +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we usually do not +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +We are now trying to release all our eBooks one year in advance +of the official release dates, leaving time for better editing. +Please be encouraged to tell us about any error or corrections, +even years after the official publication date. + +Please note neither this listing nor its contents are final til +midnight of the last day of the month of any such announcement. +The official release date of all Project Gutenberg eBooks is at +Midnight, Central Time, of the last day of the stated month. A +preliminary version may often be posted for suggestion, comment +and editing by those who wish to do so. + +Most people start at our Web sites at: +http://gutenberg.net or +http://promo.net/pg + +These Web sites include award-winning information about Project +Gutenberg, including how to donate, how to help produce our new +eBooks, and how to subscribe to our email newsletter (free!). + + +Those of you who want to download any eBook before announcement +can get to them as follows, and just download by date. This is +also a good way to get them instantly upon announcement, as the +indexes our cataloguers produce obviously take a while after an +announcement goes out in the Project Gutenberg Newsletter. + +http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext03 or +ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/docs/books/gutenberg/etext03 + +Or /etext02, 01, 00, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90 + +Just search by the first five letters of the filename you want, +as it appears in our Newsletters. + + +Information about Project Gutenberg (one page) + +We produce about two million dollars for each hour we work. The +time it takes us, a rather conservative estimate, is fifty hours +to get any eBook selected, entered, proofread, edited, copyright +searched and analyzed, the copyright letters written, etc. Our +projected audience is one hundred million readers. If the value +per text is nominally estimated at one dollar then we produce $2 +million dollars per hour in 2002 as we release over 100 new text +files per month: 1240 more eBooks in 2001 for a total of 4000+ +We are already on our way to trying for 2000 more eBooks in 2002 +If they reach just 1-2% of the world's population then the total +will reach over half a trillion eBooks given away by year's end. + +The Goal of Project Gutenberg is to Give Away 1 Trillion eBooks! +This is ten thousand titles each to one hundred million readers, +which is only about 4% of the present number of computer users. + +Here is the briefest record of our progress (* means estimated): + +eBooks Year Month + + 1 1971 July + 10 1991 January + 100 1994 January + 1000 1997 August + 1500 1998 October + 2000 1999 December + 2500 2000 December + 3000 2001 November + 4000 2001 October/November + 6000 2002 December* + 9000 2003 November* +10000 2004 January* + + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation has been created +to secure a future for Project Gutenberg into the next millennium. + +We need your donations more than ever! + +As of February, 2002, contributions are being solicited from people +and organizations in: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, +Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, +Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, +Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New +Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, +Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South +Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West +Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. + +We have filed in all 50 states now, but these are the only ones +that have responded. + +As the requirements for other states are met, additions to this list +will be made and fund raising will begin in the additional states. +Please feel free to ask to check the status of your state. + +In answer to various questions we have received on this: + +We are constantly working on finishing the paperwork to legally +request donations in all 50 states. If your state is not listed and +you would like to know if we have added it since the list you have, +just ask. + +While we cannot solicit donations from people in states where we are +not yet registered, we know of no prohibition against accepting +donations from donors in these states who approach us with an offer to +donate. + +International donations are accepted, but we don't know ANYTHING about +how to make them tax-deductible, or even if they CAN be made +deductible, and don't have the staff to handle it even if there are +ways. + +Donations by check or money order may be sent to: + +Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +PMB 113 +1739 University Ave. +Oxford, MS 38655-4109 + +Contact us if you want to arrange for a wire transfer or payment +method other than by check or money order. + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation has been approved by +the US Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization with EIN +[Employee Identification Number] 64-622154. Donations are +tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law. As fund-raising +requirements for other states are met, additions to this list will be +made and fund-raising will begin in the additional states. + +We need your donations more than ever! + +You can get up to date donation information online at: + +http://www.gutenberg.net/donation.html + + +*** + +If you can't reach Project Gutenberg, +you can always email directly to: + +Michael S. Hart hart@pobox.com + +Prof. Hart will answer or forward your message. + +We would prefer to send you information by email. + + +**The Legal Small Print** + + +(Three Pages) + +***START**THE SMALL PRINT!**FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS**START*** +Why is this "Small Print!" statement here? You know: lawyers. +They tell us you might sue us if there is something wrong with +your copy of this eBook, even if you got it for free from +someone other than us, and even if what's wrong is not our +fault. So, among other things, this "Small Print!" statement +disclaims most of our liability to you. It also tells you how +you may distribute copies of this eBook if you want to. + +*BEFORE!* YOU USE OR READ THIS EBOOK +By using or reading any part of this PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm +eBook, you indicate that you understand, agree to and accept +this "Small Print!" statement. If you do not, you can receive +a refund of the money (if any) you paid for this eBook by +sending a request within 30 days of receiving it to the person +you got it from. If you received this eBook on a physical +medium (such as a disk), you must return it with your request. + +ABOUT PROJECT GUTENBERG-TM EBOOKS +This PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBook, like most PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBooks, +is a "public domain" work distributed by Professor Michael S. Hart +through the Project Gutenberg Association (the "Project"). +Among other things, this means that no one owns a United States copyright +on or for this work, so the Project (and you!) can copy and +distribute it in the United States without permission and +without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth +below, apply if you wish to copy and distribute this eBook +under the "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark. + +Please do not use the "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark to market +any commercial products without permission. + +To create these eBooks, the Project expends considerable +efforts to identify, transcribe and proofread public domain +works. Despite these efforts, the Project's eBooks and any +medium they may be on may contain "Defects". Among other +things, Defects may take the form of incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other +intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged +disk or other eBook medium, a computer virus, or computer +codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment. + +LIMITED WARRANTY; DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES +But for the "Right of Replacement or Refund" described below, +[1] Michael Hart and the Foundation (and any other party you may +receive this eBook from as a PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBook) disclaims +all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including +legal fees, and [2] YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE OR +UNDER STRICT LIABILITY, OR FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT, +INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE +OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE +POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. + +If you discover a Defect in this eBook within 90 days of +receiving it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any) +you paid for it by sending an explanatory note within that +time to the person you received it from. If you received it +on a physical medium, you must return it with your note, and +such person may choose to alternatively give you a replacement +copy. If you received it electronically, such person may +choose to alternatively give you a second opportunity to +receive it electronically. + +THIS EBOOK IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED TO YOU "AS-IS". NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE MADE TO YOU AS +TO THE EBOOK OR ANY MEDIUM IT MAY BE ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT +LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A +PARTICULAR PURPOSE. + +Some states do not allow disclaimers of implied warranties or +the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the +above disclaimers and exclusions may not apply to you, and you +may have other legal rights. + +INDEMNITY +You will indemnify and hold Michael Hart, the Foundation, +and its trustees and agents, and any volunteers associated +with the production and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm +texts harmless, from all liability, cost and expense, including +legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the +following that you do or cause: [1] distribution of this eBook, +[2] alteration, modification, or addition to the eBook, +or [3] any Defect. + +DISTRIBUTION UNDER "PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm" +You may distribute copies of this eBook electronically, or by +disk, book or any other medium if you either delete this +"Small Print!" and all other references to Project Gutenberg, +or: + +[1] Only give exact copies of it. Among other things, this + requires that you do not remove, alter or modify the + eBook or this "small print!" statement. You may however, + if you wish, distribute this eBook in machine readable + binary, compressed, mark-up, or proprietary form, + including any form resulting from conversion by word + processing or hypertext software, but only so long as + *EITHER*: + + [*] The eBook, when displayed, is clearly readable, and + does *not* contain characters other than those + intended by the author of the work, although tilde + (~), asterisk (*) and underline (_) characters may + be used to convey punctuation intended by the + author, and additional characters may be used to + indicate hypertext links; OR + + [*] The eBook may be readily converted by the reader at + no expense into plain ASCII, EBCDIC or equivalent + form by the program that displays the eBook (as is + the case, for instance, with most word processors); + OR + + [*] You provide, or agree to also provide on request at + no additional cost, fee or expense, a copy of the + eBook in its original plain ASCII form (or in EBCDIC + or other equivalent proprietary form). + +[2] Honor the eBook refund and replacement provisions of this + "Small Print!" statement. + +[3] Pay a trademark license fee to the Foundation of 20% of the + gross profits you derive calculated using the method you + already use to calculate your applicable taxes. If you + don't derive profits, no royalty is due. Royalties are + payable to "Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation" + the 60 days following each date you prepare (or were + legally required to prepare) your annual (or equivalent + periodic) tax return. Please contact us beforehand to + let us know your plans and to work out the details. + +WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO? +Project Gutenberg is dedicated to increasing the number of +public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed +in machine readable form. + +The Project gratefully accepts contributions of money, time, +public domain materials, or royalty free copyright licenses. +Money should be paid to the: +"Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +If you are interested in contributing scanning equipment or +software or other items, please contact Michael Hart at: +hart@pobox.com + +[Portions of this eBook's header and trailer may be reprinted only +when distributed free of all fees. Copyright (C) 2001, 2002 by +Michael S. Hart. Project Gutenberg is a TradeMark and may not be +used in any sales of Project Gutenberg eBooks or other materials be +they hardware or software or any other related product without +express permission.] + +*END THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS*Ver.02/11/02*END* + + + +</pre> + + </body> +</html> |