bout half-way from the first pond to where the stream empties into
Moosehead Lake.

Near a deserted log hut, known as "McPheter's Camp," they had discovered
signs of a bear--his tracks, and the spot where he had lain down among
the tall dead grasses.

"Let's stay here all night and watch for him," said Willie--Willie was
the one who related the adventure to me.

"That wouldn't be right; for they're looking for us at home," replied
his brother Dick to this somewhat tempting invitation. "Besides there
might not come a bear here again for a week."

"Well, let's rest here a few minutes anyway," said Willie.

Opposite the door of the hut was its one window, the glass so covered
with cobwebs that very little light came through. It was dark enough in
there for a bear's den--he might, in fact, be in there. But flinging the
door wide open, the boys ventured in. There was a visible movement at
the window, but it proved to be only three or four great, gray spiders
hurrying to their coverts from the unwonted light.

"What's this, Dick?" and Will kicked a tangled mass of iron from a
corner into the sunshine.

Dick eyed it a moment. "Aha--it's a bear trap," said he.

"Well, we _will_ catch him, now," said Will triumphantly.

"The old thing's too rusty and weak," Dick pronounced finally, after
examining it. "'Twouldn't hold a bear."

"Oh, let's just set it, anyhow, and _try_," coaxed Will.

After repeated efforts, in which Will got caught himself--or, rather,
his boot--they got the huge iron jaws wide open, and the trencher in
place.

"Next thing we must shoot something for bait," said Will.

"I really think we haven't time, not to-night, Will," said Dick. "See!
it's almost sunset, and we are two miles from home through the woods."

"Well, then, I've got two doughnuts left. Let's put them on."

"Very well," laughed Dick, good-naturedly, "if you can wait for your
supper."

So the trap, with a doughnut tied to the trencher, was placed a few feet
just outside the cabin where any one within could plainly see it from
the window. The chain was made fast, and the other doughnut broken to
bits, and scattered about.

The next morning the boys were early on the tramp, in order to visit a
shallow pond some three miles eastward, where they expected to find
moose. After tiptoing about and impatiently watching the shores till
afternoon, they did see a moose; but before they were within range, he
turned to run.

"Fire, Will!"