often
worth twice over the whole of a season's catch of other furs. Why it
should be called silver I don't know, for the only silver about it is
the tip of the tail. The color is black, and single skins have sold as
high as $2,500 and more and $800 to $1,500 is not at all unusual. So
valuable are the skins that black fox farming has become an established
industry and a pair of black foxes for breeding purposes are worth from
$1,000 up. So you see, Jim saw considerable money running loose when he
saw that fox."

"Phew!" exclaimed Hal with a low whistle of astonishment. "I didn't
suppose there was anything on four legs except blooded live stock worth
so much money. Wouldn't it be great if Pat could catch three or four
this winter!"

Pat threw back his head and laughed heartily. "Make it a dozen while
you're about it, son," said he. "Don't be so modest. I've lived in these
woods some years, but I never yet have seen a live black fox, and I've
known of only two being caught. If Jim says he saw one he did. There's
nothing the matter with Jim's eyesight. I guess I'll have to have a look
around the neighborhood where he saw it. As for our plans, Doctor, we
are going to spend to-morrow with you and give these tenderfeet a few
lessons on snow-shoes. We'll hit the trail for camp bright and early the
next morning."

The next day dawned clear and cold and after a hearty breakfast the
snow-shoes were brought forth. First Pat explained the tie in common use
and showed just how to adjust the rawhide thongs to give free play to
the ankles and yet prevent the toes from creeping forward to the
crossbars. With the thongs properly adjusted the shoes could be easily
kicked off or put on again without untying the knots.

"The chief thing to remember," said he, "is to take a long stride with
the toes pointed straight ahead. If you take a short step you will be
almost certain to step on the tail of one shoe with the toe of the
other and over you go. Now I'll show you how, and you fellows can
practice a while out here in front where the snow has been cleared away
until you get the hang of the thing. Then we'll make a little trip out
into the woods and visit some of the old places, so you can see how
different they are from what they were last summer."

"I have a suggestion to make," said the doctor. "While Mother puts up a
lunch, you get these youngsters so that they can keep right side up.
Then we'll all take a short hike and show Muldoo