watch me
sot her, boys."

They were all interested in the manner in which the trap was set, for
much care and ingenuity is required in order to outwit the cautious
instincts of the animal; though muskrats are not half so timid as some
other animals whose fur is coveted by the trappers.

"Now fur the next trap. Hope I don't find a thief has be'n thar too,"
said Jesse.

Evidently Pet Peters had just started in to follow up the line of traps,
as described to him by Bud Rabig the rival of old Jesse, for they saw no
more evidences of a visit.

When an hour had passed they were carrying five victims of the
steel traps.

Jerry did not much fancy the business.

He tried to be a thorough sportsman all the time, and anything that
savored of the habits of a game butcher, or trapping and shooting for the
market, grated on his nerves.

After this Jesse led them to where he had a bear trap located, and here
they were compelled to exercise considerable caution, because Bruin is a
suspicious beast, and easily frightened away.

But the trap was not sprung; and Jesse from a little distance explained
to his young friends how it lay concealed under the fallen leaves at a
place where he knew a bear frequented in passing to and fro.

"I'm goin' to look up his den in a few days, before he shuts in fur the
winter, an' sot my trap, whar he's jest bound to tread in it goin' or
comin'. Now, if so be ye feels that way, let's git back to camp an' hatch
up some sorter dinner Ever eat musquash, boys?"

"What, eat muskrats?" exclaimed Jerry, in disgust.

"I never have, but would like to try the dish," remarked Frank. "Up in
Maine the trappers told me they were fine in winter weather."

Will said not a word, but his lip curled, as though nothing could tempt
him to even take a taste of such a queer dish.

It was high noon when they arrived at the shack of the old trapper, and
all of the boys felt sharp pressed with hunger.

"I hope he's got something else besides muskrat--ugh!" said Jerry to
Will.

"I saw part of a deer hanging up before we left here," replied the other.

Jerry licked his lips in anticipation.

"Venison, real venison, fresh in the woods! Tell me about that, will you?
I'm in on that deal every time. I hope he cooks enough of it."

There was little danger of the trapper allowing any of his guests to
go hungry.

"Boys, I want you all to help me git a fine dinner. Frank, I knows you
are used to makin' up a good cook