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,"
