Page:The young Nimrods in North America.djvu/17



HAT'S a good morning's work," said Joe Fowler, as he threw his burden on the floor.

"A very good one indeed," replied his cousin Edward; "better than yesterday, when you had nothing at all."

"So it goes in hunting and trapping," Joe responded. "You must never count your game before you have it, or you will run a great risk of being disappointed."

So saying, he ranged his prizes side by side on the floor, and examined them critically. Two foxes, three minks, and a pair of musk-rats were the proceeds of the day's expedition. All the skins were of the best quality, and as Joe stroked the fur on each before laying it aside he gave a nod of approval.

"Good pelts, every one," he remarked, as he rose and straightened himself. "And now to take them off."

Suiting the action to the word, he gathered the game together and went out-of-doors, followed by Edward. Evidently he was a skilful hand at removing the skins of fur-bearing animals, as he was through with his work in a short time. The operation was narrowly watched by his cousin and by his two nephews, George and Harry, who were freshly arrived from the city, and had never witnessed anything of the kind. They had many inquiries to make concerning hunting and trapping, and their uncle responded to all their questions with the utmost readiness.

"I would like to know," said Harry, " how you capture these animals. I see there is not a mark on any of the skins, and so you could not have shot them."