Mukoki was already at work skinning the bear, and Rod and Wabigoon
unsheathed their knives and joined him.

"Wound 'bout fi', six month old," said the Indian. "Shot just before
snow."

"When there wasn't a berry in the woods for a starving man to eat,"
added Wabi. "Well, here's hoping he found something, Rod."

An hour later the three gold seekers returned to their canoe laden
with the choicest of the bear meat, and the animal's skin, which was
immediately stretched between two trees, high up out of the reach of
depredating animals. Rod gazed at it proudly.

"We'll be sure and get it when we come back, won't we?"

"Sure," replied Wabi.

"It will be safe?"

"As safe as though it were at home."

"Unless somebody comes along and steals it," added Rod.

Wabi was busy unloading certain necessary articles from the canoe, but
he ceased his work to look at Rod.

"Steal!" he cried in astonishment.