CHAPTER IV.

THE SECRETS OF TRAPPING.


"Bully!" cried Steve, looking almost as happy as he did on that
never-to-be-forgotten day when they found their first lovely pearl in a
mussel taken from the Big Sunflower River.

"A b-b-bear!" exclaimed Toby. "L-l-let me s-s-see."

All of them were soon eagerly examining the marks so plainly described in
the light snow. Bruin had evidently shuffled along here, heading for some
favorite place in the neighboring marsh, where he knew food was still to
be found.

"We'd better leave the old chap alone for a bit," announced Jim. "When I
can make sure by his coming back to his den the same way that he's got a
regular trail, we'll lay for him."

"I'd like to get in a shot with my gun," declared Steve.

"H-h-ho! Much g-g-good your N-n-number Seven shot'd d-d-do against his
t-t-tough old hide!" jeered Toby.

"Get out! You don't think I'm such a ninny as that, I hope," answered
Steve, indignantly. "Hey, take a look at that shell, and this one, too,