That was a busy afternoon, all things considered. Some of those who had been out fishing in the morning decided they had had enough angling for one day. Besides, they knew very well that others were desirous of testing their skill against the game qualities of the black bass of Lake Russabaga.
So it came about that Dick Horner had a chance to be a member of the quartette that left camp with dark designs against the finny inhabitants of the inland sea. They carried a goodly number of live bait in a pail constructed for that purpose, and also some artificial minnows, as well as trolling spoons to fall back on in case the other supplies were exhausted.
Mr. Holwell had entered into the work with almost as much enthusiasm as any of the boys.
“To-morrow being Sunday,” he explained as he worked, “we will do just as little manual labor as possible. My flock in town will have a supply in the pulpit, for they have given me a little holiday. And if you boys care to hear it I expect to give you a sermon I wrote for some lads of my acquaintance many years ago, though it touches on truths that are just as pertinent to-day as when it was first delivered.”
Dan had not gone off with any of the others, but at the same time he failed to mingle with those in the camp. They could hear him pottering away close by, now hammering, and again coming back for bits of stout twine or rope. Nobody but Mr. Bartlett knew what Dan was about.
All this naturally aroused something akin to curiosity among the boys, and as the afternoon wore on many guesses were indulged in as to what Dan Fenwick could be doing. Finally, one of his companions, more daring than the rest, sauntered over his way to ask him pointblank what it was he kept working on so industriously. Andy Hale, for it was he who had approached Dan, presently came hurrying back, with a half grin on his face, at the same time laboring under partly repressed excitement.
“Hey! would you believe it?” he announced as he arrived near the fire. “Dan up and told me he was building a cage to trap that wild man Nat saw in the woods.”
CHAPTER XVIII
SETTING THE TRAP
Of course when Andy made this surprising report the rest of the boys were of a mind to rush over in a body to joke Dan, and perhaps make fun of his labors. Mr. Holwell, however, dissuaded them.
“Better leave Dan to finish his trap, boys,” he told them. “He’s a busy fellow these days it seems, and deserves success if anybody does. If he needs any help you’ll hear him call for it. In the meanwhile don’t thrust yourselves where evidently you’re not wanted.”