“Why, it’s an animal, and a very awkward creature, I can tell you, sometimes.”
“The drawing is something like a panther, mamma,” exclaimed Mary.
“Well, miss, it may be a panther, but we only know them by the other name.”
Mr Farquhar then came in, and the question was referred to him; he laughed and told him that painters were a species of panther, not spotted, but tawny-coloured, and at times very dangerous.
“Do you know the part of the country where we are going to?” said Henry to Super.
“Yes, I have trapped thereabouts for months, but the beavers are scarce now.”
“Are there any other animals there?”
“Yes,” replied Martin, “small game, as we term it.”
“What sort are they?”
“Why, there’s painters, and bears, and cat-a’-mountains.”