“Like this,” and the cobbler showed the boys. “The door is held up and open by a catch. On the end of the catch, inside the box trap, is the bait. The deer starts to nibble the bait. This pulls out the catch and the door falls and the deer is caught.”
“Are you sure he will go inside to nibble the bait?” asked Joe.
“I’m positive,” declared Mr. Crispen.
“What bait are you going to use?” asked Teddy.
“A combination of carrots, cabbage, turnips and salt, all made into a sort of package,” was the answer. “No deer can keep from nibbling that. Now you boys go and get permission from Mrs. Traddle to put the trap in her garden.”
A little doubtful of what Mrs. Traddle might say, the three boys went to the candy store. As a sort of opening wedge, Teddy bought some chocolate creams, ordering them in such a loud voice that the deaf old lady did not confuse them with popcorn balls. Then Teddy, thinking she was in good humor, said:
“We want to set a deer trap in your garden, may we?”
“What’s that? You lost a hat in my garden? Why of course you may go in and get it, boys. But I don’t see how you could lose a hat. The wind isn’t blowing much.”
“Not a HAT—a TRAP!” said Teddy loudly.
“A mouse trap?” asked Mrs. Traddle doubtfully.