"The old thing's too rusty and weak," Dick pronounced finally, after examining it. "'Twouldn't hold a bear."
"Oh, let's just set it, anyhow, and try," coaxed Will.
After repeated efforts, in which Will got caught himself—or, rather, his boot—they got the huge iron jaws wide open, and the trencher in place.
"Next thing we must shoot something for bait," said Will.
"I really think we haven't time, not to-night, Will," said Dick. "See! it's almost sunset, and we are two miles from home through the woods."
"Well, then, I've got two doughnuts left. Let's put them on."
"Very well," laughed Dick, good-naturedly, "if you can wait for your supper."
So the trap, with a doughnut tied to the trencher, was placed a few feet just outside the cabin where any one within could plainly see it from the window. The chain was made fast, and the other doughnut broken to bits, and scattered about.
The next morning the boys were early on the tramp, in order to visit a shallow pond some three miles eastward, where they expected to find moose. After tiptoing about and impatiently watching the shores till afternoon, they did see a moose; but before they were within range, he turned to run.
"Fire, Will!" shouted Dick.