The little window was well within the range of his vision, and as the moon shone brilliantly without he could see its entire dimensions plainly.
But long ago an iron bar had been fastened across the exact center of the opening, since the former owner of the shanty-boat did not enjoy the thought that roving boys might enter and pillage while he was on his route, peddling the buffalo fish he caught.
It would have to be a pretty small individual who could force his way through that window; and yet Thad's fears induced him to observe it with considerable apprehension.
But the night passed without any alarm.
If strangers landed on the deck of the shanty-boat while the young owners slept, they failed to make their presence known.
Morning came at last.
Both boys were early astir, as was their custom; the coming of daylight served to lure them from their bunks; and indeed on many occasions they would have been getting breakfast before, only that there was need of husbanding their scanty stock of oil.
Maurice, knowing that his chum was eager to learn whether any spoils had fallen to his traps, volunteered to cook the limited morning meal, while Thad paddled ashore.
He was almost through, and the coffee was giving a most appetizing odor to the surrounding air, when the trapper came paddling out.
Maurice watched operations with more or less interest.