"I reckon the badger at the end o' that chain won't hurt us much," responded Billy, airily. But Dick had to turn his face away to hide the laughter with which he was now almost bursting.
"Wal, boys, if I pull 'm out, you'll ketch 'm, will ye, an' shove 'm in the box?"
"Right you are, Jim. You jest pull, and we'll grab."
"But p'r'aps you'd be safer to let me come an' help ye hold the critter," added the trapper, shaking his head doubtfully.
"Help be blowed," cried Billy. "I reckon we don't need no help to manage this 'ere outfit, eh, Dick?" And the boys laughed in each other's faces, as they carried the box close up to the kennel, and opened the lid in readiness.
"Right ye are, sonnies," replied Jim. "Have yer own way. But don't ye forget I gave ye fair warnin'."
"BOYS AND BADGER WERE MIXED UP IN A SQUIRMING HEAP."
"We can look after ourselves, you bet," answered Billy, impatiently. "Jest you haul away."