The watchers, eager to see everything, edged cautiously up to the log walls. Space for a small window had been left by the builders, but the sash was not yet in place.
"I should like to see that mud-work the Man did with his hand-trowel," whispered Umisk.
"Climb on my horns, Little Brother," said Mooswa, softly, "and I will lift you up."
Beaver slipped around gently on the roof inspecting François's handicraft, while the others listened at the window.
"By Goss! Rod," said the Breed, "I put me leetle fire in de fire-place for dry dat c'imney, s'e's sof. De fros' spoil him when s'e's no dry."
"I believe they have made the chimney too small," muttered Carcajou. "I'm going up to have a look."
"To-mor' we put out dat Traps," remarked the Half-breed. "What you t'ink, Boy--I see me dat Black Fox yesterday."
"The Black Fox!" exclaimed his young companion, eagerly. "The beauty you spoke of as being in this part of the country?"
The King trembled. Already this terrible Trapper was on his trail.
"Yes; I know me where he have hes hole. I put dat number t'ree Otter Trap close by, cover him wit' leaves, an' put de fis'-head bait on top. Den we see. We keel plenty fur here dis Winter. Dere's big moose track too--mus' be bull."