The two pine martens soon began to growl and spit at each other exactly as do two house cats when on a back fence to settle a long-standing dispute. They were so much in earnest that neither noted the approach of the hunters, although usually a pine marten is very shy and quick to detect danger. “What a battle!” remarked Joe, when each had made a savage claw at the other. “You’d almost think they were two old Toms, wouldn’t you?” “Perhaps you’d better heave a boot-jack at them,” came dryly from Bart. “Hush, lads,” put in Joel Runnell. “Be prepared to fire the minute they try to run away. Remember, they may disappear like magic.” “Let me shoot one,” pleaded Link. “I haven’t had any chance at game yet.” “And let me try for the other,” came from Bart. “All right. But take careful aim, or the martens will get away from you.” CHAPTER XXII TEDDY MEETS “THE INDIANS” In order to get a better view of the pine martens, who had shifted slightly from where they were first fighting, Link and Bart moved cautiously along among several big pine trees. “I’ll take the lighter one,” said Bart. “All right, I’ll try for the darker,” said his chum. Both of the martens were brown, but there were several shades of difference between the pair. “Are you ready?” came a few seconds later. “Yes.” “Then fire!” Crack! crack! went the two guns in rapid succession and up into the air leaped both of the animals. Then they came down into the snow and whirled over and over. One was mortally wounded and quickly expired, but the one shot by Bart, tried to crawl away. “He’s going to get away from ye!” cried Teddy Dugan, in strong excitement. “Let me give him a shot, won’t ye?” “Yes,” answered Bart, and no sooner had he spoken than the Irish boy blazed away, and over on its back went the pine marten, as dead as a stone. All of the young hunters rushed up to inspect the prizes. They found the pine martens of a strong odor, but with beautiful furs. “Those pelts are worth something,” said Joel Runnell. “Can we eat the meat?” asked Bart. “I don’t think you’ll care particularly for the flavor. But you want to save the furs.” “We shall certainly do that,” said Link, and then old Runnell showed them how to skin the game so that the fur would not be damaged. Now that they were out with their guns they continued the hunt until sunset. During that time they were lucky enough to get three rabbits and two squirrels and also some more nuts out of the hole of one of the latter creatures. It was growing colder steadily and by sunset all of the young hunters were more than glad to get back to the shelter. “Oh, but this night is going to be a stinger!” predicted Joe, and he was right. They brought in a large quantity of firewood and set the blaze to going as hard as they dared. The pine trees leaning against the cliff were getting dry and they had to be careful that no sparks should set them ablaze.