Finally he, too, began to get ready to retire. On these cold nights the boys only partly undressed. They did not have any too many blankets or comfortables, and it did get mighty dreary in the cabin after the fire went out, with the wind sweeping over that wide stretch of flowing water that came out of the wintry North. But before Thad put out the lantern, he placed it just where he could lay his hand on it at a second's notice and also made sure to have matches handy. Nor was that all. He quietly picked up the old Marlin, and deposited it alongside his bunk. Then came darkness, as he blew out the light. Thad heard a sound not unlike a chuckle from the opposite bunk; but although he imagined his comrade was laughing at all his preparations for trouble, the fact did not give him much concern. When his mind was made up nothing could turn Thad aside. No doubt he woke up at regular intervals during that night, and rising to his elbow listened eagerly to the various sounds coming from without. 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. First of all Thad threw the traps aboard, trying to look disappointed while so doing. "Oh! come off, you!" cried his chum, who could see that there was something assumed in the actions of the returned sportsman; "think I don't just glimpse a tail like a round file sticking up over the gunnel? Just as you said last night, it's only a question of HOW MANY." "One!" said Thad, as he tossed a young 'possum on deck. "But that tail is still there!" cried his comrade. "Two!" "My! you make my mouth water some. That tail--"