134 



CHAPTER VII. 



'~'^^i^^ early dawn both Pierre and Gres- 

 ham were astir. After breakfast the 

 Canadian looked to his traps, saw 

 that the springs were in good order 

 and worked freely, after which they 

 sallied forth to set them, an operation that 

 Paul looked forward to with great curiosity; 

 for he was determined to become master of 

 all branches of the fur trade, and it is needless to 

 say that trapping stands first in importance. And 

 now came into use the hand-sledge that Pierre 

 had brought with him, formed of a thin piece of 

 board six feet in length, turned up at the end, and 

 having a network at either side to prevent the 

 loading from slipping off. Upon this the Canadian 

 piled his traps, an axe, some moose flesh for bait, 

 and slinging his gun by the strap over his shoulder 

 the hunter marched off, dragging the little sleigh 

 after him by a cord of sufficient length to prevent 

 its over-riding his snow-shoes. Paul walked by his 

 side, and they soon reached tlic place where the 



