THE VALUE OF THEIR FUR 29 



thought Mink had left a bite for me ; but when 

 I reached for it, bang ! went a pair of steel jaws, 

 scraping my very nose. Fat Fish ! it was a 

 close shave I m trembling yet ; the jagged 

 teeth looked so viciously cruel. If my leg had 

 got in them I know what I should have had 

 to do.&quot; 



&quot; So do I,&quot; asserted Jack. 



&quot;What would he have done, Babbler you 

 who know all things ? &quot; asked Lynx. 



&quot; Died ! &quot; solemnly croaked Jay. 



&quot;I should have had to cut off my leg, as a 

 cousin of mine did,&quot; declared Wapistan. &quot; He s 

 still alive, but we all help him get a living now. 

 I wish my skin was as cheap as Muskrat s.&quot; 



&quot;Oh, bless us ! he s only worth fifteen cents,&quot; 

 remonstrated Jack. &quot; His wool is but used for 

 lining put on the inside of Men s big coats 

 where it won t show. But your fur, dear Pussy 

 Marten, is worth eight dollars ; think of that ! 

 Of course that s for a prime pelt. That 

 Brother of yours, sitting over there with the 

 faded yellow jacket, would n t fetch more than 

 three or four at the outside ; but I 11 give you 

 seven for yours now, and chance it shouldn t 

 wonder if you d fetch twelve when they skin you, 

 for your coat is nice and black.&quot; 



&quot; I suppose there s no price on your hide,&quot; 



