SATANTA'S STORY 



I'll sew a flap that can be tucked up or let down to 

 suit circumstances." 



"Great head/' said Jack. "A good general was 

 spoiled when Tom enlisted." 



"'In time of peace, prepare for war/ was one 

 of George Washington's maxims/' said Tom, "an' 

 never was more sensible advice given for either 

 individual or nation." 



Usually Jack and I did most of the hunting and 

 scouting around over the adjacent country, but 

 now and chen Tom would strike out for a short 

 trip up or down the creek on his own account. 



One day, after being out for a short time, he 

 came hurrying back and began to delve in the 

 mess-chest, inquiring for a fish-hook and line that 

 he had seen there, declaring that he had just 

 found a lot of fresh otter tracks on the bank of the 

 creek. 



"Why, Tom," asked Jack innocently, "do they 

 catch otter with fish-hooks?" 



"No, you numskull," replied the old man im- 

 patiently, "the fish-hook and line is to catch fish 

 to bait traps for the otter. 



"Now, then, Jack," continued the old man after 

 finding his fishing-tackle and assuring himself that 

 it was in good condition, "come along with me 

 down to the beaver dam, an' while I catch a fish 

 or two for bait you pull up a couple of your beaver 

 traps an' we'll set for otter." 



"Well, I guess I can spare you a couple of traps 



167 



