A Furcoated Fish 



all have been placed in great bodily fear, and my wife 

 has suffered extreme mental perturbation. If it is, 

 possible to establish the beast's ownership, it is my 

 intention to bring suit for damages." 



" Well, I can tell you what it is," replied the woman 

 vehemently; " and if that lazy lummox you've got for 

 a guide was any good, he'd have told you ! It's ' 



"If you can guarantee us protection," I interrupted, 

 bent upon making all possible defense before the storm 

 should break, " we will liberate that beast by cutting 

 the line." 



"If you do, I'll have the law on you! " shouted the 

 woman, shaking her fist at me. " You've got a mink 

 that's been catching my chickens that's what you've 

 got! And if you let him go, I I I don't know 

 what I'll do to you ! " 



" W-w-what did you say?" I stammered feebly, 

 unable to comprehend instantly the great change in 

 our fortunes. 



" You heard me ! " answered the remarkable 

 woman. " You wait right here till I come back. I'll 

 get a meal sack. Then you reel the nasty mink up 

 short. I'll hold the sack open, and we'll put him in 

 and drown him. Wait right here." 



As she departed, the Madame and I drew long 

 breaths of relief and smiled happily at each other. 

 The guide took off his hat and wiped his forehead. 



"Do you mind if I smoke my pipe, Marm?" he 

 47 



