134 ROMANCE OF THE BEAVER 
from the lower side of the pond, so that no scent 
of man should alarm the unsuspicious beaver. 
Early the following morning he took several traps 
and set them in different positions, one being 
placed at each dam near a breach which he made, 
for he knew full well that the beavers are most 
careful to inspect the dams every night during the 
autumn and they would promptly mend any break 
they found. As he proceeded with his occupation 
his practical eye noted many signs of a most dis- 
turbing nature. Only one lodge had received its 
winter coat of mud, the wood-pile, and there was 
only one, was far smaller than it should have been. 
The dams in the upper pond were in bad condition 
and showed no evidence of having been repaired 
for many months, neither were there any fresh 
cuttings in or near that pond. More and more 
did Joe’s hopes droop. That there were beaver 
in the place could not be doubted, as quite freshly 
peeled sticks were strewn along the shore and 
fresh browse projected above the water near the 
lowest house, but he was forced to the conclusion 
that the colony was far smaller than when he had 
seen it before. Had someone been before him and 
taken jis beaver? In vain he searched for any 
indications of trap or man. Perhaps some wander- 
ing Ojibway Indian had visited the place and shot 
the beavers earlier in the season. Whatever the 
cause he felt disturbed. He had refused to join 
a friend on a trip to a region which promised rich 
