If we had had this spear, we could have killed him easy enough.

We wouldn't be obliged to cut a hole larger than an inch square, and no mink I ever saw could get through that.

And this," he continued, taking up the other instrument, "is a muskrat-spear.

The way to proceed is this: Go to a muskrat's house, and, with an ax, cut a chunk out of the top, directly over where they sleep." "And, by the time you get that done," said Frank, with a laugh, "the muskrats will be out of your way." "I know that; they will undoubtedly start off the first blow you strike, and swim to some breathing-hole; but in a quarter of an hour they will be sure to return.

While they are gone, you will have plenty of time to cut the chunk, and, after taking it out, place it carefully back, in such a manner that it can be removed instantly; then, if there are any other houses near, serve them in the same way.