It was storming violently, and it was with great difficulty that they could find the "varmint's" track.
After half an hour's search, however, with the assistance of the farmer's dogs, they discovered it, and began to follow it up, the dogs leading the way.

But the snow had fallen so deep that it almost covered the scent, and they frequently found themselves at fault.
After following the track for two hours, the dogs suddenly stopped at a pile of hemlock-boughs, and began to whine and scratch as if they had discovered something.
"Wal," said Uncle Joe, dropping his rifle into the hollow of his arm, "the hounds have found some of the mutton, but the varmint has took himself safe off." The boys quickly threw aside the boughs, and in a few moments the mangled remains of one of the sheep were brought to light.

The thief had probably had more than enough for one meal, and had hidden the surplus carefully away, intending, no doubt, to return and make a meal of it when food was not quite so plenty.
"Wal, boys," said the farmer, "no use to try to foller the varmint any further.

Put the sheep back where you found it, and this afternoon you can take one of your traps and set it so that you can ketch him when he comes back for what he has left." So saying, he shouldered his rifle and walked off, followed by his hounds.
In a few moments the boys had placed every thing as they had found it as nearly as possible, and hurried on after the farmer.
That afternoon, after disposing of an excellent dinner, Frank and Archie started into the woods to set a trap for the thief.

They took with them a large wolf-trap, weighing about thirty pounds.