It was a "savage thing," as Uncle Joe said, with a powerful spring on each side, which severely taxed their united strength in setting it; and its thick, stout jaws, which came together with a noise like the report of a gun, were armed with long, sharp teeth; and if a wolf or panther once got his foot between them, he might as well give up without a struggle.

Instead of their guns, each shouldered an ax.
Frank took possession of the trap, and Archie carried a piece of heavy chain with which to fasten the "clog" to the trap.

Half an hour's walk brought them to the place where the wild-cat had buried his plunder.
After considerable exertion they succeeded in setting the trap, and placed it in such a manner that it would be impossible for any animal to get at the sheep without being caught.

The chain was them fastened to the trap, and to this was attached the clog, which was a long, heavy limb.

Trappers, when they wish to take such powerful animals as the bear or panther, always make use of the clog.