They never fasten the trap to a stationary object.

When the animal finds that he is caught, his first impulse is to run.

The clog is not heavy enough to hold him still, but as he drags it through the woods, it is continually catching on bushes and frees, and retarding his progress.
But if the animal should find himself unable to move at all, his long, sharp teeth would be put to immediate use, and he would hobble off on three feet, leaving the other in the trap.
After adjusting the clog to their satisfaction, they threw a few handfuls of snow over the trap and chain, and, after bestowing a few finishing touches, they shouldered their axes and started toward the house.

The next morning, at the first peep of day, Frank and Archie started for the woods, with their dogs close at their heels.

As they approached the spot where the trap had been placed they held their guns in readiness, expecting to find the wild-cat secure.