But they were disappointed; every thing was just as they had left it, and there were no signs of the wild-cat having been about during the night.

Every night and morning for a week they were regular in their visits to the trap, but not even a twig had been moved.

Two weeks more passed, and during this time they visited the trap but once.

At length the time allotted for their stay at Uncle Joe's expired.

On the evening previous to the day set for their departure, as they sat before the huge, old-fashioned fireplace, telling stories and eating nuts.