"
As the weeks and months passed, Captain Josh and Rod became firmer
friends than ever, and scarcely a day passed that they were not
together for a while. There were so many things for the boy to see and
learn that his interest never waned. He was so happy when out on the
river in the _Roaring Bess_, and ere long he knew all about the boat,
and could steer her almost as well as the captain himself.
When the fall settled in, and the weather became cold, the water was
abandoned, and so the yacht was pulled out upon the stocks by means of
a rude windlass. Here, covered with a large canvas, she remained
during the long winter months, safe from the driving storms which often
raged over the land.
Then it was that the captain turned his attention to trapping, which he
had followed for several years. There were several big brooks flowing
into the river, draining a large area of country, principally wooded,
and these abounded with mink, raccoon, and other fur-bearing animals.
The captain was an expert, and knew the most likely places where game
could be best taken. Rod at times went with him on his regular rounds
to visit the traps, and it was always a great joy to the boy when he
was allowed to carry back some furry prize which had been secured.
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