noon
The last step in the completion of the _ cache _ was to cut down all trees whose limbs over-hung in such manner that a _ carcajo _ could crawl out and drop down upon the platform , and also those trees whose proximity might tempt a lynx to try a flying leap to the _ cache _ . When the carcass of the bear had been quartered and deposited upon the platform , the brush and limbs cleared away , and the ladder removed , the two trappers gazed in satisfaction at their handiwork . The stout _ cache _ , capable of protecting several tons of meat from the inroads of the forest prowlers , had been constructed without the use of a single nail , or bit of rope , or thong , and with no tool except an ax ! It was noon when the task was completed , and after a hasty lunch of tea , bear 's liver , and bannock , ` Merican Joe selected fifteen small steel traps which he placed in his pack sack . He also carried a light belt ax , while Connie shouldered the larger ax and reached for the 30-40 rifle . ` Merican Joe shook his head . `` Dat ain ' no good to tak ' de big gun .