He jumped down into the creek, encircled the little raccoon's neck with
an expert hand and used his free hand to depress the trap spring. Free,
but not quite believing it, the little animal went exactly as far as the
trap chain had previously let him go and then ventured two inches
farther. Sure at last that the miracle had happened, he scuttled into
the goldenrod. Al jerked the trap loose from its anchor.
"Let's go, Ted."
"Where?"
"You want to buy this place. We'll go into Lorton and see Jud Hawley.
But on the way, we'll have a little palaver with Smoky."
A half hour later, Al drove his pickup into the Delbert yard, to find
another truck there ahead of him. It belonged to Loring Blade, the
warden, who was talking with Smoky. He turned to nod at Al and Ted.
"Hi!"
Al said, "I won't be but a minute, Lorin'." He held the steel trap out
to Smoky Delbert. "This yours?"