Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/115



Stanley opened his eyes next morning he was surprised to behold the two men and Bub up and busy about the fire.

“We let you sleep this morning, but hereafter you must be stirring at sun-up,” informed Bub, sternly.

“Very well,” said Stanley, meekly. “Now I’m awake, what shall I do?”

“Eat,” said Charlie, his eyes glittering as he pawed from the coals two blackened balls that once were moist clay.

“Thank you; but I prefer salt pork, or bacon and a cup of coffee,” replied Stanley, wrinkling up his nose as he recalled the guide’s preparation of the birds.

“A cup of coffee, please,” mimicked Bub, daintily switching to the coffee—pot and filling a tin dipper. “Wait a moment and I’ll git you a fresh napkin.”

“Stop kidding,” said Stanley shortly. “I meant a dipper—Why!”

The exclamation was evoked by Charlie’s 94