Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/135

 “Let me alone! Git away from me,” hoarsely commanded Bub, struggling in vain.

“Yes, I’ll leave you alone now,” said Stanley, stepping back. “For I know you are mad clear through and wouldn’t leave here if a dozen tigers were about to enter the room. After you’ve cooled off a bit you’ll thank me.”

Bub set his jaw and picked up his rifle, his eyes flaming. As Stanley had said, he was ugly from top to toe and no number of Big Nicks could frighten him. He had been the victim of a spasmodic fear; and he was all the more angry to know he had given way to the emotion and had appeared something of a coward in Stanley’s eyes. This very realization also caused him to feel resentment towards his companion.

Stanley, on his part, seeing that he won his point quickly subsided into his usual self and studied Bub anxiously. He knew Bub’s feelings were hurt and he was only desirous of renewing their old friendship.

To accomplish this he counterfeited a feeling he did not feel and coldly reminded, “I’m waiting to be thanked. I said to-morrow. I’ve changed my mind. You may thank me now.”

Bub glowered at him for a moment, then as the whistle sounded nearer he sighed in relief