Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/150

 was not, it seems, for on meeting Bub he told him all about it, adding much of detail that was strange to Stanley.

“Won’t Charlie be tickled to hear it,” cried Bub, smacking his lips. “To think of a man taking his life in his hands—and getting away with it.”

“Please don’t tell him,” begged Stanley. “Abner won’t and I don’t want him to think any worse of me. Goodness knows my mistakes have given him a very poor opinion of me already.”

“I’ll keep a close mouth,” grinned Bub. “But you’re wrong about Charlie. He admires you for your greenness. He says he never saw anyone who could make so many mistakes in so short a time. You’re a revelation to him.”

“Let him be content with what he already knows,” urged Stanley.

Bub nodded good-naturedly and caught up his rifle.

Abner raised his brows in mute inquiry. “Going after the bear,” informed Bub.

Stanley glanced at Abner, his eyes pleading.

Abner cleared his throat and diverted his eyes as he shortly said, “Guess I need ye