Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/164

 the fire they’re fighting,” explained Bub. “When the two fires meet the blaze is all over.”

“Thank heavens, no damage has been done,” fervently cried Stanley.

“A cent would pay for all the stumpage spoiled by this fire,” agreed Abner, gravely, “but—”

“But what?” prompted Stanley as the old man paused.

“Wal, I might as well say it, as Bub is thinking it now. We’ve told Big Nick about what he wants to know. He’s seen the smoke and knows I’ve got some younkers along, for he’d never give me credit with starting a smoke, let alone a blaze.”

Stanley’s face lengthened. “Mr. Whitten, it seems I have been criminally negligent. I must undo the mischief insofar as I can.”

“Ye’ve been a derned little fool,” agreed Abner. “About the other thing I’ll hold back my opinion till I know what it means.”

Stanley reached forward and clasped Bub’s hand warmly, much to that youth’s bewilderment. “I’m almost too tired to shake hands,” repelled Bub, who began to fear Stanley was not sufficiently impressed with his lesson.