Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/198

 hide it must be where he won’t think of passing.”

“Now move slowly and quietly for yer lives,” cautioned Abner in a whisper. “Take hold of Bub’s hand so ye won’t stumble, Reddy, and lift yer feet clear of the ground.”

With this warning he began leading the way towards the west, moving with painful deliberation. Stanley, keyed up to the highest tension, suddenly found he had eyes in his feet and no dead limb, or stone, was disturbed by him as he crept along close to Bub.

“He’s making for the ledges,” murmured Bub.

It was still early evening, and, although the outlines of the surrounding mountains were plainly visible against the sky, darkness now completely smothered the lower stretches of woods and the trio had no fear of detection in walking upright. As Bub had surmised Abner was making for the heaped up boulders that marked the beginning of the mountain. Knowing that it would be impossible to proceed much farther without a breathing spell he selected this rough environment as affording the best hiding place and the most secure retreat if they should be discovered.

Now lichen covered rocks warned them they