Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/215

 outside of his intended line of approach and must beat back would he reach the warden’s abode before nightfall.

“Why not let us separate, each making for the top of the mountain,” suggested Stanley, lowering his eyes.

“What is the matter?” asked Abner suspiciously.

“Why do you stand on one foot?” demanded Bub, giving him a twirl.

“By jing! he’s sprained his ankle and is trying to git us to go and quit him,” savagely announced Abner.

Stanley tried to defend himself, saying he knew he could make the mountain as quickly as either of the others, and concluded by declaring his ankle hurt him only a little. Abner apparently heard nothing that he said, but, forcing him to sit, quickly removed the high boot and examined the sore member. To his great joy he found it was only a minor strain and ripping a strip from his blanket soon had it bandaged in workman-like manner.

“There! that’ll last till we reach the warden’s if ye favor it,” pronounced Abner. “And don’t suggest any more of these self-sacrificing games agin. I expect ye two to stick by me and ye must expect us two to stand