Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/225



by Stanley the veteran and Bub exercised all their knowledge of woodcraft and held a bee line for the mountain. The very fact that they had been compelled to abandon their companion led them in a degree to cast caution aside and hasten on at top speed to obtain ammunition so that they might return and rescue him. Occasionally Bub ascended a tree with the agility of a squirrel and verified their course. In the black growth this spying out of the land was absolutely necessary, as Abner was intent on striking the mountain at a particular ridge.

After hours of nerve racking work the two came to the first stage of their ascent.

“Go on ahead,” panted Abner. “Ye’re fresher’n I be. Git the cartridges and come back and meet me. I’ll be loafing along here somewhere. Leave yer rifle with me—and scoot!”

Tightening his belt Bub flashed up the ridge, leaping along as if fresh at the task. Abner 200