Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/236

 a baking and was able to supply the biscuit. She added the jelly for the invalid. There is some coffee and a coffee-pot.”

“Prob’ly ye’ve had yer supper,” sounded Abner, eying the provisions wolfishly.

“I have and can not partake with you,” said the professor.

“All right; I know ye won’t mind if we pitch in right away,” said Abner, his tone much relieved as he found the food was to be shared by three rather than four.

“And here’s pickles and cheese and a pie,” gasped Bub, exploring the other basket.

“And cake and a whole roast chicken,” added Stanley in amazement. “Why, Professor Carlton, you and your daughter must have thought there were a dozen starving men instead of but three, and surely you must have robbed yourself.”

“Not a bit of it,” assured the professor. “Now I want to see you eat. One of you start a blaze for the coffee and I’ll fetch a pot of water from the spring nearby.”

“I’ll fetch ye in a deer just as soon as I git ‘my nerves settled,” declared Abner, drawing a hamper towards him.

“That will be next fall when the law is off,” reminded the professor.