Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/237

 Abner sniffed disdainfully. “I believe in game laws,” he said, “but if a deer chases me more’n a couple of miles in the spring, a-trying to bite me, why, I shoot in self-defense. And once the deer is shot there’s no reason why the neighbors shouldn’t have a bit of vension.”

“I’m afraid you woodsmen are often attacked by deer,” gravely said the professor.

“Wal, I’ll say this. The same deer never chased me twice,” returned Abner.

“Do you return home to-night?” asked Stanley, much interested in this new acquaintance, who had the polished manners of a true gentleman and the head of a scholar.

“Yes; it’s a stiff, long climb, but my daughter will be waiting,” replied the professor. Then reading the youth’s thoughts he suggested, “But why can’t you all make it, after you’ve refreshed yourselves? My daughter will prepare you an appetizing breakfast.”

“I vum! I’d like to, but I’m too tired,” said Abner.

“I believe she intends to have buckwheat cakes and maple syrup,” mused the professor.

“What!” cried Abner, half rising. “Of course we’ll go. No need of loafing around here. I’d been up there to pay my respects