Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/238

 long ago if it wan’t fer these bothersome younkers.”

The professor and the youths smiled broadly at the way in which Abner changed his mind under the influence of promised cakes and syrup, but Bub with a practical eye reminded, “Let’s not forget to send out an alarm about Big Nick.”

“Yes; I’ll telephone the minute we get home,” promised the professor. “His setting the fire is a serious offense in itself; his attempt at cold-blooded murder must be punished, of course. None of you are safe so long as he is at liberty.”

“Do you expect he’ll be picked up?” asked Stanley.

The professor shook his head and regretted, “I am sorry to say I do not believe he will be captured unless it is by chance; that is, not by the wardens. We have to keep a close watch for fires. Only a few are blessed as I am with the company of a daughter, or with any company at all. We are stationed far apart and the half-breed can range at pleasure in and among the mountains without being disturbed. Even if he were seen and pursued he could easily escape. I believe he will make for the north, where he will be less apt to meet either