Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/245

 everyone had given them up for lost. You know, he took provisions with him and on finding them about to die and ignorant of the woods he built a shelter and remained with them until they were able to follow him to the settlement.”

“Quit that stuff,” commanded Abner, frowning to conceal his pleasure.

“O he’s done that so many times we that know him pay no attention to it now,” lightly informed Bub.

“I’ll larrup ye, ye young—beg pardon, ma’am, but he’s a very troublous boy at times,” stammered Abner.

“I’m sure he will grow up and make a good man,” gravely encouraged Laura, her eyes dancing.

“I’m sixteen in years and a million feet tall in experience,” desperately blurted out Bub.

“My! I didn’t know you were so aged,” laughed Laura. “Now I must remember my manners. Do you know, I was about to call you Bub.”

“I’m very young,” quickly broke in Stanley, finding her bright eyes and piquant face very pleasing. “So there’s no reason why you shouldn’t call me Stanley.”

“I think, my daughter, our guests will be