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 mine and making lots of money in the winter,” cried Stanley.

“But I’m tired of the woods; think of finding great big amethysts,” returned Bub.

“And it’s time for me to think of poor Mr. Whitten and father waiting to find dinner on the table while I am gossiping with you two,” added Laura, quickening her steps to return to the house.

“She’s a stunner!” admired Bub, after she had left them.

“I never knew a girl could be so sensible,” declared Stanley. “But what ninnies she makes of us with our ignorance.”

“That’s just it,” wailed Bub. “Here I’ve lived in the woods all my life and am as ignorant of lots of things as a clam. If course I’ve known about gum and have sold some. But I’ve wasted lots of hours in my trips when I might be examining a ledge for minerals, or opening fresh-water clams for pearls. Take a girl when she’s smart and there’s no getting ahead of her.”

After dinner and while Abner was smoking his pipe in the sun and giving some instructions to Bub, Stanley sought out Laura and with a bit of confusion asked, “Does your father intend to leave here soon?”