Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/267

 “We were not spying and you know it, Mister Whitten,” broke in Bub.

“It was entirely an accident,” insisted Stanley. “Professor Carlton believes that.”

“Of course, boys,” soothed the professor. “Both Abner and I know you are not capable of any meanness.”

“They may be angels—which fact I’m a-doubting—but they don’t go with me,” loudly announced Abner.

“Then we’ll follow you,” grinned Bub.

“Every camp you make you’ll find us near neighbors,” promised Stanley.

“See here, boys,” placated Abner; “let’s stop arguing. It’s absolutely necessary that I git word back to Hatton—”

“O ho!” roared Bub. “He’s forgotten so quick that we overheard about his ‘fixing up some yarn.’”

“Thought mebbe ye didn’t hear all I said. But ye don’t go with me.”

“All right. We can make the trip alone then,” said Stanley.

Laura in the background had overheard this conversation and now with eyes kindling approached and placed a hand on Abner’s shoulder. “Mr. Whitten, I was with Stanley and Bub when they came around the corner and