Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/272

 and once the water road was resumed the paddles were laid aside for poles. Abner and Bub handled the poles, although Stanley begged to be allowed to help.

“We can’t run the risk of being dumped,” growled Abner. “We’ve got everything lashed tight, so’s if we should git dumped there’s nothing that can git away. But we ain’t taking no chances with a green man.”

“But I’ve learned to paddle,” protested Stanley, who did not enjoy remaining idle as if he could not be trusted.

“A child can learn to paddle,” sneered Bub. “But only men are allowed to handle a pole, my son.”

“I don’t see as there is anything very difficult about it,” answered Stanley. “You simply put the pole in and push. Think I’m going to loaf through all this swift water?”

“You surely will, my son, unless you get out and wade,” teased Bub. “Now, be silent, please; children should be seen and not heard.”

And to exhibit his skill to the envious Stanley he carelessly pushed on his pole and in a second it was caught between two rocks and the canoe capsized.

“What—what in sin be ye doing?” angrily cried Abner, as he rose spluttering to the