Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/290

 promise of a clear to-morrow that caused Abner’s eyes to light up with enthusiasm.

“Younkers, it’s one of the best bits of spruce I ever see,” he cried, smacking his lips. “I made about ten stands and figger it will run ahead of any eighty acres in the state.”

“And we can’t have it,” reminded Stanley, sorrowfully.

The light faded from the veteran’s gaze and he bowed his head. “I was so took up with the timber that I plumb forgot it isn’t fer us to operate,” he groaned. “Why! it’s simply a shame to let such a growth git away from the Great Northern. If I wasn’t a honest man I’d shift them posts back where Nace prob ’ly took ’em from in the first place.”

“That would be hardly honest,” protested Stanley. “We are not positive that he removed them. We only suspect it.”

“Of course we can’t do it, although anything would be honest if it beat Nace,” snarled Abner. “But it wouldn’t do any good to shift ’em, as he’s had surveyors up here, who’ll swear as to where they found the posts. I must admit that all the marks are there as he claims, even to the marks on the beech beside the half-mile post. I guess we lose.”

“Well, what next?” demanded the practical