Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/292

 work. I’m a timber cruiser. Give me a cant and I’ll cruise it and tell how much she’ll cut and what equipment is needed. But I never advertised myself to be a detective that could find what ain’t to be found. Hatton said I needn’t come back till I’d won out. His own job was in the balance. I’ll beat back to the warden’s and send in word I’m looking fer a new place.”

Stanley grimaced as he overheard this confession of defeat and gazed appealingly at Bub. But the latter simply shook his head, indicating that he, too, surrendered and believed there was nothing they could do.

“How long do we stay here, Mr. Whitten?” finally asked Stanley.

Abner raised his head and stared vacantly; then as he sensed the query he shortly replied, “I’m waiting fer Noisy Charlie to arrive. If he don’t come by to-morrer I’ll start back. He knows where to look fer us and should turn up by to-morrer morning.”

“Isn’t there anything he could do to help us?” anxiously asked Stanley.

Abner knocked out the heel of his pipe in deep irritation. “S’pose a Injun guide can cruise better’n I can?” he demanded. “Charlie has his fine points, but when it comes to