Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/303

 it. He could discern nothing that would indicate what was hidden beneath the panel. As he was about to turn away, however, he noticed he had left the twigs and ground at the foot of the beech like an open book to a woodsman. He paused long enough to erase all signs of his having been there. This done he swung his ax over his shoulder and started rapidly for camp.

Bub had asked him to find the ancient and original records. He had found them. And how Bub’s eyes would roll and how Abner would splutter when he sank wearily into a sitting posture and by degrees unfolded his great secret. He would play the part of one discouraged and work the situation up to a disagreeable climax before imparting his news. If possible he would lead Abner along into scolding him.

But as he neared the end of his mile cruise he found his joviality leaving him. He was unaccountably depressed. It angered him to confess it. Here he was, bringing the best of news, and yet he felt as if something had gone wrong. He quickened his steps, and then halted irresolutely.

If he arrived and neither of his friends were there to welcome him he would not know what to do. It would be easier to wait out in the