Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/334

 This startling bit of information caused Bub’s hair to stir at the roots and he protested, “If you talk like that you’ll have me scared blue. Come, I’ll find a hiding place.”

It took him but a moment to select an ideal spot for concealment. With a sigh of relief Stanley crawled in beside him, after which Bub carefully arranged the growing things so that no clue to their presence would be afforded a keen-eyed passerby.

“If Hatton ever gets me out on a job like this again it’ll be because I’m crazy,” softly whispered Bub.

“Which reminds me,” as gently informed Stanley, “I’ve found the old record. The company wins if we can get clear of this country.”

“It’s no time for joking,” reproached Bub.

“I am not joking. I have found what Abner sought,” earnestly assured Stanley.

Bub’s eyes filled with tears. “Poor old Stan,” he snivelled. “It’s a shame. Don’t think any more about it, old fellow. You’ll feel better by and by. Try and go to sleep. You can rest your head on my shoulder.”

“Do you think I’m crazy?” inquired the amazed Stanley.

“No, no,” soothed Bub, to whom this seemed