Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/336

 “I believe they would,” admitted Stanley. “I tried to do what I imagined you and Abner would have done. And reason whispered ‘Be careful.’”

“Reason wouldn’t have whispered that to Bub Thomas,” firmly said Bub. “I’d let out a whoop you could have heard down at Umbagog and waving it on high I’d run to camp and plump into the accommodating arms of Joe and Pete and Ben—may they all reach state-prison.”

“Hush!” hissed Stanley, pressing Bub’s arm. “I hear something.”

Bub cocked his ear, but the wild throbbing of his heart deprived him of his usually keen sense of hearing.

Before either could make a tell-tale movement, or utter a betraying sound, the undergrowth just in front of their hiding place softly parted and they found themselves staring into the swarthy face of Big Nick.

Stanley’s lips were opened to utter a wild cry, but Bub’s hand brought him to his senses. They were in deep shadows and the half-breed had not seen them. It was obvious he had heard something that had aroused his suspicions, possibly Stanley’s outcry when frightened by the rabbit. Both knew he was there