Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/413

 “It was a hopeless quest from the start,” began Hatton, when Thaxter broke in:

“Will you kindly consider yourself on a vacation, sir, for a few minutes? Now, my man, What did you find? Bring me what I call good news and I’ll give you five thousand dollars.”

Abner’s hand, reaching for the knapsack was slowly withdrawn, and he asked, “But if I bring good news because I was helped by two younkers and a Injun will ye make it five thousand dollars apiece?”

“Nonsense, Abner—” warned Hatton.

“Remember that vacation, or you’ll take an indefinite one,” growled Thaxter. Then to Abner, “What are you trying to do? Play a Nace trick on me?”

“I ain’t trying no tricks,” replied Abner indignantly. “As fer vacations ye have a timber cruiser what’ll take one fer good so fer as ye and yer old company is concerned if he hears any more words like them. What d’ye mean talking five thousand dollars to me? I come in here ready to file my report. If ye want to make me a present of five thousand dollars and are willing to make the same to my three companions—always previding the news is worth it—why, say so. If ye don’t there’s no harm