Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/434

 “Then I think you may go,” said Thaxter.

After the operator had stumbled from the office Thaxter turned to the boys and said, “How about school?”

“When I return Bub goes with me,” replied Stanley. “I only ask for this summer with the privilege of requesting a longer vacation this fall. I will not ask for the latter unless during the summer I make up my studies so that I will not fall behind should I stay out a year. Bub is ahead of me now and we can study together; but I do want to see more of this life.”

“See how he’s putting on flesh and muscle,” admired Abner. “When he come here he was thin as a herring. A season in the woods would be mighty good schooling fer him.”

Thaxter pondered deeply. “I’ll see about it,” he finally announced. “You may have the summer and we’ll talk over the fall and winter plans later. Now make out a list of things you want me to send down and I’ll be going back. I must be in Boston to-night.”

“For one thing, send all the books you can on geology and the minerals of Maine,” laughed Stanley, writing it down as he spoke. “Then the handsomest rifle you can find for Charlie.”