Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/56

 more erect and his eye was clearer. The lines about his mouth had disappeared and there was almost the shadow of a smile on his face. “What’s up? Money from home?” anxiously persisted Bub.

“No, I’m discharged,” informed Stanley, dropping beside the rifles.

“Fired!” gasped Bub in dismay, rubbing his nose with an oily rag. “And I’d planned on we two having such good times. Fired! And to think you feel good over it.” His voice was now one of reproach.

“I’m sorry I’m discharged,” said Stanley, “but Gilvey will never abuse me again.” And he hastened to relate his experience.

Bub’s eyes blazed with joy as he listened and he threw his hands wildly about as Stanley reached the climax. “Hooray!” he softly bleated. “I love you for it. I’ll git you a job on the loading gang. It’ll break your back for a few days, but it’s the only place you can work in after being fired. You see, McPherson hates Gilvey. Mac is the boss of the loaders. If I can hustle you down there before Hatton learns of the fracas you’ll be let alone once Mac has hired you. Come, my warrior boy, let’s hurry.”