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 ever saw. Wait a minute, so’s we’ll be sure he’s finished.”

Abner Whitten was a most eccentric man. He lived in two hobbies: loyalty to his employers and worry about food supplies. Yet he was not what the men called a “heavy feeder.” A stranger to hear him talk would believe he was a glutton or was perpetually being starved to death, while in truth he ate but little. The greater part of his life had been spent in the woods and Bub had not exaggerated his value as a timber cruiser and “walking-boss.” When new lands were to be opened up it was Abner who was sent to spy out the situation. In the operating season, or during the winter months, he passed on snowshoes and on tote teams from camp to camp, keeping a general supervision over a thousand and one details pertaining to the various crews.

While the youths were waiting for him to eat his fill he had finished his evening meal and proceeded to the office, where Hatton awaited him.

“You start to-morrow?” greeted Hatton, speaking nervously.

Abner nodded and seated himself on the edge of a table, swinging one leg as he waited for his superior to continue.