Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/74

 sliced ham you like so well,” eagerly assured Bub.

“Three tins, eh?” pondered Abner. Then quickly, “Make it six; we might git stalled somewhere for a day or so. If we make the Kennebago day after to-morrer it won’t have done any harm to have the extry tins along. Kind of look over Charlie’s packs and see if he’s got enough of everything. Then—but who have we here?” And he glanced keenly at Stanley.

“He’s a friend of mine,” informed Bub, trying to speak in an unconcerned voice.

“Uh! Didn’t know ye had any friends. Prob’ly as wurthless as ye be,” grunted Abner.

“Abner, you are the only best friend I have,” smiled Bub. “You know it and it’s no use playing the bear with me.”

“Well, well; what do ye want?” snapped Abner, but not displeased with Bub.

“I want you to take Stanley along with us. He’s a good worker and will help us more’n he’ll hinder us and”

“Stop it!” roared Abner, waving his hands. “What do ye mean by trying to force help onto me? Of course he can’t go. He’d eat more’n a dozen men, to begin with. Didn’t