Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/80

 if I’m to keep on with the lumber. And, say, don’t run, walk. Take your time.” The last was occasioned by the tired look about the youth’s eyes. The boss interpreted his haggard expression as being the result of physical exhaustion.

Stanley bowed and hastened to the mill. As he entered he was sorry to see Abner and Bub talking with Hatton. The sight of his room-mate recalled to his mind what he must miss, and for the moment he was selfish enough to envy the happy faced fellow. Then, ashamed of this selfish emotion, he turned to leave and, was only restrained by a glimpse of McPherson coming towards him, walking through a storm of sawdust.

As he waited, his eyes always returning to the bowed form of Abner, the latter backed away from Hatton, and catching his heel on the end of a board started to fall backward. Before he realized his own action, Stanley had leaped forward and had hurled the cruiser violently forward, causing him to bump into Hatton.

“What in sin—” Abner began to protest, when he stopped, his wrinkled face turning white.

He pointed a trembling hand at a small saw,