When they laid down the saw to place another stick on the buck, he said:
“Never mind that. You chaps come along with me, and we’ll pay our respects to Mr. MacTavish.”
“Oh, have you told him we were going? I was almost afraid you’d forgotten it!” exclaimed Paul exultantly.
“Never a word. Reserved the entertainment for an audience, and you fellows are to be the audience. Come along; he’s in his office now,” and Amesbury strode toward the office, Paul and Dan expectantly following.
MacTavish glanced up from his desk as they entered, and nodding to Amesbury, who had advanced to the center of the room, noticed Paul and Dan near the door.
“What are you fellows knocking off work at this time of day for? Get back to work, and if you want anything, come around after hours.”
“They’ve knocked off for good,” Amesbury answered for them, his eyes reflecting amusement. “They’re going trapping with me up Indian Lake way. I’m sorry to deprive you of them, but I guess I’ll have to.”
“What!” roared MacTavish, jumping to his feet. “Are you inducing those boys to desert? What does this nonsense mean?”
“Yes, they’re going. Sorry you feel so badly at losing their society, but I don’t see any way out of it.”