"I thought of that, and so did Warren," answered Mr. Hallet, "and it is a point that you two would do well to consider before you insist on going into the mountains this winter. I am told that Hobson is furious over the opening of the new road, and that he and a few of his friends have threatened to burn the houses Warren and I built up there in the woods, and to drive out anybody we may put there to act as game-wardens."
When Tom and Bob heard this, they exchanged glances that were full of meaning.
Uncle Hallet's words showed them that there was a prospect for excitement during the coming winter, and the knowledge of this fact made them all the more determined to carry their point.
"Oh, you needn't look at each other in that way," said Mr. Hallet, with a laugh. "I know what you are thinking about, and I have no notion of allowing you to do something to get these poachers and law-breakers down on you. However I am going to the village directly, and perhaps I'll drop in and see what Bob's father thinks about it."
"Don't forget to tell him that we have your full and free consent," began Tom.
"But I haven't given it," interrupted Mr. Hallet, adjusting his eye-glasses across the bridge of his nose and reaching for his paper.
"And that we shall go along with all our lessons just as fast as the boys in school will," chimed in Bob.
"I'll not forget it; but I shall be much surprised at your father if he believes it."
Uncle Hallet resumed his reading, and the boys, taking this as a hint that he had said all he had to say on the subject, put on their hats and left the room.
"It's all right, Bob," said Tom, gleefully.