"Nothing," Bud said, turning his face away because he could not look at Gramps and tell an untruth.
"You ain't going to stop hunting?" Gramps asked.
"Two grouse are plenty for the three of us."
"I hope you don't feel like hanging fire when we go after the black buck."
"I'll hunt him with you," Bud promised.
"Then we'll get him." Gramps seemed relieved. "Well, let's mosey home and see how Mother's doing."
In his first free period the following Monday, Bud sat in the principal's outer office at Haleyville High School. After five minutes Mr. Thorne's secretary told him to go in. Bud, who had always been at ease with Mr. Thorne, was nervous.
"I'd like permission to be excused from school for as much of the deer season as necessary, sir," he said stiffly.
"Want to get yourself a buck, eh?"