“Better go back with me Christmas,” said Burley. Hal stared at him doubtfully, undecided whether to laugh or not. “Of course,” continued Burley, carelessly, “we haven’t got much out there. It’s pretty much all alfalfa and sage-bush around Blackwater. But the hills aren’t far, and there’s good hunting up toward Routt. You fellows all better come; the old man would be pleased to have you.”
Hal stared wide-eyed.
“Aren’t you fooling?” he gasped.
[“Fooling?” Burley echoed. “Why, no, I ain’t fooling.] What’s wrong?”
“Nothing; but of course we couldn’t do it, you know; at least, I’m plumb sure I couldn’t.” Hal looked doubtfully at the others.
“Nor I,” said Allan. “I only wish I could.”
“Same here,” said Tommy, wistfully. “I’d give a heap to have the chance.”
“Sorry,” answered Burley. “Perhaps in the summer, or some other time, when you haven’t got anything better. I suppose your folks want you at home Christmas?”
“Y-yes,” replied Hal, “but it isn’t altogether that; there’s the expense, you see.”