"There's lots we need," he said; "but I wouldn't dare think of accepting your kind offer without consulting Thad. He's queer about running up debts. But in the morning we'll both see you again."
So he said good night, and went out, resolutely shutting his eyes to the abundance of good things to eat that greeted him on every side.
Thad was eagerly waiting for him, and the other could see that he was brimming over with excitement.
"Say, if it wasn't for wanting to meet up with George so bad I'd be for dropping down river five miles, and giving this beastly old place the go-by," he said, as Maurice came aboard.
"Why, what on earth is the matter?" asked the other, dismayed.
"Then you didn't hear anything about it, eh? I reckon it's such a common occurrence around this part of the country they don't think anything about it," continued Thad, seriously.
"Why, whatever in the wide world are you talking about, son?" demanded Maurice, greatly puzzled to account for this new evidence of timidity on the part of his friend, who, as a usual thing, had always seemed bold enough.
"I don't like it so close, that's all. I bet you I dream of the thing tonight, and every time I look up it seems like my eyes always went straight there."
He pointed up the bank.
Maurice followed his extended forefinger to a point just a little further along, where some trees stood.