He so far accepted
Winn's advice as to provide himself with a blazing knot, and then up he
started. In a few minutes he too returned to the ground, saying that
he guessed Winn was about right, and they didn't want that 'coon after
all.
"What in the name of all foolishness do you mean?" cried Billy
Brackett, impatiently. "Speak out, man, and tell us, can't you?"
But Binney acted precisely as Winn had done, and advised any one who
wanted that 'coon to go and get it.
"Well, I will!" exclaimed the young engineer, almost angrily; "and I
only hope I can manage to drop him on top of one of your heads."
With this he started up the tree, and disappeared among its thick
brandies. He quickly made his way to the top. Then the rustling of
leaves ceased, there was a moment of silence, followed by a muttered
exclamation, and Billy Brackett came hastily down to where the others
were expectantly awaiting him.
"Let's go home, boys," he said, as he picked up his axe and started in
the direction of the river. "Come, Bim; your reputation as a 'coon dog
is so well established that there is no need to test it any further."
Poor Solon, who was too old and stiff to climb the tree, was completely
mystified by these strange proceedings; but his expostulation of,
"Wha--wha's de meanin' ob dish yer--!" was cut short by the departure
of his companions, and he was obliged to hasten after them.
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