The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-03-21
THE ADVERTISERS
 DAILY SHORT STORY

Wdlkeo 10 the n0rtn eno. tne other man snned and Dock cast a loving eye on the mighty. sinuous river. There was e friend--Dock knew every change of it's yellow couptenance and loved each one. When the river was meek and low and gently flowing, he loved to sit on the bank: legs hanging down. and talk to the kid. his oth..r friend; when the river was swollen and sulen as now. he loved Il l more than ever. Tho man re1ciccd ir l the indepcndence and enormous power own backboneless self
 As he came up the hill again Dock felt strangely the pent-up forces of that swayihg water broadening out so threat eningly.. J -@- .sss..
 She looks dangerous to me-" he thought; the water appeared to be press- ing toward the bank with increasing mo- tion. but he dismissed the thought as fancy.
 Scarcely had he thrown his bag and started down the slope for another when his eye was appaiied by a colossal bub- ble of sand and, earth. bursting through the base of the ''huckshot' embankment. The bubble shattered in the act of form ation and with a rumble like thunder in a subterranean careen, gush of seeth- ing foaming water spouted through tho hole. as though the mouth of monster ater main,
 lyzed. then with yell that shook the soul. they fought past each other in a say age. panic-stricken mass for safety. and the north end of the levee.
 ready recognized the cry. It meant ruin; but a xreater fear beat at his heart Joe. There. at the far end of the cres- cent shaped curve. the child had risen to his feet; beyond the break; ana M was gag
 The fathers strength for a moment failed him.
 The boy!' yelled he. in frantic appeal. as he came tearing down the levee. For he implored again of the deserting labor CTS. but the negroes were mad with fear and life was precious to the ''impressed' white men. They heard only the thun- crumbling at their heels like the sand. which was. in truth, it's most treacher- ous ingredient. Breaking his way into the flying men MT. Banks pushed on. a,e kun '1oed 5os s ras tahss srSssns sssRsr !, through the crowd, and seeing no one but the child; but Joe stood there. white and trembling. Which way? Not toward the awful waters; and he was alone on
 Would no one hear him? thought Mir. Banks despairingly; but some one had Dock Hardin-who thought even before the father spoke: now. his voice rang
 Don't move. Joe: I'll get you all right.' and Dock came 'sprinting'' for the opening with long board snatched from the bag pile.
 Dock was thinking tensely. T knew 1t only reach him in time ''Blckshot' earth and sand did not last long when old Mississippi was aroused. It was the work of an instant to throw the board across the chasm and run swiftly over the roaring waters. The terrified child leapt to his savers arms. and the peril ous journey began again. The board swnng low over the dangerously widen thinking what to do. The maelstrom below and the anvil at the mouth of the break made him shudder for the loved little form in his arms.
 Catch him." cried Dock, throwing the child forward with all his strength. and ling of earth, splash and Docks words wore swallowed up In the depths of the seething torrent.
 When Dock came to his senses he was and the little family was beside him.
 Why. you are all right. Dock, ain't your" said MT. Banks, huskily.
 Dock looked uncomfortable. Howl get here?" he asked.
 Tt was the little woman. She saw it all from the porch and hoated the boat out herself to where the water swept you in. She swung to you till somebody came"
 Dock felt his nostrils surn. Come here. Joe. boy" invited he to hide his emo ton. .
 "Wen never forget you. MT. Hardin" said Mrs Banks, with a break in her voice A tear splashed hot on her hand. and she moved across the room. She pushed the shutters open and as close and as far as the eye could range spread a binding sheet of water