The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-03-21
HIS EMINENCE.

Copyright. l912 by Daily Story Pub. ,Co.)
 The Mississippi River stood far above high water mark and the levee itself was of the case gangs of laborers, willing or worth.ess, mad been forcibiy impressed Into service by chosen and expeditions leaders. Under the able hand of tht manager, MT. Banks, the force rapidly fell into systematic action with such commendable results that threatened places were now strengthened, and the tevee itself stood higher and broader .orce had passed on to a depression in an bdjosning section northward where 6 wall of sandbags would soon make short work of. the trouble. The strain Of ex- Itself felt in the fempers of the worn- put men-all, except Dock Hardin.
 Dock was one of the mo accounts who had been corralied at tho last mo
 Reckon he can heave bags" muttered the manager. grimly. If he can't I'll teach him how" and he did. ---
 Dock hardly knew himself in his undue hurry. and he submitted reluctantly. He had been at work a week now. and at this particular moment, as far as MT. Banks could see, was idling down on the newly finished portion nearing himself talk to little Joe Banks. ated.
 What on earth made me bring Joe9' he asked himself testify and fOolishly for one who was so entirely in Joe s nearby anvil. listened to his big com panion and piped in eagerly: She's a risfn. ain't she. MT. Hardin" speaking of the river. His hands went deep in his pockets and he strode from bag to bag with all the manly pride of five years.
 MT. Banks smiled in spite of his irri- tation.
 That's whut she is. Joe returned the other with the gravity of man to man and subtle. tender intonation that en- deared him to the boy: but ef l WAS you I'd run back to the house You might fall in the river or somethin'
 No. sir. I ain't; cause you wouldn't let me, would you?" with sweet and ab- solute confidence.
 Dock flashed a look at the child and his face warmed.
 Not ef l knowed myself, Joe boy" throwing a gratitude into hls voice which was only part of the love which hoped to hide from those trustful young eyes his own inconsequence. To Joe, he was somebody.
 Mamma told papa you wouldn't; said you'd take care Q me-" finished the child contentedly." s-, -s 7
 Mir Banks, who had been restive un- dtr this dawdling. could stand 1t no
 Come over here, Dock, when you are needed.' ne called peremptorily. What arc you piddlin' round there for:'
 All right. Cap'n," answered the man as he kicked the sandbag in closer where there appeared to be a tiny. hesitant, silver leak She seems a perspirin, thought ne. picking up his shovel. Buck shot earth and sand don't make the best wall on earth was his mental com ment, "ap there's good two thousand feet of it. but what did Docks theories amount to? The levee satisfied the build CTS.
 Run along. Joe, offn them bags. or come with me- was his parting advice to the boy as he ascended the incline.
 Dot to finish my levee," objected Joe, wandering off some distance. where he was soon absorbed in the construction of his own little earthwork.
 Dock lounged up to the other workmen Banks. sharply. You'll find some excuse for shirking if it's nothing but playing with a child"
 Dock did not resent the imputation He was used to snubs.
 Hist the bag. Hist it.' impatiently urged workman, encouraged by his boss scornful manner. He was placing the sacks in position.
 Don't wear your life out about noth- in" rebuked Dock. mildly and unguard- cdly.
 Mir. Banks heard and turned on him. Nothing! if this levee were to break un- der our feet you wouldn't call it nothin' you'd be the very first man to bolt, with indignant contempt. Then more yours timber up to a sprint for once"
 ''Ef this levee breaks it won't he here, was Docks solemn inward observation.
 MT Banks turned on his heel and
 Saturdays story. S"MADEMoIsELLE Fl