The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1904-07-20


8 II 9 the engineer in charge Of
y the surveying of the new
for road to the Geysers; Shell
ley, rather too old for such mountain
work, but careful and reliable in his
reckonings; Denis, who was chain
bearer, and four or FIVE other men who
had been engaged in Cloverdale. Shell
ley and Denis had worked for many
years with Cady, and respected him as
a Just though severe man.
Besides those already mentioned
there was Cady's brother, tall young
fellow, nineteen years old. He was at
home from Yale on his summer vaca-
ton and had chosen to spend 1t out
with his brother on this surveying
trip.
He worked or not as he felt inclined.
but working or idllng he was the life
and pleasure of the party. He had
merry brown eyes, blond hair and the
gayest laugh that ever woke the echoes
OF mountain or vale. His upper un-
shaved lip bore fringe of silky hair,
rather softening the expression of his
mouth, which had not yet taken its
final masculine expression.
He was Junior at college and car
ried with him that undefinable air of
knowing everything, which always
seems so droll to men whose knowledge
is based on experience rather. than
book learning. His name was Charles
Cady. but Shelley called him "The
Lad" and the other men had adopted
the name for him.
1t was the Sd of July and had been a
scorching day. The engineers party
was high up on the mountain stalking
out the road. 1t wound ND in n zig
gag, going first easterly on n gentle
ascent, then westerly, each turn gain
Ing a little on the mountain side. They
had been on the present section for
about two weeks, and were nearing
the divide from which the road would
descend into the valley of the geysers.
The next day being a holiday, Cady
asked the men to work an extra hour.
80 that they might finish stalking up to
the ridge. They had driven the last
stake and, throwing down their tools,
sat down to rest before going down to
camp.
Their way had been tortuous and
very difficult. because it had to be cut
through the dense chaparral. When
they looked down from their resting
place 1t seemed impossible that they
should have to come so far and yet be
30 near camp. The wonderful clear
ness OF the atmosphere in that country
Is world famed. They could see far
down the mountain the gang of China
men who We're employed in the con-
Btruction of the lowest section of the
road, slowly vending their way to
their camp, their pickaxes and shovels
hanging on the ends of bamboo poles
which they carried across their shoul-
uers; higher up, in ravine through
which mountain stream ran, was
their own camp. They had no tent,
avery man preferring to spread his own
blankets wherever the fancy took him.
well. boys, we've got through a
tough piece OF work today" Cady
said, standing up and stretching his
arms over his head. 81 am glad TO-
morrow is a holiday, and I suppose you
are Just as much so. Here goes for
camp"
He struck out down the mountain,
not following the trail, but going
straight down, as nearly as possible. in
n direct line. The rest tumbled after
him after the manner of tired men who
are through their labor. They had
gone some four or five hundred yards.
when Shelley stopped.
WHO has brought the theodollte?'
ne asked.
Cady stopped at once. No one had it.
Denis remembered to have seen IL
leaning against some rocks where they
had been sitting, but no one else knew
anything about it.
Some one must go back; that was
certain. Cady hesltated, the men were
all so tired.
"That's all rigth; will get it, Tom"
said Charley.
He turned back and began to climb
the mountain again.
"Good lad. good lad" said Shelley;
"he'l make fine man one of these
days"
The men went on, each moment get
ting into thicker chaparral. They
threw themselves against it with all
their weight, breaking and forcing
their way, finally emerging at a point
about thirty yards from the spot
whereNAh Lung. the Chinese cook, was
beginning to fry bacon for supper.
They went quickly forward and
threw themselves under what shade
they could find, to rest until supper
should be ready. That is. all except
Denis. He had been the last to come
out OF the chaparral.