Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1906-06-14
BY HONORE wILLSIE

gramme until spring had set in thor
oughly
So for several nights Grigsby wor-
ried. Then on a certain cold, drizzly
morning he called the men from the
mine and set them, one and all, at
work on his idea. The idea consisted
of a great 'V," with its apex turned up
the valley, and when completed the en-
CINE house over the mine was to set
snugly in the angle of a great fence
of logs and powders. 1t took three
days to complete the idea, and when it
was done Jack Grigsby squared his
handsome shoulders, set his teeth firm
Iy on the amber stem of his pipe and
said: There. by gum! I'd like to see
Il Snowslide harm thatn'
The oldest inhabitant, who stood by
Jacks side, grinned.
you've put lot Of work on that
thing" he said.
well. it's worth it," replied Jack
Huh" answered the old miner, 81
could "a told you something that
wouldn't "a been any work at all and
would "a been just as effective as
thatr'
"a nice time to be telling me thatw
exclaimed Jack well, what is it?'
The old man pulled a detected look
ing envelope out of his pocket, after a
long search found a stubby pencil and
made a few marks on the envelope
back, then walked over to a tree and
tackled the paper up on the trunk.
IL ENIl l. n.,
the envelope was written:
"Avalanches are requested not to
trespass here"
Jack roared. "Well, you're a great
joker"
The old man grinned, but shook his
head "Just as good as your wedge"
he answered. You amt seen a real
slide yet. You want to move your
mine, that's what you want to do"
Grigsby looked little troubled. 1.-THE
president of the company and his
daughter are due here this afternoon,
but the weather has been snappy
lately l guess we are safe
Then to himself as he walked away,
I'D give the world and all to see
Madge, but Then he looked at the Y
shaped rampant. Gee, that would
stand anything" he said,
The visitors were not expected until
late in the afternoon, but it was only
o'clock when the short, fat millionaire
and his dainty, slender daughter dis
mounted from their horses and left
them at the group of shacks on the
mountain side. Then they descended
into the gulch, where the shaft opened.
Now, remember, Madge, no non
sense" the president was putting.
'These young engineers are all right in
their places. But their places are not
as sons-in-law of mine. Seems to me
you've been showing rather a lively in
terest i'll young Grigsby."
Madge shifted, but made no reply to
her fathers admonitions. They were
an old tale, whose moral did not in the
least interest her Her father took the
chaperonage OF his pretty daughter
very seriously
Jack Grlgsby ran toward them with
barred head and outstretched hand. but
the president had little time to waste
on greetings.
what in thunder is that mountain
of rubbish built around the plant for?"
he demanded.
Jack explained the mission of his
cherished idea, but the president shook
his head
pooh, poohr' he sceffed, ',Fearful
looking mess. Better tear IL out. Don't
need that to keep Off little snow and
ice"
Madge interposed tactfully. "Oh,
some on" she cried. II want to see
everything"
The three walked slowly over toward
the engine house, Jack explaining ca
gerly,
where are all the men?" asked
Madge.
are having some
The oldest inhabitant grasped Jacks
arm
For heavens sake" he gasped, "ring
the bell. It's comm"
The three followed his gaze. Far up
the mountain, at the beginning of the
valley, roar, and with the roar it
seemed as if the whole side of the
mountain was sliding down into the
valley-a great, gray mass, that gath
cred to itself all that barred its path,
huge trees, cabin-big stones, and al
ways with a roar, increasing in volume
to the din of thousand trains
1.-THE men are safest in the mines"
Jack cried
He grasped Madge's arm, but the
oldest inhabitant thrust him one side
Manage the old man." he said; 'I'll
take the girl"
Then with his arm about Madge he
ran with all his strength up the noun
tain side. Grigsby seized the presi-
dents arm.
Come" he cried.
The president started out bravely,
but his weight told, and with the third
step he stumbled and fell With each
heart throb the speed of tts snowslide
was lessening their chances. Jack
tucged at the heavy old man. Now he
could see the powders that bridged the
front of the avalanche and now it had
taken the very tree to which was
pinned the flutteripg trespass warning,
With a superhuman effort Jack flung
the president out of harms way. Then
he sprang himself, scarcely noticing a
heavy blow from whizzing tree top.
In another moment the avalanche
was q thing of the past, and a great
swathe down the center of the valley
was polished smooth as macadam
road. With single glance to see that
Madge was safe, he called to the two
men and ran to the shaft opening, over
which the slide had passed. 1t was
choked with a mass of logs and ice.
Find ropes" Grigsby cried-''any-
thing. The Lord knows how many
were in the shaft"
1t was an hour of terrible toll, but
somehow the three accomplished the
task. With hands torn aud bleeding,
painting and half crazed with fear for