The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1907-06-14

qua1ntance with that indispensable
lumberman's implement, the cant
dog" "peayy," or "spike-lever.
Pete was an expert on the landing
having but one rival, and that was
his sweetheart's father, big, bony Pat
Shannon.
TOO bad, but SO, just the same
Old man down on Pete like some
brick; but Pete he care no. Pete 81,
UNI girl just. same, other time
bumby'
This was volubly reeled off through
an expansive grin.
Pat had fine contempt for Petes
skillful manipulation of the 'peavy,'
in such neat tricks as back catching
a log, or giving the "peavy" rapid
turn and a sudden jab, timing the
maneuver so accurately as to catch
the hook on the log while the "peavy''
was rapidly revolving--a clever trick.
'Bastely monkey thricks, and a
monkey that's at thin sure. Faith,
the BLACKBOARD II break his jasely
neck some fine day, and small loss
1t i'll be aither," Pat would say in fine
scorn.
The last part Of this remark had
reference to another dangerous feat
at which Pete was particularly clever.
In fact, none Of the yardsmen dare
attempt 1t but big Pat
1t was to back catch big rolling
stick, clap ones feet to the stick
and snap back on the "peavy'' stock
with all ones. might and strength.
II successfully performed, the stick
is stopped from rolling and slowly
slid along the slippery skids to a
standstill.
II caught too high, over goes the
daring artist, with the chances of a
broken limb, If not his neck.
This is the regular mode of stop
ping small stick if one end is trav-
cling too fast; but only an expert dare
tackle big spruce with go to 100
cubic feet In it.
Pat was very proud Of his pretty,
red-cheeked daughter, Nora, and kept
her pretty close to her little cabin at
the foot of the mountain. He didn't
allow any of the husky young lumber
men around his shanty. He had other
plans for Nora.
One day In passing the cabin Pete
had got one enhancing glimpse of this
rustic beauty, and promptly blew q
kiss to her; then as promptly fell in
love with her as she laughingly blew
1t back
After this Pete had lots Of business
down by yard boss Shannon's shanty,
and In consequence the dumb court.
ship and pantomime love-making rap.
idly progressed.
It was a little slack on the landing.
The loose timber had been loaded
onto the waiting log trucks except
ing big spruce with over 100 cubic
feet in It.
Big burly Pat had just successfully
turned the big stick over alone, with
apparent ease. A happy thought
struck him.
Say, byes, I'll bet We an avening
sit-up wild me Nora there's divil
man ave We that can turn that sthick
alone"
They were all very willing to try
for this tempting offer, and did so
without avail-all but Pete"
well, Frenchy, We are in fer
turn?' bantered Pat.
big job, don't it? All same Pete
try. No try, no upset girl"
Selecting two. "cant-dogs' to his lik-
Ing, he carefully tried the stick along,
to get in position SO the weight
of the ends would be evenly balanced,
and then he hooked his "peavy" on
low down and got under it.
Slowly, his small, wiry body
Strengthened, and with 1t came the
stick, until he stood straight. Catch
Eng his other 'peavy" on lower down,
by mighty effort he transferred his
shoulder to 1t, then slowly began to
utiaSHtCu d5dlH
It was muscle-trying work, with
dead weight bearing on him; but slow
ly the stick turned, and after the
fourth shift, with mighty heave, he
overcame crook In the stick and
over it went, and started unexpected
ly down the skids toward the log
trucks.
Just then the landing men, hitherto
intent on Pete's efforts, looked up and
cry of terror broke
from their lips.
Coming up the landing toward them
was Nora Shannon.
The slowly revolving stick, each in.
slant gaining speed down the slight
incline, caught her eye.
She glanced rapidly around for an
avenue of escape. Each side of her
we're RICH rollways of logs; behind her
20 feet OF landing and four-foot drop
to the empty truck; before her, death.
She was brave. quick-witted girl
horn amid danger; and without mo-
,nent's hesitation she turned to make
u run for 1t. She had not taken ten
steps when her foot slipped on an
Icy skid and she went down, with one
agonizing appeal for help.
"Oh, father! Pete! Save mel"