Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-29
Rob ArCher'S Trials

grief. Il don't believe I'm over-partial TO
logging. If this is a fair send-off."
The team and the men moved along, and
soon the sound of rushing waters came to
them from on ahead.
Il hear old Bull Creek a-roarin'." said Zeb
Doe, who was walking with Rob Archer and
Rocky, some distance in the rear of the
Others
They Were descending long hill, and came
out upon a hat piece of ground covered in
places with water from the swollen stream,
which at this point was broad and usually Of
little depth. But now the current surged
by with foam-capped waves, and its passage
with safety seemed extremely dubious.
,I4 Up me s,. stream few rods it narrowed to
walls OF solid ledge, and through this gorge
the water rushed and foamed madly.
just below, where the stream widened,
Jam of logs had formed against projecting
rock.
II guess we1l go up an cross at the rips"
said Zeb Doe, pointing to the rapids. 1--WE
KIN fall tree across"
The men filed up. beside the stream, clam
berIng over the windfalls and skirtinp the
little M ponds, or "bogins," as they are called.
Lhey reached the spot where the waters
dashed Like mill race.
"A spruce tree was felled across the swollen
torrent, us long slender trunk partially sub
merged. and man after man walked carefully
over. -
The men had all passed over in safety. with
the exception of Rob and Rocky, and Rocky
was halfway across, when a loud cry from
one of the men caused those who had crossed
to run rapidly down the stream.
Rob looked to see the cause of the trouble.
trouble.
Black Bill had driven the horses into the
swift current, the water dashing about the
wagon and nearly forcing the powerful horses
off their feet. The flood was up to their
SIDES, and the leaders had apparently grown
almost ungovernable.
A huge log had broken loose from the jam
above, and was making directly for the
wagon, which was stationary.
Mr.. Stoddard had remained with the team
and sat beside Black Bill, who piled the lash
furiously.
''Hurry over, Rob!" called Rocky, who had
reached the opposite shore.
Rob started upon the swaying bridge in
fear and trembling The hardy men had not
boy it was a fearful undertaking.
II seemed to him that the log was moving
rapidly up the stream; his head swan and
his brain grew dizzy.
"Look-there they goi" shouted Rocky, who
was dancing wildly about.
Rob looked down the stream. The log had
struck the wagon, one end wadging between
one of the fore wheels and one of the hinder
wheels.
1t acted as huge lever. and in less time
than it takes to write it the wagon toppled
over throwing Mr.. stoddard and Black Bill
into the water.
With shorp cry Rob lost his balance
struggled wildly to regain his footing, and
then plunged headlong into the seething cur
rent.
The next instant he felt himself dashed
under the jam of logs, which were held by
the projecting rock In such way that the
water foamed through them.
After the first wild shock, poor Rob for a
seccAd yielded passively to his fate. But
could he die alone In this. dreadful manner,
away from all those whom he loved?
A great longing surged up in his heart to
see his parents, his brother. his home, once
more His fathers words REQUIRED to him
again with redoubled force.
He would not be a failure! Even in this
terrible moment of danger and despair, his
viii. should conquer his fears-should triumph
over his puny body!
Filled with this heroic thought, Rob Ar
cher put forth all his remaining strength
and made gallant fight for his life.
The odds against him were tremendous.
He was but as a feather in the grasp OF the
laundering waters; but still he clung with all
his might to the tossing logs.
A failure he might be, but his grit was
good; for above him was the blue sky, and be-
yond the miles of dark. intervening forest
was his home
(To be continued next Sunday)