Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1907-06-06

iumberman's implement, the cant
dog. "peavy," 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 git
um girl just same, other time
bumby."
This was volubly reeled off through
an expansive grin.
Pat had a fine contempt for Pete's
skillful manipulation of the ''peavy,'
in such neat tricks as back catching
log, or giving the 'peavy" a rapid
turn and 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 backguard II break his jasely
neck some fine day, and small loss
ii 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 it but big Pat
Ii 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.
If successfully performed the stick
is stopped from rolling and slowly
slid along the slippery skids to a
standstil. =
If caught tco high, over goes the
daring artist, with the chances of
broken limb, if not his neck.
This is the regular mode of stop
ling small stick if one end is trav-
cling too fast; but only an expert dare
tackle a 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
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 a
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.
1t was little slack on the landing.
The loose timber had been loaded
onto the waiting log trucks, except
ing a big spruce with over 100 cubic
feet in ii.
Big burly Pat had just successfully
turned the big stick over alone, with
apparent ease. A happy thought
struck him.
sit-up wild me Nora there's divil
man ave ye that can turn that sthick
alone"
They were all very willing to try
for this tempting offer, ana 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 a 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 why body |
and with il came the !
stick, until he stood straight. Catch
ing his other "peavy" on lower down,
by a mighty effort he transferred his |
shoulder to it, then slowly began to
straighten again.
1t was muscle-trying work, with a
dead weight bearing on him; but slow !
~ the stick turned, and after the I
fourth shift, with mighty heave, he I
Dvercame a crook in the stick and |
over il went. and started unexpected /
" down the skids toward the log
trucks.
Just then the landing men. hitherto
intent on Pete's efforts, looked up and
a cry of terror broke
rom their lips.
Coming up the landing toward them
vas Nora Shannon.
The slowly revolving stick, each IT.
slant gaining speed down the slight
ncline, caught her eye.
She glanced rapidly around for an
venue of escape Each side of her
we're RICH rollways OF logs; behind her
10 feet Of landing and a four-foot drop
@ the empty truck; before her, death.
She was a brave, quick-witted girl,
BORN amid danger; and without mo-
nent's hesitation she turned to make
run for II. She had not taken ten
teps when her foot slipped on an
cy skid and she went down, with one
Igonizing appeal for help.
"Oh, father! Pete! Save mel"
At the outset Pat had seen the
LANCER, and with a hoarse cry OF
gony had darted forward and made
wild lunge at the rolling stick.