The Bottineau courant., 1909-08-13

was hurried running to and fro, q vio-
lent dragging about of willows, and q
good deal of shouting.
Dunhing, with some excitement,
watched McCloud's face to note the
effect of the activity on him, but Nc
Clouds expression, naturally reserved.
reflected nothing of his views on the
subject. Dunning waved his hand at
the lively scene. They've been at 1t
all night. How many would you take
away, sir?" +
"You might take them all away, al
far as the river is concerned" said
McCloud, after moment,
What? He'll! Au?" 4
''They are not doing anything, are
they, but running around in circle?
And those fellows over there might as
well be making mud pies as riprap-
ping at that point. What we need
there is mattress and sandbags-
and plenty of them. Bill" directed
McCloud in an even tone of business
as he turned to Dancing, "see how
quick you can get your gangs over
here with what sacks they can carry
and walk fast. If you will put your
men on horses, Mr.. Dunning, they can
help like everything. That bank
won't last great while the way the
river is getting Under 1t now" Dan
cling wheeled like an elephant on his
bronco and clattered away through the
mud. Lance Dunning, recovering from
his surprise, started his men back for
the wagons, and McCloud, dismount-
ing, walked with him to the waters
edge to plan the fight for what was
left of the strip in front of the alfalfa
fields.
When Whispering Smith got back
to the house he was in good humor.
He Joined Dicksie and Marion in the
dining room. where they were drink
ing coffee. Afterward Dicksie ordered
horses saddled and the three rode to
the river. Up and down the bank as
far as they could see in the misty
rain, men were moving slowly about
more men, it seemed to Dicksie,
than she had ever seen together in
her life The confusion and the noise
had disappeared. No one appeared to
hurry, but every one had something
to do, and, from the gangs who with
sledges were sinking "dead-men"
among the trees to hold the cables of
the mattress that was about to be
sunk, and the Japs who were diligent-
ly preparing to float and load it, to
the men that were filling and wheel
ing the sandbags, no one appeared ex-
cited. McCloud joined the visitors for
a few moments, and then went back
to where Dancing and his men on life
lines were guiding the mattress to it's
resting place. In spite of the gloom
of the rain, which Whispering Smith
said was breaking, Dicksie rode back
to the house in much better spirits
with her two guests; and when they
came from luncheon the sun, as Smith
had predicted, was shining.
"Oh, come out!" cried Dicksie, at
the door. Marion had aletter to write
and went upstairs, but Whispering
Smith followed Dicksie. Does every
thing you say come true?" she de-
manded as she stood in the sunshine.
She was demure with light-hearted-
ness and he looked at her approving
ly. II hope nothing 1 may say ever
will come true unless it makes you
happy" he answered, lightly. 1T would
be shame if it did anything else."
She pointed two accusing fingers at
him. do you know what you prom
ised last night? You have forgotten
already! You said you would tell me
why my leghorns are eating their
feathers off,"
LET me talk with them"
"Just what should like. Come on"
said Dicksie, leading the way to the
chicken-yard. Il want you to see