Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-08-19

Every man chat can be spared
from the river shall go at 1t. Come
over here and look at our work and
Judge for yourself"
They rode to where the forces az.
sembled by Lance were throwing up
embankments and riprapping. There
was hurried running to and fro, vio-
lent dragging about Of willows. and Q
good deal Of shouting.
Cunning, 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 II
all night. How many would you take
away, SIR"
"Yo. might take them al; away, as
far as the river is concerned said
McCloud. after a moment.
What? He'll! AMP"
"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 sandhags--
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. II you will put your
men on horses. Mr. Cunning, they can
help like everything. That bank
won't last a 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 Drnning. recovering from
his surprise. started his men back for
the wagons. and McCloud, dismount-
ing, walked with him TO the waters
edge 10 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 DicEsie and Marion in the
/ dining room. where they were drink
ing coffee Aftcrward Dicksic ordered
/ horses sadded and the three rode to
! the river. Up and down the bank as
far as they could sec in tho misty
/ rain. men were moving slowly about
more men, il seemed to Dicksic
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
70 do, and. from the gangs who with
slcdses were sinking "dead-men"
| among the trees to hold the cables Of
the mattress that was about to be
sunk. and the laps who were diligent-
ly preparing TO float and load 1t, to
the mon that were filing and wheel
ing the sandh2gs. no one appeared ex-
cited. McCl0ud Joined the visitors for
n few moments. and then went back
to whore Dancing and his men on life
lines were guiding the mattress 10 its
resting place. In spite Of the gloom
OF the rain which Whispering Smith
said was breaking. Dicksic 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 QUIT" cried Dicksie. at
the door. Marion had letter 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. Il hope nothing l may say ever
will come true unless 1t makes you
happy" he answered, lightly. ~ 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 Dicksio. leading the way to Ii,
chicken-yard Il want you to see