Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-02-01
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T0HE next morning dawned clear
and breathless. AS soon as the
wind died the logs had begun
to drift slowly out into the open
water. The surface Of the pond was
covered with the scattered timbers
floating idly. After a few moments
the clank of the bars and ratchet was
heard as two of the men raised the
heavy sluice gate on the dam.
Four more had by this time Joined
the two men who had raised the gate.
and all together, armed with long pike
poles, walked out on the funnel shaped
booms that should concentrate the logs
into the chute. Here they prodded
forward the few timbers within reach
and waited patiently for more.
Jack Orde wandered back and forth
over the work. his hands clasped be-
hind his back. short pipe clinched
between his teeth. To the edge Of the
drive he rode the logs. then took to the
bank and strolIed down to the dam.
Meeting Tom North's troubled glance.
he grinned broadly.
"Told you we'd have Johnson on our
necks." he remarked. jerking his thumb
up river toward a rapidly approaching
figure.
This soon defined itself as tall In
dividual with choleric blue eye.
"What in hades Is the matter hereT
he yelled. Were right at your rear.
and you amt even made start get
tin through this dam! Well lose th'
water next"
Keep your shirt on" advised Orde
"If you want these logs pushed an!
faster. do 1t yourself"
"If you can't get out logs, why d.
you take the job?' roared Johnson. "1f
you hang my drive. blank you. you'll.
catch 1t for damages! tell you our
mills need logs. and. what's more.
they're a-goin' to git them
He departed In rumble Of vitupera
ton.
Orie found the old mill owner occu
pying a chair tilted back against the
wall of the building. His ruffied plug
hat was thrust. as usual. well ava!
from his high and narrow forehead
He was whiting a pine stick, which
he held. pointing down between his
spread knees. and conversing animat
edly with a young fellow occupying an
other chair at his side.
81 want to talk this matter over"
Orde began. Eve can't afford to hang
up the drive. and the water is going
down every day. We've got to have
more water. I'll tell you what we'll
do: II you'll let us cut down the new
sill we'll replace 1t in good shape when
We get all our logs through"
"No, sirr'
"well, we'll give you something for
the privilege. What do you think Is
fair?"
"I tell you I'll give you your legal
rights and not a cent more" replied
the old man.
"Well. Mr.. Reed. stop and think what
this MEANS" returned Orde. "No logs
means no lumber. That is bankruptcy
for a good many who have contracts
to fulfill. And no logs means the mills
must close. Thousands Of men will be
thrown out Of their Jobs. and good
many Of them will 60 hungry. And
with the stream full Of the old cutting
that means less to do next winter In
the woods-more men thrown out. Get
ting out a seasons cut with the hood
water Is a pretty serious matter to a
great many people. and If you insist
on holding US up here in this slack
water the situation will soon become
alarming"
The old man brought to earth the
front legs Of his chair with thump.
sand II the whole kit and caboodle
Of We starved outright" said he. ut
would but be the fulfllin' Of the word
of the prophet who says: so Will ]
send upon you famine and evil beasts.
and they shall bereave thee. and pes
thence and blood shall pass through
thee, and I will bring the sword upon
thee. the Lord have spoken 1t! And
don't forget that. Ye that make OF
Gods smilin' land waste places and a
wilderness by your own folly shall ye
perish"
Orde whirled on his heel.
The young man, who sat an interest
ed spectator, arose and Joined MIN
he was a very slender young man
with a shrewd, thin face. steel gra!
eyes.
"Wait a minute" said the youn:'
fellow. Have you any objections I"
nv hanging around little to watc'
the work? My name is Newmark-''o'
seph Newmark. I'm out in this coun
try a good deal for my health. Til
thing interests me-"
"Sure," replied Orde, puzzled. LOO
all you want to. The scenery's free'
eyes. But can you put me up:,
"Oh, as far as Pun concerned
agreed Orde heartily. But" with OF
Of his contagious chuckles. TN on
river boss. You'll have to Tx II
with the doctor-the cook. ] mean.
explained. us Newniark locked puZzie'
"You'll find him ut camp.
| In the center Of the stream the wof'
Ind been gradually slowing down TO
] I'M .-.iAl, Ahn a,1hcidQnce of tll