Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1912-01-03

out the sacks and blankets which had
been hung against them for protection,
while the in-driven snow lay in oddly
assorted mounds on the floor.
Both were reflective, the man be-
cause he realized the gravity of the
situation, the boy because he had so
recently left home in the east.
1t was the first day of the new year,
and possibly he was picturing to him
self what they were doing at that iden-
teal time.
Presently tn man looked up. did
you hear that?" he said.
No., replied the boy. what was
1.-THE waits?"
Listen again." said the man, and
just then above the shrek Of the biz
card was heard a muf1ed chorus OF
deep bellows.
IF those cattle don't have water
they'll tear the stable to pieces. They
get extra thirsty feeding on straw, and
it's three days since they had a drop.
Why in h that well wanted to give
out can't think"
''Yes," said the boy, ''thirst's shock
ing thing. Used to have one myself
in days gone by. Now, if we could only
do the widows cruise of oil business
we might make this lot go round" indi-
eating pot which stood on the stove
Cant you ever be serious?" protest
ed the man. We've got to fetch some
water
BY all means" replied the boy. "Just
touch the bell for the waiter"
Don't be fool" retorted the man.
IF you'd been in this country three
years, instead of three months, you'd
know what a blizzard means, and
wouldn't be so mighty cheerful over
it."
Aren't you fool to suggest fetch
ing water?" said the boy why, you
got lost walking to the stable not an
hour ago."
The man did not reply until the boy
asked him whether he really
considered his suggestion possible.
eyes" said the man slowly, cit is
possible"
I suppose" remarked the boy, ''ynu
are aware it will take four barrels at
least, that the nearest we'll is old
man Reid's, which is three miles away.
and that you can't see six feet in
front of your
Il know all that" said the man.
''and more. l can tell you that the
horses will go like the wind and
when they have had their fill of cold
water therell be no holding them
while the barrels are filled. Of course
the trails obliterated, but they'll find
their way like a blue streak"
Sounds inviting" said the boy with
his ridiculous laugh. I'D offer to toss
as to who goes if l had coin, but as
l haven't (mOre injustice), We'll draw
StraWs"
Its the only way" replied the man
Those cattle are our ALL If they
break loose they'll be frozen stiff. The
one that wins harnesses the horse, and
divides the water round when the loser
gets back. Is it a bargain?"
The boy cut two straws Of unequal
length, put them in a basin, covered it
with a cloth and shook it about
You draw first, said he. Long one
gets the water, short one bitches
the horses"
When they came to measure the
boy had drawn the long one. MY luck
again. remarked he.
Without word the man passed
through the door, which the boy closed
behind him, but not quickly enough to
escape a cloud of snow which swirled
round the room. Silently he pulled on
his moccasins and wrapped himself
in such outer clothes as he possessed,
cursing luck generally that he had no
furs.
By and by there was a tinkle of
sleigh-bells outside, and the man ap-
noarnd NTH tho tom .ondrr hnr-,orrod