The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-04-08
CHAPTER Is (CentinaeA)

Heather had engaged for the task of
- emptying the well had, with the in
genuity which distinguished those who
make their living on red face,
moist eye and IN argumentative plest
elements. A light trench had been dug
on that side Of the well where the ground
had gentle slope, and, following the lie
of the land, had been continued until it
connected with one of the main drains Of
the farm. Therefore, all that remained for
the two fishermen to do was to man the
pump in turns till the well was empty, the
water pouring steadily into the improvisel
trench and so reaching the main drain,
which was carrying the water away to the
ditch beside the road. The originator OF
this plan was an elderly man with a round
red face, noise eye and an argumentative
manner. As the originator of the labor
saving device, he had exercised the right
to his companion most of the hard labor Ell
carrying it out.
you see,' he said to Inspector Mul-
Gibson, who happened to be nearest to him,
"Tom here'-he indicated his assistant
wanted to dig long trench to yon hedge
and carry the water into the valley but
l says to Tom, Let's put bit of gump
trouble when it can be done quicker way?'
I says to Tom, Lets put bit TO gump-
ton into it and empty it the easiest way.
For once the waters out of the WELL it
don't matter a dump where it runs, for
It's no good to nobody"
Very true" said Inspector Murchisoh,
who believed in being polite to everybody
Therefore,, says l to Tom, it stands
to reason that the quickest way to empty
the well, and the way with least trouble
to ourselves, will be to cut from here to that
there drain there. 3"
How much longer will you be empting
it" demanded Detective Gillett, approach
ing the well and interrupting the flow of
the old mans eloquence.
THAT depends, sir, on what water there's
in it,
1--WE are getting toward the bottom now,
SIR said the man at the pump, who in
terpreted the detectives words as prom
Use that beer would make its appearance
when the water had gone. at amt very
deep well, no more than Id feet at most,
and / should say another half hour-may-
be more-would see the end of this here
job.
Every we'll then, be as quick as you can"
Under Detective Gillett's instructions the
men who had emptied the well removed
the boards which covered the top and one
of them went to the barn and returned
with a long ladder. Between them they
lowered the ladder into the empty we'll
The ladder was more than long enough to
reach the bottom, for the top was several
fnat ahova tho month of tho xua1f
"That will do, men, ordered the Scot
land Yard detective. He climbed ito the
edge Of the we'll as he spoke.
"Have you Light" asked Sergeant
Westaway in moment of inspiration.
For Detective Gillett displayed pow
erful electric torch, and placed one foot
on the ladder.
Better take the stable lantern, sir,
urged the inventor of the well-emptyng
plan. you'll find it better down there
than them new-fangled lights You'll be
able to see further with a sensible Ian
term
"And you'd better put on my boots,'
said the other fisherman. 1.-THE wells a
bricked 'un, but itll be main wet and muddy
down there
Detective Gillett pronounced both ideas
excellent and acted on them. Sergeant
Westaway procured the stable lantern and
lighted it while the detective drew on the
fishermans long sea boots. Thus equipped,
and holding the lantern in his right hand,
with an empty bag over his shoulder, the
Scotland Yard man stepped on to the lad
der and disappeared from view.
Sergeant Westaway intimated to the fish