et! Say, do you want a private car
to move you along the track? Jump now and load up that trolley, you
soft-bodied slob!"

Charnock obeyed, promptly and silently. He had, at first, responded
to encouragement of this kind by a witty retort, but had found the
consequences unfortunate. There was no use in wasting delicate satire on
a dolt. Besides, it was a relief to feel he was getting better and was
able to work.

In the afternoon, he had occasion to pass the spot where Festing was
occupied, and stopped to watch. The men were getting a big log on end;
two steadying it and supporting part of the weight by a tackle fixed
to its top, while Festing and another guided its foot into a hole. The
ground was wet and slippery and their task looked almost beyond their
strength, but Charnock knew he would get into trouble if he were seen
going to their help. Since he was not in view of the foreman where he
stood on top of the bank, it was prudent to remain there.

The log swayed as its point caught a stone, and Festing's hands slipped
on the muddy bank. He shouted to the men at the tackle, who bent their
backs and hauled, but the timber did not rise as it ought. Charnock,
looking round, noted that the stake the tackle was fastened to was
pulling out.

"Get from under! She's coming down on top of you!" he cried.

Festing looked up and saw the danger; but if the log fell it would not
stop until it and the tackle plunged into the rapid below.

"Stay with it!" he gasped; and he and his companions braced themselves
against the crushing weight.

The veins rose on his forehead. His back was arched and his wet slickers
split, but it was plain to Charnock that the men could not hold up the
timber, which would injure them if it fell. But with help they might
perhaps move it enough for the point to sink into the hole before the
tackle gave way, and Charnock leaped recklessly from the top of the
bank. He knew what he was undertaking when he took hold. Festing would
not let go; he meant to put the log into its socket, or let it start on
its plunge to the river over his body.

For a few tense moments they struggled savagely, with slipping hands and
labored breath, while Festing, using his head as a ram, pushed the point
of the swaying mass nearer the hole. Then, when all could do no more,
the strain suddenly slackened and there was a jar as the log, sliding
through their arms, sank into the pit. After this, it was easier to hold
it, whi