A cloud of flies hovered about the oxen, chained in double span to a big fir stump, and sweating men pushed long handspikes into the hole under the cut roots. The stump was four or five feet across and six feet high, and blocked the way for the foundation trench at the dam. A dark stain and a rent indicated that a blasting shot had blown out in the half-rotten wood, and Bob had yoked his oxen to the obstacle.
Standing on a log, he saw the chain was fixed at the proper spot and the men were at their posts; and then for a moment turned his head. The river rolled angrily by the end of the dam and he knew the water rose; a big stone he had not long since noted was covered. It looked as if he must strengthen his coffer and he wanted to get to work; but he must first move the stump and he signa
