Part 15 (1/2)

A wo in fear within the house, but Jack could not stay for that There were others to warn

On he rode, going past without pause the few houses near that of the ive the alarhbors

But the lad called at other cabins, repeating his warning So, but the news soon spread, and in a short time the whole settlement was on the alert

As Jack knocked on the door of the last house, farthest removed from the upper end of the settlement, he heard far off a dull boooes the dam!” cried Jack ”Now the flood will come!”

But the people had been warned in ti save their s, and with these they fled to high ground

The noise Jack had heard was the breaking of the dareat wall of water swept down the narrow valley It carried everything before it, sweeping away the frail cabins in its path But there was no loss of human life, thanks to the brave pony rider

Jack wished he could stay and help the unfortunates, but he had other duties And, anyway, the residents on the higher ground, ere in no danger, cahbors Houses were thrown open to those whose ho, food and shelter

The flood did not last long, for the reservoir was soon ee; that is coreat, for the cabins were radually subsided, though the heavy rains had made a river of the mountain brook, and it was several days before it went back to its nore of the flood was taken up

When Jack saw, that night, that he had done all he could, he turned back on the trail, for the er than could be helped, and already nearly three hours had been lost

It was ale with the first news of the burst daht of his own part in the affair, but that came out later, and much honor was paid the lad He bore his honors reatest praise--or what he considered such--hen his father said:

”I'm proud of you, Jack, my boy!”

Relief for the unfortunate flood victi, and when Jennie heard of the disaster she insisted on doing up soirls who had lost theirs

Every one helped, as is always the case at a ti, still there was no iven back Jack had provided against that by his brave ride

It eeks after the flood, and now theseason of rain had passed, and the weather was glorious Jack enjoyed every reat life!” he reflected ”I' me to use a motor-cycle or an autoer!”

The pony whinnied his answer, as Jack patted hi to-day, Jennie?” he asked, as he rode up to the Golden Crossing office one afternoon ”Anything important? Why, what's the matter?” he asked in some concern ”You look worried”

”I am, Jack,” she said, and she did not answer his smile

”What about? Your istered letters?”

”No, it isn't that, but a post office inspector has been here, askingdone right, and he's co back in an hour to check up my accounts”

”Well, I suppose they have to do what they're hired for Was he ly?”

”No, but he seemed terribly in earnest And suppose ht? I may have made little mistakes Then he'll report me and I'll lose my office Oh, Jack, I couldn't bear that!”

”Don't worry,” Jack soothed her ”I'll stay and have a talk with this inspector Maybe I can help straighten