moment later the working crew mounted to the top, stacked their
tools neatly, resumed their coats and jackets, and departed up the
road in convoy of the sheriff.

A gasp of astonishment broke from the concealed rivermen.

"Well, I'll be damned!" ejaculated one. "What are we comin' to?
That's the first time I ever see one lonesome sheriff gather in ten
river-hogs without the aid of a gatlin' or an ambulance! What's the
matter with that chicken-livered bunch, anyway?"

Orde watched them, his eyes expressionless, until they had
disappeared in the fringe of the forest Then he turned to the
astonished group.

"Jim," said he, "and you, Ellis, and you, and you, and you, and you,
get to work on that dam. And remember this, if you are arrested, go
peaceably. Any resistance will spoil the whole game."

The men broke into mingled cheers and laughter as the full
significance of Orde's plan reached them. They streamed back to the
dam, where they perched proffering advice and encouragement to those
about to descend.

Immediately, however, Reed was out, his eyes blazing either side his
hawk nose.

"Here!" he cried, "quit that! I'll have ye arrested!"

"Arrest ahead," replied Orde coldly.