Mother, I was just wonderin' why someone hasn't thought of this before."

The mother was taken by surprise. She sat and looked wonderingly at the
boy as he talked. The idea was new to her, but now she thought of it, it
seemed perfectly feasible. Work was the only thing needed; but could she
and her boy do it?

Five years ago when Mr. Ames had moved upon the bench, he had been
promised that the new canal should come high enough to bring water to
his land; but a new survey had been made which had left his farm far
above the irrigation limit. Mr. Ames had died before he could move his
family; and they had been compelled to remain in their temporary hut
these four long, hard years. Rupert had tried to farm without water. A
little wheat and alfalfa had been raised, which helped the little family
to live without actual suffering.

* * * * *

That evening, mother and son talked late into the night. Nina listened
until her eyes closed in sleep. The rain had ceased altogether, and the
moon, hurrying through the breaking clouds, shone in at the little
curtained window. Prayers were said, and then they retired. Peaceful
sleep reigned within. Without, the moonlight illumined the mountains,
shining on the caps of pearly whiteness which they had donned for the
night.




II.