it usually rose in the summer-time. The low grounds on each side were
overflowed, and nothing could be seen of the bridge but the tops of two
upright timbers near its middle.

It was certainly very unfortunate that both the operators were on the
same side of the stream!

"This is a pretty piece of business," cried Harry. "I didn't expect the
creek to get up so quickly as this. I was down here yesterday, and it
hadn't risen at all. I tell you, Harvey, you ought to live on the other
side."

"Or else you ought," said Harvey.

"No," said Harry; "this is my station."

Harvey had no answer ready for this, but as they were hurriedly
fastening Selim and the mule to trees near Lewston's cabin, he said:

"Perhaps Mr. Lyons may come down and work the other end of the line."

"He can't get off," said Harry. "He has his own office to attend to.
And, besides, that wouldn't do. We must work our own line, especially at
the very beginning. It would look nice--now, wouldn't it?--to wait
until Mr. Lyons could come over from Hetertown before we could commence
operations!"

"Well, what can we do?" asked Harvey.

"Why, one of us must get across, somehow."