Page:The purple pennant (IA purplepennant00barb).pdf/131

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THE BORROWED ROLLER

"Guess, then, we'd better try it some other time," said Way.

"No, sir, we're going to do it to-night," responded Lanny, after a moment's consideration. "If we wait until the first of the week the field may dry off, and we want to roll it while it's still moist. The only thing to do is to get this fire going and make steam. It'll take some time, but we can do it."

"Easy," agreed Morris. Being newly admitted to the conspiracy, Morris was filled with enthusiasm. "Set the lantern down, Lanny, and I'll shovel some coal on."

"All right. I'll rake it a bit first, though." This was done and then, from the bin, Morris got several shovelfuls of soft coal and sprinkled it gingerly over the dying fire. Drafts were opened and the quartette sat down to wait. Fortunately, the night was fairly warm, otherwise the ensuing period might have been distinctly unpleasant, for this newer part of Brent's Addition was beautifully level, and what breeze was stirring came across the land unimpeded by anything larger than the two-inch shade trees along the incipient sidewalks. They talked in low tones, keeping a careful watch meanwhile for the policeman. The last street light was

at the end of the block and so, save for the lanterns

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