“It means the depth of water in the dam, silly,” interrupted Ted. “Now just get over your nonsense. This is serious work and it is important the irrigation should be successful.”
“I stand rebuked, Professor Porter,” mocked the girl. “Come on.”
When they were ready, Mrs. Porter insisted upon accompanying them. Phil went to the head gate at the dam, Ted took his station at the first lateral, Margie and Sallie at the second, and Joy and her father with the girls.
“Ready?” shouted Phil.
“Ready,” answered his brother, who, after making sure that the boxes leading from the laterals into the fields were unobstructed, ran to where his sisters were to help them with the canvas dam.
With a rapidity that surprised them the water came down the main ditch and in such force that it swept the canvas dam aside.
“Quick, you girls, take hold, one on each side,” commanded Ted. And taking a shovel, he hurriedly threw in dirt at the back of the canvas until he had built a temporary dam which held the canvas in place.
“It’s going into the field splendidly,” said a voice close beside the young people.
Looking up, in surprise, the girls blushed furiously as they beheld Andy.
“Oh dear! I didn’t think any one would see us,” cried Sallie, dropping to the ground in confusion.