"In this instance they called on nature for assistance, and fickle nature lent them a hand by sending them rain.

The ground too, I discovered, had been dug out under the lower side of the skidway and the supports knocked out." "The varmints!" growled Joe Shafto, who had been an attentive listener to Tom's story.
"The jacks shifted some logs around to act as a track to give the logs on the skidway a good start down the bank; they further cleared a channel lower down so that the water might undermine the skidway still more, then, when the trap was properly set, undoubtedly gave the top of the pile a start with their hooks.

I can't describe it so you people, unfamiliar with logging operations, can get the picture clearly." "I think you do very well," answered Emma wisely.

"Of course, Hippy could improve upon it, but fortunately he is not telling the story." "Do you know of any early lumber operations near here, Mrs.Shafto ?" asked Tom.
The guide said she did not, but that the woods were often full of cutters late in the fall and in the early winter.
"Section Forty-three was goin' to start cuttin' on the first of this month I heard, but I don't know whuther they did or not," she said.
Tom Gray consulted his forestry map and nodded.
"We will look in on them, so I believe I shall stay with you until the day after to-morrow.

In the meantime I shall have another look at the skidway while you people are packing up," he said, rising.
"What shall we do without tents ?" questioned Anne anxiously.
"Do nicely.