ned which wound its way
to the summit of a rise of ground and then sloped gradually down to the
yard of the new factory. Peter ambled up this hill none too swiftly, for
the day was hot, and on reaching its crest he was surprised to notice
that although the sun was shining brightly overhead across the green
marshes to the east a shower was stealing in from the distant sea.

Instantly his mind flew to the tannery. The patent leather would have to
be rushed in. To-day an unusually large quantity of stock was sunning on
the racks, and it would take the united efforts of all hands to get it
under cover before the approaching storm reached the factory yards.

Even now the warning whistle should be sounding.

Peter stood still and listened.

But no discordant blast broke the stillness.

He quickened his steps.

Despite the cloudless blue of the heavens the wall of mist with its
burden of rain was steadily creeping nearer.

There must be some mistake.

Tolman couldn't have seen the storm coming.

Breaking into a run Peter dashed in at the factory gate and raced up two
stairs at a time to the office.

Tolman was nowhere to be seen. The room was empty!

Aghast, the boy glanced about. Every second was precious. What should he
do? He thought a moment of his father and what the loss would mean to
the company. Then, without further hesitation, he touched the bell that
gave to the engineer the signal for the blowing of the factory whistle.

It seemed as if the interval of silence in which Peter waited, listening
only to the beating of his own heart, was endless.

Then the well-known belch from the great chimney told him that his
warning was being carried to every corner of the building. From the
window he could see the men, hatless and alert, pouring out into the
yard.

Eager to join in the work he rushed down-stairs and was soon in the
thick of the excitement.

Although the sun was still unclouded no one questioned the wisdom of the
order. In and out toiled the men and the stock was very nearly all
within doors when Mr. Tolman strode into the yard.

His face was flushed with rage.

"Who gave that signal?" he bawled when he came near enough to be heard.

Every one stopped.

Immovable with surprise the men waited, the great frames of wet leather
suspended in their hands.

Peter Strong stepped forward.

"I did, Mr. Tolman," he answered quietly.

"How dare you touch that bell! I'll teach you, young man, that w