sn't a great way off, you know," remarked Dick, quickly.

"Do you think we could fix it with a rail lashed under the axle? I've
seen it done with an empty wagon but never with a full one," exclaimed
the miller, brightening up.

"By changing a part of the load, and throwing it over on the side where
there are two sound wheels I think it could be managed, sir," replied
Dick, and there was such an air of conviction about his smiling face
that the miller seemed to be convinced even against his own judgment.

"Well, now, it might go, and I've half a mind to try it. Can you give me
a hand, Dick, or are you in a hurry?" he asked.

[Illustration: "CAN YOU GIVE ME A HAND, DICK, OR ARE YOU IN A HURRY?"
HE ASKED.
_Dick the Bank Boy_ _Page 19_]

"No hurry at all, sir, and only too glad to help you if I can," and in
a jiffy he had hurried to the fence, selected the stoutest rail in
sight, and was back again at the side of the man who was in trouble.

They first of all shifted the cargo as much as possible, so as to throw
the greater part of the weight on the left side of the wagon, thus
relieving the strain on the broken wheel.

Fortunately the miller had plenty of rope along under his seat, and
after they had united their strength to raise that end of the wagon by
means of other rails, the one that had been selected as a drag was
securely lashed into place.

Thus the broken wheel did not come in contact with the road, and when
the patient old horse was set in motion the vehicle shuffled along after
a fashion.

"The missus'll think I'm coming home like a whipped dog with his tail
between his legs, but it's a case of any port in a storm, and I'm glad
to get back without throwing off this whole load. I'm sure obliged to
you, Dick, for the lift you gave me, and I won't forget it either.
P'raps some day I can pay it back."

Of course that was the proper time to strike, while the iron was hot,
and Dick knew it well enough.

"Why, I was just on my way here to see you, Mr. Cartwright. I heard that
you wanted some one to assist you, and as I'm looking for work I
thought I'd apply for the job. I'm strong, and I think able to do what
you want," he hastened to say.

The miller looked at him with a smile.

"Well, now, I'd like to give you work first rate, Dick, boy; after the
way you fixed me up this morning I reckon you're a right handy sort of a
boy to have around. But you see I ex