Then, when the
thaws come in the spring, these piles are broken down and set afloat
in the river."
"I see," said Newmark. "Well, but why shouldn't we undertake that
part of it? I should think that would he more the job of the river-
drivers."
"It would hold back our drive too much to have to stop and break
rollways," explained Orde.
The next morning they took the early train for Monrovia, where were
situated the big mills and the offices of the nine other lumber
companies. Within an hour they had descended at the small frame
terminal station, and were walking together up the village street.
Monrovia was at that time a very spread-out little place of perhaps
two thousand population. It was situated a half mile from Lake
Michigan, behind the sparsely wooded sand hills of its shore. From
the river, which had here grown to a great depth and width, its main
street ran directly at right angles. Four brick blocks of three
stories lent impressiveness to the vista. The stores in general,
however, were low frame structures. All faced broad plank sidewalks
raised above the street to the level of a waggon body. From this
main street ran off, to right and left, other streets, rendered
lovely by maple trees that fairly met across the way.
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