On the very top of the knoll was a seepage of water that sent a tricklet into Tumbling Run. Green grass, rather than goldenrod, lined its length and at no place was the runlet more than four inches wide or two deep. Never in Al's memory had it been more or less; the spring provided a constant flow. Even in coldest weather, the runlet never froze, and its banks were always free of snow. It was a favorite drinking place for deer that found other water icebound. Al asked, "Can you think of any more excuses for deep thinkin'?" "Not even one." "Me neither," Al said mournfully, "so I guess we can start the workin' part. Do you want the pick or the shovel?" "Is there a choice?" "Could be, but here's the shovel and you might as well dig." Ted sunk his shovel point deep into the wet earth and scooped out a chunk of soggy earth. Ice-cold, muddy water at once filled the hole and Ted scooped again. He made a wry face. "This is like shoveling glue!" "Case you ever get a job in a glue factory, you'll know how to shovel it," Al soothed. "We got to get down anyway three feet." "I'll persevere, but I know now why you wanted the pick. "Who's the brains of this outfit?" "Obviously you are." "There ain't any real need for a pick." Al grinned. "Wet ground don't have to be loosened. I'll go snake in some wood." Al left and Tammie frisked beside him. Both got into the truck, and Al drove across the clearing into the woods. Then there came the sound of his ax ringing on dead wood.... An hour later he was back. The pickup's box was filled with wood and Al dragged a log that he had chained to the truck. He left the wood beside the camp and, with Tammie sitting proudly in Ted's accustomed place, drove back for another load. Ted continued to deepen the spring. It was cold, dirty work, but it was a good idea and certainly it would make the camp more comfortable. The spring must be made deep enough to form a pool. Then its present overflow would be plugged, diverted into some secondhand pipe they'd already bought and led into the kitchen sink. Al thought there was sufficient fall so no pump would be necessary and the water would force itself through the pipe. Thus the cabin would be assured of a continuous flow of fresh, pure water. In winter, when the camp would have no occupants, it would be necessary only to pull the pipe or plug it and so send the overflow back into its original course. Al returned with a second load of wood, dumped it and came up to see how Ted was doing. Tammie sniffed at the muddy pool, then promptly jumped into it. He climbed out, shook himself and sent a roily spray flying in all directions. Ted ducked and sputtered, "For Pete's sake, dog!" Al grinned. "He thinks you need a bath." Ted glanced down at his mud-spattered boots and clothing. "Maybe I do. Is this deep enough?" "Let's have the shovel."