“But along in 1904 it was decided to make the attempt to turn a part of the river back into its old bed and make it work. The river wasn’t quite ready to go back and when she did she meant to go in her own sweet way--but if they wanted her to back into that old bed, why back she would go--and, taking things in her own mighty hands, back she did go with a rush. There was that old Salton Sea Sink--she would first fill that up, and from there it would be easy to give the people all the water they wanted on the desert. “This was serious! There was a railroad in her track--but what did that matter--people wanted water and water she would give them. It was a Nation’s work to stop that runaway river, but at last it was done, and lo and behold--there was that lovely little sea shining like a jewel in the middle of the desert. They eventually made the Colorado give them water enough besides to water the desert which is now called the Imperial Valley where rice and fruit and cotton and many other things are raised.” “That is interesting,” said the boy named Billy. “But where does Mr. Pelican fit in?” “Right here,” said Somebody. “For along about this time very probably along came Mr. and Mrs. Brown Pelican looking for a home. And here was a lovely sea with lots of dear little islands in it just big enough for two. But after they had started their nest they discovered that their private sea had no fish in it. Very probably Brown Pelican said they would move back to the coast, but that Mrs. Pelican wouldn’t listen to him but said, ‘Here we have a whole ocean all to ourselves; let’s raise our own fish--we’ll go right now and bring back our pockets full of mullets and plant them.’ So they did with the result that the Salton Sea is now one of the most important fisheries in the state of California.” “That’s _some_ story,” said the boy named Billy. “But is it a _Really So_ one?” “According to scientists it is,” said Somebody. “The Pelican has long been known to be the best friend of the game warden, which is why he is protected. He is supposed to carry fish to inland streams and ponds which otherwise would not have them.” “Well, he should advertise,” said the boy named Billy, “nobody knows how useful he is.” “Perhaps he is too modest,” said Somebody. [Illustration: They believed in Monsters, and Witches] Indian Day [Illustration: DOG DANCER] “Tomorrow is Indian Day,” said the boy named Billy, “and there isn’t going to be any school; we’re all going out to see their games and get acquainted; anybody seen my scout suit? It isn’t in my closet.” “It has gone to the cleaner’s,” said Mother. “I knew you’d want it tomorrow and so I sent it out; it will be back this afternoon.” “Thanks, Mom,” said Billy, “you always do think of everything. Why are the Indians called Indian? Did they name themselves that the way other people do?”