There's a cow due to
calve. Oh, while I think of it, what's the news from Callton Rise?"
"The waters are finding their level as usual--but why do you ask?" said
the deep outpouring Waters.
"Because Mangles and Felden and the Miller are talking of increasing the
plant here and running a saw-mill by electricity. I was wondering whether
we----"
"I beg your pardon," said the Waters chuckling. "_What_ did you say?"
"Whether _we_, of course, had power enough for the job. It will be a
biggish contract. There's all Harpenden Brook to be considered and
Batten's Ponds as well, and Witches' Fountain, and the Churt's Hawd
system.
"We've power enough for anything in the world," said the Waters. "The only
question is whether you could stand the strain if we came down on you full
head."
"Of course I can," said the Wheel. "Mangles is going to turn me into a set
of turbines--beauties."
"Oh--er--I suppose it's the frost that has made us a little thick-headed,
but to whom are we talking?" asked the amazed Waters.
"To me--the Spirit of the Mill, of course."
"Not to the old Wheel, then?"
"I happen to be living in the old Wheel just at present. When the turbines
are installed I shall go and live in them. What earthly difference does it
make?"
"Absolutely none," said the Waters, "in the earth or in the waters under
the earth. But we thought turbines didn't appeal to you.
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