The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1877-05-05

man. retorted Miss Naucie; and il il mol
Of the slightest consequence what you sup
pose or do not suppose
Fred disdained to answer, except by q
most unnecessary cut Of the whip on Hot.
spurs glossy flank. The quarrel between
the two had been in progress some days. In
this unsocial style the two pressed on mile
after mile, till the sun was high in the
heavens and half their journey over.
The track was simply narrow path
beaten through the tall gramma grass and
reeds Of the prairie, which rose on either
hand FIVE or six feet high, all matted and
tangled together with wild pea vines and
creepcrT ii was burnt quite crisp and brown
by The heat Of the sun, and was as dry aE
finder. AS they brushed it in passing, the
twigs and canes snapped at touch. Right
ahead, fifteen miles away, rising blue above
the undulationS OF the prairie, was steep
bluff, the termination Of range OF low
hills, off-shoots Of the Rocky mountains.
This bluff was their landmark and guide,
for mile or two behind il was the Red
Ranch settlement, or Northcotes, MS it was
often called. Meanwhile the clear blue oi
the sky was becoming overcast with sultry
leaden haze. The mir was intensely hot and
heavy. The wide, trceleS, sLadowIeSs
prairie rolled away on every side in long
nndulations like the swellS Of the great
ocean. At last Fred grew tired OF keeping
up even show Of resentment, and began 10
talk again.
How we'll Mrs Mollic goes to-dayr
She always does, returned Nancie, a
shade more graciolIsly than before; she
was tired Of keeping silent so long.
All the same, I would not back her
against IIOtspur.'
No, because 1Iotspur would be beaten
asserted Sancic, confidently. H
will you Try? lie askel.
No, l won't. It is TOO hot TO race. Flow
can YOU suggest such thing in this blazing
SUM-
Hot or not, it strikes me It Is what you
will have to do he remarked, coolly.
What do you mean? she said, raising n
pair Of dark ineredulous eyes.
Look there and raising his whip, Fred
painted to the right, behind Them, whence
the lcaden hled cloud was spreading over
the sky. What does that look like%
Nancie turned her eyes in the direction
indicated, and MS she looked, her face
blanched to an awful wlitcncss.
Fire! The prairie is on fire! she cried;
iearfully. '0h, Fred, what shall We do
Involuntarily she drew up het horse and
gazed anxioiisly around. -
The ominous leaden gray haze yas sweep
4 - - hal
round behind them. Below the haze u
faint line, Of dull rcd was Just visible.
Yes, the prairie is OH fire, sure enough
the young man said. 'Arc you frighteiie,i,
NancieT
She turned her dark clear eyes to his.
Her facc was pale, but there was no sign Of
weakness about tile steady, brave mouth.
'No, am not frightened she answered.
gravely, but smiling back into his anxious
face. fIut l know the danger
And how VT can escape lie said, reaS.
suringIy. Now Tor il"
In another moment they were lying
along. There was no reed to urge lIotspur
and Miss 1iollie---tlley scented the danger
and could scarcely be restrained. The bluli
showed blue in the dis,unce---fiiteen mile.
away; and behind them was waste OF hot
dry Under which caught fire with lightning.
like rapidly. The odds against them
seemed awful.
Looking back, and seeing how fast it was
ginning on them, Fred would have given
worlds 10 have Nancie safe at home. they
reached a belt Of low trees, n conspicuous
landmark in the prairie. Just eight miles
more before them! Heavens, It seemed like
u journey across the world! They were gal
Looping along like race horse, every sinew
and muscle strained to the utmost Great
clouds Of smoke were now OvertakinG
them, circling and cddying above their
heads. A pungent smelling vupor CAME
creeping along the ground, almost suilocat-
ing them with its fumes. The dull, rush.
ing iour Of the fire increased every moment
behind them, while the swapping OF the
canc-brakes and the cracking Of the dry
gramma grass was distinctly audible. Still
they were getting on. Seven, six, five miles.
The fire was gaining on them with awful
rapidly, but the cliff was rising clear and
distinct before them. Half an hour more
and they would be safe. Suddenly, with
out moments warning, Nancic'S horse
stumbled in u hole, pitched heavily for
ward, and fell on her knees. Fred threw
himself of lIotspur in an instant and, he
fore Naneie could free her feet from the
stirrup, was nj her side.
what is it% cried Nancie. Is she
hurtF And though the voice was steady,
she tremblcd violently.
t0ne OF her legs is broken he replied.
you must ride behind me. Quick,
Nancie, there's no time to looSc p.
mounting Hotspur as he spoke, and hold
ing out his hand to help her mount.
Quick, your hand'
FOh, Fred, cannot leave her to BE-
burned to deathv cried Nancic, bending
over Miss Mollic, who looked up at her
mistress with agOnized eyes, and uttered Il
low moan Of intense, painful suffering
Fred drew pistol from his holster.
There is no other way he said, quitely,
US he fired. ..,
The chestnut's pretty head fell prone on
he rank grass, shudder passed over her
gr ceinl limbs, and she lay dead betore
them. With sob Nancie turned silently
from her favoriIc and gave her hand lo
Fred. In another minute they were flying
over the plain. Alas, with how small 4
chance now! The gallant horse, strive NJ
he might. mnde but little way with hi
double burden. There were only few
miles more. Already the alr was scOrch'
ing. The smoke and vapOr erveloped theur
in sufFocating clouds, hiding the bluff from
view and choking them with their stilling
breath. The roar Of the fire sounded fear
fully near, the moments flew fast and The
deadly sounds behind grew every moment
more distinct. The wind had increased tc
tempest, which blew the smoke III denSei
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