Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1888-01-14
were Cracking with the heat and blood
was OOZinr from the bIisfered wounds

were cracking with the heat and blood
was oozing from the blistered wounds.
Tn, still on, but more slowly at every
stride, with steps less firm and secure,
breath more scant, courage less high and
pace less swift. Never vet steed that
could long bear such fearful strain;
never flesh that could resist prairie FIRE
with hundreds of acres of dry, tall grass
and reeds for fuel and famed 10y gale.
On, The girl shielded her eyes with
her trembling hands, and above the
smoke saw the waving Of trees. As yet
the furious fire had not reached, at least
not penetrated them. There was life,
safety, and, more tha q all, love Could
she reach them. A scanty half mile had
yet to be travelled. Instinct, often as
clear to discover as mind, told the horse
Of the situation as clearly as her eyes.
She called upon him, and he answered;
she bowed to the saddle, she shut her
eyes and then!
The flames swirled around. they were
wrapped as in winding sheet Of them,
the red, forked tongues touched them
with blistcring kisses, the wind roared
through the gigantic furnace, the earth
was hot beneath, the air burning above;
deer, WOLF, every creeping thing were
outfooted in the race were beaten down
by a swift death, and how could they
ossiblv escape?
On, Between them and the shetering
I tree, but few rods remained; but
few feet. Could they be ovcrcome2
Voice and lash urged the noble horse on.
He struggled to obey, but his best efforts
were becoming feebler, his heart was
beating slow, the iron-museled limbs
were fast becoming useless A single
burst of fspeed, as at the beginning would
have been enough-thc racing of few
seconds all that was required.
Frantically the girl shouted, in despair
she lashed the rceking sides. The horse
gathered for a supreme effort, rceled,
staggered, fell even as the wind roarcd
and the fire hisscd more savasely.
But the impulse had been sufficient to
carry him beyond the blazing death and
| the bushes closed behind and the trees
rose above and protected them from the
scorching shower.
| "God be thanked" exclaimed the suf-
feri ne girl as she knelt beside the gallant
| horse 'God be thanked and she flung
her arms around his neck and shed bitter
tears as she saw how SCARED and burned
he was, regardless of her own suffer
ings
With difficulty she urged him to his
| feet and led him forward. But he knew
as well as she Of their safety, of the ne
cessitv Of moving, and lamb like fol-
lowed deep into the wood where the
John, dear John, rang out the voice
Of the girl.
Nellie, Great God, is that YOU" was
answered and questioned, and mo.
mcnt later she was locked within his pro
tecting arms.
In a few words she told all, and
begged him to do all possible for tho
horse.
''Now and ever" he answered. cone
moment" He climbed to the top of {
tall tree, looked around, descended and
said cheerfullv: 'sThe wind has changed
the fire is rushing away from the timber
we are safe here. But why in the name
of heaven did you attempt such dan
gerous chance, Nellie?"
Because, dear, loved you so, and
she dropped fainting upon his anxiousl.
throbbing breast.