Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1888-03-29
A DAKOTA ROMANCE.
BY IRENE @. W. ADAMS.
CHAPTER VIII.

Sunnie Banner enjoyed the long blus-
tering evenings in her snug room after
Myrta Fyber came to recite TO her, and
be her company, too, for she found the
young girl fresh, sweet, interesting crea-
ture, thoughtful beyond her years. The
Indian summer had hung over the hills
as if reluctant to leave, though it was
the last of November. Every day for
weeks banks of heavy smoke lay low on
the horizon and they knew by this that
heavy fires were raging somewhere. One
lovely Saturday afternoon. Lee Byron
rode out for few moments chat with
his illegal adviser" as he called Sunnie,
He came often to see her. 1t "braced
him up" he said. an walk little way
with YOU" she remarked as he started
homeward, and she knew the hoy, as
she spoke of him to herself was glad Of
her company. 1t was almost ike his
mothers, SO she walked long way, and
when she turned back he called many a
forgotten message on the evening breeze
as if he was 10th to leave here presence.
Far over thu hills she noticed blaze
where q smoke had been rising all day.
The first blaze have seen" she says,
Il fear the fire is near" She turned TO
call Lee, but he was galloping out of sight.
Myrta came over at dark and they watch-
ed the fire for several hours. 1t did not
seem to approach, and they concluded
that the distances in Dakota were very
deceiving, for it seemed as far away as
at dark, and still the wind blew toward
them.
A fierce wind nwoke them, and hor-
ribls roar accompanied it. Sunnie
thought Of the fire and sprang quickly to
the window, "Dress," che cried, "and
let US run to your mother; she will be
wild with fright" When they stepped
outside the air was filled with cinders
and ashes and the fire seemed but few
rods away. But fortunately the little
lake was in its path, and that must check
it little. Great tongues of flame shot
up into the air and Tapped at them in
fendish fury. The roar was deafening.
They flew with the wind to Mrs. Fyber,
thinking only of saving life, and never
thought of the little home and treasures
Miss Banner WAS leaving to those angry
flames. The children were dressed in the
widest excitement, and Sunnie selected
several heavy blankets, With these in
her arms she told the bewildered family
to follow her. She intended to reach the
lake, wet the blankets, and wrapping
them all therein lie down near the wa
ter till the fire pafsed over them. When
they emerged from the house they dis
covered that the fire had not come on
their side Of the lake, but had turned
its course and gone straight past them in
Its wicked rush. As the smoke cleared
away they saw figure moving quickly
along the path of the fire toward Lee
Byron's claim shanty. "lts Lee" they
all cried, "let's go and tell him how
grateful we are, the dear boy" 1t was
but few moments until the swift flames
had passed his house, and the figure
turned backward. "He is coming here,
and they waited till he was within call
ing distance, then gave three cheers for
Lee Byron. The gentleman lifted his
hat. at is not LeeP' The intense light
had blinded them. Miss Banner
stepped toward him.
Excuse us" she said in her ladylike
madner. 1--WE mistook you for friend.
We are very grateful to you for this great
service"
II am friend" he replied, smiling,
''snd neighbor, too; I was spending
the night at the little house over the hill
yonder. l am very glad to have done
the ladies favor. Will you need any
further assistance?" Noticing the three
little children clInging to Mrs, Fyber's
dress, struggling with the gale of wind
that was blowing, he added quickly
ALLOW me to assist you with these to the
house." and he gathered two of them i'll
his long, 1.-the arms. Myrta Fyber OPEN
ed the door of their humble dwelling
and asked if the gentleman would not
come in and rest himself, he had been
working hard to put out that terrible fire.
THANK YOU" he answered, Il am not
tired in the least; did not put out the
fire but merely run with tuft of lighted
hay along on line with it few rods
away. When the two lines met it was
checked and easily conquered. tell
this for your future protection in case of
similar danger to this'
II should like to know the name OF our
neighbor," Mrs. FYber said as he babe
them good night. He took a card from
his pocket and handed it to her. They
could all read by the red glare of the
sweeping fire:
LOUIS BAPTIsTK SHARP.
Mr.. Fyber came home early next
morning. He was at work at Windblow
lo,,, of.a, had