The Coconino weekly sun., 1895-02-07

the pleaSanteSt and most natural thing in the world"
 "He is very kind" and Alice Maxon's face grew still more rosy. Perhaps it would be well to consult him; and you should lose no time in going, Elmer, for you must be back before dark"
 Elmer did not wait for second bid- ding, but mounted the only horse they possessed and rode away towards the Williams homestead.
 The two buildings were, in pioneer phrase, "handy to each other" being only mile apart; and when the boy reached Jacks home, he found that sturdy fellow on his knees in front of the cabin, oiling and polishing a bi- cycle with industrious care.
 "Hilloa, Elmer!" he called out, cheer fly. II was just getting ready for Q flying trip to your house. l have been to Sherwood, and as tomorrow hap pens to be your sisters birthday, 1 bought her little present, and I was going to bring it over on my wheel"
 Elmer was alive with interest now, and White Bear was forgotten till after Jack had brought from the kitchen table a handsome plush toilet case, carefully wrapped in several pa pers.
 Isn't that daisy!" the young man cried, warmly. II can imagine how Alice's blue eyes will shine when she sees it."
 Didn't it cost a mint of money?" the boy asked responsibility.
 "Only five dollars, Elmer. Twill own that to be a good sum for Q Dakota farmer to spend on thing of beauty; but it is my first gift to your sister, and nothing seems too extravagant for Alice"
 Miss Williams, Jacks elder sister and housekeeper, looked up from her sew ing and smiled shrewdly at this trans parent speech; but Elmer saw nothing significant in 1t, and went on with his orrand in rapid way.
 Jacks brow clouded in moment
 "The impudent beggar!" he exclaimed angrily.
 Miss Williams shook her head grave ly.
 "I am afraid he will carry out his threat Indians are so vindictive! I wish Alice would break up housekeep- ing and spend the winter with us."
 A cry from Elmer brought the others quickly to the door. Beyond the dug out of the Maxons puff of smoke was ascending toward the sky, and the wind was behind 1t, blowing Q gale. Jack caught the situation in an in- stant.
 Sarah" he cried, excitedly, 'White Bears work has begun. We are all in the pathway of that fire, and 1t will strike Alice first!"
 But there is a plowed safety line about the house." said Miss Williams.
 "Of no more value than a tow string when those masses of burning, tum- bling weeds from Ogden's breaking are swept along by the wind! Can you and Elmer set head fire beyond our house, and meet this one'with wet brooms and blankets when it comes, while go for Alice on my wheel?"
 Yes" replied the determined wom- an. "We can save this place, think, but I do not believe you can bring Alice on the bicycle"
 "Trust me for that" said Jack, mounting hurriedly. "She is as light as feather, and brave enough to keep her balance. l can ride ahead of any ordinary prairie fro, and," he added under his breath as he spun out over the trail, ''if l cannot save her we can die together!7
 Sarah Williams lost no time in mak- ing those efficient preparations for battle with fire that are so familiar with the western pioneer, and, as Jack looked back over his shoulder, he saw the headline of fiery flame rushing away from his house, and knew that when the advancing forces came up they would find the cool-headed woman and boy ready to meet them.
 He could see the blaze rising above the smoke behind the Maxon buildings, and knew 1t was coming with awful speed. A few rods from the door of the house he met Alice running in frantic haste.
 Quick, Quick!" he shouted, as he circled about and turned to his own claim. Come with me an1 can save you-the place must go!"
 Shesgrasped his strong hand, sprang up to the support of his arm. and, doubly freighted, the light, steel forged vehicle started on its return.
 There have been many novel races in the world, but never another like this. Love and fear, life and death, courage and calmness were all in the balance, and straw might determine the result. Cracking and hissing be- hind them was wall of fire. Clouds of thick smoke rushed about them, and sickening heat seemed to swallow up sight and hearing; but still Jacks feet steadily guided the pedals, still he held the precious burden against his breast, and on they flew before the wind. Only when he felt his muscles quivering under the strain he whis- pered hoarsely in the girls ear:
 "Alice, love you! Living or dead, we will never be separated!" And AL ice whispered: "Neverp
 Then with new strength he pumped