Arizona republican., 1895-03-30

putting ourselves III udnSer or SudrVd- tion."
 Are you afraid of White Bear?" the boy asked.
 T am little troubled by his threats" said his sister.
 Well, believe I had better go up to Jack Williams cabin and tell him about it, and see what he thinks we should do to protect ourselves"
 Alice blushed prettily.
 We are always appealing to Jack Williams for help" she said deprecat- mgly. II am afraid he thinks we are very troublesome"
 No, he doesn't, Alice! Only yester- day he told me if anything happened to you to let him know, and he is al ways offering to help us, as if it was 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
 
 possessed and rode away towards the Williams homestead.
 The two buildings were, in pioneer phrase, handy to each other" being only a 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
 ''IIilloa, Elmer" he called out, cheer fly. q was just getting ready for a flying trip to your house. have been to Sherwood, and as tomorrow hap pens to be your sisters birthday, I bought her a 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 a daisy!" the young man cried, warmly. II can imagine how Alices blue eyes will shine when she sees it."
 Didn't it cost a mint of moneys" the boy asked eproachfully. ''Only five dollars, Elmer. I will own that to be a good sum for Dakota farmer to spend on a 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 houselzeeper, looked up from her sew ing and smiled shrewdly at this trans parent speech; but Elmer saw nothing significant in it, and went on with his errand in a rapid way. Jacks brow clouded in moment.
 1.-The impudent beggar!" he exclaimed angrily.
 Miss Williams shook her head grave ly.
 T am afraid he will carry out his threat. Indians are so vindictive! 1 wish Alice would break up housekeep- ing and spend the winter with us.'
 4 cry from Elmer brought the others quickly to the door. Beyond the dug out of the MaXons a puff of smoke was ascending toward the sky, and the wind was behind it, blowing a 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 it will strike Alice frst!'
 But there is a plowed safety line about the house" said Miss Williams. ''Of no more value than 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 onewith wet brooms and blankets when it comes, while I go for Alice on my wheel?"
 "Yes," replied the determined wom- an. ''We can save this place, I 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 a feather, and brave enough to keep i her balance. I can ride ahead of any ordinary prairie fire, and," he added under his breath as he spun out over the trail, Eff 1 cannot save her we can die together!'
 Sarah Williams lost no time in mak- ing those efficient preparations for a 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 it was coming with awful