Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1896-07-04

the cabin, oiling and polishing 4
bicycle with industrious care.
"Hilloa, Elmer = he called out
cheerily. Il was just getting read,
for a flying trip to your house.
have been to Sherwood, and as To
morrow happens to be your sister.
birthday, | bought her little present
ard ! was going 10 bring it over OF
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
papers.
isn't that a daisy ~ the young
man cried. warmly. Il can imagine
how Alice's blue eyes will shine when
she sees it"
Didn't it cost mint of money p
the boy asked reproachtully.
"Only FIVE dollars, Elmer. | will
own that to be good sum for a
Dakota farmer to spend on a thing OF
beauty but it is my first gift to your
sister, and nothing seems too extrava.
giant for Alice"
Miss Williams, Jacks elder sister
and housekeeper. looked up from her
sewing and smiled shrewdly at this
transparent speech but Elmer saw
nothing significant in it, and went on
with his errand in rapid way.
Jacks brow clou,led moment.
The impudent beggar p he ex-
claimed angrily.
Miss Williams shook her head
gravely.
IL am afraid he will carry ont his
threat. Indians are so vindictive |
wish Alice would break up housekeep-
ing and spend the winter with u.s.
A cry from Elmer brought the
others quickly to the door Beyond
the dugoui OF the Maxons puff of
smoke was ascending toward the sky,
and the wind was behind it, blowing
ii gale. Jack caught the situation in
an instant.
Sarah" he cried excitelly, white
Bears work has begun We are all
in the pathway Of that fire, and it will
strike Alice first y
But there is plowel safety line
about the house. said Miss Williams
"Of no more value than tow string
when those masses of burning, tumbling
weeds from Ogden's breaking are
swept along by the wind Can you
and Elmer set a 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
woman. I'VE can save this place, |
think, but | 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. can ride ahead OF any
ordinary prairie fire, and he added
under his breath as he spun out over
the trail, .'if cannot save her we can
die together
Sarah Williams lost no time in
making those efficient preparations for
n battle with fire that are so familiar
with the western pioneer, AMI, 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.
lie could see the blaze rising above
the smoke behind the Maxon buildings
and knew it was coming with awful
speed. \ few rods from the door oi
the house he met Alice running in
frantic haste.
"Quick Quick = he shouted, a:
he circlel about and turned to his own
claim. "Come with me and | can
save you-the place must go"
She grasped his strong hand, sprang
up to the support of his arm, and,
doublv frcighted, the light, steel-forge,l
vehicle started on its return.
There have been many novel race:
in the world, but never another like
this. Love and fear, life and death,
courage and calmness were all in the
balance, aud a straw might determine
the result Cracking and Kissing be
hind them was a wall OF fire. Cloud,
of thick smoke rushed about them, and
sickening heat seemed to swallow M
sight and hearing, but still Jacks feet
steadily guided the pedals, still he held
details press upon the President con.
stantly.
the precious burden against his breast,
and on they flew before the wind. Only
when he felt his muscles quiverine
under the strain he whispered hoarsel,
in the girls ear:
Alice. | love you, Living or dead
we will never he separated" :" And
Alice whispered Never"
Then with new strength he pumped
on, and found himself ON black soil
A few revolutions more, and he was il
the midst of his own safety burrows
with huge mass of burning weed
closely pursuing him, which wa
shattered and thrown back by two
pitchforks in the hands of Sarah an,
Elmer. Then they all rallied an,