The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1896-07-25

IliIloi' EliheI. lie cdllti our, tnPtlllN.
II was just getting ready for Il flying trip
to your house. | have been to Sherwood
and as tomorrow happens to he your sisters
birthday, bought her little present and
| was going to bring it over on my wheel
Elmer was alive with interest now and
White Bear was forgotten till after Jacl,
some plush toilet case, carefully wrapped
in several papers.
Isn't that a daisyn' the young man
cried, warmly. 81 can imagine how Alice's
blue eyes will shine when she sees it,"
"Didn't it cost mint of money!" the
boy asked rcproachfuly.
"Ony $500, Elmer. will own that to
be a 600 | sum for a Dakota farmer to spend
on thing of beauty but it is my first gift
to your sister, and nothing seems too ex-
travagant for Alice.
Miss Williams, Jacks elder sister and
housekeeper, looked up from her sewing
and smiled shrewdlv at this transparent
speech, hut Elmer saw nothing significant
in it and went on with his errand in a
rapid way
Jacks brow clouded moment.
The impudent beggar," he exclaimed
angrily
Miss Williams shook her head gravelv.
II am afraid he will carry out his threat
Indians are so yindictive! | wish Alice
would break up housekeeping and spend the
winter with us. -
A cry from Elmer brought the others
quickly to the door Beyond the dugout
OF the MaNonsa puff OF smoke was ascend
ing toward the sky, and the wind was he
hind it, blowing gale. Jack caught the
situation in an instant.
sarah he cried excitedly, White
Bears work has begun We are all in
the pathway OF that fire and it will strike
Alice first.
But there is plowed 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 head fire beyond our house, and meet
this one with wet broonis and blankets
when it comes while 20 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, mount
ing hurriedly "She is as light as a feather
and brave enough to keep her balance. |
can Idle 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 battle
with fire that are so familiar with the
western pioneer, aud. As Jack looked back
over his shoulder, he saw the headline of
fiery flame rushing away from his house.
and knew that when the advancement
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 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 and | can save you-the
place must go,'
She graspea 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
and fear, lie and death, courage and calm
ness were all in the balance. and straw
might determine the result Cracking
and kissing behind them was a wall of
fire. Clouds of thick smoke rushed about
them, and sickening heat seemed to swal-
low 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 lie felt his muscles quivering under
the strain he whispered hoarsely in the
girls ear:
alice | love you! Living or dead,
we will never be separatedr And Alice
whispered 'Never!'
Then with new strength he pushed on,
and found himself on black soil A few
revolutions more, and he was in the midst
of his own safety burrows, with a huge
mass of burning weeds closely pursuing
him, which was shattered and thrown back
by two pitchforks in the hands of Sarah
and Elmer. Then they all rallied and
assailed the fiery enemy as it came up in
roaring lines, beating it down and giving
exultant cheers at its sullen death.
An hour afterwards, smoky, grimfaced
couple with watery eyes and very dirty
hands stood before Miss Sarah Williams
and confessed that they were engaged