Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1900-08-02

brighten her. AT miG-afternoon she
became more uneasy and went out OF
Goors 10 the south Of the house.
For an instant ii seemed that a..
her strength would leave her: her face
paled and she gave a despairing cry
for help.
Extending in long line from east
TO west and driven by the fierce wind
came ribbon of fire that ate UP the
dry prairie grass and was bounding
forward as if rejoicing in us freedom.
1t was nile away-was there time
to escape?
To tie barn and sheds she ran, call
ing Rob! Tad. Link.
Not a voice answered. Wild in he,.
terror, she returned to the house.
seized few keepsakes ard again
went out of doors. Where could the
boys be?
The granarv! To it she hurried and
her cry rang through the building:
"Oh. Rob! Tad! Link
sleepily, Link answered from his
bed on the wool sacks, What YOU
want?"
side, almost carrying Kim to the cpei
air.
"Where-whcre are the boys?o"
"Sailin' tn White Dove"
Link was almost afraid to tell lest
he should lose his promised ride but
the look in his mothers face decided
him.
"Where-what do YOU mean?"
He pointed toward the north. She
could see two small forms standing on
the low car, struggling With a flap
ping cloth. evidently TOO large for
their strength
Gomez" ard half dragging he roly-
poly Link. She raced over the pam
toward the track. The fire line had
swung in an irregular course. and.
while it skirted the bluffs in one d.
rection and was dying out in the short
grass of the hills behind which the men
were working. it blazed more tiercelv
than ever to the southeast and east.
She could not find safety in any d.
rec'ion but 10 he north, Behind the
frightened mother the flames leaped
gleefully.
Rob and Tao. toling with the un-
wie.uy sail had not noticed the fire
nor Gid they see their mother until
she was by their side. Then they start
ed guiltily.
I'VE amt hurtin' any" began Rob.
but he glanced at his mothers face, and
all thought of excuses vanished.
Come. boys. run" she gasped. look
ing along the track. wondering if the
marrow stretch of fresh earth would
save them.
She made a start for the ties. still
holding to Links hand. while Rob
spoke: Lets get on the car - and
you help u.s.
And sail it," added Tad.
1t was new idea. but the quickened
wits of the woman graspeG it. Lift
ing little Link to the splinter-covered
Platform OF the car. she helped Rob
with the sail. while Tad clambered
aboard.
With her assistance the heavy cross
piece and its burden of bagpirr was
hoisted. Then each held lower cor
ner of the cloth. while with the hot
wind. heated more intensely Ev the
blaze few rods away. filled and bulyed
and strained.
Rob slid to the ground and pushed
the car until it was under way. Then
to his seat. Glory! The wind was
carrying them er-faster-faster.
Following a slough. the fire had run
ahead in places. and now blazed on
both sides of the track mile ahead.
With pace increasing and with the
rafting wheels drowning all attempts
at talking. they approached the fiery
trail. Mrs. Mangold hid Links curly
head in her dress and threw her apron
over her own. But Rob and Tad bravcd
it through like soldiers. scorning pro
lection.
For an instant smoke blinded them.
little darts of flame were here and there.
The sail was in danger. Rob and Tad
lost courage and bowed their faces
close to their knees: then they rushed
out into the clear air again. and the
fire was behind = one tall pillar Of
homes destruction.
Swifter aud swifter whirled the
wheels Of the little car. tighter c.ung
the mother to Link $ chubby form.
Mrs. Mangold's hair streamed loose in
the wind. The sail rounded beauti-
fully. and they We're pushed forward
at a rate hat would have been a delight
under different circumstances. and
even then gave Rob and Tad thrill Of
pleasure.
Ten miles away was the village of
Manchester.
AS they passed the little depot the
agent came out and waved his hands
franticallv. Peering under the sail in
front of the car. sure enough they
could see danger-the daily train from
the north was coming.
Rob looked at his mother. She shout
ed one word: Jump
Rob and Tad tumb,ed off on the
fresh earth on one side. while the
mother. clasping Link. went off the 9TH
e.. none being much hurt.
The car plunged forward with lite
stackened speed. In vain the engineer
tried TO stop and get away from the
Gueer-looking thing bearing down upon