The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1902-01-16

mile TO the left. ! hadn't thought
of it before. but old man Williams
lives there. He moved back there about
a month ago with his daughter. |
think something oughter be done to
see if he amt got out Of there before
the fire runs onto him"
Good God, man, no one could get
through this living he'll for a mile
and come out alive. Unless" he add
ed, half 20 himself, unless there
happened to be a break in the fire
line somewhere that split it around
canyon
"Wen, I'll tell you, cap, if you'll
Jest let me try | may be able to do
something fer EN-. | amt worth a
dam, nohow, and it won't hurt much
/ if | don't make it. | know most of
the country like faro layout, so
| does my broftc If don't get
through, cap--why, it'll be the right
kind of a start fer me in the next
world, ennyhow.' he said, with lit
tie deprecating laugh.
The cap, as he called him, grasped
! him by the hand, mumhled something
under his breath that sounded like
id fool" wiped something out Of
| his eyes, and said:
well go ahead if you are bound
! to-"
In a short time Charlie had Sc
cured his little sure-footed beast,
and soaking his clothes with what
water could be spared from the
drinking water in the canteens he
was ready for the journey As he
,purred his horse down into the fire,
he men gave him a cheer. He waved
his big hat at them and was gone
amidst the smoke and falling logs.
Trees and underground were not
thick and there were patches left
here and there unburncd owing to
the lodges Of rock and huge piles Of
powders
He dug his spurs into the little
beast aud down they went, into pul.
lies, mp over steep rocks, with Charlie
laying close 10 his horses neck
running. stumbIrr all but falling al
times ina the trcacherous lights and
shadows Of the blazing wood. Once
4 great pine came crashing down a
few feet in front Of his horse and
both were covered with burning
sparks. With a scream Of pain the
little horse gathered himself up again
and passed in safety BY strange
good luck, or by instinct Of the horse.
he struck a trail that led him into a
road to the old mans cabin in the
draw Here he dug his spurs vicious,
~ into the horses sides and forced
him to the top Of his speed. Straight
to the cabin he went, where he hall
fell from his horse, burst IN the door
yelling as he did so to arouse the
sleeping occupants.
Williams and his daughter had
gone to bed, thinking themselves safe
from the fire owing to the wind driy
ing il to the north and east away
from their home. Half asleep VIII
Iiams aroused his daughter, and while
she hastily dressed he broke into the
corral and secured horses. 1t was
but the work Of a moment before
they were on the return trip, Charlie
. l'dhlllH llt Hpi 81 WIN the GlIlg tpt
lowed by the old man. Down the
road they went as fast as the horses
/ would carry them through the smoke
Charlie had thoughtfully wrapped
the girl in a blanket before the start
The flames swept 50 close to the
ground that il was impossible to fol
low the road. Williams was lost from
the two ahead short time after
leaving the cabin. Lewis turned ano
yelled, but his voice was drowned il
the roar. TO hesitate meant death
The horse behind stumbled and fell
In moment Lewis was down beside
the girl and raised her in a half un
conscious condition onto the saddle
with him and contiEued his heroic
ride.
! Almost hopelessly he spurred hi,
staggering horse on; it seemed hour;
to him. Then wrapping the banke
tightly around the girl, for one NOR,
desperate effort, he iabbed the crue
spurs into both sides Of his lagginl
bronco and plunged up steep hill