Los Angeles herald., 1907-10-27
-FOUR

- 90 on. Alutu "
H. Cover the distance to
ID in ten minutes; hve
~ 4. barring accidents, SUI
nrough the rapids, and hve
paddlng would take them to
2 ,.d-a place where the stream
q into Deep diamond-shaped
AZ about an acre-afioat upon Wmcn
,uld be safe from the fire.
Er nty minutes only of hard, work be-
IN them and safety! But much may hap
4 n in burning forest in twenty minutes
), away we go. Toni shouted Frank, as
he dipped his paddle once more.
Tom responded, and their speed seemed
greater than ever.
The short pause had given them breath,
and they. were not yet really tired. They
seemed almost to fly past the trees, whose
hoary trunks stood close to the water.
Surely the flames could not overtake them,
Harry thought.
But, even as he did so he saw heavy
smoke cloud rise oyer the tree,tops; w which as
air down by the water was quite still
Suddenly the branches of the trees close at
hand were tossed by the rushing air, and a
shower of cinders fell all around
"Faster, boys faster! The fire is com
ing" he cried.
The boys needed no urging. The air was
full of that strange premonition of disaster
which birds and animals feel long before men
do. and seek safety in fight;
eff the worst comes to the worst, we can
keep alive by getting down in the water"
said Frank, speaking cooly enough, for he
was not the sort of lad to lose his head in an
emergency.
Before them little jets of smoke began to
rise, where burning brands had fallen, with
here and there little blaze.
The head of the rapid at the Bend was only
two hundred yards away. Would they reach
it in safety?
The chances seemed in their favor, when,
as if to mock them. two white birch trees.
one each side of the stream-great forest
monarchs, shaggy with loose bark and pen
dant lichens. their branches interwined and
forming a massive network overhead-caught
fire, and in an instant, with kissing roar,
were converted into columns of fire.
1t was sight calculated to strike terror
into the hearts of the boys especially as be-
hind them, in plain view, the flames were
raging and cracking with. frightful energy,
and shower of burning brands was flying
through the air like driving storm of fire.
Perilous as it seemed, on they must go.
'Iake that tin pail, and throw water over
us and everything" said Frank to Harry, in
voice that. though steady enough, had an
awed tone
Harry was prompt to act upon the sugges-
tion, which was made none too soon, while
the Others bent to their paddles.
With heads lowered to avoid the glare of
the heat, they shot under the blazing trees,
perfect rain of burning brands falling all
around them.
Before them was lane of fire. Fortu-
nately. the trees were smaller than those
through which the stream had passed for
the last two miles, and the heat, though TN
comfortable. was net dangerous.
The heaviest fire ahead now in sight was
on the left-hand side, Just at the very angle
Of the bend, and directly opposite the Pillar.
Between the Pillar itself and the water there
was as yet no fire.
"Now, for it. Toni cried Frank, as they
reached the head of the ranid ss(an voI,
around?"
The bow is the place of honor in running
a swift rapid with the setting pole. 1t re-
quires the quickest eye, the best judgment,
the steadiest nerve.
Tom had never yet held the post in any of
their expeditions; but his confidence was