The Mena weekly star., 1909-02-11

"TomI" She Cried, Struggling to Her
 Knees,-"Tomi"
 against the wind the fire ate its way along the ground with fearful rapidity trailing behind 1t an upwhirling vor. tex of smoke and flame. No living creature could have burst through that belt of fire.
 A wave of fierce heat sent Blake staggering back, scorched and blis tered. There was no sxultance in his bearing. For the moment all thought of the lion was swallowed up in awe of his own work. He stared at the hell of leaping. roaring flames from be. meath his upraised arm. To the north sparks and lighted wisps of grass driven by the gale had already fired the jungle half way to the farther ridge.
 Step by step Blake drew back. His heel struck against something soft He looked down and saw Miss Leslie lying on the sand, white and still. She had tainted, overcome by fear or by the uncomfortable heat. The heat must have stupefied him as well. He stared at her, dull-eyed. wondering if she was dead. His brain cleared. He sprang over to where the flask lay be- side the remnants of the lunch.
 He was dashing the last drops of the tepid water in her face when she moaned and her eyelids began to fiut- ter. He flung down the flask and fell to chafing her wrist.
 "Tom," she moaned.
 Yes. Miss Jenny, I'm here. It's all right" he answered.
 Have l had sunstroke? Is that why it seems so--' can hardly breathe"
 Its all right. tell you. Only little bonfire touched on. Guess you must have tainted. but it's all right now"
 Tt was silly of me to faint. But when saw that dreadful thing leap" She falterea and lay shuddering. Fear full that she was about to swoon again Blake slapped her hand between his palms with stinging force.
 You're it!" he shouted. The jokes on you! Kitty jumped just the other way, and he won't come back in hurry with that fire to head him on. Jump up now and we'll do 1is on the strength of it."
 She attempted smile. and trace of color showed in her cheeks. With an idea that action would further her recovery he drew her to a sitting posi-. tion. stepped quickly behind. and, with his hands beneath her elbows, lifted her upright. But she was still too weak and giddy to stand alone. As he released his grip she swayed and would have fallen had he not caught her arm.
 Steady" he admonished. Brace up; you're all right"
 'Pm-Tm just little dizzy she murmured, clinging to his shoulder. Tt will pass in minute. It's so silly, but I'm that way--Tom. I--I think you are the bravest man"
 Yes. yes-but that's not the point. Leave go now, like sensible girl. It's about time to hit the trail"
 He drew himself free, and without a glance at her blushing face began to gather up their scattered outfit. His hat lay where he had weighted 1t down with the cocoanut He tossed the nut into the skin bag and damned the hat on his head, pulling the brim far down over his eyes. When he had fetched his club he walked back past the girl with his eyes ayerted.
 Come on" he muttered.
 The scarlet in the girls cheeks swept over her whole face in burr ing wave, which ebbed slowly and left her co'orless. Blake had started of without a backward glance. She gazad about with a bewidered look at inc palms and the barren ridge and the fiery tidal wave of flame. Her gaze came back to Blake, aAd she followed