The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1910-04-22

ried Jack, who had never seen that
light, but knew the old raneher had
seen IL before aud knew what u meant,
Urging on his horse he made about
half 81 the long journey IN an hour
Soon. ON reaching the top Of n rise, be
beheld a picture he never wishes TO
see again.
Miles TO the westward a faint yell
low glare followed the ground and bill
lows ~ dense black smoke rose to the
heavens and rolled across the sky, hid
ing the sunlight. A chill struck him 10
the bone as he thought Of his shack
and cattle and old Jake an Indian,
who was caring for them.
Putting spurs TO his horse he dashed
down the slope through stretch OF
woods through which the wind sighed
dismally. He kept pushing on, think
ing that if he could get home before
the fire reached him he could run his
stock into the river and thus save
them. But to get there first was
question.
Only n few miles remained as near
as he could guess and he dashed on
through occasional clouds OF smoke,
which lowered and enveloped him In
their shrouds.
Suddenly an unthought Of danger
showed itself ahead. Jack saw some
horses run by on the gallop and soon
deer and some cattle. then another
deer and soon wild animals were run.
ming all around him. They would not
heed. but would run into him II he did
not get out Of their way.
BY this time the fire had gained on
him and added TO these dangers. JACK
could not tell where his own shack was
in the uncanny light. But. as he had
no time to waste. he pushed on as FAST
AS he COIL, keeping the tire to ms lei,
and lodging animals Of every KIND
even to an old grizzly, which pulled by
on the the verge Of exhaustion.
He could now hear the roar Of the
flames and it made him frantic. He
kicked his horse and pounded him with
his lariat. but the terrified beast was
getting tired and soon dropped never
10 rise. -.
Jack was unhurt and, getting to his
feet. ran as he had never ran before,
caring little where he went, but stiii
thinking he might reach home soon.
The fire was rapidly nearing and huge
pillows rolled over his head and an
ominious cracking broke in on his
dazed mind. N
All at once, having despaired Of all
hope, but running for some reason ne
knew not what, he fell into a gully
and knowing II led to water some
where, followed it, stumbling. over
stones and falling on his hands and
knees. bruising himself terribly.
After running for hours, as It seemed
to Jack, he came out on sandy
stretch and saw the water far ahead;
Inspired with new hope he dashed
across and plunged in, thinking what
a narrow escape he had had. Taking
off his shirt and holding IT over ms
head he listened to the groans, OF AM
mails and the roar of fire.
An hour passed. Then i began to
grow lighter and Jack climbed the
bank and started up the river through
the vast waste of desolation. Every
where were smoking carcasses of UNI
fortunate victims unable to go farther;
After walking for some time he found
old flake. but his cattle had all per.
ished in the corrals. Striking the trail
to the village they reached It about
midnight exhausted but thankful that
they were alive. :, -.
TO this day Jack Larson tells his
friends of this escape and the danger
that turks on the vast plains covered
with bunch grass which gets as dry as
finder in the hot summer months.