Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-01-08

"oh, Joe. can We reach itT whis-
pered Amanda.
We've got to-" he returned grimly.
It's three miles. II it's an inch. but
Cherry has got TO make it."
They were relieved after minute or
two in this new road. The smoke had
not so completely filed 1t. But IL was
rougher way. and the blackboard
bounced until Carolyn May cried out
In fear.
They drove over a little hillock that
raised them higher than the tote road
had done. Amanda clutched Mr..
Stages arm again and uttered a half
stifled "OhI"
He shot glance to the left. A
mass of flame broke out in the wood
not far off this traii-the top of a
great tree was on fire.
THE wind is carrying brands this
way" muttered the man. "A dozen
new fires will be started. Well, gid-ap.
Cherry and he seized the whip
again.
The horse was well spent now, but
he was plucky. He tried to increase
his stride. A hot breath of wind came
rushing through the forest, bending
the branches and shaking the leafy
foliage. The wind seemed fairly to
scorch the fugitives.
The roaring of the fire increased.
Through the more open woods which
bordered this path they saw the smoke
advancing in thicker wall-and one
| as high as the tree tops.
you've got to make ii. old boy"
muttered Joseph Sragg. and he dashed
the horse again.
The spirited Chsrry leaped forward.
both the woman and the child scream
ing.
rs 1t far2 Is 1t far?" gasped Aman.
da In his ear.
TOO far for comfort. But keep your
heart up"
AS the man spoke. a blazing brand
swung through the air and came down.
right on Amanda's shoulders. Carolyn
May shrieked. Joseph Stagg brushed
off the burning stick.
Cherry mounted another small ridge
and then they clattered down into
little hollow where there was slough
beside the road. The water was green
and stagnant, but it was water.
The lh0n pulled in the hard-pressed
horse and !caped down, passing the
reins to Amanda. He whipped off his
coat and dipped it in the mudhole. He
drew ii out dripping with water and
slime.
Look out, herel Have to shut your
eyesi" he warned his two companions
ON the seat of the blackboard. and
threw the saturated coat over Miss
Amanda's head. The dripping garment
sheltered Carolyn May as well.
"Now, good horsei" he yelled to
Cherry, leaping back to the seat. cid
apl"
The horse started up the slope. An
other swirling brand came down upon
them. Joseph Stage fought it off with
his bare hand. His shirt sleeve caught
fire and he was painfully burned on
the forearm before he could smother
the blaze.
Another flaming brand fell, landing
on Cherry's back. The horse squealed
and leaped forward at pace which
Mr.. Stagg could not control Maddened
by the burn, Cherry had taken the bit
in his teeth and was running away.
The man threw down the reins. He
could do nothing toward retarding the
frightened horses pace. Indeed, he
did not want TO stop him.
His left arm he flung around Miss
Amanda and the child, and with his
right hand chung to the rocking seat of
the careening blackboard.
The wet steaming coat saved the
woman and the child from injury.
Joseph Stagg had lost all count of
time. The forest road might still ex-
tend ahead of them for a mile, for all
he knew.
But suddenly they broke cover,
Cherry still galloping wildly. and
plunged down an open ravine to the
edge of lake of sparkling water.
"Bless me! The lake! the lake ~
hoarsely shouted the man.
The walls of the ravine sheltered
them from smoke and fire for a mo-
ment, but the brands still fell. Cherry
had halted on the edge of the lake, but
Joseph Stage urged him on into the
water. flank deep. The shore was mar
row and afforded little space for
refuge. He lifted Amanda and the
child bodily from the seat and dropped
them into the wate-.
Were safe now" he said hoarsely,
jumping In himself, and holding Caro-
Ign May and Amanda. We've got wa
ter enough here, thanks bel Hang on
to me, Mandy. I'm not going to LEI
you get away-no more, neverP'
And by the way N which the woman
chung to his arm 1t was evident that
she did not propose to lose him.
MY, Uncle Joel you are just the
bravest mani" declared Carolyn May,
finding her voice. Isn't he, Miss
Mandy? And. see. his arm is all
burned. Dear me. we must get home
TO Aunty Rose and let her do It up for
him."