The Monticellonian., 1919-01-17

"Oh, Joe. can We reach ttf' Whls- pered Amanda
 "We'ee get to f' he returned grimly. ''Its three miles, if 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 filled it. But it was roucher way. and the blackboard bounced until Carolyn May cried out 1 in fear.
 They drove over little hilloek that raised them higher than the tote road l had done Amanda clutched Mir. Stagg-s arm again and uttered q half- stified "Oh la
 He shot glance to the left. A mass of flame broke out in the wood not far off this trail-the top of great tree WAS on fire.
 "The wind is carrying brands this way. mnttered the man. "A dozen new fires will be started. Well. gid-ap, i Cherry - and he seized the whip again.
 The horse was well spent now, but he was plueky. He tried to increase his stride. X hot breath of wind came rushing through the forest, bending the branches and shaking the leafy foliage The wind seemed fairly to scorch the fugitiyes.
 The roaring of the fire increased. i Through the more open woods which borelered this path they saw the smoke advancing in thicker walI-and one as high as the tree tops. You've got to make it. old boy" mnttered Joseph Stagg. and he lashed the horse again.
 The spirited Cherry leaped forward. both the woman and the child scream l ing.
 "Is it far? Is it 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 mir and came down. right on Amanda,s shoulders. Carolyn May shreked. Joseph Stagg brushed off the burning stick. Cherry mounted another small ridge and then they clattered down into q little hollow where there WAS slough beside the road. The water Was green and stagnant, but 1t was water.
 The man pulled in the hard-pressed horse and leaped down, passing the reins To Amanda. He whipped off his coat and dipped it in the mudhole. He drew it out dripping with water and slime.
 Look out, here Have to shut your eyes - he warned his two companions on the seat of the blackboard, and threw the saturated coat ever Miss Amanda's head. The dripping garment sheltered Carolyn May as we'll.
 NOW, good horse v he yelled to Cherry, leaping back to the seat Gid aple
 The horse started up the slope. An other swiriing brand came down upon them. Joseph Stagg 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 en Gherry's back. The horse sauealed and leaped forward Ut 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 10 stop him.
 His left arm he flung around Miss right hand chung to the rocking seat of the eareening 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 mile, for all lie knew.
 But suddenly they broke cover, Cherry still galloping wildly. and plunged down un open ravine to the edge of lake of sparkling water.
 Bless mel The lake the lake i'' hoarsely shouted the man.
 The walls ef the ravine sheltered them from smoke and fire for a mo- ment hut the brands still fell. Cherry had halted on the edge of the lake, but Joseph Stagg urged him on into the water, flank deep The shore was mar TOW and afforded little space for refuge. lie lifted Amanda and the ehil1 bodily from the seat and dropped them into the water
 Were safe now" he said ho,esely. jumping in himself. md holding Caro- ISn May and Amanda. "We've got wa ter enough here, thanks be- Hang on to me. Mandy. I'm not going to let you get away-no more, never,"
 And by the way n which the woman elung ia his arm fl WAS evident that she did not propose to lose him.
 My, Uncle Joe you are just the hraHeSt man" declared Carolyn May, finding her voice Isn't he. Miss Mandy? And, see, his arm is all burned. Dear me, We must get home 10 Aunty Rose and let her dc it up for him.
 CHAPTER XVII.