Year: 1868

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ward.


A few hundred yards from the creek
stood large, solitary tree, its trunk
and large limbs already glowing witt
the reflected light from the glowing
volume of fame. Toward this Parker
directed his horses head, and the
brute strained every nerve. On, on he
sped gasping and painting A few
minutes later he was beneath the tree;
he staggered and fell upon his side,
while his rider had barely time to free
bis foot from the stirrup.


The trapper's hat had fallen off iu
the haste Of his flight, and as he invol-
unfairly threw out his hand he felt the
warmth of the fire upon it. His horse
flung up his head and neighed piteous-
ly, as if imploring his master not to
leave him.


"God help you," exclaimed the lat
ter, his heart full of pity, but can do
you no good, and must leave you.'


Tears streamed down the hardy hunt
er's cheeks as with his rifle strapped to
his back he started on full run for
the creek. He had not a moment to
lose. He was just beyond the line of
fleeing animals, but he was still in dan
ger from the near approaching fire, and
he did not pause to look behind him,
although in that moment of frenzy and
despair, he fancied he heard the tread
of some animal close in his rear. A
few minutes later he was on the banks
of the creek. To his delight he saw
that it was broad and very deep. With
out moments hesitation he sprang
in, sinking several feet below the sur
face before he touched bottom. AS he
came up mass of smoke rolled over
the water, almost suffocating him, but
he struck out boldly, and shortly after
touched land, where he crawled out and
rested himself.


AS he gazed back, to his surprise he
saw that his horse had struggled after
him, and was already swimming the
stream. He shouted and encouraged
him, and the brute pressed forward
until he fell exhausted at his feet.


Noble jack exclaimed the trapper,
affectionately, patting his neck you
are saved, and here we will rest


The fire swept furiously onward, and
by this time had reached the stream.
Fortunately the wind blew parallel with
the current, SO that there was little
fear. Had it blown across the creek,
it would have communicated to the
grass upon the other side, and made
the situation of the hunter uncomforta-
BILE, if not absolutely perilous.


The sun was past the meridian before
the fire had subsidized enough to make
it safe for the hunter to cross. By this
time his horse had secured good rest,
and his bath in the stream had refresh.
ed him not a little. But his master
swan back with him, and upon reach
ing land did not remount him. Taking
his bride in his hand, he led him with
sad and foreboding heart to the grove
where he had parted with his friends.
The prairie was almost as black as ink,
while here and there were stretched the
smoking carcasses of the animals which
had been overtaken and burned in their
desperate attempts to escape.


His fears were too sadly realized. In
the grove were found the charred bodies
of his friends and their horses, while
fully hundred buffaloes and prairie
wolves were scattered amorg them. It
looked as if they had persisted in their
attempts to fire the prairie until tramp
led under foot by the rushing animals,
many of whom fell exhausted, when
they all perished together.


1t was fearful sight, and while
mourning the loss Of his comrades,
Parker could but be thankful at his
own Providential escape.