“I’m coming as fast as I can,” I cried, and I pressed forward as quickly as the rocks and the undergrowth would permit.
“Something is the matter,” went on Ford. “We must have help as soon as possible.”
“What’s up?” I asked, as I bounded into the clearing that surrounded the mill.
“The mill is on fire! Just look at that end of the roof and the top of the shed!”
I started, and did as directed. Sure enough it was as Ford said. The building was afire in two distinct places!
“Mr. Norton did that!” I burst out.
“I believe you. He meant to burn you up alive. What a scoundrel he is!”
“What can we do, Dan?” I asked, with my heart in my throat as I thought of the destruction of the mill portion of my father’s estate. “Can we put it out?”
“Put it out! I guess not. Just look at those flames, getting bigger and bigger every minute! I am afraid Mr. Norton did his work so well that the old mill is doomed!”