“The camp is doomed!” said Dale. “Wonder what started it?”
“We’ll find out later,” answered Andy. “I am glad now that we didn’t light the bonfire.”
“So am I.”
Captain Putnam and George Strong joined the ranks of the fire fighters and directed the work. Yet little headway was made until there came a lull in the wind. Then, as quickly as possible, most of the burning brush was hurried to the lake.
“We’ll wet some horse-blankets and beat the fire out that way,” said George Strong, and this order was carried out, and before the wind again arose all in the camp were glad to know that the conflagration was under control.
That night was one destined never to be forgotten by either Captain Putnam or those under him. With the danger from the fire past, the danger from the wind storm increased.
“It’s a regular tornado!” said Jack to George Strong, as both did what they could to hold down the big tent in the midst of the camp.
“Hardly, Major Ruddy, but it is a pretty stiff gale,” answered the teacher.
“Do you think it will keep up all night?”
“It may. But if it does I am afraid half of the tents will be down.”