THEY RACED ALONG HAND IN HAND. p. 131
Two courses seemed open to him; either to turn back or to push on at all possible speed towards Woodlands, and once more he turned to see which direction the fire was taking, and was alarmed to find that retreat was impossible, for the wind was carrying the flames along the forest of ringed trees and dried undergrowth through which they had just come at such terrific speed that long before they could get back by the way they had come they would be caught in the flames. Not only so, but the whole fire was widening its course, creeping across the clearing to the half-felled wood on the other side, licking up everything that came in its way, so that they stood in a half circle of fire, and might find themselves surrounded unless fleetness of foot and coolness of brain could save them.
All this flashed through Jack's brain with the rapidity of lightning.
"Eva," he said, speaking as quietly as he could, "we must hurry up a bit; that fire is coming our way. Give us your hand! We must get along as fast as ever we can."
But Eva stood stock still, looking round with eyes dilated with terror.
"Take me back, Jack! Oh! how I wish we had never come."
"We can't get back," Jack answered with a little thrill in his voice. "You mustn't cry, Eva! There's no time to cry. Be a brick, do as I tell you, and don't be afraid! We'll get through all right."
Something of Jack's high courage gave Eva fresh heart, and they raced along hand in hand, but Jack though he spoke cheerily, was fully aware of their danger; the roaring of the fire drew ever nearer and nearer; clouds of smoke and sparks flew close on their heels, and the glowing heat of the wind was making itself felt very unpleasantly.
Presently Eva released the hand that dragged her along with a gasp.