"I shall carry you," interrupted the girl. "It will be very painful for you, but there is no other way."

"But how——?"

"On my back! I am strong, thank Heaven! And as we have no time to waste I will make arrangements at once. I'll take our things down to the shore, and then come back for you. You don't mind being left for a little while?"

"Of course not."

"There'll be no breakfast this morning, but I can't help that. A forest fire is no help to housekeeping."

She forced a little laugh as she spoke the words, but once outside the tent, a look of deepest anxiety clouded her beautiful face.


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CHAPTER XII

THE RAFT