The arrival of others of the fire-fighters put an end to further conversation, for Andy assisted the women in serving the coffee and food.
As the men came forward, they greeted Joy heartily, while they looked wonderingly at the two stylish Easterners.
“These are Phil’s and Ted’s sisters and their mother,” said the agent by way of introduction, whereat the men bowed stiffly and became silent.
Determined to break the awkwardness of the situation, Margie exclaimed:
“If you please, we prefer to be known for ourselves and not as Phil’s and Ted’s sisters. I am Margie and this is Sallie.” And she made a mock courtesy.
“Brava! That’s the way to get on out here,” laughed Mr. Jackson, who had come up just in time to hear Margie’s introduction. Then turning to Mrs. Porter, he added: “We are all like one big family out here. Somehow the woods make us forget ceremony.”
Thus a feeling of fellowship having been established, the men ate and rested, recounting the narrow escapes they had had as the fire drove them back.
“There’s always a silver lining to the blackest cloud,” declared Chester. “You boys have been spared a lot of hard work it would have taken to clear your land.”
“That’s true enough,” assented Ted. “What worries me, though, is whether the fire has dried all the natural moisture there was in the ground. If it has, our crops won’t amount to much.”
“The growth was so light, I doubt if the soil has been damaged,” returned Mr. Jackson. “A few tests with a soil box, however, will tell you positively.”