"You know something, and you're trying to keep it from me, brother. That isn't fair. Tell me the worst, Bob! That rushing sound up on the wind—does that mean the woods are on fire?"
"That is just what it means, Sandy," said the other, "and we must run like mad now!"
CHAPTER XVI
CHASED BY THE FLAMES
"But this way is not the way home, Bob!" expostulated the younger lad, even as he clung close to the flying feet of his brother.
"True," Bob flung over his shoulder, while he ran on; "but it is away from the fire, and that must be enough for us now. Can you go any faster, Sandy?"
"I know what it is!" cried the other, his voice trembling under the great strain; "you mean that the noise is getting louder all the while! Then the fire must be gaining on us! We will be caught!"
"Oh! I do not say that," and Bob fell back a trifle so as to run alongside his companion; "but it is certainly advancing very fast and furiously. This wild wind whips it along much quicker than any man can run."
"Look!" cried Sandy, suddenly, "what is that over yonder? Surely it is a buffalo—two, three of them! And see how they gallop along, with their heads lowered, and the hot steam pouring from their nostrils!"