Tom had been sent with the pack horses up beyond the danger zone and then with a pitch pine torch the captain started the fire at the eastern end, then full gallop to the west and thus up the line. The wind was blowing a hurricane and scattered fire brands far and wide.
It is easy to unleash such a tempest of fire, but once started it is beyond all human control.
We told our story and then fixing up a bed of boughs or rather small branches, I rolled up in my blankets and was soon sound asleep. There was comfort in it after the hardships of the past two nights.
We did not move camp until the next day. By that time we were thoroughly rested and ready for whatever might be ahead of us, whether Indians or forest fires.
Our horses also were feeling good, which they showed by acting badly.
The captain scouted out and returning reported no signs of Indians. They had been driven away.
"Well, boys," he said, as we started the next day, "I shall have to leave you as soon as I get you out of these mountains."
"We hate to think of it," said Jim. "Better go with us as far as the river anyway."
But the captain shook his head.