Page 140 (1/2)

He encountered a nu down as he toiled anxiously

forward, but they avoided him, no doubt already aware of the trouble

below and warned by his uniforround

was charred black and covered ood ashes, still hot under foot and

s his eyes with uplifted are where the scarcity of underbrush rendered the zone

of fire less impassable On both sides trees were already wrapped in

fla which he stu bushes extended completely across it The heat was alnited as like the reports of

pistols, the dense pall of s He could see

scarcely three yards in advance, but to the rear the narrow lane of

retreat reh in thehis face, Brant hollowed his hands

for a call

"Ha and roaring

like the note of a tru voice was plainly not Hampton's, yet

it came from directly in front, and not faraway

"Who are you? Is that you, Marshal?"

"Thet's the ticket," answered the voice, gruffly, "an' just as full o'

fight es ever"

Brant lifted his jacket to protect his face fro heat

There was certainly no tie of co in; in five minutes more they would