r stunt at Hadley Corners that suggested the trick
that got me out of it," declared Jack. "But say, the manager has given me
a month's vacation. What do you think of that?"

"He did! Look here," sent Alex quickly, "come to Bixton and spend some of
it with me. I'll promise you all kinds of a good time. Though I am not
sure I can guarantee anything as exciting as last night's work," he
added.

Jack readily accepted the invitation. And, as it turned out, Alex might
as well have made his promise. He could have kept it.

VII

A RACE THROUGH THE FLAMES

The fall had been an exceptionally dry one in that section of the middle
west, and in consequence several forest fires had occurred, several not
far from Bixton. Thus, when a few mornings following Jack's arrival he
and Alex proposed a visit to the old house in the woods where Alex had
had his thrilling experience with the foreign trackmen, Mrs. Ward
objected.

"You know there was a fire but five miles west yesterday, Alex," she
said.

"But that was only in the grass along the track, Mother, and the
section-men soon had it out. They are watching everywhere. And on the
first sign of smoke we will light for home like good fellows--won't we,
Jack?" he promised. Somewhat reluctantly Mrs. Ward finally consented, and
gave the boys a lunch, and they set off to make a day of it.

Paying a visit first to the abandoned brick-yard, it was noon when Jack
and Alex emerged from the woods at the rear of the deserted old cabin.

"So that's it!" exclaimed Jack with keen interest as they went forward.
"And up there is the very door you dropped from, I suppose?"

"Yes, that is it. Still half open, too--just as I left it. And over there
is the barn and cow-stable. But let us have lunch first, and I'll explain
everything afterward," Alex said, leading the way toward the house. "I am
as hollow as a bass-drum."

Ten minutes later, sitting on the cabin floor just within the doorway,
eating and chatting, the two boys became suddenly silent, and sniffed at
the air. With an exclamation both leaped to their feet, and to the door.

Rolling from the trees at the southern border of the clearing was a white
bank of smoke. The woods were on fire!

"Which way?" cried Jack, as they sprang forth. "The railroad?"

Alex darted to the corner of the house and glanced about. "No! The wind
has swung to the southwest! We'd never make it! North, for the
brick-yard! Come on!

"If we are cornere