lley, but although
the fire was advancing Jim did not go far. They might soon be driven
back among the rocks, where there were no trees to burn, and he meant
to work as long as possible. Besides, transport was difficult and he
must have an open trail behind him. Jim was getting anxious about
this, because if the fire followed them up, provisions must be brought
across the burning belt.

It was characteristic that he took command. Although Jake had
banteringly called him the Boss, they had no agreement about the
matter. When things were normal each did what he thought needful and
they seldom jarred. Now, however, Jim half consciously assumed firm
control, with his comrade's support. He made all plans, and the men
seeing he had a leader's talent obeyed cheerfully.

For some days their resolution was hardly tried. The fire rolled up
the valley and for the most part they worked in thick smoke. At times
the heat was intolerable, and when the wind freshened showers of ash
and sparks fell about them. Although the fire did not advance fast,
their progress was slow. Heavy stones must be rolled away, treacherous
gravel must be walled up and the line roughly graded. Ashes stuck to
the men's wet skin and they were often scorched by the hot wind. Then,
at the close of each exhausting day, the camp must be moved to the end
of the cleared track.

There was not much grumbling. The men were hard and stubborn, but Jim
doubted if they could bear the strain long. He himself was worn out,
he could not relax at night and did not sleep. Jake's scorched face
was getting pinched. Carrie alone was cheerful and tried to ease the
crushing strain when they rested for an hour after the evening meal.
The meal was always ready and Jim noted that the bill of fare was
better than before. Yet, sometimes when Carrie did not know he was
studying her, he thought her figure drooped and her eyes were dull. He
said nothing, but he was moved by pity and gratitude.

At length, one day when the wind was fresh and the fire had got
ominously close, he made a hard decision. Since he could not keep in
front, he would follow the blaze, which would lick up the brush and do
some part of his work. The trouble was, he must wait until the
conflagration passed and the burned ruin cooled, while wages mounted up
and food got short. He said nothing to the others, but when evening
came and the tired men struck the tent he indicated a bare rocky slope.