CHAPTER XXXI

THE FOREST FIRE---CONCLUSION

The cry was such an unexpected one that for the moment every one who
heard it was dumfounded. The men stared at each other and so did
the boys. Then all looked up and saw a thick mass of smoke rolling
over the forest. The wind was blowing briskly, and soon the smoke
began to envelop the entire crowd.

"Say, fellows, we must get out of here!" exclaimed Shep. "We
can't stay, or we'll be burnt up!"

"That's the truth," put in Giant. "Let us get back to our boat."

"To the camp!" came from Andrew Felps, and ran off, followed by
the other men.

"Shall we go after them?" asked Snap.

"What good will it do?" said Shep. "They can get out on the lake
in their boat---if the fire gets too strong for them."

"The wind is blowing it directly to the lake," said Whopper. "My,
but it has gained headway!" he added, looking around.

The smoke was growing thicker, and already they could see the sparks
floating overhead. From a distance they heard a wild cry, but could
not make out what it was.

Turning around, they started for the spot where they had left their
boat.

In their mad rush to gain the craft, they did not notice that they
got off the trail until they were halted by a mass of brushwood
on all sides of them.

"This can't be right!" panted Giant. "I didn't notice this before."

"We have made some mistake!" ejaculated Shep. "Maybe we are going
away from the lake!"

They gazed around. The smoke was growing thicker, and now a few
burning brands fell close by.

"One thing is certain, we can't stay here!" came from Snap. "Let us
go straight downhill. That will bring us to water sooner or later."

This was considered good advice and all acted on it without delay.
The smoke was now so thick they could scarcely see in any direction.
The light of the sun was obscure, making it as dark as if it was
night.

"Here is a little stream!" called out Giant, presently. "This
must run into the lake!"

All stepped into the brook and followed it for several hundred feet.
Then Snap called a halt.

"Here is our lost trail!"

"Snap is right," said Shep. "Come on, the boat cannot be far off."

Once more they went on, the smoke growing so thick they had to crouch
down to get their breath. The tears were streaming from their eyes,
and Whopper let out a yell as a burning brand floated down on his
neck, raising a blister.

"Here is the boat, thank fortune!" said Sn