ver
after that, quickly vanishing from view in the shadows.

There was work to be done if he would save the humble quarters of the
family porkers from destruction, and the hennery as well.

He knew where the rain barrel stood that held the wash water, and
snatching up a bucket he hastily dipped it in, after which he rushed
over to the fire and dashed the contents upon the blaze.

Back and forth he galloped, using considerable discretion as to where he
put the water so as to head off the creeping fire.

Mrs. Peake now came running with another bucket, and proved herself a
woman in a thousand by assisting the new addition to the family put out
the last of the conflagration.

When there was not a spark remaining, and beyond the grunting of the
pigs and the cackling of the fowls, everything had fallen back into its
usual condition, one or two neighbors arrived on the scene, asking
questions, and busying themselves generally, though had it depended on
their efforts the frail buildings must have gone up in smoke before now.

Of course many questions were fired at Darry, and he felt that it was
necessary he should tell what he had seen, though cautious about saying
he had fully recognized any one of the three skulkers, no matter what
strong suspicions he may have entertained.

He believed he had a means of identifying one or more of them,
nevertheless, when the proper time came.

More neighbors arrived, attracted by the shots and the confusion, for
nothing could quiet the excited chickens; and for an hour there was more
or less discussion on the part of these good people.

Finally the excitement died out, the last neighbor went home, and the
Peake cabin was left to those who belonged there. There was no further
alarm during the balance of that eventful night.

CHAPTER VIII

ACROSS THE BAY

Darry welcomed the coming of dawn.

He was glad to see that the sky was clear, for he anticipated a long row
across the broad bay that day, bearing the mail for those at the
life-saving station, as well as several things he had been commissioned
to fetch over by Abner.

Hardly had they finished breakfast than there arrived a visitor.

Mrs. Peake saw him coming along the road, for she could look out of the
window of the kitchen, where they ate, and have a view of the open
stretch.

"Here comes old Hank Squires. I reckon he's heard something about what
happened here last night. It's about time he took notice of some