But he soon stopped because a sound almost
like that of a wind, but not a wind, came to his ears. There was a
breeze blowing directly toward him, but he paid no attention to it,
because to him most breezes were pleasant and friendly. But the other
sound had in it a quality that was distinctly sinister like the hissing
of a snake.
Harry paused in wonder and alarm. All his instincts warned him that a
new danger was at hand. The breath of the wind suddenly grew hot,
and sparks carried by it blew past him. He knew, in an instant, that the
forest was on fire behind him and that tinder dry, it would burn fast and
furious. Changing from a walk to a run, he sped forward as swiftly as he
could, while the flames suddenly sprang high, waved and leaped forward in
chase.
CHAPTER VI
TESTS OF COURAGE
Harry did not know how the woods had been set on fire, and he never knew.
He did not credit it to the intent of Michael and his comrades, but he
thought it likely that some of these men, ignorant of the forest, had
built a campfire. His first thought was of himself, and his second was
regret that so fine a stretch of timber should be burned over for nothing.
But he knew that he must hurry. Nor could he choose his way.
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