"It just don't, that's all. Of course, the wind
has to be right--that is, stay in the same direction as when the
fire was started. And when it does you can count on the fire's
following pretty close to its lines. You see this one was set in a
sort of semi-circle, with the ends burning toward one another. If
you want a fire to spread, start it fan-shaped."
"There's one way the fire helped us," said Horace. "We can travel
faster than we could through the grass, and it doesn't tire the
horses so."
"Just another proof it's an ill wind that doesn't do somebody
good," quoted Mr. Wilder, smiling.
"Maybe, but I'd rather go without the wind than have another
experience like last night's," returned the owner of the Three
Stars.
CHAPTER XXII
LAWRENCE'S PLAN
Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the
trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a
stiff lope.
At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys
return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but
they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany
the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had
finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they
entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case
of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.
Pages:
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150