e it could
alight upon Randall's body. The heat now was almost unbearable. His
hands and face were scorched, and his hair singed. How much longer
could he fight the demon? he wondered. Would its hot breath lessen, or
would it increase and devour him? The roar of the fire was appalling.
On all sides it was raging and so dense was the smoke, and so overcome
was he with his strenuous exertions, that he felt his strength rapidly
weakening. Again and again, he nerved himself to the contest, and
flung aside the falling embers with the desperation of despair. At
last, after an almost superhuman effort, he flung out his hand to ward
off another burning missive, when all power deserted him, and with a
cry he fell forward full upon a large bolder.
He was aroused by a drop of moisture upon his cheek. Then another, and
still another, and he knew that the blessed rain had come to his
relief. Oh, how good it was to lie there, and feel the refreshing
shower upon his hot face and hands. He knew, too, that the rain would
quench the fire for a time, at least, and make it possible for him to
escape. He must reach the island to find out about his mother and
Jess, and how they had fared. The rain by now had developed into a
regular downpour, and the raging fire had been quenched as if by magic.
The dense volumes of smoke no longer rolled over the land, and as John
looked out upon the blackened plains a scene of desolation met his
eyes. The forest on every side was in ruins, even to the lake, a
glimpse of which he could see through the stark flame-swept trees. But
how far beyond had the fire extended? That was the question which
filled him with anxiety. Had it reached the island, which here was but
a few yards from the mainland, or had it been checked by the lake and
the rain? This he must find out, and at once.
With difficulty he rose to his feet, for he was bruised and sore, and
stepped over to where Randall was lying. Pulling away the coat, he
laid his hand upon the man's shoulder, shook him, and told him to get
up, as the danger was over. A peculiar muttering sound was the only
response, and as John dragged back the prostrate body from between the
boulders and looked upon the man's face, he was astonished to see the
strange vacant expression in his eyes. Then his lips began to move,
and he stared fearfully around.
"Don't let it get me!" he cried. "For God's sake, keep it away! Look,
look, it's coming!"
"Com
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