they were sure of
finding an abundant supply. Accordingly, the oxen were turned loose,
the horses and mules being picketed, and all resigned themselves to the
disagreeable necessity of an encampment in a burning noonday sun on the
prairie, with not even a shrub to shelter them from its rays. But there
was no help for it, the oxen could not proceed with the wagons, and
they were obliged to wait until the heat of the day was over.

Towards evening, a light breeze began to stir the heated air, and borne
on its wings, came also a disagreeable odor caught only at long
intervals, but which served to put Howe and Mr. Duncan on their guard.

"There is a fire on the prairie, away at the north," said Howe, "and
there is not a moment to be lost, if we would save our baggage, cattle,
or even our lives!"

"It is true, there is fire, and now I see the smoke away yonder,
looking like a thin mist against the sky; should it blow this way, our
only refuge is the Sand Hills, that I know lay yonder towards the
forest," said Mr. Duncan, looking intently towards the point whence the
odor came.

"Saddle the horses and mules, boys," said Mr. Duncan, "and place Mary
and the children on them. Benny, you must ride with your mother, I am
afraid to trust you alone on a mule chased by fire. You must sit still,
my boy, and keep up your courage; the Sand Hills are yonder, not more
than three miles over the plain; you see them, Mary," he continued,
"but do not mind the trail; keep your horses headed direct for them,
and ride for your lives. I do not think there will be any danger for
any of us; but it is better to make all ready for the worst."

"But, suppose you, with the oxen, wagons, and cows, are surrounded with
fire," said Mrs. Duncan.

"We will do our best in the emergency. But I hope to gain the hills in
safety. Perhaps the wind will shift and blow the fire in another
direction. We must hope for the best, doing everything in our power for
our safety. Now go; give the horses and mules a loose rein."

And away over the plain the cavalcade went, followed by the wagon as
fast as the oxen could travel, but the progress they made was slow in
comparison to that of the fire. On it came, and on went the cattle,
goaded by the drivers at first, but at last catching sight of the
heavy, rolling wave of fire that was sweeping towards them, they
started into a gallop, frightened and seeming to comprehend the danger
that menaced them. Mr. Duncan saw his