use I mean to stay."

Jim turned to Jake. "This job is yours; I don't see why you put it on
to me. She's your sister and you ought to have some control."

"My control doesn't count for much," Jake admitted with a grin.
"Besides, I allow you are the head of the firm."

"If I'm head, some responsibility goes with the post----"

"I suppose I am rather a responsibility," Carrie interposed. "After
all, you are not very old and don't know much about managing an
obstinate girl."

"I don't want to manage you," Jim rejoined. "My notion is, you have
quietly managed us."

"Ah," said Carrie, "it looks as if you're really cleverer than I
thought!"

Jim tried to hide his annoyance. "I wish I was clever, or somebody
else had my job. Anyhow, you can't stop. In a day or two the line
will be smothered in smoke, and we may be forced back among the rocks
where we can't take your tent. I don't see how we're going to get
provisions through."

"After all," said Carrie, "I don't think I'd catch fire sooner than you
and Jake, and I certainly don't eat as much. Then I can save where you
would waste." She paused and gave Jim a half-mocking smile. "I
imagine you mean well, but I've resolved to stay."

Jim made a resigned gesture. "Then I expect there's no more to be
said! Well, I'm tired and we must get busy again at sun-up."

He rose, stretched his arms, and went off.

CHAPTER XIII

JIM'S LUCK TURNS

When the others went off Carrie did not move. The smoke was getting
thick, the air was hot, and now all was quiet she heard the roar of the
fire. She pictured it creeping through the bush: the flames leaping
from branch to branch, the red glow among the trunks that cracked and
tottered, and the crash when one fell. Now and then she thought she
heard the shock, but it was scarcely distinguishable through the dull
roar. The noise was strangely daunting.

Carrie meant to stay. She must hide her fears and smile. This was not
a new line; life was not easy for a girl who must work for all she got,
and she had known care. Now and then unsatisfied creditors had
threatened to close the store, but when tears were near her eyes she
had forced a laugh. There was much she could do in camp; she could see
the men were fed and try to cheer them when they came back gloomy and
tired. Sometimes a joke was strangely encouraging. By and by she got
up and went to her tent.

In the morning they broke camp and moved up the va