ap, a minute later.

How they tumbled into the craft they scarcely knew. The painter
was cut and they shoved off into the lake, just as a fierce gust
of wind sent a cloud of smoke and a shower of sparks down upon them.

"Phew! but that was a narrow escape!" muttered Shep, when the shore
had been left behind and they could catch their breath.

"We are not out of danger yet!" said Snap. "This fire may be worse
than we think. If it takes in the whole lake district, we'll be
hemmed in on all sides."

"Look!" exclaimed Giant. "Am I mistaken, or is a storm coming up?"
and he pointed to the sky.

"Those are certainly clouds, not smoke," said Whopper. "Oh, I hope
it does rain and puts out the fire. I shouldn't like to see this
fine forest destroyed."

"Nor I," added Snap.

"If it is burned down it will be Mr. Felps's loss," came from Giant.
"He said he had bought the district up, you'll remember."

As they pulled along, well away from the shore, they suddenly heard
a mad cry for aid.

"What's that?" asked Snap.

"A man on shore!" ejaculated Whopper. "See him---over on yonder
rocks!"

"It is that Barrock!" said Shep.

"Help me!" came from the man, who was waving his arms wildly. "Take
me off, or I'll be burnt up!"

"Let us row to him," said Snap.

The rowboat was turned in toward shore without delay. In the
meantime, to escape the smoke and burning brands, Lusher Barrock
rushed into the lake up to his knees.

"Save me!" he bawled again. "I can't swim!"

"We'll save you!" answered Snap. "But see here, Barrock," he added,
suddenly.

"What?"

"You will have to give us those documents you took from the sawmill."

"I---I---ain't got them."

"Well, then, we'll leave you where you are," said Snap, just to test
the rascal.

"No! no! I---I'll give you the papers!"

"Very well, then."

The craft came alongside of the robber and he was helped on board.
He was badly scared and trembling from head to foot. A burning
brand had come down on his left ear, singeing that member and also
his fiery red hair.

"Now give me those papers," demanded Snap, and without waiting
thrust his hand into the man's pocket and drew them forth. "Have
you the money, too?"

"I---I-----"

"Hand it over or we'll search you."

"I've got three hundred dollars," said Lush Barrock, lamely. "I
spent about fifty dollars."

The money was handed over to Snap, and he placed it and the papers
in an inner pocket of his ja