Indeed, it would appear so. They were now enveloped in a pall of
smoke, that, entering their eyes, made them smart fiercely. Not only
that, but the fire could be seen in a dozen places behind them, leaping
up into the trees as the dried foliage offered such a splendid torch,
and the wind urged the conflagration along.

"Will's right. The old thing's running us neck and crop. I believe it's
gaining on us right along!" exclaimed Bluff.

"Look for a hollow tree!" cried Jerry.

"Humbug! Just because you once got in one during a storm you think a
hollow tree can be used for nearly anything. Why, we'd be smothered in a
jiffy, even if we didn't get burned to a crisp! Say something else!"
shouted Bluff.

"What is it, Frank--you know?" demanded Will, who, in this time of need,
somehow turned to the one whose cool head had many times managed to
extricate them from some impending danger.

"We've just _got_ to head another way, and try and get out of the path
of the fire, if we can. Besides, the river lies to the left," he
answered, as cheerily as he could.

"The river! Hurrah!" shrieked Will in sudden elation, for the very
thought of water was a blessed relief when threatened by fire.

"We can duck under, and save our bacon!" cried Jerry.

"There you go, confessing to the swine again," declared Bluff.