But in spite of their light words the boys were by this time thoroughly
alarmed. The appearance of the burning woods in their immediate rear was
appalling, to say the least. High sprang the flames, and their crackling
could now be plainly heard. Indeed, the sound began to assume the
proportions of a continuous roar, such as a long freight train might
make in passing over a trestle and down a grade.

Now that they were running almost sidewise to the advancing fire, it
approached much faster than before.

"I felt a spark on my face, fellows!"

Frank was not at all surprised to hear Will say this, for he, too, had
experienced the same thing not half a minute before. He had not
mentioned the fact, for fear of alarming his chums still more.

"Keep on, fellows!" was all he said, for he needed every bit of breath
he could muster.

Desperately they tried to increase their pace, but found it hard work
with so many obstacles confronting them. Will tumbled more than any of
the others, somehow or other. Perhaps it was because he was carrying his
camera so carefully, and thinking more about it than his own person.

Finally Frank missed him entirely.

"Where's Will gone?" he demanded.

The others, turning, were horrified to find their chum missing.