"A little further, and we're safe!" he kept calling in the ear of his
nearly exhausted chum.

The heat was beginning to be terrific now. Blazing branches flew through
the air, and set trees on fire all around them.

"It's like the fiery furnace!" Will said three times running, and Frank
really began to fear his companion's mind was getting unsettled from the
fright of their desperate condition.

Oh! if the river would only show up ahead! No doubt the others had, ere
now, gained the glorious haven, and were settled up to their necks in
the water, ready to defy the power of the opposing element. But it was
an open question whether the halting pair could ever make the shelter of
the friendly stream.

"Let me go, Frank! You can make it alone!" pleaded Will.

"Shut up! Keep on running! I tell you we're going to get there, and
don't you think for a minute we ain't!" replied Frank furiously, as he
pulled Will along.




CHAPTER XXII

THE WAR OF THE ELEMENTS