used up! Once we had the fire almost under control; but the wind rose
again, and away went the flames higher and faster than ever.

"It's no use," said Dad at last, placing his hand on his head, and throwing
down his bough. We did the same, then stood and watched the fence go.
After supper we went out again and saw it still burning. Joe asked Dad if
he did n't think it was a splendid sight? Dad did n't answer him--he
did n't seem conversational that night.

We decided to put the fence up again. Dan had sharpened the axe with a
broken file, and he and Dad were about to start when Mother asked them
what was to be done about flour? She said she had shaken the bag to get
enough to make scones for that morning's breakfast, and unless some was
got somewhere there would be no bread for dinner.

Dad reflected, while Dan felt the edge on the axe with his thumb.

Dad said, "Won't Missus Dwyer let you have a dishful until we get some?"

"No," Mother answered; "I can't ask her until we send back what we
owe them."

Dad reflected again. "The Andersons, then?" he said.

Mother shook her head and asked what good there was it sending to them
when they, only that morning, had sent to her for some?

"Well, we must do the best we can at present," Dad answered, "and I'll go
to the store this evening and see what is to be done."