They never forget. I didn't like the way that fellow was
looking at you. I was watching him all the way from the rise there."
"Pshaw!" she answered. "Who cares what a Chink thinks! The fellow's an
idiot. I'm worried, Professor. Lenora's gone out after Mr. Quest and the
Inspector. She wasn't fit to ride a horse. I can't make out why she's
attempted it."
The Professor unslung some field-glasses from his shoulder and gazed
steadily southward.
"It is just possible," he said softly, "that she may have received a
warning of that."
He pointed with his forefinger, and Laura peered forward. Something which
seemed to be just a faint cloud hung over the horizon. The Professor
handed her his glasses.
"Why, it's a fire!" she cried.
The Professor nodded.
"Just a prairie fire," he replied,--"very dangerous, though, these dry
seasons. The flames move so quickly that if you happen to be in a certain
position you might easily get cut off."
Laura turned her horse round.
"Come on, Professor!" she exclaimed. "That's what it is. Lenora's gone to
try and warn the others."
"She is a very brave young lady," the Professor declared, as he touched
his pony with the spurs. "All the same, Miss Laura, you take my advice and
leave that Chinaman alone."
They rode to the very edge of the tract of country which was temporarily
enveloped with smoke and flame. Here they pulled in their horses, and the
Professor looked thoughtfully through his field-glasses.
"The road straight on is the ordinary way to the depot," he said, "but, as
you can see, at the bend there it is becoming almost impassable.
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