This was considered good advice and all acted on it without delay. The smoke was now so thick they could scarcely see in any direction. The light of the sun was obscure, making it as dark as if it was night. "Here is a little stream!" called out Giant, presently. "This must run into the lake!" All stepped into the brook and followed it for several hundred feet. Then Snap called a halt. "Here is our lost trail!" "Snap is right," said Shep. "Come on, the boat cannot be far off." Once more they went on, the smoke growing so thick they had to crouch down to get their breath. The tears were streaming from their eyes, and Whopper let out a yell as a burning brand floated down on his neck, raising a blister. "Here is the boat, thank fortune!" said Snap, a minute later. How they tumbled into the craft they scarcely knew. The painter was cut and they shoved off into the lake, just as a fierce gust of wind sent a cloud of smoke and a shower of sparks down upon them. "Phew! but that was a narrow escape!" muttered Shep, when the shore had been left behind and they could catch their breath. "We are not out of danger yet!" said Snap. "This fire may be worse than we think. If it takes in the whole lake district, we'll be hemmed in on all sides." "Look!" exclaimed Giant. "Am I mistaken, or is a storm coming up?" and he pointed to the sky. "Those are certainly clouds, not smoke," said Whopper. "Oh, I hope it does rain and puts out the fire. I shouldn't like to see this fine forest destroyed." "Nor I," added Snap. "If it is burned down it will be Mr. Felps's loss," came from Giant. "He said he had bought the district up, you'll remember." As they pulled along, well away from the shore, they suddenly heard a mad cry for aid. "What's that?" asked Snap. "A man on shore!" ejaculated Whopper. "See him---over on yonder rocks!" "It is that Barrock!" said Shep. "Help me!" came from the man, who was waving his arms wildly. "Take me off, or I'll be burnt up!" "Let us row to him," said Snap. The rowboat was turned in toward shore without delay. In the meantime, to escape the smoke and burning brands, Lusher Barrock rushed into the lake up to his knees. "Save me!" he bawled again. "I can't swim!" "We'll save you!" answered Snap. "But see here, Barrock," he added, suddenly. "What?" "You will have to give us those documents you took from the sawmill." "I---I---ain't got them." "Well, then, we'll leave you where you are," said Snap, just to test the rascal. "No! no! I---I'll give you the papers!" "Very well, then." The craft came alongside of the robber and he was helped on board. He was badly scared and trembling from head to foot. A burning brand had come down on his left ear, singeing that member and also his fiery red hair. "Now give me those papers," demanded Snap, and without waiting thrust his hand into the man's pocket and drew them forth. "Have you the money, too?" "I---I-----" "Hand it over or we'll search you."