There was no supply of water nearer than the river and spring run, down quite a hill. But every boy and girl were soon carrying water. The difficulty was to reach the fire with the water. The floor was flooded and a hole was cut through, but the fire had taken such a hold of the whole interior, that our little pails full of water were laughed at by the flames. The effort was now made to save something from the burning house. Some articles were carried into the other house, which stood near by. But that also took fire, and both houses were soon consumed, with almost all they had contained. A few books were saved, and the chief part of Miss Spooner's wardrobe and bedding, her room being on the corner away from where the fire commenced. Before noon the fire-fiend had done his work, and our mission houses were a mass of coals and ashes. Very little had been saved. The potatoes in the cellars were much burned, and cooked; but, underneath, a portion of them were found to be in a good state of preservation. The adobe church, that stood partly under the hill, was the only building that escaped. Thither we removed what few things we had saved, and our Dakota neighbors were very kind, bringing us what they could; while Mr. Martin McLeod, the trader, sent us blankets and other things to meet the present necessity, partly as a gift, and partly to be paid for. In a few days Dr. Williamson came up from Pay-zhe-hoo-ta-ze with further supplies. And all along through the spring and summer, as our friends in the East heard of our loss, the boxes and barrels were sent for our relief. It did us good to know that we had so many true-hearted friends. [Illustration: MARY A. RIGGS.] CHAPTER IX. 1854-1856.--Simon Anawangmane.--Rebuilding after the Fire.--Visit of Secretary Treat.--Change of Plan.--Hazelwood Station.--Circular Saw Mill.--Mission Buildings.--Chapel.--Civilized Community.--Making Citizens.--Boarding-School.--Educating our own Children.--Financial Difficulties.--The Lord Provides.--A Great Affliction.--Smith Burgess Williamson.--"Aunt Jane."--Bunyan's Pilgrim in Dakota.