As I walked on, I wondered what Andy Carney had had to do with the whole affair, and what had become of the fellow and the stuff he had taken from the mill. I was particularly anxious about the valise, and the letters he had said it contained. I was sure they related in some manner to my affairs, and if I had them would not have hesitated to read them on the spot. At length I reached the place where the shore became marshy, and then I concluded to retrace my steps, satisfied that nothing could be gained by proceeding farther. I had hardly decided on this point before I heard Ford whistle, not once, but several times. I turned, and picked my way back as fast as I could. Ford continued to whistle, and I answered him. “Rube! Rube!” he shouted. “I’m coming!” I returned. “Hurry up!” he shouted. “Hurry! hurry!” “I’m coming as fast as I can,” I cried, and I pressed forward as quickly as the rocks and the undergrowth would permit. “Something is the matter,” went on Ford. “We must have help as soon as possible.” “What’s up?” I asked, as I bounded into the clearing that surrounded the mill. “The mill is on fire! Just look at that end of the roof and the top of the shed!” I started, and did as directed. Sure enough it was as Ford said. The building was afire in two distinct places! “Mr. Norton did that!” I burst out. “I believe you. He meant to burn you up alive. What a scoundrel he is!” “What can we do, Dan?” I asked, with my heart in my throat as I thought of the destruction of the mill portion of my father’s estate. “Can we put it out?” “Put it out! I guess not. Just look at those flames, getting bigger and bigger every minute! I am afraid Mr. Norton did his work so well that the old mill is doomed!” “We must put it out!” I cried. “We can’t let the mill go down in this fashion. We must get water and a ladder or something, and put the fire out.” “I’ll do anything you say, Rube, but I don’t think you can. Better try to save some of the things in the rooms.” “No; I’m either going to save the mill or nothing,” I returned with a grim determination. And I dashed off to see what I could do towards subduing the flames, which were each instant growing more fierce and destructive. CHAPTER XIX. LIVELY WORK. The mill was afire in two places, and unless something was done very quickly the conflagration would be beyond all control, and the place would be consumed. With a cry to Ford to follow me, I dashed into the lower room and brought out a couple of pails that stood handy. “Here are pails,” I said. “Can you reach down and fill at the wheel? I’ll go and raise the ladder to the shed.” “All right,” replied Ford. “Wish there was somebody here to help us.” “I’ll fire the gun,” I went on. And bringing the weapon out I did so.