“Fred Century had that carbide,” said Mason. “I saw him with it.” “Sure he had it,” added Ritter quickly. “It’s his fault that the brushwood took fire.” “But he didn’t set it on fire, Reff.” “How do you know?” “He isn’t anywhere around.” “Humph! He might have put a slow match to it.” “Do you think he did that? I saw some fire in the air—but I thought it came from this direction.” “Well, you keep quiet about this,—or we’ll both get into trouble!” answered Ritter. And just then the wind came up with a sudden fury, sending the burning brush rolling directly towards the tents of the encampment! CHAPTER XVIII THE INVESTIGATION There was very little rain, but the wind was heavy and increasing constantly. It sent the burning brands from the brushwood directly between the tents of Company A and Company B. “Fire! fire!” was the cry, as several cadets on guard duty saw the danger, and then one in his excitement fired his gun. The shot brought the corporal of the guard to the scene, and in a moment a general alarm arose. The wind was now humming and whistling throughout the encampment and the burning brands were rolled first in one direction and then another. “The camp is burning up!” yelled Mumps, as he came from his tent. “Save me! save me!” And he rushed towards the lake, with the idea of leaping into the water. When Pepper came from his tent a burning brand, flying through the air, hit his cheek. One also struck Jack. The wind was now so fierce that the cadets could scarcely stand up, and some of the tents were swaying and bulging dangerously. “All out!” called Captain Putnam, after a glance at the situation. “Company A, mind the tents and keep them from blowing away. Company B, see if you can secure the burning wood and throw it into the lake.” At once the cadets ran to execute the orders. One tent was down and it fell directly on some of the burning wood, adding to the flames. Another tent went down on top of three cadets, and it was with difficulty that the lads were rescued from the wreckage. One had his shoulder twisted, but in the general excitement this was scarcely noticed. But if Company A had its hands full saving the tents, Company B had even more strenuous labor fighting the flames. In such a high wind it was dangerous to go anywhere near the burning and flying brushwood and more than one lad had his hands and face blistered, trying to throw or haul the fiery stuff to the lake. Some of the cadets got rakes, used in policing the camp, and with these the bigger brands were pulled to the water and submerged. The fire seemed to be everywhere, and the boys did not know where to fight it first. “The camp is doomed!” said Dale. “Wonder what started it?” “We’ll find out later,” answered Andy. “I am glad now that we didn’t light the bonfire.” “So am I.”