THE UNDINE FISHING PARTY UNDER FIRE. 59 



of two Ojibway Indians from the fringe of forest who shuffled down to the 

 margin of the lake, where they drank inordinately. Then, soaking their blankets 

 rn the refreshing fluid, they wrapped them about their heads and shoulders and 

 sat down, with their legs in the lake. Taking the hint, the fishing party were 

 quick to follow suit, and there they sat for the remainder of two mortal hours of 

 dread and suffering, uncertain of the end, when, fortunately, the hurricane spent 

 its force and the fire had accomplished its greatest mischief. 



The following morning, as soon as the glowing embers had cooled sufficiently 

 to permit a passage, a train came through and picked the anglers up, blistered and 

 half blind. Their departure was like a release from Hades. Oh! that blessed 

 minister of deliverance ! And rain came, too, not long afterward. In the torrid 

 cities the weather bureau had foretold its occurrence and one could almost hear 

 the patter of its advancing mercy as it hastened from the west. Hundreds of 

 stricken and dying creatures were panting for its blessed relief, and finally it came, 

 cool and beneficent, stirring the drooping leaves and filling the distressed fields 

 and homes with refreshment and good cheer. Then followed a copious deluge 

 which drenched the kindling faggots all over the burned district, preventing the 

 spreading of the fire, and when the next rosy dawn flushed the breaking day, lo ! 

 the streams were swollen and turbid, and water stood ankle deep in the hollows 

 of the meadows and ploughed fields. 



