Homesteading 



the hills beyond the Saskatchewan River. From 

 where we stood the land fell with a short and 

 slight declivity to a fairly level piece of ground, 

 which comprised most of the quarter section 

 in question. To the west and north-west it 

 was bounded by low hills, and on further exami- 

 nation, we found that though there were some 

 patches of scrub and stones on it, they were not 

 very numerous. 



As the top of the little rise was protected by 

 a small willow bluff and had a small slough with 

 water in behind it, we determined to pitch our 

 tent there, spend the night, and generally con- 

 sider the position of affairs. 



While I tethered the bulls, Tom busied him- 

 self with lighting a fire. 



" Watch that fire carefully, Tom," said I. 



" You don't mean to say the prairie would 

 burn now ? Why, the snow has only just left it," 

 he returned. 



" Don't you build on that : this wind dries 

 it very fast," I answered, and was walking towards 

 him when a little gust swept round the corner 

 of the bluff, carrying some sparks from the 

 newly built fire away with it, and in an instant 

 the prairie was ablaze in three or four places. 

 Tearing off my overall jacket, and shouting to 

 Tom to do the same, I rushed forward, and as 



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