SCOTT THE FORESTER 341 



RANGER. 



About noon — its got an hour's start on us. 

 FORESTER (after a moment's reflection.) 



Take ten men, Frank, and make a stand on the Crest Trail — 

 back fire carefully. Better take a couple of pack horses and pro- 

 visions for twenty-four hours. 



RANGER. 

 Can I take Jim Cramer? 



FORESTER. 

 No, leave him for emergencies. Work quickly Frank. You've 

 got an awful wind against you — thirty miles here — good luck 

 to you. Say Frank, tell my wife to come up and answer telephone. 

 RANGER 

 All right, 

 (the Ranger goes out and the Forester climbs his watch-tower 

 with field glasses in hand and looks out over the mountain land- 

 scape. He talks to himself.) 



FORESTER 

 Pretty bad blaze already — lucky I didn't sleep any later. All 

 this loss and trouble and danger due to some one's carelessness. 

 (his wife comes up.) Why, Grace, how did you get here so soon? 



GRACE 



I was on my way when I met Frank — thought you would need 

 me. The wind is furious — nearly blew me off the trail, (the 

 phone rings.) 



FORESTER 

 Just answer the phone for me, Grace — I've got to watch the fire. 



GRACE (at the phone) 

 Hello— yes— all right— (calling to the Forester) Wilbur, Jim 

 says the Auto campers are surrounded by flames — auto burned — 

 the party in peril of their lives — must be rescued immediately. 



FORESTER 

 Tell Jim to go at once with what help he needs. 



GRACE 

 Hello — ^Jim— Wilbur says to go at once with necessary help- 

 do be careful Jim— goodbye— Jim— (hangs up phonc)-"hc was 

 too excited to say goodbye. (Grace climbs to the ])latf()rm and 



