THE FIRE FIGHTERS 639 



This timber has all been killed by small watersheds not aggregating over 

 fire, resulting in an actual reduction in 15,000 acres. These two areas are se- 

 stumpage value of at least a half, which lected because they represent not esti- 

 represents a loss of $425,000 to the na- mates but actual purchase prices ob- 

 tion. Probably not over 50 per cent of tained under competitive bids, 

 this timber can be sold in its present The immediate work which now faces 

 condition, which increases this loss to the Service in this district is the disposi- 

 over $600,000. These sales aggregated tion of the dead timber while still mer- 

 200,000,000 feet, and for every one chantable. The mapping, estimating, 

 thousand feet lost, there is lost $10.00 and appraisal of the burned areas is be- 

 in wages to the community. Realize, ing aggressively pushed in order to 

 please, that this represents but two prepare for sales as soon as possible. 



THE FIRE FIGHTERS 



By Arthur Chapman 



"Where's Smith and Hennessy, Edwards, Stowe 

 Where's Casey and Link and Small?" 



The ranger listened, and murmured lows 

 "They're missing, Chief, that's all. 



"Where the smoke rolls high, I saw them ride 



They waved good-bye to mej 

 Good God ! they might as well have tried 



To put back the rolling sea, 



"I rode for aid till my horse fell dead, 

 Then waded the mountain stream : 



The pools I swam were red, blood red, 

 And covered with choking steam, 



"There was never a comrade to shout 'Hello,' 



Though I flung back many a calls 

 The brave boys knew what it meant to go 



They're missing, Chief- that's all," 



Denver Republican 



