224 ON SURREY HILLS. 



that did it ! for there's a lot o' stock o' one sort and 

 another out in the forest at feed, and the fir-needles 

 under the trees, and the heath-tops, will catch like 

 gunpowder." 



Reaching the camp-ground, we see the woodmen, 

 axe on shoulder and billhook at side, passing on in 

 Indian file ; while now and again a blast on the horn 

 is sounded to let the others know that help is at 

 hand. A stranger would wonder where they all 

 spring from ; for no houses are to be seen. There 

 are cottages hid in the glades and hollows, and 

 down paths known only to themselves they come, 

 to aid those who are in danger from the fire. 



" Are you coming on with us ? " they cry as they 

 recognise me. "All right — keep up with us." 



"Where is the fire ?" I ask. 



" In the long valley. If they can keep it there 

 it will only clear the firs ; but if it breaks through, 

 there will be wild work to-night." 



And now we near the fire which is raging in the 

 valley below. The firs are all ablaze for two miles in 

 length, — a sight to be remembered. 



" Let me have your billhook ; I can use one," I 

 cry. 



