"It's a wonder Jack would leave the lake," he said suddenly, "withthings the way they are. I've been hoping for rain ever since I've beendown. I'll be glad when we're on the spot again, Linda."

"Wishing for rain?" Stella echoed. "Why?"

"Fire," he said shortly. "I don't suppose you realize it, but there'sbeen practically no rain for two months. It's getting hot. A few monthsof dry, hot weather, and this whole country is ready to blow away. Thewoods are like a pile of shavings. That would be a fine weddingpresent--to be cleaned out by fire. Every dollar I've got's in timber."

"Don't be a pessimist," Linda said sharply.

"What makes you so uneasy now?" Stella asked thoughtfully. "There'salways the fire danger in the dry months. That's been a bugaboo eversince I came to the lake."

"Yes, but never like it is this summer," Benton frowned. "0h, well, nouse borrowing trouble, I suppose."

Stella rose.

"When Jack comes, I'll be in the library," she said. "I'm going to reada while."