Several minutes passed, during which little trouble was experienced,
and then the two were forced to cough and gasp until they almost sank to
the ground from exhaustion. Occasionally the vapor would lift, and,
floating away, leave the air below comparatively pure, and then the
black and blue atmosphere, heavy with impurities, would descend and wrap
them about as with a garment.
"There's one thing sure," said Nick, when he found himself able to speak
with some degree of comfort.
"What is that?" asked his sister.
"This will gradually get better and better."
"I don't see how it can get any worse," was the truthful answer of
Nellie, who felt as though she had stood all she could bear.
Since the danger of being caught in the flames was gone, the two were at
liberty to venture in any direction they chose.
"We'll make the start, any way!" said Nick, with his old resolution of
manner; "keep close to me, and, if you see any new bears, don't run into
the woods to hide without saying something to me."
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
BEAR AND FORBEAR.
"See here," said Nick Ribsam, stopping suddenly, after taking only a few
steps, "I don't like this idea of going home and leaving so many of my
clothes behind. That's a good coat and vest, and the hat is my Sunday
one."
"You ain't going back to get them, Nick, when the bear is waiting for
you!" exclaimed the sister; "if you do, I just think you haven't got any
sense at all--now there! that's all there is about _that_.
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