Shortly afterward, Edgar looked around.
"That's a curious streak of haze in the distance," he remarked.
"It's smoke," said George.

"Grass fires are not uncommon in hot weather.

It looks like a big one." They urged the cattle on a little faster, but it was evening when they reached the first of the trees.

George rode forward between them and pulled up his horse in some concern.

The ford had been difficult when they crossed it on the outward journey, but now the space between bank and bank was filled by an angry flood.