Tested by Fire

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Hal Arnold, a forest ranger in one of the California mountain reserves, in going the rounds, frequently passes old man Carroll's cabin, where Betty, a typical Sierran lassie, is a most magnetic attraction. Arnold frequently leaves the trail at this point and rides up the hill and makes visits with the quaint old woodcutter and his fond daughter. Algernon Fordham, scion of a wealthy New York family, comes into the west on a mining trip and makes arrangements to board at the Carroll's. His style soon attracts the unsophisticated country girl, and for the nonce she turns from the wholesome son of nature toward the man of the world. Arnold, sensitive to a degree, feels the slight and stops his calls. One day Betty and Algernon ride into the woods, and in spite of her warning the careless city man builds a fire to make their coffee, and then, without a woodsman's caution, fails to stamp it out. Soon after they ride away Betty notices smoke and gallops back, endeavoring to extinguish the treacherous flames. While they are dismounting, Fordham's horse escapes, and the flames, bursting out, strike terror into his heart, so that he yields to cowardice, leaps on Betty's horse and escapes, leaving Betty to a fiery fate. Arnold, who is going his rounds on an elevation above the canyon, sees the flames, rides in hot haste, and discovers Betty just as she falls, overcome, and carries her safely through the raging line of fire. In the meantime, Carroll, warned by the arrival of the terrified Fordham. arouses the mountaineers, who forcibly drive Fordham before them back to the fire and make him work with the rest to extinguish it. Afterward, in disgrace, Fordham takes his shameful leave, surrounded by a silent group of mountaineers, who show their inherent big-heartedness by refraining from any final denunciation of the poltroon. But their countenances vividly suggest the abhorrence in which they hold cowardice. Betty is, of course, happy in the arms of her lover.