Chapter 8: The Fire
It was fall, and Sara had had Star for almost five months. During the summer, she had ridden almost every day and she and Star had come to
understand each other. Sarah had learned to use her legs and weight, as well as the reins, to tell Star where to go and when to slow down or stop. Ms.
Marilynn had even shown Sara how to make Star trot and then jump over small poles using the English saddle. Through all this, Star had learned to
trust Sara and to respect her. He knew that she would not ask him to do anything that would hurt him.
Now it was time for Sara to begin her home-school lessons again. Mother promised her that if she studied hard in the morning, she would still have
time to visit Star in the afternoons. They were even going to do a unit study on horses.
It had been a hot summer and now it was a dry autumn. At church, the people in the community prayed for rain.
One afternoon, Deputy Garrett came by to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Jordan.
"The county has issued a burn-ban. No one is to burn anything for a while," he said. "There's too much chance of a grass-fire."
Mr. Jordan agreed. "The woods and fields are so dry that a fire would spread quickly," he said.
Weeks passed, and the rain didn't come.
One Saturday afternoon, Sara’s mother and father were working inside the barn while Sara rode Star around in the pen.
“Too hot to ride?� Sara’s mother asked as the girl came inside.
“No,� Sara said. “Something smells funny outside. It makes me cough."
Her parents when to the barn door and looked at the sky. A plume of smoke rose in the distance.
"The woods are on fire!" Mr. Jordan said. "It looks like it’s pretty near. We can't let it get to the hay. I'll get the tractor and plow a fire lane at the
bottom of the pasture to stop it.�
"I'll call the fire department," Mrs. Jordan replied, "Then I'll come help you."
"Sara,� Mr. Jordan said. "Ride down to Mr. Taylor's and ask him to bring his tractor. It wouldn't hurt to have extra help and he needs to know
before the fire gets to his field. Take Lady with you. Both of the horses will be safe in their barn; the fire can't jump the Taylor's big pond."
Mrs. Jordan put a halter and long lead-rope on Lady. Sara got on Star, and Mrs. Jordan gave her the lead. "You can do this. Be brave and be
careful," she said. "Remember everything we've taught you."
Sara and Star started off, with Lady following behind. Sara had never ridden alone like this. Her heart thumped as she rode along the roadside. Smoke
was hanging in the air. Star neighed and seemed anxious. "Go on, boy," Sarah said and pressed her heels firmly into his sides. He snorted, but went
forward and Lady followed.
Finally they arrived at the Taylors' house. Sara rode into the yard, and a big dog came out and barked at her.
Mrs. Taylor opened the door and leaned out. Then she turned her head and called, "Richard, there's someone here!"
Mr. Taylor came to the window. "It's Sara, Carol and David's little girl! What is it, Sara?"
"My daddy needs you to bring your tractor. The woods are on fire near our house, and it's close to the barn. Dad needs your help."
"I'm on my way," the man said. He came out the door, putting on his cap and walked quickly toward the barn.
Just then Mrs. Marilynn drove up in her old truck. "I saw the smoke. Is it near your place, Sara?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"I'll go help your parents. Leave the horses here and come with me."
"Yes, just put them in the lot there," Mrs. Taylor said. She was taking off her apron and coming down the steps.
Mrs. Marilynn quickly unsaddled Star and took off his bridle, then they shut him in the pen with Lady. He looked at Sara and neighed.
"He's worried," Mrs. Marilynn said. "He knows something's wrong."
Sara petted Star, then went and got into the truck.
Fighting the fire was hot, heavy work, but the Jordans and their neighbors were able to keep the fire from spreading until the fire department arrived.
"You and Star deserve a special treat," Mother said as Sara helped put the horses back into the pasture that night.
"You're growing up," her daddy said. "You've taken good care of that horse, and you're getting to be a big help to us. We're proud of you." They
hugged her.
"You've been good to Star, and he trusts you as his rider," her mother said.
Then Sara hugged her horse. "I love you, Star," she said.
Star lowered his head and nuzzled her in reply.
Questions:
1. What did Sara's parents ask her to do when they saw the fire?
2. Why did Star go through the smoke, even when he was frightened?
3. How did Sara help her parents?
Writing Project:
a. Write about a time when you did something important, even if you were afraid.