A CITY ON FIltK. 



161 



"It soon became apparent that Madame could not reach 

 her friends, who lived on the other side of the city, and 

 therefore we made our way back towards the ferry, calling 

 here and there and offering help. One friend asked us to 

 take away her little daughter, which we did, and her hus- 

 band's revolver, which I carried, and a bottle of brandy- 

 put into the arms of the femme-de-chambre. Thus laden, we 

 walked towards the river, whilst on all hands men and 

 women were pressing into their service every available 

 worker for the removal of their goods. A religious proces- 

 sion likewise was formed by priests and people with banners, 

 headed by an ikon, in the hope that tbe fire would be stayed. 



BURNING OP IRKUTSK. 



"It was evening before we reached our temporary lodg- 

 ings, and as the day closed the workers grew tired, many 

 were drunk, and others gave up in despair. The flames 

 continued to spread till the darkness showed a line of fire 

 and smoke estimated at no less than a mile and a half in 

 length. It seemed as if nothing would escape. To add to 



