402 BURNING OF THE FORESTS. 



removed from the water, and went up to a burning log, where we warmed 

 ourselves. What was to become of us I did not know. My wife hugged 

 the child to her breast, and wept bitterly ; but God had preserved us 

 through the worst of the danger, and the flames had gone past, so I 

 thought it would be both vmgrateful to Him, and unmanly to despair 

 now. Hunger once more pressed upon us, but this was easily remedied. 

 Several deer were still standing in the water, up to the head, and I shot 

 one of them. Some of its flesh was soon roasted ; and, after eating it, we 

 felt wonderfully strengthened. 



" By this time the blaze of the fire was beyond our sight, although the 

 ground was stiU burning in many places, and it was dangerous to go 

 among the burnt trees. After resting a while, and trimming ourselves, 

 we prepared to commence our march. Taking up the child, I led the 

 way over the hot ground and rocks ; and, after two weary days and 

 nights, during which we shifted in the best manner we could, we at last 

 reached the " hard woods," which had been free of the fire. Soon after 

 we came to a house, where we were kindly treated for a while. Since 

 then. Sir, I have worked hard and constantly as a lumberer ; but, thanks 

 be to God, here we are safe, sound, and happy !" 



I 



