EPISODES 299 



whip up her horse, we set off at full speed, making the 

 best way we could over the fallen trees and brush-heaps, 

 which lay like so many articles placed on purpose to keep 

 up the terrific fires that advanced with a broad front 

 upon us. 



"By this time we could feel the heat; and we were afraid 

 that our horses would drop every instant. A singular 

 kind of breeze was passing over our heads, and the glare 

 of the atmosphere shone over the daylight. I was sensible 

 of a slight faintness, and my wife looked pale. The heat 

 had produced such a flush in the child's face that when 

 she turned towards either of us, our grief and perplexity 

 were greatly increased. Ten miles, you know, are soon 

 gone over on swift horses ; but, notwithstanding this, when 

 we reached the borders of the lake, covered with sweat 

 and quite exhausted, our hearts failed us. The heat of 

 the smoke was insufferable, and sheets of blazing fire flew 

 over us in a manner beyond belief. We reached the 

 shores, however, coasted the lake for a while, and got 

 round to the lee side. There we gave up our horses, 

 which we never saw again. Down among the rushes we 

 plunged by the edge of the water, and laid ourselves flat, 

 to wait the chance of escaping from being burnt or 

 devoured. The water refreshed us, and we enjoyed the 

 coolness. 



" On went the fire, rushing and crashing through the 

 woods. Such a sight may we never see ! The heavens, 

 themselves, I thought were frightened, for all above us 

 was a red glare mixed with clouds of smoke, rolling and 

 sweeping away. Our bodies were cool enough, but our 

 heads were scorching, and the child, who now seemed to 

 understand the matter, cried so as nearly to break our 

 hearts. 



" The day passed on, and we became hungry. Many 

 wild beasts came plunging into the water beside us, and 

 others swam across to our side and stood still. Although 



