THE CROSS-BILL AND THE LITTLE WARBLER. 71 
and lowing of his cattle, who know by instinct 
the fate that threatens them. He starts up 
and snatches his gun, thinking that some wild 
beast is causing the disturbance. Alas ! it is 
a worse enemy than the bear or the wolf! 
He looks out, and sees, yonder, a line of flame 
advancing full upon him ; and he hears the 
crackling of the burning brushwood ! Not a 
moment is to be lost. He must leave every- 
thing behind, and, on his swiftest horse, fly for 
his life. His only chance will be to gain the 
nearest lake or pool ; and seek refuge from the 
devouring element by lying flat at its edge. 
The heat and the smoke are suffocating ; 
and showers of sparks fly over him. He 
looks back, and sees his hut reduced to ashes, 
and the fire sweeping towards him with giant 
strides. It is a narrow escape, but he gains 
the pool, and throws himself down upon its 
margin. 
Many wild beasts are there before him ; and 
others rush in, and stand in the water, or swim 
across to the opposite side. But they are too 
intent on their own safety to notice him. 
The flames sweep round the lake, and the 
ashes fall in a cloud about him. All night he 
