.

in tent', _determined_.

striv'ing, _making great efforts_.

pre serve', _keep in safety_.

re flect'ed, _shining back; thrown back, as by a looking-glass_.

pro ceed'ed, _went forward_.

checked, _stopped_.

blasts, _sounds made by blowing_.

* * * * *

A FOREST ON FIRE.

PART I.

We were sound asleep one night, when, about two hours before day, the
snorting of our horses and lowing of our cattle, which were ranging in
the woods, suddenly awoke us.

I took my rifle and went to the door to see what beast had caused the
hubbub, when I was struck by the glare of light reflected on all the
trees before me, as far as I could see through the woods.

My horses were leaping about, snorting loudly, and the cattle ran among
them in great confusion.

On going to the back of the house I plainly heard the crackling made by
the burning brushwood, and saw the flames coming toward us in a
far-extended line.

I ran to the house, told my wife to dress herself and the child as
quickly as possible, and take the little money we had, while I managed
to catch and saddle two of the best horses.

All this was done in a very short time, for I felt that every moment was
precious to us.

We then mounted our horses, and made off from the fire. My wife, who is
an excellent rider, kept close to me; and my daughter, who was then a
small child, I took in one arm.

When making off, I looked back and saw that the frightful blaze was
close upon us, and had already laid hold of the house.

By good luck there was a horn attached to my hunting-clothes, and I blew
it, to bring after us, if possible, the remainder of my live-stock, as
well as the dogs.

The cattle followed for a while; but before an hour had passed they all
ran, as if mad, through the woods, and that was the last we saw of them.

My dogs, too, although at all other times easily managed, ran after the
deer that in great numbers sprung before us as if fully aware of the
death, that was so rapidly approaching.

We heard blasts from the horns of our neighbors as we proceeded, and
knew that they were in the same unfortunate condition that we were in
ourselves.

Intent on striving to the utmost to preserve our lives, I thought of a
large lake, some miles off, where the flames might possibly be checked,
and we might find a place of safety.

Urging my wife to whip up her horse, we set off at full speed, making
the best way