ited with unequalled prudence, having every
available engine and means of succor close at hand. By great exertions
the house was saved. Danger still lurked in the woods. Within an hour an
alarm was given in the city. Sir Howard was the first on the spot,
having ridden furiously his spirited and favorite steed. Engines were
again in quick action, while the military were only a short distance
behind, being ordered up at the double.

The scene was terrific. High winds blew the fire from one building to
the next, until the third part of the city was a mountain of
flame--cracking, roaring, tremendous in its fury. Water was kept up in
constant streams, having but little effect. Many sat down and cried in
their frantic emotion. Hundreds of families without home, food, or
clothing.

In the midst of this sickening sight was one whose very presence lifted
a weight from the hearts of the sad and homeless. Sir Howard never once
deserted his post--working, encouraging, and aiding. By his advice the
fire was stayed--two-thirds of the town still remaining. The stifling
air and glowing heavens made the hearts of many grow sick and faint.

Perhaps it would be wiser to end the tale of misery here, but as the
chapter would seem incomplete, it may be necessary to make slight
allusion to a wilder and more terrible fire.

The consummation of terror, madness, and dismay, depicted in its most
awful form, would fail to do justice to this sickening calamity--the
Miramichi fire.

The forests, for hundreds of miles in every direction, were one solid
mass of living fire, roaring louder than thunder; in its fury shaking
the bowels of the earth and leaping up to the heavens which seemed,
also, to be enveloped in flames. Nothing more awful will be witnessed
until the judgment day. Many were of opinion that the time was at hand
when "the heavens and earth shall melt away." Hundreds lost their lives,
while property was destroyed to an immense amount.

An ordinary mind would have sunk under the weight of grievances that
pressed on all sides; but Sir Howard Douglas rose above the situation.
With Spartan firmness and unswerving courage he set about raising means
for the distressed by subscription, both at home and abroad, in money,
food, and clothing. Letters were sent to all parts of America, England,
and Ireland. Not thus content, Sir Howard went himself to visit burnt
districts where man or beast could scarcely penetrate, climbing over
miles of f