ppeared huge masses of rock and stones, while over
our heads came down a shower of light ashes. Already a fringe of flame
surrounded the mountain. It was the jungle which had caught fire, and
was blazing furiously. The bright glare of the flames was reflected on
the trees on one hand, making the night as bright as day. My uncle had
set at liberty his poor animals. "They must seek their own safety," he
observed; "and their instincts may guide them to the least dangerous
spot." Mr Hooker insisted upon taking Emily's arm, I supported Grace,
and Roger Trew begged the Frau to let him help her. Macco walked with
Oliver, while Potto Jumbo ran to the front to assist my uncle in
clearing the way. We hastened forward as fast as we could move, the
poor Frau panting with the unusual exertion she was compelled to make.
The very heavens seemed on fire. The earth shook. The wild beasts in
the forests roared and howled. The birds uttered strange cries of
terror, and flew here and there. At length we reached the bamboo
bridge. At such a moment it seemed a fragile structure to cross. Not a
moment was to be lost, however, for already the fire seemed rushing out
towards us, the trees crackling and hissing as the flames caught them.
Terror-stricken animals rushed past us, heeding us not. My uncle, Mr
Hooker, and the Frau, with their companions, had crossed, and Grace and
I were on the bridge. It seemed to be shaken violently, and as I looked
up towards the mountain, I saw a mass of liquid fire rushing down the
sides, and apparently wending its way towards us. I had nearly gained
the further end of the bridge, when another violent shock occurred, and
the frail structure fell into the water. With difficulty could I haul
my companion up the bank. But where were Oliver and the other three
men? They too saw the stream of fire rushing towards them. I trembled
lest we should be separated, or they might be overwhelmed in the
destruction we were endeavouring to escape. Macco cried out to Oliver,
"Come on! come on!" and taking his arm, he rushed down the bank and
plunged into the stream, from which a vapour was ascending, as if it was
already heated by the fire above. I could not desert Grace, or I would
have hurried back to assist them; but they needed it not, for the next
instant Macco and Oliver landed, Mr Thudicumb and Tarbox were already
in the water, and the other two were stretching out their hands to help
them. I felt gr