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.
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