the fire in that direction. Still, a burning
brand, driven across a narrow part by the wind, might set some dry grass
or bushes on fire; and it was impossible to say how far it might then
extend. Frequently the stifling smoke almost prevented our breathing,
and we had to throw ourselves on the ground to escape it.

All night long did the fire rage round us. The heat was intense, and
the smoke and fine black dust blown over us was most oppressive.
Happily, we had water near to quench our thirst, blackened though it was
with ashes; and we had reason to be thankful that we had reached a place
of safety--the only one near the settlement where we could have escaped
destruction.

The women and children were placed in the waggons, where they
endeavoured to obtain some rest. The ground was too wet for the men to
lie down; and we therefore either leaned against the wheels of the
waggons or walked about. Indeed, we had ample occupation in beating out
the fire, which ran along the most dry portions of the ground we
occupied, wherever there was herbage of any description.

Morning came: but the fire raged on; and there was but little chance of
our being able to move for some days to come. We had, however, no lack
of meat; for, besides the pigs and poultry, several deer and numerous
small animals rushed for safety towards our camp--only to meet the fate
they were attempting to avoid. Two or three bears, also endeavouring to
escape from the flames, were shot. No wolves or foxes came near us:
they had probably, exercising their cunning, made their escape from the
burning forest against the wind.

Daylight showed us such a scene of desolation as I hope never again to
look on. Not a vestige of the village remained; while blackened
trunks--some with a few of their stouter limbs still branching from
them, others reduced to mere black poles, and many burned down to
stumps--appeared in every direction. The crops had disappeared; and not
even a fence was standing.

Thus the settlers, with sorrowful countenances, beheld the labour of
years destroyed.

CHAPTER NINE.

THE SETTLERS DETERMINE TO ACCEPT MR. SPARKS' OFFERS--LILY'S SORROW AT
LEAVING THE OLD SETTLEMENT--MODE OF ADVANCE--SABBATH OBSERVANCE ON THE
MARCH--WE ARE LEFT BEHIND, IN CONSEQUENCE OF OUR WAGGON BREAKING DOWN--
OUR GREAT WANT OF WATER--A DANGEROUS DESCENT--THE HORRID SPECTACLE OF
THE WOLVES--OUR OXEN FLAGGING, I PROCEED FORWARD ALONE IN THE DIRECTION
OF A