ause of the crash and the
smoke. One of those balls, generally called fireballs, had fallen from
the clouds, and was burning on the plain at a short distance; and the
voice which I had heard, and the plunging were as easily accounted for.
Near the left-hand corner of the grove which surrounded the dingle, and
about ten yards from the fireball, I perceived a chaise, with a postilion
on the box, who was making efforts, apparently useless, to control his
horses, which were kicking and plunging in the highest degree of
excitement. I instantly ran towards the chaise, in order to offer what
help was in my power. 'Help me,' said the poor fellow, as I drew nigh;
but before I could reach the horses, they had turned rapidly round, one
of the fore-wheels flew from its axle-tree, the chaise was overset, and
the postilion flung violently from his seat upon the field. The horses
now became more furious than before, kicking desperately, and
endeavouring to disengage themselves from the fallen chaise. As I was
hesitating whether to run to the assistance of the postilion or endeavour
to disengage the animals, I heard the voice of Belle exclaiming, 'See to
the horses, I will look after the man.' She had, it seems, been alarmed
by the crash which accompanied the fire-bolt, and had hurried up to learn
the cause. I forthwith seized the horses by the heads, and used all the
means I possessed to soothe and pacify them, employing every gentle
modulation of which my voice was capable. Belle, in the meantime, had
raised up the man, who was much stunned by his fall; but, presently
recovering his recollection to a certain degree, he came limping to me,
holding his hand to his right thigh. 'The first thing that must now be
done,' said I, 'is to free these horses from the traces; can you
undertake to do so?' 'I think I can,' said the man, looking at me
somewhat stupidly. 'I will help,' said Belle, and without loss of time
laid hold of one of the traces. The man, after a short pause, also set
to work, and in a few minutes the horses were extricated. 'Now,' said I
to the man, 'what is next to be done?' 'I don't know,' said he; 'indeed
I scarcely know anything; I have been so frightened by this horrible
storm, and so shaken by my fall.' 'I think,' said I, 'that the storm is
passing away, so cast your fears away too; and as for your fall, you must
bear it as lightly as you can. I will tie the horses amongst those
trees, and then we will al