HAPTER XCVI.

A Shout--A Fire Ball--See to the Horses--Passing Away--Gap in the
Hedge--On Three Wheels--Why Do You Stop?--No Craven Heart--The
Cordial--Across the Country--Small Bags.

I listened attentively, but I could hear nothing but the loud clashing of
branches, the pattering of rain, and the muttered growl of thunder. I
was about to tell Belle that she must have been mistaken, when I heard a
shout, indistinct it is true, owing to the noises aforesaid, from some
part of the field above the dingle. "I will soon see what's the matter,"
said I to Belle, starting up. "I will go, too," said the girl. "Stay
where you are," said I; "if I need you, I will call;" and, without
waiting for any answer, I hurried to the mouth of the dingle. I was
about a few yards only from the top of the ascent, when I beheld a blaze
of light, from whence I knew not; the next moment there was a loud crash,
and I appeared involved in a cloud of sulphurous smoke. "Lord have mercy
upon us!" I heard a voice say, and methought I heard the plunging and
struggling of horses. I had stopped short on hearing the crash, for I
was half stunned; but I now hurried forward, and in a moment stood upon
the plain. Here I was instantly aware of the cause of the crash and the
smoke. One of those balls, generally called fire-balls, 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 fire-ball, I perceived a chaise, with a
postillion 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 postillion 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 postillion, 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
se