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.
We heard blasts from the horns of our neighbors as we proceeded, and knew that they were in the same unfortunate condition that we were in ourselves.
Intent on striving to the utmost to preserve our lives, I thought of a large lake, some miles off, where the flames might possibly be checked, and we might find a place of safety.
Urging my wife to whip up her horse, we set off at full speed, making the best way we could over the fallen trees and the brush heaps, which lay like so many articles placed on purpose to keep up the terrific fires that advanced with a broad front upon us.
By this time we were suffering greatly from the effects of the heat, and we were afraid that our horses would be overcome and drop down at any moment.
A singular kind of breeze was passing over our heads, and the glare of the burning trees shone more brightly than the daylight. I was sensible of a slight faintness, and my wife looked pale.
The heat had produced such a flush in the child's face that, when she turned toward either of us, our grief and anxiety were greatly increased.
Directions for Reading.—What tone of voice should be used in reading the lesson?
Should the rate of reading be slow or rapid?