“O you dear creature, how did you get away?� she falters. Then as she perceives the dragging rope, yet fastened to the up-pulled stake, she knows what Puss in her fright has been able to accomplish.
“We all have superhuman strength given us in our time of need,� she murmurs. She strains her eyes for a glimpse of the burning house, but the smoke is so painful she is fain to hide her face, while her faithful horse rubs its head against her as if to assure her of sympathy.
“Lissa!� cries an anxious voice near her.
“O Nate! Oh, our poor horses and our home! What shall we do?�
“I am thankful you are safe, Lissa. I feared you might not remember to come here soon enough. Keep your eyes covered and crouch down close to the ground. This smoke from that burning stack is overpowering.�
“And our burning house and barns! O Nate,� wails Lissa, “those poor, poor horses!� She bows her head again, and for some moments neither speak.
“Lissa, Lissa, look up!� cries Nathan suddenly, his voice thrilling with a note of exultation. “Our home is safe! Do you hear? Safe!�
Lissa raises her eyes. The smoke has lifted, and to their surprise and joy they see revealed to them the buildings standing, unharmed. The fire, although raging across the road, has let the barrier of only a few feet, the width of one wagon-track, turn its course, and now, passing on, has left only a blackened, smoking trail behind it.
It has passed back of the stables, turned by the yards, and left them and the horses untouched.
“It is a miracle, Lissa!� says Nathan devoutly, his slow speech giving force to his words. “As soon as the turf cools we can go home,—home—think of it!�