But before I could ask the lady about it, her horse became frightened at the flames.

I advised her to dismount, for I knew that the poor brute could never be forced through those fires.

She did so, and the horse, with a horrible snort, turned and galloped wildly away.
"I now looked around once more, and saw that there was no escape except in front.

The flames were encircling us, and a vast cloud of smoke surrounded us every where, rising far up and rolling overhead.
Cinders fell in immense showers, and the fine ashes, with which the air was filled, choked us and got into our eyes.
"'There is only one chance,' said I; 'and that is to make a dash for the river.

Can you do it ?' "'I'll try,' she said.
"'We'll have to go through the fires.' "She nodded.
"'Well, then,' I said, 'do as I say.