I would fain be at home to see how matters are going there.

I fear me that the pillar of fire over yonder is the blazing tower of St.Magnus.If so, the fire is fearfully near the head of the bridge.

God help the poor families who would not consent to the demolition of their houses for the common weal! I fear me now they are in danger of losing both houses and goods!" It was even so, as the Harmers found on reaching their own abode, which they did by putting across the river to the Southwark side, to avoid the peril from the burning fragments which were flying all about the north bank of the river.
The flames, having once leaped Thames Street, were devouring the houses on the southern side of the street with an astonishing rapidity; and the river was crowded with wherries, to which the affrighted people brought such goods as they could hastily lay hands upon in the terror and confusion.

St.Magnus was now burning furiously, and great flakes of fire were falling pitilessly upon the houses at the northern end of the bridge.

Even as the Harmers came hurrying up, a shout of fear told them that one of these had ignited, and the next minute there was no mistaking it.