Oh, a flood of fire is a fine thing!" The weird old woman looked like a spirit of the devouring element, as she stood at her window talking aloud in her strange excitement and enjoyment of the awful destruction about her.

The heat within the room was becoming intolerable, yet she did not appear to feel it.

The house being well built, with thick walls and well-fitting windows, resisted the entrance of the great volumes of smoke that roiled along laden with sparks and burning fragments of wood; but these fiery heralds were becoming so menacing and continuous, that the Harmers saw plainly how little time was to be lost if they would save either the old woman or her valuables.
"Madam," said James Harmer approaching, and forcing his presence upon the notice of the mistress of the house, "there is little time to lose if you would save yourself or your goods.

We have come to give such assistance as lies in our power.

Will you give me your authority to bear away hence all such things as may be most readily transported and are of most value?
When we have saved these, belike you will have looked your fill on the fire.