She watched it burn; the door was narrow, and the devouring element soon consumed all save the top and bottom pieces which extended across.

These quivered as their support crumbled beneath them, and soon would fall with a crash.

She watched her time, and gathering dress and blanket closely about her, sprang through, and though almost suffocated with smoke, hurried down to a small door at the rear of the house.

She stood without and listened: Inez fancied she heard the crackling of the fire, yet there was no time to lose.
Just before her sat a large stone vessel, containing the soaking corn for the morning tortillos; drawing forth her bag, she filled it with the swollen grain, and hastened on to where a small black horse was lassoed, having his hay scattered on the ground beside him.

It was but the work of a moment to throw on and fasten her father's saddle, which hung on a neighboring tree, and loosing the hair lariat, she patted the pony she had often ridden on St .-- --'s day, and sprang into the seat.