Page:Ornithological biography, or an account of the habits of the birds of the United States of America, vol 2.djvu/438

402 removed from the water, and went up to a burning log, where we warmed ourselves. What was to become of us I did not know. My wife hugged the child to her breast, and wept bitterly ; but God had preserved us through the worst of the danger, and the flames had gone past, so I thought it would be both vmgrateful to Him, and unmanly to despair now. Hunger once more pressed upon us, but this was easily remedied. Several deer were still standing in the water, up to the head, and I shot one of them. Some of its flesh was soon roasted ; and, after eating it, we felt wonderfully strengthened.

" By this time the blaze of the fire was beyond our sight, although the ground was still burning in many places, and it was dangerous to go among the burnt trees. After resting a while, and trimming ourselves, we prepared to commence our march. Taking up the child, I led the way over the hot ground and rocks; and, after two weary days and nights, during which we shifted in the best manner we could, we at last reached the "hard woods," which had been free of the fire. Soon after we came to a house, where we were kindly treated for a while. Since then. Sir, I have worked hard and constantly as a lumberer; but, thanks be to God, here we are safe, sound, and happy!"