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 one over the way to the Colonel's, to ask shelter for the family; and, placing my lady in a chair by the parlour door, he ran up stairs again in distraction, thinking his sons were lost. The smoke was so thick, he did not see you, but he heard your fall, and received his children from your arms, though you knew nothing of it. Two of the men were at his back; and he made them lift you, and carry you over with the rest: for my lady was by this time carried over likewise, and all the children. In the midst of this bustle, some one called out for James; but no one had seen him. I went to his door, but it was locked. At last he answered. "Don't you know that the house is on fire," cried I? He first swore, and then blessed himself, but out he came sure enough, and who came with him do you think, but Sally, the saucy minx, crying and screaming, that she was ruined! she was ruined!

"Ruined!" cried I, "who cares for