So I put every one of them in the pit, and then, as I thought I heard someone coming, got in myself and pulled down the stone.

But, Mr.Quatermain, soon afterwards the enemy added arson to murder and pillage, and the whole place began to blaze.

I could hear the fire roaring above and a little later the ashes covered the exit so that I could no longer lift the stone, which indeed grew too hot to touch.
Here, then, I sat all night in the most suffocating heat, very much afraid, Mr.Quatermain, lest the two kegs of gunpowder that were with me should explode, till at last, just as I had abandoned hope and prepared to die like a tortoise baked alive by a bushman, I heard your welcome voice.

And Mr.Quatermain, if there is any soothing ointment to spare, I shall be much obliged, for I am scorched all over." "Ah! Sammy, Sammy," I said, "you see what comes of cowardice?
On the hill with us you would not have been scorched, and it is only by the merest chance of owing to Hans's quick hearing that you were not left to perish miserably in that hole." "That is so, Mr.Quatermain.I plead guilty to the hot impeachment.

But on the hill I might have been shot, which is worse than being scorched.
Also you gave me charge of your goods and I determined to preserve them even at the risk of personal comfort.