The barrel had caught fire; this was communicated to the beams of the lower floor, and thence to the upper part of the structure.

It was first discovered by some persons at a distance, who hastened to the spot and alarmed my uncle and the servants.

The flames had already made considerable progress, and my condition was overlooked till my escape was rendered nearly impossible.
My danger being known, and a ladder quickly procured, one of the spectators ascended to my chamber, and effected my deliverance in the manner before related.
This incident, disastrous as it may at first seem, had, in reality, a beneficial effect upon my feelings.

I was, in some degree, roused from the stupor which had seized my faculties.

The monotonous and gloomy series of my thoughts was broken.