He was making his way against the wind towards the fire.

He had reasoned that she was either in comparative safety to windward of it, or he should meet her being driven towards him by it, or find her succumbed and fainting at its feet.

To do this he must penetrate the burning belt, and then pass under the blazing dome.

He was already upon it; he could see the falling fire dropping like rain or blown like gorgeous blossoms of the conflagration across his path.

The space was lit up brilliantly.