It burnt on, however, quite steadily, neither receding nor advancing.

"Is it, then, a bonfire just kindled ?" I questioned.

I watched to see whether it would spread: but no; as it did not diminish, so it did not enlarge.

"It may be a candle in a house," I then conjectured; "but if so, I can never reach it.

It is much too far away: and were it within a yard of me, what would it avail?
I should but knock at the door to have it shut in my face." And I sank down where I stood, and hid my face against the ground.