I was about a few yards only from the top of the ascent, when I beheld a blaze of light, from whence I knew not; the next moment there was a loud crash, and I appeared involved in a cloud of sulphurous smoke.

"Lord have mercy upon us," I heard a voice say, and methought I heard the plunging and struggling of horses.

I had stopped short on hearing the crash, for I was half stunned; but I now hurried forward, and in a moment stood upon the plain.

Here I was instantly aware of the cause of the crash and the smoke.

One of those balls, generally called fire-balls, had fallen from the clouds, and was burning on the plain at a short distance; and the voice which I had heard, and the plunging, were as easily accounted for.
Near the left-hand corner of the grove which surrounded the dingle, and about ten yards from the fire-ball, I perceived a chaise, with a postillion on the box, who was making efforts, apparently useless, to control his horses, which were kicking and plunging in the highest degree of excitement.