The wild game clustered near in common terror.
"It's a lucky thing for us the river and prairie are here," said Henry.
"Another half mile and we'd have been ashes." Paul was giving thanks under his breath, and watching the fire with awe-stricken eyes.

It swept past them and rushed on, in a great red cloud, that ate all in its path and gave forth much noise.
It was now on the far side of the prairie, and soon began to grow smaller in the distance.

Yet so great was the wall of fire that it was long in sight, dying at last in a red band under the horizon.

Even then all the skies were still filled with drifting smoke and ashes.
The boys looked back at the path over which they had come, and although the joy of escape was still upon them it was with real grief that they beheld the stricken forest, lately so grand a sight.

It was now but a desolate and blackened ruin.