So
soon as this precaution was observed, the old man approached the
opposite margin of the grass, which still environed them in a tall and
dangerous circle, and selecting a handful of the driest of the herbage
he placed it over the pan of his rifle. The light combustible kindled
at the flash. Then he placed the little flame in a bed of the standing
fog, and withdrawing from the spot to the centre of the ring, he
patiently awaited the result.
The subtle element seized with avidity upon its new fuel, and in a
moment forked flames were gliding among the grass, as the tongues of
ruminating animals are seen rolling among their food, apparently in
quest of its sweetest portions.
"Now," said the old man, holding up a finger, and laughing in his
peculiarly silent manner, "you shall see fire fight fire! Ah's me!
many is the time I have burnt a smooty path, from wanton laziness to
pick my way across a tangled bottom."
"But is this not fatal?" cried the amazed Middleton; "are you not
bringing the enemy nigher to us instead of avoiding it?"
"Do you scorch so easily? your grand'ther had a tougher skin.
Pages:
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538