For the first time she comprehended their danger;
and uttering a wild shriek, she flew through the passage without
consideration, or object.
A dense and suffocating column of smoke opposed her progress. She paused
to breathe, when a man caught her in his arms, and bore her, in a state
of insensibility, through the falling embers and darkness, to the open
air. The instant that Frances recovered her recollection, she perceived
that she owed her life Lo Lawton, and throwing herself on her knees,
she cried,--
"Sarah! Sarah! Sarah! save my sister, and may the blessing of God await
you!"
Her strength failed, and she sank on the grass, in insensibility. The
trooper pointed to her figure, motioned to Katy for assistance, and
advanced once more to the building. The fire had already communicated to
the woodwork of the piazzas and windows, and the whole exterior of the
cottage was covered with smoke. The only entrance was through these
dangers, and even the hardy and impetuous Lawton paused to consider. It
was for a moment only, when he dashed into the heat and darkness, where,
missing the entrance, he wandered for a minute, and precipitated himself
back, again, upon the lawn. Drawing a single breath of pure air, he
renewed the effort, and was again unsuccessful.
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