We were not a moment too soon, for already the forest to the westward was in a blaze, extending from the river far away to the north.  A narrow belt of trees alone remained between us and the conflagration, the dense smoke, curling in thick wreaths, being sent by the wind towards us, and making respiration difficult.  While Uncle Mark took charge of the waggon, the rest of us drove on the other animals, directing our course to the settlement by the only open road.  We knew, indeed, that in a short time we might have the fire on both sides of us.