Before the night was half over a semicircle of flame was blazing up round the spot we occupied; the river, which was here very broad, preventing the progress of the fire in that direction.  Still, a burning brand, driven across a narrow part by the wind, might set some dry grass or bushes on fire; and it was impossible to say how far it might then extend.  Frequently the stifling smoke almost prevented our breathing, and we had to throw ourselves on the ground to escape it.