On we scampered, but we had not gone twenty paces before I seized Jerry's arm and came to a stand-still, looking with dismay at the scene before us.  The flames, blown by the wind, had caught the neighbouring clumps of tall grass.  Dry as tinder, they were blazing up furiously. Our further progress was completely barred by the fierce flames which were rapidly extending on every side, and even then running along the ground towards us.  We had already passed over a quantity of dry grass which, in another moment, might be on fire, and then all hope of escape would be lost.