Here were also many diverting
creatures to watch. It would have been pleasant to go home at
once. But, since that was out of the question, there were far
worse things than to lie interestedly at ease until the Master
should come for him.
The fire raged and flickered along the base of the bare rocky
knoll; and, finding no path of advance, turned back on itself,
fire-fashion; seeking new outlet. The thin line of bushes and
other undergrowth at the hillock's foot were quickly consumed;
leaving only a broad bed of ember and spark. And the
conflagration swept on to the left, over the only course open to
it. To the right, the multiple ridges of rock and the dearth of
vegetation were sufficient "No Thoroughfare" enforcement.
This same odd rock-formation had kept the wagon track clear, up
to the twist where it bore to leftward at the base of the knoll.
And the Mistress and the Master were able to guide their
rattlingly protesting car in safety up the trail from the main
road far below. The set of the wind prevented them from being
blinded or confused by smoke.
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