At times, across the distant hills, he seemed to think that he could see the position of the fire, but intervening objects would again confine his view, and he could only discern the light on the clouds above him. Coming at length to an angle in the road, from which he could look in the direction of his home, he was startled to find that there was a clear and well-defined streak of light emanating from some burning building, which must be at least in that vicinity. Without being conscious of any decided alarm, he urged his horse to a faster pace, and kept his eye more constantly on the light. For some miles from where he lived the road ran among the hills; so that, however great had been his anxiety, it could not be gratified until he should emerge into the open country. At length he is ascending the last eminence that intervenes between him and the objects of the affections; the light is still blazing on the clouds above him; he hastens to the summit, and beholds--heart-rending sight--the home of his childhood--the dwelling where all his earthly hopes and love were clustered--a mass of crumbling ruins, from which the forked flames were shooting up and crackling on the still night-air; those demon sounds went in streams of madness to his heart. 'Oh, my God!' he exclaimed; and deep in the sides of his horse he struck his spurs, and the good creature was urged into terrific speed. It was but a mile, and it was passed with a whirlwind's pace. Straight to the burning pile he rode; a few person's he discerned collected as near the fire as the raging heat would permit. 'My wife and children!--for God's sake tell me quick--where are they?' He sprang from his horse, and was in the arms of the faithful Caesar. 'All safe, Massa George! all safe, tank God!' 'Thank God! thank God!' and he fell upon the old man like a helpless infant. He was carried into an outhouse, which had been spared by the devouring element, and kind hands and hearts were soon about him administering to his relief. As he awoke to consciousness, his beloved Mary was bending over him, and her warm lips pressed to his in the ecstasy of her joy. 'Oh, Mary! my dear wife! where are my darlings? bring them to me; let me clasp you all once more!' And quick they came. He cast a look on each, a fond, a satisfied look, and then in one warm embrace he held them all. 'Oh God! this is enough--I ask no more. Let me have but these--poverty in any shape may come; we will not fear it.' 'Amen! my dear husband; we will not fear it.'