Читать «Лучшие романы Томаса Майна Рида / The Best of Thomas Mayne Reid» онлайн - страница 690
Н. А. Самуэльян
“Fire!” exclaimed Cubina. “Just over Mount Welcome!
“Oh, heavens!” cried Herbert; “we shall be too late!”
Not another word passed between the two horsemen. Stirred by the same instinct, they renewed their gallop; and silently, side by side, urged their horses up the hill.
In a few minutes they had attained the summit of the ridge, whence they could command a full view of the valley of Mount Welcome.
The mansion
There was no further utterance of surprise: that was past. It was scarce a conjecture which Cubina had pronounced, on seeing that glare against the sky, but a conviction; and the crackling sounds which had assailed their ears, as they were riding upward to the crest of the ridge, had fully confirmed the event before their eyes looked on the fire itself.
There was no more a mansion of Mount Welcome. In its place a blazing pile – a broad sheet of flame, rising in gigantic jets to the sky, crowned with huge sparks and murky smoke, and accompanied by a continuous roaring and crackling of timbers, as if fiends were firing a
“Too late! – too late!” muttered both the horsemen in the same breath; and then, with despair on their faces and black fear in their hearts, they once more gave rein to their steeds; and, riding recklessly down the slope, galloped on towards the conflagration.
In a few seconds’ time they had crossed the inclosures, and halted in front of the blazing pile; as near to it as their frayed steeds would consent to carry them. Both at the same instant sprang from their saddles; and, with guns grasped and ready to defend themselves against whatever enemy, approached nearer and nearer to the building.
No one appeared in front of the house. They hurried round to the rear: no one was there. Equally deserted were the grounds and the garden. Not a soul was to be seen anywhere – not a voice to be heard, except their own, as they called aloud; and this only feebly, through the hissing and roaring of the flames.
Back and forth rushed the two men in eager haste, going round and round the house, and exploring every spot that might be expected to conceal either friend or foe. But in spite of their most eager search, and the constant summons of their shouts, not a creature appeared, and no response reached them.
For a moment they paused to consider.
It was evident the conflagration had been going on for some time. The upper storey – which was but a framework of light timber – was now nearly consumed, and only the stonework below left standing. Over this the larger beams had fallen – no longer emitting flame, but lying transversely upon each other, charred, red, and smouldering.
On finding no one near the dwelling, Cubina and Herbert made for the works. These were all standing untouched; and it was evident that no attempt had been made to fire them. Only the mansion had been given to the flames.
On arriving among the out-buildings, the two men again raised their voices; but as before, without receiving a reply.
