Pagina 181 van 483

"One day, when I was oppressed by cold, I found a fire which had

been left by some wandering beggars, and was overcome with

delight at the warmth I experienced from it. In my joy I thrust

my hand into the live embers, but quickly drew it out again with

a cry of pain. How strange, I thought, that the same cause should

produce such opposite effects! I examined the materials of the

fire, and to my joy found it to be composed of wood. I quickly

collected some branches, but they were wet and would not burn. I

was pained at this and sat still watching the operation of the

fire. The wet wood which I had placed near the heat dried and

itself became inflamed. I reflected on this, and by touching the

various branches, I discovered the cause and busied myself in

collecting a great quantity of wood, that I might dry it and have

a plentiful supply of fire. When night came on and brought sleep

with it, I was in the greatest fear lest my fire should be

extinguished.