come a quick succession of reports like the discharge of artillery, followed by a shower of fiery flakes and sparks blown aloft, like the explosion of some stupendous firework.  Mixed with the roaring of the flames, the thunder of falling roofs, the cracking of timber, was a wild hubbub of human voices, that sounded afar off like a dismal wail.  In spite of its terror, the appearance of the fire was at that time beautiful beyond description.  Its varying colours—­its fanciful forms—­now shooting out in a hundred different directions, like lightning-flashes,—­now drawing itself up, as it were, and soaring aloft,—­now splitting into a million tongues of flame,—­these aspects so riveted the attention of Leonard, that he almost forgot in the sight the dreadful devastation going forward.  His eyes ached with gazing at the fiery spectacle, and he was glad to rest them on the black masses of building that stood in stern relief against it, and which there could be little doubt would soon become its prey.

It was now broad daylight, except for the mighty cloud of smoke, which o’er-canopied the city, creating an artificial gloom.  Leonard’s troubled gaze wandered from the scene of destruction to Saint Paul’s—­an edifice, which; from the many events connected with his fortunes that had occurred there, had always a singular interest in his eyes.  Calling to mind the denunciations poured forth by Solomon Eagle against this fane, he could not help fearing they would now be fulfilled.  What added to his misgivings was, that it was now almost entirely surrounded by poles and scaffolding.  Ever since the cessation of the plague, the repairs, suspended during that awful season, had been recommenced under the superintendence of Doctor Christopher Wren, and were now proceeding with renewed activity.  The whole of the building was under repair, and a vast number of masons were employed upon it, and it was their scaffolding that impressed Leonard with a dread of what afterwards actually occurred.  Accustomed to connect the figure of Solomon Eagle with the sacred structure, he could not help fancying that he discovered a speck resembling a human figure on the central tower.  If it were the enthusiast, what must his feelings be at finding his predictions so fatally fulfilled?  Little did Leonard think how the prophecy had been accomplished!

But his attention was speedily called to the progress of the conflagration.  From the increased tumult in the city, it was evident the inhabitants were now thoroughly roused, and actively bestirring themselves to save their property.  This was apparent, even on the river, from the multitude of boats deeply laden with goods of all kinds, which were now seen shaping their course towards Westminster.  The fire, also, had made rapid progress on all sides.  The vast pile of habitations at the north side of the bridge was now entirely in flames.  The effect of this was awfully fine.  Not only did the flames mount to a greater height, and appear singularly conspicuous