The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1884-12-20
From the Ingleside.l
The FIRE AT H0MESTAKE.
BY FLORA HAINES APPOINT.

element. 1t Is true that this statement
will be viewed with small concern by
those familiar with the habits of the
place. The gauge of human emotions
is generally adapted to the conditions
that surround the individuals, and while
the average metropolitan citizen can
facet bloodiest tragedy with marvellous
equanimity, it requires nothing more
than dog-hght to evoke the citizens
of Homestake from their habitations
and excite their hveliest interest and
concern.
In the present instance, however, the
sentiments aroused were of more Sc
rious and weighty order. Three times
within week had the torch of an in
cendiary been applied to their town,
only failing to accomplish it's purpose
through the prompt discovery and Wig
orous measures of extinction, and again
that night had the sudden cry of fire
gone up ike pecan of disaster on the
still night air, while the inhabitants
congregated to witness the destruction
of the principal business block.
Like all small populations gathered
into restricted area, each man was
brought into near contact with his fell
bowman and the various ties of human
friendship and business interest were SO
closely interviewer throughout the en-
tire community that there were few of
the Inhabitants who had not personal
interest at stake IN the threatened dis
trict.
At the fourth repetition of the Hateful
cry, the citizens, on the alert for the
dreaded signal even in their dreams,
turned out almost to man. Nay, wom-
en-, too, were not wanting, and did
faithful service in the lines along which
the buckets were passed on their way to
and from the pump.
The fire had gained such Roadway be-
fore it was discovered that any attempt
to check its progress was from the first
plainly losing fight. Constructed of
wood from which every trace of the
sweet sap had been greedily extracted
by the dry mountain atmosphere, the
flames found a toothsome banquet.
Rioting in the very faces of the workers,
one moment retreating AT the touch of
the hated watery element only to adj
vance with new and unconquerable
fury the next, creeping stealthily along
cornlces and leaping from roof to roof,
blazing and cracking about door and
wlndow-frames, they rose at length in
mighty and resistless power and held
mad carnival over the territory they
had subdued.
The street was strewn with medley
of stuff, half-charred boots and shoes,
sacks of flour begrimed with dirt and
discharging their snowy contents
through gaping rents; the glittering
stock of an optlcian was sown broadcast
over the battered loaves rescued from a
neighboring bakery; silks and laces,
kegs of beer and smashed decanters,
betokened the proximity of dry goods
store and grog shop, and some
thoughtful hand had mounted the bon
nets saved from millinery stock upon
the great meat hooks of butchers
stand near by.
The women greeted with proud, moist
eyes the men who at length, like de-
feated warriors, retreated from their
Ierilous posts; but sullen and threat
enlug spirit brooded over the crowd.
For the fourth time the incendiary's
torch had been applied to their settle
ment. Only let the miscreant be iden-
tilted and a terrible vengeance should
be dealt out to the offender.
The women, casting backward looks
at the greedy flames which apparently
unsatistied with their bountiful repast,
were still busily engaged in licking up
remnants, departed in silence for their
homes, and several of the men, who had
distinguished themselves by their exer-
lions, realizing that there was nothing
left to be done, retreated from the spot.
Among the latter, it was observed that
Jack Willoughby took his leave-the
stalwart young carpenter whose little
shop had been swallowed up in the
flames, and who had been a couspicu-
Gus figure of the occasion, running
lightly up ladders, a bucket of water in
either hand, venturing in the thick OF
the leaplng flames, tearing down over,
hanging cornices, rushing through blaz
ing buildings, where no one cared tC
follow, ever foremost in the FRAY. Yet
the man had none the look of the dis
comtlted warrior, worn by his fellow
workers. His step was light and free
aiubilant smile was on his lips, and as
he passed out of the gaze of human
eyes and sprung swiftly along the sandy
path bordered with low bushes anG
clumps of wild rhubarb, that led to his
hillside cabin, he gave free vent to the
glad emotions that filled his heart
Gay snatches of song escaped his lips
he whistled merrily, and once yelled sc
loudly that the hills caught up the
echoes and repeated them in the village
below and some wild bird, started from
ner nest In a tall tree and deluded by
the redness of the sky into the belief
that daylight had put in a premature
appearance, welled fourth a melodious
refrain. Something in the appearance
OF this lofty tree, which stood solitary
outpost on the border of the town, ex.
erted a singular influence upon the
young man. He stopped short in his
swift progress and looked with puzzled
expression into the long horizontal
branches overhead; but failing to catch
the meaning of the peculiar sensation
ne mad experienced, drew his knife from
nus pocket, and stripping off a goodly
strlp OF bark proceeded to white it in
10 fragments that he let carelesslv fall
py bhe Wayside. Arriving at his cabin
uoor he hesltGted moment and looked
ABOUT hlm. he stood upon his own
lahu' government claim that he had
pre-empted when the town was first
surveyed. He Turned for an ;nstsnt to
the settlement, still lighted by the glare
OF the dying flames, and while he looked
MS secret sense of iubilation again
found expression on his face; an exult-
ing smile played about his lips. and en-
ter1ng the cabin he laid down to rest no
forebodlng of evil disturbing his quiet
slumber
While Willoughby INDUCED his COM
claeent reflections. FAR different emotions
stirred the breasts of the men below.
Remarks indicating the prevailing feel.
ing OF encouragement were frequently
heard, and beneath all the thirst for
vengeance burned a steady and in.
creaslng flame. Ruled by some gregs,