New-York tribune., 1890-03-30

wasted nv fro the door was blistered and black
ened, stalwart fireman. in his undress cap, wiun
his helmet slung at his back, was Jus' opening
the gate as they came up -.,,-
mo one admitted"
Hang it.S exclaimed George, it's my own
"Oh. / beg your pardon, sir; it's been got
under some hours now. / was just going off
Much damage done P" inquired George laconi-
"Wen. YOU see, SIR" said the man. evidently
considering how to prepare George for the worst.
I'VE didn't get the call I'LL the house was rT Well
manual APPLYING on it, so-well, you must ex-
pect things to be bit untidy like inside But
the walls and the roof amt much damaged =.
And how did 1t happen ?-the house isn't
occupied now"
"Worlsmen, said the man. "Some one was in
there early this morning. and left the gas escaping
near-and here you are Well, I'll be off, sir,
there's nothing more to be done ere. Good day,
sir, and thank We, I'm sure" :, .u
"Oh, Georgel" said Ella, half crying. "our
poor, poor little house 1t seems like Judgment
on me. How can you laugh! Who will do 1t
"Who? Why, the insurance people, to be
sure You see, the firm are agents for the
Curfew,' and soon as l got all the furniture
in ! insured the whole concern; and | got pro-
tection note, SO were all right; & Don't wOtry @ y;
our difficulty P-we car. start afrsh now without
offending anybody Look there, there's that
idiot of Pm9Ser Ss w who's done ne all the
But Mr. Peagrum was quite unperturhed II
anything his smudgy features wore a look of
sombp complacency. ,
"but you'll bear me out that | warned yer as
something was bound to happen; in course
couldn't tell what form it might take, and fire
| must say | did not eXpeck. | adn't ony been
in the place not quarter of hour, watering
the gaseler in the libery-the Gbery rs was,
should say-when it struck me I'd forgot my
screw driver so, fortunately things turned out
! went omc to my place to get it, and | com, come
back to see the place all in blaze. It's Fate
that's what it is Fate's at the bottom o this
"Muca more likely to be lighted candle y
said George.
IL was not on the premises at the time so
can't say: but, be that ow it may, there's no
denying it's singular thing the way my words
have been fulfilled almost literal
"Confound you!" said George "Nou take good
care your prophecies come off Why. man, You re
not going to pretend you don't know that us Your
own carelessness that's brought this about This
is not the only house you've brought bad lucK
into. Mr.. Whats-your-name, since you started In
busincss!'
You can't make me lose my temper" replied the
plumber with dignity. Il put it down to igno-
rance
80 do II said George: and if ! know any
one who's anxious for little typhoid or wants his
house burnt down at n moderate charge. why, l
shall know whom to recommend. Good-dav. D."
lie turned on his heel and walked oil. but Ella
fingered behind. :" only just wanted TO tell you,
she said addressing the astonished plumber, thac
you have done us " very great service. ana az
least am very much obliged 10 you And sne
futtered away after her fiance.
The plumber-tlat instrument OF Destiny
looked after the retreating couple, and INDUCED IN
a mystifed whistle.
"'E comes hully-ragring OF me- he observed
to a laInp-post. and she's very much Obliged .
And I'm blowed if | know what for, either way )
bad
'em-and no wonder. with such calamity so
recent Ah we'll! do ope as this is the end on IT,.
'ope shan't be the means Of bringing no more
trouble into that little 'ouse. that kin truly say
And-human gratitude having its lmits-it is
highly probable that this pious inspiration Will not
he disappointed. so long at least as George - q
Fila remain the occupants Of home from which
all disturbing elements have now been banishcd.
--iAtalanta