The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1894-04-21
glance upward. "A bucket o. we'll
water ID put that out without all this
fuss - sba said conteppttlouslv

Her mother was standing in the mid
die Of the room, wringing her hands.
II do know what to do first, Deel-
ey," she whimpered.
"There amt nothing to do but lock
the doors and keep the crowd out;
amt going to have a crowd marching
through the house"
This was soon accomplishedS and
advising her mother TO resume her
work. Della returned to her pie-crust.
Mrs Brigham resented the sugges-
ton. II declare, Deeley," she ex-
claimed, "a body'd think fires never
did no damage. An IL you've got
nerve enough 20 stand here and work
same as il there want nothing a-fire,
why, amt cooler'n cucumber, an
I'm going up attic to see if they're
putting it out.
Della laughed. They'll be about
twenty fremen up on the roof TO put
out fire no bigger'n my hand, " she
said. "But go along, mother. You'll
sleep easier for it, and I'll finish par
ing the potatoes.
Her mother had hardly left the
room when there came loud rap
upon the kitchen door. Della paid
no attention. A second followed. A
third n fourth, and then, as n scowl
gathered upon Delia's forehead,
succession OF strong blows, as Of
someone assailng the door with the
intention OF forcing it open.
Della threw down her rolling-pin
and opened the door. "What's the
matter, now?" she demanded, curtly.
Three Of their ncighbors pressed
into the room. 1--WE must 90 up
stairs" they said. 1T may have
burned through inside, Deeley."
Della laughed scornfully. THAT
speclS o. fred never burn n house
down 'thout there was n gale o
wind" she said, "but I'll let you go
up long as you're so concerned about
it.
you're bit upset, aint you,
Deeley?" said one of the trio, as they
passed out Of the room.
Della made no reply, She stood
with her hand upon the door-knob,
eyeing fourth man, who stood just
outside in the shed
He was stranger to her. She
looked at him steadily, and as stead
lily, lifting his hat, he returned her
gaze.
Hes n tramp" thought Della.
"Now | shall hear some pitiful tale"
She steeled her heart against it.
He was not in need Of food, she de-
cided His clothes were worn and
shabby, though they fitted well, and
there was an indeiinable something
about him which suggested n former
responsibility. Yet he had not that
gauntncss which told it's own sad
tale.
She waited moment, wondering
that he did not speak. "Tramps were
seldom so slow Of speech, " she re-
ilected. He was planning how to get
in, doubtless. This fire was his OPP
portunity, he probably felt Well"
The tramp interrupted her train Of
thought. IL beg your pardon, he
said, but coming through II vacant
lot back here, just now, saw sparks
lodge on the roof above us.
His voice had in it sweetness and
refinement which still further sur
prised Della. A sufficient explanation
Of it flashed quickly through her
mind. He is some bank official, n
defaulting cashier just out Of prison"
she decided. Her reply therefore was
sharply given. 4" The firemen will
attend TO il"
But"
You are troubling yourself need
lessly," she interrupted, making n
movement TO close the door.
He put his hand against it.
Pardon me, he said, but IL you
have n short ladder here, | will run
up on the roof and see if"
"The firemcn will'-
pardon me, but since | saw those
sparks descend upon the roof, | have
fancy to take the part Of fireman
myself"
There was faint smile upon his
face, as he thus pressed his desires.
Della resented it. A tramp, an ex-
convict, smiling at her, daring to
smile at her.
Through her anger, however, she
was sufficiently calm to perceive that
she was, in measure, in the mans
power. She was alone in the lower
part OF the house, the outside crowd
were congregated in the front yard
and upon the lawn, and, with the
clamor Of excited voices, and the din
Of the engine, she could not summon
help.
Strategy must be her defence, she
concluded, quickly, and rs quickly
she answered him. II don't believe
there even one spark alive and burns
ing up there" she said, purposely
! pettish ring in her voice, but il
you're so set about it, there's n lad
der down cellar
'Tef, me where to find It," step
ping inside the kitchen. "Oh, I'll
have to 60 down with you" ungra-
ciously. Dear me, never saw such
] an ,Ninnn q urnrlg ah hlt ~ IL