St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1895-03-18
TODD a lounge. 1t was occupied by

stood a lounge. 1t was occupied by
Miss Shale, who was sleeping.
With two helpless women almost
within touch, Mrs. Sumner deilpef-
ately poured a quantity OF the eX-
pIosiye on the fire, which was al
ready cracking. The fire burned
too slowly to suit her, whereupon
she raised the can to the stove, ana
poured a goodly portion OF it's con-
tents on the burning wood. Miss
Shale awoke just in time to VIII
ness Mrs. Summers reckless action.
The effect was instantaneous and
horrible There was a loud explo-
sion, which caused the little house
to vibrate Like shot, the kero-
sene can was hurled to the ceiling.
In it's descent it collided with light
ed lamp, which caused a second ex-
ploSion.
Portions of the glass and ignited
oil were deposited on the lounge oc-
cupied by Miss Shale. The latter,
realizing her peril, dashed the bed
clothes from her, and, leaping forth,
shrieked: Nelly, save yourself,
devotedly caring for her friend, Miss
Closson. With
THE AWFUL ROAR
of the flames and the glare of fire
surrounding her, the terrified girl
rushed through to the parlor. Too
crazed to open an adjoining door,
Miss Shale, VINO is physically a pow
erful young woman, hurled herself
headlong through a window, and ran
screaming into the street, shouting
for assistance.
The flames generated by the ex-
plosion We're swept directly into the
little bed room still occupied by Miss
Closson. The first sheet of fire
licked up the separating portions
like paper, and descended upon the
helpless figure buried meath heavy
coVerletS and blankets. Perhaps less
than two minutes had elapsed after
the explosion until the unfortunate
girl was wrapped in the embrace of
the most agonizing torture.
When she emerged from the sea
of fire which enveloped her Nellie
Closson was practically cooked
alive. Clad only in her night dress,
and desperately attempting to pro-
quilt. This but increased her suf-
fering. Like flash the combustible
material ignited. It was practically
her funeral robe. Fiercely the
flames swept the frail mantle of
cotton and wood, Kissing as they
steadily but savagely ate into the
bosom, cruelty SCARED the dainty
white arms, streaked the trembling
limbs with lines of fire, and wanton-
~ devoured the wreath of hair
which, like a gauzy mantle, trailed
behind her. Blood spurted from the
dainty feet as the crazed woman
sought exit from the scene of death.
The open window was her refuge,
through which she disappeared.
a few feet beyond the burning
house is a shallow pool of water. par
tally covered by ashes and a thin
sheet of ice. In her despera ton and
agony, Miss Closson welcomed it as a
haven of relief In an instant the
tortured body was groveling and roll
ing amidst the cooling mixture.
FEEBLY SHE TRIED
to scoop up the cooling liquid from
the shallow pool. AS she struggled
nd writhed, pool of blood slowly
.=siled from the ffre-eaten body, ming
Sng with the ashes. Hours later
crowds viewed the CHASTITY reminder
n loot et,
Yet the shallow depression of water
and ice offered no relief to the I'M
fortunate, who was rapidly approach
ing the horrors of insanity Like
some hunted animal, the young
woman. still firmly held in the cruel
embrace of the devouring element
ran shrieling to the sidewalk. She
'hesitated in front of the little house
she had called her home. Here her
last feeble attempt at resistance was
offered. Lost to reason, the dying
woman, like a maniac, suddenly in
dulged in a weird death dance, until
she fell exhausted The wooden side
walk is still gore-stained, and here,
too, was deposited a frightful remind
CT OF most tragic conference.-the
skin complete, even to the tips of the
toes, fell off one of the sufferers feet.
The sight was appalling.
The explosion and the frantic cries
of Miss Closson awoke Conductor
Winans. Rushing down stairs, he
quickly comprehended the situation,
and shouted for his family and Ball
to save themselves. It was at that
moment that he saw Miss Closson
dash through the window, a living
statue of fire. AS she hurled herself