Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1896-11-26

explosion, and Immediately the out
house burst into mass of flames.
The doctor was heard above the ba-
bel of voices.
run for the engine-you, Jackson"
Jackson made off to the town; hut
in an incredibly short space Of time the
whole wing appeared to be in flames
masters, boys and domestics gazing
helplessly at the connagration.
The next few minutes seemed an age
to them, for they could do absolutely
nothing.
Keep back, boys. Here they come"
the doctor shouted, as the noise OF the
approaching engine was heard.
Suddenly an excited figure pushed
its way through the crowd; and Mr..
Joyce, the junior master, made rush
for the burning doorway.
Come back, Mr.. Joyce, come back"
was the cry taken up on all Sides
But the master dashed on; and only
a few heard his my papers! my pa
pers" as he disappeared into the
smoke.
The fire brigade was already getting
to work, and all was hustle and excite
ment.
rs there anyone in the house?" de-
manded their captain.
He was answered by cry from the
boys. The unfortunate Mr.. Joyce, his
retreat cut off by the rapidly advalc-
ing flames, appeared at an upper win
dow
Help! help" he shouted; bring the
escapew
But the fierce flames, bursting
through the lower windows, rendered
the escape useless. 1t was death for
him to remain there; already the room
beneath him was we'll alight; and the
crowd gazed horror-stricken at the
masters desperate plight.
But British flremen are never beaten.
A yell of delight went up as one Of tho
plucky fellows was seen clamberiny
along the roof, with rope attached ID
his body. To fasten one end to a Chin
ney-stack, slide down to the coping,
and lower the other to the master, was
the work Of few seconds.
Cheer after cheer rang out as through
the smoke the two were seen standing
together away from all reach Of the
devouring flames.
BY this time the efforts Of the fire.
men were meeting with their reward;
and though it was hard struggle, they
managed to keep the fire from the rest
Of the building.
Just before midnight the flames were
finally subdued, and the boys sent the
firemen off with three hearty cheers.
Lucky for us 1t isn't in the dormi-
tories" remarked Frank, as he turned
into bed that nlght-or rather early
the next morning; though it doesn't
matter much to me, suppose. Guess
l shall be like my fireworks, and go of
suddenly"
A few Of them laughed feebly, but
the rest took too serious view Of
Franks situation to appreciate his
joke.
my word" said young Jackson, soft
ly, to himself, won't there be a row
tomorrow"
There was hush Of expectancy ovel
all when the school assembled the mex
morning, and the boys hardly dared
to breathe when the doctor rose to ad
dress them.
Quietly and impressively he spoke
dwelling on the seriousness Of the pre-
vious nights events, and then, sud
denly holding up the chared case O.
squib, said:
"Now, boys, one Of the firemel
brought this to me. Which Of you hai
been making fireworks?"
For moment no one spoke.
Come, boys" the doctor added
sternly, (which Of you has been max
ing fireworks"'
"No~y for explosion number two,
muttered Frank. Here goes. Please
sir, It was me-"
A sigh of mingled relief and admira
ton escaped from the boys as they re
allied that their leader in the enter
prise meant to take the responsibility
"How comes this, Leicester?" tn
doctor demanded. What were you do
ing with ,hreworks?"
"They were for the Fourth, sir" re
piled Frank. II made them to cele
brate it, sir"
The doctor looked mystifed.
a But do you mean to say that 20
, let them off in the out-house?"
: mo, sir; was keeping them for ia
. day."
! But how came they alight?" thuu
y dered Doctor Pollock. "Firework
: don't light themselves"
a "I don't know, sir" faltered Franz
81 am sure 1 put them away quit
safely"
81 need hardly point out what the r.
!, suit Of this must be-" said the docto
turning to the boys. "This is MOI
d serious matter for all concerned in |
: AS for Leicester, who is obviously tn
: leader, it is quite impossible that h
name should remain on the books {
n this school"
e 81 am very sorry" said Frank, tea
# fully. "But it was all my fault"
g ''No, 1t wasn't!
- nh r,boIa ecbooI furnnd start1ed /