The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-23

her impetuous entry, but her words dazed
him.
Re could scarcely realize their full import
mean, Nan?" 80
On fire." exclaimed Mrs. Woodville rising
Win an agitated face. "Oh no, Nan. Won
must be mistaken" The enormity of the
calamIty prevented her taking it in. You
must be mistaken"
On, yes, you must be MISTAKEN" s,id
Jasper Goodwin, soothingIy
She took no notice of him
She had only paused to take breath for
she was painting terribly with her haste and
excitement.
They're burning" she cried again "I,u
tell the men, and she darted from the room
towards the kitchen.
my God! I'm ruined them" cried Mr..
Woodvile, with a heartsick groan and he
rushed frantically into the hall and through
the garden, followed by the stranger, and on
towards the rickyard, which was already
apiaze with 1eaping lurid flames, for the
stacks were dry, and the wind was rising
more and more to fan the fire
There was no one there when they reached
II, ana the poor squire stood wringing his
hands as if the catastrophe had deprived
MIN OF the power of action
The stranger touched his arm
where is the water?' he asked
His words reused Mr.. Woodville
BRING sticks and water he called to the
men men. VINO came running from the kitchen.
nm
a. fagot, he began to beat out the flames
himself. INC iiaiies
The place was soon full of helpers for. the
olaze pelng visible for miles around the
people Kept coming in from the neighboring
farms to lend hand.
Three Of the stacks were beyond saving
for the fire had got thorough hold of them
and al the helpers could do was to prevent
the hylng sparks from burning the others,
some of which, being already ignited. thew
were hastily unStacking.
Looking at it from aesthetic point of
view, the scene was one of remarkable
beauty. - o'0
The moon, near it's zenith was SOARING
n1sh IN the heavens, and it's Deems fell with
cold, clear light on the moorlands on the
opposite side of the river, which separated
Woodslde from the next county.
Tqe wooded hills rose high at the back Of
the house and to the side and the reflection
from the flames tinged the hollow with
purple maze, and colored the caImly-hoWine
river till it seemed like stream of blood.
In the rickyard, amid sitting smoke and
bursting flames, the men, armed with sticks
and pitchforks, and pals of water, worked
like attendant demons assisting at some
great holocaust their shapes uncouth in the
lurld light, and their faces grimy and set.
but, although neither energy nor skill was
lacking, it was nearly daybreak before thew
got the fire under.
Jasper Goodwin had been working as hard
as anyone, ana several times he noticed the
stranger, VINO seemed to be doing herculean
tasks in aiding to put out the flames.
Who is that felow?" he asked Mr. Wood
vile once as he passed.
Il don't know" the squire answered "tJa
must be stranger"
He seems to be worth his salt" said
Woodwin, with laugh.
The squire groaned, for the others words
brought to his mind the thought that OIL
though the help had been given with hearty
GOODWIN, there were many of the workers to
whom he would be obliged to give money
and, though he was the most generous and
hospltable of men, in the burning of bis
stacks he read his ruin. -'
Goodwin heard the groan, and turned
Sharply. Its nuisance. and a worry he
said, "but it's only a temporary thing. The
insurance office will pay up promptly.
Woodvllle's face grew still more despairne
There will be nothing to pay" he ans
wered. DULY.
What! How's that?" Goodwin calculated
To-Day was the last day. 1 drove int
town; but was too late, Stevenson haS
gone naming the agent. 'I told Won s 81
when met you this afternoon ~
Goodwin swhistled.
Yes, I remember now How very anno,-
iEe!" 'oy-
Its worse than annoying" said ~
Woodville, with something like a sob eTt,s
ruin"
mo. no; surely not SO bad as tbat,..
Goodwin disclaimed, still cheerfully. Therein