The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-29

noticed it not. crowd collected In the
street; their own room became full of
smoke. They noticed nothing. Their eyes
were bloodshot; their arms were streaked
with blood.
pals, or the knife!" Tootal was fighting
in frenzy Ralph Abingdon, with Emily
stretched there on the floor. fought for
honor and freedom.
Stop With one stroke of his areman's
ak, Old Wales dashed the knife out of
Totals hand.
.See to her, Frank" he cried, pointing
to Emily.
But the command was needless Already
the young fireman had lifted the uncon-
scious form and borne 1t to the window.
What is the meaning of this, Abing
DOM? demanded Old Wales Of his SON.
in-law.
II can't explain" ta
"But you've got to explain. My child has
been placed in danger. You might have
been all burnt alive. Out by that window.
quick, Take Emily home. I'll be round in
the evening, and 1 reckon you'd better
make a clean breast Of it,
Mindful of his duty above everything,
the boss assisted Tootal and Ralph Abing-
don to make their escape. 1t was no easy
thing. The flames seemed ravenous. Up
and up they scared: the whole building
was one mass Of fire. A cheer from the
crowd apprised Old Wales that his daugh-
ter had reached the ground I'm safety.
Now" he exclaimed.
Tootal went first; Abingdon followed The
fireman was the last to leave the building.
III.
The property was doomed. The firemen
could do nothing, and Frank Goodall him
self took Emily to her home. The fresh
air had revived her, and by the time they
reached Claridge street Mrs. Abingdon was
herself again. But not a word did she
speak; she offered no explanation of how
she and her husband cans to be in the
doomed building.
Something wrong" said Frank to him
self, as he resigned her to the maid.
"who was that second chap? Can't make
it out! Halloa! Here he comes.'
For even as Goodall stood on the steps,
TootaI approached the door.
"Halloaw said Frank. what do you
want here?'
"What like. Let me in"
For the young fireman had gripped the
rascal by the arm.
"You move off,' he said, firmly.
mo. 1 won't"
won't your"
mo"
Frank pulled out his flreman's whistle
''Nove of at once" he said, "or 1 call the
police"
Police! The word acted like magic on
the rogue. Scowiing fiercely, and threaten
ing vengeance, Tootal nevertheless slouched
away. Frank followed him to the corner.
and saw him pass down the next street
Then Frank turned his eyes back to L.
Claridge street. All that he loved on earth
was there. although she was another's.
Its no business of mine," he thought.
they're husband and wife now. But she
needs friend, I'm sure of 1t. That fellow
may come back. I'll keep an eye on the
house."
Tootal did come back: he came back
that evening. Ralph Abingdon was lying
on a couch, his arm in sling Paler than
usual, Emily sat In a chair beside him.
"Hahw laughed Tootal as he strobe into
the room. Here we are again, Jack, and
the girl, too"
Leave this house, SIR said Mrs. Abing-
don. my husband IL hurt. He nearly lost
his life through you this morning. Leave
this house at once"
The only reply which Tootal made was
to take off his coat and hat and deposit
them on the table.
I'm here to stay" he said. coolly. you'll
not turn a fellow out, Jack? The Long
Acre den is done for. and the cops are
running me hard I guess I'm safe In the
house Of Mr.. Ralph Abingdon
The rogue smiled sardonically as he pro-