Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-06-01

itself. Evidently it's fall had attracted no public attention. The fury of the elements and the subsequent heavy rain were effectual safeguards in this respect, and Johnson's News, marked out for demolition a fortnight later, were practically deserted now day and night.
 Philip did not then know that Lon don had already much to talk about in the recorded incidents of the two storms. The morning newspapers were hysterical with headlines announcing fires, collapse of buildings, street acci- dents and lamentable loss of life in all parts of the metropolis. As the day wore and full details came to hand the list of mishaps would be doubled, while scientific observers would begin nine days wrangle in the effort to determine the precise reason why the electrical disturbance should have been wholly confined to the metropolitan area. Philip Anson, ragged boy of fifteen, residing in desolate nook of 1 the most disheyeled district in the East End, possessed the very genesis of the mystery, yet the web of fate was des- tined to weave spell that would delft. ly close his lips.
 Meanwhile he wanted his breakfast. He gathered thirty fair sized, wSite pebbles and few jagged Jumps of the ironlike material. These he wrapped in piece of newspaper, screwed up the small package tightly and placed 1t in lis trousers pocket Thinking deeply about the awesomc incidents of the | previous night, he donned his coat and did not notice the packet of letters | lying in the chair. Never before had these documents left his possession. 1 The door was locked and the key in his pocket before he missed them. It was in his mind to turn back. In another second he would have obeyed the i'm pulse had not mighty gust of wind swept through the yard and carried his tattered cap Into the passage. That settled it. Philip ran after his head. gear and so was blown into a strange sea of events.
 'sThey are quite safe there," he thought. Tn any case, it will be best not to carry them about in future They get so frayed, and some day may want them."
 Emerging from the haven of the News, he found the untidy life of the Mile End road eddying in restless con fusion through gale. The gaunt, high walls surrounding his secluded dwell ing had sheltered him from the buster ing March wind that was now drying the streets and creating much i'll tenn per in the hearts of carters, stall own CTS and girls with large hats and full skirts. In word, everything that could be Tapped or shaken or rudely swept anywhere out of it's rlghtful place was dealt with accordingly. In one instance a heavy tarpaulin was lifted clean off wagon and neatly lodged over the heads of the driver and horses of passing omnibus. They were not extricated from its close en- brace without some difficulty and a great quantity of severe yet cogent re- marks by the wagoner and the driver, assisted by the bus conductor and va rious passengers.
 Philip laughed heartily for the first time since his mothers death. He waited until the driver and the wag- oner had exchanged their farewell com pliments; then he made off briskly to- ward an establishment where three halfpence would purchase a cup of coffee and bun.
 In ten minutes he felt much refresh. ed, and his busy mind reverted to the mysterious package he carried. Think ing it best to seek the counsel of an older head, he went to 0'Brien's shop. The old man was taking down the shutters and found the task none too easy. Without a word Philip helped him, and soon the pensioner was wip- ing his spectacles in the shelter of the shop.
 q dunno what the weather is comin' to at all at all," he grumbled. Last night was like the takin' uy the Redan. an this mornin' reminds me uv crossin' the bay O Biscay."
 Tt certainly was a fearful thunder storm" said Philip.
 "Faix. boy. that's a thrue word. It was just like ould times in the hills in Injia, where the divil himself holds coort some nights. But what's the matter? Didn't you get that jobT'
 Philip laughed again. "I am not sure yet" he replied. q really came in to ask you what this is."
 With his hand in his pocket, he had untwisted the paper and taken out a white pebble. which he now handed to 0'Brien.
 The old man took 1t, smelt 1t and ad- justed his glasses for a critical exarn- ination.
 Tt ain't alum," he announced
 "No. I think not"
 An it ain't glass"
 Probably not"
 "Where did yer get itT'
 "I found 1t lying on the pavement"
 0'Brien scratched his head. "'Tis c quare looking objec'. anyhow. What good is itf"
 q cannot tell you. I thought that possibly it might have some value"
 What A scrap of white shtone like that Arrah. what's come over yeT'
 'There Is no harm in asking. is therel Some one should be able to tell me what it Is made of"
 Philip from his small store of physi-