New Britain herald., 1916-01-29
How Madge Saved the Child Upstairs
 The Maids Frightened Plea.


 I took one look at the stream of water that poured from the ceiling of the kitchen, then dashed for the door.
 "Quick, Katie" I commanded, 'get the wash boiler and all the big pans to catch this water. Empty them into the sink as fast as they fill. I will run for the janitor.'
 My heart was heavy as fairly ran down the stairs to the janitor's quar- ters. No telephoning for me. l wanted action as soon as possible. To think that this annoying thing should happen just as l had every thing in spotless readiness for my rnother-in-law.
 I was glad indeed to see Callahan at the door of his quarters.
 "Oh, MT Callahan" I gasped. Please come at once our apartment Is being flooded
 "Just a minute, ma am Ca1la- hans composure was irritating to me. I felt as if he ought to start on the run up the stairs 'Where is the water coming from, your bathroom, or where?"
 "Oh, not in my apartment at all" returned. 'It is coming through the ceiling in a perfect f1ood.''
 "Oh, that'll be Mrs. McGoTern's apartment Isn't she just above you ~
 "I don't know" spoke impa- tiently. Why did he not rush up- stairs instead of standing there speculating upon the identity Of the occupant of the apartment above me?
 You are No. A" Callahan elther did not notice ar did not mind my inpatience.
 sYes, yes"
 "Then the one above you will be No. 12. I'll just turn the water off that apartment right now, and then we can find out later, what's doin' the damage .....
 He disappeared into the darkness Of the room behind him, and heard the ring of metal. I scored myself for stupidity. I had been impatient because he did not rush upstairs at cnce, when all the time he had been pursuing the only course which would enable him to stop the flood.
 A Threatening Danger.
 He reappeared in a moment, and followed him back upstairs, meekly enough. He stopped at my kitchen door, and looked at the flooded then at the ceiling, from which the water was still dripping, although slowly.
 s"Those kids have let the bathtub overflow he said as if to himself. ''T1l bet their mother is down town, and that maid"
 He hurried out of the door and up the back stairs. His manner indi- cated that he was worried about something. As I looked at him in vague wonder I heard him say:
 Mrs. Graham, ma'em, would you mind stepping up here quick "
 I hurried up the steps leading to the apartment above. Callahan was just inserting his pass key into the lock.
 "Ive rung, but I don't dare wait" he said. There's an odor of gas here. I may want you to help me"
 I did not like entering a strangers S manner, but Callahan's manner was imperative AS we opened the door the odor of gas came more strongly to our nostrils, saw that every jet of the kitchen range was open.
 "Leave the door open, and shut off the gas quick,'' commanded Calla- han, as he dashed through the kit chen door into the room beyond. I turned off all the jets and fol 1 lowed him. There was no one in th' l living room, or dining room, but ir 1 the bathroom a chubby boy stood | leaning over the bathtub, full to over | flowing. He was trying to climb into l 1t, crying as he did so. I shudderet l as I snatched him away from the tub l If he had lost his balance while l alone, he would surely have beer l drowned.
 'T1l Keep Quiet. Me want my boat he cried struggling in my arms. My boa | 1osted.''
 Where is your mamma, Gordon ?' l Callahan's manner was gentle, his | tone soft.
 l Down town" The baby's eyes stil were fixed tearfully on the bathtub | Where's Mary?'
 'In dere" He pointed to the bed room. Mary put Jack by-by, and she go by-by too, but me fooled her"
 The little rogue chuckled, and Cal, Iahan, muttering savagely to him. self, went to the door of the bed 1oor, and knocked loudly. Here, you, Mary" he called roughly, "come out of that 1 I heard a startled exclamation from l the bedroom, and the next instant a slovenly looking girl with weak 1 face came slowly out of the room | Why, I must have dropped tc 1 sleep" she said foolishly. Do you know what has happened while you dropped to sleep?" de. manded Callahan sternly. This baby 1 has been wandering around the apart. Eent, opening all the gas jets and l water faucets he could find. If this | lady hadn't been alarmed by the water from the bathtub flooding hel | kitchen, the child would have beer dead when you woke up, if you ever l did wake, with all that gas escaping lii