Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-02-08


L that poured from the ceiling of the
kitchen, then dashed for the door.
quick, Katie" | commanded, get the
wash boiler and all the big rams to catch
this water. Empty them in the sink as
fast as they fll. | will run for the janitor."
My heart was heavy as fairly ran down
the stairs to the janitor's quarters. No
telephoning for me. | wanted action al,
soon as possible. To think that this annoy.
ing thing should happen just as | had
everything in spotless readiness for my
mother-in-law. =,
| was glad indeed to see Callahan at the
door Of his quarters
90 Mr. Callahan | gasped please
come at once. our apartment is being
flooded"
Just n minute. ma'am." Callahan's com.
posurc was irritating to me. | felt MS II
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" | re.
turned. ut is coming through the ceiling
in a perfect flood"
"Oh, thatll be Mrs. MCGovern's apart
ment. Isn't she just above you?"
Il don't know ! spoke impatiently.
|, Why did he not rush upstairs instead of
standing there specializing upon the identity
or the occupant Of the apartment above me ?
You are No. ~" Callahan either did
Yes, yes"
Then the one above you will b. No. L.
I'll just turn the water OFF that apartment
right now. and then we can lind out later
what's doin' the damage"
He disappeared into the darkness of the
room behind him, and heard the ring Of
metal. l scored myself for stupidity.
had been impatient because he did not rush
upstairs at once. 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 | fol-
lowed him back upstairs, meekly enough.
He stopped at my kitchen door and looked
at the hooded kitchen. then at the ceiling,
from which the water was still dripping,
although slowly.
"Those kids have let the bathtub over
flow" he said as II to himself. I'm bet
their mother IL downtown, and that maid
lie hurried out of the door and up the
back stairs. His manner indicated that
he was worried about something. As |
looked at him in vague wonder heard my
name called sharply
Mrs Graham, ma'am, would you mind
ctepping up here quick?"
| hurried up the steps, leading to the
apartment above. Callahan was just in
serting his pass key into the lock-
said There's an DOOR of gas here l
may want you to help me-"
did not like entering a strangers apart
ment In this unceremonious manner but
Callahan's manner was imperative. AS we
opened the door the odor Of gas came more
strongly to our nostrils i saw that every
let of the kitchen range was open.
Leave the door open and shut on that
gas quick" commanded Callahan, as he
dashed through the kitchen door into the
room beyond
turned off all the Jets and followed
him. There was no one In the living room
or dining room, but in the bathroom a
chubby boy stood leaning sover the bath
tub, full to overhowing He was trying
| to climb into 1t, crying as he did so. l
| shuddered as | snatched him away from
| the tub. If he had lost his balance while
| alone he would surely have been drowned.
I'LL KEEP QUIET"
Me want my boat" he cried. struggling
| In my arms. MY boat losted."
| Where is your mamma. Gordon?' Call
| lahans manner was gentle, his tone soft.
| downtown" The baby's eyes still we're
fixed tearfuly on the bathtub.
where's Mary?"
| I'm dere." He pointed to the bedroom.
| Mary put Jack by-by and she go by-by,
too She fought me was by-by. too, but
me fooled her."
| The little rogue cnuckIeu ana Chllanan
| muttering savagely to himself, went to
the door of the bedroom and knocked
loudly.
| Here. you. Mary. he called roughly
come out OF that.
| l heard a startled exclamation from the
/ bedroom and the next instant slovenly
| looking girl with a weak face came slowly
| out of the room.
why, / must have dropped to sleep
| she said foolishly.
| do you know what has happened whla
YOU dropped to sleep?" demanded Calla-
| han sternly. This baby has been wan
| dering around the apartment, opening all
| the gas Jets and water faucets he could
find II this lady hadn't been alarmed
| by the water from the bathtub flooding
her kitchen the child would have been dead
when you woke up II you ever did walee
| with all that gas escaping. He was Just
.limbng into the bathtub when we got
| here"
| why, Gordon. you naughty boy'' the
} girl exclaimed weakly.
.'Never mind scolding the baby. He Isn't
to blame, What do you suppose Mrs Nc
| Govern win think -
.oh, you won't tell herr' The girl looked
| terror-stricken.
.Tll see. Depends on how you act"
| csllahan returned noncommltta''y by