Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-04-29

would not listen TO a refusal. so JACK
and /. as Mr.. and Mrs. Gray. are to
take dinner in public with COL Crosby"
But surely YOU don't dream of doing
such a thing" exclaimed Townsend.
"Of course not To accept was the
easiest way out. | told Jack he'd have
TO break the date over the telephone
late this afternoon, He's almost de-
lirious over it. told him | was COM
ing here. and he said he'd drop in about
5 and report progress
That's good. we'll have the second
act in good shape by that time. But
how on earth Will he square himself
with Mrs jack?
Laura's reply was drowned in a
shrieking of whistles and a changing
Of bells. For some little time there
had been evidences of disturbance in
the neighborhood: but the clamor in
the street helow-the shouting of men
and galloping of horses-now made it
evident that the cause of the tumult
was not far away. Townsend stepped
70 the window. and. throwing it open.
looked down into street full of eX
cited people. Several fire engines were
distributed along the block and great
clouds of black smoke were rolling up
from their glistening bodies. He called
TO Laura TO join him, and they leaned
far out. enjoying the excitement of the
occasion. and watching the movement
and chaos in the crowd below.
CHATTER H.
The fre appeared TO be in a stable
about half block away, on the oppo-
site side OF the street. for men were
rushing horses out Of the doorway. and
engines We're pouring great streams of
water into the lofts above gentle
wind sent the smoke clouds billowing
and plunging over the adjoining build
ings. and soon little yellow tongues OF
fla ha oh hair "
along the cornice of the next house.
As soon as this was noticed. there came
great shouting and rushing of men.
and presently our spectators saw po-
licemen and rubber clad firemen carry
ing people from the threatened build
ing out into the street. through the
swaying jam of curious humanity, into
the shops and houses nearby.
rs not that the Turkish BATH" asked
Laura, presently.
That's just what it is replied Town
send. 1T a woman's bath. too. don't
envy them. But. great Scott, what's
that?"
The cause of this exclamation was
violent ringing of the apartments
front door bella persistent. tele-
graphic summons of long and short
dashes, that shrilled and whirred and
buzzed without pause.
Laura. anxiously
81 should say 1t was. Toni. go to
the door. Why. it sounds like a mad
man."
They turned from the window and
followed Toni expectantly with their
eyes.
ut must be Jack" observed Laura.
smiling He feels that way"
But 1t was not Jack. When Toni
opened the door, tall. slim. much-ex-
cited individual. with his hat hanging
to the back of his head. strobe into the
apartment. Townsend gaZed at him
for a moment in silent wonder. and
known slightly for some time.
"Talcott!" he cried
"Ah. Townsend. 1 am glad to find you
in" exclaimed the intruder. Then.
turning quickly to Toni, he shouted:
Don't shut that door,
What the deuce is the natter" de-
manded Townsend sharply.
There's woman coming up"
"A WHAT"
"A woman"
your friends today, What do you
mean"
shes not a friend. You must let her
in. She"
But. you Internal idiot. 1 tell you 1
won't, I'm busy"
But you must. old chap. She hasn't
any clothes on
What" shrieked Townsend.
Laura rose quickly from her chair
and stared appealing at Townsend. who
this crazy fellow. But the latter stood
unabashed.
IT tell you she hasn't any clothes on"
he repeated. Then. turning toward the
door. he called to some one still out
side. Fright this way" and Immediate
a tall. brawny, helmeted fireman. bear
ing in his arms what appeared to be a
limp bundle wrapped in rough
blanket. from out of the lower portion
of which protruded two small. bare.
pink feet.
For heavens sake. what's thisg"
cried Townsend. aghast.
IT'S a woman" vouchsafed the fire.
man. stolidly.
You shouldn't mind. old man." be-
gan Talcott. in explanation They
are taking them into all the houses.
Rescued from the fire. you know"
'Where'll I drop herr" interrupted
the fireman.
Don't drop her." cried Laura, eagerly
rushing forward.
Here. take her into my bedroom"
suggested Townsend. coming to his
senses. Laura. please see what you
can do" and. opening the door that
led to his chamber. he motioned to the
burdened fireman to follow Miss Leslie,
now all absorbed in the woes OF the
unfortunate member Of her own sex.
Townsend turned and Rlared at his
and misguided ac-
quaintance.
"You jackass" he snarled
II didn't think you'd mind" ven
tured the other, meekly.
Mind" growled Townsend DO you
take my apartment for a hospltai?'
you'd be glad to be of assistance or
course. if you're not. I'm sorry.
hope you'll pardon me. I'll go back
now and see If can help any one else"
Don't you help any one else up
here. or I'll brain you with chair"
But Talcott was out of earshot before
this fierce threat was hurled after him.
and was met by the fireman coming
out.
"WeIl?" Townsend asked.
Il guess she amt hurt" said the
man. grinning.
That's good" Townsend replied,
Just scared. You can't blame wom-
out of a Turkish bath without a rag
to her back"
En-
Sure. not a rag, borrowed the
blanket off'n the ambulance horse
guess your lady friendll look after her,
and she'll come round all right" With
which cheerful assurance the fireman
the room.
Meanwhile Laura was NOT ha wing such