Robert Michael Ballantyne

Fighting the Flames Robert Michael Ballantyne

Book Excerpt: ...ate; then the two, with the aid of poker, tongs, and shovel, crushed and beat out the fire."There! I said you'd do it," gasped Mrs Rose, as she flung herself, panting, into Mr Auberly's easy-chair; "this comes of bein' in a hurry.""I was always unfort'nit," sighed Matty, still holding the shovel and keeping her eye on the grate, as if ready to make a furious attack on the smallest spark that should venture to show itself."Come, now, we'll go to bed," said Mrs Rose, rising, "but first look well round to see that all is safe."A thorough and most careful investigation was made of the basket, the grate, and the carpet surrounding the fireplace, but nothing beyond the smell of the burnt papers could be discovered, so the instructor and pupil put out the gas, shut the door, and retired to the servants'-hall, where Hopkins, the cook, the housemaid, and a small maid-of-all-work awaited their arrival--supper being already on the table. Here Mrs Rose entertained the company with a...