They had a full four miles walk before them; but the professor had an

ample old cotton umbrella that sheltered both himself and his pupil; so

they trudged manfully onward, cheering the way with lively talk instead

of overshadowing it with complaints.

"Black as pitch! not a star to be seen! but courage, my boy! we shall

enjoy the light of the fireside all the more when we get home," said the

professor.

"Yes! there's one star, professor, just rising,--rising away there on

the horizon beyond Brudenell Hall," said Ishmael.

"So there is a star, or--something! it looks more like the moon rising;

only there's no moon," said Morris, scrutinizing the small dull red

glare that hung upon the skirts of the horizon.

"It looks more like a bonfire than either, just now," added the boy, as

the lurid red light suddenly burst into flame.

"It is! it is a large fire!" cried the professor, as the whole sky

became suddenly illuminated with a red glare.

"It is Brudenell Hall in flames!" exclaimed Ishmael Worth, in horror.

"Let us hurry on and see if we can do any good."




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024