Grainger, the overseer, who with his men had been unremitting in his

endeavors to arrest the progress of the flames, now came up, and taking

off his hat to Mrs. Middleton, said: "Madam, I think, please the Lord, we shall bring the fire under

presently and save all of the building except that wing, which must go.

But, if you please, ma'am, I don't see as you can do any good standing

here looking on. So, now that the young gentlemen are safe, hadn't you

all better take shelter in my house? It is poor and plain; but it is

roomy and weather-tight, and altogether you and the young gentlemen and

ladies would be better off there than here."

"I thank you, Grainger. I thank you for your offer as well as for your

efforts here to-night, and I will gladly accept the shelter of your roof

for myself and young friends. Show us the way. Come, my children. Come,

you also, Ishmael."

"Thank you very much, ma'am; but, if I can't be of any more use here, I

must go home. Aunt Hannah will be looking for me." And with a low bow

the boy left the scene.




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