n like
kindlings. However, let us hope it will soon be subdued; and there is
somebody calling you, I think."

Although anything which menaced the prosperity of the town she loved
so well always disturbed the Sun Maid, she put this present matter
from her almost as easily as she dismissed the youth who had brought
the bad tidings. The housing and entertaining of Kitty's guests was an
engrossing affair; and all Sunday was occupied in these duties; but on
Sunday night came a time of leisure.

It was then, while resting among her girls and discussing their early
departure in the morning--which their lives of labor rendered
necessary--that a second messenger arrived with a second message of
disaster.

"There's another fire downtown, and it's burning like a whirlwind!"

"We have an excellent fire department," answered the hostess, with
confident pride.

"It can't make much show against this blaze. I think those of us who
can should get home at once."

The Sun Maid's heart sank. The coming event had cast its shadow upon
her and, foreseeing evil, she replied instantly:

"Those who must go shall be conveyed at once; but I urge all who will
to remain. Keith House is as safe as any place can be if this fire
continues to spread. It is not probable, even at the best, that any of
you will be wanted at your employers' in the morning. The excitement
will not be over, even if the conflagration is."

The company divided. There were many who were anxious about home
friends and hastened away in the vehicles so hastily summoned; but
there were also many whose only home was a boarding-house and who were
thankful for the shelter and hospitality offered. Among these last
were some of the young men, and the Sun Maid summoned them to her own
office and discussed with them some plans of usefulness to others.

"We shall none of us be able to sleep to-night. I have a feeling that
we ought not. I wish, therefore, you would go out and engage all the
teams you possibly can from this neighborhood; and go with them and
their drivers to the threatened districts, as well as those already
destroyed. Our great house and grounds are open to all. Bring any who
wish, and assure them that they will be cared for."

"But there may be thieves among them," objected one lad, who had a
keener judgment of what might occur.

"There is always evil amid the good; but not for that reason should
any poor creature suffer. Remember I am able to help liberally i