and troubled.

"How long will they keep me?" he asked himself. "They can't keep me here
forever."

About six o'clock the door was opened slightly, and a plate of bread and
butter was thrust in, together with a glass of cold water. Who brought
it up Phil did not know, for the person did not show himself or herself.

Phil ate and drank what was provided, not that he was particularly
hungry, but he felt that he must keep up his strength.

"They don't mean to starve me, at any rate," he reflected. "That is some
consolation. While there is life, there is hope."

A little over an hour passed. It became dark in Phil's prison, but he
had no means of lighting the gas. There was a small bed in the room, and
he made up his mind that he must sleep there.

All at once there was a confused noise and disturbance. He could
not make out what it meant, till above all other sounds he heard the
terrible cry of "Fire!"

"Fire! Where is it?" thought Phil.

It was not long before he made a terrible discovery. It was the very
house in which he was confined! There was a trampling of feet and a
chorus of screams. The smoke penetrated into the room.

"Heavens! Am I to be burned alive!" thought our poor hero.

He jumped up and down on the floor, pounded frantically on the door, and
at last the door was broken open by a stalwart fireman, and Phil made
his way out, half-suffocated.

Once in the street, he made his way as fast as possible homeward.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

PHIL'S FRIENDS AND HIS ENEMIES.

Meanwhile, Phil's long absence had excited anxiety and alarm.

"What can have become of Philip?" said Mr. Carter when supper time came
and he did not arrive.

"I can't think," answered Mrs. Forbush. "He is generally very prompt."

"That is what makes me feel anxious. I am afraid something must have
happened to him."

"Did you send him anywhere, Uncle Oliver?"

"Yes; he called, as usual, to get my check from Mr. Pitkin."

"And he ought to have been here earlier?"

"Certainly. He wouldn't have to wait for that."

"Philip is very careful. I can't think that he has met with an
accident."

"Even the most prudent and careful get into trouble sometimes."

They were finally obliged to sit down to supper alone. None of the three
enjoyed it. Not only Mr. Carter and Mrs. Forbush, but Julia was anxious
and troubled.

"I didn't know I cared so much for the boy," said Uncle Oliver. "He has
endeared himself to me. I care nothing for th