the windows, from whence smoke was streaming of a pitchy
darkness and suffocating odor. A number seized logs of wood, and dashed
them against the door until the lock gave way, and it flew open. All
seemed animated by a spirit of rivalry, as to which should perform the
most labor in the attempt to save the wounded from a horrid death.

And it was well for us that assistance arrived, for human endurance
could go no farther. We felt as though about to suffocate, and should
have fallen upon the bodies of those whom we were attempting to save had
not the inspector and one of his men carried us forcibly from the room
to the open air, where we quickly received aid by the influence of a
bottle containing a quantity of Jamaica rum mixed with water.

While we stood watching the burning building, the inspector joined us.
His clothes were nearly burned from his back, and his hair was singed to
a crisp, yet he made no complaint, nor appeared to regard his numerous
burns.

"Rather a narrow escape this time," he said; "a few minutes longer, and
you would never have seen that Yankee land which you boast so much
about."

"We have to thank you for our rescue, and we will do so when you are
prepared to listen," Fred said.

"Then I shall never be ready. Keep your thanks until I have repaid you a
small portion of the debt of gratitude which I owe you for my life. I am
not forgetful, believe me."

"I suppose that Mike told you about Jackson," Mr. Brown continued, after
a moment's silence, during which we stood looking at the fire.

"He did not mention his name," I replied; "he is safe, I trust."

"Yes, his body is saved, but his soul is now before his God, to be
judged and punished, or forgiven, as the Omnipotent may decree."

"Dead!" we exclaimed, in astonishment

"When my men burst the door of the 'Cricket,' they discovered a body
lying against it, with handcuffs on. I was referred to, and found that
it was Jackson. A pistol ball had passed through his breast, and
probably killed him instantly. His body has been taken to the station
house with the dead and wounded, where you can see it if you desire."

But we had no desire for such a sight. We had seen bloody deeds enough
for one night, and we felt sick at the thought of what had occurred.

We bade the inspector good night, and wended our way home in a
thoughtful mood. The death of Jackson, we knew, would not prevent our
being declared innocent, for Mr. Brown had heard his con