"But fireworks in a cupboard mean great danger."
"I didn't stop to think. I only wanted to frighten her. She boxed my ears! Will you have to give me up to the police?"
"I think you will have to tell your story to a policeman," said Fibo slowly. He rang his bell, and asked Daw to find Sergeant Ross who had come over from Cressford to make inquiries about the fire.
Edmund stood, white and trembling, by Fibo's side. Fibo patted him on the back in a comforting way.
"You've told the truth, little man; and you did not mean to burn the house down, did you? It will be a lesson for life. Now buck up and tell Sergeant Ross what you have told me."
In a very short time a constable was ushered into the room, and Fibo said:
"I want you to hear this young gentleman's account of the origin of the fire last night. He is very frightened and sorry, but I've told him that he must tell you himself about it."
Edmund clenched his fists, threw up his head, and fought bravely with his tears. Then he told the constable what he had done; and that good man shook his head.
"What a lot of mischief some of you young gentlemen do with your fireworks! Well, I'm glad to hear the rights of it. I'm thankful to say the greater part of the house is saved. I conclude, sir,—" here he turned to Fibo,—"I conclude, sir, that Mrs. Harrington has been communicated with?"
"We have sent a wire."