"Clear orf, you! Clear orf!"
"That's what he always says to children," said Bets. "I've never heard him say anything else."
It was not the least use throwing pails of water on the flames. The policeman yelled for the chauffeur.
"Where's Mr. Thomas? Tell him to get out the hosepipe he uses to clean the car."
"Mr. Thomas has gone to fetch the master," shouted a woman's voice. "He's gone to the station to meet the London train!"
It was Mrs. Minns, the cook, speaking. She was a fat, comfortable-looking person, who was in a very scared state now. She filled pails of water from a tap, her hands trembling.
"It's no use," said one of the villagers. "Can't stop this fire now. It's got too big a hold."
"Some one's phoned for the fire-engine," said another man. "But by the time it gets here the whole place will be gone."
"Well, there's no fear of the house catching." said the policeman. "Wind's in the opposite direction luckily. My
word., what a shock for Mr. Hick when he comes home."