"Don't pour water on that blazing oil," shouted the master of the house. "Bring some flour. Quick!"
The children ran to the pantry, and the cook dipped up big panfuls of flour, which they carried to the dining-room and threw over the fire.
The room was filled with a thick, black smoke, and every one coughed and choked; their eyes began to smart, and tears ran down their cheeks; but they worked bravely, and after a few minutes the last tiny flame was extinguished.
"What a queer way to put out a fire!" said one of the boys, after the excitement was all over. "I thought everyone always used water."
"Not when the fire is caused by burning oil," replied his father. "Water will only spread the oil, and make a bad matter worse. Always remember to use flour or sand to smother the flames, if a lamp explodes or is tipped over."
"There is something else we should remember," added his wife; "and that is, never to leave a lighted lamp on the table when there is no one in the room."
Pinch and Teddy had something to remember, too. The noise of the falling china and the sight of the blazing oil had sent them scurrying under the couch in the parlor; and although they had many another good frolic, Teddy never jumped up on the table again.
Who was Pinch? Who was Teddy?
Where did Teddy like to sleep?
How did he pull the cloth off the table?
What harm did it do?
Why should a cat never be allowed to jump on a table?
What other animals do you know of that have set fires by accident?
Great care should be taken to prevent children and pet animals from setting fires. Many a cat or dog has tipped over a lamp and set the house on fire.
It is safer to place the lamp on a shelf or bracket. Never set it on a table which is covered with a cloth that hangs over the edge, as the cloth might accidentally be pulled off, bringing the lamp with it.