At that moment, a number of men and boys came running into the yard.
"Where's the fire?" said the foremost man, as he stepped hurriedly upon the platform.
"There isn't any fire here," replied Johnny: "a kerosene-lamp was blazing, that's all; but we've put it out."
Then the men went off laughing, and the boys hooting. Kate let the fire down in the grate, saying she was going to have every spark of fire out in that stove before she went to bed; and the children went back into the sitting-room.
"Well, Sue," said Johnny, "I hope you've had all the romping you want for this evening."
Just then a key turned hurriedly in the door, and Mr. Le Bras entered, followed by Mrs. Le Bras. Mr. Le Bras glanced at Sue and Johnny without saying a word; and Mrs. Le Bras sank into a chair, looking very pale and helpless. Mr. Le Bras went to the dining-room and got some water, without saying a word to the children, who stood by in great alarm.
"What is the matter with mamma?" asked Sue, in a hushed voice.
Mr. Le Bras offered his wife the water, but she shook her head. "I shall feel better presently," she said, in a faint voice. "Can the house be on fire, and they not know it, Frank?"
"No, indeed," replied Mr. Le Bras; "and I told you the engine would not have gone back into the engine-house unless it were a false alarm, or the fire was put out." Then he said, turning to Johnny, "The fire has been put out, hasn't it, my son?"
"Yes," said Johnny: "it wasn't any thing but a kerosene-lamp blazing up in the summer kitchen."