"How did it catch fire? Was much damage done?"
These questions were answered partly by Gerald, partly by the blacksmith.
"I don't know Mr. Nugent," said Mrs. Lane. "He doesn't go anywhere. Mr. Lane visited him occasionally. He has very few visitors."
"He will have two this evening."
Mrs. Lane looked an inquiry.
"He has invited Gerald and me to call upon him?" explained the blacksmith.
Mrs. Lane looked surprised.
"That is something unusual," she said.
"Mr. Crane probably saved his life," said Gerald.
"Oh, I don't know," said Alonzo, modestly. "You see I am used to bein' at fires. I am captain of the Hillsdale fire company," he added, with an intonation of pride.