"So he can."
"Hurra!" shouted the mob, as a tall flame shot through the top windows of the house.
The fire had got the ascendant now, and no hopes could be entertained, however extravagant, of saving the smallest article that had been left in the mansion.
"Hurra!" shouted the mob with the military, who came up with them.
"Hurra!" shouted the others in reply.
"Quick march!" said the officer; and then, in a loud, commanding tone, he shouted, "Clear the way, there! clear the way."
"Ay, there's room enough for you," said old Mason; "what are you making so much noise about?"
There was a general laugh at the officer, who took no notice of the words, but ordered his men up before the burning pile, which was now an immense mass of flame.
The mob who had accompanied the military now mingled with the mob that had set the house of Sir Francis Varney on fire ere the military had come up with them.
"Halt!" cried out the officer; and the men, obedient to the word of command, halted, and drew up in a double line before the house.