“Nobody seems to be going to it. Why, I should think every body would run when the bells ring for fire,” said Clinton, who was surprised to see how little notice was taken of the alarm.
“The firemen run, but other people don’t mind the alarm, unless they see the light or the smoke,” replied Whistler.
An engine now came along, making a great noise as it rattled over the pavements, although there were no bells upon it, and but little shouting among the men who had charge of it. It was very gayly painted, and decorated with highly-polished brass mountings. There were only about a dozen men at the rope when the engine first came in sight; but their ranks soon filled up by the arrival of other members of the company, and the engine went spinning through the street at a rapid rate, followed by a swarm of ragged boys. Clinton was more than half disposed to fall in with the crowd of urchins; but, perceiving that Willie had no idea of joining in the race, he prudently concluded to forego the pleasure.
The boys had now reached the house, and, on throwing themselves into comfortable seats, began to realize how tired they were. They found Ettie at full length upon the floor, engaged in putting together the dissected map which the boys had made for her. Her knowledge of geography was so slight, that the puzzle was anything but a simple one to her.
“What’s the matter, Sissy?—can’t you put it together right?” inquired Clinton.
“Yes, I can, almost,” replied Ettie; “but two or three of these pieces are real ugly,—they won’t go in any where.”
“Let me see if I can’t help you,” added Clinton, getting down upon the floor with his little cousin.
“I’d rather find it out myself,” replied Ettie, timidly.
“O, well, then, I won’t meddle with it,” said Clinton. “You’re just like me; I don’t like to have folks show me how to do things, when I can find out myself.”
Clinton could not repress a quiet smile as he glanced at the map, and witnessed the strange positions which some of the states had assumed. Illinois and Mississippi had exchanged places, both apparently quite unconscious that they had “got into the wrong pew.” Tennessee had turned half a somerset, and was standing upon her head. Maine was vainly trying to fill the space that rightfully belonged to New York, while for the last-named state no place had yet been found.