There was an improvised
hook-and-ladder company pouring water where it was least needed, and
a zealous self-appointed commanding officer who did nothing but shout
contradictory orders; but as nobody obeyed them, and every man did
just as he was inclined, it did not make any substantial difference
in the result.
Mary and Rhoda made their way through the mass of interested
spectators, not so many here as on the cooler side of the street.
Where was Lisa? That was the first, indeed the only question. How
had she come there? Where had she gone? There was a Babel of
confusion, but nothing like the uproar that would have been heard had
not part of the district's population fled to the more interesting
fire, and had not the whole thing been so quiet and so lightning-
quick in its progress. The whole scene now burst upon their view. A
few harassed policemen had stretched ropes across the street, and
were trying to keep back the rebellious ones in the crowd who ever
and anon would struggle under the line and have to be beaten back by
force.
As Mary and Rhoda approached, a group on the outskirts cried out,
'Here she is! 'Tain't more 'n a minute sence they went to tell her!
Here she is now!'
The expected fire-brigade could hardly be called 'she,' Mary thought,
as she glanced over her shoulder.
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