Untitled

THE JEWETTS' NEW HOME. 15
who wore a pith helmet, and who had been attentively watch-
ing the blaze through an opera glass.
" It began near the
Eitai-bashi and is now burning the shipping lying near the
bridge. In a few moments it will reach a district where it
will not stop for want of old houses to feed on."
The spectators, among whom were many Chinese, regarded
the scene with the greatest interest, most of them having
friends or business connections in the capital.
" Oh, boys, do let us go home," said Sallie, in an agonized
tone.
" Supposing the wind changes, and the fire goes to-
wards our yashiki. You will excuse us for not staying at your
house all night, won't you, Miss Sherman?"
" "
Certainly," replied the young lady. I think you are
quite right to return to your parents."
The crowd was so dense that the jin-riki-sha men with
difficulty forced a way for their vehicles; however, by dint of
shouting and pushing, they contrived to effect a passage and
to reach the railway depot in time for their fares to catch a
special train, which was densely packed with people anxious
to visit the fire.
r
This way, this way, boys," cried their friend the superin-
tendent of the line, coming to their rescue. "I have an empty
carriage which will be attached to the outgoing train. Come
across the track with me and I will give you a compartment
all to yourselves. I am going to Tokio with you."
In a few minutes they were off, travelling as fast as steam
could carry them, and within half an hour they arrived at the
Shin-bashi station.
Upon emerging on the street they beheld a young Japanese
dressed in foreign costume, minus his shoes, his feet being
shod with one sandal and one wooden clog, and his shoulders
burdened with packages secured with cord. In his right hand