That were madness indeed! Why, each dry summer, as it comes, brings us plenty of bad fires.

The fellow is but one of those mad fools who love to scare honest folks out of their senses.

Heed him not, mistress.
Belike he knows no more than thou and I.It is his trade to set men trembling.

Let us go home; there is no danger for us." Rather consoled by these words, and certainly without any real apprehensions for their personal safety, Janet returned to the house, where she and Dinah passed a quiet day.

Neither of them went out again; and though they spoke sometimes of the fire, and wondered if it had been extinguished, they did not suffer any real anxiety of mind.
"I trust it went not nigh to our homes," said Janet once or twice.
"I would that one of the boys might come and give us news of them.
But if folks are in trouble over yonder, father is certain to have his hands full.