A great warehouse in the City was gutted, and those who saw the blaze are not likely to forget it in a hurry.

I saw it.

I had scampered with all my might after one of the engines, but only to find a dense crowd on the spot before me.

There was a wide circle kept round the place, and never did circus-goers fight for a front row in the gallery as did that crowd fight for a front place at this grand show.
It was nearly an hour before, by dint of squeezing, sneaking, fighting, and beseeching, I could get to the front.

By that time the fire had done its worst.