"For their own delectation, I suppose," he answered soberly. "It is a fireman's business--or part of it--to throw water on a building as well as all over the inside, when there is any excuse. Besides, the water, as it runs off the roof and all the little outs, forms very beautiful icicles which, no doubt, delight the fireman's professional eye. Think how pretty it will look to-morrow morning with the early sun upon it." Sally chuckled. "I see them dimly," she returned, "but very dimly. They ought to have a search-light on them." "I believe there is one," he observed. "They will have it going presently." "Oh," Sally exclaimed; and she chuckled again. Thereupon, as if it had been a signal, a brilliant white light shone forth. It happened to be pointed exactly upon the little group, but shifted immediately so that it illuminated the roof. There were great rippling cascades of ice down the slope of it and icicles forming at each edge and the water streaming off them. Sally was silent for a few moments. "It is certainly very pretty," she said then, "and should delight the fireman's professional eye. I suppose that I might enjoy it more if it were not our house." The moment's illumination had served to point them out to somebody. Mrs. Ladue touched Sally on the arm. "Sally, dear," she said, "I think that we may as well go now. Mrs. Torrington has asked us all to stay there. Won't you and Henrietta come?" "She is very kind," Sally replied. "I had not thought about going anywhere, yet. I am warm, perfectly warm. I have my furs, you see. I think I will wait until I see Uncle John, mother, and we can go somewhere together. I don't like to leave him. But probably Fox and Henrietta will go." She looked around. "But where is Patty?" "Gone to Mrs. Upjohn's a few minutes ago. Poor Patty! I am very glad to have her go." Henrietta had gathered the drift of the talk, although she had not heard any names. She turned. "I could stay here with you, Sally, or I could go if it would be more convenient. I am warm enough. Who has asked us?" Mrs. Ladue answered for Sally. "Mrs. Torrington sent Dick to find us," she said. "Here he is." Henrietta's decision changed instantly. "Oh," she cried, "Mr. Torrington! It is very kind, and I accept gratefully. When shall we start, Mrs. Ladue?" Sally barely repressed a chuckle. "I'll stay, thank you, Dick; for Uncle John, you know." "Good girl, Sally. I hope I'll fare as well when I'm old. Come whenever you get ready. Somebody will be up and I think we have room for everybody. Will Doctor Sanderson come now?" Dick added. Doctor Sanderson thanked him, but elected to stay with Sally, and Sally urged Dick not to expect them and on no account to stay up for them. Dick and Henrietta and Mrs. Ladue had scarcely gone when the roaring engine choked, gave a few spasmodic snorts and its roaring stopped. "What's the matter with it?" Sally asked. "Why has it stopped?" "Colic," Fox replied briefly.