Mr. Strout's anger rose higher and higher and there was no one present upon whom he could expend it. He grasped one of the lamps, but his hold on the glass handle was insecure and it fell to the floor, the lamp breaking, while the burning oil was thrown in every direction. He wished then that some of the “loafers” were present to help him put the fire out. There was no water nearer than the pump in the back yard. He grabbed a pail and started to get some water. He forgot the back-steps and fell headlong. For some minutes he was so dazed that he could do nothing. The glare of the fire lighted up the yard, or he would have had difficulty in filling the pail. When he returned, he saw that the fire was beyond his control. He could not go through the store, so he climbed the back yard fence and made his way to the front of the store crying “Fire” at the top of his voice. It seemed an age to him, before anyone responded. He felt then the need of friends, neighbours--even “loafers” would have been acceptable. A bucket brigade formed, but their efforts were unavailing. As the other lamps were exploded by the heat new inflammable material was thrown about. In a quarter of an hour the whole interior was in flames, and in an hour only a grim, black skeleton, lighted up by occasional flashes of flame, remained of Strout and Maxwell's grocery store. Next morning comment was rife. Mr. Strout had told how the fire was caused but there were unbelievers. “I think the cuss set it on fire himself,” said Abner Stiles to his employer, Mr. Ezekiel Pettingill. “Be careful, Abner,” was the caution given him. “It don't do to accuse a man of anything 'less you have proof, an' your thinkin' so ain't proof.” Mr. Strout went to Boston to see the trustees. The insurance was adjusted and Mr. Strout was authorized to proceed with the re-building at once. During the interim orders were filled from the Montrose store. Fortunately, the stable and wagon shed were some distance from the store, and had not been in danger. The new store was larger than the old one, and many improvements, in Mr. Strout's opinion, were incorporated in the new structure. He ordered the new sign. When it was put up, the whole town, including the “loafers” were present. “I s'pose he fixed it with the trustees” said Benoni Hill to Abner Stiles. “Danged if I think so,” was the reply. “He's allers been meaner'n dirt to Hiram, an' has allers wanted to git him out. Burnin' up the store giv' him his chance.” “You mean the store burnin' up,” corrected Benoni. “I dunno. The Bible says God works in a mysterious way his wonders to perform, an' so do some individooals.” One noon after dinner, Mr. Strout said to his wife. “Bessie, put on your things an' come down to the new store. I want to show you somethin'.” “And leave the dishes?” “You can bring 'em with you if you want to,” her husband replied. When they reached the store, upon which the painters were at work, he pointed to the new sign.