yn boys had suggested the possibility that those in the
shed might be burned to death if the fire was started near the door; but
to this Jip had given little heed. He could not believe that two active
lads like Seth and Dan would be overpowered by a little smoke, and felt
assured the firemen would arrive so soon after the blaze had been
kindled that very little damage could ensue.

After this brief time of hesitation he turned toward the pile of wood
and shavings once more, with a gesture as if impatient with himself for
delaying.

Then he lighted a match, protecting the tiny flame with both hands until
it was a sturdy blaze, after which, instead of holding it to the
shavings, he threw it away.

For one instant his conscience had triumphed; but it was only for an
instant.

He lighted another match, hurriedly this time, as if fearing he might
not have the courage to apply it, and when it was fully on fire muttered
to himself:

"I'll drop it an' take the chances. If she burns, it's a go, an' if she
don't, I've done as much as I've threatened."

He suited the action to the words, and not daring to wait for the
result, ran hurriedly into the deserted street.

It was his intention to continue on, halting only when having arrived at
his home; but now that the mischief might have been done he was so
thoroughly alarmed that it seemed impossible he could leave the
vicinity.

Partially concealing himself in a doorway he waited almost breathlessly,
hoping fervently the match had been extinguished when it fell, and as
the seconds passed, each one seeming a full minute, a great hope came
into his heart, for he believed chance had decreed that the fire should
not be kindled.

Then a stifled cry of fear burst from his lips, for he had suddenly seen
a bright tongue of flame leap up, and he knew the crime had been
committed in fact as well as spirit.

At this moment he remembered the words of his friends from Brooklyn as
distinctly as if they had but just been spoken, and like a flash came
the realization that perhaps he had done that which would result in the
loss of human life.

The flames increased until they were reflected on the wall of brick in
the rear, and it seemed to Jip as if the shed must already be in a
blaze.

"Why don't somebody send in an alarm?" he said, speaking aloud in his
anxiety, although there was no one at hand to hear him. "Seth an' Dan
will be burned to death if the engines don't get here might