of his fellow
citizens, and of the supine conduct of the Mayor, than of anything
else.

"I found the worshipful fellow in bed," he answered. "Other
messengers had arrived with the news, but his servant had not
ventured to disturb him. I, however, would not be denied. I went up
to him in his bed chamber, and I told him what I had seen, and
warned him that there was need for prompt action. But he only
answered with an oath and a ribald jest, which I will not repeat in
the hearing of my wife or mother; and he would have turned again to
his slumbers, had I not well nigh forced him to get up, and had not
some of the aldermen arrived at that minute to speak of the matter,
and inquire into its magnitude. They be all of them disposed to say
that it will burn itself out fast enough like other fires; but I
trow some amongst them are aroused to a fear that it may spread far
in this dry wind, and with the houses so parched and cracked with
heat. Then I came away, having done mine errand, and went back to
the fire. It had spread all too fast even in that short time, and
the worst thing is that no means seem to be taken to stop it. The
people run about like those distraught, crying that a second
judgment has come, that it is God's doing, and that man cannot
fight against it. They are all seeking to convey away their goods
to some safe place; but the fire travels quicker than they, and
they are forced to leave their chattels and flee for their lives. I
trow such a sight has never been seen before."

"It must be like the burning of Rome in the days of the wicked
emperor Nero," said Gertrude in a low, awed voice. "Pray Heaven
they extinguish the flames soon! It would be fearful indeed were
they to last till nightfall."

At this moment Rachel Harmer came hurrying into the room with a
pale scared face.

"The child Dorcas!" she cried. "Why have we not thought of her? Is
she safe? Where has the fire reached to? God forgive me! I must
surely be off my head! Husband, go for the child; she must be
scared to death, even if naught worse has befallen her!"

"I had not forgot the maid," answered the father; "but it is well
she should be looked to now. The fire has not crossed Thames
Street. Lady Scrope's house is safe yet a while; but unless things
quickly improve, both she and the child should come hither.

"Make ready the best guest chamber in thy house, Gertrude, and thy
husband and I will go and bring her hither.

"Come, lad, as thy