Mrs. Peterkin, however, was
pleased with the idea.
Solomon John was out, and the little boys were at school, and she
herself would touch the knob, while Elizabeth Eliza should write
the telegram.
"I think it is the fourth knob from the beginning," she said, looking
at one of the rows of knobs.
Elizabeth Eliza was sure of this. Agamemnon, she believed, had
put three extra knobs at each end.
"But which is the end, and which is the beginning, the top or the
bottom?" Mrs.
Peterkin asked hopelessly.
Still she bravely selected a knob, and Elizabeth Eliza hastened
with her to look out for the messenger. How soon should they see
the telegraph boy?
They seemed to have scarcely reached the window, when a terrible
noise was heard, and down the shady street the white horses of the
fire-brigade were seen rushing at a fatal speed!
It was a terrific moment!
"I have touched the fire-alarm," Mrs. Peterkin exclaimed.
Both rushed to open the front door in agony. By this time the
fire-engines were approaching.
"Do not be alarmed," said the chief engineer; "the furniture shall
be carefully covered, and we will move all that is necessary."
"Move again!" exclaimed Mrs. Peterkin, in agony.
Elizabeth Eliza strove to explain that she was only sending a
telegram to her father, who was in Boston.
"It is not important," said the head engineer; "the fire will all be
out before it could reach him.
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