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.
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