Lesson:

1. 'Fire! fire!' The cry crept out on the still night air, and the fire bells began to ring. Fred was wakened by the alarm and the red light streaming into his room. He dressed himself in a moment, almost, and tapped at the door of his mother's bedroom.


2. 'It is Mr. Barton's house, mother. Do let me go,' he said in eager, excited tones. Mrs. Liscom thought a moment. He was young, but she could trust him, and she knew how much his heart was in the request.


3. 'Yes, you may go,' she answered; 'but be careful, my boy. If you can help, do so; but do nothing rashly.' Fred promised to follow her advice, and hurried to the fire.


4. Mr. and Mrs. Barton were not at home. The house had been left in charge of the servants. The fire spread with fearful speed, for there was a high wind, and it was found impossible to save the house. The servants ran about, screaming and lamenting, but doing nothing to any purpose.


5. Fred found Tom outside, in safety. 'Where is Katy?' he asked. Tom, trembling with terror, seemed to have had no thought but of his own escape. He said, 'Katy is in the house!' 'In what room?' asked Fred. 'In that one,' pointing to a window in the upper story.


6. It was no time for words, but for instant, vigorous action. The staircase was already on fire; there was but one way to reach Katy, and that full of danger. The second floor might fall at any moment, and Fred knew it. But he trusted in an arm stronger than his own, and silently sought help and guidance.


7. A ladder was quickly brought, and placed against the house. Fred mounted it, followed by the hired man, dashed in the sash of the window, and pushed his way into the room where the poor child lay nearly suffocated with smoke.


8. He roused her with some difficulty, carried her to the window, and placed her upon the sill. She was instantly grasped by strong arms, and carried down the ladder, Fred following as fast as possible. They had scarcely reached the ground before a crash of falling timbers told them that they had barely escaped with their lives.


9. Tom Barton never forgot the lesson of that night; and he came to believe, and to act upon the belief, in after years, that true maturity is in harmony with gentleness, kindness, and self-denial.





EXERCISES


1. Relate the story of the fire.


2. What is meant by 'to any purpose,' in paragraph four?


3. Did Fred show any lack of maturity when tested?


4. What does this lesson teach?