232 Daniel Pratt 



human or animal life were concerned. But as I 

 heard the alarm this night and saw the flames a few 

 squares away, I felt that the fire might prove the 

 right diversion for me, and quiet the riot in my head. 

 I therefore turned in the direction of the flames. At 

 the next corner the engines came tearing by. 



During all this time Daniel walked quietly by 

 my side, and even as we drew nearer the fire he did 

 not seem excited ; but the moment we came in sight 

 of the burning building, he raised his voice with a 

 bay of agony and dashed away from me toward the 

 crowd. I could not understand his conduct. When 

 I reached the spot I saw him rushing about among 

 the people, looking here and there, and scenting 

 every footmark. Then he ran up to me, and, seiz- 

 ing my coat, seemed to urge me to some action, 

 which I could not understand. At that moment the 

 firemen came out of the building which was a 

 tenement bringing some people who had been 

 overcome by the smoke, but who fortunately were 

 rescued in time. Daniel ran up to them, looked at 

 each one, and came back to me howling in agony. 

 ' What 's the matter, old fellow ? ' I inquired ; but 



