concerned," the young inventor replied. "The wind has shifted a
bit."

"And there are several engines near us, Tom," said Mr. Nestor,
coming forward. "The firemen tell me they will play streams of
water on the roofs and outsides of our houses if the flames start
this way again."

"That ought to do the trick," said Tom, with a show of
confidence. "Anybody hurt around here?" he asked. "One of the
policeman said he heard several were killed."

"They may have been--in the factory," said Mr. Nestor. "Of
course if the fire and explosions had taken place in the daytime
the loss of life would have been great. But most of the workers
had left some time before the blaze was discovered. There are a
few men on a night shift, though, and I shouldn't be surprised
but what some of them had suffered."

"Too bad!" murmured the young inventor. "You're not worried
about your home, are you, Mrs. Nestor?" he asked of Mary's
mother.

"Oh, Tom, I certainly am!" she exclaimed. "I wanted to bring
out our things, but Mr. Nestor said it wouldn't be of any use."

"Neither it would, if we've got to burn, but I don't believe we
have--now," said her husband. "That last explosion and the shift
of the wind saved us. I appreciate your coming over, Tom," he
went on. "We might have needed your help. It's queer there isn't