CHAPTER VIII.


The two Orphans

One evening, about a dozen years before the introduction of the
present system of fire alarms into Montreal, crowds might be seen
hurrying along that part of the city known as Little St. James street,
towards the scene of an immense conflagration. Several fire engines
were throwing strong streams of water on the burning mass, but, the
evening being windy, the fire swept all before it, and soon reduced
several buildings to ashes.

In one of these resided Mr. Wilson, Notary Public, and his two
daughters, the eldest a beautiful girl about 9 years old, the other
aged nearly 8. When the fire commenced they were seated calmly at
the tea-table, partaking of their evening meal, but, so sudden was
the holocaust which burst with tremendous fury around them that they
had not the slightest warning till they were surrounded with dense
volumes of smoke The two girls rushed forward to the window, and
screamed for assistance, while the old man endeavored to gather some
of his most valuable papers together and throw them into the street.

Amongst the crowd who assembled were two young men, clerks, named
Wilgress and D'Alton respectively. Taking in the situation at a
glance, they sought hastily for ladders, and placing them against
the burning windows, mounted bravely through the flames, each
seizing a girl round the waist, and carrying her in safety to the