There
was also a young man seen about the premises, and, in answer to
questions from inquisitive persons, Mrs. Blarcum stated that the young
man was Mr. Stockton's nephew, Alfred Muchmore, who was running the
place during his uncle's absence. As to where Mr. Stockton had gone,
Mrs. Blarcum did not know, though she said the nephew had given her to
understand his uncle was traveling in Europe.
Muchmore was not known to any of the village people, and seemed to
keep pretty much to the mansion. He was seen about the grounds
occasionally, but Mrs. Blarcum attended to all the marketing.
"Well, Herbert," said his mother that night, "you haven't had much use
of your new engine, have you?"
"Not yet; but we will."
"Oh, I hope you don't have to go to any dangerous fires. I'm so afraid
you'll get hurt."
"A fireman has to take chances, mother. Father had to do it,
remember."
"But you are only a volunteer."
"That's the best kind. I think I'll get the boys together and have a
practice run. We need a little drilling. But I'd just as soon an alarm
wouldn't come in to-night. I'm dead tired, and I can sleep like a top,
after my swim."
"Then if I hear an alarm from the church bell I suppose you don't want
me to call you?"
"Of course, I do, mother.
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