stranger, leaping outside. "But why hasn't the fire department
been out here?"

"The Gridley fire department doesn't respond outside of city limits,
except on request and by permission of the mayor, sir," Prescott
answered.

"I'll drive down and telephone any message for you," offered the
chauffeur, who had left his ear behind and had traveled on foot
up to the cottage.

"Firemen would be of little use now," replied the man in charge
of the party. "We can do nothing until the blazing embers cool,
which won't be for hours yet. Still, We might go as close to
the blaze as possible, and see if there are any signs of a human
body in the embers."

While this was being done darkness came down over the summer day.
There was plenty of light, however, around the destroyed cottage.

For some time the searchers explored as well as the heat of the
glowing embers would permit.

"I am satisfied," said the tall man at last, "that no human being
was consumed in this fire. If so, we would certainly see some
evidences of remains. Still, these ashes, when cool, must be
searched."

"You don't need me any more, do you, sir?" asked Dick.