"Pray don't run any risks. I move we now adjourn."

"Yes; but first let me ask one question," said Jill. "Would not the
difference of cost between a house built in the ordinary combustible
style and the same made fire-proof, or even 'slow-burning,' pay the
cost of insurance at the usual rates many times over and leave a large
margin besides?"

"Undoubtedly it would."

"Then, as an investment, what object is there in attempting to make
buildings fireproof or even approximately so?"

"Excuse me. I thought you were going to ask only one question."




CHAPTER V.

WHEN THE FLOODS BEAT AND THE RAINS DESCEND.


After the architect had retired to his room it occurred to him that he
might have answered Jill's conundrum as to the profit of building
fire-proof houses by reminding her that pecuniary loss is not the sole
objection to being burned out of house and home whenever the fire fiend
happens to crave a flaming sacrifice, in the daytime or in the night,
in summer or in midwinter, in sickness or in health; that not only