The smell of the smoke notified Crawford and his clerks of the impending disaster.

When the door communicating with the basement was opened, a stifling smoke issued forth and the crackling of the fire was heard.
"Run, Ben; give the alarm!" called Mr.Crawford, pale with dismay and apprehension.

It was no time then to inquire how the fire caught.
There was only time to save as much of the stock as possible, since it was clear that the fire had gained too great a headway to be put out.
Ben lost no time, and in less than ten minutes the engine, which, fortunately, was housed only ten rods away, was on the ground.

Though it was impossible to save the store, the fire might be prevented from spreading.

A band of earnest workers aided Crawford in saving his stock.