She'll be here afore long, and you can't force the door open.

Put out the fire in the wood-stack, and go home.

Maybe if you're not found here you'll get off; for I've seen none of you, and I can only guess at who you are.

Go home, I say.' There was a low, deep growl of disappointment, and a hurried consultation among the men.

But whether they would follow Stephen's counsel, it was not permitted them to choose; for suddenly a strong, bright flame burst up in a high column, like a beacon, into the midnight air, and every one gazing upwards saw in a moment that the thatch over the farthest gable had caught fire.