All at once, after a sharp flash, there was a wild clamor in the street; a bell clanged out.
"It's struck! it's struck!" shrieked Mrs.Babcock.
"Oh, it ain't this house, is it ?" Amanda wailed.
They all rushed to the windows and flung open the blinds; a red glare filled the room; a large barn nearly opposite was on fire.

They clutched each other, and watched the red gush of flame.

The barn burned as if lighted at every corner.
"Are there any cows or horses in it ?" panted Mrs.Babcock.

"Oh, ain't it dreadful?
Are there any, Mis' Field ?" "I dunno," said Mrs.Field.
She stood like a grim statue, the red light of the fire in her face.
Lois was sobbing.

Mrs.Green had put an arm around her.
"Don't, Lois, don't," she kept saying, in a solemn, agitated voice.
"The Lord will overrule it all; it is He speakin' in it." The women watched while the street filled with people, and the barn burned down.