in a startled tone , and at the same moment drew the slide over the light . A voice in the darkness said tremulously , `` I ca n't find Tommy , '' and then there was the quick patter of bare feet running away down the entry that led from the wing to the main house . `` It 's Demi ! he 's gone to call some one ; cut into bed , Tom , and do n't tell ! '' cried Dan , whisking all signs of the revel out of sight , and beginning to tear off his clothes , while Nat did the same . Tommy flew to his room and dived into bed , where he lay , laughing till something burned his hand , when he discovered that he was still clutching the stump of the festive cigar , which he happened to be smoking when the revel broke up . It was nearly out , and he was about to extinguish it carefully when Nursey 's voice was heard , and fearing it would betray him if he hid it in the bed , he threw it underneath , after a final pinch which he thought finished it . Nursey came in with Demi , who looked much amazed to see the red face of Tommy reposing peacefully upon his pillow . `` He was n't there just now , because I woke up and could not find him anywhere , '' said Demi , pouncing on him . `` What mischief are you at now , bad child ? '' asked Nursey , with a good-natured shake , which made the sleeper open his eyes to say meekly , `` I only ran into Nat 's room to see him about something . Go away , and let me alone ; I 'm awful sleepy . '' Nursey tucked Demi in , and went off to reconnoitre , but only found two boys slumbering peacefully in Dan 's room . `` Some little frolic , '' she thought , and as there was no harm done she said nothing to Mrs. Bhaer , who was busy and worried over little Teddy . Tommy was sleepy , and telling Demi to mind his own business and not ask questions , he was snoring in ten minutes , little dreaming what was going on under his bed . The cigar did not go out , but smouldered away on the straw carpet till it was nicely on fire , and a hungry little flame went creeping along till the dimity bedcover caught , then the sheets , and then the bed itself . The beer made Tommy sleep heavily , and the smoke stupified Demi , so they slept on till the fire began to scorch them , and they were in danger of being burned to death . Franz was sitting up to study , and as he left the school-room he smelt the smoke , dashed up-stairs and saw it coming in a cloud from the left wing of the house . Without stopping to call any one , he ran into the room , dragged the boys from the blazing bed , and splashed all the water he could find at hand on to the flames . It checked but did not quench the fire , and the children wakened on being tumbled topsy-turvy into a cold hall , began to roar at the top of their voices .
Mrs. XXXXX instantly appeared , and a minute after Silas burst out of his room shouting , `` Fire ! ''
Bhaer Demi Franz Tom Tommy bedcover left school-room up-stairs wing