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54 GHOSTS. collision, and sent them spinning against the crinoline guard. It was the side where the hook was not fast, and it gave way, and the burning fuel came floundering on the floor. The floor ? Yes but it was covered with holland, and this the fire-ghosts laid hold of at once : ran along it like a stream, devouring it as they went. Then up, up, up, among the stripes and folds of pink calico, making mouthfuls of the flower festoons wherever they found them; swinging here, flying out there, just as the crowds of dancers had done before, wherever they pleased. And so on and on round the room, till nothing was left of the white muslin curtains but a few light ashes, which eddying draughts carried up to the ceiling. At last the fire-ghosts had danced -over everything, and the mild little wax-lights had melted away in grief. Now at last I have asserted my rights," said the Fire; "now at last I am using my powers fully and for myself; now comes my turn to be master"