IS REVERENTLY DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF MY MOTHER 

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 

I shall say but few words in regard to this first child of my
imagination. 

About one year ago our hearts were in deepest sympathy with our
fellow-citizens of Chicago, and it occurred to me that their losses,
sufferings, and fortitude might teach lessons after the echoes of the
appalling event had died away in the press; and that even the lurid
and destructive flames might reveal with greater vividness the need
and value of Christian faith. 

I spent some days among the smouldering ruins, and then began the
following simple story, which has grown into larger proportions than
I at first intended.  But comparatively a small part of the narrative
is occupied with the fire, for its scenes are beyond description, and
too strange and terrible to be dwelt upon.  Therefore the thread of my