noon
Skilled government aviators had been sent to Dorfield to inspect every machine turned out . Although backed by local capital , it was , in effect , a government institution because it was now devoted exclusively to government contracts ; therefore the explosion and fire filled every loyal heart with a sinister suspicion that an enemy had caused the calamity . Splendid work on the part of the fire department subdued the flames after but two of the huge shed-like buildings had been destroyed . By noon the fire was controlled ; a cordon of special police surrounded the entire plant and in one of the yards a hundred and fifty workmen were corralled under arrest until the federal officers had made an investigation and decided where to place the blame . Reassuring reports had somewhat quieted Colonel Hathaway and Mary Louise , but although they returned to their rooms , they could not sleep . Aunt Sally , realizing the situation , had an early breakfast prepared , but when she called Josie O'Gorman the girl was not in her room or in the house . She appeared just as the others were finishing their meal and sat down with a sigh of content .