A Burglary and Arson on Tenth Street

The residence of Mrs. C. J. Brnachke, at 262 Tenth street, was set afire yesterday between 4 and 6 o'clock by burglars, who then watched as flames crept around the parlor. It is probable that the house, together with its contents, would have been burned but for the heroic action of Mrs. Brnachke. Mrs. Brnachke had been in Portland for two weeks, leaving her daughter Jessie alone, except for a boarder, Mr. Baldwin. Yesterday morning, Mrs. Brnachke was awakened by noises in the front hall, but presumed it was Mr. Baldwin. Later, she was awakened by a sound as if someone were trying her bedroom door. She went into the hall, and as she did, a flash of light came from the parlor below. Upon entering, she found a cloud of smoke and flames rising from a mantel. With a pail of water, she fought the fire and extinguished it. The burglars had rifled through the house, opening drawers and scattering contents, but ignored everything except money; they took a pocketbook containing $90 in cash and a check for $40. The police believe the burglars accidentally dropped a lit match on the mantel cloth, which smoldered before bursting into flames. This is the second time the house has been burgled in two weeks.