Careless Tramp

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One of the several tramps who are living in huts on the outskirts of a little village, wanders away from his companions, and going over to a haystack, he lies down to have a quiet little rest. In his happy idleness, the careless fellow lights his pipe, and some sparks set the hay on fire. The tramp barely escapes with his life, and rushes away down the country road. Some peasants working in the field see the fire, and while part of them rush off to give the alarm to the country fire department, the others start in pursuit of the fleeing incinerator. Soon the volunteer fire fighters are upon the scene, and, after a fierce fight, they finally extinguish the blaze, but not until it has destroyed the year's crop of hay. So incensed are the peasants that they form a posse and start in pursuit of the tramp who has caused such a loss through his dire carelessness. After a long and tiresome chase they finally overtake the fugitive, and, carrying him to a tree, they string him up, leaving him to his fate. A woman soon comes along and being touched with pity for the unfortunate man, she cuts the rope, releasing the exhausted fellow, who returns to his companions, vowing vengeance upon his chastisers.