It is the unexpected that always happens; certainly so far as the events of April 18, 1906, in San Francisco are considered. The unexpected announced itself at 5:13 a. m., as the drowsiness was passing at the conclusion of the night's rest. The earthquake and its horrors have been too often described for repetition here. It passed, and, after a somewhat hurried breakfast, the undersigned commenced that never-to-be-forgotten circumambulation, with the Masonic Temple as the objective point. With no street cars running, the only resource was an express wagon to the Creek Route boat, (a ferry which ran from Alameda to San Francisco) and after an anxious passage we were landed, although far north of the boat's accustomed slip. By this time, 10:30, the fires were burning in a hundred localities; a Santa Fe train of cars was burning on the Belt Railroad, within five hundred yards of the Ferry Building. Our only chance to reach the Temple was by going around the line of fire, north or south. Taking the southern route, we pressed forward, reaching Valencia street before pressing west to Laguna; thence north to Geary street; down Geary to the Starr King Building, where our offices were located. It was then 2:30 p. m., and by that time martial law had been virtually declared; lines formed, guards stationed, and all access to Masonic Temple prohibited.