The Red Lamp
by Hilliard Booth

A hungry tramp breaks into a house for food and recognizes a lamp which supposedly brings good luck when lighted.

The son befriends the tramp, who leaves on the approach of the head of the house-- a strict maiden lady, the boy's aunt.

The boy agrees to light the lamp after his aunt has gone, as a signal for the tramp to return.

The daughter also agrees to use the same signal to let her lover know her aunt-- who disapproves of the match-- has left the house.

The aunt herself lights the lamp as a signal to a neighbor to have tea ready.

Ensuing complications are fast, furious, and unexpected.