Thomas v. Soodhalter

Defendant leased from plaintiff, for a term of four years, beginning February 20, 1940, a brick store building in the town of Rodessa, Caddo Parish, Louisiana. The monthly rental was fixed in the written lease at $100, payable in advance on the 20th day of each month. Defendant subleased the building to another who thereafter conducted a retail grocery business therein.

On March 29, 1943, a destructive fire of unknown origin occurred in the building. The fire inflicted great damage to the merchandise therein and to the building, as will be hereinafter set forth.

Plaintiff owned another store…