'And if it did catch fire I would get out safe,' said Betty solemnly; 'for I should climb out of the window and walk along the gutter, holding on by the roof; and then I should climb down by the pear tree over Uncle Harry's bedroom.'
'You couldn't do it,' said Douglas scoffingly; 'girls can't climb!'
'I could do it; I could do it now!'
'Then do it, do it; I dare you to do it!'
Betty's eyes sparkled; and Molly at once left the twins, and ran to the window and put her head out.
'I think she could do it if we lifted her out; but it looks awful dangerous; I should be afraid.'
'I'm not a bit afraid,' said Betty sturdily.
'You wait till you're once out. I dare you to do it!' And Douglas danced up and down in delight at the coming excitement.
Not a doubt entered Betty's head as to the right or wrong of such an escapade; her impulsive little soul was longing to prove to her brother her ability in climbing, and audacious as she was in daring feats, this seemed to be a test of her powers. The garret window was opened; it was in the roof, so Betty had no difficulty in climbing out and standing in the gutter, which ran right round the house. Then slowly and carefully, in sight of the four admiring faces at the window, she commenced her perilous walk. Steadying herself by leaning with one hand on the sloping roof at her right, Betty walked triumphantly on till she reached the corner of the house; here she hesitated.
'Come back,' called out Molly; 'you can't turn the corner!'