The boys did listen. In a moment the cry was repeated,—
"Help! Boys! Rob!"
The boys looked at each other in consternation, while the color faded from their cheeks and lips, leaving them ashy white.
"Boys," said Sam, "that's Fred! He's in there!"
"What shall we do?"
This exclamation burst from Ted and Phil, as another shriek came ringing from the barn, above the rush and roar of the flames. Rob had dropped on the ground with his face in his hands, unable to look, or even to think of anything but Bessie's charge, "Take care of him."
"Do!" answered Sam calmly. "There ain't but one thing to do,—get him out. You call back to him that I'm coming; I want to save my breath. I'll need it all," he added, as he gazed at the seething flame.
Rob sprang up and caught him.
"Sam, you can't! You mustn't! You'll be burned. I was the one to blame, for I told cousin Bess I'd see to him. Let me go!"
Sam shook him off.