Several of the men who had stood around doing nothing, upon seeing what the two daring boys meant to attempt, called out to them. Some applauded their schemes, while others told them they were foolish, because the chances were they would not only fail to accomplish anything but lose their own lives in the bargain.
“Let them alone, can’t you?” shouted the shrill voice of Deacon Nocker. “They are ten times braver than any one of you cowards; and they will save Billy yet, I know they will—they must, I tell you! Go on, boys, and God bless you!”
Neither Dick nor Leslie would soon forget that moment while they dabbled their handkerchiefs in the cold water contained in the pail, and then dashed headlong through the open door of the old Brandon house.
“Keep in touch with me!” Dick had called out over his shoulder; for the flames and the shouting people made such a racket by this time that one had to raise his voice in order to be heard.
Then they vanished from the gaze of the horrified group; and doubtless many of the onlookers firmly believed they would never again set eyes on the venturesome lads.
It was fortunate that Dick knew all about the interior of that house, thanks to his frequent visits. Had it been otherwise, he might have floundered around, and led his chum into a trap from which escape would have been difficult, if not impossible.
The smoke was very dense, so that seeing was a hard task. Through the billows of black vapor they could, however, catch glimpses of the darting flames that looked like red tongues licking up the woodwork of the doomed building.
Dick had no particular plan arranged, for the whole thing had come upon them so suddenly that there had been little time to do any thinking. He meant to get to where he expected to find the widow and her boy, perhaps unconscious in the smoke; and then rescue them in some manner, it might be by means of the windows.
Groping his way along the hall, Dick found himself at the foot of the stairs up which he and his companion must make their way, for the sleeping rooms were all on the second story.
The fire was dreadfully close. They could feel its burning heat upon their faces, and despite the ready handkerchiefs, the pungent smoke almost choked them. Nevertheless, Dick did not hesitate for even a fraction of a minute. Up those stairs they must rush, no matter if the fire had already seized upon the railing in places.