“That’s what!” said Dick. “Come on lively if you want to get out alive!”
Chester started, but his knees seemed to buckle beneath him and he fell in a heap.
“I can’t walk!” he cried feebly. “My legs!”
Dick caught him up and rushed to the door. Up the stairs came a flash of fire, and it seemed that the staircase leaped into flames as he looked.
“Trapped!” he gasped, “No chance of getting down that way!”
He fell back and closed the door to stop the draft and keep out the smoke. With Arlington still in his arms, he rushed to a window at the front of the house and flung it up, calling for help.
Down the street came the village hook-and-ladder company. The truck had long ladders upon it.
“Right here!” cried Dick. “Run one of those ladders up here!”
It seemed that the men worked very slowly and awkwardly. The fire-engine came smoking and stringing sparks along the street. A crowd had gathered below. Their faces were upturned and they waved their arms.
“Don’t jump!” they cried.