He followed her. The light of the flames showed her seeming to plunge into the thickest of the yellow, rolling smoke. He reached some stairs and fell clean to the bottom. There she got hold of him and dragged him out into the open air.
Both were coughing, but, as she worked to set his hands free, she said:
“I had to do it! It was the only way I could save you.”
“Had to do what?” he asked.
“Set the fire.”
“Did you do that?”
“Yes.”
“Daisy, you are all right! It was the best job you ever did!”
“We must hurry!” she panted. “The fire will be seen! We do not want to be found here! Men will come and ask questions.”
His hands were free, and he rose quickly. She sprang up.