“Well, you’re just in time, Merriwell,” said the other. “You’ll have to hustle to do the little job, for that fire is spreading nicely.”
Frank was appalled by one mad thought which clutched him. He might rescue the old doctor and leave this fellow for the time. Of course, if he got out safely with the doctor he could come back for the other man. Why should he not do this? He was in no way bound to save the fellow whom Inza loved.
Yes he was! He had given her his word, and Frank Merriwell never broke his word, no matter what the result.
Then Merry caught up the stranger and staggered to his feet, starting for the door, which was not easy to find again. He succeeded, however, and ran full into Starbright, who had followed him.
“Here, Dick!” cried Merry, coughing and choking. “This is the man we came to save, but there is another in here. You take this chap and I’ll go back for the other.”
Starbright relieved Merry of his burden, but he cried:
“Be careful, Merriwell! Be sure to get out of that place! This old building is a tinder-box, and it is going to burn flat in a hurry!”
Merriwell had not waited to listen, but he groped his way back to the spot where the unconscious man lay on the floor.
“What if I do not get out!” he thought, as he lifted the limp body. “I have saved him for her, and she will be happy!”
But he found his way out and staggered down the stairs, being met by Diamond, who had found his way into the place to follow and help Frank get out.