In an instant they were down the ladder, and had it horizontal in a minute. Then Ivey began to fume.
"It'll take some time getting through the porch!"
"Shove it through the broken window."
"Good man! Stand by, out there, to haul out this ladder!"
The red-coat ran round, his medal twinkling in the glare, while Ivey rushed for the axe.
"Up with her, comrades! That's it—altogether—now!"
The ladder was up outside. Ivey, axe in hand, had leapt upon the fourth rung at a bound, and was taking the rest two at a time. Below it was light as day; the naked trees stood brown and brittle in the glare; the upturned faces white as the curled moon. A whiter face peered through the skylight.
"Look alive with that axe, Tom; he can't breathe, and he's being roasted!"
"He deserve ut! Do you come through first, sir. There's room for you as 'tis. He can bide his turn."
The white face flushed indignant dominion.