"The roof is too steep, even if it did," said Mr. Walton.
"Where is the ladder?" cried Gregory.
"By the carriage-house. But I fear it is useless."
"Will you help me bring it, sir?"
They instantly brought the longest ladder on the place, but saw that though it might touch the eaves, it would not reach the ridge. The roof was so steep that one could not keep footing on it; and when they took time to look and consider, both gentlemen admitted that an effort in that direction would fail, and probably at the cost of life.
"Is there no scuttle by which to get out on the roof?" asked Gregory.
"No. Quick, Annie, get out what you can, for we shall soon be homeless."
"Wait," said Gregory. "Is there no way to reach the roof?"
"None that we can use. A light and daring climber might possibly reach the ridge by the lighting-rod, after leaving the ladder."
"Where is it?" cried Gregory, eager to do something to make impossible even the thought that he was cowardly; for the memory of his course in the counterfeiter's den rankled deeply.