The atmosphere was not clear by any means, but the change was so marked that it appeared more than pure, and they sat several minutes gratefully inhaling that from which it seemed they had been shut off for many hours.
But their rejoicing was too soon; for, though it may be true that in a burning building the surest place in which to gain enough air to support life is close to the floor, yet there can be so much of the strangling vapor that it will penetrate everywhere.
Less than five minutes had passed, when a volume of smoke swept over and enveloped them, so dense that it was like the darkness of Egypt, that could be felt, and the suffering of the brother and sister was pitiful.
"Put your face close to the water," called out Nick, as well as he could do from coughing and strangling.
At the same moment, their fevered cheeks touched the cold, refreshing surface, and something of relief was experienced.
"It won't do to stay here," said Nick, a moment later.
"But where can we go?"
"Out in the pond; there's a better chance to breathe there than along shore."
"But I can't swim, Nick."
"What of that? I can, and I'll take care of you; but there is plenty of wood and we can make a raft. That reminds me that there was a raft here last week, when Sam Harper and I had a swim: I wonder where it can be. Help me to look for it."