And the wall itself was cracking with the heat. He could not maintain his position for long. At any moment it might fall and cover him in its heated ruins.
Mr. Rexworth groaned in horror; Mr. Charlton looked on in dismay; and Ralph clung there, with death behind, and death above, and death—the worst death of all, red-eyed and lolling-tongued death—beneath awaiting him!
CHAPTER XXXI THE TABLES ARE TURNED
"Ralph! Oh, my son!" cried Mr. Rexworth, as he saw the peril in which the brave lad stood. And the boy turned and looked at his father.
"I cannot hold on here much longer, father," he said. "I shall have to drop, and take my chance with the dogs."
"Wait—wait a moment, Ralph!" answered the agonized man. "Let me get down and attract their attention, and then you will have a chance."
"Don't, don't father," implored Ralph. "What chance will you have with them with your arm hurt? I may manage it."
"I will do it," volunteered Mr. Charlton; "I am uninjured. You stay here, sir."