“Sure, we will,” said Jeff with encouragement that he did not entirely feel.
“Well, let’s go. But which way? Listen! What’s that noise? Sounds horrible!” exclaimed Wade.
Jeff listened and cold chills crept up and down his back. It was a steadily growing moaning roar—the voice of the fire as it gathered in volume and swept through the building. A sinister crackling sound accompanied it, too, and the dull glow through the smoke grew brighter.
“Jiminy, that’s some fire,” cried Jeff, becoming slightly panic stricken as he realized how close the fire was.
They started down the hallway together, making in the direction they felt the stairs must lay. They hurried forward, through the smoke that was thickening fast, protecting their eyes and nose with their free arms while they lugged their suit cases with the other.
“Jiminy, where are those stairs?” panted Wade after a moment.
“Just ahead, I’m sure,” coughed Jeff.
“See any red exit lights? Might be a short way to a fire escape,” said Wade.
“Nope, all the lights in the building are out, evidently. I wonder if the fire started in the power plant in the basement. Bet it did. Seems to me—”
Crash! Bang!