"The new escape's close behind!" cried one of the men, as the engine hurried along.
Something, unusual then, to London streets was rapidly following the steamer. In the gloom, it looked like a dim spectral ladder projecting over the horses in front, and several men could be seen sitting on the carriage conveying it.
"She's a-comin' on pretty fast," exclaimed one of the men; "she travels as smart as an engine."
Indeed, the new escape was now so near, that it could be seen more clearly. It was securely mounted on a low car, and its large wheels hung over the end at the back, not far above the ground. Designed by Commander Wells, chief officer of the London Fire-Brigade, it was brought into use in the brigade in July, 1897.
But now it was nearing the fire, and cheers and cries rang loudly from the excited crowd gathered at the spot.
"Make way for the escape! Hurrah! Hurrah!"
No wonder the crowd were excited. On the second-floor window of a large building appeared three white, eager faces, framed by the dark sashes, and crying eagerly for help.
Cheer after cheer rent the air, as the escape drew up opposite, and was slipped from its car; then, resting on its own wheels, it was pitched near the burning building, and its ladders run up to the window. The policemen could scarce keep back the thronging crowd.
Away go the firemen up the rungs of the ladder, and amid continued cheers, and cries, and great excitement approach the sufferers in their peril.
"They've got one!" shouts an excited voice.