"Getting it down, sir," he said.
"Ah! You could leave for a moment? The smoke here makes one cough."
Clive handed the nozzle to his friends and went up the stairs two at a time. At the top the two stopped to discuss matters.
"Now, tell me how the thing was discovered and what steps you have taken to warn people," asked the Head.
"Parfit smelled smoke," said Clive hurriedly, anxious to get back to his task. "I came down and found the fire. Then I turned Susanne—er—Feofé, you know, sir."
"Yes, I know as well as anyone," smiled the Head.
"I turned him and all the South prefects out. We tried to stop the fire with an extinguisher and cans of water. But the thing had got too firm a hold. It was really serious. Then we decided to call up the school and man the hoses. Gregory and Martin did the last. I sent prefects round to the various dormitories. Fellows from One South were told to call you, the Matron and the butler and his men. Er—that's all, I think."
"All? Then you haven't——?"
"Oh, I forgot," said Clive hurriedly. "Of course, I told 'em to turn off the gas, so as to save an explosion, and I sent for the butler. One of the men got on to his bicycle at once and went off to call the village brigade. But we'll be able to do without them, sir. Can I return now, sir?"
He was eager to get back, and the Head dismissed him with a hearty shake of the hand.