The big brick chimney, in which the forge was constructed was cracking, for it was quite old. As Dan watched he saw it start to topple over, right on Mr. Harrison, who could not get out of the way because he was inside the frame, which was like a big cage.
“Look out!” cried Dan. “The chimney is falling!”
Nearer and nearer to Mr. Harrison, who was trying in vain to extricate himself from the framework, came the heavy mass of bricks and mortar. He was in danger of being crushed to death.
Then Dan did a risky thing. Dropping his end of the frame he ran around in behind the anvil, and, exerting all his strength, he raised the mass of iron rods, holding the frame up so Mr. Harrison could crawl to one side.
“Quick! Come out!” cried the boy.
The blacksmith saw his opportunity and made a rapid move to safety. Then Dan leaped out of the way, and not an instant too soon, for, a second later the bricks toppled down, burying the anvil and frame out of sight.
“QUICK—COME OUT!” CRIED THE BOY.—Page [156.]
CHAPTER XX
ANOTHER ROBBERY
When the dust cleared away the blacksmith, who was rather pale, stepped forward and clasped Dan by the hand.