"Cheer up, Frank!" exclaimed Lanky, slapping his chum's shoulder in what was intended to be an encouraging way. "We've reason to believe Mom and Minnie weren't in the barn after all when the fire started."
Frank drew a long breath and leaned on Lanky, his sensation of relief leaving him weak and wobbling.
"But I don't see them anywhere around here!" he exclaimed, looking to the right and to the left, where the punchers were standing in groups watching the barn and its contents go up in flames, for no puny human efforts could now stay the march of destruction.
Lanky was beckoning, and Frank saw that it was Charlie Gin Sing who started toward them. The Chinaman had apparently managed to get over the worst of his emotion at seeing such a sight for the first time in his life; he looked more like his grinning self, Frank noticed, as he trotted up to where the three boys were standing.
"Charlie," said Lanky, taking hold of the cook's thin arm, "tell Frank here what you say you saw. He's been afraid the ladies were caught in the fire. That was what made him rush in there at the risk of his life."
"Me see Missy Wally—young lady come out side door—yep, long time back till I smell smoke and see barn he ketch fire."
That was lucid, and positive enough to convince Frank that his fears had after all been groundless. Charlie Gin Sing could be depended on to tell a straight story.
"Where were you when you saw them come out?" asked Frank.
"Me standee kitchen door—get lungs full air—wave hand at Missy Wally—she like Charlie his cooking—wave hand back—finest lady in all land, Missy Wally."