Seconds—-fractions of seconds—-were of priceless value now—-if lives were to be saved.
There was still time for the two children to jump over the side on which the flames had not yet appeared, but they were too badly frightened to know what to do.
If they should jump where the flames were leaping up they were almost certain to have their clothing catch fire, with fatal burns as a result.
Dick felt that he did not have time to shout to the frightened children. Besides, his commands would likely serve only to confuse them the more.
Terror-stricken the two little ones clasped each other and stood screaming with fear on the top of the load.
Dick's quick eye had taken in the only chance in this terrifying situation.
Straight for the apple tree he bounded, his first leap carrying him into a crotch in the tree a few feet above the ground.
Out he sprang, now, on a limb of the tree that most nearly overhung the load of hay.
That limb sagged under him—-creaked—-threatened to snap off under his weight.
But young Prescott, wholly heedless of his own safety, and with only one object in mind, scrambled out on the creaking limb as far as he could; then, with a prayer on his lips, he made a wild, strenuous leap.