Clang, clang, clang, again; and once more, clang, clang, clang!
After the first three times it began again. Clang, clang, clang! Clang, clang clang! Clang, clang, clang!
By this time, Hilary, who was “fire marshal” for the corridor, was wide awake, out of bed, into bathrobe and slippers, armed with her flashlight, and outside in the hall to oversee the rapid departure from the rooms. Lilian and Eloise, who were “deputies,” each with the flashlight, which was always under their pillows, hurried to the first landing and to the bottom of the stairway, their regular posts in fire drill.
“I smell smoke,” said Eloise, as she hurried past Hilary. “It must be a real fire, for they’d never have a drill in the snow!”
Doors opened and scared or sleepy girls emerged promptly. Hilary was running to rap on several doors. “Coming,” called Virgie, who was trying to explain to Olivia what to do and to get her started. There had not been a fire drill, as it happened, since Olivia had arrived, and no one had thought to say a word about it.
“Wait till I get my purse!” said Olivia.
“Hustle, child,” said Hilary, “no time to gather up money,” and Hilary ran into the room and conducted forth the reluctant Olivia, who was about ready to cry.
“I never knew you had a fire drill, and I was so scared,” she sobbed, as Virgie, holding her fast, she stumbled and slid down stairs by the aid of the bannisters. “I’ve got my fur coat, anyhow!” It was fortunate that the girls had flashlights, for after the first few moments the dim lights in the hall went out. Olivia was the last of the girls on the corridor, and Hilary brought up the rear. The lower hall was full of smoke by this time, and the girls were glad to get outside on the snowy porch.
“All accounted for, Hilary?” asked Miss West. “Then take the girls over to the Gym where they will be warm. Hurry up, girls, and dry your feet when you get there.”
The excited groups of girls from different exits of Greycliff Hall converged toward the gymnasium, where a teacher called together the fire marshals for a report of the girls on each corridor and floor.