"On the lawn," replied Maria.
Presently they heard the welcome rattle of the engine, and the Chief strode in, followed by two firemen.
"Women all out?" he asked.
"You bet!" replied Quinney. At that moment he remembered Mrs. Biddlecombe. "My God!" he exclaimed, gripping the Chief. "There's Mrs. Biddlecombe! Bedridden, by Gum!"
Maria burst into the riotous laughter of a Bacchante.
"The old lady," she spluttered, "was the first to scoot. She just ran out like I did."
"Ran?" repeated Quinney.
"Like a rabbit!" said Maria, more calmly.
"We've about five more minutes," remarked the Chief.
During that brief period wonders were accomplished; but at the very last Quinney narrowly escaped death in his determination to save a print in colour which he had overlooked. A fireman grabbed him and held him as the roof fell.