"He's got him! He's got him!" yelled Paul Drew, and a great shout followed his words.
On staggered Dick with his burden. Grit saw his master in the now dimming light from the fire, and barked joyfully.
"Back! Get back everybody!" panted the young millionaire. "She's going up! There's a fire inside! Get back—quick!"
CHAPTER XIV
THE ELECTION
Dick was seen to stagger, and it was no wonder, for Ray Dutton was no light weight.
"Let me help you!" shouted Paul, as he ran toward his chum. He grasped the limp legs of the unconscious cadet, while Dick carried the shoulders, and together they hastened on.
"Back! Get back!" cried Dick again, as his schoolmates crowded up around him and Paul. "The explosion will come any minute! There's fire in there!"
"Back this instant, every one of you! You can't do anything more!" cried Colonel Masterly sternly, and the boys knew it was now time to obey. Those holding the hose lines dropped them, and the crowd of fire-fighters surged back.