The apartment was on the seventh story and commanded a wonderful view of the city. After looking at the centerpiece and studying the different stitches the girls went to a window and looked out.
"Have you put the key on the hall stand?" asked Mattie.
"Yes," replied Patty. "I put it there when I first came in."
Suddenly Mattie exclaimed:
"I smell smoke."
They looked around. The odor was plainly perceptible.
"Let's go into the kitchen," said Patty.
Together they ran through the pantry and opened the kitchen door. The smoke was very thick.
"Why, Mattie, the house is afire!" said Patty Sands. "Let's get out quickly."
They opened the hall door, closing it tightly after them. They had far better have stayed in the apartment and have descended by the fire escape, but they thought of it too late. The hall door had locked behind them. The outer halls were black with smoke. People were rushing wildly up and down. The entrance leading to the roof was locked. The elevator boy called "last trip," and opened the iron doors. Frightened women and little children crowded in with servants and elderly people.