“A narrow escape!” breathed Bob, stopping only for a moment to examine the finish that had been slightly scorched.
“A very narrow one,” returned Joe, as he thought of what would have happened had the roof fallen on the top.
By now two lines of hose had been attached, and firemen were working unflinchingly to check the cruel flames which, owing to a strong north wind, were protruding several yards beyond the roof. Occasionally a spark would fly over to the house, and this did not in the least simplify the efforts of the fire fighters.
A large crowd had gathered to view the spectacle and included several of Bob’s and Joe’s friends who lived near by.
“Some blaze, eh, fellows?” was the comment made by John Peterman, a classmate in school.
“The biggest I’ve seen for an age,” put in Tom Rogers, another friend.
“How’d it start?” asked another.
“Beyond us,” answered Bob. “Do you have any idea, Joe?”
“No. I’m sure Dad wouldn’t have left a cigar stub——”