Rob’s heart gave a quick bound and he galvanized into instant action, a great contrast to his temporary state of stupefaction!
“All right, youngster. Don’t cry, I’m coming,” he called out, plunging forward.
Inside the room was a small crib, with a child about three years old lying on it clasping a doll in her arms.
“Who’s oo?” she demanded in some alarm, as Rob, with his handkerchief tied over his face, advanced.
“Me? Why—why, I’m a fireman,” exclaimed Rob; and then, with an inspiration, “Let’s play that the place is on fire and I’m going to save you.”
The child clapped her hands and her eyes shone. Rob picked her out of her crib and carried her tenderly out of the room.
“Now I’m going to cover your face just like real firemen do,” he said, as they emerged on the landing and the hot breath of the furnace below was spewed up at them.
“Is dat in de game,” inquired the child doubtfully, “an’ will oo cover dolly’s, too?”
“Yes, it’s all part of the game,” Rob reassured her. “Now then, there we are.”
He enveloped the child in his coat which he had already removed and started for the landing. Suddenly he stopped, and from under the coat came a muffled but inquisitive voice: