The fire was now coming out of a parlor window, and this sent the smoke and sparks into the tree and up to the window at which the girl was standing.
"I can't stay here," moaned the girl, wringing her hands. "I must jump!" And she placed one foot on the window sill.
"Wait a few seconds longer," urged Robert, as he climbed nearer to her.
"The fire is coming up through the floor!"
With a jump, our hero gained the branch which grew out toward the window. Luckily it was a heavy limb, or it would not have sustained his weight. The end had originally pressed on the roof of the house, but this had been sawed off.
At last our hero was within four feet of the window sill, and somewhat below the opening. The girl watched him in a frenzy of terror. Buckling his feet under the tree limb Robert held out his arms.
"Now, jump and I will catch you," he said.
The girl needed no second bidding, for the flames were already licking the floor under her. Standing on the window sill she cast herself forth, and our hero caught and steadied her. It was no easy thing to do, and for one brief instant it looked as if both would fall to the ground. But Robert kept his hold, and soon they were safe and descending to the ground.
A cheer went up.
"He's a brave lad!" was the cry. "He deserves a medal!"