“I don’t know yet,” answered Billie patiently.
The roof was hot under her feet and they could hear the crackling of flames as they hastened along the edge to the other side.
The rest of that fearful adventure seemed like a dream to Billie afterwards.
As they turned the corner of the house a voice called hoarsely:
“Who can tie a rope?”
Billie remembered to have replied vaguely and politely that she could tie a rope. A man emerged from behind the chimney with a long rope, but she hardly noticed at the time that he had only one arm.
“It may not be long enough,” he said, “but tie it and we’ll take the risk. It’s our only chance.”
Billie knotted the rope around the chimney. The man examined the knot carefully, pulled it with his one hand, and then threw it over the side of the house.
“I’ll go first,” said Belle quietly, and Billie looked at her with amazement.
“Humph!” said the man. “You are brave. Can you do it?”