“Nan, I smell smoke!”
“I guess it’s the toast,” Nan answered. “One slice burned a little.”
“No, it isn’t toast!” insisted Aunt Sallie. “I know the smell of burned toast! This is burning wood! I hope the chimney isn’t on fire.”
“Oh, no, I guess it isn’t,” replied Nan. “Bert just made up a new fire in the furnace.”
Just then Freddie cried:
“Oh, look at the smoke! There’s a lot of smoke out in the hall!”
Nan looked out of Mrs. Pry’s room. Truly the hall was filling with a blue, choking haze.
“It’s a fire!” screamed Flossie. “Bert! Nan! The house is on fire!”
More smoke welled up until Nan and the small twins were choking and gasping.
“Bert! Bert!” shouted Nan, running down the stairs. “What is the matter? Is the house on fire?”