CHAPTER XXII
JUST IN TIME
Bert Bobbsey, who had gone out to clear some of the snow from the side porch, hurried back into the house just as Nan called to him. He, also, saw and smelled the smoke. And he heard the cries of fire, not only shouted by Flossie and Freddie, but also by Mrs. Pry.
The old lady in her excitement, and in spite of the pain in her back, had gotten out of bed and was hurrying around the room, gathering up such of her things as she could find.
“Bert! Bert!” cried Nan again. “What is it? Is the house on fire?”
Much as he feared to admit this, Bert began to think it was what had, most unfortunately, happened.
“Guess I made too much of a blaze in the furnace!” gasped the boy.
Nan saw Bert rushing for the door leading to the cellar.
“Don’t go down there!” she cried.
“I’ve got to! That’s where the fire has started!” he called back. “I’ll see if I can’t put it out before it gets any worse.”