And behind him came Mrs. Bobbsey!
“Bert! Bert!” cried his father, seeing the smoke. “What has happened?”
“House on fire!” shouted Bert. “I’m going to turn in the alarm! Telephone’s broke!”
As he swung out of the gate Bert was given a further surprise by colliding with Sam Johnson, who dropped the valise he was carrying.
“Fo’ de lan’ sakes!” gasped Sam.
The breath was almost knocked out of Bert, but he had a vision of fat Dinah waddling up the street. At first Bert thought it was all a dream—his father and mother and Sam and Dinah all coming home at once and so unexpectedly! But he was soon sure it was no dream, and certainly the smoke pouring out of the front door was real enough.
“Oh, Sam! The house is on fire!” cried Mrs. Bobbsey. “Where are the children? Nan! Flossie! Freddie! And where’s Mrs. Pry?”
“They’re coming out!” cried Bert. “You look after them. I’ll get the engines!”
“Don’t get de engines!” shouted Sam. “Don’t!”
“But the house is on fire!” exclaimed Mr. Bobbsey.