But Grace was not to be detained. She pushed ruthlessly past the women, and ran to intercept a group of firemen who were rushing down upon them.
"Two girls," she gasped, catching one of them by the arm and holding on desperately. "At the head of the stairs—unconscious—get them——"
And then Grace, who had done her gallant best, tumbled down in a little heap, having fainted.
CHAPTER XX
THE RESCUE
Allen, rushing up with his company, gave one quick glance at the group of women and girls before the burning house, then strode grimly over to Amy's side.
"Where's Betty?" he demanded roughly, his voice sounding strange, even to himself.
"Allen, Allen, they've gone to rescue her," cried Amy, shaking like a leaf. "She's still in the house—-"
With a hoarse cry Allen turned, and ran like a madman toward the burning building. A fireman, stumbling gaspingly from the house, almost knocked him down.
"Isn't any use!" he cried. "That stair's on fire, too. We've got to reach 'em from the outside."