“It seems to me I smell smoke,” was Marion’s only answer.
She went to the door and opened it cautiously.
Slowly a great volume of smoke came rolling up the stairway.
“The house is on fire! I am sure of it!” cried Marion, sharply. “Oh, Dollie, I wonder if Miss Allyn is in. Quick! Get your hat on dear, while I run and warn her.”
Marion was up the stairs like a flash of lightning, and at the same moment there came cries and shrieks from every floor and landing.
“The house is on fire!” echoed from every side, and in an instant the halls were crowded with half-dressed men and women.
Great puffs of smoke came from all directions, and soon the frightened people could hear the woodwork snapping and crackling.
There were shrieks and orders, some hysterical and some calm, but in the excitement no one seemed to know just what to do or which way to go to secure their safety.
Marion pounded vigorously on Miss Allyn’s door, but could get no response, although she felt certain that her friend was within.
The smoke choked and stifled her, but she continued her frantic efforts to arouse her friend, although all the other roomers had disappeared in the darkness.