Down the street came the welcome noise of the first fire engine.
“Is there anything we can do to be useful, officer?” Margaret Hale asked.
She had regained her self-command and walked as close as possible to the dividing line, followed by Louise Miller.
The girls were wearing their Scout uniforms and now appeared calm and efficient.
“Yes, glad to have your help! See you are Scouts! In a few moments the children, whose mothers and fathers are locked in there, will be crowding the streets. Help to keep them back out of the danger line.”
Not a moment too soon had the order been given.
At this instant Margaret reached to clutch a little girl, pushing her way past, wild with terror.
She fought and screamed while Margaret held her fast.
“Be quiet, your mother will be here in a few moments. If you don’t stay with me, she will never know where to find you,” she found herself whispering reassuringly. And something in her voice and manner made the child obey.
The following moment she opened the gate of the fence against which she and Louise had sheltered themselves and drew the little girl inside.