The firemen talked to Connie’s mother and then they ran a ladder up to the second-story windows. However, all of them had been locked.
“We’ll have to break a window,” one of the firemen said at last. “That is, unless we can get in through the attic.”
The window was much too small for a fireman to crawl through. But as he spoke, the ladder man gazed speculatively at Veve.
“How would you like to be a fireman?” he asked.
“I’d like it!” Veve declared promptly.
“Then do exactly as I say,” instructed the fireman. “Climb up the ladder just ahead of me. I’ll keep close beside you, so you can’t fall.”
While Mrs. Williams and the other children watched from below, Veve began the exciting climb. She was not in the least afraid, for the fireman kept a firm hold on her arm.
When Veve had reached the attic level, she gazed down. The lawn and the watching people looked very far away. She waved to Connie, and then she felt a trifle dizzy.
“None of that,” the fireman scolded her. “Just keep your eyes on the window. I’ll boost you in.”
With the fireman helping, it was easy for Veve to wriggle through. Once she thought she would stick fast, but her dress merely had caught. The fireman loosened it for her, and she squeezed on into the attic.