“He’s as fit as a fiddle,” answered the other eagerly. “You see, he was lying under the table and didn’t even get scorched! Say, I wouldn’t have had anything happen to Jack for anything in the world! I’d rather get burned up myself. You bet I’m glad you got him out!”
“But I didn’t—exactly,” laughed Dan. “I pulled you out and you pulled the dog out. You had hold of his collar, you see, and when you came he came, too.”
“Really? Then I did rescue him after all, didn’t I? I’m glad of that because I told him I would.” Then his face fell. “But I guess it was you, though, that did it.”
“Well, it doesn’t much matter, does it, as long as someone did it? I’m glad he wasn’t hurt. But I wouldn’t try that sort of thing again if I were you.”
“I guess not. Why, I didn’t know the place was so full of smoke. I thought the flames would leap out and then I’d break in the door with my axe and rescue Jack. I was making believe I was a fireman, you know.”
Dan nodded. “Well, there wasn’t any harm done as it happened; except the house. I suppose that burned down.”
“I guess so. That doesn’t matter. I haven’t used it for over a year. Say, are you a Yardley fellow?”
“Yes,” Dan replied.
“I wish I was! I want father to send me to Yardley but he won’t do it. I have a beastly old tutor. I don’t learn much, I guess. Did you ever have a tutor?” Dan shook his head. “Well, don’t you ever have one. They’re no good. I’d rather go to school.”
“Why won’t your father let you?” inquired Dan.