But, as he was about to put his foot on the first step, there was a
terrible rumble and roar, and the steps crashed downward. The supports
had been burned away.
By a mighty effort Chester regained his balance, and the two lads were
saved from death in the smoking ruins below by a hair's breadth. Turning,
Chester rushed toward a window and looked out. It was a long drop to the
ground below, and he saw no help in sight.
"I told you it was no use," said Hal. "Let me go, and save yourself!"
Chester did not reply, but laid his chum gently on the floor. Then he
dashed into the next room, returning in a moment with several sheets.
Quickly he tore these into strips and tied them together. Then he
approached Hal and tied one end under his arms.
"We will get out yet," he said quietly, and assisted Hal to the window.
"Put no more strain upon your wound than necessary," he instructed
Hal. "Hold to the sheets with your hands, and it will relieve some of
the strain."
So saying, Chester lifted Hal to the window sill, and gently lowered him
over the edge. With his feet braced against the wall, he paid out the
improvised rope slowly.
Now the flames burst into the room in which Chester stood, but it did not
hasten the lad in his desperate work. Slowly he let the sheets slip
through his hands, that Hal's wound might not be opened afresh by any
sudden jerks; and presently the slack of the rope told him that his chum
had reached the ground.
Pages:
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154