It was so hot that
they had to cease trying to save any more of the boxes, and even the
lads with the hose had to move back from the fierce flames. But they
did not give up.
Suddenly there was a cry of horror, and a score of hands pointed
upward. There, on the roof of an extension of the factory, that was
just beginning to blaze, stood a man.
"It's the watchman!" cried Mr. Needham. "He has his apartments there.
He must have gone back to get something and the flames have trapped
him!"
"What has he got in his arms?" asked Bert.
"In his arms? I don't know. Must be some of his things."
"It's a little girl! A little girl!" shouted the young chief.
"His niece! I remember now," said Mr. Needham. "She lived there with
him. Oh, why did he go back? He was safe, for I was talking to him a
few minutes ago, in front of the factory."
"Perhaps he went back to get the little girl," suggested Bert. "But
he's in danger now."
The young chief ran forward, telling Cole to look after the engine. As
he did so sheets of flame burst from the windows of the extension, on
which the aged watchman stood.
"Get a ladder!" shouted Bert. "It's the only way he can get down!
Fetch a ladder, boys!"
One was found, and quickly raised against the extension in a place
where the flames had not yet broken out.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181