Bert was up it in a second,
while some of his comrades held the end on the ground, to steady it.
[Illustration: "Don't drop the child!" he called to Bert.]
"Come on! I'll help you down!" cried Bert to the old man.
"I--I can't!" was the quavering answer, "I've got rheumatism so I can
hardly move, and I'm stiff from fright!"
"You must!" insisted Bert. "This place will be all ablaze in another
minute! Here, give me the little girl! I'll carry her down, and help
you!"
"You--you can't do it!"
"Yes, I can. Give her to me! Come on!"
Bert took off his coat. Then he wrapped the little girl, who was
motionless from fright, in the garment. Next he tied the sleeves
together, making a bundle with the little girl inside, but leaving an
opening through which she could breathe. Then, holding the precious
burden in one arm, with the other he assisted the old man toward the
edge of the roof.
"Go down the ladder!" cried the young chief.
"I can't!" complained the aged watchman.
"You must. The roof is giving way! Quick!"
The man gave one frightened look back, and then, trembling with fear,
he started to descend the ladder.
"Don't--don't drop the child!" he called to Bert.
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