Howard R. Garis

“ Children began to cry. Women laughed hysterically, and men called to one another to know where the blaze was, for no flames could be seen. Only there was that black and stifling smoke.
The man who had so stealthily crept up the stairs suddenly leaped into the kitchen of the Dexter home.
“Fire! Fire!” he exclaimed. “Hurry up out! The house is on fire!”
Mrs. Dexter screamed. Mary and Jimmy began to cry. Lucy slipped on a robe, and ran into her mother's room. Larry leaped from his bed, and, pausing only to pull on his trousers, ran to where the others had gathered in the hall. ”

“ By this time half a score of engines and trucks had drawn up in front of the tenement, summoned by the alarm the policeman had turned in.
The various apparatus had not come to a halt before dozens of firemen had leaped to the ground, and run into the house. They wasted no time. While some sprang up the stairs to rescue any persons who had been left behind, others sought the source of the blaze. They soon discovered it to be in the cellar.
Lighting the way with lanterns they carried they dashed down, not minding the choking smoke. ”

“ Then grabbing up Jimmy, the man, whose hands were encased in gloves, half led, half pushed the little group on before him. Larry, dazed from sleep, grabbed up Mary, and, seeing that Lucy was leading her mother safely down, followed; the man bringing up the rear with Jimmy, who was hardly awake.
“Is the house on fire?” asked Larry.
“Sure! Can't you smell the smoke?” asked the man.
“I mean is it bad?” cried Larry. “Because if it isn't I must go back for some of our clothes and things.”
“Don't stop that now,” the man exclaimed. “You'll be all burned up! Save your lives first!” ”