quickly, and as quickly mounted it to the floor above. Once more he
turned his eyes upon the floor and peered about.

The heat was intense, and the lad now got his breath with difficulty, so
dense was the smoke. He likewise realized that the floor, already
blazing, must give way in a few moments, in which event he would be
buried in the fiery ruins.

Glancing quickly about he saw there was no window nor opening from which
he could jump. He must go out by the way he had come in.

Suddenly his eye lighted upon an object on the floor at the far end of
the barn. Quickly he ran toward it and stooped over. The object was a
figure of a man, lying upon his face, apparently unconscious. The lad
wasted no time in thought. Exerting his utmost strength, he succeeded in
hoisting the limp body across his shoulder.

Carrying his human burden he staggered to the ladder and began his
descent. It was slow work, for the lad was near exhaustion. He realized
that a slip would probably mean death, and in spite of the fact that he
realized the necessity for haste, descended slowly.

At last his feet touched the bottom, and turning toward the open door he
staggered on.

As he reached the open door the barn behind him collapsed with a terrible
crash; but before he lapsed into unconsciousness he saw the face of the
man he carried.

"Anderson!" he cried, and tumbled over in a dead faint.