They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with
each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway
it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole
south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be
desperate.

Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.
True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed
the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the
sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

"Now help me lift him over the window-sill," he cried.

They had little difficulty in doing that, for the professor was a small,
slight man. Once he was passed over the ledge, they began to lower away.

Frank only hoped in his heart that the fire might restrain its fury for a
brief space of time. If it darted out below it must catch the human
burden which they were lowering so speedily.

Shouts were heard outside. It seemed as though fully an hundred voices
were raised to applaud the daring feat of the two boys, as the figure of
the professor was seen coming rapidly down at the end of the rope made of
torn sheets.

"If it's only long enough!" gasped Jerry.