XV. TRUE MANLINESS. (52)
(Concluded.)

1. "Fire! fire!" The cry crept out on the still night air, and the fire
bells began to ring. Fred was wakened by the alarm and the red light
streaming into his room. He dressed himself in a moment, almost, and
tapped at the door of his mother's bedroom.

2. "It is Mr. Barton's house, mother. Do let me go," he said in eager,
excited tones. Mrs. Liscom thought a moment. He was young, but she could
trust him, and she knew how much his heart was in the request.

3. "Yes, you may go," she answered; "but be careful, my boy. If you can
help, do so; but do nothing rashly." Fred promised to follow her advice,
and hurried to the fire.

4. Mr. and Mrs. Barton were not at home. The house had been left in charge
of the servants. The fire spread with fearful speed, for there was a high
wind, and it was found impossible to save the house. The servants ran
about, screaming and lamenting, but doing nothing to any purpose.

5. Fred found Tom outside, in safety. "Where is Katy?" he asked. Tom,
trembling with terror, seemed to have had no thought but of his own
escape. He said, "Katy is in the house!" "In what room?" asked Fred. "In
that one," pointing to a window in the upper story.

6. It was no time for words, but for instant, vigorous action. The
staircase was already on fire; there was but one way to reach Katy, and
that full of danger. The second floor might fall at any moment, and Fred