the experienced fire-fighter, as he looked anxiously at the flames
pouring out from several windows directly under the room next the tower.

Paul had dropped out of the line. He could not pass another bucket after
seeing the chum he loved so well plunge into the doomed building. From
right and left he heard many things spoken, and presently understood what
it was induced Jack to attempt what seemed so like a foolhardy thing.

So it would have been, had the object of Jack's attempt been the securing
of valuables, no matter what the amount. But a human life counts for
more than earthly riches; and a brave soul never stops to consider the
risk when a fellow being is in peril of a terrible fate.

Jack found himself in the midst of dense smoke as soon as he plunged
across the doorsill. He had foreseen this, and with a wisdom beyond his
years made simple preparations to combat the evil.

On the way to the door he passed close by one who carried a bucket
of water, and some happy inspiration caused him to snatch out his
handkerchief and dip it into the cool liquid, not wringing it out to
any extent.

This he clapped over his nose, so that in breathing the wet cloth would
keep much of the suffocating vapor from being drawn into his lungs.

His eyes began to smart furiously. By the time he was half way up the
stairs he could not see a thing around him save murky clouds of smoke,
lighted by the tongues of flame that darted like serpents out of many
places.