bugle would not have thrilled that vast crowd one half so surely as did
the appearance of a head at a window on the left.

Jack had been shrewd enough to pick out a room that was further away from
the devouring flames. A hoarse shout went up at sight of him.

"He's got the baby too!" was the tenor of that victorious cry; and it
was as though every man and boy and other person present felt a personal
interest in the success of Jack's daring venture.

The precious baby was saved; yes, he was hugging the bundle to his
breast; and during a lull in the clamor they plainly heard the lusty
cries that proceeded from that shawl-wrapped package. Those were
doubtless the most blessed sounds that ever reached the strained ears
of the praying mother.

Quickly was the ladder lifted and rushed along the wall of the house
until it stood beneath the window where Jack had shown himself.

The foreman himself mounted as soon as it was in position. But Jack
refused to hand over his burden, nor could Mr. Elderkin insist. It was
only right that the one who had saved the little darling should have the
pleasure of placing her in the arms of the frantic mother.

But he could and did guide Jack's feet as they sought the rounds of
the friendly ladder, so that presently the boy, with singed hair, and
begrimed with smoke, was lifted to the ground.

Hardly had Jack landed than a pair of arms encircled both him and the
baby; for in that happy moment the mother realized what she owed this