in number, and of various sizes.

"I'm afraid none of 'em is long enough to reach that winder," said the
man who had led the way.

"You are right," replied Tom. "But what's the matter with lashing a
couple of them together? Here's a rope." And he pointed to a washline
that hung on a nearby hook.

In frantic haste a dozen persons carried the ladders to the burning
building. Tom followed with the rope, which he unwound on the way.
Then the washline was cut, and with it two of the longest ladders were
lashed together as quickly as possible. Then the combination ladder
was raised against the building and set close to the window, to the
sill of which Miss Harrow clung.

"I'll go up if you want me to," cried Tom, as he saw the men who
belonged around the place hold back. "You steady the ladder so it
doesn't slip."

"Want me to help, Tom?" asked Sam.

"No, you see that they steady the ladder." And thus speaking, Tom
began to mount the rungs.

A cheer went up, but to this the youth paid no attention. In a few
seconds he was at the third story window. He had to pass through
considerable smoke, but as yet the flames had not reached that
vicinity.