CHAPTER III

HEADED SOUTH

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.

“Hurrah! they’ve got hold of him!  He’s saved!” roared Frank, as the tremendous pull suddenly ceased.

They had about reached the end of the rope, so that this happy event came just in the nick of time.  Frank hurriedly fastened that end to the bed-post.

“Climb out, Jerry, and slide down.  Not a word now, or we may lose our chance!”

Jerry had been about to object, wishing his chum to go first.  He realized the truth of what Frank said, however, and how foolish it would be to stand back on a matter so small.  Accordingly he clambered over the window-sill and vanished from view.

Frank got in position to follow, and only waited until he had reason to believe his chum had reached safety.  The rope had done bravely, but it certainly could never stand the strain of two of them at the same time.

And even as he waited there was a flash of fire below, as the flames ate through the sheathing of the house.  A tremendous yell went up.

“Come down, Frank—­oh! quick!” he caught above the clamor, and he knew that it was Will’s shrill voice he heard.

The fire was perilously close to the rope.  In a second it might catch and be severed.  Frank did not hesitate.  He was accustomed to meeting emergencies promptly, and doing the right thing.

Down he slipped, passing the threatening flame, in fact shooting through it just as the rope began to be consumed in its hot breath.  Frank had almost reached the point of safety when he felt his support collapse, and he dropped downward.