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
knew it. But he trusted in an arm stronger than his own, and silently
sought help and guidance.
7. A ladder was quickly brought, and placed against the house. Fred
mounted it, followed by the hired man, dashed in the sash of the window,
and pushed his way into the room where the poor child lay nearly
suffocated with smoke.
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