I tell you there is some
one--some one who'll be burnt alive if we're not quick--and every
moment's precious. Won't you try to save her?"
"Of course I will. Only I don't want to risk my life for a fancy. Is
there a ladder anywhere?"
"Yes, yes. The men have ladders."
"And where's this room where you say the woman is shut up?"
"At that corner of the house," answered Ellen, pointing.
"There's a door at the end of the passage, but no window looking this
way. There's only one, and that's over the wood-yard."
"Then it would be easiest to get in that way?"
"No, no, father. The wood's all piled up above the window. It would take
such a time to move it."
"Never mind that. Anything's better than the risk of going into yonder
house. Besides, the room's locked, you say. Have you got the key?"
"No; but I could get it from Stephen, I daresay."
"We won't wait for you to try. We'll begin at the wood-yard."
"Take Robert Dunn with you, father. He's a good brave fellow."
"Yes, I'll take Dunn."
The bailiff hurried away to the wood-yard, accompanied by Dunn and
another man carrying a tall ladder. The farm-servants had ceased from
their futile efforts at quenching the fire by this time. It was a labour
too hopeless to continue. The flames had spread to the west wing. The ivy
was already crackling, as the blaze crept over it.
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