Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 17, 2025
When the fire burst through the library windows he shouted; when Sam Forest, the conductor of the fire-escape, saved Mr Auberly and the women, he hurrahed; when the tall fireman and Baxmore rescued Louisa Auberly he cheered and cheered again until his shrill voice rose high above the shouting of the crowd.
While this was being done, Baxmore took a leathern purse from the cupboard, and gave the cabman a shilling for being first to "give the call." As the men were already accoutred, the engine left the station on this occasion in less than five minutes.
The traffic here was so great that it behoved them to be more cautious. Of course, the more need that there was for caution, the more necessity was there for shouting; and the duty of Baxmore and Corney standing as they did in front of their comrades beside the driver became severe, but they had good lungs both of them!
They reined up a little, it is true, just as a hunter does in gathering his horse together for a rush at a stone wall, but there was nothing like an approach to stopping. "Hi! Hi!! Hi!!!" roared the firemen, Baxmore and Corney high above the rest.
"Och, it's time!" cried Corney, delivering up the branch to Frank and Moxey; "sure Baxmore and me are melted intirely." Frank made no reply. He and Moxey directed the branch which the others resigned, turning their backs as much as possible on the glowing fire, and glancing at it over their shoulders; for it was too hot to be faced. Just then the Chief of the brigade came up.
"Keep away from the walls, men," said Dale, coming up to the group, who were resting. At that moment there was a cry raised that some one was in the cellars. At the word, Baxmore ran into the house, and descended to the basement. There was little smoke here; but from the roof, water was running down in a thick, warm shower, which drenched him in a few minutes.
"After him, two of you," said Braidwood, turning to his men. Two at once obeyed. In fact, they had leaped forward almost before the brief command was uttered. One of these firemen was conspicuous for his height and strength. He was first up the ladder. Close upon him followed Baxmore with a lantern.
Baxmore and Corney were at the extreme end, screwing on the "branch" or nozzle by which the stream of water is directed, and Dale was tumbling a half-drunk and riotous navvy head-over-heels into the crowd, in order to convince him that his services to pump were not wanted a sufficient number having been procured.
Just as Baxmore concluded, the rattle of a returning engine was heard. Next moment it dashed up to the door, and the firemen, leaping off, streamed into the station, where; amid much comment and some laughter at the scene they had so recently witnessed, they hung up their helmets and crowded round the fire.
Willie, who was about to follow, had barely time to spring back and gain a firm footing, when he beheld his brother fall headlong into the smoking ruins below. In another moment he had leaped down the staircase, and was at Frank's side. Baxmore, Dale, Corney, and others, followed, and, in the midst of fire and smoke, they raised their comrade in their arms and bore him to a place of safety.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking