"Let her go--we'll get her later!
First save the house!"
"How can I reach you?"
"Through a door under the one in her chamber," shouted Nick. "Try that."
Chick cleared the well with another leap, then dashed downstairs and
into the parlor, which was lighted by the glare from both hall and
library.
He quickly discovered the door--only to find it locked and the key
removed.
Chick was promptly equal to so slight an emergency, however. Grasping a
heavy stool near the piano, he swung it above his head, and with half a
dozen rapid blows demolished most of the door, and forced it open.
A cloud of smoke floated into the room, but a glance showed Chick that
Nick now had the flames extinguished.
"Are you all right, old man?" he demanded.
"Only a little in need of fresh air," gasped Nick. "You cannot reach
down to me."
"Wait a bit, then. This will do the business!"
Chick had turned and snatched off the thick cloth covering of the piano,
which he quickly twisted and lowered over the doorsill, and then braced
himself to sustain Nick's weight.
"All right?" cried Nick.
"Yes. Come on!"
Nick drew himself up until he could grasp the sill of the door, then
easily reached the floor and the clearer atmosphere of the parlor.
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