Further and further away the throngs were pushed and ropes were strung across the streets. Tom found himself jammed against a doorway on Bennett Street, his view of a corner of the big building almost cut off by a broad-shouldered man in front of him. Searching backward with his foot, he found a step and managed to ascend it, those behind good-naturedly giving way. From somewhere came the rumour that Chapinsville and even Bow City had been called on for apparatus. “It would take two hours to get engines here from Bow City,” said an excited little man at Tom’s elbow. “Anyhow, they ain’t got enough pressure to fight that fire. And they ain’t got the ladders.” “Good thing it didn’t start in the daytime,” said another man. “Lots of folks would have been burned up, I guess.” “Don’t reckon there’s anyone in there now, do you?” “No. They stop the elevators at eight. Besides, there wasn’t a light showing when I got here, and that was before the auto-engine came.” “I heard,” said the broad-shouldered man in front of Tom, “that there’s a man on the tenth floor. Don’t know how true it is. Hope it’s not. If he’s up there he’ll have to burn--or jump!” The voice was familiar and Tom leaned forward until he caught a glimpse of the speaker’s face. It was Mr. George, and Tom spoke to him eagerly. “Don’t they have life nets, Mr. George?” he asked. “Hello, Tom! I guess so, but you’ve got a mighty poor chance to strike a net when you jump from the tenth story. I dare say it’s just a fake. Folks imagine all sorts of things at a time like this.” “Do you suppose they can save the building?” Tom asked. “I don’t know how bad the fire is. One fellow said the whole inside was burning, but I don’t know how much he knew about it.” “Wish I could see better,” muttered Tom. “Well, maybe if you’ll keep close to me we can get a better view,” replied the other. “I’ve got a badge here somewhere. Come on and keep hold of me.” Slowly they wormed their way through the throng that packed the street solidly from side to side. It seemed a long time before they at last reached the rope and were challenged by a policeman. Mr. George’s badge was sufficient, however, and the officer raised the rope. But when Tom started to follow he was thrust back. “Here, you, back of the rope there!” “He’s with me, Lieutenant,” said Mr. George. “It’s all right.”