"There's not a chance," said Frank to Dale, while he wiped the perspiration from his forehead, and sat down for a few seconds to recover breath; for he had just issued from a burning building, driven back by heat and smoke-- "There's not a chance of saving that block; all the iron doors that were meant to keep the fire from spreading have been left open by the workmen!" "Chance or no chance, we must do our best," said Dale. "Come, lad, with me; I think we may get at a door inside the next warehouse, through which we might bring the branch to bear. Are you able?" "All right," exclaimed Frank, leaping up, and following his leader through the smoke. "Have a care!" cried Frank, pausing as a tremendous explosion caused the ground to tremble under their feet. "It's sulphur or saltpetre," said Dale, pushing on; "there are tons upon tons of that stuff in the cellars all round." This was indeed the case. It was said that upwards of 2,000 tons of saltpetre were in the vaults at the time; and several explosions had already taken place, though fortunately, without doing injury to any one. Dale had already partially examined the warehouse, into which he now led Frank; and, therefore, although it was full of smoke, he moved rapidly along the narrow and intricate passages between the bales of goods, until he reached an iron door. "Here it is; we'll open this and have a look," he said, grasping the handle and swinging the heavy door open. Instantly, a volume of black smoke drove both the men back, almost suffocating them. They could not speak; but each knew that the re-closing of that iron door was all-important, for the fire had got nearer to it than Dale had imagined. They both darted forward; but were again driven back, and had to rush to the open air for breath. Frank recovered before his comrade, in consequence of the latter having made a more strenuous and prolonged effort to close the door which he had so unfortunately opened. Without a moment's hesitation, he sprang into the warehouse again; regained and partially closed the door, when the stifling smoke choked him, and he fell to the ground. A few seconds later, Dale followed him, and found him there. Applying his great strength with almost superhuman energy to the door, it shut with a crash, and the communication between the buildings was cut off! Dale then seized Frank by the collar, and dragged him into the open air, when he himself almost sank to the ground. Fresh air, however, soon restored them both, and in a few minutes they were actively engaged at another part of the building.