"You risk your own life, and it is worth far more than hers," Donald said entreatingly. "Stay a moment, captain," said Mr. Dinsmore, "they are bringing a ladder." "But there's no time to lose; see! the flames are already bursting out from the next window." "Yes, but here it is," as the negroes halted with it close beside them. "It is to be used to reach that window, boys," he said, turning to them and pointing upward. "Set it up there." "Can't do it, sah! 'Mos' as much as a man's life is wuth to go so near de fire." "Then give it to me!" cried the captain, taking hold of it, Mr. Dinsmore and Donald giving their assistance. It was the work of a moment to set it up against the wall; in another the captain was ascending it, while the other two held it firmly in place. He gained the window and sprang in. "Bress you, massa! bress you!" exclaimed the old negress, "you's gwine to save me I knows." "Get out here on to the ladder and climb down as fast as you can," he said hurriedly, taking hold of her arm to help her. But she drew back shuddering. "I can't, massa! I'se ole and stiff. I can't no how 'tall." There was not a moment to lose. The captain stepped back on to the top round of the ladder, took her in his arms, and began as rapid a descent as was possible so burdened. The ladder shook beneath their weight, for both were heavy, and Aunt Betsy struggled in his grasp, screaming with fright; then a tongue of flame shooting out from below caught her cotton gown, and in her frantic terror she gave a sudden spring that threw her preserver and herself to the ground. Mr. Dinsmore and Donald seized the captain and dragged him out of harm's Way, other hands doing a like service for the woman. She was shrieking and groaning, but her rescuer neither spoke nor moved. They took him up, carried him out of the crowd, and laid him gently down upon a sofa; one of the articles of furniture saved from the fire. "Poor fellow!" sighed Donald with emotion. "I'm afraid he has paid dear for his kindness of heart!" "Solon," said Mr. Dinsmore, "mount the fastest horse here and ride to Roselands for Dr. Arthur. Tell him we don't know how seriously this gentleman is hurt. Hurry! make all possible haste!" Solon was turning to obey, but stopped, exclaiming, "Why, sho' anuff, dar's de doctah hisself just lightin' off his hoss ober yondah!" "Then run and bring him here." Arthur obeyed the summons with all speed. The alarm of the fire had reached Roselands, and he had hastened to the spot to give aid in extinguishing it, or to any who might be injured. He found the captain showing signs of life; he moved his head, then opened his eyes. "Where are you hurt, sir?" asked the doctor. "Not very seriously anywhere, I trust," replied the captain, trying to rise. "Ah!" as he fell back again, "both back and ankle seem to have had a wrench. But, friends, are you not needed over there at the fire? My injuries can wait."