They instantly brought the longest ladder on the place, but saw that though it might touch the eaves, it would not reach the ridge. The roof was so steep that one could not keep footing on it; and when they took time to look and consider, both gentlemen admitted that an effort in that direction would fail, and probably at the cost of life. "Is there no scuttle by which to get out on the roof?" asked Gregory. "No. Quick, Annie, get out what you can, for we shall soon be homeless." "Wait," said Gregory. "Is there no way to reach the roof?" "None that we can use. A light and daring climber might possibly reach the ridge by the lighting-rod, after leaving the ladder." "Where is it?" cried Gregory, eager to do something to make impossible even the thought that he was cowardly; for the memory of his course in the counterfeiter's den rankled deeply. "No," cried both Mr. Walton and Annie, laying their hands on him. "Your life is worth more than the house." "My life is my own," he answered. "I _will_ make an effort to save the old place. Quick, help me. Here, girls" (to Zibbie and Hannah, who now stood beside them in dismay), "take hold of that end of the ladder and carry it out there. Now push it up while I hold its foot. There, that's it. I will do it. You cannot hinder, but only help. Miss Walton, get me a rope. Hurry, while I prepare to climb." With the help of the stout women, whose strength was doubled by their fears and excitement, he placed the ladder against the lightning-rod and siding of the house just under the ridge. His tones were determined and authoritative. He was now acting as Annie would if she were a man, and she admired and respected him as never before. In two or three moments she and her father returned with a line, but again expostulated. "Mr. Gregory, the risk is too great." "You can't prevent it," said he, firmly. "I absolve you from all responsibility. I take the risk in spite of you. Make haste--see how it's burning. There, that will do. Stand back." Even as he spoke he was climbing. "Now that's generous," said Annie; "but if you are injured, I shall never forgive myself." He turned, and for a second smiled down upon her.