A moment later the two men stood before the burning factory, where crowds of people had already gathered. Sheets of flame were pouring from the windows of the first and second floor, which had been cleared of operatives. The panic-stricken crowd, gazing at the windows upon the third floor, beheld a sight that filled them with terror, for at each window were faces pale with fright. The fire below cutting off the egress, one hundred and fifty men, women, and children were prisoners. The hot flames crackled and hissed; the heat became intense. Shrieks and cries of distress filled the air. Wives, mothers, fathers, husbands, sisters and brothers ran wildly about the burning building, praying God and imploring man to save their dear ones, cut off from the outer world; meanwhile, "For God's sake save us!" came from the windows above. Senator Hamblin, realizing the fearful condition of affairs, seized a factory boss by the arm and asked: "Jones, is there no way of saving the lives of those poor creatures?" "Yes, there is one way, and only one. The large iron door, opening from the room where the people are imprisoned into the main hallway, is locked, and here is the key. If that door could be opened and the door connecting with the winding staircase on the outside of the building unbolted, every person could escape, sir." "Cannot some one open those doors? Why, man, what are you thinking about?" "But, sir, to get at the main door one must pass through the narrow hall on the first and second floors, and the first hall is on fire for a short distance." "My God! what can be done?" exclaimed Senator Hamblin. "It is fearful to see those people perish. Where is this hallway, Jones?" "Step this way and I will show you." The two men following, Jones approached the flames, the forked tongues darting angrily toward them. Hotter and hotter became the fire, louder and louder rose the cries of terror and agony from the imperilled people; some had already thrown themselves from the windows, only to be picked up dying or dead. "Here," said Jones, "is the entrance. If some one could enter here, and reach and unlock the iron door, he could liberate the hands." "See here, Jones, I will give you five hundred dollars if you will save them," said Senator Hamblin. "I am too old and clumsy--it needs a younger man for such a job." Alden heard the heart-rending cries of those above begging in most piteous tones to be saved; he saw their peril, yet he hesitated a moment before he said: "Mr. Hamblin, I will try to save them. Heaven knows it is worth the trial." The Senator looked at Alden, looked at the fire, and for a moment was honest enough to wish his own soul in a hotter place. "Jones," said George, "get several blankets from the store-room if you can; be quick." "Aye, aye, sir! and Lord bless you," Jones replied, and was off, returning in a moment.