Part 9 (2/2)

”He can't stand it in there!”

”He'll be smothered to death!”

Once inside, Matt found it advisable to crouch lon to the floor, for the smoke did, indeed, almost smother him He could see but little, and had to feel his way out of a stall, and across the floor to where the doors he wished to open were located

”I'ht dis in the shape of a fire”

At last the doors were reached Fortunately, he found the bolts at once, and lost not a second in drawing theave the doors a kick outward, and willing hands flung the Then ca For the moment it looked as if Matt would be carried from his feet

”Here, don't knock me down!” he cried ”Remember, I opened the doors for you”

”So he did!” returned a burly cab driver ”Give the lad a show!”

And then Matt was given rooh the son stood, ready for the start on the road The horse was but a few feet away snorting in alarm

Matt had handled horses before, and he no just the best possible thing to do Taking off his coat, he flung it over Billy's head, thus co him Then he led the animal out of the stall, and started him toward the open doors

”Hi, Matt, is that you?” yelled a voice close at hand

”Yes, Andy, and I'on out”

”Can you e Billy alone?”

”I think I can”

But Matt had his hands full, as he soon learned Billy was not in the humor to listen and walk the way he desired He pranced about wildly, and the boy had all he could do to keep froed to reach the open doors, and then he gave the horse a sharp cut on the flank, which sent him up the alley on a canter The boy did not wait to ascertain how far Billy ht continue on his way, but turned swiftly to help his partner, as straining every nerve to budge the wagon fro-place

”The floor is up-hill to the side doors!” gasped Andrew Dilks ”We can't get it out, I'et it out!” returned Matt desperately ”Let et hold of the shafts and you push And be quick, for the floor overhead looks as if it was going to give away at any ether they strained to their ute, but then it ainst the wall

”Hurrah! we are getting it!” cried Andrew Dilks ”Be sure and guide it right, Matt Can you see, or is the smoke too thick for you?”

”I can see; but--hold on, or we'll son”

Matt held back, and allowed another wagon to pass out first In thedown livelier than ever One caught Matt on the left arhtly, and another landed on Andrew Dilks' neck, causing the auctioneer to hoith sudden pain

Outside could be heard the whistle of fire-engines and the clanging of hook-and-ladder truck bells Then came a heavy strea Andy from his feet

But the as now once more clear, and Matt yelled to his partner to push Both exerted every nerve, and ten seconds later the wagon rolled out of the open doors, and was guided by Matt up the alley