Part 29 (1/2)

”We're not going to give up!” answered Bert ”There is plenty of the solution left in the tanks, and we can charge theot plenty of acid and soda”

At that moment there was another explosion, louder than the first

”That's a barrel of turpentine!” cried Mr Needha firemen pluckily stuck to their task It was so hot that they had to cease trying to save any more of the boxes, and even the lads with the hose had to ive up

Suddenly there was a cry of horror, and a score of hands pointed upward There, on the roof of an extension of the factory, that was just beginning to blaze, stood a man

”It's the watchman!” cried Mr Needhaone back to get soot in his arms?” asked Bert

”In his ars”

”It's a little girl! A little girl!” shouted the young chief

”His niece! I remember now,” said Mr Needhao back? He was safe, for I was talking to hio, in front of the factory”

”Perhaps he went back to get the little girl,” suggested Bert ”But he's in danger now”

The young chief ran forward, telling Cole to look after the engine As he did so sheets of flaed watchman stood

”Get a ladder!” shouted Bert ”It's the only way he can get down!

Fetch a ladder, boys!”

One was found, and quickly raised against the extension in a place where the flames had not yet broken out Bert was up it in a second, while soround, to steady it

[Illustration: ”Don't drop the child!” he called to Bert]

”Come on! I'll help you down!” cried Bert to the old ot rheuht!”

”You must!” insisted Bert ”This place will be all ablaze in another irl! I'll carry her down, and help you!”

”You--you can't do it!”

”Yes, I can Give her to me! Come on!”

Bert took off his coat Then he wrapped the little girl, as ar a bundle with the little girl inside, but leaving an opening through which she could breathe Then, holding the precious burden in one are of the roof

”Go down the ladder!” cried the young chief

”I can't!” coiving way! Quick!”