Part 30 (1/2)
”I think we've got it under control,” said Bert, as he saw the fla to die down ”If we don't have any ht”
Fortunately there were no er part of it was saved But that was nothing compared to the satisfaction the members of the department felt over Bert's brave act
In an hour ave orders for the engines to go back to quarters It was the worst fire they had yet undertaken to fight, and the new engines had proved their efficiency in no uncertain manner Little was talked of in town, the next day, but the fire and the sensational rescue
As for Bert and his chums, they, too, had a fruitful subject for conversation They had learned much from their experience at the box factory blaze, which was liable to stand theood stead at future fires
”I heard about you,” reht he called at Cole's barn ”First thing you know you'll be getting offers frouess not But how are things at the house ofnew?”
The two had walked out from the barn, to converse alone
”I don't like the way things are going,” replied the stenographer
”Muchave me several other deeds to copy to-day, and in soe the descriptions and names I don't like it I'?”
”That's just what I was thinking about I have an idea he has so there until that person does as he wants, in the et word to Mr Stockton,” said Bert, ”he ht call in the authorities”
”Yes, if we could, that would be the very thing But I don't kno to do it I wrote him a letter, and mailed it in the post-office, but a little later I saw it on Muchet Mr
Stockton's mail, and forward it And now I think Muchmore suspects me, because he probably opened that letter I wrote to his uncle So we ”
”Yes; but what?”
Mort looked around to see that no one would overhear hiet on that top floor,” he said, ”and I want you to help ht, in a little while Muchmore is away, and there's nobody but the housekeeper there We'll see who that es asking for help Will you coht off”
”Then come up to the Stockton mansion in about an hour Go to the side door, knock three times, then a pause, then twice, and I'll know it's you, and let you in We'll see if we can't solve the mystery”
About an hour after this conversation Bert knocked at the door of the big house as directed The place seeht to be seen
”I wonder if he's here, or if Muchht Bert, as he waited for an answer But in a few rapher admitted him
”Don't make any noise,” he cautioned ”Mrs Blarcue, and I think she is soo to the top floor,” and he took up a big poker, which was on a chair in the side hall
”What's that for?” asked Bert
”We may have to smash down a door or two, or pry the I could find Now come on”
They cautiously ascended the stairs When they reached the top floor, they found a stout door barring their progress Mort Decker tried to insert the point of the poker in the lock, to force it, but, finding he could not do this, he raised the heavy iron, to break the panels
At the first blow there sounded from the other side of the portal a cry: