Mr. Bernard de Flavier was already at the foot of the stairs.

'I don't think the fire has spread much as yet; we shall get there in time. I told Alice not to come.'

'Much good may that do! I bet you anything Alice and Helen will be down in the village almost as soon as we are.'

The two brothers hurried on in silence; the nearer they got, the more distinctly they heard the cries which issued from the village.

་

'Fire! fire! old Father Antoine's house and barn are on fire!'

'No, it is Dame Buchet's cottage!'

'Ah! here comes the master!'

Now, Vivier, you must bring all the buckets you can get together, and make a chain as quickly as possible.'

'Bring a ladder ! bring a ladder!' was heard on all sides; they say there's a child asleep in Father Antoine's barn!'

The two gentlemen set to work, directing and encouraging every one, and engaging them to bring out all possible live stock from barns and stables.

'Bernard, Bernard, help me; there are some children up there!'

Mr. Bernard de Flavier turned, and became pale as death.

Alice! where are you? For the love of Heaven, answer!'

'Here, up-stairs. Helen is bringing out one of the children now, and I have another in my Bring a ladder!'

arms.

Mr. Bernard de Flavier said not a word. Clenching his teeth, he ran up to a man who was coming along with a ladder, tore it from him, and set it up against the house. It was too short!

'Let yourself down by the wall, and I will receive you in my arms. The ladder is long enough for that.'

'First the child!' said Aunt Alice firmly.

'I cannot see you, Bernard, the smoke is so blinding! Where are you?'

'Just underneath the window.

Lean out

and hand me the child.' Mr. Bernard de Flavier did not try to persuade his wife to descend first; he knew it would have been lost time.

Aunt Alice leant out of the window, the smoke was suffocating, the floor was on fire, the flames were getting nearer and nearer.

'Don't all get on the ladder, good people! It will break. One man is enough to take the child.'

A little bundle of clothes and flannels was safely deposited in the strong arms of one of the young men. Mr. Bernard de Flavier was again at the top of the ladder.

'Hang on with your hands to the windowsill, Alice; I am quite close.'

'But I can't see you, Bernard, the smoke stifles me. Where are you ?'

'Here, just beneath the window. Do trust

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