The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1931-03-13
CHAPTER XII-Continued


p
Robbie! Bobhiei Don't be fright
ened ;" Sir George called. I'm
coming"
Half sobbing Roberta Macbeth ran
forward
"Sir George. oh Sir George, I'm all
right Don'tl Don'tr' Then she
screamed
Jack looked back. The tall figure
with his clothes on fire, his forearm
over his eyes, to shield them from the
flames. came striding toward Roberta
who, screaming. ran forward TO meet
him, dung her arms about him and
began beating out the flames with her
bare hands. And as she beat ar them
the man picked her up in his arms
and ran toward him.
The flames were licking nearer.
They were terrific! Another hit of
the roof caught and, with a roar, the
fire leaped forward The bridge be
hind them was like a funnel full of
flames.
Ii was too much for Jack He
started the car, determined to get out
of il al any cost. AS for the girl, if
she was fool enough 70 stick by that
fellow she could stick. he was moi
going 10 wait for her The wind was
blowing the flames toward him now.
Half in despair OF his carefully laid
plans. half out of a desire 70 justify
his actions. be gave loud call:
Come on, Roberta"
There was no reply, but as the
car started it was suddenly checked,
Jack had forgotten that his enemy
was six foot three. but Sir George
had not AS be saw the only hope
for the girl and himself about to be
taken from them, be dropped the girl
and flung himself forward on the run
ming board One arm stole about
Jacks neck. AS the machine bounded
forward wildly, Roberta screamed
again and the car came to an abrupt
stop.
voice in Jacks ear had said:
"Shut it off. you fool, until the girl
gets in, or I'll strange you. don't
mind telling you I'd enjoy doing it."
Sir George, still with his hand on
Jacks neck, motioned to Roberta to
get in.
Now you can hurry, my man, as
you've never hurried before. You'll
hear something presently when the
flames reach my car"
He released Jacks throat as the
girl climbed in. but still on the run
ming board with mis- hand on Jacks
arm. they dashed for the other side.
There was muffled explosion.
There goes Rays car" Sir George
called to Roberta. smiling at her with
an absurd. singed and bIackened face,
like man badly made-up for min
strel show. And | was worried about
not having enough petrol" He leaned
heavily on Jacks shoulder and shouted
in his ear: Here come the fire en-
ginesl We nave only one chance in
ten of getting off this bridge on dry
land. Unless you rip out 8 little
speed it will be spectacular plunge
into the Delaware for rs"
"Oh. hurryi' screamed Roberta.
The fire was running along the root.
The exit toward which they were
making was screened with smoke
with here and there little darling.
hicke ring tongue of flame.
''To the left ~ Sir George shouted
in Jacks ear There's less fire
there. and sound your horn, you fooll
Make those idiots hear"
The horn sounded again and again
Through the smoke they could see
people running hastily. Roberta could
hear them call. There's carl Look
out! There's a car coming through"
But the village fire engine was at
the entrance filling more than half of
it and Jack was wildly swaying from
side to side.
ITO the left!" roared Sir George
and then he relinquished his hold on
Jack and, gathering all his strength,
leaned over and half-lifted, half-pulled
Roberta across behind the driver
They rolled together off the car as
Jack Jumped. and the car smashed
into the fire engine.