416ページ中32ページ

The lower floor was still almost intact, but the upper floor and

the roof were practically consumed. The danger lay not in

entering the house, but in remaining in it, for although the roof

had fallen in, yet the second floor had not burned through and

was in momentary danger of collapse.

The spectators did not know what was in Code Schofield's mind

until he had burst into the danger zone. Then, with the blanket

wound about his arm and shielding his face he plunged toward the

open doorway. It was as though he stood suddenly before the open

door of a vast furnace.

The blast of heat seemed an impenetrable force, and he struggled

against it with all his strength.

One more look, a mighty effort, and he was in the temporary

shelter of the doorway. He drew a long breath and plunged

forward.