human
It's a man--in that upper window! ejaculated Artie, pointing with his hand.
gpt
Why don't you jump down?
human
I can't! came in a painful gasp.
gpt
My leg is caught fast in some machinery and I can't loosen it. Save me, for the love of Heaven! Don't let me die like this--even if I am a Confederate!
human
Caught fast! echoed Deck.
gpt
Can't you break away at all?
human
No! no! Reckon my leg is broken! The unfortunate one gave a moan of pain.
gpt
Won't you do something for me?
human
I will--if it can be done, answered Deck. He turned to the cavalrymen standing near.
gpt
Boys, have any of you seen a ladder about?
human
There's a box, said one,
gpt
The box won't do. How about a rope?
human
Here's a stout cord,
gpt
Not heavy enough.
human
Help me--quick! The fire is coming this way! shrieked the imperilled Confederate.
gpt
Save me, and I'll give you all I'm worth!
human
I'm coming! answered Deck.
gpt
I wonder where the stairs are,
human
For gracious' sake, Deck, what are you going to do?
gpt
Going to that fellow's aid.
human
But it's not safe to enter the building. The fire is working this way just as hard as it can.
gpt
I'll risk it, Artie; I don't want to see that poor fellow die like a rat in a trap.
human
Yes, but--but--
gpt
There is no time to waste, Artie,
human
If he goes, I'll go too,
gpt
One is enough, said Captain Abbey.
human
I trust he is successful.
gpt
The fire is sweeping to this quarter of the building with great swiftness,