human
It's nearly full,
gpt
What good will it do? asked Mary.
human
This fire is beyond a little water like that.
gpt
Yes, but it will serve to keep our handkerchiefs wet so we can breathe through them if the smoke gets too thick,
human
It begins to look as if we'd need to try that soon,
gpt
Yes, agreed her uncle.
human
It's getting worse.
gpt
We're trapped! We can't get down either the stairs or the elevators!
human
It can't be possible! said another voice.
gpt
Something must be done! Help! Help! Take us out of here!
human
Foolish cowards!
gpt
Isn't there any way out of this fire trap? cried one of the men.
human
Are there any fire escapes at your windows?
gpt
None,
human
This is all your fault, Melling! cried the smaller of the two men, whose voice, in loudness and depth of pitch, was out of all proportion to his size.
gpt
All your fault! I told you we should have those new fire escapes!
human
And you were the one, Field, who objected to the cost of fire escapes when you found what the charge would be, retorted the other.
gpt
You said we didn't need to waste that money, if the building was fire-proof.
human
But it isn't, Melling! It isn't!
gpt
We're finding that out too late! came the retort.
human
But I'm not going to die here like a rat in a trap! And he raised the window and leaned out and yelled,
gpt
Help! Help! Help!
human
Don't do that, said Mr. Keith, coming over to close the casement.
gpt
They can't hear you down below, and opening the window will only fill this place with smoke. Are you Field and Melling?
human
Yes, of the Consolidated Dye Company, was the answer from the big man.
gpt
We are also part owners of this building, but I wish we weren't.
human
It is a pretty poor specimen of a modern building, said Mr. Keith.
gpt
You have offices here, haven't you? he went on.
human
I remember to have seen your names on the directory.
gpt
We're on the floor above, was the answer from Field.
human
We were in a rear room, going over some accounts, and we didn't know anything was wrong until we smelled smoke. We tried to get down, and managed to come, by way of the stairs, as far as this floor,
gpt
You can't go any farther, said Mr. Keith.
human
All there is to do is to wait for the firemen.
gpt
Suppose they never come? whined Melling.
human
Oh, they'll come!