on, Frank; we'll take a look in, anyhow!" shouted Jerry as he
dashed off, followed by his chum, equally excited.

Still, Frank was ordinarily a cool-headed fellow, and accustomed to
weighing chances somewhat before imperiling his life. In this case, of
course, he knew that more or less risk must be taken if they hoped to
save the sleeping balloonist.

One look they took in at the front door. The whole place was ablaze.

"Get out of the way, boys; we're going to put the hose in there!" cried
one of the wearers of the fire-hats and coats, as he advanced.

"No chance there!" exclaimed Frank, in despair, as he moved back.

Jerry clutched his arm.

"Come along with me. Perhaps the back stairs may not be burning, yet.
They happen to be further along toward the safe side. There's a chance!"
he panted.

Half a minute later they had turned the corner, and were close to the
rear exit.

"See, the smoke is coming out, but no fire. Shall we risk it?" asked the
eager Jerry.

Frank swept a quick look above and around. He was weighing the thing in
his mind, so that they might not be carried by impulse to their doom.

"It's worth while. At the worst we can jump into that tree from the
window. And it's just terrible to think of the professor sleeping on
until he is caught. Lead the way, Jerry; you know about it better than
I do. Remember, on the third floor, and turn to the left!"

They darted in. Several persons near by shouted warnings, but the
words fell on deaf ears, for already the daring lads were rushing up the
narrow stairs. Around them the smoke was dense. It smarted their eyes
dreadfully, so that they were compelled to rub them from time to time in
order to see at all.

Reaching the first landing, Jerry turned to the left. Frank had hold of
his chum's coat, for he did not want to get lost in that smoky interior,
and Jerry was the one acquainted with the situation.

Now they had reached the second flight of stairs. A burst of red fire
further along the hall served to show them for a brief space of time how
matters stood. Up the stairs they stumbled, gaining the upper landing.
Again Jerry turned to the left.

"He said the last room, didn't he?" he gasped.

"Yes, go on!" answered Frank, still gripping his comrade's garment.

"Then here's the door!"

"Shut?"

"Yes, and locked, too! What shall we do?" exclaimed Jerry.

"Kick it in--any old way, but we must be quick!" answered the other.

Then the two threw