| 241 | 242 | 243 | 244 | 245 |
| 1 | 85 | 170 | 255 | 340 |
|
jumping and I wunt."
They urged her gently but firmly towards the window.
"
"
"
"
You lemme do it my own way," said the old lady at the sill....
I could do it better if e'd take it off."
Oh! carm on!"
It's wuss than Carter's stile," she said, "before they mended it.
With a cow a-looking at you."
Mr. Gambell hovered protectingly below. Mr. Polly steered her aged
limbs from above. An anxious crowd below babbled advice and did its
best to upset the fire escape. Within, streamers of black smoke were
pouring up through the cracks in the floor. For some seconds the world
waited while the old lady gave herself up to reckless mirth again.
"Sich times!" she said, and "Poor Rumbold!"
Slowly they descended, and Mr. Polly remained at the post of danger
steadying the long ladder until the old lady was in safety below and
sheltered by Mr. Rumbold (who was in tears) and the young policeman
from the urgent congratulations of the crowd. The crowd was full of an
impotent passion to participate. Those nearest wanted to shake her
hand, those remoter cheered.
243
Page
Quick Jump
|