Ropes had been stretched around the burning part of the building
to keep venturesome citizens outside the fire belt. Grace stood as
close as she dared, Nora, Anne and Jessica at her side.

"Oh, do, do save our gymnasium!" she shrieked, as several firemen
hurried past her.

"Can't do it, miss," replied one of them. "It's a goner. If we
save the school we'll do well, let alone the gymnasium."

Long and strenuously the firemen fought the hungry flames. The
wind was in the wrong direction, and helped to fan the blaze. One
of the gymnasium walls fell in with a terrific crash, almost
carrying with it two firemen who had been playing a stream from
the rung of a ladder that leaned against it. There was a cry of
horror from the assembled crowd that changed to a sigh of relief
when it was discovered that the two men had saved themselves by
leaping.

"Oh, if only I were a man," breathed Grace, as she watched the
firemen's efforts to gain control of the situation. "I wouldn't
stay here a moment. I'd be in the thick of the fight."

"Hold her girls, or she'll dash straight over the ropes," said
Nora.

"I'd like to," retorted Grace. "It's dreadful to stand here unable
to help and see our dear old gym. go, and perhaps our school,
too."