When they struck the winding staircase they went a bit more rapidly.
Down in the street it seemed to the watchers as though ages had passed since the two boys had been seen going inside from the iron balcony.
But now, at last, Herr Schimmelpodt heard steps inside, so he threw open the heavy door at once.
As Dick and Dave came out again into the sunlight what a mighty roar of applause and cheering went up.
Then Herr Schimmelpodt, advancing to the edge of the steps, and laying one hand over his heart, bowed profoundly and repeatedly.
That turned the cheering to laughter.

The big German held up his right hand for silence.
"Ladies und chentlemen," shouted Herr Schimmelpodt, as soon as he could make him self heard, "I don't vant to bose as a hero!" "That's all right," came with a burst of goodhumored laughter.
"You're not!" "It vos really nottings vot I did," continued the German, with another bow.
"True for you." "Maybe," continued Herr Schimmelpodt, "you think I vos afraid when I climb dot pole.

But I wos not---I pledch you mein vord.
It is nottings for me to climb flagpoles.

Ven I vos ein poy in Germany I did it efery day.

But I will not dake up your time mit idle remarks.