She lay moaning beside the couch, shrieking at intervals, and though in momentary danger from the flames, which continued to increase, taking no steps for their arrest.

Her only efforts were taken to raise the old woman from the couch, and to this, the strength of the young one was wholly unequal.

Ralph went manfully to work, and had the satisfaction of finding success in his efforts.

With a fearless hand he tore down the burning drapery which curtained the windows and couch; and which, made of light cotton stuffs, presented a ready auxiliar to the progress of the destructive element.

Striking down the burning shutter with a single blow, he admitted the fresh air, without which suffocation must soon have followed, and throwing from the apartment such of the furniture as had been seized upon by the flames, he succeeded in arresting their farther advance.
All this was the work of a few moments.