You see, you and your sister will pretend to
be caught in the burning barn. The only way to get you out is through
the roof.
"Paul Ardite, as a farmer's son, goes up a ladder and chops a hole in
the roof. But the roof will be sawed away beforehand. You see, I want
no delay with you inside the burning structure. Then Paul carries you
down the ladder, and Mr. Sneed will rescue Alice.
"That will be fine!" cried Alice, in her lively manner. "I've always
wanted to be carried down a ladder. You won't mind; will you, Daddy?"
and she appealed to Mr. DeVere.
"Oh, I guess not, if the ladder is good and firm," he replied in his
husky voice.
"That's just the point; it won't be!" predicted Mr. Sneed in his
usually gloomy manner. "It's bound to break!"
"Comforting; isn't he?" laughed Alice. "I'm not afraid, Mr. Sneed."
"No, but I am," he went on. "I don't want that part, Mr. Pertell."
"You'll have to take it," said the manager, decidedly. "I have no
other one I can cast for the part."
"Can't you give it to Mr. Bunn?" asked the "grouch."
"Eh? What's that? Me carry someone from a burning building? Not
much!" exclaimed the tragic actor. "I resign right now."
"Well, I must say neither of you is very gallant," laughed Alice.
"Paul, I guess you'll have to rescue both of us!"
"I'd be pleased to do it!" he retorted, gaily.
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