But may not it have fallen into your back yard?'
He was standing in the midst of a cluster of alarmed people, who
stared at him in astonishment, for the reek through which he had
fought his way had given him the aspect of a sweep. His
suggestion prompted someone to run into the yard, with the result
that a muddy bundle was brought in and exhibited to him.
'Is this your coat, Mister?'
'Heaven be thanked! That's it! There are valuable papers in the
pockets.'
He unrolled the garment, felt to make sure that 'Mr Bailey' was
safe, and finally put it on.
'Will anyone here let me sit down in a room and give me a drink
of water?' he asked, feeling now as if he must drop with
exhaustion.
The man who had rescued him performed this further kindness, and
for half an hour, whilst tumult indescribable raged about him,
Biffen sat recovering his strength. By that time the firemen were
hard at work, but one floor of the burning house had already
fallen through, and it was probable that nothing but the shell
would be saved. After giving a full account of himself to the
people among whom he had come, Harold declared his intention of
departing; his need of repose was imperative, and he could not
hope for it in this proximity to the fire.
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