This plan met with the approval of all but the two rather prim and
elderly women who flatly refused to walk up a ladder, even to get out
of their present unpleasant predicament.
"Well, then, you'll have to stay here," announced the fire chief
disgustedly. "The others are willing, and we can't hang around here
all day. If there was a fire you wouldn't be consulted. A fireman
would have you up or down a ladder before you could open your mouth
to object. I ain't used to arguing with anybody."
"There's another way that might work, chief," suggested his aide.
"If we can fix ropes and rig up a windlass, we can maybe hoist the
car up to the level of the gate."
It was decided to try this plan, but the wily chief first extracted
a promise from every one in the car that if the scheme failed, they
would submit to a ladder rescue.
"'Cause I ain't saying this will work, and I don't aim to cook up a
different plan every minute till you're all suited," he declared,
with commendable precaution. "You all agree to the ladder if this
ain't a go?"
An unanimous chorus assured him that they did.
It took some time to arrange the ropes, but at last, creakingly and
slowly, the car began to make its ascent.
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