You have shown yourself a hero." "Oh, Ben, how frightened I was when I saw you on the branch just over the burning building," said a well-known voice.
Turning, Ben saw it was his mother who spoke.
"Well, it's all right now, mother," he said, smiling.

"You are not sorry I did it ?" "Sorry! I am proud of you." "I am not proud of my hands," said Ben.

"Look at them." They were chafed and bleeding, having been lacerated by his rapid descent from the tree.
"Come home, Ben, and let me put some salve on them.

How they must pain you!" "Wait till the fire is all over, mother." The gallant firemen did all they could, but the store was doomed.
They could only prevent it from extending.

In half an hour the engine was taken back, and Ben went home with his mother.
"It's been rather an exciting evening, mother," said Ben.