It seemed to the onlookers below as though a dead body were being hoisted.
Dick had made a loose hitch of the end of the rope so that it bound the girl's skirt about her ankles.
As he watched, he saw the swinging body steady at the roof edge.
Then Grace disappeared from his sight as Dave and the others hauled her to momentary safety.
"Ugh!" gasped young Prescott.

The smoke and the hot air, filling his lungs, drove him back from the open window to a spot where the draught was less intense.
After a few moments he heard something clattering against the window frame.
"What is it ?" wondered Dick, dreamily, for his senses were leaving him.
Rousing himself, by a supreme effort of the will, the young football player staggered toward the window.

It was the rope, which Dave had lowered for him.

And thoughtful Darrin had swiftly knotted a strong slip-noose at the end.
Dick had just strength and consciousness enough left to slip this noose over his head and down under his armpits, drawing the noose tight.

Then---so fast was the hot air and smoke overcoming him that he had to fight for it!---Dick forced his way to the sill and gave a hard tug at the rope.