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Page 261
ing from a spot where the flames were spreading too fast to fight. This news produced a new outburst of terror that was quelled by a stronger outburst from Geoffrey, who could not help wondering as he shouted down the cries of fear how long his voice would hold out.
"My lord, my lord," someone shouted into the relative quiet that followed Geoffrey's command.
"Yes?" Geoffrey responded instinctively.
A tall, powerful man in the blackened robes of an alderman pushed through the crowd. "Will you help us, my lord?" he cried.
"In what way?" Geoffrey asked cautiously. "I have these people that I must see to safety."
"My lord, the fire must be stopped from running north here. If it reaches to the river" His voice shook.
Probably he has warehouses by the river, Geoffrey thought sardonically. Nonetheless, he was in complete agreement with the idea voiced. If the fire reached the river in this area, there was the chance that the flaming debris would be blown onto the structures lining the bridge and would run across to ignite the other bank also.
"There are few houses here," the alderman continued. "If we can tear them down, my lord, and wet the others, perhaps we can check it."
"I will help if I can," Geoffrey agreed, thinking the plan most sensible, "but I must be rid of these women who are near mad with fear. And most of the horses too are more a danger than a help."
"I can send a guide who knows the streets to see them safe out into the country."
"Good. Then what do you want of me?"
"Authority to empty and pull down the houses, my lord. Those in them will not listen to me. They do not understand that the fire will take all anyway."
Geoffrey understood. The owners of the houses wanted promise of compensation before they would give permission for demolition. This, of course, the alderman would not offer. The apprentices and journeymen with the alderman

 
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