Which excerpt from the great fire is a counterexample of the theme that ordinary people act heroically in dangerous situations? it did come under my notice that some cartmen worked for whatever the sufferers felt able to pay … claire and her family continued down the street when “a short, rough man grabbed at my bundle [but i] would not let it go …” father picked up willy and was carrying him, while mother held charlotte and robert by the hand. white turned the wagon around and again headed south, his family and all of his servants safely onboard …