from the mesmeric influence of the
fire-watchers, he ran quickly with Alec to the knoll where a metal hoop
and hammer were kept for the purpose of alarm in case of fire. Almost
before the two reached the spot, Alec caught the hammer and was striking
the metal at regular intervals. The man then offered to remain and send
the volunteer firemen to the place where they were needed, so Alec ran
back to help as best he could.

Meantime, the girl scouts realized there was much to do to help others,
and the Captain ordered every one to use the utmost presence of mind in
doing anything they were called upon to do.

Julie hastily whispered to Joan, "I'm going to run to the cottage and
get that coil of rope we brought from the canoe last night, we may need
it."

"I'll run with you, Julie, for we must tie wet towels over our mouths,
if we have to go inside there," added Joan.

Both girls raced to their room, and when they came out they were
provided with the rope, and the dripping towels were tied across their
nostrils and mouths. As they stood momentarily on the little porch of
the cottage to see where they might render the best service, the uproar
from the upper stories in the rear was awful.

"There may be some people trapped in their rooms up there!" exclaimed
Julie to her companion.

"We can climb up this rose-trellis quite easily, Jule, and get in at the
windows of the second story where the piazza roof gives us a foothold,"
hastily returned Joan.

In another moment both girls were quickly climbing up the strong
trellis, and as soon as they reached the tin roof they ran to the
window. Here they found a young mother sitting on the floor, rocking a
baby back and forth while she cried wildly with hysteria. The child was
held so tightly that it, too, was screaming.

While Julie uncoiled the rope, Joan ran to the washstand and dipped a
towel in the pitcher. But Julie called to her, "Bring the jug of water
here, we've got to break this hysteric spell!"

Joan carried the towel in one hand and the pitcher in the other, so
Julie caught the jug from her, and dashed the water in the woman's face.
The sudden choking and shock broke the spell. Then the towel was hastily
pinned over the lower part of her face and she was hurried to the door.
But the smoke and heat caused the girls to slam the door to again and
run to the window.

"Hey--down there!" yelled Julie, to a group of men on the flower-bed.
"Hold out a blanket while w