up in a stout manila envelope, and
told me not to open it until I came in sight of Cedar Keys. Inside would
be found full instructions as to what errand he wanted me to carry out."

"Better and better! We sail under sealed orders, fellows. That should add
a little zest to the voyage. I know I'll be consumed with curiosity every
minute of the time wanting to know what under the sun it can be that your
good dad has waiting for you to do," said Will, seriously.

"Well," remarked Frank, "you see me put the packet away, not to be opened
until the proper time; and now we'd better go on with our lists."

CHAPTER II

CAUGHT IN A FIRE TRAP

It was late that night ere the three visitors thought of going home.
There was so much to talk over that it seemed as though they could never
break away.

"Listen!" exclaimed Will, finally, as they were about to depart.

"That's the fire-bell, as sure as you live!" cried Bluff.

"Tell me about that, will you!" cried Jerry. "A cold night to get burned
out!"

Frank snatched up his coat and cap.

"I'm going with you, fellows, as far as the corner, anyway, and see if it
is a real fire, or a fake," he remarked.

Accordingly the quartette rushed out of the door and down the street.
There was snow on the ground, and the air was pretty keen.

"It's a fire all right; look, you can see the light, and the smoke!" said
Will.

"Say, fellows, isn't that the square, and doesn't it look like it might
be the Sherman House?" asked Frank.

"As sure as you live," replied Bluff. "That would be a tough thing, for
the people there to climb out near midnight, and the mercury hovering
half way down to zero!"

"Hurry! Perhaps we can help some!" exclaimed good-hearted Jerry, and they
increased their pace.

It was the hotel, beyond all doubt. As the boys came into the open square
they saw a scene of confusion that thrilled them. Smoke was pouring out
of the lower windows of the big frame building, and in some places it was
accompanied by red tongues of flame, licking up the dry wood.

"She's a goner!" announced Jerry grimly.

They saw people come hastily out of the doorway, some scantily clad, and
with blankets around their shoulders. Luckily there were only a few
guests in the hotel, since the best trade came in summer.

Loud shouts told that the local fire company was coming with their
hand-engine. Probably the Chemical Company would also be on hand,
although it was too late for anythin