and went at the old-fashioned hand-engine
and the hose-cart. Billy and Jack secured the particular prize, the head
of the engine drag-rope, and like a pair of young colts pranced out with
it to its full length. Others seized it, and with the cry of "Let 'er
go!" they went rumbling forth, and swung up the street.

The hose-cart, with its automatic gong, clanged out immediately after,
and the race that always occurred was on. The engine of course had the
start, but the hose-cart, a huge two-wheeled reel, about which the hose
was wound, was much lighter, and speedily was clanging abreast of them.
Here, however, Big Ed. Hicks, the blacksmith, and Nick White, a colored
giant, rushed up, dodged beneath the rope, and took their accustomed
places at the tongue, and with a burst of speed the engine began to draw
ahead. Other firemen appeared from side streets and banging doorways, and
took their places on the rope, and a shout from the juvenile contingent
presently announced that the reel was falling to the rear.

Meanwhile the glare in the sky had brightened and spread; and when at
last the rumbling engine swung into the station road the whole sky was
ablaze. Overhead, before a stiff wind, large embers and sparks were
beginning to fly.

With a dash the panting company swept into the station square. Before
them the station and adjoining freight-shed were enveloped in flames from
end to end. It was apparent at once that there was no possibility of
saving either. But with a final rush the engine-squad made for the
fire-well at the corner of the square, brought up all-standing, and in a
jiffy the intake pipe was unstrapped and dropped into the water. The reel
clanged up, two of its crew sprang for the engine with the hose-end and
couplers, and the cart sped on, peeling the hose out behind it.

The speed with which they could get into action was a matter of pride
with the Haddowville firemen. Almost before the coupling had been made at
the engine the men and boys at the long pumping-bars were working them
gently; within the minute a shout from the cart announced that the hose
was being broken, the pumpers threw themselves into the work with zest,
and the next moment from the distant nozzle shot a sputtering stream.

With the other boys, Jack, though now considerably winded, was throwing
himself energetically up and down against one of the long handles. Before
many minutes, however, the remainder of the regular enginemen appeared