or the other. Perhaps we can help put the fire out
with buckets."

That was the first thought Frank had, to be of some assistance.

The four of them ran with the rest of the passengers. Such a spectacle
could not be witnessed every day, and every one was desirous of getting
closer to the scene of action.

"How did it catch?" asked Frank of a railroad man who was hustling
about, handing buckets to a line of men extending down to the water of
the creek far below.

"Don't know. Perhaps from sparks left by the six-seventeen freight. Lend
a hand here, lads; we need all the help we can get," replied the other.

"Sure! That's what we came for. Get along, boys, and pass these
buckets!" cried Jerry, suiting the action to the words.

Once the string of buckets got to going, and the contents began to be
cast upon the creeping flames, there sprang up a hope that the trestle
might be saved.

Seeing this, the workers redoubled their efforts, and faster rose the
full buckets, the empties going down at the same rate. It is really
astonishing what a large amount of water can be carried by such an
endless chain.

"Hurrah! We're besting it, lads! Keep it up!" shouted the agent, who
was the man Frank had first addressed.

Will had not joined the relay. There seemed to be plenty of recruits
without him, and, truth to tell, he was bent on getting a picture of the
scene. Doubtless many present were startled by a sudden brilliant
illumination as he set off his flashlight cartridge; but those who were
in ignorance as to what it meant were soon set wise by others.

Once they began to get the upper hand of the fire it became easy.
Fortunately, there was not a breath of wind at the time. Had it been
otherwise, no efforts on their part could have saved the trestle.

"I should think they would have them all of steel!" gasped Bluff, as he
labored away, passing endless buckets up and down.

"Most of them are, I understand, but in this case, you see, it is a long
stretch, and perhaps it wasn't thought necessary," replied Frank.

"We're going to save it, all right; but I wonder if our train dare pass
over? It seems to me the fire must have weakened the structure more or
less," remarked Jerry.

"Oh, well, they'll find some means of strengthening it in that case. I'm
only worrying about the delay. Mr. Mabie will have to wait so long."

"But, Frank, they must wire the news, and he will know the reason for
our hold-up," said Will quickly,