d shown himself.

The foreman himself mounted as soon as it was in position. But Jack
refused to hand over his burden, nor could Mr. Elderkin insist. It was
only right that the one who had saved the little darling should have the
pleasure of placing her in the arms of the frantic mother.

But he could and did guide Jack's feet as they sought the rounds of
the friendly ladder, so that presently the boy, with singed hair, and
begrimed with smoke, was lifted to the ground.

Hardly had Jack landed than a pair of arms encircled both him and the
baby; for in that happy moment the mother realized what she owed this
brave lad; and her heart was brimming over with gratitude.

Such shouts as went up then! Those still coming to the scene must have
thought the wearers of the fire hats had succeeded in running a line of
hose into a position where victory was assured.

Again the bucket brigade got busy, working with renewed zeal, though
but little hope of saving any portion of the big building now remained.
But every one was roused up to fever pitch by the excitement of the hour.
And Jack's valiant work had helped inspire them to renewed deeds of
endeavor.

Paul led his chum away, for Jack was almost exhausted. Then came Mr.
Stormways on the run, having just learned what his boy had done. He
seized Jack in his arms, and shed tears over him; though at the same time
his heart must have swelled within him with satisfaction that one of
his brood had acquitted himself so well in a crisis that called for a
cool head and nerves of steel.

The flames kept on eating into the old building. It was now doomed, and
the fire laddies confined their efforts to saving any furniture that
could be carried out.

Paul called his scouts around him, at the request of the old minister.
They were rather a sorry looking group, though just as full of a desire
to assist as ever. The fine new uniforms were bedraggled with mud and
water. Several had holes burned in their coats, and that of Jack was
a sight to behold.

But who cared? After all, the uniforms were but an insignia of their
connection with a great organization. New or old they stood for a
principle; and gallantly had Stanhope Troop No. 1 responded when the
need arose.

The old and highly respected minister, whose heart was filled with a
great love for the rising generation, shook hands with each and every
scout, declaring that he was proud of the privilege.

"Don't mind the soiling of yo