d. As two engines
cannot "drink" at the same plug, a canvas trough with an iron frame is
put over the plug, having a hole in its bottom, which fits tightly round
the plug. It quietly fills, and thus two or more engines may do their
work convivially--dip in their suction-pipes, and "drink" simultaneously
at the same fountain.

"Down with her!" shouted the man who held the "branch," or nozzle, at
the end of the hose.

A steam whistle gives a shrill, short reply; the engine quivers under
the power of man's greatest servant, and another battery opens on the
foe.

But London firemen are not content to play at long bowls. While the
artillery goes thus vigorously into action, the helmets of the men are
seen gleaming and glancing everywhere amid the smoke, searching for weak
points, turning the enemy's flanks, and taking him in rear. Hose are
dragged through neighbouring houses, trailing their black coils like
horrid water snakes, through places were such things were never meant to
be. If too short, additional lengths are added, again and again, till
the men who hold the branches gain points of vantage on adjoining roofs
or outhouses, until, at last from below, above, in front, and behind,
cataracts of water dash into the glowing furnace.

The fire-escape had been first to reach the ground after the alarm was
given, this being the instrument nearest to the scene of conflagration.
It happened that night to be in charge of David Clazie, a brother of
Comrade Bob. Being a smart young fellow, David, had--with the
assistance of two early risers who chanced to be at hand, and the
policeman on the beat--run up his escape, and put it in position before
the fire had gained its full force. The gentleman of the house had
already got out, and fled in his night garments; but the fire had
rendered the staircase impassable, so that the cook, the many-thumbed
Betty, and the old lady, who was the gentleman's mother, were imprisoned
in the upper floor.

David Clazie did not learn this from the gentleman, however. That
amiable character had received such a fright, that he had taken himself
off, no one--except the individual aforementioned--knew whither.
Fortunately, Betty announced the fact of her existence by rushing to a
window and shrieking. David ran his escape towards the window, mounted
the ladder, carried the damsel down, bore her, kicking, into a
neighbouring house, and left her in fits. Meanwhile the cook rushed to
the sa