at the bottle-thrower or some other
enthusiast. "Web's" smoothness was all gone, and the language he used
was, as Abigail Mullett said afterward, "enough to bring down a jedgment
on anybody."

Captain Eri caught him by the sleeve as he was running past and
inquired, "How'd it start, Web?"

"How'd it START? I know mighty well HOW it started, and 'fore I git
through I'll know WHO started it. Somebody 'll pay for this, now you
hear me! Hurry up with the water, you--"

He tore frantically away to the pump and the three captains joined the
crowd of volunteer firemen. Captain Eri, running round to the back of
the building, took in the situation at once. Back of the main portion of
the saloon was an ell, and it was in this ell that the fire had started.
The ell, itself, was in a bright blaze, but the larger building in front
was only just beginning to burn. The Captain climbed one of the ladders
to the roof and called to the men at work there.

"That shed's gone, Ben," he said. "Chuck your water on the main part
here. Maybe, if we had some ropes we might be able to pull the shed
clear, and then we could save the rest."

"How'd you fasten the ropes?" was the panted reply. "She's all ablaze,
and a rope would burn through in a minute if you tied it anywheres."

"Git some grapples and anchors out of Rogers' shop. He's got a whole lot
of 'em. Keep on with the water bus'ness. I'll git the other stuff."

He descended the ladder and explained his idea to the crowd below. There
was a great shout and twenty men and boys started on a run after ropes,
while as many more stormed at the door of Nathaniel Rogers' blacksmith
shop. Rogers was the local dealer in anchors and other marine ironwork.
The door of the shop was locked and there was a yell for axes to burst
it open.

Then arose an agonized shriek of "Don't chop! don't chop!" and Mr.
Rogers himself came struggling to the defense of his property.
In concert the instant need was explained to him, but he remained
unconvinced.

"We can't stay here arguin' all night!" roared one of the leaders. "He's
got to let us in. Go ahead and chop! I'll hold him."

"I give you fair warnin', Squealer Wixon! If you chop that door, I'll
have the law onto you. I just had that door painted, and--STOP! I've got
the key in my pocket!"

It was plain that the majority were still in favor of chopping, as
affording a better outlet for surplus energy, but they waited while Mr.
Rogers, still protestin