r began to swell, and in a few minutes after the brakes were
applied the second time a noble stream was playing on the flames, and
the root's and sides of houses in danger of burning.

Crowds are always fickle, and easily swerved by success or failure. In
this instance we had no reason to complain of want of applause, for
cheer after cheer was raised in honor of our perseverance, and Colonel
Hensen was despatched by the governor to thank us on the spot for our
labor.

Leaving the hose to be directed by an intelligent sergeant of one of the
companies, we next turned our attention to the second engine, and
succeeded in repairing that also; and although at times we were obliged
to await the arrival of the water carts to keep the boxes filled, having
no hose for draughting, we managed to keep up two decently sized
streams, and with the assistance of the buckets, prevented the fire from
spreading to other buildings.

All night long did we work, sometimes up to our knees in mud,
encouraging and directing--running greater risks of being crushed under
falling buildings than I should like to enjoy again--resisting the
appeals of Jews, who offered large amounts of money if we would only
direct the men to save their houses and stores, and getting well abused
when we refused to comply--treating all alike, working for the greatest
good, until daylight appeared and the fire was subdued, and Melbourne
was saved from destruction.

I looked around for the lieutenant-governor. He had wrung his hands
three hours before, and asked "God to bless him," and declared that he
was tired and must retire to bed, and to bed he had gone; and the only
member of his staff on the ground was Colonel Hensen.

"You have worked hard enough, gentlemen," said the officer, shaking our
hands with a friendly grip. "Go to your home, and leave the rest to me
and my men."

"We do not feel near as tired as those gallant fellows," Fred said,
pointing to the soldiers who still manned the brakes of the engines.

"I intend to have them relieved immediately, and allow them all day to
get rested," answered the officer.

"Then we will return home, for our presence is no longer needed here," I
replied.

"Before you go let me thank you in the name of the lieutenant-governor.
Through your instrumentality thousands of pounds' worth of property has
been saved; and our merchants owe you a debt of gratitude which I hope
they will repay before you leave the city."

"