"
"What, and increase the taxes to pay for it? I guess not much!"
exclaimed Mr. Sagger. "I pay too high taxes now. The bucket brigade is
good enough."
"That's the kind of men that keeps Lakeville from growing," thought
Mr. Appelby, as he walked off. "He's too miserly to want to pay a few
dollars extra each year to support a regular fire department. But
we'll have to have one some day."
That day was nearer than Mr. Appelby supposed.
CHAPTER IV
BERT HAS A PLAN
Lakeville was a typical New England village. It was of fair size, and
was located on Green Lake, hence the name. There was also a small
river which emptied into the lake, and which ran around one edge of
the town. Altogether it was a very nice place, but, like many other
towns, the principal citizens lacked a progressive spirit.
The town was governed by ten men, called the Selectmen, who were
elected each year, and who formed a sort of council. Then there was a
mayor. At the time this story opens Mr. Appelby was mayor, and Moses
Sagger was chairman of the Selectmen. Mr. Sagger had an ambition to be
mayor the next year, and he was working to that end.
"Well, Herbert," said Mrs.
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