These stragglers the young firemen shortly left behind, and soon they
were almost up to the head of the line of the older fire-fighters.
"It's the Stockton mansion, all right!" cried Cole, as they got to the
foot of the hill on which the big house stood. It could be plainly
seen now, and flames were shooting from a side window.
"It hasn't got much of a start yet," shouted Bert. "Maybe we can put
it out, boys, and save the house. Come on, for all you're worth!"
The lads needed no urging. They reached the burning house almost as
soon as did the first contingent of the bucket brigade. Out in the
yard was an old woman, wringing her hands, and crying:
"Oh, dear! Oh, dear! We'll all be burned up! The house will be
destroyed! Oh, dear! Oh, dear!"
"Where is a well or cistern?" asked Bert, as he signalled his company
to halt the engine.
"A cistern? Oh, dear! Here's one! But be careful you don't fall in.
It's very deep. Oh, dear! This fire is terrible!"
The flames were gaining headway, but seemed to be only in one part of
the house, on the east side.
"Run the engine close to the cistern," directed Bert. "Tom, you and
John cut down the clothes line.
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