It was a trifle warm, but it would be cool in the grove near
the lake. The boys were up early, attired in their new uniforms, and
after an early breakfast headed for one or the other of the two engine
quarters.
The two machines were polished so one could see his face in them.
There had been but one fire since they arrived, and that was a small
one in an old shed. The engine in Cole's barn had been used to put out
the blaze, and the quick manner in which it accomplished the task
showed the boys of what sort of work the chemical was capable.
The other machine was as untried as the day it came off the train, but
it was known to be in good working order. It was planned to have a
drill between the two Lakeville companies, to see which could quickest
get to a fire from a certain spot, and the one which won in that
contest, would enter another in which would compete the departments
from Jamesville, Weedsport and Northville Centre. A prize of a silver
trumpet had been offered by Mr. Bergman for the company doing the best
and quickest work.
At last all was in readiness for the parade. Mr. Bergman had engaged a
band, and, to the thrilling strains of a lively march, the two
chemical companies, with their machines, and the younger boys, in
charge of the old hand engine, stepped out, and began a tour of the
town.
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