The other companies were also preparing for the contest. The
Jamesville crowd had an engine just like these which Mr. Bergman had
purchased for Lakeville. The machines from Northville Centre and
Weedsport were different, but worked on the same principle.
"Are you all ready?" asked Mr. Bergman, when the four companies were
lined up on the edge of the wood, ready for the race to the shacks.
The various chiefs answered that they were. The word was given to fire
the sheds, and soon four clouds of black smoke were ascending to the
sky, while the flames began to roar.
"Don't start until I give the word," cautioned Mr. Bergman. "I want
the fires to get a good headway."
Anxiously the members of the four companies stood lined up, ready for
the signal. Grouped around them was a big throng.
"Be ready to jump, boys," cautioned Bert, in a low voice to his lads.
"But be careful not to stumble."
"We're all ready," replied Cole, looking back at the line of boys who
grasped the rope.
The flames were crackling more loudly. Greater clouds of smoke from
the burning oil rolled into the air. The heat from the blazing shacks
could be felt some distance away.
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