But he was
beginning to get out of breath. "We've--got--a--better--chance--now,"
he said.
"Don't talk," advised Bert. "Save your breath for running, Cole."
Which advice the young engineer followed.
It was now an even race between the Lakeville, Jamesville and
Northville Centre departments. The members of the Weedsport crew were
trying to right their engine.
"They've--got--her--up! They're--coming!" spoke Cole, as he looked
back to see how their unfortunate adversaries fared. The three
contestants were now about as close as they dared go to the blazes.
"Never mind them! We've got our own work cut out for us!" cried Bert.
"Unreel, boys! I'll give you the stream as soon as you're ready!"
"Give it to us now!" cried Cole, quickly. "Turn the valve, Bert. The
hose and nozzle will stand the pressure, and hold it back until we
need it. Maybe we can beat 'em that way, for it will be there waiting
for us."
Bert was a little doubtful, but he knew Cole was an authority on hose
and nozzles. So, before the line was unreeled he had burst the
sulphuric acid bottle, and the hissing within the tank told him the
gas was beginning to generate.
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