"
"But what about this queer message?" asked Bert.
"I'm sure I don't know what to say. There is some mystery about it. I
will try and get on the track of it, but to do that I must get up on
the top floor, and that is a place Muchmore carefully guards. Perhaps
you can help me."
"I'm afraid not, but I'll try."
"Do," urged the stenographer. "I'll see you again, and--"
At that instant the fire alarm began ringing, and Bert rushed back to
the barn.
CHAPTER XXIII
A BRAVE RESCUE
"Run her out, boys!" cried Bert. "It's the box at Needham's factory.
If the factory gets going it'll be the worst fire we ever had in this
town!"
Needham's factory was one where boxes for various purposes were made,
and it was filled with inflammable material. The young firemen needed
no urging. They sprang to their places. The bell on the engine sent
out its warning note, as they wheeled the machine from the barn. The
reel clicked as the long rope was unwound.
"Come on!" cried Bert, as he took his place at the head of the line.
"That's the way to run her out!" exclaimed the stenographer
admiringly, as the boys swept past him.
"I'll see you again!" Bert called to him, for the thoughts of the
young chief were now entirely upon the fire to which he was going.
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