The fan
of fire, shooting from the windows, appeared to die down, almost at
once.
"Come on! Come on!" cried the crowd to Bert, and, seeing his chance,
he climbed farther down the ladder. Just as he reached the place
opposite the window, the flames once more shot out. But he ducked
down, and a well-directed stream, from the hose attached to Cole's
force-pump, sent a saving spray over the brave lad and the little
girl. The fire on the ladder was quenched, and, as that from the
window was driven back, Bert made the rest of the descent in safety.
Cole's pump had proved its worth.
A score of hands reached out to take the burden from Herbert, but he
gently put them aside, and placed the little girl in her uncle's arms.
Then what a cheer there was for the brave young chief's act! But Bert
had other things to do than listen to praises of himself.
"How are the engines, boys?" he asked.
"Pretty well run out," answered Vincent.
"Well, get ready to make some more solution. Shut down one engine, and
fill the tank, and then do the same for the other. We'll fight this
fire to a finish!"
This was done, and soon, with replenished tanks, the two pieces of
apparatus were again in use.
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