In this work he was aided by Mort Decker, whom Mr.
Stockton appointed his secretary.
It needed horses to draw the steamer, and of course required men to
operate it. But the boys were not forgotten. They still kept the
chemical engines--and the smaller lads the hand-engines--and they were
often called on to put out trifling blazes, and help at the larger
ones.
Mr. Stockton did not forget what Bert had done for him. He owned a
comfortable house with two acres of ground and a barn, on one of the
side streets of the town, and one day he surprised the young fireman
by handing him a legal-looking document.
"What is this?" asked the youth in surprise.
"A deed to a house on Cherry Street," answered the rich man. "The
place is now yours, free and clear. You and your mother can move into
it at any time."
"Why, I didn't expect this," stammered Bert.
"I know you didn't, my lad, but it is yours, nevertheless. I want to
do something for you--and for that good mother of yours."
Of course, Bert and Mrs. Dare were very grateful. They moved into the
house a month later, and found it a far more comfortable home than
they had ever before enjoyed.
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