Part 23 (1/2)

But Vincent was not a second behind Bert in getting his machine into operation

”Lively, boys!” he cried, and the hose was unreeled, the strea almost at the same instant as was Bert's

The spectators set up a cheer This was soines were proving what they could do Whether the blaze at which Vincent's crew directed their stream was not as fierce as the other was not disclosed, but in spite of the fact that Bert's engine was the first in operation by a narrow an to die down quicker

”We'll win!” cried Vincent ”Our fire's out, and theirs is blazing good yet!”

A few seconds later, however, To flames

”Now, boys, tear her apart!” ordered Bert, and the lads with the long hooks began scattering the still glowing embers of the boards that had formed the shack As soon as they did so, parts of the shed not touched by the che chief, and Toood effect

Meanwhile Vincent's crowd, thinking they had put their fire out, had turned ahile Vincent shut off the valve that controlled the outlet from the tank No sooner had this been done than the fire in their shack blazed up again

”Look!” cried John Boll, one of Vincent's crew

”Turn on the stream!” shouted several of the lads Vincent tried to do so, but before he could work it the shack was blazing again, almost as fiercely as before He had been too confident that the fire was out

By the tiain, Bert had the other fire completely out, so that only a little steam came from the pile of blackened euess you do,” assented Mr Bergman, as the umpire ”I'll have to award you the decision Now, Bert, fill your tank again, and get ready for the real contest, which will take place in about an hour”

”I' over, and shaking hands with the young chief

”Thanks You see I thought the blaze was s under the wood, and I was ready for it”

”I'll be, next time I hope you win the trumpet”

”Well, so do I, for the sake of Lakeville But these other departments have had more practice than we have”

All the et Bert's engine ready for the main contest of the day The tank was refilled with soda water, and a new bottle of sulphuric acid put in the holder, for a supply of the che for that purpose

The other co for the contest The Jaman had purchased for Lakeville The machines from Northville Centre and Weedsport were different, but worked on the sae of the wood, ready for the race to the shacks

The various chiefs answered that they were The as given to fire the sheds, and soon four clouds of black san to roar

”Don't start until I give the word,” cautioned Mr Bergood headway”

Anxiously the menal Grouped around the

”Be ready to jump, boys,” cautioned Bert, in a low voice to his lads

”But be careful not to stu back at the line of boys who grasped the rope

The flaoil rolled into the air The heat fro shacks could be felt soive the word?” asked Tom Donnell, impatiently