"Well, you turned in the alarm, and that's a whole lot," declared
Jessica stoutly. "If you hadn't seen the blaze when you did things
might be a good deal worse. As it is, I believe they are getting
the fire under control."

"It does look that way;" exclaimed Anne. "See, the flames are
dying out over on that side. Oh, if it would only rain and help
things along."

"I believe it will rain before night. The clouds look heavy and
threatening," declared Nora, squinting at the sky.

"The weather prophet has come to town," smiled Anne.

For the next hour the girls stood eagerly watching the gallant
work of the firemen. A dense crowd, composed largely of High
School boys and girls, packed the campus, while people blocked the
streets outside the gates. Intense excitement prevailed, and when
it became evident that the main building was safe a mighty cheer
went up from the crowd.

"Bless their hearts!" exclaimed Grace. "They are just as fond as
we are of Oakdale High School. But, oh, girls, where are we going
to play basketball!"

The girls looked at each other in dismay.

"What is life without basketball?" said Nora sadly.