spurted, fanned, sprayed, escaping with violence, first at one point, then
at another, drenching and blinding them.

"There!" breathed Ward at last, and with a few twists, of his sinewy hands
brought the couplings into close connection. Munro relaxed, drawing two or
three deep breaths. Without the aid of his great strength the task could
not have been accomplished.

"Hook her over the chimney," gasped Keith.

With some difficulty they lifted the loop of the throbbing hose over the
chimney.

"Down we go!" cried Keith, and slid hand over hand down the way thus made
for them. The others immediately followed, and all three stood looking
back. It was a wonder the building had stood so long, for in both stories
it was afire, and the walls had apparently burned quite through. Indeed, a
moment later the whole structure collapsed. A fountain of sparks and brands
sprang upward in the mighty suction.

"There goes our good hose!" said Keith.

The remark brought them to wrath and a desire for vengeance.

"I'm going to lick somebody!" cried Keith, starting determinedly in the
direction of the engine.

"We'll help," growled Munro.

But when they came in sight of the engine their anger evaporated, and they