Loud shouts told that the local fire company was coming with their
hand-engine. Probably the Chemical Company would also be on hand,
although it was too late for anything to be done but try and save
adjoining buildings, none of which, fortunately enough, were very close
to the doomed hotel.

Frank and his chums thought that possibly they might help out at pumping,
or doing something of the sort. At a fire in a country town every one
assists to carry out furniture, or work the machine, while the regular
members of the organization enjoy the exclusive privilege of carrying the
hose and smashing in windows.

Amid the greatest excitement the water was finally started. By this time
one end of the building was all on fire, and every person knew it would
be a complete wreck before the flames ceased feeding.

It chanced that the boys were standing near some of those who had issued
forth from the hotel. Among them was the proprietor, plainly excited as
he saw his property going up in smoke and flames, and still getting some
consolation from the fact that he had a good insurance on it all.

Just then a man came limping and seized hold of the hotel proprietor.

"Have you seen my brother, the professor?" he demanded, in a trembling
voice.

"Oh! that you, Mr. Smythe? Your brother--no, I don't remember seeing him.
But I guess everybody got out all right. He must be around somewhere,"
replied the other.