reckless hand; for as a rule the machine was wobbling from side to
side, and threatening to overturn at any minute.

Up to this date that catastrophe had never happened; but Paul remembered
the old saying that "a pitcher may go to the well once too often;" and he
had fears.

It proved that they were well grounded too, after the hose reed had
safely negotiated the last bend in the road, and the burning dwelling was
in plain sight.

"Look at them coming, full tilt! They will be over at the turn!" shrieked
Bobolink, who, being near the tail end of the double line could observe
what was taking place without hindrance.

Immediately there arose a chorus of loud shouts, as of warning. But
apparently Hank Seeris must have been indulging in more liquor than was
good for him; or else he happened to be in an unusually reckless state.

"They're going over!" howled Bobolink.

"Smash!"

"Oh! there goes our only engine to the scrap heap!" exclaimed Jud
Elderkin, in dismay; for his father happened to be the foreman, and it
looked just then as though the gallant fireman might be without a job.

Paul ran back, as did most of the boys, thinking that something terrible
must have happened.