age, stout and muscular in form, and with a good-humored, honest face,
that would attract your friendly regard at a glance. He was the most
active and energetic man upon the ground, and it could be seen at once,
that his whole heart was in the work in which he was then so earnestly
engaged.

"That's your man," said the chief, pointing toward him, "and now you can
commence upon him as soon as you please."

"All right," answered Everman; "I will see what I can do."

The firemen had by this time, gathered up their hose and were preparing
to return to their various houses, and Thomas Nelson, after assisting in
this labor until it was completed, left his companions, and proceeded
along the sidewalk in the direction of the hotel. Everman walked on
slowly behind him, and seeing him enter the building, he followed
closely after him. Nelson proceeded to the bar-room and had just tossed
off a cooling glass of beer, when the operative made his appearance.

"You seem to be thirsty after your hard work this morning," said the
detective, in a laughing tone.

"It was pretty hot work, and no mistake," replied Nelson; "and we were
mighty lucky in saving the adjoining houses. I was afraid once they
would certainly go."

"Fill up your glass again," said Everman; and Nelson graciously
acquiesced. "Yes," continued the operative, "you boys did excellent
work, and you deserve great credit for it. I suppose your fire
department here is composed entirely of volunteers?"