modern automobile fire-truck, clinging to which was a swarm of
little brown men in red shirts and helmets. They reminded the
American of monkeys on a circus horse, and, although he had been
counted a reckless driver, he exclaimed in astonishment at the
daring way in which the chauffeur took the turn.

It was truly amazing, for the machine, which was the latest
improvement in imported fire-fighting machinery, skidded the full
width of the street, threatening to rip its tires off and turn
turtle, then leaped upon the curb before its driver could
straighten it up, and in a magnificent sweep carried away the
wooden supports of an overhanging balcony. The timbers parted like
straws; there came a shrill uproar from inside the building as the
sleeping occupants poured forth, but without a pause the Yankee
machine whizzed on up the street, its gong clanging, its occupants
holding on for dear life, the peaceful inhabitants of Colon
fleeing from its path like quail before the hoofs of a runaway
horse.

"Hit her up!" Kirk yelled, delightedly, then leaned against a
lamp-post and laughed until he was weak. In the midst of his
merriment appeared the company he had just seen making up. They
had found their uniforms at last, it seemed, down to the final
belt and shoelace, and now came charging gallantly along in the
tracks of the more speedy motor. They were drawing their hand-
reel, each brave lad tugging lustily and panting with fatigue.

Kirk and his guide fell in behind and jogged to the scene of the
conflagration.