The fireman they had despoiled began to drag at the hose from a
safe distance; but when Kirk made as if to turn the nozzle upon
him he scampered away amid the jeers of the crowd. A few moments
later, the American felt a hand upon his arm and saw an angry
policeman who was evidently ordering him back. Behind him stood
the excited nozzleman with two companions.

"He says you should return the 'ose where you found it," Allan
translated.

"Leave us alone," Kirk replied. "You fellows help the others;
we'll attend to this." More rapid words and gesticulations
followed, in the midst of which a dapper young man in a uniform
somewhat more impressive than the others dashed up, flung himself
upon Anthony and endeavored to wrench the hose from his hands.
Meanwhile he uttered epithets in broken English which the other
had no difficulty in understanding. Kirk promptly turned the
nozzle upon him, and the full force of Colon's water-pressure
struck him squarely in the stomach, doubling him up like the kick
of a mule. Down the newcomer went, then half rolled, half slid
across the street as the stream continued to play upon him. He
scrambled to his feet, a sorry spectacle of waving arms and
dripping garments, his cries of rage drowned in the delighted
clamor of the beholders.

"I guess they'll keep away now," laughed Kirk, as he turned back
to his self-appointed task.

But Allan exclaimed, fearfully: "Oh, boss, I fear he is some 'igh
h'officer."