by two or three helpers.

"Fire, captain," he gasped, "fire in the fuel-room--awful
blaze--started in the wood box--cigarette--we were just settin'
round talkin' over what we were goin' to do in the New Era, an'
the first thing we knew it was burnin' like--"

"The New Era," snapped the Commandant, "and be damned to it! Sound
the fire-call. All hands to quarters. Lead along the hose. Follow
me," he cried, hurrying forward through the gathering smoke, "this
ship must be saved."

And so it was--strictly in conformity with the old laws that fire
burns, water quenches, and every man must do his duty promptly. On
these ancient principles, and others equally venerable, the hospital
carried on its good work. But the Commandant made one new rule.
It cost five dollars to mention the New Era within its walls.






THE PRIMITIVE AND HIS SANDALS





"I am sick of all this," said the Great Author, sweeping his hand