"Pass up the buckets! Pass the buckets!" was the cry that now came
from the line of men, that had been extended to reach around to the
rear of the barn, where, for the time being, there was no fire. "Pass
the buckets!"

"Yes, pass the buckets!" shouted the constable. "Here, boys, come back
to your places!" For a number of the boys had left, and there were
long gaps in the line.

"Can't something be done to save the barn?" cried Mr. Stimson, who had
been rushing back and forth, mainly engaged in carrying out some
valuable harness from the blazing structure.

"We're tryin' to," replied the constable.

"Are all the cattle out?" asked Bert.

"Cattle? Land, no; I forgot all about them!" exclaimed the farmer. "I
was busy taking my valuable harness out, and saving some of my deeds
and mortgages in the house. I'm afraid that'll go next!"

"The house is in no danger as long as the wind keeps this way," said
Bert, "but the cattle are. How many are in the barn?"

"Five horses and six cows. The cows are in the lower part. They're in
no danger yet, but I guess the horses are done for. I forgot all about
'em!"

At that moment a shrill cry, almost like a human being in agony, rose