"Pretty heavy loss, ain't it, neighbor Stimson?" asked Mr. Peter
Appelby, who lived next to the man whose barn was now but a mass of
glowing embers.

"Yes, 'tis, but I got insurance. I'm glad it wasn't the house."

"Guess you kin be. Land! but it did go quick! I never see such a
fierce fire. I sure thought them two boys would be burned to death,"
remarked Nate Jackford, another neighbor.

"So did I," admitted Mr. Stimson. "It's been a terrible night."

"But it might have been worse."

"That's so."

There was nothing more that could be done. The horses and cows were
taken in charge by several neighbors, who agreed to keep them until
Mr. Stimson could build a temporary barn. Then, as there was little
more to see, for the barn was now completely consumed, the crowd began
dispersing.

"Lakeville ought to have a fire department," said Bert, as he walked
home with his chums.

"Yep. They need some force-pumps like mine," agreed Cole. "I got a
hose rigged up on it, an' if our house got afire, I could put it out
as easy as pie."

"Yes, it's a good pump of yours," admitted Vincent, "but what we need