buying the second-hand engine, and were referred to the chief of the
small fire department.

That individual received the boys cordially. He was a man much
interested in fighting fires, and he was justly proud of the new
chemical engine the town had purchased.

"Will they see the old engine?" asked Bert anxiously, after they had
been shown the new one.

"Yes, the town committee voted to dispose of her to anybody that wants
her."

"How much?" And at the question the hearts of the boys beat anxiously.

"Sixty dollars, and it's very cheap. It cost three hundred when new.
It's got double-acting pumps, and there's two hundred feet of good
hose. It's dirt cheap."

It was. Cole, who knew something of machinery, admitted this, and Bert
had hardly hoped to get anything in the shape of an engine for less
than seventy-five dollars.

"Do you boys want to buy it?" asked the chief, for Bert had told him
the object of their visit.

"We did, but we haven't the money. Could the engine be held for us,
for a few weeks?"

The chief looked thoughtful. Then he told the boys he hardly believed