time, and soon were on the outskirts of Lakeville.

"Now, wait until I light the lamps," said Bert, as it was getting
dark. "Then we'll start through the town, singing. Sing for all you're
worth!"

The boys needed no urging. They were full of enthusiasm over the new
plan, and when the lamps were lighted on the old engine they gleamed
on the brass work, making it sparkle brightly.

"It looks almost as good as new!" exclaimed Cole. "And them pumps is
fine. They're almost as good as my force pump."

"Oh, let up on that force pump, can't you!" asked Tom Donnell. "You'd
think it was the only pump in town!"

"It's the only one of that kind," declared Cole, a little hurt that
his "patent" should thus be spoken of.

"All ready, now, boys?" asked Bert.

"All ready," was the general response.

They started off. Above the rumble of the wheels of the engine rose
their voices in song, and, as they entered the main street of the
village, people began to come out to see what the unusual excitement
was about, for the purchase of the engine was not generally known, few
persons believing the boys were serious in organizing a department.
"It's a circus!" exclaimed a little girl.