The boys were pleased with this plan, and also delighted that the old
constable took such an interest in their work. As for the members of
the bucket brigade, they, for the most part, sneered whenever the new
department was mentioned.

"Wait 'till they get up against a real fire," said Moses Sagger. "Then
we'll see what good their old second-hand engine is. They'll have to
depend on the bucket brigade then."

The matter of paying the remaining forty dollars due on the engine
worried Bert and his chums not a little, until Cole's father suggested
that they charge a small sum weekly for each boy who belonged. As
every youth in town was anxious for the honor, it was figured that
they could collect at least a dollar a week in this way, since they
charged each boy five cents, and there were over twenty. Then, too, at
Mr. Bishop's suggestion, they decided to ask a donation from every
person whose property they helped save from the flames.

Mr. Kimball, whose haystack was partly saved, heard about this, and
sent the boys five dollars. Mr. Stimson, in view of the good work of
Bert and Vincent, sent the new department ten dollars, so they began
to see their way clear, especially as the Jamesville authorities voted
to give the boys as long as they needed to pay for the engine.

For a week or more after the haystack fire there was no occasion to
use the engine. It had been put in good shape by Cole, and parts of it
had been given a fresh coat of paint, until it looked almost as good
as new. Constable Stickler had practiced sending the signals, and the
bell could be heard by the boys living in the farthest part of the