whistle he carried, when he wanted the water to begin to flow.

The tank was almost full, and Cole was beginning to wonder when the
young captain would signal for the streams. The flames were becoming
brighter and brighter, and were now shooting from windows on the side
of the house, a big chimney, built up from outside, jutting out
between the casements.

"Here, you boys git away from here, and let us git some water!" cried
Moses Sagger, as, followed by several men he pushed his way to the
cistern. He had been searching all about the premises for a well which
the bucket brigade might use, but had not been successful.

"We were here first, and we're going to stay!" declared Vincent.

"That's what!" added Cole. "Besides, you men can't dip up any water
unless you put some ropes on your buckets."

"Where are the ropes?" asked the butcher, as he saw the truth of that
statement.

"You'll have to find 'em, same as we did," replied Vincent, as he and
his chums continued to dip and fill. But the clothes line was all cut
up, and there was no more rope in sight, save that by which the engine
was hauled.

"Take that rope," suggested one member of the bucket brigade.

"Don't you dare touch that!" cried Cole. "Reel it up, boys, and if
they try to take it, douse 'em with water."