good. We ought to have more practice."

"So we had," admitted Vincent. "Lots of the fellows spilled about half
the water on the ground last night, instead of putting it in the tank.
They were so excited."

"A drill would help that," observed Bert. "We'll get the fellows
together in a couple of nights, and talk things over."

This was done, and Bert's plan, of having a part of the force stay on
duty in Cole's barn every night, met with instant approval. In fact
they had to draw lots to see which boys would take the first three
nights, as every one wanted that honor. It was arranged that those in
the barn would rush out with the engine, as soon as they heard the
alarm on the church bell. The others would assemble at the scene, as
soon as they could get there. Some of the boys called it "camping out"
to stay at the barn.

"And we'll have a drill to-morrow," said Bert. "We need lots of
practice. There are some old buildings in this town, and if they get
on fire we'll have a hard job putting them out."

"Especially if they're a good distance from water," added Cole.

The drill took place the next afternoon. A big fire, of old boxes, was
built in a vacant lot, the location of which was known only to Bert
and Vincent. At a certain time, the hour also being unknown to the
boys, the bell was rung, permission to do so having been obtained.

One or two boys had been hanging around Cole's barn all day, having