ed was in such direful danger, it is
doubtful if his hand would have been as steady as it was on throttle
and steering wheel. But not a muscle or nerve quivered. To Tom it was
but carrying out a prearranged task. He was going to extinguish a great
blaze, or attempt to do so, by means of his aerial fire-fighting
apparatus. And his previous tests had given him confidence in his
device. His one regret was that the fire department of the city that
was contemplating the purchase of certain rights in his invention could
not witness what he was about to do.

"But they'll hear of it," declared Ned, when Tom voiced this idea to
his chum.

Nearer and nearer to the up-spouting column of flames the airship
winged her way. Tense and alert, Tom sat at the wheel guiding his craft
with her load of fire-defying chemicals. Behind him were Ned, Mr. Damon
and Mr. Baxter, ready to drop the grenades at the word.

"Getting close, Tom!" called Ned, as they could all feel the heat of
the conflagration in the Landmark Building, which now seemed doomed.

"You'll not dare cross it too low down, will you?"

"No, I'll have to keep pretty well up," was the answer. "There's a
current of air over that fire which might turn us turtle."

Heat creates a draft, sucking in colder air from below, and making an
upward-rushing column which, in the case of a big blaze, is very
powerful. Tom knew he had to avoid this.

It was now almost time to act. In another few seconds they would be
sailing directly into the path of the up-spouting flames. Realizing
that to do this at too low an elevation would result in disaster, Tom
sent his craft upward at a sharp angle. Then he turned to call to his
companions.

"Be ready when I give the word!"

"All set and ready!" answered Ned, and the others signified their
attention to the command that soon was to be given.

Having attained what he considered a sufficient elevation, Tom headed
the Lucifer straight toward the up-spouting column of fire and smoke.
If ever his craft of the air was to justify her name it was now!

Straight and true as an arrow she headed for the fiery pillar! Hotter
and hotter grew the air! The darkness of the night was lighted by the
awful fire, which rendered objects in the street clear and distinct.
But Tom and his friends had little time for such observation.

"Get ready!" cried the young inventor, as he felt a rush of heat across
his face, partly protected, as it was, by great goggle