d part of the roof
fell in. It would certainly have taken Frank prisoner had not Dale
caught him by the collar, and dragged him out of danger. Instantly a
branch was pointed downwards, and the foe was beaten back; from above,
below, before, and behind, it was now met with deluges of water, which
fell on the shoulders of the men in the lower floor in a continuous hot
shower, while they stood ankle-deep in hot water.

In ten minutes after this the fire was effectually subdued, the lower
floor having been saved, although its contents were severely damaged by
water.

It was only necessary now, that one of the engines should remain for a
time, to make good the victory. The others rolled up their hose, and
prepared to depart. The King Street engine was the first to quit the
field of battle. While the men were getting ready, Mr Auberly, muffled
in a long cloak, stepped from the crowd and touched Frank, the tall
fireman, on the shoulder.

"Sir," said he in a low voice, "you saved my child. I would show my
sense of gratitude. Will you accept of this purse?"

Frank shook his head and a smile played on his smoke-begrimed
countenance as he said:

"No, Mr Auberly. I am obliged to you, but I cannot accept of it. I do
not want it, and besides, the men of the brigade are not allowed to take
money."

"But you will let me do something for you?" urged Mr Auberly. "Is
there nothing that I can do?"

"Nothing, sir," said Frank. He paused for a moment, and then
resumed--"Well, there _is_ something that perhaps you could do, sir. I
have a little brother out of employment; if you could get him a
situation, sir."

"I will," said Mr Auberly with emotion. "Send him to me on Thursday
forenoon. He will find me living next door to my--to my late home. I
shall stay with a friend there for some time. Good-night."

"Men of King Street engine get up," cried Dale. "Stay--what is your
name?" said Mr Auberly turning round.

But Frank was gone. He had leaped to his place on the engine and was
off at a rattling pace through the now silent and deserted streets of
the sleeping city.

Although they drove on at great speed there was no shouting now, for
neither 'bus, cab, nor foot-passenger blocked up the way, and the men,
begrimed with smoke and charcoal, wet, and weary with two hours of
almost uninterrupted labour of a severe as well as dangerous character,
sat or stood in their places in perfect silence.

On reaching the fire