while the meeting was in progress had proven conclusively that he had a
thorough knowledge of the many things a full fledged scout must know.

Jack meant to graduate from the tenderfoot class in the shortest possible
space of time. Any scout may do this by being diligent in the pursuit of
various lines of woodcraft.

"Well," said Jack, as he pushed alongside his chum, "this has been a
dandy meeting, all right. And there are four new fellows knocking at the
door; with perhaps more to follow, when Stanhope learns what great times
we have."

"Yes, and I guess we'll need new recruits right along. You know that some
of the boys will fall by the wayside soon after the novelty has worn
off," remarked wise Paul, who delighted in studying human nature as he
saw it around him.

"Listen! fellows! The fire alarm!" shouted Joe Clausin, just at that
instant.

Every voice was hushed.

Clear upon the night air rang out the sound of a tocsin--the stroke of a
hammer upon a steel rim from a locomotive wheel, and which was hung aloft
in the only firehouse in Stanhope.

It was a thrilling sound at any time, and especially to a company of
boys newly enlisted in the great cause of humanity--of lending a hand
to neighbors who might be in trouble. So after several more clear,
resounding strokes had pealed forth, calling the volunteer department
out to fight the fire demon, one scout started wildly for the double
doors of the smithy.

He was immediately followed by others, and in almost the twinkling of an
eye the Carberry blacksmith shop was emptied of its late noisy crowd.

CHAPTER XIV

JACK'S CHANCE

"Wow! look at that, will you?"

"It's a barn most likely!"

"Don't you believe it. I can see the roof of the house! Say, I believe it
must be that old Bradley place! Come along, fellows!"

"There are the firemen on the run! They'll have old Rescue No. 1 on the
jump in a jiffy. Hey, fellers, let's get busy, and pull the hose cart for
'em!"

"Bully idea. Lead the way, Paul! It's up to you to show us how!"

With these and many more cries the Boy Scouts bore down on the building
that sheltered the lone fire department of the town. This consisted of
a cast-off engine in good repair which had been purchased from some big
city, where they were installing an auto in place of horse power for
propelling their machines; and a hose reel, the latter to be drawn by
a line of men.

Of course the assembling firemen were only too g