ph was the first to offer
his services.

He had already had some considerable experience in artillery practice,
and when George explained this to some of those who were directing the
work, Ralph was gladly accepted to take charge of the guns.

He was a gunner without any artillery, but twice as many men as were
necessary started at full speed toward the town, and in a short time the
only two cannon that could be procured, without going to Bradford, were
on the ground, while Ralph was hastily preparing the charges of powder.

It may be thought that it would not require much skill to hit, at short
range, such a large object as an oil-tank capable of holding thirty-five
thousand barrels; but since, in order to send the ball through the iron
plates it was necessary to hit it full at the place aimed for, otherwise
the projectile would glance off, it can be seen that Ralph was obliged
to exhibit considerable skill.

While this was being done, the others were throwing up earthworks to
divert the course of the blazing streams, or to dam the oil in such
places as it could burn without damage to other property; and it can
safely be imagined that but little time was spent in watching what the
others were doing.

After George had announced that Ralph had had experience in the use of
artillery pieces, and after the cannon had been brought from the town,
he was left to superintend the work, a sufficient number of men
remaining near to follow his instructions.

The day was a hot one, and the heat from the fire, together with that
from the sun, was almost insupportable; but, stripped of all clothing
that could conveniently be cast aside, each one continued at his
self-imposed task of averting the threatened destruction from the town.

Each moment, despite all that was being done, the flames were creeping
closer and closer to the town, which seemed doomed, and, as the time
passed, every one saw how useless their efforts would be unless the iron
tank could be pierced, allowing a portion of the oil to run off before
it could be ignited.

Many were the entreaties to Ralph to hurry with his work; but, fully
believing the old adage that "haste makes waste," he completed his
operations with deliberation, only hurrying when he could do so without
running any risk of a failure.

"Be quick, Ralph," cried George, as he came up, smoke begrimed, and
bearing many traces of his severe work. "Every moment is more than
precious now; and, eve