can do it for me."

"Well, I can try," said the fireman with a grin, and turning his hose
toward the crowd, gave the signal for the water, holding the nozzle at
an angle slightly off the perpendicular. In a very few moments the
crowd in the rear found themselves under a deluge of falling water, and
immediately they took to their heels, followed as rapidly as possible
by those in front. Then, levelling his nozzle, the fireman proceeded
to wash back from either side of the street those who had sought refuge
there, and before many minutes had elapsed, the street was cleared, and
in command of Maitland's specials.

Leaving the street under guard, Maitland and his specials went to the
help of the Chief, who was hampered more or less by His Worship, the
Mayor, and very considerably by Mr. McGinnis, who had meantime arrived,
mad with rage and demanding blood, and proceeded to clear up the foundry
yard, and rescue the strike-breakers who had taken refuge within the
burning building and in holes and corners about the premises. It was no
light matter, but under the patient, good-natured but resolute direction
of the Chief, they finally completed their job, rounding up the
strike-breakers in a corner of the yard and driving off their assailants
to a safe distance.

There remained still the most difficult part of their task. The
strike-breakers must be got to the Police Headquarters, the nearest
available place of safety. For, on the street beyond the water line, the
crowd was still waiting in wrathful mood. The foundry was a wreck,
but even this did not satisfy the fury of the strikers, which had been
excited by the presence of the strike-breakers imported by McGinnis.
For the more seriously injured, ambulances were called, and these were
safely got off under police guard to the General Hospital.

The Chief entered into consultation with the Mayor:

"The only safe place within reach," he said, "is Police Headquarters.
And the shortest and best route is up the hill to the left. But
unfortunately, that is where the big crowd is gathered. There are not so
many if we take the route to the right, but that is a longer way round."

"Put the men in your cars, Chief," said McGinnis, "and smash your way
through. They can't stop you."

"Yes, and kill a dozen or so," said the Chief.

"Why not? Aren't they breaking the law?"

"Oh, well, Mr. McGinnis," said the Chief, "it is easy to kill men. The
trouble is they are no use to anybod