The firemen got at the hydrant and fastened the hose, and soon two streams of water were playing on the flames.
"Go it, boys! pump on her!" exclaimed Bobsey, wild with excitement. "Let her have it. 'Ere's a jolly spree!"
The water descended in streams on the flames, but for some time did not appear to take any effect.
All this time the feathery snow descended pitilessly.
CHAPTER XIII.
TOMMY FINDS A FRIEND IN BOBSEY.
In spite of the efforts of the firemen, the flames, aided by a strong northerly wind which had suddenly sprung up, increased in volume and intensity.
The Rev. Mr. Floyd began to recognize the fact that his house would eventually succumb to the flames, and he remembered that he had a box containing money and valuable papers in the room in which he slept.
Calling his son, he exclaimed:
"Charles, I am ruined if I cannot save my private box. What am I to do?"