“Friends of mine! I should rather say they were!” exclaimed the little man. “These young gentlemen,” he went on, “are honorary members of the Towanda Fire Department, of which I am the only living charter member!” and he threw back his shoulders proudly.
“That’s what they are,” he went on. “You should have seen them and their steam boat at the Dudley fire. They saved the day, that’s what they did. We elected ’em on the spot. I was there! I ought to know! My, but that was a blaze!” he exclaimed. “Me and the chief never forgot your services. I’m general adviser of the department,” he continued. “You saw me there?”
“Of course,” said Jerry, who, with the other boys now remembered the little man who had been so fussy to see that the ancient hand engine worked well.
“Well, any friends of yours are friends of mine,” said the tall gentleman. “Introduce me, Henry,” which the only living charter member of the Towanda Fire Department proceeded to do with old fashioned courtesy.
“You’re just in time for dinner,” spoke Mr. Johnson. “I shall only be too proud to have you join us. My cousin has told me, several times of your assistance at the big fire. I have often desired to meet you. My cousin came over on a visit this week. Fortunate that you should have known of it and followed him.”
“We didn’t. It was all an accident,” said Jerry.
Then, in a few words he explained what had happened, relating the theft of the motor boat, and how it happened they were only chance visitors.
“Remarkable, remarkable!” exclaimed Mr. Johnson. “I never heard anything like it. Now come right in. My wife and daughters will be delighted to meet you and hear that story.”
Almost unconsciously, at the suggestion of meeting ladies, the boys glanced at their clothes.