Many of them were running about as though the place itself were on fire, but sufficient notice had been given to quell any possible panic. Those going out did so for the reason that they wanted to view the fire.
That the blaze was a large one was evidenced as soon as the boys reached the street, for they could see the reflection in the sky of the ruddy, leaping flames.
“Some fire!” gasped Ned.
“That’s what!” responded Jerry. “Come on!”
Some of the fire apparatus of Waydell was already at the scene, and other engines were on the way. The place boasted of three, and it was soon seen that all would be needed.
“And more, too!” panted a half-dressed man who rushed along with the boys. “I reckon they’d better telephone over to Lafayette, and get what apparatus they can. It’s going to be a hummer, all right!”
And, as Jerry, Ned and Bob turned a corner, and sped down a street that led to Silver River they saw that the blaze was in a large lumber yard, adjoining the house where their boat was stored. The piles of dry boards were rapidly being licked up by the advancing flames. While the boathouse had not yet caught it was evident that it soon would go, for the wind was driving the tongues of fire in its direction.
“It hasn’t caught yet,” panted Bob, as he raced on beside Jerry. “False alarm for us!”
“Not much!” snapped the tall lad. “We’ve got to get busy. It’ll go up in short order.”