For Jack was a duly enlisted member of the Corney Volunteer Fire Department.
He hurried into his clothing as rapidly as possible, and jumped down the stairs three at a time.
"Don't get hurt!" called Deb after him.
The engine house was but a few blocks away. When Jack arrived there, he found that the machine had been dragged out into the street but no further.
"Why don't you catch hold?" he called to a crowd of men who stood on the sidewalk.
"It's old Gray's house!" exclaimed one man, "and it can burn to the ground for all I care."
"He don't help us; now let him help himself," put in another.
"Oh, pshaw! It won't do any good to act that way!" said Jack. "Come, catch hold like men."
Jack was naturally a leader, and when he grasped the rope three other young fellows followed, and in a moment the engine was on its way.
"It's too bad it's Mr. Gray's house," thought the machinist. "It will make him harder-hearted than ever."