“I hope not; any way, I’m going to try it.”
Taking a pail in each hand, I entered the mill and dashed up the narrow stairway, and into the garret room. Here all was thick with smoke, and at one end I could see the flames.
Rushing up, I dashed all the water on the flames. It took as long as I could hold my breath, and then I ran to the open window and yelled to Ford.
“Fill the pails, Dan, and bring them up to the door!”
He caught the pails as I threw them down, and dashed off. Meanwhile I cleaned out the corner where the fire was located, and stamped out some of the flames with my feet. It was hot work, and dangerous, but in my excitement I gave the matter no thought.
Pretty soon the door opened, and Ford appeared with more water. This I was careful to throw where it would do the most good, and saw with delight that we had somewhat checked the progress of the conflagration.
“Two or four more will do the work,” I said. “I will go down with you.”
And down we went, three steps at a time, he leading. I knew where there was a big tin wash-boiler, and got this.
Under ordinary circumstances it would have been impossible for me to carry the boiler full of water, but now I lifted it with ease, under the excitement of the moment. I was close behind Ford; and we did our best to make every gill of water count.