"That's so," came from John.
"Guess I'll have to wait a few years before I can make a fire engine, though," responded Cole. "But say, I just happened to think of it! They've got a new chemical engine over to Jamesville."
"I don't see how that helps us," said Bert.
"Don't you? Well, listen. If they've got a new engine, they won't need their old hand-pumping one."
"Well?"
"Don't you see what I mean? They'll sell the old machine and we can buy it. It's a good one, and has a fine pump on. All it needs is a little fixing, and I can do that. What's the matter with buying the second-hand engine of Jamesville?"
"Nothing's the matter," returned Bert slowly, "except that we haven't got the money."
CHAPTER V
BUYING THE ENGINE
This announcement served like a dash of cold water to the boys. They had been quite enthusiastic over Cole's plan, but Bert's words made them realize that it was one thing to say what they would do, and another to accomplish it.