CHAPTER XXXI
DICK WRITES A CHECK—CONCLUSION
As Dick, followed by the major, rushed from the barracks to go to the fire, the housekeeper thrust an envelope into the young millionaire's hand.
"It is a telegram that just came for you," she explained.
Dick shoved it into his pocket without opening it. Then he joined the throng of excited and alarmed students that had gathered about the burning society headquarters.
A small fire department was maintained at the academy, but as the buildings of the school were all fireproof, the brigade was not a very large one, and was only equipped with chemical apparatus.
"We must telephone for the town fire department," cried Dutton.
"They won't get here in time to do much," said Major Webster. "Better save what you can inside, boys."
They saw that what he said was true. There was a stiff wind blowing, fanning the flames to furnace heat. The blaze had started on the upper floor, and had already eaten its way through the roof. No one knew what had caused the fire, as there was no one in the place when it started, and it had burned for some time before breaking out.
Fortunately, the structure was well away from any of the academy buildings, and there was little danger to them.