“The Academy! The Academy’s on fire,” they shouted.
Against the darkening sky a red gush of flame leaped up suddenly.
“Come on, fellows!” implored Merritt. “It’s going up like a pack of fire-works. We’ve got to hustle if we want to be of any use.”
CHAPTER X.
A SCOUT HERO.
At the fire-house they found Rob and Tubby helping to drag out the antiquated apparatus which was the best that Hampton boasted. Glad enough of the aid of the Boy Scouts, the firemen greeted them warmly. They recalled a former occasion when the khaki-clad lads had been of signal service to them.
Accordingly, while some of the men hitched up a pair of bony old nags to the engine, and others got the fire lighted, the hose cart was rushed out and the ropes unraveled.
“Fall in, boys,” shouted Rob.
They obeyed his order with military promptitude. The long rope was swiftly seized. Rob was in front, as became the leader of the troop.
“All ready!” came the cry.
“Heave!” shouted Rob.