"Oh good land a'massy! Don't tell me dat!" she cried. "Sam! Sam!
Wake up. De house is on fire an' you'se got t' sabe me!"
"No, no, Dinah!" cried Mrs. Bobbsey, to calm the cook. "It isn't this house. It's down by the lake. If you look out of your window you can see it."
Dinah hurried across to her window, and evidently saw the reflection of the blaze, for she exclaimed:
"Thank goodness it ain't yeah! Mah goodness, but I suah was skarit fo' a minute!"
By this time Mr. Bobbsey had dressed, and had started downstairs.
Bert came out of his room, also ready for the street.
"May I come, father?" he asked.
"Well, I declare!" exclaimed Mr. Bobbsey, in surprise. "So you got dressed too, did you?"
"Yes, sir. May I come?"
Mr. Bobbsey hesitated a moment, and then with a smile, said:
"Well, I suppose so, since you are all ready. I'm taking Bert," he called to his wife. "Freddie, you'll have to be the Fat Fireman while I'm gone, and look after the house."