“Barney & Kuhl warehouse, 18th and Michigan,” the operator droned into the receiver, “18th and Michigan, the Barney & Kuhl warehouse.”
A moment later, like an echo, his message came back to him through the megaphone.
“That’s a big place. May be serious. I hope not, though. I——”
The chief’s speech was checked by the stutter of an instrument.
Leaping toward the instrument he seized the narrow white tape which, moving out from the instrument, was marked with red dots and dashes.
“The second alarm,” he murmured. “Looks bad. Marshal Neil signs. He’s one of our best. Companies 1, 17, 42, 71 and 98 go out on the call. That makes ten companies in all.
“Leaves a rather large area unprotected.” His brow wrinkled as he studied the broad dark spot on the map.
For a moment he stood there as if in deep thought. Then, to the operator:
“Finley, call 3, 10, 14, 21 and 104 to the positions of the companies just called out.”
Instantly there came the flash of a light, the clatter of instruments, and the thing was done. Well done, too, for a moment later, into the startled silence of the room, came the clatter of the third alarm.