Frank had a fire extinguisher on his back, and this he instantly set playing upon the blaze. Two other boys, upon receiving orders from the foreman, copied his example; while those who carried hand grenades, or small liquid-filled receptacles, intended to put out fires that were just beginning, began to get in their work. “Hurrah!” they shrieked, as they saw an immediate change begin to take place in the character of the threatening fire; “give it to the old thing, Frank! Soak it good and plenty, fellows! We’ve got it on the run! We’ll knock spots out of it, sure as you live. Hurrah for the Columbia High fire brigade! Whoop-la! once more now, and all together, boys!” They certainly did smite that rising blaze right and left. Such a combination of chemicals as was poured upon it was enough to discourage almost any fire. “We’ve got it on the run, boys!” cried the exultant Frank, as he saw that, bit by bit, the flames had begun to jump up less fiercely, and gave positive signs of giving up the unequal contest altogether. “Here, who’s that down there? Red Huggins has fainted with the smoke, fellows! Bones, you and Paul Bird carry him out! Come back again, if you can get hold of any water, and bring buckets, so we can soak this bin from end to end.” The boy who had succumbed to the smoke, which he had inhaled, was carried out of the cellar. The appearance of those who held him by the legs and head was the signal for a gasp of horror. Then the news was circulated that the fire was under control, and that Red had only swooned. Loud cheers began to arise, for everyone was wildly excited by this time; and it could be noticed that the teachers were as vociferous as any of the students. Buckets of water began to arrive, and were carried in to the fire-fighters, who dashed them upon the last spluttering remnant of the blaze, which gave up with a final hiss. Leaving some newcomers to continue this treatment, Frank ordered his band out of the basement. He knew from his own feelings that they were almost at a point where they might drop down, just as Red Huggins had. The smoke smarted their eyes so that they were nearly blind when they finally issued forth. And how good that pure air did seem, as they drew it into their lungs, which had, for some little time, been filled with smoke-laden atmosphere! Around them pressed a dense throng. Parents had arrived in squads by now; in fact, everyone in Columbia must be on the way there at least; and filled with a terrible fear concerning the boys and girls whom they knew were students under that single roof. Cheers were rising in waves, and growing with each demonstration, led by Professor Parke in person, who was very proud of his boys, and would never forget how they had, in following out his exact directions for an emergency, saved the building of Columbia High.