Captain Putnam and George Strong joined the ranks of the fire fighters and directed the work. Yet little headway was made until there came a lull in the wind. Then, as quickly as possible, most of the burning brush was hurried to the lake. “We’ll wet some horse-blankets and beat the fire out that way,” said George Strong, and this order was carried out, and before the wind again arose all in the camp were glad to know that the conflagration was under control. That night was one destined never to be forgotten by either Captain Putnam or those under him. With the danger from the fire past, the danger from the wind storm increased. “It’s a regular tornado!” said Jack to George Strong, as both did what they could to hold down the big tent in the midst of the camp. “Hardly, Major Ruddy, but it is a pretty stiff gale,” answered the teacher. “Do you think it will keep up all night?” “It may. But if it does I am afraid half of the tents will be down.” “Yes, three of ’em are down already.” “This is the worst wind we have had in some time. I did not look for such a blow.” For an hour the wind kept up, only dying down for a minute or two. It was useless to attempt to peg down the tents when they once got loose and they were allowed to remain flat, and some cots were placed on top, to keep them from blowing away. “This is the worst yet!” grumbled Stuffer. “I’d give as much as a dollar to be back in my bed at the Hall.” “This is the fun of a soldier’s life!” cried Pepper. “Don’t you want to join the regular army, Stuffer?” “Not to-night!” was the quick answer. “The wind is going down a little,” announced Andy, some time later. “I think we’ll have a quiet Sunday morning.” By two o’clock in the morning the wind had died down to a gentle breeze. Lanterns were lit and an inspection of the wreck was begun. Five tent poles had been shattered, three tents had been torn, and two tents had had good sized holes burnt in them. Among the cadets seven or eight had burnt blisters on their hands and faces and, one boy had his shoulder wrenched and another had twisted his ankle. Fortunately, however, none of the hurts were serious. Extra tents were to be had from one of the wagons, and these were set up in place of those torn and burnt. Then the other tents were again fastened down, and the cots were readjusted. It was some time before the cadets had retired, for the excitement served to keep them awake. “There will be an investigation of this,” said Andy to Pepper. “Whoever started that bonfire had no right to do so, for it was against Captain Putnam’s order. “Do you think Fred started it?” “He says not, and I believe him.” Sunday morning found the storm cleared away and the sun shining brightly. When the cadets got up they were sleepy, and consequently Captain Putnam had roll call and breakfast delayed. Then came chapel service.