"Well, if the taxpayers wanted a hired department they can have it," declared Mr. Appelby. "But it will cost money." "Well, it ought to come out of the town treasury," went on the butcher. "Taxes is high enough now. Maybe we could get an engine cheap, somewhere." "What's the matter with paying the boys for theirs?" asked the mayor. "No, we want men to run the department," objected the butcher. "Those boys are as good as men," asserted Mr. Appelby, as he watched the lads, under Bert's direction, take up their hose and get the engine in shape for returning to quarters. "I guess old Sagger is afraid his taxes will go up. But we do need a regular department," he added to himself. As Bert was getting the boys together to haul the engine back to the barn, he was approached by a man who emerged from the crowd. "You did fine work," the man said, in a low voice. Bert looked at him. It was the tramp stenographer he had pulled from the brook. "How do you do!" the boy exclaimed. "How are you getting on?" "First rate. I braced up after I met you. Guess that little bath did me good. I did some odd jobs for the farmers around here, and my health is better. Here's that quarter back." "I don't want it." "I suppose not; but I want to pay it. I've got a little money saved up, and the promise of a good job at my profession." "Where?" "Here in town. I'll tell you about it later, as I see you're busy," and, before Bert could ask any more questions, the tramp, whose appearance had improved considerably since the brook episode, was lost in the throng. "That's queer," thought Bert. "I wonder who in this town would want a stenographer and typewriter?" CHAPTER XIV A DANGEROUS BLAZE Somewhat puzzled over the words of the tramp, and vainly seeking a meaning for them, Bert turned to join his companions, who were hauling the engine away. "Who was that fellow?" asked Vincent, who had noticed the man talking to his chum. "Oh, a friend I once helped out of a difficulty," was the answer, and Bert smiled, as he described the brook as a "difficulty." "What'd he want; more help?" "No; he came to thank me. But, come on, let's hustle and get back to quarters. Wasn't it queer old Sagger's place should catch fire?" "Yes. It serves him right, though, for all the mean things he's said about us." "He's pretty mean, but I'm sorry his butcher shop is ruined." "Oh, he's got money enough to build another." The boys discussed the various scenes at the fire at some length, finally reaching Cole's barn, where the engine, after being cleaned and put in readiness for another alarm, was backed into place. "I wonder if the town will take any action toward having a regular department now?" asked Vincent, as he and Bert walked toward their homes.