"I, for one, would be only too glad to see the boys run the department," said Mayor Appelby. "They have more time than we have." "That's so," agreed a number, as the sentiment began to swing around the other way. "I'd like to say a few words," spoke up Herbert, rising in his seat. "Go on!" invited Mr. Appelby encouragingly. "This offer of Mr. Bergman's is a complete surprise to me," said the boy. "I never sought the position of head of the new department." "We know that," spoke a friendly voice. "And I want to say that if there is going to be any feeling over the matter I'd rather not have it," went on Bert. "We boys will continue our own department and--" "You'll do nothing of the kind," interrupted Mr. Bergman. "Lakeville is going to take a step forward, and you boys are the best persons to help her." "I don't want to take the place, and feel that there is jealousy," added Herbert. "I admit I would feel proud of the honor, but--" "He's the best chief we could have," interjected Cole, "and with my force pump--" "That'll do you," put in Vincent, pulling Cole back to his seat for the seventh time. "Let's vote on it!" called a man. "I'm in favor of the boys every time! Remember, they'll be men in a few years." This brought matters to a head. There was considerable more discussion, but, with the exception of two or three, everyone was in favor of Mr. Bergman's plan, for he had used arguments that appealed to the majority. A vote was taken, and was almost unanimous in favor of accepting the offer, and putting the boys in charge, with Herbert Dare as chief. As there were to be two engines, Vincent Templer was made assistant chief, to be in charge of the second apparatus. Other officers were named from among the boys, and, as there were to be two companies, located in different parts of the town, places were made for all the lads who cared to join. It was decided to keep the old hand engine for use in emergencies, and, as there would be no need of any one operating the new engines, since they worked automatically, the young fire fighters were advised by Mr. Bergman to develop themselves into a sort of salvage corps, to save goods at a fire, while one or two boys were at the chemical nozzles. This much being accomplished, Mr. Bergman went into financial details with the officials of Lakeville. It was decided to have a simple alarm system, with boxes located at the more prominent places in the village, and an arrangement whereby the signal would be sounded on a big bell, which would be erected on a steel tower. It took some time to put these improvements into shape, but in about three weeks they were finished, and the two chemical engines had arrived from the factory. "Say! They're beauties!" exclaimed Cole, happily, as he and the other boys went down to the freight depot to see them. "I wonder if they can throw a stream as far as my force pump?" "Are you still talking about your force pump?" asked Tom Donnell.