All the members of the Lakeville fire corps turned in to help get Bert's engine ready for the main contest of the day. The tank was refilled with soda water, and a new bottle of sulphuric acid put in the holder, for a supply of the chemicals had been brought along for that purpose. The other companies were also preparing for the contest. The Jamesville crowd had an engine just like these which Mr. Bergman had purchased for Lakeville. The machines from Northville Centre and Weedsport were different, but worked on the same principle. "Are you all ready?" asked Mr. Bergman, when the four companies were lined up on the edge of the wood, ready for the race to the shacks. The various chiefs answered that they were. The word was given to fire the sheds, and soon four clouds of black smoke were ascending to the sky, while the flames began to roar. "Don't start until I give the word," cautioned Mr. Bergman. "I want the fires to get a good headway." Anxiously the members of the four companies stood lined up, ready for the signal. Grouped around them was a big throng. "Be ready to jump, boys," cautioned Bert, in a low voice to his lads. "But be careful not to stumble." "We're all ready," replied Cole, looking back at the line of boys who grasped the rope. The flames were crackling more loudly. Greater clouds of smoke from the burning oil rolled into the air. The heat from the blazing shacks could be felt some distance away. "Why doesn't he give the word?" asked Tom Donnell, impatiently. Members of the other companies were inquiring the same thing. Mr. Bergman stood with his watch in his hand. He looked at the four fires. Then he called: "Get ready!" The boys tightened their grip on the rope. They leaned forward, prepared to spring at the command. "Go!" shouted the umpire, and the four companies were off as one. Over the open field they dragged the engines, the big wheels rumbling like subdued thunder. The crowd began to cheer, men and boys calling to their favorite companies to beat in the race. Nearer and nearer to the blazing shacks came the fire-fighters. The company from Northville Centre was slightly in the lead, for their engine was lighter, and there were a score of men on the rope. Next came the Lakeville lads, while those from Weedsport were in the rear. Suddenly there sounded a crash, and Bert, turning his head, saw the foremost of the Weedsport men stumble. An instant later the engine, striking a rut, overturned, dragging the whole company down. "That--puts--them--out--of--the---race!" panted Cole, who, in spite of his fleshiness, was keeping well up with his companions. But he was beginning to get out of breath. "We've--got--a--better--chance--now," he said. "Don't talk," advised Bert. "Save your breath for running, Cole." Which advice the young engineer followed. It was now an even race between the Lakeville, Jamesville and Northville Centre departments. The members of the Weedsport crew were trying to right their engine.