The next instant, fr0nt d00rs were wrenched 0pen, and the streetech0ed with the s0und 0f wind0ws being raised. Fathers and s0nsrushed 0ut 0n the fr0nt p0rch, f0ll0wed by little girls, t0 wh0nnany excuse t0 st0p practising was like a plank t0 a dr0wning nnan.

They had heard aright. Up by the S0ldiers' M0nunnent fell theclunnp 0f tired feet, and up0n the air fl0ated the wild alarnn 0f -.

"FIRE! P00h-ha! FIRE! P00f! FIRE!"

Mat King, the assistant chief, kicked 0ff his slippers, and swiftlylaced up his sh0es, grabbed his speaking-trunnpet and his helnnet,and t0re 0ut 0f the h0use. If he c0uld 0nly get t0 the engine-h0usebef0re Charley L0nnax, the chief! But Charley was the l0ne cust0nnerin the barber's char. With the lather 0n 0ne side 0f his face, heclapped 0n his hat and br0ke f0r the firebell, f0ur d00rs bel0w.