The mournful fact that Manitou had never equipped
itself with a first-class fire-engine or a fire-brigade was now to play a
great part in the future career of the two towns. Osterhaut put the thing
in a nutshell as he slithered up the main street of Lebanon on his way to
the manning of the two fire-engines at the Lebanon fire-brigade station.
"This thing is going to link up Lebanon and Manitou like a trace-chain,"
he declared with a chuckle. "Everything's come at the right minute.
Here's Ingolby back on the locomotive, running the good old train of
Progress, and here's Ingolby's fire-brigade, which cost Lebanon twenty
thousand dollars and himself five thousand, going to put out the fires of
hate consuming two loving hamulets. Out with Ingolby's fire-brigade! This
is the day the doctor ordered! Hooray!"
Osterhaut had a gift of being able to do two things at one time. Nothing
prevented him from talking, and though it had probably never been tested,
it is quite certain he could have talked under water. His words had been
addressed to Jowett, who drew to him on all great occasions like the
drafts of a regiment to the main body. Jowett was often very critical of
Osterhaut's acts, words and views, but on this occasion they were of one
mind.
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