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Froht of way; it grew is of s in the distance greiftly larger, taking shape as a fire engine and a hose-cart Then, round the near-by corner, caon"; it made the turn and went by, with its fire boards

"Fire!" Florence cried joyfully "Let's go!" And, pausing no instant, sheat the top of her voice: "Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire!"

Herbert followed He was not so swift a runner as she, though this he never submitted to a test admitted to be fair and conclusive; and he found her demonstration of superiority particularly offensive now, as she called back over her shoulder: "Why don't you keep up with me? Can't you keep up?"

"I'd show you!" he panted "If I didn't haf to lug this ole basket, I'd leave you a hty quick"

"Well, why'n't you drop it, then?"

"You s'pose I'oin' to throw h_ with it?"

She slackened her gait, dropping back beside him "Well, then, if you think you could keep up with me if you didn't have it, why'n't you leave it soet it after the fire's over?"

"No place to leave it"

She laughed, and pointed "Why'n't you leave it at grandpa's?"

"Will you wait for me and start fair?"

"Co forward, and at their grandfather's gate Herbert turned in and sped toward the house

"Take it around to the kitchen and give it to Kitty Silver," Florence called "Tell Kitty Silver to take care of it for you"

But Herbert was in no lance over his shoulder showed that Florence was taking another unfair advantage of hiet back there! You got half a mile start a'ready! You wait till we can start even!"

But Florence was skipping lightly away and she caroled over her shoulder, waving her hand in an to run:

"Ole Mister Slowpoke can't catch me!

Ole Mister Slowpoke couldn't catch a flea!"

"I'll show you!" he bellowed, and, not to lose more time, he dashed up the steps of the deserted veranda, thrust his basket deep underneath a wicker settee, and ran violently after his elusive cousin