"If the engine companies did not keep their machines in good working order, of course they would render no service at the fire.

You remember Smith's factory was burnt because 'No.
2's' suction hose leaked, and the 'tub' couldn't be worked." "That's it; in time of peace prepare for war." "Where's the Butterfly now ?" asked Tim, who did not feel much interest in this exposition of duty.
"She is headed up to Rippleton River," replied Frank.

"I hope she does not mean to venture among the rocks." Rippleton River was a stream which emptied into the lake at its eastern extremity.

Properly speaking, Wood Lake was only a widening of this river, though the stream was very narrow, and discharged itself into the lake amid immense masses of rock.
The mouth of this river was so obstructed by these rocks, that Captain Sedley had forbidden the boys ever to venture upon its waters; though, with occasional difficulties in the navigation, it was deep enough and wide enough to admit the passage of the boat for several miles.

A wooden bridge crossed the stream a little way above the lake--an old, decayed affair which had frequently been complained of as unsafe.
"Tony knows the place very well," said Charles.