"See, two of the trees are burning already." "Yes, and two others are catching!" announced Jack.

Then an extra puff of wind sent all of the cadets from the vicinity of the blazing barrels.
"I suppose Ritter and Coulter didn't dream of such a fire when they started it," was Andy's comment.
"Just the same, they are responsible," answered Jack, gravely.
A yell came from afar, and soon some cadets ran into view, each carrying a bucket of water.

Leading them was George Strong, who had a long-handled rake and a shovel.
"Boys! boys! didn't you know better than to light a fire here!" cried the teacher.
"We didn't do it," answered Jack.
The water was thrown on the blazing barrels, and then the teacher tried to knock them flat with his rake.

But that caused a heavy shower of sparks to ascend, setting fire to some nearby bushes.
"It will be better to use the shovel," said Jack.

"Dirt will put out such a fire quicker than anything." "I believe you, Major Ruddy," answered Mr.Strong, and then he sent some cadets back for more shovels and a few pickaxes, with which to loosen up the dirt.
Soon many more cadets arrived, and with them Captain Putnam.