Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-09-02


York Fire Department
Charles L. Hill, the artist, ia writing
u series OF articles about the New York
Fire Department for ST. Nicholas. An
article by him in the August number
il devoted TO Peter Spots Fire
man., smart dog that belongs to one
OF the engine companies. Mr.. iliil
saye, quoting the wortls of tho firemen
1.-THE first run we made after getting
him, he didn't 60 with US, and we
we're wondering when we were rolling
home whether we would find him in
the engine house on our return. or
whether he had turned ont with u5 and
we had lost him on the way to the lire;
for we're not over-narticular in taking
notice of things around us when We are
getting out when nm alarm OF tire comes
in. The first idea in to get out, and
that as quickly as possible; and as we
had all become interested 10 Peter, we
we're anxious to sse whether he had
deserted us or not; but when We opened
the door of the house out he came
bounding. jumping up at all OF US, and
barking away as much as to say;
Well, did you put out the fro? Sorry
| wasn't with you, or something like
thai; for to me he Is 40 smart that
think he is trying to talk all the time
in his own way. And now-well, bless
you. sir, he's the first one out Of thu
house. The instant the gong begins to
ring, no takes his position right there
under the front truck of the engine.
and there he stands, Eyes wide open,
ears up, and tail sticking right straight
out, he watches iue. The moment |
start for tho seat, he's off like shot
for the end of the pole between the
horses, barking like mad; for he knows
we arc going out, or | wouldn't jump
fer the scat. When the doors open, out
he goes like bullet out OF gun; and
If there is any one pressing or standing
outside, he clears them away in short
order; and there's very little danger Of
| running over auy one as long as we
have him ahead OF US, for he clears the
way batter than two or three men could.
On be keeps, all the way to the fire,
and half n block Of more in 'front.' OF the
engine.
"And now let RIO tell you how smari
he ia; tor, 40 matter now rough the
street may hn, no matter low dirty,
muddy, or slushy it IL, nor how the
stunes may hurt his irat, on Ii, goes.
ana never leaves il bat when We are
coming home, hless Your lifs! tbs
street isn't goal enough inr him, and
you emit get him into it, no matter
how YOU may nonY. No, sir: he take!
Il tho sidewalk bars. and walks along az
quiet and digniiied az caa he, scarcely
ever noticing any ut1or dog nn his way
for | think Ea fnsie that he is rpucl
more Important ttUn thay,are, and tina
they are nat in his class at alt. Ant
ho wont stop whcn we col TO the Ere
hui TO folle#g rs right in the building
dawn basement. or up u lHtider--ah
now / saa you are laughing, aud hon'
believe what GG1 telling yDn, hut it i
fact. lie can ciiniii a ladder witl
: the best Of us, providing 1t amt to-
high one. and 10 follows US right il
with the line; hut he can't come dow
a ladder; he hasn't the knack Of tina
, yet, and that's where the trouble come
, in. Many's the time w0've gone U
anu brought him out overcome wit
/ smoke, and carrying him down, laI
, him in the wagon to get over IT,
And many's the time the chief ha
said to US: some OF you fellows wi
he losing your lives yet with that dog
But, pshaw! sir, We wouin as 500
think of leaving one of the compan
, behind as leaving Peter; for no is on
: of the company, although he's only
] dog.
"And he's taken his duse with tn
best Of US. Got full Of smoke lets {
times, and soaked with water over an
8 over again. Came home one night wit
8 his tail frozen stiff. Got drenched at
3 cellar fire, and as it was bitter col
, night it froze gu him on his way bacl
9 lie was on the sick list for long viii
: after that, anu we had him tied up
/, tine cellar near the furnace, thawin
|, out, and all done up ID hanuages; br
!, he came out ali right Then we knocke
him out of window, one night, With
Q line. He was standing on the sill. an
3 We we're making quick movement
get from one room to another. The
was good pressure on, ard we bad
heavy stream 10 handle; and Just as y
= made quick turn to get belt
10 another room that was blazing /
:. lively, We hit Peter, standing on Il
y window-sill, square with the 6trean
70 Out he went sailing clear into ii
" " middle of the street, Just as If he
- been shot from cannon. We thougI
Y; hc was done for that time, sure; b
y when we backed out, about 20 minut
p after, there be was, little lame, b
30 nearly az Lively as eNer. utTe W
y considerable snow in the street, al
! that saved him,
I, "And burns? Well, say, his back
70 all tattoed from the burma he's oaugh
y What with falling plaster and bits
burning wood. he is all covered wi
bare places where the hair will nov
a. grow aguin, but those are survi
ns marks, and, tell you, he's a veter
at and proud of them.
at -