about eleven o'clock
Some improvements had been made to the engine , for Cole , after much experimenting , had mounted his force pump on the forward part of the tank , and attached a long garden hose to the spout . With it he could send a small stream a considerable distance , though not much water went through the small hose , as compared with the larger lines . `` It 'll do for small fires , '' observed Cole , with much satisfaction , as he contemplated his work . The very night that Cole finished the work of attaching his force pump , an alarm came in about eleven o'clock . The volunteer division , which was assigned to barn duty that night , had hardly retired to the cots or the haymow , when the clanging bell told them there was a blaze . `` Lively , boys ! '' cried Cole , who assumed the post of captain until Bert arrived .