The villagers were immensly proud of The Engine House and all it stood for. They considered it to be as impressive and efficient as any town Engine House: indeed it was probably more efficient than most, for it would have been nigh on impossible to find a more eager bunch of firefighters or a more lovingly cared for appliance!
   The Fire Chief lived here with his wife and daughter in comfortable accommodation on the first floor. He was the only full-time member of the village fire-fighting force: the rest of the crew were volunteers from the young men of the village. Filled with a spirit of adventure, they carried out their daily work -- ready at a moment's notice to respond to the clamour of the fire-station bell.
   The other key member of the team, Heraklion, saw himself as a rival for the Chief's post. He, after all, had experience of a larger Engine House and felt better qualified than the incumbent. When he was moved to the country he was sure that his talents would be recognised; however, fate decreed that Heraklion would remail at the rank of fire-horse.
   The firemen -- resplendent in their brass helmets and smart uniforms -- and the highly polished appliance were a source of great pride for the village. No parade, ceremony or festivity was complete without an appearance and demonstration of their skills.
   Calls for the fire service were fortunately few; the villagers were careful and made sure that the pond and other water catchment areas were kept at a high level throughout the hot summers. Rescuing the schoolmistress's cat from a tree and attending the annual Guy Fawkes Night bonfire were typical fare.
   These were the village's modest heros who devoted their spare time to fire-fighting practice and maintaining the Engine House and appliance in pristine condition.