The fire bell rang at six Friday morning. Eli had trained himself to listen for it, even in his sleep, so he woke and hurried into the clothes he kept beside the bed every nightÑheavy duck trousers and shirt. His leather helmet, thick rubber boots and oilcloth coat would be waiting at the fire hall. The helmets were another innovation he’d introduced to the squad after his training in Chicago. Wearing headgear could protect a fireman’s life if a roof or ceiling ...