# The Amateur Firemen explained — The Railway Children

> Chapter companion for The Railway Children by E. Nesbit.

## What happens

The children encounter a bargeman who initially drives them off the bridge, but his wife later apologizes and invites them to fish. When the barge cabin catches fire, the children rescue the baby and dog, earning the bargeman's gratitude. He takes them on a full canal trip, and they return home safely, having made new friends.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and Selflessness

The children risk their safety to rescue the baby and dog from the burning barge, acting without hesitation.

### Kindness and Community

The bargewoman's initial apology and the bargeman's eventual gratitude show how kindness bridges conflict and builds new friendships.

### Childhood Innocence and Adventure

The children's canal trip, fishing, and excitement over locks and the baby reflect their adventurous spirit and innocent joy.

## Character check-ins

### Roberta (Bobbie)

First to spot the fire and rush to alert the bargewoman; rescues the baby and later nurses it.

### Peter

Stands his ground against the bargeman, falls into the canal while rescuing the baby, and helps put out the fire.

### Phyllis

Helps pull Peter from the canal, holds the rescued baby, and suggests wearing red ribbons for future canal visits.

### Mother

Anxious when children return late and wet, but proud of their bravery; shares memories of canal trips with Father.

### The Bargee

Initially hostile, but later grateful; admits his pipe ash caused the fire and takes the children on a free canal trip.

### Mrs. Perks

Mentioned indirectly; the children had planned to discuss Perks's birthday but got sidetracked by the adventure.

## Key lines

> You mustn't take no notice of my Bill; 'is bark's worse'n 'is bite.

The bargewoman reassures the children that her husband's harsh words are not as bad as they seem.

_Shows the bargewoman's kindness and attempts to smooth over the earlier conflict._

> Lord help me, if it was me left anything as could catch alight,

The bargewoman repeatedly blames herself for the fire, though it was actually her husband's fault.

_Highlights her sense of responsibility and the unfairness of self-blame._

> I think everyone in the world is friends if you can only get them to see you don't want to be un-friends.

Bobbie believes that friendliness can overcome most conflicts if people understand your good intentions.

_Reflects Bobbie's optimistic and inclusive worldview._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_railway_children_se/chapters/viii-the-amateur-firemen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_railway_children_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_railway_children_se/chapters