Amateur Fireman

by William Henry Giles Kingston

  CHAPTER XVII.

  THE BLOW-OUT.

  Much to Dan's disappointment, Seth could not go down-town on this firstevening after having distinguished himself in the Department.

  When 'Lish Davis heard what Mr. Fernald had said he insisted on having along and confidential chat with the boy, and it was not concluded untila very late hour in the evening.

  "The time has now come, kid, when you're the same as one of us, and weof Ninety-four who counted on giving you such a boost have been cheatedout of it by what you did for yourself," the driver began gravely, andin a tone sufficiently loud for the other members of the company tohear. "From this out you're in the Department, and we have no fear butthat in due course of time you'll be assigned to some company--this one,if we can have our way. Now, there's a question of money to come upprecious soon, for we here have got the idee that the city won't paywages while you're under instruction."

  "Of course, we may be in the wrong as to that, but if we ain't, how'llyou live? That's what we've asked ourselves, and this is the way weanswer it: Every man in the Department looks on you as Ninety-four'skid, and we can't allow anything that would go against our credit,consequently you have got to turn to us for support till you're underwages. We'll assess ourselves so much every month, and charge it up toyou in reg'lar fashion so it can be paid back some time. Now, you're tomake no kick, for we've settled it once and for all."

  "Why couldn't I black boots at odd times?" Seth asked, pleadingly.

  "Because there won't be any 'odd times' in the first place, and secondlywe're not minded to have it said we couldn't see you through. Can't youunderstand that we're looked on by them as are in the Department as yourfather, or guardeen, or something of that kind, and it's our own creditwe're bound to uphold? How would it look for a fireman to be aroundblackin' boots? And that's what you are this very minute, even thoughyou haven't had an appointment."

  Then one member of the company after another gave his views on thesubject, until it would have been rank ingratitude had Seth refused thegenerous proposition.

  It was agreed to by all that a strict account should be kept of theamounts advanced, and he be allowed to repay the company at theearliest opportunity after he was under salary.

  When this matter had been settled by Seth's promise to take such sums ofmoney as he needed, and "look pleasant about it," the men discussed hisfuture, and spoke of the time when he would be running with Ninety-four,until it did not require a very great stretch of the imagination for theboy to fancy himself already a member of the company.

  On reaching Mrs. Hanson's he found his roommates awake, and grumblingbecause he had not returned sooner.

  "I s'pose we shan't see very much of you now you're gettin' so high upin the Department, eh?" Dan said in a tone of ill-humor.

  "You'll see me all my spare time, providin' you an' Bill still agree togo to school, 'cause I've got to duf into study in great shape now, an'we'll be together every evening."

  "Got to do it now? What else has come up?"

  "Mr. Fernald has put me right into the drill, an' I don't have to tacklethe odd jobs any more."

  "Are you a fireman already?" and Dan sprang to his feet in astonishment.

  "Of course not; but I'm to be drilled the same as if I was, an' in caseI show sand enough you'll see me in the exhibition drill that's to begiven on the street next spring."

  Neither Dan nor Bill spoke for several seconds, and then the formerexclaimed with emphasis:

  "Say, but you're gettin' there with both feet, eh?"

  It was midnight before the roommates could afford to retire, and then itwas understood that on the following evening at seven o'clock Seth wasto be at the main entrance to the post-office, in readiness for the"blow-out" to be given in his honor.

  In vain he questioned his friends concerning the proposed feast.

  They would give him no further information on the subject, declaringthat he would "have his eye knocked out before the thing was over."

  At daylight next morning Seth was at Ninety-four's house blacking boots,despite the fact that 'Lish Davis had given orders another boy should beengaged for such work, and before the members of the company were astirhe departed for headquarters.

  During this day the "new probationer," as he was called, was kept atwork learning how to handle, raise, and balance ladders, and it is safeto say he never did more labor in a single twelve hours before.

  He was exceedingly tired when supper-time arrived, but did his best toprevent Mr. Fernald from suspecting the fact.

  "Feeling rather sore?" the instructor asked as the boy came to saygood-night.

  "I ain't played out, sir."

  "If such was the case, would you admit it?"

  "I'd hate to," Seth replied with a smile, and Mr. Fernald said in afriendly tone, as if speaking to a comrade instead of a pupil:

  "It is hard work, this learning the trade of a fireman, my boy, andthere may be times when you will feel discouraged; but keep a firm gripon yourself at all times, live regularly, avoid bad habits, or, in otherwords, keep in rigid training, and you will master it."

  "I'm not afraid of failin' so far as I'm concerned, sir, but it may beI'll tire others out, an' so get me walkin' ticket."

  "You need have no such fear on my account, lad, so long as you do yourlevel best."

  Seth understood that Mr. Fernald had brought the interview to an end,and he set out for the rendezvous at the post-office, wondering not alittle what and whom he should find at the "blow-out."

  As he neared the business locations of his different friends he wassurprised because he failed to meet any whom he knew.

  It was as if every news-vender and bootblack had suddenly disappearedfrom the face of the earth, although it was not yet so late but thatconsiderable business might have been done.

  Arriving at the post-office he met there Bill and Dan alone.

  He had expected to see a great throng, and began to believe that forsome good reason the "blow-out" had been postponed.

  "Have you given it up?" he asked in what he intended should be acareless tone, for even though he had advised Dan not to "start thething," it had given him no slight satisfaction because hisacquaintances and friends should desire thus to do him honor.

  "Give up nothin'!" Bill exclaimed. "Ain't we here on time?"

  "I didn't know from what you said last night but that some of the otherfellers were comin'."

  "We've fixed everything jest as we want it, an' she's goin' along assmooth as a die," Master Roberts replied in a tone of satisfaction."Them as don't know their business gets left; but we haven't got in withthat crowd, eh, William?"

  "We shan't mildew even if we ain't taken in for a considerable spell,"Bill said contentedly, and added an instant later: "Now Seth's come Idon't see why we should stand 'round here any longer."

  "Let her go; I'm ready"; and Master Roberts set out in advance, leadingthe way toward Chat ham Street much as if believing every person whomthey met knew he was conducting the boy who ran with Ninety-four.

  "Where are we goin'?" Seth asked of Bill, believing now that the spreadconcerning which so much had been said was to be confined strictly tothe lodgers in Mrs. Hanson's house.

  "You'll see when we strike there, an' if it ain't tony enough for aswell from the Department, you can get out."

  Seth gazed in surprise at his friend; but the latter's face wasexpressionless, and the guest of the evening began to fear some disasterhad overtaken the plans of his roommates.

  "Seen Sam Barney to-day?" the "probationary fireman" asked after a brieftime of silence.

  "I struck him mighty heavy yesterday, an' he's been layin' low eversince. I made up my mind that he should see the printed stuff about youin the papers, an' hung 'round till he flashed up. Then I acted as if hean' me was the best friends in the world, an' asked if he knowed whatkind of a racket you'd been on. That was enough to make him read thepaper I had, an' you can bet he was sick when he got through. TeddyBowser hit him up ag
'in 'bout an hour afterward, an from that time tillpretty nigh dark we kept him chafin' under the collar. Then he lit out,an' we haven't seen him since."

  "How's Jip gettin' along?"

  "First-class; tendin' right out on business, an' goin' to pull throughinto a decent kind of a feller. Say, you know Dan made up his mind toown a store on Third Avenoo?"

  "Yes, an' I hope he won't back down."

  "Well, I guess not! He can't, 'cause I've gone into partners with him,an' there won't be any funny business. We're goin' to take Jip for aclerk."

  "But you haven't got the store yet."

  "It ain't such a dreadful long ways off. We've got most twelve dollarstowards it, an' I know of a man what'll sell out a bang-up good placefor a hundred an' fifty. I'm allowin' we'll get that much beforespring."

  "What makes him sell it so cheap?"

  "The reason is that he's a duffer; wants to lay back smokin' an' havethe dollars come rollin' in without his raisin' a hair. Of course heain't gettin' along very smart, an' we'll soon be ready to take it. Withtwo fellers who are willin' to work there's a big thing in that place.We're countin' on settin' up a boot-blackin' place with chairs an' allsuch kind of swellin', you know. It's going to be 'Roberts & Dean,Newsdealers an' Shiners.'"

  "You'll make a go of it, Bill."

  "Course we shall," was the complacent reply. "I knowed it was a goodthing jest as soon as Dan flashed her up, an' said I'd come in before hegot half through talkin'. This 'ere little blow-out is the only thingwe're goin' to spend any money on till we get the shop paid for."

  "It's too bad for you to put out good money on me."

  "What we're doin' to-night won't break us, I reckon. First off weallowed it would cost fifteen cents apiece; but we had an offer of threedollars for that many tickets, which comes pretty nigh payin' all thebills."

  "Three dollars for three tickets!" Seth repeated in perplexity. "What isit you've been gettin' up, Bill?"

  "Hold on 'bout four minutes longer, an' then the whole thing will beflashed up. It's great!"

  Before the time specified by Bill had elapsed, Dan suddenly turned intoa German restaurant, walked the length of the lower floor, and led theway upstairs.

  Seth felt that already was his "eye bein' knocked out."

  He knew there were private supper-rooms in some of these Chatham Streetestablishments, but had never been fortunate enough to see one, and nowhe was to enter as a guest of honor.

  Dan threw open the door at the head of the stairs.

  Seth was conscious of a blaze of light, the hum of voices, and before itwas possible to distinguish anything clearly, Bill cried:

  "Three cheers for Ninety-four's kid!"

  Then rang out a shout which seemed actually to rock the building to andfro, and by the time the tumult had subsided the guest of the eveningsaw a long table, on either side of which were seated all his friendsand acquaintances among the sidewalk merchants, while at the head 'LishDavis, Jerry Walters, and Joe Black presided with as much gravity as ifit had been the swellest of swell functions.

  Now Seth understood who had purchased supper tickets at one dollar aplate.

  The honored guest was shown to a seat near Ninety-four's driver.

  Dan and Bill took places opposite, and the former called in a loud,commanding voice for the benefit of Teddy Bowser, who was stationed atthe door:

  "Let 'em flash her up; we're all here!"

  Teddy cried to some one below, and during the next ten minutes twowaiters were kept busy bringing upstairs sandwiches, bologna ingenerous, thick slices, sauerkraut without stint, potato salad, and avariety of small cakes plentifully besprinkled with tiny seeds.

  While this feast was being placed upon the table no one spoke, butinstantly Teddy gave a peculiar sign by crossing his throat and winkingone eye, Dan cried:

  "Now pitch in, fellers, an' fill right up! We're doin' this 'cause SethBartlett has got into the Department, an' the one what don't eat all heought'er will have trouble with me."

  If Master Roberts had been a veritable giant seeking whom he mightdevour, the boys could not have shown more fear lest his command shouldnot be obeyed.

  Every fellow present felt that it was his duty to eat a generous portionof each dish before him, and he did it hurriedly lest Dan might havecause for complaint.

  Nor were the guests who had paid "their cold dollars," as Dan explained,idle.

  All three ate heartily to the evident satisfaction of the others, and'Lish Davis even entered so thoroughly into the spirit of the affair asto suggest that they send for another dish of sauerkraut.

  In ten minutes or less the hunger of the guests was in a measureappeased, and as they dallied with the dainties Dan set in motion thatportion of the entertainment which, in his opinion, was to be thecrowning feature.

  THE BLOW-OUT _Page_ 298.]

  "It ain't many times that duffers like us has a chance to rub up againstNinety-four's men, an' we want to show 'em that we know what's what,"he had said privately to Bill the evening previous, and now was come themoment when the exhibition should be made.

  After making certain that all were giving him their attention, he roseslowly to his feet, looked round as if to collect his thoughts, and saidin a loud tone, much as though repeating something he had committed tomemory:

  "Fellers, an' Ninety-four's men are in it, too: We spread ourselves onthis 'ere blow-out 'cause Seth Bartlett has got into the Departmentowin' to havin' saved a kid, and now if all hands are 'way up full we'llhave a little speech from Mr. 'Lish Davis, driver of Ninety-four engine,who's one of the three what gave up a big cold dollar for this lot ofstuff."

  Then Dan sat down with a complacent smile upon his face, as if believinghe had said the right thing in the right place, and Mr. Davis actuallyappeared embarrassed.

  He had come to the feast expecting to enjoy himself by listening to thesidewalk merchants, and found that it was himself who would provide agoodly portion of the entertainment.

  Never doubting but that this had been all arranged beforehand, Sethgazed at the driver, wondering why he was so slow in making a response,while Jerry and Joe laughed heartily, for they knew that 'Lish had beentaken wholly by surprise.

  However, the driver of Ninety-four was not one who would be discomfitedby such as Dan Roberts, and he began his speech, with considerablehesitation, but warming to his subject as he proceeded.

  "I didn't allow that I was to be part of the show when I come here, andDan Roberts has got one the best of me; but yet, I ain't quite downed.The man who couldn't say a good word now never ought to set in anywhere,because there's a deal more than something to eat, if you boys will onlylook at it in the right light. In the first place you've spread yourselfbecause Ninety-four's kid has the same as got into the Department, andperhaps some of you think he's lucky. I tell you, kids, luck hadn'tanything to do with it. Seth is being made a fireman because whatever hestruck he stuck at, and never let a living chance go by him. When hefirst came up to Ninety-four's house we gave him the cold shoulder, buthe kept plugging away till we grew to like his pluck; yet nobody heldout a hand to him till he'd hung to his idea so long that we jestcouldn't help ourselves. He worked in where he wanted to go, and so canevery one of you. I ain't holding that all of us are born to be firemen,but whatever we count on being we've got to work for, and work hard. Dothat, and you'll pull through in pretty nigh everything you tackle."

  When 'Lish Davis sat down, blushing rosy red, Dan sprang up like ajumping-jack from a box, and proposed:

  "Three cheers for the driver of Ninety-four!"

  As may be imagined, these were given with a will, and then MasterRoberts announced:

  "Jerry Walters will now chip in with something."

  It was now 'Lish Davis's turn to laugh, and he enjoyed his comrade'sconfusion mightily, for it was several moments before Jerry could thinkof the proper words.

  Joe Black was called upon immediately afterward, and when he hadconcluded and been given a round of cheers, as in the case o
f the otherspeakers, the driver said gravely:

  "We who come here to look on have done what we could towards making asuccess of this here 'blow-out,' and now, according to my way ofthinking, it's time we heard from Mr. Daniel Roberts."

  The suggestion came in the way of a big surprise to Dan, who, whilemaking plans for this entertainment had entirely overlooked the possiblefact that he might be asked to do that which he the same as demandedfrom others.

  Dan's friends and acquaintances applauded 'Lish Davis's propositionloudly, and were so emphatic in their calls for him that the owner ofthe prospective Third-Avenue store was absolutely forced to rise.

  "It's what I call a mighty mean trick for you fellers to howl 'bout mymakin' a speech, 'cause you know we hadn't figgered that any but the'dollar visitors' would do that. Of course 'Lish Davis an' the rest ofthe firemen didn't know, but pretty nigh every other feller was postedthis afternoon. But don't think you've got me in a hole, though, for ifmakin' speeches is only talkin' 'bout Seth, I can do that an' not halftry. If it hadn't been for him I wouldn't have my Third-Avenoostore,--and I've got it in my mind all right,--nor Bill an' me wouldn'tbe thinkin' of goin' to school, or we shouldn't be livin' in the toniestlodgin's in this 'ere town. An' if it hadn't been for him you fellerscouldn't be settin' here so near filled up that some of you can't domuch more'n wink. Now 'bout this blow-out: I made a trade with theDutchman what runs the place that we should have all we could eat forfour dollars; but he held to it that we mustn't stay more'n two hours,an' you can't blame him. A bang-up shop like this can't be kept goin'all night without somebody's chippin' in a stack of good money. Nowseein' 's you fellers can't eat any more, an' the firemen have all madetheir speeches, I allow we'd better skin out."

  Save for this last portion, Dan's speech would undoubtedly have beengreeted with the same amount of applause as the others, but the guestswere not well pleased at being asked to depart at such an early hour.

  During several moments there was every indication that disagreeableremarks might be made, even if nothing more unpleasant occurred, andthus the harmony of the meeting would be sadly marred.

  Understanding all this, 'Lish Davis came to the rescue by saying in acheery tone:

  "Mr. Daniel Roberts has, without knowing it, done us of Ninety-four amighty good turn in bringing the meeting to a close. We'd feel kind-ersore to go before it was all over, and yet we couldn't stay many minuteslonger because we only had leave of absence for three hours, and thattime is about up. So if you fellows will look pleasant we'll do thesame, and on the day Ninety-four's kid gets appointed to the DepartmentI'll set out another spread in this same place for every one that's hereto-night."

  This generous proposition could not have failed of its purpose, andLish' Davis was cheered to the echo, he and his two comrades takingtheir departure during the tumult which ensued.

  The entire company escorted Mrs. Hanson's lodgers to their home, andbefore parting gave three hearty cheers and a series of yells in Seth'shonor which aroused, if it did not alarm, the neighborhood, and broughtnearly every policeman in the vicinity to the scene of the parting.

  Dan and his partners escaped to their room before the blue-coatedguardians of the city's peace arrived, and from their window watched thesmall throng as it scattered in every direction to avoid possiblecontact with the officers.

  "It's what I call a howlin' success," Master Roberts said in a tone ofsatisfaction as he turned from the window after the last of his friendshad disappeared. "It was a big mistake not to have had a lot ofnewspaper fellers there so's the whole thing would be in the mornin'editions."

  "We can fix that straight enough," Bill replied carelessly, as iffamiliar with such methods. "I know a feller what helps clean up the_Herald_ office where all the stuff is wrote out, and I'll get him toprint a slat about the blow-out."

  This appeared to satisfy Master Roberts that his mistake could readilybe rectified, and he gave himself wholly up to a review of the lateproceedings until Seth suggested that they retire.

  "I had a hard day's work, an' it'll be jest as bad, if not worse,to-morrow, so I've got to turn in."

  "It's too bad to wind up so soon," Dan suggested with a sigh; but Billfinally settled the matter by saying:

  "If you an' I ever expect to have that Third-Avenoo store we've got tohump ourselves all the time, an' settin' up nights ain't the way to doit."

  Two minutes later Dan was in bed, and as Seth extinguished the gas theformer raised himself on his elbow to say:

  "We'll have the store jest 'bout the time you get into the Department,old man; but you can bet the shop will be shut up when 'Lish Davis hashis blow-out."

  CHAPTER XVIII.

  THE EXHIBITION DRILL.

  Seth Bartlett ceased to be an "amateur fireman" when he was admitted tothe probationary class, even though he had not received an appointment,and, therefore this narrative was concluded, or should have been, withan account of the "blow-out" designed and arranged by Dan Roberts.

  In case some of the readers care to know how Ninety-four's kidprospered, however, a brief account of his doings up to the day when hewas honored even above any member of his own particular company, shallbe given.

  First, however, let it be said that Dan Roberts and Bill Dean did notabandon the idea of going to school.

  On the night after the very pleasing entertainment on Chatham Streetthey set out with Seth, and from that time until the Third-Avenue storewas a reality, they were in regular attendance.

  Even after having engaged in what Dan called "real business," thepartners continued their pursuit of knowledge by going to school onalternate nights.

  Jip Collins gave good proof that he had reformed by attending closely tohis work, and on the day when Messrs. Roberts & Dean purchased theestablishment from the gentleman who did not believe in working, he washired as clerk at wages to be proportionate with the sales.

  Sam Barney disappeared on the day of the "blow-out," and was not seen byhis former acquaintances for nearly eight months, when he suddenlyshowed himself once more, and announced that he was "partners with acity detective."

  At first this statement was set down as false, but in due course of timeit became understood that there was a glimmer of truth in it, inasmuchas he was employed now and then by the detective in question to carrymessages, and it is possible that he may yet compass his desires,providing he can bring himself down to hard work and yet harder study.

  It can well be fancied that Seth did not neglect his duties after havingbeen admitted to the probationary class. As a matter of fact he workedso hard that more than once was Mr. Fernald forced to insist on his"taking matters easier," and when this advice did not prevail 'LishDavis was called upon to interfere, which he did very effectually bycommanding the boy's attendance at the house of Ninety-four's company atleast two hours during every twenty-four.

  Josh Fernald, for certain reasons which appeared to be a secret betweenhimself and several other members of the Department had decided thatSeth should take part in the exhibition drill to be given by theLife-Saving Corps on that day when the medals were to be awarded, and tosuch end all his efforts were directed.

  After the boy had become so familiar with the handling of ladders thatthey appeared to be little more than playthings to him, he was taught,as 'Lish Davis had explained he would be, how to assist in "building achain" with a line of ladders from the street to the roof, placed inposition by a man at each window of the structure.

  The driver had spoken of "straddling sills," and this name for the workpuzzled Seth not a little until it came his turn to receiveinstructions. Then he found that it consisted in sitting astride thesill of a window, holding himself in place by the pressure of his kneesmuch as though he had been in a saddle, drawing up one of the climbingladders and passing the hook attached to the upper end into the windowabove.

  This does not appear by the description thus given to be a verydifficult task, and yet others beside Seth have found that it was alesson extremely har
d to learn, but once gained the pupil can readilymake his way from the street even to the roof of a building with noother implements than the two ladders.

  The lesson of "standing on sill" is always given to the pupils in pairs,and before explaining what Seth learned in this line it is necessary todescribe the belt which is worn by members of the Life-Saving Corps.

  It is broad, made of thick leather, with two stout buckles to hold it inplace. Directly in front is a leathern handle, to which a steel"snap-hook" is attached by a stout ring, this hook being provided so thefireman may fasten himself to a ladder or any projection while he works,and is similar to that worn by the drivers. On one side of the belt in aleathern sheet is a hatchet with a heavy square head to be used eitheras a hammer or an axe, as occasion may require.

  When a pupil is instructed in "standing on sills" he does exactly as theterm implies, but on the inside of the building is his mate, who holdshim in place by means of this belt-hook. In such position he raises theladder to the window above, as when he was astride the sill.

  Another lesson, which Seth often took, is that of coming down a ropealone, or bearing a burden. It was not difficult, and, with thisparticular "probationer," decidedly exhilarating.

  A rope is made fast to the roof or window, of a building and two turnsof it taken round the hook on the fireman's belt, thus forming a "brake"to prevent too rapid descent. By a pressure of the hand just below thehook it is possible for the operator to control his speed. In case ofbringing down a burden, twice the number of turns are taken.

  As a matter of course, Seth was taught to leap from the building into anet, and later to aid in holding it, in which last exercise he learnedthat 'Lish Davis had not spoken falsely when he declared it wasexceedingly hard work.

  It might not be entertaining to repeat all the lessons whichNinety-four's kid took part in; but suffice it to say that by the 1st ofMay Mr. Fernald announced that he was as nearly perfect in the drill ashe could be until after having gained greater strength.

  "You will participate in the exhibition, my boy, and I am expecting agood showing from you."

  "Will Ninety-four's men be there?" Seth asked eagerly, trying hard notto show how delighted he was by this praise.

  "Surely; they are to take part in the parade, and you can see 'LishDavis display his skill at driving. There are no lack of spectators atsuch exhibitions, and you will show, not only to a vast throng ofcitizens, but the mayor and heads of the Department, whether you areworthy of receiving an appointment."

  "Will that settle matters for me?" Seth asked in surprise.

  "I don't say you will not be able to get the appointment without it; butit is an opportunity of making a leap directly into the Department, andof finding yourself suddenly on equal footing with Davis, Walters, orBlack, for they are intending to make a strong effort to have youassigned to their company."

  Seth hardly needed this incentive to labor, for he was already doing alla boy of his age could do; but it caused him to feel extremely anxiousregarding the final result, and, noting this, 'Lish Davis said oneevening in a fatherly tone:

  "You are working yourself all up into a snarl over the fear of notpulling through, and the result will be, if you don't have a care, thatyour head won't be of the clearest when the big day comes."

  "I'm not afraid but that I'll be able to go through with our part of theshow all right, but the trouble is that I'll show up for no more than aboy, and that's what bothers me."

  "You can't pose for anything else, lad, seeing as how you are a kid; butit won't work against you in face of the record. Go ahead as if therewasn't a thought in your mind but to show the people how we swarm overa building when the need arises, and that's all any man can do."

  "Where is the exhibition to be held?"

  "On the Riverside Drive. Number 38 is the house that's been loaned forthe occasion, and you lads couldn't have a better building on which towork."

  "Do you mean to say we're goin' to range a decent house? There'll beconsiderable damage done if we have the reg'lar scalin' ladders; theteeth can't fail to tear away a good bit of the woodwork."

  "You'll only use the middle row of windows, and over the sills of thesewill be fastened timber shields, or casings, so that you can swing yourladders without fear of so much as a pin's scratch."

  "Where are the medals to be presented?"

  "A stand will be built on the Drive, and there all the swells will sit.The mayor does the act, and after it's over we poor duffers who haven'tparticularly distinguished ourselves will give a parade and drill.You'll see us respond to a call in great shape. It's always a high timeof the Department, for it's the only day in the year when we have achance to show what we can do when need comes."

  The more Seth heard regarding the proposed manoeuvres the greater washis eagerness to receive further instruction, and had he been allowedto do as he pleased, the class would have drilled not less than eighteenhours out of every twenty-four.

  "Practise as much as you please, Seth, but you are out of myjurisdiction now, for I can't suggest any improvement on your work," Mr.Fernald said, but the praise did not prevent this particular"probationer" from spending nearly every moment of his time at thedrill.

  Then came the night before the eventful day, and Seth, who was to sleepat headquarters, had come down for a chat with his roommates and themembers of Ninety-four's company.

  "You can bet we'll be there, Seth," Dan Roberts said emphatically. "Ifit hadn't been for the show you're goin' to give we'd bought theThird-Avenoo store yesterday; but Bill an' me both allowed it couldn'tbe done till to-morrow, 'cause we ain't to be cheated out of seein' howmuch you know 'bout the fire business. We'll be right in the front row,no matter how much the swells crowd for good places."

  "Are you goin' to act jest like as if you was a reg'lar fireman?" Billasked, much as if believing that would be impossible.

  "I shall go through the same drill as the others."

  "Well, old man, I hope you'll get along all right, an' it seems as ifyou ought'er after workin' so hard. Look for us when your crowd getsthere, an' you can be certain of havin' more cheers than anybody else,for we'll yell ourselves blue in the face but that it shall go in goodshape."

  "Don't make too much noise," Seth said pleadingly. "You know I'm only aboy, an' there'll be lots of men who can work all 'round me, so itwouldn't be jest the thing for me to be cheered when I'm the poorest ofthe lot."

  "We know our business," Dan said decidedly, "and you needn't worry butthat we'll do the thing up brown."

  After giving his friends a general outline of the exhibition, as heunderstood it, Seth went to Ninety-four's house, and was there receivedwith an unusually hearty welcome.

  "How are you feeling, kid?" 'Lish Davis asked solicitously.

  "All right."

  "Little fidgety about to-morrow's work?"

  "I'm hopin' I won't make a fool of myself, of course."

  "You needn't worry. Josh Fernald says you'll make as good a showing asany one there, and he knows. The only chance of your failing will comefrom borrowing too much trouble. Remember what you said to yourself thenight the baby was saved: 'A clear head is the next best thing to aladder,' and there mustn't be any cobwebs in yours. Don't pay attentionto the crowd, but keep in mind that you're only going through the drill,so's the commissioners can see whether you're ripe for an appointment."

  "What are you counting on wearing?" Jerry Walters asked in a peculiartone.

  "What I've got on, of course, seem' 's it's all the decent clothes Iown, an' they belong to you of Ninety-four. I'm countin' on cleanin' 'emup in great shape, an' folks can't see where they've been mended. MissHanson fixed the coat so you wouldn't know the sleeve ever had a hole init."

  "I'm allowing the others will shine terrible bright."

  "They've all got new uniforms, an' are bound to look mighty fine."

  "You don't seem to be sulking on account of having to wear old togs,"'Lish Davis said with a peculiar twinkle in his eyes.


  "What would be the use? I can't have 'em, an' I'll go through my part ofthe drill jest the same as if I was covered with brass buttons."

  "It's coming kind of tough on Ninety-four, eh, Jerry?" the driver asked."All hands of us swelling, and our kid rushing around at the head withpatched trousers? The boys in the Department will think we haven'tearned much money this year."

  "I don't think you ought'er feel bad 'bout it if I don't," Seth said,trying hard to appear unconcerned. "People will know you have somethingelse to do with your money than buy swell clothes for me."

  "I ain't so certain about that, my boy. At all events we don't count ontaking any chances," 'Lish said with a laugh. "This ain't the first timewe've talked about a new uniform, and somehow or other the tailorhappened around this afternoon with one that looks as if it might fityou. Bring it down, Jerry."

  Now Seth understood why this conversation had been begun, and, while hewas rejoiced by the thought that he would be dressed as well as theother members of the corps, there was in his mind a certain uneasinessabout accepting such a favor in addition to the many which had beenbestowed upon him.

  "I'm owin' Ninety-four so much, Mr. Davis, that it'll be terrible if Idon't get an appointment after all, an' it wouldn't----"

  "You can stop right where you are. This here uniform that Jerry isfetching ain't charged up against you, nor it never will be. We reckonon having the right to give a present the day you graduate, and if it'llmake you feel half as good to wear it as it will us to see you in it,we'll be a mighty jolly crowd to-morrow."

  By this time Jerry had returned with the garments over his arm, and Sethexclaimed as he saw them:

  "Why there's a helmet, an' you've had brass buttons put on the coat, Mr.Davis!"

  "Sure; the helmet belongs to the clothes, and on every button you'll seethe letters 'N. Y. F. D.'"

  "But only one who was really in the Department could wear them."

  "I reckon you can tackle that kind of a job to-morrow, and if it so bethat you get thrown out because of not being up in the drill, it won'ttake long to cut them off."

  "Oh, if I should fail!" and the tears came into Seth's eyes despite allhis efforts to keep them back.

  "You will for a fact, if you get nervous over it. A clear head,forgetfulness of everything but the drill, and Ninety-four's kid willhave an appointment, or the promise of one, before this time to-morrownight."

  Then 'Lish Davis proposed to walk to headquarters with the boy in orderto make certain he went directly to bed; the new uniform was wrappedcarefully in paper, for it was not proposed that Seth should put it onuntil the following morning, and then every member of the company shookhands with "their kid," each giving him some bit of good advice.

  During the walk the old driver cautioned Seth again and again not tospeculate upon possible failure; but to believe he would surely succeed,and when the two parted, 'Lish Davis said feelingly:

  "You're a good boy, Seth, and while every one of Ninety-four's crew isyour friend, you're dearer to me than the whole boiling of them. I'mproud of what you have done, and will do to-morrow. God love you, mylad."

  Then the driver turned away abruptly, as if there was some particularreason why he wished to hide his face, and as Seth wiped the moisturefrom his eyes lest perchance a tear should fall on the new uniform, hewhispered to himself:

  "God _must_ love me, even if I am sich a terrible duffer, else He'dnever let me run up against Ninety-four's company."

  During the forenoon of the next day Seth wandered around the gymnasiumtrying to act upon the advice given by his friends in the matter of"keeping cool," and then came the time to put on the new uniform, for hehad been assured by Mr. Fernald that it was perfectly proper for him towear the helmet and the brass buttons, even though he was not a regularmember of the corps.

  When all was ready for the march to Riverside Drive something occurredwhich caused the boy considerable uneasiness, for, instead of settingout with the members of the corps, he, with six others were ordered tofall into line by themselves.

  Fifty firemen, picked members of the Department, ranged themselves oneither side, in advance and behind as an escort, and no less a personthan Chief Bonner himself took a station at their head.

  Why he was thus separated from the men with whom he had practised Sethcould not imagine, and there came into his mind as the order to marchwas given, the thought that some serious mistake had been made--that hewas in the wrong place, and, therefore, would utterly fail of acting hispart properly.

  His astonishment and uneasiness increased when the squad with theirescort, having arrived at the Drive, were stationed in line facing theriver, with their backs toward Seventy-Sixth Street, the Sixty-NinthRegiment Band a short distance behind them.

  Why these men, two of whom he had never seen before, should with himselfbe singled out and stationed apart from the others, was a mystery whichSeth failed to unravel, speculate as he might.

  He saw the Life-Saving Corps, in whose ranks he should have been, marchup and take their station not far from the grand stand which wasthronged with spectators.

  Then, in line with the other engines, he saw Ninety-four with 'LishDavis holding the reins, and he fancied the driver winked at him in amost mysterious manner as he passed.

  A moment later he heard a shrill cry:

  "Hi! Get on to Seth! What's he standin' out there all by his lonesomefor?"

  He knew it was Dan who had made this remark; but could not see himwithout changing his position, therefore he remained motionless.

  The band was playing, gayly-dressed people were watching curiously, andin many cases admiringly, the vast number of blue-coated men whorepresented the finest Department in the world, and of all those to beseen Seth was, perhaps, the only person troubled in mind.

  Some order was given, the boy did not understand what, for he waswatching the Life-Saving Corps in the hope that some of them, seeing hewas out of position, would summon him to their ranks.

  He saw that some one had arrived at the stand, and believed it to be themayor.

  The little squad and their escort saluted the gentleman by slowlyraising their right hands to their helmets, and then as slowly loweringthem.

  Mechanically Seth copied the example of the men on either side of him,and thus, fortunately, had not neglected his duty.

  The music of the band was hushed, the mayor began to speak, and as hewent on Seth was plunged into even greater bewilderment than before.

  "It is the very pleasantest task of my experience," said the mayor, "toacknowledge the great debt which New York owes to the Fire Department ofthe city. In our population of two million souls there is no one branchof the municipal service which renders such valuable services as theFire Department. We are gathered here to-day to do honor to a few of thefiremen who have rendered themselves famous during the year. These menhave snatched persons from the jaws of death, but this is the duty ofevery fireman. The army and navy are called upon to destroy everything,but it is your duty to save everything."

  "We are proud to-day to render you our homage for the magnificent mannerin which you have discharged your duty all along the line, from theChief down, in all perilous moments, and especially you who have beenselected by the Department to receive these medals. This is the mostpleasing duty I have ever performed."

  The speech ended, Seth was more positive than before that he had made amistake in position, and to his yet further bewilderment, after themayor had handed to the Chief a medal, the latter pinned it to hiscoat--to the uniform which Ninety-four's company had presented,probably knowing at the time how it would be decorated.

  While this was being done the mayor described in detail that which Sethhad done when saving the baby's life, and as he concluded a great shoutwent up from the assembled multitude, high above which could be heardDan's shrill notes.

  Then another medal was given to the Chief, who pinned it to the coat ofthe man standing next to the boy in line, the mayor meanwhile explainingwhy it had thus be
en bestowed, and Seth began to understand how greatlyhe was honored.

  When each of the seven had been decorated, and while the throng werecheering themselves hoarse, the Chief said in a low tone to Seth:

  "Mr. Fernald has the official notification of your appointment assubstitute fireman, and you can get it on your return to headquarters.You are assigned to Company Ninety-four, and will report to their housefor duty to-morrow morning."

  Seth could not speak, and in fact the Chief moved away so quickly thatthere was no chance; but looking up toward where Ninety-four wasstationed he saw every member of the company waving his helmet as ifindulging in silent cheering.

  Then he knew they were all in the secret--that it would be no news whenhe told them he was at last really their comrade.

  PRESENTING THE MEDALS. _Page_ 322.]

  As to what followed immediately after this, Seth had no very clear idea.

  He was not even conscious of how he left the squad of men who had justbeen decorated for their bravery, and found himself in his properstation among the Life-Saving Corps.

  He hardly heard the order for the drill to be commenced, but followedthe movements of those nearest him until it was as if he forgoteverything else, and was once more back at headquarters fitting himselffor what had already been accomplished.

  Over the building which had been loaned for this purpose Mr. Fernald'spupils swarmed, as if clambering up a smooth surface of brick was a taskmore simple than the ordinary methods of locomotion, and each portion ofthe drill was gone through with mathematical exactness.

  Concerning it, 'Lish Davis said to his comrades as Ninety-four washauled into her quarters that evening:

  "It was a great sight, boys, and what made it greater was that not a manamong them outdid our kid. Josh Fernald himself couldn't go through adrill better, and we've reason to be mighty proud of what that littlechap has done."

  After the Life-Saving Corps had concluded their portion of theexhibition, two battalions were paraded by the Chief himself, tenengines, two hook and ladder companies, the water-tower and thefire-boat, _New Yorker_, taking part therein.

  The men first marched past the reviewing stand to the music of the band,after which, in response to an alarm sounded by the mayor, the enginesand their crews returned along the Drive at full tilt, with fireslighted, whistles blowing, and bells ringing, as if running to a fire.

  * * * * *

  During the early part of the evening after the exhibition on RiversideDrive, a boy clad in the full uniform of a fireman, wearing on the leftbreast of his coat a handsome gold medal suspended by a knot of redribbon, walked rapidly down the street toward the headquarters ofNinety-four engine, and a crowd of lads, who might have been bootblacksor newsboys, gathered on the sidewalk, cheered him loudly as he came inview, after which the senior member of the firm of Roberts & Deanshouted shrilly:

  "Now let's give three more rousers for the substitute fireman ofNinety-four engine!"

  And the cheers were given with such a hearty will that citizens morethan a block away turned hastily to ask one of the other why the policeallowed such a disturbance to be made at that hour.

  THE END.