The door-keeper of the court attempted to check the rush which began with the entrance of Seth, Dan, and Bill; but it was impossible because of his delay.
He had at first objected to admitting the amateur fireman and his partner, but they speedily proved they were entitled to enter, by producing the subpœnas, and as he stepped aside for them to go in, the following came on with a rush as powerful as it was unexpected.
The official would have swept down upon the offenders and literally dragged them out, but that 'Lish Davis, who was standing just inside the door, said with a laugh:
"I don't reckon you've got time to sort 'em, Mr. Officer. A kid is to be tried for arson this morning, and more'n likely as not half the crowd has been summoned as witnesses, for it's only through his acquaintances that anything can be proven."
The door-keeper looked for an instant at thebuzzing throng which had settled down upon the front seats, and, understanding what a difficult task he might be setting himself, evidently decided that Mr. Davis was in the right.
Sam Barney already sat on the front row of seats allotted to spectators when Mrs. Hanson's lodgers entered, and although Seth would have been better pleased to remain at a greater distance from the would-be detective, Bill Dean forced him along until they were directly behind Jip's enemy.
"Don't speak to him," Seth whispered. "I'm sorry we're so near the duffer."
"It's jest where I counted on gettin'," Bill replied, in a tone of satisfaction. "I won't have any row with the chump, but only shake him up a bit."
"If we make any noise, all hands will be fired out."
"Watch an' see how quiet I'll be," Master Dean replied, and then before his companion could check him, he had leaned over and whispered in Sam's ear: "Be mighty careful you tell the truth in this court, or I'll let out to the judge what you did in Philadelphy, an' then perhaps Jip Collins won't be the only prisoner 'round here."
Master Barney turned quickly, and an expression of disquiet came over his face as he saw who were directly behind him.
He did not venture to make any remark, nor did Bill think it wise to repeat the threat; but he shook his fist warningly, which served the same purpose.
"Be quiet," Seth whispered imploringly. "It would be terrible if we got into a row here, for Mr. Davis is standing close by the door watchin' us."
"I won't do a thing till we get outside, unless it happens that I have to tell the judge 'bout Sam's borrowin' that money," Master Dean replied in a tone sufficiently loud to be heard by the alleged detective.
Then the attention of all the sidewalk merchants was attracted to the opposite side of the room by Dan Roberts, who whispered loudly, pointing with outstretched finger:
"There he is! There's Jip!"
The prisoner was being led in by a burly policeman, who kept a firm hold on the boy's collar as if fearful he might make some desperate attempt at escape, and there was not a person in the court-room, with the probable exception of Sam Barney, who failed to feel a certain sympathy for the frightened lad.
"That's his lawyer—the little feller with the big nose," Dan whispered so loudly that not only his friends in the immediate vicinity, but all the attorneys within the enclosure, set apart for their especialuse, heard the words, and much merriment ensued, during which the cause of it looked around in surprise, unable to discover the meaning of it.
Seth and Dan, who had never before attended the trial of a prisoner, expected there would be considerable ceremony, in which policemen would play a prominent part; therefore the case was begun and gone on with to some extent before they were aware of the fact.
It is true they saw Jip Collins standing up while the clerk read from a paper a quantity of words which had no meaning to them, and after a time, the prisoner was allowed to sit down again.
Then the "little man with the big nose" talked to the judge as if confiding in him some secret, after which the clerk called loudly:
"Daniel Roberts! Daniel Roberts!"
Seth's partner gazed about him curiously, never once thinking the clerk referred to him, until 'Lish Davis, coming swiftly down from his station near the door, leaned over and pinched Dan's ear as he asked:
"Why don't you answer to your name?"
"Is it me they mean?" Dan asked, and at that instant the clerk repeated the call.
Dan looked about him in perplexity, uncertain as to what he should do, until 'Lish reached over to seize him by the collar, when he cried in a shrill voice:
"Here I be, Mister!"
"Come forward to the witness-stand," the official said sharply, while the spectators laughed heartily.
It was several moments before Master Roberts could be made to understand exactly where he should go, and then, assisted by 'Lish Davis and the clerk, he finally gained the stand, where he stood gazing around with the most friendly expression on his face.
For some reason no question was asked immediately, and after waiting two or three moments, Dan, believing the judge was ready to hear his story, began earnestly:
"You see, it's jest this way: Jip, he didn't count on doin' anything off color, an' if it hadn't been for Sam Barney——"
"Silence in the court!" the crier called, and Dan looked up in surprise at being interrupted so soon.
"He didn't reckon on bein'——"
Dan stopped again as the same voice called loudly for silence in the court, and then the attorney employed to defend Jip explained matters by saying:
"You must wait until you are questioned, Daniel. There will be ample opportunity to give your evidence."
"Dan ain't goin' to let any chance slip him," Bill Dean whispered confidentially to Seth, and SamBarney said in a tone sufficiently loud to be heard by those immediately behind him:
"He's a reg'lar chump, else he'd know enough to behave hisself on the witness-stand."
"He'll behave himself outside on the sidewalk in a way you won't like if you shoot off your mouth too much," Bill whispered, and Seth shook his friend's arm warningly lest he disturb the court by his threats.
'Lish Davis evidently saw that there was bad blood between the alleged detective and Seth's roommate, and at once forced the boys on the front seat to move nearer together until he had room to sit where he could keep all of them under his eye, a proceeding which caused the amateur fireman great relief of mind.
After what seemed like a long time in waiting, Jip's attorney asked the witness:
"What is your name?"
Dan appeared surprised at such a question, and after some slight hesitation replied:
"Why, I'm the feller you told to come here. Didn't you hear the man call my name? This is where they said I was to stand."
The judge rapped smartly on the desk in front of him, and Dan turned quickly to see what had happened.
"Answer properly the questions asked of you!"
"That's what——"
The attorney interrupted him by asking as before:
"What is your name?"
"It's Dan Roberts, of course, an' I was——"
"Are you acquainted with the prisoner?"
"Do you mean Jip? Why, of course I am; him an' me used to work together when he lived with Seth Bartlett——"
"Answer only the questions asked of you!" the judge said sternly, and for the instant Dan was abashed; but quickly recovered himself as he remembered what Seth had said regarding the possibility of aiding Jip by his evidence.
"Where were you when he set fire to the shed in Baxter's lumber-yard?"
"Now, see here, mister, Jip never 'd done that——"
"Where were you?" the attorney repeated, speaking so sharply that for the moment Dan was startled.
"Why, in the shed, of course, we——"
"Had you heard the prisoner threaten to set fire to the shed?"
"He didn't mean a word of it; did you, Jip? He was——"
"Unless you answer the questions which are asked, and in a proper manner, we shall find some means of punishing you," the judge said sternly,and Jip's attorney whispered a few words in the ear of the witness, which had the effect of checking him for the time being.
He was questioned regarding what he had heard Jip say as to burning the shed; how many times such threat had been repeated in his presence, and what the prisoner had told concerning the crime after it had been committed.
It was the last question which set loose the floodgates of his speech, and, regardless of the judge's warnings or the attorney's nervous gestures, he said, speaking rapidly in order that all might be told before they should check him:
"Jip, he was awful sorry 'cause he'd done it, an' said he'd square things if we'd let him. He wouldn't even put up his hands when I was goin' to thump him, an' if Sam Barney hadn't wanted to show hisself off for a detective there wouldn't been any fuss like this. What does he know 'bout bein' a detective? Why, I wouldn't——"
By this time the court officials managed to stop the flow of words; but not before he had shaken his fist in the direction of Sam, and caused even the judge to smile.
"You may step down," the clerk said, after order had been restored, and Dan asked innocently:
"Ain't you goin' to give me a chance to——"
"Step down!" was the stern command andMaster Roberts was forced to obey, much to his displeasure.
"I'll bet I'd fix things if they'd give me a chance," he whispered to Seth as he took his seat; "but that lawyer 'Lish Davis hired don't 'mount to a row of pins."
Then the amateur fireman's name was called, and he proved a more satisfactory witness to all concerned than had Master Roberts.
He replied briefly to the questions, and when the examination was ended the judge asked how Jip had behaved after the crime was committed.
Then it was that Seth had an opportunity of telling how penitent the firebug had appeared to be; how eager he was to do all in his power toward repairing the wrong, and declared he did not believe the prisoner would "go crooked again."
'Lish Davis next went on the stand, and although he could not swear to Jip's repentance, he testified that the prisoner himself had sent in the alarm, and succeeded in saying many a good word for the boy.
"That driver is a dandy!" Dan whispered approvingly. "I wish the lawyer was half as good."
Master Roberts was better satisfied with the attorney a short time later, when he made a plea that sentence be suspended on the prisoner, who had promptly confessed his guilt, and even at the moment when the crime had been committed did all in his power to repair the mischief.
Then two or three others had something to say; but they appeared to be talking privately with the judge, rather than conducting the case, and to the great surprise of all the small spectators Sam Barney was not called to the witness-stand.
The fact that he had compassed the arrest of the prisoner was not even mentioned, much to the delight of Dan and Bill Dean, each of whom leaned forward from time to time to ask in a cautious whisper as to when the "big detective work was goin' to be showed up?"
After a time it seemed to those in the front seats as if the prisoner had been forgotten by the court, for nothing was said to or about him, and Bill was on the point of asking Seth if the trial was concluded, when the judge ordered Jip to stand up.
Then he lectured him severely on the crime of arson, explained how many years of his life would be spent in prison if the provisions of the law were carried out to their fullest extent, and finally announced that sentence would be suspended during good behavior.
At this point 'Lish Davis left the court-room as if he no longer had any interest in the proceedings, and after a certain time the attorney led Jip out ofthe building, the latter's acquaintances following in a body.
"Is it all over?" Dan cried, seizing the attorney by the arm in order to hold his attention, and before the gentleman could speak, Sam Barney cried vindictively:
"You can bet it ain't all over! I've been buncoed by a lot of cheap firemen, an' don't count on holdin' my tongue. You'll see Jip Collins in jail again before he's a day older."
"Yes, it is all over," the attorney said in reply to Dan's question. "So long as Jip behaves himself, nothing more will be done; but if he should go wrong, sentence for this crime will be pronounced, and most likely he will be given the extreme penalty."
"Can Sam Barney have him arrested?" Dan asked.
"No one can trouble him on this charge while he lives an honest life."
"Then I'll see that that duffer holds his tongue!" and Bill started toward the would-be detective in a threatening manner; but the latter was not minded to take any chances of an encounter.
He turned and fled instantly Bill made the advance, and did not halt until he was half a block or more away, when he shouted:
"Wait an' see what I'll do to all you chumps who think you're so awful smart!"
"I'll give you a chance of seein' what I'll do, an' without much waitin', if you make any more cheap talk!"
With this threat Bill turned his back on the disappointed Sam, and Seth begged of him to remain quiet.
"It's all right now," he replied complacently. "I've had my say, an' if Sam knows what's good for him, he'll keep his tongue quiet. There ain't any reason why I shouldn't fight, an' he'll soon find it out."
Then Seth turned to the attorney, who was yet talking with Jip, and asked:
"How's he goin' to pay you for lookin' after him?"
"I don't expect he can. The bill was settled by some firemen belonging to Ninety-four engine."
With this the lawyer, after advising Jip to call upon him from time to time, went his way, and Mrs. Hanson's lodgers stood looking at each other as if expecting some important proposition was about to be made.
"It won't do to take you up to our house, Jip, 'cause there are three of us already, an' the boss of the place can't have all the boys in the city runnin' in an' out there for sixty cents a week," Seth said hesitatingly, wondering what could be done with the lad who had been put on probation.
"I ain' thinkin' you could take me there," Master Collins replied promptly. "Now I'm out, I'll begin to sell papers down by the ferry again, 'cause I've got fourteen cents left, an' if Sam Barney leaves me alone, I'll pull through all right."
"If he so much as looks crossways at you, I'll give him something to remember me by," Bill cried.
"It's a good thing to get right at your work," Seth said approvingly. "Stick at it, an' us fellers will come to see you whenever we get a chance."
"You've been mighty good to me, all three of you, an' I only wish I could——"
It was impossible for the penitent firebug to say anything more. The tears he had been holding back since he first appeared in court now came out in full force, and, seated on the curbstone, he gave full sway to the sense of loneliness and shame in his heart.
Mrs. Hanson's lodgers soothed him as best they could, and not until he was ready for business once more, with a bundle of evening papers under his arm, did Seth think of leaving him.
Dan and Bill had both equipped themselves for work, and promised to have an eye out for Jip during the remainder of that day at least; therefore, Seth believed himself at liberty to follow his own inclinations.
"I want to go up to the engine-house for a spell; but I'll be in the room in time to go with you to school," he said to Dan, and the latter replied cheerily:
"All right, we'll flash up there by dark, and you needn't be 'fraid anybody will get the best of Jip while we're round."
Ten minutes later Seth was in Ninety-four's quarters, standing in front of 'Lish Davis, as the latter asked sternly:
"Why didn't you stay down-town an' enjoy yourself? That's what I told you to do."
"I can have more fun up here, an' I didn't think you'd care if I loafed 'round till it was time to go to school."
"Care? Of course we don't, Amateur; but you ought'er have some change; there's no sense in hanging on here all the time."
"I don't see very much of you, an' perhaps——"
"You're reckoning that we may get a call, and you'll have the chance to go out with us?"
"If there was one, I'd like——"
Mr. Davis interrupted him by saying with mock seriousness:
"I'm afraid, Amateur, we shall have to hire a back-yard somewhere, and keep a little blaze going so's to amuse you."
Seth laughed heartily at this conceit, and thenbethinking himself that there was no reason why he should not give the men's boots an extra polish, brought his outfit from the chamber above, although Jerry Walters insisted strongly that he should sit still "and visit with 'em."
To do this work he had drawn on an old pair of overalls to protect his blue trousers, taken off his coat, and was in full working costume, when a "click" came from the Morse instrument, and the men were already on their feet as the alarm began to sound.
"Am I in it?" Seth cried eagerly, as the horses dashed out of their stall, and 'Lish Davis replied, while attending to his portion of the work:
"I reckon we shall have to take you along, Amateur, seeing 's this fire seems to have started jest when you got into trim for hard work. Swing alongside the engineer, and we'll allow you're one of the company."
By the time the driver ceased speaking the engine was on its way out of the building, and Seth, swaying to and fro, clung for dear life to the guard-rail, as the mighty machine was drawn swiftly over the pavement.
"There's no chance of our getting first water this time, even if we are taking the mascot with us," Jerry Walters said with a laugh, and Amateur knew there were no less than three engines stationednearer the signal-box, from which had come this alarm, than was Ninety-four.
"A nasty place for a fire," the engineer said as the engine, following another an hundred yards or more in advance, rolled on toward a block of apartment houses, from the centre of which could be seen dense clouds of black smoke ascending.
"And it seems to have a good start," Walters added.
Then Ninety-four's hose was coupled on, and, without attracting the attention of the driver, Seth followed Joe Black and Jerry as they dragged the nozzle up the steps to the entrance of the threatened building.
"Get back, Amateur!" one of them shouted, and the boy cried imploringly:
"Please let me go as far as you do! It's my first chance, an' I've got my old clothes on!"
"All right; but have an eye on yourself, and see to it the battalion chief don't spot you," Joe Black replied carelessly, and Seth congratulated himself that he had gone to Ninety-four's quarters instead of spending his time down-town.
The fire appeared to have its strongest hold in the shaft of the elevator, coming from the basement, and the two men whom Seth was following, joined by Ben Dunton, dragged the long length of hose up one flight of stairs to the landing where tongues ofyellow flame were apparently coming through the very floor.
Once they were in position for battle with the foe directly before them, Jerry Walters ran into the adjoining apartment, and shouted through the open window.
Even where he stood, shielding his face with his arm as best he could from the intense heat and blinding smoke, Seth could hear the cry:
"Ninety-four! Start your water! Start your water!"
If there was any response those on the landing did not hear it; but a few seconds later the leathern hose began to stiffen and round out into shape, and then with a mighty rush that threatened to wrest the nozzle from the three strong men who were holding it, a jet of water struck the burning floor with a force that would have shattered less substantial timbers.
"Hurrah for Ninety-four!" and Seth sprang to the hose, intent on doing a full share of the work even though his face was almost blistered by the heat.
"Get back, Amateur, get back! It's too hot for you here!" and Ben Dunton thrust Seth aside with his elbow at the very instant a wild scream was heard on the stairway in the rear of the firemen.
Turning quickly Seth saw dimly through thevolume of choking vapor the form of a woman, and it seemed to him that Ben Dunton was trying to force her down the stairs when she shrieked:
"There's a child on the next floor!"
Jerry Walters and Joe Black could not leave their places of duty; but Ben Dunton sprang forward, and almost instinctively Seth followed, the smoke being so dense at the top of the stairs as to screen his movements from the view of those at the nozzle.
For an instant he fancied Jerry called his name, and then he was groping his way upward, half-blinded, choking, but eager to do what he might toward a rescue.
He gained the second landing.
Here everything was obscured by the black smoke, and he could no longer see Dunton, although now and then a crashing noise as of wood being splintered under heavy blows told, as he believed, that the brave fireman was intent on the effort to save life even though his own might pay the forfeit.
Then with a roar the flames burst from the elevator shaft directly in front of him, and he staggered on along the hallway, hardly knowing in which direction he was going until, from behind a door near at hand came that which sounded like the crying of a child.
He had only to turn the knob in order to gain anentrance into the apartment, which seemed entirely free from smoke, as compared with the place he had just left.
On the floor near the window sat a child crying piteously, and Seth caught the little thing in his arms, thinking it would be possible to gain the foot of the stairs, where he had left Black and Walters, before either he or his charge should receive serious injury.
Thus laden he ran toward the hallway, but only to retreat.
The flames were pouring up through the shaft, spreading out in every direction, and forming such a barrier as he could not hope to pass.
He shouted for Dunton, but no reply came, and for the briefest interval of time he despaired.
Then came into his mind as clearly as if the words were yet being spoken, what he had heard said to one of the classes concerning just such peril as he was in at that moment, and without delay he returned to the room, closing the door behind him to shut out the noisome vapor as nearly as might be.
"Don't cry, baby, don't cry," he said soothingly to the screaming child as he ran here and there looking for something with which to carry into practice the lesson he had received.
The struggles and screams of the child he was trying to save served to confuse Seth, and the smoke, which was growing more stifling each moment, bewildered at the same time that it choked him.
But for the lectures the boy had heard at headquarters, neither he nor the baby would have left the apartment alive.
He realized the vital necessity of keeping a "grip on himself," as Josh Fernald had expressed it, and, in order the better to do so, repeated again and again the words of the instructor.
During the first dozen seconds he tried to soothe the child, and then came the thought that the little one would suffocate more quickly by inhaling the smoke-laden atmosphere as she gasped and sobbed violently.
A garment—perhaps it was a table-cloth or a light blanket—hung over the back of a chair near at hand, and this Seth wound around the baby's face, regardless of its struggles.
"A clear head is the next best thing to a ladder," he said again and again, repeating the words of Mr. Fernald, and all the while searching for a rope, or something which would serve him in its stead.
By this time the room was completely filled with smoke, and his eyes were blinded, smarting, burning.
Near the window was a footstool, and seizing this with one hand he hurled it through the glass.
Fresh air was a necessity now; he must have it, or speedily succumb to the deadly vapor.
Holding the child, who was apparently in a paroxysm of fear, or a spasm caused by pain, close against his breast, he thrust the upper portion of his body through the aperture regardless of the sharp fragments of glass which cut his flesh cruelly.
What a blessed relief was this first indrawing of comparatively fresh air!
The "clear head" was coming to him rapidly, and he understood that unless aid could be summoned from below he must make immediate battle with the vapor again, for with every moment the flames on the landing were increasing.
"Ninety-four!" he shouted at the full strength of his lungs. "This way, Ninety-four!"
He could hear from below a tumult of shouts and commands; but none of them appeared to be an answer to his cry.
The roaring of the fire as it came through theelevator-shaft could be clearly distinguished even above all the noise, and he knew full well the blaze must soon make its way through the door, which presented but a frail barrier against the on-rush of flame.
"Ninety-four! Here, Ninety-four!" he cried once more without receiving a reply, and feeling comparatively strong for another struggle against the smoke, he drew the covering more closely around the child's head, at the same time stepping back into the suffocating vapor.
He made his way by sense of touch rather than sight into the adjoining apartment.
It was the kitchen of the suite, and at one end, stretched across from wall to wall above the range, was a cord on which hung several articles of wearing apparel.
Placing the child, who had ceased to struggle, on the floor, he tore at this apology for a rope with all his strength, dragging it from its fastenings, and, taking up the baby once more, ran back to the window from which he had just come.
It was but the work of a few seconds to tie one end of the cord under the child's arms; but yet it seemed to him, half bewildered and suffering as he was, that more than five minutes passed before it had been completed.
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"Ninety-four!" he shouted as he thrust theseemingly lifeless body through the aperture, cutting his hands and arms again and again on the sharp points of glass.
Quickly, but at the same time gently, he lowered the burden until the cord was at its full length.
It did not seem possible this poor substitute for a life-line extended much below the top of the first story, and he dared not let go his hold lest the child should be dashed to death upon the pavement.
Once more he called for the men who he knew must be close at hand, leaning far out of the window in the faint hope he might be seen.
His eyes were so blinded that he could distinguish nothing; he was unable to say whether the smoke yet enveloped him or if he was in full view of the men below.
The sense of suffocation was heavy upon him; he tried to repeat Josh Fernald's words, but failed, and then came the knowledge—dim and unreal—that the cord was slipping, or being pulled, from his grasp.
He made a final effort to retain his hold, and at the instant there was in his mind, as if he dreamed, a fancy that strong arms were around him.
After that all was a blank until he opened his eyes to see 'Lish Davis bending over him as he had done on that night when Jip Collins set fire to the shed in Baxter's lumber-yard.
"Where's the baby?" he asked, attempting to rise, but forced back by the deathly faintness which assailed him.
"His mother has got him by this time, Amateur, and you've made a man of yourself in shorter order than the majority of us are able to do. It was a close shave, lad, and we'll have no more like it till the time comes when it's your duty to take such chances."
The driver's voice sounded oddly to the half-stupefied boy; usually it was gruff, like that of a man in a bad temper, but now it quavered as if the speaker was making an unsuccessful effort to control his emotions.
Seth allowed his head to fall back on a pile of rubber blankets, and as his cheeks touched the smooth surface there came to him the thought that once more he was in the patrol-wagon.
How long he remained apparently unable to speak he had no idea, and then he heard the shout from afar off, but readily distinguishable above the panting of the engines:
"How is Ninety-four's kid?"
'Lish Davis rose to his feet and cried in reply:
"He's got his head again, and appears to be all right!"
At that moment some one stepped to the side of the wagon and asked the driver:
"Shall we send an ambulance?"
"I reckon he'll get along without it, Chief. It's only the reg'lar dose, as nigh as I can make out."
"How did he happen to be here instead of at headquarters?"
"It was his day off, owing to being a witness in an arson case, and he'd come up to the house to visit us."
"We shall have to put him in a straight-jacket until he is taken on as a fireman, else something serious may happen. This would be a case for a medal if he belonged to the Department."
"That's what he does, Chief. He comes as nigh being one of Ninety-four's men as I am, and if it so be a medal belongs to him, we'll see he gets it."
Seth heard, but did not understand this conversation.
He knew it was one of the battalion chiefs who had been talking with Mr. Davis, and it was enough for him that his name had been spoken in a friendly tone.
The driver leaned over him once more, and asked almost tenderly:
"Will I send you up to the house, Amateur?"
"Can't I stay till Ninety-four pulls out?"
"Well, of all gluttons, you're the worst!" 'Lish Davis cried as if in delight. "Dosed 'way up till you can hardly wink, and yet wanting to hold onto the last! Ben Dunton is caring for the team, and I reckon you and I had better pull out in this 'ere hurry-up."
"What about the fire?"
"It's under control, though I'm allowing it'll be a full two hours before Ninety-four gets the word to leave."
Then Davis left the boy a moment, and when he returned the patrol-wagon was driven slowly out past the laboring engines, through the throng of spectators, into the unobstructed streets, after which the horses were urged to their full speed.
"There's no need of takin' me back, Mr. Davis. I ain't much worse than I was the time Dan an' me was burned out."
"But then it needed a night's rest to put you into shape, and I'm not minded to run any risks. Ninety-four's kid is getting to be so near a man that we can't afford to take any chances with him."
"Hello! Amateur in trouble again?" the house watchman asked when 'Lish Davis helped Seth into the building, and the driver replied proudly:
"I don't allow he's an amateur any longer, Bob, but fit to be one of us in proper form. He saved a baby, and came mighty nigh knocking under."
"How did he get a chance to do anything like that?"
"Slipped past me, and followed Jerry and Joe; I don't rightly know the whole of it yet. The Chief allowed it was a medal job, though one can't be given, except to members of the Department."
"Then Seth is entitled to it, for he's on our rolls as if belongin' to us."
"We'll see that he gets all he's earned, Bob," 'Lish Davis replied, and then he conducted the boy upstairs, insisting that he should go to bed.
"I'll be all right after a spell," Seth protested, and the driver replied grimly, in his usual harsh tone:
"That's what I'm going to make certain of, kid. Peel off your clothes and turn in if you don't want to have trouble with me."
Seth obeyed with a laugh, and was equally tractable a few moments later when 'Lish Davis brought a glass half full of a certain disagreeable mixture for him to drink.
Then the boy's eyelids grew heavy; he said to himself he would remain awake until Ninety-four returned, but the thought was hardly more than formed in his mind before slumber overcame him.
It was late in the evening when he was awakened by the sound of voices near at hand, and on looking around Seth saw, to his great surprise, Mr. Fernald talking with 'Lish Davis.
"Hello! got your eyes open again, eh?" the oldinstructor cried, and Seth would have arisen to his feet but that Mr. Fernald's hand was laid heavily upon his shoulder.
"I'm all right now, sir, an' I promised to go to school with Bill an' Dan."
"It's a little late for anything of that kind now, my boy, seeing that the clock has just struck ten. What's all this talk I hear of your showing the members of the Department how to effect a rescue?"
"It wasn't me, sir. I only got the baby out of the window, an' somebody else must have taken him from there."
"It was Jerry Walters who came up the ladder," 'Lish Davis interrupted.
"The credit of saving the child belongs to you, Seth," Mr. Fernald said, decidedly, "and I hope there'll be no question about its being given. Tell us how it was done."
"There isn't much to tell, sir. I jest heard the baby yellin', an' went in after it. Then the smoke made me feel silly, an' I had to keep sayin' to myself what I heard you tellin' the class, about a clear head bein' the next best thing to a ladder, else I'd gone under before I found the rope."
"Now there's the kind of a pupil to have!" Mr. Fernald cried proudly. "There's some satisfaction in knowing that what a man says will be remembered when the time comes that it may be of profit.You shall go regularly into the class from this out, Seth Bartlett, whether the commissioners approve or not, and we'll find some one else to do the odd jobs."
"Do you really think I stand a better chance of gettin' into the Department because of tryin' to pull the kid through?" Seth asked in surprise, and Josh Fernald replied to the great delight of both the boy and Mr. Davis:
"If I can bring any influence to bear, you shall be there very soon, my lad, and at all events, from this time out you will be kept at work on the drill. Ninety-four's kid is of considerably more importance to-night than he was this morning."
After such praise as this it seemed impossible for Seth to remain in bed, and finally 'Lish Davis consented to his going down-stairs for a time.
The hour which Seth spent on the lower floor on this night was the most pleasant he had ever known.
The men did not occupy the time in praising him, but discussed the rescue again and again, and never once was the boy spoken to, or of, as the "Amateur."
'Lish Davis insisted on his remaining in the engine-house all night, but gave Seth distinctly to understand that however many alarms might come in, he was not to so much as think of going out with the company.
"You'll be on sick leave till to-morrow morning,when Josh Fernald is expecting you at headquarters, and then it'll be for him to say when we're to see you again."
"But of course I'll sleep at Mrs. Hanson's same's I've been doin'?"
"I can't say how it'll be, lad; but whatever Josh allows must be done will come nigh being right."
What between his happiness and the sleep he had indulged in during the early part of the evening, Seth Bartlett was unusually wakeful, and until past midnight he lay in a cot near 'Lish Davis's bed speculating upon what Mr. Fernald might be able to do in regard to procuring his admission to the school at headquarters.
Then slumber interfered with his waking dreams, and he knew no more until daylight next morning, when he crept softly out of bed to perform his customary task.
He did the work on the lower floor lest he should disturb those who were yet asleep, and was getting well along with it when Joe Black came down.
"How are you feelin' this mornin', kid?" he asked, in an unusually friendly tone.
"Fine as silk. That medicine Mr. Davis gave me fixed everything in great shape."
"I see you're still blackin' boots."
"Why shouldn't I be? It was the bargain that I could do it till I got into the Department."
"I'm allowing 'Lish will claim you're so near there now that you must graduate from this kind of work."
"But, of course, I'm not near gettin' into the Department, for they don't make firemen of boys."
"As a rule they don't; but I'm reckoning there'll be something in the way of an exception with you. I'm not allowin' you'll be allowed to swell around as full member of a company, but you are bound to be recognized as belonging to us."
Seth failed to understand how any immediate change could be effected in his standing, save that he might be admitted to the classes at headquarters, and before he could ask Joe Black to make an explanation a shrill voice was heard calling through the half-opened door:
"Say, Mister, is Seth Bartlett here?"
It was Dan, and Seth stepped forward to prevent him from coming in, when Joe Black said:
"There's no reason why you should go out on the sidewalk to talk with your friends. You've got the same privileges here that all hands have."
By this time Dan had stepped inside, and catching a glimpse of Seth he cried:
"Say, old man, you're goin' it mighty strong, but we're proud of you. The fellers count on givin' you a reg'lar blow-out to-morrow, if it's so you can come down-town."
"Do you mean 'cause of what was done last night, Dan?" Seth asked, surprised that his roommate should have learned of the affair so soon, and Joe Black gave way to his mirth, although why he thought there was anything comical in what had been said, neither of the boys understood.
"Course I'm talkin' 'bout your savin' the baby."
"How did you hear of it so soon?"
"Hear of it! Why, it's in all the papers! Look at this!" and Dan unfolded the morningHeraldas he pointed to an article nearly a column in length, which was headed, "A Brave Boy."
Seth made no attempt to read the account, and Dan cried impatiently as he held the sheet in front of him:
"Why, don't you see what it says? The fellers down-town are pretty nigh wild 'cause you've showed the firemen that you ain't any slouch, even if you did black boots for a livin'. I reckon Sam Barney will get green when he sees it, an' Bill's hangin' 'round so's to make certain that duffer hears 'bout it the first thing. Say, can't you come down by the post-office now?"
"I've got to go up to headquarters same as ever, an' it's most time now."
"But the fellers are just crazy to see you."
"They'll have to wait till night," Seth replied with a laugh, "'cause I'm bound to be there right on the dot."
"I'll walk up with you."
"All right; I'm ready now as soon as I put on my coat."
Seth went to the floor above for the purpose of getting the garment, and while he was absent Joe Black asked Dan:
"What are you boys counting on doing with our kid?"
"We're goin' to give him one of the biggest blow-outs that's ever been seen in this town. Do you s'pose we'd lay still after he's been an' done what he did? We'll show that we believe he's a dandy."
"What kind of a blow-out do you mean?"
"A reg'lar spread with plenty to eat, an' it won't cost Seth a cent. Bill an' Teddy Bowser are rushin' 'round seein' to it now. Folks think we fellers don't count for much, but some of 'em will sing a different tune after readin' what he did! You can bet we're reckonin' on givin' him a great send-off."
"Look here, Dan," Joe Black whispered. "I wouldn't mind seeing how you lads get up a thing of that sort, and if you'll give me an invite I'll chip in a dollar."
"Will you wear your uniform?" Dan asked eagerly.
"I'll put on every button I've got; but you are not to tell Seth I'm coming."
"It's a go," Master Roberts replied gravely, and then the arrival of Seth interrupted the conversation.
When they were outside the engine-house Dan insisted that his partner give him the full story of the rescue, and he was not satisfied with a general account, but demanded every particular from the time Ninety-four left her quarters until Josh Fernald had taken his departure.
"Well, it's bound to be a big thing for you," he said, thoughtfully, "even if you don't get a medal."
"See here, Dan, Mr. Davis has said considerable 'bout medals, an' I don't understand it."
"Are you claimin' to be posted in the fire business, an' don't know things like that are given to men who save folks from bein' burned up?"
"Of course I know it; but I'm talkin' about myself. I can't have a medal 'cause I ain't a fireman yet."
"If you'd read theHeraldas I wanted, you'd seen that the printed piece said you earned one."
"I don't think I did, not even if I belonged reg'larly to the Department. It was Jerry Walters who did the most of the work, 'cause if he hadn't come jest then it would have been all day with me—I was mighty near gone."
"Don't you make such talk as that to anybody but me, Seth Bartlett," Dan cried sharply. "What's the use of givin' anything away when folks are howlin' 'bout your bein' so brave? A feller is bound to blow his own horn sometimes in this world, else he'd never get along, an' that's what you must do now."
"If I can't get into the Department without it, I'll go back to shinin' boots. Look at Sam Barney! He's always doin' that, an' what does he 'mount to?"
"Oh, a feller must have some sand to back him, else he won't pull through, an' you know there's nothin' to Sam but wind. Here's where you stop, an' I'll snoop back down-town. The fellers are countin' on givin' you a racket to-morrow night, an' you must be on hand."
"See here, Dan, don't you spend good money when you're needin' it for the store, jest for the sake of puffin' me up."
"I reckon what I'll put out won't bust me, even if we have 'greed to whack up fifteen cents apiece. Bill, Teddy, an' me will chip in for Jip, so's he can have a good time after all his hard luck, an' we'll make your eyes stick out before it's over."
"I'd a good deal rather you didn't do it."
"There's no use to kick now, 'cause it's too late. I wouldn't wonder if it was all fixed by thistime. You see, Bill an' me was 'fraid you'd been hurt, seein' 's you didn't come over to the room last night, an' the fellers wanted me to find out 'bout it, so's if there was any trouble we could hold off the blow-out till you'd come 'round ag'in. So long; I'll see you to-night," and Dan was off like a flash.
Seth watched until his friend was lost to view in the distance, and then entered the building.
The first man he met shook hands with him in the most friendly manner, congratulating him upon the service he had done, and so did every one he saw, until he was absolutely astounded at the warmth of his reception.
For a moment it seemed as if the officials at headquarters were taking as deep an interest in him as did Ninety-four's company, and there were so many who thus had a kindly word that it was nearly an hour from the time he arrived before it was possible to present himself at the gymnasium.
There Mr. Fernald showed him marked attention before those of the class who were assembled, and, as Seth confidentially told 'Lish Davis that evening, "he was afraid he'd get a big head if folks didn't let up on his saving the baby."
At noon Josh Fernald held a long conversation with Seth, the substance of which was that permission had been received to put him under instructionprecisely as if he had been appointed a member of the Department on probation, and he would be taught the entire drill from that day forth.
"Next spring, when the Bennett, Stephenson, and Pulitzer medals are awarded, the Life-Saving Corps will give an exhibition drill at some public place, and I've decided that you shall be among them. Work hard, my lad, and on that day when the citizens of New York turn out to see those of the force who have distinguished themselves in the way of saving life, you can make your appearance in a manner that will give great pleasure to your comrades of Ninety-four."
Mr. Fernald did not give Seth an opportunity of thanking him, but suddenly walked away as if bent on important business at the other end of the room, and the boy said to himself with pride and delight:
"He called Ninety-four's men mycomrades! That's a big step-up for a bootblack to make, an' I wonder how 'Lish Davis will like it?"
Much to Dan's disappointment, Seth could not go down-town on this first evening after having distinguished himself in the Department.
When 'Lish Davis heard what Mr. Fernald had said he insisted on having a long and confidential chat with the boy, and it was not concluded until a very late hour in the evening.
"The time has now come, kid, when you're the same as one of us, and we of Ninety-four who counted on giving you such a boost have been cheated out of it by what you did for yourself," the driver began gravely, and in a tone sufficiently loud for the other members of the company to hear. "From this out you're in the Department, and we have no fear but that 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 up precious soon, for we here have got the idee that the city won't pay wages while you're under instruction."
"Of course, we may be in the wrong as to that,but if we ain't, how'll you live? That's what we've asked ourselves, and this is the way we answer it: Every man in the Department looks on you as Ninety-four's kid, 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 under wages. We'll assess ourselves so much every month, and charge it up to you in reg'lar fashion so it can be paid back some time. Now, you're to make 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 secondly we're not minded to have it said we couldn't see you through. Can't you understand that we're looked on by them as are in the Department as your father, or guardeen, or something of that kind, and it's our own credit we're bound to uphold? How would it look for a fireman to be around blackin' boots? And that's what you are this very minute, even though you haven't had an appointment."
Then one member of the company after another gave his views on the subject, until it would have been rank ingratitude had Seth refused the generous proposition.
It was agreed to by all that a strict account should be kept of the amounts advanced, and he beallowed to repay the company at the earliest opportunity after he was under salary.
When this matter had been settled by Seth's promise to take such sums of money as he needed, and "look pleasant about it," the men discussed his future, 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 the boy to fancy himself already a member of the company.
On reaching Mrs. Hanson's he found his roommates awake, and grumbling because he had not returned sooner.
"I s'pose we shan't see very much of you now you're gettin' so high up in 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 to go 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 tackle the 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 case I show sand enough you'll see me in the exhibition drill that's to be given on the street next spring."
Neither Dan nor Bill spoke for several seconds, and then the former exclaimed with emphasis:
"Say, but you're gettin' there with both feet, eh?"
It was midnight before the roommates could afford to retire, and then it was understood that on the following evening at seven o'clock Seth was to 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, declaring that 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 be engaged for such work, and before the members of the company were astir he departed for headquarters.
During this day the "new probationer," as he was called, was kept at work learning how to handle, raise, and balance ladders, and it is safe to say he never did more labor in a single twelve hours before.
He was exceedingly tired when supper-time arrived, but did his best to prevent Mr. Fernald from suspecting the fact.
"Feeling rather sore?" the instructor asked as the boy came to say good-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 a friendly tone, as if speaking to a comrade instead of a pupil:
"It is hard work, this learning the trade of a fireman, my boy, and there may be times when you will feel discouraged; but keep a firm grip on yourself at all times, live regularly, avoid bad habits, or, in other words, 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 be I'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 your level 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 a little what and whom he should find at the "blow-out."
As he neared the business locations of his different friends he was surprised because he failed to meet any whom he knew.
It was as if every news-vender and bootblack had suddenly disappeared from the face of the earth, although it was not yet so late but that considerable 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 for some good reason the "blow-out" had been postponed.
"Have you given it up?" he asked in what he intended should be a careless tone, for even though he had advised Dan not to "start the thing," it had given him no slight satisfaction because his acquaintances 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 other fellers were comin'."
"We've fixed everything jest as we want it, an' she's goin' along as smooth 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 with that 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 I don't see why we should stand 'round here any longer."
"Let her go; I'm ready"; and Master Roberts set out in advance, leading the way toward Chatham Street much as if believing every person whom they met knew he was conducting the boy who ran with Ninety-four.
"Where are we goin'?" Seth asked of Bill, believing now that the spread concerning which so much had been said was to be confined strictly to the lodgers in Mrs. Hanson's house.
"You'll see when we strike there, an' if it ain't tony enough for a swell from the Department, you can get out."
Seth gazed in surprise at his friend; but the latter's face was expressionless, and the guest of the evening began to fear some disaster had overtaken the plans of his roommates.
"Seen Sam Barney to-day?" the "probationary fireman" asked after a brief time of silence.
"I struck him mighty heavy yesterday, an' he's been layin' low ever since. I made up my mind that he should see the printed stuff about you in the papers, an' hung 'round till he flashed up. Then I acted as if he an' me was the best friends in the world, an' asked if he knowed what kind of a racket you'd been on. That was enough to make him read the paper I had, an' you can bet he was sick when he got through. Teddy Bowser hit him up ag'in 'bout an hour afterward, an from that time till pretty 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 through into a decent kind of a feller. Say, you know Dan made up his mind to own 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 a clerk."
"But you haven't got the store yet."
"It ain't such a dreadful long ways off. We've got most twelve dollars towards it, an' I know of a man what'll sell out a bang-up good place for a hundred an' fifty. I'm allowin' we'll get that much before spring."
"What makes him sell it so cheap?"
"The reason is that he's a duffer; wants to lay back smokin' an' have the dollars come rollin' in without his raisin' a hair. Of course he ain't gettin' along very smart, an' we'll soon be ready to take it. With two fellers who are willin' to work there's a big thing in that place. We're countin' on settin' up a bootblackin' place with chairs an' all such 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 good thing jest as soon as Dan flashed her up, an' said I'd come in before he got half through talkin'. This 'ere little blow-out is the only thing we'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 we allowed it would cost fifteen cents apiece; but we had an offer of three dollars for that many tickets, which comes pretty nigh payin' all the bills."
"Three dollars for three tickets!" Seth repeated in perplexity. "What is it you've been gettin' up, Bill?"
"Hold on 'bout four minutes longer, an' then the whole thing will be flashed up. It's great!"
Before the time specified by Bill had elapsed, Dan suddenly turned into a German restaurant, walked the length of the lower floor, and led the way upstairs.
Seth felt that already was his "eye bein' knocked out."
He knew there were private supper-rooms in some of these Chatham Street establishments, but had never been fortunate enough to see one, and now he 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 it was 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 and fro, and by the time the tumult had subsided the guest of the evening saw a long table, on either side of which were seated all his friends and acquaintances among the sidewalk merchants, while at the head 'Lish Davis, Jerry Walters, and Joe Black presided with as much gravity as if it had been the swellest of swell functions.
Now Seth understood who had purchased supper tickets at one dollar a plate.
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 at the door:
"Let 'em flash her up; we're all here!"
Teddy cried to some one below, and during the next ten minutes two waiters were kept busy bringing upstairs sandwiches, bologna in generous, thick slices, sauerkraut without stint, potato salad, and a variety of small cakes plentifully besprinkled with tiny seeds.
While this feast was being placed upon the tableno one spoke, but instantly Teddy gave a peculiar sign by crossing his throat and winking one eye, Dan cried:
"Now pitch in, fellers, an' fill right up! We're doin' this 'cause Seth Bartlett has got into the Department, an' the one what don't eat all he ought'er will have trouble with me."
If Master Roberts had been a veritable giant seeking whom he might devour, the boys could not have shown more fear lest his command should not be obeyed.
Every fellow present felt that it was his duty to eat a generous portion of each dish before him, and he did it hurriedly lest Dan might have cause 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 as to suggest that they send for another dish of sauerkraut.
In ten minutes or less the hunger of the guests was in a measure appeased, and as they dallied with the dainties Dan set in motion that portion of the entertainment which, in his opinion, was to be the crowning feature.