Page 125 - An Amateur Fireman

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