Page 126 - An Amateur Fireman

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 morning Herald as 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?"