Page 128 - An Amateur Fireman

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 instruction precisely 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 my comrades! That's a big step-up for a bootblack to make, an' I wonder how
'Lish Davis will like it?"