Page 130 - An Amateur Fireman

"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