Page 134 - An Amateur Fireman

Never doubting but that this had been all arranged beforehand, Seth gazed at the driver, wondering why he
was so slow in making a response, while Jerry and Joe laughed heartily, for they knew that 'Lish had been
taken wholly by surprise.

However, the driver of Ninety-four was not one who would be discomfited by such as Dan Roberts, and he
began his speech, with considerable hesitation, but warming to his subject as he proceeded.

"I didn't allow that I was to be part of the show when I come here, and Dan Roberts has got one the best of
me; but yet, I ain't quite downed. The man who couldn't say a good word now never ought to set in anywhere,
because there's a deal more than something to eat, if you boys will only look at it in the right light. In the first
place you've spread yourself because Ninety-four's kid has the same as got into the Department, and perhaps
some of you think he's lucky. I tell you, kids, luck hadn't anything to do with it. Seth is being made a fireman
because whatever he struck he stuck at, and never let a living chance go by him. When he first came up to
Ninety-four's house we gave him the cold shoulder, but he kept plugging away till we grew to like his pluck;
yet nobody held out a hand to him till he'd hung to his idea so long that we jest couldn't help ourselves. He
worked in where he wanted to go, and so can every one of you. I ain't holding that all of us are born to be
firemen, but whatever we count on being we've got to work for, and work hard. Do that, and you'll pull
through in pretty nigh everything you tackle."

When 'Lish Davis sat down, blushing rosy red, Dan sprang up like a jumping-jack from a box, and proposed:

"Three cheers for the driver of Ninety-four!"

As may be imagined, these were given with a will, and then Master Roberts announced:

"Jerry Walters will now chip in with something."

It was now 'Lish Davis's turn to laugh, and he enjoyed his comrade's confusion mightily, for it was several
moments before Jerry could think of the proper words.

Joe Black was called upon immediately afterward, and when he had concluded and been given a round of
cheers, as in the case of the other speakers, the driver said gravely:

"We who come here to look on have done what we could towards making a success of this here 'blow-out,'
and now, according to my way of thinking, it's time we heard from Mr. Daniel Roberts."

The suggestion came in the way of a big surprise to Dan, who, while making plans for this entertainment had
entirely overlooked the possible fact that he might be asked to do that which he the same as demanded from
others.

Dan's friends and acquaintances applauded 'Lish Davis's proposition loudly, and were so emphatic in their
calls for him that the owner of the prospective Third-Avenue store was absolutely forced to rise.

"It's what I call a mighty mean trick for you fellers to howl 'bout my makin' a speech, 'cause you know we
hadn't figgered that any but the 'dollar visitors' would do that. Of course 'Lish Davis an' the rest of the firemen
didn't know, but pretty nigh every other feller was posted this afternoon. But don't think you've got me in a
hole, though, for if makin' speeches is only talkin' 'bout Seth, I can do that an' not half try. If it hadn't been for
him I wouldn't have my Third-Avenoo store,--and I've got it in my mind all right,--nor Bill an' me wouldn't be
thinkin' of goin' to school, or we shouldn't be livin' in the toniest lodgin's in this 'ere town. An' if it hadn't been
for him you fellers couldn't be settin' here so near filled up that some of you can't do much more'n wink. Now
'bout this blow-out: I made a trade with the Dutchman what runs the place that we should have all we could
eat for four dollars; but he held to it that we mustn't stay more'n two hours, an' you can't blame him. A