Page 136 - An Amateur Fireman

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE EXHIBITION DRILL.

Seth Bartlett ceased to be an "amateur fireman" when he was admitted to the probationary class, even though
he had not received an appointment, and, therefore this narrative was concluded, or should have been, with an
account of the "blow-out" designed and arranged by Dan Roberts.

In case some of the readers care to know how Ninety-four's kid prospered, however, a brief account of his
doings up to the day when he was honored even above any member of his own particular company, shall be
given.

First, however, let it be said that Dan Roberts and Bill Dean did not abandon the idea of going to school.

On the night after the very pleasing entertainment on Chatham Street they set out with Seth, and from that
time until the Third-Avenue store was a reality, they were in regular attendance.

Even after having engaged in what Dan called "real business," the partners continued their pursuit of
knowledge by going to school on alternate nights.

Jip Collins gave good proof that he had reformed by attending closely to his work, and on the day when
Messrs. Roberts & Dean purchased the establishment from the gentleman who did not believe in working, he
was hired as clerk at wages to be proportionate with the sales.

Sam Barney disappeared on the day of the "blow-out," and was not seen by his former acquaintances for
nearly eight months, when he suddenly showed himself once more, and announced that he was "partners with
a city detective."

At first this statement was set down as false, but in due course of time it became understood that there was a
glimmer of truth in it, inasmuch as he was employed now and then by the detective in question to carry
messages, and it is possible that he may yet compass his desires, providing he can bring himself down to hard
work and yet harder study.

It can well be fancied that Seth did not neglect his duties after having been admitted to the probationary class.
As a matter of fact he worked so hard that more than once was Mr. Fernald forced to insist on his "taking
matters easier," and when this advice did not prevail 'Lish Davis was called upon to interfere, which he did
very effectually by commanding the boy's attendance at the house of Ninety-four's company at least two hours
during every twenty-four.

Josh Fernald, for certain reasons which appeared to be a secret between himself and several other members of
the Department had decided that Seth should take part in the exhibition drill to be given by the Life-Saving
Corps on that day when the medals were to be awarded, and to such end all his efforts were directed.

After the boy had become so familiar with the handling of ladders that they appeared to be little more than
playthings to him, he was taught, as 'Lish Davis had explained he would be, how to assist in "building a
chain" with a line of ladders from the street to the roof, placed in position by a man at each window of the
structure.

The driver had spoken of "straddling sills," and this name for the work puzzled Seth not a little until it came
his turn to receive instructions. Then he found that it consisted in sitting astride the sill of a window, holding
himself in place by the pressure of his knees much as though he had been in a saddle, drawing up one of the
climbing ladders and passing the hook attached to the upper end into the window above.