Page 137 - An Amateur Fireman

This does not appear by the description thus given to be a very difficult task, and yet others beside Seth have
found that it was a lesson extremely hard to learn, but once gained the pupil can readily make his way from
the street even to the roof of a building with no other implements than the two ladders.

The lesson of "standing on sill" is always given to the pupils in pairs, and before explaining what Seth learned
in this line it is necessary to describe the belt which is worn by members of the Life-Saving Corps.

It is broad, made of thick leather, with two stout buckles to hold it in place. Directly in front is a leathern
handle, to which a steel "snap-hook" is attached by a stout ring, this hook being provided so the fireman may
fasten himself to a ladder or any projection while he works, and is similar to that worn by the drivers. On one
side of the belt in a leathern sheet is a hatchet with a heavy square head to be used either as a hammer or an
axe, as occasion may require.

When a pupil is instructed in "standing on sills" he does exactly as the term implies, but on the inside of the
building is his mate, who holds him in place by means of this belt-hook. In such position he raises the ladder
to the window above, as when he was astride the sill.

Another lesson, which Seth often took, is that of coming down a rope alone, or bearing a burden. It was not
difficult, and, with this particular "probationer," decidedly exhilarating.

A rope is made fast to the roof or window, of a building and two turns of it taken round the hook on the
fireman's belt, thus forming a "brake" to prevent too rapid descent. By a pressure of the hand just below the
hook it is possible for the operator to control his speed. In case of bringing down a burden, twice the number
of turns are taken.

As a matter of course, Seth was taught to leap from the building into a net, and later to aid in holding it, in
which last exercise he learned that 'Lish Davis had not spoken falsely when he declared it was exceedingly
hard work.

It might not be entertaining to repeat all the lessons which Ninety-four's kid took part in; but suffice it to say
that by the 1st of May Mr. Fernald announced that he was as nearly perfect in the drill as he could be until
after having gained greater strength.

"You will participate in the exhibition, my boy, and I am expecting a good showing from you."

"Will Ninety-four's men be there?" Seth asked eagerly, trying hard not to show how delighted he was by this
praise.

"Surely; they are to take part in the parade, and you can see 'Lish Davis display his skill at driving. There are
no lack of spectators at such exhibitions, and you will show, not only to a vast throng of citizens, but the
mayor and heads of the Department, whether you are worthy of receiving an appointment."

"Will that settle matters for me?" Seth asked in surprise.

"I don't say you will not be able to get the appointment without it; but it is an opportunity of making a leap
directly into the Department, and of finding yourself suddenly on equal footing with Davis, Walters, or Black,
for they are intending to make a strong effort to have you assigned to their company."

Seth hardly needed this incentive to labor, for he was already doing all a boy of his age could do; but it caused
him to feel extremely anxious regarding the final result, and, noting this, 'Lish Davis said one evening in a
fatherly tone: