Page 67 - An Amateur Fireman

he was thus changed from a ragged boy of the street, to what, in the mirror at least, looked almost like a young
gentleman.

"They're mighty fine," he said to himself as he examined first one coat-sleeve and then the other. "They're
mighty fine, an' it'll be a terrible big tumble for me if I can't satisfy 'em up to headquarters."

Then came the fear that now, having reached the threshold of the Department, as it were, he might fail in his
purpose, and Seth literally trembled with apprehension until 'Lish Davis's voice was heard from below
ordering him to "hurry up."

"I won't go back on Ninety-four's men," the boy said to himself resolutely. "It's jest as the driver says, all
depends on me, an' knowin' what's to be gained I'm a chump if I can't pull through."

Then, acting on an impulse, he slid down one of the poles, instead of going by the way of the stairs, and
suddenly stood before the entire company, who were awaiting his appearance.

"Well done, Amateur, well done," 'Lish Davis cried in a tone of approbation. "I declare I wouldn't have known
who it was if I'd met you sudden-like on the street. Why, you're a corker, Amateur, a regular corker!"

"I do look pretty nice, an' that's a fact," Seth replied complacently, whereat the men laughed heartily.

Then each member of the company in turn came forward and shook him by the hand, congratulating him upon
his first appearance as a member of the Department, at the same time that they wished him success in the
effort to gain a permanent foothold among them.

"You're a credit to us, Amateur, and that much I must say. The money we spent on the toggery ain't been
thrown away even if you do get fired out of headquarters after a spell. From this time forth you're much the
same as a probationary fireman, and the bootblack part of it has disappeared, except when you're 'round here
where there's no one to know what you're doing. Though, mark you, lad, I'm not saying anything against a
boy's shining boots for a living. If you hadn't done it well, and taken some pride in your calling, Seth Bartlett
wouldn't be standing in that 'ere suit of blue this minute. Now that we've launched you, as it were, Amateur, I,
and I'm speaking for my mates as well, want you to understand that it's a hard row ahead. You've got to work
early and late; put up with a good many disagreeable things and look pleasant all the while; do considerable
more'n your duty, and be always on the jump. Keep up as we've known you, Amateur, my boy, and you'll
win."

When this speech--for it could be called by no other name--was concluded, the driver's comrades applauded
loudly, and then 'Lish stepped back a few paces as if expecting Seth to respond.

The "probationary" fireman understood the movement; but the words in his mind would not come; instead of
making what he considered a worthy reply, he said, and to him it sounded lame and poor:

"I'll do my best so's you won't be ashamed of me."

"That's all we're asking for, Amateur, and to-morrow noon at twelve o'clock I've got leave of absence to take
you up to headquarters. You're your own boss till then, and you'd better make the most of the holiday, 'cause
it'll be a long spell before you get another."

"There's only one thing I'd like to say, sir, an' that I s'pose I mustn't think of."

"Do you mean you're hankering to run to a fire with them good clothes on?"