Page 92 - An Amateur Fireman

again.

With this programme for the coming day thus settled upon, the amateur fireman suggested that Teddy Bowser
go home in order that he and his roommates might retire, and half an hour later Mrs. Hanson's lodgers were
sleeping soundly.

The sun had not shown his face above the eastern horizon next morning when Seth was at work in
Ninety-four's quarters, performing such labor as came to hand, and, owing to the fact that the company had
been fighting fire nearly all night, no one save the house watchman was stirring when the amateur set off for
his regular duties.

At fifteen minutes before the hour of seven "Ninety-four's kid," as some of the clerks at headquarters had
already designated Seth, entered the gymnasium with a bustling air as if the hardest tasks would be no more
than a pleasure.

"Had your breakfast?" Mr. Fernald asked gruffly.

"Yes, sir."

"How long since you turned out?"

"It wasn't quite light when I left the house, sir."

"Have you been here all that time?"

"Oh no, sir. You see, I go over to Ninety-four's quarters to shine the company, an' it stands me in hand to be
out of bed pretty early."

"What do you do to the company?" Mr. Fernald asked, as an expression of bewilderment came over his face.

"I shine for all hands--black their boots, you know."

"Yes, I understand now. Isn't the work here enough to satisfy you, but that you must needs look around for
more?"

"But I belong to that company, sir, an' have to see my share of the business is done right up to the mark," Seth
replied proudly, and then he explained to Mr. Fernald why he was eager to continue his connection with those
who had already done so much to assist him.

"You seem precious eager to be a fireman."

"So I am, sir, an' I'm hopin' to get along here so Ninety-four's men won't think I'm a duffer for not pushin'
ahead."

Fernald questioned him closely regarding his ambition to belong to the Department, and without being really
aware of the fact Seth had soon told him all he knew concerning himself and his desires.

"I don't say as you've got it in you to be a fireman," the old man said, thoughtfully; "but it strikes me you carry
a good bit of sand, an' I've a mind to do even more than I promised 'Lish Davis. See here, my lad, supposing
you could practise here two or three hours a day, would it tire you out so that the regular duties might be
slighted?"