Page 93 - An Amateur Fireman

"If you'll give me the chance, sir, I'll work enough later nights to make up for it all," the boy replied eagerly.

"I guess Davis didn't lay it on any too thick when he told me about you. Now see here, you'll begin the day
with a regular course of training, working until nine o'clock, after which time you'll get down to a boy's
business, see?"

"Yes, sir," Seth replied, trembling so violently with pleasure that only by the greatest exertion could he
prevent his voice from quavering.

"Had a bath this morning?"

"No, sir."

"Then get one, and remember to tumble into cold water the first thing after coming here."

Seth was off like a flash, and when he returned, glowing with the healthful exercise, Josh Fernald gave him
the first lesson in physical training.

Before it was concluded "Ninety-four's kid" came to understand that 'Lish Davis had only spoken the truth
when he said the instructor was not a man who would "let up on boys to any extent," for Seth was forced to
exert himself as he never remembered to have done during any previous two hours of his life.

Then the lesson was concluded, and the amateur set about his ordinary duties, working unusually hard lest Mr.
Fernald should decide that he could not at the same time attend to gymnastics and perform the services for
which he was paid by the city.

He was thoroughly tired when the hour for supper came around; but so happy at having made some slight
advancement toward his goal in life that all else was as nothing.

That evening he bade Mr. Fernald "good-night," and received in reply the caution:

"Don't think you'll find any snap here; it's precious hard work, an' won't grow easier."

"I'll stick at it, sir, if you don't get tired showin' me how," Seth cried gleefully, and as he walked sturdily
toward the staircase, holding himself erect and with head thrown well back like some animal glorying in his
strength, the old instructor gazed after him in almost a friendly manner.

Seth was so elated with the idea that he could tell Ninety-four's men that he had actually begun his training, as
to have nearly forgotten the appointment made with Dan; but he soon remembered it when Master Roberts
darted out from a hiding-place near at hand.

"Well, I've seen him," he cried before Seth had time to speak.

"Who?"

"Jip Collins, of course."

"How'd you get in?"

"I was hangin' 'round there lookin' for a chance when your 'Lish Davis come along with a lawyer, an' I asked
'em to let me go in with them."