hen the fire was gotten under control, and that
by waiting when there was really nothing to be seen he had laid himself
open to the possible charge of "hangin' 'round."

If Dan Roberts expected Seth would be petted and praised because of
having rendered such a signal service to the driver of Ninety-four, he
was disappointed.

The two boys arrived at the house a few moments in advance of the
engine, and Seth at once set about trying to make himself useful in the
work of "cleaning up," with the result that he rendered no slight
assistance to the weary men; but yet not one of them commented upon the
fact, or even so much as thanked him.

After the horses were cared for 'Lish Davis went to where Seth was at
work and said gruffly, as if offended:

"I've shaken some straw out for you kids, an' when you're through with
that job, turn in. Don't get to skylarkin', but keep quiet."

Then the driver went upstairs.

Dan, who was not in favor of working save when it might be absolutely
necessary, crept slyly to the straw and lay down; but Seth continued at
his self-imposed task, and gained much pleasure thereby, for the men
treated the matter as if it was proper he should perform his share of
the labor, which made it seem very much as if he was in fact a member of
the company.

Not until fully an hour after the engine had arrived at quarters did
Seth "turn in," and then he was so weary that his eyes closed in slumber
almost as soon as he was stretched at full length on the straw.

The last thought in his mind was a pleasing one; none of the company had
thanked him for assisting in the work, and this was exactly as he would
have had it.

It seemed to the boys as if they had no more than fallen asleep,
although as a matter of fact they had both been in Dreamland fully two
hours, when the clanging of the gong, the thud of horses' feet on the
floor, and the rapid movements of the men aroused them.

Seth had longed for and dreamed of just such an opportunity as this.

To go out with Ninety-four from quarters was very near to being a member
of the Department, and he made all haste to station himself by the big
doors ready to follow the engine.

"Get out of there, Amateur!" Mr. Davis shouted as he swung himself into
the driver's seat. "One fire in a night is enough for you. Lay down an'
sleep; then you'll be in better trim to help with the clean-up when we
get back."

Under no circumstances would Seth have ventured to remon