ing so much of his time to others, Seth decided to do
as Bill had suggested, and a place of meeting was agreed on.

Then Master Dean took his departure, after congratulating the partners
on having found such pleasant quarters, and reminding them for at least
the tenth time that they had promised to ask Mrs. Hanson if she would
take another lodger.

When they were alone once more Seth set about clearing away the remnants
of the feast, and while he was thus employed Dan paced to and fro,
admiring himself in the mirror as he passed and repassed it in such
attitudes as he believed befitted a boy who was the lessee of such a
swell apartment.

Seth was not in a mood for conversation. The question in his mind was as
to whether he was bettering or weakening his chances for admission into
the Department by thus occupying regular lodgings.

The argument was very equally balanced. In the first place, he had
followed 'Lish Davis's advice, and by so doing it hardly seemed as if he
could go astray; but as opposed to this was the fact that he was not as
likely to be awakened by Ninety-four when she responded to an alarm,
and, consequently, his opportunities for getting points would scarcely
be as good.

However, he settled the matter with himself finally by reflecting that
he had already taken the step, and could not well back out now after
having agreed to occupy the apartment, therefore it was unwise to
indulge in misgivings.

There was no trouble in Dan's mind; he was thoroughly well satisfied
with the situation, and instead of discussing any possibilities, he
congratulated Seth and himself very heartily.

"All this swellin' will cost us twenty-five cents a week, an' it stands
us in hand to scoop the biggest good time out of it we can. I'm goin' to
turn in, for what's the use of payin' for a bed if you only get into it
for the sake of sleepin'? I want 'er lay awake a spell so's to know what
a great racket I'm havin'."

He had made his preparations for retiring while Seth yet stood at the
window looking out thoughtfully, and once beneath the clothing cried
excitedly:

"Say, hurry up an' get in here! This is the greatest snap I ever struck!
It's twice as soft as what we slept in over to Ninety-four's house, an'
when trade is dull I'll come up here an' snooze all the time."

"You'll stand a good chance of goin' broke if you do," Seth replied with
a laugh, and then he joined his partner.

Dan was not able to remain awake