very long for the purpose of realizing
what a "great racket" he was having, for slumber closed his eyes shortly
after he lay down, and the day had fully dawned before he was again
aware of his surroundings.

But for Seth, Master Roberts might have slept until noon, and even when
he was aroused the desire to linger in that rest-inviting bed was so
great that he proposed to neglect work in order to remain there.

"You go over to the engine-house, an' I'll stay here till you've
finished your job there. I don't b'lieve papers will sell very well
to-day."

"See here, Dan, if you're goin' to loaf in bed half the time it'll be
best for us to stop swellin', else we shan't earn enough to pay the
rent. You must come down to business, an' might as well begin now, for
it won't be any easier to get up to-morrow."

Dan was disposed to grumble a little at thus being forced to arise; but
once he had plunged his face into a basin of cold water his indolence
vanished.

The boys made a hearty breakfast from the remains of the previous
night's feast, and then Dan hurried away to purchase his stock of papers
while Seth went to the engine-house.

"Well, how did you sleep last night?" the driver asked as he entered.

"Great! That place is away up in G; but the only trouble is that I
shan't know when Ninety-four goes out."

"It won't hurt if you don't. I've about made up my mind that such
business must be stopped."

Seth looked at 'Lish in pained surprise, and there was an ominous
quivering of his lip as he asked:

"What's the reason I can't turn out at the fires? I'll never get ahead
if I don't pick up points."

"That isn't the best way to do it, my boy," the driver said in a kindly
tone. "I've been thinking about your plan of getting into the
Department, and come to the conclusion that, seeing's you're so set on
it, we'd better lend a hand."

The expression of sorrow on Seth's face changed very suddenly as the
driver ceased speaking an instant, and in its place came a flush of joy
so great as to seemingly prevent him from speaking.

"Yes, Amateur, all of us have taken up the idea that you're to be a
fireman, though I don't say as it's the kind of a life a boy should
hanker for, and we've been working to get you into a place where you can
learn the business."

"Do you really mean that?" Seth cried, fearing lest he had misunderstood
the words.

"I shouldn't be saying it if I didn't, Amateur," Davis continued,
gravely. "Of