why, what we do comes free as air, and we're glad to
give you a boost. All the payment we want is that you'll do us credit.
I'd like to have the boys up at headquarters, when they look at you, say
to themselves, 'That kid belongs to Ninety-four,' and in the saying of
it I'd have 'em think you was way up--something out of the ordinary run
of kids, don't you understand, Amateur?"

"If I can do anything to make you feel proud of me, Mr. Davis, I'll be
mighty glad; but I promise you shan't be ashamed of having sent me
there."

"I ain't counting on the possibility of that, Amateur, 'cause I believe
I know you better. Now, get along and put yourself into condition,
'cause there's no knowing how soon we may get a call."

Before looking at the new clothing Seth washed his face and hands with
scrupulous care, used the comb and brush again and again until positive
each single hair was in its proper place, and then went to the floor
above.

He expected to see garments which somewhat resembled those worn by the
firemen; but was unprepared for that which met his gaze.

'Lish Davis, if indeed it was he who ordered the uniform, had seen to it
that each article was a facsimile, both as to texture and style, of what
he himself wore, the one difference being that the buttons were plain
black instead of gilt with raised letters.

During several moments Seth stood as if spell-bound, gazing at this, to
him, first real evidence that he was in a certain degree, however
remote, connected with the Department, and perhaps never again will he
feel the same honest pride which was his at that moment, for he knew
without being told that he had gotten this far toward the goal he had
set himself by straightforward dealing and careful attention to all the
duties which might be expected of him.

He did not say in so many words that he had earned them; but there was
in his mind a sense of satisfaction in the knowledge that they would not
have been presented unless he had shown himself to be in some degree
deserving.

After a long survey of the garments, he put them on, and never was
transformation more complete than when he was thus changed from a ragged
boy of the street, to what, in the mirror at least, looked almost like a
young gentleman.

"They're mighty fine," he said to himself as he examined first one
coat-sleeve and then the other. "They're mighty fine, an' it'll be a
terrible big tumble for me if I can't satisfy 'em up to headquarte