is first
evening after having distinguished himself in the Department.

When 'Lish Davis heard what Mr. Fernald had said he insisted on having a
long and confidential chat with the boy, and it was not concluded until
a very late hour in the evening.

"The time has now come, kid, when you're the same as one of us, and we
of Ninety-four who counted on giving you such a boost have been cheated
out of it by what you did for yourself," the driver began gravely, and
in a tone sufficiently loud for the other members of the company to
hear. "From this out you're in the Department, and we have no fear but
that in due course of time you'll be assigned to some company--this one,
if we can have our way. Now, there's a question of money to come up
precious soon, for we here have got the idee that the city won't pay
wages while you're under instruction."

"Of course, we may be in the wrong as to that, but if we ain't, how'll
you live? That's what we've asked ourselves, and this is the way we
answer it: Every man in the Department looks on you as Ninety-four's
kid, and we can't allow anything that would go against our credit,
consequently you have got to turn to us for support till you're under
wages. We'll assess ourselves so much every month, and charge it up to
you in reg'lar fashion so it can be paid back some time. Now, you're to
make no kick, for we've settled it once and for all."

"Why couldn't I black boots at odd times?" Seth asked, pleadingly.

"Because there won't be any 'odd times' in the first place, and secondly
we're not minded to have it said we couldn't see you through. Can't you
understand that we're looked on by them as are in the Department as your
father, or guardeen, or something of that kind, and it's our own credit
we're bound to uphold? How would it look for a fireman to be around
blackin' boots? And that's what you are this very minute, even though
you haven't had an appointment."

Then one member of the company after another gave his views on the
subject, until it would have been rank ingratitude had Seth refused the
generous proposition.

It was agreed to by all that a strict account should be kept of the
amounts advanced, and he be allowed to repay the company at the
earliest opportunity after he was under salary.

When this matter had been settled by Seth's promise to take such sums of
money as he needed, and "look pleasant about it," the men discussed his
future, and spoke of the time when he w