be part of the show when I come here, and
Dan Roberts has got one the best of me; but yet, I ain't quite downed.
The man who couldn't say a good word now never ought to set in anywhere,
because there's a deal more than something to eat, if you boys will only
look at it in the right light. In the first place you've spread yourself
because Ninety-four's kid has the same as got into the Department, and
perhaps some of you think he's lucky. I tell you, kids, luck hadn't
anything to do with it. Seth is being made a fireman because whatever he
struck he stuck at, and never let a living chance go by him. When he
first came up to Ninety-four's house we gave him the cold shoulder, but
he kept plugging away till we grew to like his pluck; yet nobody held
out a hand to him till he'd hung to his idea so long that we jest
couldn't help ourselves. He worked in where he wanted to go, and so can
every one of you. I ain't holding that all of us are born to be firemen,
but whatever we count on being we've got to work for, and work hard. Do
that, and you'll pull through in pretty nigh everything you tackle."

When 'Lish Davis sat down, blushing rosy red, Dan sprang up like a
jumping-jack from a box, and proposed:

"Three cheers for the driver of Ninety-four!"

As may be imagined, these were given with a will, and then Master
Roberts announced:

"Jerry Walters will now chip in with something."

It was now 'Lish Davis's turn to laugh, and he enjoyed his comrade's
confusion mightily, for it was several moments before Jerry could think
of the proper words.

Joe Black was called upon immediately afterward, and when he had
concluded and been given a round of cheers, as in the case of the other
speakers, the driver said gravely:

"We who come here to look on have done what we could towards making a
success of this here 'blow-out,' and now, according to my way of
thinking, it's time we heard from Mr. Daniel Roberts."

The suggestion came in the way of a big surprise to Dan, who, while
making plans for this entertainment had entirely overlooked the possible
fact that he might be asked to do that which he the same as demanded
from others.

Dan's friends and acquaintances applauded 'Lish Davis's proposition
loudly, and were so emphatic in their calls for him that the owner of
the prospective Third-Avenue store was absolutely forced to rise.

"It's what I call a mighty mean trick for you fellers to howl 'bout my
makin' a speech, 'cause y