ou know we hadn't figgered that any but the
'dollar visitors' would do that. Of course 'Lish Davis an' the rest of
the firemen didn't know, but pretty nigh every other feller was posted
this afternoon. But don't think you've got me in a hole, though, for if
makin' speeches is only talkin' 'bout Seth, I can do that an' not half
try. If it hadn't been for him I wouldn't have my Third-Avenoo
store,--and I've got it in my mind all right,--nor Bill an' me wouldn't
be thinkin' of goin' to school, or we shouldn't be livin' in the toniest
lodgin's in this 'ere town. An' if it hadn't been for him you fellers
couldn't be settin' here so near filled up that some of you can't do
much more'n wink. Now 'bout this blow-out: I made a trade with the
Dutchman what runs the place that we should have all we could eat for
four dollars; but he held to it that we mustn't stay more'n two hours,
an' you can't blame him. A bang-up shop like this can't be kept goin'
all night without somebody's chippin' in a stack of good money. Now
seein' 's you fellers can't eat any more, an' the firemen have all made
their speeches, I allow we'd better skin out."

Save for this last portion, Dan's speech would undoubtedly have been
greeted with the same amount of applause as the others, but the guests
were not well pleased at being asked to depart at such an early hour.

During several moments there was every indication that disagreeable
remarks might be made, even if nothing more unpleasant occurred, and
thus the harmony of the meeting would be sadly marred.

Understanding all this, 'Lish Davis came to the rescue by saying in a
cheery tone:

"Mr. Daniel Roberts has, without knowing it, done us of Ninety-four a
mighty good turn in bringing the meeting to a close. We'd feel kind-er
sore to go before it was all over, and yet we couldn't stay many minutes
longer because we only had leave of absence for three hours, and that
time is about up. So if you fellows will look pleasant we'll do the
same, and on the day Ninety-four's kid gets appointed to the Department
I'll set out another spread in this same place for every one that's here
to-night."

This generous proposition could not have failed of its purpose, and
Lish' Davis was cheered to the echo, he and his two comrades taking
their departure during the tumult which ensued.

The entire company escorted Mrs. Hanson's lodgers to their home, and
before parting gave three hearty cheers and a series of yells in