d emphatically, with a long indrawing of
the breath. "If I only might!"

"I allow we'll work it, lad; but you must grow a good bit 'twixt now and
then."

"I'm hopin' to get an early spring moustache before long. Sim Jepson's
got one, an' I'm goin' to do the same as he did, 'cause the fellers say
he put somethin' on to make the hair grow."

The driver laughed long and loud at this announcement made in the
gravest tone, and called upon every idle man in the building to come and
hear the "amateur's" latest scheme for getting into the Department.

The boy's face flushed a deep red before 'Lish Davis was willing to
cease laughing at or repeating the proposition; but finally he wearied
of his sport, and, his boots having long since been polished, said in a
serious tone:

"I'll speak to the cop on this beat about your friend Collins, and in
the meantime make it your business to hunt him up. Let the little
scoundrel know you've told me; that I'm going to post the policeman, and
that he'll get a mighty hot reception if he should try any of his
firebug business. I reckon some such hint will knock the mischief out
of his head, unless he's a born idiot."

Then Mr. Davis walked away, intent on the morning duties, and Seth set
about his regular work until all the company had been served, after
which he started down-town in accordance with the plan proposed by the
driver.

Owing to customers, and they were unusually plentiful on this day, it
was not until late in the afternoon that he arrived at City Hall Square,
where Jip Collins was most often to be found, and here he met his
partner.

Dan was delighted at learning what steps had been taken for their
safety, although because of the previous night's experience he had begun
to doubt if their enemy would dare carry his threats into effect, and
the two at once made search for Master Collins.

He had been seen thereabouts within an hour by more than one of Seth's
acquaintances; but now although the two searched until nightfall it was
impossible to accomplish their purpose.

It seemed much as if Jip Collins, learning that Seth was in the
vicinity, believed it wisest to keep out of sight, and after the night
had fully come Dan said impatiently:

"It's no use spendin' so much time on that duffer, 'cause he won't show
up again to-night. We've told so many of the fellers what 'Lish Davis
said, that Jip will be sure to hear of it before he goes to bed, an'
perhaps that will be j