The men did not occupy the time in praising him, but discussed the rescue again and again, and never once was the boy spoken to, or of, as the "Amateur."
'Lish Davis insisted on his remaining in the engine-house all night, but gave Seth distinctly to understand that however many alarms might come in, he was not to so much as think of going out with the company.
"You'll be on sick leave till to-morrow morning, when Josh Fernald is expecting you at headquarters, and then it'll be for him to say when we're to see you again."
"But of course I'll sleep at Mrs. Hanson's same's I've been doin'?"
"I can't say how it'll be, lad; but whatever Josh allows must be done will come nigh being right."
What between his happiness and the sleep he had indulged in during the early part of the evening, Seth Bartlett was unusually wakeful, and until past midnight he lay in a cot near 'Lish Davis's bed speculating upon what Mr. Fernald might be able to do in regard to procuring his admission to the school at headquarters.
Then slumber interfered with his waking dreams, and he knew no more until daylight next morning, when he crept softly out of bed to perform his customary task.
He did the work on the lower floor lest he should disturb those who were yet asleep, and was getting well along with it when Joe Black came down.
"How are you feelin' this mornin', kid?" he asked, in an unusually friendly tone.
"Fine as silk. That medicine Mr. Davis gave me fixed everything in great shape."