"Are you a fireman already?" and Dan sprang to his feet in astonishment.
"Of course not; but I'm to be drilled the same as if I was, an' in case I show sand enough you'll see me in the exhibition drill that's to be given on the street next spring."
Neither Dan nor Bill spoke for several seconds, and then the former exclaimed with emphasis:
"Say, but you're gettin' there with both feet, eh?"
It was midnight before the roommates could afford to retire, and then it was understood that on the following evening at seven o'clock Seth was to be at the main entrance to the post-office, in readiness for the "blow-out" to be given in his honor.
In vain he questioned his friends concerning the proposed feast.
They would give him no further information on the subject, declaring that he would "have his eye knocked out before the thing was over."
At daylight next morning Seth was at Ninety-four's house blacking boots, despite the fact that 'Lish Davis had given orders another boy should be engaged for such work, and before the members of the company were astir he departed for headquarters.
During this day the "new probationer," as he was called, was kept at work learning how to handle, raise, and balance ladders, and it is safe to say he never did more labor in a single twelve hours before.
He was exceedingly tired when supper-time arrived, but did his best to prevent Mr. Fernald from suspecting the fact.