JIP COLLINS'S RETREAT.
So excited was Seth by this sudden and unexpected change in his fortunes that he could not bring himself to walk demurely down-town as he was in the custom of doing; but ran swiftly more than half the distance, repeating to himself over and over again:
"I'm really goin' into the Department after all!"
He was so highly elated when he met Dan that the latter instantly understood something of the utmost importance had transpired, and asked eagerly:
"What's flashed up on you, Seth? Got a big job?"
"Indeed I have! I'm goin' into the Department!"
"Wha—wha—what?"
"I'm goin' into the Department. Mr. Davis an' the rest of Ninety-four's men have got me a job up at headquarters where I'll have a chance to learn all the business, an' then when I'm big enough, if my record is all right, I'll slip in for a fireman as easy as winkin'."
"Look here, Seth, what kind of a stiff are you tryin' to give me?" Dan asked sharply.
"It's a straight tip, old man. Mr. Davis jest told me all about it, an' says I mustn't black boots any more except for Ninety-four's men. He didn't even want me to do that; but I hung on till Mr. Dunton backed me up, an' he finally gave in. Say, do you know they've bought a uniform for me jest like they wear, only there's no brass buttons on it."