he new uniform."

CHAPTER X.

AT HEADQUARTERS.

When he first saw Seth in his new uniform a certain feeling of envy came
into Dan Roberts's heart; but he was not a fellow who could give himself
up to this kind of thoughts very long, and within a few moments all that
had passed away, leaving in its stead rejoicings that his partner had
taken such rapid strides toward the desired end.

Before they had gained the seclusion of their own room Dan was his old
self once more, and from that moment it is safe to say he was never
again envious of Seth's good fortune, but sufficiently wise to profit by
his partner's example.

When they entered the house, Mrs. Hanson, who must have been informed by
'Lish Davis of the expected change in Seth's condition, came to the door
to see the boy in his uniform, and when she ceased her words of praise
his cheeks were glowing red.

"You'll cut a terrible swath down-town to-morrow morning," Dan said
sagely when they were alone. "Here's a woman that never saw either of us
till yesterday, an' she goes pretty nigh crazy over the way you look. I
reckon Sam Barney would have a reg'lar fit if he should run up against
you now."

To Seth's mind there was nothing wrong in admiring himself, or listening
to words of praise from others, and he enjoyed to the utmost these
speculations of his partner until Master Roberts, wearied of gazing at
the amateur fireman, hinted broadly that if there was to be a spread set
out in honor of the uniform, now was the time to "start her goin'."

"How much did that lay-out cost you last night?"

"Twenty-three cents."

"That's pretty stiff to pay for one supper; but it ain't every day I get
a uniform, an' I guess I can stand it this once. We shan't spread
ourselves in the same way ag'in, though," Seth said thoughtfully,
speaking half to himself, and then taking some coins from his pocket, he
added, "You go out and buy the stuff. I'll wait here."

"Why don't you come with me?"

"I'm 'fraid if Ninety-four's men should see me they'd think I was
runnin' 'round swellin'."

"Well, s'posen they should? Haven't you got the right? Wouldn't most any
feller who's got as near into the Department as you have?"

"Mr. Davis said I was to go down-town to-morrow mornin', an' perhaps
that's all he thought I ought'er do, so I'll hang on here instead of
goin' out ag'in."

Dan was not averse to making the purchases, and so deeply occupied was
Seth with pleasant though