per and handed it to his instructor,
who, after deciphering it, quite naturally asked for an explanation.

"If you owe this boy money, send it to him at once, for people who do
not pay their bills are in bad odor up here."

"I never borrowed a cent of him," Seth cried indignantly, and then he
told Mr. Fernald the whole story.

The old instructor appeared to be amused by the recital, and when it was
concluded asked if Seth wanted leave of absence to straighten the matter
out.

"I'll have plenty of time after leaving here to-night; but what bothers
me is that I may have a row with Sam Barney, 'cause I ain't goin' to let
him swell 'round borrowin' money on my account."

"And in that you are perfectly right, my boy."

"He knows I don't dare to fight on the street, 'cause it may give me a
black mark in the Department, an' that would never do, so I reckon he'll
be mighty lippy 'bout it."

"Ask 'Lish Davis! I can't recommend you to create a disturbance, and yet
it seems hard you should be imposed upon because of the situation.
Whatever the driver of Ninety-four advises, you may do without fear of
the consequences, for there isn't a more level-headed man in the
Department, and it's only his lack of education that has prevented him
from rising in the service."

"I'll see him to-night," Seth replied as he put the letter in his
pocket, and then without further delay he set about his regular duties.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE SUBPOENA.

Impatient though Seth was to talk with 'Lish Davis and his roommates
concerning what had been done by Sam Barney in the matter of borrowing
money on the account of others, he made no attempt to leave headquarters
a single moment earlier than usual.

When the hours of labor had come to an end, however, he did not linger,
and with a cheery "good-night" to Mr. Fernald, for by this time the
teacher and his pupil were on excellent terms, he set off at full speed
for Ninety-four's house.

Unless they were out on duty, this particular company, since Seth went
to work at headquarters, could always be found on the lower floor of the
building at about six o'clock in the evening awaiting the arrival of
"their kid," and here Master Bartlett found them.

From the expression on his face all hands understood that something
unpleasant had occurred, and 'Lish Davis asked in a tone of anxiety:

"What's gone wrong, Amateur? Haven't been getting into trouble with
Josh, I hope?"

"Mr. Fernald is mig