Amateur, seeing 's this fire
seems to have started jest when you got into trim for hard work. Swing
alongside the engineer, and we'll allow you're one of the company."

By the time the driver ceased speaking the engine was on its way out of
the building, and Seth, swaying to and fro, clung for dear life to the
guard-rail, as the mighty machine was drawn swiftly over the pavement.

"There's no chance of our getting first water this time, even if we are
taking the mascot with us," Jerry Walters said with a laugh, and Amateur
knew there were no less than three engines stationed nearer the
signal-box, from which had come this alarm, than was Ninety-four.

"A nasty place for a fire," the engineer said as the engine, following
another an hundred yards or more in advance, rolled on toward a block of
apartment houses, from the centre of which could be seen dense clouds of
black smoke ascending.

"And it seems to have a good start," Walters added.

Then Ninety-four's hose was coupled on, and, without attracting the
attention of the driver, Seth followed Joe Black and Jerry as they
dragged the nozzle up the steps to the entrance of the threatened
building.

"Get back, Amateur!" one of them shouted, and the boy cried imploringly:

"Please let me go as far as you do! It's my first chance, an' I've got
my old clothes on!"

"All right; but have an eye on yourself, and see to it the battalion
chief don't spot you," Joe Black replied carelessly, and Seth
congratulated himself that he had gone to Ninety-four's quarters instead
of spending his time down-town.

The fire appeared to have its strongest hold in the shaft of the
elevator, coming from the basement, and the two men whom Seth was
following, joined by Ben Dunton, dragged the long length of hose up one
flight of stairs to the landing where tongues of yellow flame were
apparently coming through the very floor.

Once they were in position for battle with the foe directly before them,
Jerry Walters ran into the adjoining apartment, and shouted through the
open window.

Even where he stood, shielding his face with his arm as best he could
from the intense heat and blinding smoke, Seth could hear the cry:

"Ninety-four! Start your water! Start your water!"

If there was any response those on the landing did not hear it; but a
few seconds later the leathern hose began to stiffen and round out into
shape, and then with a mighty rush that threatened to wrest the nozzle
fr