rd work, this learning the trade of a fireman, my boy, and
there may be times when you will feel discouraged; but keep a firm grip
on yourself at all times, live regularly, avoid bad habits, or, in other
words, keep in rigid training, and you will master it."

"I'm not afraid of failin' so far as I'm concerned, sir, but it may be
I'll tire others out, an' so get me walkin' ticket."

"You need have no such fear on my account, lad, so long as you do your
level best."

Seth understood that Mr. Fernald had brought the interview to an end,
and he set out for the rendezvous at the post-office, wondering not a
little what and whom he should find at the "blow-out."

As he neared the business locations of his different friends he was
surprised because he failed to meet any whom he knew.

It was as if every news-vender and bootblack had suddenly disappeared
from the face of the earth, although it was not yet so late but that
considerable business might have been done.

Arriving at the post-office he met there Bill and Dan alone.

He had expected to see a great throng, and began to believe that for
some good reason the "blow-out" had been postponed.

"Have you given it up?" he asked in what he intended should be a
careless tone, for even though he had advised Dan not to "start the
thing," it had given him no slight satisfaction because his
acquaintances and friends should desire thus to do him honor.

"Give up nothin'!" Bill exclaimed. "Ain't we here on time?"

"I didn't know from what you said last night but that some of the other
fellers were comin'."

"We've fixed everything jest as we want it, an' she's goin' along as
smooth as a die," Master Roberts replied in a tone of satisfaction.
"Them as don't know their business gets left; but we haven't got in with
that crowd, eh, William?"

"We shan't mildew even if we ain't taken in for a considerable spell,"
Bill said contentedly, and added an instant later: "Now Seth's come I
don't see why we should stand 'round here any longer."

"Let her go; I'm ready"; and Master Roberts set out in advance, leading
the way toward Chat ham Street much as if believing every person whom
they met knew he was conducting the boy who ran with Ninety-four.

"Where are we goin'?" Seth asked of Bill, believing now that the spread
concerning which so much had been said was to be confined strictly to
the lodgers in Mrs. Hanson's house.

"You'll see when we strike there, an' if it ain't tony