ight won't break us, I reckon. First off we
allowed it would cost fifteen cents apiece; but we had an offer of three
dollars for that many tickets, which comes pretty nigh payin' all the
bills."

"Three dollars for three tickets!" Seth repeated in perplexity. "What is
it you've been gettin' up, Bill?"

"Hold on 'bout four minutes longer, an' then the whole thing will be
flashed up. It's great!"

Before the time specified by Bill had elapsed, Dan suddenly turned into
a German restaurant, walked the length of the lower floor, and led the
way upstairs.

Seth felt that already was his "eye bein' knocked out."

He knew there were private supper-rooms in some of these Chatham Street
establishments, but had never been fortunate enough to see one, and now
he was to enter as a guest of honor.

Dan threw open the door at the head of the stairs.

Seth was conscious of a blaze of light, the hum of voices, and before it
was possible to distinguish anything clearly, Bill cried:

"Three cheers for Ninety-four's kid!"

Then rang out a shout which seemed actually to rock the building to and
fro, and by the time the tumult had subsided the guest of the evening
saw a long table, on either side of which were seated all his friends
and acquaintances among the sidewalk merchants, while at the head 'Lish
Davis, Jerry Walters, and Joe Black presided with as much gravity as if
it had been the swellest of swell functions.

Now Seth understood who had purchased supper tickets at one dollar a
plate.

The honored guest was shown to a seat near Ninety-four's driver.

Dan and Bill took places opposite, and the former called in a loud,
commanding voice for the benefit of Teddy Bowser, who was stationed at
the door:

"Let 'em flash her up; we're all here!"

Teddy cried to some one below, and during the next ten minutes two
waiters were kept busy bringing upstairs sandwiches, bologna in
generous, thick slices, sauerkraut without stint, potato salad, and a
variety of small cakes plentifully besprinkled with tiny seeds.

While this feast was being placed upon the table no one spoke, but
instantly Teddy gave a peculiar sign by crossing his throat and winking
one eye, Dan cried:

"Now pitch in, fellers, an' fill right up! We're doin' this 'cause Seth
Bartlett has got into the Department, an' the one what don't eat all he
ought'er will have trouble with me."

If Master Roberts had been a veritable giant seeking whom he might
devour, th