n Chatham Street
they set out with Seth, and from that time until the Third-Avenue store
was a reality, they were in regular attendance.

Even after having engaged in what Dan called "real business," the
partners continued their pursuit of knowledge by going to school on
alternate nights.

Jip Collins gave good proof that he had reformed by attending closely to
his work, and on the day when Messrs. Roberts & Dean purchased the
establishment from the gentleman who did not believe in working, he was
hired as clerk at wages to be proportionate with the sales.

Sam Barney disappeared on the day of the "blow-out," and was not seen by
his former acquaintances for nearly eight months, when he suddenly
showed himself once more, and announced that he was "partners with a
city detective."

At first this statement was set down as false, but in due course of time
it became understood that there was a glimmer of truth in it, inasmuch
as he was employed now and then by the detective in question to carry
messages, and it is possible that he may yet compass his desires,
providing he can bring himself down to hard work and yet harder study.

It can well be fancied that Seth did not neglect his duties after having
been admitted to the probationary class. As a matter of fact he worked
so hard that more than once was Mr. Fernald forced to insist on his
"taking matters easier," and when this advice did not prevail 'Lish
Davis was called upon to interfere, which he did very effectually by
commanding the boy's attendance at the house of Ninety-four's company at
least two hours during every twenty-four.

Josh Fernald, for certain reasons which appeared to be a secret between
himself and several other members of the Department had decided that
Seth should take part in the exhibition drill to be given by the
Life-Saving Corps on that day when the medals were to be awarded, and to
such end all his efforts were directed.

After the boy had become so familiar with the handling of ladders that
they appeared to be little more than playthings to him, he was taught,
as 'Lish Davis had explained he would be, how to assist in "building a
chain" with a line of ladders from the street to the roof, placed in
position by a man at each window of the structure.

The driver had spoken of "straddling sills," and this name for the work
puzzled Seth not a little until it came his turn to receive
instructions. Then he found that it consisted in sitting ast