was honored.

When each of the seven had been decorated, and while the throng were
cheering themselves hoarse, the Chief said in a low tone to Seth:

"Mr. Fernald has the official notification of your appointment as
substitute fireman, and you can get it on your return to headquarters.
You are assigned to Company Ninety-four, and will report to their house
for duty to-morrow morning."

Seth could not speak, and in fact the Chief moved away so quickly that
there was no chance; but looking up toward where Ninety-four was
stationed he saw every member of the company waving his helmet as if
indulging in silent cheering.

Then he knew they were all in the secret--that it would be no news when
he told them he was at last really their comrade.

[Illustration: PRESENTING THE MEDALS. _Page_ 322.]

As to what followed immediately after this, Seth had no very clear idea.

He was not even conscious of how he left the squad of men who had just
been decorated for their bravery, and found himself in his proper
station among the Life-Saving Corps.

He hardly heard the order for the drill to be commenced, but followed
the movements of those nearest him until it was as if he forgot
everything else, and was once more back at headquarters fitting himself
for what had already been accomplished.

Over the building which had been loaned for this purpose Mr. Fernald's
pupils swarmed, as if clambering up a smooth surface of brick was a task
more simple than the ordinary methods of locomotion, and each portion of
the drill was gone through with mathematical exactness.

Concerning it, 'Lish Davis said to his comrades as Ninety-four was
hauled into her quarters that evening:

"It was a great sight, boys, and what made it greater was that not a man
among them outdid our kid. Josh Fernald himself couldn't go through a
drill better, and we've reason to be mighty proud of what that little
chap has done."

After the Life-Saving Corps had concluded their portion of the
exhibition, two battalions were paraded by the Chief himself, ten
engines, two hook and ladder companies, the water-tower and the
fire-boat, _New Yorker_, taking part therein.

The men first marched past the reviewing stand to the music of the band,
after which, in response to an alarm sounded by the mayor, the engines
and their crews returned along the Drive at full tilt, with fires
lighted, whistles blowing, and bells ringing, as if running to a fire.

* *