Amateur Fireman Read online

  CHAPTER II.

  'LISH DAVIS.

  When their visitor had departed Seth and Dan held a long consultation asto the advisability of following Sam's advice in the matter of standingguard during the hours of darkness.

  Dan believed that, owing to his having made a study of the detectivebusiness, Sam Barney knew better than they what should be done towardwarding off the threatened attack, and, regardless of the laborinvolved, he proposed that a sentinel be stationed just outside the sheddoor.

  "I'll go on guard until twelve o'clock, and you can sleep all that time;then I'll call you an' take my turn at it," Dan said after they haddiscussed the matter in all its bearings for ten minutes or more.

  "How do you count on keepin' awake?"

  "That can easily be done, 'cause I'll walk 'round the yard, an' thenights are just about cold enough to make a feller want to move lively."

  "I don't believe Jip Collins would dare do what he threatens."

  "He would if he thought the game could be worked without too much risk,an' I tell you, Seth, if both of us turn in an' go to sleep he mightcarry the whole shed away without our knowin' it."

  "All right; I'll 'gree to it, though if he should come 'round we mustn'thave too much of a row, 'cause you remember what I told Sam 'bout notwantin' to be taken for a fighter in this neighborhood, else I'll neverget into the Department."

  "You can be pretty certain I shouldn't tackle him alone, an' if them twofellers from Brooklyn 'mount to anythin', why you an' I togetherwouldn't have too much of a show."

  Then, after repeating that he was to be called at midnight in order toperform his full share of the labor, Seth went into the box-likeapartment, and Dan began his work as watchman.

  During the first half-hour he paced to and from one end of the yard tothe other, scrutinizing carefully every unfamiliar object, until itseemed to him the night was more than half spent.

  "I must have been here four hours now, an' Sam Barney left 'bouthalf-past seven, so I haven't got a great while to tramp 'round," hesaid to himself, and just at that moment the clock on a neighboringsteeple struck the hour of eight.

  He was both surprised and discouraged at thus learning that the time waspassing so slowly, and it suddenly came into his mind that he was verytired.

  It was foolish to keep constantly moving around, because if Jip Collinsshould come he would see the sentinel and make no effort to carry outhis threats until the coast was clear.

  Therefore it was that Master Roberts built a seat from pieces of boardjust inside the shed, and seating himself where he could have a fullview of the yard while remaining unseen, he continued his duties in whatappeared to him to be a much wiser, and certainly a more comfortablefashion.

  Here he was protected from the chill wind, and as was only natural, herealso he fell asleep even while saying to himself that nothing shouldtempt him to close his eyes even for a single moment.

  When the near-by clock struck the hour of twelve Dan was still wrappedin slumber.

  At three o'clock in the morning his repose was most profound, and justat daylight Seth shook him by the shoulder as he asked with a laugh:

  "How long have you been asleep?"

  Dan's most intimate friends claimed that he never told a lie, and he wasnot tempted to do so on this occasion, even though the truth provokedmirth at his expense.

  "It couldn't have been a great while after eight o'clock. It didn't seempossible I'd go to sleep here, Seth, an' sure I meant to keep my eyeswide open; but the first thing I knew it was done, an' I haven't woke upsince."

  "Well, that shows how much need there is to watch for Jip Collins. He'sall wind, that feller is, an' likes to go 'round town braggin' whathe'll do to us; but you'll find every night will be jest like this. Assoon as it's dark he gets where he belongs, an' don't take the chancesof bein' out too late. Comin' up here in the night an' tryin' any funnybusiness is too much for a coward like him, an' I tell you we might aswell go to sleep as to stand guard."

  Nothing could have been more convincing to Dan than this experience.When the amateur detective left them it seemed positive Jip Collinswould attempt to work mischief before daybreak, and had he been forcedto lie down on the bed of shavings by the side of his landlord, DanRoberts would have felt decidedly uneasy in mind.

  Now, however, since he had kept such poor watch, and it was evident theenemy had not been in that vicinity, he came to look at the matter muchas did Seth.

  Although no absolute decision was arrived at regarding what should bedone in the future as to standing guard, it was understood between thesetwo inmates of the shed-home, that such precaution was unnecessary.

  Among his other conveniences for housekeeping Seth had a tin biscuit-boxwhich served him as cupboard, and the two were in the custom of bringinghome at night sufficient for their breakfast next morning.

  It was necessary Dan should be ready to begin business at a very earlyhour, and when the sun rose these two merchants were usually makingready for the day's work.

  On this particular morning, however, they lingered over the meal, havingmuch spare time at their disposal because of Seth's early awakening, andshortly after daybreak both set out, one to visit the newspaper officesand the other to loiter in the vicinity of the engine-house until thefiremen should require his services, for now nearly all the companypatronized the lad, whom they were pleased to call "the amateur."

  It is but right, however, to state that he was paid for such services.After that first morning when Seth had refused to take money from 'LishDavis, he was given to understand that when the members of the companywanted boots blacked they were to pay for the labor, otherwise someother of the fraternity would be called upon.

  Seth begged for the privilege of "shinin' for the crowd free," declaringthat he should not lose any money through such gratuitous labor, for hewould be familiarizing himself with the indoor details of a fireman'slife.

  To this, however, 'Lish Davis made answer:

  "See here, my son, you've got your living to earn, and can't afford togive up bread an' butter for the sake of getting on to our work. We'llpay for the shines, or you don't put your nose inside this house, and asfor finding out what we do hereabout, why it's nothing but drudgery.Cleaning harnesses, setting the machines to rights, and keeping theplace neat as a new pin make up the bulk of the work. So take a nickelfor every shine you give, or out you go, never to come back."

  From that hour Seth had been paid regularly, and, thanks to suchpatronage, he was in a great measure independent of other customers,because there was seldom a day when he did not earn at least twenty-fivecents from Ninety-four's men.

  Thus it can be understood that he was warranted in loitering near theengine-house until his patrons should be ready for his services, and onthis particular morning the first man who came out of doors found himseated on his box, leaning against the building, whistling cheerily.

  "Feeling pretty good this morning, ain't you, kid?" the fireman askedrather as a greeting than for the purpose of gaining information, andthe boy replied in a tone of perplexity:

  "I ain't certain about that, Mr. Walters."

  "Not sure whether you're feeling good or not?"

  "No, an' that's a fact. Has Mr. Davis turned out yet?"

  "Well, s'pose he has? Do you want to consult with him?"

  "That's 'bout the size of it."

  "He's inside with the horses; go right through."

  In order that he might not be an unwelcome visitor, Seth had hadsufficient good sense never to enter the building without an expressinvitation or permission, and perhaps because he was thus scrupulous themen were all the more willing to admit him.

  "Hello! What's up?" 'Lish Davis asked as the boy appeared thusunannounced.

  "If you ain't very busy I'd like to talk with you 'bout somethin' that'sbotherin' my pardner an' me a good bit since last night."

  "Fire away, lad. I reckon I've got time enough to listen to the story,unless it is in more than one chapter."
/>   "It ain't so very long, an' I'll be quick as I can," Seth replied, andthen he told, without going too much into detail, of his trouble withJip Collins, and of the latest threats which the boy had made, accordingto Sam Barney's statement, concluding by saying:

  "Now, I don't believe Jip's got sand enough to do any sich thing assettin' fire to the shed, an' it's sure he didn't try it last night,'cause he had every chance; but I've been thinkin' 'bout it while I waswaitin' for the house to be opened, an' it kind-er come into my mindthat perhaps he might make a bluff at it."

  "I wouldn't be surprised at anything some of these young villains did,"'Lish Davis said after a brief time of reflection. "The general run ofstreet boys get an idea into their heads, and don't stop to realize whatthe consequences may be. Let me see, you live in the rear of Baxter'scarpenter shop, don't you?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "There's a brick building butts up against the back end of that lot, soyour only chance of getting out would be to come through thelumber-yard?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Well, it wouldn't amount to very much as a fire; but in case one gotstarted there, you and your partner would stand a good show of getting adose."

  Seth understood the driver to mean that there was danger of beingsuffocated by the smoke, and he admitted that such might be the case,but added:

  "We can't do as Sam Barney says, an' set up every night watchin', elsewhen would we sleep?"

  "Why don't you leave this place for two or three days, and find someother quarters?"

  "That never'd do, 'cause jest as soon as the fellers knew I'd gone,they'd snoop 'round, an' I'd be thrown out of a home mighty quick."

  "You might get Baxter to let you put a lock on the shed; that would keepthem out."

  "I wouldn't like to do it, 'cause you see I've got an idea the carpenterhas forgot all about my sleepin' there, an' perhaps if I was to flash upso fresh askin' for a lock on the bedroom door he'd think it was 'bouttime for me to skip."

  "Well, look here, Seth, you might as well give me a shine, and while you're doing that I'll see if I can think of a way out for you. I'minclined to believe the same as your detective friend does, that itstands you in hand to keep a pretty good watch, and I'll speak to thecop on this beat."

  Seth set about his professional duties without delay, and by the timeone boot had been polished so perfectly that it reflected surroundingobjects almost as well as a mirror, the fireman asked abruptly:

  "How old are you, kid?"

  "Fourteen, accordin' to the way I figger it."

  "Don't you know?"

  "Well, you see, old Miss Washburn--she was the woman that claimed tobring me up, though it's precious little she did towards it--wasn't noways certain herself, but that's what she allowed, so it's good enoughfor me."

  "Haven't got any folks, eh?"

  "Well, I did have a mother, you know, till I was a couple of years old,so Miss Washburn says."

  "Where's your father?"

  "You see, I never had one, leastways not what you would call a realfather, 'cause when a man is a reg'lar gin-pig, no decent feller isgoin' to own up that he's his relation. The last time I saw him he wasgoin' down on the Island for ninety days, an' that was as much as threeyears ago."

  "You've still got the fool idea in your mind that you're going to be afireman?"

  "It ain't any fool idea, Mr. Davis, 'cause it's a fact. That's jest whatI count on bein'."

  "Look here, my son, I've been thinking about you a considerable bitsince I found it was no use trying to scare you out of the plan, and ina year's time or so, I reckon, between the captain and Walters and me,we can get you in up to headquarters. Now, don't jump so! I didn't meanwe allowed you could go there as a recruit; but the captain was sayingthe other night that we might work it so's you could get some kind of aberth there--sweeping floors, washing windows, and the like of that,which, if you keep your ears and eyes open, would amount to the same asif you went into actual training. You ain't the lad I've got in my eyeif you couldn't soon work your way into one of the classes."

  "If I only might!" Seth replied emphatically, with a long indrawing ofthe breath. "If I only might!"

  "I allow we'll work it, lad; but you must grow a good bit 'twixt now andthen."

  "I'm hopin' to get an early spring moustache before long. Sim Jepson'sgot one, an' I'm goin' to do the same as he did, 'cause the fellers sayhe put somethin' on to make the hair grow."

  The driver laughed long and loud at this announcement made in thegravest tone, and called upon every idle man in the building to come andhear the "amateur's" latest scheme for getting into the Department.

  The boy's face flushed a deep red before 'Lish Davis was willing tocease laughing at or repeating the proposition; but finally he weariedof his sport, and, his boots having long since been polished, said in aserious tone:

  "I'll speak to the cop on this beat about your friend Collins, and inthe meantime make it your business to hunt him up. Let the littlescoundrel know you've told me; that I'm going to post the policeman, andthat he'll get a mighty hot reception if he should try any of hisfirebug business. I reckon some such hint will knock the mischief outof his head, unless he's a born idiot."

  Then Mr. Davis walked away, intent on the morning duties, and Seth setabout his regular work until all the company had been served, afterwhich he started down-town in accordance with the plan proposed by thedriver.

  Owing to customers, and they were unusually plentiful on this day, itwas not until late in the afternoon that he arrived at City Hall Square,where Jip Collins was most often to be found, and here he met hispartner.

  Dan was delighted at learning what steps had been taken for theirsafety, although because of the previous night's experience he had begunto doubt if their enemy would dare carry his threats into effect, andthe two at once made search for Master Collins.

  He had been seen thereabouts within an hour by more than one of Seth'sacquaintances; but now although the two searched until nightfall it wasimpossible to accomplish their purpose.

  It seemed much as if Jip Collins, learning that Seth was in thevicinity, believed it wisest to keep out of sight, and after the nighthad fully come Dan said impatiently:

  "It's no use spendin' so much time on that duffer, 'cause he won't showup again to-night. We've told so many of the fellers what 'Lish Davissaid, that Jip will be sure to hear of it before he goes to bed, an'perhaps that will be just as well as if you had met him, 'cause theremight have been a row. Let's go up and get a bowl of five-cent soup anda piece of pie. I can stand a ten-cent spread to-night, an' business hasbeen good enough with you."

  To this proposition Seth assented, and the two made their way to acertain restaurant on Chatham Street, where, after an unusuallyprofitable day's work, they were in the custom of feasting.

  If there was any one thing in which Dan Roberts excelled it was in hisability to eat very fast and for a long while.

  He ordered the waiter to bring him the pie and the soup at the sametime, and it seemed to Seth as if he had but just begun before hispartner was finished.

  "I reckon I can take one more bowl of that soup, an' then be throughbefore you are," he said, thoughtfully. "I made pretty near forty cents,an' it's kind'er tough if a feller can't spend fifteen of it, eh?"

  "Go ahead if you want the soup, an' are willin' to pay for it. It don'tmake any difference to me, 'cause I'll stay here till you're filled plumfull; but I tell you what it is, Dan, you're gettin' into an awful habitof eatin'."

  "Is that what you call a habit?"

  "Course it is. If you didn't think about it every minute, you wouldn'tbe so hungry."

  "I'm pretty near starved all the time as it is, an' I don't know how I'dget along with any less," Dan replied apologetically, and then, the souphaving been brought, he gave his undivided attention to the pleasingtask.

  After the feast the boys, having nothing of special importance to do,lounged leisurely towards their home in the shed, and it was nearly nineo'clock before
they crept into the box that served as chamber, bothfeeling tired and sleepy.

  Not until they were inside did Seth realize that they had not searchedthe lumber-yard, and he insisted that they go at once to make certain noenemy was hidden near at hand.

  "What's the use of that?" Dan asked petulantly. "You can be sure JipCollins ain't anywhere 'round here, 'cause some of the fellers have toldhim what we said long before this, an' he'll give the place a wideberth."

  "You ain't sure he knows that I told 'Lish Davis 'bout the threats hewas makin'."

  "Well, he didn't come last night, an' you was the one that said hewouldn't dare to show his nose 'round."

  "I know it; but somehow or other, Dan, it seems as if we ought'er lookout a little sharper, 'cause he might be fool enough to try such agame."

  "An' if he did after tellin' everybody about it, he'd go up the riverten or fifteen years, sure--I ain't certain but that it would be a lifesentence."

  "Yes, I know all that, Dan, but Jip ain't the kind of a feller to figgeron sich things, an' if he gets a notion right solid in his head, there'sno knowin' how big a fool he might make of himself, so let's go out an'have a look 'round."

  It was with an ill grace that Dan followed Seth, and even then his sharein the search was of but little service owing to the fact that hehurried from one part of the yard to the other without making an effortto ascertain if any one was secreted in the many convenienthiding-places near at hand.

  After ten minutes or more had been spent by the two boys, Sethperforming his work faithfully and Dan shirking, the partners retired,and it was as if they had but just stretched themselves at full lengthon the bed of shavings when both were asleep.

  If Dan had been acting the part of sentinel just inside the shed door anhour after the two retired, he would have seen in the gloom three darkforms emerge from behind a pile of boards which he had failed to lookover carefully, and advance cautiously toward the shed door, haltingwhen they were twenty feet or more away.

  Had he been there he would have recognized one of these as Jip Collins,and most probably suspected that the other two were the boys fromBrooklyn spoken of by the amateur detective.

  He would also have heard the conversation which followed; but he did notbecause he was asleep, and the lad who was willing to commit a crime inorder to compass his revenge found no impediment in the way.

  "They're snorin' by this time, that's certain," Jip said to hiscomrades, "an' even if they wasn't we might talk here for an hourwithout their hearin', 'cause Seth's room is in the farther end of theshed, and there's a whole pile of lumber between him an' the door. Hedon't believe in going out much after he's got inside the yard, for fearthe carpenter will see him, so we can make up our minds that there'snothin' to stop us."

  "Where do you count on starting the fire?"

  "Right close by the shed door, of course. I know where to get a lot ofshavings."

  "But it won't do to set it so near, because the fellers might be burnedto death, an' that would be a pretty piece of business, Jip Collins."

  "Gettin' scared, eh?"

  "You don't want to talk to me 'bout gettin' scared, a feller who'd letanother only half his size back him down same's you did last night."

  JIP COLLINS AND THE BOYS FROM BROOKLYN. _Page_ 34.]

  "If you ain't scared, what are you makin' a row 'bout now? We 'greed toput a fire here so's to singe Seth an' Dan a little."

  "Yes, I agreed to that much; but I don't count on killing 'em."

  "Neither do I."

  "But how can you help it if you build the fire right close to the door,when there's no other way for 'em to get out?"

  "Don't you s'pose they've got sense enough to wake up before the thinggets too far along?"

  "I've heard of folks bein' smothered to death while they was asleep, an'I ain't in this game if that's the way you're goin' to work it."

  "Then back out if you're scared, an' I'll do it."

  Without paying any further attention to his companions, Jip made his wayto the rear of the carpenter's shop, where he knew would be found anample supply of light wood and shavings, and when he returned, his armsfilled with the inflammable material, neither of his friends fromBrooklyn could be seen.