Meaning: The quote, "To-night I am going to take a party to the headquarters of the fire department, where I have a cinch on the captain, a very nice fellow, who is unusually grateful for something I wrote about him and his men. They are going to do the Still Alarm act for me," is from an article titled "The Still Alarm" by Richard Harding Davis. Davis was an American journalist and writer known for his coverage of the Spanish-American War and his stories set in the Gilded Age. The quote captures the narrator's intention to visit the fire department headquarters with a group of people, where they have a favorable connection with the captain who is grateful for something positive that the narrator wrote about him and his men. The captain and his team are planning to perform the "Still Alarm act" for the narrator and their party.

In this quote, the narrator's anticipation of the upcoming visit to the fire department headquarters reflects the sense of privilege and access to behind-the-scenes events. The use of the term "cinch" suggests a strong or guaranteed influence or connection with the captain, indicating that the narrator is confident in their ability to secure this special experience. The phrase "unusually grateful" further emphasizes the positive impact of the narrator's previous writing about the captain and his team, highlighting the power of media and journalism to shape relationships and experiences.

The mention of the "Still Alarm act" hints at a planned demonstration or performance by the fire department for the narrator and their party. The term "Still Alarm" refers to a fire alarm signaling a fire that does not require the use of water, often indicating a minor or contained fire. The use of the word "act" in this context suggests that the fire department's demonstration may involve a simulated response to a still alarm situation, offering the narrator and their guests a firsthand glimpse into the operations and procedures of the fire department.

Overall, the quote captures a moment of anticipation and privilege, as the narrator looks forward to an exclusive visit to the fire department headquarters, facilitated by their favorable relationship with the captain. It also hints at the reciprocal nature of the relationship, with the captain expressing gratitude for the positive portrayal of his team in the narrator's previous writing. This dynamic illustrates the influence and impact of media on shaping connections and experiences, as well as the symbiotic relationship between journalists and their subjects.

The quote is indicative of the author's ability to capture the nuances of social dynamics and access in a specific time and place, offering readers a glimpse into the interconnected worlds of journalism, public service, and privilege. Additionally, the use of colloquial language and the narrator's sense of excitement contribute to the overall tone of anticipation and insider access, drawing readers into the narrative and setting the stage for the upcoming visit to the fire department headquarters.