REET IN CHICAGO, Cy TNT SETORTEZAMND TOR See ATH VAT HD THIS WEEK; BY AO WALT STRATEMEYER. : NEXT WEEK i BY ENRIQUE H, LEWIS. ODUCE reaee regu 3, inch: 4 ‘TS (ONG F. eription § 29 Rose! 2 three racluve — gos . < S Eniered According lo Act of Congress, in the Year Lith. in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washingion, D. C. Kaitered as Secona-ciass Matter at the New Yori:, N.¥.. Post-Office. oe te eet ee eRe ee he a tet hae ta het teehee ee tee eee eee Meets sees OR eet tetera Re tes” 808 6 8 oh mo oh OMe ete ene Ni oo 07 so Netes bata gs Oo6% 5 656 hee tee, Oy 60 cea eh 5p ac bete eMe nhs PO seeyn tL8O ore geF ure 52%. 6h ce%K 55 ebb Ven *bbsn 060% e7e 5% esr be Sel tees geey 0 ona ee eet tere ePeget eet et yet ee ue et er V OTe Mie roce, New York. New York, February 3, 1894. ongna permeate No. 196. a : i, ne ng Sst A - ‘ 5 tae as = a. ae = ’ Co ee ae ae 5 “i ; “ : -* . Sos a THE 2 XeeeeltS OF A YOUNG REPORT oe Bs, 3 e BY EDWARD STRATEMEYER, 7 oom ; rer Bob,” “The Tin-Box Mystery,” ete., Me 3 Re | qt i f ery been. doing stom, flew in all directions. Sell earaetelomei Before the | | “inthe 3122 Groom NEWS. [This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form. | SHORTHAND TOM; OR, THE EXPLOITS OF A YOUNG REPORTER, —+—— By EDWARD STRATEMEYER, Bob,” “The Tin-Box élc., ete, . Author of *‘ Camera Mys- tery,” CHAPTER lI. TOM IS DISCHARGED. OM, the old man wants to see you.” w “All right, Lew.” 2), “He’s got it in for you, too,” went on the first speaker, mali- ciously. “ How do you know?” “Because he looks as dark as a western cyclone. “] can’t understand what’s wrong,” mused Tom Swift, with a troubled look settling on his face. “I was very careful yesterday to get every word he dictated down right, and all of the letters have been typewritten and put in the mail.” “T guess he thinks you are getting too fresh.” Tom wheeled around and faced the speaker, a’tall, slim boy with a freckled face and a shock of red hair. “Look here, Lew Jackson, haweugo ometh a 2 : . DO F o ae y rd bw yy W ‘Only lasteweek you tore up two letters Thad just written onthe typewriter from my notes, dent——” “So it was, and if you say it wasn't, Pi lick you,” burst out the tall boy, growing red in the face. “T say it looked mighty suspicious, You haven’t any right to meddle with my tet- ter book.” “Say, freshy, you’re licked, ain’t you?” “Tt will take a bigger boy than you to administer the whipping,” retorted ‘Tom, with flashing eyes. a hear us talk! achin’ to get see | We own half of New York, don’t we?” exclaimed Jack- son, with a strut up and down in front of the youth he wished to bulldoze. “Go- ing to dine with Vanderbilt to-night, ain’t you fa Tom S witt) d at his tormentor for an instanfpa@nma@ then turned and picked up a pagkageofaetters, which he had just brought from the post-office, and started tg @ glass door at the end of the apathment; which was marked PRIVATE ORFIOH, He. nad hardly taken a step, when Jack- son put o@6 fis foot to trip Tom up. The voubh Saw the movement just in time to gavemimself from going down full lengthy As it was, he stumbled slightly, @md@obhe letters in his hand, which he Had sorbed out according tocus- -“ Hullo, he - Swift had hint® shaking him as Lew Jackson been shaken before. “You are bound to pick a quarrel with me, so the sooner we’ have it over the better,” he said, as he finished by run- ning the slim boy up against a pile of packing cases’ “Let—let up!” gasped Jackson, trying in vain to break away from the sturdy grasp of the other. ie Not until you promise to leave me and my things alone in the future, and agree to pick up those letters.” “Tf you don’t let me go, I’l] mash you.” “No, you won’t, Lew Jackson. You are a big bully, but you can’t scare me.” “Let go! You won’t, eh? Well then, take that!” Jackson jerked himself away, and then let out a quick blow with his big right st. Had the knuckles landed as intenued, Tom Swift would have been badly hurt. But the young shorthand writer was not to be caught thus easily. He dodged cleverly to one side, and Jackson's blow flew wide of its mark. Then, ere the bully had time to recover his balance, Tom struck out with both right and left. he first bunch of fives struck Jackson squarely in the right ear, while the sec- ond landed directly behind that member. He fell down on his side and rolled clean over, uttering a wild cry as he did 80. Hibben I’)) kill you for that, Tom Swift OU Wonity.you’ll leave me alone ture,” Rta Come on, if you want to1 Jackson arose to his feet with a re- vengeful glare in his cat-like eyes, and faced Tom again. “YT haven’t time to fight now, but I'll accommodate you later. Now, I want you to pick up those letters.” “T’ll see you in Halifax first!” roared Jackson. “Come on, if you ain’t scared to death.” With a determination to “wipe up the tloor” with Tom Swift’s body, the freckled boy made a rush forward, swinging his arms like those . fa windmill. He managed, by accident more than cleverness, to land one blow on Tom’s chest—something that did no harm, sav- ing to leave a dirty mark of an unwashed hand upon the young shorthand writer's clean shirt bosom, brace of hard knuckles landed on Jack- son’s nose, sending the blood spurting freely. “Ouow!” spluttered the bully, as he staggered back, Tom was about to follow up the attack on the.nasal organ by a cliv in the chin, but Jackson turned and fled, leaving him the victor of the encounter and in full possession of the field, The office bell now began to ring at a furious rate, showing that Mr. Samuel Newton, head of the firm of Newton & Cameron, importers of silks, was grow ing impatient. Oversthewd@ hairs it TOs You said it was an tei ou think you can down me? You, no musele at alle ae te wrong, 7nd when Jackson——” > aan) Did he say I tampered with the mail?” TOO ; “haa spurted oi vackson s nose. ‘These he brushed off as well as he could, and then hastened toward the private office. As Tom entered, he discovered Mr. Newton at his desk, an angry scowl on mis hard, wrinkled face. *Well, so you have come at last!” SHarled, rather than spoke that individ- val. “Sorry I couldn’t come sooner,” re- turned Tom, respectfully. “But Jackson delayed me.” “Don’t put the blame onto somebody else, Swift. Where are the letters?” “Here, sir, but I will have to sort them out again. They fell out of my hand on my way here.” * Another excuse!” roared Samuel New- on, darkly. He was a trifle more bilious than usual this morning. “ Hurry up with them, and give me the foreign ones first.” “Here are twoof the foreign ones, sir,” and Tom handed them over, while he continued to sort out the remainder. Without another word, Samuel Newton tore open one of the letters and perused it. Then he took up the second letter. As ‘his eyes fell upon the handwriting on the envelope, he started, and his face grew a shade paler than usual. He opened the letter and read it hastily, and then with a curious glance at Tom, started to read it a time with greater care. “Humpa muttered to himself, “Can this Be time?” “Did you speak, sir?” asked Tom. “No,” Was the short reply. The Tettemte,ed@, Samuel thrust ’ his typewritings desk) and his employex - papentone crossing to Pioeceding, S coming business, Swift. @mploy for four and typewriter.” sully,” went on the silk im- use t?” cried Tom. “How, sir?” "You know only too well, young man,” "“Tdonot. I have tried to do my duty faithfully.” “That | is lie, a deliberate young “t lie?” "Yes, a lie. You have abused my confi- ‘and done your best to ruin me by back letters of importance, and e information they contained to ot Parties. i That is not true, Mr. Newton!” burst jout fom, indignantly. “I never held back la letter in my life.” "Tis useless for you to deny it. I have Watehed you and caught you in your own trap.” Set but—won't you explain?” Poor fn was almost too bewildered to speak. * That is notnecessary. I felt something Just as this blow touched its mark, a} demanded Tom, his angry passions rising at the first intimation of the tall. youth’s villainy. “Never mind what he said, the proofs I wish.” “T'}l put a head on him,” muttered Tom, with no more than the indignation of any bright, manly boy similarly placed. “Here, I will have no threats made in this office!” roared Samuel Newton, wrathfully. “You may consider yourself discharged.” “ Discharged?” “Yes, young man, discliarged, and without recommendations, Here is your pay for the half week.” “But, Mr. Newton——” “T don't want to hear any explanations, The sooner you remove your effects from this office the better I will like it.” “But you: don’t understand. I have nothing to explain. I only wish you would tell me exactly why you discharge me?” “T have no time to waste on you, Swift, for without a stenographer I will have to answer my mail this morning by hand, You can go,” Tom was about to make another appeal, but one square look into that hard, set face told him it would be worse than use- less. He had been told to gu, andthe sooner he got out. thesbebtersssssss I have all Newtons With, a.stran pe osu Sr a yan e Apped them ato Mipay bundie, samuel Newton watching him the a mouse. Before he had finished, thegsai# importer had the door unlocked an@op for him to pass through. Walking to the threshold, T@ tated. “Mr. Newton,” in an voice. “I am only an ord your eyes, but let me«fel are not treating me fa may come whengyou Wi “Get out!” howleg brutally, and ‘Toms: the door after hiny 2s ie As soon as he wWeasm@one, a chauge came over the face of Mire Samuel Newton, He dropped into Lis easy-chair and uttered a low chuckle gues “Got rid @& Dima Just in time,” he mn r- mured to@imself. =" And he hasn’é the slightest) dea Whar he® was Teally dis- charged for, Sam Newton, you were al- ways @ ebever one ty wianage such things, Now toe get him and that precious sister of his ou} Of New fork.” CUAPTER II. TOM SHOWS THIS NERVE. OT th@ grand bonnce, didn't you?” It was Lew Jackson who uttered the remark as Tom hurried along the outer hall toward the street. tae Shorthand writer was in a SOmMgWhaD desperate frame of mind. He hid heen Secharged without cause, and been. Babed very meanly in the bargain. “Ses ere, Jackson!” he exclaimed, coming tO a sudden halt. “I want you to expiain something to me.” = “Ain't explaining anything just now,” inned the tall boy, with one hand up nose, which was considerably yollen. » “But Lintend that you shall,” returned ‘Tom, grabbing him by the arm. “You are going to tell me the whole truth or else take the worst thrashing you ever received.” “Let me go! You don’t belong here any more, and I won’t havé nothing todo with you,” “You'll have to have, whether you want to or not. "What did‘you tell Mr, Newton about me? Come, out with it!” “Didn't tell him nothin’ !” “T say you did.” “Tain'’t so! He discharged you.cos you swiped some of his important letters,” “That’s not true, and you have got to take it back.” But Jackson would not listen, He tried to break away, and was. not subdued:un- til Tom had knocked him down and was sitting astride of his chest. “Lemme go!” he whined, “Don’t hit me again !” “Are you going to do as I say?” “How kin I? I didn’t tell old Newton a blessed word, hang me if I did!” Jackson spoke with such earnestness that Tom was puzzled, “But he said you did.” At these words, Lew Jackson only shook his head. “You didn’t say-a word to him about me?” “Nary a word. Say, git off, will you; my chest is. most caved in!” Slowly Tom arose to his feet. Jackson was not slow in following, and he lost no time in retreating to a safe distance. “Well, 1’ll find out sooner or later,” said Tom, decidedly. “And if you have been lying to me, why, you had better look out, that’s all.” He passed out of the building and onto while very much as a cat watch@s pwiee the busy street. Lew Jackson shook his fist after the retreating form, “T’d like to mash him,” he muttered, “I'd give most a dollar to do it,” Mr. Samuel Newton, who had come out into the, hall-way justin time to overhear the words, smiled to himeelf, “Jackson may make.a good tool when needed,” he mused. “I must work some scheme to get him in my power and under my thumb.” Which went toprove that Mr. Samuel Newton’s conscience. was more elastic than was generally supposed. It was a bright, clear morning, and the business streets of lower New York were alive with life calculated to brace up the spirits of almost any one. But Tom Swift’s heart was. heavy as he walked slowly along. Hle was out of work, and the chances of getting another situation without recom- mendations were slim. Tom was anorphan. Hesupported hin self and his sister Susie, who kept_ouse for him in a little flat far up ineifarlem, Their parents had been dead several years, and as they had_not deft much in the shape of wealth dé@hind them, the bey and the girl ha@i iad rather an @p-hill struggle ofi 0 get along. , emcee a might school while ‘ierk in a Dig Fourteenth estore, 21d there learned ypewriting, When he ; red in both branches, he @pr Mis eyes open for a place, and finally obtained a situation with Newton &. Cameron, at a salary of ten dollars per rd, for Mur. Carrs ; time, and lly very crusty. 28 up e the very Susie was tic years younger than Tom. She had @ great talent for -painting, and Carned several dollars each week by paint- ing faney and Christmas cards and vari- OuS articles of bric-a-brac. “TwWonder what Sue will say, when I tellher I am out of work?” thought Tom, moodily, as he walked up Nassau street. “Too bad! and she was just planning to get a new chair for the parlor, too. Hang the luck—and hang Mr. Newton, too!” he added, with pardonable vigor. Reaching Park Row, Tom decided to enter the different printing offices and consult the files of the morning papers for advertisements of “Stenographers Wanted.” He stepped into the office of the nearest paper, and was soon busy looking over the paper of that day. He found several advertisements he thoug ht it might be profitable to look up, and made a note of the addresses. As ‘Tom was about to turn away from the office, his attention was attracted to the actions of rather a slick looking indi- vidual, who was standing by one of the little counters where ink and pens are kept for the use of patrons, This individual was leaning rather close against another man of middle age, who was writing something in a small note- book, Just as Tom became interested, the slick looking man pulled something from the pocket of the man beside him and transferred the article to the inside of his coat, Tom was not certain what the thing was, although he saw it was made of metal and quite shiny. As soon as the thiet—for the man was nothing less—had secured the article, he moved swiftly toward the door and walked out upon the street. For the instant Tom was dazed. Could that well-dressed man really be a pick- pocket? Stepping quickly up to the man, who was still writing in his note-book, the young shorthand writer tapped him on the, shoulder, “Do you. know. that man who just went out?” he asked. “What man?” returned the gentleman. “There he goes—around the corner.” “T don’t know. Why?” “He took something out of your poeket —that one.” “He did?” The gentleman made a hasty search. “Gone, by the boots!” he eried, in great alarm. “What was it?” “A case with diamond club trophies! Catch the rascal !” Both Tom and the gentleman darted for the. door. The young shorthand writer was the first out on the street. “Where is he?” “Phere he goes! Stop there!” yelled Tom, at the top of his voice, The pickpocket heard his cry, but in- stead of heeding it, only ran faster. The crowd on Park Row was thick, and there was great danger that the thief would escape. “Catch him! Sie thief!” yelled the gentleman who had been rohbed. Some standing near took up the cry, and every one stood still to see what was the matter. Le €y GooDp NEws. S123 The pickpocket had a good pair of legs, but Tom was equally nimble, and when just opposite the World office, he collared the man. “Stop!” “Let go of me, boy!” “T won’t. You are a thief!” “A thief! You must be crazy! Let me go. I must catch the next train up town!” The man began to struggle, and at last managed to break away, just as a police- nian appeared on the scene, _* What’s the row here?” “This boy is crazy,” and with the words, the thief started to run again. Quick asa flash Tom put out his foot, and the pickpocket went sprawling upon the car tracks. Before he could rise, the gentleman who had been robbed came up. “Is that the man?” he asked of Tom, OSs Sil et “This is alla mistake,” panted the pick- pocket, who had had his wind knocked out of him by his sudden fall. “I am a respectable confectioner of Yonkers, and know nothing of any trouble this man or boy may have.” “He has your trophies in his inside pocket,” said Tom. “Search him and see,” “T won’t be searched.” “Then take him to the station-house,” said the gentleman who had been robbed, to the policeman. Just as he spoke, Tom caught. the pick- | pocket shaking his body in a peculiar manner. He looked down just in time to see the shiny case slide from underneath the thief’s coat to the ground. “There it is!” “Sure enough!” ejaculated the gentle- man, joyfully. “You villain you!” “That boy put that there!” seria the pickpocket, coolly. Pg “You’re a very plain liar |” retorted Tom, who, as we know, was in no mood to smooth matters. “You shook it out of your clothing.” “Dat’s just wot he did do,” vouchsafed a newsboy standing near. “I seed it me- self. Didn’t you, Limpy?” “Yep! Dat feller is Handsome Dick, der lifter.” : - The last words struck the policeman quite forcibly. He exqamined the pick- pocket closely and then took a firm grip upon the fellow’s arm. “I know you, Dick Hanson. Come along, the inspector has been looking for you for some time.” “Here is my name and address,” said the gentleman, handing his card to the policeman, “I will be on hand to-morrow morning to lodge a complaint.” “How about the boy?” : “T’ll be there, too, if wanted,” said Om. And the policeman marched his pris- oner off, CHAPTER III. — TOM BECOMES A REPORTER. OME on with me, please,” said the Buck might have continued on until he was so far in advance, that to find his way back would be impossible, Probably not more than a moment had elapsed before he understood that Reggie was no longer following him, and then he turned back, sheltering himself as well as possible by the sifte of the pony, who refused so often to ve that his essary to abanaon him to hi Already was Reggie nea with the blinding, choke dust, and, pulling him to his feet, Bick alternately shook and struck him until some glim- mer of reason returned. “Here, hoy, you must not give in like this. Don’t be a coward after you have shown yourself brave. There is a fightin’ chance for life, an’ you must not say die until you are beaten.” : Reggie made no coherent reply, and his companion added, sternly: “Get on to the pony, an’ well down in his mane.” “But you?” Reggie muttered. “T’m_ a good ways from bein’ downed yet, an’ I’]] see that you pull through. It was my fault our crossin’ this place, an’ I’m bound to help you out with it.” “The machine?” Reggie gasped. “We'll carry that as far as we can,” Buck said, grimly, and with the end of the lariat he fastened it to the saddle. y covered bury your face It was unquestionably dangerous to load the pony so heavily, but the sup- the other rep rters, he was nowhere to unconscious and helpless, otherwise’ posed horse-thief realized that he should not have taken this route, and seemed determined to make all possible atone- meni for his rashness. Urging the frightened horse along, Buck walked by his side, sheltering him- self as wellas he could from the dust- laden air, which choked his lungs and almost stifled respiration. His feet sank ankle deep in the soft, shifting sand, while arcund and above him swirled the black, dense canopy, which seemed to baffle all his efforts to penetrate or pass. As the time wore on Reggie recovered somewhat from the stupor into which he had fallen, and it was no longer necessary for Buck to spend his strength in holding him on the pony. “How long has it been since I ‘began to play the part of baby?” Reggie asked, slipping from the horse and motioning Buck to take his place. “I don’t call it playin’ the baby, lad. I’ve seen stouter men than you are knocked under in such a storm. Stay on the pony. I don’t intend to ride.” “Then I won't,” Reggie said, stoutly, and it seemed as if it was really neces- sary torelieve the little animal, if they wished to save his life. Every step which the travelers took was made against fierce blasts that nearly lift- ed them from their feet; every breath was choked with dust; still they strug- gled on. It was when Buck himself was begin- ning to despair that they stumbled upon a ridge or mound of sand seven or eight feet high, and a cry of joy burst from the lips of the supposed horse-thief, Coming close up under the lee of this hillock they felt a sense of most blessed relief, The sand-laden wind no longer beat upon them, but passed over their heads, ~ and although their position was now quite as desperate as. can well be im- agined, it was such a great improvement — on that of afew moments previous, that « courage was kindled anew, “How long do you dare to stay here?” Reggie asked, noting the fact that the eddying wind was their feet. “Until it is up to our knees, an’ then’ — it’s a case of changing quarters; we’ll hope the wind will die away by that time.” “How far are we from the river?” “T don’t reckon we made more than a mile from the time we shifted the course. It ain’t possible to travel very such footin’ as this.” Higher around their feet, and Reggie watched it — anxiously, as does one the on-coming tide when he is powerless to tee from it. Until sunset they remained in this par- tial shelter, and then when Reggie be- lieved it absolutely necessary to continue the painful journey, lest they should be buried alive, the wind ceased almost as _ suddenly a it had begun. : The veil of sand moved away to the eastward, as dense as at any time durin the storm, leaving behind it a_ tranqui. summer air which hardly stirred the hair upon Reggie’s head. ; The change had been so sudden that for & moment or two neither of the travelers could believe the terrible danger had | passed, and then Buck said, in a tone of relief: “Well, lad, we’re safe once more, an’ you have never been so near death, even when Abe Harris tired at this smother struck here.” “You won’t go across the desert now that the sand is piled upso loose and _ deep,” Reggie said, preferring to think of — the future rather than the past, which had been horrible in the extreme. “Tt would tempt it. river, an’ we'll hold to that course even at the risk of bein’ overtaken by them | we don’t want to see.” be worse than folly to at- | We’ve branched off for the 4 fast in =~ 2 piling the sand around and higher grew the sand ow os you, as since That Buck had arrived at this decision was a great relief to Reggie, for the idea of seus over the loose surface, forced to push his wheel in front of him every — inch ot the way, was a task greater than he felt able to perform. Be sak Buck did not lose any time in resuming © the journey. Within five minutes after the dust- - laden wind had passed away, he was eadias his pony in the direction of the — river, followed by Reggie with his wheel. Three hours later, although the distance was only four miles, they had arrived at the banks of the Missouri, where wasa- broad, well-defined path over which a | bicycler could ride in comfort and safety. _ ow Buck was more anxious than ever _ to push ahead. ar ed ‘ " ne a oe “a an Enut or two will e enoug pull us together once more, an’ then we’]] be off again with the cheer- less satisfaction of knowing we have wasted nearly the entire day in precious __ hard work.” “T am ready when you are,” Reggie re- plied, and then, to prepare himself for the exertion, laid down for ancther nap. epee at . ' * slat cro NEw 'S. Before ten o’clock they were journeying toward the Rosebud Reservation, and once more, about midnight, Buck halted suddenly as he saw the dim lghtof a caip-fire some distance ahead of them. “Tt won’t do to take any chances, now that the Indians are kickin’ up sucha muss,” he said to Reggie, as he dis- mounted, “Hold the pony while I go abead an’ see who is there,” {hen he disappeared in the darkness, and during ten minutes the boy waited in anxious suspense, fihally hearing a cheer- ing, reassuring cry from his companion. “Come on, lad. These are friends of mine, an’ we'll hold over here till mornin’.” When Reggie reached the encampinent, leading the pony and pushing his wheel, he found lying around the fire, evidently having been disturbed by the coming of Buck, four men, not dressed dissimilar to those whom. he had met in this section of the country, but showing by their man- ners and conversation that they were a different class from that to which Abe Harris or Old Ike belonged. Buck set about getting supper as if all in the encampment belonged to hiin, and while he and Reggie ate, a general con- versation ensued, Buck speaking in a eareless manner of one mutual acquaint- ance and another until he came to the name of Walter Marston. “I wonder where he is now?” the question, in an indifferent tone. “He left this section about a week ago for Wind River.” “Has he been down here long?” “No; came on business, I believe; but failed to get the word he expected from ; his partner, and went back without doing it.’ was Reggie vainly tried to suppress the start of alarm, and Buck said with a yawn: “I'd like to see Marston. I bought a pony of him, an’. pretty nigh got into trouble about it. Nothing very serious, though, only he might enjoy the story.” “Well, you'll travel a long while before you find him.” “Perhaps not. I’m goin’ right up that way.” “Ts that a fact? The boy, too?” $ C855" “ Business?” - “Well, something in the cattle line.” “Look here, old man. We're bound for see Caspar, an’ count on taking the train at O’Neill. Come along with us. There’s no sense in traveling all that distance when the cars are running,” -“T hate to leave my pony, an’ it isn’t at all certain I shall come back this way.” .“Wecount onrunning ours up on a freight car, if we can get one, and, if not, on a baggage car. Come ou! We'll gee vou through this in great shape, and would like to have you with us.” “TP'll think it over,” Buck said, in the same careless tone, “I don’t allow you’ll leave hére till daylight.” ; ~ —-“No,*we ain’t particularly rushed. for time.” ) Then Buck continued the conversation on indifferent subjects until his com- panions fell asleep once more, when, sit- ting by-the fire with Reggie, he said, in a low tone: “T think, lad, in view of all that’s hap- pened, you'll be wise in making a change of plans. When you first started I allowed it was all right to push across the coun- try, for fear you’d be followed on the cars, Now you know that at least two are on your trail, an’ we can give them the slip by takin" to the railroad. That’s my advice, an’ it’s honest.” “TI shall do whatever you think best,” aaa replied. “I believe myself ic would hve better now, since it is known to sume on what errand I’m going.” . “Then that’s settled. No turn in, for if you count on keepin’ up with this crowd of horsemen to-morrow, you’ll have to jerk that wheel of yours along lively.” Reggie showed that he was fast gradu- ating from.the tenderfoot class, by throw- ing himself upon the sand in front of the _ fire, almost instantly falling asleep. - . Next. morning, shortly after daybreak, _ the journey to Caspar was begun, and for mee the first. time since leaving home Reggie felt secure as to his surroundings. _ . He. was with gentlemen, and the party “was sufficiently large to prevent any fear that it might be overpowered by those who would work him harm. _. During the next two days he followed the horsemen on his bicycle, showing - more than once how superior a machine was to an animal, and then they had ar- rived at their destination. _ , There was no difficulty in procuring a ear for the transportation of their ponies, and they embarked on one of the regular passenger trains. Reggie was sitting by Buck’s side when the latter was hailed by an ac- quaintance on the platform, and just be- _ fore the train started the boy heard the - oes : _ “Say, that imp of Dick Headley’s went up the road last night. If you run afoul | Jim of him F wish you would try to find out whether he carries a Winchester with three file-marks on the butt. 12 left mine in the station, and saw him fooling round there just before the train started.” “He’s given up tryin’ to overhaul you, and is steering straight for your father,” Buck said, in a low tone to Reggie. “And we must strain every nerve to overtake, him,” “You're right, lad. We've been chased quite a spell, an’ now we’ll turn the tables by doin’ a little pursuing on our own account. Jim Somers must travel mighty fast, if he keeps ahead of us.” CHAPTER. XVIII. THE PURSUIT. “HE fact that Jim Somers—and there ;2 was little question but that his \ companion bandit was with him— had relinquished the pursuit of Reggie and begun a search for his father, troubled the boy more than would any danger to which he might have been ex- posed, * Reggie would have. been during this very agreeable journey had he known the was still on his trail. He and Buck would have been prepared, under such circumstances, for danger; but his father, unsuspicious that there was any reason for a person to compass his death, might become an easy victim. The only fact in the entire matter which gave him any comfort, was that Somers had tagen the train which passed over the road the night previous. He was only twelve hours ahead, and would oaneatiie have no idea he was being well content break in the young bully | pursued, therefore they could easily make | up this difference in time. Never before had Reggie believed it would be possible for him to shoot at a human heing in the hope of taking life; but he felt now that if he should meet the boy who had been, and was, causing him so much trouble, he could send a bul- ae through him with but little compunc- ion. It seemed as if similar thoughts must have been passing through Buck’s mind at the same time Reggie was saying this to himself, for he leaned over in the seat, and whispered: “I don’t hold to it that men have got the right to go ronnd huntin’ each other; but in a case like this it’s the same as if you was after a skunk. The creeter’s got to be killed, or you'll never have auy peace. I don’t believe Jim Somers is more than half human, anyhow, an’ if I ever get a chance to draw the bead on him this side of Wind River Mountain, there won’t be anything to fearon your father’s account.” “He has got a friend with him.” Buck snapped his fingers contemptu- ously. ’ “That coyote don’t amount to so much as that. Take the boy away, an’ he’d sneak east mighty quick.” Very often during the journey did Buck consider it necessary to look after his pony, which was in the car attached to the rear of the train, It is no unusual thing to see such an appendage en a pasgenger train in that section, forthose tt@velers who count on going west. of Caspar mus tile ‘with them the horseflesh, or run the very poor chane@of getting animals at the ter- minus of the road. Reggie had brought his wheel into the smoKing-car, where Buck’s friends in- sisted on remaining during the entire journey, therefore he had no anxiety about the outfit, save’ as the loss of the pony would cripple Buck. The latter made it a point to alight at every station, thinking it might be pos- sible to receive some tidings of Somers, or hoping the, latter had concluded to stop over for adgy, but nothing more was heard of him _ until the journey by rail had come to end, It was eleven o’clock in the morning when theyrrived ‘at Caspar, and Buck said, as he superintended the unloading of the ponies ing “T allow we'll get dinner here, lad. It’l! be a good idea to find out whether that young cub of Headley’s is in town, or gone ahead, an’ we shall be spendin’ an hour to good advantage if we devote it to him. Considerin’ the fact that more than two-thirds of the distance has been covered in the cars, you’l! be able to find your father much sooner than his partner expected, even if we have a long search for him after striking the Shoshones.” “T should feel perfectly easy in mind, if it were not that Jim Somers is ahead of us.” “Don't let that trouble you, lad. We're made. of pretty poor stuff if we can’t get the best of a youngster like him. Yow hang round here, an’ I'll be back in less than an hour.” ; Reggie remained at the station, and Buck set out to gain the needed informa- tion, ; Half an hour had not elapsed before he returned, : “lhe little bully started this mornin’, an’ I’ve got a pretty fair idea of the trail he’ll go over. We’ll swallow our dinner as quick as we can, get some grub to take with us, an’ be off.” It was hardly more than noon .when they resumed the journey at what séemed like a snail's pace as compared with the speed at which the iron horse had drawn them. ‘ Until they reached the range Reggie’s’ bicycle would be more valuable to him than a pony, for Buck assured him the wheeling would be good until they struck the foot-hills of Rattlesnake Mountains. “Wecan give them a wide berth to the north, an’ then follow down to Dallas. It’ll be a case of crossin’ Poison Spring Creek, which can’t be very high at this season of the’vear, an’ somewhere about the Granite Ridges you'll. get a day of walkin’. The rest of the time you can stick to your wheel.” “Do we follow this trail right along?” Reggie asked, motioning toa well-defined road over which they were traveling. “That’s as may be. I’m countin’ on gettin’ more traces of Jim Somers hefore to-morrow night, an’ we shall most likely ake whatever course he decided on. There’s one thing in our favor. He an’ that grave-yard partner of his trusted on buyin’ ponies in Caspar, an’ from all I can hear they haven’t found a very good pair, * If if comes to a case of. overhaulin’ them, we shall hold the winnin’ cards.” During the remainder of this day the advance was continued uninterruptedly, and when night came Buck made prep- arations for camping, with apparently as decided feelings of security, as if, they had been in the best appointed hotel to be found anywhere. ¥ They had traveled at.a sharp pace, but not at full speed, and being fresh at the start, Reggie did not feel any undue ex- haustion. Before sunrise they were pushing ahead once more, and by noon were across the creek, riding down the foot-hills of Rat- tlesnake Mountains in search of the min- ing settlement which Buck knew had been established in that vicinity some months ago. “J didn’t count on its lastin’ very long,” he said, when explaining what it was he hoped to find, “because Wyoming isn’t a great State for gold or silver, an’ the most of it is placer work at that. The idea is that Somers made for the same settlement, because back at Caspar they told him how to find it.” The afternoon was well-nigh spent be- fore they reached the spot at which Buck proposed to halt, and then Reggie gained considerable knowledge of the ephemeral nature of a mining camp. A collection of log houses and a frame- work of what had been canvas shanties, nearly all of which had fallen into decay, was perched on the side of a_foot-h1ll, and unless one had known the date when it sprang into existehce, he would have said it had been deserted many years. “We can choose our own sleeping quar- ters to-night,” Buck said, as they rode throngh the apparently deserted place, searching for some building which was ina tenantable condition; but the words had hardly been spoken before a cadaver- ous specimen of a man appeared suddenly before them as if he had risen from the very bowels of the earth. “Hello, partner!” Buck “Didn't know there was hands left.” . “Well, there wouldn’t be, if I wasn’t such a blamed old fool as to hang on in the hopes of strikin’ it rich,” the man replied. “All alone here?” “Pretty much. This seems to be a big day for strangers. ‘Two this mornin’, an’ “Who's been here before us?” Buck asked, wit] an assumption of carelessness. “About the toughest boy an’ the shift- iest man 1 ever saw,” Buck looked significantly at Reggie. “Which way did they go?” “Straight along the foot-hills.” “Well, we wasn’t countin’ on stoppin’. Jest looked in to see the place. There’sa good three hours of daylight, an’ I reckon we're bound to push on.” “What's that boy. got there?” the cadaverous man asked, as he looked at Reggie’s wheel curiously. : “A new-fangled machine for ridin’. It beats a pony all holler.” “Do you niean to say he can set on that thing?” “Watch him when we leave, an’ you’)] see,” Buck replied, motioning Reggie to mount, and in*another moment the two were riding away greatly to the surprise of the miner, who saw a bicycle for the first time. “We'd better camp in the open than hang round there, knowin’ Jim Somers is ahead of us,” Buck said, when they were a short distance from the deserted camp. bens don’t pay to stop after such word as cried, cheerily. any of the old two to-night.” “He's got a long start on us.” “Nonsense! we'll even that up in the next twenty-four hours.” With one short halt, while the pony was watered, the travelers continued on at full speed, Buck predicting that as they were reeling off the miles, Jim Somers and his partner, with no thought of pursuit, would be idling time away in calnp,. Now they were where the timber was reasonably plentiful, although not grow- ing so thickly as to impede the wheel- man’s movements, and just as the sun was sinking behind the hills, they arrived at a dilapidated shanty by the side of a small stream. “ftlere’s our halting-place for the night, with a camp ready made, an’ we’re jest as well of as if we’d stayed back in the abandoned settlement,” Buck said, as he dismounted and picketed his horse where the grass was luxuriant. The but was in anything rather than a serviceable or cleanly condition, and Reggie looked at the one smal] bunk nailed against the side of the building in dismay. “It_doesn’t show up very promisin’, eh?” Buck said, with a laugh. “T believe I'd rather sleep on the ground outside than in there.” “T’li take my chances in the bunk any time; but if you think the open air is better, let me show you how we make a hammock,” and Buck unrolled his blankets. Securing each end of these with his lariat, he stretched them between two trees, thus forming a very good bed, although given more to sagging than might be, pleasant after the intending sleeper was inside, Then supper was eaten, the pony looked after to make sure he could not stray, and Reggie got into the impromptu couch. Buck stretched himself out in the bunk, after clearing away the dried leaves and decayed wood with which it was partially filled, and in a few moments his loud breathing told that he was wrapped in the unconsciousness of slumber. The novelty of the surroundings pre- vented Reggie from closing his eyes in sleep for some time, and while he lay there listening to the soft sighing of the wind among the foliage, he saw. coming from out of the bushes what he at first thought was a huge yellow dog, The animal advanced to the door of the hut, looked in, sniffed about an instant as if detecting some unfamiliar odor, and then turned toward the hammock. Reggie had never seen a panther except in a cage: but he knew now that this dreaded animal was near, and a sensa- tion of faintness came over him, as the huge cat walked with a coarse purring sound directly up to him, All this time Buck’s heavy snoring formed an accompaniment to the loud beating of the boy’s heart. 5 Suddenly the panther reared himself upon his hind feet, his fore paws resting upon the blanket. ie The hammock swung back, and in. its rebound knocked the animal over. : He leaped several feet away, growled, and stood with glowing eyes fixed upon Reggie so intently that the boy made cer-. tain he was about to spring. : To ery out now, or make the slightest movement, would only precipitate the catastrophe, and Reggie, with a cold dew upon his brow, remained motionless as a corpse, expecting each instant to feel the cruel fangs of the panther, ; (TO BE CONTINUED.) ——_- 0 A RUDE AWAKENING. “Have you ever had any patrons who were somnambulists?” he asked a. hotel- keeper. “Have J? I had one last week.” “Tell me about it.” “One night, as I was about to leave the office,” said the Boniface, “J noticed a man coming down stairs with a bag in his hand. He was staring staight ahead, looking at nothing, just like a three- weeks-old baby. I followed him till he reached the outside door, and then caught him by the collar, ““Wha-wha-what’s the matter?’ he gasped, acting just like a man who has been suddenly awakened, . “‘Oh, nothing, said I. ‘Where are you going?’ . “Why, am T not in bed?’ he exclaimed, “*Not at this present moment,’ I re- plied. ~ ; ““T’ must have been asleep,’ he mur- mured, looking like a dog that had been caught in the act of chasing sheep. “*Maybe you were,’ said I, ‘but you can bet the amount of your unpaid bill that I'm wide awake.’ So] brought him back to the cashier’s desk, and made him set- tleup. Then the porter and I thoroughly awoke him by kicking him out.;’" From the above anecdote he infers that: somnambulism doesn’t pay—at least in a hote] whose proprietor is wide awake, GoondD NEws. 3125 [This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form,] ZIG-ZAG, THE BOY CONJURER; ’ al st ee IN aN a RO ee ee oo aa ree ee By VICTOR ST. CLAIR, Author of ‘The Young (“Zie-ZaG, THE BOY CONJURER,” was commenced News Agents,} CHAPTER XIII, ARREST OF STEERLY. cone sf! SPNHE unexpected appearance of Pro- ike fessor Wiswell’s little treasure +’) chest ih that place and under those peculiar circuinstances, was such a Surprise to Zig-Zag that his usual pres- ence of mind completely deserted hii. with sincere Stone-Cutler,’’ etc., ete. in No, *92,.. Back numbers can be obtained of all “Here is your box, professor,” said the hostler. Zig-Zag accepted the miniature chest thanks to the faithful Tom Wright. “{ now propose we all go over to the | hotel,” said the latter, next day, when no doubt the trial of Steerly would set affairs right. He had’ yet to learn the dcep shrewd- ' ness, as well as villainy, of the man against whom he was pitted. CHAPTER XIV, BUDD’S WILD RACE FOR LIFE. IG-ZAG and Budd were astir early the next morning, and at sunrise they were ready to start for Glim- merton, haying a team of the land- lord of the Narrows House. All of the paraphernalia ef the show had beeu intrusted to the care of ir. Hill, but the little box of treasure-papers, re- covered from Steerly, the Boy Conjurer kept with him to place in the possession of Mr. Benton, The ten miles’ ride to Glimmerton was uneventful, and when they reached the C7 fh “Beiore we go,” said Zig-Zag, “Iam cu- | town, they found the selectinaa anxiously rious to know what las become of my ap- | awaiting them. Steerly’s rage was too great for him to | paratus. act with any decision of purpose, while Sheriff Locke looked on without knowing “What to doa. : Budd perhaps had the best conception | ! “Ob, yes; I had forgotten that. Do you wish to take 1t over to the hotel?” “T think it will be necessary to find it irst; and as Mr. Locke gave that up as of the Sisuation, though he had no more | 4 bad job, it may bother us, unless my ue nase in his action than he had gener- ay. “Py take care of that box,” he said to him who had brought it there. “I know all about it.” “None but the owner can have it,’ re- plied the man, whom we recognize as the hostler at the Narrows hotel. “No—nol” cried Steerly; “don’t let him have it. It is mine, and it was in my trunk. Whoever got it out stole it.” “[ did!" retorted Budd. “The trunk fell and bu’sted open, when the box tumbled Oat on the ground, and I picked it up.” “It’s alie!l”exclaimed Steerly. “Sheriff Locke, arrest these fellows as thieves. [I have had my team stolen from me, and [ charge that low-lived scamp with doing 1 t 5 s “[T have no warrant to do that,” said | t the officer. ‘Before we go any further, I want an explanation of this mixed up affair. “Tom,” he said, turning to the hostler, “be kind enough to tell me what you know about the matter.” “I only know, Mr. Locke, that these youns gentlemen put up a team at our stable this afternoon, which they said be- longed to one John Steerly, and then came over to the -hall to prepare fora show they were to give here this evening, A few minutes ago I found this box stand- ing on the sill in the shed, and seeing it had the young conjurer’s name on it, I brought it over to- him at once, for I thought it was valuable.” “How came it there?” demanded Steerly. “It was in my trunk.” : “T do not know that, sir. I am simply telling what [ know.” “T know!” cried the irrepressible Budd Newbegin. : “Then you are the thief!” cried Steerly. “Arrest him, sheriff, or I will make a complaint against you for not doing your duty.” ; At this moment new-comers were seen to enter the hall. Foremost among whom Zig-Zag recognized Mr. Flanders, the Sheriff of Glimmerton. Straight toward the little party marched | the sheriff and his companion, and nod- ding to Sheriff Locke, he fixed his coal- black eyes upon Steerly, saying: “John Steerly, I believe.” : “Yes, sir,” faltered the trembling wretch, anticipating that he was in trouble. : “You are my prisoner, Mr. Steerly,” | and before the amazed man could object, | the handcuffs were snapped upon his wrists, mw The officer had spoken low, but every person in the hall heard the ominous words, and the sharp click of the hand- cuffs. reached every ear. As soon as Steerly had recovered from his amazement, he uttered a torrent. of language we do not care to repeat: here. “It is an outrage!” he shouted, “and somebody will pay dearly for this. Grin, you contemptible thief!" he added, look- ing toward Zig-Zag, “vour day of reckon- ing will soon come. You will soon be in my place,” : Sheriff Flanders did not allow much of this talk, but he quickly marched his prisoner out of the hall. : “You will be wanted over to Glimmer- ton to-morrow, at ten o’clock, as a wit- ness, Mr. Wiswell,” said _ the ‘officer. “That young man, with you must come, t i f b e it t I i “Yes, sir,” replied our hero. “We will be there early in the morning. “Very well.” “That beats me,” said Sheriff Locke, as he looked after the departing party, with a look of chagrin. “I didn’t-like the ap- pearance of that fellow from the first. Well, I suppose I can go home now. Good evening, Professor Wiswell; I trust you will harbor up no ill-will against me.” “None whatever, sir; good evening. door leading down into the room Ww hands. to bn’st open that little lock. see what is in it.” for [ didn’t break into Cowly’s trunk. had heard you say you wished you knew friend, Budd Newbegin, will enlighten ne in regard to its whereabouts.” “Didn’t [ fool the old duffer,” said Budd, with a broad grin om his face, 6 Say, Zig, I guess you begin to know me NOW “Well, if you have concealed the things, please Show us where they are now. I doe not think the sheriff will trouble us again to-night.” h 1k there, as he led the way behind the cur- “Follow me,” said Budd, showing by is manner that he felt himself of a little 1ore account just then than any one else ain. “The minute I see that Cowly, or Steerly, wotever he is, I knowed he was after ’em 'couterments, and I said to my- elf that he wouldn’t catch me napping his time. I had seen there was a trap- below his, and while you and he were perlaver- ng, I chucked ’em ali down there.” By this time, Budd had opened the door designated by him, and peering into the opening, ‘Zig-Zag was pleased to see the apparatus safe and sound, where his aithful assistant had put the entire parts, “You did well, Budd, and you have my hanks for it. I did not dream of there being a door here; it fits so closely I think verything will be‘safe there to-night. Isn’t that so, Mr. Hill?” “T will be responsible for them, pro- essor. I shall lock up the hall as soon as you go out.” “All right; we will leave everything here until morning. Come, Budd, we ill go over to the hotel,” SOA, ark said the latter, as they ” o U1e, walked along side by side, “I guess you b out me.” egin to think you can't get along with- “Of course I couldn’t, Budd; so set your nind at rest on that score.” Though aware the disturbance in the hall and arrest of Steerly had caused con- siderable talk and made him an object of remark, Zig-Zaz paid little heed to what was being suid, seeking his room as soon as possible, Budd accompanying him. “Now we will open the box,” said Budd, whose gaze had not left the object since t had been placed in his companion’s “No, Budd; we won’t open it to-night. I shall take it over to Glimmerton to- morrow and have it opened there by the | proper authority.” “Sol Ginger! I guess we are big enough I want to “So do I, Budd, and for better reasons than you, but I do not think I had better open it. “By the way, Budd, didn’t you break into Steerly’s trunk to get this box? I don’t ask this to injure you, and I want you to tell 1 me just as it is.” Eiie “That would he stealing, woutdn’t it?’ “T am afraid it would come under that name, though wemight consider it a jus- tifiable case.” ~“Well, b’gosh! you needn’t justify a what there was in it that belonged to the old professor, and so I thought I’d keep my eye peeled for the chance. Ss out of the wagon, and it slipped and fell to the ground ker chunk, when it bu’sted It. came prising quick, I went to get the trunk open! All I did was to take the box and hide it in the wood-shed. How do you s’pose that hostler found 1t2” Zig-Zag saw that in was a case, con- cerning which the least said would-be best, $o he changed the subject, to inquire about that other box, which Budd had) spoken of as heing carried across the pasture by Steerly, when Budd drove off with his team. . Getting nothing satisfactory in regard to the matter, Zig-Zag wisely concluded to let the whole matter rest until the | | Tam glad to see you so prouptly on | You see I was | about right when | said Sheriff Flanders | never let his man get away from him. | “ hand,” said Mr. Benton. Jack is a regular sleuth-hound, when he gets on the track of his prey.” “When, does the trial come off?” “At ten o’clock, before Squire Swayne. We have concluded to hold it in Sinélair Hall. Ha! what have you there?” “Something, if I am not mistaken, of great value tous. Itis the box of papers I told you belonged to Professor Wiswell.” “The dickens you say! Where did you run across that?” ; Then, in as few words as possible, Zig- Zag told what had happened at the Nar- rows, hot omitting to tell of Steerly’s ruse to get possession of the apparatus. “Zounds, you say! We have got the steer on the hip! But what is that about that other box the rascal buried up here | somewhere?” “It is of that I wanted to speak more particularly. Budd says it was about two feet by four, as near as he could tell. He Says that Steerly carried it as if it was quite heavy, What can have heen in it? and what was he carrying it off into the pasture in that way for?” “We have got to find out those things. anat box must be found—and before the trial. “Young man ean you show us where | you box? “Hokey smut, mister! I guess you don’t know me,” : “Well, we shall if you don’t guide us to the very place where you saw hin last. It’s got to be done in the shortest time possible,.too, if we would get round to the trial, which we must. : “I will speak to Preston for a team, and we will be off in a trice.” “Perhaps you had better take charge of this box,” said Zig-Zag. “Oh, yes: I will put that where it wil! be safe. pointment, I will notify you, when we will open it.” “Ts it best to wait so long?” asked Zig- Zag, who, if the truth be told, was ex- eedingly anxious to see what there was within, “Most assuredly; I do not feel that I have the power to do it now. But I will guard it faithfully.” — Withouc further delay Zig-Zag drove his team up to the Glenwood House, and five minutes tater Mr. Preston had gota team in readiness for them to start on their search. E ; ; “Give this note to the sheriff, if he comes before we get back,” said Mr, Ben- ton, “when he will understand why we are not here, and feel ne uneasiness. We will get around in season.” 3 “Now, Budd,” said Zig-Zag, as soon as they had got fairly started, “if yon think you can’t follow the way taken by Steerly, we had better go as directly as possible to the place where I met you, and from that point you will have no trouble to find the very tree where he hitched his horse,” “Pon’t you*worry ’bout me. I guess I know enough ’bout g’ography to foller that air Cowly, or Steerly, right to the spot where he got out of the waggin.” “All right, Budd, only you must re- member we hzeve got very limited time in which to get back.” Mr. Benton was driving, under the di- saw Steerly making off with that rection of Budd Newbegin, and thus they | must have gone five miles without the latter showing by any sign that he had recognized the way. . Even Zig-Zag was losing faith in his ability to find the place, and Mr. Benton proposed that they give it up until ‘an- other time, when Budd suddenly eE- claimed, joyously: : a “There ‘tis! there’s the tree where Cowly hitched his horse. I guess when I! know a thing I know it. Pull up, Bent!” The others needed no second bidding to obey this long looked-for announcement. The tree pointed out by Budd was a, small elm standing a few feet outside of the wheel rut, The last house they had Then, as soon as I get my ap- | | passed was a mile back, and as far as | they could see, there was no sign of a habitation in the distance ahead. Budd had said the place was in the uiidst of a lonely region, and glad to have reached so near the end of their trip, Mr, Benton and Zig-Zag sprang out of the wagon without delay, k “I don’t see any sigus of a team having been here, Mr. Newbegin,” said the selectman, who was preparing to hitch the horse to theelm, “There are no tracks of a horse here.” “Then he took his tracks with him when I drove him off, for this is the place, and right ’tween em’ bushes is where I see theold duffer carrying off the box,” “Lead the way, then, as far Steerly go.” The self-conscious Budd immediate’ leaped to the ground, saying: “Foller me.” : Their course lay across.a tract of wild }land, and after going a short distance, they reached a considerable ridge, beyond which they soon lost sight of the road. After this Budd was not expected to be able to guide them in their search, which coutinued for half an hour without suc- cess. “We niust spread out more,” said Mr, | Benton. “We will each of us make a as you saw. y still unsuccessful, will meet at the road where we left the team, to hasten back to the village as fast as possible.” With this understanding, they sep- — arated, Budd going tothe north or Jeft hand, Keeping a sharper lookout for some indication of Stéerly’s hiding-place | than of the direction he was taking, the latter at last began to think it was time to find his way back to the horse und wagon, when he found that he was lost! Shouting to his companions, Budd at first thought nothing serious of his situ ation; but as be continued on without getting any reply from Mr. Benton or Zig-Zag, and apparently going deeper and deeper into the fastness of the coun- _ try, he became excited, and rushed hither — jand thither, in a.way that must have been amusing to a disinterested witness. In one of these wild dashes, however, he suddenly found himself by the highway, when Le flung up his cap for joy. ; All he had got to do now was to follow _ along the road until he came tothe team, — and so, choosing what he considered the proper direction, he hurried forward at - his peculiar, loping gait. Se Pretty soon Budd came to a wide stretch of plains land, when heranalong the level road at increased speed, unit ; suddenly a loud, resonant sound reached | his ears, causing him to look back with — a gaze of fiight. PE As he glanced backward, a second roar — Startled him with 1ts awful intonation, _and_as his gaze ran back to a turn in the - road, he was terrified to see a huge black _aud white quadruped in mad pursuit! Budd was not a coward by any means, ,and a braver boy than he might well have felt a thrill of horror at sight of a wild bull rushing furiously upon his — heels. eee Budd’s only chance of escape was by flight, and if ever he flew over the ground, — | it was on that day. His hat soon came _ off, and his yellow hair stood out behind his big -head in worse shape than it did j at, the time he was escaping from Steerly. | with the other’s team, - Z | The bull’s fierce bellowing rang almost lancing - continually in his ears, and, ever and anon over his shoulder, he could see the infuriated creature still in mad pursuit, coming nearer and nearer every moment! oT ES whee Louder and loudér grew the hoof- strokes of the pursuing brute, while Budd felt his breath come quicker and weaker, as he sped along over the plain. | He looked for a tree to climb, but on that barren land there was pot even shrub toafford him temporary jo to say nothing of a tree"large enoug en- | able him to get beyond theene:my’s reach, Partly to allow greater freedom of his ‘movements, and. half in hope that it might attract the bull’s attention, threw off his coat ashe ran, to send | flying by the roadside. ~ This relieved him somewhat, so he ran with renewed agility for a short dis- tance, but he soon felt that he could go little farther. . Ceo gestae gee Then, glancing wildly back, he that his pnrsuer was almost beside hi and then his foot tripped, and he fe headlong in the sand! : : 3 With a fiercer roar_than any yet ring. | ing in his ears, poor Budd closed his eyes, — as he felt, forever! CHAPTER XV. A STARTLING SITUATION, EANWHILE Zig-Zag and Mr. Benton had pursued a fruitless search, to eventually return’ to theirstarting point. “I wonder where Budd is,” said Zig . wider detour than we have done, and if 3126 Goon NEWS. Zag, as he looked up and down the road without seeing anything of him. “Perhaps we had better drive on toward Norton a short distance,” replied Mr, Benton, “as he would be likely to come out above us, and we shall soon meet him. By the way, I don’t believe that fellow has any more idea where he saw Steerly than this horse has, It’s too bad, though, that we can’t find what he did that day.” “We shall doutbless tind the secret out some time, if we don’t to-day.” Discussing the affair as they rode on, the two had ridden half a mile or more without seeing anything of their com- panion. “He can’t have gone as far as this,” said Mr, Benton, “and——” “Hark! [thought I heard him calling,” ’ a can hear a bull roaring; that is a hee - “JT hear him—he is calling for help! Whip up the horse, Mr. Benton. He is in trouble,” They had reached the border of the plain this time, and urging the horse into a more rapid gait, they soon came in sight of the unlucky Budd. He still lay upon the ground, face down- one and at first they thought he was dead, _ ‘he bull stood a short distance off, just over a barbed wire fence, pawing the _ mellow earth up into a huge heap, while he bellowed and roared with fury enough for half a,dozen. As Zig-Zag’s gaze ran Over the scene he was puzzled to know what Budd’s action meant, and he shouted to the latter: “Hilloa, Budd! what is the trouble?” At the approach of the team the bull suddenly stopped his uproar, and hear- ing the voice of his friend, Budd sprang to his feet, staring wildly around him, - What has happened, Budd? Are you hurt? “The bull! have you killed him?” asked the confused Budd. “He chased me nearly four miles, and I just saved my life by dropping flat upon the ground and keeping stil] asif I was dead. Oh! he ain’t dead yet !” added the terrified youth, as the furious animal at that moment renewed his bellowing. “We can’t hurt you, Budd; don’t you see there is a fence between you and——” “How long has that been there?” asped Budd, as a startling discovery orced itself upon his bewildered mind, His companions, unable to restrain their feelings longer, burst into a hearty laughter, The truth was, Budd had been fleein for dear life from a pursuér which coul not have reached him if he would, for the very simple reason that a four-foot barbed wire fence made it well-nigh im- _ possible. In Budd’s.behalf, we wish to explain that where he had come out into the road from the wild land, there had been no fence, but that the plain had been fenced in as a pasture. In his ex- citement, the bull being near to the bar- rier, and the bend in the road tending to - confuse him, it was little wonder the fugitive had not realized the true situa- tion. We are inclined to think some of those who believe they are sinarter than Budd Newbegin, might have made as sad a mistake under similar circumstances, “Come, Budd,” said Zig-Zag, directly, “jump into the wagon. We must get back to Glimmerton as soon as possible. It is ten o’clock now.” As np as a rag, Budd climbed into the vehicle without speaking. here is your coat?” asked Mr. Ben- ton. “Oh, I see it; Mr. Wiswell will get. it for you.” a When the three got back to Glimmer- ton, they found the court already in ses- sion, and their appearance in’ the hall brought an audible murmur of relief. ' The prisoner looked ag defiant as ever, and when cajled upon ‘to answer the charge, responded “not guilty,” in a tone free from atremor, , ; Zig-Zag was the first person called to deliver his testimony, and he told his story in a clear, straightforward manner, which’ carried conviction to nearl _ Particularly that part when he told of _ his discovery of the pieces of the missing - trunk. Then, again, Steerly’s conduct at ~ Norton was against him. Budd Newbegin’s evidence was next called for, but Zig-Zag’s hopes fell wken Steerly, who acted as his own lawyer cross-questioned the unsophisticated youth. The witness’ late adventure no doubt had very much unsettled his mind, for he crossed himself in the most ridic- - ulous manner. ; .“Yousay, young man, I carried those Penne out of that room while you were n ; “Yes, sir; while I was asleep,” “Asleep, and yet you saw me?” 5 “Yos 8 r.” 4 “will you be kind enough to explain what means you have of seeing when you are asleep?” Budd saw that he had made a mistake, and, in trying to rectify it, he made a bad matter worse, all; “You woke up, came down stairs with- out any one seeing you, and finding those things loaded into a wagon, you climbed up into one of the boxes and went asleep again? Remember, your honor, this was all done in broad daylight.” “TI—I ain’t sure I went to sleep very much,” “Didn’t go to sleep very much! Pray what sort of logic do you call that? Per- haps by that you mean that your hands were asleep, or your feet, but your eyes —those bright eyes of yours—were wide awake. You have been guessing, or dreaming so far. Now, please tell us one thing—one little fact—that you know.” By this time Budd was aroused, and his usually listless blue eyes flashed with the consuming fire of his anger. Though he spoke in a low tone, such a stillness had fallen upon the scene, every person in the hall heard his ominous words: “T know, Jack Cowly, when that box is found you will hang for it,” For the first time Steerly lost his pres- ence of mind, beside turning deadly pale in the face, Quickly regaining his self-possession, he demanded, hoarsely: “Yellow cur! who do you mean by ‘Jack Cowly?'” “You!” shrieked Budd. “Order!” commanded the judge. “Why do you call me by that contempt- ible name?” “*’Oos you put me in mind of dad’s old brindle cow, which is always tearing down the neighbor’s fence and stealing everything she can get her nose on. pia dad got done fooling with her, we declaration, ‘\ “Barbosa and Mitch!” “Yes, They are fully armed, too, and evidently mean business.” ~ “What shall we do?” questioned Bob, “Fight them,” returned Dick, promptly. “That is what I say, too,” added the old inventor. “Longlook and Schnitz ought to be able to keep them at bay,” went on Dick, thoughtfully. Just then a peculiar sound reached their ears. It was the discharge of the electric cannon. “They have opened hostilities without waiting for Barbosa to start the ball,” cried Bob, “I’ll bet that was Longlook’s work.” “Come on!” exclaimed Delvour. He saw to ft that the treasure was safe upon his back, and then sped away down the icy slope in the direction of his much- ‘beloved craft. = Bob an‘ Dick lost no the old man. : The distance to the hollow in which the Wizard had been stationed was nearly a mile, but it took the little party no time at all to reach the spot. Just as they arrived, the electric gun went off a second time. The havoc it made was fearful. Three of the Esquimaux were killed outright, and two others were severely wounded, time in following shots were exchanged, and then GOOD NEWS. Sie7 = The remainder jabbered away to each Other, and then retreated to a safe place ehind an ice hill. In vain Barbosa and Mitch urged them forward, they refused to take any more risks, . Presently Captain Barbosa made a de- tour, and came up behind the Wizard. Before either Longlook or Schnitz could fire at him, he was out of sight under the rounded side of the electric craft. He carried a bomb in his hand, and this he placed close to the trap-door, which was heavily bolted. : He sneaked away as he had come, and waited. In half a minute a dull explosion was eard. The trap-door was hurled from its fast- enings, and a big, jagged hole appeared in the side of the Wizard. “Now come on!” shouted Captain Bar- bosa to Mitch, and he added some words to the Esquimaux in their native tongue. At the scene of the explosion Barbosa and Mitch came face to face with Long- look and Sehnitz. “Surrender!” shouted the leader of the outlaws. “Not by er jugful,” howled the Yankee. “We ain’t-made 0’ thet kind o’ dough.” He fired a pistol at Barbosa point blank, _ and the captain was struck in the arm. “Dot’s der vay ter do it,” shouted Schnitz. “How you vos like dot, hey?” He made a dash at Mitch with a short Sword he carried, and in just two sec- onds the outlaw was minus his left ear, the German having taken off that mem- ber by one clever sweep. The fighting then became general, and Overcome by superior numbers, Longlook anu Schnitz were getting the worst of it when Delvyour, Dick, and Bob arrived. “Kall them all!” shrieked the old in- ventor. “Let not a man of them escape.” “Once more we meet, Delvour,” hissed Captain Barbosa. “Now it is your life or mine.” The tworushed upon each other. Pistol- they closed in. Dick found himself ere long confronted by Mitch, while two burly Esquimaux tackled Bob. On all sides everything was confusion. ome of the fighting took place on the ice, and-the rest in the hold of the Wiz- ard, Another of the Esquimaux was killed, and then Longlook and Schnitz had to retire behind the ice hill, being unable longer to keep upon their legs, so se- — are going to run off with , Diek and verely were they wounded, Mitch was determined to kill Dick, but the youth was now on his mettle, and gave far more blows than he took. Bob managed to escape from the Esqui- maux who had attacked him, and then ene to old Delvour’s assistance just as Japtain Barbosa was about to stab the - old inventor to the heart. Bob hurled Barbosa backward and wrenched the blade from his grasp. Then a fierce struggle ensued between the youth and the outlaw. At first it looked as if Barbosa would get the better of the fight, but Bob soon showed his muscle, by dealing Barbosa astinging blowin the jaw, which sent the outlaw reeling through the trap-door opening. : Just then Mitch, who had received a _ severe wound from Dick, ran to Barbosa’s side and whispered something into his ear. Delvour and Bob were outside fighting with the Esquimaux, who had regaimed paras and were making things warm. Barbosa ana Mitch suddenly grabbed Dick and turled him in the midst of the fight. Then the chief outlaw ran to the - engine-room, and-started up the machin- ery to the best of his limited knowledge. His idea was, in all probability, to rise aboveethe contestants, and then train down the electric gun upon them. In doing this, he might kill some of his Esquimanx allies, but for this he did not care so long’as he could exterminate Del vour and his party and gain possession of the treasure. ; The electric Wizard began to rise with pe one but Captain Barbosa and Mitch on oard. “Stop them!” cried old Delvour, when he saw what was taking place, “They ere. Bob ran forward, but they were too late, r. When the Wizard had attained an altitude of a hundred teet or more, Bar- -bosa and Mitch were seen at work near the electric gun, For the time being the hostilites below ceased, all wondering what was to hap- pen next. | “Look out! They intend to fire!” sang out Dick, suddenly. He caught hold of Bob and Delvour, and flung them down behind several large cakes of ice. A second later a tremendous roar rent the air, a roar which was truly ear-split- ting, and one that completely terrorized the Esquimaux, |ist, and at the en In their hurry to set off the electric cannon, Barbosa and Mitch had made a fatal connection with a live wire, which ran down into the room where the glass charges were stored. The glass balls, some forty in number, were discharged simultaneously, and the havoc produced was fearful beyond de- scription. The electric Wizard was blown into a million fragments, which were scattered in all directions, The bodies of Captain Barbosa and Mitch were torn to shreds, and only a few small bits were found afterward. Many of the heavy pieces from the Wiz- ard landed close beside Delvour and the boys, but fortunately none of them-were injured, and Longlook and Schnitz also escaped, The Hsquimaux caught it badly. Nearly every one of them received a cut ora broken limb, and muttering and jabber- ing at the tops of their voices they left the spot never to return. “That is the end of the Wizard,” sighed Delvour, as soon as he had somewhat re- covered from the shock. ‘“ Well, her mis- sion was about over, so my regret is not as great as it might have been.” As soon as it was learned that the Es- quimaux had fled, the party set to work patching up personal injuries. The medi- cine chest from the Wizard was founa in the ice not far away. and though some- what wrecked, it still contained many things intact which proved of great service. ; On the morning following the great battle, the little band of five gathered such things as they absolutely needed together and started for the coast. They passed three days in solitary trav- eling, and then fell in with a party of friendly Esquimaux, who, for a consider- ation of twenty dollars, agreed to take them to the nearest sea-coast settlement. This part of the journey was accom- plished on dog sleds, and although of a jouncing nature, provea far more agree- able than walking, At the settlement they took passage on a whaler for Sitka, and then journeyed by steamer to San Francisco. Here Longlook and Schnitz were paid two thousand dollars each for their gal- lant services. They were very thankful, and soon after started for Australia to try their luck in the diamond muiues, hen Bob and Dick got home a sur. prise awaited them, Their step-father, Mr. Felix Turdell, was dead, having been killed in a railroad accident. He had left a confession, stating that all of the property in his name rightfully belonged to the boys. There was also a will, leay- ing every dollar to Bob and Dick, so that the boys had no trouble in gaining pos- session of the estate. The golden treasure was bioken up, and the greater part of it was eventually sold, The gold brought forty thousand .dollars, and such of the diamonds as were placed on the market realized one hundred and eighty thousand dollars, / This Delvour divided up with the boys as he had agreed. Bob, Dick, and the old inventor now live in fine style together, and all are as happy as when they first cast their strange lots together on. board of the Electric Air and Water ward. * [THE END.] — HURT HIS FEELINGS. He had a Newfoundland dog as big as a yearling calf, and for three years not a tramp succeeded in getting to the house. He lived just outside of town, and but for the dog, would have been “struck” three or four times a day. It was fun to see a tramp come along, take a square look at the house, and then reach over to unbolt the gate. The click of the bolt was a signal for “Old Bose,” who had his quarters under the veranda, to rush out, and at sight of him thecaller would make a skate down the highway as if tired from a cannon, One night a thunderbolt struck the corner of the house, and the dog was killed in his bed. When the sad discov- ery was made, the owner determined to stuff the dog and see if it would prove a searecrow to tramps. He got a taxiderm- of a week “Old Bose” was set up under a cherry tree at the corner of the veranda. e was in the shadow, and, faced the gate. His false eyes glared and his teeth were all on ex- hibition, and to one standing at the gate, he looked like a live dog ready to devour all comers. . ~ He had been in position about an hour when a weary pilgrim was seen coming over the hill and sizing up the house, Everybody made a skip, and five min- utes later the tramp reached over and shot the bolt. As he swung»the gate back he saw the dog, and after one brief glance he muttered: “Durn your buttons, Bill Wheeler, but you don’t want nothin’ here.” He shut the gate and started off ina hurry, but he hadn’t gone a hundred feet before he stopped and scratched his head. Then he went on a few feet and stopped and scratched again, and seemed puzzled. He advanced ten feet farther, and then turned square around and held a sort of counsel with himself. The result was that he returned ata brisk walk, opened the gate with a bang, and walking straight up to the dog, he lifted the “stuffed” in his arms and dumped it into a bed of catnip thirty feet away. Hethen walked to the back door, in which the man and his wife were 2 ee in a paralyzed condition, and said: “I’m atramp, and don’t deny it, but though I’m ragged and dirty and hard up, I’ve got feelin’s. « When a man sets a live dog on me, that’s all right and ac- cordin’ to Hoyle, but when a fellow plays me low-down with a stuffed canine, he injures my feelin’s and hurts my self- peels and I don’t want no truck from im.” The man almost entreated him to come in and sit down toa square meal, and offered to fit him out with a suit of clothes on top of that, but the tramp wiped a tear from his left eye and made off with the reply: “Can't do it, sir; can’t do it, nohow. We’ve got to preserve our self-respect in this line o’ biziness er it can't last! If it had been a live dog I wouldn't hev nuth- in’ to say, but to go on and ringina cadaver on me and jump me off my dig- nity is playin’ Bill Wheeler altogether too fine! You keep your clothes and cold vittles for some galoot who hain’t got no feelin’ and can’t be insulted !” —___— <> § << —_____— ~ ONE BETTER THAN TWO. An Irishman was working on a new railway a short time since, and one pay- day he said to the foreman: “Do yer want any more hands, sir—for I’ve a brother at home that wants a job at wurruk.” The foreman asked him what sort of a workman his brother was. “Faith, sor,” Pat replied, “he’s as good aman as meself. “All right, tell him tocome and start on Monday.” ; “Whoile I’m axing you for my brother, there’s me poor old father at home want- ing a job at the same time, yer honor.” “Well, what sort of a man is your father, Pat?” vi Be jabers, sor, he’s as good as the two “Oh, well,” said the foreman; “tell he father to come, and you and your brother can stay away.” —_—__~+- 0 ____—__ A WONDERFUL TESTING MACHINE. Some interesting experiments have been .made at Washington University, St. Louis, with the largest hydraulic testing machine in the world, It can exert a pressure of 1,000,000 pounds. Timbers such as are used for pillars in large commercial buildings were crushed, not broken, lengthwise. A ber capable of sustaining 8,000 persons, was crushed like an egg-shell when placed in the machine. The best brick piers two feet square, columns of granite a foot square, and sandstone three feet square, are ground to powder with the greatest ease. The machine was designed for the purpose of pursuing investigations being made by the Government of the strength of commercial woods grown in the United States. Scere ag Ug ogee AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF 5,020 VOLUMES, The lower part of the two long rows of table cases in the King’s library at the British Museum have been glazed and shelved, and arrangements are in prog- ress to’ install therein the extraordinary Chinese encyclopedia, which came into possession of the nation about fifteen years ago, and has since been hidden away in the vasty deeps of Bloomsbury. Its 5,020 Chinese volumes have been bound up into 1,000 bulky tomes, which enshrine the holy universe of Celestial learning. The work is the only perfect copy in Europe. and even in China itself the number of copies of this edition— apart from reduced photographic fac-sim- iles--could be counted on the fingers of one hand. ———>-+ + ______ DURING A READING LESSON, Teacher—“ Now, can any one tell me what a mineral is?” z No answer. Teacher—“ All say after me: ‘A min- eral is a substance which is dug out of the ground.’” ' Scholars—“A mineral is a substance which is dug out of the ground. Teacher—“ Now, Mary, what is a. min- eral?” x Scholar—“ Don’t know, miss.” Teacher ee oe do we dig out of the ground?” es : Scholar—“ Worms.” : iece of tim- } elnb, so EXCHANGE DEPARTMENT, {ImporTant.—This column is f7eeto all our readers. We will not be responsible for transactions brought about through notices in this column. All offers must be strictly exchange offers. We will not insert any “for sale” advertisements, nor exchanges of fire-arms, explosives, dangerous or worthless articles. If exchange notices do not appear in a veasonable time, it may te understood that they were not accepted. Address all communications for this column to “Exchange De-’ partment,.”} CAMERA.—Alfred Hart, 63) N. 8th street, Philadelphia, Pa., has a detective camera to ex. ne for a complete printing outfit or for best offer. MISCELLANEOUS.—Samuel E. Lyon. 3415 Third ave., New York city, has two pounds of job type, a crab net, a gold-plated watch chain, said to have been worn by Gen. Phil Sheridan, some imitation gold pens, and 1 genuine gold pen, and a large variety of reading matter for musical instrn- ments or other goods. MISCELLANEOUS,—R. C. Eickey, 1708'Tacoma ave., Tacoma, Wash., has a fine violin, young naturalist’s microscope, a small spy-glass, a good silver watch-chain, a burning glass, cigarette and tobacco cards, and dime novels to exchange fora camera, 4x5, for film and glass plates, or best offer. PRINTING PRESS. — Chas. Boessel, West Union, Iowa, has a sejf-inking printing press and complete outfit, and boys’ papers to exchange for offers. All letters answered. PAPERS,.—Harry Nash, Chattanooga, Tenn., has 30 juvenile papers to exchange for other papers. Write for particulars. ‘ BOYS’ PAPERS.—Richard Yockisch, 10 Moore street, Cincinnati, O., has boys’ papers to exchange for Columbian or foreign stamps. BICYCLE.—C. H. Murray, Oglethorpe, Ga., has a pneumatic tired bicycle in extra fine condition to exchange for a standard make of typewriter in extra fine condition. PAPERS.—R. C. La Rue, Columbus, Kansas, has story papers, 4 25c, novels, a dark lantern, one pair skates, size 1044, a@ hand printing outfit with ink, cost $2, to exchange for Columbian stamps or old U.S. stamps. BOYS’ PAPERS.—William Enney, Newtonville, Mass., has boys’ papers to exchange for others. Write for particulars. PRINTING PRESS.—H. A. Hoyt, 909 W. Polk st., Chicago, Ill., has a printing press, 4x6, fora collection of U. S. or foreign stamps. He will give 100 foreign for 100 1c. Columbian stamps, and 200 for 25 3c., or 300 for 15 6c. Columbian stamps. RLOROSCOPE.—Willie Grant, Room.301 Dooly Bik., Salt Lake, Utah, has a fine floroscope for best offer in Columbian stamps, or a World’s Fair souvenir spoon for a 50c. Columbian stamp in good condition. BOOKS.—Geo. Guernsey, La Grange, T1) will ex- change new books tor a tennis racket in good con- dition. Write for particulars, FRAMED PICTURES.—A. D, Ravely, Edgeley, N. Dak., has two large pictures, glassed and framed, : aes for a guitar of equal value. Write * rst. . MISCELLANEOUS.--Roland Perry, 3749 Dear- born street, Chicago, Ill, has printer’s saw, life and adventures of ontlaws, bound, for boys’ papers or other reading matter. PAPERS.—Tom McGiffin, Sandcoulee, Mont., will exchange 5 foreign stamps for every cigarette card, or one boys’ paper for every 5 cigarette cards, 10 story papers for cigarette album. MISCELLANEOUS,—H. D. Howell, Jr., Middle- town, Del., has coins, stamps, 200 stamp papers, History of the United States, postage stamps, books and magazines to exchange for back numbers of boys’ papers. READING MATTER.—C. A. Baldauf. Corsi- cana, Tex., has 100 boys’ papers, 50 five cent novels, and 7 magazines to exchange for type, or a ty pe- writer. READING MATTER.—F¥. Cibby, Sanford, Me., has a large quantity of boys’ libraries for same; also rnbber stamps for boys’ papers, libraries, etc. Write first, with list. a ieee : PICTURES.—John McDonald, 609 Sacramento st., San Francisco, Cal., hasa fine collection of pic- tures of famous pugilists, with records; sporting pooks, etc., to exchange for tights, boxing gloves, or banjo, etc. ; READING MATTER.—Wm. Gorman, No. 235 Dorchester st., S. Boston, Mass., has. boys’ papers, books and novels to exchange for best offer. All letters answered. READING MATTER.—Geo. Secour, No. 1149 Bedford ave., Brooklyn, N. Y., has $5 worth of boys’ papers, novels and bound books to exchange for 25e. and 50c. novels in good condition. BOYS’ PAPERS.—Charles H. Henken, No. 75 Park st., Hackensack, N.J., has a volume of boys’ papers to exchange for a banjo instruction book; also four volumes of boys’ papers for a guitar, man-— dolin or other stringed instrument, © f STAMPS.—Jas. Deegan, Trenton, N. J., has 500 foreign stamps and a fine book to exchange for Columbian stamps of over 15c. issne. : . FLUTE.—L. A. Chamberlain, Brookfield, Mo., has a good fiute, valued at about $2, and 100 post- marks, all different, to exchange for United States and foreign postage stamps. AlJl letters answered, MAGIC LANTERN SLIDES.—William Ver- beck, Ballston Spa, N. Y., has one dozen magic lan- tern slides to exchange for boys’ papers. Write for — particulars, ; ; * ——_2-—_— CLUB NOTICES. The Internationgl Philatelic Society, GOOD News | Branch, wants members in every State to act as representatives. All members have the use of all the society’s departments, and a year’s subserip- tion to the Philatelic Herald, free of charge. The dues are 20 cents @ year, with the entire use of any of the society’s departments. If you want to join, sendin your initiation fee, 5 cents, anda two cent stamp, and we will let you knoWthe particulars. Address C. C. 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SERIAL STORIES, “Shorthand Tom,” by Edward Strate- meyer. x “The Camp in the Snow,” by William Murray Graydon. ‘Zig-Zag, the Boy Conjurer,” by Victor St. Clair. “Won at West Point,” by Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry. ‘Wheeling for Fortune,” by James Otis. “Out With Commodore Decatur,” by J. Gibson Perry, U.S. N. “The Electric Air and Water Wizard,” by Emerson Bell. SHORT STORIES. “The Dicksons,” by Max Adeler. “A Clever Conviction,” by George “The New Boy,” by **Ned.” REGULAR DEPARTMENTS. *Short Talks With the Boys,” by Arthur Sewall. “Ticklets,” by Uhas. W. Foster. . “Mail Bag,” ‘‘Puzzle Corner,” “Exchaoge _ Department,” “Clab Notices,” etc. — Th Beane. ee New Stories IN THREE WEEKS! This week we commence a thrilling serial ‘by Epwarp Srratemeyer, entitled ‘“Snort- HAND Tom; or, THe Exprorrs or a Youne | REPORTER.” IN OUR NEXT, LEFT IN CHICAGO; PLUCKY BOYS FROM-THE MIDWAY By ENRIQUE H. LEWIS. A captivating story of ‘doings in and around Chicago during the last days of the | Great Exposition and afterward. A_ tale ~ full of excitement from the first chapter to the last. > ; ee —-—: IN NUMBER 198 — ONE WEEK LATER, STOLEN GOLD; bere , OR, The Brightest Messenger Boy inBoston, By ARTHUR M. WINFIELD. SAN absorbing detective story by an author _ who is a prime favorite with our readers, — a ee SL THE DICKSONS. BY MAX ADELER,. > ON MAN named Barker was telling YEXY a story about a friend of his named 3, Aleck Dickson: “Both of ’em was in thé show business—Aleck and his brother Bob. I vever knew Bob, but Aleck told me be used to travel around down in Lou- isiana with a pet alligator that he’d tamed. He used to get a crowd in the tent, and then he’d knock that alli- gator on the nose two or three times, for a signal, and it’d open its jaws wide, and Bob’d cratvl in head foremost, and lay there kicking his legs out in the air to let the people see that he was enjoying himself. And that alligator, mind yon, all the time keeping its mouth open, and never appearing to be hungry for any- thing. And one day, when Bob was in there—it was on a Saturday—the crowd was standing around, watching him kick his legs, when a thought seemed to strike the alligator, and ail of a sudden, its jaws shut together with a snap, and there was Bob Diekson’s two legs laying out on the floor, with all the kick gone out of them, while the other halt of him was reposing down inside of that alliga- tor. Et him, be George! Et him right ap, that pet alligator that he’d been travel- ing with for years! And Aleck told me that what surprised him most was t’ ob- serve that the alligator bit him in half exactly above his suspender buttons, just so’s to miss his sowie-knife and revolver, which the animal knew mighty well were indigestible and liable to go off among his insides. Aleck said he consid- ered that the greatest exhibition of brute instinct he ever see. He said he felt a higher respect for alligators than he ever did before. . “Oh! if Aleck could only have known! Well, well! That kind of luck seems to run in families, like red hair. For pretty soon after -this Aleck gave up his position as a rider in Barnum’s circus and began to run a show 9f hisown, with a tame grizzly bear. Now, most other men would have taken warning by Bob, but what must Aleck do but get to per- forming with that bear. Aleck’d hug the bear, and the bear’d hug Aleck, like brother and sister. Then they’d dance together, and roll over. together, and carry on that way. -And just before the show'd close, Aleck’d put his head into the bear’s mouth, and the bear’d stand there and wink at the audience, as much | aS to say, ‘I’ve a big notion to eat him,’ But he never did, not fora year or two, anyway—until one day, at Omaha, while Aleck was practicing with the bear ina barn, the bear, in a fit of absent-minded- ness, suddenly ef him up clean. After a while the folks in, the tavern come out and began to ask, ‘ Where’s Dickson?’ and they got it around through the country that -he’d been murdered. So that raised an awful excitement, and the people all turned out to hunt for the murderer. When they searched in the barn, there was the bear standing up agin the feed- box, looking awful sick, The hostler he said it was grief. He said bears always took on that way about their dead friends. And so, while they were standing there pitying the poor brute, the bear leaned over and spit out a pair of corduroy trousers and acowhide boot. Then di- rectly it spit out a bunch of keys, and a pocket-comb, and wooden leg. Then they knew that he'd swallered Aleck; and they were just about to shoot him, when they heard three or four dull thuds on the bear’s interior, a few puffs of smoks come out of his mouth, and he rolled over and died. It was Aleck’s revolver. The trig- ger must ’ve ketched: in his ribs and set it off. They sifted Aleck out of him and buried him, and they served up the bear for lunch at the tavern. Those Dicksons seemed to have a talent for being bittin in half, now, didn’t they? But blamé me, if I’d a-been Aleck, if I wouldn’t rather thrown flip-flaps in the cireus any time, rather than gone a-fooling with that bear, 3 HIS WANTS. Tramp—“ Please, rmum, would yer be so kind as to let me have a needle and thread?” Mrs. Suburb—“ Well, y-e-s, I can let you have that.” : “Trankee, mum. Now, you d oblige me vefy much if you’ll let me have a bit of cloth for a patch.” “Well, here is some.” . “Thankee, mum; but it’s a different color from. my travelin’ suit. Perhaps, mum, yer could spare me some of yer husband’s old clothes that this patch will match.” it “Well, I declare! I'll give you an old suit, however. Here it is.” “Thankee, mum, large, mum; but if-yer’}l kindly furnish me with a meal, maybe I can fill it out,” I see it’s a little pT IALKS HOR BOYS escalate rete BY ARTHUR SEWALL, J.C. L., San Francisco, Cal., writes: “I am sixteen years old, and havea fairly good edu- cation; aim 5 feet 64g inches tall, and weigh 130 pounds. Ihave been working with my father as a tailor for over three years, but it does not agree with my health,.as I have weak lungs, | aim also learning the violin, which I learn very rapidly. { have good taste for music, and would like to be aimusician. Must a musician bea healthy person? What would you advise me to do?” Perfect health is desirable in any trade or profession, but if one does not possess this boon he must do the best he can un- der existing circumstances. ; As to your sticking to the tailoring trade, we would hardly advise you to do so for the reason that the position of the body in tailoring is very injurious to the system, If you have a genuine taste for music, and firmly believe you can master the violin, whien, by the way, is the king of all musical instruments, and the most difficult to play well, become a musician by all means. But if you are half-hearted in the mat- ter, if music and the violin does not seem to absorb your whole being, as the poets would put it, leave the profession and the art alone, for the world is full of ordinary players, who just manage to scrape along and no more. L. S., Cambridgeport, Mass., writes: ‘I.am sixteen years of age, with no high education, and am working ina factory for six dollars a week, but have little chance of adyancement. I wish TI could become a business man, or at least learn a geod and profitable trade. IT have also a strong desire to study, and would return to schoolif you could advise me how to earn something while doing so. I further beg of you to give me your opinion of the soap-mak- ing and the drug businesses, and tell me the best and easiest way to learn either of thei.” The only way that you can earn money while attending schooi is to obtain some- thing to do during your leisure hours. live boy can pick up many an odd dollar, if he is willing to work, and keeps his eyes and ears open. Private families often want boys to run errands, clean up gar- dens, and the like, and _ store-keepers sometimes employ extra help for evenings and Saturdays. We cannot particularly recommend the soap-making trade. Most of the soap now manufactured is turned out by large con- cerns according to private receipts, and the man or boy at work in a soap factory generally sticks at just one branch of the trade. Of course, there are some who by push and the inventing of new and im- proved methods of soap-making, get ahead and make money, but they are the excep- tions to the rule. The drug business is a good one, and a registered druggist has far more chances of getting on in this world than a soap- maker. To become a drug clerk, if you cannot attend’a college of pharmacy, you must enter to learn with sotne regular druggist.. After you have. studied with him for a certain josatn of time you will have to pass an examination, and will then be granted a certificate as a regis- tered druggist. While learning you will receive from $2 to $6 per week, and after you have passed, you can command $12 per week up. A SUBSCRIBER, Rahway, N. J., writes: “IT am desirous of going to some other part of the country. Will you please give me a little ad- vice about the thing? Tam willing to go out West, or down South, or anywhere where I ean make some money. Doyou think a young man like me could make any money in Florida with- ont much capital, say picking oranges and strawberries, and working my wayup. And will you please tell me how much profit there is in orange groves ?” There are in this country thousands of men and boys who have a great desire to leave their native place, and try their luck elsewhere, They have no money or trade, and very vague.notions of what they intend to do when they arrive at their destination. Some few of these folks succeed in life. They have the happy knack or luck of “falling on their feet,” and the pluck and endurance to take hold and push on to success. But they are only the few. The xreat majority make a dead failure of their ventures, and” at the end of one, three, or six months are glad enough to get, home again, or otherwise. join the great army of the unemployed, and _ be- come, sooner or later, tramps, It is no easy matter to go to a new place, and, without influence, get a start faite: Every village, town, and city in the United States to-day has its unem- poae labor, skilled. and unskilled, and t is hard for a stranger to gain.an open- ing unless he has money, a Now again, if you have money, it is as likely that you can do as well with it at home as you can anywhere. Of course, , there may be better chances elsewhere, but you cannot embrace them unless you hawve been on the ground some time, and that, you see, takes capital in the first place, and let us add that the acquiring of experience eats up dollars faster than any other thing makes way with them. The orange grove business in Florida has, we believe, been much overrated, If you buy a young grove you will have to © “a spend several years of labor upon it be- fore it becomes productive. If you do zot care for it properly it may die away on your hands. And even if you raise a good crop, the market is apt to drop iu price, and then returns from commission merchants will hardly cover out ays. Our advice to you is to think twice before you make a move. Study our whole coun- try well, and when you have settled ona ~ s place to go to—that is, if you wil) not remain at home—find out all you can about it—through the newspapers pub- lished there, and otherwise. Perhaps when you view matters in detail they will not look so rosy. c. M, W. B., San Antonio, Tex., writes: ‘I would like to be a good reciter. I know a pum- ber of pieces, but I’m afraid that I don't give these very well at present. Vy ing to you is to ask if it is possible to learn to become a good elocutionist.” You may learn to recite verse fairly well by constant practice, but unless you have a special faculty for the art you will never go beyond that. A master of elo- cution puts the question in this way: Can people who have.no natural gift— the very people, therefore, who are most in need of help—be taught to speak well, in the pulpit, the reading-desk, at the © bar, and in the House? ; “Certain masters of elocution,” he con- tinues, “would emphatically answer, ‘Yes.’ But I fear that, for my. part, 1 want further proof than thot. T have watched and observed much, and I own that I am in doubt if I can echo that yes with any heartiness, I think it is to Gou- nod that a phrase I much love is accred- — ited: ‘You can only teach those who know.’ It is a paradox; but, like many paradoxes, it holds a truth. Given a gift of dramatic utterance taught. . Without it, i think ft is best to leave the matter where it is, and not — make it barder by added effort and self- — consciousness, and~ poorer by the loss of the one dramatic characteristic it may — at least possess—individuality.” o The master of the art is here speaking — not so much of the elocutionary training ~ for the stage as of the declamatory art of the lawyer, the clergyman, the lecturer, the Member of Congress; but his obser- vations may very well apply to the re-— citer. The best advice we can give you may be put in a nutshell. Thoroughly | master the poem you wish to recite, Then try to the best of your ability to reflect | that meaning as clearly and as naturally as you can to your audience. A Boston Boy writes: “I am seventeen years old, andam at present working in @ prominent business house of this city at a salary of ten dollars a week. I started ina ~ year ago at four dollars a week. [now occupy | avery hard and responsible position. I get along very well with my employers, and enjoy their confidence in everything. Friends of mine in the same establishment say that I will never be able to get more than fifteen dollars a week out of it, Ihave had a grammer school education, but very much desire to enter col-- lere. Will you please inform me about the free system of scholarship in the country? I would prefer a military edueation, and wonld do anything in order to get into West Point. Will you advise me through your paper if I had better leave ny present position and work my way along through college? I think nowadays a fellow don’t stand any show unless he has al education.” You are right about the education, the more one has the easier it is to pamntons in life, old fogies and know-alls to the contrary. A good, liberal education is the best possible capital a young man can Ifave, and it is worth struggling for, worth a sacrifice, No matter what else you do, obtain the education you desire, if it is possible. ; 4 As to getting into West Point, write to_ our representative in Congress, asking. tii for an appointment. Probably he intends to grant such to the one passing the best examination, and he will inform you when and where the examination will be held. This is the only way to enter the nationa] military academy. Concerning the systems of free scholar- ships in thecountry, you had betterapply to the various collegesfor full] particulars, Each has certain restrictions, altered from time to time. You must be your own judge when it : comes to leaving or remaining at your present employment, Can you atford to leave? Have you the grit to struggle along for several years until your object. in life is attained? ¢ SprcraAL Norick.—Many_ communica- tions, improperly addressed to this de-— petkiest are answered in the “Mail ag, My object in writ- 7 everything can bes ee OG Ns (This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form. } FP THE CAMP IN THE SNOW; O} The Plucky Flunters > vs of the Maine Woods. BY WILUIAM MURRAY GRAYDON, Author of “From Lake to Wilder 1ess,” “In Fort and Prison,” ete. [“TIm CAMP IN THE SNOW” was commenced in N¢ Aveuts j CHAPTER VII. THROUGH THE- ICE. < | *) APPILY the wolf was not the| 14. least frightened member of the ‘ party. His plunge through space | = had been unintentional, and when he rolled off into one corner of the cabin, © Save a howl! of terror. Brick and Hamp gathered themselves up Ton the pine boughs, Where the blow had Cumbled them. The) €lt sure that they Were lost; they ex- bected to be instantly torn limb from lim). “Stand aside,” yelled Jerry, as he stepped M front of his com- Panions. mh . There was no time to Shoot, for the wolf ad turned in despera- tion, and was in the &Ct of rushing at his co ee enemies, erry clubbed his Tifle and let drive. Phud! the heavy stock landed on the brute’s head and tumbled him Over in a heap. “Hurrah!” shouted Hamp and Brick, in One breath, as they Tushed to the attack. r the wolf was a tena- Clous fellow, and he Strugsled desperately Orise. Sorely wound- €d though he. was, he actually managed to Set upon his feet. Then # charge of buckshot Yom Jerry’s gun set- tled him for good and all, and he rolled over ifeless, The whole affair transpired in about a Minute,and the plucky } lads next turned their attention to the peril that. threatened them rom overhead, Two howling brutes Were digging and tear- My at the hole in the Toof, Their Jolling red Ongues and white { teeth glistened in the fire light. The rest of le pack yelped and Scurried around the Cabin, as though they | Knew that th feast Would soon be ready. “We'll ftx those fel] Ows, never tear,” Panted Jerry. He and Hamp lifted Meir shot-guns and | fired together,straight at the glaring eyes and hungry jaws. With a yelp of agony ». 194. Back “The siege,” shouted Jerry, and witticism proved indeed true, The pack around the cabin gave voice the | to the fading howls of their kindred, and then scurried off into the forest at full tear. or a time the lads could scarcely real ize their good fortune. Then, with thank | ful hearts, they pulled thesled away from the door and crept out, fire had burnt low, and they hur- wn }s ite alt ‘lu 55 om One of the brutes rolled fom the roof and Crashed heavily to the SYound. The other was invisible when | the smoke cleared; he must have leaped | Yack upon the rock, m, Lhe boys were cheered by their victory. Chey reloaded their weapons and waited, keeping an eye on all vulnerable spots, “This wild be something worth remem- bering, if we come through it all right,” Said Brick. “Morning can’t be many hours off,” » dded Hamp. “The pack will be sure to j £0 then,” But the brave lads werespared the hor- Tors of a further siege. All at once the Wolves became strangely silent, and the boys heard a rushing noise far back in the forest, mingled with a chorus of faint f Owls. The sound came closer, and then Yeered off in another direction, growing More and more indistinct. “Listen !” whispered Jerry, holding up & warning finger. “There goes another | Pack of wolves—after a deer or some- thing. Hear them tear through the for est. ['m glad they’re not headed this| Way.” | “So am I,” assented Brick, “Hullo! What’s up now?” ALL PULLED TOG numbers can be obtained of all News | “For me, too,” added Brick, uneasily. “Well, I don’t you want to move to-night,” declared Jerry. “We can talk about it in the morning. I think I could sleep for twenty-four hours | straight ahead now.” “But how about the hole | questioned Brick. “It won't | bed and leave that open. | might jump down on us.’ Oro aG might rain or | Hamp. | “It won’t do either,” asserted Jerry, |“ but I’m not so positive about the cata- mount, | the roof to-night. Come, fellows, it won’t take long.” Jerry mounted the rock, and then | climbed partly outon the roof. The others procured hatchets and started toward a copse of young timber that lay behind the cabin, “You'll need another won’t you?” asked Hamp. “Yes, one of these is broken,” Jerry re- plied. “Cut it thick.” suppose do to go to The catamount snow,” added prop or two, to hack at it. Brick struck in now and ETHER, IT WAS A TIME OF TERRIBLE SUSPENSE. TWICE JERRY WAS ALMOST OUT TWICE THE EDGE OF THE ICE BROKE, LETTING HIM SLIP BACK, riedly stacked it with fresh fuel. Two dead wolves layin the ravine, and the one inside the cabin made three. The bodies were dragged down the hollow and pitched into a gully between two rocks. | “Let them lay there for the present,” | ‘said Jerry. “In the morning I’ll take the scalps off. We'll get bounty for them.” Encouraged by the brightness of the fire, the boys crept up the slope and looked at the picked bones of the deer, ! and at the wolves that the catamount had killed. “Pretty clean work,” observed The catamount may pounce on us at any minute. There’s the tree he jumped into.” , “But he’s not there now,” replied Jerry. “T think he’s had enough of this locality, and won’t troubleus any more. No danger of the wolves coming back, either.” “There is, if the severe weather keeps |up,” said Hamp, as they returned to the fire, “It wouldn’t be a bad idéa to cross the lake again, anc do our hunting be- tween Moosehead and Chesumcook. This neighborhood is too near Canada and the home of the wolves for me,” Hamp. | “TI don’t care to stay here long, though. | then. Upon the roof Jerry rearranged the disordered layers of pine and spruce boughs. The boys anticipated a quick completion of the work and then a much- | needed sleep. “Help! “Help!” The cry came from a pair of lusty and | vigorous lungs. Their owner was evi- dently some distance out on the lake and directly opposite the-camp. Jerry sprang back .to the rock, and thence to the ground,-landing directly | between his companions. Again the appeal fcr help rang out, mingled with a blood-curdling screech. Then followed a hoarse, quayering noise that sounded only half human. “Some one is in peril out there,” ex- claimed Jerry. “It must he one of those strange men. The catamount hasattacked him. We-have got to rescue him, fel- lows.” “And mighty quick, at that,” added Hamp. “Come on.” The boys ran back to the cabin, where each grabbed a rifle. Then they sped down the ravine and out on the slippery ice. The strange, unearthly noise was fellows | in the roof?” It will be only prudent to repair | Hamp chose a likely sapling and began | 3129 | twice repeated before they were twenty | feet from land. | “It sounds like a college yell, only a good deal worse,” declared Brick. | “I°ll bet 1 know what it is,” replied |Hamp., “The man has no rifle, and he’s | crying to scare the catamount off by screeching at it. I’ve heard of old trap- pers doing that.” “ And it often succeeds; too,” said Jerry. “There, the fellow is calling for help again. “Hold on, we’re coming!” Hamp, at the top of his voice. An answering hail floated back on the wind, and was speedily diowned by an ear-splitting yowl frony the catamount. The boysran onand on. As yet noth- ing was visible in the deep gloom ahead. “T wish we had brought a lantern,” | panted Hamp. “Too late to think of that now,” repiied | Jerry. “We've got to face the music in |the dark, If it comes to close quarters, |1’1] shoot at the catamount first. You | fellows be ready in case J miss.” A moment later the figure of a man loomed out of the misty gray atmosphere thirty yards’ in ad- vance of the boys. He was running toward them at full speed, and brandishing a gun. When the man came a little closer, the pur- suing catamount could be seen bounding along behind. Sudden- ly the man stopped. He turned around and yelled savagely. The beast also stopped, and squatted on the ice. The boys now came up with the stranger, shouted who welcomed them gladly. “You are just in time,” he panted. “I couldn’t have held out much longer. My rifle dropped in the snow, and is. good for noth- ing. Shoot the crea- ture, if you can.” At sigbt of the res- cuers, the catamount had swerved to one side, and was. now creeping along in a half cirele, evidently afraid toventure nearer. Jerry took aim—un- erringly, as be thought —and pulled the trig- ger. He missed, how- ever, and when- Brick and Hamp fired with no better success, the beast retreated with great leaps, “Don’t let him get away,” yelled Jerry, excitedly. “As longas he’s alive, he’ll give us trouble. We’ve got to finish him up now. Come on, fellows.” Off dashed the Jad on a run, and Brick and Hamp followed, They skimmed over a dozen yards of ice and then siackened speed, Just ahead was a small, bluish spot, but none noticed it, “Confound the beast !” exclaimed Jer- ry. “TI never saw any- thing slide out of sight so quickly.” He ran on for several yards, heedless of his peril. Then’ he struck the thin shell of ice on }an air-hole, and like a flash, he vanished i from the eyes of his horrified companions, ee” OF WATER, AND CHAPTER VIII. | MR. RAIKES, OF PORTLAND. WHE catastrophe was one of appall- ~ ing swiftness. Brick and Hamp WL could scarcely realize what had happened. The hole that had swal- ‘lowed Jerry up yawned at their very feet. It was less than two feet iff diameter, | and its edges were jagged. The surface of | the deep, blue water went swirling around j}and around, as though an under-current existed. Doubtless there was one, and it | had sucked Jerry far down. He did not | reappear, thongh the bovs strained their eyes on the fatal spot. Ten seconds went | by—twenty—half a minute. | Hamp uttered a groan of agony. | “Jerry, Jerry!” he cried aloud. ; “Look ont!” exclaimed Brick, as he dragged him back. “You’ll go in, too. , It’s all up with poor Jerry. There’s no honpe—-not an atom.” His voice quavered and hroke; he 3180 dashed a tear from his eye. Hamp was crying, too. Loud sobs burst from his bosom. Just then the stranger reached the spot. He had seen the accident from a distance. “Which one was “Whichone? Tell me his name, quick, It was a strange request, and he spoke in eager, excited tones. But the boys were too much concerned to notice such a trifle. “It—it was Jerry,” sobbed Hamp. “Jerry who?” “Jerry—Jerry Brenton.” “Brenton? Ah!” The man’s voice and manner showed intense relief. “Poor fellow,” he added. “Nothing can be done to help him. ‘The water is deep, anc he must have been carried far under the ice. Where is the catamount—the author of all the mischief?” x alhis was a heartless question, and the boys were too indignant toreply. At such a moment they would have cared little for a dozen catamounts. “Oh! oh!” moaned Hamp. “Poor Jerry ! What shall we do? What shall we do?” So utter and hopeless was their despair that what followed seemed at first like a dream, They heard a crackling sound, and then a plaintive cry. It was really Jerry’s voice, calling faintly for help from a distance. Brick was the first to notice a dark blot some twenty feet out on the ice. He rushed toward it with a yell of delight, followed by Hamp aad the stranger. The dark blot was Jerry’s head and shoulders. The rim of broken ice fitted close to his armpits, and his outstretched hands were clutching at the glossy sur- it?” he demanded. ” ace. “Help! help!” he cried, in a weak and aes voice. “I’m going under again, ellows.” “No you ain't,” shouted Hamp. “ We’ll save you, Hold on a minute.” “Don’t go too near by yourself,” warned Jerry. “The ice will break.” “That’s so,” cried Brick, giving one hand to Hamp. The stranger, in turn, took hold of Brick, and_ thus a triply- strong line was formed. Hamp went for- ward on his knees until he was able to grasp one of Jerry’s hands, All pulled together. It was a time of terrible suspense. Twice Jerry was al- most out of water, and twice the edge of the ice crumbled, letting him slip back. Fortunately Hamp did not break through. He bravely withstood the strain, and, at last, a mighty effort pulled Jerry out beside him, and he was dragged to a place of safety. Hamp rubbed his arm, “T thought the muscles were going to crack,” he said. “{t was an awful strain. But I would have lost both arms sooner than see you drown, Jerry.” “Better get the lad back to the camp- fire at once,” suggested the stranger, This was good advice, for Jerry was simply speechless with cold. His face and hands were blue, and he shivered like a leaf as he stood with Sens clothes. Hamp and Brick took Jerry betweeen them, and away they sped for camp. The stranger followed, and he was close be- hind the others when they reached the fire. The boys now saw him clearly, for the first time, as he stood in the light ot the flames. The man was about thirty years old, with brown hair anda slight yellowish mustache. His face was good humored and rather prepossessing. He wore gray trousers, and a short but heavy overcoat. was buttoned up to his throat. : “You’ve got dry clothes for the lad?” he asked. “Yes; each of us has an extra suit,” replied Hamp. i e and Brick bustled in and out of the cabin, and in a brief time they had Jerry attired in dry garmen‘s. His lips were still blue, and he shivered as though he had a chill. The boys wrapped him in ~ blankets, and made him sit close up to ' the firé, Then they heaped on quantities of wood, until the roaring flames were _ leaping high. a The stranger took a small flask from his pocket and wfenched a metal cup from the end. Into the latter he poured a few ares of a reddish liquor, “Drink this, lad,” he said, handing the cup to Jerry, who drained it hastily and made a wry face, “What imit?” he asked, “Brandy, and prime stuff, at that. It’s thirty years old.” Jerry shivered to think what the stuff would have tasted like, had it been twice asold, . ae It was just what he needed, however, and in‘a short time the shivering ceased, and the color came back to his cheeks, “How do you feel now?” asked Hamp. “Splendid, it’s awfully snug and warm under these blankets. I’il bet you fellows eee were scared when I went through the “Well, I should say so,” replied Brick. “We never expected to see you again. How did you get to that hole, anyhow?” Goo)n “It was presence of inind did that,” de- clared Jerry. “ You see, as soon as,I broke through, a sort of an under-current sucked me deep down and to one side. I opened my eyes and began to swim. I came up witha bump, and then I knew I was clear under the ice. I saw a gray streak away off in front of me, I knew it must be the light shining through an air-hole, and swam for it. Then I went up head first, and you fellows know the rest. My rifle is at the bottom of the lake, though.” “We've got guns enough without it,” replied Hamp. “Don’t worry about that. You can be mighty glad that you’re not beside the rifle, Jerry.” “lt was, indeed, a most marvelous es- cape,” said the stranger. “Had this brave lad been drowned, I should have put the blame upon myself. It was to saveeme from the catamount that you lads ven- tured out on the lake. “T only wish we had killed the brute,” grumbled Jerry. “Yes, it is unfortunate that he got away,” admitted the stranger. “But I forget that I have not yet introduced my- self. I hope you will overlook my care- lessness. My name is Silas Raikes, and I hail from Portland, Maine. Lam camping a mile or two from here with a friend. His name is Joe Bogle, and he belongs in Augusta. We are out on a little prospect- ing expedition.” The boys nodded. “Some hours ago we were attacked by wolves, but managed to drive them off. When we heard shots alittle later, we knew that there must be other campers near by, and that they were in peril. So I left Joe to guard camp, and came to your assistance. But, as it so happened, the tables were turned, and I was the one to need help. My rifle was useless from a fall in the snow, and the catamount very nearly captured me,” “Then we are square all round,” said Brick, iaughingly. “ We’re much obliged to you for your good intentions, all the same. If you had come a little sooner, you would have seen some lively times.” He went on to describe, in a graphic manner, the thrilling events of the night. Mr, Raikes” took a keen interest in the tale, and overwhelmed the boys with praise. “T should be glad to know such _ brave lads more intimately,” he said, “Let me see. Have I forgotten your names al- ready?” “T guess you never knew them,” replied Hamp, with outspoken candor. “My name is Foster, and over there is Jerry Brenton. We are both from Bangor. This fellow is Brick Lurkins, and he lives in New York.” “Jim Larkins,” corrected Brick, with a roguish’ look at Hamp. “Larkins, Larkins,” repeated Mr. Raikes, as he thoughtfully rubbed his forehead. “Where have I heard that name? Ah, yes., Surely you are no rela- tion of John Larkins, the wealthy con- tractor of Lexington avenue, New York ?” “His son, that’s all,” replied Brick. “Do you know him?” “T have met him in a business way. And so you are his son? Well, I am glad to make your acquaintance, Your object is hunting, I presume?” “We started out with that intentiun,” replied Brick, “but so far the wolves and the catamounts and the deer have been hunting us.” | The boys laughed, and Mr. Raikes {eined in heartily. He took a cigar from nis pocket and lighted it with a glowing ember. ay CHAPTER IX. THE GREAT STORM, noo R. RAIKES proved to be a very | affable and genial sort of a man. He chatted with the boys for ; some time, and asked them a great deal about their plans. Not once, however, did he refer to the business that had brought himself and Mr. Bogle into the wilderness, “Isn't this a queer time of the year to g0 prospecting?” inquired Jerry, during a lapse in the conversation. “I thought summer was the right season.” Mr. Raikes’ blue eyes expressed mild surprise, as he turned to the speaker. “This is- just the time for our line of business,” he replied ; and if he ever spoke the truth in his life, he spoke it then. “We'll make out all right if the weather holds good,” he added, hastily. “T’m a little afraid there’s a snow squall coming, though, The air just feels like it.’ It’s not nearly so cold as when I started.” ; “That’s so,” exclaimed Hamp. feel it getting warmer.” “You’d think it was downright hot if you were in my place,” declared Jerry. ‘I’m actually sweating.” “That’s the best thing for you,” said Mr, Raikes, “only don’t take cold after it. Well, Il must be off. You boys want to sleep, and suppose Joe is getting anxious about me. Of course we will see “T can NEWE. each other again, since we are such near neighbors ?” Without waiting for a reply, Mr. Raikes shouldered his gun and _ strode down the ravine, Tke boys shouted good- by after him, and watched until he dis- appeared in the gloom. “Not a bad sort of a fellow,” com- mented Brick, “He has mighty restless eyes,” said Hamp. “When they weren’t looking at you, they were searching around the camp.” “T noticed that he watched Brick pretty sharply,” put in Jerry. “He was a mighty talkative fellow. Come to think of it, he found out everything about us, and didn’t tell us a scrap about himself,” Here the discussion of the departed Mr. Raikes ended, for the boys were too sleepy to think of anything else. Brick looked at his watch and uttered a gasp of surprise, “ Half-past three o’clock ! be morning.” “Theroof of the cabin must be fixed be- fore we go to bed,” cried Jerry. “It may snow at any time. You fellows will have to manage it, for I won’t dare stir about till I get over this sweat,” Brick and Hamp undertook the con- tract, and, by following Jerry’s instruc- tions, they completed the work in a very few minutes. Then they dragged a big log down the ravine and put in on the It will soon re. The night faded, and dawn came. It was a dreary sort of a dawn, at best, for the weather had changed in a truly ter- rific manner. At mid-day the tired boys were still slumbering, blissfully ignorant of the warring elements outside. The afternoon advanced, and it was well toward evening when Brick yawned, stretched himself, and sat up. He looked at his watch. “Great Scott!’ he ejaculated. ‘After four o’clock! What asleep we’ve had!” Then he noticed a sprinkling of snow on the pine boughs, and saw quitea layer of it in the front corners of the cabin. A loud humming noise was ringing in his ears, and mingled with it was a deep, sonorous roar. Brick threw off the blanket and crawled to the door. He pulled the sled away and partly lifted the flap of canvas. When he saw a solid wall of snow staring him in the face, he uttered a shout that instantly woke his compan- ions. . “Took out, or we'll havea cave in!” cried Jerry, as he pushed the sled back in place. “Whew! what a storm this is! Just hear the wind roaring!” “How are we going to see out?” asked Hamp. : For answer, Jerry took an ax and chopped a small, oblong hole in the front wall of the cabin, at the height of five feet trom the ground. The boys crowded in front of it and looked out. To say that they were astonished and alarmed, would but feebly express’ their feelings. The snow_ was level with the hole, and lay to the depth of five feet all through the ravine. The air was white with swirling flakes, and the lofty trees to right and left were creaking and groan- ing in the teeth of a tremendous gale. Fortunately the storm was_ blowing from the north-east, and thus the cabin was effectively screened by the upper bank of the ravine. Had it been exposed, even pe to the gale, it would have been demolished long ago. Jerry stuffed an old coat into the hole to shut out the bitterly cold air that fil- tered through. “This is a pretty ugly fix,” he said, gravely, “I hope the storm won’t keep u ” “We’re snug enough in here, at’ any rate,” replied Hamp. “And we canstand a long siege,” added Brick, who was disposed “to be cheerful. To him, a svow-storm suggested onlv the pleasing excitement of winter sports. “We are all right as long as the wind don’t change,” responded Jerry, “but if it does—then ’ good-by to the cabin. The snow itself is not as deep as it looks. The wind blowing -over the bank makes a sort of an eddy behind it, and all this snow in the ravine has drifted. It will keep on drifting, too—higher and higher.” “We'll find a way to pull through,” said Hamp, confidentiy. “I don’t believe the wind is going to change.” “Tt. may nae to the east,” suggested Brick. “That is just what I am afraid of,” re- plied Jerry. “But we won’t borrow trouble before it comes. We have enough on our hands now.” He pointed to the roof, which was sag- int down considerably in the middle. There was evidently a heavy weight of snow on top. © “No way to remedy that,” he added. “We can’t get up therein such a deep snow. Let’s make the best of it, fellows. I’m thankful that I feel well after my cold bath last night.” “If anything happens, those men may help us,” Pigeceees Ham “Not likely,” replied jseernerrsiee anything they’re worse otf than we are Probably they’ve got nothing to shel them but a couple of rocks or a flin lean-to.” ’ “Then I pity them,” declared Brick. “But let’s havesonething to eat, fellows I’m ravenous,” His companions were equally hun All sat down on the straw, and for hall minute noone spoke or moved. An ex pression that was half serious, half com> ical, stole over each face. f Then Hamp opened a tin box and to0 out several dozen biscuit. He unrolled napkin and disclosed about half a poun of chipped beef. He spread these thing significantly in front of his companions: The act was enough to tell the tale. “IT thought so,” exclaimed Brick, d mally. “We’ll starve, sure. What foo we were to leave everything in the sto house.” : “What confounded fools,” echoed Hamp. ~ “But we couldn’t have known what was | going to happen.” a The store-house, it must be explained ‘was a triangular hollow between tw rocks that stood in the center of the popine, half a dozen yards below the- cabin. a Here, snugly covered with one of the sleds, rested most of the provisions—til- ned biscuit and meats, potatoes, flour lard, coffee, pork, and various other art cles. 4 This place had been selected because there was not sufficient room in the cabin. a “We can’t keep alive long on this handful of crackers and beef,” declare” Jerry. “We've got to get at the supplié somehow or other. Light the lantern till” we look about us. Where are the matches?” 4 “In the store-house,” muttered Bri ”’The sealed bottle, I mean. Bat we ha a box here last night. I saw it lying i! that corner.” ae Alas] the corner was heaped up with spow, and when Brick dug out the box it was a sight to be seen. It had heen le 7 partly open, and the heads of the matches” were one sticky mass. , “Look in your pockets,” Jerry fairly shrieked.’ } ; Every pocket was quickly searched, bu to no purpose. Not a match could be found, ; “No light, and hardly any food,” mut- tered Jerry, glaring at the two useless lanterns. “Now we must get to the store- house. There are no two ways about it. I suppose the snow-shoes are with the other traps.” “Yes,” said Hamp, dismally. é “Tf we had them here, we would be al right.” “Can’t we dig a tunnel?” es an suggested — Brick. " “That's just what I’m thinking about, replied Jerry. “It might be done, thoug?, it will take a ae time. The snow is light that I am afraid a tunnel will ca in ” & “Let me try it, anyhow,” said Brick “You'll catch cold if you get into the — snow. Jerry.” a “T’ll attend to the tunneling,” asserte Hamp. “I’m used to that sort of thing Do you remember our snow forts, Jerry Jerry nodded. oe “Do your best, old fellow. Everything © depends on it. Let’s all have a bite t€ gat first.” As he spoke, a sharp, snapping noi was heard above the roar of the stor A terrific crash followed. The cabin qui ered and reeled, and black darkness shu! out the pale gray twilight. (TO BE CONTINUED.) - we RR A BIT “OFF.” A man called at a sub-post-office an@ — tobacconist’s shop combined, in Sout Wales, quite recently, and purchased few ounces of thin “twist” tobacco. ; The young lady weighed out the Te: quired quantity, wrapped it up an@e handed it to him.’ « He had not left the shop half an hou when he rushed back and shouted @ citedly ae 4 “T say, missis, d’ye want to poison me Wotcher call this stuff?” throwing ® — piece of telegraph wire down upon the counter. “I've bin trying to bite a piece — = that there stuff this last quarter of a? Olin It transpired that some telegraph wires which is covered with guttapercha, ve"Y much resembling “twist,” had been lefé on the counter, and the old dame, who is rather short-sighted, had put the wire in the tobaccu-jar, under the impressio? it was twist tobacco. ‘ a crete 6 ip nie y “THERE, there. don’t ery any more, Willie soothingly observed the kind-hearted ministels who had just returned from the funeral of the little fellow’s grandmother. “T ain't erying for granny,” said the sobbing lad. “Why, wh VS Fe i * ails you, then?’ “I’m eryin’’ cause dad’s erry. “I'll beg! orphan, now,” % GooDpD NEw Ss: Si Si OR, E MIDDIES OF 1812. elec iNS tallest By J. GIBSON PERRY, U.S. N. - sheelnset Dieskiptiteaed ' WIth CoMMODORE DECATUR” was com- ed in No. 187, Back numbers can be obtained WS Agents. ] CHAPTER XXVIII. A DASTARDLY DEED, \HE Shouting and tossing of hats, the clapping of hands and the highty cry that arose from the Migate’s decks fairly split the Ss. Nthe brave fellows went to their and poured such a hot and galling t the enemy that he speedily wore dand tried to retreat, 16 was too late. Ppled aloft, the wooden hull pene- d by such a number of round shot Jeseimbled a pepper-box; his crew lated by the American sharp-shoot- dhimself wounded, the commander aw that defeat was theirs, and he down his flag at last. the victorious crew seized one of JUnior officers and bore him on their ne psboulders from deck to deck in > 8 the lad who had restored the , “&wrence Lanyon. €ing brought in this style before Mmodore, the latter shvok his nd said: Rother item in your claim for pro- n, Mr. Lanyon. Keep on with your € deeds, and you will soon com- & ship,” S praise, brief as it was, from his ‘ior Officer, affected Lawrence more , ught else. He knew that Decatur “Rot given to empty words, and that jeant what he said. ention was. now given to the prize. %0at was sent to bring her com- &r for the purpose of receiving his Vie ‘er in a formal manner. €n it returned, the vanquished officer cated on the quarter-deck, and silently “ed his sword to Decatur. as Captain Cardon of His Majesty’s © Macedonian. © crew sent to repair the prize Martin and Lawrence, Ways prompt to place them where Would perfect themselves in their Sion, Decatur chose the two mid- a assist in getting the badly crip- , -cedonian fit for the voyage to New Teaching the. frigate they took im- a te command under a senior lieuten- 4nd mustered the British crew aft © quarter-deck. defeated officers were placed to- Yr, and the roll called. : Was found that fully three score had h killed, and twice as many wounded. et is Was a terrible slaughter when the os AY taken into consideration that of Mericans only five lost their lives, barely seven were injured. Xainining the officers, Lawrence was ached by one of the juniors with the Ucement that he had an important Unication to make. Wing Lanyon aside, the lad whis- d Something in his ear. “ Hearing it, Lawrence stepped back Startled manner, and then beckoned Ttin, who was standing near. ‘ave received some good. news,” he hurriedly. “An old acquaintance of is on board—hiding below in the dn 0 ; the traitor, Lawrence. Was appointed a midshipman in Tvice,” explained the English lad, ~ We had heard of him, and when he Sent to thisship the boys cut him After we surrendered I saw him down below.” tily ordering a couple of seamen to *W them, Martin and his chum ran the berth-deck ladder, hatch leading to the hold was di- eneath this, and they soon en- € apartment, Was so dark that Lawrence ordered the men to bring a lantern. €n it arrived, he immediately began . arch, 5 © place was packed with stores, con- Ng of various casks and boxes, but aa seamen speedily had them Spencer!” inter- g a dark form in one corner, re- from the hatch, Lanyon called out: ‘Ome out of that, you coward, or I'll > S sailor after you. Move lively, object wheeled around suddenly _ ‘€veled a pistol at the middy. Before any one could interfere, there came a blinding flash, immediately fol- owed by aspiteful report, and Lawrence fell headlong to the deck. Uttering a fierce cry of rage and horror, Martin sprang over the barrels and grap- pled with the assassin before he could again use his weapon, In much less time than it takes to write it, Spencer was disarmed and at the mercy of the infuriated middy. “Oh, you cowardly murderer!” cried Martin, elevating his sword. “For that you die!” He would have driven his weapofi through the cowering lad if one of the seamen had not called out at that moment: “He is coming into Lanyon is stili alive. Hastily bidding the men watch Spen- cer, the senior middy knelt at his friend’s side and raised his head. At that moment Lawrence opened his eyes, “What is the-—where am I?” he gasped, endeavoring to scramble erect. In the effort he leaned on his right arm, and instantly sunk back again with a half-stitled cry of pain, “I believe Iam wounded in the shoul- der,” he murmured to Martin. “Where is the cowardly dog that shot me?” “We have him safe enough,” replied the middy, casting a glance of rage at Spencer. “But here, let me lift you up, SaaS and then see if you can walk on eck,” First placing a rude bandage over the place to stop the flow of blood, he assisted the injured lad to his feet and then sup- ported him while they passed up on the spar-deck. The two sailors followed close behind with the would-be assassin. Their appearance attracted instant: at- tention, and, when the facts becaine known, it required the utmost authority on the part of the lieutenant to restrain the American sailors. . They were for immediately hanging the miscreant, and Lawrence had to ask them to leave him to the law before they con- sented. The surgeon of the Macedonian vol- unteered his services, and dressed the injury in a skillful manner, remarking that it was not necessarily serious, but would require a couple of weeks’ rest, Lanyon and Spencer were taken to the frigate in the same boat, and the facts in the case reported to Decatur. When Martin and Lawrence related the story of the lad’s treachery, to the com- modore on rejoining the United States, the latter swore that if he ever captured him it would surely mean a trial and exe- cution. «Now, on finding the opportunity in his hands with the additional crime added, he could scarce restrain his anger. After scoring Spencer in unmeasured terms, he ordered him to be placed in irons in the ship’s prison. Lawrence reluctantly climbed into a hammock in the sick bay, and composed himself for a monotonous siege of it. But ali things mortal have an end, and by the time the frigate with her prize had sighted the American shores, the middy was ready for duty again. Decatur thought it best’ to convoy the Macedonian, as she was in a terribly crippled condition, and compelled to sail under jury-masts. ; However, all went well, and in due time the two vessels arrived off the Long Island coast without,meeting an enemy or undergoing a serious accident. The commodore thought it best to run into New London and refit, but he sent the prize on to New York. After seeing her almost to the Narrows, the frigate was put about and started for the mouth of the Thames. Just.as they passed Block Island a ery came from the masthead that several sail could be seen toward the south-east, Backing the main-yard, Decatur waited until the strangers became plainly visi- ble from the deck. “There were five of them, ‘all large frig- ates. 2 To run out and give them battle single- handed was not to be thought of, so the commodore immediately spread sail for the upper part ot the river. At that time two very efficient forts guarded the approach to New London, so there was little danger of the English ships attempting to cut the frigate out. “By George! but that was a narrow squeeze!” exclaimed Martin to Lawrence and George Gordon on the forecastle. “Yes; a couple of hours longer and we would have found ourselves in a duse of a pickle,” replied the former. “Just imag- ine the old United States in a combat with five craft all larger than her.” “T think the commodore would have fought them, all the same,” spoke up Gordon. “T don’t know,” rejoined Martin, shak- ing his head. “There is a time when conr- age runs into foolhardiness. It is the his senses, sir. Mr. 4 sensible man that knows the dividing line.’ “ Well, you can see what the old man is doing,” said Lawrence, pointedly. “He is taking the safer course.” He was in truth. Every stitch of canvas was set, and the frigate skimmed up the river at’a ten-knot speed. On arriving at a point just inside the upper fort, the anchor was dropped and the ship prepared for a short stay. By order of Mr. Allen, the first lieuten- ant, Lawrence went to the masthead and waiched the approaching fleet. He was accompanied by Winters, and the two kept their glasses leveled at the threatening strangers. “What do you think of that man?” asked Lawrence, suddenly, turning from the English fleet to look at Winters, “ T or" o “Mr. Morris, the chaplain.” The boatswain hesitated for a moment, and then replied: “Well, I don’t believe in criticising the officers, but in my opinion he would bear watching. I hardly know how I got the idea, but I have it, all the same.” “T believe he is in sympathy with the British, and would help them if he could,” exclaimed the middy, firmly. “Several little things have happened that don’t look well in one of his cloth, and, as you say, he needs looking after.” At that moment Lawrence was hailed from the deck, and told to come down. As a precaution the boatswain was ordered to continue the watch until later. On reaching the deck an orderly brought the middy a message from the commo- dore, requesting his presence in the cabin. & Somewhat surprised, Lawrence hast- ened to obey, and on presenting himself, found Decatur busily engaged in poring over a map spread out on the center-table, CHAPTER XXIX A LETTER FROM THE DEAD, 200KING up from his task, he q| -/ greeted the middy with a cordial ‘ long. Wafted over the water on the evening breeze came voices in conversation. They were faint, and the watchful crew in the gig could just barely make out the words. ; “T tell you, Talbott,” said one, “this is miserable business, and I don’t half like Fiae “Oh, it’s- all fair in war!” responded the one addressed. “Any way to conquer these beggars. If some of their own Brees are willing to help us for a few of is Majesty’s shillings, weshouldn’t ob- ect.” : Lawrence grasped Martin’s arm with painful force, “Weare on the right track, old boy,’ he whispered, gleefully, “Now——” He was interrupted by an impatient ex- clamation, “Confound it! Why don’t those people show a light!” cried the tirst speaker. “Here we are, been wandering about this beastly river for an honr, and no sign of the land yet. The first thing we know, the Yankees will catch us.” - “Yes, we must not forget that the formidable Decatur is not far away,” re- plied the other, with a short laugh. “Curses on him! I would give a thous- and pounds to capture the devil.” =;"No doubt, no doubt,” breathed Martin, grimly. ‘And there are more like you in the British service.” Lawrence gave his men a signal to pull softly for the shore. The oars had been well muffled, and made no sound. “They are passing to the right of us, and will land in a moment,” whispered the young leader to Martin. “I want to reach there first, and try to see who these sympathizers are.” Presently the bow of the gig touched the sand, and one of the men sprang lightly out to hold her steady. “Now, Martin, Iam going to ask you _ to creep along the shore a short distance, ‘and see if you can recognize any one. _ After the interview, come back to this place, and I will take you aboard again.” “Bunt where are you going?” asked the senior middy, preparing to leave the boat on his dangerous expedition. Lawrence grimly replied: “I have business ontside with these Englishmen when they finish with their _ interview.” ; ~ “What! are you going to try and cap- ture them?” “Yes, sir; they are not going to get away from the land as easily as they reached it, I think a sudden attack will, ’ « prove , successful. We know they are here, but they are ignorant of our pres- ence--that is where we have the advant- age. Now, try your best, Martin, to see the parties, and hear what they have to say.” “Do you want me to prevent them from communicating?” “No; if you do that we won’t find out what they know. I will see to it that the Britishers don’t escape with their in- formation,” The senior midshipman vanished in the darkness, and Lawrence immediately or- dered his oarsmen to shove off. The gloom was so intense that it was all guess- work, but besteered confidently ahead, and soon had the satisfaction of hearing voices again. “Ah! I suppose they have met their After running several boat’s lengths rowing, and look to their arms. It was at least a half-hour before there was any sign of the enemy approaching. Lawrence had alinost commenced to be- lieve they had escaped, when one of the sailors whispered that he could hear row- locks close by. ‘hen a dark, shadowy object shot into view, and before thy could move out of | the way the prow of a cutter dashed into |} the gig’s side. _ Although slightly taken unawares, still | Lawrence was not nearly so surprised as | use of his . the English, and he made good Flashing his sword, he reached over and aimed a blow at an oOllicer in the stern-sheets. | It caught him on the shoulder, and he instantly tumbled into the bottom of the boat, “At them, men!” shouted the middy, slashing right and left. “Don’t let one escape! Duty and Decatur!” A loud cheer greeted the old rallying cry, and the American tars threw theim- selves into the British cutter with the ut- most ferocity. The English fought with the greatest bravery, but completely surprised in the first place, they had no chance to recover, and it soon became apparent that the Yankees would speedily win the battle. It was not until almost every sailor in the cutter had been wounded that their remaining officer called out sullenly: . Enough. We surrender!” He had hardly spoken the words when three shots rang out in quick succession. From the sound the reports must have come from Winters’ boat, as it did not seem far distant. Lawrence found himself in a quandary. He felt that he must go to the boat- swain’s assistance, but here he was with a cutter full of prisoners, and some of his own men wounded, However, his quick wit soon devised @ plan. ‘ Bslestine aman from his crew that he knew was courageous and trustworthy, he placed him in the stern of the British boat, with strict instructions to keep the officer covered with a pistol. “Now,” said Lawrence, addressing the Englishman, sternly, “if you wove an inch, or if your crew dares to lift a finger with the intention of escaping, my man will blow your brains out on the instant.” Not stopping to speak further, the young leader bade his oarsmen row with ail their power toward the center of the river. What had caused the alarm could not tell. ; He had not heard flict, nor other shots. “Strange!” he muttered. “They couldn’t have captured Winters like that. There is something wrong.” There was another fact that worried the middy—this last alarm indicated that more than one of the enemy’s boats were prowling around. : At the thought he cocked his pistols, and peered ahead in vain endeayor to pierce the darkness, Suddenly the sailor in the bow gave a sharp cry. “Back water, sir; back water!" he ex- claimed, excitedly. “We are running into a capsized boat.” : Even as he spoke the gig struck the ob- ject with a force suflicient to twist the stem-piece, and a volume of water imme- diately penetrated into the interior. “Use your jackets, men!” shouted Law- rence, forcing his way forward, Grasping several handed him, he crammed them into the hole, and par- tially checked the leak. He saw at a glance, however, that it would only act as a temporary relief, and that their safety depended on reaching the beach as speedily as possible. Detailing a man to watch the place in the bow, he resumed his seat, and or- gh the gig turned toward the nearest land. As they passed close to the capsized craft, he tried to see if it was one of the Lawrence any sounds of con- frigate’s boats, but the darkness was too intense. : How had the accident occurred, and where was the crew? That some catastrophe had occurred he knew well. The firing of the signal that. Filled with a sense of oppression and care, the young leader mechanically steered the gig until it finally struck the sandy beach of the western bank, It was on this side the United States was anchored, but she lay almost five miles up the river. The only thing remaining was to walk shots proved ‘the distance as rapidly as possible, and secure another boat from the frigate. “Martin will think we have either abandoned him or been captured,” thought Lawrence, with a faint smile, “And then the prisoners in the cutter. How long will they wait, I wonder?” A sudden thought struck Lanyon. Why wouldn’t it be a good idea to try and attract Gordon’s attention by firing the siznal agreed upon. everishly grasping a musket, Law- rence pulled the trigger, at the same time ordering two of the sailors todo likewise, ‘The three reports rang out sharp and distinet, and then a faint hail sounded from down the coast. “Tt is Gordon!” almost shouted the middy, joyfully. Running down to the edge of the water, he made a speaking-trumpet of his hand, and called out: “Ahoy, the cutter! take us off !” Presently a boat came into view, and the keel grated on the sand. To Lawrence’s surprise it was not Gor- don sitting in the stern, but the boat- swain, Winters. He had a rag tied around his head, and there were only eight men in the cutter instead of the dozen she had left the frigate with, There had evidently been somewhere, Leaning over the side, Winters re- garded the middy with a grim smile, and then asked: “ello! what has happened to you, sir?” Lawrence briefly explained. “Now who was it fired the signal for aid?” he askea in his turn, “Gordon,” replied the boatswain. “He got into a scrimmage with several cut- ters from the fleet, and they ran him down. Fortunately it happened rear shore, and the crew made the beach. Just as the other boats struck him, he fired the guns, knowing from the over- whelming force that he could do nothing alone.” “But how did you get mixed up in it?” “T heard the signal, and inimediately started for the spot, but only reached there in time to do a little fighting. They proved too much for me, so I left in the darkness and ran ashore to talk with George Gordon.’ He is now on his way to the ship with the wounded.” “Good! Iam glad he coneluded to walk there, as my gig is disabled, and we couldn’t find room for him in your cutter, Now, [ want you to follow his example, and report on board with your men. have some prisoners over there to bring along, so I will just use your boat.” The change was speedily made, and Lawrence instantly set out for the other shore. : It required Come in here and a combat some little time to find the British craft, but they finally ran across it. 2 . The Yankee tar was still holding the fort, but it must be confessed that he viewed the return of his young leader with some relief. As a matter of precaution, Lawrence distributed his seamen in both boats, and tansferred the officer to the gig with him. Suddenly thinking of the one he had injured, he asked after him, and was told that he was lying in the bottom of the cutter with his wounds bandaged. Bidding the sailor in charge of the prize to follow him, the middy pulled toward shore, and had the satisfaction of finding Martin evidently waiting for them. “T heard the noise you kicked up, and | walked along the beach until I arrived porceee of you,” he explained, climb- ng in, : After they had started for the frigate, Lawrence asked the,senior middy what he had learned. “Lots, old boy; any amount of valuable information,” was the reply, given with one of his peculiar chuckles. “Well, what is it?” asked Lanyon, im- patient to hear the news, : “Ah! that’s telling,” responded Martin, provokingly. “It’s valuable, my boy, and Tam not giving it away for nothing. If you will promise to take me on the next expedition, I’ll tell.” “Yes, yes,” exclaimed Lawrence, with alaugh. “You can go.” “Well, when I reached the shore, I struck Out up the beach, and at last heard voices ahead. Hiding behind a_ serub bush, I waited for the party to approach. They fortunately stopped close by, and then one of them. made a flash with thing. It only lasted a second, bi enough to attract the attention British boat. It came up to the sb few moments, and then I heard arguing with the oflicers.” “Couldn’t you see cither of the * “Only the least bit; it was too @ distinguish their faces. There wer all told, two men and a boy.” “What was said?” “Well, the parties ashore m handed the officers a packet, heard one of them say: ‘This W hat later news have you?’ Th the men said he understood Deca going to try and slip down the Soun@ thus get to sea from New York.” “Oh, the traitor!” groaned Lav He knew that was the comm latest plan, and that he placed store upon it. : “ After that he added some info about the massing of troops aro town, and advised the officers to their idea of landing a force un il | Then he said that was all, and a another meeting for the following promising to have some news dire¢ the frigate through one of her off “Ah!” exclaimed the middy. pose he means our worthy ch Well, we will see to his little Then he added: “Martin, do you think you would nize the two men and the boy?” — “T would know their voices ten } from now,” emphatically replied t ior middy. a Lawrence sat in deep thought the balance of the time, and whe reached the frigate’s side he immé reported to Decatur, who was av him in the cabin, | Before leaving the prisoners he sé them, and found asmall package W in oil-skin on the wounded officer £ This he carried with him, and de to the commodore. ‘ His explanation of the night’s greatly interested his superior. __ Undoing the packet, he disclo view several sheets of closely-¥ paper, Om While handing them to Decawv eyes fell upon the writing, and he an exclamation of astonishment. | “Why! I know that handwritin. said, hurriedly. “It is that of my ian, Amos Hallett.” “Hallett the writer of these inf sheets?” cried the commodore. “ positive, Lanyon?” ; “Yes, sir; it is none other. He peculiar way of scrawling the last ! and once seen, they are never forgot “Well, this is a clew, indeed, L® see; if [remember correctly, bot Halletts were suspected by you of, ing the enemy?” : Lawrence recalled to his memol) scene in front of the merchant’s hous Bowling Green that auspicious day | he joined the naval service. ; “Yes, sir: Jared, the son, openly | that his father was against the re} and said that he would help the 4 he could,” he replied. “Well, it looks as if he was at t of this society,” said the comm “The knowledge is a good weapon hands, and we will certainly use it ™ many hours. Do you think you cou* a little work ashore to-night, Lay It is asking a great deal of yot think it is best to strike at once.’ “Am-ready for orders, sir,” re Lawrence, promptly. : “T thought so,” remarked Deca provingly. “ You can select a small of men—not over six—and report — here in an hour. I have received 4} information from the town to nighh- makes me think we can find thei? ing-place without any trouble.” On leaving the cabin, Lawren directly to Martin and Winter asked them to join him in the seco pedition. d They gladly agreed, and the together with as many seamen, the quarter-deck within the heme Lawrence disappeared inside | cabin, and presently returned in ness to depart. : a As it was some eight miles to the 76 they took a boat and rowed up the? within a mile of the distance. a One man was left in charge of ft ter with explicit instructions to no it under any circumstances. On striking the main road, the, leader sent Winters on ahead witl men and conversed with Martin. (TO BE CONTINUED.) —__—_—_~>—»~<+—__—_ THR closest druggist in the country nee discovered. A lady, who had just bought postage stamps of his clerk, remarked + don’t see why it is that none of the staips J get here seem to_ stick fra “Miunph!” said the clerk, with more ness than discretion, “that’s easily explal “How?” “The only way the boss can Se) : profit out of postage stamps is to soak § the mucilage off.” GooDp NEWS. 3133 [This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form. } ON AT WEST POINT; ( dR, Army Cadet in School and Camp. By LIEUT. LIONEL LOUNSBERRY, Author of “Lieut. Carey's Luck ” ’ ““VWidshipman Merrill,” elc., ete. AT Wrist PoINnT” was commenced in No. 196 i CHAPTER XIX. ON BOARD THE SCHOONER. N very little things are hinged the meet moments of our lives. If 7 Job had obeyed Bill’s signal and shoved Haroid and Kirby into the flowing river, they would have Mtly gone to the bottom, and there hed until the action of the currents leased them from their weights of hat case this story would have been it toa conclusion by an ill-timed rOne thing saved the cadets, Just elder ruffian cailed out to “let them 6b espied the shadowy form of the boat in mid channel, and instantly Md that a splash at that moment ‘Yesult in their ultimate and cer- WWture. : lispered word of warning apprised the danger, and the two would-be Ms quietly dropped the boys back the boat, and waited with bated N for the danger to pass. light craft containing the officers idly down stream, and in a very space of time the anxious watchers, in-the gloom of the eastern shore, ley were safe for the time being, I'll be blowed !” exclaimed Bill, prodigious sich of relief. “That narrow escape, an’ no mistake. Orser nor that time I cut from the sin Water street.” h’t t’ink you're safe, yet, old hoss,” | ed Job, sullenly. “heim fellers are 9come back afore long, an’ search shore.” it you are, pard. It behooves us to om this yer locality in a hurry. let me see. If we go down the river, Maybe meet them, and then again, ke tio de woods, we'll have to let ‘AS Ri ” Ot of dat?” flercely demanded Job. Sde kids tu us? Say! I’m gittin’ packing dem, anyway, an’ I pro- e just make way wid the blamed @n’ have done wid it.” pepe awp; do you understand?” Bill, hoarse with sudden anger. says goes in this affair, an’ I ow we're goin’ to hold on to dem ‘ur awhile, anyway. I have a 3; see? A scheme to make more y than you ever saw. An’ if yer got 1© You'll do as I say.” right, Bill,” agreed Job, after a Pause, poke in a conciliatory tone, and dently anxious to keep on good ith his mate. ub’s sensible, pard,” said the other, ‘molified. “Now, I t’ink de best to lay low in some bight along n’ let them blood-hunters tire their- ‘lookin’ for us. Den we can drop * board de schooner.” — . at 1] work all right if dey don’t A-huntin’ until sun up,” replied Job, Peaninted at the eastern sky, and his head in an anxious manner. It Ttainly nos far from dawn. A faint h tinge just showing over the tops lls proclaimed that. $s yer gun?” suddenly asked the y for use.” . settles it. We'll row down toward ty Ann, and fight de cops if we . Is itva got” rrhed I’m ready fur anvt’ing. 19ut more ado, Bil! turned the head, and the two pulled along th noiseless strokes. . evident that, despite their bra- ither were overwhelmingly eager Mee a combat with the officers of meantime, how had the two | Cadets fared? ed hand ‘and feet; as_they were, €xperienced the greatest discomforts. while they did not: mind that. was of gratitude at Only feeling larrow escape last the pain, Continement, © be borne. hes was donbied up near the bow, from a terrible death, bed in body, but still active men- e the extraordinary lads as pic?) job if that ere he had not an’ sink. | glittering literature, resulting from their | became almost too | gasp Back numbers can be obtained of all News Agents. } \felt delighted at the prospect of dying “with his boots on,” but, when the vil- lains lifted him and his chum over the gunwale with the expressed purpose of a half moment of overwhelming terror. | It is one thing to stand in the presence | of grim death on the field of battle, where the glitter and tinsel and the pomp of war lend the excitement of delirium to the scene, but it is different to face the fell destroyer under the circumstances that our cadets had just passed through. He had given all up as lost, and when Bill dragged him back into the boat again, he actually cried from the revul- sion of feeling. This natural emotion did not last long, however, and he was soon actively at work thinking out a scheme for escape. The recent conversation captors indicated that, without some thing unforeseen would occur, they need not fear any personal violence for the present. Bill's broad hint at a “scheme,” by which he expected to make money through possession of the cadets, greatly puzzled Harold. “fT don’t doubt but what Captain Orth would give something to put me out of the way,” he mused; “but what good are we to these ruffians? That’s the ques- tion.” It was a mystery he could not solve, so, with philosophical indifference, he waited for succeeding events to explain it. Hughes would have liked to converse with his friend, but the gags made it out of the question. He did manage to nudge Kirby as a reminder that he was still above board, instantly receiving a simi- lar touch in return. The two thieves hugged the shore as close as possible, taking advantage of every shadow they encountered, Both were expert at dodging, and they used all the craft a lifetime spent in leriminal tactics taught them. The row- locks had been muffled by shreds of cloth, thus redacing the ordinary grating noise to a minimum. ° Presently Bill, who pulled the bow, craned his head and saw something not far ahead, that caused him to instantly cease rowing. “The peelers are over there,” he whis- 'pered, pointing with one hand toward a spit of land on_ the western ‘bank. “Let her drift a leetle, Job; then when we git opposite, pull like mad.” Ai’ if they holler, guns?” “Shoot back at ’em, an’ shoot to kill,” was the griin reply. .Nodding his head in savage satisfac- tion, the other foot-pad sat silently watch- ing the shadowy spot where lay their mortal enemy. : : Nearer and nearer they drifted, until at last Bill gave the signal -by dipping his oars deep into the water and tugging with all the force of which he was capa- ble. His mate followed suit, and the thugs strained their backs in the effort to lengthen the space between them and the officers of the law. They were not to pass undiscovered, bowever. Suddenly the bow of a skiff came ont of the gloom, and then the police boat, manned by two experienced oarsmen, darted after them. “Stop!” shouted a hoarse voice. “Halt, and surrender or we’ll fire.” Neither Bill.nor Job wasted precious breath in-reply. They simply bent their heads and rowed away. | Bang! Bang! | TSe0 shots rang out, and two conical | pieces of lead struck the water with a snappish “zip” just in front, but ft had no effect, save that of putting renewed | power into the rufflans’ arms, Again the sound of a volley came to their ears, but the distance had been ma- terially increased, and the bullets flew wide of the mark, ; | “\Ve've a hard: pull before us, mate,” ed Job. Yes, an’ I don’t an’ fire their know whether I can last very long,” replied Bill, with sundry | groans of exhaustion. “I would give half the scads I expect to make out o’ this boat would strike sum’ met drowning them like rats, he experienced | between their } There isno doubt but what the other echoed his sentiment, but he kept quiet and rowed with a long, swift stroke, | doubtless learned at sea. Presently they noticed that the distanee increasing. In a few moments this seemed so certain and then relieved Job tor a like interval. | Thus taking turn about, they remained comparatively fresh, and gradually dropped the police boat behind, Soon a bend in the river hid the pur- suers from view, and then both rufiians gave a cautious cheer of triumph. They did not waste time in celebrating their escape, but pulled steadily until the vague outlines of a small schooner became visible just ahead. } | | | } ' | | | | tones of extreme satisfaction. “We'll {soon be on her deck, pard, an’ then this wind ’ll carry us down to the city ina Sift ye Five minutes later the skiff glided up alongside the larger craft, and a man emerged from the little cabin to bid them welcome. “Is the job done?” he asked, leaning over the low rail. “Yes, Brocky,” answered the leader. Then dragging Harold erect, he added: “We've gotaccuple of valuable pas- sengers for yer. Give us a hand, will yer? There’s two fly-cops a-chasin’ us, an’ they'll round that p’int before long.” At this startling intelligence, the man on board showed a little life, and assisted the others in dumping the cadets on deck. | From there they were speedily carried to | the after cabin and locked in. Before leaving them, Bill removed the gags and loosened their lashings so_ that a little strain was taken from their limbs. “Tam just doin’ this to make it easier for yer,” he growled. Then brandishing a knife, he added, grimly: “Don’t yer try to escape, young fellers. If yer do——” He finished the sentence by drawing the keen-bladed weapon across his throat in a highly suggestive manner. CHAPTER XX. A STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM. THE cabin was but a small affair, ye prosebiy not over twelve feet long % ey half as wide, so Harold and <> Kirby found themselves almost able to shake hands with each other. “Thank goodness be has taken that dirty rag out of my mouth at last!” ex- claimed Chambers, when his tongue be- came sufficiently loosened to wag. “An- other hour and say, Harold” “ Yes. »” “Oh! you are still alive, eh? This isa nice place for two West Point cadets to be in, isn t it?” “We ought to be glad that we are even aboard this lawless schooner,” replied Hughes, emphatically. “It was nip and tuck a little while ago, I tell you.” Kirby shivered sympathetically, nodded his head in decided assent. “By Jove! you are right, old boy. That certainly was a narrow squeeze, I confess 1 gave it up just about that time. Ugh! fancy the brutes tying iron to us and then starfing ta dump us in the river like so many useless cats or puppies.” “Have you any idea what these men intend doing with us?” Harold asked, presently. ; “No, [ can’t see what their game is. They surely don’t intend kidnaping us like the banditti of Italy. This is not the country nor the century for that kind of work.” ; “But what did the one called Bill mean by saying he had a scheme by which he could make plenty of money, eh? That looks as if they were carrying us off for a ransom, don't it?” “They'll get fooled _ old man ’ll poney up a cent,” chuckled Kirby, highly amused at the idea. “He’ll say they have their own reward by zet- ting my company, and much good it’ll do them.” Harold laughed at his friend’s exagger- ated words, and then became grave again. “T think this is the work of my old enemy, Captain Orth,” he continued, wrathfully. “Itis-to his interest to have me out of his way, and I think he has paid these scoundrels to do it; but what do they want with you?” “Give it up,” promptly replied Chan- bers. -“But I really believe you are right about .the first part. That black-whisk- ered villain would do anvthing.” : “Tf we ever get ont of this scrape alive, Kirby, 1 am going to bring that fellow to justice if it costs me my commisslop. That he has defrauded my mother out of her just fortune, I he is trying to remove support—myself.” , ; “Count on me, chum!” exclaimed Kir- by. heartily. “I’d like nothing better than to help you do him up.’ Zee e and if they think my am nositive. and nov her only means of between them and the pursuing boat was | that Bill rested for a while, | “There’s the Mary Ann,” cried Bill, in | would have died, sure. I | va garment, foun | _ Harold looked his gratitude for the dis- | interested offer, and the two lads talked | over ways aud means forseveral minutes, Presently Chambers gave a start, and |exclaimed : : “By Jove. Hughes! what will the com- mandant and the superintendent say about our absence ?” That was a point our hero had not | thought of, and he remained silent try- |ing to form an idea of the commotion | their disappearance would cause in camp |at reveille that morning. | “It’s pretty near time for the fellows to | turn out,” he said, glancing at a small |deadlight in the side. “The sun is up, | and first call will go before Jong. I won- | der if the sophomores we met at the castle | will explain anything?” | “Humph! notthey! replied Kirby, with |a snort of contempt. “It would endanger | their own precious hides if they said they pet us out of bounds, and they never do © 1ad. “What? Not to assist in rescuing a brother cadet?” asked Harold, hotly. “Oh! that’s a different thing; but how do they know we are in peril? It’s my opinion Jack and the rest will think we became frightened at setting the hut on fire and are afraid to come back.” The idea’ seemed very plausible to Hughes, and he made no reply. It cer- tainly appeared natural for the sopho- mores to keep quiet on sucha subject, and he immediately gave up any hope of aid from the academy. “We are under way,” suddenly ex- | claimed Kirby. In their preoccupation they had not heard the rattle of the anchor-chain, and it was not until the schooner heeled over: to the breeze while turning, that. they noticed the change. “Where are they going to take us, I wonder?” asked Chambers. “New York, I think,” replied Harold. “But what they intend trying to do with us after that, I don’t know.” “Can you slip your hands free?” “No: can.you?” _ “T hardly know yet. I have been work- ing at this rope for the last ten miautes, but only gained a little.” “Try your best, old boy; and maybe we can get out of those scoundrels’ clutches before they get any further in their scheme; Remember, it is.a case of life and death,” For a while Kirby did not answer, but Harold saw him working his hands in the effort to get free from the restraining bonds. Our hero held his breath in anxious ex- pectation. Chambers’ success would mean a great deal to them unéer the present circumstances. Harold did not expect to do much | against three burly men, but it was some- | thing to be free and able to defend . one’s | self in case of a cold-blooded attempt. at | murder. Presently Kirby called out that he was progressing finely, and would have his arms free before Jong. “That means freedom of action, old | boy,” he added, cheerfully. “Now, if we 'can only run across a couple of clubs or anvthing else to serve aS Weapons, we | will be in great form.” Harold glanced carefully around the little apartment, but could see nothing ~ save a miniature cuddy stove in one corner. “We might use several of the lids, or the erate bars,” he said. “They would make a formidable instrument of defense by tying them in a towel or piece of | cloth.” | In reply Kirby gave an exclamation of | joy and waved both arms above his head. He had triumphed over the knots. “Bree! free!” he almostshouted. “Now, for liberty.” “Sh-h!” warned Hughes, glancing at the deck overhead. “Don't make any noise, If Bill or Job hears you, they'll come down here and settle u&. Hurry up, and see what you can do for my lash- Chambers first untied the rope wound around his legs, and then liberated his chum. His nimble fingers made it an easy task and in a°very few moments the two cadets stood up and stretched their cramped limbs with fervent expressions of relief. c “This is something like it,” remarked Kirby. “Ugh! my legs would have died with the dry rot if they had been con- fined any longer. Now, what are we go- ing to do?” ae oe As seemed natural to him, Hughes took © the lead, and devised a plan of campaign. It would require sharp work to defeat the three’ rnffians on their own» vessel,-and the lad knew it. Poe He first contrived a comple of passable weapons from the- objects mentioned above, using the coat-sleeves of a old a in one of the bunks. “In these queer receptacles he - placed the small stove-lids and tlien tied hard knots at. the ends to secure them, Wher. wielded by a sturdy arm, it formed an in-~ strument not to be despised, ~ 31st GooDnpD NEWSB. While engaged in looking through the little deadlights piercing the sides of the cabin, the cadets heard footsteps ap- proaching the scuttle. “Some one is coming, Kirby,” whis- pered Hatold, grasping his weapon. “Stand just behind the door, and be ready to fight. If he comes in, I’ll give him a tap on the head that will put him to sleep for a while. Our only hope is that they will step in here one at a tiine.” His wish was destined to be gratified. The sounds drew nearer and nearer, and finally Bill’s discordant voice was heard singing a Bowery retrain, The ruffian stopped at the scuttle, and threw it back; then, without looking in, he walked down the few steps. The light afforded by the dingy win- dows was poor, and one coming from the outside would find it difficult to see for a brief space. That is the reason Mr, “ Bill” failed to notice the absence of the prison- ers until he reached the floor. ' When he did so, however, he started back with an exclamation of extreme sur- prise, and was just in the act of roaring out a warning to those on deck, when Harold, from his position on one side of np door, gave him a terrific blow on the ead, It was enough to fell an ox, and Bill tumbled to the deck without a murmur, a CHAPTER XXI. COMPLICATIONS, UICK, Kirby! bind him with those ropes; I think I hear some one else sy peunesie L His sharpened sense of hearing had detected a movement on deck, and it sounded as if others were walking aft. -_ He knew that one of the ruffians must be at: the helm, as they were under way, Which it was, he did not know, of course, but he hoped that the next one to step into their little net would be the meanest villain of them all—Job. He hurriedly assisted Chambers to bind their prisoner, and then the burly ruffian was placed out of sight in one of the bunks. By this time the second one of the crew had reached the cabin entrance. He fum- bled at the door—which Hughes had care- fully closed after Bill’s admission—and then called out: “Hello! mate! What yer doin’ down there? Is de prisoners all right?” It was Job. At the souna of his voice, Kirby crept over and asked his chum to let him do the attacking this time. “I want a chance to get square with that scoundrel,” he aaded. “If he had had his way we would now be at the bot- tom of the river,” “All right, old boy,” replied Hughes, with a smile. “Take this weapon, as it is easier to handle than yours, and hit him fair or there will be the duse to pay.” Chambers stood in the spot his friend had just occupied, and waited the coming of Job with grim determination. Harold crept back out of sight, but placed himself in readiness to assist if the attack failed. Not cee eae an answer to his ques- tion, Job grumbled out a few oaths and pieced to descend hether the strange silence of his ‘ mate, or a naturally suspicious nature made him wary, is not certain, but he ero pS: short on throwing back the door and hesitated to enter, ay “Wot be the matter wid yer?” he asked, sullenly. “I say, Bill, wot yer doin’ ?” Seeing that certain failure would result if the ruffian’s evident suspicions were rmitted to remain, Harold disguised is voice, and replied: “Wot’s the matter wid yer up there? Can’t yer come down an’ talk instead of yellin’ so the people ashore’ll hear yez.” It was®a skillful effort, but Harold could not imitate the hoarse, whisky- soaked tones of the foot-pad, and Job de- tected the forgery at once. Starting to retreat up the steps, he called out to the man at the tiller; “Help, here, Brocky! Sum’met wrong below !” Hughes clenched his teeth in disappoint- ment at the words, and then darted from |’ pees of concealment in pursuit of the ruffian. At the same time he shouted to Kirby for aid. _ The latter was not slow in obeying the appeal, and the two cadets jumped on she apetne just as Brocky appeared in 8 “Giving his novel weapon a rapid swing, _ Chambers brought it down on Job’s back, sending that worthy head over heels down the steps, howling with mingled terror and pain. For a moment the helmsman stood silently witnessing the fracas, then, drawing a huge knife, he uttered a defi- _ ant shout and rushed toward the boys. - “Stand by, Kirby!” shouted the young leader, “Look out for him!” “ They were grouped almost back to back in a little space just under the scuttle hatch, and nearly in the door of the cabin. The approaching ruffian had stood at the top of the steps, while Job, groan- ing and swearing, lay stretched out on the deek. In his rage Brovky had not taken under consideration the fact that two stalwart, well-built lads, armea with heavy wea- pons, formed a combination not to be despised, but he soon corrected his error. On reaching a place from where he could see the preparations made for his reception, he halted, and, flourishing the knife, threatened: “Drop them t’ings, young feller! them, I say, or [’ll cut yer t’roats!” “You don’t say so?” drawled Chambers, chuckling. “Hadn’t you better drop your pig-sticker and surrender instead?” Brocky gave a gasp of anger at the cool request of the cadet, and then made a motion as if he intended charging them, but he speedily changed his mind on see- ing Harold lift the stove-lids, and con- tented himself with swearing lustily. “Youse fellers are only makin’ t’ings worse for yerselves,” he added, in a con- Drop an’ promise to say nothing, I’1l see wot I can do about puttin’ yer ashore; see?” “Mr. Brocky, or whatever your name is, you are a confounded liar, and you know it,” promptly replied Hughes, “Don’t you call names, kid. Don’t yer do it,” blustered the ruffian, wrathfully. Then, suddenly pointing behind then, he shouted: “Cut their windpipes, Job! Kill the blokes!” Taken unawares, both Harold and Kirby turned quickly, expecting to see the’injured foot-pad, ee instead of that oy found the cunning Brocky at their side. He had tried an old dodge, and found that if worked to perfection. Giving Harold a slash with the knife, he made a fierce attack on Chambers, en- deavoring to plunge the murderous wea- pon in his breast, but the lad was too quick for him. Darting aside, he struck out with his left fist, and caught the scoundrel under the chin, knocking him back against Hughes. The latter had only been lightly touched with the keen blade, and was still fit for duty, so when he felt Brocky’s body against his, he dealt him a swift blow with the loaded coat-sleeve at close quar- ters, managing to knock the knife from his hand. He tried to follow up his advantage, but the ruffian slipped from him like an a and ran through the door out on deck. “After him,” cried Harold, snatching up the dagger. “Now is our time to es- Cape. i “What about Job?” asked Kirby, point- ing toward the fallen man, “Hadn’t we better secure him first?” Hughes instantly saw that it would be a wise precaution, so they accordingly tied his hands and feet, and laid him alongside his mate, Then, running to the door, they peeped over the edge of the scuttle, The deck was clear, but perched out on the extreme end of the stumpy bowsprit was Brocky, white with mingled terror and wrath. Chambers laughed’ shortly, and mut- tered: : - “Seems to be afraid of us, eh? I guess he has learned that two kids are not so easily disposed of. What are you going to do?” Before his friend could reply, the fright- ened ruffian stood up, and grasping the jib-stay with one hand, began waving the other to a hanasome little yacht which sucueery appeared in view from up the river, © “Yacht, ahoy!” he shouted. “Send help on board. There’s mutiny afoot!” “ What on earth does the fellow mean?” exclaimed Hughes, in astonishment. “Has he gone crazy?” “He has some scheme in mind,” replied Chambers, uneasily. “I'll bet he intends to tell them we are trying to steal the schooner. If he attempts that we will convince them differently in two seconds,” Harold glanced at his chum’s costume, bo at his own, and slowly shook his ead. . “TI am afraid we will have a hard time making people believe we are cadets from West Point. You certainly look like a tramp, and I don’t doubt but what I am just as bad.” One glance at Hughes’ ragged gar- ments and dirty face, the latter be- smeared with blood, proved the truth of his assertion. It would certainly be a se- vere strain on any ordinary man’s cre- Gality to try and take him for an army adet. F For a moment Harold was tempted to make an attack on Brocky, and compel him to keen silent, but he instantly dis- missed the idea and decided to wait. In the meantime, the cunning villain fiding tone, “If yer give up eae like. .sel manacled them together. then carefully watche had continued his cries and gesticula- tions, Finally the pleasure craft ran along- side, anda man clad in a neat uniform stepped out on deck. “What is the trouble on board?” he shouted. Brocky climbed down from the bow- sprit, and answered: “Them fellers aft there are tryin’ to steal this here schooner. They’ve killed my mates an’ are trying to doaway wid me, Send some men over and help ketch them, will yer?” The captain of the yacht—for such he appeared to be—gave a start of surprise, and, darting in the pilot-house, speedily reappeared, clutching a revolver, He then called to several gentlemen who had been attracted on deck by the stopping of the vessel. “Here is a pretty how-de-do, sir,” he exclaimed, addressing a tall young man, evidently the owner. “There’s murder been committed aboard that vessel, sir, and those two villains aft are the crim- inals.” “T declare! Is it possible?” replied the youth, in horrified tones. “This must be attended to at once, Mr. Cutter, run close to her, and secure the scoundrels.” Thinking the affair had gone far enough, Harold climbed on the rail, and called out: “That man forward is lying, sir, We are cadets irom West Point, and have been kidnaped by acouple of highway- men. If you will investigate you can find the truth of my assertion. “West Pointers?” exclaimed the owner of the yacht, incredulously, then eying them through his eye-glasses, he burst into a laugh. “Fancy the beggars calling themselves cadets,” he giggled, turning to his com- panions, “That’s a dused good joke, eh?” .Hughes and Kirby reddened with anger at the insolent tone, and clenched their fists involuntarily. " -“I’a like to punch the simpleton’s nose,” muttered the latter. re “Keep quiet,” warned his friend, cau- tiously. “Wait until we get out of this scrape.” 2 Quick to see the state of affairs, Brocky walked toward the waist, and, when the other craft swung close enough, he jumped on board. Not to be outdone, Harold tried to do the same thing, but the yacht’s captain pointed his revolver toward him with the harsh command of halt. CHAPTER XXII. ON THE YACHT. UGHES obeyed the skipper’s order to keep off the yacht, but it was with a very bad grace, He viewed with alarm, H strenuous efforts to convince the youthful owner of the pleasure craft that he was in immediate danger of assassination, and, when several of the crew prepared to board the schooner under the captain’s command, he felt that he and his chum Brocky’s were simply getting out of the frying- pan into the fire. “ All we can do is to demand an investi- gation,” he whispered to Kirby. “But that will allow these scoundrels time to escape, and I confess I would like to see them brought to justice.” “For gracious sake! won’t you be sat- isfied to get out of their reach?” asked his companion, in amazement, “No; I want to ascertain who put Bill up to this business. If it is the captain, I'd like to know——” “Throw up your hands there, and be blamed quick about it! Here, drop that knife !” The command came from the skipper. He had walked forward on the yacht until he reached a spot just abreast of them, and now stood with revolver aimed in their direction. The cadets promptly elevated their ‘arms, and remained in that position un- til a party of seamen from the other ves- They were until the owner and his friends examined the cabin. Not one of the rich youths descended until one of the sailors had gone down first, however. It was evident they deemed discretion the better part of valor. Job and Bill were speedily discovered, and released from their confinement. The former had apparently recovered from the effects of Harold’s blow, as he rushed on deck in a towering rage, and immedi- ately attempted to attack the two lads. Several men from the yacht soon inter-. fered and bade him be quiet. The ruffian was shrewd, and instantly saw the state of affairs. A few words spoken in a loud voice by Brocky also assisted him to take his cue, and he ad- dressed the young proprietor of the pleas- ure boat in tones of mingled injury and gratitude, ; “Tam orful glad you happened along, yer honor, These blamed willians hid aboard the schooner at Newburg, kim out while we wuz under way us by surprise. Dey knocked m fust, den hit my mate over the_ Wot dey wants I dunno ’cept it is! the hooker.” "9 “He is not telling the truth, siz, . Harold, indignantly. “We caugh trying to rob a gentleman and tween Highland Falls and West and bevause we interfered, or for other reason, he brought us aboar vessel.” am “A likely story,” sneered Job. “V decent seafarin’ men, yer honor, furnish references.” ““Who from? Those police office were after you last night?” asked shrewdly. Bill turned slightly pale, and 1008 confused, “Wot perlice,” he blustered. “I now anythink about cops around ye Suddenly, Harold glanced astern called out: “Why, there they are now!” The effect of his announcemeé peculiar. Job wheeled around, an aft in a terrified manner, while Bil Brocky instinctively reached in coats for concealed weapons, Our hero gazed triumphantly yacht’s owner. ; ee “Isn’t that a confession of guilt, he asked, quietly. The young gentleman looked perp! {t certainly seemed as if the accu were helping their case, ee One of his guests, an intelligen¥ pearing youth, stepped forward, and § suggestively: “Don’t you think it would be idea to carry the boys and one of & ors to New York, and report the to the authorities, George? We © waste much more time, as I want to the train to Philadelphia.” 3 “You are right, Charlie,” quick plied the other, apparently reliev reaching a _ solution of the qu “That is the best plan. Here, ca bring them aboard the Gipsy, and get under way.” : g From the appearance of Bill’s f@ did not like che turn of affairs, 4 tavored the one making the sug with a scowl. ; “If youse would leave them wi we'd see they were given to de cO the city, yer honor,” he insinuated: would save yer the trouble, an’ den all be dere to testify.” £ The one addressed as Charlie a suspicious now, and he whispered host for a moment. The latter ! slightly astonished, and then cal in a stern voice: pe: “We cannot waste any more time this affair. Bring the prisoners on * captain. Now, one of you cone wit and be quick about it.” Instead of complying, Bill waite the cadets had been transferred yacht, then he quickly cast off th and allowed the Mary Ann to shee “What are you doing there, you ber?” asked the skipper, wratl “Where 1s the man you want to a witness?” é “Ain’t goin’ to send no man,” the ruffian, sourly. “Glad to git ’em as it is.” “Hi, there!” shouted the y owner, loudly. “ What do you mea found you! Come back here, and- Job interrupted him by growling thing not entirely complimentar youth’s intelligence in genera sauntered to the helm, and pu schooner before the wind in cal tempt. : “Well, I declare!” gasped the pro of the pleasure craft, reddening impudent wretch! I have a min him arrested.” “Let them go,” advised Charlie, to prevent a smile, “We will t boys down to New York, and turn over to the authorities with an exP tion of the whole affair, then they vestigate further.” , This seemed good advice, so GI ordered the captain to get under way? the voyage down the river was_res¥) Harold and Kirby, manacled, we”. first placed in a- spare room f where the boatswain, or carpente! their stores, but finally they wer for from the cabin, aa “The gents aft want to speak wi kids,” said the steward,‘when bh forthem. “If you wish to clean little you can go to the wash-roo ward with me.” That was just what both lads ye for, and they took advantage of t su promptly that the colored servant cluded they were not so bad as paint When they appeared in the cav. moment later, their freshly- washed and carefully-brushed hajr’ had ¥° such a change in their looks that G and his guests showed evidences of ishment. « “Why, I declare !” exclaimed the f *“ Are these the same lads, steward! GooD NEWS. 3135 @ are the two, sir,” Harold replied, u of the servant. Sniled as he spoke, and added: hope you will listen to our side of ffair now, sir. It is a peculiar story beginning, but we can substantiate €very particular.” e then gave his interested audience a description of all that had taken € Since leaving the academy grounds preceding night, not mentioning, @ver, his reason for the journey. Now, sir,” he concluded, “all this can broven by communicating with the emy. As forthe story told by those lans, it is not worth denying. I am ysorry they stand a good show of aping the punishment they deserve.” hat his recital carried conviction was ‘ent, and, if it were not for the pe- Mar fact that George, the owner of the ht, was one of those conceited mor- Who never acknowledge a mistake 1 fear that it will endanger their rep- ion for good sense, the lads would been put on shore at the nearest with enough money to see them to the Point. It was, he hemrhed and hawed for a le, and then said: Your tale sounds plausible, young > but the proofs are still lacking, and 1 be compelled to carry you before New York authorities. It is clearly Guty as a law-abiding citizen,” € last sentence was said in a pom- tone, and, after uttering it, the er glanced around for approva). his several guests, Charlie was the One who did not appear to agree im, but even he did not raise a 1 objection. old was deeply disappointed, and “wed the threatening arrest with hor- - He wished above all things to escape ring in a court of law, because of the t of disgrace bound to follow. (10 BE CONTINUED.) A CLEVER CONVICTION. —<-—— BY GEORGE BEANE, - ' ASES in which a man has been con- ~ victed of crime on purely circum- Stantial evidence are of frequent occurrence, but in the majority of ances it would not be difficult to point at least one weak link in the chain of It. Though numbers of innocent per- have in this-way suffered punish- ere is a striking case in which a linal was found guilty on testimony pet no room for even the shadow of One night an assassin entered a drov- S house in Ohio, killed the inmates Secured a sealed package containing teen hundred dollars in bank-notes. rder to conceal his crime, he set fire the house before leaving it. The build- burned slowly, and the neighbors fe able to extinguish the flames and to SCover the murderous work which had €n done. ‘he assassin, before leaping over the ce, had torn open the wrapper of the age and flung it on the ground. This Picked up by the police, and marks d were found upon it. It was the -clew in their possession. {ter twenty-four hours the murderer urned to the town. The police sus- “Ctea him, because he had been mysteri- Wsly absent, and was known to have °n intimate with the drover. They did arrest him, but constantly watched or months. 4@ had been poor, but now seemed to © money. In the course of a week ne ried, and went awayon a wedding 1". Two detectives followed him. Jenever he paid a hotel bill, or offered hey for oe purpose, they secured the nk-notes which had been in his posses- Subsequently he made several journeys, th the detectives behind him, and ally went to Minnesota. There he paid & twenty-dollar bill with a red mb-mark on one corner. The police ed him as soon as they examined Jn the trial the torn are with its °d-mark was identified as having been ‘he drover’s possession. The bank- which had been traced to the SSin were put in it with the last one ‘ Out by him on top. : € smear of blood on the wrapper cor- Onded precisely with the marks on vank-note underneath. The special- ; magnifying-glass revealed un- +. 'Ogly how the murderer’s thumb, in hg open the envelope, had touched first bank-note. It was circumstan- 1 evidence conclusive of. guilt. The macrer was convicted and hanged. Ne police in this instance understood | slat; DUsiness. They had their theory in ation to the crime, but they had no i id were confident that the bank-note which had been directly underneath would have a corresponding smear of blood. They allowed the assassin to go where he liked, and waited patiently for him to convict himself. In the end they se- cured evidence establishing his guilt with absolute certainty. Circumstantial evidence can be as con- clusive as direct proof, and it is some- times more trustworthy, because there is less chance for perjury or conspiracy. a A CHILD SEIZED BY A PANTHER. A man and wife, who live about nine miles east of Willis, in Texas, left home on business, leaving their house in charge of their eldest child, a girl twelve years of age. Toward noon the girl heard the infant, aged fourteen months, which had been laid, while asleep, on a bed in an adjoining room, utter a horrid screech, upon which she immediately ran to its relief. Upon opening the door she saw a huge panther with the babe in its mouth leaping from an open window immedi- ately over the bed. Like a true heroine she sprang upon the bed and then out ot the window, screaming at the height of her voice, and, upon being joined by the other children about the house, pursued the panther at her utinost speed. They followed about forty rods to a fence that separated the clearing from the forest, at which place the girl states that she approached to within fifteen or twenty feet of the pan- ther, when it relinquished its hold of the child, leaped the fence, and made its way into the woods. The infant was picked up much hurt from its rapid movement through the grass and sand, which hada filled its mouth and eyes, but soon recovered, and is now well save a few scratches about its body, which have the appearance of having been made by the panther’s teeth, These marks are very plain, and there are several blood blisters where the teeth in slipping caine in contact. The girl states that the panther dropped the child once before arriving at the fence, and it is supposed the giving way of the cloth- ing was the cause, as it was much torn. Puzzle Corner. [Original contributions solicited. Please do not send puzzles containing obsolete words. Address “ Puz- A ree Goop NrEws, P. O. Box 2734, New York City. No. 1.—DIAMOND. 1. A consonant. 2. Before. 3. A kind of derrick, 4, A terminus. 5. A vowel. No. 2.—NUMERICAL ENIGMA. T am composed of twenty-six letters, My 1, 26, 9 is an. animal. My 21, 24 is always negative. My 25, 6, 12 is an ancient wilderness, My 8, 18, 11, 19, 14, 138 is a boy’s name. My 2, 3, 4,5 is a register. My 20, 10, 22, 7,18 is a mineral, My 23, 15, 17 is a boy’s nickname. Whole, Iam a proverb. JIMMY. Hum Bue. No. 3.—TRUNCATED GEORGIA PENTAGON, 1. A cover for the head. . Parched. 3. Weary. . To hinder from eating. . Ventured. 6. A kind of rampart. 7. Fruits from the palm tree. 8. An ancient hero’s name, 9. A male descendant. DICK GOLDEN. No. 4.—PROBLEM. A and B had some fish. A says toB: “If you will give me one of your fish T will have as_ Many as you.” BsayvsfoA: You give meone of yours and T will have twice as many as you.” How many had each ? ; MORTIMER LOCKWOOD. | No, 5.—HALF SQUARRE. . Amark of slow time. . A first appearance. . With power. . Arope to steady with. . A pronoun, . A letter. CHARLES CISNE. No. 6.—CHARADE. The question he popped jirst second tea. The answer filled him with glee. The maiden so fair, With second sweet, modest air, - Replied to him sweetly with ‘‘Owi!” , K. RITIC. No. 7.—WORD SQUARE. : 1. A body of water. 2. To help,. 3. To keep. 4, A girl’s name. No. 8.--CROSS WoRD ENIGMA. In bear, not in sheep, Ip lend, notin keep; In eel, not in fish, In plate, not in dish; In cake. not in pie, {In wheat, notin rye; Tn snow, not in rain, In umbrella, not in cane; In State, not in city, In love, notin pity; It down these lines you'll take a look, You'll find the name of a popular book, ‘idence upon which to secure a convic-’ n. They had theix torn wrapper, and M. M, Pigorr, fully declined. | may be represented later on. No. 9.—DOUBLE DIAMOND. First Diamond—1. A letter. 2. Fodder. 3. A liquid. 4. To affirm. 5. A consonant. Second Diamond—i. A Roman figure. 2. A wager. 3. A fruit. 4, A toy. 5. A letter. Centrals Across—A well known fruit. HOKEY POKEY, Auswer's {0 Puzzles it No 195 Good News. No. 1, Wy Apy mons Omit Ki ty QHA Hm > by Beaiwi2om QE eH Bets Q Trip, rip. James Otis. No. 6— f aes Horticultural Building. No. 7— Acorn, corn, Nora, ran, an. PUZZLE SOLVERS. Dick Golden, Nora F. Mitchell, Jimmy, and K. Ritic. Our Mail Bag. incase on subjects of general interest only are dealt with in the ‘Mail Bag.” Medical or legal questions not answered. Goop Nrws goes to press two weeks in advance of date of publication, and there- fore answers cannot appear until two or three weeks after we receive them. Communications intended for this columm should be addressed Goop News “Mail Bag,” P. O. Box 2734, New York City.) bic * J. R. E., New York ecity.—1. What do you mean by a place or a book to Jearn poetry? Do you want to learn to write poetry or to recite it? If pou wish to become a poet, you can learn the technical part ot the art from any grammar or rhetoric—the rest must come naturally. If you wish to become an elocutionist, examine the advertising columns of the dramatic papers for the names and addresses of teachers. 2, Your handwriting is fair. G. H. X., St. Paul, Minn.—1. When introduced to another young man you might shake hands and say: ‘“‘T am happy to know you,” or words to that effect. 2. Do not attempt to shake hands with a young lady unless she first makes a movement in that direction. t E,C. L,, Astoria, L. I.—The water in which your gold fish are should be changed every day. Do not remove the fish, but drain off the water through a rubber tube. They require very little food, obtain- ing most of their nourishment from the water, J. W. B., Jersey City. N.J.—1. There is a small premium on the ten-cent bill. 2. It depends on what the trouble comes from Consult a physician. 3. Your handwriting is quite good. S 344 Harold Lounsberry, Chicago, U1.—If you will read the “Short Talks” for some time back you will | find ontall you wish to know concerning West Point. ee G@. G.. La Grange, Ill.—The explanation cannot be written out, as the operation is a complicated one, though small. Consult a locksmith. LL. L.8., Brooklyn, N. ¥.—Why not try the post- masters of the different places or the papers pub- lished there? They may helpyou. — Frank, Cleveland, O.--Your effort is fora boy, but we cannot print it in G Try your local papers. . 3 i J.P. D., Suviivan, Ind..—The sketch is respect- We are over-stocked with such matter at present. ; wot A. §., Ballston Spa., N. Y,—We do not deal in lithographs. Write to some theatrical publishing company, ; y aha T. B., Worth, Ky.—Your article is respectfully declined. . a F. E. M., Polo, Tll.—Your questions have been an- swered in the “Short Talks With Boys” a number of times. : Zig-Zag, Astoria, I..I.—1, We cannot say. 2. Anew serial by Enrique H. Lewis will start next week. J. R., Portland, Ore.—As far as we know the scout has the exclusive right to the name. G.A, M., Chicago, I1l.—The serial stories in GooD NEWS cost thousands of dollars annually. T, McG., Sandcoulee, Mont.—Your favorite authors will be heard from in the future. G. B., Portland, Ore.—'The author you mention nite good D NEWS. Fred., Bast Liverpool, O.—We cannot find the re- cipe you desire. ; ’ ws 7. G. R. B., Graytown, Iowa.—No premium on the coin mentioned, ot - = Telegraph Tom, Newark, N. J.—No premium on your cent of 1845. oe Silver, Denver, Col.—The Ferris Wheel was and is 285 feet high. ; : z 2 Sa fora A, N., Pine Bush, N, one. _ A. R., Boston, Mass,—Very soon. ¥.—The name is a fictitions Perfect Baby Hee {Several communications left over to be answered next week,) ; Se € | Ticklets, BY CHARLES W. FOSTER. Remorse. Teacher—“Do you understand the meaning of the word remorse ?” Bad Boy—‘*Yes’m.” “Define it.” “It’s bein’ sorry you forgot to put your g’ography in your pants.” No Interruptions Likely. Tired Housekeeper—“‘There! The house is as neat as a new pin {at last. I am going to take anap. Try not to disturb me with your play, my pets.” soe Brother—“What shall I do if any one | calls ?”’ Little Sister—‘‘No need to bother about that No one ever calls when things are clean.” Why Cigarettes Kill. Mrs. Mulhooly—‘Th’ papers do be always talkin’ about cigarette smokin’. Phwy is ci- garettes so bad fur th’ healt?” Mr. Mulhooly (after a meditative puff at his pipe)—“There ain’t enough terbacky in ’em.” - Horse Sense. Young Horse—‘‘A woman is driving me now, a can never understand what she wants me to do.”" 3 _ Old Horse—“That’s easy. A lot of quick jerks backward on the reins means that she wants you to go ahead, stop or back, accord- ing to circumstances.” The Place He Preferred. ; Judge—“ You have been found guilty of mur- dering your parents for their money. Have you anything to say before sentence is pro- nounced ?”’ Billy the Kid—‘Nawthin’, ’cept T think you might send me to a orpiian asylum.” Not Easily Dissuaded. ; Little Johnny—“Mamma, won’t you get me a double-ripper sled ?”" Mamma—‘I knew a little boy who had a sled of that kind, and the first time he used it he crushed three of his fingers so that they had to be taken off How would you like that :" Little Johnny (anxious for the sled)—“Well. I think it would be sort o’ convenient not to have so many finger-nails to keep clean.”’ Pretty Weli Hardened. Old Lady—‘Dear ine! Won’t your children catch their death of cold playing around bure- headed this kind of weather?” — Proud Mother—“Niver you fear fur thim, mum. It's hardened they are. Before Moike lost his money on that sewer contract, we used to live in a steam-heated flat.’ — In His Shoe. Little Boy—“I found out what it was in my shoe that was hurtin’ my foot.” Mother—“What was it?’ Little Boy—“*A corn.” ; Not Massachusetts. ; Teacher—‘“What State is called the Bay State ?” : : ¢ Boy—‘Kentucky.” “Wrong.” ; “Well, that’s where the bay horses come from, anyway.” Very Much in Earnest. Aunty—“Why, what are you doing ?” Little Johnny—“Only prayin’.”’ “Praying ?”’ prayin’ that I'll be a good boy “Yes’m. I’m this afternoon.” “That’s noble.” “Yes’m. Mamma said if I was a good boy this afternoon, she’d bring me some candy.” Now, What Was ItP Auntie-—‘Was that play you saw a tragedy or a comedy ?” y a Little Niece—“Wat’s that mean, auntie?” He you cry ?’ pet “e om ” - “Did you laugh ?” “No’m.” “What did you do?" “Went tosleep.” SPRL TI oughtto mean glow- ing health throughout chitdhood, | and robust health in the years to come. When , tendencies to weakness, we know © they are missing the life of food — taken. This loss is overcome by — ‘Scotts Emulsion — of Cod Liver Oil, with Hypophos- © phites, a fat-food that builds up appetite and produces flesh at a ‘Yate that appears magical == Almost as palatable as milk. — we see in children ness from seizing him by licking three) “Great thing, this. If the ice breaks, why then I can’t possibly drown—don't 9” you see: MR. SNICGLEBY’S INVENTION, A GooDp NEW S. “Gee Whittaker! This is awfu-——” ND HOW IT..WORKED. YX XS \ ON 4 is al coer hae Bal i {ill Leet WT i er, Aarts G-r-g-g-gle G-r-r-r-l, G-r-r-r. THE NEW BOY. BY “NED,” —— ¢ ——— E made his appearance at~ the Union school the other morning, and, arriving ahead of time, he prevented any feeling of loneli- boys and riding the gate off its hinges. He went in with the crowd when the bell rang, and, finding no empty seat, he perched himself on the wood-box. When school finally opened, the teacher secured his namie, and began asking him ques- tions, in order to find out how he should be graded, “Can you spell?” she asked, “What kind of speling?” he cautiously replied. 1 : “Spell ‘house,’ if you please.” “Frame or brick house?” he asked. “Any kind of a house.” “With a mortgage on it?” “You may spell ‘man,’ if you will,” she eo a severe look. “ Yes.” “I don’t care much about spelling ‘man’ this morning, but I will this. afternoon. I’ve spelled it with my eyes shut.” “Do you know your alphabet?” she ~ -asked, changing the subject. “S _repl “Never had any!” Vie. ZS “Do you know anything about reading?” “T read like lightning!” he answered, She handed him a reader, and said: “Tet me hear you read,” “Read right out loud?” “ Yies.” _“T’m afraid it would disturb the chil- dren!” he whispered. : “Go on, and let me hear you read.” 'He looked carefully at the scowled his brow, and read: <“ff I was a lame boy, and didn’t get any peanuts in my scocking Christmas, but I’d make ate jump around that page, house next morning tack is,” he replied, as he settle ee et es Poi ee mes “Did ay ard?” r He handed the book back, and the teacher asked : “Richard, how many are three and three?” “Three and three what?” he inquired. “ Anything.” “It’s a good deal accordin te vue it pack. ~“* know that three and three cats don’t make a dog!” you ever study geography, Rich- = Wnet ie aeomiaphy? % at is geography?” ee Be Pe ae “Is this world round or flat?” “Hills and hollers,” he replied. “Richard, can you write?’ “MW rite what?’ “Can you write your name?” “I could, I suppose; but I’ve got my - name without writing it.” “Can.you write a letter?” “Who to?” “To ey one.” . T could, if I had money to pay 7 . ostige,’ Well, Richard,” she said, in despair, _- “¥ou will have to go into the lower room, if you want to come to school here.” “But you can’t. I druther stay here.” ” esd Pl bet you this knite ag’in ten cents APS ‘She.took him. by the arm to remove Aint, but he laid his hand on her shoulder, and said, in a warning voice: “Don’t get me mad now, or I’ let my- loose. Bete OE - She called the principal down, and, as he approached the boy, he demanded: “Boy, what are you doing here ?” was the prompt) { | “You go right down stairs now !” con- tinued the principal. “Well, don’t sass nie, for I never was nere before!” replied Richard, slowly moving his legs as if he meant to get down. The principal and jerked the shin, and bitten on the wrist, and paalty landed the young student on the walk, “Now vou go home!” he shouted, as he | tried to recover his breath, “Am I educated?” inquired Richard. “You seem to be.” “Gimme a diplomy, then,” “You clear out, or I’ have you ar rested,” “Hain’t I a scholar more?” “ No, sir.” in this school no “Who owns this school-house?” de- | manded the boy. “No matter—you clear out.” ; “Will you come out in the yard here where you can’t hang to anything?” asked the boy. “Begone, I say!” “Don’t draw no derringer on warned the boy, as don't think you can scare me with any of your bowie-knives !” The pincipal walked in,and shut the door, and after the new boy had stood me!” there long enough to show that he wasn’t | afraid, he turned and walked off, growling to himself: ; : “T’}) git foremi&n of No. 6 to pound that feller afore he’s a week older.” a DIVISION OF LABOR, Bedtime had come, and five-year-old fommy had been sent up stairs, The younger boy was tired, and went readily | up “the wooden hill.” Jack was not so willing to leave-his play, and accordingly sobbed and screamed and shouted with all his youth- ful energy. Even after they had been left, well tucked up in their cots, the noise continued for some time, At last there was silence, Mother crept to the foot of the stairs, and as she listened, she caught the tones of a voice, in which traces of the storm still lingered, as Jack said: “Youerya bit now, Tommy; 1’m tired.” > 0 > WHAT HE NEVER SAW. Inquiring Boy—“And have you seen! avalanches in the Alps?” Great Traveler—“ Yes, my son.” “And elephants in Asia?” ~ CN 68. 0° " 7 \ “And tigers in Africa?” “Plenty of them.” “Tver see a polar bear?” “Several.” “Ever see any wild monkeys?” * Thonsands, ” “Did you ever see a polar bear chasin’ a elephant with a tiger on his back, and alot of monkeys'laughin’ to see a aval- anche.comin’ after “em?” +0 f HE WAS FOR SQUARE BUSINESS atta nie The piano-organist had put his whole soul into his performance. 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