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Lintered According to Act of Congress, in the Year 1898, by Slreet é Smith, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washingion, D. C.
Entered as Second-class Matier at the New Yori:, N.Y.. Post-Ovfice.

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a1 tose Sitest, POs Nox se New York. September 30. 1893. ong 90 per Years

THE KING OF THE ISLAN

Or, The Strange Fortune of Ellis

 

 

LEWIS.

// = _

eg S ty \
pel BSG

\

 

 

 

 

 

 

ee = =
— = ta a FE —

WHILE THE OLD SAILOR WAS SPEAKING, ELLIS KICKED OFF HIS SHOES, AND MOUNTING THE RAIL, SPRANG BOLDLY INTO THE SEA.

 
=.

~~

 

 

[This Story will not be Published in Book- Form, }

THE KING OF THE ISLAND;

oR,

The Strange Fortune. of Ellis Kirk,

BY ENRIQUE H. LEWIS.

 

CHAPTER I.
A DARING RESCUE.

Ss SAY, Jack, just look at that sail-
I boat over near the yacht. There is a
mighty poor seaman handling the
tiller, and they will be overboard in
a jiffy, if they—— Ha! that was a close
call.”

“Well, I should say. it was, Ellis.
[here they go again. What on ‘arth do
they mean a-temptin’ Providence like
that? Sich blamed fools oughtn’t to be
allowed off dry land without a nuss to
bake care of them,”

“Right you are, Jack Bolte. Lubbers
haven't any business fooling with sails
in a breeze like this without a guardian
or nuss, as you call it,” and the speaker,
% bright manly lad of eighteen, laughed
uightly.

The two were standing on the fore-
eastle deck of a coastwise schooner,
‘ooking over to where a small, trim built
jail-boat was cleaving the waters under
the pressure of an undue spread of can-
vas.

Both were clad in the tarry garments
of seafaring men, and were evidently
part of the vessel’s crew.

The boy’s' companion, an elderly man
with. grizzled whiskers, had just  fin-
ished taying up the jib downhaul when
his attention was called by Ellis to the
imperiled boat.

Quitting his work, he joined his com-
panion near the starboard railing, and,
with arms akimbo, proceeded to express
his disgust at the maneuvering of the
little craft’s occupants. A

It was in the beautiful bay of Bar Har-
bor, Me., just at the commencement.of
the fashionable season for visitors, and‘

numerous yachts, both ste and sail,
‘were riding at anchor clogs to he beach.

From one of these, a Schooner-rigged
vessel of about one hundred tons, a sail-
boat had put off containing two young
men. Quite a stiff breeze was blowing,
and it soon became evident to the casual
observers that the one handling the til-
ler was either a novice in the business
or else foolhardy.

The large leg-of-mutton sail had not
caught the.full force of the wind until
nearing the trader on which were stand-
ing Ellis Kirk and the old sailor, Jack
Bolte.

A sudden puff heeled the little craft
over to a dangerous degree, and it was
then the lad had noticed their peril,
causing him to point it out to Jack.

“Why don’t the blamed fools take a
reef in that there sail?” demanded the
latter, with a snort of contempt at the
display of ignorance.

“They had better lower it altogether
and take to the oars,” replied Ellis,
quietly, “if they have any regard for
their lives.”

“Oh, sich gulls think they
Great waves, they are over!”

Bolte’s startled exclamation told the
truth. Carried over by astronger puff
than usual, the boat capsized, throwing
the occupants into the water. Both sank
from sight at once, but soon reappeared,
one striking out with lusty force toward

know it——

“* the partially submerged hull. ’
Buti speedily gained it and clambered

the keel, then turned to look toward

a is companion.

The latter made no such effort, but
feebly splashed about amid the_white-
capped waves, only to again disappear
from view.

A cry rang out from Bolte’s lips:
“He cannot swims; the poor fellow is
drowning, Bilis!" 72° >

Bnt the latter did not reply. Even
while the old sailor was speaking, he
kicked off his shoes, and, mounting the
rail, sprang boldly into the sea.

Splash!

The sound had hardly died away when

Bethe lad regained the surface, immedi-
ately starting with long, easy strokes

Bolte

arms.

re

toward the spot where the young man
had disappeared. _-

Nearing the place, Ellis took a sudden
dive, and ina few secoWds again came
into view, burdened by another figure,
which lay limp and helpless across his

cheer came from the decks of
nehored-in the vicinity, and
instantly started for the

rescner and his charge.

ote, was soon alongside. Dropping his
oar, the sailor. reached over and dragged
the inanimate form over the gunwale,

afterward helping Kirk into the boat.

A rousin

is

 

 

sculled by Jack}

 

CEO

“Neatly done, Ellis,” he said to the
latter, giving him a hearty slap on the
shoulder, “Tam proud 0’ ye, boy, proud
oye.”

Ellis smiled, but did not answer,
Bending over the figure in the bottom
of the boat, he peered earnestly into the
upturned face.

“He is still unconscious, Jack. We had
better get him under the care of a doctor
at once. It is teo far ashore, so I guess
you had better pull over tothe yacht
they came from.”

“Right you are, lad,” replied Bolte,
grasping the oar. “We may as well start,
as I see some of the other fellers has
picked up the cove on the sail-boat. He
is a dandy, he is, to save himself and
leave his shipmate to drown.”

Ellis nodded his head in reply. From
all appearances, the accusation was true,
and a hearty contempt. of the coward
filled his.mind. From his position on the
schooner’s forecastle he had seen the
whole affair and knew that no effcrt had
been made by the companion of the one
he had saved,

Immediately on reaching the surface
after the catastrophe, the other hadswum
for the capsized sail-boat, and remained
there while the work of rescue was in
progress,

It was plainly apparent, from the ease
with which he had covered the distance,
that he was no mean swimmer—a fact
making his abandonment of his com-
panion all the worse.

Turning away, Ellis glanced again at
the youth in the boat. He was probably
twenty years of age, and had dark flow-
ing hair, which now partially concealed
a rather striking face.

Even under such circumstances it was
easy to tell that he had not buffeted with
the world for his living.

In fact, his dress bore it out, as he was
clad in acostly yachting uniform aderned
with gilt buttons, and narrow stripes of
gold around the sleeves. Worked in the
collar was the name of the yacht:

LIBERTY.

“T suppose he must belong to her
crew,” remarked Kirk, as he read it.

“The young
billet, from the looks of them clothes,”
returned the sailor, working his oar vig-
orously.

Just before reaching thé’gang-way lad-
der a long, narrow gig shot into view
from the other side of-the white shapely
hull, propelled by five young seamen in
jaunty uniforms,

Seated in the stern was an elderly
man, wearing a full gray beard. He was
clad in a costume similar to that worn
by the youth in the yawl, and was evi-
dently attached to the same craft.

The gig was not long coming along-
side, Rising to his feet, the officeralled
out, excitedly: e

“Ig Mr. Edgecombe still alive? Quick,
man, speak! Did you get him out of the
water in time?”

At that moment the youth at Ellis’ feet
stirred uneasily, and opened his eyes.
He glanced around in a bewildered man-
ner, and then struggled to a sitting po-
sition

Catching sight of him, the man in
charge of the gig uttered an expression
of joy, and was on the point of speaking,
when Edgecomhe stammered :

“W-what is the matter? Where—where
am [?”

Then a faint glow of color coming into
his face, he continued :

“Ah ! yes; Lremember now. The boat
was capsized, and—but where is Ralph?”

“Ef ye mean the feller wot give ye the
shake, I guess he’s all right,” broke in
Jack Bolte, grimly. “He’s a confounded
sight better off than——”
ne stopped, checked by a glance from
Nllis.

The young yachtsman stared at the
speaker in surprise, ’

“We must not dally here,” interrupted
the old officer. “Thank Heaven you are
in safety, sir. We must fo on board the
yacht where you can change your cloth-
ing. Mr. Walton has also been rescued,
and is now on his way here in another
boate’ Fs
“Who was it that saved me?” eagerly
asked Edgecombe, gazing from one to the

ther.

“Tut, fut, sir! Do not ask questions
until we reach the vessel,” replied the
officer, kindly. “Your gallant rescuer is
here, and will come on board, thén you
can talk to some purpose.”

As he was dripping wet and evidently
uncomfortable, the young man obeyed,
and climbed up the ladder leading on

deck, followed by the officer in the gig,

who hefore disappearing, beckoned Kirk
and Bolte to follow.
When they. found themselves the sole

oecupants of the yawl, the lad gave a few

quick turns of the heavy oar sending
them away from the yacht’s side. ;
“Let’s go hack to the Hesper, Bolte,”
he whispered to his amazed companion.
“T haven’t done ‘anything for them to
make such a to-do over.”
“Avast; there, Ellis,” growled the

 

feller occupies a good

 

sailor, pointing back to the Liberty.
“You can't skin that way.  They’ve
spotted ye, and are a-hailing of us.”

Their move had been n_ticed on board,
and a loud summons to return came from
the gang-way, where the elderly officer
had appeared in view again.

“Ahoy the yawl! Where are you

going? The owner wishes to speak with
you. Come back, I say”
“I guess we had better go back,” said
Ellis, with a comical look of resignation
on his face.
botber me with unnecessary thanks in a
case where I just happened to be first.
Why, there were lots of fellows ready to
jump, and I only got ahead of them,
that’s all.”

While the lad was speaking, Jack had
skillfully turned the yawl’s head, and
with a few vigorous strokes sent her
back to the gang-way ladder. When they
reached the side, the painter was made
fast to a ring-bolt, and they went. on

board,

“Trying to give us the slip, eh?”
chuckled the officer. “Why, you don’t
know when you are well off, young fel-
low. The person you rescued just now is
Norman Edgecombe, the owner of this
yacht, and worth millions. Come with

| me; he is waiting for you in the saloon.”

Following their guide they passed aft
along the white deck to a carved mahog-
any companion hatch. Both would have
liked to stop and feast their admiring
eyes on the beautiful interior of the ves-
sel, but there was no time just then.

The descent of a dozen steps carried
them into a small ante-room separated
frcm the main cabin by curtains. The
officer drew these aside, and they stepped
ove: the threshold.

The interior was spacious and ele-
gantly furnished with all that a lavish
| hand could purchase,

Seated near a table in the center was
the young man Ellis had saved from a
watery grave. Near him stood a youth
of about the same age, whom they in-
stantly saw was the companion of Edge-
combe in the accident.

He slightly resembled the latter in
features, but had none of the dreamy, in-
tellectual expression of the other, In-
stead, a bold, restless look about the eyes
which were shifty and furtive at times,
stamped him as.one entirely different in
ternperament. He was leaning heavily
on a cane, and had evidently been speak-
ing as they entered. a

On seeing the new-comers, he’ stared at
them for a moment, and then, uttering
some remark to Edgecombe, limped heav-
ily to a door leading into a state-room,
and disappeared,

—,

CHAPTER II. -'
“QUITE A TEMPTATION.”

 

S soon as the officer announced the
presence of Kirk and Bolte, Edge-
Y combe jumped to his feet and ad-
3 vanced toward them with out-
stretched hands. Addressing Ellis, whom
he Ee a felt was his rescuer, he
said:

“So it is to your brave action I owe my
life. There is no use wasting words in
trying to thank.you, as the entire English
language would prove inadequate, But
allow me to say that you have earned my
everlasting gratitude, and I am_ only
poner to be able to show you what IT
feel.”

Young Kirk had reddened slightly
when the other began, but now he sim-
ply replied:

“Tt was only what any one having my
chance would do, sir. Please do not
make so much of it. There were many
others near by who would have done the

“You may look upon it as nothing,” re-
plied Edgecombe, warmly shaking his
hand, “but to me it means life itself. My
poor cousin, Ralph Walton, who was
with me in the boat, injured his leg so
badly when we capsized, that he was un-
able to help me, and, if it was not for
you, I would now probably be at the bot-
tom of the bay. No—no, you must let me
express my thanks, and valthough I
respect your modesty, still I must tirans-
gress it. Do you Jive in Bar Harbor,
vie,

The speaker hesitated, and involun-
tarily glanced at Kirk’s garb.

The lad was dressed in rough gar-
ments, which, though common, could not
conceal the manly, well-built figure or
the natural grace of the wearer, and it
was apparent to the young yachtsman
that even if he was a simple sailor, he
was fitted for a higher position,

Ellis noticed the glance, and recognized
its import.

“No, sir; Iam not a resident of this
place. I belong to the crew of the coaster
Hesper, lying just outside of you, This
pe eis tes a seaman on board, and my

riend. e

Edgecombe acknowledged the introdve-

tion by a bow, and was just on the point,

 

1
| of

“They evidently intend to

same thing, but I happened to be the
first.”

 

replying. when Jack. awkwardly
twirling his cap, spoke up:

“T make bold to say, sir, as how this
lad, though only a foremast hand on the
Hesper, is the smartest one we have got,
and, young as he is, knows more about
seamanship than any man aboard, in-
cludin’ your ’umble sarvaut. I saw him
when he jumped into the water after
you, and I must say that if he hadn’ta
done it, you wouldn’t be here now.”

“You are right, my good friend,”
agreed the owner of the yacht, “ane I
am desirous of showing my gratitude.”

Turning again to Ellis, he suddenly
noticed that the youth was still wet.
Notwithstanding the lad’s protestation,
the young man hurried him to a large
room abaft the cabin, which from its fit-
tings seemed to be his private quarters.

Selecting several garments, he ‘had
Kirk change into them at once. © .*.°

“This is not necessary, sir.
is not,” protested Ellis, taking them re-
lucantly. “I wrung the water from my

coat while in the yaw], and, anyway, Tam ~

used to being wet.” ]

“Nonsense! you must oblige me,” in-
sisted Norman, emphatically.

Seeing that the young man would
probably feel offended if he refused,
Kirk donned the clathing and returned
with him to the saloon,

Calling the steward, Edgecombe ordered
some light refreshments. While it was

being served, he conversed pleasantly”

with his two companions. The elderly
officer, who appeared to be the skipper
of the Liberty, had gone on deck, called
by some duty.

“Now, Mr. Kirk, or Ellis, as I would
like to call you,” began Norman, after
they had partaken of the refreshments,
“you will pardon me, I hope, if I should
ask a few questions concerning yourself.
Please do not think me impertinent, but
Iwould like to do something in repay-
ment for your services to-day,

“First, I will explain how I happened
to be exposed to such danger this morn-
ing. My cousin, Ralph Walton, who re-
sides with me, proposed a sail in a new
boat he had secured ashore. Knowing
that he was experienced in handling such
craft, I went with him. How we came
to oe a I do not know, but probably it
may have been due to a rope jJambing in
a block.

“My home is on the Hudson, just above
New York, where I live almost alone,
Having had this yacht built recently, we
came up here on a trial trip, and J in-
tended staying several wee ks, but this
accident has changed my mind. Now,
Ellis, if you wish, I would like to hear
something of your life, as I have a plan
by which I think I can partially repay
you for your gallant action.”

Although loath to speak of himself, the
kindly words of his new friend caused
him to feel that it was no idle curiosity
which prompted the request, so Ellis be-
gan. It was a simple history and needed
but few words.

Born in a little Connecticut village on
the Sound, he had lived there with his
mother until his sixteenth year, happy
in the quiet pastoral life, despite their
poverty. ; ?

After an excellent schooling, received
through the courtesies of an old acquaint-
ance of his father, he had tried to secure
work in the town, and failing that had,
as a last resort, shipped on the coast
trader Hesper as a deck-hand.

The pay, although small, sufficed
lighten his mother’s toil, and he had re-
mained on board up to the present, striv-
ing to learn enough of navigation to se-
cure a higher position.

During the recital, Norman Edgecombe
sat with his eyes fastened On the nar-
rator, deeply interested. . He noted, with
a responsive echo in his own generous

Indesd ae

x

to.

heart, how the lad’s voice trembled with -

feeling when he spoke of his mother’s de-

voted toil in his behalf, and, when Ellis ©

concluded, he quietly reached over and
grasped the youth’s hand with a warmth
he could not conceal.

“By Jove! 1 feel honored in knowin
you,’
hear of your brave struggle for even the
bare necessities of life’ makes me
ashamed that I have so much.
been a drone, a useless factor in the
world, consuming but producing nothing.
I would like todo good with my money—
to relieve some of the suffering ‘and trials
of the masses, but ] don’t know how, I
give in charity, but that does not satisfy
me.

“T would like to do more—to devote
the wealth in my possession to some
rand scheme by which life would he
netter and easier to those innumerable
millions who toil in darkness and waste
their existence in the constant struggle
for bread. I have plans, but T need help
to carry them out—not financial assist-

kindred friends who will feel as I do.”

Pausing a moment, he excused himself
and went into his room, returning imme--
diately with a bundle of papers,

he exclaimed, impetuously. “To -

I have

}ance, for T have enough of that—but ®

Calling Ellis over to the table, he: ~

a
stationary desk

 

 

 

GoonD NEWS.

 

spread them out and read certain ex-
tracts therefrom, afterward talking earn-
estly for several minutes.

* %

*

In the meantime, a far different scene
was being enacted not many feet away—
an interview between two persons which
ultimately had the greatest influence on
the lives of al] on board.

When Ralph Walton hobbled from the
cabin, he passed into his own state-room,
a sumptuously furnished apartment for-
ward of the saloon.

Upon entering, which he did with a
most grievous limp, he carefully closed
the door behind him, and then quickly
turned and shook his fist in the direction
of those he had just left.

The action must have been beneficial to
his injured leg, because after engaging
in the peculiar exercise he strode to a
in one corner, without
’ the least sign of his former lameness,

O, ening a secret drawer, be drew forth
a folded paper, but had hardly com-
menced to read it when a slight knock
sounded at a door leading into a passage-

way. Hastily secreting the document in
his pocket, Ralph grabbed up a bottle of
liniment, and shouted:

“Come in,”

The door opened slowly, admitting a
sallow-complexioned young man _ about

twenty-five years of age. He was clad
in the yacht’s uniform, and wore a naval
cap with the words “First Officer” on it
in gilt letters.

On catching sight of the new-comer,
Walton frowned slightly, and said:

“Ob; it’s you, is it? Weil, Purcell,
what do you want?”

The visitor glanced cautiously around,
and then, stepping inside, closed the
door.

“Just a little talk with you, Mr. Wal-
ton, if you are not too busy,” he replied,
suavely,

“Well, all right, if you will be quick
about it,” consented Ralph, rather un-
graciously, then shaking the bottle of

iniment, he added: “I want to use this
on my leg, which I hurt when the boat
capsized with Norman and me. The in-
jury is quite painful, and requires at-
tending to.”

“No doubt you
agony,” answered Purcell.
detain you loag.”

There was a peculiar intonation in his
voice, which caused Walton to give him
a sharp look. It seemed rather sarcastic.
The other’s face bore such an expression
of syimpatny, however, that Ralph con-
cluded he had been mistaken.

“Well, what is it?” he asked, shorvly,
motioning to a seat.

Accepting the invitation, Purcell sat
down, and, removing his cap, ran his
fingers through his hair in a thoughtful
manner.

“Mr. Walton,” he began, “I am placed
in a pechliar situation, and J hardly
know what to do, When you hear my
story, you will, no doubt, be greatly
astonished, but I think you can advise
we. It is a case in which I am called
upon by my Sense of justice to expose a
nefarious scheme.” -

He paused and looked at Walton. The
latter seemed rather bored, and also a
trifle surprised at Purcell’s peculiar

“words.

“Tam afraid you are going to unneces-
sary trouble, my dear friend,” he said,
“Such romances are really uninteresting
to me, and { am the poorest counselor in
the world.”

“Oh, you will find enough to more than
interest von in what I hav® to say,” re-
plied the first officer, with quiet assur-
anee: then he continued: “Living not far
from New York city is a young man, the
last of a strange family. For several
generations the heads of the house,
which, by the way is immensely wealthy,
have died in their thirtieth year. This
fatality, as you might call it, is so
marked that it has attracted attention.
The father of the present one, feeling
sure that he would die at the same age
as his ancestors, married early, cand,
after the birth of a son, made his will to
the effect that if his death should take
place as anticipated the heir would come
into immediate possession of all the
wealth, untrammeled by executors or
guardians, stating as his reason that he
wished the boy to enjoy the use of the
money during what he expected would
also prove a short life. f

“Well, he did pass away at the time
surmised, and his wife soon followed
him. His son is now spending the mil-
lions, in quite a modest way, however,
This lad is a dreamer, and has strange
ideas as to his duties to his fellow men,
but he has acousin who thinks different.
The latter is next of kin, and, according
to the will, inherits the money if the
other dies without issue. Now let me

impress upon you right here that this
cousin would conie into immediate pos-
‘session of ahout nine millions of dollars,
if his relative should quit this earthly
scene, Quite a temptation, is if not?
But do I bore you now, Mr. Walton?

are suffering great
“But I won’t

Raiph did not reply. A curious white-
ness had crept into his face, and he sat
silently staring at the narrator as if
hanging upon his every word.

 

CHAPTER III.
A STARTLING INTERRUPTION.

sie)
T>)URCELL gazed at him for a
\— moment, and then chuckled slowly
LSS and with evident enjoyment.

“No need for you to speak, sir,”
he said, with a wave of his hand; “I see
that you are deeply interested in my
simple tale. Well, to proceed: This
cousin early recognized the fact that he
was trembling on the threshold of great
wealth, and; may I add, his disposition
was such that he made several attempts
to open the door leading thereto.

“Really possessed of an unscrupulous
nature, he tried several ways of getting
rid of the heir—starting a fire at the
home mansion, frightening a horse the
lad was riding, and, lately, capsizing a
boat they were sailing——”

“Stop !” ~

The command, uttered in a voice trem-
bling with excitement, had come from
Purcell’s auditor, Ralph, who, springing
to his feet, now stood looking at the first
officer with startled eyes,

_He was evidently laboring under the
strongest emotion. Still retaining his
bland smile, the former waited a moment,
and then asked, quietly:

“Why, what is the matter, siz? You
appear rather affected. Does your—er—
leg pain you?”

Walton attempted to answer, but his
parched lips refused. Finaily, by a strong
effort he controlled himself, and gasped,
huskily:

_Wh-what do you mean by this—this—
ElaMapols, man? What has it to do with
me? hy, one would think —pshaw!
Purcell, this is simply a joke you are in-
venting for your Own amusement.”

He finished with a feeble attempt ata
laugh, which bore no sound of mirth,
however.

“Joke, eh?” replied the first officer,
grimly, then rising he leaned over closer
to his companion and grasped his arm,
His whole manner had changed. Instead
of the bland smile and suave expression,
his face appeared dark and menacing.

“Joke, eh?” he repeated, quickly. “You
will soon seethat it is solid truth, Ralph
Walton, Now, my dear fellow, we will
drop this fairy tale and come to business.
As-~ you know, I have lived with the
Edgecombe family since my tenth year,
employed in one capacity or another,

“During that time I have spent a num-
ber of years at the old mansion, and have
been thrown in close contact with the
few members of the family, and although
simply a servant as you might call. me,
still LT have had an excellent chance to
look about, The peculiar history ofthe
family, as I have just related—for, mark
you, [_ meant the Edgecombes—is no
secret. I early saw what chances you had
to succeed to the wealth, Ralph Walton,
and watched you closely.

“No—no—you need not try to deny any-
thing. I have positive proof that -you
tried to burn Norman in the home place;
I saw you frighten his horse from a place
of concealment, and this very day, when
you made the last attempt on your
cousin’s life, I was watching you through
a telescope.

“Why, you are only a paltry blunderer
—you strike out like an expert swimmer
and then tell.a cock-and-buli story about
injuring your leg; bah! But that has
nothing to do with it. What I want to
tell you deliberately is: that you are try-
ing to kill Norman Edgecombe to secure
his money.”

Ralph attempted to speak, but Purcell
waved him into silence, and then con-
tinued, phere ‘ ;

“Now, my duty is plain. I won't ask
your advice on the subject as I said at
first; oh, no! I should vo direct to Nor-
man and tell him this story, tell what
his beloved cousin, whom, in the inno-
cence of a neti ze believes to be a

aragon of virtue, is doing. is what
pee So bap ng. That is what

The pause was significant, and could
not be mistaken. Ralph, who had com-
menced to show every evidence of despair,
brightened up and glanced earnestly at
the first officer for fully a moment, then
almost in a whisper, he asked: :

“Do you want to be rich beyond your
wildest dreams, Purcell? Do you want to
feel your pockets lined with gold? to he
able to live like a king and gratify every
pleasure? Yes, I think you do. Well, T
can put you in the way of it, if you keep
silent on this subject. You are greatly
mistaken in thinking that I have been
guilty of what you say, but apnearaness
are against me, and I would not like to
engender distrust in my consin’s mind.
He is sensitive, and I think too much of
him to——”

(an)

ee

\

©

 

Ne was interrupted by a low laugh
from his companion, who said: |

.

“Ha, ha! that is the best joke of the
season. Really, Walton, you are grow-
ing quite witty. You think too much of

to me like that? I know you, and what
you are trying todo. Yousaid something
about terms; what are they? Remember,
however, that I come high.”

Ralph bit his lips, and gave him a look
which would have annihilated him, if
glances had that power.

He feit himself baffled in the little
game, and resolved to make terms with
the one who had ferreted out his evil
plans. Thinking it policy to conciliate
the first officer at once, he smiled as
cordially as he could, and replied:

“Well, Purcell, for the sake of argu-
ment, I will confess that you are right,
I acknowledge that if Norman dies I will
secure his money, and I don’t mind say-
ing that I would be right glad to have
the handling of it now. If you will keep
your lips closed, I will make it worth
your while.”

His companion nodded his head, and
then said, slowly:

“That is well and good, but what. will
you give me, if I help you in the busi-
ness ?”

Walton started, and then bending close
to Purcell, whispered a few words.

 

The first officer immediately held out
his hand which the other grasped.
compact was sealed.

“We will have to do something right
away,” said Ralph, at last, “as Norman

 

intends leaving the United States before
many weeks.”

“Intends leaving,” echoed his compan-
ion, in» surprise. “Why, where is he
going?”
~ “Vou will hardly believe me when I
tell you. I had a Jong talk with him yes-
terday, and he revealed a plan to me that
beats anything I ever heard. Why, the
fellow must be dreaming, or crazy.

“You know what a fool he is about
charity, and, as he calls it, the ameliora-
tion of the poorclasses. Well, he actual
has an idea of acquiring some favored
tsland in the south seas, subdue the
natives, and colonize it with those poor
wretches unable to succeed elsewhere,
and start an independent governmens
with himself at the head. :

“Now, what do you think of that?
Why, the idea is preposterous, and would
swamp his whole fortune—the fortune
that must be mine. As I said hefore, we
must do something at once, or it will be
too late.”

Purcell had listened to him with vary-
ing sensations of astonishment. When
his companion repeated the last words,
he replied emphatically:

“We must not prevent him starting on
this scheme. Let him leave the United
States, and our task will be an easy one.
I see. great possibilities in it for plenty
of——”

Rat-tat, rat-tat!«

A knock sounded at the door leading
into the saloon, and the voice of the stew-
ard calledout :
“Tbeg your pardon, Mr. Walton; but
Mr, Edgecombe wishes to speak with
you, if it is convenient,” : :

“Very well, Masters, tell him I'll be
there in a moment,” replied. Raiph, then
turning to Purcell he told the man_ to
come back at eleven that night, and they
would talk further about the plot.

After seeing him through the other
door, Walton hobbled into the saloon,
finding, Norman still engaged in conver-
sation with Ellis, who appeared strangely
flushed and excited. ;

“Ah! Ralph; I want to make an im-
portant announcement to you,” said Nor-
man, as soon as the former approached
the group. “Mr. Kirk, who so gallawtly
risked his lifetosave mine this morning,
is. I understand, a thorough seaman.
Now, I bave been thinking of the best
thing IT can do to show my gratitude.
You know our present skipper is old, and
should be retired on a pension, so I con-
cluded to offer Ellis the position—in fact,
to make him the captain of the Liberty,
and in that capacity to assist us in carry-
ing out that plan I spoke about yester-
EN got Ka
Ralph gazed at his cousin in utter
amazement. The announcement was so
unexpected, and, withal, so absurd as it
struck him, that he could only stare
helplessly from one to the other. Af last
he found his voice.

“What was that you said, Norman?”
he asked: then, without waiting for a re-
ply, he added: “Make this common sailor
lad captain of the Liberty! Why, you
must——”

. He checked -himself just in time, ob-
serving a pained expression cross Edge-
comhe’s face.

“No, Ralph: I am not crazy, as you
were probably going to say,” quietly re-
plied the youthful owner of the yacht.
“Ellis Kirk isa seaman, as J said before,
and an intelligent one at that. True, he
is young, but I hardly think that will
prevent him from displaying both skill

 

him, eh? Now, what is the use of talking |

28335

; tion, and | heartily hope he will favor
me by accepting it.”

“But, Norman; [ should think an ex
perienced navigator would be——”

He was suddenly interrupted by the
‘sound of loud voices, apparently coming
from en deck. They increased in volume; -
hoarse notes of warning conld be faintly
distinguished, and then, just as all
sprang to their feet in alarm, a terrible
crash shook the yacht from stem to stern,
sending them headlong to the cabin floor,

(TO BE CONTINUED.)
—_——_—_>_+____

BURIED ALIVE.

+

BY ARTHUR L. MESERVE,

——aees

 

es
XA OST of the great throng of tour-
ists, who, every year, crowd to
oY¢) the Alpine heights of New
““oS> Hampshire, take advantage of
the earliest opportunity to pass through
that narrow valley in which stands the
Willey House, a sad relic of that terrible’
night on which its inmates—nine in
number—were buried beneath the crum-
bling mountain. And few there are who
have stood on the sloping green in front

   
 

 

The }

of the door-way, but have gazed with
awe and wonder upon: the mighty mass
of earth and stone which was by the
fierce storms upreared, and which bears
the name of Mount Webster, given as a
fitting tribute to New England’s noblest
son.

The mountain .rises to an altitude of
over three thousand feet from the surface
of the valley, and in many piaces it is
almost a perpendicular wall of granite,
while in others the ascent is not quite so
steep, The mass is composed of huge
bowlders and shifting sands, that, with
every storin of magnitude, conie thun-
dering down into the narrow yalley,
oftentimes blocking up the road like
snow-drifts in the winter.

That end which faces the Willey House
is almost entirely destitute of vegeta
tion. The opposite side, where the ascent
radual for over half the way up,

is thes xr
ds Ii avily timbered with a thick growth

of spruce, fir, and hemlock trees, extend-
ing upward toward the summit until
such an altitude is reached that the cold
forbids their growth, where they dwindle
to mere shrubs, gnarled and tangled in
an intricate mass.

“A few years ago, while I was follow-
ing the calling of land surveyor, I expe-
rienced on this mountain an adventure,
which I shall now endeavor to relate. A
large portion of the great tract embraced
in the White Mountain region was, until
within a few years, the property of the
State, and known at “State ands:” but
now if has all been purchased by private
individuals and companies for yarious
purposes, and cut up into lots varying
from a hundred to ten thousand acres. _

A large portion of the surveying was
done by myself and a man named Moore;
and one autumn, at the close of Septem-
ber, found us running a line that we sur-

‘mised would take us as near as possible

to the summit of Mount Webster,

There were two others along with us;
ope a part owner in the land we were
“running out,” and the other an assist-
ant, who carried one end of the chain,
and also some articles of food, and an
ax, with which to bnild usa shelter and
prepare fuel. On these mountains such
accommodations are desirable at all sea-
sons of the year, as protection against
the chill night air. a

Ovr second day from. starting out
brought us out of the forest, and we
reached the bare cliffs about the middlet
of the afternoon, glad to escape from
tangled mass of dwarfed trees through
which we had been forcing our way for
the last half-mile. Once on the cliffs,
we held consultation, and it was de-.
termined to run up over the great bare
peak before us, as far as we could, before
sunset, making our boundaries as we
went along, which, in the absence of
trees to blaze, was done by piling up
smal] heaps of rocks at short intervals,

We had also decided, when the day’s
work should be over, to return to the
cover of the forest to spend the night. :

This plan had its objections, for we had
no relish for another brush with t
stunted trees; but there was no help tor
it. as we knew that wecould not be co
fortable on the bare cliffs; for, besides
the cold, the sky gave indications of a
storm. At that season of the year the
storms came quickly, and. with angry
vehemence, and it wonld be as much‘as
our lives were worth to attempt to brave
it in this exposed position. :

As the afternoon wore away, the signs
of a storm began to multiply, and a
last the sun went d :

4

 

and discretion in his calling. However,
if he will consent, he can have the posi-

and already in the eastsda Jouds ob-
secured the heavens, and were moving’
rapidly athwart the sky Rese ea
So busy had we been, that we had paid
little attention to the s bout us, and
oe
, ad

 
  

2836

CeOO TD

 

had work2d our way well up toward a
huge shoulder of the mountain, whence a
view might be obtained of the narrow
valley beneath, and the mountains, and
the Great Notch beyond.

On the’ disappearance of the sun, we
prepared to return to the edge of the
forest. I announced my intention of
serambling up on the shoulder previously
alluded to, for the view there to be. ob-
tained, and invited Moore to accompany
me. But he declared that he had had
climbing enough for one day.

31dding them have a good shelter pre-
pared, and supper ready upon my return,
I sprang up over the cliffs and yielding
sand, toward the summit of the shoul-
der, while my companions took their way
downward, and long before I had gained
the position Isought, a downward glance
informed me that they had gained the
shelter of the forest.

The ascent was rougher and the dis-
tance much farther than I had antici-
pated, and more than once I was tempted
to return. At last, but not until the
shadows had begun to gather around, I
‘stood in triumph on the summit, and
sent a shout downward to my com-
panions, which was answered feebly by
them, as though their voices were choked
by the thick woods that hid them from
my sight.

The scene before and around me was
one of unequaled grandeur. Down, as it
were, at my very feet, lay the Willey
House, just perceptible in the deep
gloom that filled the valley, its faint
outlines looking like a ghost of. its
former self, and a fit habitation for the
spirits of that unfortunate family that
the credulous say come back to visit their
old home whenever a terrible storm oc-
curs.

Higher up, the Great Notch lay as
though the mountains had been parted
asunder by a wedge. The deep gorge
filled with darkness that it was impos-
sible to penetrate. All around huge
mountain crests spread themselves,
growing more and more indistinct as the
darkness and gloom came settling do:vn
like a great pall.

How long I remained seated on the
edge of a narrow cliff I know not. To me
it seemed but afew moments, but I was
unconscicus how fast the moments were
passing, and the darkness seemed to
have come upon me all at once, and I
was only recalled to myself by being sud-
denly enveloped in a dense cloud, that
seemed to arise from the depths below.

I started to my feet, and endeavored to
penetrate the gloom by which I had sud-
denly been surrounded, and which so be-
wildered me that for the life of me I
could not tell in which direction I had
ascended to the place where [ stood. I
had long been acquainted with the
mountains, and knew how suddenly their
summits would sometimes be capped
with clouds when a storm was nigh, but
I had never known them to arise so sud-
denly. I stond completely bewildered,
not daring to move in either direction
for fear that in the darkness I might
stumble over a cliff and be dashed to
pieces on the rocks below.

In a few moments it grew lighter, and
then the mist rolled away toward the
west, and for a few seconds my sur-
roundings were revealed to me. It was
for a brief period only, and then another
an a denser cloud, surcharged with rain,
wrapped me in its folds. But the brief
glance I had had, showed me the way
by which I had ascended, and hastily J
began my descent, feeling my way along
as best I could.

Darker and darker the night gathered

in about me, and each moment my way !
been bad |

ecame more difficult. It had
enouch ascending by the aid of daylight,
bnté to descend in the darkness I soon
found out was next to impossible. Once
IT narrowly escaped being dashed over
the face of a cliff by the force of the
wind, and only saved myself by catching
my fingers in the crevice of the rock. To
advance farther without something to
guide me was almost impossible, and TI
shouted at the top of my voice, hoping
that my companions below in the forest
would hear and answer me, and I could
be thereby guided by the sound. But no
answer, save the shrieking of the wind,
‘fell on my listening ears.

Fiercer and fiercer grew the tempest
about me, and although I strove to keep
up my courage, I found that hope was
beginning to forsake me.
the fate of those who had _ perished on
the mountains; of those who in after
days had discovered their remains, and
J fell to speculating if mine would he
found, or whether they would be de-
voured by wild beasts that made their
home upon the airy heights.

T had worked my way down perhaps
‘ 5 irty rods from’ the summit, when my
eet struck one of those spots of sand of
which I have before spoken, and no
sooner had they done so than they
from beneath me, and I shot
ard for quite a distance at a rate
that was far from agreeable,

   
 

_ downw
of speed

  

T thought of:

 

‘
}

1

carrying with me numerous small rocks.
But my downward course was arrested
at last, when, at the bottom of the sand
patch I came in contact with the edge of
a cliff with such force that I was com-
pletely stunned. peewee

For several minutes I lay there in-
capable of motion, with the rain pouring
down upon me in torrents. Recovering
my strength at last, I staggered to my
sl to commence anew my struggle for

ife,

I was about to advance, when a flash of
lightning illuminated thescene, followed
by a terrific clap of thunder that seemed
to shake the mountain to its center.
Though half-blinded by the flash, I saw
a few steps from me what seemed to be
an entrance to a cave. . That glance gave
me new life, for here was a chance to
escape the fury of the tempest—a shelter
where I could remain in comparative
comfort until the storm should clear
away, or the morning light reveal to me
my downward way.

The darkness which succeeded the
glare of the lightning seemed denser if
possible than before, and it was wholly
by the sense of feeling that I worked my
way along, and, stooping low, 1 passed
into the mouth of the cave, and creeping
onward for a little way, I found by
reaching my hands upward, that the roof
had such an altitude at this point that I
could stand erect. I threw myself upon
the sandy floor, and listened to the fierce
warring of the elements without.

The minutes went fast, and with them
[ felt a sense of drowsiness creeping over
me. The warring of the storm without
sounded fainter and fainter, and at last
sleep overpowered me, and everything
wasa blank. When I awoke, a deafen-
ing roar sounded in my ears, while the
earth beneath my feet trembled as
though an earthquake were agitating
the very heart of the mountain. I sprang
to my feet, and hurried toward the
mouth of the cave. As I did so I received
a blow on my forehead that sent me back
upon the earth stunned for a moment.
In my fright, I had forgotten that the
entrance was so low that I had been
obliged to come in on my hands and
knees. The roar and the crash still con-
tinued, increasing in intensity every
moment, as did the vibration of the earth
beneath me. Again, 1 essayed to make
my exit from the cave, but hardly had I
advanced the distance I had been hurled
back, before I again retreated, and fora
moment it seemed as though the crust of
earth above my head would fall upon
me. Then I realized that an avalanche of
rocks and sand was working down the
mountain’s side above me, and that its
course was directly over the entrance of
my cave.

Suddenly the rush and the roar ceased,
or rather seemed to be far away in the
distance, though the earth still seemed
to tremble. This lasted a few moments,
and then botb sound and motion ceased.
Again, I moved forward, only to en-
counter a huge mass of earth and rocks
that completely blocked up the mouth ot

the cave. Anicychillness gathered about

my heart as I fully comprehended my
situation. The avalanche had sealed up
the mouth of my tomb, and I was
buried alive.

So stunned was I by this new calamity
that for a time I was incapable of either
thought or action. But at last, witha
great effort, I aroused my energies, and
began to calculate the chances of escape
from my unpleasant predicament,

1 knew that with the morning light
my companions would be searching for
me over the cliff, but would they think
of following the track of the avalanche?
No, it was not reasonable to think so
unless, indeed, they might be attracted
from curiosity to mark its course.

The minutes lengthened into hours,
and at last if seemed as though night
must be gone; though in my living tomb
it must always be the same to me. A ray
of hope crept into the blackness of my
despair, and I shouted with all the
strength of my lungs. Might not the
sound go out through the crevices while
the air came in, and might it not chanco
to reach the ears of some of my com-
panions in. the search for me? It was a
faint hope, but it was better than none;
and again and again my voice rang out,
sounding strange as each tone circled
round and round my narrow prison.

At Jast I was forced to stop from sheer
exhaustion, and I threw myself on the
earth and gave way to despair. Death,
grim and terrible, seenved standing be-
fore me, mocking my misery. Starvation,
with all its attendant horrors, stared me
in the face, for I thonght that never
again should I see the beantiful sunlight
of heaven, »nd I zroaned in the anguish
of my despair.

All at once there came to my ears a
sound that cansed my heart to stand
still, while T held my breath, fearful that
IT had heen mistaken. Again TI heard it,
and this time I knew that I was not mis-
taken. Somebody or something was
walking above my head, and I shouted

 

 

NEWS.

 

with all the strength I possessed, but my
voice was so hoarse that it sounded more
like the roar of some wild animal than
the utterance of a human being.

The footsteps above me ceased fora
moment, and the next instant they were
flying away in the distance, and soon
were lost to me, and with them my hew-
found hope died out. It was undoubtedly
some wild animal, ana@ my voice had
frightened it away.

Slowly the minutes went by in the
darkness and gloom, and then again I
heard the sound of footsteps in the up-
per world, and a moment after, a voice
sounded strange and unnatural as it came
down to me.

“This is the spot where I heard it, and
to me it sounded like his voice.”

3ut you must have been mistaken,’
said another. “There is no trace of him
here.”

J shouted with all my might, again
and again, and then I listened for a
response. It came a moment after:

“The avaianche has buried him alive!”

I heard the sand and rocks moving
above me, and I knew that I wassaved—
that my* friends were laboring with all
their power to bring ine forth from my

’

living tomb, and I was thankful that my-

prayer for deliverance had been heard
and answered.

After a half-hour’s labor an aperture
had been made on one side of the bowlder,
through which I stretched my hand to
grasp those of my companions, and not
Jong after the huge rock was moved
away, so that I emerged once more to
the light of heaven, and received the
congratulations of those who had rescued
me from a fearful death—that of being
left to starve in a living tomb.

—_—_—__ > - oo ____—_-

THE DIVER’S FATE.

BY ROGER STARBUCK,

eee

 

 
   

STAHE bark Warrentown lay becalmed

> off the coast of Brazil. The sky
hy was cloudless, and the warm sun
‘<7 gleaming down upon the vessel’s
decks, heated them so that they blis-
tered the feet of such of the men as were
barefcoted,

The officers had erected awnings above
the quarter-deck, to protect them from
the scorching rays; but the foremast
hands, having no spare canvas, were
obliged to shelter themselves as_ best
they could in the shadows of the try-
works and foresail.

Suddenly Tom Merrick, one of the har-
pooners, was heard proclaiming that he
had obtained permission from the cap-
tain for all hands to bathe in the sea.
The good news was received with a
cheer, and soon:the men on all sides
were seen preparing for a swim.

One of them, however—a little tar,
with an old face, and queer bandy legs—
after having thrown off his jacket, was
observed to put iton again, and at the
same time to give his head a quick nega-
tive shake. :

“Halloa, Thrugg, what’s the matter?”
inquired one of his shipmates. “ Ain’t
you going to join us, after all?”

“No. was a-going to, when T hap-
pened to think of the dream which I had
t’other night.”

“What was that?”

“Why, I dreamed, d’ye see, that I was
a-leaning over the rail, a-looking down
upon my own corpse, which was a-float-
ing, face upward, past the ship.”

“Nonsense, it was only a dream. I
have had a thousand such, and not one
of ’em has ever come to pass. So hurry
up, snail, and get ready for a dive; I’ve
heard that you are one of the best divers
in the ship, and, as I’ve never seen ye
perform, shall be mightily disap-
pointed if you don’t do so now. You’l]
fee] all the better for it, beside which,
you may not have another opportunity
during the rest of the voyage.”

Thrugg, however, shook his head,

“The dream is haunting me yet, d'ye
see, and something seems to warn me not
to go into the water. I don’t like to go
against a warning voice, i
"“Superstitious !” cried the other, laugh-
ing. “You're foolish to let such ideas
run away with you. Hows’ever, if you
don’t want to go in, it’s all right. I have
nothing more to say.” :

At that moment, the captain came for-
ward, smiling and whistling good
humoredly.

“T hear we've got a second Sam_ Patch
on board!” he exclaimed. “Where is
he?” :

Instantly, half a dozen fingers were
pointed toward Thrugg, who took off his
cap, and bowed. =

“How is this, Thrugg—ain’t you going
in?” inquired the skipper.

“No, sir: t’other night I had a dream
whiech——”

“Avast there!” interrupted the cap-
tain. “Yon needn't spin me any of your
yarns about dreams, for I ain’t supersti-

 

tious, and so I dcn’t believe in anything
of that sort. D’ye see that?”

And he pulled a guinea from
pocket, and held it up between
thumb and forefinger.

The eyes of the little old tar sparkled
as he gazed at the coin.

“Tt's a bright piece,” said he, “and—
and——”

“Tt's yours!” broke forth the captain—
“that is provided you promise to dive
for it, and get it if I throw it overboard!
As I don’t wish to throw away such a
valuable piece of money, however, you
must tell me, truthfully, whether you
will be able to get hold of it or not in
case——” ;

“Ay, ay,” interrupted Thrugg, as he
threw off his jacket. “Try me, and you
shall see how quick I’ll bring back that
guinea after you fling it into the sea.”

Soon he was pereked upon the rail
ready to dive. His eyes twinkled like
those of a locust; his face rippled with
smiles. Avarice, which in him was very
strong, had got the better of his present-
iment.

“Now then, here goes!” cried the cap-
tain, and the glittering coin was tossed
over the knightheads into the sea.

With a wild cry of joy, Thrugg dove
after it. The water closed over him and
the men, perched upon the rail, were
watching for his reappearance, when
suddenly a fat, porpoise was seen gliding
along toward the bow.

“Bring me an iron!” shouted the first
mate. “Quick—we will settle this fel-
low’s hash for him, in a short time.
Stand by to baul!”

There was an iron upon the forehatch;
one of the men picked it up, and gave it
to the first officer.

He fastened the’end of the jib down-
haul to it, then sprang upon the guy,
and stood ready to dart.

He did not have to wait long. The por-
poise soon glided beneath him, and with
a whizzing, rushing noise, the harpoon
clove the air. The fish dove, making a
great flurry, and the mate sprang to the
deck.

“Tye struck him!” he exdlaimed.
“Haul! haul in, men! Lively, lively, if
you want porpoise balls for supper!”

The men pulled upon the rope with a
will; but the captain, who was perched
upon the knightheads, saw nothing of
Phe debe

Shouting and singing, however, the
men sti:l continued to pull upon the
rope. 5 ;
“D’ye see him yet, sir?” inquired the
mate.

“No,” answered the captain; “and,
what's more, I take but little interest in
your porpoise; I’m watching for Thrugg,
who ought to he up by this time on the
other side of the bow.”

“Haul away, lads!” eried the first

his
his

officer, now jumping upon the knight- |
i @

heads—“ haul away !”

“Ay, ay,” was the response, while sev-
eral of the seamen declared that they had
never before had so much difficulty in
pulling up a porpoise that was struck.

“It’s certainly a heavy fish,” cried Tom
Merrick, the harpooner, “I think it’s
high time the creature was above water.
Do you see anything of it yet, sir?” he
continued, turning to the mate.

“No, not yet; but—ay, ay! I see some-
thing black! It's a-coming up! Pull
away—pull with a will, and you’ll soon
have the fish out of water.”

The tars exerted themselves manfully;

the dark object became more distinct

every moment; soon, to his horror, the -

mate was enébled to make out a human
head andarm.

A minute later the men gave the rope a
sudden, powerful jerk, when up came
the body of poor Thruge.

The old sailor was quite dead; for the
harpoon darted by the first officer had
missed the fish and passed through the
stomach of the diver, who, while under
water, had unfortunately swam from one
side of the bow to the other. :

- Now, then, dangling from the rope,
with the sharp instrument projecting a
foot. beyond |

staring eyes turned upward, and streams
of blood trickling down his body, he pre-
sented such a spectacle as the horror-
stricken crew hoped they might never see
again,

The corpse was hauled on board, and
tightly clutched between the fingers of
the right hand the captain found his
guinea, which, even in his death strug-
gles, the doomed sailor had _ still re-
tained, i ,

“Poor Thrugg!” muttered the skipper.
“He has got the money, but it’s no use
to him now,” and he turned aside his
head to wipe a tear from his weather-
beaten cheek.

“God have mercy on his soul!” groaned
the mate—“and on mine! I shall never
know a moment's peace after this!”

The body was buried on the next morn-
ing, and when the waters had closed over
it there was not a dry eye in the ship.

—_—

 

JAPANESE laborers earn three pence a day,

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2837

 

{This Story Will Not be

Published in Book-Form.}

THE YOUNG STONE-CUTTER;

The Secret of the Stolen Quarry.

By VICTOR ST. CLAIR,

Author of “Sons of Steel,” “Bayard the Bicyclist,” ‘From the Forge to the Forum,” “The Train Boy of |

the Pen Yan,” “Stories of the Silent Steed,” “Roughing it on Range and LRanel,” ete.

(“THE YOUNG STONE-CUTTER” was commenced

News Agents. }

in No. 175. Back numbers can be obtained of all

 

CHAPTER XIV.
STONIA HEARS

TONIA silently dived below the

surface, and, when he came up. to
~Y) breathe, he was several rods from
the boat.

At that moment he saw lights upon
the shore, and he knew that the men had
procured torches, which threw their flick-
ering glare out over the water for a con-
siderable distance.

A pistol-shot rang from the boat,
quickly followed by two or three others,
the marksmen hoping to discover his lo-
eation by the aid of the flashes of light.

“He ain’t there now,” Stonia heard
Forehand exclaim. “Pull a leetle furder
on, boys!”

Diving again as his enemies resumed
their firing, Stonia doubled the distance
between them and himself before he re-
turned to the surface.

By this time he realized that it was
hopeless to think of escaping without a
long swim to the farther end of the
pond. It was a mile or more to that
shore, and though he had made the dis-
tance two or three times under fur less
incentive, encumbered as he was with
his clothes it seemed like a hazardous
undertaking. However, he was confident
he could swim it now, while if he failed
his fate would be hardly worse than to
be captured by the angered mob.

Having decided upon this course, he
husbanded his strength as best he could,
and swaim steadily, yet swiftly, on.

The shouts of his enemies, as well as
their continued firing, rang plainly in
his ears for some time, when they began
to grow fainter, so that he grew more
hopeful.

He saw with dismay, however, that the
parties on the shores, as if divining his
intentions, were following the water’s
edge about as fast as he progressed, their
advance marked by the flaming torches
they still carried.

Occasional shouts reached him, though
he could no longer hear the boats.

Glancing back in the direction from
‘whence he had come, he discoveerd a
vrilliant light in the distance, which
Sprang up higher and
watched it.

At first he thought the stone-cutters
had built a bonfire on the beach, but he
soon saw that it was’ farther away, and
it was not long before he decided it was
the old barn burning.

Whether the hay had caught from the
overturned lanterns, or the fire had been
set purposely, he did not know. The
flames were increasing in volume rapidly,
and the building with its contents would
soon be consumed,

Watching the fire at intervals, Stonia
saw the elements reach their height, and
then as they began to die down he turned
his whole attention to his escape.

He was nearing the upper end of the
pond, but the torches still flashed along
the shores and at the head of the water,

NEWS.

 
  

His long-continued exertions were tell- |

ing upon him, and for the first time he
began to lose courage, as he realized the
difficulty he must experience after all in
eluding his enemies. But mustering his
failing strength as much as_ possible he
kept on, hoping they would relinquish
ee search before he reached the water’s
edge. as Se

Finding, as he approached, that they
maintained their vigilance as closely as
ever, he steered his course toward the
channe! of a stream which fed the pond
from the mountains in the distance.
high water this river had eaten its bead
into the earth, so the banks were several
feet high.

Unfortunately for him the water in the
pond was so low that it would be difficult
‘to reach the protection of these banks
without being seen,

He could see his enemies darting to
and fro, and he heard one of them say:

“He'd a got here -afore this, ef he was
comin’. He’s drownts that's the long an’
short on’t.” *

“Mebbe he’s come ashore down lower,”
said another.

“He's drownt!” reaffirmed the first.

Not daring to wait fora more favorable

higher as he!

At |

opportunity, Stonia swam to the mouth
of the stream and then along its wind-
ing course, until he was concealed from
the stone-cutter’s by its high
fringed
hanging bushes.

They lingered about the pond half an
hour longer, when the last of their
torches died out, and Stonia concluded
they had given up the search for him.

Gladly he started homeward, and see-
ing nothing more of the members of Ca-
rew’s band, he made the journey in
safety. The fire of the burning barn was
no longer to be seen.

Knowing it would only add to the anx-
i iety of his mother Stonia resolved to say
| nothing of his adventures, and he reached
his room without being seen by her, to
change his clothes before he appeared.

In the tmorning by half-past six he
| hastened to Foreman Freeman’s house
| to tell him the whole story.

His surprise may be imagined when he
reached the other’s home to find that he
; had left to go to Montreal.
| “He started about half an hour ago,”
| said Mrs, Freeman. “He spoke of seeing
| you, but I told him he hadn’t time.”
| “Oh, well, I can see him when he
, comes back.”
| “Yes, though that is some time off I
|fear. He did not think he should come
. back within a week or ten days,”

“So long?”

“Yes; of course he told you last even-
,ing—he said he was going to—that he

had quit working for Colonel Coleman,”

“Quit working for Colonel Coleman!”
replied Stonia, unable to credit his
senses, :

“Why, yes; I°supposed you knew it.
He has gone to look for another job.”

“T don’t understand if; I am sorry.”

“He hated to leave. But Colonei Cole-
man gave him his notice last evening,
when my husband told him he’d as soon
quit now. The colonel said he would be
glad to have him, as his new man would
bring some one to take his place.”

This was a disappointment to Stonia,
who had no one to turn to now whom he
dared to trust. Perhaps Colonel Colenian
was the proper party to be told the plot
of the secret league of stone-cutters; but
knowing the other’s strange faith in
| Carew, he felt that he would be laughed
at for his pains. Remembering that the
new superintendent was coming that day,
he decided to wait and unfold the scheme
to him.

He had not gone far from Mr. Free-
man’s home when he met Cale Carew,
; who at sight of him turned pale and
; could scarcely speak.
| “Hullo! is that you, Stonia, out as
early as this?” he managed to stammer.

“Certainly, Mr. Carew. I do not call
this early. Why itis almost work-time.”.
| “So ’tis; the mornings are short at this
time of the year. Are you going to work
to-day?” af

“Yes, sir, in the sheds.”

“I suppose our new superintendent be-
| gins to-day. By the way, that is, I want
to speak of last night’s affair; of course
you have told noone of what you wit-
nessed.”

“No, sir.”

“Tam glad you haven’t, Stonia. It
wouldn’t do any good, but it would do
lots of hurt. You see our organization is
perfectly harmless. I joined it to please
the boys. Now that you have given it a
sober second thought, I trust you will
join us,”

“We will not discuss that now, Mr.
Carew. I have no time——”

“It will pay you to spare a few min-
‘utes. Look here, Stonia, I'll see that you
lose nothing by it if you become one of
us. I have preat influence, and I can do
almost anything for you.”

“I don’t care to join, so you will ex-
cuse me if I go about my business.”

“Hold on another moment,” exclaimed
Carew, catching him by the aria; £
hope you do not intend to betray me.”

“Let me go, Mr. Carew.”

_ “Because if you do,” the other went on
ina low hissing tone, “I want to give
you aword of advice. Beware of how
you say one word oreven hint of what
you havefseen and heard. Remember the

 

 

 

 

banks |
with a dense growth of over- |

that binds men together. If you betray
us { wouldn’t want to be responsible for
what some of our embers might do. So
be cautious, boy.”

Without replying to the words, which
seemed to him more of a threat than a
warning, Stonia hastened to his home.

“CHAPTER XV.

THE BURNING OF THE BARN.

ABOUT

ws

TONIA reached the quarry a few
minutes before seyen. He found
the new superintéhdent, Byson,
already there with another, whom

he judged to be the expected foreman of

the sheds.

The last person was a short, thick-set
man with beetling eye-brows and a sallow
| complexion, who moved about with the
|peculiar, rolling gait. of one used toa
| sea-faring life. His personal appearance
was decidedly unfavorable.

The majority of the workmen were
present, sand Stonia could not help nofic-
ing the surprise manifested at his ap-
pearance by those whom he had seen at
the secret conclave.

Directly whispered dialogues were car-
ried on in different places, and anxious
looks were cast at him by those who had
not,dreamed of seeing him there.

The burning of the barn had not seemed
to create any talk, for he had not heard
it mentioned -yet. Under the ciicum-
stances he had not thought it best to
speak of it.

Greeting his fellow-wowkmen as_° if
there was nothing unusual between
them, Stonia sought his usual place of
work and began his routine of labor.

In a few minutes the click, click, click
of the hammers rang from all parts of
the sheds, and clouds of stone-dust began
to fill the air.

Amid this auspicious opening of their
connection with the Stoneham stone
works, Superintendent Byson and Fore-
man Inchers began an inspection of the
sheds and yards, the latter examining
zach part with a Critical, overbearing
air, which left anything but a tavorable
‘impression upon the beholder.

“T can see there are several important
renovations to make,” he declared to his
companion loud enough to be heard by
those near him. “I must say the yard
has a very slovenly appearance.”

“Perhaps so,” was the superintendent's
rather doubtful assent, as he turned away.

Superintendent Byson, not much to
Stonia’s surprise, kad not openly recog-
nized him, and, in fact, had seemed to
avoid him.

To Stonia, who understood the situa-
tion better, perhaps, than any one else,
the conduct of the new foreman seemed
an evidence of intended rebuff to the
men, as if he desired an outbreak. Of
course this was more in the nature of the
man than in his intention, still it was not
calculated to create a good fellowship
among them. He kept a close scrutiny
upon their work, dictating in no gentle
tones whenever anything *was done con-
trary to his fancy. :

Fortunately for him Stonia was a good
workman, though he had at the bench
with him an apprentice who was among
the first to incur Mr. Inchers displeasure.

The other was a quiet fellow who took
his “scolding” without a murmur, and
kept on about his work with renewed
efforts to suit.

A second reprimand, however, included
Stonia, who was blamed for allowing the
objectionable work. By this time it be-
gan to dawn upon our hero that these
complaints were really aimed at him,
though he could not imagine the reason
at this early stage of the other’s actions.

With his usual unconcern Stonia kept
about: his work, and the day passed
quietly enough. It was evident: to him
that the stone-cutters were “taking meas-
ure” of their new boss, whom he could
see had not impressed them favorably.
Colonel Coleman certainly had not
strengthened his position by the addition
of Messrs. Byson and Inchers.

Mr. Stedman was 2vidently on the road
to recovery, though his condition was
still critical, as he remained oblivious of
what was transpiring around him.

After supper Stonia was sitting beside
him, anxiously wondering how long it
would be ere he would recover, and if
then they should definitely settle who
had made the unmerciful attack upon
him, when a loud rap was heard at the
door.

Answering the summons, he found a
Mr. Baton and one other whom he did
not know. r

“We called to have a little talk with
you, Stonia,” said the first, who became
spokesman of the twain. “As it isa
matter which concerns only ourselves it
will be best that no one else is within
hearing. Put on your hat, please, and
come with us.”

“Tn a moment, sir,” replied our hero.

He was puzzled to know what this visit

 

 

him that Mr. Baton was the owner of the
barn which bad been burned, he antici-
pated that it boded him no good.

Feeling innocent of all blaine, however,
he boldly joined the waiting couple, and
with them started down the road.

Mr. Baton had made a few common-
place remarks, and Stonia was wonder-
ing if he bad no more important errand
when he asked abruptly:

“ Have you seen Joe Minks to-day?”

“No, sir; but I think he worked on the
quarry to-day.” i

“You were down to his place last even-
ing?”

“Yes sir; but I did not see him.”

“You came home by the old wheel path
and called at my barn?”

[BB - Biss

“You went inside?”

“T—yes sir. I did.”

“What business did you have on my
premises?”

“No business sir.”

Stonia was perplexed to decide how
far it would do for him to tell the truth.
This man he knew was no friend to his

| father, and the burning of the barn began

to take on an ugly phase of which he had
not dreamed.

“Yet you did not hesitate to enter the ~
building, though I am careful to keep

the doors locked. I suppose you are
aware of the consequence of such a
course. Men have been sent to State

prison for smaller oflenses, to say noth-
ing of what followed.”

“Mr. Baton, you do not believe I had
anything to do with the burning of your
barn ?”

“I have not mentioned such a thing to
any one, Stonia. Four men have told as
much, but I laughed at them and advised
them to keep quiet, at least until I could
see you. Now please give me the plain
facts of the case from your point of view,
and I shall doubtless be convinced of
your innocence of the affair.”

“I have very little to say in regard to
the matter, Mr. Baton. As I was coming
past the building, I saw some men enter,
and, thinking they did not belong there,
I stopped to see who they were. Then not
wishing to be seen by them, I entered at
one of the doors on the south side. These
men went out and others returned so at
one time there were several in the barn.
Soon after that the fire broke out.”

It was too dark for Stonia to see the
other’s features, but he understood by his
manner that he was not satisfied with
his explanation.

“You have not told all,” he said, sig-
nificantly. “You are keeping something
back. I cannot accept your account until
you tell meal] you saw and did. You
did not get home until long after the fire
was out. Where were you?”

“Mr. Baton, I have told you frankly
the cause of my being in your barn, and
I repeat that I cannot tell you how the
fire caught.”

“You are pretty independent for a fe)-
low standing on such dangerous ground
as you are. But if you do not choose to
enlighten me further I-shall have to
throw the blame upon you, much as I re-
gret to do so. The burning of one’s build-
ree is an offense we cannot lightly over-
ook.”

“You do not think that I did it, Mr.
Baton?”
“Tt looks like it, I am sorry to think.
But I dare say you can showa clean
hand of the nasty affair.”
“Tf you think so why do you press this
matter upon me?”
“Because there are certain things you
are keeping from me.”
“And if TI tell you all, as you call it,
what then?”
“Why I shall know. how to act then.
Make a clean breast of it, my boy, and I
will stand by you.” ‘
“Mr. Baton, if you
question for me I will
may ask me.” =
“Of course I will do that, Mr. Sted-
man, so go ahead,”
3 ae has been occupying your barn of
ate?”
Had a flash of lightning struck at his
feet at that moment Mr. Baton could not
haye shown greater surprise.
Stonia had at last decided that the per-
son with him was one he had seen at the
meeting of the secret party, and in their
course of action he could see the hand of
Cale Carew.
“T—really, I cannot see that it is any
of your business. It has nothing to do~
— your explanation of burning my
arn,” j
“Then you and I donot think alike
and it is useless to continue this talk. I
wish you good evening, Mr. Baton.”
As Stonia started abruptly back to his
home he was surprised to find that they
had gone so far. In fact, they had passed
quite out of sight of the village to enter
the border of the growth - which, over-
hanging this lonely road, reached to the
distant mountains. ‘ '

“Hold on!” cried Mr. Baton ,

done with you yet.” eee

*
will answer one ~
answer all you

:

 

 

oath taken in secret is the strongest. tie

meant, and as it suddenly occurred to

At that moment three or four

 

  
           
   
 

7

they realized,

- the youngster,

2838

C#OOD

NEWS.

 

stepped into his pathway and Stonia
found his retreat cut off.

CHAPTER XVI.
AN UNSUCCESSFUL MISSION.

TONIA was not easily intimidated,

but the sudden appearance of the

~) new-comers and, at the same time,

the apparently hostile movement

of the others, caused him to start back
with apprehensions of danger.

It was too dark for him to see the new-
comers distinctly, but he drew a breath of
relief as he recognized the foremost of
the quartet as Rube Coleman. He saw
aene his companions Sidney Black-

urn,

“Hulloa!” cried the one nearest to young
Coleman, “here is Ross.”

“Not by a long shot!” exclaimed Rube.
“Don’t go near him, Nat; he is that
nasty stone-cutter, Stonia Stedman.”

“But he may have seen Ross. He——”

“Come along; we don’t want anything
to do with him. My father doesn’t allow
me to associate with him,” and catching
the other by his sleeve he led him away
from the place, followed by their compan-
ions.

Standing under the deeper shadows of
the path Mr. Baton and his friend had
evidently escaped the notice of the boys.

The former did not speak until tney
had passed beyond hearing, when he
said: |

“Stonia, I am afraid you do not under-
stand the pecutiar circumstances sur-
rounding your situation. ‘Three reliable
men have come to me armed with the
power to blast your good name. I asked
them to wait until I could see you, hop-
ing the matter could be fixed up without
injury to you,”

“Who were the three men, Mr. Baton?”

“I am not at liberty to give their
names, but they are well known in Stone-
ham and one of them is a power, too,”

“That may be, but as yet I fail to un-
derstand what is wanted of me.”

“IT think I have stated sufficiently
plain what I want,” replied the other,
impatiently. “I want a full statement
from you of what you saw and did last
night.”

“Tf Iam not mistaken, Mr, Baton, you
know more than I do already. Hithér of
the three men can tell you; or this man
here; he was ‘present !”

Exclamations of surprise followed this
rather imprudent speech and the man
with Mr. Baton, speaking ‘for the first
time, exclaimed: 3

“Why waste any more time with the
foolhead? You know what you cau do;
go ahead and do it, is my advice.”

“T hate to injure the boy.”

Then turning to Stonia he added:

“You seem determined to put a wrong
meaning upon all I say to you. Now see
if you can understand this: If you reveal
to any one what you have not dared to
tell me I will have you arrested inside of
an hour for burning my buildings, I
shall be able to prove all that I under-
take, and that to you means years of
prison life.”

Stonia made no reply to this threat,
and while the others left the place he

watched them depart, wondering if he

had acted an unwise part in the way he
had met them. :

Whatever else might result from this
meeting he resolved as he returned to his
home that he would see Colonel Coleman
early in the morning and unfold to him
the whole plot, let the consequence be
what it might.

He had no confidence in Mr. Baton’s |,

professed friendship, and he coneluded
the other had become a tool in the hands

' of Carew to work against him.

Unfortunately his father grew worse
during the night, so inthe morning it
was necessary to call in the doctor. -

It was barely daylight when Stonia

started to call on Dr. Gilman, but. as |

early as it was he saw a couple of men,
whom he recognized as Carew and_ Inch-
ers, enter one of the stone sheds,
_ His. course lying directly past the place
he soon came within sound of their
voices, which in their earnestness they
had raised to a higher key doubtless than
and hearing his name
spoken he stepped out of their sight to
hear what might be-said. |
Cale Carew was speaking.
“T tell you, Inchers, you must get that

young upstart out of here if you want to

get along with the help.”
“You mean the old superintendent's
boy?” > %

“Yes, Stonia Stedman. He wants your
lace and he will make you trouble as
ong as he stays.
et rid of him; he told meso. He will
ike you all the better for disposing of

“Oh, well, I kalkilate it won’t take me

long to send him out on the toe of my

boot. I have fired smarter chaps than he

,

in my day.” — ;
_ “Of course you can do it easy enough,

| Erastus has.s@ much

The colonel wants to.

 

and it’s for your interest to do so. In re-
gard to other matters I will see you to-
night.”

Stonia did not dare to stop longer, so
he hastened on his way to Dr. Gilman’s,
pondering upon what he had heard, and
wondering how he would succeed in
bafling Carew’s intentions.

He was growing more and more anx-
ious to see Colonel Coleman,*so, as soon
as Dr. Gilman had visited his father and
made him as comfortable as possible,
Stonia called at the quarry owner's
home.

He was met #t the door by Mrs. Cole-
man, who announced that her husband
was at home, and ushered him into his
presence,

To Stonia’s disappointment Carew was
present.

“Ah, glad to see you, Mr. Stedman,”
said Colonel Coleman, extending his
hand. “Cale and I were speaking’ of you;
be seated.”

be f will wait until you are at liberty,
sir.’

“TI was never more at liberty than now.
So say what you wish.”

“But it was of a personal matter I
wished to speak, Colonel Coleman.
If——”

“Never mind Mr. Carew. Speak as
freely as if he were not present. He and I
have beeu having a confidential chat.”

Stonia found himself in an awkward
situation. He did not care to insist unon
a private interview with him whom he
had come to see under the circumstances,
and though Carew had not spoken, he
could see that the arch schemer was smil-
ing at his discomfiture.

Determined to keep the real object of
his visit from the other, he quickly said:

“Certainly, Colonel Coleman, and T can
stop but a minute, Father is worse this
morning——.”

“Worse! I thought he was rapidly re-
covering.”

“So it has seemed until last night. Dr.
Gilman thinks we had better have Dr.
Epworth come up again, and I thought
perhaps one of the teamsters would see
him,”

“So he shall. I will—say, Hiram is
going to drive through this morning, ana
he can see the doctor by nine o’clock,”

“Thank you; it will save me so much
troubie.”

“That is all right. I won't fail to speak
to Hiram, and he can be trusted. But I
hope your father will soon rally. How
do you like your new foreman?”

“Very well, sir. But if you will excuse
me I will go home before I begin work.”

“Certainly. If we weren’t so rushed at
the sheds, I’d let you off to-day.”

Stonia left the apartment dissatisfied
with his visit and at a loss what todo
next,

He was met in the hall by Mrs, Cole-
man, who seemed very much distressed
over some trouble, which was quickly ex-
plained as she asked:

“Have you seen Reuben this morning,
Stonia? He went away last evening and
I am so worried about him.”

Mrs. Coleman -was a_ kind-hearted
woman, and as Stonia gave his negative
reply he realized something of what she
must suffer on account of her wayward
son.

“And you haven’t seen him? Where
can he be? He never went off so before,
I have asked his father to look after him,

-but he is too busy to think of anything

save those stone-eutters. And that hate-
ful Carew has been here all the morning,
I do dislike that man. Did you have a
chance to say to my husband all you
wished?” :
“No,” replied Stonia, frankly. “Mr,
Carew was present all the time.”
I can’t see why
to do with him. I

“Just as expected.
think he is a snake in the grass. If there
is any word you wish to leave with me I
will tell Colonel Colernan when he is at
liberty.” ;
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
——_—_>_+—~»____

SAGACITY OF A CAT.

 

A lady had a tame bird, which she was
in the habit of letting out of the cage
every day. One morning, as it was pick-
ing erumbs of bread off the carpet, her
cat, who always before showed great
kindness to. the bird, seized it suddenly,
and jumped with it in her mouth upon
a table. The lady was much alarmed for
the safety of her favorite; but, on turn-
ing about, instantly discovered tlie cause.
The door had been left open, and a
strange cat had just come into the room,
After turning it out, her own cat came

down from her place of safety, and
dropped the bird, without doing it
injury, ;

—_—__-+>_ 4
THE money of Chili at present is peculiar. Tt

‘consists of sinall tags of pasteboard, on which

aman writes the value for which he is willing
to redeem it, putting his name on the back. Tt
then begins to circnlate until it finally gets
back to the source from which it emanated.

fy

os ip ;

hear, or understand him, a big,

 

(THIS. STORY WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED IN BOOK-FORM., }

CLM ia PIS.

>

Tracing the Insurance Swindlers.

BY WALDEN F. SHARP.

(“GLIM PETERS” was commenced in No. 173. Back numbers cau be obtained of all News Agents. }

 

CHAPTER XII.

GLIM PARTS WITH FRISKY AND GOES OFF
WITH SNOOKS.,

Fra, HEN Glim began to get his
MAX fo senses back he felt cold water
in his face and opened his eyes.

Frisky Tim was at his side,
sitting on the floor, with his back
against the wall, trying desperately to
convince himself that ke wasn’t dead.
All around them were excited Chinamen,
chattering like so many magpies among
themselves,

“Glim, are yer livin’?” asked Frisky
Tim, as he saw his pal raise up and look
around,

“IT t’ink so,” answered Glim, “but I
won't be dead sure of it. Dat was anoder
tight squeeze.”

“It was de gassiest hole I was ever in.
Hear dese rice-eaters gabble. Say, John,
is yer a Mogg or a Wong?”

Tim addressed his question to a man
near him, but before the Celestial could
patri-
archal looking Chinaman came down the
hall with a girl in his arms. At sight of
him, the other Chinamen crowded around
with expressions indicative of great
pleasure. z

“Dat’s de gal dat we heard scream,
Frisky,” said-Glim; “I guess de Moggses
has come out on top.”

Following the big Chinaman with the

irl, came a white man whom the two

  

s0YS immediately recognized as Mr.
‘Dodds, the Sunday-school superintend-
ent.

“Hullo, you fellows!” sung out Dodds.
“T’m looking for you. I didn’t know but
you might be cut up—these pig-tails are
regular devils with their knives. If
you’re a]l there, and all right, pull your-
selves together and come along with me.
You’ve got afriend that wants to see
you, Peters.”

Glim and Frisky got up and followed
Dodds down the ball. Dodds seemed to
be known to the chattering Mongolians,
for they broke away from in front of him
and allowed them to pass.

In the larger room, where Glim and his
pal had discovered Willets, were now a
score of prisoners, tied and thrown into
heaps. Among them was Mr. Wong, look-
ing more hideous and showing his teeth
to a greater extent than ever.

Glim gave him a turn with his foot,

“I’d like ter stay and git even wid yer,
Hip, but I haven’t got time. “W’en yer
pay yer gas-bill, jest t’ink of two fellers
dat ain’t in it.”

When the trio got out of the opium
den and had cleared the alley and reached
State street, Dodds saidto Glim: —

“T called. you Peters, a while back; I
made a guess at the name, but I suppose
I was right, as you didn’t say anything
to the contrary?”

“Yes, you're right; Glim Peters—dat’s
me, Frisky Tim, dat’s my pal, dere.”

“Well, Mr. Snooks wants to see you
at once, Peters. I promised to he on
hand when the pig-tails had their set-to
and look out for you. After the fracas I
was to bring you around tothe hotel
where Snooks is putting he

“Tf dat’s de case,” said Tim, “I reckon
I hain’t got no business in dat quarter,
so I’ll jest pull out fer de west side an’
see Swipsey. Dere’s a big handicap at
Garfield, to-morrer, an’ I'm going ter
play ’er fer all she’s wort’. Goin’ ter
Stake Swipsey, too, if J] can make a raise
on de spark. We’ll eider make a hatful
0’ money or go busted. Good-by, Glimmy.
W’en ye git a little time, don’t fergit
dat. Frisky Tim is still on de turf. It
hain’t safe ter travel wid dat feller,
Dodds—yer liable ter git knifed, or filled
up wid gas.”

“T'll risk it,” said Dodds, with a grin.

“Good-by, Frisky,” said Glim, shaking
his pal’s hand; “be keerful o’ dat spark.
Don’t soak it fer less dan a couple o’
hundred.” ‘

“Yer’ve got dat spark on de brain,
smarty. Mebbe I'll buy yer a couple of
*em to-morrer. So long,”

“T guess yer could do it an’ not go
broke, eider,” returned Glim, with a
laugh. “By-by, Frisky.” |

Tim went off toward the river, and
Glim and Dodds walked north on State
street toward the Palmer House.

Proceeding through the rotunda, Mr,

 

Dodds stepped into the elevator and got
off at the third story. Making his way
along the carpeted hall, he reached a cer-
tain door and knocked.

“Come in,” cried a voice on the inside.

They entered and found Mr. Snooks
thrown back in an easy-chaiz, and enjoy-
ing a cigar,

“Ab, ba, old man!” exclaimed Snooks,
“you’ve got back, have you? How are you,
Glim? I’m glad to see that you got clear
of Mr. Wong with a whole skin. These
Chinamen are regular demons when they
have their mad up. By the way, Glim,
you were never introduced to my friend,
were jou? Mr. Peters, Mr. Billings.”

“No, Dodds,” put in the other, with a
wink,

“Oh, yes! Dodds, Dodds—I forgot,”
said Snooks, with a smile; then he
added in an aside to his friend: “The
boy’s all right, old man; don't worry
about him. He’s true-blue and game to
the back bone.”

“Glad to know “you,
Dodds, taking Glim’s hand. ;

“You fellers is a queer set,” said Glim;
“ask yer point blank w’at yer name is
an’ yer never know what ter say.”

The two detectives laughed.

“Dodds is after the same man you and
Iare after, Glim,” said Snooks; “he rep-
resents another company, and we'ye con-
cluded to pool issues and run our gamie
down together. I got yon up here for the
purpose of having a talk, Glim,” went
on Snooks, lighting a fresh cigar. “Our
man got away from us, about two hours
ago, just as we were about to close in on
him and put him behind the bars.”

“What!” cried Glim aghast: “yer don’t
niean ter say dat he’s give yer de slip?”

“That’s what I mean to say; but I
know just where to go to pick up the
clew, thanks to Mr, Dodds, an’ I’m going
to take you along with me. We go to-
night so we'll be on hand ready to receive
our friend when he puts in an appear-
ance.” :

Glim gave a long sigh of relief.

“Say, dat takes anoder
mind,”

“You have a long list of grievances to
pay off, Glim, bat I promised you some
time ago that I’d help you square your-
self, Remember?”

7?

Peters,” said

Glim gave a vigorous nod, and the de- |

tective went on:

“Now, Glim, I want you to tell me.
something about yourself. How long did
you live with Willets, up there in Wis-
consin ?”

“Jest erbout a year—ena tough year
dat was, I’m tellin’ yer. Got licked reg’-
lar, tree times a week, wid a double dose
Sundays.”

“T know you were abused, my boy, but
you shall have your revenge, I promise
you. Yousay you lived with Willets a
year. Where were you before that time?”

“Right here, in Chicago—lived here
ever since J] can recollect.”

“Born here?”

“No, I t’ink not. Useter live wid an
old duck on West Madison street—one 0’
dese fellers wid t’ree gold balls over de
door—alle gesacht—understand? Well,
dat chap useter tell me dat I come from
down in de State some’rs, but he’d be
blest if he knew where. Ole T’ree-baJls
useter crook his elbow altogether too
much fer his health, an’ he useter gobble
up all de money I made off’n my papers,
so I shook *im an’ hustled for Glim. Got
erlong better arter dat; made con’sid’-
able«mon an’ blew it, like all de rest o’

‘de boys. One day I jest happened ’round

ter see ole T’ree-balls and I found Wil-
lets in de store, ‘Dis is luck,’ ses ole
‘T’ree-balls; ‘dere’s de kid, now.’ Wid
dat, Willets come up, and smiled, an’
called me his little man an’ said dat he
was glad ter see me, an’ dat he was goin’
ter take me on ter his farm, in Wiscon-
sin, w’ere I wouldn’t have not’in’ ter do
but ter go ter school an’ spend de rest 0’-
my time huntin’ an’ fishin’ an’ enjoyin’
myself gen’rally, Well, he stuffed me
wid a lot o’ soft. soap an’ I. t’ought I’d
stumbled on ter a gilt-edged snap. I
said I'd go wid him, an’ he bought mea
bang-up suit of clothes an’ gimme ten
dollars an’ away we went. Defust day:
we got ter de farm de ole Jady took me in
hand an’ dem clothes come off mighty
quick, I telle yer. I didn’t git no school-
in’ nor not’in’ else, but jest had ter keep

load off my —

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peggin’ away at de farm work. Tried six
times terrun away an’ got ketched and
licked, widin’ an inch 0’ my life ev’ry
time. Oh, yes, I enjoyed myself! hunt-
in’ fer some way ter keep from gittin’
licked an’ fishin’ fer somethin’ ter eat.
It was just erbout dis time dat I found
dat box o° bones—yer knows Ge rest.”

The two detectives exchanged meaning
glances.

“Where is this West Madison street
pawnbroker now, Glim?”

“Got de jim-jams an’ went w'ere de
t’ree-ball fellers all go, I s’pose. He was
a tough ’un, but he couldn’t hold a can-
dle ter Willets.”

“Did you ever hear the name of the
town you came from, down in Illinois?”

* Never did.”

“Do you kuow who brought you to the
pawnbroker, in the first place?”

“No, I ain’t dead sure ‘bout dat. I
always had an idee, dough, dat it was
Willets.”

“What gave you that impression?”

“Now I’m treadin’ water, Dan’I1—I'm
’way over my head, AllI know is dat
I’ve jest got de idee, an’ dat’s all. I
dunno w’ere I got it, nor how I got _it,
but it’s dere.”

Glim tapped his forehead,

“Now dat I’ve dune my best ter give
yer some pointers, I want yer ter tell me
w’at good it’s done fer me ter go runnin’
inter trouble keepin’ arter ole Willets
w’en youse fellers was on his track all
the time?”

“You have aided Mr. Dodds and myself
very efficiently, Glim. Willets, you must
understand, was practically unknown to
either of us—we never having seen the

man. All we had to guide us was a pho-
tograph. When I saw bim, disguised as

a farmer, coming out of the depot, I also
saw you behind him, evidently follow-
ing. I was almost certain, then, that we
had the right man. After our game of
cards with him it then became very evi-
dent to Mr. Dodds and myself that our
man was playing a part. So you have
been something of a guide to us, all the
way through. Wherever we saw you, we
were almost sure of seeing Willets.”

“Um,” muttered Glim, rather dubi-
ously. “ W’en I called at de hotel up dere
in Winston, yer wasn’t dere at all, eh?”

oS ORS3
we fooled you. We were on the same
train that you were on—but in a forward
car. We got offand doubled around in
front of the depot so as to meet you, as
we did. We were temporarily thrown off
the scent by being pulled with the rest of
that gambling outfit, but we had a very
easy method for getting on the track of
our man, once more.”

« “How was dat?”

“Why, by just going to the post-office
and waiting till a man came there and
asked for letters for Mr. Rube Bunker,
Then we spotted the man. Mrs. Willets
writes her husband under that name at
various places. We've a confederate in
the Winston post-office who keeps us
posted, No trouble to track Bunker.”

“Well. you fellers are pretty slick,” said
Glim, admiringly.

The detective laughed.

“But there’s another thing I want to
ask you, Glim,” went on Snooks. “Did
Willets have any missing teeth?”

~ “Yes,” answered Glim, promptly; “dere
was one gone right in front.”

“T notice that he has a missing tooth
now,” said the detective, “but I wanted
to be sure that that tooth was missing
before the fire. You notice that, Dodds?”

Mr. Dodds nodded understandingly.

“W'at’s dat ter do wid it?” asked Glim.

“Why, just this, my boy. Perhaps you
noticed that the skeleton which the deacon
brought in his little box had a full set of
teeth, eh?”

“Well, now, I guess dat’s a fact,
Dan‘l,” scratching his head as a flood of
light began to dawn in upon him. “O’
course. if dat skeleton had all its teeth,
it couldn’t be Willets. Is dat w’at yer
drivin’ at?” Ade

“That's it; at the inquest, Glim, that
skeleton showed a full set of teeth, not
one missing; and there wasn’t a man on
that coroner’s jury that had sense enough
to ask about that missing front tooth.
How Willets himself, cunning as he
seems to be, could fail to knock out one
of that skeleton’s teeth, is what gets me.”

“Tf every criminal was cute all around,
there wouldn’t be any use for detectives,
Dan,” put in Mr. Dodds.

“Just so; the slickest of them slip up
on just such simple things.” Snooks pulled
out of his pocket a large double tooth,
slightly cracked and yellowed, with a
piece of gold awkwardly run into its side.
“Now, I went back, after the so-called
inquest, and got this specimen~it’s the
gold-filled tooth about which the coroner’s
jury made such a splurge. I’ve had one
of the best dentists in Chicago examine
that tooth, and he says there’s not a de-
cayed spot in it—consequently, there
could be no use for gold filling in this
tooth. Bona fide evidence of fraud.”

“Didn't I tell yer dat Bozzle done dat
job, Dan’]?” usked Glim, :

“So you did, Glim, and this corrobo-

was, Glim, and that's where,

 

men hailed from

rates your story—something that is of
very grave importance, I assure you.
Mrs. Willets says that the coroner’s jury
has declared her husband dead and she
wants the face of his life insurance poli-
cies. Her position is, that the companies
cannot refuse to pay unless they produce
her husband.”

“Which we will do, just as soon as we
can get him conveniently located,” said
Dodds.

“We want to catch him red-handed,
Glim,” added Snooks, getting up and
looking at his watch. “It is now twelve
o’clock, and the train leaves at twelve
thirty. We'll have just about time
enough to reach the depot, at a leisurely
walk. Are you already for a trip, Glim?”

“I’ve got all my baggage about me,
Dan’l,” said Glim; “I’ve on’y got two
changes—off an’ on.”

Snooks smiled as he put on his hat and
caught up a small grip in the corner.

“Good-by, old man,” he said, offering
his hand to Dodds. *“ Take care of yourself,
and if Mrs. W. changes the address of
her letters, don’t fail to wire me in ad-

vance.”
“Trust me, Dan. Good-by. Good-by,
Glim shook “hands with the “Sunday-

sonny.”
school superintendent” and then he and
Snooks left the hotel.

 

CHAPTER XIII.

GLIM WINGS A COWARD AND SAVES
~ SNOOKS,
2

, OWDY, Dutch?”
He] “Oof I vas bedder yesterday dan

I vas do-morrow, how findt
minesélf to-day, huh? How you
vas yourself, Lrish?” Z

“Arrab, ye fat rascal, hould yer whisht
an’ answer a civil question, will yez?
Where’s th’ houtil?”

“You see dot house yoost ofer dem drees,
righdt py der road-side, alreadty ?”

“Th’ wan painted whoite, wid th’ little
shtoop?”

ae te

“Yis, Oi say it.”

“Vell, don’d go—dot ain’dt id.”

“Who said it was, ou!d sauerkraut? Be
me sowl, a joke comes to yezas aisy asa
do:k to wather. Come, shtop yer blarney
an’ till me th’ way. Do yez know th’
place whin yez say it?”

“Go py der shtreet down und durn der
gorner aroundt, den valk a plock und
purty quick, righdt ayvay you findt dot
hodel.”

“Much obleeged to yez, Hans.”

“Don’d mention id, Pat.”

A man with a fringe of red whiskers
about his face, an old, broken clay pipe
between his teeth and the careless swag-
ger of an “Oirish b’y,” got off the morn-
ing train at Oliver, Dlinois. He had a
bundle tied up in a red bandana, in one
hand, and a heavy stick in the other.
“‘fhis individual had addressed another,
of portly dimensions, who sat on the
depot platform, calmly puffing away at
an immense pipe, of the usual German
pattern.

A glance at the two would give an ob-
server the impression that one of these
the Emerald Isle and
the other from the Rhine, Their conver-
sation would further confirm this opin-
ion.

The Irishman walked down the street
in the direction indicated by the Dutch-
man, who watched his progress with a.
stolid indifference, The Irishman had no
sooner turned the corner, however, than
the Datchman got up and strolled off in
an opposite direction, down the village
street.

With the air of a person who acts
according to a preconcerted plan, the
Dutchman, at last, after turning corners
and making various short cuts through
alleys and eross-streets, soon reached an
old, tumble-down white house, isolated
from any other houses and set some dis-
tanee back from the road, in a yard that
was overgrown with ragged evergreens
and tangled bushes. :

Without a moment’s hesitation, the
Dutchman turned into this yard and
proceeded to conceal himself in the under-
brush—no easy task considering his colos-
sal proportions. He chose a_ position
where his eyes could, look out and take
in a section of the weedy, graveled walk
leading from the street to the house. _

The Dutchman had not been long in
hiding when he heard a low, crooning

 

‘sound and saw a girl coming down the

path, singing weirdly to herself.

- The girl’s appearance was singular.
Her face was thin, and pale as death,
but its outlines were perfect. Her eyes
were large, but sparkled with the fitful
fires of insanity, moving from object to
object with ceaseless rapidity. Her every
appearance suggested a demented mind.

Arriving nearly opposite the man in}

the bushes, the girl stooped down and
plucked some spears of grass, toying with
them aimlessly. Suddenly she was star-
tled by an approaching footstep, and
looked hastily toward the road,

get

 

Some one was coming.

It was the Irishman.

As he drew nearer the girl he looked
up, and caught sight of her, and paused.

Like a statue she stood looking at him,
and then slowly her arm outstretched
and one long, tremulous finger pointed
directly at him.

Recovering from his momentary sur-
prise, the man proceeded resolutely down
the walk without looking at the girl,
eee eyes fairly blazed as they followed
lim,

Suddenly the girl uttered a heartrend-
ing scream, more like the cry of a wild
animal than anything human, threw up
her arms despairingly and sauk to the
ground.

The Irishman, seeing what had hap-
pened, came toa halt. He reflected in
some perplexity, for a moment, and then
came hastily back.

Arriving beside the prostrate girl, he
looked about him quickly as though to
reassure himself that the girl’s voice had
attracted no one, thrust one hand into
his pocket, and drew out a glistening
knife. Stooping down, he pushed aside
the girl’s robe, over her left breast, and
raised his hand to strike.

Before the blow could fall, however,
the Dutchman was heard from. A fist,
hard as rock, caught the would-be mur-
derer under theear. He fell to the ground
like a log and his knife went spinning
away into the tall grass.

“Der Chermans haf dook Ireland, don’d
id?” said the new-comer, with a grin,
“Dis ain’dt der bodel, Irish.”

The Irishman got up with an oath that
had not a trace of the rich brogue he had
used before.

“What do you mean by that,
Dutch hound?” he shouted,
gun.

“Py chiminey, I show dot! Oof you
dry der make some foolishness, 1 shoots
your headt off, alreadty. Vat for you dry
der kill dot yoong ladty?”

By this time the girl had recovered
from her swoon. She opened her eyes
slowly and saw the two men confronting
each other with drawn weapons. With
another weird scream, she sprang to her
feet and disappeared among the trees and
bushes,

“Vell, mine friendt, vat you goin’ der
do aboudt id?” went on the Dutehman,
breaking the silence which had become
a trifle embarassing.

“Ye kape wan oi an the gun Oi have
in me hand, will yez?” returned the man,
taking up his brogue again. ;

“Yah,” replied the Dutchman; “oof
dot gun goes off I haf one dot vill go off
loo. Shtop, mein friendt. Don'd go
vay.”

“Oi want me knoife, Dutchy.”

“You can’d haf dot knife. Shtand shtilJ,
oder I make some droubles.”

you
drawipg a

?

At this moment there was a sudden yell-

of warning and a colored boy jumped out

-of the bushes’ with a revolver in his

hand,

“Hi, dere, boss—look out behind !”

The colored boy’s revolver was ex-
ploded with a sharp “crack,” and the
Dutchman turned around to discover that

another man had crept up behind him

with a dirk and would have plunged it
into his back, in another nrinute, had it
not been for the boy’s. vigorous work.
The man dropped his dirk and clutched
his arm with a how] of pain.

“Ah, ha, dere! You vas caught blayin’
a shneak game, mine friendt, und it
serfs you righd.” .

Thinking to catch the Datchman una-
wares, the pretended Irishman gave a
cat-like spring: and let his right fist out
in the direction of the Dutchman’s nose.
The fist never reached its mark, however.
The blow was neatly parried by the
Dutchman's left while his right dropped
in handsomelv on the man’s chin, ‘The
blow was a stunner, and the man went
down like a ten-pin in a bowling-alley.

“Dere you vas, Irish—your own invida-
tion. Vill you gome again?”

The Irishman did not care to “gome
again,” but got up and slunk off into the
underbrush like a whipped cur. His
friend, whom the boy had winged so
opportunely, followed after, cursing and
groaning with the pain of his wound.

These two worthies were no sooner out
of sight than the Dutchman’s stolid de-
meanor gave place to a vigorous activity.

“Glim, my boy,” he said, in a low tone,
“T reckon you saved my goose that time.
We’re even-up on that Bozzle matter
now.” : a

“Mebbe yer t’ink so, Dan’l, but I don’t.
I've got ter bring yer out of a closer
shave dan dat afore I’m squared. I
wisht I'd drilled a hole t’rough dat
duck. Ob, Willets can’t put on a get-up
dat fools yours trooly, an’ don’t you for-
¢ ” ‘

it. ss
“T was at the train when hecame in,

this morning. I was pretty near right in)

coming ahead to meet him here, eh?” ~ :

“Yer has a mighty level head, Dan’.
lf yer on’y wore a hat erbout. my size,
now, fer instinct, w'at a whalin’ detec-
tive yer would make!”

 

 

Snooks laughed.

“We want to get out of this now, Glim.
I wouldn’t have that brace of toughs
catch on to us for a cool hundred. What
we want to do is to get back to the hotel
and make a change. We’ve paraded
ourselves altogether too prominently for
our own good.

“All right, Dan’1; yer de boss.”

The two friends immediately left the
vicinity of the deserted white cottage and
made their way back to the hotel.

Gaining their room, Snooks removed
his Dutch paraphernalia atid drew out of
his grip an old card photograph. It was
the picture of a heavily bearded man
with rather long hair and heavy eye-
brows,

The detective, as he placed the photo-
graph on the mantel, looked curiously
from the bearded likeness to the boy, as
though trying to trace a resemblance.

“Wat yer doin’, Dan’l?” asked Glim,
with a broad grin; “tryin’ ter hypnertize
me?”

“No,” replied the detective, very seri-
ously. “I don't suppose the face in this
photograph is familiar to you?”

“Never seen de gent, dat I remember

“Well, you watch and _ see how nearly,
I can get myself up to look like him,”

“Wat yer doin’ it fer?”

“Whisht, me b’y,” returned the detec-
tive. “I'll tell you this evening.”

Going tohis grip, Snooks drew out a
shaggy wig with a full beard connection.
These be put on, and the transformation
thus worked was something wonderful
to behold. Taking off his coat, vest and
white linen shirt, the detective next
produced a queer looking arrangement
made of small, exquisitely wrought steel
rings, so closely woven together a neecile
could scarcely have been passed between
them. This fitted over his breast like a
chest protector.

“{ don’t mind telling you, Glim, that
I’m very likely to be shot at to-night,
and will undoubtedly be placed in a
ae where, to protect myself, would
oe to sacrifice all the benefits I hope to
obtain by acting out the plan I have in
mind.”

The detective rapidly drew on over his
other garments a pair of rough trousers,
A loose flanuel shirt fitted over his
breast armor and a black slouch hat com-
pleted his equipment.

“This is phosphorus,” he said, helding
up a small vial and then returning it to
his pocket. “Now, look at me, Glim, and
then Jook at that picture. Is there any
resemblance?”

“Yer look like twins.
yer’ve got me all worked up.
goin’ ter do, anyhow?”

“T'll tell you all about it to-night,
Glim.”

Say, Dan’l,
‘W’at yer

(10 BE CONTINUED.)

—_—s_ > ___——_-

EXCHANGE DEPARTMENT.

tS ee

{ImportTantr.—This column is /7ee to all our readers.
We will not be responsible for transactions brought
about through notices in this columm 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 ayeasonable time, it may be
understood that they were not accepted. Address all
communications for this column to “Exchange De-
partment.”)

ete a

VARIOUS ARTICLES.--P. P. Fodrea, Cedar
Rapids, Neb., has pair canvas gymnasium. pumps,
Indian relics, books, ink erasers, ink powder, loys’
pavers, jointed fish rod, international stamp album,
Scott's catalogue and recipes to exchange for best
offer in tools of any kind.

READING MATTER —Robert Gibson, 34 Cen-
tral street, Allegheny, Pa., has reading matter,
base-ball goods, roller skates, fife, games, and toy
aoa engine to exchange for Safety bicycle or best
offer.

VARIOUS ARTICTLES.—John F. Bowen, Box
62. Iuka, Miss., has a typewriter, in first-class
order, also Indian mound relics, such as pipes, skin
scrapers, hammer stones, spears, axes, hatchets,
tomahawks, scalping-knives, large. colored beads,
ete., to exchange for canceled U.S. stamps, used
before 1875, Columbian stamps, Confederate bills,
bonds, ete., or best offers.

COMIC PAPERS.—Chauncler P. Moore, 820
South Third street, Terre Haute, Ind., has illus-
trated comic papers and libraries to exchange tor
foreign stamps. - Yt -

WATCH.—Engene Eskew, Denver, &.C., has a
solid nickel-case Waltham works watch and good
pair of opera glasses to exchange for gents’ or
ladies’ size gola watch, in good running order.

CALCULATOR —H.C. Niblo, Rogers Park, Tl,
has a Jewett calculator, games, horn, book on teleg-
raphy, and job type to exchange for a good open-
face stem-winding watch.

STAM PS.--Jas. T. Steen, 85 Main street, Green-
ville, S. C., has stamps to exchange for curios of all
kinds. .

PRINTING PRESS.—T. Thomsen, Room -1;
Merchants’ Exchange,. Philadelphia, Pa... has a
printing press and outfit, stamp with seript type,
Odell typewriter, and Columbian stamps to ex-
change for best offer. ;

NOVELS. —E. '': Gossett, Cerro Gordo, ITll., has
novels to exchange for stamps; reading matter for
good stamp album; also boys’ papers for novels.
Send list when you write.

a
CLUB NOTICES. >
Only a limited number of members wanted to
join Northern California Branch of Eureka Cor-
responding and Exchanging Club. Write for par-
ticulars at once. Address either Geo. S. Willis*
Vice-President, Gridley, Butte County, Colo., or

 

are Lewis, Secretary, Lisle, Broome County, — ‘ae
Diss 7 Z bene

 
 

CF#QOOD

NEw Ss.

 

  
  
 

    
 

      
      
 

  
 

Oe, ete

ae
>

@ ag a 2
pe ost: STORIES Fost RvERY OUAREER
ISSUED WEEKLY.

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Advertising rates, 50 cents per agate line.

 

nscale sina igpee esnips a hegpemntii

Contents of this Number.
SERIAL STORIES.

“The King of the Island,” by Enrique H.
Lewis.

“From Lake to Wilderness,” by William
Murray Graydon.

‘The Young Stone-Cutter,” by Victor St.
Clair.

“Glim Peters,’ by Walden F. Sharp,

“Ensign Merrill,” by Lieut. Lounsberry.

“Dick Oakley’s Adventures,” by Clareuce
Converse.

SHORT STORIES.

‘Buried Alive,” by Arthur L. Meserve.

‘The Diver's Fate,” by Roger Starbuck.

“A Terrible Affliction,’ by Max Adeler.

“A Snake Story.”

“Uncomfortable Quarters,” by Guy Decker.

“A Young Officer’s Sacrifice.”

REGULAR DEPARTMENTS.

. “Short Lalks With the Boys” on ‘Trades,
Professions, and Business Pursuits,
by Arthur Sewall.

“Exchange Department.”

“Ticklets,” by Chas. W. Foster.

“Mail Bag.”

‘‘Puzzle Corner,”

“Short Stops.”

Miscellaneous Jtems, ete.

FTA TRIE NI

In the new story which will begin next week,
we think the author has touched the button of
a popular subject. The story is entitled

GAMERA BOB:

OR,

The Thrilling Adventures of a
Traveling Photographer,

>

EDWARD STRATEMEYER,
Author of “Jack, the Inwentor,” “Reuben Slone's
Discovery,” ‘Capt. Bob's Secret,” “The
Tin-Box Mystery,” ele,

Photography is a subject most every one
knows something about. In popularity it is
next to bicycling, and a boy who has not en-
joyed the pleasure of either bicycling or pho-
tography is to be pitied. There is more enjoy-
ment going about the country with a camera,
and taking ‘‘snap-shots”’ at interesting objects,
than most people have any idea of.

Mr. Stratemeyer, in his new story, has many
ineidents true to life. The plot is good, and the
story is pound to prove interesting.

 

LOOK OUT FOR A COMIC STORY
IN A FEW WEEKS. THE MOST POP-
ULAR HUMOROUS WRITER OF THE
DAY IS NOW AT WORK ON ONE FOR
GOOD NEWS.

 

A TERRIBLE AFFLICTION.

BY MAX ADELER,
oD
Sg R. FISHER’S wife was very ill
i} in July, and there were serious
aes fears that she would die, And
“GS> one day when he came home they
communicated to him the sad intelli-
gence that she was no more. When the
first outburst of grief had subsided, he
sent an order to the undertaker for a
coffin, he tied crape on the door-knob, he
sent his hat around to the store to have
it draped in black, he advertised the
death in the papers with some poetry at-

  

tached to the announcement, and he
made general preparations for the

funeral. Then he sat down in the parlor
with his great sorrow, and his friends
tried to comfort him,

“It’s no use,” he said; “I'll never get
over it. There never was any woman like
her, and there never will be again. I
don’t want to live without her. Now
she’s gone, I’m ready to go any time. I’d
welcome the grave. What’s life to a man
like me? It’s a void~an empty void;
that’s what it is; and there is no more
happiness in it for me.”

“You must try to bear up under it,”
said Dr. Potts. “These afflictions are
meant for our good.”

“Oh, it’s all very well to talk,” said
Mr. Fisher, wiping his eyes; “but when
a woman like that siips off to live among
the angels, a man can’t help being mis-
erable, Angels don’t make your home
happy. Angels don’t sew on your but-
tons, and do up your shirts, and look
after your. children, and boss the hired
girl, and go scrubbing around, do they?
Leastways, I never heard of, it, and I’d
rather have a woman like Mrs, Fisher,

anyhow.”

“But you must reflect how much hap-
pier she is now; that your loss is her
gain,” said Mr, Brown.

“Well, I don’t see it,” replied Fisher.
“She was happy enough here, bustling
around, making things lively, spatting

with me sometimes, bless her dear heart,

when I annoyed her, and jawing away
all daylong at the children and the hired
girl, making music in the house: Who's
she going to jaw now, I’d like to know?
How’s she going to relieve her feelings
when she gets mad? Flying around ina
night-gown with wings on behind her
shoulder blades, and. sitting on damp
clouds twanging away at some kind of a
harp, ain’t going to suit a woman like
her. She never had much of an ear for
music, anyway.”

“You take a gloomy view of things
now,” said Dr. Potts. “After a while
the skies will seem brighter to you.”

they won’t, either,” said Mr.

“They'll grow darker until
there’s a regular awful thunder-storm of
grief. I can’t live through it. It’ll kill
me. I've got a notion to jump into Hen-
rietta’s grave, and be buried with her.
I’ve got half a mind to commit suicide,
so i can——”

Just here the doctor came down stairs,
and into the parlor, with a smile on his
face. Mr. Fisher saw it, and, stopping
abruptly, he said:

“Dr. Burns, how you can smile in the
midst of the awful desolation of this
family. is more than I can understand,
and [I don’t--—”

“I’ve got some good news for you, Mr.
Fisher,” said the doctor.

“No, you haven’t,” said Fisher. “There
can be no more good news for me in this
world,”

“Mrs. Fisher is alive.” -

“What!”

“Mrs. Fisher is alive,” said the doctor.
“She was only in a condition of sus-
pended animation, after all. She'll be
perfectly well, I think, in a few days.”

“You don’t actually mean to say that
woman's going to get up off of her bed
and stay alive—going to shirk the grave,
after all?”

“Precisely,
heartily.”

“Oh, you needn’t congratulate me!”
said Fisher. “This is a pretty piece of
business, now ain’t it? But it’s just like
her. She always was the crookedest
woman on earth, and I believe that if
we’d got her buried, and I’d married
again, she’d ’ve kicked off the coffin-lid
and got me into trouble for bigamy.
Who's going to pay that undertaker
now, rd like to know? Blamed if she
mayn’t do it herself, and the advertis-
ing, and that poetry, and the crape, and
those things? I never heard of such fool-
ishness. It makes me mad as the mis-
chief, women carrying on so, and I'll be
hanged if I’m going to——”

Just here the boy came in with Mr.
Fisher’s hat, with a weed around it,
and Fisher, giving the hat a savage kick,
said to the boy:

“You infernal little scoundrel, get out
of here or I’1l break your neck.”

Then the company adjourned, and
Fisher, taking the crape off the door-
knob, went around to see the undertaker,

and I congratulate you

 

T [ALKS
OORT OVS

BY ARTHUR SEWALL.
ses

E. B. F., San Diego, Cal., writes: ‘I would
like to be either a draughtsman or an architect.
Which is the best trade, and where could one
learn them? Please mention a few things
about them. Would nearsightedness hinder a
person from learning these trades ?”

Between being a draughtsman or an
architect we cannot choose for you, It
depends altogether upon your taste and
inclination in the matter,

‘Speaking from a business standing-
point, one trade is just at present about
as good at the other.

To learn either you can obtain your
start at a technical school, or enter some
office and work your way up. It will
take you about four years to master one
or the other, and during that time you
will receive the wages of an office boy
only, if you go ahead in the latter way.

As to nearsightedness hindering you
from learning, we would say that many
draughtsmen and architects are near-
sighted—the result of too steady or night
work, It would be much better if you
could start in with strong eyes, and we
would advise you to turn to something
else if your sight is very poor,

H. 8., Mankato, Minn., writes: “I am seven-
teen years old, weigh 158 pounds, and am quite
strong and healthy.. [ have an ambition to
learn steam engineering. Prefer locomotive
engineering. How could IT learn it? How
long would it take before [I could obtain charge
of a locomotive, and how much money would I
get while learning, or how. much would it cost
me ?”’

To become a locomotive engineer one
must first be strong and healthy, and
since you say you are such We see no rea-
son why you should nct go ahead and
learn the trade, Railroad engineering

 

will not improve your health, but per--

haps you are strong enough to withstand
the constant jar upon the nervous sys-
tem.

There are several ways of becoming an
engineer, and nearly all have been pre-

viously described in “Short Talks.” You
may begin in a locomotive works by
learning all about a locomotive. This

knowledge will help you greatly when
you find yourself in command of the
throttle. Ihen again you can start as a
wiper in a round-house, attending to the
engines when they come in from tbeir
runs, or you may begin as occasional fire-
man on a drill engine, that is one which
tuns around a round-house or freight
yard, moving ears, and other rolling
stock.

In all events, no matter how you start,
you will have to putin a long time as
regular fireman before given command of
a locomotive. Sometimes a@ man never
rises above the position of fireman, the

reason being that his record is not good:

enough, or there 48 no vacancy to which
he is entitled.

You will be paid all the time you are
learning to become an engineer. In the
locomotive works you will receive from
$5 to $12 per week, as a_ wiper in the
round-house your pay will be from $9 to
‘$12 per week, and as fireman you will
receive $40 to $60 per month.

J. G., Philadelphia, writes: “Will you kindly
give me your advice iv the ‘Short Talks’ de-
partment as to which business of the two be-
low stated to follow? I left school just as T
was promoted to the second division grammar
school, and entered the office of two young men
who are in the insurance business, and while
with them have kept the books to the best of
my ability, which seems to be satisfactory to
them. They have recently taken up ship brok-
erage business, and are now talking of building
up a regular ship brokerage and grain exporta-
tion business. like the latter business very
well, but have been thinking of studying to be
a physician. Which do you think would be the
best to take up?”

It would be hard for an outsider, not
knowing your personal tastes, to decide
for you. Ship brokerage and grain ex-
portation are both good things to work
at, and, if you once ‘acquire a trade, you
can make considerable money. __

But, if you continue in these lines, we
believe you will need quite some capital,

unless you merely act as an agent, and
do not do any exporting on your own ac-
count. In that case you will have to
watch the trade closely, and guard

against having your customers taken
from zon when you least expect it.

Perhaps the young ‘men you are now
working for have the necessary shrewd-
ness and push to make a success of what-
ever they undertake. If that be so, you
cannot do better than stay with them for
a while and study their methods. Re-
member, in this world a man cannot
know too much,

As to becoming a physician, that re-

 

quires peculiar talents. The old fashion
notion of making a boy a doctor, simply
because you think he ought to be a doc-
tor, has gone by, A youth must show a
strong inclination in that direction, or
he had better not attempt to become an
M. D.

If you take up medicine, you must
make up your mind to study hard for at
least four years. After you are a gradu-
ate you will find it up-hill work acquir-
ing a practice, which will take a num-
ber of years more.

In small cities a good all-around doctor
does the best, and acquires a standing
without great exertion. In large cities the
specialist makes the most, but he has to
devote himself diligently to every diffi-
cult case presented and wait for profes-
sional as well as public recognition,
which, as a general rule, is slow in com-
ing.

J. M. F., Cripple Creek, Col., writes: “I am
15 years old, and have a good common school
education. I am desirous to become a railroad
man, and will start at the bottom. I do not
care to be an engineer; am ambitious to rise as
high as I can reach in any department of a rail-
road except the mechanical. Kindly advise me
where to begin so as to make a success.”

We like the tone of your letter and ad-
mire your ambition. Railroading to-day
offers many fine opportunities for young
men, and there is no reason, if you apply
yourself properly, why you should not
rise to the top of the ladder in this line
of work.

To become a successful railroad man,
in the highest sense of that term, you
must start with a good education. Your
common school education will not be
enough. Go to high school, and after
that take a good business course,

If possible, obtain a position in the
office of the general superintendent of
some railroad. While you are there you
can obtain a superficial knowledge of the
workings of a road, There are many di-
visions—passenger, freight, construction,
repair, and the like—as well as office de-
partments—tickets, cash, pay-rolls, pool
allowances, and a dozen others.

Advancement in a railroad office is
usually slow, but a bright worker is
recognized, and the talents of one who
has executive ability are never allowed
to run to waste.

L. B., Philadelphia, writes: “I am over 14
years of age, and would like to learn the de-
signing trade. I think [ will go to a school to
learn the trade next fall. Will you please tell
me what you thiok about the trade? Is it a
good one, and about how much is the pay ?”’

The art of the designer is used in so
many different ways that it is hard to
advise you without knowing to what
particular branch you calculate to turn
your talents. -

As a whole, designing may be said to
be a first-class calling, as first-class de-
signers are always in demand, and those
who have ideas that are strikingly orig-
inal can conmand their own rate of pay.

If you turn to designing, do not stop at
whatever you may be able to learn ata
school. Study ancient and modern de-
signs wherever you can find them. Are
you going to turn to architectural decora-
tions? Ifso, study every building you
run across, take long walks to hunt up
finely-designed structures, and do not
fail to ransack the public libraries for-
all illustrated works on the subject. Is
your mind set on wall-papers or oil-cloth
patterns? Then study every carpet, oil-
cloth, wall-paper, rug, matting, new,
old, or ancient, you run across. That’s
the way to stimulate your mind and
bring out the best ideas which it can de-
vise. To make a success of anything
nowadays you must be acquainted with
every detail of your work, and stand
ready at any moment to bring a vast
amount of knowledge to bear upon it,

E. W. B., Lisbon, N. Dak., writes: ‘Which of
the two professions. lawyer or druggist, would
you advise me to study for? Am just 18, and
have completed my first year in Latin and alge-
bra. Would you advise me to try for appoint-
ment to either the Naval Academy or at West
Point? Iam well versed in all the common
branches.

If you are a boy of high ambitions, the
profession of lawyer would probably sat-
isfy your taste better than to become a
dispenser of medicine. A member of the
legal fraternity has opportunities for ac-
quiring fame and eminence which are
denied to the druggist.

Yet druggists are useful, and most of
them make money. Besides this, they
often take a good standing in the social
world, and are “looked up to” by the
more ordinary tradesmen.

No matter whether you elect to become
a lawyer or druggist you will have to put
in several years of hard work, and even
then you will be a long way from suc-
cess. It takes years to establish one’s self
in any profession or business. _

As to an appointment at either the
Naval Academy or West Point, that is
altogether a matter of personal taste,
We would prefer West Point. But, bet-
ter yet, leave both the army and navy
out ofthe question and settle between
lawyer or druggist.

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GooD NEWS.

28-41

 

 

(This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form.]

 

THE CRUISE OF THE YOLANDE.

BY WILLIAM MURRAY CRAYDON,

“Commodore Frank,” “Exiled to Siberia,” ete.

Author of ‘In Fort and Prison,”

“PROM LAKE TO WILDERNESS”
News Ageuts. }

CHAPTER. VII.
TRAPPED.

“MS NDY did not doubt that some dis-
\ aster had overtaken bis compan-

oY : ion, though what it might be he
we could not 1m-
agine. His first im-
pulse was to call aloud
for help, but before he
could utter a sound
the gate opened noise-
lessly and Garth stood

revealed in the dim
light.

Andy was dum-
founded.

“You!” he gasped.
“IT thought the bur-
glars had nabbed you,
sure. What made you
sing out so queer when
you dropped, and what
was that clanking
noise? Is anything
wrong?”

“There is
deal wrong, unless
I am mightily mis-
taken,” replied Garth,
in a low whisper.
“Some one has been
over, this gate before
us. The bar was down,
and leaning against
the wall. I touched it
when I dropped, and
that made it rattle. I
was so surprised that
I couldn't help sing-
ing out.”

“But what held the
gate shut, if the bar
was down?” asked
Andy.

“This,” answered
Garth, showing a
wedge of wood. “It
was jammed iuto the

 

 

 

 

 

a great

crack. It's clear as
daylight to me that

robbers are.at work in-
side the bank. There
must be two of them
at the least, for one
could not have scaled
the gate. I suppose
they substituted this
wedge for the bar, so
that in case they were
discovered they could
escape through the
alley without loss of
time.”

“That’s just it,” as
sented Andy. “We'd
better give the alarm
right away. If they
heard you in the alley
they'll be sure to es-
cape by the front en-
trance.”

“They didn’t hear
me,” replied Garth. “I
listened, and all was
dark and quiet. The

 

rascals couldn’t !

have found a better opportunity, if they | step.

had waited ten years.
is at the fire, and we haven’t got time}
to run down to the docks and give the|
alarm. The burglars have blown the safe |
open, and must be nearly ready to leave. |
I tell vou what it is, Andy, we’ve got to
gave the bank’s money, and immediate |
action is the only thing that will do it.
Are you with me?”

Andy hesitated.

“IT don’t much like the idea,” he said;
“but [I'l] stand by you, of course. What
do you want to do?”

 

was commenced in

=— === =

GARTH LET DRIVE AT THE LANTERN JUST AS THE RUFFIAN PRESSED THE TRIGGER OF THE REVOLVER,

The whole town | silence was intense.

eee |“You're right,
“T can’t tell yet,” rejoined Garth, “ We) thing I ever read about in books.

 

f + sitet
}was empty. Nota ray of light was visi-

ible. Nota sound broke the stillness. A

{row patch of.clouds overhead.

the gate.

“The lock has evidently been picked,”
he said. “These are no ordinary robbers
that we've got to deal with. They under-
stand their business.”

The boys waited and listened for a
brief interval. Then they softly advanced
over the flagstones. A dozen steps

.. |misty rain drizzled down from the nar- |

Garth ran his hand along the edge of

gate. That scared them, and they’ve
bolted by the front door.”

“Mebbe they did,” muttered Garth. “I
never thought of that before. It would
be just our luck.”

“If we hurry around through the alley

we may get a glimpse of them,” sug-

| first, and make sure.

brought them to the bank wall, and here |

they made a discovery that confirmed
their suspicions beyond a doubt.

iron cellar doors were wide open.

gested Andy, starting to his feet.

“No; hold on! Take off your shoes,
Andy. We’'llsneak up the cellar-steps
If the robbers are
gone, we can rush through the bank to
the street in less than no time:”

Silently both lads removed their shoes,

}and, taking them in their hands, they

The |
The |

bar and brass lock belonging to them lay

on one side.
| picked by an expert hand.

The lock had evidently been |

|

{| Dropping to their knees the boys peered

darkness at
of

ight shining through the
'the rear end. It illumined the row

‘efforts, Andy. Come along.” And without | steep wooden steps, and extended almost

|
|
}

crept down the cellar-steps. At the bot-
tom they listened a moment; then ad-
vanced over the asphalt-paved floor. It
did not occur to them that they were
doing a terribly foolhardy thing. They
felt pretty sure that the robbers had left

No, 176. Back numbers can be obtained of all| into the cellar, and saw a bar of yellow- the bank by the front door.

|

The cellar was in utter darkness, ex-
cept for that one streak of light. This
led the boys to the foot of the stairs,

further delay the boys entered the gloomy | to the foot of the other steps just beneath | where they could see the door atove

alley, and noiselessly closed the gate be-
hind them. Garth seized the iron bar.

“Ill take this along,” he said. “We

may need it.’

| the lads.

| standing ajar.

A square block had been

| “The door leading into the bank mustjcut out of it, telling plainly how the

be partly open,” whispered Garth.

guess they picked that loek, too.

“T | robbers had passed this final barrier.
I can’t |

Garth softly crawled up the steps, and,

Softly they advanced between the lofty understand how they did all this bur- | reaching the fourth one from the bottom,

nn
a

S=S= =

brick walls, feeling their way step by
All was dark ahead, and the
It was a-pretty se-
vere ordeal, but their courage and de-
termination never wavered,

“Tt seems about a year since we started
across the harbor in the Miemac,” whis-
pered Andy. “I can-scarcely believe that
it was only yesterday afternoon. Whata
night this has been! First we were
almost drowned on
we narrowly missed being burned up.
And now here comes another adventure.”

“Hush! not so loud,” replied Garth.
Andy. This. beats any-
I hope

must reconnoiter the ground first and see| we'll pull through this scrape as easily

what is going on.

keep them prisoners until
mon the police.
and don’t make a sound.”

Garth hurried down

Front street. and quickly returned.
“No use,” he announced. “I don’t see a
We've got to depend on our own

soul,

to the corner of |

We may find a way to/as the others. Ah! here we are.”
lock the robbers in the building, and |
we can sum-| the boys.
Wait here a moment, | touch, and with some trepidation they

The second gate loomed dimly before
It swung lightly open at a

entered the court-yard. It was a moment
or two before their eyes became accus-
tomed to the gloom. Then they saw the
rear wall of the bank building with its
two shuttered windows. ‘The inclosure

the Jake, and then |

a

a

It

=

glarizing without being heard by the
watchman—unless he was in the plot.”

“Nonsense!” muttered Andy. “Sanders
ain’t tbat kind of a man. There may
haye been a fight, for all we know. A
volley of pistol-shots wouldn’t have at-
tracted any attention while that steamer
was burning.”

This suggestion was startling to both
lads, and their courage wavered a little.
If Sanders was dead they stood a good
chance of incurring the same fate. For
two full minutes they remained in the
same motiorless, crouching attitude.

(Garth’s right hand nervously clutched

the iron bar. Strange! They could hear
nothing—not a whisper, not a footstep.
They grew alarmed at the intense silence.
What did it mean?

Suddenly Andy grasped his compan-
ion’s.arm, and whispered, sharply:

“Look here, Garth, I believe we have
come too late. If any one was in
bank we would surely hear some sort of
a noise.

 

the |

 

|
|
|

Kal

 

halted and straight-
ened himself. A low
gasp instantly es-
caped his lips, and he
clappeda warning
hand on Andy, who
was one step below
him. Both could see
plainly into the bank,
and so amazing was
the scene before them
that they quite forgo3
their perilous situa-
tion.

_A dimly burning gas-
jet revealed the inas-
sive door of the safe
standing wide open.
The floor beneath it
was strewn with steel
filings and ‘odd-look-
ing tools. Stretched
on a couch along one
side of the room was
Sanders, the watch-
man,apparently dead.
On a stool in front of
the safe, with his face
turned toward the
cellar-door, sat a man
with a, heavy black
mustache. A lighted
cigar was in hia
moutk, and he was
glancing with calm
satisfaction at four
bulky vaiises which
rested at his feet,
and were evidently
stuffed with notes and
coin.

This daring burglar
was none other than
Mr. Parker, the

seudo banker from
New York, » The boys
recognized him with
emotions that can be
better imagined than
described. The mys-
tery of the conversa-
tion in the woods was
now as clear as day-
light, and they swon-
aered at their’stupid-
ity in not suspecting
the truth long ago.
But where was his
companion? This was
the question that en-
tered their minds
after the first shock
of surprise was over,

It was quickly an-
swered. Garth acci-
dentally moved one
foot, and made a
shuffling noise. The
burglar heard it, and
glanced unconcernedly toward the door.

“That you, partner?” he called. “ What
kept you so long? Is everything clear
outside?”

Dead silence. The boys were helpless
with fright, and for one brief moment
the thumping of their. hearts sounded
like drum-beats. The meaning of the
burglar’s*questions was terribly plain.
His companion had started some time
before to find out if the avenues to escape
were still open. But the boys had seen
nothing of him. Where was he now?

“Creep back,” whispered Garth, in a
husky voice. “Quick! We must get out
of this.”

Too late! As Andy took onestep down,
a muscular hand gripped the collar of his
coat, and a hoarse cry rang in his ear.

Andy’s assailant was the other burglar,
whose journey of inspection had doubtless
been cut short by the appearance of the
boys at the other cellar-door. He must
have concealed himself in the darkness,

 

 

I'll bet anything the burglars | listening to their conversation and watch-
heard you when you dropped over the'ing their movements, until their fool-
 

2842

hardy advance placed them in a position
from which there was no retreat. ‘hen,
guided by the ray of light—which showed
the youth of the intruders—he pounced
upon the nearest one, calling sharply to
his companion for help.

All this entered Andy’s mind with the
swiftness of a lightning flash, and he
realized his desperate position. As he
was jerked roughly to the foot of the
steps, aclever expedient occurred to him,
By a muscular effort he wriggled clear
out of his coat, leaving it in the aston-
ished burglar’s hands. His mind quickly
decided on the next step. He knew that
it would be folly to remain and try to
helv Garth. He must reach the open air
and give an alarm. Evading his enemy
in the darkness, he sprang toward the
dim square of light from-the.open cellar-
doors, scrambled up the steps, and gained
the court-yard. The burglar was after
him like a streak, and scarcely half a
dozen feet separated the two, as they
shot through the first gate and clattered
down the alley.

CHAPTER VIII.

AN INSPIRATION SAVES GARTH,

we ‘A EANWHIiLE, how fared Garth?
] \ /\ The attack on his companion

9%o}_- startled and scared him. He lost
<SS~ his balance, slipped, and rolled
to the bottom of the steps. He lay still
for a moment, partially stunned, and
yet comprehending Andy's bold escape.
Then be staggered to his feet just as the
other burglar came hastily down the
stair-way, carrying a dark lantern in one
hand, and a revolver in the other.

The slide of the lanfern was off, and
the dazzling glare of light so confused
Garth that he lost his bearings and blun-
dered into the remotest corner of the cel-
lar. Finding escape cut off, he clambered
upon astack of musty old ledgers that
were piled against the wall. His shoes
were still in his hand, but he had lost
the iron-bar.

The burglar approached Garth,
turned the lantern full upon his face,

"Ab: it’s you, 18. ib?” he cried.” “1
recognize you, young fellow. So this is
the way you start on a camping cruise. I
understand it all. Youand your compan-
ion heard our conversation in the woods,
and dropped to our little game. You
planned to outwit us, did you? Well,
you’ll be sorry you meddled with our
affairs. You spoiled the job for us, but
that’s all the satisfaction you'll get out
of it. I’m going to shoot you right

ow.”
Deliberately cocking the revolver, he
advanced to within half a dozen feet of
Garth, and pointed the weapon at the
jad’s breast.

Garth shuddered. The horror of the
situation made hin faint and dizzy. He
felt that he was doomed—that in another
moment he would be dead.

“Don’t—don’t shoot,” he implored, in a
husky voice. “I’ve done nothing to you.
Don't kill me.”

The ruffian laughed—a harsh, merciless
laugh, like the snar) of a wild beast.
With fiendish delight in’ his victim's tor-
tu'e, he delayed pulling the fatal trigger.
We kept the lantern turned full upon the
lad’s face, gloating over its agonized ex-
pression,

“To you call spviling our game
nothing?” he said, mockingly. “ You'll
be getting off easy with a bullet through
your heart. Here goes.”

But before the shot could be fired the
second burglar dropped heavily through
the cellar-hole without waiting to descend
the steps.

“Got one fellow, have you?” he de-
manded. “The other chap gave me the
slip, and escaped into tie street. He’s
yelling lond enough to waken the dead,
and we'll soon have the whole town
about our ears. But we can get a vay yet,
if we hurry. The rear entrance is still
the safest, and—hullo! seems to me I
recognize this fellow. Isn’t he one of the

and

lads we stumbled on in the woods the

other day?”

“Of course he is,” snarled his com-
panion. “A pretty pair of fools we were
to let them trick us! I’m gving to shoot
this chap for spoiling our game. Run up
and get the stuff, quick !”

“That's right. Put a bullet through
his careass,” snarled the snfooth-faced
burglar. “I’ll be ready in a moment.”

fe ran lightly up the stair-way, and
into the bank.

This episode had taken but. a. few sec-
onds. Garth’s captor faced him again,
revolver in hand. Disregarding the lad’s
fervent appeal for mercy, he took quick
aim and pulled the trigger. A sharp snap
followed. The cartridge had missed fire.
With a savage curse the ruffian drew
back the hammer, throwing another shell

into place. i

“This time I'll fix you,” he muttered,
taking careful aim.

Garth shuddered, and imploringly
threw up his arms, But the fatal shot

street door,

 

GroonpD

was again delayed. Just then the other
burg!ar came down the steps.

“Blast the luck !” he exclaimed. “We'll
have to leave the two heavy bags behind
us. There’s no help for it. We're sure
to be caught, if we take them all. There's
not a moment to spare, for I can hear a
racket now down the street. Shoot that
young rascal, quick! No; hold on. We'd
better not have murder on our hands.”

“Hang the difference !” snarled his com-
panion. “He’s got to die.”

But Garth did not die, and how his sal-
vation came about was briefly as follows:
During the short respite that the above
conversation gave him a desperate idea—
and one that offered but scant hope
flashed into his mind. Yet he determined
to chance it, and nerved himself for the
effort—which required coolness and se)f-
possession.. His shoe was in his right
hand. Drawing his arm back a little
and measuring the distance with a crit-
ica! eve, he let drive at the lantern just
as the ruffian pressed the trigger of the
revolver,

Garth’s aim was true. The shoe struck
the lantern, and dashed it against the cel-
lar-wall, where it was instantly extin-
guished, leaving the scene in total dark-
ness, except forthe thin ray of light that
shone from the door above. The revolver
went off with an angry crack, but the
ruffian’s aim was spoiled, and the ball
struck harmlessly overhead.

Amid the confusion Garth leaped to
the floor, and dodged noiselessly under
the stair-way to the opposite corner of
the cellar. So far the ruse was a success,
but he quaked with fear for its ultimate
result. The ruffian would likely strike a
fresh light, and make sure of his re-
venge.

A burst of profanity was followed by
four separate pistol-cracks—aimed, no
doubt, at the stack of ledgers. Then caine
a clattering noise as the books were
tumbled down.

“He’s not here,” cried an angry voice.
“I must have missed him. Light your
Jantern till I search the cellar.”

“You’re losing your senses,” answered
the other burglar. “It’s sure capture, if
we stay here another minute. Don t you
hear the racket outside? Take one of
these bags, quick! and load your revolver
in case we have to fight our way.”

There was a brief silence. Over against
the cellar-wall. Garth shivered and _ lis-
tened. Then the men moved hurriedly to
the steps. One rushed up, and into the
court-yard. The other—who was_ the
blood-thirsty one—halted at the bottom.

“You're safe for the present, young

fellow,” he snarled, in a voice that made

the hidden lad quake. “But we’ll meet
again. I never forget a face, and I won’t
forget yours. I'll know you if it’s ten
years from now, and when the time
comes I’]] pay you off with interest,
You’ll live to remember me.”

He supplemented his threats with a

string of oaths, and then vaulted lightly
up the steps to the court-yard where ‘his
companion was impatiently’ awaiting
him, ‘They dropped the iron cellar doors,
and locked the bar over them, probably
fearing that the lad would venture out in
pursuit. A moment later their footsteps
faded away.
_ Garth could scarcely believe that the
burglars were really gone. He had been
very close to death, and his heart over-
flowed with gratitude for his well-nigh
miraculous escape. Now that the ordeal
was over, he shivered to think of his re-
cent peril. The stream of light shining on
the stair-way recalled him to a sense of
his duty. The men had carried off two
satchels full of money. He must get to
the street as soon as possible and help
Andy to spread the alarm. ‘The rear exit
being cut off there was no alternative
but to go through the bank and open the
front door. But first he struck a match—
he had some in his pocket—and hunted
his own and Andy’s shoes. The former
he put on, and the other pair he stuck
under his arm. Then, with some hesi-
tancy, he climbed the stairs, and entered
the bank. ao ;

The room was in perfect order, except
in the vicinity of the safe. The burglars
had thoroughly overhauled the contents.
Bags of silver and trays of gold had been
dragged out. Tin boxes had been forced
open, and bundles of papers strewed the
floor. The two valises stood side by side,
bulged out with rolls of coin. \

With a hasty glance at the confusion
Garth mastered his reluctance, and ap-
proached the couch where the watchman
lay. Here he eneountered an agreeable
surprise. The man was not dead, His
eyes were closed, and his usually pallid
face was deeply flushed. He was breath-
ing heavily, and one hand clutched a
partially consumed cigar,

Without further delay, Garth hurried
through the front part of the bank-to the

to undo the fastenings, but at,last the
heavy bars were down, and the ponderous.
brass key turned in the lock. Trembling
with excitement. he threw the door open

It took him some little time!

 

and ran out on tie steps,

NEW Ss.

 

CHAPTER IX.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK.

wey

¢ ry 7 + :
UTSIDE the tumult and noise were

G2) in sharp contrast to the silence
that had rested on this part of the

“A” city but a short time before.
Hoarse shouts fell on Garth’s ears. They
seemed to come from all directions. In
the distance he heard a clatter of hoofs
and a rattle of wheels, and wondered
vaguely what it meant. Men in twos and
threes were running up the cross street
at the next corner. Farther down Front
street a steady stream of people was
surging along under the electric lamps.
Kverybody seemed to be calling to every-
body else. It was evident that the
steamer Huron had burned to the water’s
edge, and that the crowd was coming
back. It was equally evident that Andy
had succeeded in spreading a general
alarm, though as yet the mass of the
people did not know what was wrong.
Garth wanted to rush after the burg-
lars, but as it was manifestly out of the
question to leave the bank unlocked and
undefended he did the next best thing.
He shouted at the top of his voice.
Somebody responded from the opposite
sidewalk, and across the street. came a
big, fat gentleman with gold glasses and
a ruddy, clean-shaven face. He waddled
up to the bank steps, and steod holding

i

his sides for an instant, speechless for |
otk

want of breath.

“Bless me!” he gasped out, finally. “Is
this you, Garth Railton? What are you
doing here? Where’s Sanders? What do
these fools mean by babbling about a

bank robbery? Ilas the town. gone
crazy?”

“It’s all true, Mr. Cudlip,” exclaimed
Garth. “ Your bank has been robbed, and
who do you think did it? Why, those
men from New York, Mr. Parker and
Mr. Gibbs.”

Mr. Cudlip staggered as though he had
been shot. Ut

“Bless my soul! No,” he gasped. “It
can’t be possible. Where are the scoun-
drels? Send for the police.”

Mr. Cudlip’s excited words and ges-
tures drew a little knot of people around
the bank, and while Garth was explain-
ing the affair and urging the crowd to
go in pursuit of the burglars, a tall man
wearing a light check suit—evidently a
stranger in Marquette—pushed up the
steps, followed closely by two uniformed
police officers.

“Mr. Cudlip, I believe,” he said,
quietly, tapping that gentleman on the
shoulder,

“Yes,” replied the banker. “Who are
you?”

Before the stranger could reply there
was afresh arrival on the scene. Andy
pushed through the crowd, and mounted
the steps. ‘

“The burglars got away,” he yelled,
excitedly. “I followed them up the street
as far as Tabor’s livery stable. There was
a team standing there, and they jumped
into it and drove off. The stablemen
started after them with other teams, and
on horseback. It’s ten to one they’ll be
caught,

“Here, Garth, give me my shoes,” he
added. “It’s no fun running around in
stocking feet.”

Hearing this piece of news the major-
ity of the crowd rushed toward the cor-
ner, bent on joining the chase. Mr, Cud-
lip started to follow, but the man in the
check suit held him back.

“You can’t do any good,” he said, re-
spectfully. “The men will be caught, sir,
depend up on it. I would suggest that
we have a look at the bank.”

Turning to the two officers, he added:

“Go to the police station at once, get
half a dozen more men and a team, and
push after the burglars, I will join you
as soon as possible,”

The officers hurried away as fast as the
increasing crowd would permit. Front
street was now jammed with a clamorous
mob that had..surged up from the docks,
all anxious to know what this new ex-
citement meant. ;

The man in the check suit authorita-
tively pushed Mr. Cudlip, Garth, amd
Andy into the bank, and closed and
barred the door.

The banker looked indignant and a lit-
tle suspicious. 3
_ “Who are you?” he demanded. “Are
you aware that this is private. property?”

“Don’t be alarmed,” replied the
stranger, with a grim smile. “J have no
burglarious intentions. I am Detective
Sharp from Chicago.” He threw back his
coat, revealing a small silver shield
pinned to his breast, “Find out what is
missing,” he added, “and then, if you
wish, we-can get a team and follow the
burglars. Perhaps you had better send
word of the robbery to your partner.’
“Mr. Praed is out of town,” groaned
the banker. “He went away this after-
noon. By all means let us follow these
rascals. My stable is only two blocks
away..and the coachman sleeps over-

“T'll go and order the team,” volun-
teered Andy.

“Do,” exclaimed the banker, “Tell
John to harness the two horses in the
Dayton wagon, and drive around to the
bank at once,”

To avoid the crowd one of the rear win:
dows was opened for Andy, and he hur-
ried off on his errand.

With angry and indignant exclama-

tions Mr. Cudlip began to overbaul the.

disordered contents of the safe. The de-
tective looked on for a little while. Then
he walked to the couch, and bent over
the unconscious watchman.

“Drugged,” he muttered. “He won’t
wake up for hours yet. That cigar was
the cause of it. The rascals did their
work thoroughly, but it’s just what I
would have expected of two such experts.”

“What a fool I have been,” exclaimed
Mr. Cudlip. “Every day these men were
in here, and each time they gave cigars
to Sanders. The drugged cigar must
have been given at closing-up time last
evening. He was permitted to smoke in
the bank after hours. I wish I had my
hands on the rascals now. I have paid
dearly for my folly. No less than seven-
teen thousand dollars in gold and notes
are missing. These two bags hold almost
as much more. ‘The robbers would have
carried that away, too, had they not been
interrupted. How did you come to dis-
cover them, Garth?”

Thus questioned, Garth modestly told
the whole story, beginning with the con-
versation overheard in the woods. He
made the narrative as brief as possible,
and just as he finished Andy tapped on
the window shutters and was admitted,

“The team will be here in five min-
utes,” he exclaimed. “I had an awful
tine waking John up. There are lots of

teams and horsemen after the robbers,
and hundreds of people have started-on
foot with lanterns and guns. The news
is all over town.”

“Then there is a good chance of the
scoundrels being caught,” cried Mr. Cud-
lip. “I can scarcely believe yet that the
burglary was committed by Parker -and
Gibbs. They were polished. gentlemen,
and had excellent letters of introduction
oe New York bankers with whom we
deal.’

“Forged, all forged,” exclaimed the de-
tective. “Parker and Gibbs are none
other than Leary and Fenn, two of the
most noted cracksmen in
States. They purposely cultivated your
acquaintance, in order to lay their plans
with better facility. But I am forgetting
that I owe you an explanation. I can
pre it ina few words. Private business
srought me to the city at nine o’cloek
last night. I went to the Marquette Inn,
and these men were the first persons I
saw. I recognized them at once, and
when I made inqtiries about them I was
satistied that they had some bold game
in view. They retired at ten o’clock, and
as I had no reason to believe that they
intended carrying out their plans to-
night, I also went to bed. The fire alarm
roused me, and I dressed and went down
to the docks. On my way back I heard
men talking of a robbery, and came
straight to the bank. I am sorry now
that I didnot keep a close watch on the
men. No doubt they dropped from the
windows of their room to the ground im-
mediately after they retired. However, I
don’t believe that they can escape.
‘chances are against them,”

“j kope so,” replied Mr. Cudlip. “I.am
more interested in seeing them brought
to justice than in recovering the money,
though seventeen thousand dollars is a
large sum to lose. But the house can
stand it, fortunately. Had we lost five:
times that sum we should not be crippled.
To think that I should have taken these
miscreants into the bosom of my family,
and invited them to dinners, and driven
thein around the country. Ah! it makes
my blood boil.”

Mr Cudlip swelled, and grew purple in
the face. He seemed on the point of tak-
ing an apoplectic fit.

Just then the Dayton wagon drove up
to the front door, and the coachman’s
loud summons was heard. Taking pos-
session of the two pistols and the rifle,
which comprised Sanders’ armory, all
hurried to the street. The bank was
placed in charge of two police officers,
who happened to be near by, and a mes-
sage was sent to the nearest physician to
come and look after the watchman.

Detective Sharp sprang up beside the
driver.
took the hind seat. In spite of all they
had gone throuvh, and the Joss of a
night’s rest, the bovs were not sleepy.

Off went the spirited horses on a rapid
‘rot. There were plenty of loiterers to
point ont the right way, and in a short
time the electric lights of Marquette
were fading in the distance. At the first
fork in the road the driver pulled up: in
obedience to a loud hail from some un-
seen person. <A police officer stalked
from out the gloom. >

“That you, Sharp?” he asked. “I

 

1ead,”

waited here to make sure you wouldn't |

the United:

The

Mr. Cudlip. Andy, and Garth.

a es

7

it
i
,

i
Re
'

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

       
 

  

 
sow

er

 

 

x

 

 

miss the way. The burglars took the
turn to the left.”

“The left?” exclaimed Mr. Cudlip.
“Why, that goes to Presque Isle.”

“Phen we’ve got them, sure,” cried the
detective. “They can’t escape. Jump up
behind, officer.”

The man obeyed, and a touch of the
whip sent the horses forward on a gallop
Over the smooth, macadaimized road. It
was a nasty night—or rather morning.
The rain had ceased, but the sky was
still overcast with clouds, and a stiff
wind was roaring and shrieking.

Nearer and nearer loomed the misty
headland of Presque Isle, and just as the
wagon began to ascend therising ground,
aman came’ slowly out of the.shadows,
In the dim light if could be seen that his
arm was wrapped in bandages.

The detective pulled up the horses.

“Hullo!” he exclaimed. “Any news?”

“News?” replied the stranger. “ Well,
I should say so;.and. bad

(TO BE CONTINUED.)
——_—____~- 0» —

A SNAKE STORY.

nba

TRAVELER relates the following
story:

“Some months ago I proceeded
to Damka, a village of some
importance, fifteen miles from Surat,
India. While loitering on the beach
one day I saw at a distance a snake
winding itself around the body of a
full-grown goat. The snake now began
uncoiling itself from the body of the
aniinal, and the goat lay dead, and to my
utter amazement, I saw the snake try-
ing to swallow the goat. I was all the
more surprised, as the snake was not
much thicker than my hand, whereas the
goat was afull-grownanimal. The snake
nad already swallowed both the hind
legs together, and was now gradually

 

 

 

going upward, but so slow’ seemed
the progress that I went home to
fetch my umbrella to screen my _ face
from the burning sun. When I re-

- turned, about 9 A. M., I saw the snake
lying lazily, having, in fact, made no
progress atallin the interval with the
body. It lay for more than twenty min-
utes in this sluggish condition, and [I
thou cht it was not swallowing the body,
so Iturned to go home. Just at that
moment a slight movement on the part
of the reptile arrested my attention, and

at thesaine time about two inches of the
body slipped into the reptile’s mouth.
I now, seating myself on a stone, began
to watch the proceedings. Bit by bit it
began to rouse itself from its lethargy,
and swallow the body, and very soon it
had tinished the whole. It then again
lazily coiled itself with its much inflated
body. Aé this time I told one of my men
to bring a Sharp knife, and went close
to the reptile. But it did not take any
notice of me. I took a minute survey of
it, and then threw a stone at it, which
aroused it considerably, though not
sufficiently to be in any way dangerous,
At length I dispatched it with a big
stone, and had its skin opened with the
knife, when the body of the goat dropped
down. All the big bones were crushed,
and the body was squeezed to such an
extent that’ it looked like one long
thinned mass. It seemed really a great
wonder to me:how the bones of such
a large goat could have been broken by

ya snake which was in thickness not
much bigger than the hand; and then
how could it ever have devoured such a
thick body? The skin measured seven
feet eight. and one-half inches long and
eleven and one-half inches in circumfer-
ence. I have traveled over many parts of
India, and have seen many such cases,
but not one that can be compared to
this, which I think is quite extraor-

dinary.”
‘ ———-- > ¢ > ——_—
BIBLE FACTS.

 

A prisoner condemned to solitary con-
finement, obtained a copy of the Bible,
and by three years’ careful study, ob-
_ tained the following facts: _ gs’

The Bible’ contains 3,585,489 letters,
773,692 words, 31,173 verses, 1,189 chap-
ters, and 66 books, The word “and” occurs
46,277 times. ‘The word. “Lord” occurs
1,855 times. The word “reverend” occurs
but once, which is in the 9th verse of the
111th psalm. ‘The middle verse is the 8th
verse of the 108th psalm. The 21st verse
of the 7th chapter of Ezra contains all
the letters in the alphabet except the

letter “j.” The finest chapter to read is the
26th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.

The 19th chapter of the II, Kings and}

the 37th chapter of Isaiah are alike. The
longest verse is the 9th verse of the 8th’
chapter of Esther, The shortest verse is
_ the 35th verse of the 11th chapter of St.
John. ‘The 8th, 15th, 21st, and 313t verses
of the 197th psalm are alike. Each verse
of the 136th psalm end alike. There are
no words or names of more than six syl-
lables,

-

 

news at that.”

Cr Oi) NEW Ss

CHAPTER XXIX.
THE SECRET CHANNEL,

ELL, I'll be teetotally scraped
from keel to truck if this don’t
beat the Dutch!” exclaimed
Miller, gazing with open mouth
at the vacant waste of waters to star-
board.

“Where in the duse could she have
gone to?” asked Mark, after a moment.
He stared blankly in all directions, to
the right and the left, both ahead and
astern, and saw noshing save the islands
and the open sea and the ship under
charge of the prize crew. On catching
sight of the latter again he immediately
said: “By Jove! Watson ought to know.
He must have seen ber disappear.”

Taking asmall square flag used for
the purpose he “wig-wagged” to the

 

 

 

 

‘canvas-enshrouded forms

second officer on board the junk. Before
he had barely commenced, however, the
answer came:

“Junk entered bay or inlet other side
of passage.”

“Bay or inlet?” repeated Mark, incred-
ulously.

Snatching up the telescope he searched
the adjacent coast thoroughly. 1

From where they were the beach pre-
sented an unbroken line, gleamimug white
with sand and surf, Several hundred
yards inland the land rose abruptly,
forming a precipice or bluff of consider-
able height. From this commenced the
sharp elevation which finally ended ina
mountain peak. There was apparently po
water course large enough to give en-
trance toa row-boat, not mentioning a
vessel of the junk’s tonnage. With a few
rapid movements the ensign signaled
again.

“Tmpossible.. No bay visible.”

Watson was seen vigorously waving
his flag for a moment, to the great edifi-
cation of the third officer, who gazed with
undisguised wonder at this, to him,
most peculiar method of talking. But
Mark quickly translated the meaning.

“Junk sailed direct for beach and
passed from view. Investigate.” ©»
“That is just what we will do” said
the ensign. Ordering the wheelman to
starboard the helm he directed the course
of the ship until they were steaming
parallel with the coast. Watson followed
astern, getting all the speed he could out
of his crippled vessel. As yet they had
not found time to bury those slain in the
fight, bat now Merrill thought it best to
hold the brief ceremony,
The Badger’s way was stopped, and,
after the young commander read the ser-
vice, a detail of seamen launched the
into the deep.
It wasa simple burial, but impressive
from its very surroundings.
After the engines were started again
Mark sent the third officer below for the
Chinese prisoners captured by Ned on
Lookout Point. They had been confined
in a place set apart on the berth-deck,
close to where Daly, the recreant guard
still languished in captivity. The Irish-
man, if his oft-repeated words could be
believed, was a martyr of the purest dis-
cription, but Mark persisted in keeping
him where his oily tongue had no listen-

ers.
Miller soon appeared with the five
Chinamen. They seemed rather fright-

ened, as if the time had arrived for their
execution, an_ event theysewere told by
Merrill would surely take place if his
questions were not answered promptly
and with the greatest veracity. Select-
ing the one from whom Ned had obtained
his information, he asked: :

“Where is their stronghold? Now, I
know it is on this island, and there is a
way to reach it. If you don’t tell me, I’1]
find out, anyway, and it will surely be
the worse for you.”

There was but little hesitation dis-
played by the Mongolian. He had prob-
ably long since made up his mind that a
prompt obedience to his captors, and an
entire willingness to render them every
service possible, would lighten his pun-
ishment. The baseness of betraying his

comrades never entered his mind, or if it
did, like many far superior to him in

 

civilization—yes, and ot many genera-

 

(This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form.]

ENSIGN MERRILL:

ORY

The Rovers of the Yellow Sea.

 

By LIEUT. LOUNSBERRY,

Author of ‘Cadet Cary,” “Midshipman Merrill,” “Lieut. Careiy’s Luck,” “Capt. Carey of the Gallant 7th,”
“Kit Careys Proteye,” “The T'reasure of the Golden Crater,” ete.

 

[ENSIGN MERRILL” was commenced in No, 169. Back numbers can be obtained of all News Agents.]

 

tions—he paid no heed to the voice of
conscience.

“T will tell your highness, sir,” he re-
plied, eagerly, cringing before Merrill, to
that youth’s disgust.

“Well, be quick about it,” said the en-
sign. He regretted the necessity, but the
fortures of war entail many unpleasant
duties.

“Right ahead there,” pointing a little
distance up the coast, “is asplit in the

cliff just wide enough for one ship to}

pass through. It curves a short way in,
so the opening cannot be noticed until
you arrive close. There is a deep water
channel Jeading to it, but several rocks
are in the way, and you would neves pass
without being piloted.”

Mark looked at him without saying a
word after he had ceased speaking. The
man turned and twisted uneasily, then
sinking on his knees continued:

“If your majesty will pardon me I’]l
take the steamer through in safety.”

Although not liking the means, yet the
opportunity was too good to be lost. The
Mongolian was promised his liberty if he
succeeded in piloting the Badger into the
interior of the island. It was evident
that none of his companions understood
English, but they probably had an ink-
ling of their leader’s intentions, as two
or three of them cast unmistakable
glances of rage in his direction. They
were sent below. ;

Mark took the remaining one aside and
questioned him closely concerning the
formation and defense of the stronghold.
In the meantime the cruiser had reached
a point which the, Chinaman, who called
himself Chow Tey, declared was the en-
trance through the bar.

They were now steaming close in shore,
and the long stretch of tumbling surf
was plainly visible. Merrill looked in
the direction pointed out and saw a dark
blue patch in the sea, which he knew
could only come from deep water, Exam-
ining the vicinity through the glass he
made ont a break in the precipice which,
if not especially searched for, would never
be discovered. It was certainly an ideal
entrance to such a hiding-place,

Mark had learnéd from the renegade
that about three miles in the passage
opened into a natural basin, large enough
to hold adozen fleets. Chow had also
said after passing the first turn or curve
the channel led straight on without
further deviation. According to him the
junks could gain enough power from
their sails to penetrate a half mile, but
after that they were towed by small
boats. :

tegarding the defense he stated that
close -to the entrance four cannon had
been placed, commanding the passage,
but they were not of modern make,
neither had they been fired in years. The
natural surroundings of the stronghold,
and its intricate rock-strewn entrance,
formed such a barrier that further de-
fense was not deemed necessary. The
Chinaman said something about a chain
which had been arranged for stretching
across the channel at its most narrow
part, but he had never seen it and did
not know the exact location.

Mark also asked him about the white
chief rumor had stated as being at the
head of the gang, but the Mongolian was
strangely reticent on the subject, only
answering that the cruiser’s conimander
would see him in good time. °

Before trying the passage Merrill con-
cluded to send Miller over to the prize,
and bring back Watson and the young
surgeon. He wanted the former to handle.
the main battery in the impending at-
tack. As for the doctor, his place was on
board the steamer. Ned required con-
stant attention, and furthermore his pro
fessional services might be again called
upon before long.

Although Chow-Tow had spoken fair
and given prompt answers to all ques-.

tions, still the ensign considered it nec-

essary to provide against treachery. A

trustworthy man was accordingly placed
at his side armed with a revolver and in-
structed to shoot him at the slightest
sign of anything wrong.
been arranged, the vessel was headed for!
the channel, :

When this had

‘tops as sbarpshooters,

mands,
board felt the iron hull grate against
the side of some hidden obstruction, but
it was only a touch, doing no damage. -

and, according to the
channel lay before them to the kasin.
Directly ahead was the sudden curve
forming the blank wall, beyond which
they could not see. It was here the first
resistance could be made.

plied Chow,
side in little chambers cut for the pur-
pose in the solid rock. But, really, I
don't believe you need expect trouble
from them; they are simply muzzle-load-
ers of small size.
basin, then something ma

2843

 

CHAPTER XXX,

CAUGHT IN A TRAP,

noon. The day had been crowded
with events of the greatest import-

ev
ie was now about three in the after-
Ss This, the

ance to the expedition.
fifth after leaving Shanghai, found them
the victors in a naval combat in which
Re enemy was totally routed with great
oss.

Of their fleet of four junks one had
been captured, two sent to the bottom *
and the other put to flight, and at last
cornered in a place from which there was
no escaping.

Small wonder that Mark felt highly
elated as his amazing successes, He
wovld have been more than happy if it
was not for the constant thoughts of his
young friend lying dangerously wounded
below. When Dr.-Agnew came on hoard
from the prize, Merrill drew him aside
and asked for his opinion concerning the
probable outcome of Ned’s case. His
voice expressed such anxiety that the
young surgeon glanced at him in sur-
prise. Although knowing of their mu-
tual regard, yet he did not think‘ such
attachment existed between them.

“Gage received a very serious wound,
sir,” replied Agnew, gravely. '“The
bullet grazed a portion of the pleural sac,
and it is extremely probable that inflam-*
ation will set in. i sincerely hope not,
however. Of course it is unnecessary to
say that everything possible will be done
for him; you can rely upon that. The
poor boy worries so at being forced to
remain below, while the rest of the
ship’s company are engaged on deck. I
would advise you to pay him frequent

visits. He is watching for you all the

time.”
“Honestly, doctor,” asked Mark, plac-
ing his hand on Agnew’s shoulder, and
looking him straight in the eyes, “what
are his chances of recovery?” :
“Well, Merrill, I really think he will
pull through.”
The ensign wrung the surgeon’s hand
with deep feeling, and returned to the
bridge. The hope held out was even more
than he had expected at first.
As stated in the last chapter, Miller
had been sent to relieve Watson, carry-
ing with him instructions to stand off and
on the coast until the cruiser returned
from her expedition against the strong-
hold. When a start was made for the’
passage Mark called up the second officer
and gave him orders to exercise general
supervision over all three guns, as any
one might be needed. As before, the sig-
nal for firing was to be given on the
steam whistle, but this time a code had
been arranged, namely, one blast for the
pivot gun, two forthe starboard broad-
side aud three forthe port. An intelli-
gent seaman who had worked at the
Gatlings was selected to take charge of
the secondary battery. A small number
of men were also ordered aloft to the
After these details
had been arranged Merril] gave the com-
mand to head for the opening in the surf,
Chow Tow was stationed on the bridge
directly in front of the pilot-house, where
he could guide the ship by simply mov- _
ing his hands. As an added precaution. ~
the sailor detailed as guard had been
manacled to him. The Chinanian ac-
cepted al] these expressions of distrust
with philosophical indifference. . His
moral epidermis was not of the most
delicate description. =”
When the Badger, steaming slowly,

yentered the blue patch of sea forming the

break in the outer bar, it was plainly
seen that an inexperienced pilot would
speedily come to grief. The narrow
channel was thickly studded with rocky
points against any one of which a vessel
could pierce ber hul).

Under Chow Tow’s direction the course
was changed a dozen times in almost as.
many minutes. The wheel was kept con-
stantly spinning from one side to the
other, and the engine-room gong gangled
forth an almost unceasing series of com-
At more than one place those on

At last the outer entrance was passed
Mongolian, a clear

“How high are those guns?” Mark

asked the Chinaman.

“About the height of this deck,” re-
“They are mounted on each

After we enter the
be done,”

“What do you mean by something?”

 

 

queried the ensign, sternly. “Don’t speak
in riddles, Chow Tow. Tell me all you
‘know at once; what bave we to expect?”

4
 

2844

“That I cannot tell you, sir,” answered
the pilot, earnesuly. “Our worshipful
chief is learned in the dark mysteries,
and he can prepare speils which no mor-
tal has the power to break,”

The superstitious man paled as he
spoke, and glanced apprehensively up to
the top of the cliffs.

“Spells be hanged!” ejaculated Mark,
contemptuously. “If that is all he can do
to keep us out we need fear nothing.”

The ensign laughed quietly to himself.
It was evident this white leader had
worked on the ignorant fears of his men
to ensure unfailing devotion and obedi-
ence. But that he expected to defend his
stronghold from an assault by a vessel
manned like the Badger was not to be
expected. However, a very few minutes
would settle the question,

They had almost reached the curve;
another hundred yards and the straight
channel would be exposed to view. Mer-
rill sent a message to Watsor, bidding
him stand by for a signal. With his hand
on the whistle-cord, the young com-
mander silently waited, until at last,
after afew more turns of the propeller,
the cruiser edged slightly to the right,
and those on the bridge saw before them
a narrow stetch of water, ending in a
placid basin fringed with semi-tropical
vegetation.

Not ‘a sign of human habitation could
be seen. No junks, nor boats, nor
houses. No mark showing the ELandi-
work of man, nothing save a picture of
serene calinness unbroken in its solitude.
Mark stared for a moment, and then
turned inquiringly to Chow Tow.

“Why, what is the meaning of- this?”
he asked,

The Chinaman shrugged his shoulders,
and replied:

“They have evidently retreated to the
upper end, sir. That basin extends ten
miles toward the left. See, there are the
guns I mentioned !”

In the direction indicated was a rude
hole cut in the face of the cliff, through
which projected the muzzle of a cannon,
rusted with age. On the opposite side
of the passage was a similar opening also
containing ordnance. Their appearance
bore out the Chinaman’s assertion that
neither offered danger, except to those
firing them.

“Ts it possible they are not aware of
our presence in the passage?” asked
Mark, suggestively.

Chow simply smiled, and pointed over-
head with a significant gesture. The en-
sign understood him.

“A lookout up there, eh? Well, if they
know we are here, it is all the sane.
But I wish they would show themselves ;
this silence is rather ominous,”

The cruiser crept slowly along up the
channel under one bell, the working of
the powerful engines sounding clear and
distinct in the tunnel-like crevice. A
hundred yards overhead a narrow strip
of blue sky, gleaming in the afternoon
sun, could be seen. Far in front, the
basin sparkled in silvery ribbons of light,
forming a pleasant picture with its edg-
ing of dark green foliage.

The shaded passage was cool, and a
faint breeze blowing in their direction
brought many droning insects and birds

a

 

that hopped and twittered about the
white expanse of deck in calm disregard
of possible danger.

It was an Arcadian scene, little like |
the haunt of a ferocious, remorseless |
crew, steeped in the violence of robbery

_and deep-dyed with the blood of innocent

victims. Mark awoke with a start from
a reverie that he had been plunged into
by the quiet surroundings—it was no
ples for dreaming.

Silently plowing the unknown depths
of water forming the channel, the Bad-

er swept on until finally, almost an
Baur after they had passed the curve, the
entrance to the basin was, reached, A
little farther, and they passed into the
miniature inland sea,

Mark instantly looked toward the
right. There, riding quietly at anchor
some miles distant, was the junk. Her
decks were epee y deserted, nota
living soul being visible above the high
rail. She was moored close to a sandy
beach, which sloped from the water’s
edge to a stretch of forest running back
to the sheer wall of rock encircling the
basin. The Badger steamed straight out
until the center was almost reached,
then veering to starboard, headed for the
pirate ship.

“We will waste no time settling this
affair now,” muttered the ensign,
grimly. “I think a couple of shots will
awaken——”

He was suddenly interrupted by the
sound of a terrific concussion. The air
trembled with the shock, and rocked on
the surface of a mighty wave the cruiser
heeled over until her port-holes were
awash with the boiling sea,

A wild shriek from Chow Tow caused
Mark to turn toward him. He stood

 

pointing with trembling hand astern to
where, in the very center of the channel,

GooDm

a huge mass of rock completely blocked
the way.
They were caught in a trap.

 

CHAPTER XXXI.
IN THE BASIN,

 
  
 

HE explosion, caused by an unseen
> hand, had shattered the edge of the
\ cliff on the right, sending tons of
“> rock and earth down into the nar-
row entrance to the channel, completely
blocking it.

Mark stood transfixed, staring at the
obstruction. He saw instantly the ter-
rible meaning of the catastrophe. They
were caught in a _ perilous trap with no
way of escaping. The cruiser, floating on
an inland sea, now entirely surrounded,
cut off from the outer waters, would
never return to her port of departure.
They, the crew, with their burden of
wounded comrades, would find hard work
seeking a passage over the cliffs forming
their prison walls.

He mechanically rang the engine-room
bell, stopping the ship, and then turned
to meet the second officer, who had
rushed on deck at the terrible shock
caused by the explosion. Watson’s face
was white, and he shook slighty as he
looked from the ruin in the channel to
Merrill.

“T--I—by Jove! sir; this is an awful
fix,” he stammered. “What could have
caused it?”

“The pirates,” replied Mark, lacon-
ically. “I am afraid they have played a
trump this time.”

“1 wonder if they didn’t mean for it to
fall upon us,” ventured the doctor, join-
ing them.

“Highly probable,” coincided the en-
sign. “They may have intended the
rocky mass to crush us, but touched off
their dynamite a few moments too late.”

“Well, it is almost as effective,” re-
marked W:tson. “We are caged in this
place, surely. But we can make them
pay dearly for it.”

Mark turned to the Chinese renegade.
Chow Tow had fallen over against his
guard, motionless from fear. His yellow
skin had changed toa sickly pallor, and
he looked the picture of despair. One
glance at the fellow carried conviction of
his innocence, still it was wita the ut-
post sternness that the ensign addressed

im.

“What means this, you scoundrel?
You have led us intoa trap,” he said,
approaching closer to the miserable pilot.

“N-no, your highness, I am not to
blame for this. By the truth of Confu-
cius, I know nothing about it. The ex-
plosion has been caused by the devil
chief. He and the second chief alone
have planned it.”

“How is it you would not be aware
of anything like that? A number of men
would be required to mine a cliff of that
size; two men could not do the boring in
rock in months.”

The fellow turned, and glanced over
toward the scene of the explosion for a
moment before replying, then his coun-
tenance brightened slightly, and he said:

“T remember now, sir.. A year ago I
came over from the little island where I
had been stationed as lookout, and
found some of the men digging a narrow
shaft through the rock from the top of
the cliff. asked several what it was
intended for, but none of them knew. It
must have taken some time, asthey were
still working at it when I returned a
couple of weeks later.”

“Do you know of any other exit to this
basin?” asked Mark.

“No, sir, there is only the one channel
leading outside,” was the reply; then he
looked thoughtfully at the far end of the
little body of water and slowly con-
tinued: “If I am not mistaken there used
to be a passage-way for smaller craft
over there, just where you see that grove
of trees. If you look closely you can dis-
coverasplit in the high land. It has
been choked up with, rotten vegetation
and sand for many months.”

Mark examined the spot indicated with
a telescope, and declared he could make
it out quite plainly. He then asked the
Chinaman if there was plenty of water
in the basin, receiving an answer in the
affirmative. The old chief engineer had
made his appearance on deck, called up
by the extraordinary accident that had
befallen the cruiser. Beckoning him up
on the bridge, Merrill explained their
predicament. and then asked him to start
the engines ahead slowly. standing by for

ossible emergencies. When this detail
tid been completed, he again questioned
Chow Tow.

“How is it the basin is deserted?” he
asked, at the same time narrowly scan-
ning the adjacent shore with the glass,
“Where are your living, and store
houses?” ;

The pirate pointed beyond the junk to
where the coast line ended in asmall
peninsula, and replied:

“What we have are built on the inner
edge of that little bay. There are only a

 

NEWS.

few dozen houses built of bamboo, and a
larger one of stone for the chief and his
lieutenant. The goods taken from ships
are stored in caves near by.”

Mark glanced meaningly at Watson,
and, giving a short laugh, said:

“This latter information comes a little
too late, don’t it? We would have been
glad to hear where their booty is kept, if
the catastrophe hadn’t occurred. Now,
L think we will be lucky to get away
with our lives. But, before we go, some
one will have to pay a terrible reckoning
for this day’s work.”

His face darkened, and he clenched
both hands with a gesture expressing
much. Both Watson and the young
surgeon echoed his determination. The
latter walked over to the end of the
bridge, and glanced contemplatively at
the distant junk, then again joining the
others, he said:

“Tt seems very queer to me that these
pirates would, figuratively speaking, cut
off their own nose to spite their fave, In
other words, I cannot see how they are
going to get out themselves. They have
certainly trapped us, but that explosion
also closed the gates to them.”

“T am afraid there is something behind
all this,” put in Watson, uneasily.

“My opinion is, this white leader had
prepared the mine as a last resort, but,
understand, to be used in keeping war-
vessels out, not in,” said Mark, im-
pressively. “He no doubt intended using
the smaller passage mentioned by Chow
Tow after first cleaning it out. Another
thing—I have an idea, as I said before,
that he wanted to drop that mass of rock
upon ‘the Badger and annihilate us,
othertvise he would have cansed the ex-
plosion when we first entered fhe chan-
nel. As it was, from some unexplained
reason the mine went off five minutes too
late, leaving us still sound in life and
limb, but neatly trapped.”

“Westill have a chance to escape in
the small boats through the other
passage," added Watson, a more cheer-
ful look on his face. “And, when once
outside, we can utilize the prize to take
us back to Shanghai.”

“We will see what can be done when
this den of pirates has been broken up,”
replied Mark, then he added, grimly:
“That is our first and most important
duty. Take charge of the battery again,
Watson, and be prepared to fire on re-
ceiving the signal. Have a few solid shot
ready, we may need them.”

The second officer went below, followed
by Agnew, who wished to explain affairs
to Ned. Merrill addressed the crew
briefly, to the effect that there was hope
still for escaping, but that before any
attempt would be made in that direction
they would first consummate the object
of the expedition, and wipe out the
pirate stronghold.

“We have, i anything, lads, a greater
reason than ever for doing so,” he added.
“T, for my part, arn anxious to settle ac-
counts with the band, and I think you
are of the same opinion.”

The cheer that greeted his closing
words indicated that little merey would
be shown the enemy. Satisfied with the
effect of his short speech, Merrill sta-
tioned the proper crews at the Gatlings,
and took his stand close to Chow Tow,
who was still on the bridge under guard.
The cruiser steamed slowly along until
within a few hundred yards of the junk,
then, in obedience to aymessage from the
ensign, Watson fired a shell at her from
the pivot gun.

CHAPTER XXXII.
THE SUBMARINE MINE.

HE projectile screamed through the

air, and then struck her witha

t ) crash midships, throwing a shower

<7 of splinters in all directions. It

was fired at such short range that the

shell, being equipped with a time fuse,

passed on without exploding and landed

close to the peninsula marking the little
inlet.

A jagged hole and a few shattered tim-
bers were the only results of the attempt,
It proved, however, that no one was on}
board. Watson’s instructions were to;
fire only one shot, merely as an experi-
ment, so the erniser steamed by without
making any further attempt to destroy
the craft.

It was still a couple of miles to where
a first view could be obtained of the
stronghold, and at the Badger’s present
speed ten or fifteen minutes would elapse
before reaching there. Grasping the op-
portunity, Mark ran down tu Ned’s room
and gave the young invalid a cheery
smile of encouragement. Only stopping
long enough to say a few words of ex-
planation, the ensign went on deck again
accompanied by Agnew. After reaching
the bridge, Mark obtained some further
information from the Chinaman.

Tn reply to a question, the latter said
there were only two ways of reaching the!
top of the cliffs which encircled the |
basin, Of these one was a narrow, zigzag

 

 

my line,”
to severa
7

path winding up the steep slope of the
precipice near the passage, and the other
a broader road starting from the rear of
the houses. Chow said the latter was
always well guarded, as it gave direct
entrance to the basin from a landing
beach outside,

“It seems to me this is the outcome of
a prehistoric convulsion of nature,” said
the young surgeon, “a final effort of the
gases and molten lava to find exit from
the interior of the voleano. The terrific
explosion rent the mountain side, result-
ing in this peculiar body of water, and
those channels. It was a perfect haven
before those scoundrels ruined it. A
whole fleet of ships could find a harbor
here as calm and peaceful as a purling
brook,”

“Tf Iam not mistaken, I can see one of
the inhabitants of this ‘calm and peace-
ful’ retreat on shore near that clump of
bushes just this side of the Point,” said
Mark, quietly.

He had been using a telescope during
the past few moments, patiently scan-
ning every object on shore. The entire
absence of life had impressed him as_ be-
ing very queer.

Not a soul had been sighted since en-
tering, and, if it were not for the junk’s
presence and the fatal explosion which
had barred them in, he would have
thought the place deserted. But now,
while looking in the spot mentioned, he
caught sight of a moving figure. It was
passing from bush to bush, but had
stopped for a moment, evidently to

watch the cruiser; then, just as he an-
nounced the discovery, it disappeared
again,

“They have spies following our move-
ments, no doubt, and he is one of them,”
remarked Agnew.

Mark did not reply. A sudden thought
had struck him—an idea which caused
him to ring the engine-room bell order-
ing the engines stopped, and then to turn
to Chow with the hurried question:

“Do you know whether there are any
torpedoes planted in this basin?”

“Torpedoes?” replied the Mor golian,
slowly; “I don’t know what——”

“Why, explosives hidden beneath the
surface of the water, against which a ves-
sel would probably strike and be blown
to pieces,” explained Merrill, impa-
tiently. °

“There may be such things here,” ad-
mitted Chow, “I have been here when
the chief was working out near that
point. He was using several large boats,
but I don’t know what for.”

That was enough for Mark. A messen-
ger brought Watson on deck at once. In
obedience to orders, the second. officer
had the eutter lowered and then pulled
ahead of the Badger a hundred yards, the
steamer following slowly.

“By Jove! that will explain why no
resistance was offered,” exclaimed the
ensign, wiping the perspiration from bis
forehead. “Clem—I mean the chief is
sharp, there is no doubt abont that, but,
fortunately, we have taken the precau-
tion of investigating in time.”

“Didn’t I hear you mention some per-
son’s name, then?” asked the young sur-
geon, curiously.

But the ensign had hurried to the other
end of the bridge, where he could obtain
a better view of the boat, so the question
passed unanswered. It was well Mark
had sent the second officer ahead, as he
had not pulled far before those on board
saw his oarsmen check the boat’s way
suddenly, and Watson, after. peering
into the water for a second, elevated his
hand with a signal that Merril] under-
stood to mean stop the ship. It was
obeyed immediately.

Using the trumpet, Mark asked what

he had found.

“A big torpedo, or submarine mine,”
came the answer. “I think there is a
whole line of them here. Wait; I'll make
a thorough search.”

The news was important, though ex-
pected. It meant that the bed of the lit-
tle bay was lined with explosives, any-
one of which would instantly wreck the
cruiser, sending ber to the bottom, prob-
ably before those on board had time to
escape. The place they were found was
close to where the shore curved in, form-
ing the inlet. They had probably:been
planted there as a final defense of the

stronghold.

hail came from Watson.
“There are six of them,” he shouted;

“but you can get through just where the
cnsiuf is ceaes will pull ahead slowly.”

(TO BE CONTINUED.)
———__o> +> —___-

,

Why don’t you go to work?” asked the :

farmer.

“Cause no one won’t gimme none in
said the tramp. “I’ve applied
l railroads, but they won’t have

e.
“What's your line? Brakeman?”
“No, I make tracks,” said the tramp;

and then he made a few, with the farmer
a close second,

 

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[This Story Will Not be

 

 

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Published in Book-Form.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>
ks

A Story of the Chicago World’s Fair.

 

BY CLARENCE CONVERSE.

 

 

(“DICK OAKLEY’S ADVETURES” was commence in No. 166. Back numbers can be obtained of all

News Agents.)
CHAPTER XXXVII,

IN THE NEPTUNE’S CABIN.

: HE man—Addison, Devlin, or who-
t ~> ever he was—had the advantage of

 

it was easy to see that Addison was
entirely mistaken in Dick, and that his
suspicions were not aroused in the slight-
est.

But how would it be with the rest?

Dick wondered, too, if Dora was in

' Dick in the struggle, in that his the next state-room.

footing was firm, while Dick’s feet |

were only dangling in the water under-
neath the Neptune.

The sides of the submarine entrance to | cue.
the little yacht were without anything |

that the young fellow could find agains}
which he could brace himself.

As the man’s hand slipped under his
arm and he felt himself being drawn up
into the yacht despite himself, his vexa-
tion was beyond bounds.

Was the attack upon the villainous
gang and Dora’s rescue going to fail
through his ineaution? he asked ‘him-
self, Had the men heard him bungling
about beneath the yacht in search of the
hidden hatch? This he hardly thought
possible,

It was more likely that some of the
Neptune’s crew had’seen him board the
Psyche, or leave her, and had guessed
that he had overpowered Griffin in some
way and taken his suit from him.

Perhaps he had been seen giving the

‘message to Siah, though he had been

‘careful to spring up to Siah’s gondola on

«

 

 

 

 

the side farthest from the Neptane.

And failure meant——

Dick shuddered at the thought.

One thing was certain. Dick realized
that he could not expect to escape from
the man in whose grasp he was.

"hen he suddenly caught hold of the
rail of the bath-tub, in the bottom of
which the shute opened, and let Addison
—for he it was—help him into the little
state-room above,

_Chere he rested himself coolly on the
side of the tub and readjusted the tin
canisters that were swung from
shoulders, .

But there was a good reason for thig
seemingly strange surrender.

-The situation was not so unfortunate
as Dick had imagined.

He had intended to be taken for Mart |

Griffin, and that wish had been accom-
plished; though at first it had indeed
seemed that in some way his plan had
been seen through, and the whole attack
been prepared for by the Neptune’s men,
Addison being assigned the post where
he could intercept and capture the young
detective. ety
Addison’s words -explained the whole
matter, as he berated the supposed
Griffin in far from complimentary terms.
“You drunken sot! You lumbering
fool! This is eon you’ve taken so
long in coming back! You’ve been so
full you couldn’t crawl aboard, hey!
That first ep you made with the shin-
ers, you wouldn’t have got struck by a
yacht’s center-board and lost the swag
if your skin wasn’t full of corn juice.”
So, this explained also how Captain
Kendall had come to find the first haul
of jewels floating in the tin canisters—
his first clew to the great robbery with
which this story deals; the diamonds that
Dick had seen him and the others exam-
ining on the cabin table that night in
the early summer, and with which we

are familiar:

Dick had taken the cue from Addison's
words as to how to act.

If he was thought to be Griffin in an
intoxicated state, he might be able to
accomplish what he had come there to

carry out much easier than were he
thought sober. :
The dim light that the little lamp

threw upon the scene emboldened him.

“Aw, go way,” he hoarsely growled;

“w’ere’s—hic— Devlin?”

“Not so much as ‘thank ye’ for pulling
you aboard—only a rip in my coat,”
Addison complained, with
“Mark’s in the saloon,” he added,

his |

a scowl.,

He wished he could give her some
sign by which she might know that
\friends were about to attempt her res-
But no signal occurred to him.

| She would have to remain in ignorance
|until the attack was begun. One thing
was certain. This attack would have to
| be speedily made, or something done.

| The young fellow was conimencing to
|feel a disagreeable choking sensation—
| the air that the suit held, and which had
'always been hardly sufficient for Mart
| Griffin during his short submersions, in
| going to and from the underground pas-
| Sage, was beginning to give out. Dick’s
| body allowed of more in the suit than
| did the canaler’s.

“Have I succeeded so far to keel over
_the way Griffin did a while ago!” Dick
/asked himself, apprehensively. .“Not if
|1 can help. it! Go ‘long—hic!—ev’'-

thing’s O. K.”
| With the belmet to smother his
it wasn’t difficult to disguise it.

“Hurry up, then.”

Addison opened the door and led the
way into the passage to the saloon.

“Well, is he here yet?” Dick heard
Devlin ask.

“Yes; but. he might have never got
aboard if I hadn’t lifted him up through
the well—and he was so full he didn't
want me todothat. Tore my coat pull-
ing back |”

Devlin swore at this; Lon snickered,
appreciatingly.

Dick could catch a glance of the party
through the passage-way.

He was glad to see that most of the
men were grouped unsuspectingly at the
| Other end of the little saloon. Devlin
was sitting on one of the settees, resting
his broad shoulders against the after
bulkhead, a look of satisfaction upon his
dark face.

Bogardus was near by, on the same

voice,

| side of the saloon, smoking contentedly,

Lon Griffin and Addison would be the
nearest persons to Dick as he entered,

One thing Dick did not like was the
fact of the companion-way door being
shut, and, he inferred, locked, though he
hoped that this was not the case. But he
had to take things as he found them.

The question that worried Dick Oak-
ley the most was, had Mart Griffin been
in the habit of going into the main
saloon in his diving suit? and if not
could he, Dick, be able to locate Dora’s
state-room before his identity would be
suspected ?—otherwise the tragedy Devlin
threatened, might not be averted even
though the yacht was surrounded by,
Captain Kendall, the Psyche’s trusty’
crew, and the men from the shore.

Little time, however, for deliberation
now.

“Hurry up, here, you!” Devlin called
out, impatiently.

Dick assured himself that Dora was
not in the next state-room by calling to
her ina Rees ‘

Loosening the lacing of his suit for air,
he staggered into the saloon.

“You're,a nice one!”

This from Devlin.

“Thanks—hic !”

Dick was cooler than he had thought
possible, :

“Got de las’ load, dad?” asked Lon,
greedily.

“Shut up,” and Dick swayed toward
his supposed son, who, in turn, changed
his position,

Addison was still sputtering over the
small rent in his coat~as was just like
him, he being a man who could be said

 

HIBIT

Devlin had the old dare-devil look upon
his harsh features,

Now that he knew Captain Kendall
was only held back from attacking him
by his threat to be avenged upon Dora
for any attempt at capture, he appreci-
ated the danger he ran by remaining off

the White City to “see the thing
through,”

But remain and take the last jewel he
had determined.

Captain Kendall would attempt to con-
jure up some way of attack that would
preclude the risk of the carrying out of
the threat. This Devlin felt certain. How-
ever, tiie crafty scoundrel did not see a
way in which tbe captain might hope to
succeed, in the face of existing circum-
stances, es aha

A trusty guard had been set on deck,
and it was hardly possible to expect to
so attack the Neptune’s party as to give
no chance for harm tobe done the fair
prisoner aboard her.

Mark Devlin had concluded that Cap-
tain Kendall would be forced to give
up the perplexing riddle.

Then, when “the job” was done, Dev-
lin felt he could give the sharp detective
the slip—holding him back with the
same cruel threat that he now made use

 

°
=

“Which room can it be?” was the ques-
tion that perplexed Dick, as he stood
there swaying about unsteadily before
the little party.

And how could he learn the state-room
in which Dora was imprisoned, before
this comparatively peaceful scene would
be changed into oneof a life or death
struggle?

“How’s—hic—der gir’l prisoner—hic—
gettin’ ’long?” he asked, dissembling
with difhieulty. 3

It was especially hard for him to speak
of Dorain a way different from that in
which he did so on the Psyche.

“None of your business, you old fool!
Tell me, how much longer will we have
to stay here to get the Jast stone in the
lot?” Devlin returned, sharply.

“*’Nother—hic—trip, dat’s all.”

“ Another trip, to-night !”

“Yes—’nother trip, t’night.”

Mark Devlin muttered “good,” under
his breath; Addison’s eyes gleamed with
a sinister satisfaction.

“Let’s see the swag’ you brought this
trip?” Jesse asked, eagerly. “You ought
to have some fine rocks with you!”

The opening of those tin canisters
would spoil all now.

“Do | we—hic—sail
be’uful girl, t’night?”

“Oh, drop the girl, you old loon!”
ejaculated Addison.

“The young girl's all right,” exclaimed
Devlin, with manifest satisfaction.
“How is the young fool dete*tive?” And
a look of hate came upon his face that
would have made Dick feel that there
was no love lost between Devlin and
himself, had he not been pretty reasona-
bly certain of this before.

“He's all—hie—right.”

“Yer hain’t done fer
dad?” Lon snapped.

“IT say—hic—he’s all right, an’ w’en—
hic—I say dat, I—hic—mean it.”

“Then you have settled for him! Well,
it serves the young whelp right,” ex-
claimed Devlin. “If it hadn't been for
him I don’t think we’d have been
dropped to. He seemed to be fated to
run up against us; and if was only by
the closest shave that he didn’t spoil
pyar think for us when he got away from
lere,” :
“Well, he—hic—did——”

Dick was interrupted bya heavy fall
accompanied by the crash of crockery or

lass.

° Dick's first thought was that Captain
Kendall was beginning the attack. It
had startled the others, too. Addison
was on his feet in an instant.

However, the noise came from one of
the state-rooms on the starboard side of
the little saloon; and after the first
alarm was past the party sank back into
their easy positions again.

“Took the news rather hard,” said Dev-
lin, with a shrug of his heavy shoulders;
and Addison smiled and nodded. _

“It was Dora!” said Dick to himself,
suppressing his agitation. “She's
fainted !”

If the dim light that penetrated his
helmet had made his features visible to
those present, it would have been seen
that they were white, though it was not
the pallor of fear—far from it.

The little nautical clock, screwed _to
the panel at the after end of the cabin,
rang six bells—three o'clock.

“You haven’t emptied out the haul—
hand the tins here and let me do it, you
old bum,” snarled Addison, impatiently.

“You're getting. this place dirty and
wet as a cellar,” old Bogardus grum-
bled, peévishly.

Dick pretended not to hear them.

He reeled forward and then brought up
with his back against the door of the

erway—hic—with

him, hev yer,

This move was not suspected to have
any special significance.

Dick would have been able to spring the
surprise he planned upon them, had not
Addison’s sharp eyes noticed his hands,
which the gieat diving suit failed to
cover.

The man sprang to his feet at his dis-
covery.
“Boys, this isn’t Mart!” he cried.

“They're trying a game on us!”

 

CHAPTER XXXVITI.
THE ATTACK,

eS ; wes
what?” was Mark Devlin’s

TH!
4) startled query.
5 Bogardus, the mechanic, uttered

an exclamation of incredulity.

Every man there was on his feet in an
instant.

Dick Oakley was in a position where
quick action was ail that could save him.

It was plain, by the look of murder
that came into Mark Devlin’s dark eyes,
as he drew.a tevolver and started for-
ward, that he saw the plan that was to
be attempted, and that be was bound to
prevent it, if such a thing was possible.
Devlin was one of that sort of quick-
minded men.

At that moment the excitement was
added to by the sudden appearance of a
sailor at the forward passage-way, with
the alarm.

“Cap, Jerry’s tackled by a man for-
ward-—Bill's having the same trouble
aft!”

Undoubtedly the outer attack
failed of being an entire surprise.

“Away from that door!” cried Devlin
at Dick, apparently ignoring the sailor’s
words, his face black with fury.

Away from that door! Not while Dick
Oakley had the strength to keep his back
to it!

Mark Devlin might only intend to get
possession of the precious girl in the lit-
tle state-room, and, by holding her under
his revolver, keep Captain Kendall back;
but Dick dia not intend to give him that
chance.

Up came one of Captain Kendall’s
trustiest weapons in the hand of Dick
Oakley, and there was a report that made
the lights flicker and some of them go

had

out.

With a cry of rage and pain Mark Dev-
lin paused, and his right arm fell at his
side, Dick’s bullet having crashed
through his shoulder.

But it looked even then, as though
Dick's life would pay the forfeit for the
success of the attack—if there was to be
success,

Addison wrecked the hanging lamps
that illumined the little cabin with a
camp stool. Then Devlin precipitated
himself upon the young detective, while
Addison and Bogardus hurried forward
after the sailor who had brcught the
alarm of the outer attack. es

It was evident to Dick that Devlin was
regaining the use of his arm; and the
young fellow was not able to use his
revolvers upon his adversary.

“There’s only a few of them, men!
Run them overboard and we'll get off in
the darkness!” Addison was erying, in
the forward part of the yacht.

What made the matter worse was the
fact that he spoke the truth.
Owing to some mistake the party that
was coming from the shore, had supposed
the Neptune was lying off the opposite
side of the Casino Pier; so there were
only the Psyche’s few men, with the
addition of Siah Plunket, with which
to contend, bringing the fight down toa
fairly equal struggle between the two
sides.

A good breeze had sprung up. If Cap-
tain Kendall and our friends were fought
off it would not be a difficult matter to
get under way and give almost any num-
ber of pursuing craft the slipin the dark-

ness.
Dick Oakley’s heavy diving armor

‘handicapped him in the ‘struggle going

on in the darkened cabin. Fight desper-
ately as he did, he feared he was being
bested. It seemed as if help would never
come. :
But before Jong the companion-way
door came crashing in and Captain Ken-
dall sprang into the little cabin,

“That you, Dick?”
“Ay, captain.”
The captain was upon Dick's assailant
in a moment.

Mark Devlin’s surrender was speedily
forced then. 2
But if looks could kill, those with
which he regarded Dick Oakley, as Max
Williams, who followed the captain, lit
one of the side hanging-lamps, Dick
would have dropped dead in his tracks.
There came a cheer from old Dan, on
deck, that told how the attack had suc-
ceeded there!

“Who’s this?’—what’s this, to speak
more correctly,” exclaimed Willians;
and he dragged the struggling form of

 

 

to be penny-wise and pound-foolish, He
‘regarded Dick with a surly scowl, |

state-room from which the noise of Dora's
fall had come.

Lon Griffin from beneath the center

  

  
 

 

NK

 

long,

so ‘much “machinery,” succeeding in

2846

 

table, that young tough actually blubber-
ing like a child.

Dick’s lip curled with contempt as he
laid aside his helmet. Devlin berated the
arrant coward in a way that must not be
quoted in these pages. Whatever else
Mark Devlin has been, he has never had
a drop of cowardly blood in his veins;
that fact will always have to be admit-
ted, and he is a man who has_ succeeded
in many a desperate game during the
last twenty years, his daring and assur-
ance carrying him through when other
weaker men would have failed, and he is
the hero of any number of unsavory criim-
inal chapters among the dusty police
records, both here and abroad.

Captain Kendall’s first query was
naturally in regard to the safety of Dora.

The key to the state-room, before the
door of which Dick had made his plucky
stand, was not waited for. A jar from
Captain Kendall’s great shoulder burst
the fastenings easily.

“My little Dolly!”

“Oh! father!”

Dora was recovering from her faint—
the first real one she had ever experi-
enced.

“You must thank Dick for your suc-
cessful rescue, littie one,” exclaimed her
father, feelingly.

“Thank Dick! Yes, I—I——

Dick! Poor——”

But she buried her face in her hands—
to her father’s and the other’s great sur-

1

Oh! poor

‘ise.
“Why, what’s there to cry ahout!
Dick’s all right! and he’s waiting for
you to look up and shake hands,” was
the captain’s cheery exclamation.

Could that be her friend and protege.
standing smiling in the door-way?—that
great, black monster seeming as_ broad
as it was long! and in the act of turning
its head about with its hands like a top!

The hands li'ted off the clumsy helmet
and Dick’s flushed but happy face was
exposed. Dora uttered an exclamation of
glad surprise.

Then Siah pressed forward, his eyes
as big as watches, and he added another
oddly costumed figure to the scene,
dressed in his gaudy Venetian gondo-
lier’s suit.

“Well, well! ILswum! [ swum!” was
all he could say as he looked inquiringly
about him. \

Thurston brought the news that Addi-
son, Bogardus and four seamen were
taken prisoners. This, with the capture
of Mart Griffin by Dick, in the tunnel,
left as the only one of the gang who was
free, the confederate whose place was in
the Manufacturies and Liberal Arts
Building.

Need we say how delighted Captain
Kendall and the others felt? They had
done what was done without the assist-
ance of the shore forces, and there was
not a serious wound received by any of
their party.

The robber’s booty?

Max Williams called the searchers for
it to Mark Devlin’s state-room.

Beneath Devlin’s berth he had found a
iron-bound chést, which he had
pried open with his knife.

The sight that met Siah’s astonished
gaze as he craned his neck to see what
the party were examining, nearly caused
him to lose his breath.

This is not to be wondered at, how-
ever. when we know that all of the booty
the Neptune’s men had stolen was stored
in that Jong box—a gleaming, scintillat-
ing, dazzling hoard that could redeem a
small kingdom. Hal Thurston ran his
fingers down through the _ glittering
wealth of precious stones, and acknowl-
edged that they were “a little the largest
han! he had come upon yet.” The many
colored gems among the crystal clear
diamonds gave a peculiarly splendid
effect when they were stirred about.

Then the under-water entrance to the
yacht was curiously examined, and its
elaverness of construction commented
upon.

And Dick camein for more praise here,
Yet all of it did not please him so much
as a low, earnest, “Bless you, Jad!”
and hand pressure from Captain Ken-
dall as they stood side by side in the
little door-way of the diminutive state-
room.

\

‘ ee

CHAPTER XXXIX.
BEFORE THE CURTAIN.

NLY a-few words more.

Mark Devlin and his plotters
: ' areas safely housed as holts and
“A bars will permit. This includes
the treacherous guard whose duty it was
found was to substitute the clever imita-
tions of old Bogardus for the real gems
of the magnificent exhibit which the
gang was so systematically, and with

 

 

robbing, A
This man might have been alarmed and }

escaped, had it-not heen for Dick's

clever work in the underground tunnel, !

GOOD

and his determination to do nothing that
might arouse the fellow’s suspicion,

And now Addison, hoping to amelior-
ate his chances, has given the story of
this strange tunnel from its first concep-
tion. He admits that it was dug, with
the exception of the short under-water
section, by himself and Devlin, with the
help of two Finns, during the nights of
the winter of ’92—or while the other
great work of construction of the Exposi-
tion grounds and buildings was in pro-
gress,

Devlin, on looking the ground over,
had seen a space floored over in the Manu-
facturies and Libera] Arts Building, suffi-
ciently large to contain the earth sucha
tunnel would displace, when the idea of
building it occurred to him.

The secret panel in the wall, and
through which the jewels were exchanged
for their counterfeits, was the work of
the traitor guard in his hours of supposed
watchfulness. One of Devlin’s sailors
built the secret entrance to the yacht
Neptune, after Devlin had chartered her,
listing her over in an unfrequented creek
to do the work.

And when Mart Griffin came to Chi-
cago, it only required the opening up of
the submerged end of the tunnel to finish
the preparatory: arrangements for the
great robbery.

The two Finns have not been captured
as yet, but they are of little importance
and not needed to assist in the condem-
nation of their employers.

It was found, on a detailed examina-
tion, that not one thousand dollars’ worth
of genuine gems remained in the magnifi-
cent exhibit this gang had set out to rob
—yet the counterfeits were so clever that
this condition of things had never been
suspected by .the owners nor by the
countless sightseers who had daily
thronged the great building and lingered
admiringly against the polished railing
which marked the costly booth of this
beautiful display.

It is startling to think all those spark-
ling brilliants worthless! and that they
covered up one of the most audacious,
elaborately planned robberies with which
the police annals of the past many years
have had to deal. ‘To think, too, how
nearly successful was the daring gang
that concocted the great robbery !

But now the costly gems are all safely
back in their rightful places, sparkling
as brightly as though they had not been
the prime factors in the perilous and not
unromantic events with which we are
familiar; and there are very few persons,
in Chicago; or elsewhere, the wiser for
it, or who know what has there actually
taken place.

A clever reporter found out that a num.
ber of Captain Kelly’s men were sum-
moned out, on the night we know of, to
assist in the capture of a gang of water
thieves; and he wrote up an item about
their unsuccessful expedition, which
appeared in his paper the following
morning; but he little dreamed of the
real and important truth of the matter,
and Colonel Rice has not let it be gene1-
ally known,
~The company which owns the great
exhibit, does not care for the sensational
notoviety the making their names public
would bring them.

Therefore, we do not feel at liberty to
abuse our privilege of confidence by
stating them here,

But, after all, this makes the second
heading of our story more appropriate;
for now, really, is this journal “the
secret of a great exhibit,” when, were
we to make public the firm’s signature,
the title would become a misnomer.

So much regarding a bit of the inner
history of the mammoth Exposition at
Chicago. ,

In a chat between Siah and Dick,
aboard the Pyche, Siah stated that
his plans are to go farther west when
the Fair is finished, accepting an offer to
join his uncle, Luther Canfield, with
whom we are slightly acquainted,
through Dick’s rescue of his little dangh-
ter, Hattie.

“An’ I wisht you’d be comin’ near
there, so’s we could see each other once
in a while,” he had said to Dick, “but T
don’t guessfarmin’ 711 be excitin’ enough
for you now--’specially as——”

And he gave a somewhat significant
nod toward pretty Dora, who was reading
farther aft.

“No, to tell the truth, Siah, I don’t
know just what I shall do.” Dick an-
swered, with just a trifle of heightened
color, “But it may be starting a ranch.
My friends west are Captain Kendall’s
also, I find, from a talk about them, He
intends giving up the detective calling,
when his engagement with the Exposi-
tion ceases. and thinks of establishing a
ranch. If he does that——”

“T see,” was Siah’s knowing answer,
as Dick paused, a trifle confused. —

He wished to continue the question-
ing, but Dick did not appear to like to
carry on the subject Jonger—or else the
book he had taken from the little hook-
case had become unusually interesting.

4

 

NEW S.

When the firm that came so near losing
that magnificent disnlay, learned of the
heroic part beautiful Dora Kendall
played in connection with running down
the thieves, they presented her with one
of their rarest gems, swung as a pendant
from a costly bead necklace.

Dick received a money reward over his
salary, for his keenness and. pluck, the
amount of which made him hesitate in
its acceptance. To this was added a gem
that was as pure and costly as that which
was given Dora; but this he asked to
have exchanged for smaller stones.

One of these, a little bird tells us,
would be just the size for a beautiful
engagement ring.

But as Dick has not mentioned such a
thing to the author, in giving the inter-
esting materials for this story, we feel
that he justly thinks this has nothing to
do with, “Dick Oakley’s Adventures, or
the Secret of a Great Exhibit.”

[THE END. ]

[New story this week by ENRIQUE H.
Lewis. Next week new story by Epwarp
STRATEMEYER. Don’t miss them, ]
0

UNCOMFORTABLE QUARTERS,

rif eet,

 

BY GUY DECKER,

teeny

 

CocZoe5 - ma :

y AYLIGHT was fading; the shad-
5) ows uf evening trembled upon the
4 wayes, and the masts of our ship,

“=> the Mermaid, looming up in the
gathering gloom, looked like three great
sentinels watching for signs of a tempest.

Leaning over the weather-rail forward,
old Tom Wendels suddenly heard behind
him a noise which resembled the groan
of some human being in distress. He
turned,, but saw no person near him. His
shipmates of the watch had all gone aft,
and were seated under the round-house,
spinning yarns, playing cards, and other-
wise amusing themselves.

Tom was therefore much surprised;
and the mysterious noise being repeated,
he quickly “crossed himself’—for, being
of Spanish descent, he was superstitious,
and believed that “the cross” was a
“safeguard” against all evils, both “spir-
itual and temporal.”

Meanwhile the groaning continued; it
seemed to proceed from the. fore hold,
and, mustering courage, Tom concluded
that the noise, after all, was not that of
a spirit, as he bad at first supposed, but
simply an expression of pain from some
poor fellow who was jammed between a
couple of casks or barrels in the hold.

Accordingly, he threw off the hatches,
and, springing through the opening,
glanced around him,

“Who’s making that noise?” he
quired. “Anybody hurt?”

“Help! help! help!” shrieked a_half-
smothered voice. “!—I—am in-——”

The speaker suddenly paused; neither
words nor groans came from him again.
Tom’s inquiries, as he continued his
search, were unanswered,

He shuddered, and again superstitious
feelings crept into his heart. The sweat
‘ame out upon his brow; he procured a
lantern and lighted it with a trembling
hand. The lurid rays streamed over every
part of the hold, but the old sailor saw
nothing except ropes, barrels, casks, ete.
He listened for a repetition of the noises
mentioned, but in vain; and shuddering,
he extinguished his lantern, and scram-
bled to the deck, fully convinced that he
had been “victimized” by some evil
spirit. :

Knowing, however, that his shipmates,
if he should relate his story to them,
would only Jaugh at him, and accuse him
of allowing his imagination to deceive
him, he said nothing of what had-hap-
pened when all hands met in the fore-
castle.

He passed a sleepless night. In the
morning it was discovered that one of
the crew—the little Kanaka steerage
bor—a lad of thirteen, was missing.

The forecastle, the steerage, and cabin
were thoroughly searched, but little
“Lampwick.” as the Jad was- termed,
could not be found, He had been a great
favorite with all hands, having always
showed a willingness to obey orders
without hesitation. He was as active as
a squirrel: had been seen to climb the
leeches of the sails in a gale of wind,
and to run along the yard-arms, when
the ship was rolling heavily, with the
activity of a cat or monkey. ,

The men mourned for him as they
would have done for a little brother;
they all believed that he had fallen over-
board and been lost during the nigbt.

Suddenly, it struck old Tom that the
groans he had heard. might have come
from the spirit of the poor Jad after he
was drowned; and, with this idea in his
poe he became very silent and thought-
Litera
“What are you thinking of?” inanired
a shipmate: “I never saw you in such a
brown study before.”

in-

 

tae few words. IJiis

explained in a
gathered round

companions who had
him, then exchanged dismal glances,
The mate, who was an eccentric man,
“clapped”. a hand to his brow and stag-
gered back as if he had been shot.

“T—I—am afraid that——” He paused
and motioned toward the hold. “Away
you go, men!” he exclaimed. “Away
you go, and take a look into the
lower hold! Isent the boy there last
night, to knock the head away from a
half-filled liquor cask, and get a jugfull
of brandy for the steerage!”

Shrugging their shoulders, the men
with heavy hearts rushed forward, and
throwing off the hatches were soon peer-
ing into the lower holJd.

Acry of horror broke from all; for
gheir worst fears seemed realized; the
feet of little Lampwick projected from
ghe opening in the ton of the cask.

“Ay, it’s as I thought!” cried the mate,

“he has fallen head foremost into the.

liquor and is drowned!”

The men seized the protruding ankles,
and pulling the body from the cask, were
surprised to perceive that the eyes moved
and the lips trembled. All the spectators
shouted for joy; ten minutes after they
assisted the boy to his feet.

“He is alive! he is saved!” cried the
mate; “but how he contrived to live in
that liquor -——”

“Mv face did not touch the Jiquor,” in-
terrupted Lampwick. “Owing to the
cask being partly turned over upon its
lower edge, I was able with my hands
and arms to keep my head from going
under, although owing to the way my
limbs were cramped in that narrow open-
ing, I found if impossible to get out of
my uncomfortable situation.”

“Jf I had only known it was you; if
you’d only been able, in fact, to groan
and sing out a little longer Jast night,”
cried old Tom, now somewhat ashamed
of his superstitious fears, “I’d soon have
had you out of your uncomfortable quar-
ters,

We will add that for weeks afterward
Lampwick’s adventure was the principal
topic of conversatien in the ship.

~~

A Young Officer’s Sacrifice.

2

 

 

 

t=

"OR a time, after leaving the port
. of Malaga, Spain, the British war-
fs) ship Warrior, was wafted by fair
winds over the transparent Medi-
terranean on her course to Naples.

The bracing wind,;the bright waters
tossing the spray like the white arms of
inermaids, the glorious sunsets, the clear,
beautiful nights, harmonizing, in their
array of stars, sparkling waves, and sil-
very light, with the music of the ship’s
band, often playing favorite airs near the
mizzen-mast, cheered and enlivened
every man aboard except one. This ex-
ception was old Captain Turk, a retired
sea-skipper of merchant vessels, who, at
Malaga, had solicited and

assage aboard the Warrior, for Naples,
hope to reach it in time to joina
young niece there. who was about to sail
for New York. Owing to a prejudice
against men-of war’s-men, on account
of their “gilt-laced mannerisms,” as he
termed them, and their forms and rules
of etiquette, Turk, constantly witness-
ing around him these things, which he
despised, remained impervious to the
cheering influence of the beautiful clime
in which the ship now was sailing.

“Ay—ay,” he muttered one morning,
as Mr. Gist, a pert midshipman of sev-
enteen—the son of a brave army officer—
went by. “I’d like to know what that
slim Jubber with his light, curly hair
and pretty face, is good for! Where'd
he bein a knock-down gale? He’d squeak

  

like an opened ginger-beer bottle, and

the wind would blow him overboard Jike
the cork that comes out of it. 1 don’t
believe he’d have the stamina of a barna-
cle where pluck and stout seamanship
are required,”

Calms and head winds finally so delayed
the Warrior that Turk feared his niece
would sail from Naples ere he reached
that port. There was, however, a possi-
bility that the frigate might mect the
vessel containing the girl, in which case
he could be transferred to the same craft.

One morning the breeze. suddenly fell
away: but to windward a line of white
water, half vailed by the shadows of
heavy clouds of a saffron tint, and col-
umns of flying, whirling rack, denoted
the force of the gale in that quarter.

Soon the shrill piping of the boat-
swain’s whistle was followed hy the
order to clew up and fur), and, a few
moments later, the rigging and the yards
were alive with nimble forms. Five min-
utes later as if by magic, the enormous
folds of canvas had disappeared, neatly
rolled un on the yards, and the huge
frigate showed only a close-reefed main
topsail. a foresail, and fore top-mast
staysail.

Extra lashings had heen put about the
guns, and everything was all snug and

\

obtained a.

nai San i lt

Sot a ne

ope.

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AND OP me eee 5H Oe 85 OO = OS OO

tote) Tht el? ee 4 oe oe ee Pe

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—“H BOd0

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bm

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a “pee

ne Se ep. “_—— 3

~ boys—pull with a will!

b>
ee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

, was manned. The tremendous pressure of

‘to be his niece.

- .more person.

GOooD NEWS.

2347

 

 

 

 

tant when the gale came booming and
shrieking along, bending the masts like
whip-stocks, and hurling the great ship
almost on her beam-ends through the
foaming water, which poured over her
plunging bows with a gurgling roar.
For hours the wind blew almost a ty-
phoon,

So continuous was the hum and shriek
of the wind, the booming of the ocean,
the creaking of yards and timbers, and
the thundering roar of the frigate’s
broad bows battling with the whirling
waters, that for some time the captain
could scarce make himself heard with
his trumpet.

Suddenly old Turk, the passenger, who
had been looking to leeward, shouted in
the boatswain’s ear: .

“There’s some sort of a craft yonder.”

“You must have good eyes, sir!” was
the response. “I can see nothing.”

“Ay, you men-o-war’s-men_ see but
little. The haze lifting a moment showed
me a mast, or I’m mistaken.”

Even as he spoke, there was a lurid
flash, a few points off the lee bow. Then
came the dull booming of a gun.

The report was_ heard at regular inter-
vals, faintly audible above the din of the
tempest. : , .

“A minute-gun! a vessel in distress!’
cried the commodore. ‘“ We must try to
do something for her.” aa 2

“A boat could hardly stand it, sir; but
I will go, with your leave,” answered the
captain.

“No, let some one else go.”

Boom! went the gun again.

Midshipman Gist stepped up to
captain, touching his hat.

“Your permission, sir, to take a cutter
to the distressed craft!” he cried.

“You have it, Mr. Gist,” answered the
captain. ‘Be wary, sir. You will have

the

cutter,

“Go, sir, go!” cried Mr. Gist. “There
is no time to lose. The ship will go down
in a few seconds.”

“There’s room for only another man!”
replied Turk. “You can see that.” —

“Into the boat and join your niece,
then!” answered the mid.

“And what'll you do, youngster?”

“Remain where I am. There is not
room in the cutter for two more.”

The young fellow wore a look of cool
composure, as if the sacrifice of his life
to insure the safety of these in the cutter
was a matter-of-course affair, of very
slight importance. ?

“No, sir; I’ll not desert you in that
way. Come, I’m an old hulk, whose end
is not far off, anyhow; you are young,
with a long lookout ahead of you. Be-
sides, it’s your place to see to the boa:.”

“My coxswain can dothat. The gale
has abated somewhat. There is the War-
rior, not a quarter of a mile off,” he
added, pointing ‘to the frigate, now
lying-to, almost ahead.

“Till not go!” stoutly answered Turk.
“So you may as well jump into the cutter
and save yourself !”

Just then, the ship, with a tremendous
plunge, buried herself nearly to the after
hatch in the hissing, roaring sea. At
the same moment the main hatch was
burst open, with the report of a cannon,
by the volume of water rising in her
hold. s

“Old shipmate,” said the mid, kindly,
laying a hand on the skipper’s arin, “you
must go! The young lady, your niece, is
begging you to come!”

A heavy lurch of the wreck toward the
almost even with the sinking
vessel’s rail, enabled Mr. Gist to gently
push Turk into the boat.

As qnick as thought, he then cast the
warp off the pin, and the loaded cutter

a hard time of it.” rapidly drifted off.

“Ay, ay, sir!” answered the mid.

And a moment later he gave the order
to the boatswain who piped shrilly and
then hoarsely passed th: command:

“Third cutters away !” : s

Turk asked permission, and obtained it,

With an avalanche of foaming waters

pouring over the wreck all around him,

the young mid smiled, waved an arm,

and shouted:

“Keep her head to the sea, coxswain,

and you’ll ‘fetch’ the frigate!”

to go in the boat. The skipper felt} Then he proceeded to lash himself to
strangely uneasy. He feared that his a spar, eee ene oS 4
niece might be a passenger aboard the He is lost!” cried Turk’s niece. “Oh,

distressed craft, and in his estimation
the slim, curly-haired mid of seventeen
was not-capable of rescuing the young
girl.

Che cutter was soon in the water, and

the wind bore the boat down almost to
her gunwales in the hissing foam, and
though the men pulled with a will, it
seemed as if the craft had a drag of lead
attached to her keel, so slow was her pro- |;

old
he would have it so; he pushed me into

uficle, is there no
young officer?”
“No,” answered Turk, with tears in
his eyes. “A youngster’s healthy life and
limbs are likely to go under while my
timbers remain above board. But

way to help that

the boat.”

There was a hollow roar
ng lion’s.

The water was pouring into the wreck’s

like a drown-

 

gress,

Turk watched Mr. Gist sharply, and
could net but acknowledge to himself
that the young fellow bore himself ina
cool, ‘sailor-like manner, and gave clear,
skillful orders to his coxswain, even at
times when it seemed as if the boat must
go down in the hissing waters that
rushed over her, :

At last the distressed vessel was seen
directly ahead, as some of the rack
cleared. She was a large ‘ship, whose
masts had gone by the board, leaving
only the stumps standing.

She was buried in the sea, almost to
her waist, and the men who had_ been
discharging the minute-gun, which was
amidships, had fired their last shot as
the water now was pouring into the
mizzle of the piece. Aft, clinging to the
rails, were most of the crew and passen-
gers, and among the latter old Turk
could distinguish the form of a peautiful
young girl of fifteen whom he believed

shouted Mr. Gist.

“Lively, lads!”
g down fast! Pull,
1"

“That craft is goin

The boat was soon secured alongside,
and the mid, followed by Turk, sprang
aboard. The captain of the wreck in-
formed the young officer that, owing
to the “fouling” of the braces, she ship
had been caught nearly abagk by the
tempest. —

“The first.rush of it,” said he, “swept
our masts off like pipe-stems, blew all
our boats away from the davits like
chips, while the whole force of the sea
pounded our keel. and knocked a hole

etween the timbers!” -

In fact, the lond roar of the water
could be heard, as it poured into the hold;
and, as the crift must go down ina few
minutes, Mr. Gist lost no time in get-
ting the passengers into the cutter. The
crew. followed, and now only the mid
and Captain Turk were aboard the
wreck. The skipper had recognized the
girl already alluded to as his niece, and,
after he had secured for her a good place
in the boat, he had climbed back aboard
the wreck, for a glance had ‘shown him
that the cutter, packed with the passen-
gers, crew, and officers from the sinking
vessel, could with safety receive but one

le, come!” pleaded the old

“Qamne,. unc 4
rag. “Why don’t you get into

sailor's niece.
the boat?

 

hold, and only a small part of
deck remained above the sea.

plunge, and, with
appeared in the vortex of that stormy
sea, while, like an evil spirit’s
wing, a mass of rack and mist rushed
down upon the spot-where she had sunk,
and vailed it from sight.

vessel, scanning the foaming
from which the mist had cleared.

her after-

An instant later the ship made her last
the brave mid, dis-

black

Meanwhile, loaded as the cutter was,

its situation was very perilous, although
the violence of the tempest had
The weight of another person in the boat
would surely have swamped it, for as it
was the gunwales were so low down that
the water kept pouring in, and

ers had to work desperately to
from filling.

abated.

the bail-
keep it

At last, through the exertions of the two

trained skippers and the skillful steering
‘of the coxswain, the cutter was
alongside of the frigate and
pants taken aboard.

brought
its oecu-

Lookouts then swarmed all over the
waters,

Most of them felt nearly sure that Mr.

Gist was lost; still, while there was a
hope that he might have survived, after
lashing himself to a spar, a vigilant
watch was kept.

_At last, with shrill) voice, a little mid,

swaying far aloft. on th3 royal yard, was
heard announcing that there was-a spar
floating
attached to it.

far astern, with something

Old Turk, glass in hand, went up, and

soon shouted :

“Ay, ay, there he is, either alive or
dead! Bless. the brave boy !”

The third cutter was sent to the drift-
ing spar, and the senseless form of Mr.

Gist, so fastened to it that his head was
above water, was taken into the boat.

He was conveyed to the frigate, but
for a long time it was hard to tell

hether he was alive or dead.
. Finally the busy surgeon felt his heart
beat faintly, and said that he was safe.
.- In the course of a conple of days he
was as well as usual, when the commo-
dore himself praised his good conduct
and promised him, promotion.

“Glad enough I am to hear it,” said
old Turk, “for the boy deserves it. Why,
hang me for being so blind! a braver or
more sailor-like lad than that slim young
mid never walked a deck! Never again
will I judge of a man's seamanship and

He introduced Mr. Gist to his pretty
niece, who had witnessed the young fel-
low’s excellent conduct. The two were
mutually attracted, and eventually the
girl became the wife of the gallant sea-
officer.

a ee

Ticklets,

BY CHARLES W.

 

FOSTER.

 

-

Familiar With the Subject.
Teacher—“Why can’t you learn to calculate
interest as nicely as Tommy Traddles 5
Dull Boy—“! ain’t had so much experience as
he has. Our house ain’t mortgaged.”

A Convenient Fashion.
Mrs. De Fashion—*‘Did you take the medicine
the doctor ordered 2?’
Small Daughter—‘‘Yes, an’ it was horrid.”
Mrs. De Fashion—"“Did you take a spoonful?”
Sinall Daughter—“N-o; [ took a forkful.

-
e

Our Matl Bag

[Questions on subjects of general interest only are
dealt e. l

 

_With in the “Mail Bag. Medical or Jegal
questions not auswered. GOOD Nrws goes to TESS
two weeks advance of date of publication, and iene:

fore answers cannot appear until two
after we receive them.

this column should be
Bay,” P. O. Box

i ‘O Or three weeks
Communications intended for
be addressed Goop News “Mail
2734, New York City.)

K&. N. B. (Dayton, O.)—The s

j ilvering of looking
glasses is often done by coating the glass with an
amalyam. For this purpose a large, perfectly fiat
Stone Is provided ; upon it is evenly spread a sheet
of tin-foil without a crack or flaw ; this is covered
uniformly to the depth of one-eighth of an ineh
With clean mercury. Vhe plate ot glass, perfectly
cleansed from all frease amd impurity, is floated on
to the mercury carefully, so as to exclude all air
bubbles, It is then pressed down by loading if
With weights, in order to press out all the mercury
which remains fluid, which is received in a gutter
around the stone. After about twenty-four hours
1l is raised gently upon its edge, and in a few
weeks it is ready to frame, E

S. M. (Annapolis, Ma.)\—We cannot five you any
reliable evidence as to the exact height of our

 

Spoons is out of fashion, you know, mamma.”

Evidently Just Bought.

First Boy —“That family has a new lawn-
mower.”

Second Boy—“Think it’s new because the
machine doesn’t look worn out?”

First joy—“‘No. ’Cause the family don't look
worn out.”

Memory.

Teacher—“Define memory.” :

Dull Boy—“It’s what we always has till we
come to speak a piece.”

He Put Them Back.

Father— “See here! Why don't yon put
things where you find'em? The saw is gone,
the nails are nowhere, and I can’t find the ham-
mer. Your mother says you had them all to-
day.”’

Son—‘T left them right where I found thein.”

“You did, eh? Where did you find them?
Just tell me that.”

“Out in the back yard, where you had them
fixing a box last week.”

; Not Very Motherly.
Little Johnny—‘I guess Tommy
mother is his step-mother.”
Mamma—ts she?”
Little Johnny—‘‘She mus’ be, ’ecause when-
ever she says she'll tell his father on him, she
always does.”

Dodd's

A Rest for Both.

Little Boy (at summer resort)—“‘Are you
going to preach here, Mr. Surplice ?”

City Rector—‘‘No, I am here for a rest.”

Little Boy—‘‘Oh, yes, I forgot. We are here
for a rest, too.”

An Average Boy.

Father—“Little Johuny appears to be hard
at work outin the yard. Whatis he doing?”

Mother—-*I don’t know, butif he is working
hard, it is play.”

Let Them Ride.

She—Do you think there is any reason why
a young lady should not ride a bicycle as weil
as drive a horse ?” /

He—“Notatall. Itis just as easy to dodgea
bicycle as a carriage.”

Not. a Meteor.

Little Dot—“I saw a meteor last night, and I
wished some one would give me a box of candy,
but it didn’t come true,”

Little Dick—-‘That's queer.
only a lightning-bug.”

Spent Only One.

Little Dot—‘“Mamma gave me two quarters
to buy candy, but I only spent one of them.”

Father--“That’s something like. Now I’)l
give you another quarter to put with the
other.”

Little Dot—“Thank yon, but I can’t put it
with the other till I tind it. “It dropped out of
my pocket on the way to the candy store.”

Papa Was Cross.
Mamma—“I wonder what your papa
stawwping around about.” :
Little Boy—“I don’t know. T
his room, ’canse he acted cross.’
Mamma--"*May be he can’t find his razor.”
Little Boy—"Yes, he ean, ’cause I put it right
back where he keeps it, soon as I got through
takin’ up tacks.”
——————_>_2

GETTING THE MITTEN.

Mebby it was

}

is

didn’t go into

One hundred years ago gloves were un-
known in the country towns. Mittens were
worn in all families. 5

When a young man going home from sing-
ing schoo! with the young gir] of his choice
was holding her mittened hand to keep it
from getting cold, and took that opportunity
to urge his suit, if the offer proved accept-
able, the hand would remain. :

If taken by surprise, an effort to with-
draw the hand would leave the mitten. So
the suitor would “get thé mitten,” but not
get the hand. , ‘ .
ee ee

GENEROUS BOY.

 

A teacher was giving her pupils a lesson
on liberality, when one of them said :
“When I have a box of sweets I always
give everybody in the house some; but I
like to give mamma her’s more than «the
rest.”

‘Why is that, Johnny ?”

“Because she always thanks me, and
hands them back.”

 

character merely by his figure-head%”

‘ bonate of ammonia, ten grains.

earliest foretathers; but the probability is that
their dimensions were not much greater than any
well-proportioned man or woman of the present
day. Henrion, who flourished in the early part of
last ceutury, estimated the height of Adam and
Kve at 121 feet 9 inches and 118 feet 9 Inches respee-
tively! The same anthority gives. Noah’s height
as 27 feet! That of Moses further declines to 13
feet! Itis evident that this writer goes upon the
theory of decadence.
D. F. H, (New York).—The strength of the voice
depends on the degree of Vibration of the vocal
cords, and also in a minor degree on the resonance
of the larynx, lungs, and chest generally. You can
quite see, therefore, that where-there is defective
lung power or weakness of the vocal cords the
voice would naturally be weak. Practice would do
something to strengthen it. Try over the scales
two or three times a day, one of which should be
before breakfast. Open the mouth widely at all
times, in the higher notes especially—open it to the
ears, as if smiling.
#, R, (Raleigh, N. C.)\—The original purpose of a
gentleman givirg his arm toa lady was for protec-
tion, in which ease he could naturally give her his
left ata, reserving his mght arm for aggressive or
defensive action. Continued as a fashionable cus-
tom nowadays, the gentleman, in crowded cities,
will generally keep on the side next the street
Which will necessitate giving sometimes the left
and sometimes the right arm.

J. B.C. (Wheeling, W. Va.)—The application of coal
gas to the purposes of illumination were first tried
mm Cornwall, in 1792, and it was introduced in Biurm-
Ingham in 1798. ‘Lhough Mr. Murdoch. of Cornwall,
England, was the first to introduce it, We cannot
strictly say that he was the discoverer, The intlam-
mable aeriform fluid, earburetted hydrogen, evolved
by the combustion of coal, was described by Dr,
Clayton in 1739. ‘
E. G. P. (Chicago, Tll)—As the term
nickel-plating is the covering or plating of some
other metal with nickel ; therefore, When rust eats
away the nickel, there is no remedy but to have
the plating renewed. If it is desired to remove
the nickel plate, it may be done with a hand tool
oran emery wheel, and then the article, after be-
Ing burnished and polished, may be replated or
enameled.
K. N. OF (Joliet, T1.)—Rust may bé removed from
steel by soaking the article in kerosene for two or
three days, when the rust will become so loosened
that it may be easily rubbed off In ease of a ritle,
the kerosene may be poured in until the barrel is
full. Emery paper will also remove rist when it is
not deeply seated, but in all cases where the rust is
of long standing the articles must be refinished.
7. R. F. (Davenport, Iowa.)—Tlo make Vichy
water, take of sulpliate of potassa, two dravhims ;
sulphate of soda, four scruples; phosphate of soda,
twenty-five grains; Common salt, six drachiis ;
bicarbonate of soda, five anda quarter ounces ; car-
i Mix. Add water,
halfa gallon. Let it stand half a day; filter, add
ten gallons of water, and charge with gas.

B. U 8S. (La Crosse, Wis.)\—In scroll sawing) the
designs may be drawn on the board if the worker
has sufficient skill, but the general method is to
have the design drawn on rice paper, and paste this
on-the board with thin muscilage. When smooth
and dry, the paper will offer no obstruction to the
working of the saw.

Annie, (Hartford, Conn.)—All daughters of
dukes, marquises, and earls are styled “Lady,” and =
are addressed as such, adding their Christiar
name, as: “The Right Hon. Lady Jane <E
Should they marry a person of inferior rank, they
still retain their title, changing only their sur-
name.

YT. Y (Denver, Col.)—Driers are usually added to-
varnish in the form of ltharge, sugar of lead, or
white coperas. Sugar of Jead not only hardens but
combines with the yarnish. A large proportion of
driers injures the durability of the varnish, though
it causes it to dry more quickly.

D. O. (Yankton, Dak.) — Wash the hair about »
once a fortnight in tepid, soft water, using those
soaps which have tie smallest portion of alkah in
their composition. After washing, the hair shonld
be thoroughly and immediately dried; then
brushed. Have it cut frequently,

J. P. (Scranton, Pa.)—Detectives are selected
from the ranks of the police; so that you would
have to be a policeman first. ‘Vhey are chosen for
their intelligence, aptitude for tracking criminals,
and superior education. They are a distinct class
of the service.

E. B. (Lowell, Mass.)—Chalk is composed of fos-
sils, and if alittle be scraped on to a slide and ex-
amined with a microscope, an infinite number of
extremely minute shells of all shapes will be seen.
UL. L. (Fort Wayne, Ind.)—Seventy-five horse-
power is the maximum power generated by an
electric motor, Experiments indicate that one
hundred horse-power ‘vill soon be reached.

Emily, (San Diego, Cal..—To take the ink out of
your boards, get some strong muriatic acid er spir-
its of salts. Apply it with a piece of cloth, and
alterward well wash it with water.

G. H. C. (Providence, R I.)—The great Lick tele-
scope reveals about 100,000,000 of the stars, some of
which are 80 small that it would require 30,000 of
them to be visible to the naked eye. -

X. X. (Salt Lake City. Utah,)—“Lipogram” is a
riddle in which a name or sentence is written
withont its vowels, as “‘Lymlttllvmlpg”—“Love me
little, love me long.”

C. V. D. (Detroit, Mich.)—Flint glass isa double
Silicate of lead and potash; crown, sheet, and plate
glass contain double silicates of lime, potash, or
soda c

A, W (Washington, D,C.)\—The pendnium was
first attached to the clock by Huyghens, in 1656.

implies,

 

 

ac ae comnuunicutions left over to be answered next
week. F

 

 

 
2848

Pézzle Corner,

{Oviginal contributions solicited. Please do not send
puzzles containing obsolete words. Address “ Puz-
zle Kditor,” Goon News, P O. Box 2734, New York
City ]

No. 1.—DIAMOND.
1. A consonant,
2. A small animal of the feline family.
3. A city in Oregon. 5
4, A number coutaining two figures.
5. A consonant.

—.

GARTH.

No. 2.—CRross-WORD ENIGMA,

In board, not in plank.

In whip, not in spank.

In place, not in spot.

In you, not in dot.

In domestic, not in you,

In cold, not in too.

In Ute, not in Sioux.

In us, notin you.
After placing these letters in proper array,
You'll see some things quite popular to-day.

H. E. B.

No. 3.,—HAY.

If twenty horses consume thirty-six tons of
hay in nine months, how many tons will twelve
horses consume in eighteen months ?

U. NEKE,
No, 4.—HALF SQUARE.
1. One of the United States.
. Alone.
. Part of the human foot.
. A girdle.
. A drink.
. A preposition.
. A vowel,
MArRc A,

No. 5.—LOGOGRIPH
Whole, I mean to adhere to.
Change head, and I mean cast away.
Behead me, and [ am a fish.
Behead again and curtail, and I am_a prepo-
sition.
P. WYNNE.
No. 6.—DECAPITATION.
Whole, I was a great English admiral.
Beheaded, [ am a sheet of water.
F. FELLOWS.
No, 7.—CURTAILMENT.
Curtail a chief magistrate and leave an ani-
mal,
. WILLIE.
No. 8.—AN Easy WORD SQUARE.
1. A dwelling house.
2. A precious stone.
8. Charts.

4, Other.
PERRY.

No. 9.—To TAKE FROM.
Take nine from six, ten from nine, fifty from
forty, and leave six.
K. RITIC.
No. 10.—HIDDEN FISH.
1. Rehearsal Monday next.
2. Short route to India.
3. Lonise, Eliza.
4. Erith, a Kentish town,
5. Hoop-la, ice creain.
8. BELL.
‘No. 11.—METAGRAM. .
An animal, if you change its head,
An alarm you'll have instead.
And then the head of a fine stone change,
And a hard substance comes in range.
GERTIL,

Good News Binder

Price 50 Cents.

Answers the purpose ofa bound volume, Holding
fifty-two copies comfortably.

It is, without doubt, the finest binder ever offered
_ even for double the price we ask, and is indispens-
able to those who are keeping their papers, as it
not only preserves GOOD NEWS for future reference,
and from being lost, but keeps them clean, and in
good order. Itis both epeid anit ornamental.

It has a durable black embossed cover with
flexible back, anda gold stamp title on the outside
cover, It opens flat as any book, and each week's
nae can be inserted as soon as received. Full

irections for inserting the paper accompany each
binder. fei a

We will send the Good NEws binder, and a pack-
age of binder pins, postpaid, to any address on re-
ceipt of 50 cents. 5

to receive thousands of, Samples, —

Books, Papers, Cards, Catalogues,

Pictures, eto.,freo by mall you

want to get the largest mail that comos to yorr office ?
Do you want good cimnces tomako money? If you do

j park us 30 cents 2nd have your name insert

fjin the ent’s Annual; it is sent to
Publishers Beeler Dealers, Card Co.’a and Mauufac-

over tho U.., and they will gond you Seinples, etc. Address

-HOMK PUBLISHING CO., PROVIDENCE, R, le

 

GoonDpD

THE FAITH

 

 

 

I.—Tommy has trained Fido to take him |

to the store every morning.

 

 

 

 

IiJ.—Before reaching home, Fido feels
hungry and stops for lunch,

- i _

NEWS.

 

FUL Doc. |
- A |
F

 

 

 

Il.—On his way
two-forty gait.

WOMEN were first employed as telegraph

! operators in 1854.

IN the present day the most prolific novel

writers are ladies ‘

A BUNCH of sweet clover is said to be the best
known agency for driving flies away. -

THE water power of Niagara Falls is great
enough to drive ali the engines of the world.

“Maup is a timid girl,” said George. “Yes,”
said Estelle; ‘“she’d jump even ata proposal,”

SNOOPER—''T'd have you know I come of a
good family.” Ricketts—*You must have tray-
eled a long distance.”

THE highest tree in the world is at Dudenong,
in Australia. Itisa gum tree. It stands 450
teet high, and it is still growing.

“THAT motion is out of order,” said the chair-

“man of a political meeting as he saw a rowdy

raising his arm to throw an egg.
“THIS servant you have now seems very nice
and quiet.” “Oh, yes She doesn’t even dis-

| turd the dust when cleaning up a room.”

 

it 4
A) phony
r (© 24%

 

 

 

TV.—The faithful animal then hurries to
the house with the basket and the bill.

a

 

huswers lo Puzzles i No, 177 Good News.

oe

R
EB
Ve TN
REVELER
BILLS
NES
R

No, 1—

No. 2—

> Plane, plan.

No, 3—
Ninety-two

No. 4—

and two-fifth rods.

EMON
VEN
EN
N
No. 5—

Garfield.
No. 6—

No. 7—

Bread, read, dear, ear, era, are,

Apennine, Pennine.
PUZZLE SOLVERS.
Jo. King, Dick Golden, C_ W. Stone, Frank Lynn,
Mare A., Cee-Saw, K. Ritic, and Nora

 

F. Mitchell,

Containing all of the
following Tricks :
Performing Skeleton
will dance to music,
and perform various

THE WIZARD'S WONDERFUL CABINET, |

np,

tricks. Magic Trick
Carda, used by all
Magicians; no expe-
y, rience required to do
() the most perplexing
tricks. Lightning
Trick Box; you take
off the cover and show
that it is full of candy
or rice, replace the
cover, and you can
— — me : assure your friends
that it is empty, and, taking off the cover, the candy has disappeared ;
you can change it to a piece of money,. A Cure for Love, curious, queer,
ut funny; Indies hand them to gentlemen, gentlemen to ladies, and have
dollars’ worth of fun. Magic Nail; a common nail is forced through the
finger, the nail is withdrawn, given for examination, and the finger shown
Without cutorscar, TheFire Eater; any person can apparently breathe
fire and blow thousands of brilliant sparks from the mouth; we send
material enough for several exhibitions. Magic Bottle Imp, & curiosity
and brain-puzzler, will stand as straight as a flag-staff, and noone can
make it lie down, but when you take it down it goes liku na sleepy kitten;
causes heaps of fun. Worderful Paper Trick; you produce o package
of cigaretto paper that we furnish and tear a sheet in small pieces, roll
intoabail; unroll the ball, and there is 1 sheet of paper perfect in size
and not torn in the slightest. Can be repeated many times, as the book
of leaves is a thick one. All the above tricks, packed in a neat box, with
full directions with every article, so that any one can perform the tricks,
and sent by maib postpaid, for 3) cemts, Address
Howard Novelty Co., Providence, R. I,

‘ ; J ‘
Captain Webh’s Swimming Iustrnctor,
S. & S. MANUAL LIBRARY, No. 29.
PRICE, 10 CENTS.

For sale by all Newsdealers, or will be sent, post-
paid, upon receipt of price, ten cents, by the pub-
lishers

Poy Si

 

 

STREET & SMITH, 31 Rose Street, New York.

~ he

Short Stops.
eapigs s

A HIGH-FLYER--The eagle,

A RISKY BUSINESS—Insurance, .

A TABLE ACROBAT—The tumbier.

AN ARC-LIGHT—On Mount Ararat.

A ROUNDER—The billiard-ball maker.

TAKING UP TIME—Picking up a watch.

HAS a fetching way—The patrol wagon.

BILLY PENN has along wait to get on top.

TIRED dancers all whistle “After the Ball.”

CENTRAL AMERICA has 90 active volcanoes.

Nor all up with them yet—The trolley poles.

APPLIED to an artist as well as adog—Sketeh
"en.

CHINA asters are again coming into public
favor.

A ONE-VOLUME novel contiins about 60,000
words.

Risus to a point of—swearing—The man who
sits on a tack.

GREEK ladies had 187 different styles of
dressing hair.

PHILADELPHIA
their politeness,

hotel clerks are noted for

$25 to $50 pies

Gentlemen, using or selling
“Old Reliable Plater.” Only
practical way to replate rusty and
_—} Worn knives, forks, spoons, ete;
»| quickly done by dipping in melted
‘| metal, No experience, polishing
| or machinery. Thick plate at one
_| Operation; lasts 5 to 10 years; fine
finish when taken from the plater.
'| Every family has plating to do.
Plater sells readily. Profits large.
‘W. P. Harrison & Co., Columbus,O.

 

HAS DONE IT cecies tin ein feck not

mustache in 16 days $ full beard in 30. Never known to fail.
Sample package, postpaid, 1Se., two for She... one
doz0a, é » Agents wanted evorywhera, Address
WESSON MFG. CO., 6 E St., Providence, R. ly

HUNTER AND ANGLER.
S. &S. MANUAL LIBRARY, No. 10.
PRICE, 10 CENTS.

This is a book that is needed by everybody who takes
leasure inthe sports of hunting and fishing. Fully
llustrated. Instructs how to use a gun and size of shot

in hunting different game, trapping, the kind of rods,
lines, hooks, and bait to be used to be a successful
fisherman, is fully described in this valuable little book,

For sale by all Newsdealers, or will be sent, ch

upon receipt of price, ten cents, by the publishers,

STREET & SMITH, 31 Rose Street, New York.

REF i 44 pieces, latest Sheet Music
S and Charming illustrated Mage
azine 8 months; all for 10 cents; send silver
dime, American Nation. Box 1729, Boston, Mass.

 

 

 

TEN COP

153, inclusive, on receipt

— SUBSCRIPTION

 

 

In order to introduce Goop News|
among new readers, we will send

Ten Copies, regular issues, from Number 144 to
ten cents (one dime). , Address

j 29-31 Rose Street, N. Y.

of

TEN GENTS.

DEPT “GooD NEWS,”

 

 

 

 

 

Ata factory in Lynn, Mass.,a pair of kid
button shoes were made the other day in the
short space of 15 minutes and 45 seconds.

TEACHER (in grammar class)—“Tommy, cor-
rect the sentence, ‘I kissed Susan oncet.’’’

Tommy (promptly)—“I kissed Susan twicet.’ ’»

TEACHER—“‘Can you tell me anything about
Springfield’s location?’ Base-Ball Johnny—
“Second, an’ if they win two more games they'll
de first.”’

“WHat would you do, John,if I got up in
the middle of the night, as some enthusiasts
do, to play the violin?” “TI would get up and
play the hose.”

“I'm very fond of’little boys,” she said, as
she tripped on a string stretched across the
pavement. ‘I feel asif I could eat a couple of
‘ein this minute, raw.”

SMALL DELINQUENT—‘Please, sir, ‘twasn’t
me, sir. Wisher way die if——”’ Captor—“Will
yer do ifagen?”’ Small Delinquent (with great
alacrity)—“Oh, no, sir.” =

AUSTRALIA exports kangaroo skins to Amer-
ica in large quantities for the purpose of boot-
making. Over a million skins annually are
shipped for this purpose.

LADY—*How nice it is to have a little
brother as you have, Flossie! I suppose he
always takes your part, doesn’t he?” Flossie—
“ Yes’m, when the pie is passed.”

Mr. Fiee—‘Tommy, my son, do you know
that it gives me as much pain as if does you
when [ punish you?” Tommy—‘Well, there's
some satisfaction in that, anyhow.” ~

GEORGE SLAB (to swell, who has got some
wet paint on his coat)—*’Ere, you look a-here,
young feller, I don’t put that paint on for you
to wipe off. That paint costs money !”

A MAN was explaining to his wife how the
telephone is worked. “It is wonderfully sim
ple. All you have to do is to grasp the appara-
tus with one hand and talk with the other ”

Mrs. MEADOW—‘‘The paper says it will rain
to-morrow.” Farmer Meadow—ft does, eh ?
Well, I hain’t much faith in these newspaper
predictions. What does the almanac say ?”

THERE are 400 families in the United States
with an annual income, over and above ex-
penses, averaging over $500,000 apiece; and
8,000 families with an average income above ex-
penses of $25,000 each; and 100,000 faniilies with
an average income of $10,000 above expenses.

Bilver, for postage, etc.
Send 10 cts. and slip of paper size of
finger, and we will mail you one ef theso
solid rolled gold engraved rings and cata-
logue of fast-selling goods for agents to seli.
Howard Mfg. Co., Providence, R I:

Bound Volumes of Good News,
Vol. I¥.—(Nos. 79 to 104.)

We have issued this volume, bound m an attrac
tive heavy paper cover. The papers are cut and.
trimmed and bound with as much care as an ex-
pensive cloth binding, and the price is Eighty.
five cents. ‘his volume contains the conclusion
of all the stories not finished in Vol. ILI, and the
following complete serials.

CHASED THROUGH NORWAY, by Jas.

lis
FRANK HUNTER'S PERIL, by Horatio

Iger, Jr.

$1,000 REWARD, by Edward 8S, Ellis.

THE FOOL OF THE FAMILY, by Brace-
bridge Hemyne.

BOB PORTER AT LAKEVIEW ACADEMY,
by Walter Morris.

JACK THE INVENTOR, by Edward Strate-
meyer. ° ;

All volumes also contain the usual assortment of
short. stories, Short Talks With the Boys, useful
and instructive information, ete.

Vol. IhH.—(Nos. 53 to 78.)

Bound similar to Volume IV., price Eighty five
cents, contains the conclusion of all stories not
finished in Volume IT, and the following complete
serials:

BEACH BOY JOE, by Lieut. Jas. K. Orton.
THE SIGNALMAN’sS BOYS, by Chas. Ber-

nard,
PETER POTTER’S PILGRIMAGE, by Jack.
BOYS WILL BE BOYS, by J. FE. Trowbridge.
DAN THE DETECTIVE, by Horatio Alger,

Jr. ;
CANOE AND CAMP- FIRE, by W. B. Lawson.

Vol. Il.—(Nos. 27 to 52.)

The papers in this volume are cut and trimmed
similar to our Vol 3, ‘Lhe price is one dollar.
The supply is very nearly exhausted, Volume 2
contains the following complete serial stories +
BETWEEN THE LINES, by Jas. IK, Orton.
JIM RIDLEY’S LUCK, by Max Adeler
NOTHING BUT A BOY, by Oliver Optic.
WHITE HORSE FRED, by Harry Castles

mon. Fo 5
SHIFTING WINDS, by W._B. Lawson.
LIEUT. CAREY’S LUCK, by Lieut. Louns-

verry, ; Ee

VOLUME ONE is entirely ont of print.

Address STREET & SMITH, 31 Rose street,
New York. | }

MOTHERS

 

Be suve anause “Mrs. Winslow's
Soothing Syrup” for your children
while Teething: 28 cents a bottla