WS Re is \ i eee (als Gal H =) Entered According lo Act of Congress, in the Year 1898, by Sheel & Smith. in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washingion, D. C. Entered. as Secoud-class Matter ai the New York, N.Y.. Post- Office. “. er ae Pee tek ahd eh dete aad ced eer el ee ee La ee a clad ce did hed hale nail he ree ee ee ee ae tat ee eee ®, Vol. 3. hips aoee “New Foi “New York, January 6 1894, ice tae “No. 192, ZIG-ZAG, THE BOY CONJURER 3 Oy tlie 0 and Of the Stage. , LEV STOLE STE Shae, Author of ‘*‘The Young Stone- Cutter,’ etc,, etc. cat XG i AT AY . > \ f fli Hi, } S { E } Bel un Wy He \} \ bet Tt 4 f : i | 1 as, : = YY AS ~ i | . = > = " 7 \ A Oh OS rt if 7) ‘ . Ht vette LAN ? Ce) P AA \ Hl i ade 5. oll (| Hid ett \ , } Ii} i Th LP 1) 2 DS ‘a ti NE SS i 1 : Reedihlire “a 4 ily YY ei 1 ~ N SHH} | s x WS I > \ in WY =~ 4 \ ut ao \ ae i : Ee i | (\ 2 WASSER R : be vy i \ \ R , \ th . " 2 2 Wit " N \ Z ; bs N Ny } z | \ 4 Wii (! | if" i) eer “THEY ARE HUMBUGS AND SWINDLERS! PUL THEM OUT!” THE EXCITED CROWD STARTED TOWARD THE CONJURERS, WHOSE, EVERY AVENUE -OF : ESCAPE WAS CUT OFF. - 5 RY. S058 GOooDp NEW S. [This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form. | ZIG-ZAG, THE BOY CONJURER; OR, Life On and Off The Stage. By VICTOR ST. CLAIR, Author of ‘The Young Stone-Cutler.” —+——_ CHAPTER I, INTO TROUBLE IN SPITE OF HIMSELF, > TAND back, youngster! I tell you I have all the load I can carry.” “I must get to Glimmerton, sir; and I must get there before half- past seven. I am not very heavy, and I will pay you——” “If you have the money to pay with, why don’t you hire a team? I don’t run, this stage to pick up every rag-shag I come across,” and the speaker closed the old coach door with a slam, and climbed laboriously to the driver’s seat. “Nat has got so he comes inevery night purty well over the bay,” declared one of the half-dozen bystanders about the rail road station at Canterbury, on the C, & M. R. R., as the crusty stage driver urged his four-horse team into a smart canter, so the elumsy old vehicle, which afforded the only means of public conveyance to Glimmerton, a neighboring town, rocked “furiously from side to side, to the immi- nent terror of its dozen passengers. “Ya’as,” agreed a companion, as_ the little-group turned away from the place, having no further interest there with the abrupt departure of the daily stage, “ Nat does steam it purty stiff, He’s got to S at look out or Uncle Sam will take th’ job |- o’ carryin’ th’ mail way from him. I heerd it has been talked over to Frank P.’s store.” The sudden departure of the spectators left the youthful person to whom the surly stage-driver had addressed his de- preciating remarks standing alone upon the platform, with an ill-concealed look of disappointment upon his bright, good- natured countenance. His stature did not show him to be more than fourteen, or possibly fifteen years of age, but his face, with its firm lines around the mouth, and the thought- ful expression upon its regular features, told of at least another year on the credit side of experience in the varying fortunes of a checkered life. In fact, were we to reckon his existence from the parts he had acted in the rough side of knocking about the world, we should find that he was older than many are at two-score. “That is a pretty go!” he exclaimed under his breath. “I have got to get there if I walk; but that would throw me all out of trim for the show to-night. , “Hilloa, sir!” he exclaimed, as the sta- tion-agent appeared at the door of the de- pot, “can you tell me of a team I can get to take me to Glimmerton?” “Glimmerton? Why, the stage has just left here. Run, and perhaps you can over- take it. The driver will stop about a mile from here to have the mail changed.”. “He refused to take me, sir. He said he had too many passengers already.” “Did, eh?” And the man eyed him sus- piciously. “That’s funny, when he was complaining only yesterday that the travel was growing so small that he should take off a pair of horses next week.” Sa . “J don’t know about that, but I must get to Glimmerton at half-past seven sure. If you will kindly tell me of some one who has a team I shall be very thank- “I don’t know of one you could get for ; You will have to foot it.” far is it?” “Only about a dozen miles. You can walk it in three hours easy enough.” “But that would make it half-past eight. I must be there an hour before that time. I have an important engage- ment I must meet.” “If you can,” said the station-agent, as he locked the door and walked away. “*s horse! My kingdom for a horse!’ ” exclaimed the youth, Ga cteny the well- known line with a mock earnestness that brought a smile to his own lips. “Well, my situation isn’t quite as desperate as that poor king's.” ‘ “Wot’s all this fluster?” asked a sharp “ voice at his.elbow, and turning quickly around, he was surprised to see a boy of about his own age, but taller and Jarger, a with sandy hair and a freckled face. “I por = Sy AT ou’!l ’scuse me, mister; I didn’t oO scare you, but I overheard you gay you wanted to get to Glimmer in quick meter.” ~ “To Glimmerton, yes. of a team?” | _ “What are you willing to pay?” de- manded the strange youth, thrusting his Can you tell me hands into his p ckets, and assnming the air of one doing important business, Yne dollar, If that isn’t enough, I V eat’ providing I am there be- half-past seven.” tion, and a good “A dollar and a quarter?” “Yes. Who has the team?” Pulling out of his vest pocket a bat- tered specimen of a Waterbury watch, the other fixed his gaze closely upon it for some time, and counting on his fin- gers, he said aloud: “One, two, two and a half. By juniper! I am going to do it. A dollar and a quarter don’t grow on every bush, and he need not know anything about it, Say, mister, I s’pose you've got the dosh handy?” “T am good for my bills,” replied the other, displaying a handful of silver. “Come, we are losing valuable time.” “’Scuse me, Mister——” “JT am called Zig-Zag, if you please.” “Sol Ginger! what a funny name! Well, Mister Zig-Zag, you must ’scuse me for asking such questions, but him as does business must be careful how he lets strangers take him in. In the words of the philosophit, ‘we have to treat all men as rogues till we prove ’em so.’ My name is Budd Newbegin, and I’m a rus- tler from the word go. Foller me,” With these brusque and not altogether clear statements, Budd Newbegin led the way down the road, soon leaving behind the last of the few dwellings forming the little village clustering about Canter- bury station, After going about quarter of a mile, the two came in sight of a deserted house standing a short distance from the high- way, under a clump of pines. Near oneof the trees, attached to an old skeleton wagon, Zig-Zag saw a poor-looking horse, which gave a low whinny as they approached, Evidently the creature had been standing there sev- eral hours. “This is the rig-out,” said Budd. “Spring aboard. If this hoss ain’t got much style, he’s got the go.” In his anxiety to gel to his destination, Zig-Zag did not stop to question the abil- ity of the horse, but climbed into the seat as Budd Newbegin had told him to do, By that time the latter had unhitched the animal, and without further delay sprang up beside his passenger. “See him spin!” exclaimed the de- lighted driver, as the horse, with a very little urging, started inte a smart canter. “T tell you Vesa a hummer!” The road from Canterbury to; Glimmer- ton is an extremely hilly one, and not always kept in the best state of fepairs, is extremely rough and rocky. Budd, however, paid little regard to this as he urged the horse on up hill and down ata tremendous gait. It was already grow- ing dusky, it being the last of the month of October, so that the sun had set be- fore this time, and the driver made no attempt to avoid the cobble-stones scat- tered along the road, the wagon rattling and thumping over one obstruction and another until the riders were often nearly thrown from the rickety seat. A sharp hill descended to Canterbury village, through which they sped like a top, Budd’s yellow hair streaming out through a hole in the top of his dilapi- dated hat, and his feet braced against the low dash-board as if he was holding on for dear life, - Beyond the village a long, tedious hill formed a continual ascent of nearly a mile, reaching to Glimmerton south road. In climbing this ascent the horse of necessity slackened his pace, when Budd, speaking for the first time since starting, asked: “Got folks in Glimmerton?” “No,” replied Zig-Zag. “I am going there_on business. I belong to Professor Wiswell’s Cembination of Oriental Wen- ders, which is booked ,for an exhibition there to-night. I have been to Manches- ter to-day to get some chemicals for the professor and——” “Sol Ginger!” broke in Budd, “do you mean to say you belong to one of them traveling shows wot goes about the coun- try having grists of fun and fooling every- body?” “fT can’t say as it is as bad as that, but I belong to a traveling amusement com- pany; and——” “Fave a fellow with you who swallows a sword, and fire, pulls handkerchiefs and ribbons out of folkses’ hats, and gets red in the face and talks through a box?” “T guess we do pretty near all you men- eal more,” replied Zig- Zag. “Professor Wiswell.is called the best conjurer in the country, He spent twenty years in the Orient, and he learned very many wonderful feats of the fakirs and magicians of the East.” “Can you do any of them?” “Yes, I can do nearly all the professor can. He has been very kind in showing e. ‘ “Golly! how I would like to be in your place. Say, I’m minded to join.” Without stopping for Zig-Zag to reply, Budd rattled on in his indiscriminate way about a matter of which it was evi- dent he knew very little. In the midst of this one-sided conver- sation, the south road was reached, when they passed the sbage, which had stopped to have the mail changed at a small office, ‘The road was descending here, so that Budd urged the horse on with increased speed, They had not gone much farther, how- ever, before the sounds of some one in rapid pursuit was heard above the clat- ter of their own flight. “We are followed!” cried Budd, show- ing unexpected alarm, and whipping up the horse excitedly. But the animal! failed to increase its gait to any perceptible extent, and it soon became certain that the following team must soon overtake them. Zig-Zag was about to ask his compan- ion the cause of his alarm, when the lat- ter, looking wildly back, cried: “He has a white horse! It is Sheriff Bluffton, and he is after us! Jump _ for your life, or you'll get into prison! This is a stolen team !” Then, without checking the headlong speed of the horse, Budd Newbegin leaped wildly to the ground, flying heels over head in his passage, and leaving Zig-Zag clinging to the seat for dear life. CHAPTER II. SHERIFF OUTWITTED — THE NEWS AWAITING ZIG-ZAG AT GLIMMERTON, A “TAAKEN so completely by surprise at t > the singular course of action sud- & -), denly adopted by his companion, 7 the horse had-gone some distance before Zig-Zag regained his self-posses- sion enough to seize the loosened reins, and thus check somewhat the headlong flight of the animal. Glancing back, he could see. nothing of Budd Newbegin, but he realized that the pursuing team was rapidly overtaking him, Unable to understand what this pursuit meant, but feeling that it could in no way conflict with him, Zig-Zag quickly decided to stop until the other could come along. Accordingly, pulling smartly on the reins, and speaking a few words to the horse, he brought the animal to a stand- still, though its sides were covered with foam, and it was panting from its recent furious exertions. The next moment the pursuing team dashed alongside, when a shrill voice commanded :. “Hold up, young man, or the worst will Oe own!” Zig-Zag saw that the wagon contained two men, one of them looking gigantic in frame as he loomed up beside his “What is wanted?” demanded Zig-Zag, BS yet dreaming of no harm coming to iim. “You!” retorted the burly officer, for the speaker was none Other than Sheriff Bluffton, of Canterbury. “Perhaps you thought you were game enough to slide through the fingers of Pell Bluffton, but I guess you have seen your There isn’t a Newbegin smart enough to de brats?" :- “l understand,” replied Zig-Zag, “you are mistaken in your person. I am n Fin eines “Pell Bluffton is never mistaken !" cried the officer. “You are the rascal I want, and J have got you, too, -I will learn you how to steal another man's team, “Jump out) Sawyer, and let the young reprobate get inehere with me, I reckon he won't try any of his shines on me to get away.’ Sheriff Bluffton said this last to his companion, who quickly sprang out of the wagon upon the ground. “You are mistaken,” repeated Zig-Zag “My name is not Newbegin, and I have not stolen this team. i “By Jove!” exclaimed Sawyer, who, now that he had got nearer, saw that our hero was a stranger, “it is not that New- begin scamp. It is some one I never see before. i : f “Small whit of difference does that make. A skunk by any other name would smell just as bad. “Are you going to get in here with me, youngster, or shall I have to resort to this good right arm of mine?” As Sheriff Bluffton spoke, he drew something from under the seat cushion, which Zig-Zag could see plainly enough was a revolver. “Quick—your answer !” demanded the sheriff. “If you think I am going to fool all night with such a whipper-snapper as you, you are mistaken.” By this time Zig-Zag could not help understanding the seriousness of his sit- ation. To become the prisoner of Sheriff Bluffton would preclude the last possibil- ‘ity of getting to Glimmerton that night, and this he must do at all bazards, Cer- tain articles he had in his ‘pockets were absolutely needed by the professor in order to carry out the evening’s pro- gramme, Something, ‘too, with that strange fatality which. sometimes comes to a person beyond the prem pra: of business, urged him to get to Glimmer- ton with all haste possible, He knew : smaller companicn in the semi-darkness, mistake, drawn up in the dite ‘behind the b enough of the slow movements of the law to realize that should he be obliged to vive up his freedom, it might be several days before he could rejoin his company. Beside these considerations, Zig-Zag felt in ill-humor over Sheriff Bluffton’s conduct. He had not addressed a civil word to him, nor treated him with the least show of consideration. This fact, as much as anything else, caused him to make an attempt to baffle the other's alms. F “You cannot arrest me without suffi- cient reason, sir, and I have done nothing wrong. I must get to Glimmerton before half-past seven, but if you want this team, I will walk, I had hired——” “Shut up!” roared the officer. “I arrest you, in the name of the law, with stolen property in your possession. Pull him out of the wagon, Sawyer, and if he offers to resist, bat him over the head as you would a horse-fly,” The sheriff's companion took a step for- ward, as if to obey the order, when he suddenly exclaimed: - rT daren’t! He’s making up faces at me! _ “Fire and furies!” cried Bluffton, ris- ing to his feet, whiie he shook tbe revol- ver in the air, “are you a fool, Sawyer, or—— Se didn’t speak,” gasped Sawyer. “Hon- est—— Before the sheriff could reply, to the amazement of himself and confederate, a deep, guttural voice, which soetld to come from the horse, said: t “The boy did not steal’me. Let him go!” “Who spoke?” exclaimed Bluffton, growing excited. “I did!” replied the horse, looking around at the sheriff, as Zig-Zag pulled gently on that rein. : “Zounds! that’s mighty funny. Come, get in hee? with me, pounioties My man will drive that team back.” “Never!” seemingly cried the horse. “Come near me and I will kick-out your brains.” | ne Sheriff Bluffton was trembling from head to foot, showing that he was a cow- ard when anything unusual opposed him, “What is it? Who spoke? It sounded like that horse,” “Tt was!” gasped the terrified Sawyer. “If you doubt it, lay a hand on that boy,” and the horse tnrned his head around so he looked into the white face of the sheriff, who had sunk back upon his seat. How he would have ended if Zig-Zag had been left to himself, I cannot tell, but the thunder of coach wheels and the clatter of horses’ feet at that moment ar- rested the attention of all. It soon be- came apparent that the’stage was ap- proaching at no natural pace, while above the tumult of the wild flight ran the cries of men and women in tones 0 terror. “Nat’s horses are running away with him!” cried Bluffton. “Clear the road ! Here they come!’ The truth of the sheriff’s words was eV- ident, for as the stage drew nearer the cries of the helpless passengers grew wilder, while it could beseen that the runaways were plunging from side to side of the road, so the vehicle wassway- ing to and fro at a fearful rate, Thinking only of his own safety, the sheriff struck his horse a savage low, causing the animal to spring into the gutter, néarly unseating him in the wagon, % Sawyer bounded into the ditch and over the adjacent wall with acelerity of which one would not have supposed him capable. Zig-Zag followed the others’ example, so far as getting out of the path of the runaways; but with more presence of mind than they could lay claim to, he turned to see if there was nothing he could do. to avert the awfud catastrophe impending the occupants of the coach. The driver was not im sight, though half a dozen heads were thrust out of the ° coach windows, : It seemed like madness for any one to throw himself in front of the terrified brutes with the hope of stopping them. As the runaways arepe past the teams , possibly fright- ened by them, they made a plunge into the opposite gutter, when it seemed for a moment the stage was going to be over- turned. oe Something checked the horses’ flight for a moment, and they became tangled to- gether in their efforts to regain the road, But the next instant they had straight- ‘ened themselves out and were rushing down the descending road as madly as | ever. They carried one more passenger, how- ever, than the old stage had contained a moment before. Zig-Zag, as the coach had swept past him, ha ese upon the baggage-rack ody of the vehicle, and with a nimbleness natural to him, sprung up_ to the rear end of the covered top. Gain- . ing this, he crept swiftly along until he could drop upon the driver’s seat. Under the dash-board he saw the eae Se ep ere ~~~ vag aS ea Meares rr: Bota. gi a ke: a igh oe 2 a te : x Se ue bh ~ something I want to say to you.” feras. aki *e ie" i A i crouching figure of a man, whom he took to be the drunk driver. But Zig-Zag had too much upon bis hands to give the owerless fellow more than a glance, as ne looked for some way to stop the frightened horses. The reins were lying over the backs of the rear pair, and anxious to gain posses- sion of them, Zig-Zag lost no time in let- ting himself down over the dash-board upon the tongue between the animals. His position was one of extreme peril, but clinging to his precarious perch with the tenacity of “a squirrel, he soon suc- ceeded in getting hold of the reins. Gathering them up in his hands hastily, he climbed back to the seat, when he pre- pared to bring under his control. the affrighted steeds. This was an easier task than he had ex- pected, and by the time they had gone a mile farther, he had them under complete management. Fortunately, the runaway had occurred upon a section of the road that was wide and smooth. While Zig-Zag was speaking soothingly to the fretting horses, the stage-driver seemed to have come to his senses, for, lifting up his head, he drawled: | “*Pears me y—you driv’ ’em horses like Gabriel! Ras ‘bout over?” “Get up here if you have got any man- hood left about you,” said Zig-Zag, sharply. “You came near killing every one in the stage by your blundering.” _ “"Scuse me; I’s s—s—sorry ‘bout it. Didn’t seem to have any control over’em. Had all I e—c—could do hol’ on—fac’.” Zig-Zag had no doubt of this. but knowing that the passengers had not re- covered from their terror, he stopped the team to assure one and all that there was no further danger. Nothing was to be heard of the sheriff, and as he was requested to drive the stage into Glimmerton, he resolved to do so, the regular driver claiming that he had suffered a sudden fit of sickness. He declined to go inside the coach, however, but remained by the side of Zig-Zag. a At Glimmerton Center, where the mail had to be sorted for that office, about half - of the passengers left the coach. By that time Nat Benton was able to take the reins, though Zig-Zag remained beside him. The old stager had not recognized him as the boy he had refused passage at Canterbury, and our hero‘did not think it best to mention the matter. A quarter past seven the shape drove safely up to the door of_the Glenwood House, where Professor Wiswell’s com- pany was stopping, and- highly elated to find that after all of his adventures he had got there in season, Zig-Zag jumped down to the ground. : ee “Where have you been all this time?” asked a man standing in the hotel door- way. “I looked for you back an hour Oe ae came as soon asl could get here,” replied Zig-Zag. “Is the professor over to the hall?” wee “No. Come up to our room. I have “As soon as I have paid my fare.” “That’s all settled,” said the driver, “I reckon you earned it.” : Without stopping to thank the stage- driver, Zig-Zag followed his friend into the house and up the stairs to their room, anticipating that something unusual had happened.by his tone and manner, “What is it?” he asked, as soon as they were alone. “Enough, in all consciousness. The pro- fessor is dead |” CHAPTER III. A CONJURER’S FAILURE—WRATH OF A DISAPPOINTED AUDIENCE, ROFESSOR WISWELL dead?” asked Zig-Zag, unable to compre- W hend the other's words. — “That was what I said,” replied the man, in a matter-of-fact tone, “But he was as well as usual this morn- ing; and only yesterday he was telling me that-he had never felt better in his life. a _. “Nothing strange about that. Men of his temperament are often cut down with- out a moment's warning, I have expected it of him for a long time, and I have said as much to you time and again,’ : “What was the trouble?” asked Zig- Zag, his voice growing husky as he con- tinued the unhappy conversation “Heart disease, of course. You yourself knew he was troubled with a heart diffi- culty.” “ “Oh, Mr. Steerly, I cannot realize what vou say. This is so sudden, so unex- pected !” ; . ae Come into the next room with me and I will show you only too well the truth of my words. Of. course, it seems hard, but he had lived to a good Beene Ente five, he was telling me only last week. If I can live to that age and retain my fac- ulties as well as he did, I will not com- lain,” Se a Zig-Zag followed his companion into an “ee horrible dream. the fakirs an GOOD NEWS. adjoining apartment without replying, and as he came in sight of the whited, silent figure, the tears filled his eyes so he could not see. Groping his way for- ward to the form, he placed his hand on the cold, rigid features, murmuring: “Oh, Jack, tell me that this is all a My eyes are so full of tears I cannot see. Dear, dear friend, speak to me, if but one word. I cannot jlet you go without at least a good-by. How still it is here! You must teli me all the particulars, Jack.” “Another day must do for that, my boy,“ replied Steerly, visibly affected by his companion’s grief. “You know we have other matters demanding our imme- diate attention, We ought to be over to the hall now.” “The hall—oh, the show? But that will be postponed now. Of course we shall not be expected to give that without him--—” but Zig-Zag could not finish the sentence. “His dying as he did makes it all the more necessary that we should. No one knows of his death outside of the house; I have been careful to look after that. The people will be there—a_ crowded house, I am sure—and you and I must go through with the entertainment. I can do my part.” “Tt isn’t that, Jack; but I could not do a thing thinking of him lying here in that way. No, no, Jack; the people will not blame us when they know the rea- son. “But there is a more urgent reason than you suspect, perhaps, why we should give the entertainment to-night. In looking over the professor’s few things just now, I was surprised to find that he had less than a dollar in money among his posses- sions. I fancy you haven’t much more, and I surely have even less. This affair is going to cost us considerable extra ex- pense, and you must remember we are among strangers. So we have got to give 1 show to-night to get enough money to get out of town with. See?” Zig-Zaz’s grief was too greatfor him to Pesershand fully what the other had said. “What could have become of his money, Jack? You know we have been having full houses ever since we started out, two weeks ago. He must have put it where you have not found it.” “That cannot be. I was aware he had been spending all we were taking in lately, and I will explain it to you when we have time. Come, we shall have to leave it now and go over to the hall.” “Tt! Oh, Jack, how that sounds! How ‘noble he looks, even lying there with that awful expression on his face. Jack, do you know I believe he was the kindest- | hearted man in the world. Now he is | gone—the only friend I had!” you speak well of the liy- _ “I must say, ing.” “Forgive me, Jack, I did not mean to wrong you; but you must remember he was all the father and mother I have ever known. He found mea nameless waif, and cared for me; he gave me an educa- tion and explained to me all of the great secrets which cost him years of study and research. He was always kind to me, and he has said he cared for nothing I could not share with him.” “That may be the reason you think so much of him now,” said John Steerly, in a tone which seemed to convey more than the words. : Ziz-Zag was too much overcome with his grief to notice this, however, as he reluctantly turned away to follow his companion out of the room. By this time it will be understood that Mr. John Steerly and Zig-Zag formed Professor Wiswell’s support in his Com- bination of Oriental Wonders. The first, however, had not been long with the ep R DY and he had acted a minor part | T in the performances. He was not a com- municative man, and all that was known by his companions of his past history was his name, and even that our hero had felt at times was assumed. Though he had never treated Professor Wiswell with any show of friendship, the other had shown him a singular confidence and respect. The sum of Ziz-Zag’s history can be told in a few words. Longer ago than he could remember. Professor Wiswell ‘had rescued him from death under the wheels of a carriage in the heart of the largest city in the world. No trace of his parents or friends could be learned by his kind benefactor, who had ever treated him as if he had been his own son. Under his personal attention, the boy had received an education aren by only afew. He had accompanied the professor around the globe, stopping. three years amon wonderful magicians o the land of the Orient, where our hero had learned some of the remarkable feats we shall describe in coming chapters, As might have been expected, Professor Wiswell gave his name to his protege, but owing to the varying events of his checkered fortunes, he had early become known as Zig-Zag, an epithet which clung to him whether he would or no, ’ As if it was a part of the work of this trio to surround their lives with mystery, very little was known of Professor Wis- well’s history. He had been a kind, be- nevolent man, completely devoted to his art, and had seemed to have passed all of his younger years in India, to become master of some of the most startling feats of sleight-of-hand performed by the most gifted savants of the East. Fortunately, he had taught his young protege nearly all the secrets, which had cost him years of patient labor to solve, And now he lay dead in a country town, surrounded by strangers, save for the twain I have mentioned, and they knew not if he had a relative in the world. Zig-Zag and Steerly found Sinclair Hall already crowded as they entered, and still the people were coming. “This is. going to be a paying night,” said the latter, as he glanced over the audience with a look of satisfaction. “I will say this much for the professor, he was a good advertiser. See,” he added, as they reached the farther end of the hall, “I have the curtain up, and every- thing is in readiness. Now, if you coach me abit on some points, I shall be able to open the show inample season. It does an audience good to be kept waiting a few minutes, for it will appreciate you better.” “Ts the apparatus all here?” “Everything. I was careful to have it all on hand, for I didn’t know just what I should need to-night. Of course, the first time, I shall not be expected to go through the whole programme. These country louts will never know the differ- ence,” : They had passed “behind the scenes” by this time, and Zig-Zag looked upon his companion with wonder at his words. “Of course, I am going to run the show now,” said Steerly.. “Iam the older per- son. Why, the crowd would hoota beard- less boy from the stage. With a little help from you, at first, [ have no doubt but I shall get along tip-top. At any rate, we have got their money, and if they are not satisfied let them kick; I shall never come into this howling wilderness again.” Zig-Zag was dumfounded by this un- reasonable announcement. “Of course I am willing you should go ahead, Jack, but I am in fear that you will not be able to go through enough of the programme to satisfy the audience.” “It is not my fault that the old man was so selfish he could never tell me more. But I have not been such a block- head as you seem to think, and if you learn it now for the first time, I will tell you I have witnessed more of these priv- ate lessons he has given you than you} dream. You will find you cannot outwit me so easily.” Zig-Zag was surprised and puzzled by this unexpected treatment from him whom he had considered his friend. But, under the circumstances, he did not feel like arguing with him. He knew the au- dience was getting uneasy, and he hoped, with what assistance he could lend, Steerly would-be able to act a satisfac- tory part. After what must have seemed a long delay to the expectant waiters, Steerly ordered the curtain to be run up, when he was greeted by a storm of applause from those who did not think he was other than the “Great Wizard from the Orient.” Bowing and smiling to the au- dience, while he waved the magician’s wand clumsily over his head, Steerly opened the entertainment by saying: “Ladies and gentlemen, I now propose to open the wizard’s banquet with a lit- tle trick to prepare you ,for the greater mysteries to follow. You see 1 hold inmy hand a common hen’segg. How many of you can spin this, large end upward, upon any smooth surface? Looks’simple? ry it, please, gentlemen. Ah, ’tis as I thought, more difficult than yan thought. Now, see me. Ha, presto! there she goes!” Steerly’s initial feat’ was one hardly de- serving notice by an old conjurer, as the trick consisted in chameins the ege offered to those of the onlookers who would try to spin it, for another hard- boiled, which can be easily made to re- volve on its small end by almost any per- son. He had placed the object upon a finely-japanned waiter, which he kept whirling in an opposite direction to that the egg was going, so the last was held) in motion for some time. Elated over his success so far, Steerly essayed other simple feats with more or less satisfaction, until at last he under- took the showing up of the inexhaustible hat, watched with more feverish interest by Zig-Zag from behind the scenes than by the owner of the “slick up.” Having obtained the coveted hat, Steerly began to pull out the curious var- lety of articles the conjurer usually pre- tends to find in such an innocent recep- tacle, until he had piled out upon the table an enormous amount of personal property. wes ee ' Though the performer was flattering himself that he had accomplished the ne. ~ S059 cessary “loading” successfully, Zig-Zag was aware that several had seen by his bungling movements how the trick was done, aud were waiting their time to ex- pose hi_a, “Oh, dear!” exclaimed Steerly, sud- denly, “I feel faint and hungry. Whew why shouldn’t I, when I come to think of it? I haven’t had any supper. How thoughtless of me. Well, never mind. I will cook me a bite ina jiffy. Stay; I have no pot in which to cook my soup. Oh, yes, I have, for what better vessel could I ask for than this nice, tall hat. I am very fond of pie. Now watch me closely, to see how I cook a complete sup- per without any fire save what I take out of this tall hat, that lam going to use for a kettle.” This was really one of Professor Wis- well’s most difficult feats, and was al- ways received with rounds of applause. Keeping up a continual stream of words, for the successful conjuter must do this, Steerly went on with his arrange- ments, until he took a glass of water from the table, saying: “Now, gentlemen, of this tea I will make a cup of water—no—no I mean—”. but swinging the glass about his head as he spoke, somehow he sent inadvertently. its entire contents over the occupants o the first seat, when a howl ensued. “Never mind trifles!” said the .actor, with an exasperating smile. “I will forego the pleasure of a cup of tea this time. It is apt to give mea headache. Now, see me pour in the fixings for the ~ soup, : At this juncture Zig-Zag tried to catch Steerly’s eye, for he saw that the other had failed to prepare for this part of the trick by putting a “tin lining” in the hat. The would-be magician saw his mistake in an instant, and a ery of horror left his ep as he realized that he had spoiled the = oe “He has ruined it!" cried the owner, leaping to his feet. “They are humbugs and swindlers |” “Put them out of the house!” yelled: others, until the hall rang with the. cries, Then the excited mob started toward the conjurers, whose every avenue of es- cape was cut off. . “They will kill us!” exclaimed the ter- rified Steerly, springing behind the cur- tain just as a cloud of niissiles fell upon the platform. (f0 BE CONTINUED.) = siete 3 THE HORSE WAS LATE. A good many years ago the brigade- major of Gibraltar, who was a strict dis-. fLiplinarian, was accustomed, whenever he could see any. soldier under the influence: of drink, to scribble on; a piece of paper: “Please confine this man for drunken- ness,” put it in an envelope, and accost- ing the inebriated person, desire him to deliver the note to the commander of the guard, with the result that he would be confined under lock and key, and brought up before his commanding officer the next day to receive punishment, On one occasion he met an Irishman slightly intoxicated, scribbled out the usual note, and, calling on the man, re- quested him-to deliver it to the non-com- missioned officer commanding the South Port guard. - Pat took the letter, turned down the_ next street and meeting the “brigade- major’s own groom, a strict teetotaler, asked him as a favor, as he happened to be going in another direction, to give © that note to the person to whom it was addressed. Tbe unsuspecting groom took the note and delivered it, with the result that he _ was immediately confined and kept under lock and key. ~ The next day happened to be hunting day, and the brigade-major was always anxious to be in time for the meet, but waited in vain for his horse. At last he suspected something was wrong, and on to be relezsed, and tried in vain to find out who the other was. ey He lost his day’s amusement, and it was remarkable that after that nobody else was the. bearer of his own confine- ment order. Mg a patil a his 3 NOT A BIT LIKE IT. Se A certain theatrical manager, during — the rehearsal of a military drama, en- — tered the theater one day and saw his stage manager rehearsing the’ “supers” | who were to represent the army. PG He watched them drill some time in’ _ silence, and then said: and look like real soldiers!” After rating them soundly for some time, his disgust may be imagined when ‘the stage manager whispered in his ear: “They are a company of the Eighth © Regiment from the armory |” making inquiries, discovered what had _ happened. He at once ordered the man | “Not a bit like it! Why don't youtry SOsSsoO CoOD NEWS. THE CHRISTICAS RAID A TENNYYUNK. BY ENRIQUE H. LEWIS. —— i255 ays OR fully two months the members , uf the Goop News Corresponding AS). Club of Tennyyunk had devoted -~c their spare time and energies to a scheme for fitly celebrating Christmas Day. The president and acknowledged leader of the club, Tom Roland, a jovial, good- hearted, and intelligent lad of seventeen, had announced at the last meeting that he intended to propose a plan by which the grand holiday could be properly honored, So accordingly, when the two score members came together in their little hall on one of the by streets, at the regu- lar weekly meeting, there was evidence of renewed interest in the proceedings. The customary details of the organiza- tion were hurried through with, letters from other branches read and placed on file for reply, dues attended to, and then’ President Tom arose from his chair on the platform, and tapped the desk with his gavel in an impressive manner, Strict attention was instantly given him by the boys. “Last week I promised to bring up at this meeting a subject of great interest to all of us,” he began; “a subject, in fact, dear to the hearts of all. Need I say “what it is?” “Chrithmuth!” lisped Harry Jones, im- pulsively. : “Right you are, Harry,” replied Tom, amid a general laugh. “It is plain you are thoroughly well up in.the subject, Now, boys, it may seem rather early to speak about the holiday,.as it is two months yet until the twenty-fifth of December, but the more time we have to prepare for the event, the greater results we can produce. “TI said I had a plan, but, before I men- tion it, I wish to call your attention to the fact that Christmas is not only a day of innocent fun and amusement, but’ the celebration of a sacred event in our his- tory. Now, what I wish to propose is that we get up a public Christmas tree for the benefit of the poor of Tennyyunk.” He paused, interrupted by a buzz of excitement among his auditors. One of the latter, a laa named George Williams, arose to his feet, and said: “Mr. President; we consider your idea avery good one, but, may I ask, where. the money is to come from? I believe the ‘club’s treasury is almost empty now.” _ “You are right in regard to the’ latter statement,” answered Tom. “Our new furniture for the hall has taken all the, funds, but that has nothing to do with the case. My proposition is to raise the necessary money by donations among ourselves, aud friends. To commence with, I'll head the list with five dollars.” “Put me down for the same,” called out three voices, simultaneously. “1 can spare three.” “And I; and I.” - “Hold on, boys,” smilingly interrupted Tom, “give the secretary a chance to en- ter your names, and the amount you wish to subscribe. Remember that this money will not be needed for six or seven weeks, so you have plenty of time to scrape it together.” After much chattering of voices and ex- citement, the president announced that a total of sixty-two dollars had _ been promised. “That’s Pa good for a start,” he said, “but [I think we can do even better than that later on.” “How will it be spent?” asked George. “In buying coal, wood and provisions for the poor. We can also get warm clothing, and shoes.” ; “T have an idea,” suddenly exclaimed a lad named Freddy Smith. “Catch it quick, some one,” shouted an- other boy. “It’s lonesome, and» will run away.” “It won’t try to get into your empty arret,” retorted Freddy, unmoved by the augh of those around him. “What is it?” asked the president, after restoring order. “Why not have a regular Christmas house, or Santa Claus cabin, with a tree inside. We can easily rig it up _in_ this hall, and have old Chris Cringle come Ese the door in a sleigh with bells and—— “How about the reindeers?” “My father hath two mules, white wunths, and we can put cow hornths on them,” suggested Harry Jones, seriously, . “Well—ha! hal! the cabin idea is all right, but I think the mules would object to taking a reindeer’s role,” laughed Tom. “We can’ fix up a big tree with hams and turkeys and little stockings containing the orders for coal and other things, then when all is ready, givea little reception with the poor people as remarked George, “and she ee that she will lose it if she don’t pay the interest by the first of the year. Couldn’t we help her?” “Certainly; just give her name and ad- dress to the secretary,” quickly replied the youthful president. “Now, another thing, boys; let it be understood that each member of the club can bring one poor family to the celebration, That will make forty in all.” “Will this room hold them all in ad- dition to the members?” asked one of the boys, doubtfully. “Yes, by removing. the benches and tables. The tree can be placed on a plat- form in the center, and the people can stand around it. But there is lots of time to settle all details.” After.a half-hour’s further talk on. the subject—in which the members of the club took a great interest from the very beginning—Tom declared the meeting ad- journed until the following Saturday. During the next six weeks all arrange- ments for the grand event were mace, The affair became known to the general public, and offers of assistance came pouring in from well-to-do citizens. President Tom promptly accepted all contributions, and even inserted an ad- vertisement in the local paper calling for more. A coal merchant gave five tons of that needful article; the miller sent ten bar- rels of his best brand of flour to the hall; a benevolent grocer found a dozen hams he could spare, and divers other things came to hand before the appointed night. Where the club held their meetings was in a little one story cottage situated in an otherwise vacant lot some distance from the business portion of the town, It had been leased to them by Tom’s father, a prominent real-estate owner, at a nominal rental, and the boys had fur- nished it very comfortably. No person resided in the house, as it was not deemed necessary to watch it, the inhabitants of fennyyunk being hon- est, and unsuspicious of strangers. On the Saturday nicht before Christmas, however, it was decided that two of the members should remain after the méet- ing and look out for the stores already placed in the hall. After much debate, Tom and Harry Jones were selected. They were amply provided with bedding and other articles necessary to enable them to pass the night in comfort. Rumors had come to the young leader that day concerning possible trouble from a colony of Italians camped near a new railroad under construction two~ miles out of town, but he placed so little cre- dence in the story that he did not even mention it to the members. Several of the gang had visited the vicinity of the club during the afternoon, and seemed to take some interest in the impending celebration, but Tom could not bring himself to believe that they would try to steal the provisions pro- vided for the poor. Deeming it just as welltobe protected, however, he brought with him that night an old horse-pistol belonging ta _ his father. It had not been fired for years, and in fact, he was not certain the bar- rels contained anything save dust, but he thrust it under his pillow before go- ing to bed, with a very valiant air. “We've got lots of stuff here, Harry,’ he said, with a wave of his hand toward the stout Christmas tree, loaded with a multitude of things, “and itis just as well to be prepared for visitors.” “Doth you expect anythbody?” asked that lad, opening his eyes,in surprise. “No—that is—hardly,” replied ‘om, evasively. “Still, it is best not to run ehances. Now, let’s go to bed. It’s nearly midnight, and we want to rise early.” Within ten minutes, the young presi- dent was fast asleep, thoroughly tired out by his exrtions that day. Not so Harry Jones. On the contrary, the excitement bad rendered him wakeful, and he lay with wide open eyes watching the moon’s rays fill the room with its silvery light. The Christmas tree stood near the cen- ter, and between it and the front door the cots had been placed. In the rear of the room was another opening leading to a back apartment, used as ‘a closet for stcres, and odds and ends. After a while Harry thought be would go to sleep, but he found it impossible. He counted imaginary sheep in a fold, and tried other well-known tricks with which to woo slumber, but without avail, At last he began counting the branches of the tree, commencing from the top. . “One. two, three, four, five, si——” He stopped suddenly, attracted by a eculiar face peering out at him from be- ind the middle branch, At first he thought that he had_ really fallen asleep and was dreaming, but no! there it was, plain enough. While the nen ouestere 2. 5? ; “Our old washwoman was telling ahout _ the mortgage on her house yesterday,” ba dumfounded lad gazed. at the apparent apparition, another face appeared, and pons another, 7 A slight noise sounded close to the rear door. Stealthy footsteps grated on the wooden floor, and one more face stared at him from behind the tree. “What inthe duth ith the matter, I wonder?” murmured Harry. Quietly geting out of bed, he walked over toward the tree, and calmly called out.: “What doth you fellowth want here?” The sound of his vuice awakened, Tom, who instantly sprang to the floor, pistol in hand, He was just in time to see four burly Italians apparently rise from the floor, and rush toward his friend. One of them held a wicked locking knife, which he evidently intended to use, Horror-stricken at the danger threaten- ing Harry, the lad took rapid aim with the old weapon, and pulled the trigger, There was a deafening explosion, a wild scream of agony, and one of the in- truders staggered back against his mates. At the same time Tom also fell back- ward, nearly stunned by the concussion, but he speedily rallied, and, grasping the pees weapon, again made for the scoundrels, The second attack was not required, however, Completely taken by surprise, the remaining Italians turned and fled, bursting through the doors and windows in their wild rush for safety. When all was over, and the room cleared with the exception of the wounded man, the valiant young president suddenly turned faint, and lurched across one of the. cots. It was only momeutary weakness, brought on by the reaction, and when Harry at last succeeded in finding some water, the boy was all right again. By this time a number of the neighbors, alarmed by the noise, arrived at the door. They were admitted by the lads, and an explanation hurriedly given. : Behind the Christmas tree was found the injured ruffian, groaning with pain, He had been wounded in the shoulder by one of the slugs with which the old pistol was loaded, but it was not too severe to prohibit his removal to the county jail. A posse was made up at once, and the trail’ of refugees followed to the Italiam camp, but when the boys were taken there next day they could not iden- tify any of the oceupants, This was not strange as it was hardly possible that either of the culprits would remain in the vicinity of their. attempted crime. Great was the commotion when. the numerous members of the Goon Nrws Corresponding Club heard of the affray. Both Tom and Harry were ever afterward regarded as heroes by their companions, and, when the distribution of presents had taken placé on the following night Mr. Roland, at the head of several citi- zens, presented both lads with gold watches in reward for their bravery. “T gneth, boyth,” said Harry to.an ad- miring circle shortly after, “that they give uth watcheth because we watched the hall, eh?” Be that as it may, the disastrous raid of the Italians on. the Tennyyunk Club formed the subject of conversation at many a future meeting. —_—__>-—--e——____- USED TO THEM. The other day a fraudulent genius hav- ing unsuccessfully explored one hotel, boldly entered another and called for dinner, He was astonished to see the waiter approach him with a plate of soup in one hand, a towel in the other, and a large family syringe under his arm, The waiter laid the plate of soup in front of the hun- yvry customer, and significantly placed the palm of his right hand under his nose. As our friend had not as yet tackled his meal, he modestly inquired the meaning of the open hand. . “Pay in advance!” was the terse and peremptory reply of the waiter. “Can’t you wait till I get through my meal first?” “No, sir. Our rules are positive. On the delivery of the soup pay down the cash.” “Singular promptitude,” he muttered. Then, reddening up with natural indig- nation, he said: “T suppose if I don’t pay you, you'll brain me with that pump of yours?’ “Not at all, sir. Through this instru- ment we secure our business on a cash basis. Your money, if you please.” He thought he bad the dead wood on the soup, anyhow, and dipped his spoon for the first mouthful. Before the spoon reached the broth, however, y transfixed at seeing the waiter coolly in- troduce the point of. his syringe into his late, and pulling the suction-handle out o its fullest extent, the soup suddenly disappeared, leaving his plate as empty as his stomach. He turned around, but the water had assed to another customer, and our Raond left the establishment in the big- gest kind of a burry. ~ he was, A BUTTING MATCH. — BY V. H, ERALD. ee TSHEY were a rough, stony-fisted 2 ‘group of pioneer woodsmen, who ad gathered in front of the one little family grocery, bar-room and general merchandise store combined, for their morning bitters, and a little game of draw poker. Among the number was old “Uncle” Sam Heath, a burly negro. John F. Saunders, proprietor of the grocery, always kept a good supply of what was known in those days as “ Dex- ter’s Best,” and he was liberal in dis- pensing it to his friends and patrons, but the crowd in front of his store that morn- ing comprised a party that had done more drinking than paying, and knowing how impossible it would be to deny them drink or collect any revenue, he deter- mined to disappoint them by getting out of the way and leaving the door locked. _ “Tom,” said Uncle Sam, “go and ask Jane for the key,” when the crowd had tired of waiting. Mrs. Saunders lived but thirty steps from the store, and Tom soon returned, but without the key. “What shall we do?” asked Uncle Sam. “T’m thirsty, and I must liquor, if I have to butt that door down. Will you stand by me, boys?” “Stand by you and drink by you,” was the speedy and energetic response, “and if necessary fight by you.” “Clear the way,” said Uncle Sam, as he meesured forty paces and fixed his eye on the door. . When the boys saw Uncle Sam prepar- ing for the attack upon the grocery, they set up a cheering that frightened Mrs. Saunders, and caused her to call in the children and lock the door, “Make it ten yards more.” “Get a good start, Uncle Sam. Make the distance fifty yards,” said several voices, and asthe old man moved back and eyed the ground, the shouts and cheers became deafening. : “Ready?” asked the crowd. “Ready,” replied Uncle Sam. “Gol” said the leader, and away he started, With his bead bent and his arms akim- bo, Uncle Sam moved toward the door, slowly at first, but gathered speed as he moved along, until about half-way, when he was at afull run, urged on by such cheering as had never before been heard on Bayou Mason, He struck the door very heavily with his head, but it still remained firm on its hinges. Uncle Sam picked hiniself up, blood-shot eyes, and looked lonely and de- pressed, His companions gathered around to sympathize with him, but he surprised them by crying out determinedly: “Stand away, boys; give me more room and fresh air, and I’J] bring the door down this time or give it a congestive shake.” This time he measured sixty yards, bowed his head and started. He bounded back from the door like a rubber ball, his eyes glistened like fire, seeming ready to pop from their sockets. His pulse beat fast, and his breathing kept pace with his pulse. He clapped both hands to his temples and cried hoarsely for water. A basin was bronght, his head bathed, and a stream of water went splashing down his back. “Did she budge?” “Yes, sir, the hinges cracked and the door trembled.” “Cracked, did she?” “Fairly shook, sir.” “All right, boys,” and Uncle Sam looked more determined than ever. The water had cooled his temples, and he arose, stretched himself to his full height, struck his breast a heavy, exultant blow, and remarked: .“I feel as if I could butt brick walls now if ajugof whisky was inside. Stand back, give me room, and keep quiet, and I'll make hash out of that door.” This time he measured off eighty paces, paused an instant to nerve himself for the exertion, started off ata rapid pace and struck the door, head foremost, with all his might and with such, momentum that locks and hinges burst like brittle glass, and Uncle Sam fell sprawling on the floor inside. “Drink hearty, boys,” said Uricle Sam. “Tt’s only one-third waterand two-thirds whisky, for I have noticed a gradual de- cline in the bayou since that barrel ar- rived.” te They did drink hearty, and when the proprietor, who had noted the proceed- ings from bis place of concealment, ar- rived, there’ was no need of his saying, “Help yourselves, boys.” Théy were al- ready doing that. 2 The next day there was a funeral on Bayou Mason, and Uncle Sam rode in the front carriage. The doctor said it was poor old Uncle Sam, clapped bis hands to his head, rubbed his ~ brain fever, but it made short work of (THIS STORY WILLNOT BE PUBLISHED IN BOOK-FORM.} BY EMERSON BELL. (‘“"PHE ELECTRIC AIR AND WATER WIZARD” wé obtained ot all News Agents.) CHAPTER XXII. FIGHTING THE FLAMES, Fr, HAT has happened !” cried Bob, WWW as he faced Dick with a scared face,