ee Dre taeda gv Ps Mg we ots Fs ‘ ) Cents, of the hat will oduced, ly new © Inter strates ountry- t, post, \ = N \ WO WINN eas Q\ LY o ) SK | : LS A } oe —v00100-—— Fo) «i He =o; 8 AUIS EVR TTA se 3 ee oe a wrens AY EE UU a gO8, \ a os e 18 COM ustruc- Entered According to Act of Congress, in the Year 1895, by Street & Smith, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. ies ol Entered as Second-class Matter at they New York, N.Y., Post-Office. pond Dy to- 1 wi vO), 12, 0 hoae ataepay How Mock. New York, November 16, 1895. $240 Done No. 289. NS book of ne hun eee tee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee eto tters every ariety mmar, ations, press, pplica- un, love *, busi- publi¢ t from im of 6 Sent cents. , New Ce ee ee ee att ae Mee eee eta e ae ee ne ees “.e7eetae teeta 1 Oe. ssional ne Whe trated, idents, [ndian tricks ealers, its, by York. exact f the sudige. e ofa mand print. letter ill be sceipt 8. p this Jorre Si only . 1s ( ye Kinds eer pe of a meres Lilure® cabuy eceipt ARY; CUE xa wy SN CL ding A “= WW UN So SMO —_— UX rered pens as ib ences a iD 5 4 mnpacntpnetcinyind peat : POE ad aR ee est el THE PROFESSOR RAISED HIMSELF UP OUT OF THE NETWORK OF WIRES AND BALANCED HIS BODY ON A SINGLE STRAND. OVERHEAD STEVE: OR, DHE | WIlSARD: OF DHE Wires: *; eer al Di a Rs e BY EMERSON BELL, Luthor of ‘In the Heart of the Earth,” “The Electrie Air and Water Wizard,” “Beneath the Waves.” ‘*Why don’t you go? I don’t know any- thing about these electric wires.’ 4 ii ‘‘Neither do I. But it’s a burning shame | ~)\9OK at old Hantwold!’’ | to allow the old man to go to his death in i : ; CHAPTER I. : ‘*Why don’t somebody go to his assistance??? : A QUESTION OF LIFE OR DEATH. ) : ‘*He is caught in the wires!’’ this manner.’”’ 9% Now ‘ . : £ Sphinn ‘(Son 5 plantriaity ie 7 se * ? acy . oe SET AWAY FROM THERE!’’ STEVE SANG OUT, AS HE POINTED THE WEAPON ={ ‘*‘See, the electricity is playing all} ‘Why don’t they turn off the current??? d > around him! ‘*P’ll give the order!’’ cried a young man DOWNWARD. ‘‘GET AWAY, BEFORE I FILL YOU WITH SHOT!’’ ; 60) ’ " Pa ‘*He will be shocked to death !’’ who had just approached on a bicycle. 4610 GooD NEWS. The scene was the town of Wimbleton, a| to the tower edge. pretty place situated in the Mohawk Valley, New York State. Wimbleton boasted of six stores, two blacksmith shops, three taverns, a district | said. Here lay a heavy rope Hantwold had used for hoisting wires. The boy made a noose at one end of the rope. ‘*Let that fall under your left arm;’’ he ‘‘There you go. Now steady, and let school, and a pretty, white church. The in- | go when I call,’’ habitants numbered four hundred, and were mostly farming people. Three months before the ‘‘electric fever, ’’ as it is termed, had struck Wimbleton, and | so, so have no fear, now nothing would do but to have the ‘*Ts the other end fast?’’ ‘* Yes, sir, around the brace. when you let go. I am strong enough to do Now jump!’?’ The old professor trembled. Then he real- streets and stores, and even the church, | ized that his only hope for safety lay in lighted by electricity. Old Leon Hantwold, a former college pro- fessor, who lived in the town, undertook the work for the town committee. He was a very peculiar old man, and of a decidedly inventive turn of mind, as we shall see later on. Power was furnished by the electric plant | at Plattsville, three miles distant, and now | The | that committee had obtained permission to place | man by the arm. the poles and wires were already up. | taking the risk before him. He raised him- self up out of the network of wires and| mine owner, but we lost track of her,” balanced his body on a single strand. As he did this the boy hauled in on the rope. Up came the man’s body to the edge of the clock tower. He caught hold of the brace and tried to pull himself up, but was too weak to do so. The boy tied the rope witha dexterity was marvelous. Then he grasped the In a moment: more Leon four lights on the church tower, around the | Hantwold was safe on the tower. town clock, and these Leon Hantwold was testing when the accident occurred which immediately drew a crowd about the place. In some unaccountable manner Hantwold lost his grip on the brace to which he was clinging, and fell into a network of wires, some fastened in position and others swing- ing loose. The old professor realized his danger only too well. He dared not catch hold of cer- A hearty cheer from below went up. CHAPTER II. STEVE WEBSTER’S STORY. ~~? UT the danger was by no meanis past. ‘ Old Leon Hantwold was all but ex- Ph / hausted, and when he reached the 7 platform surrounding the clock tower tain wires for fear of a deadly shock, and | he fell a dead weight into the arms of the unless something was done he might at any | youth who had come to his assistance. moment fall to the ground—a distance of sixty feet. Such a fall would mean death. Frantic, yet helpless, he swayed back and | forth among the wires, while below the ever-increasing crowd shouted vainly or held its breath in suppressed horror. There was a long ladder against the side of the church, leading to the gutter of the | sloping roof, and another leading to the clock tower, but against both rattled the loose wires, and not a man below dared’ to climb up for fear of coming in contact with | the awful current. Sizz! Leon Hantwold’s to one of the live wires. A blue,flame shot out, and around his body shone a faint smoke. ‘‘He’s been struck! He’s dying!?’ ‘It’s awful to see him burned up before | our eyes!"’ So the cries went on, while some, unable to stand the horrible sight, ran away to | spread the news. A full minute passed. To those below and to the helpless man it seemed an hour. Then | and foot had come too close | a light figure burst through the crowd of | men, women, and children, The new-comer was a boy of sixteen, tall, | and rather good-looking. He was shabbily dressed, and his worn-out shoes were cov- ered with the dust of the road. ‘*Why don’t somebody go up and help the man?’’ he asked, as his keen, black eyes | took ih every detail of the situation. ‘*Humph! easy enough to talk!’’ growled Giles Turner, the keeper of one of the stores. “up there.’ ‘But he will be killed!’’ ‘* Ves, that’s so. “T’ll go up and help him!’ responded the uickly. bee . A dozen peo taneously. travel-stained youth in surprise and con- tempt. © ‘*You can’t do anything.’’ “Why, he’s nothing but a young tramp!’ “Better wait here. The electricity will be shut off as soon as Ben Chesney can get the word to Plattsville.’’ ‘‘ Avery second counts in a case like this,’ cried the shabby youth. ‘‘I know enough about electricity to know you can’t take chances on waiting.”’ Before any one could stop him, if indeed such a thing was desired, the boy ran to- ward the ladder resting close at hand With the nimbleness of 4 monkey, he went up the rungs. When the first of the loose wires were reached, he swung to the back of the ladder out of their reach. In ten seconds he stood on the church roof. **My, look at him go up!”? ‘¢*He’s a regular cat!’? Once on the roof, the boy commenced to climb the second ladder. Here were more of the loose wires. The climber hesitated only for an instant, then he left the ladder and took to the re roof, crawling along like a caterpillar up the coe slates. 4‘ You’ll fall and break your neck!?? “*He’s a daring young chap!’’ ‘**Who is he?’’ ‘ eR young tramp who slept in my barn last night,’’ answered Josiah Caron, a farmer who lived on the outskirts of Wim- bleton, and who had driven in with a wagon of produce, on his way to Plattsville. Up and up went the boy, until one hand grasped the edge of the clock tower. Old Leon Hantwold saw him approach. ‘Can you ee me?’’ he gasped, faintly. ‘¢Pull me out! Do something!’ “T will help you. Look out for that wire back of your left leg! Draw the leg up! Now you are all right for a few seconds.’? As he spoke the boy leaped from the roof le asked the question simul- They looked at the shabby,- **T reckon nobody wants to risk it | ‘*He was saved just in time,’’ said several standing below. ‘‘In another minute he | would have fallen to the ground,” With the collapsed form of the old pro- | fessor in his arms, the boy moved slowly }and cautiously to the other side of the plat: | form. Then with care he began to lower the | form by means of the rope, which, fortu- | nately, was long enough for the purpose, | Many willing hands took hold of Leon Hantwold when his body came within reach. He was carried into the church and laid on a pile of soft cushions, and Doctor Yates, the local physician, attended him. In the meantime, the boy came down, to be patted on the back and praised for his brave work. He blushed furiously, and seemed uncomfortable, and would have fled the scene had not private reasons held him back. ‘*This man’s name is Leon Hantwold, is | it not?’’ he asked of a bystander, and being assured that it was, he said no more, but did what lay in ‘his power to make the old professor comfortable. Gradually the crowd began to thin out, half an hour later a wagon drove around, in which the old professor was | placed and carried home. The boy followed on foot, avoiding many | who sought to question him. Leon Hantwold lived alone, in an old | Stone mansion, set back from the road in a wilderness of trees and bushes, Many thought the old fellow slightly insane on certain subjects, such as electricity and chemistry, but this was only because they were simple- country folks and did not understand him. ‘*He will be all right in a day or two,” ' said Doctor Yates. ‘‘He was shocked, but it But we can’t help him.’? | is nothing serious.”’ An old woman, a near neighbor, was left to nurse the patient, and the physician and the last of the town-people withdrew, A few hours later the old man sat up. ‘‘Mrs. Gaskett!’’ Oy 66s Riri? “What became of that young man who saved me?’? ‘‘He is sitting out on the doorstep, sir,’? ‘Tell him I wish to see him.’’ ‘*But are you strong enough, sir?’’ asked the nurse. “Yes, Tam all right. I have a strong con- stitution in spite of my age.’? The nurse went out. The boy sat on the doorstep, his chin resting in one hand, with a far-away look in his eyes. ‘The professor would like to see you,” she said. ‘“‘Oh—er—yes, ma’am!’? The youth sprang up in confusion, ‘‘Is he better??? ‘(Says he is.’’ The youth took off his dusty cap, brushed back the early hair from his forehead, and entered thé house. It was quite dark inside, and, coming from the sunshine, it was sev- eral minutes before he could see. Professor Hantwold lay in an upper chamber. His eyes filled with a grateful look as he motioned the boy forward and grasped his hand, ‘‘My lad, you saved my life!’’ he ex- claimed. ‘‘And you did it, too, at the risk of your own!’ ‘*T was glad to be of service to you, sir.”’ “Sit down by me. You are a stranger here, I'believe? May I ask your name?’’ “Stephen Webster.’? ‘*Webster, eh?” Where are you from?,’ ‘*Buffalo,’? The old professor looked more interested than ever. ' ; ‘‘Are you any relation to Martin Web- ster??? ‘*T am his son, sir,’’ “You don’t say! I used to know your father right well~in fact, we were college chums. And how is he now??? ‘*He is dead.’ I?ll pull in| take to tramping for ‘‘Indeed! I have not heard of him in six or seven years. And your mother??? ‘*She is dead, too.’’ The tears sprang into | the boy’s eyes, but he hastily brushed them away. ‘‘I am all alone in the world.’’ ‘That is too bad! How long have you been alone???’ ‘‘Mother died a year ago, and father was killed in a machine shop explosion less than two mouths ago.’’ ‘*And you have no other relatives?”’ ‘*None that I know of. Father had a sister who went to Montana and got married toa ‘Did your father leave you any property? Excuse the question, but I only ask as a friend.’’ ‘He left me without a cent, sir. He spent all he had in chemical experiments and the like, and when the explosion took him off I was left penniless.’’ ‘‘And what have you been doing?’’ ‘*After father was buried I looked all around Buffalo for work, but I couldu’t get Mies ‘*And then?”? * **And then——’’ the boy hesitated. ‘‘To tell the truth, sir, I had often heard father speak of you, and so I started for Wimble.- ton on foot to look you up and see if you couldn’t give me some sort of a job.’’ **T will do what I can for you, my boy,’’ returned the old professor, promptly. ‘‘Martin Webster was a good friend to me in those old college days, and I would be ungrateful if I did not do something for his son, even if that son had not saved my life.’? ‘Oh, let that pass, sir. I didn’t do any: thing so very wonderful.”’ ‘It required nerve to climb away up| there to the tower, to say nothing of man- aging that rope.’’ “T am used to climbing. f worked at ship rigging for several months in Buffalo, and I grew so accustomed to climbing the tallest masts that they nicknamed me Over- head Steve.’?’ ‘‘Overhead Steve. It is an appropriate nickname, truly. I doubt if there was an- other person in that crowd that would have taken the risk you did,”’ ‘*You are an electrician?’’ asked Steve Webster. ‘*Yes; but I seldom do such work as I have been at lately. I have a little money, and have invented several electrical appli- ances, principally in the medical line. It is a pity my latest invention is) not complete. I might have had a chance to try it to-day, Mf And Professor Hantwold ‘iniled grimly, ‘What is that, sir?’? ‘An appliance for restoring those who have been shocked by electricity. I soon hope to be able to restore to life those who have been pronounced dead—that is, if their internal organs have not been shat- | tered by the current.’’ ‘Such an invention would be a wonderful onée!’’ cried Steve, enthusiastically. ‘‘I would like to see how it worked.’’ ‘‘Do you like the study of electricity?”’ ‘¢Wery much, sir.’’ “Then you are just the boy I have beem looking for. Providence must have sent you here,’ tS NOS Mins ae laughed Steve. _It was plain to see that ordinarily he was a light-hearted lad. It was only grim circum- sthice which had temporarily sobered him, His light laugh made Protessor Hantwold join in. ‘‘Open the blinds solcan get a better look at you. Yes,’’ he went on, after Steve had complied with his request, ‘‘you are Martin Webster’s boy; I can see your father in your face. But you look tired and hungry, and you are covered with dust. Did you walk all the way from’ Buffalo???’ ‘‘Nearly ali the way. I got two or three short rides.’ ‘tAnd where dié you sleep nights?’’ ‘‘Tn barns and under haystacks,’? The old professor shook his head sadly. ‘*Have you dined to-day?’’ ‘*No,sir. But I can wait——’’ ‘*No, no, my boy. I was unkind not to have asked you before”? Leon Hantwold raised his voice. ‘‘Mrs, Gaskett!?? At once the nurse, who had been listening to the conversation from the hallway, en- tered. ‘*This is Stephen Webster, the son of an old friend of mine. I would like you to get a good dinner ready for him, and in the meanwhile, Stephen, you can go to one of the rooms and wash and brush up if you wish?! was an empty pocket,’’ ‘ CHAPTER III. THE OLD PROFESSOR’S INVENTIONS. TEVE WEBSTER was well pleased at the reception accorded him by Leon Hantwold. “~~ The long, weary tramp from Buffalo had taken a good deal of the heart out of him, and he was in just the proper frame of mind to appreciate a new frien ship. Shown to a pleasant room ina wing of the old stone mansion, he proceeded to make himself at home. ‘*Weels civilized to live like somebody again!’?’ he murmured to himself, as he arranged his toilet. ‘‘I must say I don’t a cent,’? It did not take him long to wash and / brush up, and then he descended to the dining-room, where Mrs. Gaskett already | had the table set. The womap herself was” in the kitchen, over the stove. As Steve entered the dining-room he hap-— pened to glance out of a side window, and saw a man crouching close at hand, partly” behind a rose bush. q The man was well dressed, but he had an™ evil eye, and there was a scar on his chin | which Steve was not likely to forget. As_ soon as he saw the youth, the man turned © on his heel and sneaked off and out of the- | grounds surrounding the house by a back | way. Steve was so much impressed by the in- | cident that he burried to the kitchen. 4 ‘‘Who was that man?’ he asked of Mrs. | Gaskett. A ‘‘Didn’t see any one,’’ replied the woman; and there the matter was, for the time being, dropped. 4 The meal was a good one, and Steve. felt a hundred per cent. better when it was fin- ished. While he was eating the nurse went up stairs with a trayful of good things fo the old professor. q The remainder of the day passed quietly ~ enough for Steve. A dozen or more people | called on Leon Hantwold to see how he was | getting on. Learning he,was all right, they” lost interest in the case, and only stared at | Steve as they passed out. q The following morning, Mrs. Gaskett left, ~ after having received liberal pay from the | old professor for what she had done. q ‘*T don’t like women around me,’’ said | Leon Hantwold to Steve. ‘‘If you remain 7 with me you must put up with keeping 7 bachelor’s hall.’ 4 ‘‘T‘am willing to do that,’’ boy. The room in the wing of the house was — given to Steve to occupy, and the old pro- | fessor insisted on supplying the lad with a ~ new outfit of clothing. iq On the lower floor of the wing, in an | apartment adjoining the library, Leon © Hantwold had his workshop, and here, © under lock and key, he had half a dozen © inventions of more or less importance, in ~ various stages of completeness. It was not until two days later, when the electrical — work on the church tower was finished that — he took Steve into this place. 4 ‘*T know I can trust Martin Webster’s son,’’ he said. responded the = these machines until they are patented.’ ‘Yes, 1 know that, and you can rest assured I won't let the secrets out,’’ replied — the youth, proniptly. q ‘In about three weeks | shall have one of — ‘*You understand that the’ 4} outside world must know nothing about 4} the greatest of my inventions ready, and 7 then I intend to go to Washington and attend to the patents on it personally.’’ ‘There ought to be a good deal of money in a good patent.’’ i: ‘tT expect to make hundreds of thousands ~ of dollars out’ of my inventions,’’ said the ~ old professor, proudly. ‘‘I know they will work, and I also know there is a market ~ awaiting them.’’ y ‘*Aren’t you afraid somebody will get — ahead of you?’’ asked Steve, with keen in- | terest. My ‘No; thieves. sometimes afraid of plenty of speculators but I There am are around, you know, who would steal an in- 4 vention if they could get the chance.’’ Steve at once thought of the ° seen prowling about the garden. He told the old professor of the individual. Professor Hantwold listened closely to what the youth had to say. ag man he had — 4 7 ‘‘He might) have been just an ordinary ~ tramp,’’ he mused. ‘‘But there is no telling. I must be on my guard.’? ‘*Why don’t you get a good watch-dog?”’ ‘‘T have one,’’? and Leon Hantwold smiled” faintly. ‘‘I call him Hlectra,’’ he added. : 9 ‘“You mean you have an electric alarm? ventured Steve. ae ‘‘Exactly. Every night before I retire 1 © set this alarm. It connects with my bed- ‘‘That’s a good idea.’’ Steve inspected each machine with great interest, and listenéd closely to what the in- ventor had to say concerning it. They were, indeed, wonderful appliances, embracing not only the invention ‘ ; 7m chamber and with every door and window.” — for restoring life to — shocked people, but also a machine for send- — ing pictures by electricity over ordinary — wires, and an apparatus for analyzing chemicals by the aid of electricity. q Professor Hantwold was very enthusiastic in his work, ‘‘Blectricity will rule the future,’? he said. ‘As a matter of fact, it has ruled the — past, but folks were ignorant of it, In but afew years from now every work of im- portance will be accomplished by some elec-_ trical appliance. gressed so far that by charging a plot of © ground with electricity I have made plants vi row twice as rapidly as would otherwise » 1ave been the case. But that branch of the science is still in its infancy.” ; When Steve left the workshop that even- ing his head was in a whirl. ever had he © seen such wonderful, complicated, 4” strange things. Eg He took a peculiar interest in the inven tion for restoring life to people shocked by electricity, and, seeing this, Professor Hant- — Why, I have even pro: a moeonpd mato on! ash and to the already elf was he hap- yw, and » pal tly had an nis chin et. As turned of the a back the in- yf Mrs. yoman; e time ve felt vas ‘fin- e went igs for juietly people he was t, they ied at t left, ym the said ‘emain peping d the se was | pro- vith a in av Leon here, dozen ce, in is not trical that ster’s t the about rest yplied ne of , and and oney sands i the will irket get n in- ] of itors n 1M- had ual. , to ary ing. 4 9? iled d. ise he res Seesd bap GOOD NEWS. him. The was merely Little this knowl- wold explained every detail to apparatus was simple enough—it the application that was difficult Steve dream of how important edge would be to him later on. Several days passed, and the boy and man became strongly attached to each other. Steve reminded Leon Hantwold strongly of Martin Webster, ‘and the old inventor deto1 mined to do his best by the youth. On the other hand, Steve worked hard at whatever he was asked to do. One afternoon the youth went one of the ‘stores for provisions. While he was purchasing them the store-keeper, who was also the postmaster, handed him a letter for Leon Hantwold. The epistle proved to be from New York. It was written by a speculator, and asked for particulars concerning the apparatus for analyzing chemicals. say how he had learned the’ professor working on such an invention, but merely wished to know if it was complete, what was the price asked for it. ‘*T don’t understand this,’’ said Hantwold to Steve. ‘‘Somebody has been prying into my secrets. ’’ The two talked the matter during the evening, and in the morning the profes announced his intention to visit the metropolis. ‘Il know down to was over sor I can trust you here, Steve,’’ he did | returned The speculator did not | and | said. ‘*Keep the workshop locked up while | f am away, and under no circumstances allow any one to enter the house.’’ ‘¢ And how long will you be gone?’’ ‘*T will be back day after to-morrow sure.’’ By noon Leon Hantwold was off for the nearest railroad station, and Steve was left in sole charge of the old stone mansion. CHAPTER IV. A STRANGE MESSENGER. HE reception of the letter from New > York had so influenced Leon Hant wold that he had made Steve promise he would not leave the mansion unti| the visit to the metropolis was at an end. ‘l want you to remain right in the place, Steve,’’? were his words. ‘‘There is plenty to eat and to drink, and there is a whole library of books if you wish to read.’ ‘¢T’]] stay indoors, and 1’ll make the time pass all right enough,’’ was the youth’s answer. Yet when left all alone he enough. Witb the departure of the old in Veutor the stone mansion appeared like a Vast tomb, it was so somber and silent. Steve’ locked up every window and door below, and adjourned to an upper apart- ment, resolved to go below only for some- thing to eat or drink ‘If I opened one of felt lonely the windows or doors Somebody might slip in,’? he thought. ‘I Won’t take the risk.”’ Yet, even as he thought that, he felt Compelled to smile at himself. Who was there in that quiet country dis trict to harm lim or steal the old professor’s inventions? The afternoon wore away slowly Steve Walked through every room, to make all was safe, and then sank down an fasy-chair and interested himself in a work On elec tric ity the professor had recommended him to peruse. At se sure into ven o’clock in the even ing he ate solitary upper. He Was hile aring away the dishes in the kitchen when there came a sudden thump on the back door 50 unex which made him start, it was xpected (, Whe » is there?’’ “Open the door,’ he demanded. was the reply. “Who : are yv¢ yu??? 4 friend.”? This was not very reassuring, and, slip- Ping up stairs, Steve a opened an OW and peered uit. upper Win- On the doorst« p stood the verv man he a seen prowling about the garden on the | may of his arrival. Are you going to open the door??? he stow led, “T want to know what you want? said Steve, , Ty The man look up in astonishment. ‘Where is Profes or Hantwold?’’ ’? . Hevhas prone awa “Who ; are vo 19 u hewtove Webster. He left me in charge é or Nol, open the door; Ihave a package vr him,’ agit iy t open the door. Throw the pack- : why can’t you a the door? S against orde The by man Stern: He was evidently di eve’s refus al to let under his pleased at a thared something ) im into the house, que, on't you want to take the bundle??? he ne after a a slight pause, aqylere is it! The ys under my coat.’ € Toh 16 youth felt ti a the speaker was lying. like a Sure, the light was dim, but nothing abc package of any size was in evidence ut the person below will “OU may throw the bundle up if you Tt “an Cate} it easily enoug rh : : lee » ste" are express charges | must col- “How much??? | is | | ‘*A dollar and a quarter.’’ ‘*Very well. Throw up the bundle, and if it’s all right, 1’ll drop the money to you,”’ Steve, who had soveral dollars which the old professor had given bim. ‘*You can’t sign the receipt.’’ ‘Yos, I can, if you’ll throw up the book, too.”’ ‘*See here, young fellow, if you don’t open that door, I’ll break it in!’’ yeiled the man, savagely, changing his tactics. ‘‘Do| you suppose I’nr going to stand here all night?’’ ‘*You break in the dcor and you’ll get hurt,’’? replied Steve, warmly. ‘‘l havea shot-gun handy.’’ ‘“‘An’t you going to let me in?’’ ‘*No,?? ‘*Don’t want the bundle?’’ ‘*T don’t believe you have a bundle.’’ At this the Man grew more enraged than ever. He threw his whole weight against the kitchen door in an endeavor to burst it open. Realizing the danger, Steve hurried from the room. The shot-gun he had spoken of stood in the lower hall. He ran for it, and ten seconds later again appeared at the win- dow. ‘Now get away out, as he pointed ‘*Get away, before I fill you with shot The rascal below glanced up. The sight of the shot-gun made him shrink back in alarm. ‘Don’t!’’ ‘Then skip out!’’ Without waiting for a second warning, the would-be intruder left the vicinity of the back door and darted under the neighboring trees. Was he gone? This was the question Steve anxiously asked himself. He waited at the window breathlessly, screening himself be- hind the curtaim to avoid a possible attack. Five minutes passed in utter silence. To the boy they seemed as many hours. Then came a faint murmur of voices, which alarmed Steve still more. The man was not alone. He had an assistant with him, no doubt as big a yascal as himself. | The youth endeavored to locate the voices. They were on the north side of the house. | Hither he made his way, to peer from an- other window anxiously. Crash! Ting-a-ling-a-ling ! One of the windows in the workshop had } been forced, and the electric alarm was ringing. With his heart in his throat, but with a firm and determined grasp on the shot-gun, Steve sped down stairs to face the bold intruders. (TO BE o> {This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form. ] | BY PLUCK ALONE; | OR, | from there!’’ he sang the weapon downward. $99 CONTINUED. ) |; was on account of | replied the insurance agent, pointedly. ; appear against him, ‘*Yes, Ido. The whole scheme was his.’ Sut what was his object?’’ ‘*He wanted to get you out of the way.’’ **But why?’’ ‘*He didn’t tell me why, but I reckon it some valuable Westville property.’ ‘It must be the property down lake front!’’ cried Ralph. ‘Had he the papers for that land?’’ Horace Kelsey. ‘I never thought so,’ slowly. ‘‘But he might have. transact most of father’s business for years ago.’’ ‘*Then you can depend upon it that be has the papers.’’ ‘*But the land belongs to my mother. ‘*He’s going to force her into selling out to him,’’ put in Martin Thomas, ‘‘Witb you out of the way he felt sure, I suppose, that by the asked returned the boy, He used to him >? he could do as he pleased with your mother.’’ ‘‘The scamp!’’ ejaculated Ralph, his honest eyes flasbing fire. ‘‘If you have told the truth, he shall suffer for this, mark my words !’’ ‘And, hoping that you will drop this matter against me,’’ went on the prisoner, ‘‘let me give you another pointer. You wrote to your niother the other day, didn’t you?”’ ‘Yess’ ‘*Well, he got never saw it.’’ ‘*No wonder I haven’t received any reply then !’’ burst out Ralph. ‘‘Did you ever hear of anything so mean?’’ he added, his rich friend. ‘*Your duty at present is that letter. Your mother plain, Ralph,’’ best you can do is to take the first train home,’’ ‘*You are right.”’ ‘*There is no telling, it this Squire Paget is so Villainous, what he may not try to do.’’ “You think he will not wait?’’ ‘‘It is not likely. He bas shown haste in the whole matter.’’ ‘No, don’t wait. Go home and. have him locked up,’’ put in Martin Thomas. ‘‘I will if-you wish it.’’ He was willing now to do anything to save himself from a long term in prison. ‘I will home,’’ said Ralph. ‘‘I will not lose another minute.’’ ‘Shall I goalong?’’ asked Horace Kelsey a great or go ‘“You may need some one to help you in your fight against so influential a man as Squire Paget.’’ ‘I shall consider it a great favor,’’ said Ralph, and he gave the insurance agent a grateful look. They consulted a time-table, and found hat they could get a train for Chambers- burgh in an hour. This train would connect with the regular lake steamer that stopped at Westville. The two qu few minutes longer, 1estioned Martin Thomas for a and got what additional | information they could from him. Then they called in the jail-keeper and hurried off. Ralph Nelson’s Upward Struggle, | BY HARVEY HICKS, Author of “The Tour of the Zero Club,” Trusxton'’s School-Days,” “Mat Abroad,” ete., ele. “Tom Merriman “By PLUCK ALONE” was commenced in No, 277 Back numbers can be obtained of all News Agents.) : | CHAPTER XXXVIII, THE BEGINNING OF THE END. | if you could | a f? + T would be a great thing | get this Martin secret,’’ remarked talph, after the hearing was over. ‘That is true,’’ returned ‘the boy. I don’t see how I am going to do it. very stubborn.”’ ‘He won’t be stubborn long. He knows the charge against him is too grave. You might intimate to him that it will go easier with him if he confesses.’’ ‘*That is true, sir.’’ “If he is merely a tool it is nothing to you whether he is *punished or not. You | wish to bring the instigator of this plot against you to justice.’ ‘Supposing I goin and have a talk with him then?’’ Ralph. ‘We will returned Horace Kelsey Half an hour later they were closeted with Martin Thomas in a side room of the police station, They told the rascal of the object of their visit At first Martin Thomas would not listen to them, but when Horace Kelsey pictured the ossible future to him he grew more pliable. Ho began to pace up and down nervously. ‘*Well, supposing lown up to everything,’’ he said, at last. ‘‘Will you drop this case against me?’ ‘That depends on what you have to say,’’ Thomas to confess his Horace Kelsey to c- ‘* But He is suggested both go in, said Ralph, cautiously. ‘Well, Ican say this much: I was only hired for this work—I and Toglet.’’ ho by?’? iat Paget, of Westville.’’ Had a bombshell exploded at he would have been no more the in at this declaration ‘Do you mean to say Squire you for this work?’’ Ralph’s feet astonished Paget hired he demanded, ‘*T guess Squire when we walk in on him,’’ a grim smile. ‘He will be still more surprised when he learns that Martin Thomas has been arrested and that his whole plot is known,’’ replied Horace Kelsey. The insurance agent had several small matters to attend to. But these did not take long, and then they took an elevated train for the dey ot. Fifteen minutes later, Ralph’s journey had begun. It was none as the sequel will show. Paget will be surprised said Ralph, with homeward too soon, CHAPTER XXXIX. A SURPRISE AT CHAMBERSBURGH. e BELIEVE that one reason why Squire Kid Paget wished to get me out of the situ- ation on the bridge was because he hoped thereby to force me to leave Westville altogether,’’ remarked Ralph, as the train sped on its way. ‘«Perhaps you are right,’’ returned Horace Kelsey ‘One thing is certain, he was de- cidedly anxious to get you out of the way, otherwise he would not have hired this Martin Thomas a second time.’’ ‘“T never thought it of Squire Paget,” murmured Ralph. thoughtfully. ‘‘Why, it 0? is simply horrible ‘There is no telling to what depths a man will sink for the sake of money,’’ returned the insurance agent. ‘‘Here in the city we see it more than in the country.’’ ; ‘*] thought Percy Paget bad enough, ) his father.’ he can’t be a patch t ‘“You-must be careful how you go ahead, but Ralph Squire Paget may deny the whole statement made by Martin Thomas, and then you will have some trouble to prove %) anything against bim. Ce] know that. “The best thing you can do is to call on your ieee first—- ‘*T intend to do that. I am much worried since I know she has not received my letter.’’ : ‘(She may have news to tell. Who knows but what the squire has approached het about this property questicn already **] shall look to you for advice before I turning to | | Horace Kelsey. ‘‘Or, make any important movement,’’ said Ralph. It was growing dark, and soon it. was time to go to bed on the train. Horace Kelsey had procured berths, and both retired. But to tell the truth, Ralph did not sleep a wink all night Je could not help but think of all that had happened, and speculate as to. what the future held in store. Never once did he dream of the many surprises so close at hand. Ralph was up before any one else among the passengers. 1t was a good hour. before Horace Kelsey followed. ‘Anxious, | sup] smiled the insur- ance agent. ‘‘Well, I don’t blame you.’ ‘There is so much at stake,’’ rejoined Ralph. ‘‘I feel as if a fuse had been lighted, and I was just waiting for something to explode. ‘*And something will explode ere long, I imagine,’’ laughed Horace Kelsey, It was a little after eight o’clock when the train rolled into Chambersburgh and they alighted. Both knew the place fairly well, and started at once for the steamboat landing. Just as they turned a corner of the street they came face to face with three police ose, ’’ officers who were escorting two men anda boy to the station-house. The men were Dock Brady and another. The boy was Percy Paget. ‘“*Look!’’ cried Ralph. ‘‘What can this mean?’’ ‘*‘T don’t know them,’’ returned Horace Kelsey. ‘‘Why, that is Percy Paget!’’ ‘Is it possible?’’ ‘‘And one of those men is Dock Brady, ‘‘The | the man who is supposed to have robbed the Westville post-office.’ ‘‘Really! That is interesting !’’ “*T’l) bet a fortune they are the three that did that job!’’ burst out Ralph, excitedly. ‘There were two men anda boy, and this crowd is the same.’’ ‘‘Ask one of the a officers, suggested stop, ] will do SO. 9 He stepped up to the little crowd, which had come to a halt at a corner, and tapped one of the policemen on the arm. ‘I wish to ask you a few private ques- tions about your prisoners,’’ he said, ina low tone. ‘Ask him,’’ returned the officer; and he pointed to a quiet-looking man in black « few steps away Horace Kelsey at once “— ad up to the person indicated, Ralph beside him, ‘We are interested in those prisoners,’’ he said. ‘*Will you tell me why they have been arrested?’’ ‘“‘Tam not at liberty to say much just now——’’ began the man in black. ‘‘Are they not the Westville post-office robbers?’’ questioned Ralph, eagerly. ‘Ah! What do you know of that case?’’ and the quiet-looking man became interested at once. Ralph told him what he knew in a few brief, well-chosen words. The man smiled. ‘You have hit it on the head,’’ he said. ‘¢ hey are the guilty parties. I am a post- office detective, and have just run them down,’”’ And is Percy Paget as guilty as the rest?”’ ‘‘He was drawn into the scheme by this Brady, who is a very smart. fellow. Brady also drew in the mec man, who was for- merly a horse dealer in this city,’’ ‘And did you -¢ bts n the money and packages that were stolen?’’ asked Horace Kelsey. ‘We nearly everything. By the way,’’ went on the detective, ‘‘did you say your name was Ralph Nelson?” ‘Yes, sir. ‘'T overheard this Percy Paget say how he had puta valise in your yard in order to throw sus] icion on you. I knew of that valise being found. You are now cleared on that p int. ‘lam glad of it, ‘There is terest you. recovered * replied Ralph, heartily. something else which may in- Ido not quite understand it, because this Paget boy is one of the robbers. Among the registered letters which Dock Brady “held was one sent by Squire Paget to some friend in New York. This contained several important papers relating to some property in Westville belonging to a Mrs. Martha Nelson, wi Nelson——’? low of the laté tandolph ‘My mother!’ shouted R alph ‘Hurrah ! the missing papers bave been foun nd {?? ‘Dock Brady was evidently holding them to obtain money from the squire on them,’ went on the man in black. ‘‘What shall we do with themf Under the law they ought to be forwarded to the party in New York.”? ‘‘Keep them until matters can be straight- sai id ened out,’’ Horace Kelsey, coming to Ralph’s rescue. ‘‘ Listen, and I will tell you where We are going, and what my young friend intends to do.’’ CHAPTER XL, THE EXPOSURE—CONCLUSION, rT us again shift the scene to “ville and for the last time. 4 Mrs. Nelson had recovered from the first effects of her severe shock at biniatos the announcement that her son was dead, but she was still very weak and sick West- GoODpD ‘*Poor Ralph! poor Ralph!’’ she mur- mured, over and over again, as she sat by the kitchen window, while kind-hearted Mrs. Coreoran moved about doing the simple household duties. ‘‘Oh, Mrs. Corco- ran, it cannot be possible, can it?’’ “There, there, try to think of something else, that’s a good dear!’’ returned the neighbor, sympathetically. ‘‘It won’t do any good to brood over the matter.’’ ‘‘But. Ralph was my only child! And his father gone, too!’? and Mrs. Nelson heaved a deep sigh while the tears streamed down her cheeks anew. The widow’s sorrow was deep, and up to now she had not allowed herself to think of aught else. She was alone in the world, so she thought, and did not care how the future shaped itself. Presently there was a knock on the door, and Mrs. Corcoran opened it to admit Squire Paget. The head man of the village wore a look of hypocritical sympathy upon his sharp features. ‘ 0 —__—_ by - A To Do Tues. DAVID PARKS, - ocinncnei SOMETHING ABOUT MAGNETS. NS Avy EDITED BY omit OLAHE very simple and commonplace ob- | mf ject called a magnet has some curious *), properties, and may readily be made . the source of a number of interesting experiments. Indeed, if we were not all so familiar with the phenomena of magnetism, we should regard the powers of a magnet as something truly wonderful. For the magnet—a mere inanimate piece of steel, not to be distinguished by the eye from any other piece of steel—is the focus of an extraordinary invisible force, which radiates from it in all directions, and this force has the curious quality of acting, gen- erally speaking, only on iron and steel. It does act on some other things, but only, as a rule, under conditions of great concentra- tion, such as we shall not readily attain with our home-made appliances, and, for ordinary purposes, we may regard iron alone as amenable to magnetic influence. Then the magnet has certain relations to the earth itself, which indicate that this planet is, as a whole, one great magnet. And, finally, the magnetism is a property readily im- parted from one piece of steel to another, and that, apparently, without detracting from the power of the magnet that imparts its property, and so makes a new magnet. Let us first examine the manner in which magnetic power radiates from a magnet. To do this we have only to lay a sheet of paper across the ends, called properly the ‘‘poles’’ of a magnet, and sprinkle gently upon it some fine iron filings. In the absence of the magnet these would lie in accidental and shapeless masses, but the magnet arranges them in curious curves. The same effett can be obtained by using a thin piece of glass instead of ‘the paper, and tapering it gently, so as to help the filings to arrange themselves, and if we first paint the glass all over with a little gum and allow it to dry, we can, by steam- ing the gummed ;surface and allowing it to dry again, fix the filings in position, so that they will not move if placed on end, and thus prepare an interesting magic lantern slide. Or, in the absence of a magic lantern, we can get a very good and a magnified view of the curves by means of a bicycle lamp, or even of a candle, arranged so as to produce ona white screen of paper, fixed upright, a clear shadow. These curves obivously represent what are commonly called the lines of magnetic force; and that magnetism acts without, The plan was | NEWS. | actual contact taking place between the magnet and the iron influenced by it we all know. But the magnet only exercises this {influence at the ends, or poles; and the earth, which, as already stated, seems likea huge magnet, also acts only from its magnetic poles, which, though near the actual north and south poles of the world, are not coinci- dent with them. If we suspend a magnetized | needle (as in the mariner’s compass), we find that the needle points always in one direction, roughly speaking, north and | south. magnet points to the north magnetic pole of | the earth. But the north pole of one magnet does not | attract the north pole of another magnet, as we may readily see if we possess two |magnets, and suspend one of them bya | string. The north pole of the magnet in the hand causes the north pole of the suspended magnet to swing away from it; but the south pole is attracted by the north pole, and vice versa. The shape of a magnet is not material. They are usually made horse-shoe shape for convenience; but a straight piece of steel may be just as good a magnet, and we can make magnets for ourselves by properly stroking any pieces of steel with one pole of a magnet. For instance, if we stroke a needle with the north pole of a magnet ‘(it usually has a little file mark across it in the magnets one buys), always in the same direction, and beginning always at the eye, the needle will be magnetized, and the eye will be the north pole. «Let us now thread a magnetized needle, and we shall realize that the above is the case, because the large magnet will now attract at the north pole the point of the needle, which is the needle’s south pole, but will repel the eye-end. Cover the magnet out of sight by means of a sheet of paper, and hold the threaded needle so that its point is over the south pole of the magnet, but not near enough to touch the paper, and the needle will be suspended, in an apparently miraculous way, in an al- most horizontal position, which will con- siderably mystify at first an uninitiated ob- server. A magnetized needle—or any needle—will float on water if carefully placed flat on the surface, and the attraction and repul- sion of a magnetic needle by.a magnet are prettily shown in that way. Professor Mayer fixed magnetized needles to tiny corks, so as to' float in an upright position, and reproduced some interesting results, in their repulsion by one pole of a magnet, the floating needles arranging , themselves in curious geonietrical figures, according to their number; and we may even more prettily elaborate the experiment if we make a fleet of little cork ships, hav- ing matches for masts, paper sails, and bowsprits of magnetized steel—needles—with all their similar poles outward. Let the little ships float in a bowl of water, and they can be maneuvered in the prettiest manner by means of a magnet, the north and south poles of the latter being used alternately. The idea of a ship is peculiarly appropri- ate to magnetic experiments, since, without the magnetic compass, it would be very difficult for ships to be navigated at all. They could be sailed by the sta¥s, but the compass is, of course, much more conven- ient. Thus, the behavior of the earth asa magnet is highly important and valuable. A magnetized piece of steel, like a com- pass needle (which is not really a needle, and, indeed, is not much like one), if sus- pended about a horizontal center, instead of on a vertical one, as in the compass, as- sumes, like the compass needle, a fixed posi- tion. This is called a ‘‘dip’’ needle. Imme- diately over the north magnetic pole of the earth the dip needle is perpendicular, As we go south it gradually dips less and less, until we reach the magnetic equator; after that the other end dips, until the needle is again vertical at the south magnetic pole of the earth. During certain disturbances of the earth’s magnetic influence—connected it is said, with sun. spots, and often accom. panied by abnormal appearances in the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights—both the compass needle and the dipping needle undergo certain perturbations, which used to be a great mystery, and are not, even yet, to the mind of the writer, satisfactorily explained. Many people, owing to an _ imperfect understanding of the laws of physics, have attempted to make engines, having the ‘pull’? of a permanent magnet for their motive force. We cannot thake such a motor. But magnetic engines, or more accurately electro-dynamic machines, are in practical use, in which advantage is taken of the peculiar relations of magnetism to elec- tricity. -An electro-dynamic engine is the exact converse of a dynamo-electrical ma- chine, such as is employed to produce the electric light; for while the latter trans- forms motive power into electricity, an electro-dynamic machine turns electricity into motion. All this is done by virtue of the fact that a piece of soft iron, when in the neighborhood of a wire through which an electric ‘‘current’’ is passing, becomes, for the time, a magnet, but ceases to be so when the current stops. This fact was amusingly employed by a French conjuror, who pretended to deprive a delegate from his audience of all muscular What we call the north pole of the| power. A small iron weight was placed over a concealed electro-magnet. The victim was requested to lift the weight, which he did easily enough. He was then directed to set it down again, and after some little mystifi- cation, the conjuror turned on the current, and the delegate found to his horror that he could not move the weight! ‘Whe French Government sent this conjuror out to Al- giers, in order that he might, by his feats, discount the performances of some Moorish magicians, who had been giving a good deal of. trouble to the local authorities; and it is said that his efforts were eminently success- ful. —___ + 0 > (This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form. } IN BARRACKS AND WIGWAM: OR, The Young Recruit of the Seventh Cavalry, BY WILLIAM MURRAY GRAYDON, Author of “The White King of Africa,” “Jungles and Trailors,” ‘Exiled to Siberia,” ete. (‘IN BARRACKS AND WIGWAM” was commenced in No. 288. Back numbers can be obtained of all News Agents.) CHAPTER XIX. LINN MEETS AN OLD FRIEND. Caer 9 . b 7g) NN did not stop to ask any ques- Gil{t/ tions. With a salute to the sergeant, I'S) he hurried off, not knowing what was wanted of him, but nevertheless feeling decidedly uneasy. In the company office two clerks were writing busily at the dictation of Colonel Bromley and Major Dallas, and several other officers were talk- ing in low tones near by. The colonel glanced up when the lad en- tered. ‘*Good-morning, said. ‘‘Corporal, sir??? exclaimed Linn, in a bewildered tone. ‘Yes, that is your grade now, Osborne. I sent for you to inform you of the fact. The major and I are satisfied that your re- cent conduct entitles you to fill the vacancy in the troop caused by the death of poor Otis. And from what I hear, the appoint- ment will be pleasing to your comrades. ‘According to the regular routine you could not have been notified so soon,’’ the colonel stated; ‘‘but I have taken the re- sponsibility of giving you your grade at once, and have sent the papers on to depart- ment headquarters to be certified. This un- usual step is justified by the circumstances. I trust there will be only good reports of you in the future.’’ ‘‘There shall be, sir,’’ stammered Linn. ‘*T assure you of that.’’ He was fairly overcome by this unex- pected mark of favor, and could find no words to express his gratitude, though he made several awkward attempts to do so. ‘‘There—that will do,’’ said Major Dallas. ‘*You deserve your promotion, Osborne, and I am sure you will make good use of it. You may be tested before long. You will want your chevron, of course. Report to Sergeant Mull, and he will attend to the matter.”’ F Linn saluted gracefully, and left the office, swelling with pride and joy. His brain was in a dizzy whirl as he crossed the parade ground. After the bitter experiences of the past, his good fortune seemed almost incredible. He could hardly realize that he had taken the first step upward from the ranks, and that in spite of Captain Nor- man’s hostility, he was in a fair way to achieve his ambitions. So engrossed was Linn in his own thoughts that he saw nothing about him, and so he nearly ran into a young officer who had just left the hospital and started toward the barracks. Both stopped short, and the officer looked strangely at Linn. He was a tall, handsome fellow, his face was thin and pale, and on his forehead were two or three lately healed scars. Linn returned the glance, and like a flash the present scene faded away, and all the incidents of that eventful night in the hotel at Harrisburg crowded into his mind. ; ‘‘Lieutenant Dimsdale!’’? he gasped, 10 astonishment. ‘“By Jove! it’s really you, then??? cried the young’ officer, in. a tone of hearty deé- light. ‘‘I can’t tell you how glad Iam t0 meet you again, my brave fellow.’’ | He clasped Linn’s hand, and, shook it warmly. ‘‘T have not forgotten you,’’ he went on. “You know you saved my life, Osborne, and at the risk of your own. But iti was hardly kind of you to give me the slip he- fore I could thank you. I did my best to find you, but it was no use,’’ ‘I’m sorry,’’ replied Linn, ‘‘but I had to leave town that morning, I saw by the paper that you were all right. I would have stayed if I could-——”? “Yes, I see. It’s pretty clear why you oe Corporal Osborne,’’ he wanted to get away. So you went straight off and enlisted, and I’il bet what I said duri do v they sam Cha Siot gue: don I’ ve Din Ant OWL see ee ligh you cru in | fill Dir see wol Ost of } you to you ‘ no\ tal we of the the . fre clo ter Ore his ali Bu ful gir tr wi Di wi it mo eet OP ot OOO ot a. an - . ed over im was | he did to set nystifi- urrent that he french to Al 5s Leats, Too! ish d deal -Form, | AM: valt'y, DON, hungles le, meneced | of all ques reant, W hat heless ipany t the Major talk orne. fact. l re ‘ancy poor Oint i} you al part Ss un nces. ts of Jinn, inex- 1 no h he llas. ne, f it. will ‘tT to the the His the neces nost t he the Nor y to xhts ) he just the icer all, ale, tely ash the tel - e = ; = eee ca knee: during our conversation had a good deal to do with By Jove! you’re the Osborne they’ve been talking about You’re the same fellow who behaved so pluckily at Chamberlain, and fired the first shot th Sioux out on Bull Creek. I might have “49 [’m the man,’’ admitted Linn. | think it wa I to | t of, but t been made a corporal f ici ve you, though? cried Lieutenant Dimsdale. ‘Well, you certaln de rve lt And you’re in Troop A WI that’s my own tro p. I’m awfully We'll lot of See a each other 1n ay ‘You belong to Troop ried Linn, a light suddenly breakn on him hen vou’re the officer who brought the new re cruits to Chamberlain, and has been laid up ou are to in hospital ever since And now y fill Lieutenant Coghill’s place?’’ ‘Yes, temporarily,’’ replied Lieutenant Dimsdale ‘But it will be long enough to see some active service, I’m thinking | would like to have a long talk with you, Osborne, but I’m afraid there’s no chance of it now. One thing I must say, and I hope you’ll take it in good part, and set it down to the friendship and gratitude I feel for you. May I speak freely?’? , id Lin ‘‘Of course, sak ‘Well, sporne then, O now that you had an object in g me to talk about the army that nig l are well educated, and a gentleman, llows of that stamp don’t generally « t. When they do it is for one of two reasons—elther they get in a paternal row and run away from home, or they are under a darkei cloud. What was your reason not the lat ter, I’°ll warrant.’ ‘I left home because my father unjustly ordered me away,’’ replied Linn, feeling his face grow hot. ‘‘Ilt was a cruel affair ali through, and I don’t care to speak of it But I had done nothing wrong or disgrace l of l I need be ashs honor on that. 1 ful—nothing that im give you my word of truth will ut will tell you the whole ‘I believe you, Osborne,’’ Dimsdale. ‘* You was sure of it it would be wise When come ‘ Story. said Lieutenant ir face is evidence | from the first, but I thought to n the matter and enougno. 1ention a man enlists under a cloud, works his way up, it is likely to go hard with him if the truth is ever discovered. I’ve known cases of that kind. More than One go xl officer has gone to smash be ‘ause some day, and then I of a blot on his early life. 1h these days, you see, the army is mighty particular about cha tel This view of the matter had not occurred | to Linn before, and for a moment he could not speak. It frightened him to think that he might be recognized and exposed some day, when he had climbed high on the lad der of promotion, and that he might not be able to prove his innocence But he rallied from the depression instantly, and consoled by the assurance that he had done ho wrong, and therefore bad nothing to fear. ‘‘My worst mistake leaving home,’’ he said, after a pause ‘| first intended to himself was go West and look for a position of some sort. But I had always wanted to be a soldier, and after my talk with you I decided to enlist. [ thought so,’’ replied Lieutenant Dims dale, with a laugh and a shrug of his shoul ders, ‘My friends tell me I talk too much, Osborne, and I believe they are right. Had known you were thinking of enlisting I Would have been as mum as an oyster about the army. But I’m glad to. think there’s been no harm done in this case. From what ’ ve heard lately, you seem to be the one Man in a thousand who « from the ranks. So ke p on as you’ve £un, and remember that you can count me for all the help in my power.”’ **You are very kind, sir,’’ Linn answered ** Thank you from the bottom of my heart. t won’t be my fault if I don’t climb higher.’ : an work his way up )A- on ‘*l owe you a pay,’’ the lieutenant your bravery that night Wouldn’t i heap more than I can re resumed, ‘‘But for in Harrisburg, I be here now Just a word more, borne. The hospital steward—who is a friend of vours gave me an inkling of how You stand with Captain Norman. So be on your guard constantly, and don’t leavea loop hole open Norman is a brave officer— though a little and I think he’ll play fairly. . rs queel ge hope so,’’? replied Linn;**‘but from What they say about him oy ‘Hush, Osborne: no disrespect to your Captain. I’m afraid I’ve said Usual, But keep my warning and ”? % too much, as in mind, Lieutenant Dimsdale st ypped abruptly, |der was accompanied by only fifty of and Shaded his eves with one hand as he Slanced to vard the telegraph office. , Look!”? he exclaimed. ‘‘There’s some thing wrong! It must be news from the} front “a? ing wuredly it was The operator was: tear & lor the company office, a sheet of yellow oot flu tte ring in his grasp. He vanished in, quickly reappeared, and tore back Ree post. \ few seconds later the colonel, Office eh and the rest of the assembled , 'S Came swarming out, and scattered : . x different directions across the parade ground, GrOOD INE Ws. Major Dallas caught sight of Linn and the lieutenant, and swerved from his ec to join them ‘‘Glad to see you out, Dimsdale,’’ he shouted. Are you fit for service: ‘‘By all means, sir. I was discharged this morning.’’ ‘*Good! Then you will join your troop at once. Every man is neede Report to Norman, and send him tome. Take this list of rations to the quartermaster, Osborne. Be quick; the call to mount will sound ina short time.’’ ‘Is there word from the reservations, major??? asked the lieutenant ‘¢*Plenty of it, sir,’’ we ply The Sioux have cut the wires between here and Red Rock, and the Lord ‘only knows what the red devils are up to. And down at the Rosebud agency Flying Thunder and a with a high hand, start two columns Rock, and the snappy re is lot of his braves are earrying things The colonel going to off—one to report at Red the other to try to arrest Flying IS Thunder. It looks as though a general out break was imminent, but we’re going to do our best to nip it in tbe bud. It’s a late hour to begin, but that’s the fault of the bureau at Washington. The colonel has been jogging them up all week, but they wouldn’t listen to reason.’? Growling and fussing at the tardy bureau, the major hurried on his way, and Linn and Lieutenant Dimsdale separated in opposite directions. CHAPTER XX. A MESSENGER FROM THE FRONT. URLNG the short hour that followed the receipt of the thrilling news from the front, Colonel Bromley > was the busiest and most deeply worried man in Fort Sandiman. Between consultation with his offi he after in different directions, and kept the telegraph operator working at a tremendous pressure. What was happening at Red Rock agency could only be conjectured, but none doubted that the cutting of the wires had been done by the Sioux, and that the deed had some sinister and treacherous motive. In all like lihood, an attack was contemplated on the agency itself, and that would mean the of the supplies and rations stored there, and possibly the slaughter of the agent, his family, and employees. Gray Fox was fully capable of yoing to extremes in his passion The news from the Rosebud agency, which was some forty miles to the south-west of the fort, was readily to be understood and dealt with. Specified in detail, as the agent had wired, it was to the effect that Flying Thunder and about fifty_of his braves were hovering around the agency, indulging in fiery drunken orgies, and hostile demonstrations, and making themselves troublesome and dangerous. More than that, they had cruelly killed a friendly Cheyenne in the employ of the agent. Colonel Bromley realized brief intervals of cers, sent message message loss } speeches, that prompt | of hoofs, and shrill neighing, pint : aa s 46183 most of whom were well versed in betwe the fort and the 1 craft, and were veterans of many a column ove! fi I ght—they scouted the idea, and nce ets and was re refused to credit Flying Thunder with any 18 little party safe They murderous intention. So the orders a pole down, and the wir were allowed to stand as first issued, since, s. No Indians being about, while the colonelewas not convinced, be had | they at once started in to repair the break, yn not a sufficient force at his command to act otnerwl In addition to the we other and more extensive ] made for grappling with the emergency. Full reports were sent to Washir to all tl on the Dakota reservations, to Fort Niobrara down in Nebraska, and to the scattered forts far to the westwv the Bad Lands, where vould likely flee in case of a gen eral outbreak. [It was a busy hour at headquarters and in above 7 jans re gton, 1@ agents the Sioux the telegrapher’s office, and meanwhile every part of the fort presented a scene of activity and commotion. The note with the tap of drums, infantry shared Le stirring f bugles mingled veral companies of Ul ana Ssé the bustle of preparation with the cavalry men. Colonel Banks, the regimental com- mander, and vice-commander of the post, had an idea that some of his men would be march to one or another of the and he was bound to be ready in ordered to time. In and out of barracks swarmed the eager trooy id officers, fittingly garbed in fatigue loose trousers and jackets of blue, and gray slouch hats. There lively polishing of arms and ers unlifornis— high was a boots, accouterments, and a hasty scribbling of letters home. The stables rang with clatter as many hands saddled and bridled the impatient steeds for tne arcenb In the quartermaster’s department, half a dozen men dealt out rations of bard tack and flour, coffee and Beans, to be stowed away i itless haversacks. Ammunition was freely distributed, and,belts were loaded with ball cartridges.. A swarm of troopers the sutler’s store, within and with n In coul inve out, clamoring for pipes and matches, pack- | ets of smoking tobacco, and thick plugs of black navy. From end to end of the officers’ quarters there were low weeping and fond as wives and children bade fare- loved ones who were starting on embraces, well to the what dangerous campaign. There plenty of within the confines of the fort—troopers and infantrymen who were not under marching orders, and therefore envied their more for tunate comrades; packers and téamsters waiting for a chance to load the big wagons that would shortly follow with supplies after the flying columns; newspaper correspon dents, who had been drawn to the scene from distant towns, as buzzards scent the location of distant carrion; under orders to accompany the forces, and un attached in quest of appointments; grizzled couriers rolling quids of tobacco in their and women and children whose dear ones were not to leave for the 1a woulda were scouts scouts mouths, | present: action was necessary. Much against his will, | he had held off a week in the face of the constantly growing peril, and now that the War Department bad wakened up to the situation, he proposed to waste no moré time. At heart, he was more than half con- vineed that the delay was irretrievable, and that what could be done now would check the outhreak. But he resolved to do first step he ordered Seventh Cavalry to the relief of his best, and asa three troops of the Red tock } break not | ’ At one o’clock, half an hour after the re ceipt of the tidings, three skilled telegraph linemen started north with an escort of ten troopers. Their instructions were to find the in the wire, re-open communication as quickly as possible, and then await the arrival of the column for Red Rock. Just an hour later the five chosen troops of the Seventh started. Hearty cheers fol- lowed them as they rode on a trot out the western gate of the fort, their guidons flut- |tering to the breeze, the trumpets pealing, agency, fully equipped for long and active field service. He also wired to the com- | mander of Fort Bennet—which was forty miles north of Red Rock, on the upper Mis souri—asking that a detachment of cavalry be sent down there to join the detachment from Fort Sandiman [f this plan®worked all right, Gray Fox and his braves would be hemmed in between two forces, and might be brought to see the folly of his con- duct. This was unlikely, however, and the main object of. the move was to protect the | | off on their long ride of thirty miles to Red agency. The colonel proposed to deal with Rosebud agency in a different fashion. He knew that Flying Thunder was a far more powerful chief than Gray Fox, and that the latter was counting on the support of his formid- able ally. The chances were ten to one that Gray Fox, if deprived of this support, could be easily subdued and brought to terms. So, relying on the fact that Flying Thun : his warriors, the colonel determined to get pos- session of that dangerous chief and hold him as a hostage for the good behavior of his tribe. He ordered two troops of the Seventh to ride in haste to Rosebud agency, and ac- complish the arrest of Flying Thunder, if possible by craft, otherwise by force of arms. The colonel had not been blind to the pos- | sibility that a large band of the Ogallalla Sioux might be in hiding in the vicinity of the agency, and that Flying Thunder’s small escort was only a ruse to lure a de tachment of from Fort Sandiman, and at one and the same time destroy the soldiers and capture the agency. Indeed, he had thought of this the mo- ment when the telegram arrived, but when he put the question before his advising offi- troops | triangle, the two columns were soon | seen ! and the September sun glistening on car- bines and buttons. There was no prouder or happier man in the force than Linn, as he sat stiffly erect in the saddle, his heart bounding with anticipation, and the corporal’s chevron—the badge of his pro- motion—sewed on his jacket. Shortly beyond the fort vided into two battalions, with a brief exchange of good wishes and farewells. The threé troops under Major Dallas—of which Troop A was one—galloped brass the column di and separated Rock agency. The two other troops, com- manded by the senior captain, Chalmers, headed south-west for the forty-mile jaunt to Rosebud, where Flying Thunder was to be taken prisoner by torce or craft. Moving rapidly on the widely diverging lines of a out of sight and hearing of each other. The north-bound battalion had the shorter ride, but the graver mission, and Major Dallas was aware of this fact. He spurred on at a steady gallop, occasionally unsling ing his field-glasses to scan the horizon. Men and horses were in prime condition, | many months having elapsed since they had arduous service, and for hour after hour the column thundered untiringly over the rolling and sage-covered plain. Troop A took the lead, and with Major Dallas at the head of the battalion rode two of the bravest and most skilled of the fron- tier scouts—Jim Akers and Bob Lowther. There were also attached to the party a surgeon, a small ambulance corps, and three experienced farriers Linn rode in ranks With his men, and Lieutenant Dimsdale hovered near enough to keep up a straggling versation with the lad About the middle of the COl afternoon, when likely prove to bea long and | passive on- lookers and just completed the work when the battalion hove in sight From the marks of ponies’ hoofs on the sand and turf—signs which were easy read- ing for the two scouts—it appeared that the damage had been done by less than a score of Indians, and that the marauders had fled in a westerly direction instead of toward the agency. ‘We can’t t what’s ut said Major Dallas, as he orderéd the trumpeter to sound the advance ‘It may be only a bit of mis chief, and then again, the rogues may have joined a larger force and pushed on to the an to lose no time, ication is opened again and the battalion filed [t did not move agency. now that commun The bugle sounded, on over safest pl dusty plain. quite so rapidly as before, for this was the hottest part of the day, and there had been no rain for weeks, and the scorching Sep- tember sun began to tell a little horses. But at hind the light ca on men and last the red ball of fire dro] ped be- stern hill-tops, and with the twi- 1 grateful air. Half an 1 al hour later darkness had fallen, and now Red Rock agency was only four miles away. Just ahead a ridge, and as the troopers jogged up t he summit they heard three or four rifle-shots ring faintly through the night. In the brief stillness that ensued a solitary horse came clattering up the farther slope of the ridge, and an instant later a thrill- ing spectacle loomed into view in the gloom a jaded and panting steed, and in the saddle a swaying, blood-stained man, who had scarcely any strength in front of Major Dallas. to pull up CHAPTER XX1 HOW THE BATTALION ENTERED THE AGENCY. it’s 7 recognizing f Triscott, Calder the the OOD HEAVENS! cried the major, right-hand n : agent at Red Rock. He and Akers di unted sprang to opposite sides of in time to catch bim ian ( trice, and fellow the sm< ina the poor reeled from as he i saddle. He sank limply into their arms, but as soon as they let him to the ground he made a strong effort to sit up. ‘Thank God! I’ve found help!”? he ex- claimed, hoarsely. ‘‘It’s you, Major Dallas, is it? I can’t see just right, but I thought I knew your voice. Push on to the agency— don’t waste a minute. They’ve been fight- d they’re at it now.’’ ing since noon, an , demanded the major. ‘‘Is it ‘*Righting?*? that bad?’’ “Tt couldn’t swered the man. be much worse, sir,’’ an- ‘*There are three hundred of the red devils under Gray Fox, and they’ve plundered the store-houses and the trader’s store, and tried their best to break into the agent’s house——’’ ‘‘How did you get away?’’ the major asked, hurriedly. ‘‘And when?’’ ‘‘T made a dash for it about half-past three o’clock, when the Indians had drawn off a bit,’’ replied Calder. ‘‘They fired at me, and hit me in the arm. I kept on fora couple of miles, and then I must have fainted from loss of blood and slipped out of the saddle. The next thing I knew it was dark, and I was ] back here in the grass, with my faithful horse standing close by. My wound had up, and after taking a pull ata flask I was able to mount and ride on. I reckoned I might meet a re- lief party on the way But from the fort. don’t stop here, sir. You’re needed badly — 9 Lit ino ying closed ‘*All right, my brave fellow,’’ interposed the major; ‘‘we’ no time. You say you left about half past three. That was be- fore the wire was mended and communica- tion opened. Triscott knew several hours ago that we were coming, and I dare say he’ll manage to hold out.”’ ‘*He couldn’t have known, sir,’’ replied the messenger, ‘‘for the office and other build ings had to be abandoned. The whole party are shut up in the agent’s house.”’ The major gave a low whistle have liked to ask more questions, but the urgency of the situation forbade it. So he sent Calder to the rear, and promptly gave the command to start. The column advanced on a gallop, and the ambulance corps, who had taken charge of the wounded man, found it hard work to keep up. The force was large enough to cope with the number of Indians Calder had timated, for the linemen and their cavalry escort had been attached to the three troops. The men were all in good spirits, and eager for a fight, and Major Dallas knew they | could be depended upor | As the flying hoofs traversed the prairie |}an intermittent rifle-fire was heard from in | front, telling nt and his people ll wacta ii WAaSteé He would es that thea | were still resisting an attack. One mile was quickly passed—two—three. Now the firing !was louder and more rapid, and from the crest of a ridge several hundred yards in GoowD front, the battalion would come in view of the scene. ‘‘Tt’s a rare thing for Indians to continue an assault after dark,’’ said the major. ‘‘I can’t understand what it means.’’ ‘*It means that the red devils have glutted themselves with the trader’s bad whisky, sir,’’ replied Bob Lowther, the elder of the two scouts, ‘‘and naturally they.don’t make any difference betwixt day and night.’’ *“‘That’s about it,’’ assented the major. ‘¢We’ll soon be there now.”’ Up the long slope of the ridge clattered the column, every man peering ahead, and listening to the rattle of carbines and the burst of demoniac yells that now filled the air. Linn felt a wild thrill of, excitement, but no sensation of fear. In the struggle that seemed imminent he was determined to play a plucky part, and even the near-by presence of Captain Norman could not shatter his bright hopes of fame and pro- motion. ‘‘It looks as though we are in for it, Os- borne,’’ said Lieutenant Dimsdale, as he spurred his horse alongside of the lad. ‘‘This will be somewhat different from the row in Chamberlain, and the fight on Bull Creek. Don’t lose your head.’? **T won’t, sir,’’ promised Linn. ‘‘I feel as cool as a cucumber.” The lieutenant nodded approvingly, and just then the head of the battalion rode over the crest of the ridge. There was now a level space stretching ahead for some dis- tance to the beginning of the opposite slope, and when the front ranks reached the latter point Major Dallas rode a little to one side, and gave the signal to halt by lifting his hand. The column instantly stood still, stretch- ing ina quiet black mass across the level top of the ridge. Its presence was unsus- pected by the rabid band of Sioux in the near vicinity, but every man of the troopers could see down to the foot of the slope. There, a third of a mile away, a bunch of lights flickered in the blackness of the night. A strange medley of sounds echoed far and near—the screech and whoop of savage voices, the bang of carbines and pis- tols, and the restless patter of ponies’ hoofs. ‘‘What next, sir?’’ inquired Akers. ‘*A charge, I fancy,’’ replied the major. ‘tT hoped there would be some fires blazing to show me the strength of the enemy. They may have been reinforced since Calder——’’ As he spoke the yelling rose to a higher itch, and suddenly a little tongue of flame eaped into view. It, soared higher and higher, and it was quickly seen that one of the out-buildings was on fire. The red glare revealed the cluster of houses and sheds nestled in the corral, the main gate stand- ing wide open, and hundreds of dusky, mounted figures gliding to and fro within and without the stockade. Not a sound escaped the well-trained troopers as they looked and listened, wait- ing impatiently:for the word to advance. Linn’s heart leaped into his throat, and with tingling hands he half drew his carbine out of its holster. ‘*There are more than three hundred In- dians,’’ said the major, in a low tone. ‘‘What do you think, Lowther?’’ ‘- 0 [This Story Will Not Be Published in Book-Form. The Jack Hamonds DETECTIVE BORN AND BRED. By JOHN BLAKE STRONG. (“THE JACK OF DIAMONDS” was commenced in No, 282, Back numbers can be obtained of all News Agents.) els dh icles CHAPTER XXII. JACK MAKES A RASH PROMISE. A AURA'S words contained a double We surprise for Jack. When she declared I< that she knew who had killed her G-” father it was enough to make the young detective gasp with amazement; but when she added that she had been face to face with the assassin since the crime was committed, the climax of the marvelous was reached. For it will be remembered that Jack had excellent reason to believe that he had seen the murderer. If his own namesake of the Diamonds was not the man who had fired the fatal shot, he was at least open to grave suspicions. The detective was sure that he had met the diamond-maker in the woods imme- diately after the commission of the crime, and that in the rapid exchange of shots, he himself had inflicted the wound which he had afterward dressed in the underground chamber, Considering the nature of that wound, the detective could not believe that Jack of Diamonds had been able todo more than make his way directly to the den. The in- jury was not at all dangerous, and except for the agony which it caused, Jack of Dia- monds might have walked about almost as freely as if he had been unhurt. But when every step caused him anguish, it was improbable that he should have gone further than was necessary. Then there were only three ways of looking at Laura’s statement, granting that Jack of Diamonds was the murderer: ; First: She bad seen him before he was wounded—that is, within a minute of the deed. Second: She had seen him since Marshall had dressed his wound. Third: She had not seen him at all, and was mistaken in supposing that she knew who the murderer was. f The girl’s impressive manner made Jack almost entirely abandon the third supposi- tion, She did not look nor act like a person who was any less than certain of the truth of what she said. To accept number two made it necessary to believe that Jack of Diamonds had visited the house since the explosion in the secret chamber, for Laura had not been out of the house. Even in the case of so bold a man as the diamond-maker, this’ seemed preposter- ous. He would have been mad to take such arisk. And if he had done s0, why had Laura allowed him to escape? She said she had been ‘‘face to face’’ with the murderer, and if she had been in the house, her light- est ery would have brought help from all quarters, and the man could not . have es- caped. On the whole, number one seemed the most probable. The girl might have seen the murderer in the woods as he was run- ning away from the scene of the crime, just before his encounter with the detective. She might have fired. at him; and that would account for the empty chamber in her revolver, Doubtless she had missed him, and he had struck her down. This would explain the wound on her forehead, If this theory was correct, the five shots heard in the woods might be arranged in this form: In hot haste and confusion the | trooper galloped into the corral Major Dallas | NEWS. Third: Laura fires at Jack of Diamonds, missing him. Fourth: Jack of Diamonds fires Marshall, touching his coat. | Fifth; Jack Marshall fires at Jack of Dia- monds, wounding him in the left side. That arrangement looked reasonable. The weakest point in it was the undiscovered motive which had led Laura to conceal her share in the occurrence. Then the point to be cleared up was the same old mystery which Jack had told Winslow was the deepest in the case: The puzzle of the girl’s conduct. lt will give some idea of the boy’s intelli- at Jack | that Jack reasoned all this out in the mo- ment while he and Laura stood facing each other after she had spoken the words ‘‘ blood | for blood.’’ The mind is a great piece of machinery, and it will work very rapidly for one who has learned how to govern it. ‘*Miss Marshall,’’? said Jack, ‘‘though ithere is no real relationship between us, [ feel that we are almost like cousins. Your | uncle has been more to me than most fathers | are to their sons. For years you and I have been close together in interests, though we | were destined not to meet till this terrible tragedy should bring us togetber. ‘*T have been trained from boyhood for the express purpose of being of service to you when the time should come. This may seem strange to you, but when you meet Edward Marshall—and I hope it will be soon —he will tell you all about it, better than I could do, even if time did not press upon us so heavily.’’ ‘‘Let it suffice that we are cousins,’’ said Laura. ‘‘I accept the relationship. I could go further,’’ she added, while her sad face lighted up with a smile, ‘‘and say that I am proud of it.’’ She looked into the handsome fellow’s face with undisguised admiration. She was not the first girl who had paid that tribute to his splendid young manhood, but she was the first the flash of whose eyes had ever reached the soul of him and kindled a fire there. It’s a strange and wondrous feeling when that flame is set alight in a human heart, but, by the blessing of Heaven, it is granted most of us before we die. ‘*‘ And as we are Gousins,’’ she continued— and strangely enough, Jack didn’t want to be her cousin any more, though he had just asked the privilege—‘‘we can get along without some of the formalities. What was it you were going to—ask me—Jack?”? She said it very prettily, and it seemed to the boy that the whole scene: was the more beautiful for the dark background of tragedy against which it was set. ‘*T was about to ask you to be perfectly frank with me—Laura,’’ he swid. ‘*T have already told you-the most tre- mendous secret that 1 can imagine.’’ ‘*But there is much more,’’ he insisted. ‘“‘Tf IT am to assist you in fathoming this terrible depth of criminal mystery, I can- not have too much information to work with. If 1 could know, for instance, when you stood face to face with that assassin ; whether you know his name, or only his ap- pearance; why you did not immediately cry out and bring help to bold him; why——’? ‘*T cannot answer these questions,’’ she said. ‘‘I have given my word that, in the interests of justice, I will be ‘absolutely silent for a time.’’ He made a gesture of disappointment. ‘‘Believe me, Jack,’’ she continued, ear- nestly, ‘‘it isn’t that I don’t trust you fully. I do, indeed. It’s my word that I have given. A promise is sacred. Perhaps, however, I can be released from it, so far as you.are concerned. I have no doubt that Ican. And then I will tell you all.’’ ‘‘At deast,’’ pleaded Jack, ‘tyou might tell me why you were in the wood that night. ’’ ‘In regard to that, also, my pledge of secrecy has been given.” **To whom??? ‘*T cannot tell you that.’’ He turned away, ‘Don’t be angry, Cousin Jack,’’ she cried. ‘‘It frightens me to have such secrets and to be weighted down with these dread- ful promises. But I cannot help it, Ycu will not ask me to break my word; you don’t want me to do that? Some day I might give my word to you, and then you would doubt me, ‘*Never!’’ he exclaimed. ‘Laura, I have been trained for a career which has more to do with suspicion than with trust in others, I came here as a detective. 1 found you surrounded by mystery, and yourself an ob- ject of distrust by some who are experienced in the profession which I am just entering.’’ ‘IT an object of suspicion!’’ she cried ‘‘What? Is’ it possible that any one has been insane enough to think of ‘me in con- nection with the murder of my own father? If I thought that you——”’ Me ‘*T beg you not to think so. It would not be true. Iwas about to say that from my first entrance into this case, I began to take your part, even against the facts themselves. ”? ”? First: Franklin Marshall fires at his as- ing Indians closed in on it from the rear. It meant annihilation to stop, and the brisk fire of the Sioux was answered by the | rear guard of the troopers, who let fly yol- sailant, missing him. Second: Jack of Diamonds fires at Frank- lin Marshall, killing him. Tt was impossible for me to distrust you. It always will be. You may keep me in the dark as much as you please. There will al ‘*You speak from the heart,’’ she said, | looking earnestly into his face. ‘‘I thank Heaven for it. Question me further, if you |} wish. There may be important matters not | covered by my pledge of secrecy.’’ ‘*T beg your pardon, Miss Marshall,’’ said | Deming, entering the room at that moment. ‘‘] was not aware you were engage.”’ | ‘**Come in, Mr. Deming,’’ said she. ‘‘I | want you to meet my cousin, John Mar- shall,”’ | Although Jack was, on some accounts, |glad to see Lawyer Deming, he would will- ingly have postponed that pleasure untila Jater hour. He had believed that he was on behind | gence and training to inform the reader | the point of securing important information, and whether he was or not, there could be |no doubt that he was having one of the most | thrilling experiences of his life. | However, he did not let Deming see how he felt. The two shook hands in the most cordial fashion. Jack was greatly gratified to find that the lawyer failed as completely as Laura had, to recognize him as the person who had been so intimately concerned with them both in the first hours after the tragedy. ‘‘T have no good news,’’ said Deming, turning to Laura, ‘‘and yet I thought it my duty to bring you such as I had. In spite of all our efforts, I cannot see that we are making any progress either in the pursuit of the murderer, or in the search for your father’s body.’’ The girl stifled a sob. ‘*My poor father!’’ she murmured. ‘‘It is dreadful to think that we do not even know where he lies. It would have been less terri- ble if I could have seen him laid in the spot he had chosen. ‘*You must know, Cousin Jack, that my father had thought much upon death in the last few years. Lately he has believed that he had not long to live, and he has often spoken of the place which he had prepared for his last rest. ‘lt is a tomb of marble, and it stands among thick trees on the eastern part of the island. My mother sleeps there. It is a quiet spot. One might spend days upon the island and never know the tomb was here.’’ ‘*Let us hope your father may yet rest there,’’ said Jack, gently. ‘tf am afraid,’’ said the girl, shuddering, ‘“‘that they have thrown his body into the river. I dare not think of it.’’ ‘Unless I am greatly mistaken, it has not been done,’’ said Jack. ‘‘I do not claim superior powers to succeed where others fail, and yet I believe that I can safely promise you that within twenty-four hours your father’s body shall rest in the place he had prepared.’’ ‘*You speak confidently, Mr. Marshall,’’ said Deming. ‘‘No; hopefully,’’ replied Jack. ‘¢The time you name is short.’’ ‘*Tt will be enough,’’ said the detective, somewhat sharply. Deming’s manner did not altogether please him. The lawyer, though he was careful to say ‘‘Mr. Marshall,’’ treated Jack like a boy. If Jack had been less shrewd, he might not have observed it; but being what he was, he saw and resented it. CHAPTER XXIII. MR. TELEGRAM for you, Miss Laura.’’ It was a servant who spoke, WARRINGTON. em silver plate on which it was brought. ‘*T have received many messages of sym- pathy,’’ she said. ‘‘My friends have been very kind. Pardon me.’’ She opened the envelope. ‘*From Mr. Warrington,’’ she. said. wondered where he was.’’ ‘*T understand,’’ said Deming, ‘‘that after leaving the island on the fatal night, he caught the steamer for Clayton and took an evening train from there.’ Jack could not help thinking of what Winslow had said about Warrington—that if he ever got an idea of what was hanging over that house, he would run away. ‘‘It is good of him to send this,’’ Laura said. ‘‘After all, there is help in human sympathy, and one cannot have too much of it in trouble. I might have expected it from Mr, Warrington. He has a very sym- pathetic nature.’’ ‘‘ Almost womanly,’’? added Deming, with a trace of sarcasm. Jack understood, for he had heard War- rington described as a dude. Laura read the message aloud. sey ‘*‘T cannot find words to express my grief and sympathy. I shall return at once to Alexandria Bay, and if there is any way 10 which I can be of assistance, I’trust you will command me, ‘** JOHN ASPINWALL WARRINGTON.’ ”’ ‘*T shall be pleased to meet Mr. Warring- ton,’’ said Jack. ‘‘I suppose he will return by to-morrow. And now I will say good- night. I am going over to the bay, where have taken odgitigs.’’ ‘‘Not at all,’’ protested Laura. ‘‘You must stay here; that is, if the shadow over this house is not too dark for you.’’ ‘At such a time as this,’’ said Jack, ns ways be light enough for me to see the| white robe of innocence that encircles you.’’ feel that I ought not to burden you with 4 guest.’’ ' Laura took the envelope from the . 3 ; ‘ ; tior Bu ix hi sey shall Al to | tern De no < was exci “bade Ja with beer O1 He fron nece App ren¢ dé was mer and him W his whi Jac whi thos whi griy the B den Wai too) lon; x fine ind ar of | ace cite sill ion C lati V for del gir I coy an Co} mo p \ As res Di, ] col th; on “ , , Y Leese i Fe. a oe) re . ween ye fi , aes ie ee BGS = it : , : : Aree : : 3 ! rS74 ; Sec epi eee aerate afek: pe sn Ee SSE ie ee a ae ; pa me ee Dass: et i ides 7 wt AS E peas a FE 7 : Re ER Sa i 3 . BBS eRA TERE ESS PERE SA SEES - . ans i my s Day yy 3 prea ai ert a ne IE aE OTE rh ae TTS TT Siento re - eae eaieiinta = = = = - neers = a take ae = po = = : 2 a = ie oom == ~ = a => GooD NEWS. 4615 Be ie es ee ee ———— ae aid. But Laura cut straight through formalities|rington. ‘‘Certainly not more than half an ‘My brother was more libe rally treated. | ball-player, as his boat’s keel grated on the hank ix her usual direct hour. It is dreadful to me to think that the But in a few years after our father's death | sand. ; f ; vou ‘‘Tt will beat r to me,’’ she said [| murderer must even then have been lurking | my brother had squandered all. Then he They had already exchanged greetings at ; not sh feel much safe u are here.’’ in the woods.’’ got into trouble in Boston, and ran away. I|a distance. — < ; ind so Jack stayed. lt was a convenien ‘Would you be willing to make a brief | was obliged to spend considerable money to ‘*l couldn’t stay away,’’ continued Don. said to have a footing in the house on t €|memorandum of the facts?’’ asked the de- | keep } from prison. I found out where you were, and I just ent tern tective. ‘‘Here is ink and paper.’’ uct of his turned me against | simply ‘sneaked. is there any way that I ; Demin on withdrew; but J found ‘Why, ce rtainly; with pleasure,’’ replied | him however, I came to take a|can get into the game: ‘T no oj nity of questioni LW Sl Warrington, liffe [ desired to help my brother, A sudden idea came into Jack’s mind, Var- wa to | * he strain of mo Then he smiled sadly wd iad heard several disagreeable | Carroll would be a first-rate ‘‘shadow’’ foi excite und she most immediately ‘How little our conventional phrases suit | stories since we had parted. Warrington. Asa gentleman, he could go nts bade her ‘‘ cousin l-night. serious offairs,’’ he said. ‘To think of my ‘l have been searching for him since where the rough old detective, Winslow, wall Jack, after a brief and secret interview | saying that the recording of my slight con- | then | have employed trained men to help could not. His appearance would be little tila with Winslow, went to the room that had | nection with this dreadful affair would be a | me Tam sorry to confess that we have | likely to excite suspicion. s on been prepared for him pleasure : traced him mostly by the evil he has done. ‘Yes,’’ cried Jack; ‘‘I have work for ion On the following day Warrington arrived Hi ut ‘down before the fantastically de [he trail led he re at He has been you. ¥ ou saw that young nian in the boat. hn He reached Alexandria Bay in t teamer | signed writing table which stood beside one|seen*in this neighborh this summer. | Shadow him. Find out what he is up to; nost from Clayton about noon; and, in-|of the windows, and rapidly wrote upon aj; What he has been doing [ have not|and learn especially whether he is wounded necessary loss of time, was set across to; sheet of paper. Then he handed the state- | learned. upon the left side.’’ how Appletree Island by one of the St. Law-/| ment to Jack. It was merely a brief, well ‘*You will understand that my object was Carr ll nodded; turned his boat, and nost rence boatmen. ; worded account of his pepe: from the/ not to assist the officers « i the law ho, I | pulled : Jack was with Laura when Warrington | island on the went of the murder, with the |\ha no doubt, are also in pursuit of my At hat afternoon he again the was announced. A moment later " the ‘sun information that he had seen saath ing to ex-| brother. I have feared that I might some| broug! into the little eove that ad mer young man’’ entered the drawing-room, | cite his suspicions. day lead them to him, and I will openly | made the Appletree Island. ean and the detective had his first fair view of As evidence, it seemed to be entirely confess that I have tried to throw them off Jacl ha bis boat from the house, 1 in him. worthless, yet Jack pocketed it with ap- | the trail. and met him on the beach. Warrington was slender and graceful, and | parent satisfaction. ‘I would have sent my brother tosome| As Carroll faced his friend there was a ng, his manner suggested that bodily weakness _ The detective soon excused himself, and| remote part of the world where he might | deep pe mpl ity in his } youthful See my Which usually characterizes the dude. But | left the house. Warrington remained only a| have begun a new life under,lifferent cir- ‘’ve had good luck and bad luck,’’ he » of Jack observed that his hands, though very | few ninutes longer, He went down to 'the| cumstances, with some of my money to help | said. ‘‘ Your friend is wounded all right. are white and absurdly well kept, were not | landing where his boatman was supposed to| him. I mean that ] would have done this ‘How did you find it « ees? of those of a weakling. The languid fingers | be waiting. had I found him disposed to lead a better ~ Why it occurred, to me that it would be our Which lay for a moment in Jack’s strong The boatman had walked along the beach, | life a good idea to get into his room, and hunt grip were capable of powerful action, and | and only Jack Marshall was waiting for the ‘Some men, vou know, get down into the | for madagen and that sort of thing. So I the boy knew it. ‘summer young man.’’ depths of crime like a’ person in a quicksand. |.got in after he had gone out. t is sesides this indication, Jack had the evi ‘*Mr, Warrington,’’ he said, ‘‘you will} With every step they sink deeper, though ‘I didn’t find any bandages, but I did ow dence of the diamond stud in the bosom of | excuse me if I jump right into the middle of | they are trying to get out. Once set upon| much better than that. It happened this ri- Warrington’s shirt. Every time the ‘‘dude’’ | my business with you, omitting all formality | firm ground, they take the right path and | way: His room faces away from the river. pot took a full breath that stud rose and fell a| and all hesitancy. I am doing the work of | are saved. | hoped that that would be the| It is rigbt in an angle which the main part long way. The summer young man had a | a detective here, ahd it is my business to| case with my brother. of the hotel makes with the L that runs ny fine chest expansion, and-there is no better | know how every one around me stands in ‘*On the day when Mr. Franklin Marshall | back. he indication of strength. relation to this tragedy. I wish to call your | met his death, I heard that my brother was| ‘‘As I was rummaging around the room, iat Yet he played the dude’s part to perfec- | attention to a single fact. I believe that I| in Kingston, on the Canadian side. I went! I heard a noise, like the flapping of a cur- en tion. What was his object in assuming such | have seen the murderer. there, but, fearing that I might be followed, | tain. It was so near that I thought it was ed arole? Was it to conceal the real intensity ‘How extraordinary!’’ exclaimed War-|I went secretly. in that very room. But the curtain was of his nature? to make himself appear of no|rington, in his gentle tones. ‘‘Miss Marshall ‘*T tried to give the impression that I had | clear up; the blinds were closed. ds account, in order that his doings might ex- | has just said the same thing to me.’’ gone to Utica. Hearing of the tragedy here, ‘*I discovered that the curtain belonged he Cite small interest? Or was it merely the Jack was greatly annoyed by this evidence | and desiring to send my message of sym-| to a window in the L, and, peeping through ‘et Silliness that will affect young men of fash-|of Laura’s confidence in Warrington; but pathy to Miss Marshall, I communicated | | the blinds, I got a look into another room. nd ion as a result of having nothing to do! he did not let his face show it. | with an agent of mine in Utica, and got him| ‘‘lt was a big bath-room. The upper sash On the whole, Jack might have taken the ‘*]t would be still more extraordin: iry,’’|to doit. You will understand my motive] of the window was down, and the breeze st latter view, but for one startling fact said he, ‘‘if she had said the same thing | for this deception which was harmless so far | kept blowing the curtain out, so that from Warrington was smooth shaven, except | that I am about to say to you.”’ as she was concerned. I knew, of course, | where I was I got a slanting view of the g, for a very small mustache. His chin was | **And what is that?’’ that she- vould show the telegram, and | interior of the room. he delicately molded and dimpled like a| ‘‘That you bear a very close resemblance | did not wish it to bear the date Kingston.”’ ‘Will you believe it, Jack, there stood girl’s, | to the murderer. ’’ ‘*T suppose you did not find your brother?’’ | your man, Warrington, nearly naked. He ot 3ut Jack was able to picture that chin Warrington took no pains to conceal his | said Jack. was dressing a woun q.*? m covered by a dark, closely cropped beard, | emotion. ‘*No; but I had strong hopes, up to this “Tn his left side rs and that gentle countenance, as mild asa ‘This is terrible!’’ he cried. ‘‘ You cannot | morning.”? ‘*No; by the exept hills! His left side ly Cow’s, animated by strong emotions—re-| know what.an awful shock this has given ‘Very well, Mr. Warrington, without | was as smooth and pink asan apple. The I's morse, pain, fear. me. Of course, as to myself, there is no| pretending to fully accept your version of | wound was on his right side.’ ie With such changes, the face of Mr. John question of suspicion The fact of my leav- | this affair, I will simply ask you one ques-} ‘‘Impossible!’’ Aspinwall Warringon would very strongly | ing the island before the crime—— | tion: Have you a bullet wound upon your! ‘‘Sure. It was just such a wound as you ” resemble that of the mysterious Jack of| ‘‘On your way to Utica?’’ | body??? described, but it was on the wrong side of Diamonds! | ‘* Yes, on my way to Utica.” | ‘‘I do not understand what you mean, but| him. I tell you, Jack, I saw him almost as It was an astonishing suspicion. Noone} ‘‘Mr. Warrington, you have not been in| I will answer you. No; I have not.’’ | plainly as I see you, though, of course, only Could look less like a desperate criminal] Utica at all. Excuse me, but I know what ‘It is an unusual request, but will you | for a moment while the curtain was blown 3 than did Jack Warrington, the dude. No|Iam saying. I have evidence.’’ permit me to see your left side?’’ away.’’ : One could look more like a desperate crim-| ‘You will oblige me_ by stating it,’’ said ‘My left side is sound asa dollar,’’ said| ‘‘You must be mistaken in the side.”’ 0 Inal—of the highest type—than Jack of Dia | Warrington ; and for the first time there} Warrington. ‘‘ Where should the wound be?’’ ‘Hang it, Jack, do you think because Oo monds. | was a note in his voice that suggested Jack Jack, as quick as a flash, reached forward | I’m left-handed, I don’t know the right side a _ If they were one and the same, the person | of Diamonds. and struck Warrington a smart blow upon!of a man from his left? I tell you there is t In question was surely the greatest of| ‘‘Certainly, responded the detective. | the spot. It was not hard enough to hurt a/no more chance of my being mistaken than @ “character actors.’? The voice, which be |‘‘Last night, when your telegram came, I| sound man, but delivered upon the wound | there is that the sun is a Chinese lantern.”? trays so many, was in this case perfectly was prompted by some strange ee to | which Jack had seen, it would have caused | ‘Then Warrington is not the man I sus- Controlled. Even Jack’s trained ear could} suspect that it was not genuine. sent to | considerable pain. | pected him to be,’’ said Jack, in deep per- detect, no more resemblance between War-| Utica—to an official there—to secure the} Warrington did not wince. | plexity. Tington’s voice and that which he had heard | original copy of the message, It came in| ‘‘I’m all right there,’’ he said, slapping | (TO BE CONTINUED. ) In the underground room, than might have|the noon mail. There it is; it was written | himself hard upon the spot that Jack hac een expected to exist between the voices of |in the, telegraph office; but not by you. [| struck. ‘‘You have my word of honor for | ea ae ae ah Ta reget ’ . any two men of the same nationality and | secured a specimen of your handwriting just | it. Would you, as a gentleman, submit to | STOPPING A LEAK WITH SAWDUST. age. now. It does not tally with this.’ | the proof that you suggest?”? Tr . Warrington was speaking to Laura while| He displayed the copy of the telegram, Fad +k thought fora moment. He did not To ae the leakage of a boat by the use : vack made this study of him. The detective}and the memorandum which Warrington | wish to force the game too fast. The way of sawdust appears at the first suggestion ( ; also noted that the young man and the gir] | had just made. |in which Warrington spoke, and the steadi ridic alous. It is a common method, how- I Spoke ee old friends, or at td like per-| There was no similarity in. the two] ness with which he had endured the blows Port employed by backwoodsmen in some Sons who really like each other very much. | writings. The ‘‘summer young man’’ was| upon his side, gave Jack grave doubt. parts ol Australia. tens ese Jack aol as he thoug ht of the possi- | in a trap. | It might be that Warrington was telling| One day a party having a big pile of lug- bility that Laura might love this man —— |the truth about his brother; that that | 848¢ discovered, upon loading it pr eilie pes Jealousy stirred in his heart, but stronger CHAPTER XXIV | brother was the criminal, and that both | &t the end of one of the regular Ore ) than that was the honest, manly desire for APTER X2 : | Warrington and Laura were shielding him. | that the boat one badly. To delay for re- the girl’s welfare. If she loved Warrington, ON THE WRONG SIDE. | This supposition made it necessary to sup-| Pairs would occasion considerable annoy- 4nd he proved to be not only a criminal, = |pose that Laura loved Warrington, for no | 82Cé; and without repairs to proceed seemed but actu: illy the murderer of her father, (x47 ARRINGTON was evidently em- | other motive would be strong enough. Even | }™P0ssib le. : Nothing worse could be imagined. barrassed by this discovery, but|if that were true, Warrington must have At this juncture one of the men had the Shortly after Warrington’s arrival, a his manner was not that of a de presented some strange plea to the girl to boat unloaded er and brought from the letter yw as brought to Jack It had come in | ¢ tected criminal. induce her to be silent even for a short saw-mill “pend the spt . a qbantacy of saw- the noon mail. | He did not make the mistake of denying | time. dust. This he sprinkled thickly upon the The detective begged leave to read it, and | the truth. A less shrewd man would have However, taking everything into con-| Water on eithe r side of the boat. Step yped aside, into the embrasure of a win-| made excuses and told lies. He might have | sideration, Jack decided to aces pt Warring-|. " hen the - ight agai sank the boat, the f “ow, leaving Laura and Warrington to talk | said, for instance, that he had sent some- | ton’s word, and to°watch him narrowly. If influx or water through the sides and bot- More freely. | body to that telegraph office to send the} he were Jack of Diamonds, he could hardly | *©™ sucked n the sawdust, which finally Jack had his eye upon them, however, | message, escape; and if be were not, he might lead accumulated In the crevices, swelled under because he believed it to be his duty, and But, of course, all such excuses would | to the detection of the real criminal if left the action of i the water, and actually i NOt because of jealousy. He did not detect | have failed. A man does not send a message | to himself. stopped the leakage. ' any signs of a secret underst inding between} of sympathy in that way. Besides, with ‘I am satisfied, Mr. Warrington,’’ he| —_— o-+1 > i “NEM. Jack once started on the trail, there would | said. ‘‘You will pardon my SUS} icions, in TERRIBLE MAGIC. Having read his letter, and reflected a/| have been little difficulty in completing the | view of the strange nature of the case.’’ alka wie ©W minutes upon ntents. he ined the} proof that Warrington, for some motive of ‘Readily,’’ said the young man, grasping A wonderful phenomenon described by a thers. Laura was just telling Warringt his Own, bad wished to appear to be in| Jack’s hand. ‘‘But tell me what you mean traveler among the Navajo Indians is that that she had great hope in her cousin’s} Utica. by your questions about the bullet wound.’ | of a magic thunder-storm in the hut. The Skil], He had promised to recover he ‘Mr. Marshall,’’ said Warrington, ‘you ‘Not now replied Jack; ‘‘here comes| candles are all put out, the awed audience father? s body. 2 have tricked me, and have obtained so much | your boatman 1 sent him away on a bogus] sits a while in the gloom in hushed expec- any't heey in Warrington’s face indicated | f my secret that I must tell all of it, to errand He "il be in our way, and beside $, | tancy Then the y heat the low growl of dis- eeling except a 1 atural desire that so| shield myself.. Although I appear to be an|there’s another boat heading for the land-| tant thunder, which keeps rolling nearer 800d an intent should succeed If it was he|idle and useless young fellow, I have in| ing.”’ and nearer. Who had ordered the body to be taken away, | reality a great object in life. That object is He pointed to a skiff that hed just ap Suddenly a blinding flash of for ked light- '® Was a wonderful h pocrite to find and to reclaim my elder brother. peared from bebind a neighbori island. lning shoots across the om fri side to in _ Mr. Warrington,’’ said Jack, ‘‘T am try ‘Tam taking you into my confidence, but Warrington got-into his boat, 2 and directed | side, and another and another. while the 1g to do what I can to clear up this mvs I feel sure that you will not betray it. I am | the oarsman to return to Alexandria Bay. room trembles to the roar of the thunder, Y TY. No doubt vou would be glad to assist. | descended from a good family, We are all Jack waited at the landing to see who was] a shows terrified women and SU Can do so. in oné particular, at least. I | well k nown in Loston, and it will give you | 1n the other boat. There was but one person. chi ¢ to husbands and brothers. amy collecti the statement f all the per-| no trouble at all to verify my statements. Even at a distance, the figure looked very Bata the sky 1 y be twinkling with a te a vere on the j lal at or near t ‘My father was very rich, but his prop fam liar te ) million of stars, but in the dark room a tore 0 the tragedy You left shortly be- | erty wa divided among many at his death. | When it drew nearer, Jack was amazed to| fearful storm sec to be raging. This taste s it, did you not il received enough to support me well, yet | recognize his friend Di n Carroll. fa few minutes, and then the room is re Gee fO.4 “Not more than halt hour,’’ said War- not a large fortune, ‘Here Iam, Jack,’’ said the famous young ghted for performance of other ceremonies, H } ISSUED WEEKLY. NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 16, 1895. Terms to Good News Mail Subscribers: (POSTAGE I’ REY.) One Year - | 2 copies; one year - 6months - - = -$1.25! Ll copy, tivo years - Goop News ANnv N. Y. WEEKLY, both, one year, $4.50 How ‘ro Senp Monry.—By post-oflice or ee money order, registered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. At your own risk, if sent by postal note, currency, coin, or postaxe stamps in ordinary letter. RENEWALS.—'Tbhe number indicated on your address label denotes when your subscription expires. All subscriptions will be stopped promptly at expiration of time paid for. Recerers.—Leceipt of your remittance is ae by proper change of number on your label. If not cor rect you have not been properly credited, and should let us know at once. ‘To CLuB Ratsers.—Upon request we will send saim- ple copies to aia you in obtaining subscribers \Gen'rs.—Onr responsibility for remittances applies oily to such as are sent to us direct, and we will not gnavantee the reliability of any subscription agency (x postimaster. All letters should be addressed to STREET & SMITH'S GOOD NEWS, 27 & 29 Rose Street, N.Y. Bmonths - - 65¢. - 4months - - Back numbers of GOOD NEWS can always be obtained from your Newsdealers. If they do not have them please send direct to this office and we will supply them by mail on receipt of price. Advertising rates, 50 cents per agate line. Contents of this Number. i SERIAL STORIES. “Overhead Steve,”’ by Emerson Bell. “Yankee Boys in Japan,” by Enrique H. Lewis. ‘Fearless and True,’ Haines. “In Barracks and Wigwam,” by William Murray Graydon, |, “The Jack of Diamonds,” by John Blake Strong. “Center-Board Jim,” by Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry. “The Fighting Lads of Devon,” by Alfred Armitage. “By Pluck Alone,” by Harvey Hicks. «That Coon ’Rastus,”. by **Peter.” REGULAR DEPARTMENTS. *Short Talks With the Boys,” by Arthur Sewall. “How to Do Things,” by David Parks, “Our Stamp Album.” “Mail Bag,” ‘xchange ‘Club Notices,” ete. ’ by Henry Harrison Department,” WEEK AFTER NEXT. ea 4 hat anxiously looked-for com- ; ~ panion story to “The Boy Cattle King.” i “WN RIK ee The Fight for a Lost Fortune. | Minar RY DANGERFIELD. ees Pa elpiliseeaaty THE LETTER “0” GUESSING CONTEST IS NOW FINISHED. | ‘ : HAR he There has been an enormous num- ‘6 ber of answers received, all of which “must be examined. Cha Ae the very earliest date possible, the list of fortunate guessers will be y announced and the prizes awarded. = | | aatad 4.00 | 4.00 ‘$100. rool GOLD! GOLD! GOLD A Wonderful Offer! The Greatest Ever Made by Any Boys’ Paper ! | : GUESS THE ENDING OF THE STORY, | THE | knowledged | JACK OF DIAMONDS, lof And Win a Big Amount of Money! _ > “The Jack of Diamonds” is a splen- did detective story, to write which the publishers of Goop News have engaged one of the most eminent authors in that line of work. This great story will be printed in Goop News in twelve installments, be- ginning with No. 282, issued on Septem- ber 14. The eleventh installment will ap- pear in No. 292, issued November 23, and then the readers of Goop News will have three weeks in to make their guesses as to the solution of, the mystery, which will be revealed in the final installment, printed in No. 255. For the first received explanation of the last installment, which is correct and most complete, Goop News will award $100. | } which One Hundred Dollars in Gold! For the next best solutions, One Prize of Fifty Dollars iw Gold! One Prize of Twenty-five Dollars in Gold! Five Prizes of Ten Dollars in Gold! In all—Two Hundred and Twenty-five Dollars ! —— -_— Now read, and guess what will be in the last installment of THE JACK OF DIAMONDS, emcieind sccnmeneii * Guesses shou!d be written in plain language, and with no attempt to write a final installment in the author’s style. Simply guess what the ending of the story will be. Guesses will be received at any time after the publication of the first install- | ment. ‘ The time of mailing the guess will be taken into consideration, thus putting all our readers, far or near, on the same . basis. No one, except the author, not even the editor of this paper, knows how the story will end. Now, BOYS! READ THIS MARVELOUS STORY! PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAPS! AND WIN A BIG PRIZE! For further information, address “Prize Story, Care Goop Nrws, New York City. | study under some first-class artist. NEWS. ;. TALKS — a | SHORT A2y>- fe ‘With {HE Boys. SEWALL. EDITED BY ARTHUR A READER, Danville, Pa., writes: “[ am.a young man, 19 years old, and am thinking of | | taking a civil service examination. Will you | please answer me in GooD NrEws the following questions: What are the duties, salaries, and | examinations of the messenger in.the postal service, and of the State Departinent clerk, and which is the better position ?”’ The State Department clerk has a much | better position than has a messenger. The | salary at which the former is appointed is from nine hundred to one thousand dollars, while the latter receives only from six hun- dred to eight hundred dollars. It is much more difficult, however, to obtain a position as State Department clerk. In fact, appoint- ments are infrequent, and superior penman- ship is an absolute requirement. The places messenger were classified November 2, 1894, and no examinations have as yet been held. The subjects upon which candidates are examined are orthography, penmanship, copying, and arithmetic, especial attention being paid to correct copying. The subjects of the examination for the State Department are orthography, pen- manship, letter writing, elements of English language, arithmetic, geography and) his- tory, international law and diplomatic his- tory and government law. It is also to the} advantage of the competitor to show a fair acquaintance of at least one of the modern languages. Here are a few specimen questions. Correct the following sentences: He has been sick this two years, but is now tolerably well. The queen was attended with a large retinue; her arrival was hailed by rejoicings. No principle is laid down nor no rule given that apply to all possible cases. Express one hundred billion in fig- ures, both according to the American and according to the English method. Add 2-3 of 8-5 to 4 2-3, and from the sum subtract 2 1-8. If the consular fees collected in a year by the United States consul at Liverpool amount to £4,000, and his salary and ex- poenses are $7,591.74, what percentage of the fees can be paid to the United States after deducting the salary. and expenses, the estimated value of the pound sterling being $4.8665? State the population, respectively, of the United States, the British Isles, the Domin- ion of Canada, France, and Germany. What circumstances led to the war with Mexico? Name the political parties in the national election of 1860. What is international law? Give some account of the origin and meaning of the Monroe doctrine. What are the rules governing sovereignty over the high seas? What are the functions and powers of the Secretary of State? in the United Gro How is legislation effected States generally? What constitutes a treaty? You will see from the above that the amount of knowledge required is consider- able, and the salary anything but large. Moreover, there is not much chance for ad- vancement, and to become a clerk in one of the departments at Washington is about the last thing I should advise a bright boy to do, V. E. M., Springfield, Mo., writes: “I am 16 years old, and aim desirous to become an illus- trator. I wish you would explain bow all the! papers, books, and magazines of to-day are! illustrated. As I do not live ina very large city, I think it would be best to get a place in one of the great publishing cities, under a mas- ter of this art, and learn all I can. Is this a good business, and how is an illustrator paid? I have a very fair education, having gone one year through high school, and am going all next year.” Artists, who draw illustrations for the paper's, Magazines, etc., generally speaking, make a good living. Like other trades and professions, however, there are incompetent workmen who find it difficult to make a living, no matter how hard they may strive, There is considerable work to-day for a good artist, but, mind you, I say a good. artist, that is, one who as natural ability and one who has received a thorough in- struction in his profession. Be sure first that you have the natural ability, for, without that, all your labor will be thrown away. you to take a course in some art school or ] To do this, of course, it would be necessary for you to go to some large city, and to have enough money to support you while you are studying. The prices paid to illustrators vary very ‘much, according to their ability. About two dollars is the average price paid for a small outline cut, but there are many illustrators who make as high as twelve dollars a day. After you have mastered your art, you will of course have to begin at the foot of | 286 of this paper. This point determined, it would be well for | the ladder, and work yourself up as others 7 have done before you. But, success is bound Y ~ to come to the persevering, and, if you have talent, it will be appreciated some day. C. D.L., Brooklyn, writes: ‘‘Would you kindly © tell me in the coluwns of your paper, if on the — war-ships of the United States they have oilers, and if they do, if I could get an appoint-_ ment, and how I should go aboutit? I am 18 years old, and above five feet.” a Yes, they have oilers on all the war-ships- of the United States navy. They are called ‘*water-tenders,’’ I believe. 7 The salary is thirty-two doliars a month and rations, and those who obtain the posi-— tions are in line of promotion to machinists, — at seventy dollars a month. q Apply to the chief engineer of any United © States vessel, or to the chief engineer of the ~ Navy-Yard at Brooklyn. Such positions are — easily obtained at the present time, as many ~ new vessels are going into commission, and — a large number of men are needed. 4 L. J. R., Decatur, Ala,, writes: “I desire to 7 ask your advice on the profession of den- | tistry. Do you think it is a good profession, — and what do you think of its future? Also, © what is the best school near here to study it?” a Dentistry is a most excellent profession, and one which has a bright future before — it. The strides made in the treatment of the teeth during the past ten years or so have © been marvelous. The leading dentists obtain — very large fees for their work, and many of © them are rich men. A But, if you make up your mind to em- — brace the profession, determine to know — every detail of your business, and tostand at — the head. A poor dentist is unworthy of — any consideration, and will probably not — make his salt. a [Ido not know of any dental school in Alabama, although there may be one con- — nected with the University of Alabama. — Write to that institution for information — and prospectus. A Also read answer to Al. Goodrich in No. — (a SPecIAL Notice.—Many communications, — improperly addressed to this department, — are answered in the ‘*‘ Mail Bag.”’ x a a a AN INTERESTING STORY. die. a It is never easy to confess our faults, and © even a child is not to be blamed for trying — to smooth the way for himself. a ‘‘Mamma, do you like to hear stories?’’ | the boy began. 7 ‘*Yes, my child,’’ ‘*Shall I tell you one??? 6¢YVes,”? ‘*Will you be much interested?”’ ‘*Certainly.’’ i ‘But it is not a long story.’’ ‘*Never mind; tell it to me.”’ ‘*Well, there was once a—cologne bottle— — and I broke it!”’ > +> HE WAS OFFERED A SALARY. Amateur Poet (a fearful plague to editors) —‘‘*Have you read my poems, sir??’’ Editor—‘‘ Yes, and I should like to engage you at a weekly salary.’’ ‘ Amateur Poet (joyfully) —‘‘I’m delighted to hear it, sir! That’s just the post I wanted !”’ Editor—‘‘ Well, 1’ll give you a quarter 4 week if you’ll enter into an agreement not to send me any more of your confounded rub- bish !’? a _>-0+om A VERY NEAT BOY. _ ‘*Oh, dear,’’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘‘my Willie is so dirty and destructive! All his cloth are spoiled the first day he puts them on. ‘Oh, that’s too bad,’’ said Mrs. Green. ‘*My little Johnny, now, is so neat and — tidy. Why, rather than soil his clean hand kerchief in wiping his slate, he always bor- rows one from one of the other boys.’’ —_——_—_~s—- 9 —____—_— A USEFUL PRESENT. ‘*Papa,’’ said Tommie, ‘‘little brother i8 — a month old to-morrow, isn’t he?’’ ae ‘“*Yes.?? j ; ‘‘Let’s you and me give him a birthday present. ’’ ‘*Very well. What shall it be?’’ He needs tha ‘‘Let’s buy him a wig. more’n anything.’’ -—- + -« oe —_ TOO SMART. Smart Boy (to police officer)—‘‘Mr. Pleeceman, please, aire got something sticking on to the back of your coat.’? _ .., Policeman (off his ua —‘*What is it? Smart Boy (derisively)—‘‘The buttons. Yah!”’ Exit at a mad gallop. Jimmy (after he had fallen into the pond and been rescued)—‘‘John, we'd better rua for home, or we'll catch cold,?? b Johnnie—‘‘Don’t you fret about tha’ ma’ll lick us so when we get there we’ warm enough.”’ AD others ; bound tu have y. i kindly on the y have ppoint- am 18 r-ships ' called month € posi- hinists, United of the ns are ; many n, and Sire to f den- ession, Also, dy it?” ession, before of the have obtain any of O en- know and at thy of y not 01 in » con- bama. 1ation n No. tions, ment, ;, and rying ‘ies???’ ttle— tors) gage rhted st er @ ot to rub- Villie thes on. ‘een. and and- bor- er is day that Mr. 1ing it??? ons. ond ruD iat; get nia e- de sabes agen Be Gi Per oie e See ee eS GrooD {This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form.} YANKEE BOYS IN JAPAN; OR, THE YOUNG MERCHANTS OF YOKOHAMA. BY ENRIQUE H. LEWIS, Author of “Sword and Pen,’ “The Copper Disk,” ‘A Young Free Lance,” elc., ele. (“YANKEE Boys IN JABAN’ CHAPTER VII. NATTIE CARRIES HIS POINT. HEN Nattie left his brother and Mori in the office of Black & Com pany, it was with the determina <0) tion to ascertain whether the tall, thin man with the Gladstone bag was really the late book-keeper, Willis Round. If the lad had been asked why he was placing himself to so much trouble for such a purpose he could not have answered. There was 10 reason why Round should not return to Yokohama if he so minded. And he had every right to re move his whiskers if he chose to do and again, there was no law to prevent him from calling upon the firm of Black & Company. Still, in view of re- cent circumstances, it seemed suspicious to Nattie, and he\sped down the street with the firm resolve to prove the identity at once. As the reader may have con jectured, the younger Manning brother had a Strong will of bis own. It was his claim, not uttered boastfully, that when he set a task unto himself, he generally carried it out if the thing was possible. He proved that character- istic in his nature in the present instance. On reaching the cor- ner of the next street, Which happened to be the broad thoroughfare running at right angles from the Bund, he Caught sight of his man in the door of a famous tea-house much fre quented by the good people of Yokohama. The fellow had paused, and was glancing back as if suspicious of being followed. On seeing Nattie, he turned quick- ly and disappeared into the tea-house. When the lad reached the en- trance, he found the front room untenanted Save by a group of Waiter-girls. They greeted his ap Pearance with the effu 8ive welcome of their Class, but he brushed them aside with little Ceremony and passed on into the next apart Ment. This also was Smpty. The more im posing tea-houses of &apan are generally Wo-story structures, divided into a multi tude of small and large Tooms. The one in question Contained no less than & round dozen on the 88 many in the second story. There was ho central hall, but simply a series of pub- lc rooms extending from front to rear, With private apartments opening on each Side, Nattie had visited the place times out of Mind, and he knew that an exit could be °und in the rear which led through a small S05 Barden to a gate, opening upon a_ back Street. The fact caused the lad to hasten his ee oon hurrying through the fourth apart Wa nt, he heard voices in a side room. They ‘Tre not familar, but he halted at once. ~ppose Round—if it were he—should take “reba his head to enter one of the private Realoqrente? He could easily remain con- on “a until a sufficient time had elapsed, , -hen go his way unseen. hag a brief moment Nattie stood irreso- . If he remained to question the matsu- Mas it would give the evident fugitive time 0 asa os ea ape by the rear gate. And if he hur- bac through the garden and out into the Street, MNtrance, . : ‘Confound it! ‘ound could leave by the main 1 can’t stay here twirling was commenced in No, 287. Back numbers can be obtained of all News Agents. ) my thumbs,’’ he exclaimed. ‘‘What shall it be, back gate or a search through the blessed shanty? I’ll leave it to chance.”’ Thrusting a couple of fingers into a vest pocket, he extracted an American quarter, and flipped it into the air. ‘*Heads, I search these rooms, tails, I go out the back gate,’’ the descending coin with great dexterity. ‘‘Tails it is. Here goes, and may I have luek,’? he added. Hurrying through the remaining apart- ments, he vanished into the garden just as a > he murmured, catching | NEWS. lantly. ‘‘Here, Komatsu, give this toa beg- ger ; it’s a hoodoo.’’ The affable manager accepted the ill {omened twenty-five cent piece with many bows and subsequently placed it among his | collection of rare coins, with the inscrip- | tion: ‘‘Yankee Hoodoo. Only one in Yoko |hama. Value, ten yen.’’ | It was with a very disconsolate | Nattie left the tea-house on his way to the | office of the new firm. He felt positive in | his mind that the thin man was really Willis | Round, and the actions of the fellow in | slipping away so mysteriously tended to in- crease the lad’s suspicions. ‘If he cared to could do so,’’ he face reasoned, while walking down Main street. ‘‘It’s no person’s business that 1 can see. And if he desired to increase | his ugliness by shaving off his whiskers it | was his own lookout. But what I don’t like | is the way he sneaked out of Black’s count |ing-room without speaking to us. He was certainly trying to avoid that’s flat. ‘tT wonder debt?’’ added is mixed | had to do with that after a while. what he the lad, 4-617 clerk at the Legation—who suddenly ap- | peared in the door-way of a private residence that | return to Yokohama, he recognition, and | ‘* He | up with the Blacks in some way, | within a dozen feet of the lad. ‘*What is the matter, Manning?’’ asked the new-comer. As quick as a flash Nattie bounded past him, and closed the door just as the infuri- ated sailor reached the spot. ‘‘Ror go sake, old fellow, get me out by the back way!’’ breathed the lad. ‘*T haven’t time to explain now. I’ tell you all about it this afternoon. I am follow- ing a man, and I mustn’t lose him. Let me out by the rear, please.”’ Considerably mystified, the clerk obeyed. A moment later Nattie was again speeding hastily :aness down a street toward the Bund. As luck would have it, he caught sight of his man at the next corner. The jinrikisha had stopped in front of Black & Company’s office. Hurrying ahead, the lad contrived to enter the door at the heels of the fugitive. He stepped lightly across the counting room, and was within a foot of him when he threw open the door leading into the merchant’s private office. At sight of them both Ralph and his father sprang to their Uy Hse YAN MU NATTIE PLUMPED INTO A COUPLE OF AMERICAN MAN-OF-WAR’S MEN. THE COLLISION BUT THE OTHER GRASPED WILDLY AT HIS SUPPOSED ASSAILANT’S COLLAR. Nattie had juggled the coin. bland smile upon waved one hand airily after the youth. ‘*Ta, ta, Master Manning,’’ he muttered. ‘‘Y am thankful to you for leaving the de- cision to a piece of money. It was a close call for me, as | do not care to have my identity guessed just at present. Now that the coast is clear, I’l] drop in on the Blacks again and tell them to be careful.’’ Making his way to the main entrance, he called a passing ’rikisha and ordered the karumaya to carry him to the Bund through various obscure streets. Nattie had left the garden by way of the rear gate. the narrow thoroughfare resulted in disap- pointment. A search of adjacent streets produced nothing. Considerably crestfallen, the lad returned to the tea-house and questioned the head of the establishment. learned to his chagrin that the man for whom he had been searching had left the place not five minutes previously. In the meantime, | A hurried glance up and down | He speedily ground floor, and|}tall, thin man carrying a Gladstone bag!and I’ll wager the connection bodes ill to cautiously opened a side door near where | There was a| the fellow’s face, and he | some one. Perhaps it is us.’’ He had reached this far in his reflections CARRIED ONE OF THEM INTO THE GUTTER, when he chanced to look down a small alley | |}leading from the main thoroughfare to a | public garden. A jinrikisha | past the outlet. The vehicle contained | man, and in an instant Nattie recognized in | him the subject of his thoughts. brief task for the lad’s nimble feet. As |he emerged from the alley, however, he | plumped into a couple of American man-of- war’s men. The collision carried one of them into the gutter, but the other grasped wildly at his supposed assailant’s collar. He missed, but nothing daunted, the sailor voice, at every step. In his catch up with Willis Round, continued his flight. The hubbub eagerness to and | and he faced about just as several policemen | joined in the chase. What the outcome would have was speeding | one feet. Totally unsuspi- cious of the proximity of his pursuer, the tall, thin man tossed his port- manteau upon a chair, and was on the point of greeting the occupants of the office when he saw them looking be- bind him in evident sur- prise. He turned, gave Nat- tie one startled glance, then made an involun tary movement as if contemplating flight. The lad barred the way, however. Grinning tri- umphantly, he lifted his hat with polite bow,a and said: ‘‘Why, this is an un- expected pleasure, Mr. Round. I did not know you had returned to Yokohama. How is everything in London?’’ ‘‘What are you talk- ing about?’’ growled the fellow. ‘‘I don’t know you.’’ *‘Indeed! How poor your memory must be. You worked for my father as confidential clerk and book-keeper for many years. Surely you must remember his son, Nattie Manning?’’ The mocking tone caused Round to frown darkly. He saw that further denial was use- less. Curtly turning his back to Nattie, he stalked to a chair and sat down. During this little by-play Ralph had been staring at the in- truder in a peculiarly malevolent manner. ‘*What do you want in here?’’ he demanded, at last. ‘‘This is our pri- vate office, and we re- ceive people by invita- tion only. Get out.’’ ‘‘With the greatest pleasure,’’ sweetly re- plied Nattie. ‘‘I have secured all that I desire. I wanted to satisfy my self as to that man’s identity, and [have suc- ceeded. The removal of one’s whiskers don’t al- ways form an effectual disguise, you know. Ta! ta !?? He left the office with a triumphant smile, and quickly made his way to the counting-room of the new firm. Grant and Mori were engrossed in drawing up several tables of import orders, but they gave instant attention to his story. ‘‘It certainly proves one thing,’’ remarked the lame youth. ‘‘Mr. Willis Round at- tempted to visit Yokohama in disguise. Now | what can be his reason?’’ To cover the distance to the garden was a | Before either Nattie or Mori could reply, the front door was thrown open, and the | very man they were discussing stepped into the office. There was an expression of | cordial good-nature upon his face, and he started in pursuit, calling out in a husky | Nattie had | out- | ; cry behind him soon brought him to a halt, and a dozen foreigners and native citizens | - been is | hard to say had not help arrived at that op- | firm? ‘‘Just my luck,’’ he murmured, petu-! portune moment in the shape of a friend—a! blood, eh? advanced with friendly, attitude. one hand extended in a CHAPTER VIII. ONE CONSPIRATOR DEFEATED. OW do you do, Master Grant? I am pleased to see you,’’ exclaimed the ; new-comer. ‘‘Anti Master Nattie > here is still the same good-looking lad as of old. Is this the new member of the The old company has called in native Well, it is not a bad idea.”’ degoeetetiencaaeles > lajeons 4618 CeOOD Disregarding the cold stare of surprise given him by Grant, the speaker seated him- self in a comfortable chair and gazed blandly around the office. He was a man of extreme attenuation of features, and rest- less, shifting eyes. He was modestly clad in adark suit of English tweed, and carried the conventional cane of bamboo. For a moment there was an awkward silence, then Nattie laughed—a short, curt laugh, which brought a perceptible flush to Round’s sunken cheeks. ‘“So you are our old book-keeper after | all?’’ said the lad, with a sly wink at Mori. ‘‘¥Yes, Tam inclined to believe so,’ re- plied the visitor, airily. ‘‘I have an expla- nation my boy. D’ye see, I returned from London by way of India yesterday morning. I had my reasons for arriving incog., therefore I denied myself to you this afternoon. As the cat is out of the bag now, L’ll tell you all | about it.’ He paused and glanced at his auditors. Nothing daunted by their evident coldness, | he resumed, in the same light manner: ‘*T had a little deal on with the govern- | ment here and certain people in England, | and I came over to push it through. Re- membering the firm of Black & Company, I went to them first. The interview was not satisfactory, however. Hearing that you had resumed your father’s business, [ lost no time in coming here. Am I right in be- lieving that you are open for valuable con- tracts?”’ Both Nattie and Mori instinctively left the conversation to Grant. In a matter of business, he was the proper person, they well knew. The lame youth leaned back in his chair, and eyed the visitor with extreme gravity. ‘“So you are here to do business with us, Mr. Round?”’’ he asked, slowly. ‘(Ve@s,?? ‘‘May I ask the nature of the contracts?’’ The ex-book-keeper rose to his feet and walked with cat-like steps to the front door. Opening it slightly, he peered forth. Then he repeated the performance at the remain- ing doors and windows. - Evidently satisfied, he returned to the desk. Bending over, he said, in a stage whisper: ‘¢Government.’’ ‘Yes, I know,’’ exclaimed Grant, impa- tiently. ‘‘You said that before. But for what class of articles?’’ ‘¢Arms and ammunition, my boy. I have inside information. I know that Japan will be at war with China before the end of the year. I also know that the government in- tends to place an order for many millions of cartridges and hundreds of thousands. of rifles and revolvers within a very short time.’ ‘*Indeed?’’ ‘‘Yes. Now, I represent two firms—one English and one German, and we wish to secure a resident agent’ in Japan. I can re- commend you to them, and I will on one condition.’ ‘‘What is it??? asked Grant, drumming nervously upon the desk. Nattie leaned forward in evident expett- ancy. He knew that the drumming was an ominous sign on his brother’s part, and that a climax was impending. ‘“‘T wish to remain in Yokohama, and 1] desire a situation. If you will give me the same position I formerly occupied in this _ office, I will secure you the good will of my firms. What do you say?”’ Grant selected a letter from a pile on the desk and glanced over it. He smiled as if particularly ,well pleased at something, and then asked in a suave voice: ‘‘When did you _ leave Mr. Round?’’ ‘‘Why—er—on the second of ‘last month.’’ ‘¢And when did you reach that city after leaving my father’s service?’’ ‘What the duse—I mean, about two months later. Why do you ask these ques- tions?’’ ‘‘Then you have been away from Japan for some time?’’ ‘¢Of course. I could not_be in London and in this country very well,’’ replied Round, with a sickly smile. ‘ “Tt is certainly strange,’’ Grant, reading the letter again. you a twin brother, sir?”? At this apparently preposterous query, the visitor lost his affability. - *tNo, I haven’t,’’? he almost shouted. ‘‘Mr. Manning, 1 did not come here to lose valuable time in answering silly questions. I have made you a proposition in good faith. Will you please give me a reply?”’ “So you wish to enter our employ: us bodk-keeper?’?’ ; ‘6 os,?? ‘¢‘And if we engage you we can become the agents of your English and German firms in this matter of the government con- tracts?”’ ; ‘Yes, yes.”? Grant rose from his chair, and leaning one hand upon the desk, he added, impressively : ‘«Will you also promise to clear up the mystery of the Black debt, Mr. Round?’’ attie and Mori, who were keenly watch- ing the visitor’s face, saw him pale to the very lips. He essayed to speak, but the words refused to come. Finally regaining - his composure by a violent effort, he re- plied, huskily: London, remarked ‘*Have to make about that little incident, | ‘I don’t understand you, Grant. What | mystery do you mean?’? | ‘*¥Youn know very well, sir.’ The lame youth’s voice was sharp and cutting. Nervyously wiping his face, Mr. Round glanced down at the floor, then cast ja furtive look at his companions. If ever guilt rested in a man’s actions, it did then | with those of the ex-book-keeper. He proba- | bly recognized the futility of his chances, as | he started to leave without further words. | He was not to escape so easily, however. ‘You have not heard my answer to your proposition,’’. called out Grant, with sar- casm. ‘‘I’ll tell you now that we would not have you in this office if you paid us a bonus of a thousand pounds. You had better re- {turn to your confederates, Black & Com- | pany, and inform them that their effort to | place ‘a spy in this office has failed.’’ | ‘*You will regret these words,’’ retorted Round, with a muttered oath. ‘‘I’ll show you that you are not so smart as you | think. ’/ ‘‘Have a care, sir,’’ replied the lame | youth. ‘‘Perhaps we will be able to prove your connection with that debt swindle, and send you up for it.’’ ‘‘Bah! You are a fool to—— He did not finish the sentence. At that juncture, Nattie, who had been quietly edg- ing his way across the office, bounded for- ward. There wasa brief struggle, a crash | at the door, and suddenly the visitor found himself in the street, considerably the worse for the encounter. ‘‘That’s the proper way to get rid of such callers,’? remarked the lad, cheerfully. ‘Valk is all right in its place, but actions are necessary at times. What a scoundrel he is.’ ‘‘He is a discovered villain,’’ said Mori, quaintly. ‘‘In the expressive language of the American street gamin, ‘We are on to him.’ He was evidently sent here by the Blacks as a spy. By the way, what was in that letter?’’ Grant laughed,.and tossed the document to the young Japanese. ‘(It was simply a bluff. I had an idea the man had not left the country, so I pretended to read a letter giving that information. He bit beautifully.”’ ‘One thing is certain,’’ with a shrug of his shoulders. made an implacable enemy.’’ ‘*‘What’s the difference?’’? chimed in Nat- tie. ‘‘The more the merrier. We need not fear anything from Willis Round. He’sa dead duck now.’? ‘So Black & Company have wind of the impending contracts, eh?’’ mused Grant. ‘¢‘] must run up and see Secretary Udono at once. I think I can prove to him that we are worthy of the contracts. Nattie, take this advertisement and have it inserted in all the foreign and native papers. Tell them to place it on the first page in display type. We’ll let the world know that we are ready for business.’? “T’ll call on several old friends of my father in the morning and bid for the next tea and rice crop,’’ said Mori, jotting down the items in his note-book. ‘‘How much can we use this quarter?’’ ‘ ‘¢ All we can secure,’’ was the prompt re- ply. ‘‘I intend to cable our American houses at once; The New York and San Francisco firms are good for two shiploads at the very least. By the way, Nattie, while you are out just drop in on Saigo Brothers and see what they have on hand in lacquered novel- ties. Speak for a good order to go on the steamer of the tenth.’’ During the next two hours the three mem- bers of the new firm were head and ears in business. Grant was in his element, and Mori seemed to like the routine also. But Nattie presently yawned, and left on his errands. Out-door life was evidently more to his taste. In the press of work the incidents con- nected with the visit of Willis Round were forgotten. Grant and Mori labored at the office until almost midnight. After attend- ing to the advertisements Nattie inspected the company’s ‘‘go down,’ or warehouse, and made preparations for the receiving of (Oa. The following day was spent in the same manner, and on the second morning the purchases of the firm began to arrive. By noou Manning Brothers & Okuma were the talk of Yokobama. Grant’s popularity and business reputation secured him a warm welcome in the trade. A force of native clerks was installed in the office under charge of an ae foreign book-keeper. It was finally decided to assign the drumming up of trade to Grant, and the interior buying and selling to Mori. Nattie was to have charge of the shipping and the care of the warehouse. The latter found time, however, to prac- tice for the coming wrestling match on the seventh of July. He had secured the serv- ices of a retired wrestler, and was soon in great form. As can be expected, he awaited ? ? ? remarked Mori, ‘*We have {the eventful day with growing impatience. CHAPTER IX. DISASTER THREATENS. RANT MANNING was a youth wise beyond his years. His continued ill- health and his physical frailty kept him from mixing with the lads of his age. This seclusion drove him to self- 1% b > NEWS. |communion and study. Asa general rule, | persons suffering from physical deformity or |lingering sickness are compensated by an | expansion of mind, | It is the proof of an immutable law. the other. | With a wonderful sense of touch. | with crippled legs are strong of arm. The unfortunates with brains awry are endowed with muscles of power. In Grant’s case his intellect made amends for his deformity of body. He loved com- mereial work, and the several years passed in the counting-room under his father’s {regime had made him a thorough master of ithe business. | When orders commenced to find their way to the new firm he was in his element. |As I have stated before, he had many | friends in Yokohama and the capital, Tokio, land the native merchants made haste to | open trade with him, To aid this prosperity, | | was the fact that no stain rested upon the | | firm of John Manning & Company. | The very name was synonymous with | honesty, integrity and merit. Foreign houses lestablished in Eastern countries too often treat their customers as uncivilized beings destined to be tricked in trade. John Man- ning had never entertained such an unwise policy, and his sons now felt the results: The announcements in the various papers brought an avalanche of contracts and orders. On the fourth day after the birth of the new firm, Mori—who was really a shrewd, far-seeing youth—had secured the | cream of the tea and rice crop. He was also promised the first bid for silks. On his part, Grant had secured a satis- factory interview with the secretary of war in regard to the army contracts for arms and ammunition. Business was literally booming, and every foreign importing firm in Yokohama felt the new competition. It is not to be supposed that they would permit the trade to slip away without an etfort to retain it. Not the least of those dis- turked was the firm of Black & Company, as can well be imagined. The merchant | and Ralph were wild with rage and despair. Orders from various English houses were on file for early tea and rice, but the market was empty. Mori had been the early bird. “Tf this continues we will have to close our doors,” exclaimed Mr. Black, gloomily. ‘*] could not buy a dozen boxes of tea this morning, and we have an order of three hundred to leave by to-morrow’s steamer. The fiend take that crippled whelp! He is here, there, and everywhere, and the natives in town are begging for his trade.”’ ‘‘He will make a pretty penny raising the prices too,’’ replied his son, in the same tone. ‘‘Why, he and that Japanese fool have made a regular corner in rice.’’ ‘‘But he is not going to increase the price, if rumor speaks the truth. Although he has control of the crop, he ships it to America at the old rates.’’ ‘‘That is a shrewd move,’’ acknowledged Ralph, reluctantly. ‘‘It will make him solid with every firm in the United States. What is the matter with all of the old merchants, eh? Fancy a man like you letting a boy get the best of him in this manner. If I was the head of an established house and had gray hairs like you I’d quit the business.’’ This brutal speech caused the merchant to flush angrily. He wason the point of re- torting, but he checked himself and _re- mained buried in thought for some time. His reflections were bitter. It was humili- ating to think that a firm of boys should mee in and steal the trade from men who had spent years in the business, The brow of the merchant grew dark. He would not stand it. If fair means could not avail, he would resort to foul. His con- science, long deadened by trickery, formed no bar to his resolution. Striking the desk with his open hand, he exclaimed: ‘*J will do it no matter what comes.’’ ‘“‘What’s up now, dad?’’ asked Ralph; with a show of interest. He added, sneer- ingly: ‘‘Are you awakening from your Rip Van Winkle sleep? Do you think it is time to get up and circumvent those fools? Name your plan, and I will give you my help with the greatest pleasure.’’ ‘*You can assist me. We must destroy the credit of the new firm. They have a work- ing capital of only twelve or thirteen thou- sand dollars. I learned this morning that they had given notes for ninety days for twice that amount of money. It is also said that the firm of Takatsuna & Company has sold them ten thousand dollars’ worth of tea at sight. Grant arranged for an overdraw with a native bank inside of an hour. Now if we can get up ascare, Takatsuna will come down on the bank for his money, and the bank will call on the Mannings for it.” ‘That is a great scheme,’ said Ralph admiringly. ‘‘We’ll try it at once.” : ““Go to Round’s hotel and bring him here. In the meantime I will finish the de- tails, my son. If all goes well, that cripple and his brother, will be paupers before night.’’ ‘And we will be able to fill our orders by to-morrow at the latest. If Manning Brothers & Okuma fail, the dealers will gladly come to us.’? ‘*T do not care a snap of a finger for the after. |plum as sure as death. m Che | blinding of one eye increases the strength of | The deaf and dumb are gifted | Those | tea business,’? replied Mr. Black, contempt- uously. ‘It is that army contract I am I have been told that Grant has had an interview with the secretary. Now, if we don’t kill the firm they will have the Bring Round here without delay.’’ Ralph laughed as he walked to the door, ‘*Willis has been in the sulks since he failed to carry out our: little scheme of placing him in the Manning counting-room as aspy. He hates them worse than ever. He will prove a valuable ally in the present plan.’’ In the course of an hour he retttrned with the ex-book-keeper. Before noon strange rumors commenced to circulate among the foreign merchants and the banks. By one o’clock the native houses were agog with the news. Men met on the Bund and talked over the startling intelligence. At twoa representative from the firm of Takatsuna called at the office of Manning Brothers & Okuma. ‘’‘} am very sorry,’’ he said, ‘‘but my firm is in pressing need of money. It is short notice, I acknowledge, but we must have the ten thousand dollars you owe us for tea at once.’’ « Grant looked surprised, but he politely sent the representative to the Yokohama bank where the check had been negotiated. In half an hour an urgent call came from the bank for the senior member of the firm. When Grant returned to the office his face wore an anxious expression. ‘*Boys, our enemies are at work,’’ he said. ‘‘It issaid on ’Change that we are pinched for funds. Black & Company are urging the native merchants to ask for their bills. The bank paid Takatsuna their money, but the directors want it refunded at once,’’ He had hardly ceased speaking beYore a knock sounded at the door of the private office. Nattie opened it, giving admission to a portly Japanese. The new-comer’s dress was disordered, and he appeared wild with are: It was the president of the Yoko- hama bank. At his heels were several merchants and half a dozen reporters. Ill news travels fast. Regardless of ceremony, the visitors crowded into the office. Grant’s face became set, and his eyes ea Nattie appeared highly amused. He saw the comical side of the in- vasion, not the serious. It was really a critical moment. mercial circles there is nothing more dis- astrous and credit-snapping than a run on a bank, or the failure to promptly pay a_ bill. The standing of a new firm is always un- certain. Like gold, it requires time anda trial in the fire of experience. Grant realized the danger at once. As the new-comers surged into the office, he arose from the desk and grasped the back of his chair with a clutch of despair. His thoughts traveled fast. He saw the ruin of his hopes, groaned aloud. ' Outwardly he was calm, however. Politely greeting the president of the bank, he asked the nature of his business. With feverish — hands, the man produced a paper, and re- quested the payment of the ten thousand dollars, ‘‘Remember, my dear sir, I am first on the spot,’’ he said. The words were significant. It meant @ call for money from all creditors. It meant — the swamping of their credit and absolute failure. Preserving his calmness, Grant picked up the firm’s check-book, and glanced over the stubs. i Of the twenty thousand dollars paid in Mori, but a trifle over one-half remained. There were other creditors at the door. vay one meant a demand from the others. To refuse the payment of the bank’s debt was to be posted as insolvent. That meant — ruin. Sick at heart, Grant was on the point of adopting the latter course, when there came a sudden and most unexpected change 1 the state of affairs. (TO BE CONTINUED.) a A PLAYFUL DOG. ‘‘Have you seen papa’s new dog, Carlo?” she asked, as they sat in the parlor, ‘*Yes,’’? he replied, uneasily. ‘‘I have had the pent of meeting him.’’ ‘*Isn’t he splendid? He is so affectionate — Don‘t you think so, too?’ she inquired. ‘‘T noticed he was very demonstrative, — returned he, as he sated very uneasily 12 — the chair. : ‘*He is very playful, too. I never saw ® more playful animal in my life before.’”? _ ‘*T am glad to hear you say that.’’ ‘“Why?”? she questioned, ~ ‘*Because I was rather afraid that whe? he bit that piece out of my leg the othe? evening/ he was in earnest. But if he was only in play, of course, it’s all right. I ¢4 take fun as well ar anybody.’’ ‘‘T licked him,"’ said the boy, mournfullys ~ ‘‘T licked him ’oller, and now there are couple of big fellows in the next street eK ing in wait for to lick me ’cause I lick im. , _ ‘*My son,’? said the father, earnestly, ing an opportunity to impress a lesson international politics upon the boy, ‘*0 you realize the position that Japan is iD- ry In com- — im Ww (“CENT ~ Back nur Shapely “Strange It was Snarl cle gaff wa _grinn Great had v, if the here I". » he of JON) ver, sent vith nge the one ith ked oa una 5 & my t is ust {This Story Will Not be Published in Book-Form. | CENTER-BOARD JIM: OR, The Secret of the Sargasso Sea A YACHTING STORY. > BY LIEUT. LIONEL LOUNSBERRY, Author of ‘Friends or Foes,” “Cadel Carey,” ** Won at West Point,” etc.. etc (“‘CENTER-BOARD JIM’’ Was ( m nced j ) Back numbers can be obtained of all New nt CHAPTER XX\V, ADRIFT ON A DERELICT, _— i y iy IM’S startling announcement was in ‘ stantly vorroborated by his compan- ions in the foretop. Evidences multi <— plied to prove the assertion, and pres- ently the Starling’s engines brought the Shapely yacht within easy distance of the Strange craft. It was a bark, evidently drifting at the Mercy of the seas. Aloft she was in a state of great confusion. Her yards—those re Maining—were braced wildly, the foretop- Mast had been carried away, part of the Standing rigging could be seen in a tangled snarl close to the bulwarks, and the spanker- gaff was swinging to and fro with every Motion of the fabric. Here and there were great holes in the Upper works, and rolled, green seas Would spout upward across the deck with a Sullen, mournful boom like the complaining of a stricken animal. Forward and aft as she nothing met the eye Save the speaking evidences of wreck and desolation. There was no sign of living be Ings. The air of abandonment was oppres- Sive in the extreme. It was as if a straying traveler in a desert had the Tuin of a camp with its ghastly mementoes of grinning skeletons and scattered equipage. Great was the relief in the hearts of the *oys when Mr. Hungerford made a trumpet Of his hands and hailed the derelict. “ Ahoy-y-y!’’? he shouted, in stentorian tones, Only the faint, mocking: echoes of his own Voice came back. He called down to the Captain, and requested him to sound the come across Steam whistle. The shrill blasts were equally | the | futile. forts. . She is deserted,’? concluded the young Scientist. “It certainly appears said thoughtfully. ‘*] wonder what her Ig.) ns Not a sound nora sign repaid so,’? Jim, lame “Tt is impossible to read it on the counter 48 the stern is almost under water. She is "Vidently a timber-laden derelict, and from ‘er fresh appearance, she cannot have been abandoned very long.” “Vd like to go aboard, sir,’’ said Jim, “agerly ‘*We may find something in her “abin to tell us what she is. It won’t take Ng sir.” Mr, Hungerford glanced doubtfully at the °Wering sky. «mt hardly think it advisable,’’ he replied. oftom the appearance of the weather, he expect a blow at any time. Then it Oks hazy to windward, and a fog may ‘pring up.”? th, But it won’t take an hour, sir,’’ pleaded ed lad. ‘We can lower the port quarter yt, and row aboard with four or five men. Sre’s no telling wot we'll find. P’r’aps it lay be de Storm King.’’ he last remark had an immediate effect. te '® possibility that the derelict might prove 8 the very vessel for which they were thing had not occurred to the Starling’s aa He had expected to find that craft tho Ply embedded in the Sargasso Sea, but actions of the wind and waves might freed her. Swever, the more he pondered over the We iter, the greater doubt he had that it is the Storm King. Still, he did not care Seay Own, lave Mat the ®t the least opportunity slip of finding | th derelict. He resolved to permit the two Oy 28 to board the deserted bark ”? he said, finally, ‘‘but you OU Can go, Sat make ‘haste and not lose any time In and ‘ing the cabin, Take the second officer ) five men.’ Sue ‘lighted at the opportunity to make Sours romantic expedition, Jim and Harold led aft, and soon had a volunteer crew Mento? lowering the cutter. A few mo XOme later they were under way. After th hard rowing and careful dodging of aie Wa. OWing seas, f they reached a place mid ? bet ween the bark and the yacht. boat Wlenly alight mist settled around the a. 16 second officer glanced astern, and fo that the air was already thick with the a at once suggested that they return iy >%arling, but Jim demurred. ie might as well finish while we are out }Way Said that lad. ‘‘The fog may blow 8M on, moment, then we should have ’ trouble for our pains. Go ahead.’ ‘Customed to obeying orders, the <« flicer ted his crew to continue rowing. When Ma hundred yards of the derelict, a to hor, ( Ling, We | Rake Phd AT ae hes = he ie Pg yy Pha = a as = = bi Lil ae. Fe 2 GooD NEWS. peculiar whistling noise was heard for a mo 1 | | Sweeping over the deck would leave strange masses of a dark-brownish color, which they easily recognized as sea-weed. An indescribable dank odor came to them. | weighted with strains of decaying fish and ment. The mate looked grave. ‘To his ex perienced mind it meant the warning of a squall. The mist lifted a trifle as the cutter ap | proached her destination. A nearer view of the abandoned bark showed a greater ruin than had been anticipated. Her cabin and forward deck-house had been stove in, the bulwarks were broken in various places, and as when the fabric rolled uggishly, were cluttered with the debris of wrecked furniture. Rounding to under the lee of the hull, the the decks, seen | cutter was made fast with a painter to the foot cleats of the gangway. As Jim and Harold started to climb on board the dull] report of a gun came to their ears. It a signal from the Starling. ‘*fhat means to return at once,’’ sung out the mate. ‘‘ What say, lads? We’d better get back while we can. There’ll be dirty weather presently.’ But Jim shook his head. His curiosity had been aroused, and in his obstinacy he deter- mined to proceed with the search. To return when one foot had already touched the dere lict’s deck was not to be thought of. ‘‘It won’t také us a minute,’’ he called back. ‘‘Stand by, and we’ll make a flying trip down to the cabin.’? Without waiting a reply, he started aft, followed by Harold. Threading their way through the masses of debris cluttering the was deck, they finally reached the broken com- | panion-way. A gurgling of water below—a mournful gush and surge came up through the opening. Undaunted by this, Jim started to lower himself down the aperture, when suddenly, with a terrific swirl of mist and a fierce whistling of wind, a squall struck the derelict. a sharp snap, then several voices were heard raised in warning and terror. ‘‘The boat!’’ cried Harold, darting to the side. Jim scrambled to his feet, and gained the shattered railing with a couple of bounds. One glance showed the worst. the midst of the white-crested, angry waves was the Starling’s cutter, pitching and toss- ing at the mercy of the rising seas. As the boys watched in blank dismay they saw a gigantic billow roll up from the direc- Above the threatening noises came | | Away out in | tion of the gale and sweep over the frail | boat. The mist settled down in an impene trable wall of moisture just then, hiding the tragedy from the eyes of the miserable lads. Presently it lifted again, revealing noth ing but a brief stretch of parti-colored water. Not a sign of the craft was left: not an oar nor a tossing arm to mark the spot. Jim buried his face in his hands, and gave | one great heart-felt sob. ‘*Tt’s all my fault!’’? he moaned. ‘Why did 1 beg Mr. Hungerford ter let us come? Wot have I done! Wot have I done!?’ He felt an arm slip around his shoulders then he heard Harold’s friendly voice say- ing: ‘*Sh-h-h! What is done cannot now haps the boat escaped. We could not see very far. Jt was stanch, and well-manned. We must look after our own safety.’ The words recalled Jim to his senses. He tossed away the unbidden tears and again became the shrewd,- self-reliant lad—the product of a city’s streets. The sudden shock resulting trom the supposed loss of the cut- ter with its crew had tempoarily unmanned him, but he speedily recovered and prepared for the impending struggle for life. The squall that had swooped down so sud- denly still continued to exercise its fury. The weight of the timber in the bark had be helped. Per- brought her deck almost flush with the ocean’s surface. The bulwarks had been carried away in previous storms, and but waves, The billows had almost a clean sweep. fore and aft, and the sluggishness of the derelict was so pronounced that at times it remained buried in water for several seconds. Seeing that their only safety remained in securing a place above the deck, Jim and | managed to climb the mizzen shrouds to the | top. There wet and dispirited, they clung to | each other, and awaited the clearing of the weather. Shortly after reaching the lofty perch they heard the dull booming of a gun. It was twice repeated, then silence came un- broken save by the roaring of the gale and the many strange noises created by the sorely buffeted derelict. CHAPTER XXVI. IN THE SARGASSO SEA. \HE position in which the two lads now > found themselves was perilous in the extreme. They were adrift on an almost dismantled bark in the midst of a raging gale. Night was rapidly ap- proaching, the yacht was invisible, and, to crown their misfortunes, both realized that the derelict being forced into that dread, mysterious place, the Sargasso Sea. It was not too dark for them to the distance of a ship’s length, and they noticed the gradual thik the waters sur- rounding them. the waves was see kening of At intervals Harold | | certain moments [It was horrible! be blamed for suffering the torments of damned as they realized that in all proba lity daylight would find them hopelessly eded in the wilderness of the Sargasso snes. The boys could not the ena! sea. hey made no attempt to converse. The howling of the gale, and the long, terrific lunges of their airy perch rendered it almost For more than ten hours they clung to the shaking stays leading from the top. To both it seemed as many days. Finally there came a lull in the wind, and from then on the gale abated. Although short-lived, it left a tremendous sea. The rolling and pitching were frightful, and the boys were compelled to lash themselves to the mast. The wait through the long night was a terrible ordeal. The minutes passed leadenly until at last it seemed as if the day would never come. Down below the hull creaked and groaned with every lurch; the seas dashed over the with a thunderous roaring; sounds came from the interior: sounds of moaning and almost human-like cries. Blocks dashed about: the fragments of the foresail whipped in the wind like the snap ping of a thousand crackers; and, above all, came the weird singing of the dying wind through the slackened cordage. The darkness came to an end, as all things must. First a thin belt of grayish light ap peared in the east, then there gradually crept into being a somber dawn. From their shelter in the mizzentop the lads eagerly watched for the day. When it finally became light enough they scanned the horizon for signs of the Star- ling. Inch by inch, foot by foot, they swept the widening rim of the sea, but without results, Not a sign of the yacht was visible. For miles and miles on all dreary field of sea-weed. There was a spot of gloom dead ahead, however, that had not yielded to the powers of light as yet. Anxiously the poor, aban doned lads waited, hoping against hope. Finally Jim spoke from the fullness of his heart, saying, in a broken voice: ‘‘Dere’s no use in expecting ter see de Starling out dere, Harold. Dat’s de south- ward, and if de yacht would be anywhere we’d see her astern.’’ In his anxiety, and worry, and helpless L] lmMposslpdie. decks sides ness, he relapsed back to the jargon of the | 3rooklyn streets. It was only natural. In the veneer of civilization | disappears. Jim was too recent a convert to Don’t take'on like that, chum, | little shelter remained from the force of the | | others | good language to forget his former idioms. ‘*You are right,’? acknowledged Harold. hopelessly. ‘‘She cannot be over there. She—— But look, Jim! That mist is clear- ing away. There’s a craft ahead.”? A sudden puff of wind had scattered the wall of fog, and there appeared, scarcely visible through the dank atmosphere, the | | : ’ | shadowy outlines of a vessel. It was barely three miles away, and the hull could be seen down to the edge of the field of sea- weed, It did not take long for the boys to dis- cover a disappointing fact. The neighboring craft was almost dismantled, and she was evidently a derelict like that upon which they were standing. The absence of the mainmast, the general air of wreck and ruin, the shattered railing, the desolate ap- pearance of melancholy tale. Presently, as the lads watched with bitter hearts, the mist vanished, exposing to view several other hulks scattered here and there within easy eyesight. There were fully a half-dozen of them. Some with three masts standing, others with one or two, and still with nothing save the splintered stumps remaining. ‘‘Dis must be de ‘grave-yard of ships’ dat Mr. Hungerford told us erbout,’’ said Jim, in an awed whisper. Harold pointed to where on the distant edge of the stretch of sea-weed a score of misshapen spots could be seen. ‘‘This is part of the cemetery,’’ he replied, in the same tone. ‘‘There are other derelicts : over yonder, and it may possibly turn out that the Storm King is among them.”’ ‘Dat may be true, but we an’t looking for dat document now. It’s our own selves dat must be taken care of. Great Scott! wot er fix we are in!’? ‘‘T should say we are. And do you know I actually feel hungry ‘*So am I,’’ replied Jim, with a faint at- tempt at a chuckle, dat way here. If we were aboard the Star ling’’—here he sighed dolefully—‘‘ we | wouldn’t t’ink of eating. Well. we might | as well drop down and overhaul t’ings P’r’haps we may find some grub aboard.”’ Before descending the boys took a last lingering look at the horizon. The bark was in the center of a wide circle of sea-weed. To the north the field stretched without a break to where the clearing sky came down to meet the surface of brown, salty vegeta- tion. To the | the southward the interminable expanse was only broken by the hulks recently espied. Desolation everywhere A sad, gloom- strange | stretched a | the debris-strewn decks: told a | ‘‘Funny dat we'd git | | stricken, sullen scene—an offering of naught hopeful. With spirits depressed to the dowest ebb, Jim and his companion slowly descended the ratlines the wreck bestrewn deck. They peered down the cabia hatch-way, and saw a small apartment filled to within three feet of the roof with greenish water. Wash- + LO ith ing about were settees and chairs, and vari- ous odds and . ‘No use in going down there,’’ remarked Jim. ‘‘Anyway, we won’t do it till we look up something to chew. 1 guess the old hook- er’s stores are in the cuddy hole aft.’? ‘¢Where is that?’ ends ‘*Tt’s asmall room just abaft the main cabin. It’s full of water also, but there must be canned goods that an’t ruined. We’ll take a look forward first. everything smells of brine.’’ Edging their way forward, the boys finally reached the remains of the galley. Powerful seas had torn part of the roof away. The interior was a wreck. Fragments of wood, pots and pans, dishes, coal, and a solitary kid of sodden sea-biscuits were scattered about in the four inches of water covering the galley deck. The range had escaped uninjured, how- Phew! how ever. It was damp and rusted, but still in- tact. Jim’s face gladdened when he taw this. He stepped in and gathered up an armful of wood. ‘We can make a fire if we don’t do any- thing else,’’ he said, with an attempt at cheerfulness. ‘‘I’ll just stow this fuel where the sun will git at it: then we’ll overhaul the cook’s lockers.’’ In one corner of the galley was a station- ary cupboard. There was a bent key in the lock, and it was some -little time before the lad could operate it. Finally the door opened with a creak of the rusty hinges, disclosing to the delighted eyes of the boys several rows of canned goods. 7 ‘‘Whoop! Corned beef, beans, peas, and tongue!’’ cried Jim, reading the labels. ‘*Harold, we are in luck. This is part of the cabin stores, probably brought here by the cook to save steps aft. Say, this is glori- ous! We’ll have a feast even if we are adrift | on a derelict in de Sargasso Sea.?? The English lad was no less pleased than his companion. He first danced a rather in- coherent jig, then he set to work cleaning out the stove. It wasa labor of love, and before many minutes had elapsed a cheerful fire was burning. A further search resulted in the discovery |}Of a jar of coffee and several cans of con- densed milk. The battered coffee pot was rescued from the pile of debris and set to its duty. As the smoke issued through the hole in the galley roof and the kettle sang a merry tune, the spirits of the lads rose apace. ‘*Things could be worse,’’ remarked Jim, with a friendly wink at the crackling fire. ‘*] think we’ll be doing well when we intro- duce some nice hot coffee and a little grub into our interior economy.”’ ‘We very fortunate,’’ said Harold, with a touch of gravity. ‘‘We can be thank- ful that we are still alive. Remember the plight of those poor fellows in the cutter.’’ ‘‘That’s a fact. I hope with all my heart that they were picked up by the Starling. Poor Mr. Hungerford. When the storm cleared off he must have concluded that we and the old hooker went to the bottom. One thing certain, he’s not de man to give us up widout searching for us. Well, breakfast is ready. Wot’ll ye have, a beefsteak with musrooms or a chop?’’ There was no elaborately decorated table nor silver service. Each helped himself to |the coffee and the corned beef. Tin cups served as crockery, and the rather grimy hands acted the part of cutlery, but the food lost none of its welcome thereby. are CHAPTER XXVII. HAROLD’S STARTLING DISCOVERY. X47 ATER had been found in a scuttle- / butt near the galley. It was warm but wholesome. Jim was delighted P to find at least fifty gallons of the precious fluid. A very serious question was thus settled. Without»water life could not be prolonged many days. ‘*Come to think of it,’ between mouthfuls, ‘‘we kids.’? ‘‘There is little doubt of that,’’ replied his companion, helping*himself to a third cup of coffee.’ | ‘‘Suppose we had found this hooker with- | out grub?’? | ‘*Grub??? | ‘*Yes—er—that is food. Going to keep up those lessons while we are in this fix?’’ | Harold laughed. | ‘*Why not? It will do no harm to bear the {subject in mind all the time. If you once | become accustomed to mental correction the | battle is won. If we had not discovered this | food it would have been all up with us. | Please pass that can of tongue.”? remarked Jim, are two lucky ‘I’ve been thinking about the whole affair,’’ remarked Jim, after a few mo- |ments strictly devoted to business, ‘‘and |] east and west was the same, and to| believe we must be pretty near the northern edge of this bank. D’yesee? This hulk is almighty deep in the water, and she couldn’t have moved very fast last night.’’ 4620 ‘ &€ > {This Story will not be Published in Book-Form. } FEARLESS AND TRUE: OR, acento BY HENRY HARRISON HAINES, Author of ‘Upright and Honest,’’ ete. (“FEARLESS AND TRUE” was commenced in No. 284. Back numbers can be obtained of all News Agents.) paeenioienn CHAPTER XVI. INVESTIGATING. . H, Frank! Frank!’’ The cry rang shrilly in the boy’s ears, and even amid the roar, hum, “<4 and bustle of the busy thoroughfare, he fancied he detected a familiar sound in the piercing tones. He instantly paused, and stood with one foot in the air. A coach, drawn by a team, was dashing past him. The blind of the coach door on his side was half up and half down, and at this nar- row space he caught a brief glimpse of a face. Even the face was partially obscured by a large hand, just as though an effort bad been made to stifle a ery, and Frank could only see about half of the features at the small opening. Even this slight view disappeared in less than a quarter of a minute, as though the face had been dragged down by the large hand, but Frank vaguely suspected that Ida Clare was in the coach. He had not really seen her face; he had not absolutely recognized her voice, but the blonde hair, of which he had obtained a fleeting glimpse, seemed familiar, and there was a well-known ring in the appealing cry. He sprang forward at once, determined to stop the coach if possible, but at all hazards to bave a look into the interior of the vehicle. As he leaped from the sidewalk, a heavy express wagon dashed in rapidly between him and the coach. Frank started to run around it. Just as he reached the tail-board of the big express wagon, an ice cart came up with arush, and the team ranging up alongside the express wagon, prevented him from con- Quick-witted, and knowing that the coach was getting away from him all the time, Frank ran quickly around the obstructing There he was met by one of those broad wagons constructed especially for carting He was forced to jump He was just in time to see the latter turn Frank noted that it was a team of bays, The next instant the team and the coach The boy rushed forward again, but the was a busy one, the street was It was useless to keep on running when he Was it Ida Clare who had called out to His calculations were correct, the water reaching only to his shoulders. Bidding ! him from the coach? had been NEWS. to it, but might it not have been his mother who called? Perhaps his mother’s hiding-place had been discovered, and even now she was be- ing dragged back to the asylum. Frank was puzzled and agitated, but he resolutely controtled his feelings, and made up his mind what course to pursue in order to satisfy himself. He would call at Markham’s residence and ask to see Ida. Fielder, of course, he had lost sight of long before this, and as he did not know where the suspected clerk usually ate his luncheon, it was impossible to find him. He at once proceeded to Markham’s house, resolved to settle the question of the iden- tity of the female he had seen in the coach, it possible. He reached the house, and gave the bell a vigorous pull. The ring was answered by the house- keeper, a sly-faced woman, in whomeFrank had never reposed any confidence. ‘*Oh, is it you?’’ she said, and gave hima very gracious smile. ‘*Yes, Miss Simpkins, I’ve called to see Ida.”’ ‘‘She’s out. In fact, she’s out of the city, and will be for some time, I think.’’ ‘*Where has she gone?”’ ‘*T understood her to say that she was going to visit some friends out of town, but where she didn’t say.’’ ‘‘How long has she been gone from the house?”’ ‘Oh, less than an hour.’’ ‘‘With a coach and team?”’ ‘‘Why, yes, that is, with a coach, but not a team, because there was only one horse.’’ Frank had his keen eyes on her as she said this, and he could see that the one-horse part of the statement was a lie. It was uttered with the intent to deceive, and quick-witted Frank Forrester at once reasoned that where there was cause for de- ception there must be crooked work going on. He adroitly questioned the woman, seek- ing to learn something that would throw light on the mystery, but she professed com- plete ignorance, and he gained nothing more by his efforts. She claimed not even to know whether Ida went away with or without her guardian’s sanction, and could not say whether anybody called for her or not. Frank found that it was useless to ques- tion her further. Saying that he would call again, the boy departed. He was now fully satisfied that the girl he had seen in the coach was none other than Ida Clare. He strolled came to a halt. Two little boys were playing near at hand engaged in the game called ‘‘ Hop Scotch.”’ ‘*T’m nine games ahead of you.’’ ‘*No, you an’t.”’ ‘*Yes, I am.”’ ‘‘Well, I thought it was only seven,’’ ‘*No, it’s nine,”’ ‘*T’ll play three more with you.”’ ‘* All right.’’ Abstractedly, Frank listened to this con- versation between the little fellows, and then it suddenly flashed across his mind that if they had played anything like the number of games that were in dispute, they must have been in the vicinity for a con- siderable time. ‘‘How long have you boys been playing here?’’ he asked. ‘*All the morning, and I beat this feller a whole lot 0’ games,’’ boastfully replied the boy addressed. ‘‘He thinks he can play, but I just want——’’ ‘*Oh, you can beat him, I know,’ smil- ingly put in Frank, ‘‘Why, you were play- ing here when that carriage passed by.’ ‘‘Of course I was. You mean the one that Ida Clare went off in?’’ ‘“‘That’s it,’? delightedly returned Frank. ‘*That was a fine big horse, wasn’t it??? ‘*Which one?’’, asked the boy, thus estab- lishing the fact that there were two, ‘They looked about one size to me.”’ ‘*Oh, one was bigger than the other.” said Frank, in a chatty style. ‘‘Was there a number on the lamps??? ‘*Yes, but I don’t know what number it was, do you, Tommy?’ ‘*No,’’ returned his playmate. ‘*And did the man inside the coach open the door for Ida to get in?’’ asked Frank. ‘“Yes, he did, and then he sings out to the driver, and off they goes.’’ ‘*What did he say to the driver??? ‘ ‘* ‘All right, Joe,’ ’? promptly replied the into the street, and there oy. Frank chatted with the bright little boy a few minutes more, and then strolled on Ida had gone eway in a carriage! There were numbers on the lamps, so it was safe to conclude that it was a public hack. The driver was named Joe. The team was a kay one, and the off horse had four white stockings, There was u man in Bare Pee the driver, ‘he girl had evidently gone away v : tarily from the house. hy eo to the carriage who daring lad, and Frank carried the baby ened mother. to her breast, laughing and sobbing 1 breath. her darling’s danger. he seems too frightened to walk now; you are too weak from fright to © him,’’ good-naturedly said Frank. ‘*Yes, do come home with me, and my band will thank and_ bless you, too. tenants aanseteyiiuenaseieeha name aloud when she saw him in the street, and if not forcibly detained, why was that large hand thrust over her face an instant after the outcry? Yet, who could want to abduct her, and what purpose could be served by carrying her away from her home, when it was quité evident that even the housekeeper knew why and where she was going? ‘*However,’’ thought understand that when she shrieked out my help, and I must try to find her. ‘*But how? “Ill go to all the hack stands in the city, the ones nearest here first, and look fora coach drawn by a bay team, the off horse of which had four white stockings, They aré driven by a man named Joe. Why, I’m suré to find the coach, and somehow or other I’ll find out where it went.’’ the interesting events of the past hour. He was making his way by the shortest route to the nearest hack stand, when 4 startling incident arrested his steps. A little boy, not over five years of age, a fine, manly-looking little fellow, with clustering curls and rosy cheeks, had stepped from the curbstone to the road, and was now advanced several feet from the side- walk toward the center of a busy thorough- fare, and in childish fearlessness was pur-) suing his way in ignorance of the fact that a four-in-hand was dashing down upon him! CHAPTER XVII. A THRILLING 2 TOP bim!”’ . ‘“‘Save him!”’ **My child! my child!’? Twenty voices shouted twenty dif7 ferent cries as the little fellow toddled on, unconscious of his danger. The mother, a plainly dressed woman, RESCUE. Frank, ‘‘I can name she was really appealing to me for Away he started, thinking deeply overs a "asked | /Woman’ *¢ He’ SY ou '6V es /Tough-a for the | ' for the awful a m **Doe = Oh, vA te PY es m ‘‘One “Megs, he COWhy “know J oT he ; the shir . Her '4s she house, P the fir: and 11) This mM, wh Who at after hi mm ** Tell Come ri ics y Then Ouse, The t ‘Whi he sat t } Come hi ould - the han Brou; mor a ( © Quick | | Temark » Hesa Scarcel) : Child’s = Ten rx = Then _ Stone p: stood helplessly near the curbstone, her trembling limbs not only making it impos sible for her to move, but almost refusing her support. Shouting and shrieking would not savé the child, who was now directly in the path of the swift-moving teams, four powerful, high-stepping animals, who drew a tally-h@ gentlemen. the coach would have seen him when somé@ distance away, but the curly-haired little tot upon him. : Manfully the driver tugged at the reins: sharply he put down the brake, and thet tried his best to swing his horses and cleat The little child seemed doomed ! i Now he heard the clatter of the hoofs, thé shouts and yells on all sides, and dimlf realized that he was in danger. the frantic driver of the four-in-hand. situation at a glance. he made the attempt. dangered child. of the little boy when Frank caught him UP One brief instant Frank Forrester pois leaped forward like an arrow from a bow: To the spectators it scarcely seemed tha child, and when they saw him leap past # his closely calculated leap, they roare aloud in their admiring approval of the brave and skillful deed. taking that flying leap, the little fellow s# held securely, his hand in grateful acknowledgment to Od a 9 to the sidewalk and gave him to his fright ‘‘Oh, may God .forever bless you!”’ cried / the mother, and strained the rescued ch ™ i “Tonly let go of his hand for minute, and when I looked for him there 16 was out in the road, and those term’ | horses ready to batter the life out of Be with their hoofs. Oh, it was horrible!’ “i And she sobbed afresh as she though? ‘*Do you live hereabouts?’’ asked Frank: — ‘*Yes; only two blocks away.’’ f ‘*Well, I’ll take the boy home for yous ‘Oh, thank you,’’ said the woman However, it was easy to suppose that she ; lured into’ the carriage by some‘ The screaming voice had a familiar ring clever ruse. If not, why should she shriek Frank’s idolizes his baby boy.”’ he picked up the pretty child. ha : as ‘‘Oh, is his name Joe??? asked Frank; **Yes, Joe Little.’’ _ ‘And what does he do for a liviné coach, filled with a gay party of ladies and ® Had a man been in the way the driver of } had been obscured by a passing push-cart until the spirited double team was almost | the child, but he was too close to the sidé fy walk,to swerve aside more than a few feet: § P® He halted, and looked up innocently ab | The coo]l-headed young athlete took in the ‘ é He thought he could save the child, asd He was a sprinter, and he dashed with} immense speed toward the dazed and e2 The team in advance was within four feet | from the stones with a sweep of his left ar™ 7 himself with the child held firmly, and the? . he had halted at all while clutching t® 7 F horses, brushing the noses of the brutes % — Frank’ landed fairly upon his. feet afte q ; On dashed the coach, the driver waving 7 nye BY He lo ' COach c **Her The is nan He le down f; | canceled GOOD NEWS. ; “1 oe didn’t say so,’’ cautiously an apprehensive ring in his voice. But you intimated as much. Well, Joe, I think you want to serve me and yet re main true to your oath, so I’ll show youa way out of the difficulty. 1t is probable that the house you took her to is in a block of buildings, and they all have numbers on the doors.’’ (TO BE CONTINUED.) — + 3° - ~ ——— os (iy Cr) (OUR STAMP ALBUM. T is said, and in most cases well known, that the ‘past few months have been the most lively that philatelists have => and that the next catalogues will a tremendous advance in tain stamps. Already advanced price-lists and special sheets have been issued for large dealers and those able to buy them. Tho ¢ H. Mekeel Stamp and Publishing Co., one of the largest dealers in the States, have all of the prices on their U.S. stock and several other stamps, and refuse to sell at even full catalogue seen, show pire) ist i e eer se er A a the street, asked Frank, as he strode along by the| was that Woman’s side. ‘) an instant » He ’s a driver; he drives a coach.’’ **You mean a hack?’’ her. and “*Yes, he’s a hack driver, and a pretty carrying } LOU! gh-and-ready sort of a man, but his love was quité for the child keeps him straight, If it wasn’t knew why for the boy, I’m afraid Joe would lead an awful dissipated life,’’ gossiped the woman. ‘Tl can “*Does he drive a team??? i d out my “Oh, yes; Joe’s got a fine team. >» me for on ol bays? ‘One of the team has four white stock- the city, pgs, hasn't iti af ; look form Why, yes, that’s Joe’s team. Do you ? . f IOW JOe! aaa om “‘T have seen him,’’ truthfully returned | 11 oie the shrewd boy. other I’ll **Here we are! announced the woman, 48 she paused in front of a_ respectable oply over house, in a second-class street. ‘‘1 live on our. the first floor. Here, Mickey, run for Joe » shortest and [’ll give you a nickel.’’ | when @ Chis request was addressed toa boy of 5 Yn, who was playing around the door, and 5 of age, who at once started off, the woman shouting yw, with after him : oes s d stepped Tell Joe something’s happened, and to and wasp “ome right away.’ , the sides Chen the woman conducted Frank into the Ouse, and asked him to sit down. thorough- . The boy was delighted. was pur- fact that **What remarkable luck!’’ ‘he thought, as pon him! he sat there waiting for the hack driver to Come home. ‘‘But should I call it luck? Would it not be more reasonable to say that the hand of Providence is indicated in this? Brought up amid the religious influence E. of a Christian home, Frank naturally was Quick to ascribe to an all-seeing power the Temarkable turn events had taken. He sat there quietly, thinking deeply, and sarcely hearing the gossiping tongue of the mnt dif- Chil l’s mother. Ten minutes passed by. Then he heard the rattle of Stone pavement. He looked out ddled on, wheels on the womadgdy, one, her it impos- refusing of the window, and saw a “Oach coming rapidly toward the door. **Here’s Joe,’’ said the woman. The vehicle stopped in front of the house, | $2.50, not save 4nd Frank glanced at the team. the path He recognized them at once as the team ower ‘fuly he had ineffectus illy chased when he heard | tally-hd his name shrieked aloud by a familiar voice. | adies and le looked at the driver as the latter got down from the box. driver of He was a rather dissipated and weak looking person, but Frank did lis countenance an evil one Che hackman ran hastily into the house, hen some little tot yush-cart net consider is almost “1d the eager wife rushed to him with the child in her arms. he reins: ‘He was almost killed, Joe,’’ she said, and theB “but this young lad saved him.’’ and cleat And with a grateful and voluble tongue “he excitedly narrated the story of the boy s Peril and rescue ; Joe Little was evidently what is commonly milled a rough character, but that his heart Was as soft as putty where his darling child aS concer ned could be read in his face. ently at fears came to his iii Pretty little fellow to his breast, and kissed ok in the ae again and again, calling him by all the ‘Ndearing names that his affection brought 0 his lips. Frank watched this with keen satisfaction. “td had his course mapped out when Joe the side few feet: oofs, the d dimly ild, and hed with and el ‘Ittle turned to him, t} RA can only thank you, young fellow,’ Four feet 16 hackman said, in his rough-and-ready him Up Way, but the tears in his e yes were far more eft arm: Hloquent than his tongue. ‘‘ You saved my wr pois oY from a terrible death, and I’ll never and thee get it. You look like a young gentleman a bow. © me, and a poor hackman can’t offer ned that uch to the likes of you, but if’ 1 can ever hing t 1€ etve you in any way, i doit.77 past t8 “Do you mean that?’’ asked Frank, in his rutes quiet manner, as the hackman grasped his roared and and gave ita oe squeeze, of th? Mean it? Why of course I do.’ ‘Then tell me just where you came from ot aftel When you came here,”’ } low still ‘i From the stand, of course.’? b] know that, but the stand is only a few _ waving books away, and your horses are short of it: to the Peath from a long, sharp drive.’’ aby boy “Ww Vhy wonderingly said Joe, ‘‘I had s frigh™ dust got back from m aking a call up town.’’ a thi ~ Exactly. What I want to know is just 1 e 8. You have been up town, and you ed chill Sarried with you a man anda young girl, ng in 4 nd | want to know the address at which id for ? You le sft them.’? {here e Little looked at him in astonishment, nena “ Frank returned his glance with a quiet of hiv Pression of inquiry. le!’’ Ow, Joe,’’ calmly said the boy, ‘‘I saw sught of the Zirl in your carriage. It’s no business of k You’ What you know about her, or what Fran™ ad Were paid, or by whom employed. I for W: rely Wish to see that young girl, and | you af thant you to tell me where you left her, Ow, ant *hat?s all,’? % » cals Pell him, Joe, tell him,’’ pleaded the F ch ‘ckman’ 5 wife. ‘Remember, he savell our womal an 8 life at the risk of his own. my Me m {know he did,’’ blurted out Joe, ‘*but 0. Slee a fellow to do when he’s under a \ an t, nn oath not to say just what he’s asked rank, Say?” Rayo”? I understand,’’ said Frank ‘You en You,, Yorn not to tell where you took this iving’ Mog girly”? | ble the present value; | Sid; worth eyes as he caught the Islands, 1s. 1896 catalogue appears. The of authority, and although the prices in the present catalogue may seem high, it would be best to fill up any blank spaces in your U. S. at once, even if you have to pay over the present price. This may seem very fool ish advice to some old collectors, but when large dealers are offering to pay full cata logue prices, it will be seen at a glance that they know what they are doing. The follow ing are some of out: The St. Louis, 5¢ and 10c stamps, logued at $100 and $75 respectively, ing at $150 and $125. Another great cata- are sell rise ap | returned the prices of cer- | value until the | following is taken from the very best | the advances already given | pears in the 3c. red of 1851.. This stamp is | catalogued at 25c. unused, but it is now worth and brings from 75c. to $1. The 5c. stamp of the same issue is catalogued at but itis now worth $15, and the writer saw a dealer pay $10 for a good copy. The| 10c. 1861 is worth double the catalogue value. | The advance in the 3c. scarlet of 1866 is some- thing terrible, it now being worth $35: The 1869 set has advanced 25 per cent. over the present catalogue value, while the 1875 15c., %4c,, and 30c. are worth $50 each, The 3c. red- brown unpaid letter stamp is catalogued at | 50c. unused, but now the value is $4. Numer ous foreign stamps have ‘‘gone up,’’ too, land we give a few of the most important. Barbadoes, 1878 1d. on 1¢ of 5s., worth $50; 3ritish Honduras, 1887, 1s. gray is worth dou- Canada, 11¢d. green, 1886, 1d. on 6d. green, $180; gone up 25 per cent., extra 00d specimens, 50 per cent. ; Grenada, 1883, Is. violet, $2.50; Lagos, 1875, 3d. brown. This stamp is now (1895) catalogued at $2, but an extra fine copy recently sold for $60. Nevis, 1861, bluish paper. These stamps are now double the catalogue value. New Brunswick, 6d. yellow, Nova Scotia, per cent. advanced. St. Christopher, 4d. blue, $10. Lucia, 1883-85, 50 per cent. advance. Tobago, the 6d. now worth $50. Turks $100. Virgin Islands, 50 per cent. Dominica, Gibraltar, 1886, St ) Dio. is advance, This list does not begin to cover the ground, There are numerous stamps that have gone up even more than some of the above. One thing must be remembered by the collector, and that is condition. A torn or badly damaged stamp will take off half its value, and in some cases even more. The writer knows a great many ex-collectors that will ‘‘grind their teeth,’’ when they read this, for selling their collection for a ‘*sood time’’ during the summer. * * ** * It is well known, we have mentioned it several times, that a ‘‘syndicate’’ has made a raid upon collectors and dealers alike in quest of the now famous $2 Columbian. The | result of their efforts is that the stamp now | writer | ing: brings $ in an unused condition. A short time before dealers became aware that they were losing their hold on these stamps the received a letter, in fact, several, asking for these stamps. This time he is thankful he has time to warn collectors about disposing of other values. A short time ago the writer received a return postal from the same party which contained the follow- ‘* PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 30, 1895. ‘‘DraAR Sir:—Can you supply me with any 4c., 15¢c., 80c., or 50c. unused U.S Columbians? If so, how many of each? Have written other parties for quotations and lowest cash price. Will bring an order. ‘*Very truly, ‘Wa: ©; ‘“P, §.—Can you tell me of any local dealer or collector who has any of above de nominations, which you may not have?’’ Qn BC... * ie * * M. C. Michel, South Bend, Ind., writes: ‘Will you kindly inform me through the stamp department in the Goop News what is the value of a three-cent blue locomotive oe of .1869, and also of the a two issue, cent brown. I do not quite understand the word ‘embossed.’ Please explain and give example, The stamps of the 1860 issue that I 50 | } } oe Cae F = aot x EES x : £5. Bcd omg CPR Re See 5 soneees eaeroeaes a Sa i ee —— a tl 4621 have are not raised or depressed, but are| I suppose they knew that every ship from | smooth like the present two-cent stamp.’”’ \this part of the coast was up channel with Your two stamps are of the 1875 issue, | Lord Howard’s fleet. What can tbe galleon |and the 1894 special sheet prices them at} be doing here?’’ $2.50 and $1 each. We have answered this| ‘‘They be most loikely a-watchin’ for question many times, and if you will look} powder boats cooming down the sound, over the back numbers of this department, | maister,’’ spoke up one of the fishermen. you will find a description such as no other ‘‘Ay, that must be it,’’ said Sydney stamp paper has yet been able to give. ‘«They let us slip by them because they sus- * * * * pected that we were going up to Plymouth B. G. F., Newark, N. J., writes: ‘‘I have | 4tter munitions ana stores.”’ a German stamp on the top of which says, | . ‘Nay, lads; the galleon hath surely a ‘Nord Dutscher Postbezirk,’? and on the |@eeper purpose ceclared Trent. ‘‘If it bottom, ‘Ein Groschen.’ In a circle in the wished to intercept outward-bound boats, it middle is a large number one, and it has} Would be lying over under Ram Head, which ornaments in the corners. Please tell me|is the proper course to sea with the wind what this is, and also the value of a two and | from this quarter. I doubt not that some three-cent 1876 United States stamp. ”? knavery is brewing, though what it may be Your German stamp is worth two cents, | is too tough a nut for my head to crack. So and the two U. S. are worth three and ten | 000 as we reach Plym outh——”’ cents each. | Trent paused suddenly, and shaded his eyes * * * * | with his hand. Edwin 8S. Buffun, Wash., writes: ‘En- | ‘*What is that yonder! _he asked. closed you will finda crude drawing of a He pointed to a dark object that lay about Confederate stamp in my collection. Can two hundre ad ye ards off the bow of the smack, you tell me anything about it. I have had toward the Cornish coast. : the stamp since 1876 and know it to be genu- | ‘It looks to be a skiff,’’ said Giles. ine. The color of the lines running through | ‘Then it isen empty one,’’ declared Syd- |the stamp are white, the 13 stars are also | Dey, “‘lor no one is rowing It is lying still white. ‘The word ‘Paid’ is blue.’’ on the water. ae Kindly send us the stamp to examine. | ‘‘D ll wager it is bound for the galleon,’ e | said Trent, ‘‘sinve its. bow points in that SRA Re ae aad | direction. Whoever may be in it is lying low [This Story will not be Published in Book-Form.] | in hopes that we won ’t discover the craft. | There is knavery here, lads. Run the smack ; | fairly alongside yonder boat,’’ he added, THE FIGHTING LADS OF DEVON: turning to the crew. ‘‘Can you do it, my good fellows?’ OR; | ‘*Ay, ay, sir,’? was the hearty reply. ; | A moment later the Redwing had tacked The Mystery of Giles Montford and | and was running under partly lowered can- ; | vas toward the mysterious object, the iden- Sydney Rookwood. | tity of which was not yet positively assured. : | But all doubt vanished when two dark | 4 TALE OF THE GREAT SPANISH ARMADA , S8ures rose into view, and two pairs of oars began to drive the skiff toward the mouth of the sound. The fugitives were evidently BY ALFRED ARMITAGE, bewildered by the pursuit, else they would Author of “ With Crusader and Saracen, vin the Days| have steered straight inshore and taken of the Gladiators,” and “Loyal to Napoleon. their chances with the surf and rocks. ~ Never had the hardy crew of the Redwing ‘Toe FicutTine Laps or DEVON” was com-| shown their abilities to greater advantage menced in No. 278. Back numbers can be obtained | than now. By skillful twists of tiller and of all News Agents “7 Bi aa = eS sails, they soon brought the smack fairly : TER XXXIV {alongside the fleeing skiff, and with so gen- CHAPTER XXXIV | tle a bump that no harm was done to either IN WHICH A STRANGE HAUL IS MADE In| craft. ; THE SOUND. | Two men were in the boat, and the in- stant the .grind came they leaped to their VESSEL sailing up Plymouth | feet. By this time one of the fishe armer had Sound, and hugging fairly close to|leaned over and caught hold of the craft’s the Cornwall side, will pass a num-| mooring line. The f foremost of the strangers VS ber of bays or estuaries that slip | made a rush toward him with a drawn inland between high cliffs, and afford a good | knife, but Trent quickly caught the fellow shelter for purposes of safety or hiding. by the collar and dragged him bodily on The Redwing was skimming along in this| board the smack, where he was disarmed very neighborhood at the time that Giles | and bound by several of the crew. and Sydney were discussing their escape| The other man attempted to unsheath a from the perils of the fog. But the lads|sword, but when he found himself staring were not looking anywhere in particular, | into the barrel of Sydney’s pistol he threw and the crew happened just then to be pass- | up his hands and cried’ for quarter. After ling around a pannikin of grog and water, | transferring a sword and dagger to his cap- which refreshment their labors had richly | tors he was pulled on board. earned. The whole affair was over in a brief time. Trent alone was on the alert, watching | The skiff was cast adrift, and as soon as the ight and left and ahead. But his vigilance | Redwing was fairly started once more for was more from force of habit than anything | Plymouth, Trent and the lads took a look at else, and, therefore, when he did actually | their prisoners. Imagine their amazement to make a startling discovery he was so far| find that one was Simon Baillie, while his thrown off his guard as to let slip the cry of | companion was none other than Francisco alarm which cut short Sydney’s sentence. | De Rica. All glanced instinctively to the left, and}! ‘‘No water-haul about this,’’ muttered what they saw made a chilly feeling run| Trent. ‘‘I’ll warrant the knaves were bound | down their spines. The Redwing had just | for the galleon with a message of sonie sort. |luffed around a high promontory, and was| Ay, and it may bein writing. We’ll soon now sheering across the mouth of one of the | see.’’ | afore-mentioned bays. And several hundred He hurriedly searched Baillie, but found yards back in this bay, lying quietly at| nothing. Then he turned to De Rica, and anchor between the cliffs, was a great Span-| was instantly rewarded by the discovery of ish galleon. 1a folded sheet of parchment. | There was no mistaking the cut and height| ‘‘Read lad,’’ he said, handing it to lof the vessel; even the flag could be seen| Giles. ‘‘Here, this will help you.’ drooping from the mast-head. But so far as He drew out his tinder/box, and ignited a light and sound were concerned, it might} bit of greasy tow. have been taken for a ghostly craft. Nota ‘The letter is 8A to Senor Captain slimmer was visible, and not a voice was} Blanco, on board the galleon La Rosa,’’ said hes ard. | Giles, as he held the parchment close to the ‘-They surely must see us,’’ said Giles, in| light. ‘‘It is written in Spanish, and this is a sharp whisper. ‘‘At this close range they | what it says | could blow us clear out of water.’’ ; F i a not a sound. comrades, ’? Bc ae have carried out the instructions of Trent. ‘‘Keep your places—don’t attempt to the duke’s envoy, and the house is entirely in lie down. The smack is running a good | ™Y Possession The treasure is packed, and course, and in a moment or two we will be|*Walts your coming. Send at least four ; hidden by yonder cliff.’ | boats, and six men to each. See that they i This command was strictly followed, and | ®"e Well armed, for there may be need to the Redwing went dancing on. Every eye fight. At present all is well. I send this by watched the receding hulk of the gaileon, |De Rica and the Englishman. They will and every heart was throbbing with sus | guide the party to the ets a and pense. But the minutes slipped by, and still thence to the secret SeraRCe ~ _ ithe there was no sign of life or light: no anchor | grounds. Don GONZALES. was lifted, and no guns thundered from the Giles folded the letter, and stared in deck. |amazement at his companions. Now the jutting headland was close by, ‘‘What does it mean?’’ he gasped. ‘‘Some and a little later the Redwing was beyond | villainy is going on at Mount Edgeumbe.’’ the enemy’s vision, and was running swiftly | ‘‘Ay, that’s it!’’ cried Trent. ‘‘From the up the coast. ~ | looks of the thing, Sir Richard Edgcumbe’s ‘‘Zounds! that was a narrow escape!’’ ex-| valuables are to be put aboard this Spanish claimed Giles. galleon. But the secret entrance within the ‘*T thought the galleon would surely open | grounds! I know of none such. fire on us,’’? added Sydney. ‘‘I wonder if ‘*Speak, you traitor!’’ he added, turning the Spaniards saw us?’ fiercely to Baillie. ‘‘What do you know of ‘‘Ay, of course they did,’’ replied Trent; | these deeds? Naught can save you from ‘‘and I’ll warrant they’re more concerned punishment, so make a full breast of it.’’ to know if we saw them.’’ Baillie shook his head, and snarled like ‘‘Tt was a daring thing for them to come;some wild bea this far up the sound,’’ said Giles, ‘‘and yet ‘*Ye may kill me,’’ he muttered, ‘‘but no 2 4622 an’ J’ll stay mum in spite of you.”’ time. But what was to become of Simon There was a brief interval of silence, and | Baillie after the sacking of the house?’’ then it was broken by De Rica. ‘*He was to go to Spain,’’ answered De ‘‘Senors,’’? he exclaimed, ‘‘if you_ will| Rica, ‘‘there to receive a rich reward, and pledge that my life shall be spared, I will} to take service under the Duke of Parma in tell you all that you wish to know.”’ his palace at Madrid.’’ ‘*And he will fall instead to the heads- man’s ax,’’ exclaimed Trent, with a grim laugh. ‘Truly, a well deserved fate! And now let us decide on a plan hastily, my IN WHICH SENOR DE RICA CONFESSES TO/|lads,’’ he added. ‘‘If a noise and stir be AMAZING DEEDS. raised about this matter the knaves may get | wind of it and escape. Also you must bear ARENT and the lads looked meaningly-| in mind that we are under orders to return at one another. Though De Rica’s!at once up the channel with stores and offer was evidently prompted by base , munitions,”’ cowardice, they felt no hesitation ‘*We can’t well do both,’’ Giles said, about accepting it, since so much was at| thoughtfully. ‘‘Isee but one way. If we stake. The wretch seemed to be in a state} can find a skilled pilot at Plymouth we can of terror, and it was not likely that he} send him up channel with the Redwing and CHAPTER XXXV. would attempt any deception. _ its present crew. Then we will be free to ‘*Your neck shall be safe, Master Span- | proceed to Mount Edgcumbe.”’ iard,’’ said Trent, ‘‘and your worst punish-| ‘‘Nothing could be better,’’? exclaimed ment shall be imprisonment; we swear it. So now make haste with your story, and let it be as brief as possible, for time presses.’’ Just then Baillie burst into a torrent of threats and profanity against his treacherous | take us back to the fleet.’’ companion, and when all other means of| ‘You have well reasoned it out, my quieting him had failed a dirty rag was) lads,’’ said Trent. ‘‘Indeed, no other course stuffed into his mouth by one of the fisher- | were possible, save to have trusted the cap- men, ture of these knaves to strange hands. A Sydney. ‘‘It is true that we will be evading our orders, but Sir Francis will not blame us whén he learns the circumstances. And by to-morrow we may likely find a vessel to CroOD word will you get from me, I’m no blabber, | exclaimed Sydney, ‘‘and that is plenty of { were exchanged between those on shore and ‘“‘There is but little to tell,’’ began the | dozen Spaniard, at a sign from Trent. ‘You will remember that in the reign of Queen Mary, when England was at war with France, Spain and the Netherlands were your allies. At that time the Spanish and Dutch fleets came to Plymouth, and their officers were splendidly entertained at Edgcumbe Hall by the father of its present ford. The Duke of Parma was of the party, and he was im- pressed by the house, and its treasures of art and plate. ‘*When the recent invasion of the Armada was planned the duke determined to have Mount Edgeunibe. With that object in views and so that the house should not be stripped while the Armada was approaching, he opened negotiations more than a year ago with the steward, Simon Baillie, through his envoy, Don Gonzales. The steward was to have been richly rewarded for his treach- ery. In fact, he has been acting as a spy in the service of Spain for more than a year. ‘*During the same period, Don Gonzales with other Spaniards, has been in Englan the greater part of the time. They were sheltered by a secret cellar under Edgcumbe Hall, the entrance to which is beneath ground, and leads from a thick clump of beech trees.’’ ‘*Ay, I begin to understand various mys- teries,’’ interrupted Trent. ‘‘’Tis clear now why Simon Baillie hath eluded the men who were set to watch for him. But finish your story, Master Spaniard.’’ ‘*The rest may be briefly told,’? De Rica resumed. ‘*I, Don Gonzales, and four other Spaniards have lain hidden in the cellar for more than a week. We knew that the Ar- mada had gone up the channel, and we were expecting a galleon to land its crew at any hour and take possession of Mount Edg- cumbe, ‘(After dark last night the La Rosa slipped into the sound, and an envoy was sent up to Mount Edgcumbe. He was met ata place agreed upon, and was conducted to the cellar by Simon Baillie. He brought. a letter from the Duke of Parma to Don Gonzales. In this letter the duke stated that the success of the Armada was looking doubtful, and he instructed Don Gonzales to pack up all the portable treasure that the house contained, and have it taken on board the galleon. ‘*Without delay, we acted on these in- structions. Baillie avd two others crept out into the grounds, and stabbed the two dis- guised soldiers who were on duty. The rest of us entered the house from the cellar, bound and gagged the servants, and carried all the valuable property below to our place of shelter. Don Gonzales then sent me to the galleon to bring back the boats. But fate willed otherwise, and Iam now a cap- tive. I have your sworn word that my life is safe.’’ ‘‘Ay, and that word shall be kept,’ re- plied Trent, ‘‘though you richly deserve death. But I’ll warrant Don Gonzales and his ruffianly pack receive no mercy. Zounds! never did I know of so base and daring a plot as this.’’ vee 38 pul strange that the power of baffling the knaves hath fallen into our hands,’’ said Giles. ‘‘In a few more hours it must have been too late. And we want yet another service of the Spaniard if we are to intercede for.his life. He must gnide lis to the cellar by the secret entrance.’? ‘*T will do that right willingly,’’ De Rica replied, with a sickly smile, ‘‘provided you have a strong enough force at your back. The party in the cellar is well-armed, and is six in number—for the duke’s envoy is with them.” ‘*Ay, I seé,’’ muttered Trent; ‘‘Don Gon- zales and five more Spaniards. Are they likely to stir into the grounds?’’ De Rica shook his head. ‘*It was understood,’’ he replied, ‘‘that they were to remain in the cellar until the stout fellows will be sufficient to aid /us, Since we will depend mainly on craft, jand these we will quietly pick up at Ply- mouth.’’ ‘We are nearly there now,’’ cried Giles; and so it proved. During the past half-hour the Redwing had been driving along swiftly under the skilled management of her crew, and had made such good progress that the lights of the town were visible less than a mile ahead. In ofder to avoid the excitement and crush that would certainly follow the ar- rival of a boat from the fleet, Trent gave NEWS. |} those in the smack. Then the Redwing slipped out from her mooring, and glided swiftly down the edge of the harbor. ‘*Is everything arranged?’’ Giles inquired. ‘*Ay, lads, I had rare good luck,’’ Trent answered. ‘‘I ran across Captain Martin and Master Garwood together on the Hoe. lt seems that the contractor had just re- ceived a quantity of powder and provisions, and he and the captain readily agreed to take them up the channel on the Redwing. They are bound now for one of the town wharves, and as soon as they can load the stores they will be off.’’ ‘‘And what about the other men??? Sydney. ‘*They will be here shortly,’’ declared Trent. ‘‘While I was hastening to the Hoe, I stumbled on Captain Humphrey Jocelyn, who, as it so happened, had just been re- lieved from duty——”’ ‘‘Humphrey Jocelyn??? Sydney cried, n- credulously, and with a start. ‘*Humphrey Jocelyn?’’ echoed Giles, He began to laugh. ‘‘Ay, and why not?’’ growled Trent. ‘*Kor one thing, there was no time to seek further, and then I have Master Rookwood’s sworn word for it that the man is mixed up in no traitorous doings in spite of that little affair on Dartmoor.’’ ‘tAnd I repeat that he is not,’’ Sydney declared, earnestly. ‘‘How did he take the news??? ‘*Never did Isee a man in such a pas- sion,’’ replied Trent. ‘‘He swore that he would have the lives of Simon Baillie and the Don, and he cursed them up and down until I fairly smelt brimstone. Then he eased off a little, and promised to hunt me up a force of men and bring them to the dock. ‘*‘T told him to pick them out of the crowd, since there was no time to go to the garrison. Then we parted company, and on the way to the Hoe I turned Baillie over to asked orders to run straight up the harbor until the town was nearly passed. Then the smack sheered to the right, and a few minutes | fair time for his purpose.’ later it slipped into a quiet dock between | The locality was | ‘‘What think you, Sydney? Plymouth and Devonport. a secluded one, and it promised to serve ad- mirably as a starting point for Mount Hdg- seen moored close by. taking Baillie with them. He struggled hard to break his fetters and to eject the gag from his mouth, but did not succeed. A cuff from the fisherman finally made him more tractable. ‘*T will see this rascal safely in gaol,’ said Trent, ‘‘and as quickly as possible I will hunt up a pilot and a dozen men— soldiers from the garrison, if possible. Meanwhile, do you remain here with the crew of the smack, and keep a safe hold on Master Spaniard until I return.’’ With this warning to the lads, Trent and the fisherman hurried off in the darkness, hauling the reluctant prisoner along between them, CHAPTER XXXVI. IN WHICH THE NET IS SPREAD AROUND SIMON BAILLIE AND HIS EVIL CREW. HE wait proved exceedingly monoto- t i nous to Giles and Sydney. They were 7 on the outskirts of Plymouth, and * they could hear plainly’ the hubbub and roar that rose from the main part of the town. No doubt great excitement pre- vailed, and the people were anxiously look- ing for news from Lord Howard’s fleet. Not for an instant did the lads relax their surveillance of the prisoner, a duty in which the five sailors of the Redwing zealously took a part. If any slight hope of escape had cheered De Rica during the cruise up the sound, he was compelled to banish it now. At the end of an hour Trent bad not re- turned, and the lads began to feel uneasy, A few minutes later, however, footsteps were heard at a distance, and presently four figures stalked out of the darkness to the edge of the dock. ‘*Up with you, lads,’? Trent called, in a whisper, ‘‘and make haste. Send the Span- iard first.’’ Some of the crew helped De Rica to scramble to the top of the dock, where Trent and the fisherman took charge of him, and slipped irons over his wrists. Giles and Sydney then climbed up, and now they recognized and greeted the two men who had come with Trent. One was an elderly and retired sea-captain named Martin, who knew every foot of the English Channel. The other was in the queen’s service as a contractor for naval stores, and was as well acquainted with the coast; They at once lowered themselves into the smack, and the fisherman followed. ‘‘Are you properly armed?’’ Trent asked of the lads. ‘‘T have my sword and a loaded pistol,’’ replied Giles. ‘‘T have the same,’’ Sydney added. ‘*We are fixed, then,’’ said Trent, ‘‘and I have an extra pistol. All right,’? he whis- pered, stepping to the edge of the dock. force from the La Rosa had arrived.”’ ‘*Then’we have several hours to spare,’’ There was a brief delay while the crew hoisted sail, and hearty wishes for success cumbe, since a number of small boats were | broke it,’’ Sydney answered, in a troubled Trent and one of the fishermen landed, | | they conversed in whispers while Trent was a couple of the town-guard. I hope the cap- tain will arrive speedily, for he hath had ’ ‘¢] doubt if he arrives at all,’’ said Giles. Is his word to | be taken???’ | ‘It would not greatly surprise me if he itone. ‘‘And yet——” “They are coming now,’’ interrupted Trent, and even as he spoke the quick, reg- ular tramp of feet was heard close by. A moment later a body of men, marching by twos, hove out of the gloom, and down to the dock. Captain Jocelyn was at the head, and his force numbered nine, exclusive of himself—four pikemen and three arque- busiers of the garrison, one man of the town-guard, and a pompous-looking bailiff. Captain Jocelyn was plainly in too great a rage to feel any embarrassment in the presence of Sydney and his companions. In fact, he at once called the lad aside, and briefly explaining to the men what they were expected to do, Then three row-boats were torn from their moorings without leave or license—an act which the vircumstances warranted—and a little later the whole party had embarked and were moving rapidly across the sound. The passage was made quickly and safely, and with the utmost caution the march was begun up through the grounds of Mount Edgeumbe. Trent and Jocelyn led the way, with De Rica between them. The beeth wood lay close to the south wing of the house, and it looked to be impenetrable by reason of the dense bushes that grew under the trees. But the Spaniard wriggled in on his stomach, and the rest followed one at a time. After penetrating for several yards a sort of a passage was reached, hemmed in and covered by hedge-like rows of prickly scrub, Here it was possible for two men to crawl abreast on hands and knees, and in this fashion the party advanced, with much twisting and turning, to the very middle of the wood. The passage now emerged on a small clearing, surrounded by trees and bushes, which was barely large enough to contain the fourteen persons. By the dim light from the sky overhead a square slab of stone could be seen in the center of the clearing. De Rica, whose wrists were still fettered, made signs to Trent and Jocelyn to lift the slab. It proved to be much lighter and thinner than it looked, and when it was lifted to one side a square aperture was re- vealed in the ground, down which led a flight of rude steps. ‘The date or purpose of this secret exit is unknown, even to the master of Edg- cumbe,’’ said the Spaniard, in a whisper. ‘‘Simon Baillie found it by accident several years ago. The,steps lead to an underground gallery, which runs straight for one hun- dred yards to the secret cellar. The latter is entered by a door of thin planks.’’ ‘‘And are the knaves all there now??? asked Captain Jocelyn, ‘‘Assuredly,’’ replied De Rica; ‘‘there is no danger that any of them are lurking within ear-shot.’? ‘Then, with caution, we can creep to the far end of the gallery without being de- door will show the way. You will see trom the foot of the steps.’’ r ‘*Hold on,’’ whispered Trent, as a suddély thought occurred to him. ‘‘You said thai this secret cellar communicates with thé mansion, Master Spaniard. Am I right??? ¥ ‘Tt joins the main cellar through a hole} in the wall,’’ declared De Rica, ‘‘and fromm, there one can ascend to the house by several ways.”’ ‘‘This is important,’’ said Trent, turningy to his companions. ‘‘Our better plan is #0 attack the knaves from two sides. Jocelyiy do you take the Spaniard and half of youly men, and creep back through the wood) Enter the north wing of the house by window, and then the Spaniard will guidey you below to the h le that enters the secré cellar.’’ ‘“‘ay, that will be best,’? admittedyy Jocelyn, ‘‘but our position will require 4 longer time to reach,’’ ‘‘We will wait until you give a shout,” replied Trent. ‘‘Then we will break dowd the door and pour in from one side at thé saine time that you attack from the other.”} This was agreed to, and a moment lately De Rica, Captain Jocelyn, and five of the latter’s force crawled away through they wood. But first the Spaniard had asked andy obtained a promise that his life should b@ protected while the fight was going on. q Trent and the lads were now left with® three pikemen and the bailiff, and they aly hole, saw a glimmer of light far ahead, and thé crept toward it along the gallery, whié walk three abreast. Trent halted his force within ten feet of the door, and, crawling forward, he put bBY be heard plainly. It was evident that the} conspirators suspected nothing. ‘‘The cellar is full of plate and othe chests to be taken away. The knaves are 4 there—the Don, and five more Spaniards They are eating and drinking, and arey armed only with swords. Over in a cornel lie the bodies of the two queen’s officers wh? well avenged.’’ ‘‘Did you see the entrance to the other cellar?’’ asked Giles. ‘Ay, it lies right across from the door; and is hung with a curtain. Silence now all. Jocelyn and his force may be expecte shortly.’’ ‘ It was not a long wait, though the sus ese made it seem so. Five minutes slippe y while the little party gripped thé weapons in readiness for the final rus Then, from beyond the cellar where the 6 trapped wretches were gathered, a lusty shout rang out suddenly. —_—_—_—_—_»- 9 —__—__—_ THE FA RMEWRS MISTAKE. At a public dinner in the country # farmer, while relating something to th@ wea ar ped about two Chinese women, said: i ‘*] declare they were the ugliest women have seen anywhere.’ present of no remarkable beauty, th®) farmer, who was a little misty, began +a think he had made a mess of it, and tha they would imagine he was alluding them, so to put matters straight, as thought, he added: ‘*The present company excepted.?? minutes both farmer and ladies had va ished. Gti HE COULDNT SWIM. once descended noiselessly into the yawning), From the bottom of the steps they} was broad and high enough for the party Wy eyes toa crevice. Laughter and voices coul@y : ‘ P Trent quickly returned to his companions 7 property,’’ he whispered, ‘‘ready packed in} were sent down from London. They shall bey (TO BE CONTINUED.) “ There happening to be two maiden ladie® 7 —— Roars of laughter ensued, and in a few 9 during the rebellion of 1798, of a river. gave way. He fell into the river, and escaped by swimming. The remaining culprit, looking at the exe cutioner, said, with genuine native si? cerity : ‘*Do, good Mr, Ketch, if you please, to be drowned, for I can’t swim a stroke —_—__~-0-e NEVER SAW ANY FROIT. Somo years ago a friend sent an old lady some rhubarb roots to plant in her gardens and on paying her a visit a few summe later, inquired how her rhubarb was gett on, ‘*Well,’? said the old woman, ‘‘the grat nasty things would soon have taken up ® my garden with naught but great stalks td { leaves, for nota blessed bit of fruit di = ip. pt ‘*What are you doing, Tommy?’? ‘‘Standin’ before the lookin’-glass,”’ gai tected???’ ‘*Yes; and the light shining under the Tommy; ‘‘wanted to see how |’d look if J was twins.’’ Two frishmen were about to be hanged ys The gallows was erected over the marg? ” gi When the Sirst man was drawn up the rope | plicity and earnestness that evinced his #7 A tie} me up tight, for if the rope breaks, I’m 54 i . ever see on them, 80 I chopped the thing® x ~~ t Cs [Sp NEWS O8XGcep notice Went have the ¢ GOOD Vertis The printe R. Would lars, a . Cha , _ Corres organ West Rea When New: Club Nov. you b . inforr shoul you, ¢ to pa ing, Ladie Join f hotice tion Stam] amate AS as Ing, a Came * this n retar) per y¢ dress tary, Liv if you respo Vince \s—al Mista Join, : Teceir PO ink taut r : ' ore Eigete eae ees - i Be = ‘4 5 k - = est Sa BE ee: =e a a a ae 7 eee | | NF oe ae : ae a area 3 F > 5 % ot = : - Mn neaetnn SEE = 3 pihialanetaniec sass as Piast gteeecnereee 1 see ih ] AION Cr Our Mail d« (y b § a ; ne i ya ag a MUSICAI NSTRI P. Glass, corner . sudden Po | ¢ a — for list ll let \ OF me t cA eee Re ne a Bea Ewing stre ll., will exchange nid tha a AY ; é Ai : : iswered. a guitar, cost § and a three-bar autoharp, both good aid tha \ 7 fISCET I | ; as! f ; : ‘itl he ie e —_ NILOUS ’ § 104 As} reet, | ° aan a harp, with shifters, in good eo 5 ¥ OOD EWS } C1 JBS. Juestions On subjects of general interest only are | SY! ©, N as } I oys’ papers, | ©! 7 5 ers erred. All letters an- yp ht??? ¢ id % a \ deait with in the “Mail Bag Medical or legal | 400 I ed Stat 1 fore ; wae Vii aa swered v9 J juestions not answered 00D News woes to press | cha for violit Set haat ; ae 1a hole ° t » weeks in advance of dé nibiicatlon, nd tt enh nswe rec se Pe Ly Ke eee saree a ADING MATTER L. O’ Byrne, 307 5th avenue, ad fro a eae WRE Cntihet aceuae ne igi ya Sf ar Brooklyn, N. Y., has fourt een continuous numbers of ve : PRCIAL OTLCE s columi for GOOD | after we receive them. (x : ntended fo MISCELLANEOUS.—Harry W. Nicolai, care of J. | * PO! r magazine, and a | number of boys’ severa News Clubs only 4 4 ST a eee nae 10k! 4 Ber a5 | : papers to exc for best : Re eankine ati a : : Saar Nt t I i News “Mail eres oo ol avenue, ¢ as ll., has tx : : ae ior best off a preference for rare Xcopbing ch As Are § niline Gt » News Clu Bax.” P. O ctri eri 00 foreign pr ( D d i States coins and stamps, but all offers con- turning Becens bh uoLhing in the pe of an advertise es to exchange est off sidered and letters answered. : hent will b lowed very ¢ ») notice should - | ¢ ( nt mt fr RINTIN ’ n is Set tic veihes-ors oy : " Peeetaaal Hi ex : aif it fore stamps for PRINTING MATERIAL.—Percy Ewing, 40 Pine ocelyn, the clu) attached. For infor on concerning Ht. T., Fishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y.—1. The fare be- | ,; sia i street, Decatur, Il., has a lot of second-hand type and f your GOop NEWS Club Badge ai Manteotypes Beb- All| oan New York and Havana, Cuba, is about $30. EK { ywles, Madison” | CO™MIc electrotypes to exchange for best offer. 1 ‘| 2. The fare between Jacksonville, F : Cabin, $25; | ¥ NEWS Carters to ex-| STAMPS, ETC.—W. Slocum, Box 457, Long Branch y , Long Branch, Verblisement on last page wood brary. Send list} N. J., hasa large variety of stamps on sheets to ex- second cabin, $19.: 50; steerage, $12. 38. The Clyde Line. chat and 100 boys’ books 1, You would probably not have any difficulty in en- for se by @ . guide CLUB CHAT. re ane Pag ree rer tegage & spore, You i Nope PRINTING PRESS.—William G. Campbell, 205 S | exchanged in small lots for sae nem | oe ye neces 5. 'To obtain a passport, you must ac vent st Dulut M ) for- | LE IN { : R : e secrél The Qub World of Chicago, Ill., is well edited, well ress an application to the Depart nt of State, | eign and Un a F. Fad, Sabicea ate pao an ee a Frank Marshall, 21 Mul printed, and contains much interesting club news. Washington, D. C., indorsed ‘Pass port Division.’ Zine twenty-five o Goc ; aries C nt n v7 ao aot nervel, tin LAREe Raver imitted R. V. Perin P. O. Box 851, Westfield, N You must transmit your own affidavit of the fact that | matter, a1 | numerous othe inking Beav . one iven a ner : e pe ae Ar quire a Would like to } b Goop N wit ( lub, aes ve a you ane a native citizen of the United States, stat printing press. All letters aNsv ered Poe ch mn 3 ft -ekabeen Ron eee or ees er Alte, fars, and correspond with secretaries : tDg yur age and place of birth, together with READING M ‘n] al : ts By ial ‘RB ae an ” ‘ ’ aan the certificate of one other citizen of the United | ,.°—4 : resigy gp tenn begeresds A mi Me er et ee shout, mA has. A. Temple, of Arkansas City, Kan., hes to | States, to whom you are personally known, stating } eaere ea to 283 inclusive, to ex- | "°° down eceepond with boy : ind girls who are interested in that your declaration is true. This affidavit must be P let eee ; 3 Sino 25-comt DOVES SO |. OOD ne WS aes S> ARGRe,, IT 00 Siem at the iictees dad Boitaoes Bintee fit of those living in the ara ae notary public under his signature and | ~~, Shae em vale ues ia Sulasvinve, suey tee adaay ete News, Nos. 92 to ‘ther al hern States only, an office. 6. A fee of $1 is charged for every pass ; cao ETC,-- Edgar L. Merritt, Spen- wecage seg me Se eee eat ae r . } I . aa we us steam* engine, twelve 5 and 10° dition “ ; . icroscope of at least eight ve CLUB NOTICES W. P. Ly Philadelphia, Pa.—We will lay your puz* and 8 of Go, and hree games ee ee et eieiets hie t A I let vm ae ee Sere ft ft s | zles before our readers, and see what they can do with | #7" °° cedirengh see i itd’ te cigar oa ae sh thé Mili te Ci ait ad el lthem. 1. Draw a diagram, six Squares across and six ulian Hazelrigg, Sulphur Rock, Ark., | READING | MATTE! R. Messick, Belle od and When you see it? If you do, you will ee thirty-six in all. Now, make the figures 1, 2, 3, | njo, and 25-cent novels to exchange for | Paine, Kan.., nas twenty 1 30-cent novels, thirty yuld be Niws Stars and Stripes Corresp« , a amount to 21 in fourteen differe nt way 8, by put | rical tight and outnt. eee Si do are a gr yg Club of Duluth, Minn Our new ting them in the squares, using each figure six times. | MISCELLANEOUS thur 133 ere jbrary, and gp Picige Bree I sLAN]I -—Art Breitenstein, 1339 An- | other articles i ; ; ‘ articl r stamps, eggs, wigs, and contestS open | o . } 2. ‘Take the same diagram, and make the figures 5, 6, 1. Noy. ist. Are youin for th c ts? ¥ , et oer Vs ‘ yo ll Oo 1ES¢ ou can if » ae : . 2 | llar tree Burlington, Iowa, will give ' 7 aries aaa ’ tt with you become, or are, a member All 1 re rs wishing | ieee to 35 in twelve different ways, using | papers, or two newsboy photos { wT hg Papp } ene All letters answered. i mati in 7 tr + “> | each figure five > } ms ’ 10t , y svi arter | shey at te gadget in f o these prize contests, ete. a five noe | Library also two gross elastic rubber bands (new) to E. Patterson, Spencer: .wning hould notify the secretary. This club is sure to please G. J. C., Pittsfield, Mass.—1. The meaning of the | exchangé.for best offer. nited ates and foreign stamps , you, and besides being an honest club, it helps you | »ame George isa good husbandman. David means BOOKS. LI ETC , hd ne yvels and books, and volumes of boys s they to pass cold winter evenings that are fast approach | well-beloved. 2, The average weight of a boy of six 51. Westfie a. he —Rk. Perine, 30X | papers to exchange for birds’ eggs, curios, rate United id th Ds; pleasantly, by corresponding with its members, | teen is ninety pounds; his height, five feet one inch, | to ‘exchange for Loe ( abin, Nick ( * = eens States stamps, and boys’ papers. ‘ adies and fore ign members are cordiall ite ( and his che AS Me ‘A, 4 —_ 405 “pin, oK rter, or GOoD . : : whié ac af ishants--4 De S ure cordially iny ited to | and } a st measurem<¢ nt, breathing naturally, | N} ws before No. 183; also seven books (nearly new STAMPS.—N. OWry, 3306 Kin g street, Austin ty to ; yf ¢ ee 0 every person joll ge from this | S2o0ul about twenty-eight inches. 8. The t t : Alger: “Guy -Hz ~ bh Xi —_ is, has a £o¢ mt "C and 1 y tI z ‘ewe wi hy ry > j ; { i ‘AnATA ¢ . : d i! 7 ; s, th : i y Ale az mp ¢ a .y . ge hil os giv : ve ibership card, m ts, applica- | broad jump on record is ten feet nine and seven-eighths ‘Roy Gilbert’ ae arc Pre articles to ex e for a raph; 40) forcien 1 blank, membership list, tricks, fifteen foreign Inches. i MY Ui 8 rch ry AES 3 . : ; ig : § ate Ta will s > ortress,”’? by Gravy ina a | , | Stamps for each 100 Columbian envelope stamps cu eB of Stamps, etc. We will also send you Chib News, a net y re 5 said i. J ‘ } ' aye i om a it ! a {8 amateur paper, free, as long as you remain a mer b “ l een ant Syracuse, N. Y.—1. We shall have an- | Putnam; “Arthur Helmuth,” by Ellis. | °4U@"e- q ; 7 as 5 as YO : mber. | ot story ; £ weattl a a weer texts aah : wa siLiS. | ; § ae ue AS a special offer, we give to every fifth person join- | written for G Harry Dangerfield very soon. He has | vay two of the above books for the fol-| READING MATTER.—L. A. Stoddard, Washing- s coulk Ing, a novel and an elegant book ever ter it a | oP an for Goon Kasws “The soy Cattle King,” and 2 BERS rs of Goo D NEWS: 246, 251 2, | ton C. H., Ohio, has a « mand, $2 volum« of “I if i 1 a gant OK; to v y tenth, a | ’ ,Oy + ; : : 4 ; aol, by TM. They niO, DAS £ 10t I oa } jife at the Camera. This offer remains for only one week .fter oly a Tones we a m Mr. Dangerfield writes | : 268, 269, | Of the James Boys” to exchange for type (body type * this notice appears. For further infarmation send sec- | geen “Yankee ce 2. You have probably already | i ae tl ioe Make | preferred). Send proofs and size of font. Inclose 2c { I sae f 1e PB. ’ . 1o ro Ss ) r ks als ¢ £ ats nioul retary a stamp. Init iation foe, 8 cents. Dues, 25 cents | wk oys in Japan,” by Enrique H. Lewis, | ‘ Ler ( f ers f for the books also postals | stamp. at Per year, payable every six months in adv: fing “1 Constant Reader, Springfield, 111.—T BTS ig answered, Z . ry payano ; . s glove ot O00 ack r J t ; liards: If you join the Goop News Uprigh Honest Cor- bes utiful ve lle ug Mire the writing will become of a) Te Bic ve (new), good mask, 1, /outisville slugger bat, | Watch or typewriter preferable, or will trade separate a ’ yw. ) one pair Spalding’s second best shoes, plated heel and | for novels and reading matter. , responding Club of Roselle, N. J d are Vinced. We are as the “King of the it and be con oys’ Weeklies” toe; extra heavy, all-wool sweater to exchange for! READING MATTER. Kombi camera, or best offer. All letters must con- ee Seen Don Kirk, Evanston, Dl.—1, The sun rises due east x n, N. Y., has a large number corner S—always up t ‘ herefore y and sets due west only at the equi Ce 9 ; { ; herefore you can make no X ; yi quinoxes. 2, Harry ai . anu Hancock street, Bro “3 who Mistake by joining We only charge 10 cents to Dangerfield’s new story is entitled ‘Don Kirk’s Mine.’ tain stamp for answer. Peer enna ray a ee oe c : : ; y ; n t i she 4 san ay . bie wy © Me. | a = al “ J ape ven i0-cel novel §-cen 10vels, all be doin, and dues of on 2 cents per month You will 2 re lat we farene r adv ntures of “The Boy Cattle BICYCLE TIRES.—Joe Schell, 89 Stanton street, | four detective books, twelve books. by ¢ nad Aaidits me a member card, list of members every Rene: 3. We cannot reply by post. Lev elant , Ohio ra r of pneumatic bicycle tires, | Southwick, Jules Verne, and Hingston, to exchange ( te ’ ) at NY nm 3 ret ‘ . > value $10, D ‘ Pers — ’ F ee other ones a ro ‘ E amp: ; he - one oe as vg ber Leo, Fla.—You can waterproof your ae i : ral 28x1 5-8 inches, to exchange | for best offer. 1 Wil ecelive a a,cen novel free Join mall tent by dissolving an ounce fs r Tr a@ Manaoil : 4 : ho abn dita Aa , : . 0 unce of alum in one KOD: n ( bach. 905 2d street. Sacra- iS Wein ee fain lelay. Address ee gg quart of water, and an ounce of sugar of lead in an-| BICYCLE Cleaver, 1132 Perkiomen | mento, Cs 3 ordinary oo anil aise Z allace M. Crane, secretary, Box . Roselle - ther Sonny . : . ‘ al cikartiiets ste ng rK1o1 Lo, ; rdinary adak, £ yin door, itldeas (1. Whaalat: weceid u y ox KE, Roselle, N. | other, and mixing the solutions. Dip the tent in this, avenue, Rea a $100 1895 bicycle, 25-inch | case, value to exchange for best offer 10m ‘ “ ident. | and let it drip dry, | frame, 664 gea D inlop tires, wood rims BOYS’ PAPEI : Bay wants ra ntan what? . , ; os ; , : 5 te Arann on “ne 3 92 ; ad BOYS’ PAPE George Frantz, 346 Shaw avenue pecte A Slab, te * w nia 4 d wha ine join. Join what? Edith A., New York city.—To whiten and beautify a oe aa bout 25 pounds, almost new | McKeesport, I s Goon Ngews fre = No. 2 ote seSt he could fing was the Good NrEws 8t your hands, rub together ‘tar four re u or good collection of stamps, | 99. ee RN a eee : NO. ave KB pe WS Star}. i , » together in a mortar four paz by : y AMPS, | 989 except ¢ es, and other tf ’ rs f % one ng Club of Burlington, [owa, whose fee is re- | weight of yelk_ of eggs with five parts of eeanling a i al t of I nited States duplicates. | chin ioe tome an eae OVS’ papers to ex @ sus ie d to 6 cents. No dues whatever. | Ladies and for- | This is said to be an excellent ointment for the hands. rs. Correspondence solicited. 5 ; anything li ved ners free. Officers of other Goop News C lubs and 1 > READING MATTER Robert Ty GOOD NEWS.—William F. Langmead, 131 Kast PI} iy Tesidents of all States west of the Mississippi River M. I., Belmont, Mass.—There is no thunder to what street. Builingtoh, I oa eer if aa Baltimore street. Baltimore, Md.. has ti exchange “for ba OP ited for } cent Membership card and neat | st oe eine lightning, because the lightning clouds cent boo : other * dir vlna er a best offer; Goop NrEws, from No. 121 to No. 215 sb. f membs hem theathay xt ae j are so far distant that the sound of tl or a : = The ; eaceet Seen > , Sa aie Matt . ° Sa 4 f - t stad cottons Off fore it reaches the ear of the ae es Nick Carter or Diamond Dick libraries, BOYS’ PAPERS nstein, Jr., 534 Sedgwick 16 6 , Or package OF Stalin ps aS a premium, Officers : : " : ’ MISC} SNE ro] r street, Chicago, I1l., he NEW Tr If QO 235; lusty li oP club are: Ralph Brown, president; Fred. J R. D. A., Meriden, Conh.—If you have entered into | 9 nat ‘al - wt ey S oe rig ie Sciver, Lock Box | and from 960 to 1,001 50 of other's bei and 28h, vice-president; Arthur Breitenstein, secretary an engagement, you must keep it, and ake Sere etre » Wants Indian arrow-heads, | ¢, eed 6X O60 cil . a MAPeTS, ANC Address all wit ; ; . gone, | Chat : ; 4 , Q , make the etrified wood d cui rios of all kinds ll give « rom 914 tO do2 OF a complete, to exchange Aten etre l itio o the secretary at 1339 ange when the périod for which you are engaged for every erin ty head “eg : ook ve 4 | for coins and paper n y of ull deseription < Angular strec expires 1 Se Him, Has stamps, aa ee a Now is your ch o ia fi ( ‘ p} N. D. B,, Hartford, Conn,.—T? ys Goop NEWS, etc., to exchange for curios MISCELLANEOUS.—J. B. Nichols, Peterboro, N, you un ) he 1‘OOon New \ ‘ be : ‘ ont he } Sts re \ ch " aT * ne IY to. ne. « ; 3 B atelic Club of Staten Island, N. Y. We wi iit | the death penalty is forbidden by | ip 2 eho. i READING MATTER.—DeWitt C. Cleary, Seneca | pi re fi Dae ae \ : We will admit © ae ; alt 8 forb en b aw are lode | Talt« ~ Vols . ws ; , a air B, & at five 25-cer 5 fou eae. ene aria sdihiit | raland, Maine, Wiseonsin, and sichionn Fa N.Y has , 4,5,6,7, and f Goon News, ie Sata ee ated ls, two S-cont ION joining y ‘ receive 10 foreigt ¢ ’ ; : tna 1© LOLMOW gv KS, ( h bound: “Three Trs tie ’ oma i . : A OOK, ane é Members} » car , , ; av 5” . L. J. R., Westboro, Mass.-1. We know of no way | pers,” Anthony Gra > naner 1 1 25 and so | Tattiesnake ne e to excl tor best off rin type, fore t “9 pans bl bnG ASO t ep chestnuts through the winter so that tl vill | cent ot FB ad eg i a aa. 2 or cuts. ‘ ign stamps, or fifteen 1 a tara... oe! 28: Gets ee nuts throug \ I that they wil ce yne i Ber iarned and try 8 ‘Orth of stamps of an approval heet nk #0 “ ot ary up. 2. Samples have been sent. ‘“Yellow Mash ll this reading matter, in good co STAM PS.—Robert Halsted, Lebanon, Ohio, has 248 » the You will receive your money worth of stam GS. D., St. Catharines, Can.—The highest speed of | dition, to exchange for old United States and colonia] | Varieties of stamps, in an almost new standard stamp id: Rees Tailor president; 8S. H aan secretal aoe he ostrich is twenty-six miles an hour. The stride is Ce ran DI rcents of J te if in good | album, bo ¢ hange for stamps not in his collection, vn J Urthey particulars a pT mn i le ay +}, | Om twenty-two to twenty-eight feet. : : | : A part of above will be ex n¢ 1 blank addre : anved. No postals answered : —_~>_-¢ <> —_— Cratary PB eek aati es ; Ny Box 276, Por tichmond, Staten Island G W., Mansfield, Ohio.—1. Probably not 2. It is f = rpDTr » ; ? } ‘ always safer to. bow, unless the person to whom you ryPF WRITER George A. Ricé, 4 Underwoor PILLS DID HIM NO GOOD. more attractive, pleasing, and am o wae to |} are introduced offers to shale hiands. ae ‘ ay ; yne £ rive! x ¢ al iret like to hear from any . the Sbend the | . tor Ay ; - f i ‘ . ; ! er @vé cannot be f d tl V. O. L., Charleston, 8 C.—R 1 i recent cv + pad ] 9 ; W joiniy ! All 7 — 9 Ps : vead ith recen num- ef ae] ; pp ; ; ette a nat cs ¢ ar . Rite wn 2 P Sa all v can yn ra good corresponding b, Chat pleasure | b if Good News the articles by Mr. David Parks 7 é AU tters and postals ai My dear, Mi Finnicky said to his e derived by Prakt line ; Rta ; is : 1 Parks | swered ee ee me, Pe ae | on , tha lena. Eyer oy POrreeponcsne, Ane besides deriving | On “Swedish Gymnastics sa iis “aided wife, ‘‘l don’t think those pills I have been you Cal iprove yo } wil re from a j . \ ) y i a 4 Sec 702 W, I] } ak o ve do m ; a y ) 9 is to Quairs. a : ey nt t i r i from ac Subseriver, Savannah, Ga.—Vol. 1 is entirely out of | nj reet. } N. } 1 Plcacaie as “on _ ve done me much good e] : em be | ove the od ‘ : ick : : ‘ ee bas 150 5-cent novels to ex iw . 4 : s he fecmr balan a hvertieren a — i print. You might obtain it by inserting a notice in| change for Vols. 1 hi re ok . Why, you haven’t been taking any for : ; ; ae awe ’ iS # | the exchange column, i in Tl N ‘th ae ees three weeks !”’ 5 y : , Jill, Further in RNY = . wer ©x Me F ; 7 ; ully given. Edward F. Sulire, secre- | | : ‘i oA rn ha ¢ N. Y.—The date of the Johns-| MISCELLANEOUS.—C, A + ict}... Ss 1 have; I’ve swallowed one three ; few ) i 1 reet, St. Loul Vo "7 ‘g' Oa | en cure 30, 1889. Weean find no record street, Sta QO, ¢ g | ; is ; coins times a day, as dir’ a.?? vat)’ Ph i lub of I tran Pe ROO ys ' ny useful nA vt et ‘Won Have? . . . aD ote : , a ape bide 5 Veray, Ind.—You can mal ; he” dae een i curios of | You hav« Then why is it that there stamp collector / . veray, Ind i lake as many S wo exchange : ining tolare as many ] ; here war ‘oa webker > me rj ; 11 oy esses of the ending of ‘“The Jack .of Diamonds” as | Rugby foot-ball, or star ar sare many | rt as there were three weeks ange department, and our mont he tn a please INTING PRESS—P. 1 ABO What box have you been taking them . sO yy : T aT YN) oO rt \ , ’ : ; +t ‘oO ?? i tS insert in amp tory We ; B. F., Boston, Mass.—It is not a mistake French | has a self-inkings two-roller It mi! gon, or a peta vas — eee 88 organiza- | longitude Is measured from Paris, not from Green- | 4 nches, to exchange f \ | ‘This one—marked for me.,’’ R.,, ane e 10 cents vic} kodak camer dé — ’ rf + : a ngod ey ees er eee eee Ved, Buffalo, N.Y. Blond j " WATCE 1 - me, John! That is the children’s PCat Ads nu : ; , ¢ iftalo, slondin Walked a tight-rope Ww AT H, ETC.—B. A. Stickles, 382 yom street, bead Dox. rgit Mombors i + t No at “~ yp z over the Falls of Niagara June 30, 1859 Springfield, Mass., has a lady’s size silver itch to | > + +} \ a. 1 most of the foreign countris Obiect btn ame na liet ; y a} Seek ae is to pesPonder née: And you can have lots of { = Giles Montford, Srostiellbvitle, Ne Yi Ths 19th of | es a. Bend list and receive descrip: | -opé Cara 5, and ris tha ¢ n parts of the wor d Januar 1876, fell on Wednesday. a > 7 heater programmes for 25-cent | A GREAT BOOKW ORM. 1 Of mo aa , : ; : ; ; 1ovels : retune! 2 mber mer ; 1 badge by L. W., Newark, N. J.—No premium on any of the ~ ‘nq H mail. Initiation fee, 10 cent no due ladies | Col mentioned F STAMPS, ET‘ Charles C. agent, 118 West 15th by ta foreigners free, Address Percy 8. Ewing, sec street. New York city, has exa 300 varietios United H.—‘‘Is your boy fond of books?”? ar ! rey wink, secre 1. B. J. Denver, Col A hand : we ’ . } 1ite¢ oe ; : L VOOKS! ¥; 40 pine street. D phone. Jay nver, Col, and, horse measure, i States and foreig tamps, in a x ces ahaa album; D —‘‘ Very ‘ him a a , ‘~(D.Ls e@ Stil) on d : ; "} " 800 mixed United States and foreign stamps, in a son Cru ’ '] + Mier. aaa of ‘Robin- sx 0° dec] Vhat i wl he ¥ - ‘ . 2 ‘ 0 soe 1e OT as ar A ex Mading Club af Rankin, P 2 Goop NEws| R. J, Baltimore, Md.—January 16, 1879, fell on | Dumas’ album; six United States stamps, catalogued | eS re ees and he got lots gj’ vited to Join, du : : ra ) rse A : : ‘Tuesday. f 5 at just $51.50: 5,000 1 d stamps (fr m five coun- | of fun out of it. ~ a Oin, and 80 be one Of the people A hand ' ' 1a wi ot , ; ' ’ ‘6 74 ; - - siD ite memh hip card, list, ete., given t ‘ Ser ee : | tries, of 1,0 y varieties used and unused H.—‘‘I didn’t know he could read. *’ Nitiatioy i b, OU given to a oining everal communications left over to be answered next | stamps, cats g t $10; five Scott’s 1895 stand i D oe ‘tHe sain Oa . ; 10 Laadios fh tw ea a Wooea ade os webre, J | ard catilo gues, ten of his 15-cent new-style duplicate | ? : cant read, but he tears the 7 te TM ee ( tio . ered by the secretary +0 | stamp albur and twenty-five 10-cent sheets best | pages out and makes boats of them. Oh, ankin, i har for @ 2 Ss e’s fond 19 sult won Pe ‘ , Kw 18 eer rs na articles per- | YS; h tond of | :@ Niw ng ladies, look here Che Capitol Citv Goo! té philat rubber type, h rranh. tw ce "WS Club w . : ; : i at wat at . ; ae ae —— - nt the ub wants more lady members, and to EF. i a + °c T a i “ r best offer ¢ iwiything, except } a ; Then . : ] . ch Dp } ash Fin¢ : 2 Conte Vill enroll them free this weel Du ACHAN( iE { EF ARTMEN I : exchang for an autoharp (at least four bars), or ; TOO BAD TO REPEAT a au r tae t) Shcciin tah ited ; CPEATs Marti: per mo : AY ress ie eCTE ; I} a I 0. Letter ; yntail stamp for reply. Extra Pre 40x 637, Washington D. C.: or. the vic " give 25 « ; worth of zg i st ps f gs a Sident, Frank B n I 713} ‘ 7% copy oft p NI fr N ee tiny Pere “ Aven. Fran 3 Sommer, 713 N mpbell ca st a Be | copy of Got Yews, from No. 275 up to date, or $3 cs St Le pea a s . aly Me, Chicago. Tl] I , IMPORTANT.—'This column is free to gl our readers, | worth (no common) for the lot, from No. 274 up to The b ry ha i Smasheg Hl father’s shaving jan S..,-"Ng ladies, attention! J the ( Ny ; b t tl as pe ence for transactions brought date mug, and done sundry other damage, when : Ata Cron, » Al Hot oin the Goon N ; y | about throngh notices in this col 1 ifTe 1 s mother dis , ‘} : ers & Boone ona g Club, at once, and you re be strictly exchanus ao a aril ae ‘ananek ane | STAMPS.—Fred. F. Lawrence, P. O. Box 875, Skow his mother GIs ered Hin ting ‘Wenty A re rs sree. No fee or dués. We want! ‘‘! ile” advertisements, nor exchanges of fire-arms, | D&S), Me., } collection Of stamps, cataloguing ‘Oh, Freddie she excluimed, . horrified, once » for gent “inp ei mae: be ae Ns eee or worthless articles, If exchatnse an ae panes il stamp album, to ex.|‘‘ what will your papa say when he comnies lee to ~ Beoliemen, > Cents. NO Gut Vrite at} not ppear in areasonable time, it 1 be | Change fora t s litar, Or A camera and outfit; ome sees what v« ave done?’’ real Springs _ Stile le secretary 89 Walnut street understood ine they were not accepted. Address al) | also 8 worth of stamps for et Of boxing-cloves i h na and nat you bay : i ” a all field, Masa munications for this coltunn to “Exchange De READING MATTER ANI a% Well. mamma, I don’t think 1] -would Sa oe oe 4 AI (x : rn ‘ Ds MP: dwar : s +4 . $5 and ‘ Paix cont {n stamps a eh ; pa ent O. Rouzer ; mi 5 Se = on like to repeat it before y yu ; CY Olen se »f +} ; ; : ‘i ; ; Ae a oy d Orr secretary of the Goop News Fidelit oa il de ma j t < ps to trade for sport Shae ys @ j,SPonding Club of Sioux City, Iowa, and recet READING MATTER.—Charles Trick, 814 North | ing good yen eo ng? bytes list of act & a9 "| roavitt street, Chicago, will 1 es houti ) out hale of f active and jolly members et tere 8 rm good ¢ change in MISCELLA NEOUS Fred. Gensel. Jy 13 Nort] Johnny (shouting ‘* Mother. mother, 8Zin rectilars, current amateur papers, aud ma 00ks, magazines, and other reading matter for Co- | 11th street. P : a 7, nh here’s Freddy teasing tl babv.”? (7 ‘Ou hear from us} ; Pons in stamps above 2c or : ; exchange for best | — ae aan. wee aADY . 0 The. : BeUas nail offer: One Bridgeport twenty-eight-inch ceyclometer ‘reddy ‘‘Make him er acain ‘y ; You © Goon News Universal Stamp Club will admit READING MATTER.—F. De Jarnatt, Crete, Tll., | and one pair folding bicycle rubber mud gi atin 4s cb th a ap ret again, Freddy, aid Sts, exe: et iiss nO due Young ladies and foreig hasa large number of weeklies, boys’ papers, and | good order guards, In} and ven o other with give Him some sugar, 1 | cara, ent ( wnadian Ramitted fro Mernbership libraries, and three bound books for best offer in STAMPS.—I. H. Kunamat ’ “ and I'll take it away from him. then he’ 1] i 3 C., tos ‘ t} Goop NEws ho, wn 516 2d avenue, NeW | gqye; and +} rt Outen the secretary, B A. Wils 1er information : York cit 1 stamp collectors that queal, and mother will give him some i Ac ‘tary, b, ile 28 SI t ; act I 1 om p ins, 19 ° ‘ : , rt m ; 1011 ago, Til, ur) m, 2BSinnott Pl.,} MISCKLLANEOT 5A Phillips, 1914 8d avenue, | have sma ect re foreigt t in their col. | More, and you can take that, and we’ll ‘ New York city, has $380 worth of story papers, 100 lection, for rare United States or Columbian stanips. both have some.’’ ipa 4624 NEWS. tina Re ES Ce TE on ff AREY : ; A 2006 00 000 ofl 200000 0000 08220000000 eS ak CHAPTER I. HANS ARRIVES IN NEW YORK. - ELL, py jiminy, vot a blace dis vos? ip Efery dime 1 go me owit I see me V//, some new blaces and get strayed WS avay on some new streets already. I dinks me dot city of America vos a schmall yon ven I started, but it vos so pig as all owit doors and maybe more, an’t it.”’ The speaker who warbled off this little speech to himself was Hans Liederkranz, a German’ emigrant, age eighteen round-faced, stout, and as green as a two- weeks-old watermelon. Just one month before this little history of his trials and tribulations opens Hans had been a hard-working farm-hand way down in some little stuck-away village in the Fatherland, working sixteen hours a day and earning the princely sum of one dollar and eighteen cents a week. His brother Carl had come to New York a year before, and when he wrote that he had a fine job here at a dollar and.a half a day doing nothing but carry bricks up an eight-story ladder, Hans got dissatisfied in every joint, chucked down his hoe, packed his carpet-bag, and engaged passage hither. ; The voyage was a surprise to him and his stomach, especially the latter. Hans was as sick as three dogs in one. Old ocean had it all his own way from the ,start, and won hands down. On the second day Hans came on deck looking like the last run of Jersey shad after it has passed through a boarding-house en- gagement. He could have played the ghost in Hamlet without paint. He was surprised to see so much water and no sign of ground anywhere, excepting in the rank coffee that was served. He asked one of the deck hands where they tied up at night, and the bad, bad man told him they threw a rope to the moon sometimes, and hooked fast toa whale at others, and this poor, innocent sauerkrauter swallowed the tale like an innocent kid. Finally the ship’s anchor stuck fast into the mud of the North River, and Hans was hustled off to Castle Garden along with sev- eral hundred others. Here an emigrant boarding-house keeper scooped him in, told Hans his house was the only fit place to stop at, and made our unenlightened friend en- gage two weeks’ baard. One week had slid by. Hans spent the time looking for Carl and getting lost. He didn’t find Carl, but he got lost three times a day regularly. In fact the police were getting tired show- ing him the way home. But one thing was in his favor. He learned to talk rapidly. Of course his words lost their proper places and strayed all over the sentences, but Hans didn’t mind that so long as he could make himself understood. ‘‘Vell, vere der dickens vos I now,’’ he muttered to himself one morning. It was the same old yarn. He was lost once more. He had struck out for the post-office to see if there was a letter there from Carl, and he had fetched up somewhere in the classic vicinity of the Kast River. As usual he hailed a copper. ‘‘T vant to go by der bost-office,’’ he ex- plained. ’ The officer was an ex-tough from the Bow- ery. ‘Yer want ter go buy der post-office, does yer? Well, let me tell yer Uncle Sam don’t want ter sell.’’ ‘He 97? ‘‘T say it an’t in der real estate market. See??? ., $¢Vot??? ‘*Tt can’t be did, Schneider. Der old insti- tution suits, an’ der Gov’ment don’t care ter part wid it. See?”’ Of course Hans didn’t see at all. ‘*T vant ter go by der bost-office,’’ he re- peated. ‘¢And I say it can’t be did. So run along, posing and don’t trip over dem big wooden gun-boats yer got stuck to yer feet.’’ ‘*T vant ter see if dere is for me a letter from mine bruder Carl,’’ Hans tried to ex- plain. \ ‘‘Ah, go long. Looking fer de letter dat never came, is yer? Well, yer can’t pick it up around here, so slide out.”’ = ae Sl Y/ .29.20.0800600000000 0000000000 0006 oO yi " | ° Cee Oopoo0e°o2o | eae, Ps 990090000 -o0dV0I9GO f | ie ke des A) dete Ieee + os, C4 Bees ‘*T say mosey.’? ‘*Mosey? Vot’s dat?”’ ‘‘Ah, goon! Yer make me weary.’’ ‘‘Veary? Mosey? Vot you mean?”’ | ‘*T mean if yer don’t slide out of here 171] . run yer in. See?’ | ‘*T vant ter go by der bost-office,’’ repeat- | ed Hans, for the third time. The policeman fell up against a building. ‘¢Vell, you take der pastry!’’ he gasped. ‘‘Here, go on dat way,’’ he continued, point- l'ing toward the Battery. ‘‘Walk along seven- years, | teen blocks and den turn to your right two blocks, and den two blocks to yer left, and yer can’t miss it. Now skip out before I have a fit looking at yer.”’ Hans didn’t understand the directions, but he understood the way that was pointed out, and after taking off his little cap and put- ting it back on the rim of his left ear, he started off. Vifteen minutes later he struck the Bat- tery. Then he knew where he was, and he was as mad as forty-two hornets, He walked slowly back to his boarding- house, vowing if he ever met that policeman again he’d chew him up. A lively time was in progress at the emi- grants’ hash-mill. A fellow named Lauterbach had had his grip sniped. And he was accusing every one in the house of having taken it. Hans had hardly entered before Lauter- bach accused him. Hans, as we know, was in bad humor. He didn’t say a word, German or English, but he gave Lauty a biff in the smelling organ that tapped the red eye on the spot. Then he followed it up by a crack in the teeth that sent two molars down the man’s throat on a voyage of discovery. ‘‘Dink me a t’ief!’? he roared at last. ‘*Vot I know apod dot old ledder garbage holder of yours! Shut me your mouth up quick,’’ But, Lauty couldn’t shut up his mouth. That is, not until he had coughed up those teeth. Then he sailed into Hans. Sailed in for the cup, hands and feet. Oh, but it was a daisy round! Clip! Hans caught it in the neck, and felt as if the East River bridge had tumbled onto him. Biff! This. time it was Lauty’s right ear. my, what a screamer! Spiff! Lauty’s left ear. Hans was getting warmed up, and was doing his pretty work. At the end of two minutes Lauty wasn’t in it at all. His eyes were so swelled that he could hardly see, and his face looked as if it had passed through a carpet-beating ma- chine. ‘*Take dot, and dot, and dot!’’ cried Hans, dancing around him, and landing sockdol- logers where they would do the most good. ‘‘Call me a t’ief, you loafer you! Pll make your ribs stick owit ofer your ears al- ready sq soon!’? ‘“‘Shtop! shtop!’’ howled poor Lauty at last. ‘‘Somepotty dake him off, or 1 vos killed dead !’’ Meanwhile Sloggleheimer, who runs the ranch, heard the awful row, and came tear- ing in, mad as blazes. He did not ask any questions. He had been through the mill before, and knew it would be useless. He merely grabbed up a elub that stood in the corner and went for the two. Then one of Lauty’s friends came in and tried to take his part. And another emigrant stood up for Hans. In ten seconds there was such a squabble you couldn’t hear yourself think. Everybody struck out for everybody else. Hans took up a chair, and broke it over Lauty’s head, and then the poor fellow was pitched through the window by the land- lord. Thump! Whack! It was getting hot for Hans, and he made for the door. i But Sloggleheimer was too quick for him. He caught that unsophisticated young fel- low by the nape of the neck, and in spite of his struggles yanked him to the door and fired him down the steps. Ker-chunk ! Oh, Hans landed on the sidewalk all ina heap, Then his carpet-bag was flipped out on top of him. ‘¢*Clear owit, and don’t efer dare to come ’round here again, or I’ll haf you stuck in der jail!’’ cried Sloggleheimer. With this parting threat, he slammed door shut in Hans’ face. (TO BE CONTINUED.) the MEDICINE ABSOLUTELY FREE fo the readers of Good News :—The manufacturers of Tormons Tablets will give away free samples of their highly recommended tablets to all who apply during the next thirty days. Tormons Tablets are a posi- tive cure for all disorders ,of the stomach, liver, and bowels, indigestion, headache, consti- pation, billiousness, dyspepsia, torpid liver, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, dizziness, ete. There is no charge what- ever. Simply forward your name by letter or postal card, and sample will be sent you free. When writing to us please mention the name of your druggist. Address, Tor- mons Chemical Company, 2, 4, 6, 8 Duane Street, New York. fa 0 iv F STUDY siisiness” icduention in by MAIL at Renee ahines. Low.cates, Cat trans Trial lesson 10c. Write to BRYANT & STRAT- TON, 44 College Bldg, Buffalo, N.Y. Mention Good News. MA RRIAGE PAPER with 1,000 ads, and photos of marriageable people, many rich, lists of rare books, ete., free. GUNNELS’ MONTHLY, Toledo, Ohio. Mention Good News. =BOOKS=| BY POPULAR AUTHORS. Siaciosse fly diathictdy [0 Cents each, or three for 25 Cents, etitnene @ semebrenes There will be no reprint editions. quested, Early orders re- AFLOAT WITH A CIRCUS; or, The Diamond Seekers of Natal. By Henry L. BLACK. BOY .CARIBAU-HUNTERS; or, The Treasure- Trove of Hudson Bay. By CHAs B. Cross. WESTWARD HO; or, The Cabin in the Clearing. By Henry L. BLACK. ARTHUR HELMUTH. By EDWARD 8. ELLIs. WORKING HIS WAY; or, The Brookville Boy’s Club. By DWIGHT WELDEN. ALL ABOARD; or, The Rival Boat Clubs. By WELDEN ©, COBB. CAMP AND CANOE; or, The Red Jackets in Florida. By ST GEORGE RATHBORNE, Any one of the above books will be sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 10 cents each, or three for 25 cents. Address STREET & SMITH, 29 Rose St., New York. ay Pes Rg R od lg tat aie gh 0 BOUND VOLUMES OF GOOD ‘ j NEWS. We have issued volumes three, four, five, six and seven, bound in an at- tractive heavy paper cover. Twenty- six numbers constitute a volume. The papers are cut and trimmed and bound with as much care as an expensive cloth binding, and the prices are Vol, 3, $1 Each. Vols. 4, 5, 6 and 7 85e. Each. These volumes contain serial’stories by idward 8S. Ellis, Horatio Alger, Jas. Otis. Edward Stratemeyer, Harry Castlemon, Wm, Murray Graydon, Walter Morris, Oliver Optic. W. B. Lawson, Lieut. Lounsberry. Andothers equally well known. Address Subscription Department Goop NEws, 29 Rose street, New York, Vols. 1 and 2 out of print. And STEREOPTICONS, all prices. Views illustrating every subject for PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS, etc. (7A profitable business for a man with a small capital. Also Lanterns for Home Amusement. 265 page Catalogue, free MCALLISTER, fe. Optician, 49 Nassau Stey Me Ye Mention Good News. ——— Dialogues, Speakers, for School Club_and Parlor. Catalogue tree. T. S. Denison, Publisher, Chicago I. Mention Good News. MILLS’ LETTER WRITER This book of over one hun dred pages; contains com- s plete instruc: , tion in all branches of correspon d- ence, to- gether with amples of letters Nt on every = : 9 ~ variety of subject — Penmanship, Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Use of Capitals, Abbreviations, style; advice to those who write for the press, business letters, letters of introduction, applica- tion, recommendation, social, congratulation, love and courtship, ete.; the artof secret writing, busi- ness laws and maxims, rules of conducting public neetings, and all forms of conveying thonght from one mind to another through the medium of written language. This valuable book will be sent postpaid to any address on receipt of ten cents. Address MANUAL LIBRARY, 29 Rose St., New York. The Young Gymnast. S. &S. Manual Library No.9. Price 10¢. A perfect instructor for the amateur and professional gymnasium, and of incalculable value to any one who wishes to become a gymnast. Profusely illustrated. Explains the mode of training, treatment of accidents, gymnastic exercises of the arms, lumb-bells, Indian clubs, trapeze, horizontal bar, and all sorts of tricks and feats of gymnastics. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent post paid, upon receipt of price, 10 cents, by the publishers MANUAL LIBRARY, 29 Rose Street, New York. This cut is the exact size and style of the GOOD NEWS Club Badge. The badge is made of a high grade of Germau silver; artistic in design and something every reader will be proud to wear. Any reader send- ing us 10 centsin stamps or silver will receive a badge. Electrotypes for print- ing the badge on letter heads, cards, etc., will Dé sent post-paid on receipt of twenty-five cents. Ten cents is all that is required to secure this handsome badge. Address GOOD Nk&ws Corre sponding Club, 29 Rose street, New York. ~ EVERY YOUNG MAN — Should read the book entitled HOW TO DO BUSINESS, This book is a guide to success in life, as it not only tells how to do business, but how to succeed init. In- teresting chapters on Fundamental Principles, Kinds of Business, Qualifications for Business, Choice of Pursuit, Mercantile Pursuits, How to Get Customers, Manufacturing, Mechanical Trades, Causes of Failure Book-keeping, Commercial Forms, Business Vocabu; lary, etc. This book will be sent, postpaid, on receipt of TEN CENTS, Address MANUAL LIBRARY, 29 Rose Street, New York. Good News Binder Price 50 Cents. Answers the purpose of a bound volume. fifty-two copies comfortably. Holding It is, without doubt, the finest binder everoffered even for double tle price we ask, and is indispen®’ 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 useful and ornamental, It has a durable black embossed cover with flexible back, and a gold stamp title on the outsid® cover, It opens flatas any book, and each week's paper can be inserted as soon as received. Full directions for inserting the paper accompany each binder. We will send the Goop News binder, and a pack- age of binder pins, postpaid, to any address on rée- ceipt of 50 cents. ‘HUNTER AND ANGLER. S. & S. MANUAL LIBRARY, No, 10. PRICE, 10 CENTS, This is a book that is needed by everybody who take pleasure in the sports of hunting and fishing. Full¥ illustrated. Instructs how to use a gun and size of shot in hunting different game, trapping, the kind of rods iines, hooks, and bait to be used to be a successfw fisherman, isfully described in this valuable little book. For sale by all Newsdealers, or will be sent, postpai@ npon receipt of price, ten cents, by the publishers, MANUAL LIBRARY, 29 Rose Street, New York- Be sure to use “Mrs. Winslow # Soothing Syrup” for your childre? while Teething. 25 cents a bottle si ale _ SN