Q * > St ail ma ates ahha ‘etait tildes wed, pe t Ort ote: a's f i : ‘ ‘ € ms wv pa ie eke, : id ie ie : \ a ‘ et Open Mil saa uae ig uniter , a Lo ox 12 > ca we Bag a bs aie a te Pe, ee <‘e Le tes ieee e. ape ~~ Tip Top LIBRARY. Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y. Post Ofice. SrrweeT & SMITH, 29 Rose St., N. 3 ne I en ; E ie : é , . ik ewe , Entered Aceording to Act of Congress, in the Year 1897, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. Vol. te, Price Five Cents. January 16, 1897. ~ ’ Yd Frank Merriwell at Yale; FRESHMAN AGAINST FRESHMAN. By the Author of ‘‘FRANK MERRIWELL.”’ CHAPTER I. ‘ TROUBLE BREWING. ‘*Here’s to good old Yale—drink it down! Here’s to good old Yale—drink it down! Here’s to good old*‘Yale, She’s so hearty and so hale—— Drink it down! Drink it down! down! down !’’ From the open window of his rooms on York Street Frank Merriwell heard the _ distant chorus of a rollicking band of ® students who had been having a merry “evening in town. * Frank had passed his examinations suc- cessfully and had been admitted as a stu- dent at Yale. In order to accomplish this without taking a preparatory course at “Phillips Academy, he had found it neces- sary to vigorously ‘‘brush up’’ the knowl- edge he had acquired at the military academy, which was a college prepara- tory school. Professor Scotch, Frank’s guardian, had been of great assistance to shim, for the professor knew just about what would _ be-required at the entrance examination, and he had kept the boy digging away at the propositions in the first book of Eu- clid, had drilled him in Cesar, caused ee , : - : him to spend weary hours over Virgil and the Iliad, and made him not a little weary of his Xenophon. As, he passed without a condition, al- though he had been told again and again that a course at Phillips Andover was almost an absolute necessity, Frank was decidedly grateful to the professor. Scotch’s anxiety had brought him to - New Haven, where he remained ‘‘till the agony was over,’’ as Frank expressed it. The little man bubbled over with delight when he found his protégé had gone through without a struggle. Having secured the rooms on York Street, the professor saw Frank comfort- ably settled, and then, before taking his departure, he attempted to give the boy some wholesome advice. ‘Don’t attempt to pit on many frills here the first year,’’ he said. ‘‘You will find that freshmen do not cut much of a figure in anything here. It doesn’t make any difference what you have done or what you have been elsewhere, you will have to establish a record by what you do and what you become here. You'll find — these fellows here won’t care arapif you have discovered the north pole or cir-_ 2 FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE, cumnavigated the globe in—er—ah—ten] Harry caught on in a moment and skil- days. It will be all the better for you if! fully secured each wad, opening them as you do not let them know you are rich in| fast as they came. When the right one your own name and have traveled in}came along he nodded a bit and looked South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, | satisfied. and Australia.-They’d think you were > “yWehen it wae all over and the two boys bragging or lying if you mentioned Ee they had passed all right, Harry ? ) . and—— came to Frank, held out his hand, and “You know well enough that I am not said: given to boasting about myself, professor, | “T believe your name is Merriwell. and so you are wasting your breath,” Perr is Rattleton and Iam from Qhio. : Re57 : ON a SAE iat EE 5 said Frank, rather resentfully. Merriwell, you are a brick, and I am “Hum! ha! Don’t fly off the handle—|much obliged to you. Let’s room to- keep cool. I know you have sand, and| gether. What do you say?’’ you’re made of the right kind of stuff;; ‘‘I am agreeable,’’ smiled Frank, but you are the greatest hand to get into | That was the way Frank found his scrapes I ever saw, and a little advice| room mate. won’t do you any harm. You will find | Harry was interested in sports and ath- that in many things you cannot do just | letics, and he confided to Frank that he as you would like, so you must——”’ lwa¥ bound to make a try for both the “Tll get into the game all right, so baseball and football teams. He had don’t worry. You will remember that I| brought a set of boxing gloves, foils, did fairly well at Fardale, and you, and a nuimber of sporting pictures. The should not. worry about nfé while I am|foils were crossed above the mantel and here.”? ithe pictures were hung about the walls, “Twill not. “You did well at Fardale—| but he insisted on putting on the gloves that’s right. You were the most popular | with Frank before hanging them up boy in the academy; but you will find) where they would be ornamental. Yale is far different from Fardale..”” ‘‘T’ve taken twenty lessons, old man,’’ So the professor took his departure, jhe said, ‘‘and I want to point you a few and Frank was left to begin life at col-/shows—I mean show you a few points. lege. ; We’ll practice every day, and I’ll bet in, less than ten weeks I’ll have you so ga} , : s strong, thoughtless young fellow from|Y°" 1] be able to hold eo oe aie any Ohio, Harry Rattleton was his name, fellow of your eee weight. Ever and it seemed to fit him perfectly. He have the gloves on! His room mate was a rollicking, head- . ‘ «6 ‘ eat pe Sie ~ ete @ had a way of speaking rapidly and heed- A few times,’’ answered Frank, with lessly and turning his expressions end for|a@ quiet smile. end, “That's all the better. I won’t have Frank had been able to covertly assist | to show you how to start in. Here, here Harry at examination. Harry and Frank|—that hand goes on the other glove—J] were seated close to each other, and the| mean that glove goes on the other hand. latter saw that the boy from Ohio was|That’s the way. Now we're off. Left completely stumped over some question, |forward foot—er, left foot forward. whereupon Frank took to writing the| Hold your guard this way. Now hit me answers on tiny pieces of paper and snap- |if you can.”’ ping them across in the form of wads.|| Almost like a flash of lightning FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE, Frank’s hand shot out, and he caused the glove to snap on Harry’s nose. ‘*Whee jiz—I mean jee whiz!”’ | gasped | the astonished boy from Ohio. ‘‘You’re 3ut it was an accident; you can’t | quick! do it again.’’ He had scarcely uttered the words be- fore Frank feinted then sharp one under Harry’s uplifted guard. ‘*Scrate Gott—er, great Scott! You do know some tricks! I'll bet you think you can Well, I'll have to drive that head out of your notiof—I mean that no- Look out for me and shot in a} box ! tion out of your head. now! I’m coming!’ Then Harry Rattleton sailed into Frank and met with the greatest surprise of his life, for he found he could not touch Merriwell, and he was beaten and ham- mered aud battered about the room til] he finally felt himself slugged under the | ear and sent flying over a chair, to land | He sat up and held his gloved ‘hand to his} ag ; 2 in a heap in one corner of the room. ear, Which was ringing with a hundred} clanging bells, while he stared astounded at his room imate, ‘*Moly Hoses!’’ he gurgled.. ‘*What have I been up against? Are you Cor- bett in disguise ?”’ That experience was enough to satisfy him that Frank Merriwell knew a great deal more than he didsabout boxing. As Frank sat by his window listening | to the singing on the evening that this| story opens, he Harry could be, for his room mate had | been away since shortly after supper. : was wondering where) Frank knew the merry singers were) sophomorzes, the unre- | lenting foes of all freshmen. and He would malicious -have given not a little had he been able ae oF : to join them in their sorgs, but he knew | that was not to be thought of for’ a| ‘moment, As he continued to listen, a clear tenor voice struck into that most beautiful of eollege songs when heard from a distance: }ing ialma "When the matin bell is ringing, U-ra-li-o, U-ra-li-o, From my tushy pallet springing, U-fa-li-o, U-ra-liso, as the morning sally, With my sickle bright thro’ the valley, To my dear one gayly singing, U-ra-li-o, U-ra-li-o.”’ lioht forth I Fresh g Then seven or eight strong musical young voices came in on the warbling the at listened enchanted and enraptured, feel- the subtle charm of it all and _bless- fortune that he was a youth anda chorus, and boy the window ing’ student at Yale. The charm of the new life he had en- |tered upon was strong, and it was weav- ing its spell about him—-the spell which makes old Yale so dear to all.who are fortunate enough to claim her as their He eagerly drinking in the rest of the mater. continued to listen, song as it came through the clear evening air. ‘*When the day is closing o’er us, U-ra-li-o, U-ra-li-o, And the landscape fades before us, U-ra-li-o, U-ra-li-o, When our merry men quit their mow- ing, And along the glen horns are blowing, Sweetly then we’ll raise the chorus, U-ra-li-o, U-ra-li-o.”’ The warbling song died out in the dis- tance, there was a rush of feet outside the’ door, and Harry, breathless and excited, came bursting into the room. - ‘*T say, old man,’’ he cried, “what do I think ?”’ ‘fReally, I -don’t- know,’’ Frank. ‘‘What do.you think ?”’ ‘‘J—]I mean wh-what do you think???’ laughed spluttered Harry. ‘Why, I think a great many things. What’s up, anyway ?”’ ‘You know Diamond ?’’ ‘The fellow they call Jack ?”’ Veg 9? “T should say so! It was his bull pup — 4 FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. that chewed a piece out of the leg of my trousers. I kicked the dog downstairs, and Diamond came near having a fit over it. He’s gota peppery temper, and he was ready to murder me. I reckon he thought I should have taken off my trousers and given them to the dog to chew. ’’ ‘‘He’s a Southerner—from Virginia. He’s a dangerous chap, Frank—just as lief eat as fight—I mean fight as eat. He’s been in town to-night, drinking beer with the boys, and he’s in a mighty ugly mood. He says you insulted him.’’ ‘Ts that so?”? | ‘*Tt’s just so, and he’s going to dallenge you to a chewel—I mean challenge you toa duel.”’ : Frank whistled softly, elevating his brows a bit. ‘‘What sort of a duel ?’’ he asked. ‘Why, a regular duel with -depons—er, deadly weapons. fully in earnest, Frank, and he means to kill youif you don’t apologize. All the fellows are backing him; they think -you will not fight..”* “Ts that so? -Looking for me to show the white feather, are they? Well, I like that!’ ‘‘But you can’t fight him! I tell you he’s a fire eater! I’ve heard that his father killed a man in a duel.’? “And that makes the son dangerous! No, Harry, I can’t afford to— What’s all that racket?” The sound of voices and of many feet ascending the stairs could be heard. Harry turned pale. “They’re coming, Frank!’’ he ex- claimed. ‘‘It’s the whole gang, and Dia- mond is with them. He means to force you to fight or squeal!”’ wedly | He’s aw-| CHAPTER II. CHALLENGED AND HAZED. The voices were hushed, the feet halted in the hall, and then there was a sharp knock on the door. Before Harry could Frank called out: ‘Come in.’?’ Open flew the door, and there stood the tall, straight, dark-eyed Southerner, with half a dozen other fellows behind him. ‘‘Mr, Merriwehl,’’ said Diamond, stiffly, ‘‘T have called to see you on a very im- portant matter, sir.’’ ‘‘Walk right in,’’ invited Frank, 'rising to receive them. ‘‘Bring your friends in. State your business, Mr. Diamond.’’ The party came trooping in, and Frank was not a little | among them Bruce Browning, a_ big, strong, lazy sophomore, a fellow who was knowh to bea great hand to plan devil- try whith was usually carried into execu- tion by his friends.. As for Browning, he reach the door |was not given to exerting himself when he could avoid it. That a soph should be associating with a party of freshmen seemed but a little short of marvelous, and Frank’ instantly scented ‘‘a job.’’ Believing he had been singled out for the party to ‘‘jolly,’’ his blood was up in a moment, and he re- solved to show them that he was not ‘“easy.?? Jack, Diamond drew himself up, his eyes fastened threateningly on Frank, and said : ‘Sir, you had the impudence to kick my dog, and when I remonstrated with you, you insulted me. apology before these gentlemen. ’’ Frank held himself in check; he ap- peated as cool as an iceberg. ‘‘Sir,’’ he said, ‘‘your confounded dog spoiled a pair of ten-dollar trousers for me, and I demand another pair—or satis- faction.’? astonished to observe I demand an 4 5 ing about him. FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. 5 Harry Rattleton caught his breath. Was Merriwell crazy? He started for- ward, as if to intervene, but Diamond, his eyes blazing, motioned him back. *“Very well, sir,’’ said the Southerner, addressing Frank, “you shall have all the satisfaction you desire. Mr. Ditson will represent me.’? — . Roland Ditson pressed forward. He was a loud-voiced youth who wore loud clothes and sported a large amount of jewelry. ‘‘Name your second, Merriwell,’’ he said in an authoritative way. ‘‘We want to settle this matter as soon as pos- ‘sible.’ ‘ Frank named Harry, and the seconds conferred together. Se : Merriwell sat down and coolly awaited the result, with his hands in his pockets. Diamond drew aside, his friends gather- Bruce Browning inter- ested himself in what was passing between Rattleton and Ditson, and it was plain that he was urging them to do something. After a few minutes Harry approached Frank, a troubled look on his face. “‘Tt’s an outrage!’’ he indignantly ex- claimed. ‘‘Ditson insists that it be a degular ruel—I mean a regular duel with rapiers. He says you gave the challenge, and so Diamond has the right to name the weapons. Such a thing can’t take place!”’ ‘Oh, yes, it can,’’ said Frank, coolly. “‘Accept the proposition and have the affair come off as soon as possible.”’ ‘*But, Frank, dink of it—I mean_think of it! Ill bet Diamond is an. expert swordsman, and he’s just the kind of a chap to lose his head and run you through the body! Why, it would be dimply serrible—I mean simply terrible!’’ ‘lll have to fight him or take water. Now, Harry, old man, you don’t want “me to show the white feather, so go back and complete the arrangements. ’’ ‘But there ought to be some other way of settling it. If you could fight him with your fists I know you’d beat him, but you don’t stand a show this way.”’ Frank looked his room mate squarely in the eye. ‘‘Go back and accept every proposition Ditson makes,’’ he commanded, and Rat- tleton felt the influence of Merriwell’s superior will. Back he went, and it didnot take the seconds long, with Bruce Browning’s aid, to settle matters. Browning said he ‘knew a nice qtiiet place where the duel could take place without danger of inter- ruption, and in a short time the entire party was on the street, following the lead of the big sophomore. Harry was at Frank’s side and he was greatly agitated. “Tf you are counting on Diamond back- ing down you’ll be dadly—I mean sadly disappointed,’’ he whispered. ‘‘ That fel- |low doesn’t know what it is to be afraid, and he’ll stand up to the end.”’ ‘*Keep cool,’’ directed Frank. find there are others.’’ Harry gave up in despair. ‘This is a terrible affair /’’ he muttered to himself. ‘‘It’s likely to mean arrest, disgrace, imprisonment for the whole of us, if those blamed hot-headed fools don’t kill each other!”’ “He But he decided to stand by his room mate, no matter what came. Browning led them away from the vicinity of the college buildings and down adark street. At length they came toan old brick structure, in which not a light was to beseen. Down some slippery stone | steps they went, and the big soph let them in by unlocking a door. ‘It was dark inside. Browning closed 3 and locked the door, after which he con- ducted them along a narrow passage, opened another door, and ushered them into a room. , ‘The smell of cigarette smoke was strong 6 FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. there, and Frank knew the place had been lately occupied by smokers. A match spluttered, was lighted. and then a lamp ‘‘Get ready for business,’’ directed Browning. ‘‘I will bring the rapiers and another light.’’ Then he vanished beyond a door that opened into another dark room. Frank loeked around and saw a table, upon which were cards and empty beer ‘bottles. There were chairs and some copies of illustrated sporting papers. The walls were bare. It was warm down there, and Frank immediately discarded his coat. Diamond was about to follow Merri- well’s example, when there was a sudden rush of feet and the room filled in a twinkling with masked youths, who flung themselves on the astonished freshmen and made all but Frank a prisoner in a moment. Frank instantly understood that they had been trapped, and he knocked down four of his assailants before they could bear him to the floor and overpower him. His hands were securely bound, and then he was lifted to his feet. ‘Well, fellows, that was a pretty slick trick,’? he half laughed as he coolly looked around. ‘‘You sophs have been trying to corral a gang of us for a week, and with the aid of the smooth Mr. Browning you succeeded very finely this ane; | “Silence!’’ roared a deep voice, and a tall fellow in a scarlet Mephisto rig con- fronted Frank. ‘‘You have intruded upon forbidden ground. None but the chosen may enter here and escape with lite.”? ‘“‘Not one!’’ chorused all the masks in deep and dismal unison. Mephisto made a signal. the freshmen wete seized. “CAway msn them |? shouted the fel- low in red.. Once more In another moment all but Frank had been hustled out of the room. ‘Then Frank was suddenly held fast’ and blind- folded. along to some place where the opening of another door He was dragged brought to his ears the sound of horns and shouts of fiendish glee. He was made to monnt some stairs and then his feet were -kicked from beneath him, and he shot down a steep and ‘slippery incline into the very midst of | the shouting He dropped ithrough space and ‘landed—in a vat of ice-cold water. Then he was dragged out, thumped on the head with stuffed demons. lowed in his: ears, and tossed in a blanket till his head bumped against the ceiling. Then he was forced to crawl through a piano box that was filled with sawdust. part of his body. All through this ordeal not a word or a murmur escaped his lips. His teeth were set, and he felt that he had rather die than utter a sound that betrayed pain or agitation. This seemed to infuriate his assailants. They banged him about till he could scarcely stand, and then, of asudden, there was a great hush, while a terrible voice croaked : : ‘‘Bring forth the guillotine!’ “ There was a bustle, and then the band- age was stripped from Frank’s eyes, he was tripped up, and a second later found himself lying helpless with his neck in the socket of a mock guillotine. Above him was suspended a huge gleaming knife that seemed to tremble, as if about to fall. At his side was a fellow dressed in the sombre garments of an executioner. It was really a severe strain upon his nerves, but still his teeth were clinched, and not a sound came from his lips. ‘The knife is broken,’? whispered the clubs, deafened by the horns that bel-- He was pushed and pulled and hammered and thumped till he was sore in every seid al 568 ~~ auiisitpeieits ~~ gan to howl and blow horns: A opened, and Diamond, blindfolded and) FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. 7 mock executioner in Frank’s ear, ‘‘so it may accidentally fall and ‘cut you.’’ CHAPTER III. THE DEADLY GUILLOTINE. ‘Have you any last message, fresh ?’’ hoarsely whispered the mock executioner. ‘There might be a fatal accident.’’ Frank made no reply save to wink tan- talizingly at the fellow. The next instant, with a nerve-break- ing swish, the shining blade fell! A piece of ice was drawn across Frank’s throat and a stream of warm water squirted down his back. It was most horribly real and awful, and for a moment it seemed that the knife had actually done the frightful deed. Despite his wonderful nerve, Frank gasped; but he quickly” saw that the knife had swung aside and his head was still attached to his body. Then he forced a derisive laugh from his lips, and seemed not the least dis- turbed, much to the disgust of the as- sembly. ‘‘Confound him!’’ growled a voice, which Frank fancied he recognized as be- longing to Browning. ‘‘There’s no fun in him. Let’s try another.”’ Then Frank was lifted to his feet and assisted to don his coat. ‘Tf you want to stay and see the fun, put on a mask,’’ directed Mephisto. ‘You must not be recognized by the other freshies.’’ _ He was given a mask and he put it on as directed. A moment later the masked youths be- door bound, was led into the room. The young Virginian stood ‘up _ haughtily, and he was seen to strain and struggle in an effort to free his hands. ‘‘T protest against this outrage!’’ he cried, angrily. ‘‘I want you to know that my father——’? The horns and the shouts drowned his words. Hewas forced to mount the steps to a high platform, and an instant late1 he found himself shooting down a slip- pery incline of planed and _ greased boards. The racket stopped as Diamond scooted down the slippery surface. He dropped sprawling into the vat of icy water. Sev- eral hands caught hold of him, yanked him up, and thrust him down again. ‘‘Oh, somebody shall suffer for this!’’ gurgled the helpless freshman, splutter- ing water froin his mouth. He was dragged out of the vat, and then he was forced to endure all the hustling, and thumping, and banging which Frank Merriwell had _ passed through. His protests seemed to fall on deaf ears. It had been reported that Diamond had — declared that the sophomores would not dare to haze him, as his father would make it hot for them if they did. ‘This report was remembered, and he was used more severely than Frank had been. Hazing at Yale was said to be a thing of the past, but Frank saw it was still carried on secretly. ‘‘Make a speech, fresh!’’ shouted a voice. ‘‘Speech! speech!’ yelled the masked lads, ‘ Diamond was «placed on a low table. For a moment he hesitated, and then he fancied he saw his opportunity to make a protest that would be heard. “‘T will make a speech,’’ be declared. “Pll tell you young ruffians what I think of you and what——”’, Swish! a sponge that was dripping with dirty water struck him square in the mouth. Some of the water went down his throat, and he choked and strangled. - The table was jerked from beneath his — 8 FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. feet, and he fell into the waiting arms of | the masked sophomores. ‘““He called us ruffians! him !”’ Give it to Then the unfortunate freshman was| He was tossed in. given a powerful shock of! used worse than ever. a blanket, electricity, pounded with deafened by the _ horns, the stuffed clubs, and hustled till there was scarcely any breath left in his body. Then the bandage was torn from Dia- monds’ eyes and he was confronted by the guillotine, over which fresh red ink had been liberally spattered. The blade of the huge knife was dripping in a gory manner, and it really looked as if it had just completed a deadly piece of work. Despite himself, the young. Virginian shivered when his eyes rested on the ap- parently bloodstained blade. “Be careful!’? some one distinctly whispered. ‘‘We do ‘more than one freshman in a night.”’ Some one else spoke of the frightful manner in which the knife had cut Mer-| riwell, and then, despite his feeble strug- gles, Diamond was placed upon the in- strument of torture. ‘‘’The other fresh died game,’’ muttered the executioner. ‘‘Of*course we didn’t mean to kill him, but the knife is out of order and it slipped by accident. We haven’t time to fix it properly, but there are only about nine chances out of ten that it-will fall again.”’ ‘‘Oh, you fellows shall pay for this!’’ feebly gasped Diamond. 3 Despite himself, although he knew how unlikely such a _ thing was, he could not help wondering if a terrible ac- cident had really happened. Ifnot, where was Merriwell? He looked around, but saw nothing of Frank, who was keeping in the background. And then, when his nerves had been * quite unstrung, the knife fell, the ice and warm water were applied, and Diamond not want to kill} could not choke back the cry or norror Ithat forced itself from his lips. | A roar of laughter broke from the masked students. When Diamond was lifted to his feet he was almost too weak to stand. He clinched his teeth, vowing over and. over ‘to himself that he would find a way to “square accounts. ‘‘Tf it takes me a year, I’1l find out who ithe leaders in this affair are, and they shall suffer for it!’’ he thought. | ‘‘Give him a chance to see the others put through the mill,’’ said Mephisto, and Diamond’s hands were released. The Virginian looked around, seeming lirresolute fora moment. Not far away he Saw a masked lad whose clothes were wet and bedaubed with dirt and sawdust. In an instant Diamond sprung toward this person and snatched the mask from his face. “It’s Merriwell!’’ he triumphantly ishouted, ‘‘and he has helped to haze His career at Yale will be suddenly cut short!” ime! } | CHAPTER IV. THE BLOW. There was a sudden hush. ‘The stu- dents saw that Diamond was really te- vengeful, and his words seemed to indicate that he intended to report any one whose identity he discovered. _ : The Virginian was pale and he trem- bled with anger. ‘You don’t mean to say that you will blow, do you ?”’ asked one. ‘“That’s exactly what I do mean, sir!’’ came resolutely from the lips -of the in- furiated freshman. ‘‘I am a gentleman and the son of a gentleman, and I'll never stand it to be treated like a cur. Hazing is said to be no, longer tolerated here, and an investigation is certain to follow my report of this affair.’ A little fellow stepped out. a s¢ Si ti mete lt Th ans eee th ke ee Be ~ -Jows come here to have FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. | By ‘You claim to be a gentleman,’’ he said, distinctly,‘* but you will prove your- self a cad if you peach.’’ **T had rather be a cad than a ruffian, sir!’ “If you were a gentleman you would take your medicine like a gentleman. You’d never squeal.”’ ‘You fellows are the ones who are squealing now, for you see you have been imposing on the wrong m&an.”’ -**Man!’’ shot back the little fellow, contemptuously. ‘‘There’s not much man about a chap that blows when he is hazed a little.”’ ‘CA little! a little! call a little ?’’ “‘Oh,-this is nothing. Think of what the poor freshies used to go through in the old days of Delta Kappaand Sigma Eps. Why, sometimes a fellow would be roasted so his skin like burned steak for a week.’ Is this what you would smell ‘That was when he was burned at the stake,’’ said a chap in the background, and there was a universal dismal groan. ‘“T his is some of the Delta Kappa ma- here,’’ the little fellow ex- ‘‘Sometimes some of the fel- a cold bot and hot lob. You freshies walked right in on us to-night, and we | ception. Now, if you blow I’ll guarantee you'll never besome a soph. The fellows will do you, and do you dirty, before your first year is up.”’ “Such threats do not frighten me,” haugntily flung back the lad from Vir- ginia. ‘‘I know this was a put-up job, and Bruce Browning was in it. He got us to come here. Frank Merriwell knew chinery plained. gave you a pleasant re- ' something about it, or he’d never been so ready to come. Tad Horner.’ The little fellow fell back a ms: and | then, with a sudden angry impulse, he __ tore off his mask, And I know. you, too, showing a flushed, chubby, boyish face, from which a pair of great blue eyes flashed at Diamond. “Well, I am Tad Horner!’’ he cried, ‘fand I’m not ashamed of it! If you want to throw me down, go alfead. It will be a Jew, dirty trick, and will show the kind of a big stuff you are!”’ The masked lads were surprised, for Tad had never exhibited such spirit~ be- fore. He had always seemed like a mild, shy, mother-boy sort of chap. He had been hazed and had cried; but he wouldn’t beg and he never squealed. After that Browning had taken him un- der his wing, had fought his battles, and had stood by him through the freshman year. Anybody who was looking for trouble with Browning could find it by imposing on Horner; and Browning, for all of his laziness, could fight like a tiger when he was aroused. Some of the students clapped their hands in approbation of ‘T’ad’s plain words, and there was a general stir. *One fellow proposed that everybody unmask, so that all would be on a level with Hor- ner, but the little fellow quickly cried: “Don’t do it! You’d all be spotted, and the faculty would know who to in- vestigate if anything should happen to Diamond. If I’m fired, I want you fel- lows to settle with him for me.’’ ‘We'll do it—we’ll do it, Tad!” cried. more than twenty voices. Diamond showed his white, even teeth and laughed shortly. “Perhaps you think that will scare me,’’? he sneered. ‘‘If so, you will find I am not bluffed so easily.”’ ‘‘We are not trying to scare you,’’ de- clared another of the masked students, ‘but you’ll find we are in earnest if you blow.’ ‘Well, you will find I am in Senet and I do not care for you all.’’ The boys began to despair, for they saw that Diamond was determined and | obstinate, and it would be no easy thing 10 , FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. to induce him toabandon his intention of reporting the hazing. If he did so, 3rowning and Horner would find them- selves in deep trouble, and others might become™ the It was not probable that,the conse- quences would be serious for Merriwell, involved during investiga- tion. who would be able to prove his innocence in the matter. What could be done? The boys fell to discussing the matter in little groups, and not a few expressed regret that Tad Horner had unmasked, .as| alibi could have been if he had atranged for) Now an him not done so. would be too proud to permit them to try | anything of the sort, and he would tell the truth about his connection with the affair if the truth were demanded of him. ‘*We’re in a bad box,”’ in one of the little groups. ‘‘Diamond is mad enough to do just as he threatens.’’ “ASares'' ‘And breaks up this joint. No more little! Tenehes here—no more games of penity nodded another. ante.’ “It’s a howling shame!’’ exploded a third. ‘‘It makes me feel grouchy.’? ‘‘T move we strangle Diamond,”’ gested the first speaker. }ine in a duel—thdat’s why he} said one fellow} still 'returned. that | sug-} a the nothing ‘Took here, friendly man,’’ he said taken It’s old ‘‘yvou’ve only way; same dose they gave me. when you get used to it.’’ Diamond gave him look, but did not speak. ‘‘Now, I don’t propose to make a holler a contemptuous ‘about this little joke,’’ Frank went on. |‘*What’s the use? I’m not half killed.’ ‘*Perhaps you think you can hoodwink me!’’ cried Dianiond. “Well, You were in the game you can- all the time. you were so ready to meet not! That’s why you. came here.’’ ‘“I assure you on my word of honor ‘that you are wrong.”’ ‘Your word of honor!?’ That sneer cut Frank deeply, but he held himself in check’ | ‘*Yes, my word of honor,’’ he calmly ‘*See—look at my clothes. You can tell that I have been through the mill.’ ‘“You may have had ee fixed that | way on purpose to fool me. “‘Oh, you must know better than that! 3e reasonable, Diamond.’’ The Virginian made a savage gesture. “Tf you are so pleased to be madea ‘It seems that that is the only way to|/laughing stock of it’s nothing to me,” keep his tongue still,’’ dolefully groaned | “This is a big horse oa us.’’| I’m going to tell all I know.”’ a tall chap. ‘““That’s what,’’ sighed a boy with a face like a girl’s. puts me in a blue funk.”’ Then they-stood and stared silently a each other through the eyeholes ‘‘The whole business|—full of nice clean, blank pages,”’ . mee one in the in| he flashed. ‘‘Keep still if you want to. ‘““That would make a very large book said background, Frank’s manner suddenly changed. ‘*Look here, Diamond,’’ he said®‘‘you their masks, and not one of them was.able! won’t tell a thing.” - to propose anything practicable. The Southerner caught his breath and The rest of the assembled sophomores. me eyes stared. seemed in quite as bad a plight, and some| of them were inclined to indulge in pro-| other’s manner. fanity, which, although it relieved their feelings for the moment, did not suggest any way out of the scrape. At this point Merriwell spoke up, ad- dressing Diamond. wasn ‘Eh?’ he muttered, surprised at the. **T won't?” “Not on your life.’? ‘““Why not?”’ ‘“Because it will mean expulsion for you as well as myself if you do.’? ae. Every one was listening. They gath- _ 4 n ~y te FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE, ered about the two freshmen, wondering ei dirty thing to do. -tmnatter, these fellows are sure to tell that Weapons, and you’ll find yourself rusti- warbled one of the delighted sophomores. “eDhat? s the stuff, Merry, old boy !?’ _ He -tried to spéak, but his voice was so hoarse that his words were unintelligible. not a little at Merriwell’s words and man- ner, “Expulsion for me??? slowly repeated Diamond. ‘‘How is that?”’ ‘It’s straight goods.’’ “Explain it.’? ‘Well, I will. We came here to fight a duel, didn’t we?”’ See seit” ‘You admit that ?”’ ‘“‘T do, sir.’ ‘“That is all thav’s needed.’ ‘“How? Why? I don’t understand.’’ ‘Duels are not countenanced in the .North, and nothing would cause a fellow to be fired from Yale quicker than the knowledge that he had had anjthing to do with one while here. There was a moment of silence and then a stir. A deep sigh of relief came from the masked lads, and some of them showed an inclination to cheer Merriwell. Diamond seemed nonplused for the moment. He glared at Frank, his hands clinched and his face pale. At last he slowly said: | ‘‘A duel is something no gentleman can blow about, so if you are a gentleman you will have to remain silent, sir.’’ ‘“That’s the way you Southerners look at it, but you will excuse us Northerners | if we do not see it in the same light. A'| - hazing is something we do not blow. seem determined to let | for all that it would be a) In order to even the about, but you out everything, we came here to fight a duel with deadly cating in Virginia directly.’’ “Way down in ole Virginny,’’ softly Diamond trembled with intense anger. 1 ‘ ) Do you twig??? | il A blue line seemed to form around his mouth. ‘*Merriwell’s got him!’’ Bruce Brown- ing lazily whispered in Tad Horner’s ear, ‘See him squirm !”’ Tad was relieved, although he endeay- ored not to show it; but a satisfied smile crept over his rosy face, and he felt like giving Frank Merriwell the ‘‘glad hand.” Diamond’s anger got the best of him. He strode forward, looked straight into Frank’s eyes, and panted: ‘‘T hate you, sir! I could kill you!”’ And then, before he realized what he was doing, he struck Merriwell a sharp blow on the cheek with his open hand. CHAPTER. V: THE FIGHT. The blow staggered Frank. It had come so suddenly that he was quite un- prepared for it. His face became sud- denly pale, save where Diamond’s hand had struck, and there the crimson prints of four fingers came out quickly, like a danger signal. With the utmost deliberation Merri- well removed his coat. “*Come, sir!’? he said to Diamond as ‘he passed coat and hat to a ready sopho- more. ‘‘I—I can’t fight you that way!’’ pro- ee —_ Virginian. ‘‘Bring the ra- | piers.’ ‘“This time I claim the right to name the weapons, and they will be bare fists.’’ ‘Right! right!’ cried several voices. “Youll have to fight him that way, Diamond.”’ “T will fight him!’’ grated Jack, furi- ously. ‘‘It is the prize fighter’s way, but I'll fight him, and I will lick him!”’ He tore off his coat and flung it down. The boys quickly formed a ring, and the freshmen foes faced each other. | Then the door of the room where the other freshmen were confined was thrust 12 FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. open, and Harry Rattleton excitedly cried: ‘‘Whee jiz!—I mean jee whiz! what do| you fellows think? Do you imagine we| are going to stay penned in here while) Well, We’re coming out!”’ | there is a scrap going on? not! Harry came with a rush, and the other | freshmen followed at his heels, the party | having been abandoned by the sophs who had been placed on guard over them. ‘Hold on! hold on!’? commanded Harry, forcing his way toward the fight-| ers. ‘‘I am Merriwell’s second, and-I’m going to see fair play, you bet!’ And I am Diamond’s second,’’ said Roland Ditson. ‘‘Just give me a chance in the ring there.’’ The appearance of the freshmen caused a brief delay. There wassome talk about rules and rounds, and Diamond said: “Tf I must fight with my fists, I'll fight as I please. I don’t know about your rules, and there will be but one round—that will finish it.’’ ‘‘How does that suit you, Merriwell ?”’ asked T‘ad Horner, who seemed to have assumed the position of referee. ‘*T am willing that Mr: Diamond should arrange that matter to suit himself.”’ ‘‘But there is to be no kicking,’’ Tad Horner hastily put in. ‘Certainly not,’ stiffly agreed Southerner. ‘‘All right. Shake hands.’’ Diamond placed both hands behind his back, and Merriwell laughed. see: !?? called Horner. Now you’re off!’’ Barely had the words left ihe little ref- eree’s lips when—tip! tap! slap !—Merri- well struck Diamond three light blows with his open’ hand. the ‘On guard! , A gasp of astonishment came from the watchinie sophomores, Never had they _ seen three blows delivered in such light- I guess |. }an ning-like rapidity, but their ears had not \ \fooled them, and they heard each blow distinctly. Merriwell’s guard was perfect, his pose was light and professional, and he sud- | denly seemed catlike on his feet. Diamond was astonished, but only for instant. The tapping blows started his blood, and he sprung toward his foe, istriking out with his left and then with | his right. Merriwell did not attempt to guard, but ‘he dodged both blows with ease, and then smiled sweetly into the face of the | baffled Virginian. ‘‘Oh, say!’ chuckled es Rattleton, hugging himself in delightful anticipa- tion, ‘‘just you fellows wait a minute! Diamond will think he has been struck by an earthquake!” Bruce Browning, himself a scientific boxer, was watching every movement of the two freshmen. He turned to Puss Parker at his side and said: '““Merriwell handles himself like an old one. By Jove! I believe there’s good stuff in that fellow!”’ ‘*Diamond would like to kill Merri- well,’’ said Parker. ‘‘You can see it in his face and eyes.’’ In truth there was a deadly look in the eyes of the pale-faced young Virginian. His lips were pressed together, and a hardening of the jaws told that his teeth were set. He was following Merriwell up, and the latter was avoiding him with ease. Plainly Diamond meant to corner the lad he hated and then force the fighting to a finish. The rivals were neatly of a height and they were built much alike, although Frank had slightly the developement. Merriwell seemed to toy with Diamond, giving him several little pat-like blows on the breast and in the ribs. Virginian felt that he had\Frank cornered he was astonished to see Merriwell slip t better chest When the — tv ee Pe 2. ek Pe! Te te tv . Stes Terriwe 1 hoped to toy with Diamond sneered Roland Ditson. ‘‘Merriwell seems afraid to stand up and_ face -Diamond.”? ; _ tally exclaimed. - goes against my grain.’’ by his side and took a step to meet the tunity for Straight at Frank’s face, striking with |: his left. “head Frank avoided the blow, allowing At the same time he cross countered with = his right hand, cracking Jack a heavy one a under the ear. under his arm and come up laughing behind him. Merriwell’s laughter filled Diamond’s| very soul with gall and wormwood. ‘‘Wait!’ he thought. “He laughs best who laughs last.”’ | ““Give it to him, Frank!’’ urged Rat- | tleton. ‘‘You’ll get out of wind dodging | about, and then it will not be so easy to| finish him off.’ But Frank saw that in a scientific way Diamond was no match for him, and he disliked to strike the fellow. He regretted very much that the unfortunate affair had come about, and he felt that there could be no satisfaction in whipping the till the latter should see that his efforts were fruitless and give up in disgust. But he did not yet recognize the kind of stuff of which John Diamond was built. ‘‘Come! come!’’ impatiently called one of the spectators. ‘‘Quit ducking and dodging and get into the game.”’ “That's right !*that’s right !’’ chorused several. ‘‘This is no sport.”’ ‘‘And it’s no six-day walking match,”’ “Ts that what you think ?’’? Frank men- ‘‘Well, I suppose I will have to hit him a few times, although it A moment later he dropped his hands It seemed like a great oppor- Diamond, and he led off Virginian. With a slight side movement of his his enemy’s fist to pass over his shoulder. FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE, 13 ‘‘Hooray!’’ cried Harry Rattleton in delight. ‘‘That was a corker! Bet Spark- ler saw more stars than there are in the Wilky May—I mean Milky Way.”’ For afew moments the fight was hot. Again and again Frank struck his enemy, but without putting his full strength into any of the blows, but it did not seem to have any effect on Diamond save to make him more fierce and deterimned. ‘“The Southerner’s got some sand,’’ commented Bruce Browning. ‘“That’s right,’’ nodded Puss Parker. ‘*He takes punishment well for a while, at least; but I don’t believe he will hold out much longer. I think he is the kind of a fellow to go to pieces in an instant.’? “You can’t tell about that. I havea fancy that he’s deceptive.’’ None of them, save Rattleton, possibly, knew that Merriwell was reserving any of his strength when he struck his foe. The fellows who a short time before were the most indignant against the Southerner because he seemed determined to ‘‘blow’’ were now forced to admire his bull-dog tenacity and sand. Merriwell had no desire to severely in- jure Diamond, although he had felt some resentment toward the fellow for forcing him into a duel with rapiers. To Frank it had seemed that the Vir- ginian had no hesitation in taking advan- tage of an enemy, for Diamond must have presumed that Merriwell knew nothing of the art of fencing and sword play. But for this belief, Merriwell would have been inclined to keep on and tire his enemy out, without striking asingle blow | that could leave a mark. But when Frank came to consider everything, he decided that it was no | more than fair that he should give his ° persistent foe a certain amount of punishment. Again and again Frank cross countered and upper cut Diamond, and gradually he came to strike harder as the Virginian ; ina twinkling. 14 FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. { forced the fighting, withott showing| ‘‘Come, come, old man!’’ he whis- signs of letting up. | pered ; ‘get up and get into the game Bruises and swellings began to appear | again! Don’t let them count you out,”? on Diamond’s face. On one cheek Merri-| But the Virginian was gasping for well’s knuckles cut through the skin, and| breath, and he did not seem to hear the the blood began to run, creeping down to | words of his second. his chin and dropping on the bosom of his | ‘“That. settles it’? said Puss Parker, white shirt. | promptly. Still, from the determination and fury! ‘‘Better Cp and see,’’ advised Bruce with which -he fought, it seemed th at | Browning. ‘‘Diamond may not give up Diamond was utterly unconscious that he| when he gets his breath.”’ had been struck at all. » ‘“*It doesn’t look as if he’d ever get his Jack did not consider how he had Jed| breath again.’’ Frank into a duel with rapiers without} Harry Rattleton was at Frank’s side, -knowing whether the fellow he hated had | swiftly saying: ever taken a fencing lesson in ali his life.| ‘‘Why didn’t you knock him out and His one thought was that, being an ex-| show the fellows what you can do? Yotpe* pert boxer himself, Merriwell had forced | nonkeyed with the goat toc him to a fist fight, believing it would be|stuffy, and you had to settle him some easy to dispose of him that way. time. It didn’t make a dit of bifference Diamond’s hatred for Frank made him| whether it was first or last.” blind to the fact that he was in the least) ‘‘That’s all right,’ smiled Frank. to blame, and filled him with a pagsionate| ‘‘He’s got sand, and I hated to nail him belief that he could kill the smiling/hard. It seemed a shame to thump such Northerner without a qualm of conscience|a fellow and cover his face with decora- —without a pang of remorse. | tions.” . At last, disgusted with his non success} “‘Shame? shame?’ spluttered Harry. in striking Frank at all, he sprung for- | ‘Why, blay bluses—I mean ‘blue blazes! ward suddenly and grappled with him. (didn’t he force you into a duel with Frank had been on the watch for that|rapiers, or try to? and he is an expert! move. 3 | Say, what’s the matter with you? If I'd Then the boys saw a pretty struggle|been in your place I’d gone into him for a moment, ending with Diamond} tooth and nail, and I wouldn’t have left being lifted and dropped heavily, | him in the shape of anything. Have you squarely on his back. got a soft spot around you somewhere, Mertiwell_ came down heavily on his} Merriwell?”’ persistent enemy. | “IT admire sand, even if it is in an Frank fell on Jack with the hope of} enemy.”’ knocking the wind out of the fellow and| ‘‘You take the cherry pie—yes, you thus bringing the fight to a close. take the whole bakery !”’ Fora few moments it seemed that be! Harry gazed at his room mate in won- had succeeded. 'der that was not entirely unmingled with Frank sprung up quickly, just as Tad! pity and disgust. He could not under- Horner grappled him by the hair with) stand Merriwell, and such generosity ay both hands and yelled: : ‘toward a persistent foe on the part of “Break away! | Frank seemed like weakness. Roland Ditson was at Diamond’s side | In the mean time Ditson had been urg- ing Diamond to get up. ee FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. 15 ‘‘They’ll call the scrap finished if you| 17 he don’t get onto your pins in a jiffy, warned. hand.”? Still the Virginian gasped for breath and seemed unable to lift a hand. a fellow seemed done up, it was Diamond just then. Roll Ditson ground his teeth in despair. “Oh, Merriwell will think he is cock of the walk now!’’ he muttered. ‘‘He’ll strut! He’s laughing over it ‘‘Horner’s got his watch in his If ever crow and now !’’ ‘‘Wh-what’s that??? gasped Diamond, trying to sit up. “He is laughing at you,’’ hurriedly whispered Ditson, lying glibly. ‘‘I just heard him tell Rattleton that he could he stuffing out of you in less than a quarter of a minute. you'll never dare face him again.” Oh, huskily froin Diamond’s He says he does! oh, he does!’ lips. we’ll see about that—we’ll see!”’ With Ditson’s aid he got upon his feet. Then his breath and his strength seemed | With a| backward snap of his arm he flung his| to come to him in a twinkling. second away. cry, he rushed like a mad bull at the lad_| he hated. CHAPTER VI. THE FINISH. Diamond’s recovery and the manner in which he resumed the fight caused gen- eral astonishment. Even Bruce Brown- ing had cdfne to think that the Virginian was ‘‘out.”’ Frank was taken by surprise. Before he could square away to meet his foe, Diamond struck him a terrific blow near the temple, knocking him into Rattle ton’s arms. | ‘*Foul!’?? cried Harry, excitedly. _ “Horner hadn’t given the word.” “Boul! foul!’ came from all sides, cane | “Well, | TRen, uttering a hoarse | foul in this fight save = ‘““There is no when something is used besides fists,”’ declared Merriwell as he staggered from |his room mate’s arms, “‘‘It’s all right ‘and it goes.”’ 3ut he found that everything seemed swimming around him, ard dark spots were pursuing each other before his eyes. The floor seemed. to heave like the deck of a ship at sea. He put out his-hand to grasp something, and then he was struck again. Once more Rattleton’s arms kept Frank from going down. | ‘“*Phis is no square deal!? Harry shouted. ‘By the poly hoker—I mean holy poker! Vl take a hand in this myself!” He would have released Merriwell and jumped into the ring, but Frank’s strong fingers closed on his arm. ‘*Steady, old man!”’ came sharply from lips. this yet If Diamond finishes me he is to Merriwell’s **T- amin ‘awhile. The fellow that lays a ibe let alone. hand on him is no friend of mine!’ “You give me cramps!’’ groaned Harry. Instead of aiding in finishing Frank, Diaimond’s second blow’ seemed to istraighten him up, as if it had cleared a ifog from “his brain. ‘The spots disap- | peared before his eyes and things ceased ‘to swim around-him. | Into the ring to meet Iris foe sprung ‘Frank, and, to the astonishment of every- ‘body he still smiled. | At the same time, Merriwell knew he [had toyed with Diamond too long. He ‘realized that the Virginian’s first blow ‘had come within a hair of knocking him ,out, and he could still hear a faint ring- ing and roaring in his head. Frank saw that the only way he could fend the fight was to finish his unrelent- iug and persistent foe. Diamond fought like an infuriated tiger. Again and again Frank’s fist — 16 FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE: cracked on his face, and still he did not falter, but continued to stand up and take his medicine. In less than a minute the Virginian was bleeding at the nose, and had received a blow in one of his eyes that was causing it to swell in a way that threatened to close it entirely. The spectators were greatly excited, | and not a few of them declared it was the most gamy fight they had ever wit- nessed. The front of Diamond’s shirt was stained with blood, and he presented a sorry aspect. His chest was heaving, but his uninjured eye glared with unabated fury and determination. ° ““Will he never give up?’’ muttered Harty Rattleton. ‘‘He’s a regular hog! The fellow doesn’t know when he has enough.”’ It was true Southern grit. It was the unyielding Southern ~spirit—the spirit that led the soldiers of the South to make one of the pluckiest struggles known in history. While the fellow’s grit had won Frank’s admiration, still Merriwell had learned that it would not do to let up. The only way out of the fight was to end it, and he set about trying to accomplish that with as little delay as possible. Once Diamond succeeded in getting in another blow, and it left a slight swelling over one of the other lad’s eyes. But Merriwell did not seem to know that he had been hit. He soon cracked the Virginian upon the uninjured eye, and that began to swell. Ina few sec- onds it seemed that Diamond must soon go blind. | “Finish him, old man—finish him!’? urged Harry. Frank was looking for the chance, but it was soine time before he found it. It came at last, and his left landed on the jaw beneath Diamond’s ear, Over went the Southerner, and he lay like a log where he fell. At a glance, it was evident to all that he was knocked out. The boys crowded around Merriwell, eager to congratulate him, but” he thrust them back, saying: “Tt’s the first time in my life I ever did a thing of which I was ashamed! Look after him. I’m all right.”’ ‘Say!’ exploded Harry Rattleton, ‘‘You make me sick! Didn’t you have to io tt ‘*T suppose so.’’ ‘‘Didn’t he strike you foul twice ?’’ ‘He knows nothing of rules, and we were fighting by no rules, so there could be no foul.”’ “Oh, no! If he’d soaked you with a brick you’d said it was all right!.I say, you make me sick! Wait till he gets a good chance to-do you, and see how quick he will take it.”’ ‘‘He’ll not be to blame if he tries to get square.’’ . ‘Oh, go hoke your sed—I mean soak your head! Ill catch you some time when you are asleep and try to pound a little sense into you.’ « ‘‘Well, take care of Diamond,’’ ordered Merriwell. ‘‘That laste one I gave him was a beastly thump.”’ . ‘Let the other fellows take care of him,’’ said Harry. ‘‘We’ll rub you down. You need it. Got any towels, Mr. Hor- ner?”? ‘‘Guess we can find one or two,’’ cheer- fully answered Tad. ‘‘Come on, Merri- well. We'll fix you up.” Frank followed them into the room where the captured freshmen had been water, an old iron sink, a tin wash dish, and some towels. The victor was stripped and given a brisk and thorough rubbing and sponging by Harry and Tad. confined, and there they found running be D 4° ~ ot Bruce Browning, with his mask still rT diab, yeaeae 4, te it u Ww te al tt) iv cl mat lo ne —_—" 4 ing said the freshman was the finest-put- - down one of the freshmen came in and - reported that Diamond had come around _ man. FRANK MERRIWELL ‘AT YALE. 17 over his face, came loafing in and looked|been patched up with courtplaster, but the stripped freshman over with a critical| his eyes were nearly closed, and he pre- eye. He inspected Frank from all sides, | sented a pitiful appearance. poked him with his fingers, felt of his) Frank hesitated a moment, and then he arms and legs, surveyed the muscles of|stepped up to his foe, saying in a manner his. back and chest, and then stood off | most sincere: and took him all in at a glance. ‘Old man, I am sorry this affair took ‘“Humph!”? he grunted. place. I, had the advantage, because I Frank’s delicate pink skin glowed, and} have taken boxing lessons, but you made _he jooked a perfect Apollo, with a splen-| 4 beautiful fight. Ihold no hard feelings. did head poised upon a white, shapely Let's call it quits and shake.”? neck. Never had he looked handsomer; We held out his hand. in all his life than he did at that moment, | | pjamond’s reply was to turn his back stripped to the buff, his brown hair _squarely on the proffered hand. frowsled, his body glowing from the eg dene additianal Sigh sock ta Meets bing. oar \cheeks, and he dropped his hand by his ‘By Jove!’’cried Tad Horner, who} | : side, turning away without another word. — esa called “Baby, ““he's 4) A few moments later Diamond left the Jim Bickex en; old ae ; ‘building, accompanied by a single com- The interrogation was directed at | panion, and that companion was not Browning. . Roland Ditson. ’ yy h!”? ; ; f umph!’”* grunted Bruce, and then ; ca ; we eS , | Ditson remained behind, and he was with his hands in hfs pockets he loafed| jamong* those who crowded about Frank out of the room. ) ; ‘ : |Merriwell and offered congratulations. Afterward it was reported that Brown-| _, ee I was Diaimond’s second,’’ said Roll, ) am satis est man | -but I am satisfied that the best up chap he had ever seen, but he didn’t| ; A ; : won. He’s no match for you, Merriwell. want to give him the swelled head by | |I shouldn’t have been his second, only telling him so, 4 i t t* fet ; : ihe urged me to. was glad to see you By the time Merriwell was well rubbed | ; 8 = : : do him up.’’ \ He got hold of Frank’s hand and held St eit |on, but received no friendly pressure in 9 ‘return. When he said he was glad that ‘“They’re going to bring him in here) AEE teens and give him a rubbing,’’ said the fresh- eo Se did Diamond up Frank looked ‘incredulous. | . 3 | 66 . 4s sts fete 6 Earn Frank hastened to get into his clothes, | As for me,’’ said the victor, ‘‘I was : . . tic antes 1 : ) in order that Diamond might have a/ sorry to have to do him up. ehance. Rattleton had brushed the dirt | Somewhere about the place Rattleton and. sawdust off those clothes, so they | had found an old floral decoration repre- looked pretty well, and Merriwell showed |seuting a harp. - He brought it forward no. traces of what he had passed through | and presented it to Frank. _ when he stepped out of the little room.” ““Pake-at,’” he said, “Yoni meed st Some of the boys were trying to induce| pretty soon. Your wings must be sprout- _ Diamond to be rubbed down, but he/ing already!’’ | objected, declaring-he was going directly} | ‘‘What is it?’? asked Frank. to his room. ‘The blood had been washed| ‘‘Why, can’t you'see? It’sa harp.” — from his face, and one or two cuts had| ‘‘It looks to me ‘like a blasted lyre,’ x 18 FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. said Merriwell. ‘‘You’d better give it to| ‘‘Don’t mind. I?ll be all right in the Ditson.”’ morning. Oh, curse the luck!”’ Then everybody but Ditson laughed. Then the passionate Southerner turned a OE over with his face toward the wall. Col- lins smoked a cigarette to quiet his nerves, CHAPTER: VII. after which he got®into bed once more. At intervals he could feel the bed shake, and -he knew Diamond was shivering as Diamond was badly done up. Hunk} j¢ he had a chill. Collins, his room mate, procured two; fy the slices of fresh beefsteak, and the Virgin- A FRESH COUNCIL. morning Diamond was not all tight. He was ill in bed, and it was nec- ian had them bound over his eyes, while essary to call a physician, although he his face was bathed with soothing and | protested against it. His eyes were in healing lotions; but nothing could soothe wretched shape, but when | the doctor his bruised and battered spirit, and Col. | questioned him, he persisted in saying he lins said he was kept awake ali night by| had injured them by falling downstairs. hearing Diamond grind his teeth at itrreg-| Of course he could not appear at chapel ular intervals. ‘or recitations, and he sent in an’ excuse. Even when he slept near morning the | Then Mr. Lovejoy came around to in- Southerner continued to grind his strong | vestigate. white teeth. Sometimes he groaned, but | Now, Mr. Lévejoy was most mild and more often it seemed that he was cursing. Jamblike in appearance, and one would Collins was dropping off to sleep from} have thought never in all his life had he Sheer weariness, when he awoke to find|indulged in anything that was not per- his room mate astride him and clutching’ fectly proper. him by the throat. ; | But appearances were deceptive in the “This: timer II] fix you!’ case of Mr. Lovejoy. When a student Diamond, thickly. ‘‘I’ll kill you, Merri- lat Yale he had made a record, but he had well—I’1l kill you!”’ ee fortunate, and he was never detected Then he struck feebly at Collins, who|in anything the faculty could not approve. rolled over and flung him off. They grap-| By those who knew him he was régarded . pled, and it was a severe struggle before 'as a holy terror, and by the faculty he Diamond was flung down on the bed and_| | was looked on as one of the most quiet held. ‘and docile students in college. “What in thunder is the matter with) When Cyrus Lovejoy became an instruc- you?’’ gasped Collins, whose hair was tor he did not forget the days when he had standing. ‘I’m not Merriwell! Have! _been a leader in scrapes of all sorts, and you gone daft ?”’ he was not inclined to be prying into the Diamond lay quite still, fie titaaias tae fe of students under him. Not only heavily for some moments, and then! that, but he could be blind to some things asked: he accidentally discovered. ‘Where are we?” so wlien Mr. Lovejoy reported that “Why, in our room, of course. Where! John Diamond’ s eyes, being naturally did you think we were??? weak, were inflamed by too close applica- “I didn’t know. Iwas dreaming.’’ | tion ta his studies, especially in the even- ‘Well, if you are going to be this way|ing, no one thought of investigating often, Pll have to take out a life-insur-| further. The doctor, it was said, had for- ance policy or quit you.”? . |bidden Diamond to attempt to study for — = coon was nea: etd rifle knij Sekt Se c¢ “yy star his | OD t > ow . ty 2 se O i 7 _—— j who was not smoking. the fellow to give up whipped very soon. lege,” eealy declared a Dorman. FRANK MER } several days, and had ordered him to wear a bandage over his eyes. Two or three evenings after “a party of freshmen gathered in Merri well’s room, for they were beginning to| realize that Frank was likely to be a} leader among them. ‘tT say, fellows,’’ cried Dan Dorman, who was sitting on the sill of the Sais with to | ‘fdo you is doing??? SrLe’s beautiful eyes of his,’ inson. “Pm giving it to you straight that he window, a cigarette clinging his lips, know what Diamond | doing his. Hess to cure those ’ said Bandy Rob- was out to-day and went down to the ee Dorman. nearest gun declared ‘“Collins says he bought a Winchester rifle, a shotgun, two revolvers, a bowie knife, a slungshot, and a set of brass store, ~ knuckles.” ‘‘Wo-o-oh!’? groaned Dismal Jones. “Why didn’t he purchase a cannon and) start for Cuba? Maceo could have armed his entire army from the outfit.’’ ‘He may strike out for Cuba after he gets through with Merriwell.”’ “Took out, Merry,’’ Jaughed Ned ‘Stover. ‘‘He’s after your scalp.” **He’ll have to get a bigger outfit than that hefore he takes it,’’ declared Harry -Rattleton. ‘‘How about it, Merry.?’’ asked Bandy Robinson. ~ “111 tell you, fellows,’’ said Frank, ‘‘Diamond is not I’m dead sure to hear from him again.” ~ “Fe’s a cad,’’ growled Dismal Jones. “I think you fellows judge him rather harshly, said Frank. ‘‘He is a South- erner, and he looks at many things differ- €ntly than we do. From his standpoint ~ he seems to be right.”’ c “Well, he’ll have to get tlfose notions ( 1 “ont 6f his head if he wants to stay in col-|- fessed Frank, RIWELL AT YALE. the fight | 19 |‘‘Now, I came here with the idea of fall- Everything to ling into’the ways in vogue. a ei goes with me. That’s the way get |along.’? | ‘Jam not so sure of that,’’ Merriwell returned. ‘‘A man must have some indi- |viduality. If you do everything every- it won’t be long be- to do body wants you to, fore he not want you any- thing. eB | Gecncen liked?” ‘“‘One extreme is as bad cs the other. Now, I make and I am not inclined to believe him such well, what’s the use to be always off and getting yourself dis- allowances for Diamond, a bad fellow.’ Harry Rattleton the room. **Oh, you exploded. flung a book across give me the flubdubs!”’ he ‘Why, that fellow hates you, ;and he means to doyou some time. Still /you are soft enough to say he’s not such a bad fellow! It’s disfounded congusting —I mean confounded disgusting !”’ ‘“’Time will tell,’? smiled Frank. ‘‘AI] fellows must admit that he has’ of you sand.”’ ‘‘Oh, a kind of bull-dog stick-to-itive- ness,’? murmured Stover.. e ‘P11 tell you one thing,’’ssaid fast Robinson; ‘‘now that Diamond has not blowed, he’s going to be backed by some ‘of the leading sophs.”’ ‘Rh? What makes you think so?” “Oh, I’ve got it straight. Browning has been to see him.’’ ‘‘No! Why, Browning is king of the sophs!”’ . ‘‘And he is jealous of Merriwell.’’ ‘*Jealous ?”’ ‘“‘Sure. He says Merry is altogether too ‘soon’ for a fresh, and he must be taken down. I tell you I’ve got it straight. He’ll put up some kind Be a job to enable Diamond to get ene ‘Well, this is rather interesting, ”’ showing that he was COn=\"" 20 FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE, a aroused. ‘‘I’ll have to look out for Mr. |heads of sophomores. ‘‘Have the rest of | S Mc Browning.’’ you fellows done as well ?”’ rs “He is a hard fellow to go against,’?| ‘I have lost two,’’ confessed Dan Dor- at solemnly said Dismal Jones. ‘‘He’s a Le} Man. _T Bey seem to single me out as | the Boule man, and they say he may take ey fruit. ; re his choice of the other big societies next And haven’t you made an attempt to a ; » get one in return?’’ asked Bandy Robin- | P&@& year. 5 y Bianid ‘‘Oh, what’s that amount to?’ Loe a EGA del < Be : td ave c YOC ‘ “It amounts to something here; but) (yp 0 au ¢ a ee oe 1] | of st : : ao J then he’s a fighter, and he is authority Pe ¥F ees . BRB a cup, 1eve a sealp:*:¥ on fighters and fighting.”’ Z ee ae ee et ee ee : ,|Of the boys in unison. Halfback — Browning a_ halfback! « oa ae teh woo Ol fhat fell ite hac Fok Not now,’’ he said. ‘‘Wait till I h 7 g a é ; b f eset enn ae Tee ot ee Pe RCteR ab un ae Roll Ditson strolled in, smoking a aus} Not a great deal BOW, perhaps, but | cigarette, and exclaimed: a he could last year. He'd be on the regu-| “Hello, Merry! Hello, fellows! What’s — ast lar team now, but his father swore to take} yp? Council of war?” : aa him out of college if he didn’t stop it.) ‘Just that,’? said Dan Dorman. | ™& . . . 4 ‘ ‘ ¢ You see, Browning is not entirely to ‘‘Merry is perfecting a scheme to put a blame for his laziness. He inherits it| horse on Browning.” this from his father, and the old man will not! ‘‘~h? Browning? Great Scott! Is | allow him to lead in athletics, so what-|that so? He’s a bad man to monkey sai ever he does must be done secretly.” 'with. Better let him alone, Merry.” sa Frank was interested.. He wondered | Ditson had a patronizing way that was | sor how a fellow like Bruce Browning could | offensive to Frank, who had given him : come to be known as ‘‘king of the sopho- numberless digs; but he was too thick | "0 mores,’’ unless such a title was applied | to tumble or he deliberately refused to — Ste to him in derision. Now he began to!/take Merriwell’s words as they werein- | ™ understand that Browning was something | tended. . more than the lazy mischief planner that} «wyou1] have to kick him before he SO he had seemed. < knows he’s not wanted,’’ Rattleton had = ( Frank’s interest in Browning grew. _ said. bo And you say he is backing Dia-| . «ppank you for your advice,’’ said . Oe mond ? Frank, with mild sarcasm—‘‘thank you | ay ‘“That’s the way it looks from the|exceedingly! Perhaps you are right.” os foad.!) =) £ ‘ ‘Oh, Iknow I am. I don’t want to 4 pe “Well, Mr. Bruce Browning may need | get the king after me, and I don’t believe of some attention. It is he who puts the| you care to have him on your trail. He B: sophs up to their jobs on us.. We ought}/is the most influential soph in college. | 44 to put up a big one on him.”’ . Why, his name is on a table down at | | ‘‘That’s right! that’s right!’’ Morey’s.’? 7 ‘‘Merry,’’ said Jones, ‘‘set the compli-| Ditson looked around as if his last | cated machinery of your fertile brain to|statement had settled the question of | ° ~ work and see what it will bring forth.’’| Browning’s vast superiority over all | ‘““That’s right! that’s right!’ | sophomores. ais: “D1 have to take time to think it) Morey’s was the favorite resort of the | over.”? - students, and no freshman could enter - _ ‘We have a few soph scalps,’’ grinned|there. It was an old frame house, with eat Rattleton, pointing to.a number of caps|low-posted rooms, and there one could = with which the walls were decorated, all/drink everything,except beer. No beer — jot of which had been snatched from the/could be had at Morey’s. oe as 4 Se Rel snes 3 eA Te st of Dor- it--as It to »bin- ou? T] ’em talk l of st cey vas im ick to ve, le -4 at suspended against the wall, of those tables,’’ he said. 1 es : question, Morey’s was headquarters for the Society of the Cup. This cup had six handles and was kept in a locked closet. On the cup was engravéd in large letters the word “Velvet, » which is a_ well- known Yale drink, composed of cham- pagne and Dublin stout, a drink that is mild and soft, but has a terrific ‘‘kick.”’ Besides the word ‘‘Velvet,’’.a number of students’ names were engraved on the cup, and no one whose name was not there could ask the proprietor to show the cup. The marked tables were two round tables on which names of the frequenters of the place had been cut in the hard wood. One table had been filled with six hundred and seventy-five names and was where it would revolve, and the other tables were fast filling up. ' Merriwell laughed at Ditson’s state- | ment. ‘‘Y don’t see as it is such a wonderful thing for a soph to get his name on one “Tf you had said that Browning’s name was on the cup, it would have seemed a matter of some consequence. ”’ “It may be, for all I know. Sophs are not in the habit of telling us everything. Steer clear of Browning, Merry, old man.”’ ‘Thanks again! You have made me so nervous that I think I will take your advice.’’ ‘“That’s right, my boy—that’s right, = _ nodded Ditson, swelling with importance. “Always listen to your uncle, my lad, _ and you will never go wrong.”’ The other lads seemed rather disap- - pointed, but Merriwell said nothing more of his scheme to get a ‘‘horse’’ on ‘Browning—that is, he said nothing more that night. aS CHAPTER VIIL PLANNING A SURPRISE. It was singular how quickly Browning |} _ learned that Merriwell had contemplated Working a job on him. It seemed an absolute certainty that some one of the - party in Merriwell’s room had gone forth _ and ‘‘blowed.’’ Who'had done so was a FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. | felt that Roll Ditson ‘in 21 As was the most natural thing, consid- erin® his dislike for the fellow, Frank was the telltale, Of this he had no proof, however, and he was too just to openly condemn a man without proof. It was certain that Browning had learned all about it, for he sent word to Merriwell to go slow. At the same time, all public places he avowed the utmost contempt and disregard for the freshman who had done up Diamond. ‘““The boy is altogether too new,”’? Browning sneered. ‘‘What he needs is polishing off, and he is bound to get it.”’ Now, Frank had won admiration from the sophomores, and there were one or two who did not like Browning and would have given not a little to see him beaten at anything. This being the case, it is not surprising that Merriwell received an anonymous note warning him to keep in his room on a certain evening and look out for squalls. Frank knew Browning would not come alone, and he determined to be prepared. With this object in view, he gathered ten - stout freshmen and had them come to his room early on the evening mentioned. The curtains were drawn closely, and the arrivals were astonished.to see a lot of Indian toggery piled up on tables and chairs, imitation buckskin suits, feathered head dresses, bows, arrows, tomahawks, and so forth. On Merrjiwell’s table was a fully supply of Indian red grease paint. “‘Oh, say,’’? gasped Ned Stover, his 2 yy > Pp y eyes bulging, ‘‘what’s this—a. pow-wow outfit ?”’ > ‘This is the result of the idea you fel- lows gave me when you spoke of captur- ing scalps the other evening,’’ laughed Frank. ‘‘Select your suits, gentlemen, and proceed to make up.’’ ‘*Make up? hat for?’? ‘‘Just you make up, and I will tell you what for afterward.”’ Merriwell’s influence was sufficient to- induce them to obey, and he aided them in the work. ‘‘Blate grazes—I mean great blazes!’ — chuckled Rattleton as he rubbed the war paint on his face. ‘‘Won’t we make a bloodthirsty gang of roble. ned oo ae red men Ee I ae Fy, fr - é > a FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. The boys aided each other, and Frank|sauntered in, smoking the inevitable assisted them all. © | cigarette. ‘‘Aren’t you going to make up, | “Hello, Merry!’ he cried, looking Metry ?’’ asked Bandy Robinson. around. ‘*All alone???’ y ; ‘‘Notnow. I am to be.the decoy.”’ ‘fAll alone, Ditson,’’ yawned Frank. way?’ |hard pull at my studies.”’ ‘Well, I have it pretty straight that; ‘‘Better come out with me and geta some so shs led by Browning, are coming little air. It’s stuffy here.” ) J =) to take me out for an airing to-night.’? | ‘Oh, you’ll have to excuse me to-night. “Kh? ‘Take you out?’’ 'I don’t believe I’ll go out.”’ ? x eS. ees : a Ditson urged, but ae persisted in And he means to take them in,’’ | refusing. Roll stopped near a table and laughed Rattleton, arranging a war ae | picked up a stick of grease salt net on his head. | ‘‘Hello! what’s this?’ he exclaimed. “That’s just it,’’ nodded Frank. “Tf ‘‘Aren’t going into amateur theatricals, they come here, we'll be ready for them. | are you, Merry ?”’ If they do not come, we’ll call on Mr.| “Oh, I don’t know, » smiled Park. ete ) Browning. |‘*T may do a turn.’ 6p) Boe : “ 3 : : ec ere tather a serious) Djtson looked at: Merriwell curiously, matter,”’ said Dismal Jones. jas if in doubt concerning his sincerity, 6 ; : , 1) ; Oh, don t begin to croak!” cried Rat-| hut Prank simply continued to smile. tleton. Merriwell knows his DUSINESS.-|"" -«¢ (Ta ding red,’ said Roll, reading the Hurry up with your makeup. Can’t tell | lettering on the. atic: fe oe det saan how early the sophs will call. . {to become a big chief, do you???’ So the boys hastened to complete their “Perhaps so. my) disguise, and a decidedly savage-looking ‘Well, you are pretty sure to hecome oe they were when all was completed. | , big chief here at Yale, old man,” said rank asses them with satisfaction. Ditson, with apparent earnestness. ‘You “Ah! my bold warriors!’’ he cried, will be a leader here some day.”? “Tam proud of you. To-night—to- night “Think so?” | we deal the enemy a terrible and deadly “Oh, I’m dead sure of it.” blow.”’ ° F “Phank you.?? “We're ready to hear what the layout; Merriwell yawned again. is,’” eagerly said Ned Stover. “Oh, come on!’ Ditson urged. Well, you are to retire to Robinson’s /‘*You’re stupid from digging over those room, which is exactly opposite this, and | hooks. Come out and have a walk.’ wait. I have two fellows outside to let! <‘‘No.” me know when the enemy approaches} ‘you won’t?”’ and to take a hand in the game atthe; ‘youll have to excuse me to-night, right time. When I whistle you are to! pitson.” make your way into this room if you have} <‘‘Aq] right. But say, I came near for- to break down the door. ‘That’s all.’’) getting something. As I came in, there The boys retired to Robinson’s room, | was a fellow down to the door who said where they smoked and waited with great he wanted to see you.”’ impatience. ‘*A fellow? Who was it?”’ Frank sat down and edblly went at his| “Don’t know. Some of the students, I siudies. think.’’ e Nearly an hour passed, and then there) ‘Oh, if that is the case, go down and was a sound of wheels outside. The bring him up, Ditson. You can open the sound stopped before the door. door and let him in without disturbing A few moments later some one ascended | Mrs. Harrington.” the stairs and there camea knock onthe; ‘All right,’? nodded Roll. ‘‘Sorry door. | you won’t come out, old fel. You'll get “*Come in!’? called Frank. 2 grouchy. Good-night.”’ The door opened, and Roll Ditson| ‘‘Good-night.”’ “The decoy? What’s in the wind, any|‘‘It’s beastly stupid, but I am having a° J ’ d d } > Site. FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. Ditson went out, and Frank heard him | descending the stairs. | “©There’ll soon be music in the air,’ | muttered Merriwell as he again lay back in his chair, elevating his feet to the top, of the table. “But the surprisers are liable to be surprised.’ He heard the front door creak. Often | he wondered why Mrs. Harrington did | not grease the hinges. Frank had good ears, and it was not) long before he was sure he could hear} rustlings and whisperings in the hall. Then one person seemed to ascend the stairs very slowly, but he made out that} there were two or three others with that) one, the others stepping as softly as pos-| sible. : | Meérriwell remained cool and apparently | quite unaware that anything unusual was | taking place. | The footsteps reached the head of the} stairs and advanced to the door, there was a distinct knock. ‘Come in!’’? Frank once more called. | The door was promptly flung open, and into the room strode a person who was | wrapped in a big overcoat and wore a| wide-brimmed hat slouched over his eyes. | His face nearly to his eyes was covered | with bushy whiskers. ‘“Hello!’’ exclaimed Frank, prised. ‘‘Who are you?”’ “Sh!’? hissed the stranger, with 4a) warning gesture. ‘‘Are we alone?”’ | OV eg, ? ‘‘Where is your room mate?’’ Ht 4) : The fellow in disguise whistled sharply, | aud the next minute four masked lads| appeared at the door and leaped into the | room. One of them slammed the door shut and the others sprung at Frank. Merriwell flung a book at the first one, and it struck the fellow’ smask, tearing it | from his face. The well-known countenance of Bruce. Browning was exposed ! | as if sur-| | ) | CHAPTER IX. LHE, CAPTURE “Good- -evening, Browning!’ ’ cheerfully called the lively freshman as he darted behind the table. ‘‘I have been pee | whistle, but it was not required, on es : | Merriwell. | seemed ‘Kick up some. a zeal from wou. 2 23 “*Grab him!’ directed Browning. ‘‘Get hold of him!’ Frank was on the point of uttering a for the whistle that came from the lips of the dis- | euised fellow had served asa signal to the | painted braves. ‘There was a bang at the door, which \flew open as if assaulted by a catapult, land into the room poured the disguised freshmen. The Indians leaped upon the masked sophomores, and fora short time a very |sharp struggle took piace. Bruce Browning did his best to escape from the room, but three of the savages lay hold of him, and he was finally subdued. ‘‘Out of the house with them assoon as possible,’? ordered Frank. ‘‘Come on, two or three of you. We must nail the hack and the fellows outside.’ Down to the door he led the way. Mts. as came out into the hal], caught a glimpse of the painted faces, ‘uttered a wild shriek of terror, and dodged | back, slamming the door. Ail ready ?” said Frank as he pre- pared to fling open the front door. Ad ready ! panted Harry Rattleton, |close behind him. “Don’t let anybody get away,’ warned “T will look after the fae ‘*Go ahead.”’ Creak! Open swung the door, and out into the night leaped a youth who to be hotly pursued by four painted and bloodthirsty -appearing red- skins. The hack was standing exactly as Frank had expected it would be, and he was on the box with the driver at ‘two springs. ‘It’s all right,’’ he asserted. ‘‘We’ve ‘got the fellow up there, though he did A part of our gang was rigged up like Indians, and they nipped him all right.’ “It’s the divil’s own set ye shtudints are!” muttered the driver... “‘Ay ye hurry, Oi’ll shtay to take him away; but Oi’ll not remain here long, fer it’s th’ cops will be down on us roight away.’ ‘“We’ll get away ahead of the cops, don’t. fear-* that,”* declared Frank. ‘“They’re bringing him downstairs now. 24 We had to take two or three others with him; but we’ll not bother with them long.’’ ‘‘Arrah! th’ poor divil av a_ fresh- man!’’ said the driver. ‘‘Oi’d not loike to be in his place this noight!’’ _ He was completely fooled, thinking all the time that Frank was one of the party he had brought there to capttire the fréshman. As they rushed out Frank had seena fellow standing near the open door of the hack, and that fellow had promptly taken to flight at sight of the Indians, two of whom purstied him hotly. Frank hoped they would be able to overtake the fugitive, for if one of the party escaped he would report to the sophs, who were bound to make a big hustle to rescue their captured comrades. The disguised freshmen came down- stairs, bearing their captives, who were swiftly thrust into the hack, which was a big, roomy, old-fashioned affair. As many of the freshmen as could do so piled inside and upon the hack, and then Frank gave the signal, the driver whipped up his horses, and away they went. **Hast Rock,’’ said Frank. ‘*Wh ?’? exclaimed the driver. not pwhere ye wur goin’ place.”? | ‘‘We have changed the programme. East Rock is where we are bound for now.”’ . **All roight, me b’y.”’ The triumphant freshmen felt like shouting and singing in jubilant mood. Indeed, Rattleton could not refrain from “letting off steam,’’ as he called it, and he gave one wild howl of triumph that made the streets echo: ‘’Umpty-eight! ’Umpty-eight!’’ ‘‘Break it off!’ sharply commanded Frank. ‘‘Want to let the sophs know we're up to something ?’’ “*I don’t care.”’ : ‘““They might raise a rescue party and follow us.’”’ ‘But they wouldn’t frop any chost—I mhean chop any frost with us.’’ ‘‘Pwhat’s thot???’ came suspiciously from the driver. ‘‘An’is it not softmores coThot’s in th’ firrust FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. ‘Of course we are,’’ returned Harry, instantly. ‘“Thin pwhat fer do ye yell fer ’Umpty- eight ?”? ‘*Oh, it’s a way we have. Don’t mind it, but keep on driving if you want to retain your scalp, paleface. We are mighty bad Injuns!’’ darkest and most deserted streets. By the time the outskirts of the city were reached the freshmen were bubbling over. Frank Merriwell improvised a stanza of a song, and in a few moments the entire band caught the words and the tune. As the hack rolled on toward East Rock the freshmen sang: ‘‘We belong to good old ’Umpty-eight, For she’s a corker, sure as fate, sure as fate. We have met the sophomores, And they’re feeling awful sore; So hurrah for good old ’Umpty-eight! ‘Umpty-eight!”’ * ‘*Begobs! ye’re th’ quarest gang av softmores Oi iver saw!’? cried the driver. ‘‘An’ it’s not wan av yez Oi remimber takin’ up to th’ frishman’s booding house. ”’ ‘*We have changed, = explained Ned Stover. for a week,’’ declared Harry Rattleton. ‘I’m waiting to hear from'the governor.’’ ‘‘Howld on,’’ said the driver. want to see the mon thot hired me.”’ He threatened to pull up, but Frank horses. ‘What do you want?’ asked Merriwell. ‘‘Oi want me pay.’’ Now, Frank knew well enough that the driver had received his pay in adv&nce, but he was beginning to suspect that the party that hired him had come to grief, and so he was for exacting an extra pay- ment from the victors. ‘‘Yook here, driver,’’ said Frank, sternly, ‘‘I want your number. = ‘ eyed Sausageface.’ ‘*TIt. doesn’t make a dit of bifference—I mean a bit of difference to me how I have my paleface cooked,’’ said the one indicated as Squinteyed Sausageface. ‘‘Perhaps it would be well enough. to cook them at the stake.’ “T~ think that eee be the proper mode,’’ gravely declared another warrior. “For I have heard that they boast they are hot stuff. They should not boast in vain.”? ‘at last 4 ie he FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. ° 27 ‘‘Warriors,’’ said Hole-in-his-Face, |disguised freshmen, and the fire kept “you have heard. What have you to! getting higher and higher. say ?”? e | Puss Parker fell to coughing violently, ‘‘So mote it be,’* came solemnly from) having sucked down a large quantity of one. ismoke. Some of the others raved and ‘‘Vah! yah! yah!’ yelled the others. |some begged. But still the wild dance ‘“That settles it, as the sugar remarked | went on. when the egg dropped into the coffee.| ‘‘Merciful cats!’’ gasped Tad Horner. Prepare the torture stakes. ’’ a believe they actually mean to roast There was a great .bustle, and in ajus!”’ short time the stakes were prepared and| ‘‘Sure as fate!’ agreed another. driven into the ground, one of the sav-| ‘They won’t think to put out the fires ages hammering them down with a huge til] we are well cooked, if they do then!” stick of wood. | ‘This is awful!’ gurgled Parker. Then the captives were bound to the|‘‘ Browning, can’t you do something ?”’ stakes and a lot of brush was brought | ‘*Well, I hardly think so,’’ confessed and piled about their feet. |the king of the sophomores. ‘‘But I will Some of the sophs actually looked|do something if I ever get out of this scared, but Browning kept up a continual alive! You hear me murmur!’ fire of sarcastic remarks. ; bo *“Say!? cried Pad* Horner... “* Cant “Ueh!? grunted Hole-in-his-Face, |stand this much longer. The fire is be- ‘“This paleface talks heap much. Re-) ginning to roast me.”’ move his outer garments, so the fire may| ‘‘It’s getting warm,’’ confessed Parker. reach his flesh without delay.”’ | ‘*But it seems to keep burning round the Then Browning was held and _ his} outside edge.’’ clothes were stripped off till he stood in} ‘‘Keep cool,’’ advised Browning. his under garments, barefooted, bare-| ‘‘What’s that?’ yelled Horner. headed, and still defiant. \‘*Who said ‘keep cool’? Oh, say! ‘*Oh, say!’’ he muttered, ‘‘won’t there | That’s too much!’ be an awful hour of reckoning!” Merri-| “Tust look at the wood,’ directed the well will regret the day he came to|king of the sophomores. ‘‘You will no- Yale!” ‘tice that all the wood about our feet is cacao At this Hole-in-his-Face laughed | water soaked, and there’s only a little heartily, and Browning cried: 'dry wood out round the edges. That’s “Oh, I know you, Merriwell! You) ajl-that is burning.”’ can’t fool me, though you have got the} This they soon saw was true, and it best makeup of them all.” | gave them great relief, for it had begun When everything was ready, one of | to seem that the crazy freshmen actually the savages actually touched a match to} meant to roast them. the various piles of brush about the feet} At the very moment when the uproar of the unfortunate sophomores. ‘was at its height there came a sudden As the tiny flames leaped up the! loud cry, like a signal, and ant of the painted band joined in a wild war dance) darkness rushed at least twenty lads. about the stakes, flourishing their weap-| ‘They were sophomores who™had some- ons and whooping as if they were real| how followed them out there to East Indians. Some of their postures and Rock, having been aroused and told of steps were exact imitations of the poses|the capture of Browning and his mates” ~ and steps taken by savages in a war} by the soph who escaped. dance. | One fellow on a bicycle had followed “‘Say, confound you fool freshmen!’’| them till he felt sure of their destination, . . | howled one of the captives... ‘This fire}and then he had turned back and told is getting hot! Do you really mean to/the others, who hastily secured teams and Toast us???’ | flew to the rescue. . “*Vah! yah! yah! Hough! hough 1 ‘Umpty-seven! ’Umpty-seven! ’Rah! _ hough > ; ‘rah! ’rah!’?. yelled the rescuers as they Be Round and round the stakes circled the| charged upon the freshmen. a8 FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. ‘°Umpty-eight! ’Umpty-eight! ’Rah! ’rah! ’rah!’? howled the painted lads in return. Then for afew seconds there was a pitched battle. This battle did not last long, for the freshmen saw they were outnumbered, and at a signal from their leader they broke away and took to their heels. By rare good luck every man was able to get away, for, not knowing any- thing about the water-soaked wood piled about the feet of the captives, the res- cuers nearly all stopped to scatter the burning brush. | ‘Oh, say!’ grated Browning as he was released. ‘‘But this means gore and bloodshed! We’ll never rest till we have squared for this roast, and we will square with interest! Merriwell’s life will be one long, lingering torture from this night onward !”’ ‘‘What’s all this racket and cheering ?’’ asked one of the rescuers. ‘‘Listen, fel- lows! By Jove! it seems-to come from the place where we left the carriages!’’ ‘°That’s what it does, and it’s the freshman yell,’’ cried another. ‘‘Come on, fellows! If we don’t get a move on we may have to walk back.’’ They started on arun, but when they atrived at the place where the teams had been left not a team was there. The freshmen had captured the teams, drivers and all, together with the hack, and far along the road toward the city could be heard a cheering, singing crowd. As the disgusted and furious sophs stood and listened the singing and cheering grew fainter and fainter. ‘*FRellows,’’ said Chop Harding, ‘‘I am sorry to leave Yale, but I am certain to be hanged fer murder. After this, when- ever Isee a freshman I shall kill him instantly*’ It was a doleful and weary crowd of -sophs that came filing back into town and sneaked to their rooms that night. SS / i CHAPTER XI. FORCING A MEETING. Of course tue sophs would have given a great deal could they have kept the story quiet, but on the following morning it seemed that every student in the col- lege knew all about it. * The juniors laugiged and chaffed the sophomores, who were sullen and sulky and who muttered much about getting even. The freshmen were jubilant. They were on top for the time, and they all knew they might not have long to crow,. so they did all the crowing they could in a short time. And still nobody seemed to know just who was concerned in the affair, save that Merriwell and Browning must have been. When Browning was questioned he was so blankly ignorant of everything that it seemed as if he had slept through | the whole affair. He had a way of turn- ing every question off with another ques- tion, and it was soon discovered that no information could be obtained from ‘him. Still it was passed from lip to lip that the great and mighty king had been found ‘by the rescuers, stripped to his underclothes, and tied toa stake, while the smoke rose thickly around him and nearly choked him. Some one suggested that Browning’s complexion had seemed to change in a remarkable manner, and then the students fell to asking him if he really enjoyed a smoke. | ; Browning seemed subdued; but those who knew him best were telling every- body to hold on and see what would hap- pen. ree ‘““Thisis just the beginning,’’ they said. * However, several days passed and still nothing occurred. It began to look as if the sophs had decided that they were out- generaled and were willing to let the matter drop. Frank Merriwell was not deceived. He knew the sophs were keeping still in order to deceive the freshmen into a be- lief that there was no danger, and he continued to warn all his friends to ‘‘watch out.’? In the mean time Diamond had _ recov- ered and was in evidence among the freshmen. to Billy’s, a favorite freshman resort, and spent money liberally there almost every night. The result of this soon became appar- 3 Wi It was said that he went down 5 oP an et et a ¥ ot > oS » Way Oo 4 came aware that Diamond ent. Diamond was surrounded by a crowd of hangers on who seemed to re- gard him asa leader. He was working for popularity, and he was obtaining it in a certain way. Now, Frank Merriwell was no less gen- erous than Jack Diamond, but he would not drink liquor of any kind—he would not touch beer. It did not take him long to discover that this peculiarity caused many of the students to regard him with scorn. He was called the Good Templar and was often derisively addressed as Worthy Chief. The very ones who were first to apply the name in derision afterward came to call him Worthy Chief in sincere admira- tion. Frank went around to Billy’s occasion- ally, and although he would not drink, he ‘‘blew off’? ffequently, paying for any- thing his companions wanted to take, from beer to champagne. One evening Frank, Harry and Dismal Jones went into Billy’s and found Dia- mond and a large crowd there. Jack had been drinking ‘something stronger than lemonade, and he was holding forth to a crowd of eager listeners. One look at Diamond’s flushed face did Merriwell take, and then he knew the fellow was open for anything. The high color in the cheeks of the Virginian _Wwas a danger signal. Merriwell and his two friends ordered drinks, Frank taking ginger ale. Harry and Jones lighted cigarettes. Frank examined the pictures around the walls. There were ballet dancers who were standing on one toe, famous trotters, painted pictures of celebrated fighting cocks, hunters in red coats leap- ing five-barred fences, and so forth. As he looked over the pictures he be- was saying something that was intended for his ears. “Southerners never fight with their - fists,’? the Virginian declared. ‘‘They consider it brutal and beastly, and so they ‘do not learn the so-called ‘art.’ They Ses = are able to fight with some other weap- ons, though. There is a man in this "college who is trying to be. a high cock of the walk, but he will never succed till i he ows his ae by peraes me dope! to FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE. 7 29 face with weapons of which I have knowledge. I have met him with his weapons, and if he is nota coward he will give mea show. ButI think he is a coward and a sfeak, and I——”’ ‘That was more than Frank could stand. He did not pause to think that Diamond had been drinking and was ut- terly reckless, but he whirled and ad- vauced till he stood squarely in front of the Virginian. ‘‘T presume, Mr. Diamond, are referring to me,’’ he said, coldly and steadily, although he could feel the hot blood jeaping 3 in his veins. Diamond looked up insolently, inhaled a whiff of his cigarette, and then deliber- ately blew the smoke toward Frank. ‘*Ves, sir,’’? he said, ‘‘I presume I did refer to you. What are you going to do about it??? ‘“You called sneak, ’’ * exact yy sirs?? “If I had not already left the marks of my knuckles on you I would slap your face. As it is, I will simply—pull your nose !”? And Frank did so, nose a sharp tweak. Up to his feet leaped the Virginian, his face white with wrath! He picked up a glass of champagne as he arose and then he dashed it into Frank’s face. In a twinkling friends were between them, keeping them apart. Metriwell smiled’and wiped the cham- pagne from his face with a white silk that you me a coward and a yee < ; giving Diamond’s handkerchief. ‘The proprietor bustled in and threatened. Diamond guivered with excitement. ‘“There will be no further trouble here,’’ calmly said Frank. ‘‘This matter must be settled between us—I could see that plainly enough. It was just as well to bring it to a head at once.”’ “under and thightning—I mean thunder and lightning!’ panted Rattle- ton. ‘He won't fight you again with his fists.’’ . ‘‘T do not expect him to.”? “Yow ll have to fight with rapiers, sure!” ‘*Merriwell, you’re a fool!’ - : ‘Thank you.” ‘You have fallen into his trap. He r Ne z 30 was making that talk to drive to do just what you did.”’ “Well, he may congratulate his success. ”’ - “‘Biamed if I understand you! You seem cool enough, and still you act as if you. actually meat to meet him with deadly weapons.’ ‘*T shall meet him with any kind of weapons he may name.”’ Roll Ditson came forward. ‘“Of course you understand that I have no feeling, Merry, old man,’’ he said; “but Diamond has chosen meas his sec- ond once more, and sol can’t refuse to serve him. It is a most unfortunate affair, but he insists that you fight him with rapiers.”’ ‘‘Very well; I agree to that. Arrange the time and place with my second, Mr. Rattleton.”’ Frank sat down, picked ‘up an illus- trated paper, and seemed. deeply inter- ested in the pictures. Ditson drew Rattleton aside, “My principal,’’ said he, with importance, demands that meeting take place at once. ; “Scrate Gott—I mean Great Scott!’’ exploded Harry. ‘‘I object to this sort of business. It is outrageous! If one of them should’ be seriously wounded, what excuse can be made?”’ ‘Well find some excuse that will go.’’ “But what if one of them should be killed ?”’ “YT hardly think anything as serious as that will occur.”’ ““But shoul id investigation, and grace, if nothing worse, ie ‘‘Oh, well, if you are afraid, just go back and tell Mr. Merriwell to apologize ~here and now, and I think Mr. Diamond will let hinmoff.’’ Harry looked shook his head. ‘‘Ffe’ll never do that,’’ he said, hoatsé- ly. ‘‘We’ll have to. arrange this duel. There is no other way for it.”’ you himself on swelling eS this it, there would be an exptilsion and dis- would. overtake at Merriwell and then | ; FRANK MERRIWELL AT’ YALE, CHAPTER XII. THE DUEL. Between the ages of sixteen and twen- ty-three blood runs hot and swift in the veins of a youth. It is then that he will do many wild and reckless things— things which will cause him to stand ap- palled when he considers them in after years. Frank Merriwell believed-that in order to retain his own self respect and the re- spect of his comrades he must meet Dia- mond and give him satisfaction in any \inanner he might designate. 3ut there was another reason why Frank was so willing to meet the Vir- ginian. Merriwell was an expert fencer. At Fardale he had been the champion of the school, and he had taken some les- sons in France while traveling. He had thoroughly studied the trick of disarming an adversary, a trick which is known to every French fencing master, thought little of by them. He believed that he could repeatedly disarm Diamond. His adventures in various parts of the world had made him somewhat less cau- tious than he naturally would have been, ‘and so he trusted everything to his ability to get the best of the Virginian. Roland Ditson longed to force Merri- well to squeal. He did. not fancy Frank knew anything of fencing, and he thought Merriwell would soon lose his nerve when he saw himself toyed with by Diamond. And Diamond had promised not ae seri- ously wound the fellow he hated. The meeting was arranged as quietly as possibe, and the freshmen who were to witness it slipped out of Billy’s by twos and threes and strode away. Thirty minutes later, in a small, stuffy room, two lads, with their coats and vests off and their sleeves turned back, faced each other, rapiers in hand. ‘‘Ready, gentlemien!’’ called Ditson. They made ready. “On guard!”’ The position was assumed. | Then came the at it. In less than twenty seconds ie spec- e tators, who kept back as well.as possible, — Be. but is command that set them : -’ fore. ing with deadly weapons and using skill that seemed marvelous. s * It took Jack Diamond far less than| twenty seconds to discover that Frank | Merriwell was a swordsman of astonish- ing skill. He had expected to toy with | the Northerner, but he found himself | engaged with one who met every stroke} like a professional. A great feeling Harry Rattleton. ‘Whee jiz!’’ he muttered. cooler at it! I believe .he match !”’ With Diamond astonishment gave way to fury. Was it possible this fellow was to get the best of him at everything? He fought savagely, and Ditson turned white asa ghost when he saw the Virginian ‘making mad thrusts at the breast. of the lad he hated. of relief came ‘‘Metry is a! is Diamond? Ss gotten!’ huskily whispered ) ‘‘What if he should run } through the body ?”? « 4+ £‘Thencameacry of anger from Dia-| ‘| mond and a cry ‘of surprise and relief from the spectators. _ Frank Merriwell, with that peculiar _ twisting movement of his wrist, had torn _ the rapier from the Virginian’s hand. The blade fell clanging to the floor, } and~Merriwell stepped back, with the | _ point of his rapier lowered. 4 Snarling savagely, Diamond Sea like spring “aad snatched - weapon he had lost. ‘On guard!’ he cried, Merriwell made a up the ‘The madly. } | . us is not yet! ll kill you or you'll], ; kill me!’ : 4 There was.a clash of steel, -and then oon the fight was on with more fury than be- | : fore. re 4 Diamond was utterly reckless. He eget a dozen openings where Frank could ive run him through. But Merriwell : "was working to repeat the trick of a few seconds before, i * The frightened spectators were begin- - FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE, had seen something they never beheld be- | They saw two beardless lads fight- | over | | voice, which he recognized as belonging: ‘*He’s forgotten his promise —he’s for- | S . Ditson. | 31 One fellow, who had been on ran in from a corridor and cried: “It’s the faculty! Somebody has given 'them wind of this!”’ ““Here!--here 2” -calied..a ‘*Follow me!”’ | They did so, and he led them to a back | window, out of which they clambered. Dicmand was the last to get out, and |just as he touched the ground somebody came round the corner ‘and grabbed him. ‘“‘T have one of them!’ shouted a guard, freshinan. | to one of the faculty. He struggled to break away, not. Then somebody dashed back to his side, caught hold of him, and with won- derful strength tore him from the grasp of the man. Run!’ panted Frank Merriwell’s voice in his ear. And they ran away together. * * * **K * * | From that hour there seemed to be a sort of truce between Merriwell and Dia- mond. It wasa long time before they ishowed signs of ftiendliness, but they | fought together against the vaca orks and B ruce Browning. It turned out that it was not the fac- ulty that tried to get in where the dnel was taking place, but some of the | sophs. At the time he turned back to irescue Diamond, however, Merriwell had | believed the Virginian was in the grasp of one of the professors. Merriwell was regarded as more ofa wonder than ever when it: became gen- erally known that he had twice disarmed the Virginian in a duel with rapiers—or paeaes ie contest,’’ as the matter was apenly spoken of by those who discussed it. . But Bruce Browning, king of the sophomores, was awaiting an opportu- nity to get at Frank. [THE END.] cae MERRIWELL’S MavtcH; or, THE KING OF THE SOPHMORES,”’ by the author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell, ” will be published in the next number (41) of n ie ning to think of intervening, when once = again Diamond was disarmed. zis At the same moment: there came a cavy Sens * at the door. = TIP aoe L IBRARY.. _ z but could : we FOR EVERYBODY. BOOK TEN CENTS EACH, The following list of books will be found useful, entertaining, and full of instructive information for all. They are handsomely bound in attractive covers, printed on good quality paper, illus- trated, and are marvels of excellence. These books have never before been offered at such a low figure. The price, 10 cents each includes postage. USEFUL AND INSTRUCTIVE INFORMATION. Album Writer’s Assistant. Boys’ Own Book of Boats. Short Hand for Everybody. The Book of Knowledge. How to Do Business. Kveryday Cook Book. Amateur’s Manual of Photography. The Taxidermist Manual. Mills’ Universal Letter-Writer. Good Housekeeping. GAMES AND SPORTS. The International Cricket Guide. Amateur and Professional Oarsman’s Manual. Complete Training Guide for Amateur Dunn’s Fencing Instructor. Capt. Webb’s Swimming Instructor. or, Yachting and The Hunter and Angler, The Complete Angler. Riding and Driving. Poe’s Foot-Ball. Campbell’s Lawn Tennis. The Complete Checker Player. Backgammon and Bagatelle. Out Door Sports. Aquatic Guide; The Young Gymnast. Sailing. FORTUNE-TELLING. Napoleon’s Book of Fate. Cupid’s Dream Book Zola’s Dream Book. TRICKS. Heller’s Hand Book of Magic. Herrman’s Tricks with Cards. Herrman’s Black Art. The Way to Do Magic. RECITATIONS AND READINGS. The Peerless Reciter. Select Recitations and Readings. The Young Elocutionist. The Standard Reciter. These books will be sent prepaid upon receipt of 10 cents each: When ordering, please be particular to send the full title of the hook desired,also your full name and address, The books are 10 cents each, postage free. Address MANUAL L IBRARY, 25 Rose Btey New York. FRANK MERRIWELL AT YALE, HOW TO DO BUSINESS. This book is a guide to success in life, embracing Principles of 3usiness, Choice of Pursuit, Buying and Selling, General Manage- ment, Mechanical Tr¢ ides, Manufacturing, Bookkeeping, ‘Causes of Success and Failure, Business Maxims and Forms, ete. It also contains an appendix of complete business forms and a dictionary of commercial terms. No young man should be without this valuable book. It gives complete information about trades, professions and oc ee in which any young man is eranes Price ten cents. Addres MANUAL “LIBRARY, 25 Rose street, New Yorks WRESTLING. History tells us that wrestling was the first form of athletic pastime. Without doubt, it gives strength and firmness, combined with quickness and pliability, to the limbs, vigor to the body, coolness and discrimination to the head and elasticity to the tem- per, the whole forming an energetic combination of the greatest power to be found in man. ‘The book is entitled PRorEssor MULDOON’S WRESTLING. It is fully illustrated, and will be sent postpaid on receipt of ten cents. Address MANUAL LIBRARY, 25 Rose street, New York, BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE. One thousand facts worth remembering will be found in this book. It is a guide to rapid wealth, the secrets of trade, ete. In the druggist department will be found cures for all complaints and how to compound them. Also contains chapters on manufacturing all household and tiolet articles. Arts and Sciences, Dyes, Printing Inks, Horses, Mixing Paints, and all general recipes. The book contains over one hundred pages, and will be sent postpaid to any address on receipt of ten cents. Address MANUAL LIBRARY, 25 "Rae street, New York.. OUT-DOOR SPORTS. Complete instructions for playing many of the most popular out- of-door games is found inthis book. The games are illustrated and very easily mastered. Price ten cents. Address MANUAL LIBRARY, 25 Rose street, New Vork, Th C Ti Dp Top al 1G Pages Fifty Cents. Q Uda rterly _. Number 2 of the Tip Top Quarterly is now ready, containing in one vol- ume thirteen of the famous Frank Merriwell stories complete, and unabridged} and thirteen illuminated photo-engraved illustrations. The Frank Merriwell Stories / to the core. detail the pranks, trials and bravery of a true-hearted American lad—brave They have received universal commendation, and the Tip Top Quarterly is issued in response to numerous inquiries for a complete series of the Merriwell stories. For sale by newsdealers everywhere, or sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt. of price, by the publishers. STREET & SMITH, New York. SS Tip Top Libraryezaaan Thirty-two Pages. Price Five Cents. , PIO THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF FRANK MERRIWELL CAN BE FQUND ONLY IN THE TIP TOP LIBRARY. MAI * 1.—Frank Merriwell; or First Days at Fardale. By Burt L. Standish. 2.—Frank Merriwell’s Foe; or, ‘‘Plebe’’ Life in Bar- racks. By Burt L. Standish. 8.—Frank Merriwell’s Medal; or, ‘‘Plebe’’ Life in Camp. Bythe Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.’’ 4.—Frank Merriwell’s Rival; or, By Fair Play or Foul. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.”’ 5.—Frank Merriwell’s Fault; or, False Steps and Foul Snares. By the Author of ‘* Frank Merriwell.”’ 6.—Frank Merriwell’s Frolics; or, Fun and Rivalry at Fardale. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.”’ %.—Frank Merriwell’s Mysterious Ring; or, The Man in Black. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.’’ 8.—Frank Merriwell’s Fag; or, Fighting for the Weak. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.”’ 9.—Frank Merriwell’s Furlough; or, The Mystery of the Old Mansion. By the Author of ‘‘ Frank Merriwell.’’ 10,—Frank Merriwell on His Mettle; or, J‘ield Day at Fardale. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.”’ 11.—Frank Merriwell’s Fate; or, The Old Sailor’s Legacy. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.’’ 12.—Frank Merriwell’s Motto; or, The Young Life Savers. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.’’ 18.—Frank Merriwell in New York; or, Fighting an Unknown Foe. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Mer- riwell.’’ 14,—Frank Merriwell in Chicago; or, Meshed by Mys- teries. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell ’’ 15.—Frank Merriwell in Colorado; or, Trapping the Train Wreckers. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell,”’ 16.— Frank Merriwell in Arizona; or, The Mysteries of the Mine. By the Author of ‘‘ Frank Merriwell.’’ 17.—Frank Merriwell in Mexico; or, The Search tor the Silver Palace. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Mer- riwell.’’ 18.—Frank Merriwell in New Orleans; or, The Queen of Flowers. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.’’ 19.—Frank Merriwell’s Mercy; or, The Phantom of the Everglades. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Mer- riwell.’’ 20.—Frank Merriwell’s Friend: or, Muriel the Moon- shiner. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.’’ 21.—Frank Merriwell’s Double; or, Fighting for Life and Honor. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merri- well.”’ : 92,—Frank Merriwell Meshed; or, The Last of the Danites. By the Author of *: Frank Merriwell.’’ 23. Frank Merriwell’s Fairy: or, The Hermit of Yel- lowstone Park. 3y the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell. ie 24.—Frank Merriwell’s Money; or, The Queen of the ‘*@Queer’’? Makers. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.’’ 25.—Frank Merriwell’s Mission; or, The Mystic Valley of the Andes. By the Author of “Frank Merriwell.” 26,—Frank, Merriwell’s Mysterious Foe: or, Wild Life on}the Pampas. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.’’ 27.—Frank Merriwell a Monarch; or, The King of Phantom Island. By the Author of ‘Frank Merriwell.”’ 28.—Frank Merriwell in Gorilla Land; or, The Search for the Missing Link. By the Auther of “Frank Merriwell.” 29.—Frank Merriwell’s Moegic. By “Frank Merriwell. ’ 30.—-Frank Merriwell in France; or, The Mystery of the Masked Unknown. By the Author of ‘Frank Merriwell.” 31.—Frank Merriwell’s Feat; or, The Queen of the Bull Fighters. By the Author of “Frank Mer- riwell.” 32.—Frank Merriwell in London; or, The Grip of Doom. Jy the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.” 33.-—Frank Merriwell’s Venture; -or, Driven from Armenia. By the Author of ‘Frank Merriwell.” 34.—Frank Merriwell in India; or, Hunting Human apt hai By the Author of ‘*Frauk Merri- well,’’ 35.—Frank Merriwell’s Vow; or, After Big Game in Ceylon. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merriwell.’’ 386.—Frank Merriwell in Japan; or, The Sign of the Avenger. By the Author of ‘‘Frauk Merri- well,’? 37.—Frank Merriwell’s Death Shot; or, Roughing It in Australia. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Mer- riwell.’’ 38.—Frank Merriwell in the South Sea; or, The Cast for Life. By the Author of ‘*‘Frank Merriwell.’? 39.—Frank Merriwell Home Again; or, The Mystery of Ethel Driscoll. By the Author of ‘* Frank Merriwell.”’ 40.—Frank Merriwell at Yale; or, Freshman Againt Freshman. By the Author of ‘‘Frank Merri- well.”? 41.—Frank Merriwell’s Match; or, The King of the oer By the Authcr of ‘‘Frank Merri- well. the Author of STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK. AIO For Sale by all Newsdealers. Every Saturday.