cT ® SMITH, Price Five Cents, Tssuec Tip Top Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N, Y. Post Office. StREET & SMITH, 29 Rose 6.5 No Entered Aceording to Act of Congress, in the Year 1896, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, WW ‘ashington, D. C. LIBRARY. December 12, 1896. Vol. 1. Price Five Cents. No. 35. FRANK MERRIWELL'S Vow: After Big Game in Ceylon. By the Author of ‘FRANK i CHAPTER I. PROFESSOR SCOTCH SEES SNAKES. ‘‘Whoop! Bur-rr-rr! Ye-e-e-ow! Help! Murder! Fire!”’ As Frank Merriwell often said, for a small man Professor Scotch had a very “hearty”? voice, and he was now making the night hideous with his roars and howls. ‘Help!’ he bellowed. man !’’ At the first sound from the professor, Frank, who was sleeping in an adjoining room, came out of his bed with a bound. ‘‘What’s the matter?’? he demanded, sharply. _. **Whoop! Ye-e-e-ow! Ceesar’s ghost! ; dead man!’? te “Well, you are making. considerable ! _ noise for a dead man,”’ observed the boy, busting open the door and leaping into the professor’s sleeping room. ‘The professor had acquired the habit of sleeping with a lighted lamp in the room, nd this light showed the boy that the little man was sitting up in bed, huddled j st the wall in a corner, with the ‘‘T ama dead Take them off! Iam done for! Iam a \ stopped Frank from killing one on the MERRIWELL.”’ whiskers bristling in all directions, and his eyes bulging in terror. On the bed a terrific encounter between a snake and a rat was taking place. The rat was squeeling in terror and tearing at. the snake with its teeth, while the ser- pent had coiled about the rodent, and ~ was trying to crush it to death. At a glance, Frank saw the snake was the famous rat-catcher of Ceylon, known , to be perfectly harmless, and kept about the houses like a cat. Mr. Walker, the owner of the planta- tion on which they were stopping, had. day of their arrival, and had declared all — the snakes of that species about the place were pets. Frank dropped into a chair and began | to laugh at the picture of abject terror which the professor presented. Although the man had’ a profusion of red whiskers, he was quite bald, a fact which he endeavored to keep secret. At night the professor was in the habit : of wearing a cap to cover his head, but he had torn it off in his excitement ‘endear ror, and his shining pate glistened in the ~ la eplignt ae a polished billiard b FRANK ate eS VOW. wildly. ‘Kill him quick! Oh, mercy! Ito howl, with both eyes closed. I’m a goner!”’ bee fant Merriwell clung to his sides and, “The rat came near escaping, and made | laughed. aleap toward the frightened man; but| ‘‘What is the meaning of this?” the snake had it in a moment, althoualy |sharply demanded the planter. it fetched the professor a slap across the | The professor heard his voice, opened | mouth with its tailin making the recap-| ‘his eyes, and yelled: ture. | ‘‘Save me, Walker! Take it away! It **Whe—ee—ee!’’ squeeled Scotch. = ‘‘I ‘has bitten me more than a hundred times! -am bitten! I can feel the poison running| My veins are full of poison!’ tiot in my system! Ye-e-e-ow! Bring me; ‘By golly!’’ snickered Toots; ‘‘dat some whisky, quick! Fill me full of|/ man’s got de jamjims, sho’s yo’re born!” whisky! It is my only salvation! | These words gave Frank his cue. He - Frank’s merry laugh rang out louderjsuddenly assumed a very serious face, than ever. | shook his head mournfully, and said: 9 gol! “The trouble with you, . professor, is | ‘‘T am afraid it is another attack of the ahs mn ; a p th at you have already imbibed too much;same old trouble. The professor has been eon “whisk y since arriving here. Mr. W alker | steaming it pretty hard of late.’’ ee -tait _ is altogether too liberal with hisred-eye.’’| ‘‘I tell you I have been chewed by a | ~The ras ”? “there was a snake on the bed—several of | ; them—in fact, a whole menagerie of | a {i | snakes. I didn’t stop to count them, but | ae i ou think so, professor, I am ready to | oe [ swear there were a hundred snakes on the mes! i — . : ee Then, in a pretended aside, he said to dat ee 2 ayaa It is best to humor him when he gets! a { this way. He becomes extremely violent | | He _ if he is crossed.”? | mat ‘Whoop!’ thundered the little man, going through another wild dance, and | ele upsetting the chair and cup of water that | “en | contained his false teeth. ‘(There was | but one snake on the bed! Think I can’t oe AS see? Think there isan eclipse on my| _ | eyes? Think I’m a blithering idiot? And ie __ that snake chewed me hereon the neck! J eo AS want some whisky! Bring me some Co en - whisky before it is too late!”’ io - **Oh, you shall have the whisky,’’ said eo i Mr. Walker, somewhat ‘severely; ‘‘but = you could have obtained it without mak- h . ing such a rumpus, if that’s your little 3 ts game.’’ “Little game!’’ grated the excited man. | 4 - » “You shall regret the insult, sir! I won’t drink your whisky! Pll just lie——’’ — *Pat’ll be dead easy fo’ yo’, p’ofessor,”’ . called Toots. e _ Scotch caught up a boot and flung it at i _ the grinning darky, who dodged and dis- : |. appeared. | ‘**T will lie down on this bed and die ‘be- fore your eyes!’’ howled the little man. “You shall witness my death agonies! - When it is too late you will know I was| chewed by a snake. Farewell! Thus I perish far from home and native land!’ ree. he eas (ate down on the las ‘putea often ae FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. | while | plantation near the city of Kandy, is the capital of Ceylon. ‘English schoolgirl, |not entirely robbed her of her originality. 'yet. she could be very lady-like and dig-> rf |bad. His only hope is to knock off once, = not touch a thing for a ; month.’ swallow promised the planter. *“*He shall not have another he is here,”’ And Scotch groaned again. f ~ CHAPTER= II. LOVE AND: JEALOUSY. a large coffee — which James Walker owned Mr. Walker was an Englishman, a wid- ower, who had an only daughter, Dru-. silla, a pretty and vivacious girl-of seven- teen. Drusilla had been at school in London, ‘where she had acquired the air of the which, however, had She was a laughing, romping girl, and inified when oecasion required. For all of her somewhat free-and-easy manner when at home, she could not endure presump- ‘\tion, and she was quick to express her likes and dislikes, When she assumed an air of dignity, she seemed to be much more than seven- |teen—twenty, at least. a Her father and her most vicina é friends called her Drusie, very good friends called her Drusilla, or Miss Dru- silla, while she would tolerate nothing | but Miss. Walker from all others. The young swells, sons of coffee plant-. sta about Kandy, had each tried to ‘win | particular favors from Drusie, who -was reputed to be the prettiest girl in Ceylon, | despite the fact that pretty girls were by ‘no means scarce among the Bee of 4 any method other than introduction failed. in love with Drusie was Bruno Hermias, the foreman of Mr. Walker’s plantation. Hermias was a supple, handsome, dark- faced fellow, with straight. black hair, and coal-black eyes. He had a little, sharp-pointed mustache, which did not hide his red lips. For all that the fellow was handsome and picturesque in appearance, a charac- ter-reader would have found something unsatisfactory about his face. It did not take Frank Merriwell long to decide that Hermias was revengeful and unscrupulous, avery bad man to have for an enemy. -Hermias claimed to be the son of an woman, but his name was not English, his manners were not English, and still less, was there anything French about him. It was certain that mixed blood ran in his veins, but he was something of a mys- ‘tery, and no one believed he told the truth about himself. This man thoroughly understood the business of coffee raising, and had made himself most valuable to Mr. Walker, who was not a practical coffee planter, ture. ; - Walker had sought far and near fora foreman who thoroughly understood the business, and Hermias had come to him well recommended. He was more than satisfied with the fellow as a foreman, but he was not pleased when he found him annoying Drusie with his attentions. However, Walker felt that he could not fford to offend the man who was making the coffee business profitable for im. and he pees Drusie away to an aunt FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. Among the young men who were most) English gentleman who married a French aad had lost heavily at first in the ven-| she came back to the island her fathe: scarcely knew her, But at seventeen she was far nandased le . than she had been at sixteen, and Bruno Hermias breathed quickly when his, gleaming eyes- rested on her. It was not long after her return to the: plantation that Drusie complained to her! father that Hermias was annoying her, with his persistent attentions. Mr. Walker had seen samples of the foreman’s passionate temper, and he did{ | 4 ; ‘) “Tf asked about it, he would swear he had time to give away, and that the guest | | was not making it inconvenient for him iin the least—would—er—affirm it was a house, | pleasure and a pee to devote his at- tention to the visitor.’’ “Very likely.)?: «> ‘Hum! Ha! You see the difference. = He would be lying like thunder all the — time. He would be playing the hypocrite. |'He would do so because he believed it necessary in the course of courtesy.’ “Well?” “Hal Hum! nothing of the sort. He takes you into — his house, and he says, ‘Make yourself at — |homte, have ag good time as you can.’ — Then he goes about his business, and ex-— pects you to enjoy yourself. He doesn’t | lie to you, and he doesn’t play the hypo- jerite. Which is the better nee “oe | American or the eae 22 } The Englishman does - feel like acknowledging that the English were superior to Americans in any way. Jt” $*Well,”’ he laughed, ‘‘I think both f should modify their manner somewhat, | don’ t you?’ *‘Haw!’? exclaimed the professor. - That shows the Yankee in you. You answer a question by asking another.” lker. as if ae em, em- not However, after a little time, the boy ~ became convinced that they Ww : y _ oughly welcome at James Walker’s home, CS Me. cer ; ' and Frank began to enjoy himself. the 7h: ; 3 fc He found Drusie charming and enter- | taining, and she did her best to be agree- able to the visitors. This was not difficult, | a be as Frank was near her.own age, was a| ud | most striking-looking youth, and could rope . = au + converse on almost any topic. ke zs : ney : 7 Drusie had a piano and a guitar, and Frank could sing, so much of their time was spent in this manner. a One evening, after sitting on the ver- _ anda and singing for an hour, Drusie put | aside the guitar, and, with sudden girlish © | ‘abandon, challenged Frank to catch her, ek bounding away into the garden. 2 ~The boy was after her like a shot, and} ~ they disappeared amid the shrubbery, laughing merrily. - “Hum! Hal’? coughed’ Professor ts. ‘Scotch, staring after them. ‘They act like children. Very undignified—very.?’ He! he! he!” laughed Toots, who had been lingering near, listening to the “music. ‘‘Masser Frank bettah look out! Dat gal’s got de catchiest eyes I ebber see. Fus’ thing Masser Frank know he’ll be oe head ober heels in lub with her.’’ “Get out of this, you black scoundrel !”’ roared Scotch. _be prowling round! Get out!’ _ Toots dodged, expecting the professor uld throw something, as ustial, and oe slipped away, chuckling. FRANK MERRIWELL'S VOW. were thor-| “What right have you to} swift of foot and agile, but Frank was likewise a good runner. The girl’s laughter was like music. ‘Oh, you can’t run at all!’’ she called over her shoulder, as she darted round a rustic arber. “Think so??? returned the boy. shall see. ‘Vou Now I have you!’’ But she dodged aside just as he was about to grasp her, and again a burst of — | mocking laughter came back to him. ‘“That time you fooled yourself,’’ eried. 2 Then, in looking over her shoulder, |she tripped and fell. She lay there in a | motionless heap, and he quickly caught 3 ! %e she | cp up, anxiously asking: ‘Are you harmed, Miss Walker? ene fall hurt you?’ : ‘‘Not much,’’ she ay iS Dere ‘fami ‘Tt jarred me—some.? She lay in his arms, and her head y was The moonlight i= full : Ma on his shoulder. upon thein. es To Frank it seemed that she nestled 4 AL bit nearer him, and, boy-like, he was tempted to kiss the lips that were so near He did not quite understand — |this girl, who sometimes seemed so much like a woman, but now appeared even younger than ae really was, ‘“‘T am glad you are not hurt much;?? he. said. | his own. iclared, in true aan fashion. | ‘*Oh, but you know I do!”? OWhy should you?’”’ ins | should—— Oh, pshaw! Pe us, and—and—" ‘“Go on. it himself, a Wels you see, I should not. want It was an unusual thing for Frank to _._ be flustered, and it made him feel de- - cidedly ‘‘queer.’’ Drusie tried to suppress her laughter. ‘‘Of course, you know, if you were to break your neck I wouldn’t care a snap,”’ she said. Frank caught his breath, for her words, _ and the way she said them, expressed two entirely different meanings. “Now, I have you!’’ he exclaimed. _ ‘Why should you care?” ~~ “¥ tell you J wouldn’t care,’’ she tri- - umphantly returned, and he saw that she _ had the best of it. _**You are a tease.”’ ‘(Am ]?” seca” ‘What are you going to do about it?” a is 17! With sudden boldness, he kissed her. Near at hand a fierce curse sounded, and, a moment later, a man leaped upon the boy, grasping him by the throat. _ Drusie uttered a cry of alarm, _ Frank was helpless for a moment. _ Only a moment. ee With surprising strength, the boy -wrenched away, whirled about, dodged a blow, and let his hard fist fly out. ‘Frank’s knuckles cracked against the chin of the man, who went to the ground in a twinkling. “Tt is Hermias!’’ cried the girl, shrink- ing away. _ “Yes it is Hermias!’’ snarled the man, as he scrambled up. ‘‘I heard and saw all! I saw him kiss you!”’ and . ag I ama spy, you are false to your indy lieutenant. Never mind! He did FRANK MERRIWELL'S VOW. ster, but Frank was an athlete and ate trained boxer, soit was not remaikable * nad : that the lad was able to break his foe’s | AY, : grip and knock him down. callit Hermias knew nothing of the science CY of boxing, and he had no intention of | mak entering into a barehanded fight with Wtls anybody. Something bright glistened in wich the moonlight, and he advanced on \ with Frank. a W Again Drusie uttered a cry of alarm. Well “Took out, Mr. Merriwell!’’ she bers warned. ‘‘He has a knife in his hand!’ £ ae | inte ® m. CHAPTER IV. ae" FRANK MAKES A VOW. } gra “So he has!’? cried Frank. ‘‘What a cowardly sneak he is!”’ | pos The boy’s blood was rising, and when : he was thoroughly aroused he would not =. have feared a dozen men like Hermias. | Of “Shall I scream for help??? gasped | Drusie. . ‘‘Ves, scream!’’ snarled Bruno. ‘‘It { _ th will be too late when help arrives! PH | slit his throat before they can get here!”’ a ‘‘Keep still,’’ directed, Frank. ‘‘I do | not need help to cope with such a cow- | ardly cur as this creature!” ee ‘We'll see about that! Ill slit your throat in a second!’ aS Hermias made a spring forward, and | ~ struck straight at the boy’s heart. But the knife encountered nothing but empty air. ea The boy, who had once met and dodged the charge of a wounded bull ina Span- ish bull ring and afterward killed the bull, with all the skill of a professional toreador, did not find it difficult to oe : the furious man. f Frank laughed Sorstally: ae “Why, he isa clumsy clown!’ cried the boy. ‘‘He couldn’t hurt.a baby pr Never was Black Beno} mor QC and a: tkable — fly, was actually laughing at him and oat cience | on of with | 1ed ap d on E ™m. sti 4 d!? ~ er=-2 oie 4 grappled with the lad. *‘Now, curse you! I have you!’’ he grated, his teeth snapping. a ‘“That’s a fact; but what do you sup- pose you can do with me?’’ hen | “Kill you!’ not “You made a most lamentable failure % of your first attempt.’ - ped | >. “I will not fail this time.”’ 3 _ “There are various opinions about ‘Tt ) that, my man.’’ Pll **T will crush you!”’ p? ‘Tam not crushed very easily. Go do ahegd.’’ W- Hermias exerted all his strength in an effort to fling the lad to the ground. He sir | actually lifted Frank off his feet, but ( make another rush. aces the lad and tried to throw him, . each time the boy landed like a cat upon had expected to kill as he would crush a calling him clumsy. - Cursing bitterly, he whirled about to As he did so, his wrist was caught and given a terrible wrench, causing him to drop the knife, with a cry of astonishment and pain. With the toe of his boot Frank Merri- well kicked the knife into the shrub _bery, where it fell with a clinking sound to the ground. \ Hermias frothed at the mouth like an infuriated dog. In a moment he had when he tried to cast the boy down he failed. ‘ Again and again the furious foreman but ht chis feet, laughing his contempt. ve» With each effort Black Bruno grew more desperate and angry. ‘SA thousand curses!’’? he panted. _**You are like a panther!’ And you are what I consider a cold hicken,’’ was the contemptuous: re- ‘‘You seem to be enfeebled by FRANK MERRIWELL'S VOW. ing, a oe laaehes ‘‘Not much !”’ With her hands pressed over her pal- pitating heart, Drusie watched the strug- gle between the man and the boy, having forgotten to cry for assistance. She wondered that Frank was able to cope with his antagonist. It did not seem possible that he could doso. Again and again she thought he would be flung down, but he was not. And as she watched her wonder and ad- miration grew. Was there ever another boy like Frank? Why, he seemed to en- joy the struggle as if it were sport!’’ Still she realized Frank’s peril. She saw that Hermias was like a mad beast, — frothing at the mouth, gnashing his teeth, — and uttering the fiercest language. If Hermias threw: the boy, Drusie felt : that it was all up with Frank. 3 Then the very thing she feared hap- : pened. Frank slipped on the grass, and went down! With an exultant howl, Black — Bruno dropped across the lad’s inde: 3 Then it was that Drusie threw off the 2 lethargy that had held her. Without a word, with set teeth, she sprang forward, — caught the man by the collar, gave a great yank, and flung him on his back. Frank came up in a twinkling, and ~ pinned Black Bruno to the ground, grind- ing-a knee into the man’s stomach. ‘“Thank you, Miss Walker,’’ laughed th singular boy. ‘‘You did that at the “ey time. He had me then.”’ With his eyes glaring like those of a rabid dog, Hermias tried to rise, mee to be flung back stunningly. ‘‘Keep still!’’ grated Frank. to talk to you, my friend.” ‘Oh, I will kill you some day!” h the man, his face purple with exertion and impotent rage. ‘‘Not this evening, some other “By ; 667 ae 3 ees 10 FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. time; but you are dead easy—you are|that some day I will make you, Frank fruit. If my feet hadn’t slipped, never had the advantage for a moment. | this! I swear that some day I will make And now—will you be still!”’ |Drusie Walker plead on her knees for me Bruno was making one last furious|to marry her! I swear to be avenged on struggle to cast the boy off and get upon] you both, and to have her for my own at his feet. He seemed to have the strength | last!’? of a maniac, and Frank found he could) Frank was sober enough now. not hold the fellow down. | ‘““Hear my vow!’’ he returned. “Well, get up,’’ said the boy, leaping|swear that if you ever lay a hand on away. ‘‘You won’t be able to do any | Drusie Walker—if you ever harm a_ hair harm after you do so.”’ | of her head, I will hunt you like a dog or Hermias bounded up, crouched cad a wild beast, and I will kill you with as glared at the lad, and then, snarling and little hesitation as I would killa venom- - snapping, he made a rush. ous serpent! If you were to harm her, I Frank thrust out foot, | would hunt you down, tripped the man, and sent him crashing fled to the North Pole! Date to touch headlong into some shrubbery. ‘her, and I will keep my vow!”’ _- *That’s what I call easy,’’ he laughed. | Somehow, after the encounter that had ef Pryit-acain,?! ‘just taken place, there was nothing of In the moonlight a spouting fountain | boastfulness or bombast in the words of ~ tinkled and laughed. ‘the boy. ‘There could be no doubt but he - Hermias crawled out of the bushes. ‘meant everything he said, and there He was now, in truth, like a maniac. Pena be no doubt but he would do his Through a swimming mist he saw the boy | best to keep his vow, if occasion should and charged at him. arise. - Again Frank ST and tipped the! For the first time, Hermias cowered be- ‘ man. fore the remarkable youth. He had up _ his time Hermias went headlong into| to a short time before, looked on Frank the basin of the fountain, where the water |as a thoughtless fellow, full of tricks and ‘was about two feet deep. ~ , laughter, but in no way dangerous. Now thle struggled up, spouting like ajhe realized that he had made a serious whale,” and heard the laughter of the “boy | mistake. ‘and girl. That sound seemed to turn his) art to a seething furnace, his blood to * dodged, a ingly from Frank’s lips, get up and hustle! We have lof you! Go!”? *SAll right!” shot back the humiliated foreman. ‘‘I will go! have seen enough of me, eh? He eekly got out = the water, and Well, you aS at Frank and the girl. The means!?? ~ _Now,’’ came sternly and command- “vou want to seen enough _ have not seen the last of me—not by ay you'd} Merriwell, repent in tears of blood for a cy 3° : even though you : Fra: pari, < his sic oY whisp tate t OOM Black assert Cee peheatt (ce a ingh anyt i cv ce wou You think you~ e Then he skulked away into the shrub. bery, and gure disappeared from view. Frank % od for make ‘or me red on wn at Oy ae + : ie hair 7 og or h as nom- er ead ! you: Ff. ouch had x of ls of t he here his ’ assertion. ‘‘I do not fear him.”’ 4 hear tless.’’ ie ean . . | _ ingly. ‘‘I do not believe you are afraid of and I—— anything! You are a strange boy!”’ | Stop your flattery! Perhaps you will you did it.” “Tt was not so difficult for trained mus- | ing ?”? : : cles. At school I took a great interest in . athletics and boxing, for which I have | thing about-Lieutenant Cady, who is com= had good cause to be well pleased many }ing here to-morrow with Major Hamilton life, a feeling of exultation comes over, drawing away. me and I laugh despite myself.” FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. 11 CHAPTER V. ‘“There,’’ he said, ‘‘you can’t scold me now, for I have given it back to yo#.”’ A NATURAL FLIRT. 7 : ee You rogue!’’ she cried, giving hima Frank felt a trembling hand on his/playful blow. ‘‘But we had _ better get arm, and looked round to see Drusie at|away from here. Black Bruno may come — his side, her face white in the moonlight. | back. ”? ‘‘You have made a bitter enemy,’’ she | She slipped her arm through his, and whispered. ‘‘Black Bruno will not Hest: | they sauntered along a path that led to- — tate to kill you, if he gets a chance.’ 'ward the house, within sight of which “Well, I have had as bitter enemies as| i'they halted in the moonlight, where no Black Bruno before this,’? was Frank’s © could approach them without being seen. ‘‘T want to tell you something,’’ said | | Druste, with bowed head. ‘“‘But he is treacherous and utterly? “Still I do not fear him.’ ‘(All right,’? smiled Frark. “I am **T believe it!’ she oe admir-|ready to listen, Your voice is like music, y) ee ‘Think so??? ° not be so free with your comprare - ‘Ves Ido. Why, I expected Hermias| when you hear what I have to say.’ se [. would handle you easily—he expected to “Ts it somethi ng so very dreadful ? Are do so, too.”’ you going to call me down ?”’ tees ce . . ; i ) a And was disappointed.’ “Call you down? What do you mean ‘*It took some time for him to under-| by that?” _ stand that he had met a boy who was| ‘‘] beg your pardon. That is Ante - more than his match. I don’t see how slang, and I forgot myself when I used it. Are you going to—to give me a scold- | | ‘‘Oh, no! I am going to tell you some- times since then, as my strength and skill you EEey. I met the lieutenant in Fie _ have often saved me from being killed.’’ | don.’ < “And you laughed—you laughed all| ‘‘No. Did you??? _ the time he was threatening you! Any one| ‘Ves: and we—we became very g0 d ‘would have thought it was sport.”’ foes 3 eh: 3 = ‘(Now you are getting cold—you a re I knew you would wher I oe you; but I felt that I must el ‘‘Well, I think you are the jolliest boy you.” ver knew,’’ she declared, nestling still She was telling the boy nothing he loser | to him. ‘I was going to give you, ‘had not already surmised. pawiul es fos poets, that es failed to — Black Brung’ s decla ; ‘“‘Tcan’t help laughing. Whenever I .é am in danger and forced to fight for my. 12 said, quietly; ‘‘I am not drawing away. Why should I?” ““That’s it—why should you! There was something of reproach in her voice and her words. *fYou have been here a week,’’ she went on, ‘‘and to-night is the first time _ that you have treated me as if I were alive.” Plainly she was piqued. “T think you are mistaken, Miss Walker,’’ came gravely from his lips. ‘‘I 33 ‘*Oh, yes; and I have tried to thaw you _ out once or twice, but have been discour- - aged by your manner.”’ _ “¥ did not wish to be too forward.” “Oh, of course not!’’ ‘“@pe is a natural flirt,’ thought Frank, ‘‘and she did not like it when I failed to show her more than ordinary at- tention. She is pretty, that’s a fact; but she can’t fool me. I do not propose to get ‘into trouble with Lieutenant Cady, if I can help it. I fancy I have been a little too fresh in kissing her at all.” _ Drusie was silent, her small foot tap, ‘ping the ground in a manner that seemed to indicate she was somewhat angry. Frank bent ‘toward her, taking her “Come, » he said; ‘‘I can’t seem to un- derstand what I have done. If I haves O Fcotrse I note not to have kissed you, but the temptation——”’ | “Oh, gracious! are you so thick!’’ she exclaimed. “It’s not that at all! If you ad done that before you would have »wn more sense!’’ he moment Drusie had thrown off onventionality, and was her own al self. Just then she was like a live sated. to Dae a caings she have treated you as a gentleman should. ’’ }- FRANK MERRIWELL'S VOW. ‘Well, you will not get ac: CNT o ?”? ‘*No, indeed.”’ ‘Why not?”’ row.’’ “Well?” ‘*We are the same as engaged.”’ lated.’ That did not seem to satisfy her. gave him a look of reproach. ‘“How about me?’’ she asked. ‘*T will tell you when I have seen Lieu-_ tenant Cady.”’ ‘‘Oh, you are a most provoking fellow! ‘**T do not believe he could have handled Black Bruno as you did.”’ | The moonlight was full on her face, which was upturned to him. Her eyes gleamed with admiration. “Great Scott!’ thought the boy. ‘Ts she really in love with me? Or is she She Either way I can’t afford to get in Lieu- tenant Cady’s way. Excuse me, please!’’ It seemed as if the girl read his her voice was full of reproach. ‘‘Oh, Ican see you laughing in your leyes! Iam not going to say another word ! I don’t care a snap for you! es ee is handsomer than you are, and he > has sense enough to know when to brace up. gets here—so there!’ she disappeared. the boy, house. ‘‘Girls are hard to understand, anyway, but I think she takes Sees cak ‘“Tieutenant Cady is coming to-mor- | y g “Lieutenant Cady is to be congratu- playing me for the fun there is in it? thoughts, for she suddenly fell away, and |. I am glad he is coming to-morrow, A | and I won’t even look at you after he’ Then, seemingly in great anger, ee ran away toward the ae into wa -“Well, there is a queer girl!”’ muttered walking slowly toward the ater t ‘ ake ind the india a ‘ytoach found yet m¢ _ Fra of at tl of mis ‘ “Ry gered 1 with 5 aD he its eat hess] i Joc and b awok: ‘east t - an Tiger fe ee the most.of the time. She will Cake a stunningly handsome woman, 4nd the wives of officers in the service in india are given to flirting. She will have wny number of admirers at her feet if he atries her and takes her there. If he is iot-blooded, she will get him into a duel before the honeymoon is over.”’ atu’ | The professor had fallen asleep in his thair on the veranda. As Frank ap- yroached, he saw Toots suddenly creep found the corner, leading Mr. Watker’s det monkey, Jocko. ‘ey: | Frank stopped and watched, well aware “that the darky boy was up to some sort of misthief. ; mor- She ow! 1h _“Frow things at me, will yo’!”’ mie . gered the darky. ‘‘Mebbe I don’ get eben ce, with yo’ dis time!’ sed _ Then he caught up the monkey, gave oe ears a quick rub, and tossed it upon ‘Ig thessleeping professor. . Hie | Jocko gave a chattering howl of anger, it? And began to claw the little man, who .y. Woke with a yell of terror, and tried to jy» fast the monkey off. is | | ‘Whoop!’ roared the professor. ‘‘Help! ts Tiger! tiger! Iam being devoured by a tiger! Wow! Shoot him!’ up | Joots rolled on the ground, convulsed Tree with laughter. at | “By golly! dat makes us eben Gib it 4 to him, p’ofessor !?’ _ The professor clawed, and the monkey clawed. s monkey chattered. The professor was early frightened to death, and the mon- key. was boiling mad. “He-e-e-Ip!” shrieked the little man, etting on his feet and falling head- off the veranda. ‘‘It is a whole flock gers! Somebody bring a gattling ss euow! Take them off !”” FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. The professor howled, and the} 13 ' “T]] kill the thing!’ he roared, scram- bling up and chasing Jocko into the house. ‘‘I will beat it to death! Bring mea club—something—anything! I am out for blood! I am aroused, and I’m des- perate!”’ Frank and Toots followed the little man, both laughing. The professor cornered the monkey in the parlor, where Jocko had taken refuge on the top of a large picture that rested on an easel. Seeing Frank in the doorway, Professor Scotch cried: BES “I have been assaulted by that animal! Iam going to slaughter the beast! Bring me a club!”? oe The monkey chattered. ‘‘Remember Darwin,’’ warned Frank, “You will be committing murder! You may even kill a distant relative.’’ . ‘‘Hang Darwin! Think I am going to — have a potato-faced monkey claw my face _ up and yank my whiskers out! JIl kill © it, anyway !’’ ; : ‘“The monkey is begging for life in — monkey language, % declared the boy. = ‘You know it is claimed the monkeys — have a language. ”’ | ‘*T don’t care a continental as long as | I can’t understand what the creature is saying! I will kill it just the same!’ Then Frank, who was a‘ skilful ven-— triloquist, made the monkey seem to say: — ‘‘Oh, go fall on yourself, you old fossil! I can speak as good English as you.”? — ‘‘Merciful goodness!’’ gurgled the pro- fessor, staggering backward and dropping © limply into Frank’s arms. ‘‘The monkey This is the can talk! This is a miracle! discovery of the age!’’ ‘*Rats!’’ the monkey seme to deris ively cry, and then, with another. chatt ing laugh, Jocko scaled down from t eee and skipped out of the windoy CHAPTER VI. THE PROFESSOR’S CHALLENGE. Professor Scotch was bubbling with the importance of his ‘ over covery,’ sleep a wink the whole night long. There was another in the did not sleep very well. When she did sleep she dreamed of a dashing, self more than a match for dark-faced Bruno Hermias. e Not once did she dream of Lieutenant | Cady. - In the morning James Walker was in- formed Concerning the encounter in the _ garden, and, furiously angry, he sought | ~~ the foreman. Too late, for Black Bruno, well know- ing he had overstepped the bounds, had | discreetly disappeared. And he was coming to-morrow! f ’ “Tt will not be well for the rascal if| he ever returns here!’’ declared | the planter. ‘‘He was valuable as a fore- warmly ‘must get another man. _» Vater in the day Tieutenant Cady and Major Hamilton arrived. Ralph Cady was.a big fellow, but there was nothing of the lubber about him. He had a military bearing that made him seem graceful, and he was quite easy in his manners. Frank in- stantly saw how natural it was for a girl to fall i in n love with a man like Lieutenant Cady. Cady had ence: blue eyes, and a bud- ding mustache. He was rather grave and Bie gnified for his years, but that came from hi army training. Frank was on his’ guard lest the int erent aboull Ae to be eee? . FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. {complexion as may be acquired nowhere; |save beneath the sun of India. ‘amazing dis- | as he called it. He could scarcely | house who} | hand- | soine, laughing lad who had proved him-| ito meet Lieutenant Cady before Frank, ‘and she greeted him with such effusion rather 2 “man, but I have kept = far too long. | aing Cc ‘pinnin: The major had a voice that fairly The ‘tivaled that of Professor Scotch, wh mouth, roared when he was expected to squealltye ce and vice versa. He had been wounded ittgyame . the hip, which caused him to limp, coy] Professor Scotch was inclined to predstrikin ‘tend a disdain for all things military, anc ia plain he greeted the officers rather brusquely. {intent Drusie seemed to. take particular ae eet that he was fairly overwhelmed, and 2 ae and F | blushes made him crimson. at Walker looked on in astonishfment} didn’t although he was aware that hig if I di \daughter’ had met the lieutenant, she The had never told him there was anything bristle ‘serious between them. Beneath hig reachi \breath, he muttered: | the m ‘‘Bless my soul! That looks suspicious! ey |I must find out about it.’ ‘ the at “Ah-ha, Walker!’’ cried Major Hamil shout | ton, as he again wrung the hand of the “Thi planter; ‘‘you’re a sight for sore eyes,| SUCH | blow the if you’re not! I told you whem Yur ‘we met in Calcutta the last time that J Bri would accept your invitation to hunt big se Th ‘game with you in Ceylon some day, and Walk riddle me where I stand if I am not here ™@"- to keep that promise! Buffalo, tigers, ele; Pr phants—those are the fellows we’re after, Frar eh, lieutenant?” S a “um! hal Hat hum!" coughed Pro.) This fessor Scotch. ‘The lieutenant seets to. = rule. have found big game already. ”’ ‘Ha! ha! ha!’? roared the major. ‘“That’s a good one—I swear that’s a) good one! Blow me if it isn’t!” a FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. } : : sa here hing could be so unstable on its age) The professor was so excited that he ‘pinnings.”’ | became somewhat mixed, but his mean- fairly The professor arose, frothing at the ing was clear enough. » whé, squeal cry 9 mouth, with his head protruding through | hunder and turf!’? came from the — the centre of the ruined picture, and the) major. ‘‘Do you mean it for a challenge? ded iM frame about his shoulders. ‘Is that what you are driving at?”’ : | “What did you mean by—er—ah—! The professor fancied from the man’s — 9 prelstriking me, sir!’ he thundered. ‘‘It was astonished manner that he was greatly Y, anda plain case of assault and battery with| alarmed, and Scotch resolved to follow up iely. {intent to kill! It was—ah—er—entirely,| his supposed advantage. ir os yg | ‘That is just what I mean!’ he foment ‘rank, “‘T beg your pardon,’ said the major, | 'standingon his ae to shake his fist fusion rather humbly, while the others present under the major’s nose. ‘‘Of course you — id th found it difficult to restrain their laughter, | will apologize on your knees. You won’t and Frank made no effort to do so. ‘I: dare fight.”’ Ment) didn’t mean todo so, blow me wide open,) ‘‘Grape-shot and canister! Won’t dase t hig if I did!” : fight! You may riddle me if I do not! I , she The professor grew bold, and he will meet you with any sort of weapon thing bristled up to the big man like a bantam, | you may naine, from a broom to a can- hig teaching far up and shaking his fist in'non! Lieutenant Cady will represent me. the major’s face. | Name your second, sir, and select your ious! ‘‘You think because you have been in burying-ground. Make your last will and ‘the army that you can bully everybody ! | |testament, and seek forgiveness for your amil4 Shouted Scotch, crimson in the face. ‘sins m ; f the ‘This is not the first time I have seen; ‘‘Eh? It can’t be possible!’’ surgi 5 eyes) Suen things. Ihave a mind to ae — little man, beginning to tremble. whew oo head for you!’ “You do not mean to’ fight—=I am sure at J Frank nearly exploded. you do not!” a ss bid = 'The major was astonished, while Mr.) ‘But I do!’ exploded the major, his and L Walker tried to pacify awe Paticas little face black asa thundercloud. ‘Did you. here man. fancy I. would refuse to meet a little ele- Pretending to remove the picture frame, whipper- ee like you? Name your fter,| -Frank whispered in the professor’s ear: . second.’ | ‘You can see that he is a coward. | ‘““Er—ah—it is possible this matter Pro-, This is your opportunity to prove your may be adjusted,’’ faltered Scotch, his. s tol. theory that army officers are bullies, as a knees knocking together, as he began to. ) tule. Challenge him to fight aduel. He! believe that the major was a fire-eater and _ | will not dare accept.”’ a bloodthirsty wretch who ce in, “Do you me—mean to thump me?’ peeselys duels. ‘gasped Major Hamilton. ‘‘Why, you ‘re not ee than a rat, and I'd — you | ‘ageeen® “Ah—all skis sir. The time shall | al,” fumed ‘the Sictieaod “Tf you sila thousand oe ee to- aS apologize « on your pede i shall. .Chal- 16 Then, with all the dignity he could command, the professor walked out of the room, heedless of the burst of laughter behind him. CHAPTER VII. FRANK IS WARNED. _ As soon as he had recovered from his astonishment, Major Hamilton began to see where the laugh came in, and he tre- garded the matter as an excellent joke. Before the day was over the major and _ the professor were on very friendly terms, _ aided by the planter’s excellent wine, - which he provided most liberally. __ Drusie spent a great deal of time with - Lieutenant Cady, seeming entirely happy _ in his company, and not even deigning to give Frank a glance. But this did not worry the boy in the least. In fact, he laughed quietly over it, saying to himself: _ “She thinks she is annoying me, but she has made a great inistake. I haveseen too much of that business in girls not to catch on.’’ - $0, to Drusie’s dismay, Frank con- _ tinued as jolly and unconcerned as before, “never seeming to notice the least differ- ence in her manner. _ Mr. Walker was making preparations re the great hunt, upon which the party was to start on the following morning. They were going after elephants and yuffalo, and were to be accompanied by ee of the most skilful panickeas, tive elephant hunters, in the country. ‘If the lieutenant could have had his ay, he would have put the hunt off, or t gone at all; but Major Hamilton was . to eet away as soon as possible, FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. OT | _ [surely getting in a bad way.’’ major, he was induced to change his Whi mind - Under the spell of the wine he hadi ing: drunk, he began to regard himself as ; mighty hunter. | ‘‘Oh, I don’t mind bagging a fet dozen elephants, ’’ he observed, haughtily ‘‘Ha! Hum! Of course it is scarcely s exciting as tiger-hunting, be a change.’’ ‘‘T presume you are a great tige: hunter, professor?’ said the major, wink, ing at Frank, who was lolling in a Peay) mock. } “Well, sir, well, I have never bagged more eet eleven tigers in one day.”? \the ‘‘Great guns! Is that all>”? re ‘‘T regret to confess that—er—it is. Olo course I have been ambitious to make i around dozen, you know, but I have: never succeeded, much to my regret.’’. ‘Why, you are just the man we need on this hunt! Riddle me! but you cau « give the rest of us points. = 1 a ‘““The professor is a great snake- hunter,’’ smiled the mischievous’ boy. ‘*Be careful of the wine, professor.”’ ‘‘Haw!’’ blurted the little man. ‘‘] scorn your insinuations! You remember what some old patriarch said about a ‘lit- tle wine for the stomach’s sake.’ very temperate man, but——”’ ‘You have been trying to convince us ) and that monkeys can talk.’’ Re The professor thumped the table with Fe his hand. ; Dru ‘They can!’ he roared. ‘I am walle spe: ing to swear that one of them can, for I | Pra heard him !”? 4 ‘‘Blow me wide!’ exclaimed the major.) “You do not mean that for a sober ¢ as- sertion—you cannot ?”? - “But I do, sir—I do.”’ F ‘“Then I should advise you’ to abet from intoxicants for a while, as_ you : ‘SUupT smil chat coin I am + and 4 =} ‘a _ The professor stiffened | up, : ge hi, ’While I am a temperate man in all he hadi ings, I am quite certain that I can hold 7 y Own with you, and remain sober.”’ **Better not try it, professor,’’ warned red into the garden. the floor of the veranda, while the major was snugly deposited in the hammock, “jalso sound asleep. ham; ‘The wine had been finished. | / “It’s a case of knock-out on both asgedsides,’’ laughed the boy. ‘‘My! won’t * = ithe professor have a head when he jawakens! He’ll drink a barrel of water to s. Olcool himself inside. ”’ ke it During the afternoon Frank had a chat havéwith Lieutenant Cady, who seemed to be "la very fine fellow indeed. There seemed needto be a prospect that the two would be- 1 can Home fast friends. | But later in the day a storm cloud lake. arose. boy Frank was strolling in the garden after | Supper when he cante upon Drusie. She smiled upon him, and seemed ready to nber | chat, but, ready to pay her in her own ‘lite coin, Pragk spoke politely, lifting his hat, in aj and sauntered on. A moment later she flitted past him e us | and hurried toward the house. Lieutenant Cady came down from the’ vith Fico a letter in his hand. He saw ~Drusie hurry past without pausing to ‘speak, and then he came face to face with [ Frank. _ The lieutenant halted, and Frank in- tantly saw there was something in the ind. : “Good-evening,” saluted the boy, po- ly. Good-evening, sir,’ came coldly from ing officer’s lips. ‘‘I havea word | y to ee es ily _ FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. rank, as he left the hammock and saunt-| An hour later Frank found the profes-| got wind of something some way, and it wilsor comfortably snoring on his back on | ts gerous ground. That isall. Good-evening, git." Then Lieutenant Cady walked onward, folding the letter, and putting it into his pocket as he went. ‘“Whew!’’ whistled Frank. ‘‘He has ~~ he is jealous. Why, I wouldn’t intrude in his love affairs for the world!”’ CHAPTER VIII. THE PROFESSOR’S BAREBACK FEAT. On the following day the great hunting expedition left the plantation. Tents, blankets, firearms, and supplies were carried in wagons, upon which rode the panickeas, native servants, Toots, and the professor. Scotch could ride a horse after a fashion, but it soon made him saddle-sore, — and he preferred to travel in any kind OF a wagon. The first part of the journey took hone through a series of rice-fields, coffee plan-— tations and native villages. Lieutenant Cady’s parting with Drusilla made him moody for a time, and then he became good-natured, seeming to have forgotten what had passed between a and himself the evening before. ipa The major bantered the professor in a good-natured way, and the little man fumed and spluttered, from his uncom fortable seat in the wagon. ©. Sometimes the major told stories « of former hunting expeditions in which he had taken part. Occasionally he asked the professor’ questions about the great hunts which he had been engaged, b Scotch was sober and so took care not ti draw the long bow. sae _ Frank aud the lieutenant chatted, 18 FRANK MERRIWELL’S Vow. fess that he knew nothing save what he|from which they would branch out in An had learned ata military school. various directions to look for game. >a «gh The scenery was by turns attractive ‘Years ago there was not much trou ‘ajo: ’ 1 fndi = 1ade and repellent. They saw great trees!in nding elephants in Ceylon,’’ said hat which were loaded with parasitic plants, | Walker. ‘It is different now.’ They saw huge tropical ferns with} ‘‘You are right, riddle me, if you’hst: spreading tops, beneath the shadows of not!” blurted the major. ‘The first ti1 oe which they might rest. They saw won-/1 visited the country they were so sh han Real Howers: and vines, tall palms, | ithat they were considered a nuisance. great marshes, where water-plants grew} The professor laughed at this, but th ene so thickly that they crowded each other| ‘planter declared that it was quite true. tudic in a most uncomfortable manner. ~ “When the English took possesion @alle 'Ceylon,’’ he said, ‘‘as many as two huiknee ed 1 Among other things of interest were) ‘dred elephants could be taken in a corr4. - the ruined tanks which had been built to} retain water for irrigation purposes. Some | ‘damage to the rice crops, so a reward w 1ea¢ “of them were more than a thousand years | old. loffered for all elephants killed, and eléPrai iphant-hunting became a regular busines#€ss The slaughter of the great beasts wa A |terrifir, so that not enough elephan he ‘could be obtained to carry on the publ ee ‘works of the government, which caus@ba;. the removal of the bounty.’’ 7 That night they were greatly troubld@stor by insects, which were abundant anf@ea hea tak Major Hamilton snored heartily, whet « he did not awaken to grumble and curs@y Fe The professor dreamed that he we iy attacked by a hundred wild elephants, a ane ; ‘tle between two great snakes, which of whotn wére roaring’ with tae. and ut es pee ps Mic. death of both. leaped astride a horse, upon which he wé Ge _ That night they camped near a native’ endeavoring to escape. ot "village, and they were up and ready to} «Git ap!” he howled, beatine j fan “press onward at an early hour in the | imaginary hacual-- A moment later, before Frank could} Frank immediately saw what had | han: hu tealize the beast was coming that way, the| pened, but his horse would not stand, ‘Wh x . | great bulk broke through the thicket and|so he leaped to the ground. Gee? appeared in full view. | A moment later he flung his rifle to#Mhe Frank’s horse was startled, but the boy | shoulder and fired. j : : va _ tried to calm the animal, at the same time| Jt was a death shot. The bullet crash yy . flinging his rifle to his shoulder, | through the brain of the old rogue, Wined One, two, three times he fired, but the | toppled and fell with a great thud to tuble: horse had started violently with the first) pround : ep al ¢ | - n _ shot, and not one of the bullets were well)” Quick as a flash, the boy ran forw Ry : os * é planted. |sprang upon the: fallen monster’s heyy. 1 . ; > =) = » - m A frightful roar came from the ele-|]eaped upon its body, and swung his @«y is ; ti se ae ; ; Ot phant, and then, trumpeting his rage, the around his head, uttering a loud chee Ve huge beast crashed through the under-) «‘}{urrah!? he shouted. ‘‘All dow: Be brush in hot pursuit of Frank, whose this alley!’ Bes horse had wheeled and taken to flight. | Major Hamilton came puffing and bly, 4 J | p } eee ing tases the underbrush, fairly figle p> |ing his way to the spot. He halted apy, APTER X |. eee . a ALE 3 CHAPTER X. istared in amazement when he saw ‘evid AFTER THE PUNT. |fallen elephant and the boy. pla Frank knew that he was in frightful "Great glittering guns!” he roam‘lt : peril, for the elephant was right upon)’ May I be riddled where I stand! Is fess him, and it could follow anywhere the an optical illusion, 9% is it true ?”? ‘Hu pos horse might go, ) “Hurrah !? cried Frank again, burstinge]f ‘The boy was thoroughly. angry with , with enthusiasm. ‘“How is this ding the horse, for he felt sure he would have, high? ae Ree well. killed the elephant if the animal he be-| Well, it is pretty high,” confesty, 7 strode had not spoiled his aim by jump-/| Mr. Walker, as he appeared on the see hity t ine '“*How did you do it, boy?” y be _ Now he wished that, despite what the | _ “Soaked the old fellow where Eines others had-said, he had advanced on foot. lived,’’ laughed Frank. } beg As the horse whirled with him, he had; ‘‘By Jove!’ exclaimed Lieutenp otin, obtained a glimpse of the native hunter! Cady, appearing and staring at the #phan with the sword. ‘The fellow had darted | torious boy and his game. ‘‘Congrattfaid forward, as if to attack the rogue, tions, don’t you know.”’ Then a wild, strange cry rang through) ‘‘Thunder and lightning!’’ shom the forest, and the boy realized that the| Major Hamilton, fiercely. ‘‘The boy. elephant was not close behind. beaten us all! Howdid he doit??? _ _ He believed the great beast had turned|. ‘‘He was very fortunate,’’ declared B: -on the native, and the cry had been the| Walker. ‘‘Chance must have dire fellow’s death-yell. siecea his bullet.’’ a ae “With that thought in mind, he suc-| Frank became sober. pe ae er ‘Do you really think so?’’ he as Sy ieetiah es eT ‘‘You must have a belief that I dk g of the kind had happened, pee nee to shoot?”? me Bit tet RT mag AN eae tein aie te RRL AO thin FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. 23 lows helt I should have considered it a case|tify you now that you can’t climb up my ¢ ’ luck. eo back again and ride me for a horse.”’ : us But the edge was taken off Frank’s en-| For a time the two men spluttered at © ‘Misiasm to a great extent. leach other, but, as usual, nothing serious _ ds, ‘Because I am a boy, they fancy I| came of it. twit shoot,’? he thought “I may have) ‘The professor led Frank’s horse for- ; uk lance to show them before we finish | ward, saying to the boy: "i - hunt for big game. | ‘‘T heard the firing, and thought it must » | Who fired at the clepnatt in the first/all be over. ‘Then this animal came tear- gee?’ asked the planter. ‘ing along and stopped short. I caught it - tofhe major grew red in the face, and without trouble, but when I saw it was an to cough. ithe creature you had ridden I was scared. ‘ 7 16 a “ ra BT ae Jake this, you see,’’ he €x-| Thought sure you had been killed, and I €, Wined, ‘‘T am lame, and these- vines are} }; astened forward. And now it seems that to; blesome to a person who is try ing to} you were the one who killed the elephant ep along without making a noise. That does not seem strange. As I was wy ‘Exactly so,’’? smiled Mr. Walker. |not on hand to kill the beast, it was the he ‘Well, I—I tripped, you understand.’’ | most natural thing in the w orld for you to ae “You did?” ido the job. We can give these mighty “Yes, sir, I did. I fell forward on my hunters points, my boy. Hum! ha! hal > witle, Great glittering guns! I had my hum! . q ‘Cocked—it—went-—off—by accident!} Frank did not take all the credit to | bléch blooming luck I never did have be-| himself. He told how he had missed y figen» ‘in the first place by his horse jumping ed ap he major’s confusion and chagrin was when he fired, but it was found that every aw Vevident that ev ery one laughed, and bullet from his rifle had lodged in the ele- > Planter observed : 'phant. ‘Then he explained that his horse roat'It is a good thing for you that the had fled with him, and the enraged rogue Is fessor is not on hand. He would——”? | had hotly pursued till lamed by the keen — ‘Hum! Ha!’ coughed the professor Sword in the hands of the panickea. UtS4uself, as he adv anced toward them,; ‘‘Oho!’’ cried the major. ‘“’Then it™ a |ding’ his horse and that of Frank Mer-| ‘was not so strange you killed the beast. afes pell.. ‘‘J happen to be on hand, gentle- | It seems very simple now.’ #1. I gave this wooden soldier an oppor-| ‘‘Oh, it was simple enough,” said see . & behind, but I fancied I knew my done what I did, major.’’ ra siness. I did not wish to be near when | “I deny it!’ shouted the professor. # began tumbling™ over himself and angrily. ‘This boy is no wooden soldier, n itenboting promiscuously. It was not the He hasn’t the gout se he can pretend — he Wphant | feared, gentlemen, but I was | that he was wounded in battle. But he — rattfaid the major would shoot me full of |¢ can shoot. He has killed grizzlies in the y hot] but the major laughed again. The| | the African forests, tigers in India, and $jor was mad, and he showed it very elephants i in Ceylon. ‘Yet there is a cer- inly. ‘tain® blatant blowhard, who, to my firm ir!’ he thundered, ‘‘you are the belief, never ‘killed anything in his life essence of humbuggery! ! You are a larger than a cock-eared rabbit with the itated and enfeebled old fraud! I mange, but who poses as a great hunter, 33 iso add that you are a double- a and tries to rob the youth of the glory he has won. Out on such an impostor !’? _ pe Hosein a frothed, bt os; He has eae his will ‘rend him limisdrom, hity to show what he could do by stay-|Frank, quietly. ‘‘Any one could have s llets in his excitement.” Rocky Mountains of America, gorillas Re Bat 24 that day, which made it evident that the ugly old rogue had driven others from the vicinity. That night, about the camp-fire, the entire party became jovial, and the time passed merrily with stories and songs. The planter produced wine, and the major and the professor toasted the suc- cessful hunter repeatedly. They looked on the wine, and that was not all they! did. After a time, they became fairly ‘*mellow.’”’ ‘*Professor Scosh,’’ said the major, a trifle thickly, ‘‘the young man is a won- der. He isa great hunter, riddle me on the spot, or any other fatal place, if he isn’t! Here’s to Frank Merriwell!”’ ‘‘Mashor Hamilton,’’ gravely returned the professor, ‘‘you are a man of shound judgment and great qualifi—hic!—ca- tions. Here’s to yourshelf!’’ ‘*Professor Scosh,’’ said the old soldier, with evident emotion, ‘‘I think there isa shlight mishunderstanding between ush, and I thoroughly regret it.’’ ‘‘Mashor Hamilton,’’ cried the little man, with fervor, ‘‘it ish imposhible for you to—hic!—regret it any moresh than I th “‘Shir,’? proposed the major, ‘‘lesh shake hands on it, and bury the hashet.”’ ‘‘Shir,’’ exclaimed the professor, ‘‘I am more than ready todo sho: Let the dead pasht be dead, and woe to the shon- of-a-gun who tries to digh up the corpse!’? | Then they fell into each other’s arms. CHAPTER XI. FRANK AND THE LIEUTENANT. Preparations were made to start on an- other hunt in the morning. The camp was astir at an early hour, and breakfast was eaten in haste, so the hunters might get away. Evety arrangement had been made for starting when the! planter uttered an ex- clamation of astonishment, and pointed to a native who was running toward them, waving his arms. - “Upon my soul, I believe it is one of my servants!’’ cried Mr. Walker, in great surprise. ‘‘What can he want here? What has brought him all the way from the plantatiton? Has something serious taken place there?’ __ __A feeling of suspense and dread fell on FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. { ‘You Frank, who suddenly remembered p be oath of Bruno Hermias. stakes “This ends the hunt,’’ thought? 1 wa boy, as he watched the panting fe Of v approach. This He was right. rank The native servant staggered forwt’s ha and fell, panting and exhausted, atid: Walker’s feet. ‘Loo] ‘“What is it?’ cried the planter, st wit! ing and shaking the fellow, his face grind w] | white. ‘“Tell me what has happenetwaste And then, in a broken, incoherent mlnape: ner, the native explained that DrusieA sco been carried away by several ruffians, tant’s were headed by the former foreman of You plantation. The girl’s maid had defeth] me her so fiercely that Black Bruno had} wey, come enraged and driven a knife to J] y, woman’s heart, killing her instantly. F not The kidnapers had looted the piled y. taken the best horses, and fired the hoBy th, In their haste to get away, they hadint, by made sure the building would burn,]f, ang the servants had been able to exting} one the fire after the ruffians were gone. ft wag At first the planter seemed stri@ to her. forced to repulse you, and ‘*Did she say that??? (Ves, ” “‘She shall tell you with her own lips that she did not speak the truth.”’ , Ralph Cady quivered with anger and excitement. He seemed on the verge of springing at Frank’s throat. ‘‘Do you accuse her of telling an un- truth ?’’ he hoarsely demanded. ‘*T promise you that, if she said I forced my attentions upon her, she shall retract her words. She could not have been in earnest. ’? Cady hesitated. ‘‘She did pretend to be chaffing after she had said so,’’ he acknowledged; ‘‘but it was when I threatened to call you out and shoot you, so I understood her rea- sons for retracting.’’ - ‘*You are most astute, sir,’? came cut- tingly from the boy. ‘‘But now I demand to know why you accused me of having anything to do with this kidnaping? You — have said things for which you shall be © ‘‘T was warned that you intended to have her by fair means or foul.’’ ‘*How warned ?”’ ‘By letter. I had itin my hand when ~ I met you in the garden, and told you ~ that you were treading on dangerous — ground.’’, | ae ‘‘Indeed! Who was the letter from?’? — ‘It was unsigned.’’ ‘‘And you took stock in an anonymous communication ?”’ 8 ‘“The writer of the letter knew you had been trying to win Drusie before my © arrival. He had seen you with her—had — seen you kiss her in the garden! Ha! you cannot deny that!’’ ee It was with some difficulty that Frank retained his cool manner, but he did not start or betray himself. “‘T am not going to deny anything,’ he calmly said; ‘‘but I am going to show you before long that you have made a fool of yourself. What more did the lette contain ?”? ee ‘‘It hinted that you had hirelings would do anything you directed. It even suggested that you contemplated obta ae Drusie by force, if you could not 7 : z 96 “And you took stock in that fol-de-rol ! could have thought’ possible, Lieutenant Cady! Ihave been in Ceylon less than two weeks, and all I know of the country I have learned in-that time. I must be a of ruffians and kidnapers in that length of time, and resorted to the wild scheme of kidnaping the daughter of my host! _ Stop and think of it, man! It is prepos- terous !’* Cady was silenced for the moment. “And you actually believe that, while | -we are here on this hunt, my hired tools | did the work I had mapped out for them ?| That is too much !?’ ‘“You cannot deceive me.”’ —-. “Well, you can make a big yourself! jet me tell you this: hand in the affair, as you should know. ii unsigned letter came from Bruno| ‘Hermias, who has been forcing his atten- tions on Miss Walker, and whio sought to make you suspicious of me while he found an opportunity to carry her away. ‘He hates me, for I had trouble with the night before you came, and knocked him down. He told me then that he Boon bet square, and that .Miss Walker ‘shoul d be his. Then I made avow. I - swore I would hunt him down like a dog if he harmed a hair on her head, and, hy | the eternal heavens, I will keep th at} vow !”? fool of | 1ad no | I 7 4 CHAPTER XH. THE GAME SCENTED In the excitement occasioned by the un- welcome news from the plantation the words that passed between the boy and he lieutenant attracted no attention. « Despite his prejudice against. Frank, e lad’s final words produced an impres- on on Lieutenant Cady, for it did not seem possible any one could speak thus irnestly without being sincere. till the lieutenant was suspicious. His lousy had been aroused, and the very a 7 by the unsigned letter. Somehow could not. help feeling that the boy ie | | ; FRANK MERRIWELL'S VOW. Well, you have less good judgment than I} —— desperado, indeed, to have formed a band | him | | trot in mah class. ay “Tf you prove 1am mistay w- Patin If vw luctantly. »» “What then??? ‘That will settle it.’ ¥shal ‘‘Not by any maeans,’’ came shaetter ‘from Frank. ‘*When I have shown }.”? that you are mistaken, it will not s@'Tha the matter.”’ Teed § ‘““Why not?’ the ‘You have insulted me.”? qou’v The eyes of the boy flashed in a dan{m-m |OuS way. Jane: | .“What will you do about it?” a: reely | the lieutenant, slow ly, npan “Make you swallow your words!’ he § | ‘*And if I will not—what?’’ did 1 ‘“Then, when Miss Walker is safe, }t wa will apologize, or I shall challenge yatt = Despite Frank’s cool manner, it | plain that the hot blood of youth prot eels Led the words. The ; Lieutenant Cady looked mildly @ not prised, lifted his eyebrows, bowed #ty 0! and said: Py is “Very well, In the meantime I gptill keep my eyes on you. Pdly” ‘‘And I presume that is meant #©S, 4 )? warning ?”’ er ‘ht Cady was silent. gan Frank snapped his fingers. Pion t hors org ‘Watch me as muchas you like)? erted. ‘‘In the meantime, it is your d to do all you can to save Miss Wall h In this we will work together. You c4, 7°) to Ceylon to hunt big game, but you 1 have an opportunity to hunt bigger 4 Ps than you anticipated.’’ ‘*You are right.’ fore 1 ‘‘However little you may like ne: ® ae our duty to hunt together.’’ ‘If you do not become hunted, ng the lieutenant, significantly. By this time the planter had made h preparations to leave, and the other w men of the party joined him, leaving | ang natives to pack up and come along al E no ward. To his intense satisfaction, Toots: given a mount, and permitted to ac pany the white men. 7 ‘J jes’ cayarn’t stan’ dem od dirty rascals,’’ he declared. ill I; y “li | ‘Oh, nts, i a nistay was forced to caution him against | ating’’ his horse. If we wind the animals at the outset, ‘Shall baffle ourselves,’’ said the major. sh gERICE: strike a pace that we can hold) Wn | ot si Thats right, mum - mum - major,’ eed Scotch, ho: was bouncing about the saddle as 1f made of rubber. | 90u’ve got a lul-lul-level head, mum- #1 -Inum-major.’’ | ames Walker’s face was set, and he {rcely seemed to hear the words of his Mpanions. Once in a while he ground | € fierce words between his teeth, but | {did not speak to any of those with him, 4t was, indeed, a grim looking party Be galloped over the rough Ceylon) tore through the villages, “and | scely slackened for the hills. Whe natives looked at them in wonder, # none could have thought it the same ty of merry hunters who rode out so vly into the forest two days before. I gtill they looked like hunters with| Rdly determination written on their nt 4S; and hunters they were. They were | r human game! Again and. again it was necessary to| tion James Walker about wearing out oil horses. The man was so impatient that ard f°tgot everything but his desire to| Val gch home. ao hey scarcely halted for lunch in the on #Ale of the day. They did try to secure 1 of horses,’ but were not able to do ‘so. "| The creatures will be dead beaten long | a fore night,’’ declared Major Hamilton e, 9 ‘And I am dead beaten already,’? | ped Professor Scotch. ‘I do not think] ay ill live to reach the plantation. This ny last hunting expedition.” h, you will live to go on many more nts, professor. Brace. wp.’ w can I, major? We braced up| | piast night, and I feel the effects am, sir, Tama temperate man, and indulgence in stimulants always disastrous for me. It takes me Ame tot recover. Beer n4 FRANK MERRIWELL’ S VOW. 27 Still they pressed onward till nightfall, | when they came to a small village, where |there was an inn, kept by a “German, | who seemed to be a great blockhead. The innkeeper’s name was Otto, and he had a | wife, whom he called Molly, and who >| prov ed to be a: decidedly ugly old Irish woman. ““Shimminy cracious!’’ cried the old 'German, staring in astonishment at his | visitors. ‘“Vere you all went to here, |ain’d id? Vy you didn’t sent me vord you vos goin’ to gome here?”’ ‘We didn’t know we were coming,” explained the major. ‘‘But, now we are vhere, you want to stir yourself and get us | something to eat. We are as hungry as famished ‘tigers. | By golly, dat? s so!’ agreed Toate: ‘holding his hands over his empty stom . ake “T feel lek I could eat a raw dorg, es tail, toe nails an’ all!” The innkeeper’s wife came: out of a | back rooin, placed her hands on her hips, and glowered at the party. Rn? is it all av yez Oi have to fade at this hour?’’ she growled. ‘‘An’ th’ other |guests pwhat come a bit ago were after atin’ us out av iverything we had. Will yez git innything at all, Oi dunno!” ‘We are willing to pay, and we will. pay liberally,’’ assured Frank, in a con- — eihataly tone. 5 ‘‘Sure an’ yell’ have to, av Oi go fen aa ter cook fer yez at this hour,’’ was the 'tetort. ‘‘It’s double proice ye want to. | charge thim, Otto, an’ git yer pay in ad- | vance. : hust as you said, my tear,” nodded ‘the German. ‘Touble brice is vat id ase ' shentlemen.”’ Sass much is the whole bill: >? "asked . Walker. ee dy at you vant?” “Supper, lodgings, and breaeiaeh ae ‘four o’clock to-morrow morning, without fail. Our horses are to be taken care. of too.’’ *“My tear,’’ said Otto, helplessly, “you vill haf to figger dot oudt.”? — So his wife came and did the figut | and Mr. Walker paid the full Chatre Chose it was exorbitant. Frank went out to | see that th 28 his face. At the first opportunity he en- tered into conversation with the planter, although Mr. Walker was disinclined to talk. “Mr. Walker,’’ he asked, ‘‘did you have a bay mare with a white stocking on the left hind foot, and a white star on her face ?’’ , ‘Ves. Why do you ask?’ “‘T was thinking you had such an ani- mal, that’s all.’’ ‘The fastest horse in my stables.’’ **T believe you called her Gyp?’’ **Yes, and she knew her name as well as I know mine.’’ But a few more words passed between the man and boy, but Frank soon drew Lieutenant Cady aside. “Look here,’’ said the lad, grimly, ‘‘I am forced to tell you something, as I do not wish to tell Mr. Walker, and Major | Hamilton is such a blusterer that I have) doubts about the advisability of saying anything to him.’’ The lieutenant bowed, and Frank went on: ‘*As I said to you once before to-day, we are after big game. This hunt is more dangerous than elephant or tiger hunt- ing.’’ ‘‘What are you driving at ?”’ **T will tell you. I think I have scented our game!”’ CHAPTER XIII. THE GAME FOUND. Ralph Cady started, and clutched Frank by the shoulder, hoarsely demanding: ‘‘Scented our game! What do you mean by that?’’ ‘‘Just what I say. Be cool, now; don’t eo to raising a racket and get everybody to looking this way and listening.’’ **Don’t let that trouble you,’’ said the lieutenant, stiffly. ‘‘What reason have you for thinking you have scented our game ?”? *‘One of Mr. Walker’s horses is in the shed which serves as a stable for the inn.”’ “One of his horses! Why, there are several of his horses in the shed.’’ ‘That is true, but there is one which our party did not bring here.’’ *‘Are you sure?’ ‘Ves, »” **How do you know?’’ ot E 2 . : J v RA eh AP pre Ma PE aie Eg in ele FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. ee ‘fT saw the horse at the plantation, jut | I have just seen it in the shed.”’ baa ‘*VYou may be mistaken.’’ /didr ‘‘T am not.”’ af sc ‘‘It may be another horse that Mat vy like Mr. Walker’s.”’ tudt ‘It is the same horse, for it answénd d to the name of Gyp.’’ , dor Now it was difficult for Lieutefooke Cady to repress his excitement. lame ‘“What do you make of the discoverOwn he asked. ines ‘““The horse was stolen from Tf vc Walker’s stable since we left the plas hi tion.’”’ line “Ves”? | cp, ‘‘And he was brought here by 0-day thief.”’ SOY. ‘*Of course.”’ ey ‘“The chances are ten to one thafith \ thief was one of the kidnapers.”’ cy *“You are right.”’ aal! ‘“’Then we are on the scent.”’ pay’ ‘““Take me out and show me | “By horse.’ . peel ‘Come!’ ut d Frank led the way, and they left Ds he inn and went out to the shed. It) “O) dark in the shed, but the boy lighte ‘*y. match and reflected it with his hand§ to , the horse in question could be seen. | ¢¢7J~ lighting several matches, they were {é‘‘y. to look the animal over quite thoroug!] de; The lieutenant became conse’ Ay Frank was right, and he burned y¥‘‘Y. eagerness to know more. | Fra They found other horses besides /ith ¢ one belonging to their own party—#S ve of them. term: ‘‘Now,’’ said Frank, ‘‘we must refas ne to the inn and attempt to pump the ‘‘W German. Leave that to me.”’ idy’s Back to the inn they went, and Fr “Vi set about the task of drawing Otto pow, the conversation. | SE The German seemed very thick, #© VO the boy was skilful, and he soon had frsilf old fellow talking. idn’ ‘‘You say business is not very apes here?’ asked Frank. ame “Gott in himmil, no!’’ growled) ‘‘M: landlord. ‘‘Uf id don’d peen petter pi€rnly by I vill ged meinself oudt uf here.’’ just s ‘‘Has it improved lately ?’’ ‘WwW ‘‘Vale, maype id peen petter to-day int r id vos der day pehind yesterday—yBut A? ion, jut led me dell you somedings vat I ~ pn’d know; I vould nefer peen here uf didn’t haf to done id. In Shermany I af some liddle drouble apoud somedings at Wat vos all a misdake, but I haf to ged udt uf der goundry a gread hurry in, nswénd don’t you pelief me! Idink maype don’d peen followed, but I vos mis ooken. I vos vanted in Shermany purty ’ ame pad—yaw. Vale, I make my mindt wn dot I haf to go somevere und lost eself vere I ain’d peen able to found tT vons vot vos looking, vor me. Dot s how I happen to come here. I marry i Hic vife, und she own dis blace—yaw.”’ “But you say business has been better by p-day than it was yesterday ?”’ a ‘Vaw.”” | “*Then we are not the first ones to stop that ith you to-day?” | “Vale, I guess nod.”’ ‘“Were your guests white?” | Vaw. ) ‘But they have all left, I presume ?”’ \ “I guess nod again. Some uf dem haf, ht der shentleman der young laty mit | left Ps here yed avile.”’ It} “Oh, a Sentleman. with a young lady ?”’ ight€ ‘Yaw, He peen dakin’ her der goundry hand§ to seen a natif toctor vot vill gure her.’’ en. | “Then she is ill?” were | “Yaw, she ,peen pad—she sleep most rou gi] der dime.’ aced { ‘And she is here now?” red ¥‘‘Yaw.”? |Frank was holding himself in check sides jith difficulty. His blood was leaping in rtty—4S veins, and he longed to reach Bruno }etmias, for he had no doubt the wretch st refas near at hand.’’ me p the _ Would you mind telling me the young re s name?” id FY “Vale, dot vas someding vot you don’d Otto POW, und——” a “Shut up, ye ould blockhead !’’ growled © voice of the German’s wife. ‘‘It’s rsilf thot’s talkin’ too much, ye fool! n’t the mon thot paid say ye wur to yer mouth shtill? It’s talkin’ all th’ € ye are!”’ eet rick, had’ said Frank Merriwell, FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW, | my child ?”? 29 caped the ‘boy’s. lips, for a door had opened, and Black Bruno stood before them all! CHAPTER XIV. THE END OF THE HUNT. An exclamation of surprise and con- ~ sternation escaped the ex-foreman, and he recoiled involuntarily. With a shout, Walker leaped to his feet. és ‘‘Hermias!’’ he cried. ‘‘Man, where is ‘Who is it??? demanded Major Hamil- ton, excitedly. ‘‘Is this the man who car- ried the girl off?’’ tS ‘The very one, and she must be some~~ where in this building! Es Hermias seemed on the point of shut- ting the door and retreating, but he sud-— denly changed his mind, drew a revolver, and defiantly faced them. ee There was something of the maniac in — ithe eyes of the dark-faced fellow, and it — was plain that he was ready to fight. ‘‘How do you do, gentlemen ?’’ he pur- red, showing his teeth beneath his dark | little line of a mustache. ‘‘This is a great surprise for me, I assure you.”’ He was tauntingly cool. ‘‘Where is my daughter?’’ savagely . demanded the planter. ‘‘Speak, you miserable wretch !’’ ‘‘Your daughter! What do I know of your daughter, man? And let me give you some advice. I am not in your em- ploy now, and I will not be called names. — Be careful. 2 Those words greatly enraged ‘Walker: a who started toward the defiant ‘Tascal, grating: f **T’l] throttle you!?’ ‘Oh, no, you will not!” Bruno, as he lifted his revolver. back, or I shall shoot !”’ The planter stopped. “I am not to be crowded,” declared : the man in the doorway. ‘‘I rather thin I have the best of you all, for I shall shoot the one who tries to pull a weapon — on me. ‘That is business.’? — ‘You will hang for it if you. do.?? ‘‘No; I was not born to be hana his evil face. reckless was evideut to all. - Frank Merriwell stood with one hand in a side pocket of his coat, his eyes fas- . tened on the ex-foreman. a8 Hermias regarded the boy with a scorn-| * * * * “Tt was a wonderful shot,’’ declared about a week later. ‘‘The boy put the bullet through Black Bruno’s: leg and brought him swe very nicely.’ FRANK MERRIWELL’'S VOW. ithe upon |§ | back, and I apologize. 'vineed there was no luck about it.”’ iand I am heartily ashamed of myself. \is a fine fellow, and Drusie says he |stay takes place next Tuesday. “How about that other shot when the} ,0y fired from his pocket and broke BI lack | Bruno’s wrist?’’ asked Professor Scotch, egeie which he coughed ‘Shum! ha!’’ sev- 3f ‘‘T am willing to admit that ‘‘Dat’s er fac’!’’ cried Toots, from a distant corner. ‘‘Dat boy jes’ takes de watermillion, an’ don’ yo’ fergit it!” ‘‘T think,’’? said James Walker, who was comfortably bolstered in a reclining chair, suffering from a bullet wound in shoulder—‘‘I think I made some ob- servation about it being all luck when he shot the elephant. I wish to take it all Now | am con- ‘*Say, say!’ cried Frank, his face crim- son, ‘‘what are you trying to do with me? I can’t stand much more of this,”’ ‘‘Well, it is certain you saved Drusie,”’ said the planter, ‘‘and she is grateful, as well as Lieutenant Cady. Hermias knew | he was sure to be hanged, and that’s why | he shot himself through the head after down and we had taken It was the best you brought him ‘him ee into the inn. thing he ever did in all his life.’ Lieutenant Cady and Drusie of an adjoining room. ‘‘T am here to elie aie publicly to | Frank Merriwell,’’ said the lieutenant. ‘‘I linsulted him by my suspicions and words, - He must the wedding, which Eh, Drusie?” “Of course Mr. Merriwell will stay,’ said the girl, blushing prettily. ‘‘Perhaps’ ihe will consent to be be——’? ‘Best man? Of course he will.’ An’ Ill be a bridesmaid, by golly!” ‘eried Toots. ‘‘Ki-yi! Won? t we hab a jubilee!”’ over till after [THE END. | ‘RRANK MERRIWELL I JAPAN; OR, THE SIGN OF THE AVENGER,”’ by the ‘author of ‘‘Prank Merriwell,’’ will, be ages oe in the next number ( a6): uate came oj 32 NEWARK, N. J., October 16th, 1896. Publishers Tre Top LIBRARY: DEAR Strs:—I have been taking Tie Top LIBRARY since the first one came out, and I like it so much I want to tell you about it. The stories are fine. I think they are the best stories of adventure [ ever read. I’m going to keep right on taking it. Yours truly, 97 New York avenue, Newark, N. J. LE Mars, Iowa, October 8, 1896. JOHN HALLECK, STREET & SMITH, Publishers Trp Top LIBRARY: DEAR Sirs :—I thought I would write you and tell you what [ think of the Tre Tor. Itis the nicest Magazine that I have ever read. It has the finest colored cover and the best stories of any 25-cent or 5-cent library ever published. I have some friends that I got to reading them, and they think they are great. I hope that they will keep up till “Frank Merriwell’”” becomes an old man, Yours respectfully, EUGENE YEATES, SIDNEY, N. Y., Sept. 30, 1896. Publishers Tre Top LigRARy: DEAR SIns:—We as the members of the Red Cabin enjoy the Trp Top LIBRARY very much, and think it the best library ever pub- lished. We have taken it from the very first, and intend to keep on taking it as long as it is published, which we hope will bea long time. Very truly yours, WM. W. CLARK. ALSON P. MILLS. DAVID STRAIT. LEXINGTON, Mo., Oct. 28, 1896. STREET & SMITH, Publishers Trp Tor LiBra RY, New York: DEAR SrirRs:—I have read every number of your excellent Trp Top LIBRARY, and the boys of the academy are most all reading them now. I was the first to read them, and loaned them to several of the boys, and out of 104 cadets about 25 of them take it regularly. The first numbers relating to his career at the Mi itary Academy are very true of life ata military school. Wishing you success, ,I remain, Respectfully yours, ROBERT G. Houston, First Sergeant Co. B. DRAVOSBURG, ALLEGHENY CO., PA., Oct. 5, 1896. Publishers of Tip Tor LIBRARY: ; Sins:—I am a reader of the Tip Tor, and I think ‘it one of the best libraries that are going, and I can, and will, speak for it every time. Yours truly, AL BERWICK. Long live the Trp Tor. HigH BrRiveR, N. J., Oct..12, 1896, Messrs. SrReEET & SMITH. Publishers Trp Top LIBRARY : DEAR SiRs:—I saw several letters in the Tre Top series, and I thought I would write one also. T have read agreat many different kind of books, but the Trp Tor LIBRARY beats them all. you the best of luck, I remain a Steady reader of the Trp Top series. CHAS. 8S. CLARK. The Tip Top Wishing | | address on receipt of ten cents. FRANK MERRIWELL’S VOW. AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY.» Many people imagine that a photographer’s camera is a difficult machine to handle, and that the work is dirty and disagreeable. All this isa mistake. Photography is a clean, light, and pleasant ac- complishment, within the reach of all. The camera will prove a friend, reporter, and helper. 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The book contains over one hundred pages, and will be sent postpaid to any Address MANUAL LIBRARY, 25 Rose street, New York. AIG Large Pages Fifty Siete: Qua r ter ly — 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 detail the pranks, trials and bravery of a true-hearted American lad—brave to the core. 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. Y For sale by newsdealers everywhere, or sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt of price, by the publishers. STREET & SMITH, New York. uf of }