— —— ee cae naan is ad si : _ mr = , I Ld LJ a il a eae 1 © i : Y LTZER E SE TH SWISH! “AN IDEAL PUBLICATION FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH.” Tir Top WEEKLY. Issued — kly— By Subscription $2.50 per year. “No. 92. Entered as Second Class \atter St., 1 Y. Hntered Aceording to Act of Congress, in the Year 1898, in the Office of the rae arian of Cong ress ~NEW YORK, January 15, 1898. & Smivry, 238 William Washington, D.C. at the N, 3 st Office. SYREET Price Five Cents. Contents of This Number. FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER ; or, Bound to Wa Rae A NEW CONTEST - - RESULT OF THE ‘CHARACTER CONTEST” ‘WHEN EVERY SECOND TOLD PLAYED BY GERMAN BOYS NICKNAMES OF CITIES SOME WHEEL WISDOM FRANK. MERRIWELL S WAGER; R, BOUND TO WIN. By the Author of ‘““FRANK SHAPTER THE WAGER. Yale athletes were practicing for the annual field day, which was near at hand. ~ A-large crowd of students had gathered at Yale field to watch the young athletes run, jump, put the shot, throw the ham- mer, and so forth. A little knot of freshmen near the benches were talking citedly. _ ‘Weare going to be represented, you -bet!”? exclaimed Matt Mullen, who was known as the sport of the freshman class. “We'll make some of those chaps with records look sick.” : . “That's right,’? agreed Gil Cowles, _ who always agreed with anything Mullen said. ‘‘We’ll make them look sick.” ty: Piss Parker sauntered up, hands in his gathered rather ex- * year. MERRIWELL.”’ pockets, and paused, a cynical grin on his face. ‘It’s wonderful how conceited some ‘of you fresh ducks are,’’, he said, boldly ‘*Now what can you do, anyway ?”’ ‘Well, we are going to get after your pet, Merriwell,’’ declared Newton Bill- ings. ‘‘He’ll never win at anything this aia? Parker laughed derisively, ‘Why, he could win from any of you chaps with both legs broken! What do you fancy you’ll be able to beat him at?” ‘Running.’ ‘Jumping.’ ‘‘Pole vaulting.”’ ‘Anything.’’ 5 ‘“That’s nice!’? said Puss, with scorn. ‘*1’m sorry for Merriwell.’’ “Vou will Chan Webb. be after it is over,’ said — ‘We know Merriwell is a 2 FRANK fairly good’ all-round man, but the only thing he excels in is pusshaae As base- on field day, he will Merriwell ball cuts no figure not win any glory out of that. is a good fell but he is overestimated. Last night I heard a would the -long jump and the was too much who can run a little, a good jumper, and Ow, fellow saying he hundred yard the pole vault. Now, that win dash, for me. the champion pole vaulter in college.”’ ‘*Who’s your runner ?”’ ‘Benson. ”? “Your jumper ?’’ ~ POWEN< > ““And your paaaety, pole vaulter?” ‘* Billings. ’ ‘*Ha! ha! ah!’ laughed Parker. ‘‘He won’t do a thing to those fellaws! They will be a snap for him. When did Billings become such a mighty pole vaulter ?”? Newton Billings flushed with anger. ‘“You fellows who think nobody but Merriwell can do-anything make me tired !”’ cried, ‘‘T’ll bet something that, when he finds out what I can do, will not attempt the pole vault.”’ | ‘Ridiculous!’ ‘‘All the same, I'll bet I win the pole vault. when field day comes. dollars on it!’? ‘“*T will take that bet!’’ Without being observed, Frank Merri- well had approached just in time to hear what Billings was saying. He promptly offered to take the bet.. he looked a trifle startled and Merriwell stood before him, he he Billings hesitated. smiling quietly. That smile aroused the freshinan. ‘fAll. right,’? he cried, turning to Mullen. ‘‘Lend me fifty, Mat.’’ Mullen “promptly produced a ‘‘roll,”’ and handed over fifty dollars to Billings, saying: ‘“Here you have it, old man. seen you vault, and I know what you can do. Perhaps Mr. Merriwell would like to We have aman I'll bet fifty. - fondle your fifty, Billings, " he said. I have MERRIWELL’S WAGER, stick up another fifty. I wouldn’t mind winning some of his good money.”’ Frank was not a betting man, but something in Billings’ manner had aroused him. Now Mullen added to his spirit by something that was very like a sneer. Frank saw that he would have to take both offers or the boast that they had driven him freshmen would “into his boots.’ ‘Ves,’ he said, still smiling coolly, ‘‘I have another fifty that I’l] go with you, Mr. Mullen. We’ll place both Parker’s hands, if agreeable. ’’ “That’s all right,’? nodded Mullen. eat A how we bet,’’ hastily put in Billings. bets in want it distinctly understood ‘“You are betting that you win the pole vaulting contest on field day.’ ‘“That’s it. It will make no difference if you fail to compete.”’ ‘*Oh I shall not fail.’? ‘You don’t know. You may back out when you find out what I can do.”’ ‘“There is no danger of that.” ‘‘T aim not so stands whether vou take part in the con- test or not.”’ : io SHI, ‘Vou agree to that ?”’ Veg.) sure. Anyway, “Do you hear it aud understand it, fel- | lows??? asked Billings, turning to ‘his friends. ‘‘If, for any reason, Frank Merriwell should fail to compete on field | day the bet stands just the same, T'o win it, I have to beat the field.’’ ye “Ves, yes,’’ they nodded. ‘“Then here is my money, ings, placing it in Parker’s hands. "Seovens x, Frank Merriwell—if dare!”” | . Frank laughed. ree “That is the last time you will ever Sree really seems; too much like robbery. Don’t you think I had better give you odds, ald man ?” the bet ” said Bill-- SGA or a oe FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. flared the ‘Vou will no odds of you!” showing his teeth. “fT ask freshman, find that out pretty soon.”’ Frank Mullen stepped more in Parker’s hands. ‘Get onto that,’’ he said. ‘With pleasure,’’ smiled Merry, did so. ‘‘Why, I never a hundred dollars so easy before! ““You never dropped a hundred any covered Billings’ bet, and then placing fifty forward, as he made 193 snapped Billings, with a gleam ‘You are pretty bad quicker,’’ of triumph in his eyes. sharp, Merriwell, but you break this ene The money is as good as mine now. “If you win it fairly, vou will be wel- it,’? said Frank, as he walked made a come to away. ‘‘Fair or foul,’’? thought Billings, ae will win it, anyway !”’ CHAPTER II. IN THE DRESSING-ROOM. Merriwell went straight to the building in which the dressing-rooms were located. He found Bart Hodge getting into an old bicycle suit, while Harry Rattleton sat on a table, talking to him. **Hey, Merry !’’ cried Rattleton. ‘I was just backing you behind your talk—I mean I was talking about you behind your back.”’ . ; “Be careful,’? warned Frank, with ~ mock seriousness. ‘If I hear you talking about me when I am not anywhere round there is going to be trouble 3 ‘T was telling Hodge how you won the dash at Madison Square Garden last: He says Benson, the freshman, is a 7 : veat. great sprinter.” “And I am going into the one hundred yards race myself,’’ said Hodge, _ with something like a twinkle in his black eyes. . declared Frank, “YT remember the last ‘“‘T shall fear you more than Benson,?’ | race we had against each other at Far- You were smoking cigarettes then, and beat you. You are not smoking now, and you will come pretty surprise for Yale this year. I mean to visit Fardale dale. your wind neat being a Bart, during vacation this year.”’ ‘“That’s a idea,’’ said Hodge, with a gleam ‘“What a royal welcome they would give you back there! You are remembered there, Merry. After you left, the professors were forever holding you up as a model to the other Those were lively days when we ar old Fardale!”’ ‘Lively!’ laughed Frank. ‘‘I should guess yes! Oh, the rackets we had! Do you remember the night I put the craw- fish in Dunnerwust and Mulloy’s beds?”’ I should think I did. And you had been telling them about the deadly winter centipedes. They thought they were bitten by centipedes, and they nearly tore the academy down. ‘Ha! ha! ha!’ shouted Frank, think- ing of the racket. ‘‘I remember that I prescribed a mixture of- new milk and vinegar to be taken internally as the only remedy that would save their lives. Ha! hat dar’ : ““Oh, you were a fiendish joker in those days!’’? nodded Hodge. ‘‘They tried to get the inilk and vinegar.’’ .‘*T ried to get it! They made one wild rush for the stairs on their way after it. Old Professor Gunn, Professor Jenks and Professor Scotch had been aroused by the racket and. were coming to investigate. They had just started up the stairs when Barney and. Hans started to go down. Ha! ha! ha!” Hodge never laughed outright, but he smiled now, as. he said: “The Dutchman and the Irishman By the way, great of enthusiasm. cadets. were in Fard: “Remember it! ‘couldn’t wait to go down those stairs in the regular way, but they made one wild flying leap from the top and landed——”’ Ct bite: three professors,”’ cut in bie y too,’’ smiled Frank. 4 FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. Frank. ‘‘Down they all went in a heap at the bottom of the stairs, Hans and Barney being in their nightclothes. Oh, my,iny. Whata racket that was!” ‘But that wasn’t the whole of it. You had two cats you had captured someway, and you had their tails tied together. You flung the cats down so they struck Pro- fessor Gunn just as he was untangling himself from the others.’’ ‘‘And those cats never did a thing to poor old Gunn!”’ cried Merry, still laugh- ing heartily. ‘‘Their tails struck his neck, and there they hung. They tore up the professor’s countenance in a frightful manner. How he bellowed!’’ ““How the cats howled!’’ ‘*How Barney and Hans shrieked!”’ ‘And how the fellows who witnessed it all screamed with laughter! Oh, you were a mad sort of a practical joker in those days, Merriwell, and still you were not caught. You were considred a model cadet. But if Professor Gunn had dis- covered the perpetrator of the crawfish and cat joke, you would have been ex- pelled from Fardale in deep disgrace.’’* ‘Ginger!’ cried Rattleton. ‘‘You must have been a terror, Merry! You. have been pretty swift since coming to Yale, but Ido not remember any such racket as you have just described. I don’t see how you did such a thing with- out being found out and expelled.”’ ‘‘Any other fellow would have been,’’ .said Hodge; ‘‘but Merriwell had so many friends that he always escaped. His friends would have cut their hands off rather than whisper a word to get him into trouble.”? ‘‘And he has the same sort of friends here at Yale,’’ declared Harry. © ‘‘It’s wonderful what firm friends he makes!’’ ‘‘But I have a way of making enemies, ‘*Vou know that.’’ | et me * See Tip Top Weekly No. 6. ‘Frank Merviwell’s Frolies; or, Fun and Rivalry at Fardale.’’ ‘“You always get the best of them. Now, there is Gooch——’’ 9 ‘*Not a word about hiin,’’ said Frank, quickly. ‘‘You know the promise I have made to him. his attempt to reform, and I have done all I could to save him from disgrace. The fellows who could have finished him up have given me their promise to keep quiet as long as he goes straight.’’ ‘‘He may thank you that he has not been expelled from college—possibly that he has not been lodged behind prison bars.”? ‘I have noticed,’’ said Hodge, ‘‘that Gooch is keeping away from Newt Bill- ings, although they used to be very frierfdly. Billings does not seem to like it. I heard him cursing at Gooch yester- day and threatening him if he did not do I believe he is Sincere in something. was I did not learn.”’ Frank showed interest. ‘“So Mr. Billings is trying to buNdoze Gooch!’ he cried. _ ‘‘Well, I shall have to investigate. I ain willing to bet somie- thing that Billings wanted Gooch to do something crooked, and Gooch refused. As the freshman knows considerable about Sidney’s past, he tried to terrorize him into obeying. Billings must drop that.’? é ‘Billings does not like you much.’’ ‘Not much. Just made a bet with _him.”’ ‘What sort of a bet?” Frank told all about the wager. | **Vou can win easily,’’ declared Hodge. ‘*You are one of the greatest pole vaulters I ever saw,’ Rattleton looked unusually serious, ‘If I] understand that bet,’’ he said, ‘‘there is no provision made for accidents. If you fail to appear, Merry, Billings will have a snap, for they say he is great at — pole vaulting. ’’ ~“*But I shall not fail to pee smiled ag Frank. Just what that something KE OAS FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. ‘Vou can’t be sure of that.”’ ‘*What do you mean ?’’ ‘“‘T mean that you had better look out for trickery. I do not think Newt Billings will depend on his skill alone to beat you. He is full of tricks as an egg is ful of meat. Since the taining of Hock Mason, 3illings has been ambitious to take the lead in the freshmen class. If he can get the best of you any way it will shove him ahead. Look out for him, Frank !’? “‘T*]] do it,’’ said Frank. ‘‘Something tells ine that your advice is good. If Mr. Billings does me up, he’ll have to hustle.’? CHAPTER III. FRANK’S FALL. Yale field presented a lively appearance as Merriwell, Hodge and Rattleton came Students in all from the dressing-room. sorts of athletic suits were running, jump- ing, putting the shot, throwing the ham- mer, wrestling and so forth. ‘“'T his looks like business,’’ said Harry. - the like take ‘“There’s Hock Mason throwing hammer. He is another giant, Hikok, and they say Mason will Hikok’s place.’ | “Which will be a mighty fine thing for Yale,’’ said Frank. ‘‘Big Hikok was a dandy in his special line.’’ ‘‘But Mason is a freshman, and that “inakes, ime tired. These freshmen are*’get- ting altogether too prominent this spring.’?? “Mason did not cut much ofa figure when he attempted to run things his » ‘way,’’ said Hodge. ‘‘He butted up - against Merry, and that settled his hash.’’ Harry grinned. ( “He hasn’t tried to play the bully since he got out of hospital, has he? Merry fixed Mason and Marline without much trouble, but there are others,’’ - 3 AGL ara: not ‘so sure Marline is fixed,’ said Frank. a enig FEV Rattleton looked at Frank sharply. ‘Why, he hasn’t tried to get at you since—since you fought him, for I know you did fight him, although the fight was a private affair and neither of you showed marks afterward.”’ “‘T thought he the would not fight,’’ put in Hodge. ‘‘He did refuse to fight with his fists,’ “You know he. is Carolina, and he was fellow who said Frank. from South noted duelling family.”’ ‘CDid you meet him in a duel?” Frank smiled. ‘“There are questions a fellow doesn’t feel like answering,’’ he said. “Its no »» declared Rattleton, hastily. ‘‘I’ve tried to pump Merry on that point, but he refuses to be pumped. His silence is answer enough.”’ Harry was not telling Bart anything new, for Hodge was well Frank Merriwell couid keep a secret if he desired. ‘“‘Anyway,’’ said Harry, ‘‘I do not be- lieve Rob Marline will ever again try to comes from a use, aware that down Merry.”’ ‘‘He has not shown any friendliness toward me,’’ said Frank. ‘‘He may not have shown it to you.”’ | **T don’t know that he has shown it to anybody.”’ ‘‘He speaks well of you behind your back.” ‘‘Do you know this?”’ “Suge,” ‘(Have you heard him?’ (CVes, ”) ‘When ??? ‘‘When you won the gaine from Prince- ton by your wonderful work in the box.”’ ‘(What did he say?’ “Said you had nerve enough to bea Southerner. Said you shovld have been born in* South Carolina. Said South Carolina would have been proud of you. He was enthusiastic.” . : ‘Jove, Rattles!’ cried Frank. ‘‘I am fr { A—_s—- esac 6 - generous, in everything. . glad to know this. Marline is proud—he would not say it to my face. Hehasa fiery temper, but he isa white man, for all of his peculiar ideas.’ ‘*T don’t know why it is,’’ said Harry, slowly, ‘‘btit you seem to take to fellows, like Rob Marline. Your friendship for Diamond gave him standing. But for that, Jack as he is.’ ‘“Merriwell seems to read a fellow’s heart,’’ said Hodge, thinking of his early experiences with Frank. ‘‘He looked be- neath the surface and sees a man’s true character.’ ‘‘That may be,’’ admitted Harry; ‘‘but it’s queer he should take to such a chap as=Rob Marline when nobody else seems to like the fellow.”’ toes ‘““That is because he is able to read Marline’s heart, and he knows the South Carolinian is white.’ ‘‘Compare Marline with Billings,’’ said Frank. ‘Which trust ?’’ ‘‘Oh, Marline, of course!’? would not be half as popular - ‘That is if, exactly.”? ‘“‘But Billings is no worse than Gooch, and you have befriended Gooch. Cert enemy when down. Gooch begged for mercy for his mother’s sake. . My mother is dead. When he spoke of his mother, it made me think of my mother’s words. Scores of times she warned me to be ‘All the better part of my nature I owe to my dear mother’s teachings. At all ee J feel her gentle influence about me. Frank’s voice softened and fell toa geutle musical murmur, and there was a tender look on his handsome face, while a far-away light entered his eyes. Hodge, who seemed to understand -Frank’s sentiment just then, dropped his fingers on Rattleton’s wrists, and the pressure checked the words which tose to 2 Harry’ 's a athletes said Frank. fellow had you rather is a coward who will kick an FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. The three stood at work. make a wonderful They saw Lib the freshman, make a flying jump when it seemed that watching the young They saw Hock Mason throw of the hamuner. Benson, he sailed through the air like a bird. They saw one of the wrestlers fling another clean over his head, and then they saw Newt Billings come out to do some pole vaulting. ‘*He’ll not do his level best to- Sas 2 ‘*He’ll think to fool me by not letting me know what he can do.’’ But, to Merry’s surprise, at the very start Billings’ had the cross-bar pegged high, and he went over it cleanly. ‘*Well, that is pretty good! Ho esclaltied: Billings knew where Martiwell and his friends were standing. He looked toward the group and laughed derisively. | ‘“That’s a challenge!’ growled Hodge. ‘‘Why, the fellow actually thinks you’ll have trouble in, getting over the bar at that height !”’ . Frank ‘“The chump!’’ muttered Rattleton. “Pll bet Merry can go it four feet higher!” . ‘‘Don’t be rash,’’ cautioned Frank. ‘That is pretty high now.”’ ‘‘Not more than eight feet.”’ ‘*Well,’’ laughed Frank, ‘‘I don’t sup- pose you dream that I can make twelve feet ?”’ ; “Oh, I don’t know!”’ ‘“‘Well, Ido! Are you daffy? Why, man, ten feet is better than the average. 2 ‘‘T don’t care anything about the aver- age, I’m reckoning on what you can do.”? “It can’t be possible you are well posted on pole vaulting records. In ’92 Towne of Williams held the inter- collegiate record, bn he made ten feet and nine inches.” : as ~“*Oh, that’s ancient history! Who was that fellow with the ce name who held © = ee record in ’93?”? Ve ae le eT higher. = ‘*Buckholtz.”’ ““That’s record ?”’ ‘“Bleven feet and three inches.’’ “Ha! What was his the fellow. Now we are coming near soime- thing!’ ‘But he was a wonder, you know. He tied the English amateur champion of ’91, Watson, who made the same record.’’ et was another fellow said Hodge, ‘ here with a queer naime,’’ ‘who won the championship of the Atlantic Union. Do” you remember him, Merry ?”’ ‘*Are you sseuiay of Rodenbough?”’ ey es, What was his record ?”” ‘*Rleven feet and five and three-eighths inches; but I want to tell you here and now that I’ll never,be able to do any- thing like that. The man who vaults he is the one I mean. ‘eleven feet is a wonder.’? **Well,’? said Harry, ‘SI: know you can sail over that bar Billings has stuck up and not half try. See, higher. Hanged if:he isn2t putting it up afoot! That is a challenge, old ian!’ Rattleton was excited. He saw by the manner of the insolent freshman that he was challenging Frank to a contest. Merry siniled. ‘ “YT shali do some vaulting,’ he said, “but lam not going to harm myself at it. It is not necessary to go on exhibi- mi tron. ** ' "There goes Billings!’’ exclaimed Hodge. ‘They saw the freshman safl over the raised bar gracefully and easily as if it were not an effort. When he had accomplished this feat, Billings, accompanied by some of his cronies, approached Merriwell. ~rhete,”” he said, ‘‘I don’t believe you’ When you do, os 20 can ‘beat that, sir. “T don’t like to see you. fool yourself, my dear sir,’? said Frank, easily. ‘I assure you I can make a nine foot vault sf FRANK MERRIWELL’'S WAGER. he is shoying it up without any trouble. Really, that is not worth trying.”’ “Tt strikes me that he is rather shy,’ said Chan Webb. ‘SB show that he can make it at that. like to see do the saime.”’ *“Well,’? said Frank, take any unfair advantage of you, ‘llings is to afraid to We’d Mr. Merriwell prove he can ‘*T don’t want to so Il] go it one. Get my pole, Harry, please.”’ Rattleton hastened to obey, and quick- ly returned with Merriwell’s pole. ‘“If you will shove it up to ten, I’1] four inches better,’’ agree to go you boasted Billings, who seemed strangely eager and excited. “ll take it just where you left it for a starter,’’ said Frank. By this time quite a number of students “were aware there was a rivalry between Billings.and Merriwell, and they showed deep interest by gathering around. It was plain enough that Frank had more the crowd than did Newt. to bet that Merriwell beat Billings four inches, but, all at once, the sporting blood .of the fresh- men seemed to have cooled. Frank prepared for the vault, while the’ spectators huddled near the cross- bar. Merry went back the proper dis- tance, made a light and easy run, and sailed into the air. A shout of adiniration went up from his friends, for he did the trick with the utmost ease. He flung his body horizontal with the vaulting pols, and then— Snap! The shout of Saeeicakion suddenly changed to a hoarse cry of horror. Franks’ vaulting pole had snapped short off, and Merriwell fell headlong to the ground. friends in Several wanted could y ‘ ‘’ ow CHAPTER IV. BART HODGE MAKES A DISCOVERY. ‘‘Look out!’ 3art Hodge made a leap to catch the falling athlete, but lie was too late. However, Frank managed to partly turn in the air, but he struck the ground awkwardly, plunged down-upon his side, and lay ones Bart was over him in an instant. ‘Are you hurt?’ he asked. **T don’t think so,’’ was the immediate reply, as Frank looked up, with a cool smile. ‘‘But Icame near breaking my neck, ”’ Hodge and Rattleton lifted Frank to his feet. He attempted to step, uttered a sharp cry, and went down liunply ‘‘VYou are hurt!’ shouted Hodge. ‘‘I knew it!’ ‘‘Tove!’”. muttered, Merry, making a wry face. ‘‘I believe I am! Did not know — _ eee =n meats 6 eed eenough FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. him was the look Bart Hodge gave enough to shake the nerves of a braver fellow than the Hodge’s face was black as a storm- cloud, and seemed to dart from his eyes. His lips curled back from his white teeth, and at that moment he was like the tiger that crouches to leap upon its prey. If there was anything guilty in Bill- ings’ heart, the look on Bart’s face was to cause him to tremble with fear, for it was an accusation and a threat of vengeance. Frank saw Hodge’s look, and he turned to see whom his friend was staring at in that manner, but Billings had ducked down and drawn back into the crowd. “Tt don’t think my ankle is broken,”’ said Merry, quietly; ‘‘but it is sprained, beyond a doubt.” ‘*Jingoes!’’ exclaimed Harry Rattleton. ‘‘You’ll not be able to take any part in> for freshiman. lightning the field day contests.’ ‘“That will depend on how severely I aim injured.’’ , . it. It’s my ankle.’ ee ‘‘Which one?”’ i 3 “Left.” Ina moment Hodge was working to tear Frank’s shoe from his foot.. He was so excited that he was a trifle rough, and Frank sucked in his breath with a painful gasp. “A$ At; a3, padas oth at?’’ asked Bart, quickly. ‘‘Then it may, be broken ? He looked up, and he was just in time to see Newt Billings peering over Gil Cowles’ shoulder, a triumphant grin on his freckled face. Instantly through Hodge flashed an electrifying thought: ‘(He did it!” It seemed to Hodge that those words were distinctly spoken within his head. He stiffened up a bit, and his eyes met those of Billings squarely, causing Newt to shrink and draw back of a sudden, the grin of triumph vanishing from his See No ENON Wilings stopped grinning, ‘ the head of Bart . “But your bets, Frank—if you can’t take path of course they will be with- drawn.’ ‘‘Of course nothing of the sort,’’ said Mat Mullen, promptly. ‘‘Mr. Merriwell bet that Mr. Billings would not win against the field. Mr.-Merriwell’s injury will have no effect on that bet. Billings will vault against the field, and he wilh win.’ ‘““That will be robbery!’’ spluttered Rattleton, excitedly; but he felt a pres- sure from Frank’s hand, and Frank’s calm voice said: : “Don’t worry It’s all right.” “Allright! I call it all wrong! With > you out of the contest, Billings is bound to win.” oe ‘That i¥ true,” stniled Mullen: “bat: : he would have won just the same any- : how, so it makes no difference, ”” et ge Rattles. ; a Wo, segue MPSS oer . ‘*He would not have won!’’ rang out the voice of Bart Hodge; ‘‘and he knows it! He shall not win now!”’ This brought a laugh from some of the freshmen, and Cowles sneered: ““For-once Mr. -deserted him. He sorry for him, Merriwell’s luck has has lost his bets. I’m but——”’ > said Frank. loss of a hundred dollars But I am not sure I'll lose is sprained, but it may be field ‘‘Spare your sympathy,’ ‘“‘T can stand the —if I lose it. it. My ankle all right in time for me to vault on day.’ By this time Frank’s shoe and stocking had been removed, and his ankle was friends turned some witch athlete’s ankle and foot. ‘We'll have to carry you to the trol- ley, old man,’’ said Browning. ‘That will be easy.”’ “Well, say!’ laughed Frank; I don’t think much of being knocked out in this way. It’s remarkable my pole broke——’’ “Nothing remarkable about it!” it was seen that rapidly. His about, and one fellow hazel on the unlucky swelling gathered rang out the hard voice of Bart Hodge, who had secured and examined the pole. ‘‘It was fixed to break! There was a plot to injure you, Merriwell!”’ CHAPTER V. BART BECOMES BELLIGERENT. consternation, Confusion, Anget, “iti : - credulity—all these ‘emotions were ex. hibited by those who heard the plainly spoken words of Bart Hodge. Tlre laughing look disappeared instant- ly from the face of Frank Merriwell, and his eyes flashed, while he cried: “Bring me that pole, Hodge! I want to see it!’ Bart had the Bidiien pole i in his hands. ate brought it. forward so that Frank could see the ends. One hasty look did Merry sie it, and then he Said: t\ANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. was walking too, Mullen, ways” s said Newt ee with affected ‘Keep that pole, Hodge.”’ Others crowded near to see the ends of the pole where it had broken. excited exclamations. tested that it could fellow in Yale would d to injure another. But the evidence was before them. It was plain that the pole in such a manner that it was weakened, and the cut had been most skilfully den from observation. Without doubt it was a villainous at- tempt to injure Merriwell, and it had succeeded. When this became certain there was no excitement. Frank’s friends that the fellow who did it ought to be tarred and feathered, those who had never been outspoken ina There were One or two pro- not be true—that no do such a dirty trick had been cut into hid- end of agreed and many of ‘friendly manner toward the young athlete agteed that it was a dastardly piece of work. Frank was not saying much, and Hodge the crowd as if All at onve Bart stopped within three feet of a little group of four—Benson, Mullen, Billings. ‘“That fixes it so I am sure of making the year’s record in the hundred yards’ dash,’’ said Benson; ‘‘but I think it was a dirty trick just the saine. The fellow. who put up that job on Merriwell should through searching for some one. Cowles and be driven out of college.’’ ‘“‘But it is a great joke on Merriwell, just the same,’’ said Cowles. ‘‘A-short time ago he was certain of defeating you and Billings. It’s lucky you made the bet just as you did, Billings—and you, If you had stated it differ- ently, there might be a loophole for Mer- tiwell to crawl, out of, but now he i caught, and a hundred dollars of a money will help pay your = through — vacation. ’’ “Of course I am sorry he was hurt this AF ra 7 10 seriousness; ‘‘but I hardly think he will discover the man who put up the job on him.”’ Ae will!” Hodge flung the words at the freshmen like a bombshell. Orie long step carried him forward till he was confronting Bill- ings. Pointing straight at the freckle- faced fellow, Bart spoke swiftly and fiercely : ‘The dastardly sneak who cut that pole will be discovered, and he will be disgraced. Whoever is guilty had better look out!’’ - Billings fell back a step, his facé paling. Then he flushed and came for- ward in a belligerent attitude, his fists clinched, and his stiff reddish hair seemed to rise like bristles. “What do you mean?’’? he growled— ‘‘what do-you mean by pointing at me in such a manner? Do you insinuate——’’ ‘‘Not a thing yet, for I have no proof; but I think many things, Mr. Billings.’ “That is a hint, a slur, a slander!”’ erated Newt. ‘‘It is calculated to throw suspicion on me! I won’t standit! Vl punch your face!”’ He started for Hodge, but Benson and Cowles caught hold of him and held him back, saying to Bart: ‘*Get out of _ way, or he will hurt you!”? Merriwell’s dark-faced champion had / not retreated a fraction of an inch, but his hands had clinched and come up in- stantly, while he fell into a position of readiness to meet the big freshman. A look of contempt crossed his face, mingled with one of eagerness and. igi ste ment. “Let him go!” he arged. coime!?? “Let me get at him!’? snarled Billings. ‘‘Yes, do!’’ panted Hodge. | “Hell kill you!’ burst from Mat Mullen. “Let him “Bah! Ry ang back Bart. “Let him n try Fo AE SR FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. it! I’ll agree to lick him so quick that he’ll never forget it! The way I am feel- ing now, I can lick him in less than one minute! Do let him alone, fellows, for I don’t want to hit him while you are hold- ing onto him!’’ There was a rush of students, and they packed in a solid mass about the belliger- ent freshman, for Hodge was a freshman as well as Billings. ‘‘Go it, freshies!’? shouted a voice. ‘“‘Wade in, you gamecocks!’’ urged another, ‘*Chew each other up, tigers!’’ urged a third. Billings struggled to break away, and Bart continued to urge those who held him to let him go. Hodge was fairly panting for a fight. ‘*Get out of this!’? Cowles snarled at him—‘‘get out, or we’ll kick you out!”’ ‘‘Kick me!’’ urged Bart. . ‘Oh, don’t I wish you would! Jet Billings alone and. help him lick me! Ill fight both of you, and I'll lick you, too!”’ “Wurrah!’ cried the voice of Jack Diamond, who had, just appeared on the field. ‘‘He can do it, too! TPIl back Hodge against both of them !”? It was noteworthy that Hodge had scarcely a friend in his class. Nearly Rie his friends were juniors. Bart had a fierce temper, which he ed been trying to keep in subjection; but now he was thoroughly aroused, and it was with no small difficulty that he kept himself from losing his head entirely. For all that Benson and Cowles were holding Billings, he longed to strike the fellow. Again and again he urged -them | A to let Billings go. Never in all his life had Hodge ae more for a fight. He was convinced in his heart that Billings had something to do with the injury of Merriwell, and that > was enough to make him thirst forthe — fellow’s blood. ~ Billings himself became much - “more ; tes, i his efforts to reach Bart and Benson and Cowles caught hold of him. The more they held him back, the more he struggled to get away. fierce in But it was useless. Both fellows were told they could settle it at some other time, but not then and there. ‘fAil right,’’? Hodge said, when he saw there was no hope of getting at Newt; **7’ll be ready to settle it any time. The sooner. the better I shall be pleased.”’ Roh Marline, the boy from . Sotth Carolina, had been watching all this and he drew Hodge aside, his facd-eager with the excitement)of it all. ‘Call the cur out!’’ he fiercely whis- pered—‘‘call him out, sah, ‘and shoot I believe he fixed that pole, and, while Iam no friend to Mr. Mérriwell, I think a dastardly sneak like that should be shot! him! I will act as your second, sah.”’ ‘“Thank you,’’ said Bart. ‘‘I agree with you that he deserves to be shot, if he did the :trick or had anything to do with it; but duelling is not allowed in New England. I’ll have to settle the affair with him with the weapons Nature gave ime, and I'll agree to thrash him soundly.’’ ‘*You Northern people are singularly cold-blooded,’’ declared Marline. ‘‘I don’t see how you can square the debt with him by a fist fight. There is a law against duelling in the South, but what are laws when a point of honor is concerned. Gentlemen make laws of their own, sah.”” {That may goin the South, but it will not do here. I thank you for your offer to ~become my second, but when we fight it will be with good hard fists.’ : Marline shook his head and turned away. _ ‘T can’t understand you Northerners,”’ hesaid. ‘‘From your appearance I fan- _ cied you were eager for that fellow’s blood, but I see I.was mistaken.”’ FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. CHAPTER VI. POOR CONSOLATION. Frank Merriwell was carried to a trol- ley car by his friends, and back to his room he went. CHAPTER VII. RATTLETON’S MISTAKE. “‘Hncouraging fellow!’’, said Dismal Jones, with a long, doleful face. “Fe is right,’? said Frank. ‘‘One man is not everything. Yale will win the race this spring, ever if I am not in the boat.”’ _ “Hope you are right,’’ said Jones, but jiis manner seemed to indicate that he had serious doubts. Frank was left alone after a while, and his thoughts were far from pleasant. He knew that he had been knocked out by a trick, and it was natural that he should feel a strong desire for revenge. ; ‘(The fellows say I am soft became I will not jump on an enemy. when he is down, he murmured, FRANK MERRIWELL’S “Well, I may be, WAGER. 13 better over it than I Just now I feel that I when I did not get a that I Billings was in the deal to He put the stolen my pocket when it was found there. Wait, I may have a chance at Mr. Billings. If I For once in but I would if I did so. usually feel made a mistake grip on Billings at the same time fixed Gooch. make me out a thief. watch in do get one——”? his life Frank Merriwell felt revengeful, and he did His He grew fretful as he thought of the time that he would be crippled. ‘“The end of the spring’ term lost!’ he cried.. ‘‘The best part of the whole year! And all through a dirty trick!” Griswold, who had gone to the nearest pharmacy to have the prescription filled, returned with a bottle of medicine. ‘“Hope this stuff will make you well in a hurry,’’ he said, as he put it down. To Danny’s astonishment, something like a snarl] broke from Frank. : ‘‘Make me well in a hurry!’ he cried. “Didn’t you hear what the doctor said? I’ve got to be knocked out all the rest of the spring! I'd like to choke the cur who fixed that pole!’’ ) **Don’t blame you,’’ said Dauny, as cheerfully as possible. cur would cause sucha thing to occur, Hey—what’s the matter?’ Stop not try to smother the feeling. ankle ‘was paining him severely. SOs throwing books!”? Danny dodged as a Greek grammar flew past his head. He was astonished by this act of the injured student. ‘‘Confound you!’ cried Merry, in ex- asperation. ‘‘You have nerve to come here and make a pun under such circum- stances. i won’t stand it!’ ‘‘Tingoes!’’ gasped Danny, astounded by this sudden outbreak. ‘‘Never knew you to do anything like this before. You : must be in a bad way, old chap. You. need something soothing. I advise you to take some of Mrs. Winslow’s——”’ f j 54 , ‘*Nobody but a- 14 Whiz!—another book flew past the little fellow’s head. ‘‘Hixcuse me!’’ cried Danny, as he dodged toward the door. ‘‘See you later. If. I remain now I see Iam booked for trouble.’ Then he darted leaving Frank to his unplea It was an to tell, had Merriwell irritable, but it was prising that at last his patience had been exhausted. That evening, however, when a jolly out and was gone, sant thoughts. astonishing tale Danny had Frank for no one ever seen not sur- party called on Merriwell, he was found to be ina pleaSant mood. them heartily. ‘‘Come in, fellows!’’ he cried. ‘‘Come in and — yourselves. right at home. Glad to see you.”’ ‘‘Say,’’ cried Griswold, peering in, ‘“who knows of two ways to make a Maltese cross ?’’ “What are you giving us?’’ laughed Frank. ‘‘Come in and keep still.”’ ‘“‘I know of two ways to do it,’’ de- clared Danny, edging in. “T only know of one way to make a Maltese cross,’’ declared Dismal Jones. ‘““The other way is to step on its tail,’’ chuckled Danny. ‘‘Look out, ‘“Remember that you make me cross to-day.”’ The boys asked about Frank’s ankle, and he said it pained him severely. Still he seemed in good spirits, and they all felt glad they came. Browning came in gtavely, bringing two siphon,bottles of seltzer. ior "Now, fellows,’’ he said, ‘‘we’ll have areal jolly time. I brought along some- thing to make it lively.. Knowing Merry’s principles, I did not bring anything any one could object to in the least.’? ‘“That’s all right,’? laughed Frank. “Tf that stuff is just off the ice, 1’1] not object to a drink or it," He welcoined Danny!’ cried Frank. found a way to N Pe ENR RD eer FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. Ean, fOr: a beer !”” ‘‘ Bring , cool drink of beer exclaimed Charlie Creighton. ; rar)? c : along your beer,’’ laughed no crank. If can drink it Iam not obliged to drink it because Frank. ‘‘ You know I ain you want to drink beer, you here. the rest of you do.’ “But it won't seem just right to bring You and it alot of beer here into your room. have arep. as a temperance inan, might do you harm.’ I have not tried to make you Haven’t I patronized Morey’s, t of the You can’t call me a crank, fellows—I won’t stand that. trifle wants to '**Nonsense! a rep. as a temperance man, and know it. Trager’s, and the rest e places? The one cigarettes. If a cigar, or @ pipe, in athletics, thing IDmay be a cranky on man smoke a good even, and he is not engaged . : 4 ” I’ve nothing to say. ‘“That makes 'me think,”’ ton. ‘‘I have a new pipe here It was a present. See how you like looks of it.”’ He brought out a handsome meerchaum ae passed it to Frank. ‘It is pretty,’’ said Merrv. wager you’ll smoke too much trying to color it. That is a bad feature about hav- ing a pipe like this. A fellow is ambitious to put a good coloron it, and he pulls away at it all the time. The tobacco weakens his heart, his lungs, and destroys Trying to color a meerchaum i said Creigh- a dandy! the his nerves. has hurt some mighty good men.”’ ‘‘That sort of a lecture makes me dry er than ever,’’ cried Creighton. | «“y must have beer! Give me beer or give me death!’ He struck a_ tragic attitude in the middle of the room. “Say, fellows,”’ he cried, ‘‘let’s go out for some beer and a lunch. Merry will enjoy the lunch, and he can drink seltzer. ae He doesn’t object. 1s and so they. a What do you say? Browning was ready, Bat Pa i ‘ia Sy . + See ae he y oy said Frank, FRANK started out, leaving Hodge, Rattleton and Griswold to keep Frank company. ‘*T don’t like to preach,’’ said Merry as he looked at the pipe Creighton had left; ‘‘but Charlie can’t stand much tobacco smoking. His nerves are too near Pll bet this pipe will hurt color it the surface. him, for he’ll be so anxious to that he’ll stick to it constantly ‘*He will smoke about ten hours a day, on an average,’’ said Hodge. Griswold laughed. ‘““Phat makes me think of ray ) +> a story,’”’ asked little girl what ‘Little girl said he said. eacher an average was. it was something hens laid eggson. ‘Teacher was rattled; asked her to explain. ‘Then the little girl pointed to a sentence in book which said, ‘The hen Suet egos a year on an aver- age!” ! ha! sha! Bae tai ged The others looked at him sadly, and not one of them cracked a simile. ‘"Ha! ha! -ha!’ came weakly from Danny. ‘‘Why don’t you laugh?” ~ ‘‘Don’t see anything to laugh at,’’ de- clared Frank. ‘*The little girl was all right.’ _“*That’s so,’? said Hodge, soberly. “Of course she was,’ nodded Rattle- ton. the lesson lays two p) alone. Danny, in disgust. ‘‘Why, there isn’t one of you who.can answer a simple con- ‘undrum.”” : ‘What is it?’ “Why is Queen Victoria like the month of April? Give it up?” | Vac aa ‘‘Because she reigns and reigns, and ~ doesn’t give the sun a chance. Ha! ha! ha! Oh, that is a good one! He! he! he! 199%. “There sant a book within reach,”’ ‘fand. so you escape this time, but foul give me a headache if _ you keep this ug”? MERRIWEL ‘Oh, what jolly chaps you are!” cried you mean by such an act, sir!’ tare a L’S WAGER. 15 ‘“Pve got a bad tooth,’’ said Rattleton, you set that to ready.”’ ‘Why Snap’ pulled out??? asked Frank. CCS ‘fand have aching al- down to Dr. the tooth don’t you go s dental parlor, and have Say, fellows,’’ put in Griswold, quick YT think that ‘dental It should be draw- as a flash, name parlor’ is all wrong ing-room.”? Rattleton caught up a seltzer bottle, and Danny dodged out by the door like a flash, ‘Give it to him when he comes back !’” **Soak him the moment he chuckling as he went. said Frank. opens the door!’ “Sure,” grinned Rattleton, ready the bottle. him, you bet!”’ A moment passed, and then the door swung open. Harry was‘ready. Swish! the seltzer flew. Spat! it struck—Profes- sor Babbitt! : standing with “T’ll give it to CHAPTER VIII. ! ie eiG ks GRISWOLD The stream struck the professor fairly in the face, and, it nearly knocked him He uttered a gurgling cry of as- * down. tonishment. ‘‘Goodness!’’? gasped Hodge, who was the first to realize just what had hap- _ pened. ‘‘Wheejiz!’’ palpitated Rattleton, when he understood what a mistake he had made. Frank Merriwell laughed outright, nearly rolling off the couch on which he was reclining. He recognized Professor Babbitt, and as he bore no. particular affection for the mau who had twice at- tempted to injure him -he was greatly amused. ees ‘*Zounds!’’ gasped the professor, draw- ing forth a handkerchief and mopping his face. ‘This is an outrage! What do 7 one was coming He rubbed his spectacles and glared at Harry as fiercely as he could under the circuimstances, and Rattleton was badly friohtened just then. ‘“Oh, my!’’ shouted Merriwell. ‘‘You did it that time, Rattles!’’ Harry dropped the seltzer bottle and fell back in dismay. He nearly lost his breath. ‘Terrible blunder!’’ he gurgled. ‘‘Aw- full awful! Didn’t mean to done it—no, I didn’t mean to do it—I mean I didn’t mean to mean anything like—-— I don’t know what I mean!’’ Harry was completely flustered, and he broke down. : Professor Babbitt glared at him, and then glared at the others. Frank was laughing, and something like a look of satisfaction rested on the face of Bart Hodge. Hodge knew the troublesome little professor, and did not like him. ‘‘Mr. Merriwell!’’ cried Babbitt, with an attempt at severity, ‘‘what do you mnen by laughing, sir? How dare you laugh, sir?” **T can’t help it, professor !”? shouted Frank, merrily. ‘‘I beg your pardon, but it is so comical !”’ . : ‘‘T fail to see anything comical about it!’ fumed the professor, mopping his face with his handkerchief. ‘‘It is an out- rage—yes, sir, an outrage!’ ‘An accident, you mean, sir.”’ ‘No, sits; I mean just what I°said!”’ ‘But I assure you it was an accident. Rattles did not know you were coming.’’ “That is no excuse. He knew some He deliberately squirted that stuff at the person who was entering this room. It struck—me! I shall-report jt! It is plain that you young men have been indulging. too freely in that which stealeth away ainan’s wits. It shall be reported. I have known for some time of the outrageous actions carried on in this room, but this is the first time I have “been able to detect you in anything. chave failed in lieve you will fail this time. A moment. FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. know you all. I shall take your naimes! I 9» shall report you! The professor was excited, his face was pale and his eyes glared. He scarcely looked at Rattleton, but he glared at Merriwell with a look of fierce anger. Frank continued to laugh, seeming not in the least concerned. In fact, he was greatly amused, for Professor Babbitt had made it decidedly uncomfortable for him on several occasions, and, although he had never attempted to retaliate, he could not help feeling pleased at Babbitt’s mis- adventure. ‘Laugh!’ squawked the little profes- sor, his voice getting stuck in his throat and seeming to choke him for a moment. ‘*You shall have something to laugh at, sir!” . ‘‘T have something now,’’ said Frank. ‘*You will laugh from the other side of your mouth!’’ “That will equally.”’ ‘‘And this insolence shall be reported !”’ “I trust you will make a truthful re- port, sir.’’ The professor gasped. Such coolness, such cheek, such insolence was awful. How could any one have the effrontery to speak to him in such a manner! ‘You have carried things with a high hand for some time, young man,’’ he cried; ‘“‘but your career shall be cut short. It’s all up with you now.’’- Frank sat up. ‘‘Professor Babbitt,’? he deta speaking soberly iow, ‘‘I do not understand what you have against ine, but Ido know you have tried repeatedly to injure me. You each instance, and I be- develop both _ sides ago, you insinuated that we had been drinking. We deny it. If you report.any- thing of the sort, you will report what Take care, professor. -Your is not true. dislike for me may lead vou too far.”? — coe s all enh Sirs from the lips = and his They think give that chap a shock, for h gang will not expect me. fall did me up.’ Oh, it will be a corker!’’ burst from Bart. not be able to step for two weeks. “Report went out that you would ] a vy They believe Billings is sure to win.’’ “Ti not be in the best condition, but——” ‘You'll beat that sneaking freshman— of course you will!’’ ° ‘“Hope so. I’m going to try hard. I'll make him hustle.’ ‘*He thinks he is sure of winning,’’ ““Yes, thought he by a sneaking, dirty trick. Found out. any- thing about that, Bart ?”’ ‘‘Not yet, but it’s certain the pole was fixed to give you the fall. Of course Billings or some of his friends did the ey would win trick. ‘*That is dead certain.’’ ‘‘T resolved not to let them win without a struggle.” | “What have yon been doing?” “*Vaulting.”’ | “With a pole?’ **VYou bet.’ ‘Vou didn’t tell me?”? ‘Because I didn’t have much hope of beating Billings. Have not had enough practice. But I was going to do my level best to save your hundred dollars.’ “‘You are all right, Bart! I appreciate your att, but I'll try to down him iny- self. If I do not hurt my = ankle again——”’ “Vou must not, Merry! Take care.” Outside the door of that room was a. student who was listening eagerly and trying to peer through the keyhole. He_ had followed Hodge there. f DF ace hale SE MB sth TE ln hale Sa ae FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. 19 It was Gil Cowles, one of Newt Bill- ings’ particular friends. Cowles was excited. He had heard enough to fill hin with great agitation. As he continued to listen, he heard Hodge say : ‘‘Going to be a rush to-niglt, Merry.” ‘*Cane ??’ asked Merry’s voice. ‘*No, just a straight rush, you know, following the celebration over our base- ball victories. ’’ **T’}l have to get out to see the sport.”? ‘“That won’t do. If you are seen walk- ing round, Billings and his gang will tuinble that you are all right.” “JT shall’ walk with the aid of my crutch and cane. They have carried me to recitations, and they’ll carry me out on the campus to-night.” “Well, you’ll keep away ffom the rush?’ | SOT course. ”/ Cowles tiptoed away from the door. When he was at a little distance he started on:a ‘soft run, and soon he was bounding down the stairs. Straight from Farnham Hall the spy hurried to the room of Newt Billings, where he found Billings, Webb, Benson and Mullen. : Panting with exciteinent, Cowles burst. in upon the assembled freshmen. For sdme moments he was breathless and un- able to say a word, but: his manner told them he had something wonderful to relate. -*+OWhat’s the matter, Gil, old man?’ asked Webb. | . ‘Matter!’ fluttered Cowles. ‘‘The dickens is to pay !”’ “What do you mean?” cried both Billings and Webb. “Prank Merriwell—— ‘What about him?’ ‘‘He?l] vault to-morrow “Nonsense! He-can’t!”’ “He can!?" ” 1) ‘“Why, he’s lame—knocked out—laid up!”? ‘‘He’s nothing! He’s all right! I know.’? Then there was excitement. They crowded about him—they caught hold of him—they questioned him. ‘Wait,’ he said; “Jet ine get my Whew! I'll tell: you how I Sit down.’ breath. know. He pushed them off, but their excite- ment continued. Billings was anxious, but he was in doubt. ‘‘What sort of a horse are you spring- ing, on us?’’ he demanded. ‘*It’s straight as.a string. Just followed Hodge. You know he’s been watching us pretty close lately. Wanted to find out what his game could be. Followed him to Merriwell’s room.”’ ‘“You didn’t go in there??? ‘*T should guess nit! . I remained out- side. Looked through the keyhole. What do you think I saw ?”’ : ‘“Give it up. - Whiat?”’ ‘‘Rrank Merriwell——”’ ‘“That’s nothing strange.” : ‘*Walking—with a crutch and cane.’ “With nothing! He didn’t have a crutch—he didn’t have a cane! “ He was walking without either!’’ ‘“Hobbling about?’’ questioned Bill- ings, ‘““Hobbling! I should say not. He did not even limp! He was walking as well as you or I-can this minute!’’ : This revelation brought exclamations of profound astonishment from all who heard it. They looked incredulous. ‘‘Your eyes twisted, old man!’ said Beuson. ‘‘Merriwell will not. be able to walk for a week.’? — —*°Think it? Well, he’s planning to give us a stirprise to-morrow, and he would have done it if I hadn’t peeped | through the keyhole and listened at the door.’? Ee a4 must be ers x eater ee ioscan. ‘*Tistened ? ing ?”? ‘‘Bet your life. Did you hear them talk- I heard enough to give me a shock. pole-vaulting contest to-morrow!” ‘If he is,’’ said Billings, ‘‘he’ll do his ine, and I haye found out that I can’t tie year.”” “Great Scott!’ gasped Mat Mullen. ‘‘How is this possible? The doctor said he’d not be able to step for two weeks or more.’’ ; ‘ ‘‘The doctor was fooled, that’s all. Merriwell will be able to run and vau ilt to-inorrow.”’ The freshinen fell back and into one another’s faces. may on every side. “Such infernal luck!’ cup best. to beat the record he made last looked They saw dis- snarled Bill- ings. hat fellow can’t be downed! Just when yeu think you have the best of him, he bobs up serenely. we going to do, fellows?”’ ““Get at him again!’’ came savagely from the lips of Gil Cowles. ‘‘Get at him and break a leg for him next time!”’ = : — —— —. CHAPTER: X. DONE UP AGAIN. That night when Frank Merriwell eame hobbling from Farnham Hall, aided by his crutch and cane, there was every indication of a warm evening on the campus. = Over by the sophomore fence a great ~ erowd had gathered, and there was -an- other, almost as large, at the junior fence. ‘The seniors were out, also, smok- ing their pipes, talking quietly, and ap- pearing very gtave and dignified. Only the freshmen were skylarking and cutting up pranks. Their high spirits could not be suppressed, - to celebrate Old Eli’s victories, aud on the morrow they expected to be rejoicing wf over their own vietories on ae field, for it They were out FRANK MERRIWELL’S Merriwell will be in the’ What are. pass. Rg cae oh er WAGER, was generally conceded that the fresh- man class would make a strong showing. 3illings and some of his friends were on the watch for Frank ‘Merriwell. re exclaimed Gil here he comes!” Cowles, pointing toward the figure ad- vancing with the aid of crutch and cane All looked at Frank with terest. ‘Say, . Cowles,’ ‘you must be ‘Why, along.’? ‘Don’t let him fool you that way!’ hissed Cowles, excitedly. ‘‘That is part of his little game. He wants us to think so till to-morrow, when he will spring a surprise on us.’’ ‘‘We’ll spring a surprise on him to- night!’? whispered Billings. ‘‘He coming, this way! Are you ready, fel- lows?’ **All ready!’’ came back from several. ‘‘When I give the word you are to start, Gil,’’ said Billings. ‘*‘We will fol- low you. Before his Scee EASY it, we’ll have Merriwell done up.’ Nearer and nearer came Frank, aut unaware of the plot against him. Suddenly Mat Mullen gave a hiss. “Took here! Browning has seen him! They will meet!’? | ‘‘We must get to him eae of Brown- ing,’’ said Billings. ‘‘Ready!’’ There was a sudden commotion among the freshmen, a struggle, shouts, and then one of them broke away and ran, pursued by five or six others. ‘Stop him,’’ shouted the pursuers. The one running was Cowles. He ran straight toward Frank Merriwell, look- ing over his shoulder occasionally. eager in- » muttered Benson, mistaken about him, the fellow can scarcely hobble Frank paused, ready to dodge out of. the way, but it seemed that Cowles would Suddenly, however, both went down. rise, the pursuers were upon them, the fellow | plunged straight into Merriwell, and — Before either could phe 8 BP AI 4 5 MEET OO a nee cumeany canes j 5 Spiel eels ee dk . 5 rae POE yma F..) NY Then followed a mad scramble, with Frauk at the bottom. ‘They piled upon him, they ground him into the dirt, they trod on him, they hammered and bat- tered him, and all this in an apparent effort to get hold of Cowles and drag him away. Frank was surprised, and, before he could raise a hand in defense, he was down. He “tried to rise, but one. of Cowles’ arms fastened about his legs and held him till the others came tumbling upon them. Heavy boots struck Frank, he felt himself prodded and thumped and punched, and then it dawned on him that it was all a trick to do him up. Frank fought to break away, could not rise from the mass. given no sort of a chance. This occurrence had attracted the at- tention of neatly everybody on the cainpus. Bruce Browning had witnessed it all, and a roar of rage broke from the lips of the big fellow. Like a mad bull Browning charged on that squirming mass. He did not wait for assistance, but he went it alone and sailed right in. ‘“‘Come off here!’’ he thundered, but he He was as he ‘caught a freshman by the collar, lifted him bodily, and gave him a fling that sent him whirling through the air. ‘‘Break away- you tarriers! Get out of ‘this, you whelps!”’ Right and left he flung them. It was an amazing spectacle, for he handled them as if they had been so many chil- dren. He seemed a Samsonn strength. In less than half a minute he had hurled them aside and lifted Frank Merri- well to his feet. The freshmen slunk away quickly. “Are you all right, Merry?’ asked - Bruce, with concern. Frank attempted to step, then uttered -accry of pain and rage. ‘(My ankle!’’ he gasped. “Hurt again ?”’ ‘‘Reels as if it were broken! Somebody struck it a ager. blow while I was down !”? “Somebody struck you!’’ grated Bruce. “I knew something was up! - plot! Did it on purpose !”’ - Then he ee as his foot struck It was a _ were angry. FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. | 21 against something. A moment later, he rose with that something in his hand. **By the Lord Harry > came through his teeth. . ‘‘Here is the proof of a plot! Here is what.struck your ankle! sc es hat is it?”? ‘fA stone hammer.’’ In truth it was 4 small hammer such as stone-cutters use. The head was of iron, aud it was heavy enough to smash a bone if wielded with sufficient force and properly used. A crowd was gathering about them, and Browning quickly slipped the ham- mer under his coat to get it out of sight. Bart Hodge reached Frank and helped support him. ‘‘Are you hurt, Merry?’ he asked, anxiously. ‘Tm afraid I am.’’ " **Much ?”? wa teal seo” ‘*Your ankle ?”’ Ves, ) ‘‘lust what I feared!’ grated Hodge. ‘“They meant to do it! You have been done up for good this time!”’ Rattleton and Diamond were on hand. They tried to question Merry, but, of a sudden, Frank became silent. ‘‘He is faint,’’ whispered Diamond. ‘‘Let’s get him to his room.”? So they lifted him and carried him from the-campus, while one of his friends hastened for a doctor. Very few understood all that had taken place. Some had seen Cowles before he ran into Merriwell, and some of the freshmen swore he struck Benson to start it and was attempting to run away. The majority of the students supposed | Merriwell’s injury was an unfortunate ac- cident. It was thought Cowles had run into him by mistake and Frank’s lame ankle had been hurt without intention by those who piled upon the fallen fellows. Such ‘‘carelessness’’? was -universally condemned, for it was said the freshmen should have seen Merriwell was down. How could they help injuring him if they piled upon him as if he had fallen on a football while engaged in a game. The freshmen concerned in’ the affair tried to excuse themselves. The sopho- mores called them pigs, and the juniors Only | the seniors retained Se rg their dignity and talked of the matter calmly. Browning did not go with the others to Merriwell’s room. He remained on the campus, and kept watch of the spot where Merriwel] had been knocked down. After a time, Bruce saw a fellow ap- proach that spot, pause and, bending low, begin to look around on the ground. A moment later, he got down on his hands and knees, and was searching. For all of his size, the big student lade no more noise than a catas he crept up behind the fellowon the ground. With amazing suddenness he leaped that person and grasped him firmly by the shoulders. ‘*What are you looking for ?”’ he asked. “Bhe”? gasped the one on his knees. “Tet go You hurt! I—I dropped my watch! Must have lost it here.’ With a swing .and a lift, Foie ate brought him to his feet, whirled him about, held him by both arms, looked ‘straight into his face. \ ‘*Ho, ho!’’? came hoarsely Ee Bruce. ‘Just what I thought! You are Bill- ings!?’ . . ‘‘What of that?’ was the question flung back. ‘‘You were one of the gang that piled on Frank Merriwell.’’ ‘/That was an accident. We were after Cowles.”’ ‘Now, don’t take me fora chump! It was not an accident! You were not after Cowles. You were after Merriwell, and you got him. You can’t deny it. Iam right.’ **Prove it!” “‘T may. Wait: Why were you here on ‘your hands and knees?’ ‘‘After my watch, I tell you.” “Ts that so? I think you area miser- able liar! Here is your watch, which you have not lost at all!”’ . Browning took the article in question from a pocket of Billings’ vest! oe CHAPTER XL BROWNING GROWS REVENGEFUL. With a cry of anger, Billings snatched _ the watch from the big fellow. ““Give it back!’ “Oh, you are welcome | to it said 22 FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. Browning, grimly; ‘‘but I have caught you ina lie. You said you had lost it, ‘and you were searching for it.”’ ‘It’s none of your business what I am searching for!’ ‘‘All the same, I know.’’ | ‘Not much!’ ‘But £0.22 Of a sudden Billings tried to break away from Bruce. He found himself like a child in the hands of the big student. ‘*No, you don’t!’ growled the giant, as he gave Billings a shake that made his teeth rattle. ‘*Let go!’’ ‘‘In a minute. -First I want to tell you something. I know what you were hunt- ing for.”’ **VYou do not!’ ‘*Oh, yes, Ido! You were looking for a small. stone-cutter’s hammer. What makes you start so? You show guilt!"’ Billings was breathing excitedly. He had given up trying to break away from Browning. | ‘‘Why should I be looking for a ham- metr?’? he demanded, with an attempt at bravado. ‘‘I don’t know anything about a hammer. What should 1 want of such a thing?” . “Frank Merriwell was injured the second time with a hammer. I know it! I have the hammer !’’ Vou? 2)? l Ves; > There was a inoment of silence, and then the big fellow growled: ee found it here-—where you dropped it. Ishall keep it as evidence against you. I shall do’ my best to hunt you’ down with that hammer. I know you are pretty .small game, but you have harmed one of the fries felloies who ever breathed, and that settles you.”’ Billings was astounded. Never before had he ‘seen Bruce Browning thus aroused. He had regarded the big fellow as too lazy to do anything but loll about. He had been astounded when Merriwell had taken Bruce onto the ball team, but all agreed that Frank wanted the giant for his batting. When he was not play- ing ball Browning seemed as lazy and listless as ever. When he was playing, there came times that Merry was forced to get after him in order to wake him up. This night, however, Bruce was wide awake. He showed that when he sailed into the crowd that had downed Frank, and he showed it again in his talk with Billings. Billings began to fear the giant, for it seemed that he had aroused a ‘slumbering lion. He tried to put on a bold front, but made a failure of the attempt. ‘‘Oh, you can threaten!’’? he half- whined. ‘‘Nobody ts afraid of you. You can’t prove anything. ’”’ **Don’t be so sure of that. Anyway, I know you did the trick, and J’Ill make lite uncomfortable for you; as long as I can. You are a dirty cur, or you would not resort to such a trick!’ | **Be careful, sir!’’ Browning laughed as Billings bristled. ‘‘T wish you were worth it,’’ he said. “Pd give you a good thumping. As it is, this will have to do for the e present.’? Then he took a firm hold on the fresh- man and shook him as a terrier might a rat. Billings gasped and tried to speak, but his teeth caine together, catching his tongue, so that he nearly bit it off. He uttered a cry of pain, and felt himself flung aside. Several students came rushing to. the spot. ‘They happened: to be freshmen, and Billings cried out that he had been attacked in a cowardly manner by Bruce. Then he urged | them to go at the giant, who was standing near, his arms folded. Cowles responded to Billings’ appeal and urged the others on. Fora moment, thev forgot how easily the big fellow had handled them when they were piled upon Frank Merriwell. Kour of tliem leaped at Bruce. Spat! spat! spat! spat! Those who believed, Browning slow and lazy would have been astounded— some of them were. He struck four blows’ in rapid succession, and four freshmen went to grass. “A fight!” The cry went up, and there was a rush for the spot. ‘Scatter, fellows!” cried Benson. ‘If it is known we engaged ina fight on the cainpus——”? They did not wait to hear any more. ‘They scattered. _ When the aueche rushed up into the FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. buildings. —. eg or shadow beneath the great elm where the encounter had occurred, Browning was there alone. ‘Have you been fighting ?’’ some one asked him. ‘“No,’’ was his cool answer. And they could get nothing more from him. Danny Griswold came out of Farnham Hall and hurried onto the campus. He was quickly surrounded by a throng eager to hear what he kuew about Merriwell. ‘*He’s done for, fellows,’’ said Danny. **Yale will never have him to win more victories for her.’ A score of voices questioned him. ‘‘His ankle is ruined,’’ declared Danny, with something like asob. The bone is smashed. , Doctor says it’ll never be the same as it was before, Poor Merry!”’ ‘SHow was it done?’’ shouted a voice. ‘‘Freshmen did it!’’ came the answer from another direction. For some time the one topio of conver- sation was the injury that had befallen Merriwell. Indignation against the fresh- men grew. At length preparations were made for the celebration. ‘The seniors lined up, with their hands on one another’s shoul- ders. They started out in this way, dancing tliree steps to the right; and then three steps to the left, every third step ending with an outward kick. ; The j juniors fell in behind them, taking up the step and the kick. Then came the sophomores, and finally the freshmen fell in. ‘Round and round the campus they. went, the seniors singing their songs, the juniors roaring away at theirs, while the sophomores. and freshmen tried to drown each other. It was a remarkable spectacle. The seniors led the way into the dormitories. In and out the long line wound likea great snake. The students roared away at their songs. At length the head of the line passed into a narrow way between two of the When they had passed through, the seniors stopped. The juniors caine through in safety, and the soph- omores were permitted to follow; but when the freshmen appeared, they found a genuine gauntlet to run. A_ great t 4 the other freshmen. _was trapped, h 24 throng of seniors, juniors and sophomores had formed two lines. Between these lines the poor freshmen niust pass. The first to venture were hanimered. and thumped and hurled about till they were exhausted and out of breath. Seeing what lay before them, some of the freshmen tried to stop and turn back. They shouted tidings of the danger to those crowding forward behind them. By that time the last of the freshmen had passed in between the two buildings, and now a crowd of seniors, juniors and sophomores had come round and closed up the only avenue of retreat. Thev fell on the unlucky freshmen from behind, forcing them forward. There were yells and howls and blows and falls. The freshinen had been trapped, and they could not escape. Too late they realized that they had been* led into the snare. As they were forced through into the terrible gduntlet, they were were soaked with water, thumped with stuffed clubs and hurled about till the breath was alinost beaten from their bodies. By the sounds it might have been easy to imagine a frightful carnage and slaughter was taking place there. Somme of the freshmen showed fight, and they were used the worst. Some made a fran- tic rush to-get down the line as soon as possible. Occasionally they were tripped and two or three would: pile up ina heap to be unmercifully hammered. Newt Billings had been caught with When he found he e tried to fight...» ; ‘‘He is the one’ who knocked out Merriwell!’’ shouted a voice. ‘‘Give it. to him !?? No other man was used as roughly as Billings. the line he was battered and bleeding, while his clothes were. nearly all stripped from his body. The moment he was ‘clear, he fell down exhausted. AS the fellow lay on the ground, some one bent over him, and a voice hissed in his ear: ; ‘“This is the beginning! You'll bea wreck when I ain aes with you!’ _ Bruce Browning walked away. FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. When he reached the end of CHAP TERR iL. DISAPPOINTED FRESHMEN. A great crowd turned out on field day to witness the sports and feats of the col- lege lads. Nota few of the ‘‘old grads’’ were on hand to encourage the boys and to tell among themselves how far superior were the men of their day to those turned out mien Pretty girls were there, too, and they encouraged the contestants by bright smiles and applause. al The very first event on the prograinme was the one hundred yard dash. For this contest five persons had en- tered. They were Benson and Drew, freshmen, Silver, a sophomore, Manning and Huut, juniors. Originally Bart Hodge had intended to take part in this race, but, for some un- known reason, he had withdrawn. {It had been agreed that the contest would be between Benson and Hodge, for Bart was known tovbe swift, but the withdrawal of the latter inade it seem a certainty that Benson would win. Just why Hodge withdrew was a inatter of speculation. It was known that he was a friend to Frank Merriwell, and some were unkind enough to hint that he had not wished to win the race for the fresh- men, and had withdrawn with the hope that somebody would defeat Benson. Benson had been roughly used while running the gauntlet the night before. He was known to be one of Billings’ friends, and that was enough to make him a target for all sorts of rough treat- ment. Although he had said nothing se iA Benson had been tripped and injured his knee. Years before he had been troubled by his knee-cap, which had a way of slipping out of place at the least provoca- tion, or no provocation at all, and that was the knee he injured when he fell.- — Silver was something of a mystery. No one had known he could run, for he had never seemed: to care anything in_ particular for sports. He was tall and rangey, with a restless air. The time for the first event came round, and within a few seconds after it was called, the five contestants, in their Tunning suits, lined up. nee o - Benson !”’ what knocked him out that way !”’ ) bringing They crouched like tigers ready for Benson lowered his body till the ground, but it he bent his left leg awk- the spring. both hands rested on was seen that wardly. Ceyg P? There was a shot, and the five were off. At the first spring Benson was seen to stumble a bit, then he regained himself, but the others had obtained a start on him, and Silver, the mystery, was in the lead. ‘‘Something is the son !”? The exclamation broke from the lips of Gil Cowles, who, with Billings and others of his crowd, eagerly watched the race. “‘He’s all right,’’ said Billings, a bit huskily. “Dll bet something he wins. He made a bad start.”’ But already half the distance was cov- ered by the swift runners. Silver was holding his lead, Hunt was second, while Manning and Drew raced along side by side ‘‘TLook at Benson !”? ‘*He’s gaining !’’ **He’ll win yet!’ It was true Benson was gaining. He shot ahead like a race horse, passing Manning and Drew. He was close upon Hunt, he passed him, he nearly reached matter with Ben- ’ Silver. Then, with a sudden cry, Benson plunged forward on his face in the dust, and Silver struck the tape, winning the dash in ten and two-fifths seconds. _ The freshman were paralyzed with astonishment at Benson’s downfall. They had believed he was dead sure of winning the first event, and they knew some mis- fortune had overtaken him. The herculean figure of Bruce Brown- ing suddenly appeared in their very midst, and he said: “That shows what is coming. Sneak tricks and crookedness win few college contests. ice to-day.”’ You freshies will not cut much “Some kind of a trick was slaved on exclaimed Cowles. ‘‘That’s ‘‘See!”? burst from Webb; ‘‘they are him off! He can’t walk!’’ vet? s retribution !’’ declared Browning. “would take first or second place. FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER. 25 ‘‘He was one of the gang who helped ° knock Frank Merriwell out.’’ When Benson was carried from the field, it was found that his knee-cap had slipped from place, the accident being caused by the injury he had received the previous evening. s The Billings gang looked at one an- other, each each the same thought in ’ > oa the faces of the others. This was retribu- tion. «They had injured Merriwell that he might not win, and Benson had been. defeated by an injury. Benson had entered for the two hun- dred and twenty yard run, but now he would not be init. It was plain enough that Silver was a better man than Drew, so there was little hope that either of the two leading events would be won by the freshman class. This proved correct, for Silver took the run in twenty-three and one-fifth seconds. Chafing over their own discomfiture, the freshmen began to sneer at the juniors who had not won at either of the two leading events. But in the four hundred and forty yard run Jack Diamond was the victor, and the juniors had their opportunity to crow. The mile run went to Hillary, a senior, who made it in four minutes and forty- three seconds. There were two hurdle races, one of one hundred and: twenty yards, and one of two hundred and twenty. Chan Webb was down for both races, and the freshmen were confident that he would take the honors in one of them, at least, Webb was a good man, in his own estimation, and he had impressed the others with his importance. But there was some surprise when it was found that Bart Hodge had entered fot the hurdles. Sp “Pq rather see our class beaten at everything than have that fellow win!” exclaimed Newt Billings. ‘‘He is one of Merriwell’s particular friends, and I hate him !”? ‘He won’t win!’’ declared Webb. “T ain not so sure of that,’ said Mat Mullen, who had bet money that Webb— ‘There ee — PRAALI taper Mya wtamee 26 is more to that fellow than you imagine. I understand he is a great hurdlér.’ “‘He shall not beat me!’’ exclaimed Webb. ‘Stick to that,’’ urged Mullen. ‘‘I’ve got money on you.’’ ‘‘It’s safe,’? asserted Webb, boastfully. The time came for the race, and the hurdlers lined up for the start. At the word they were off like young colts. Webb was a great starter, and he dashed out in advance with surprising suddenness. —T‘he freshmen set up a cheer. Hodge got away shoulder to shoulder with a senior, and they were next to Webb. ‘The others were bunched behind them. Over the first hurdle Webb sailed like a flying bird. It was very pretty, and his ftiends cheered again. ‘‘Right here is were ’umpty ten gets in on ’em!’ cried the freshmen. ‘‘Webb will do the trick !”” Hurdle after hurdle the freshman cleared, but soon it was seen that he did not sail over them with the same ease that had characterized his springs at first. “‘[]] bet three to one, thirty to ten, that Webb does not win this race!’’ cried Harry Rattleton, who was greatly ex- cited. As he said this he flourished a roll of bills in the face of Mat Mullen, but Mul- len turned his head away and said nota word. ton. we ‘“Aurrah ! Woodruff! Woodruff !?? ° The seniors were c heering. Wo godruff, the senior who had started out with Bart Hodge, was making a spurt. He left ‘Hodge, he pressed Webb, he passed Webb! Then the seniors cheered again. ‘‘WebbWill take second place,” Mullen. ‘‘I shall win my bet.”’ Barely had the words left his lips when ‘Bart Hodge was seen © with the speed of the wind, He tooka hurdle close behind Webb, who did not recovery gracefully when he. struck the ground. Hodge recovered instantly, and then it was ‘seen that he was passing said ‘‘Where is your sand ?”? shouted Rattle- FRANK MERRIWELL’S WAGER, fr to dart forward | field, tunes, for he had lost several, Bets Mullen ground out a bitter curse. With the look of a hunted hare on his Ps face, Webb saw Hodge at his side. An in- , stant later both freshmen went down in aheap. ‘‘Foul! foul!’’ was the cry that went up from all sides. Webb had 1 Sexes Hodge. CHAPTER XIII. OF THE SENSATION That Chan Webb THE DAY. had tried to do the trick without going down himself there could be no doubt, but he went down with Hodge, and he fell heavily. Before either of them could recover all the others $e in the race had passed them, and their . chance of taking second place was gone. Mullen was white with anger. ‘‘What a bungling piece of business!’’ he exclaimed. ‘(Hal ha! ha!’’ laughed Harry Rattle- ton. ‘This does not seem to be a good day for freshmen.”’ Webb arose, took a look at the others in the race, and then, with a gesture of disgust, walked off the track. Hodge did not get tp at once. Several of his friends ran forward and lifted him. He had gone down heavily, and seemed to be hurt. / ae Woodruff came in first, making it in am sixteen and three-fifths seconds. , Bart’s friends gathered about him. They were excited, and they grew more so when it was seen that Hodge was, stunned. Upon his recovering sufficient - to say anything, he immediately declared Webb had fouled him, and then the ex- a citement rang high. _ Webb would have fared roughly but for the friends who hustled him off the declaring he was badly hurt. The departure of this fellow ended the hopes, of the freshmen so far as the hurdle races ‘were concerned, — The next one was, two hiindred and twenty yards, and it was won by a junior, Then came the hammer throwing. Once more the hopes of the freshmen rose, for Hock Mason, the one-time bully of the college, was said to be a wonder. | His friends were certain he would take a the place left vacant by Hikok. - = Mullen sought to retrieve his fallen for- He | citi ce Se re th PORE abe whe Bi WE r ssa wre ¥ a tippers ee ri ¥2 Tes} rere NS felt sure of winning his bet of fifty dollars on the pole-vaulting contest, but that would not. begin to make him level, so he souglit for. ‘fsuckers’’ on the haminer throwing contest, - ‘lo his surprise, he found several juniors who were ready to bet that Mason would not inake the record for the dav. He bet all the money he could afford, and still money was shaken at him. When the names of those entered for the contest were called a murmur of as- _tonishment went up. Bruce Browning was on the list. Mullen laughed. “*So that is why ready to bet with those fellows were me!’ he exclaimed. ‘Well, Browning will be a_ snap for Mason! Browning is strong, but he is muscle-bound across his shoulders, and he’ll never throw the hammer more than one hundred feet. Mason will beat him more than twenty feet.’ Masters, a sophomore, and Carter, a senior, were on the list. Masters came first. There was a discussion as to the leneth of the run, nine feet. Then Masters stepped out and took the round-headed hammer, which had a four-foot handle. In three attempts, Masters made a dis- tance of one hundred and sixteefi feet. He was regarded as easy by every one, for Carter’s first throw was one hundred and eighteen feet and four inches. This, however proved to be his best throw. —_! Browning came next. He vawned as he picked up the hammer an act so char- acteristic of him that every one laughed. He swung the thing about his head to limber himself up, and then loafed down to the starting point. ‘Oh he will be easy !’’ exclaimed Mul- len, with confidence. ‘‘Mason will do him without an effort.’’ Browning made a lazy run and a lazy ,throw. His first throw was a hundred and eleyen feet. ee “Pretty good for him,”’ grinned Mullen. The hammer was brought back. aa Bruce took his position again. He shook himself, as if to become aroused, and then He made arun and a throw. In- -stantly it was seen that he had beaten _ either of the men before him. pat which was settled at FRANK MERRIWELL’S vi WAGER. 5 27 hundred and twenty feet ’? declared the announcer. ‘That is surprising,’’? said Mullen; ‘‘but Mason will beat that two feet. Browning has done his best.” Had he? That remained to be seen. He prepared for the third and last trial. It was remarkable how all traces of lazi- ness disappeared from his manner. He balanced him for the start, poising the hammer. Swinging it he ran forward. Whizz! A shout of surprise went up. Thud! ‘*He’s done it!”’ Surely he had made a wonderful throw. Ail could see that. . The excitement was great while the tape was being run. ‘“‘One hundred and twenty-seven . feet and six inches!’’ : Then a cheer went up. derful record. Mullen turned:pale and cursed. He had not dreamed the big fellow could do such a thing. Hock Mason did not wish to make an effort, but the freshmen forced him to throw. His best attempt was one hundred and twenty-four feet. When it came to putting Browning won again. ‘Oh, but this 1s a cold day for fresh- men!’ laughed Harry Rattleton. Mullen seemed dazed. Even if Billings won the pole-vault with ease, he would be in the hole. ‘‘It’s retribution,’’ declared Browning, as he came face to face with the pale and trembling freshman. ‘‘You put up a job on Frank Merriwell, and now you are getting it in the neck.” . ‘‘T’]] bet you a hundred Billings wins the pole-vault!’’ snarled Mullen. ‘‘You do not dare take me!”’ He thought to back. Bruce down, but he made a mistake, for the big fellow. had his: money out in a moment. Mullen was forced to take water, for he did not have the hundred; and he could “*One nine inches, and the shot, not borrow it. | While the jumping was akinig place Billings was preparing for his great pole- vaulting feat. temper “imaginable. ‘“‘One thing is sure,’’ he It was a won-. Then He was not in the best | Board + 28 FRANK MERRIWELL'S WAGER. ‘‘Merriwell will not share any of the honors. With his broken ankle, he’ll never win any inore glory.’’ The time for the pole-vaulting contest came round. The names of the contest- ants were called. Bart Hodge was one of them. Frank Merriwell’s name was on the list. ‘‘He entered, and they have not taken hiin off,’’? said some one. ‘‘Poor fellow! He has not even left his room to see what was going on. Idon’t suppose he can leave his room with that broken ankle. ”’ There was a sudden commotion near the dressing-reoms. People stood up and waved hats and flags. There was cheer- ing. ‘““What’s all the fuss about?’’ asked Mat Mullen, impatiently. Out from the dressing-rooims caine some fellows who were bearing another on their shoulders, And that other was—— Frank Merriwell! : “Tt is Merriwell!’’? gasped Mullen. ‘“‘What is he here for? It must be they have brought: him as aimascot. Billings will win just the same.”’ Out upon the field Frank was carried. Then he was placed upon his feet—then he walked with scarcely. a trace of a limp! A sensation! Why, it was one of the greatest sensations of the season! Here was the fellow reported to have a broken ankle, and he was walking without the aid of a cane. Mullen was so dazed for some moments that he was not able to speak. At last he gasped: ‘Tt was all a lie! We have been fooled! He is all right!”’ They had been fooled. Frank’s friends Tad resorted to strategy. His ankle had not been injured at all seriotisly the night before, but some of his friends, aided by the doctor, had spread the report that it was broken. The heart went out of the freshmen when they saw him there on the field walking about. Newt Billings wilted. He cursed the luck, and wished himself well out of the whole business. Rattleton. found Mullen and_ tried to. get him to bet on the pole-vault. Harry _ offered to bet five. to one that Billings would not win. He tried to bet five to one that Merriwell would win. ‘Mullen had no sand. He simply swore. It happened that Merriwell was last on the list, while Billings came next to him. Hodge had been injured in the hurdle race, and he withdrew from the pole- vault, which he had entered when he thought there was no show for Frank to take part in it. Billings made ten feet and two inches, which was a good vault. Some doubted Merriwell’s ability to beat that, for surely Frank’s ankle was weak. Frank had the cross bar set up to eleven feet, and cleared it the first time. Then he declined to make another effort and run the risk of hurting his ankle. Victory was his, and he had capped the climax by adding the last drop of bitter- ness to the overflowing cup of his ene- nies. As they had brought him upon the field, his friends bore him off. Not a single event had been won by a freshinan that day. Crookedness and trickery had availed them nothing, but had brought them disappointment and disgust. As Billings and Mullen were leaving the field together, Hodge and Browning met them. . ‘‘You fellows must feel pretty well!’ said Bruce, with a lazy grin. ‘‘You must like yourselves immensely.’’ ‘‘We are not done with you!’? flashed Hodge. ‘‘It would be like Merriwell to let you off now that he has come out all right, but we are not sosoft. If we get the evidence we are after, we’ll push you to the wall,’’ ‘“That’s what,’’ said Browning. - Not a word did either of the freshmen say. They glared at the friends of Frank Merriwell and passed on. In their hearts both of them feared the day of reckoning they felt certain must come, — [THE END. ] Ee the next number (93) will be pub- lished as the complete story, ‘‘Frank Merriwell in Training; or, The Mystery . of the Midnight Prowler,’’ by the author | of ‘Frank Merriwell. 3 Pee eas TIP TOP WEEKLY. 29 3 y_ P IOPHEEKLY aU Neil ame A “An Ideal Publication for the American Youth.” NEW YORK, JANUARY 15, 1898. Terms to Tip Ton Weekly Mail Subscribers. (POSTAGE FRER.) 8 months - - - - - -- 65e.| One year - - = = - - - $2.50 4 months - - - - - - - 85ce. | 2 copiesone year - - - - 4.00 6 months - - -.-- - $1.25 | 1 copy two years.’ + = -. -.< 4.00 How to SEND MonzkKY.—By post office or express money order registered letter, bank check or draét, at our risk. At your own risk if sent by postal note, currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary letter. RECEIPTS.— Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper change of number oneourlabel. If notcorrect you have not been properly credited, and should letus know at once. ‘To CLUB RaitsErs.—Upon request we will send sample copies to aid you in obtaining subscribers, ‘ All letters should be addressed to STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY, 238 William St., New York City. Gold for Opinions ' The publishers of the Tip Top Weekly desire the opiniotr-of their readers as to the best written and most interesting of the five “Frank Merriwell” stories named below, and for that reason offer Twenty Prizes of One Dollar Each. The prizes will be given to the first twenty choosing the story which Shall prove the favorite. For instance, if No. 91 should receive the greatest number of votes, the first twenty choosing No. 93 will receive the prizes, REPLIES MUST BE BY POSTAL CARD. Simply write the number of the story you select and your name and address upon a stal card, and mail to “Opinion Contest,” ip Top Weekly, Street & Smith, New York City. Readers are limited to one trial. This contest will close Saturday, February 20, 1898. Only One Prize Will Be Given to Each Reader. oe LIST OF STORIES: 9f, Frank Merriwell’s Danger. “92. Frank Merriwell’s Wager. “ 93. Frank Merriwell in Training. i re 94, Frank Merriwell’s Courage. Result of the “Character Contest.” The ‘‘Character Contest’’ in which we asked the opinions of our readers as to their favorite characters in the ‘‘Frank Merriwell’’ stories aside from the famous hero himself, has been decided by the judges selected for that purpose, and the names of the winners are given below, The task of selecting the five best letters from a total of many thousands was not an easy one. It was only after a pains- taking comparison of the replies anda thorough sifting that a conclusion was reached. The interest taken in this con- test is very gratifying to the publishers, and it proves conclusively that no more famous series than the ‘‘Frank Merri- well’’ has ever been published. — — -—— PRIZE WINNERS. ARTHUR -J. A. CHARWATE, : Phillips’ Academy, Andover, Mass. JAMES VEITS, care N. A. Telegraph Co., LaCrosse, Wis. R. A. ANDERSON, Record’s Office, _. Jacksonville, Fla. EDW. A. BLOMGREN, 132 Valley St., St: Paul, Minn. S. S. DUDLEY, 403 Lee St., Montgomery, Ala. Especial Mention. Clarence D. Wallace, Clinton, Mo. Emma Hindman, Paris, Texas. . Charles A. Perrigo, Sackets Harbor, N. Y. Marcus Marks, Helena, Ark. — Geo. S. Grant, Medway, Mass. Edna Bond, San Francisco, Cal. Earl Roberts, Rural Hill, Il, R. F. Dauber, St. Louis, Mo, | Fests Howell, Dorchester, Mass. ~ Eula M. Irwin, Knoxville, Tenn. Lo OORT APL SIRS a ihe i When Every Second Told. A writer tells the following story of a truly wonder- ful escape he had whilst hunting iv the mountainous regions of California. Aecompanied by a companion (he says) I began the ascent on horseback early in the morning. The trail at first led us against the side of the mountain, when we had to carefully pick our way until we found an- other trail winding in a zigzag manner toward the summit. We dismounted and led our for the path ran daugerously close to the edge of a cliff that formed one side of an immense canyon,.whose depth we could only guess. Narrower and narrower grew the trail as we advanced. We moved forward cautiously, for on one side the mountain appeared to rise from under our very feet into a wall of solid rock; on the other side we looked into the depths of the great can- yon, which would prove a grave to either of us should we topple into it. Presently both our horses bent their ears forward, snorted, and showed evidences of the . greatest terror, Before I could ascertain the cause of it, being in the rear of my friend’s horse and unable to see heyond it, a slot was fired that awoke ten thousand echoes, What followed the sound of the shot happened so quickly that I did not realize danger until I found my- self hanging between life and death. My horse, unable to see what was in the path ahead of us, but whose ‘instinct warned him of the presence of some dreaded wild beast, had stopped in terror, and when the shot was fired suddenly threw up his head and began back- ing. I had pulled the reins over his head when I dis- mounted and held them in my right band, to which fact I owed my escape from instant death, The rapid backward movement of the horse and the sudden toss- ing of his head threw me off my balance, and before I could recover I was falling over the cliff. Instinctively I tightened my hold on the reins and endeavored to grasp the edge of the cliff with my left hand as I was rolling over. I did succeed in checking the shock of my fall somewhat, but could not secure a hold sufficient to sustain my weight. For a moment I hung suspended over the terrible abyss, my whole weight resting upon my right arm. Quick as a flash [ grasped the reins with my left also, and theré I hung, expecting death every instant, for I knew that my horse would not stand long in the position he then held. f I could see him standing above me, and the beauty of his pose and the rigidity of his position as he stood braced against the weight dangling at the end of his bridle-rein made an inipression upon my memory that will never be eradicated.’ I asked myself how much longer it was possible to hang by so frail a support as a bit of leather. ~The . grip of my hands was so tight that my finger-ends were tingling and burning as though touched witha hot iron. Sri ; : / _ Suddenly another shot rang out, awakening a myriad of échoes that seemed to mock me with shrill laugh- ter. Again that backward movement of my horse, and _ as I felt the reins drag along the edge of the precipice, I thought I must surely let go and fall. Just then I beard my namé spoken, It was my friend’s voice, ealm, collectéd and inspiring. He was whispering words of caution. horses, Slowly, ob, so slowly, his hand stole down the reins until it rested upon my wrist. Then there was a quick grip of powerful fingers, an exertion of wonderful strength, and I was once more in safety. My rescuer - told me afterwards that I was unconscious when he stretched me out on the narrow path. | The shots had been fired at a mountain lion that. crouched in the trail ‘a short distance ahead, and had sent it crashing into the depths of the canyon. Rims TIP TOP WEEKLY. about girls bis time. Played by German Boys. Chaseball—or, as they call it, ‘‘jagdball’’—is one of the favorite games among schoolboys in Germany. The players divide into two parties of equal numbers and stand in a wide circle, each side a few yards apart from the other. Each set of players possesses a large and heavy ball of a different color. The balls are thrown from opposite points of the circle from one player to the other, each boy catching and passing it on in the same way as quickly as possible. The object of either party of play- ers is to overtake with their ball the one of the oppo- sition, and thus decide the game in their favor. If a player misses a ball and lets it fall to the ground the other ball passes and wins. = Tambourine ball is played by feur boys posted in a circle in the manner of shuttlecock and battledore with a tambourine which has no handle and a_ small india rubber ball. ' Urbear is a very exciting and popular game in which almost any number of boys can join. To begin, one boy called ‘‘ Bear’’ starts from the goal and chases the other players who carry twisted handkerchiefs with a knot,at the top. The object of the urbear must be to touch one of the other boys with his hand. He then becomes a bear himself and has to follow the urbear to the goal, both being pursued by the other boys on their return there, being soundly beaten all the while with the knotted handkerchiefs. The bears, with hands linked together again sally forth trying to touch one or two of the boys and re- turning with their prisoners to the goal. The same manoeuvre is repeated until all the free boys are ab- sorbed in the chain of bears. In any case if the chain is broken by an attack from the back the bears have to return to the goal eudgelled_by the free boys and reform. The game very mueli resembles one which is played by British schoolboys, who, however, do not make use of knotted handkerchiefs. Running for the cap is another popular pastime. In this game two parties of boys of equal numbers stand fifty yards apart; one consisting of what are called’® the runners and the other the catchers. Between the two—twenty yards from the runners and thirty yards from the catchers—a post is fixed in the ground with a eap on the top. On the command, ‘‘One, two, three!??. one player of each party runs from the goal. The tunner nearést the post will arrive first, and has to put the cap on his head and then replace it. This must be done in as short a time as possible, as any de- lay gives a chance to the catcher to overtake. the run- ner on the way back to goal. when he becomes his prisoner and is debarred during the rest of the game from further playing. ; 2 There are many other sports indulged in by the lads of the Fatherland, but those described above are uwni- versally played in the German Empire. , ——-—-0- A Boy’s Essay on Girls, - Girls is grate on making beleeve. She will make be- leeve a doll is a live baby. She will make beleeve she is orfull sweet on another girl or feller if they come to see her, and when they are gone she will say, ‘‘ Horrid old thing!’ ; If ye don’t do what a girl tells yer, she says your horrid. I drather be horrid than soft. If you do what a girl tells you, you will do all sorts of foolish things. Girls can be good in school ae day if they feel like it. I should think they would get tired and have to do sumthing wonse in a while; I knew a feller does. Girls say fellers acts orfull, but when a girl gets a-go- ing it, she acts orfler. They don’t care for nuthing.; If a girl wants a feller to carry her books home, | she ain’t satisfied unless she gits the same feller the other girls want, whether she likes him or not. Girls is grate on having secrets—I mean tellin rets. then tell it around to all the other girls, orful quiet, — just as if it Was sumthing dredful. That is all [kno | sec- They make a‘secret ont of nuthing at all, and. — Nicknames of Cities. eo * Atlanta, Gate City of the South. Baltimore, Monumental City. Bangor, Lumber City. ‘Boston, Modern Athens, and Hub of the Universe. Brooklyn, City of Churches. Buffalo, Queen of the Lakes. Burlington, lowa, Orchard City. Charleston, Palmetto City. ‘Chicago, Garden City. Cincinnati, Queen of the West, or- Porkopolis. Cleveland, Forest City. Denver, City of the Plains. Detroit, City of the Saints. Hartford, Insurance City. Indianapolis, Railroad City. Keokuk, Gate City. LaFayette, Star City. Leavenworth, Cottonwood City, Louisville, Falls City. Lowell; Spindle City. McGregor, Pocket City. Madison, -Lake City. Milwaukee, Cream City. Nashville, Rock City. - New Haven, Elm City. New Orleans, Crescent City. New York, Empire City. Philadelphia, City of Brotherly Love. Pittsburg, [ron City. Portland, Hill City. Providence, Roger Williams City. Raleigh, Oak City. Richmond, Va., Cockade City. Richmond, Ind., Quaker City of the West. Rochester, Aqueduct City. San Francisco, Golden Gate. Savannah. Jorest City of the South, Sheboygan, Evergreen City. St. Louis, Mound City. St. Paul, North Star City. Troy, N. Y., Collar Shirt and Cuff City. Vicksburg, Key City. Washington, City of Magnificent Distances, OO Slate Pencils. Slate pencils undergo a number of processes before they are ready for use, and in making them nearly all the manual labor is done by boys. { First, broken pieces of slate are put into a mortar run by steam, and are crushed toa powder, which is then bolted in a machine, such as is used in, flouring mills. “A fine slate flour results, which is thoroughly -mixed in a large tub with steatite flour and other materials, the whole making a stiff dough. The dough is kneaded by being passed between iron rollers ai aN a number of times, and is then taken to a table, where ay hoa retort the material hy it is made into short cylinders four or five inches in thickness, and containing from eight to ten pounds of material each. Four of these cylinders are placed in a strong iron retort, which has a changeable nozzle, so that the size of the pencils may be regulated. In the is subjected to great hydraulic pressure, and is thus pushed through the nozzle in the _ shape of a long cord. As the cord comes through the ~ nozzle it passes over a knife and is cut into the desired ~Jengths. The lengtlis are laid on boards to dry, and are ~ then placed on sheets of corrugated zine, the corruga- tion preventing the pencils’ from warping during the baking process. The baking is done in a kiln, into { which super-heated steam is introduced through pipes. The pencils go from the kiln to the finishing and packing room, where the ends are held for an instant _ under a rapdily-revolving emery wheel, which neatly pointsthem. aoa Finally they are packed in’ pasteboard boxes, one -pasteboard boxes are packed in a wooden box and they are ready for shipment. 7 Sa TIP TOP WEEKLY. hundred pencils in a box: then one hundred of the ° Some Wheel Wisdom. A Boston jeweler, also'a wheelman,. has by way of the his business card the following excellent advice to riders: 1. In meeting riders, pedestrians and vehicles kesp to the right. In overtaking and passing them keep te. the left. 2. In turning corners to the left always keep to the outside of the street. 8. In turning corners to the right keep as far out® as possible without trespassing on the left side of the road. . : 4. Never expect pedestrians to get out of your way; find a way around them. 5. Never ride rapidly by standing to unload passengers. 6. Never coast down a hill having cross streets along the way. 7. Never ring your your approach. 8. In meeting other riders ascending a_ hill, where there is but one path, always yield the right of way to the up riders. an advertisement had printed upon back of an electric car that is bell except to give notice of 9. Bear in mind that a rider meeting an electric car carrying a stvong headlight is unable to see beyond the light; keep out of his way. 10. When riding straight ahead, never vary your course suddenly to the right or left without first assur- ing yourself-that no other rider is close iu your rear on the side on which vou turn. —_——- 0—— — — His Own Idea. with by It is said that General Crittenden used to tell great glee a story of the reply once made to him his son, then a little boy of eight or nine years. A day or two after the battle of Chickamauga the little fellow went into camp. the battle a horse which by the name of John Jay, a great favorite with his small son. The child showed great delight at seeing his father again, but, The general rode during went at last, in the midst of a vigorous hug, he asked sud- denly.: ‘*Papa, where is John Jay?’’ ‘*Oh,’? said bis father gravely, ‘‘your horse behaved very badly during the fight. He insisted, like a cow- ard, on taking me to the rear.’’ The boy looked at him searechingly for an iustant. Then his eyes gleamed, and he held up a remonstrant little finger, pointing it at bis parent. | ° ‘Papa; said he, severely. ‘‘I know John Jay would never have done that of hisown will. It must have. been your work,’’ ‘“Phere seemed to be nothing for general usually remarked in conclusion, quently I forbore to argue the matter.”’ me to. say,’’ the ‘““and conse- Why Is It? Why is it that a man may try his best to sleep in the daytime and fail, but let him go to church and no mat- ter how hot it is, he can’t stay awake to save his life? _ Why is it that you can’t hardly get a young boy into a bath-tub, but you can’t keep him out of a pond or mud-hole? —/ ; Why is it that children see very little to laugh at on the play ground, but. when they get into the school- room a yaller dog will tickle them plum to death? Why is it that if there is a hole in the fence a hog will always find it and come in, but if you try to | drive her out she will run right by an open gate and never see it? Gite och va! / \ 32 TIP TOP WEEKLY. “a3 Tip Top Weekly Tip Top Quarterly. _ The earlier issues of Tip Top Weekly are now on sale in the form of Quarterlies, each including 13 consecutive issues of this 2 favorite weekly, together With the 13 original illuminated ilustra- _ 2 tions, and ane leg rant cover in colors. The price isS0 Cents per ‘ volume, for which sum they willbe sent by mail post-paid to any address ‘in the United States, - = NOW READY. = = J No. 1, including Nos. 1 to 13 of Tip Top Weekly. No. 2, +. Nos. 14 to 26 of Tip Top Weekly. ; No. 8, rs Nos, 27 to 39 of Tip Top Weekly. No. 4, ~ Nos. 40 to 52 of ‘Tip ''op Weekly. No. 5, : Nos. 53 to 65 of ‘Tip Top Weekly. No. 6, * Nos, 66 to 78 of Tip Top Weekly. If your Newsdealer has not got the Quarterlies, remit direct to the publishers, STREET & SMITH, 238 William BE ee Y. WRESTLING. History tells us that wrestling was the first form of athletic pastime. Without donbt, 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 tei. per, the whole forming ai energetic combination of the greatest power to be found in man. The book is entitled PROFKSSOR MULDOON’S WRESTLING. It is fully illustrated, and will be sent. postpaid on receipt of ten cents, Address STBEET & SMITH. 25 Rose street, New York, (Manual Library Department). ry : TO tt Oa HOW TO DO BUSINESS ! : a a . This book is a guide to success in life, embracing Principles of Business, Choice of Pursuit, Buying and Selling, General Manage- ment, Mechanical ''rades, Manufacturing, Bookkeeping, Causes of Success and Failure, Business Maxims and Forms. ete. It also contains an appendix of complete business forms and a dictionary 2 of commercial terms. No young man sol be without this valuable book. It gives complete information about trades, professions and oecupatoin in which any young mat is interested. Price ten cents. Address STREET & SMITH, 25 Rose street, New York tes (Manual LAbrary Department. ) : a. + —____—— ee AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY. Many people imagine that a photographer's camera is a difficult : ‘ f ‘ J ‘ machine to handle, and that the work isdirty and disagreeable. All. , This binder will hold twenty-six copies, and wil this is adnistake. Photogri phy, is a cleats, light, and pleasant ac- om conplishment, within the reach of a he camera will prove a a keep your papers alw ays clean and smooth, No more friend, reporter, and helper. With a very inexpensive camera any i com missing numbers. Handy to refer to. and ornamental as boy or girl can now learn not only to take good pictures, but pictures a that there jis everywhere a demand for at reminerative prices. A ASP well ae useful. Sent post- ~paid to any address on receipt complete guide to this fascinating art, entitled AMATRUR MANUAL pe of price. ~ OF PHOTOGRAI HY will be sent on receipt of ten cents. “ee h it ye ‘REET & SMITH, 25 Rose street, New Yorl a STREET & SMITH, New York City. Manual ibm Department), mi eo eat aoe. Pe A SUPERB JUVENILE PUBLICATION #ARMY AND NAVY. ~ 48—-LARGE MAGAZINE PAGES—48. Each Number Contains SiiSieresty thy Bat Wetes Tw g Com : Sketches, Special Articles, Departments, A SPECIAL FEATURE. In each number of the Army. and Navy will be found two complete novelettes of cadet life at the West Point sifa Annapolis military and naval, academies, written by graduates’ of the academies. These fascinating stories can be found -in no other publication. DEPA RTMENTS. —Rditorial Chat, Athletic Sports, Amateur Journalism, Correspondence, Stamps, ete, ; , SPECIAL ARTI ES. —Splendidly illustrated, on naval and military subjects, will be found in each number, ‘ WY SHORT STORIES,-—-[llustrated short stories by the best writers are published each week. i + All for FIVE CENTS, For “STREET & seat: 238 William Street, New York Soe Ifluminated cover—48 magazine pages—the best stories that can be purchased. _ sale by all newsdealers. TIP TOP WEEKLY Iuminated Cover—Prjce, Five Cents—Thirty-two Pages, Complete List of Stories By the author of “Frank Merriwell.” a ae al Tales of School, Fun, College, Travel ana Adventure. DPPALOO™ All back numbers are constantly on hand, and will be mailed to any address on receipt of price, Five Cents each. 27—Frank Merriwell a Monarch; or, The King of Phan- tom Island. 28 —Frank Merriwell in Gorilla Land; or, The Search for the Missing Link. 29 —- Frank Merriwell’s Magic. 30—Frank Merriwell in France; or, The Mystery of the Masked Unknown. 31—Frank Merriwell’s Feat; or, The Queen of the Bull Fighters. 32—Frank Merriwell in London; or, The Grip of Doom. 33 —Frank Merriwell’s Venture; or, Driven from Armenia. 34—Frank Merriwell in India; or, Hunting Human Leopards. 35—Frank Merriwell’s Vow; or, After Big Game in Ceylon. 36—Frank Merriwell in Japan; or, The Sign of the Avenger. 37—Frank Merriwell’s Death Shot; or, Roughing it in Australia. 38—Frank Merriwell in the South Sea; or, The Cast for Life. 39 —Frank Merriwell Home Again; or, The Mystery of Ethel Driscoll. 40 -Frank Merriweil at Yale; or Freshman Against Freshman. 41—Frank Merriwell’s Match; or, The King of tho Sophmores. 42—Frank Merriwell’s Victory; or, The Winning Oar. 43—Frank Merriwell's Finish; or, Blue Against Crimson. 44-Frank Merriwell’s Game; or, Snaring the Sharper. 45—Frank Merriwell’s Great Run; or, Trouncing the Tigers. 46—Frank Merriwell’s Even Up; or, Squaring the Score. 47 —-Frank Merriwell’s Queen; or, Blow for Blow. 48—Frank Merriwell’s Find; or, The Waif of the Train. 49 -Frank Merriwell’s Racer; or, Birds of a Feather. 50—Frank Merriwell’s Nerve; or, Game to the End. 51-Frank Merriwell’s Shadow; or, The Mysterious Stranger. 52 Frank Merriwell’s Dash; or, Yale Against the Field. 53—Frank Merriwell’s Bicycle Boys; or, The Start Across the Continent. 54—-Frank Merriwell’s Ride for Life; or, Foiling the Train Destroyers. 55 —Frank Merriwell’s Great Capture; or, Bicycle Against Horse. 56—Frank Merriwell to the Rescue; or, Through Fire and Water. 57 —Frank Merriwell’s Close Call; or, The Tramp’s Token. 58—Frank Merriwell’s Unknown Friend; or, Old Friends in New Places. 59 Frank Merriweil Among the Rustlers; or, The Cattle King’s Daughter. 60-—Frank Merriwell’s Desperate Drop; or, Wild Adven- tures in the Rockies. 61—Frank Merriwell in the Mines; or, The Blind Singer of Silver Bluff. 62—Frank Merriwell Among the Mormons; or, ‘The Lost Tribe of Israel. 63—Frank Merriwell on the Desert; or, The Mystery of the Skeleton. 64—Frank Merriwell’s Underground Search; or, Saving the Buried Heiress. 65—Frank Merriwell in California; or, ‘The End of the Great ‘Tour. ’ ! 66—Prize Plot Story; Frank Merriwell as the Star. 67—Frank Merriwell’'s Yacht; or, The Chase Down the Coast 68-—Frank Merriwell’s Combination; or, The All Round, Athletes. 69—Frank Merriwell’s Red Rival. ! 70—Frank Merriwell’s Texas Tournament; or, Sport Among the Cowboys. 7i—Frank Merriwell’s Nine; or, Surprising the Southern League. 7&.—Frank Merriwell’s Shot; or, Gun Club. 73—Frank Merriwell’s Flyer; or, The Winning Wheel. 74—-Frank Merriwell’s ‘Thoroughbred; or, Honesty Against Crookedness. 75 —Frank Merriwell’s Enemy; or, Rivals of the Blue tidge. 76.—Frank Merriwell’s Crew; or, The Champions of the Potomac. 77—Frank Merriwell’s Hunt; or, In at the Death. 78—Frank Merriwell’s Blow; or, Unmasking a Rascal. 79—Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale; or, The Mystery of the Examination Papers. 80—F rank Merriwell as ‘‘Anchor; or, The Winning Pull in the 'T'ug of War. 81—Frank Merriwell’s Initiation; or, The Secre Order of Pi Gamma. 82—Frank Merriwell’s Sign; or, The Secret of the Silent Student. 83 —Frank Merriwell as Full Back; or, True to His Colors. 84—Frank Merriwell’s Duel; or, A Point of Honor. 85—Frank Merriwell’s Mark; or, Snbduing a Bully. 86—Frank Merriwell’s Secret; or, A Friend in Need. 87—Frank Merriwell’s Revenge; or, Aroused at Last. 88—Frank Merriwell’s Capture; or Jhe Black Schooner. 89—F rank Merriwell’s Chum; or, The Hand of a Friend. 90—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shoot; or, Winning in the Box. 91—Frank Merriwell’s Danger; or, The Shadow} of Disgrace. i 92.—Frank Merriwell’s Wager; or, Bound to Win. 93—Frank Merriwell In ‘Training; or, The Mystery of the Midnight Prowler. 94—Frank Merriwell’s Courage; or, Loyal to the Last, Out with the Guthrie STREET & SMITH; PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK. 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