Tip lop WEEKLY “An ideal publication for the American Youth: Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office by STREET & SmiTH, Price 5 Cents. Tssued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. NEW YORK, AUGUST 13, 1898. ay the ent 47 Fa Penriwebb We am Cro z SNS i = Ss i} y oe owas Ss eA. ‘*¥YOU ARE PRETTY YOUNG TO RUN AN ENGINE,’’ SAID THE OLD MAN, ‘‘BUT I’LL TRY (ere ee sre a ; r oO 6. ar Bere Sad S28 oy 6 “AN IDEAL PUBLICATION FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH.” Tire Tor WEEKLY. Issued Weekly—By Sudscriptron $2.50 per year, Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. ”, Post Ofice. SvrREET & SmitTu, 81 Fulton St., N. Y. Entered Aceording to Act of Congress, in ihe Year 1898, in the Office of the Trion ‘arian of Congress, VF ‘ashington, DC, No. 122 NEW YORK, August 13, 1808. Price Five Cents. Contents of This Number. ~ FRANK MERRIWELL, ENGINEER or, The Tura of Fortune RATHER TALL - - CORRESPONDENCE . a i > ELEVEN FIRST-RATE SUMMER DRINKS - LETTERS FROM READERS : * % ns Page. FRANK MERRIWELL, ENGINEER; OR, THE TURN OF FORTUNE. . By the Author of “FRANK MERRIWELL. CHAPTER I. BEFORE THK SUPERINTENDENT. Frank came down to the roundhouse eatly, as usual, and found Larry Logan at work getting old 70 ready to go out: The young fireman looked grave when he saw Merry. ‘““Whist, Frankie!’ he said, myste- riously. ‘‘There is something up.” ‘“Whiat is it, Larry ?”’ ‘There has been a kick, me b’y. ‘CA kick about what?’ f Vou.’ “‘About me? Who made it?” ‘““Th’ foiremen.”’ ‘‘Why should they kick about me?’? “They think ye have been given thie place thot belonged to wan av thiin.”’ HOW TO GET A athens ERGE oe ene PAGE 32. Ts thee * “Sure. They think ye haven’t been at worruk long enough to have an engine to run at all, at all.’’ ‘*How did you know about this??? ‘Oi am a foireman, ye know, an’ Oi hearrud it talked over.”’ ‘What have they done?”’ ‘They tackled th’ master mechanic firrust, but it’s little they could get out av him. Thin they went to th’ super.’’ Frank whistled. “Well, they had nerve,’’ he said, with asmile ‘‘What was the result—do you know??? ‘'Nivver a bit, but Oi thought Oi’d tell yez phat wus up.’’ ‘“That’s right. I suppose some of the } 2 TIP TOP WEEKLY. fireman are sore, but I am not to blame for that.’ ‘*Not a bit, me b’y. jist as fasht as ye desarved, an’ nivver a bit fashter. It’s all roight ye are, an’ Ov] ¥e can count on me ivery toime, Frankie.’ Ye wint ahead shtick to yez through thick an’ thin. ‘Thank you, Larry. I had no doubts about that.”’ At this moment the foreman was seen approaching. ‘Mr. Merriwell,’’ ne said, “‘the super- intendent has arrived early and is in his office. He you to him,’ “AN right, sir.” Frank stépped down from the engine, and Gaunzell said, in a low tone; ‘‘Be on your guard. I don’t know what asked mie to send has happened, but there has been some complaint against you, and something is up when Emery Eaton asks an engineer to come to his office.”’ Then he walked away. Frank went to the office of the super- intendent, and, with very little delay, was adinitted. | | Emery Eaton was a large, fleshy man, with a rather heavy face and stolid inan- ner. He looked at Frank and grunted: ‘Name Merriwell ?’’ Ves, ‘sire’? “Lately begun to rn an engine?” “Yes, -Sire** ‘“How mucli experience ?” ‘Such as I have acquired since begin- niug work on this road.”’ | “How long have you been here ?’’ Frank told him. ‘What?’ gurgled the superintendent. ‘And you have been given an engine?” ‘Ves, sir.”’ “T am astonished! Newman must be deranged. Of course there is no rule, but aman is not supposed to get an engine till he has worked for this road at least If You Once Begin Reading {‘TRUE BLUE,’’ You Will Never End, tiiree years, unless he is competent when he comes here.’’ Frank said nothing. ‘You are too young,’’ said the superin- tendent, in his gurgling way. Frank had been told this many times lately, and he was beginning to weary of hearing it, for it seemed that youth was considered a positive bar to a man’s ad- vancement, no matter what his abilities might be. He wondered if all youths were held back and handicapped by their lack of years. Still he said nothing, having learned that too much talk to superiors was a grave mistake. ‘Besides that,’? said Mr. Eaton, ‘‘you have been advanced over men who have’ been working for the soad a long time, expecting to be given engines whien tirere I do not approve of Such is not right to others. Further, it is said that you are not com. petent to run an engite.”’ ‘“Rixcuse me, sit; who says §6?’’ ‘*Never mind that. I have it stratght,?” “In what way have I shown iyself incompetent ?’’ CC? were openings. a» course. It There are no special charges, but you are said to be generally so—generally $0.7 “Vet I passed my examinations before the master mechanic and the train ter, neither of whom seemed very favor- ably disposed toward me, If I am not competent, that they should have been able to discover it, sir.”’ ‘Vou must have been advanced by a pull. It is possible they put you through because somebody who had influence wanted you to go.” 1las- it seeins Frank shook his head positively. ‘‘No, sir,’’? he said, firmly. ‘‘When I began work for this road I had nota friend or acquaintance connected with it. I began as engine wiper, and I advanced te Le ath a bowlder, sir?’’ asked Frank, in a low WAR BUTTONS FREE TO ALL READERS, by my own efforts and by grasping such opportunities as presented. Allthe friends I have here 1 have won since coming here to work. In several cases I was of such service to the road that attention drawn Of course these things aided me in getting ahead, but I was not was to ime. pushed along by influence.” Frank had a direct way of speaking that could not fail to impress a listener favorably. The superintendent asked him what lie had ever done for the road that attracted attention to him, and Frank told of stop- ping the runaway engine and ‘‘laying”’ the ‘‘ghost of Black Gorge.”’ “Vou did remarkably well when you stopped tle engine, but the fact that you _caught™a fake goes for nothing, as you were not in that case called upon to dis- play any ability in railroading.”’ The superintendent said this in a man- net that was intended to be severe, but Frank fancied the man was beginning to relax somewhat. Mr. Eaton asked Merry about other things he had done, and brought out the fact that he had made a run of many miles to Blasted Pine, draw- ing a freight and followed closely by a passenger, yet had not been forced to flag the pursuing train. “Then you must have exceeded the speed limit for a freight, young man,”’ said the superintendent, sternly. ‘You broke a rule of the road. (Can you deny that, sir?” “Tt is possible that I did,’’ admitted Frank; ‘“‘but I must have delayed the passenger had I done otherwise,” “The rules of this road are made to be obeyed,” gurgled Mr. Eaton. Do you understand, young man. You must not run above the speed limit, and you must fe yive passenger trains a clear rail.” £ p g ‘‘Ryen if I find the track obstucted by TIP TOP WEEKLY. 3 tone, although he could feel his cheeks burning. ‘‘It was by my directions that the bowlder was utes and the track placed in condition to permit us to pass over. Had I waited for the section crew to do the work, the pas- senger must have been delayed more than an hour.’’ removed in a few min- “Well, well, well! we won’t talk of that. .But I am going to ask you some questions to see if you are capable. I have served in alinost every branch of the work, and I shall be able to sound you in a very short time.’ The superintendent then set about questioning Frank, skipping. from one thing to another in a bewildering manner, Merriwell kept his head and did not per- mit himself to become rattled, and his answers gave the ‘‘Old Man’’ something more than a touch of surprise. At last, Mr. Eaton leaned back in his chair and looked Frank all over. He had asked the youth questions which few or- dinary locomotive engineers could have answered, and, with a single exception, Merry had answered theim all. ‘‘Hum!’’ he grunted. ‘‘Don’t under- stand where you picked up so much in- formation, but you’ve got it. If you can” handle an engiue and a train as well as you can tell how to do it, I fail to see any reason for taking you off.’’ Frank breathed easier. ‘‘T want it understood that I do not approve of advancing a mani as fast as you have been put forward but, now you liave the position, it would not be justice to you to set you back without a good reason. Ihave failed to find a good rea- son.’? . He looked at his watch, closed it wath a snap, and surveyed Frank again. : ““Yes, you are pretty young—pretty young torun an engine,’’ he, declared; ‘*but we'll try you a while longer. You may go, sir.’’ CHAPTER If. : TROUBLE IN THE ROUNDHOUSE. Frank hastened back to old 70. Larry was watching for hiim. *‘Well, phwat is it?’’ anxiously asked the Irish youth. ‘‘How did it come out, me b’y?”? *fAll right,’’? answered Frank, with a smile, as he swung into the cab. “*Aurru!’’ cried Larry. ‘‘It’s a way ye have av comin’ out on top ivery toime!’’ A grimy fireman came over from an- other engine and climbed onto No. 7o. **So ye’ve been up before the Supe., hey??? he Said, insolently. ‘‘Well, I knowed ye’d git there. You ain’t no business runnin’ an engine anyhow.”’ Frank turned and looked at the man. **Will you be obliging enough to get off this engine, Mr. Chase?’’ the said. **You have no business on here.’’ He spoke in a calm and quiet manner, but Larry had begun to understand Frank well enough to realize that he was angry. “Ho! ho!” retorted the intruder. “Don’t put on airs with me! Ye can’t boss me around, an’ I'll git. off when I — git good and ready—not a second be- fore !’? ‘“Vou will get off now.’’ Wald. 5 28 “Ves. Itis plain you have come here to pick a quarrel, and I don’t want any- thing to do with you; but I shall throw you off this engine if you do not get off at once.’’ That was straight talk and sigan: “Vou’re a young bluffer wot thinks youruns the road because you’ve man- aged to git into a place that belongs to with BUY JUST ONE COPY OF “TRUE BLU UE." _ *. 4 TIP TOP WEEKLY. You ain’t got no business runnin’ an engine when there is good another mau. men firin’ that has been at it seven or eight years. I’m one of ’e1n, too.”’ ““You? If you would let drink alone and attend strictly to business, you might stand a show of getting an engine; but you will drink, and you have lift a safe. You have no one but yourself to blame because you are not running an engine, Mr, Chase.’ “Oh, I don’t want no preachin’ from you, and I won’t take it. But I’m goin’ to tell you that you won’t tun No. 70 another week.’’ “TY shall run her till ix: taken off, and I can’t waste my breath on you. Again I tell you to get off!” **Don’t you dare touch ie. GO—acee enough to If you Chase put up his hands to grapple Frank, but, thrust them aside, caught the man by the collar, swung ti bodily out of the a cab, and dropped him beside thé track. It was done so swiftly and easily that the intruder was astounded and bewil- dered. He had come there to make trouble with Merriwell, but he had been handled by the beardless young athlete as if he were a mere child. ‘‘Go on away from _here,’’ Frank, But Bill Chase had drank just enough to make him furious over such ordered treats ment, and he attempted to scramble back . onto the engine, uttering savage language. He was on his hands and knees in the cab whén Frank clutched him again, and a . . . . with a swinging throw sent him flying. ~The man’s feet struck first, but he had ~ been hurled with such force that he plunged forward and fell. As he got up, Chase saw some tools lying near, and he caught up a heavy been drinking now, for your breath is strong like a flash, Merry a eas . So i a : ¥ x, : eer we hammer. With this in his hand he whirled about. *‘Look out, Frank!’ cried Larry. Chase hurled the hammer straight at the young engineer. Frank made a leap aside, and the im- plement past. It had thrown true, and would have struck him if he had not dodged. whizzed been A second later Frank leaped down and started for the enraged fireman. But it was not necessary for Merry to lay hands on him again, for Mike Ganzell came up in a hurry. . ‘““Here, you!’’ he called to Chase. “This settles you! You are discharged!’ ‘*VYou can’t discharge me,’’ retorted the fireman, sneeringly. ‘‘I’m not under you.’ “No, but I'll see that you get a bill of your time as soon as you reach the office, just the same.’’ ‘“What for?”? ‘“*For trying to kick up a row. You have made trouble enough around here.’’ “J won’t accept a notice of discharge from you.’’ “Phen you will accept it from some- body else, for you shall not work another day on this road, and that’s no joke, I know just how to deal with men like you.’? With that Ganzell turned about and’ walked away swiftly. Chase was furious. Herushed at the engine again, as if he would try to climb on board once more, but stopped sud-. a Boe deuly, shaking his fist at Frank. “Vou have done me!’’ he snarled; “but Dll git even with ye, see if I don’t!” “Vou have no one but yourself to “blame,” said Merriwell, quietly. “*Vah! Itell you Ill fix ye! And aS you'll find I ain’t the only one lookin’ _ fer ye! There are others. You won’t run” TIP TOP WEEKLY. OLD GLORY BADGES AS PREMIUMS—SEE PAGE 32. 5 I toldgye that before, an’ now I tell ye so again. an engine on this road a week. Instead of ridin’ in an engine, you’ll ride in a hearse.’’ ““Whoy don’t yez have th’ spalpane arristed fer thritening yez?’’ asked Larry, hotly. ‘‘Yecan do it, Frankie,’’ ‘Oh, you’re in it, too, you Irish whelp!’? grated Chase. ‘‘You ain’t liked none too well, and this settles your case! Il] put the men onter ye!”’ ““G?wan!’’ cried Larry. ‘Av ye don’t, Oi’ll come down there an’ knock th’ block off yez!’? flesh try. et”? Chase had not been quieted by the easy manner in which he was handled by - Metrriwell, and he was still burning fora fig ht. Larry Logan had a quick temper, and, before Frank could stop him, he jumped down from the engine and went at the man. Biff! biff! biff!—Uarry got in three good ones in rapid succession, and the third one popped Chase over. The man had tried to hit Larry, but his blows were wasted on empty air. It’s too aisy!’’ declared the disgust. ‘‘Oi’m ‘‘Begobs! young fireman, in ashamed Oi did it.” “Yah! I'll make ye ashamed!’ Chase came to his feet, an iron bar in his hand.. Heswung the deadly weapon aloft and struck at Larry’s head. Had the bar landed, the Irish youth’s skull must have been crushed like an egg-shell. Frank, however, had jumped down the instant Larry went at the furious man, and now he caught the bar and wrenched it from the hand of Bill Chase, flinging it aside. 3 ‘‘Get onto that engine, Larry,’’ Merry commanded. ‘‘This is my affair, and I will attend to it. Get on, I say.’’ me, 6 TIP TOP WEEKLY, Larry reluctantly obeyed, muttering: “All roight, but Oi couldn’t kape me finger out av th’ poie.”’ ‘“Now,’’ said Frank, to Chase, “you get! I have fooled with you enough, and I won’t leave you in shape to walk out of this building feet if you make any further bother. That’s business!’’ He looked Chase straight in and the denly cowed him. breath, Frank got back onto the engine, pay- on your the eyes, that sud- under man saw something Growling > his he turned away. ing no attention to the workmen who had gathered to witness the trouble, just in time to take the signal to run old 70 out. and was CHAPTER II. A TERRIBLE RIDE. Frank took out a heavy mixed train that day... Among..the. cars were three loaded with railroad iron, and_tley were located near the middle of the train, At one point the track of the Ragged Ridge Branch ran over a mountain, the descent on the further side was all of eight miles and very steep at tlrat. All mountain roads have many curves, , It was and aud this one was no exception. very crooked, who could take a train up the mountain without “doubling” might boast of the feat. At the top of the mrountain was a short tunnel that opened out on making it convenient for th look back and see right. A little more than half way down the mountain, hidden from view by a curve, were a station and freight house, on op- posite sides of the track. At that place there were two sidings which were used a great deal, and as all downward freight trains had instructions and the man a curve, e engineer to if his train was all ” IF YOU LIKE “TIP TOP,” THEN YOU WILL, LIKE ‘TRUE BLUE.” to observe the ‘‘yard limit’? rule and slow, conductors had grown careless and acquired the habit of leaving one switch or the come in dead get off again. Of course a flaginan was sent out, but he never went more than just beyond the curve, when the ‘‘head on’’ switch for if a according to rules, that gave him oppor- tunity enough to show his flag and stop it before it ran through the even was open, train was coming down open switch. Frank had observed all this carefully, and more than once he told Larry that sonie day there would be a catastrophe tight there at that station. ete iron made it a pretty hard pull up the mountain, but Frank knew how to get out of old 70 everything there was in her, and Larry had given him a good supply of steam before the hard grades were reached. **Can b’y?” asked the heavy traflroad ’ J a ye do. it, me Irish lad, anxiously, as the old engine. strained aie gasped-on the last pull. “Oh, I’ve got it now! laughed Merry, with confidence. “‘The old girl will not give out till she pitches over.’ ‘Tt’s a wonder to me how ye th’ thrick,’’? confessed Larry. > road wid newer en- gines pwhat have to double ower.”’ ‘“Well, I I don’t have to waste time in doubling with an ordinary train.’” e iver do are ould men on th ; ‘*Wid an ordinary thrain! Oi hope yez don’t be afther callin’ this an ordinary thrain, Frankie! Whoy, it’s a harrud wan. Jist think av thot railroad iron.”’ ‘Well,’ said F last as they: slowly pulled into the Ss ‘railroad iron or not, she goes over. Inside the tunnel the top of the olitab ia was reached, and the engine pitched a over. Frank shut her off, for she would — other open after going on, so that it would be handy to “There have found out the way, and. . jerildinp sn ane stems 7 silence. erated aw gn ibe rol br: for ca “as. th dt and had sit of after ly to but | the itch own por- stop hh. lly, that phe ta but 70 Iry ail the ine a ~ 2 ee roll ail too fast after that, and need some brakes set. A moinent later he whistled for brakes to the crew the caboose at the rear end of the train, “Pwhat’s th’ matther wid tham?’’ “asked Larry, as the whistle failed to have the desired effect. ‘‘Are they slaping, Oi dunno ?’’ ‘They are not attending to business, ; 4 | arouse in that is evident,’’? said Frank, and he gave the call again. Still old 70 was pushed down swiftiy behind, and in a few of the tunnel on by the weight seconds she rushed out the first plunge of the eight-mile run ~ down the mountain. Both Frank and Larry looked back to } see that the train was all right, but only about half the cars caine through. The'train had parted just aliead of the _ cars carrying the railroad iron! ee ‘‘Howly saints!’’ shouted the Irish lad, turning white. ‘‘It’s broke in two she is, foo Framkie|?? 'That’s what she is,’? said Frank, as he pulled out immediately and blew the ‘“broke in two’’ signal repeatedly. : > ‘‘Pwhere did she do thot, Oi dunno?” “You know as well as I, Larry, but ) = there will be some damage on this division ifthe men don’t get out and. set every cata ke,.”? |~ “Av she follys us, we’ll be in a’ bad we echrape. ” - “Tf she follows us, you will have one of the most exciting rides of your life, but it seems tome that she must have broken on the top of,the grade, and the tear end may have gone the other way.”’ “(Oi hope it has.’ That hope was in vain, for, a second later, Frank shouted: “Here she comes!” : Out of the tunnel shot the detached part of the train, the cars of railroad iron _in the lead. a a YOU SHOULD HAVE A “DEWEY” MEDAL. — TIP TOP WEEKLY. 7 Frank had just shut off, thinking the crew must have got their end stopped, but now he pulled out for dear life, blow- ing his signal wildly as he shot down the destruction in 7 mountain with death and furious pursuit. ‘It’s aslape th’ spalpanes are in th’ cayboose!’’ yelled Larry, excitedly. “‘Av they don’t get out-soon, it’ll nivver kape on th’ thrack !”’ : Shriek after shriek pealed from old 70 as she tore down the track with the reel- ing cars behind her. ' She careened so that it seemed she must leave the track. Then came a that sent her over the other way, and her wheels came down with that broke every pane of glass and loosened struck a curve pretty soon and reverse curve a erash every joint of the cab. Frank and Larry were hurled across the cab by the shock, and the Irish youth was stunned for the moment, but Merry jumped up instantly and got to his post again. Now the cab swayed and rolled about in» an seeming to threaten to leave the engine at any mo-_ meut. If it did so, it would take: Frank and Larry with it to death. “It’s gone to th’ dogs we are, Merry!’ shouted the fireman, pulling himself to his feet and holding on with his hands. ‘Ould Siveuty will go to paces before tly’ foot av th’ mountain is r’ached !”” ‘“‘We must keep clear of that railroad iron if we lave to jump the track to get out of the way,’’ Frank shouted back. As soon as he could steady himself, he grabbed the whistle cord again and con- tinued to blow the ‘‘broke in two’’ signal. — alarming manner, Looking back Frank and Larry saw the following part of the train come twisting like a flash of lightning round the reverse curve. ‘The heavy cars kept 8 TIP TOP WEEKLY, on the track, but it was too much for the caboose. Whlien the reverse caine the car in which the train hands were was snapped off the track with a flirt and went turn- ing end over end down. the mountain to become kindling wood in dreds of feet below. ‘“Thot’s th’? ind av. th’ poor divvils in there!’’ cried Larry. ‘‘God rist their souls !”? a ravine hun- Merriwell was pale, but for all of the awful situation, he showed no symptom of losing his head. ‘‘Steam’s running down, Larry,’’ he shouted. Ill warn you when to hang on for curves. ’? Merriwell’s cool manner served to steady the Irish lad’s quivering nerves. Somehow he got open the fire-box door and got in some coal, though the rolling of the cab and the rocking of the engine caused him to scatter nore outside than he threw in. ‘Hold fast!’’ cried Frank, and Larry stopped and held on, while the engine went lurching round another curve. Now the wind seemed blowing a hurri- cane, and, looking back, Frank could not see the rear end of the section he had, for a great cloud of dust was raised. . He kept pulling the throttle out a notch at a time till the exhaust sounded like a continuous roar. ‘Ay we ivver get out av this, it will be th’ pretiction av th’ saints!’’ declared Larry. “Tf we get out of this, lightaing won’t kill us when it strikes us,’’ cried Frank. So swiftly were they-going that they almost seemed to be falling straight down the mountain. It was only when they came to the curves that the forward motion was felt. . Frank knew they must be near the half-way station, and again he began ‘‘Get some coal into her, and* READ “TRUE BLUE” ONCE, AND YOU WILL READ IT FOREVER. blowing the signal that should tell any- -body down there that he was coming broke in two. é In his heart Frank was praying for a clear track past that station. And then a gasp came from his lips—a gasp of horror. He saw ahead of him, in the middle of the track, a man carelessly waving a red flag. There was a train at the station, and the head-on switch was open! CHAPTER IV. THE WRECK ON THE ROAD. ‘‘Done for!’’ groaned Frank. A cry broke from Larry. Like a flash Frank blew the signal for the last time, as he then believed. He thought it useless as far as he was con- cerned, but it might warn some of hem ahead so they could get out of the way — and escape. with their lives. Through his head flashed the.thought that his wreck would be the greatest on record. His fancy pictured it plainly, and he felt a curiosity to know if he would he instantly killed, or horribly: mangled and die a death of agony. Then he was seized by a fierce desire to have it all over as soon as possible, and he caught the reverse lever with both hands, unhooked her, and dropped her. down two notches. She had been flying before, but he felt her jump ahead still faster under the impetus of this longer point of cut-off. Then he looked ahead again. The flagman had dropped his flag and was running for the switch as if his life depended on it. Perhaps there was a bare chance. Frank shut off his throttle, and the following cars bumped together and rammed the tender with a shock that — nearly upset him. « A oe anc int we ru th tis any- ming for a S—a] n, in essly and for He = 11 ay ht — Pi Se apt lS “understand!” thought Frank. VIP ‘TOP WEEKLY. 9 Once more he seized the whistle cord and blew the sigual. ‘No use!’’ cried Larry. ‘‘It’s kilt intoirely we are!’ Not a word from Frank, for words were useless then. He was watching the running flagman, hoping against hope that the man might reach the switch in time to close it. What if the man were to stuimble and fall! It would be all over in a moment. But the flagman reached the switch, and Frauk saw him reach down and get hold of the lever. It seemed too late for him to fling it over before the engine passed him. - Then old 70 shot straight ahead on the main track, and Frank caught his breath, for hé knew the flagman had closed the switch just in time. On the siding sat the train they had come so near hitting, and a glimpse of the crew was obtained. Then the for- ward half of the freight went by ina cloud of dust. ‘“Thank God!’ came fervently from Merriwell’s lips. The danger -was not over, the mountain lay before them. foot was another station. - Larry Logan seemed dazed by their for still half At the escape, but Frank aroused him by a cry for coal. ‘‘We'’ve got a straight rail for a few seconds,’? shouted Merry. ‘‘Shovel for your life, Larry!’ ; ‘“’Thot Oi will!’ was the answer, and the fireman obeyed. Skrieking her warning, old 70 con- tinued her fearful career down the mountain. “If they will hear it down there and “*T might get far enough from the rear section so they could let me through on the main track and then put that railroad iron fe : READ THE LIBERAL onto a switch. But they won’t do that, for they’ll think the crew is on that part, and so they’ll not wreck the train.”’ But he did not think that there was a telegraph operator at the station he had just passed, and that the operator would see the caboose was not attached to the pursuing section. This was what hap- pened, however, and the operator had dis- patched that information. Fast as old 70 was flying, that message traveled faster, and coming in sight of the station, Merry was surprised and overjoyed to see a switchman making frantic signals for him to go ahead. Frank could not tell how near the pur- suing part of the train might be, but he did everything in his power to widen the distance between them. . Fortunately there was no train at the station, but, looking at his watch, Merry saw one was due in seven minutes, In some way he must stop before he plunged into that train. If the pursuing section was sidetracked, it woula not be difficult. Like a comet the engine and cars shot past the switchman, but the dust made it impossible to look back and see if he opened the siding in time for the follow- ing part of the train. However, for all the roar made by the engine and cars, a few moments later there was a terrible crash, distinctly heard. ‘‘Thot’s th’ railroad oirn, me b’y!”’ cried Larry, gleefully. Frank felt relieved, for at last he knew the great danger was past. Now, as the* foot of the mountain was reached, it was not a hard task to stop the train ina short time. Then they backed up to the station, where, as they expected, there was a terrible wreck. Some of the cars had been smashed into kindling, and the railroad iron was scattered everywhere OFFER. ON PAGE 32. 10 over both tracks. Agricultural machinery, coal, flour and all sorts of stuff were strewn in every direction, and both tracks were iinpassable A flagman was sent out in a hurry to stop the train, and Frank lost no time in reporting to the train dispatcher by wire, telling him just what had happened. When it was all over Larry was ina state of collapse, but Frauk’s nerve did not desert him, although he felt in his heart that the hand of Providence had saved him, and he was more thankful than words could express. It was necessary for: the train aliead to back up to the next siding to let Frank pass, for Merry was ordered on with what. reiuiained of his trai. Tiat night when old 70 ran into the ‘roundhouse the master mechanic himself was on hand to see her and to hear thie report direct from Frank’s lips. Merry told jiis»story of the thrilling race down the mountain, and. Newman listened without comment till it was finished. At the end he said: ‘“You did as well as anybody could, Metriwell, and there will be another en- gine for you to take out in the morning. Make out your regular report and turn it ni? Then he went away. Of course the story of the affair ae reached the roundhouse, but it had been twisted and garbled, as such stories gen- erally are, and it was generally believed that Merriwell would be held responsible in some way for the wreck; therefore there was no small disappointinent among the firemen when it was found that Frank had come out all right. Nick Roper, a fireman who was known as the friend of Bill Chase, came over and stopped Frank as he was leaving. **So ye smashed up half a train for the company?’? said Roper, sneeringly. TIP TOP WEEKLY. CLIF FARADAY 1S A GOOD FELLOW. “Well, it’s just what they can expect of But the next time there is a surash you'll be in it.”’ a greenhorn. “What do you mean, sir???’ demanded Merry, grimly. ‘Just what Isay,’’? growled Roper. ‘Well, that is not very plain. Is ita threat?” ‘“Oh, call it what you like. You was lucky to-day, while them poor devils in the cabocse was killed. It won’t be that way ext time.’ ‘“Your friend, Chase, made some such talk as that to me this morning, and he has been given a chance to rest a*while.”’ ‘But I ain’t goin’ to let my head git away with me, He’sa good inan, and oughter be in your place this minute. ’Stead of that, he was dis- You'll find that it won?t go with the gang.” “Who is the gang??? _ “Don’t you mind, They've got it in fer you, and you'd better git off this road, if you’re anxious to live.” “You will find I cannot be frightened by such insolent threats, Mr. Roper. I won my job by working for it, and I shall hold it, for all of ‘the gang,’ as you call it. I know some of the firemen are sore, but they have no reason to be sore on me. If I must defend myself against a crowd, I will do the best I can, and I am not the only one who will get hurt. That is all.” | ‘‘You crow mighty loud for a boy,’ ‘‘¥ do not crow at all, but I say what I mean. ‘This is not the first time I have had enemies through no fault of my own, but iy enemies have never been very successful against me. In the end, asa tule, they have been sorry that they did not let ine alone.’’ . “This case will be different. I ain’t goin’ to make no more talk about it, but you'd better git off this railroad.’ saine as he done. charged. F ich he reo eit sa ce 1 20 a tv a 22>. tae Then Roper turued away. Frank left the roundhouse fully con- viuced that some of the firemen were plotting against him. ““Tinust keep my eyes open and look out for snags,’’ he decided. CHAPTER -V. A CHANGE OF HABITS. It must not be supposed, that Frank Merriwell could through such a nerve-wrecking experience as lis terrible tide down the mountain without feeling the strain of it, for all that he had seemed made of iron. When he had hind and was on his way home, he began to réalize that he was greatly exhausted and unusually weak. His usually swing- ing, buoyant step slackened and: his legs trembled under him. Inthe time of peril he had been brave and cool, but now the relapse came. Had he been a youth who drank, without doubt he would have tried to ‘‘brace up”’ on whiskey, the very worst thing possi- ble. But no thought of doing such a thing entered his mind. He knew that he needed a rest more than anything else, but it seemed a long walk to the rooms he called home. He was tempted to take pass left the roundhouse be- ~ acab that would land. him at the door, but the fact that it would cost him fifty cents kept him from doing so. For all that. he had been brought up to regard fifty cents as a mere trifle, and he had often spent fifty dollars without a thought of the amount, he now realized the value of money, and there had come a complete change in his habits. Frank understood that the poor lad who is forced to make his own way in _ the world must hold fast to every fifty- - cent piece, every dime, every ceut. It is CALL YOUR FRIENDS ATTENTION TO OUR PREMIUMS—SEE PAGE 32. TIP TOP WEEKLY. ll not necessary to be ‘‘mean’’? in doing this, but one should take not to speud even a cent for an article that is not needed, for even at that price such ryt C There are few poor care an article is dear. weil who practice strict economy, and without it few men ever become rich. The old saying that it is not so hard to earn money as to keep it is just as true to-day as it ever was. Many a man Keeps himself poor by purchasing cheap things that he might get along without. When- ever one 1s tempted to buy anything he should stop aud consider if he cannot get along just as well without it. It was Hawkesworth . who = said: ‘‘Keonony isthe parent of integrity, of liberty and of ease; the beauteous sister of teniperance, of cheerfulness and health; aud profuseness is a eruel and crafty’ demon, that gradually involves her fol- lowers im. dependence and debts, and so fetters them with itons that enter into their innermost souls.’’ Many a man of wealth who is slan- dexed and called a miser proves himself one of the world’s greatest benefactors. Many aman who rigidly denies himself luxuties is found ready and willing to give to the distressed and needy. On the other hand, men who are lavish in their expenditures often turn a deaf ear to the worthy who are in need, re- fusing any assistance. Such men are absolutely selfish and meau, even though they may not spend money for their own pleasure as freely as if it were water. Habits. acquired between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five are alinost certain to cling to one through life, and the young inan should keep down his ex- penses so there would be no foolish waste and at the same time uo stiuginess. It is a good plan to keep an itemized account of all receipts and expenditures, so that he may know just how much money he 12 TIP TOP WEEKLY. has earned and how much he has spent. Occasional reference to this account will tel] been wasted that inight have been saved, and this is likely to him habits of economy. just how much money has teach Frank had begun to keep such an ac- count, and it taught him lessons daily. He well realized that every man is needy who spends more than he has, while no inan is needy who spends less. With a large income a man may so manage his® affairs that he acquires the worst evils of poverty aud shame; while with a sinall income another acquires tlie blessings of wealth and respect. A great evil is the acquirement of un- necessary debts. Many persons purchiase things they can obtain on credit, count- ing on paying for them out of future earnings, when, if they absolutely needed such things, they might find a way to pay for them on acquirement. One of the great secrets of success is,.‘‘Pay as you go!” Pitch the scale of living one degree below your means, and you have acquired the art of living easily. The young man whose means are limited should sharply feel a want before he provides against it. Above all things, do not try to live in a style that is beyond your means. One of the worst habits is that of borrowing, and no one should borrow un- less absolutely compelled to do so. Never borrow when there is the least chance that the loan cannot be repaid. Be sure you can afford to give any sum you may lend. Borrowed money has cut the bonds of a million friendships. In expending mouey be sure to do it in such a way that you imay derive the greatest amount of enjoyment from it, or do the greatest amount of good. There is often greater enjoyment in spending money for another than for one’s self. “TRUE BLUE” IS PUBLISHED EVERY WEEK. Frank had thought over these things a great deal since starting to win his way in the world. Little by little he had formed his policy of living, and thus far When at college he had been liberal and generous he had made no false Steps. with his money, and he was regarded as brave and manly, but now that he was working with hands and brain to climb the ladder of fortune, it required even more bravery aud manliness to deny hiim- self, to cut down every needless expense, | to live as he should on his small earnings. Sometimes he thought of other days when he had not hesitated to purchase anything that struck his fancy Without pausing to ask -the price; but those thoughts never made him discontented with his present lot, never caused liin to’ rebel against fate. Instead of that, he often felt sorry that he had not realized the actual value of money earlier than he did, for he could see that he had wasted not a little in careless .waysthat might have been better spent. The memories of those old days at Far- dale and Yale were pleasant, indeed, but he spent no moments in vain regrets. He had resolved not to look backward with longing, but to look forward with hope. The habit of looking backward and wish- ing for what is past and gone has taken the heart and ambition out of many good men. . Over and over again, Frank told him- self that some day, if he lived, he would have plenty of money, and he would’ know how to use it and how to spend it. And in all his dreams of spending money for pleasure, one person he always saw—Elsie! With his money he would buy her happiness such as he could. Together they would travel the path of life, and he would choose for her feet the smoothest places, while he would bear her in his arms over all the rough and api rc S\ tl h Th gsa way had s far nat rous das was linb ven in- Se, QS, aS. ASE ut se ed saved her and her friend, tocky spots. For her, his dear little sweetheart, he would dare and do any- thing. Well it was for Frank Merriwell that he had such a desire, such an inspiration. Always before him was Elsie, the idol of his heart, his guiding star. Well it is for every youth who has such an inspiration! He was cut off from Elsie for the time, not even knowing her whereabouts, but he had perfect confidence that no per- manent barrier could separate them and time must bring them together again. Who can say that on many occasion of frightful peril it was not this confidence that kept him cool and steady nerved ? Inza was there in the city. He had Jessie Harper, from a frightful peril, and he had called on her at Jessie’s home. As yet they had simply talked of the thrilling adventure, which fortwo days was the talk of the city. From his engine Merry had leaped into the carriage containing the two gitls, and had succeeded in stopping the horse that was running away with them, saving them from a terrible smashup in the railroad yard. No wonder the papers had been full of it. No wonder Frank was becoming one of the best known youus men in the city. On his way home Frank passed bar- rooms, pool-rooms, shooting galleries and other places where men, old and young, were wasting their time and money, but he was not tempted to enter any of them. He could bowl, play pool or billiards, and, was a crack shot, but such pleasures cost money and wasted time that was now very valuable to him, so he avoided them all. And that was an act of courage and nerve, for such habits are the most diffi- - cult to break when once acquired. He reached home at last and inounted READ “SHOW YOUR COLORS, ” AND SEND FOR A BADGE OR BUTTON. TIP TOP WEEKLY. : 12 the stairs. Both Jack and Nellie were there, and the blind girl cried: ‘“You are tired again, Frank! tell it by your step.’’ ‘“‘Well,’? he confessed, laughing, ‘‘I am pretty tired to-night, and there is good reason for it.’’ I can hard day?’ she she clung to his ““Have you had a anxiously asked, as hand, which she had found. ‘‘Rather,’’? he answered, kissing her. ‘tT hope I may.never have another like se “Oh, tell me all about it!’’ **T will after I have taken a bath and changed my clothes. I think a bath will do much to rest me,’’ Frank went into his room and took a cold sponge bath, shaved and put ona complete change of clothes; but he stil] looked tired when he returned to the other room, where Jack was at work get- ting supper. Merry drew a deep breath as he sat down, and that was enough to bring the blind girl to him again. She sat down on a stool at his feet, saying: *‘Now, Frank, you will tell me what has made you so tired.” Then he related the story of the wild ride down the mountain, and before he had told much, Jack stopped to listen. Frank told the storyin a most fasci- nating manner, and it thrilled his two listeners beyond measure. He would have stopped when he saw how excited Nellie was getting, but she urged him to go on. / When he had finished, the girl rose and put both her arms about his neck, saying softly: ‘God kept you from death, dear Frank! Ihave no doubt of that. Did you thank Him for it?” ‘*Ves,”’ said Merry. ‘“‘And I shall thank Him when re my prayers to-night.” 14 ‘Ah, dear little girl!’ he exclaimed, kissing her-again; ‘‘it seems that prayers from your lips niust always be answered.”’ ‘*] pray for you every night, Frank,’’ J YO0a she murmured; ‘‘and I know the g Lord has answered my prayers.”’ “But it is awful, Frank,’’ said the lame boy, ‘‘that you have to encounter such frightful perils.”’ *“Tt seems to me,’’ said Frank, ‘‘that much of my life has been made up of perils, but I ain still living and well.’’ When supper was ready, they sat down to eat, and Nellie asked the blessing in her gentle way. Directly after supper there was a knock at the door. it, and Inza Burtage was standing out- Jack hopped up to answer side. CHAPTER VI INZA’S CALL. Frank saw her and hurried to meet her, taking her hands and drawing her into the room. **Come in, Inza,’’ he said. ‘‘You are welcome here, but you will not find it much like the places to which you have been aceustomed.’?’ Little Nell had started to her feet, and was standing with her hands partly out- stretched, a look of joy on her sweet face. ‘“Inza??? she exclaimed. ‘‘Is it Inza, Frank, of whom you have told me so much? Is it Inza, who talked to me in the park? is it Inza, who gave Jack all that money to help pay for having my eyes treated ?”’ 1 **Ves, Nellie, she is here.”’ The blind girl came forward swiftly. ‘*Oh; Iam so glad!’’ she cried, ‘‘for I have wanted to thank her—to touch her with my hands! Oh, Iam so glad you have come, Inza!’ vt Inza Burrage caught little Nell in her TIP TOP WEEKLY. CLIF FARADAY IS A FOE TO THE SPANIARDS. arms, and half laughing and half crying, kissed her repeatedly. “My dear child!’ she exclaimed; ‘‘I do not wonder that you have found a place in Frank's heart. And now you shall have one im mine, little Nell.’’ *‘Oh, you are so good and noble, too!”’ sobbed the blind girl, feeling of Inza’s face and patting it gently, while tears of happiness flowed down her cheeks. ‘‘It is strange, but all Frank’s friends are so good! Hehas told me so much about you, and now I love you, Inza!’’ It was a most affecting scene, and Frank felt a thick mist rise to his eyes, while little Jack’s hands were clasped and his chin quivering, despite the fact that he was laughing. *“How can Frank’s friends help being good !’’ said Inza. ‘‘Association with him would make then: so,’’ ‘Yes, yes, yes!’ fluttered Nellie. “‘He has made the whole world seem. better to me. He is sucha hero!’ “Oh, say, Nellie!’ protested Merry, in confusion; ‘‘don’t do that! Just spare ny feelings.”’ ‘She can’t help speaking the truth, if she says anything,’’ put in the lame boy, stoutly. ane ‘fAnd this is Jack ?’’ asked Inza, turn- ing to him and holding out her gloved hand. ‘‘I have heard all about you, Jack, and you, too, shail have a place in iny heart.”? Jack took her hand, but he nearly fainted when she put an arm about his neck and kissed him. He could not say a word, but stvod there, gasping for breath. ‘‘Tsee I came too late for supper,” laughed Iuza. “Oh, but you wouldn’t want to eat supper here—you !”’ ‘‘Wouldn’t I?’’ asked Inza. ‘“Of course not.”’ said the boy, quickly. © “Ah! but I would!’ “Why, you’re—you’re so—so——”’ ‘‘T know what you would say, but you are wrong. It would bea great pleasure for ine to take supper with you some day. May I come? We will make such a happy party!” ‘Come? Well, I guess you can come!”? cried the lame boy. ‘‘Why, you can own this ranch !”? ‘"Do come,’’ urged Nellie—‘‘do come, aud we will have a perfectly lovely time! Ican sit and hear you talk, and » know you are near.’ ‘*T will come,’’ promised Inza. Then they sat down and talked. Inza was urged to take off her wraps, but she answered : ‘‘No, I will keep them on, for there is a Carriage waiting outside for me. I have a boy holding the horse.’’ “You calle in a carriage?” ‘Yes, I caine to take you out to drive, Frank—you and Nellie.’’ “Oh,” cried the blind girl, ‘Show good of you!” ; ‘*Miss Harper’s father let me havea team,’’ Inza explained. ‘‘He is awfully kind tome. We will have a beautiful drive this evening; for it is not very cold, and the roads are fine. Come, Nellie, let me help you get on your things.”’ A sudden thought came to the blind girl, and the expression on lier face changed. She slowly shook her head. “T am. tired,’’ she said; ‘‘and it will be chilly. Idon’t believe I will go, Inza.”’ “Oh, yes, do come along!” - Of course you will,”? said Frank. **Ves, go, Nellie,’? urged Jack. Again _she shook her head. ‘“‘T am tired,’’ she repeated. ‘I believe the story Frank told me of his terrible ride down the mountain made me so. TIP TOP WEEKLY. 15 like to, but T ean’t to-uight. Perhaps I will some other night.”? She seemed so much in earnest that they quickly stopped urging her. “‘What is it about a ride down the mountain ?’’ asked Inza. Then Frank told her tie story, making it as short as possible. It moved her greatly. “And to think that you must work where there are such terrible dangers!’ she cried, when he had finished. ‘It is awful!’ ‘*But God will take care of him,’’ said Nellie, with calin confidence. ‘‘I am sure of that, Inza.’’ ; “TI think you are right, for it seems that He has in the past. How you must dislike your work, Frank !’’ ‘‘On the contrary, Inza, I enjoy it greatly. There is something about it that appeals to me—the changes, the excite- ment, the dangers; and the possibilities of making my way upward in the world.’’ ‘‘But it must be such dirty work, and you always were so particular to avoid anything dirty.’? Frank stood up before her. ‘fA inan who is ashamed to soil his hands by honest toil is not much of a man,’’ he said. ‘‘But do you see’ sucha change in my appearance, for all that I do ‘dirty work’? ‘That is the most wonderful part of it,’ declared Inza. ‘‘From your appear- ance I should not know that you do any work at all. How do you manage that?’ ““By taking care of myselfi—by spend- ing time in grooming myself every day. It requires hard work and patience, but I fee] that the result justifies it.” ‘Yes, yes; no matter what you do, you will always. appear the gentlemau that you are. But come, Frank, we can talk as we drive.” | Please do not urge me to go. I would He put on a handsome light top-coat, * ; ba ve , WAR BUTTONS FREE TO ALL READERS, 16 TIP TOP WEEKLY. and drew on a pair of gloves. Then, with a soft brown hat on his head, he was ready to accompany her. She kissed Nellie and Jack, promised to bring Frank home safely, and they went down the stairs. When they were gone, little Nell sat still for some moments, with her hands over her face. ‘“What is it, sister?’ asked the lame boy, anxiously. ‘‘Why do you sit like that ?”? *‘Oh, how I should have enjoyed that drive!’’ said Nellie. much.’’ *“Well, why didn’t you? I know it is not because you are tired.”’ ‘I should have been in the way, Jack; I thought of that. It was better “that I should not go. Now they will be alone with each other, and they can talk freely. Yes, I should have been in the way.”’ ‘Now, who would have thought of that but my own little sister!’’ cried the boy, embracing her. ‘‘T wanted to go so CHAPTER VII. A DRIVE IN THE TWILIGHT. In the dusk of the evening they drove out beyond the city limits, out along a hard, wide road. ‘The horse was spirited aud willing. The air was crisp and‘cold, for the fingers of autumn were stripping the brown and withered leaves from the trees, weet Frank had taken the reins. At first they did not talk much. Being alone, they found it strangely difficult to keep up a conversation. ‘Their situation was peculiar, and it embarrassed them both. At last Inza said: ‘*T received a letter from Elsie to-day.’’ Frank started. ‘You did?”’ he said, huskily, aud then oh _ stopped short. “* Yes, Boston.”’ **Where is she?”’ ‘*You do not know ?’’ “No. You know she made me promise not to write to her.”’ ‘She is with her father on, his vessel, which was lying in New York when she wrote. ‘They were about to start on a voyage to Rio Janeiro.”’ ‘“Then she will be a long time away from this country.’’ It was forwarded to me from ‘Yes, it will be quite a long voyage.’ They were silent. The horse was walking now. In the distance where the autumn twilight lay like blue smoke on the face of the earth a watch dog was barking. Lights were gleaming from the windows of the houses along the road. “Tam sorry that you and Elsie sepa- rated as you did,” Inza finally murmured. “It was not right that you should, Brank.”? “Why wasn’t it. right?” mechanically. ‘*Because—because I know you—you care so much for each other.’ Frank straightened up. ‘‘Yes, Inza, we do care very, very uiuch for each other,’’ he said, as if re- solved to face the task of making a clean breast of it. ‘Elsie Bellwood is very dear to me.”’ he asked, Juza turned her head away a moment. ‘In all the world you could not find | another girl who is her equal, Frank,’ she said, still looking away into the gathering gloom. ‘*Ves, Inza,’’ he said, swiftly; ‘‘there is another who is her equal. I know that, and Elsie knows it.”’ ‘‘How can you say that!’ ‘‘Because it is true.”’ : ‘‘Do you know another girl with such ideas of honor as Elsie holds ?’’ **T believe I do.’’ Don’t You Want To Know A Fine Fellow? Clif Faraday Is One. TIP TOP WEEKLY. 17 **T doubt it.’’ ““Inza, I have wondered a thousand times if you could understand the posi- tion in which I am placed. other girl, and I believe you are fully as noble as Elsie.’’ ‘fNo, no, no!’ “‘T say yes! You have shown it in many You lieving I had chosen Elsie in preference to you, you kept your pledge to her, and remained her friend.”’ ways. showed it when, be- Inza shook her head. ‘That was not test enough,’’ she de- clared. ‘‘I bound her to the same pledge; Iimade her promise she would remain my friend if you chose What sort of a girl would I have been had.I broken that pledge!’ me. ‘“‘Not many girls in your place would have stopped to consider that. You were the one I knew first, and we were very dear friends till I met Elsie.”’ oa ‘“We have remained friends since then.’’ ‘Which is remarkable. 1 presume it was weakness on my part, but I must con- fess that there was a time when I was un- able to tell which of you I cared for the more. When I was with you, you seemed to be the one; but when I was with Elsie, I felt that I was not using either,of you as I should, hut——’’ ‘“We were mere girls then, and you were nothing but a boy’ Now it is different.”’ ‘*Perhaps so. at it in that way.’ Inza was making things easier for him, but Frank could not help wondering how imuch it cost her. He knew she was brave of heart, and it seemed that he admired her now as much as he ever had in all his life. it seemed to be her. aim glad es you look _ Her gloved hands were clapsed in her lap, but he did not know with what a desperate grip her fingers were entwined, You are that, as if she were clinging to something with all her strength to keep herself steady. ‘‘Ves,”? she murmured, ‘‘we were very- young. ”’ old now,”’ he said, es times of late I have been called a boy.”’ ‘*We than we, wiser,”’ “And we are not very with a forced laugh. dozen were—aad Pd are older ‘Vou have changéd, Iuza.”’ She started. “Ts that it?” ‘And did the change alter your affections ?”’ she exclaimed. **T thought so once, but now I know better. I thought you world-wise for me, but I was wrong, Now I believe there is but one explana- tion of it. Love goes where it chooses, not where it is sent. There is something about Elsie that draws me like a magnet, even though I believe you her equal in every way. It seems to me that we were intended for each other.’’ Inza nodded slowly. ‘‘T have come to believe that,’’ she said. ‘‘Last summer I thought Elsie had become fickle and False, although I could not understand it at all. It seemed that she had thrown you over in a most heartless and cold-blooded manner. Even while I despised her for it, I was not sorry, Frank. I make this confession now, for I know you will not misunderstand ime, and will not think worse of me for it.’’ had become too ‘‘No, no, Inza; I understand, my dear gitl, Ithought the same thing, and I tried hard to bring myself to regard Elsie with indifference; but I found that was impossible, even though she seemed un- worthy. Somehow she haunted me, and I could not thrust her out of my heart and my life, though I tried again’and again. I would vow she was not worth a second thought from me,’and then I would grow desperate and distracted because it was so. A thousand wild fancies filled my | brain. ae ae in the Eagle’s Claws is Our “ Now Will You a Good : Button—See Page ae . 18 ‘ TIP TOP WELKLY., Once I thought I would find a way to win her back, and then, when she thought she had ime fast would throw her down. aor g dao it. it, even if I About and.” reason, and safe, I I theught I could Now I know I could not have done had still believed her fickle. most things I can my head but in this matter I was governed entirely by my heart, and I threw reason to the winds.”’ ‘Which her, and how impossible it is for any one use shows how truly you loved to come between you. I might have con- tinued to think Elsie fickle had I not talked with the little blind girl that day you left her in the park. She told me everything. It is right, Frank, that I should know how things are.’’ “Ves, itis right, and I am glad that you know now. You have proved what a noble girl*you are, Inza, and I honor you more than words can express.’ *‘T am glad you do, Frank, for it is good to know you think ‘ gleaming sky. words passed between them, On the outskirts of the city four men suddenly leaped into the road. ‘Iwo of them caught the the head, while the others made sh for the car» triage, plainly on mischief bent. many horse by a da CHAPTER VIII. A DESPERATE STRUGGLE. **Get out!”? Frank Merriwell uttered the shout. Swish!—the whip he had suatched from its socket cut through the air and feli with stinging force on the back of the horse. but The animal made a great leap, with a hand of iron, one of the mien set the creature fairly back upon its haunchies. Iuza was nearly precipitated trom the arriage, and Frank caught hold of to keep her from toppling out. Having to his attention thus to her fora moment, Frank found no oppor- tunity to beat off the assailants at once, as he had hoped he might. But he was forced to turn his attention to one of the men, for the fellow sprang up and clutched him, trying to drag him from the carriage. With a.snap, Frank broke the man’s hold: Quick as thought, he reversed the whip in his hand and struck with it. - Crack !|—the blow sounded distinctly. Backward reeled the man, falling i inl a heap beside the road. iy Now it happened that two others had come up behind, and they attempted to come over the back of the carriage, her give Frank turned to meet them. Se All of the men had their faces hidden by masks. Bice 6 ; Merry realized that this matter was no : joke. He had been attacked by g genuine : effective, but the ruffian hold of the whip, as he dodged away. highway ruffians and they meant to do him serious injury. Had he possessed a revolver at that monrent, he would not have hesitated to use it; but his only weapon was the whip, aundvhe made the most of that. “Come on, you curs!’? he laughed, in his old reckless way. ‘‘You will finda hot time around here before you turn the trick.”’ Again he struck, and again a man staggé¥ed backward, uttering a cry of pain. The first one had recovered and found his feet. A scream caine from Inza. “Help, Frauk—help!”’ Merriwell turned and saw a man had grasped her and was trying to drag her from the carriage. A cry of rage escaped Frank’s lips. **VYou miserable whielp!”’ -He caught and held Inza, struck at the man. while he The blow was not tried to catch All the while, held by the two men at its*head, the horse was rearing and jump- ing’, jerking the carriage so that some of Frank’s blows went wild. “Get hold of him 1? roared a hoarse voice. ‘*‘Drag him out! Be liye about ity boys!’ Frank kept turning round and round to beat them off, but he continued to laugh. ““Walk up! Walk up!’’ he cried, in a manner that seemed really gay. ‘*Come ou and take your medicine! Here is your pill, sir!” Again he cracked one of the fellows over the head with the heavy butt of the whip, and the man dropped. **Some of you will have sore cocos in the morning,’’ he said. ‘‘You will have to carry them in slings.”’ ‘*We’ll have you in a box!”’ snarled a voice that seemed familiar. x ‘*Marvelous!’”’ he flung back. ‘‘It isn’t the first time that game has been tried on me, but the box is “still emipty.’’ Beating back a man from the rear of the carriage, he whirled about and, turn- ing the whip in his hand, lashed the __ horse repeatedly. & DO YOU WANT A FLAG BUTTON OR PIN? TIP TOP WEEKLY, 19 The animal plunged ahead some dis- tance, dragging the two men at its head, but they stopped it again with their hands of iron, and Frank was forced to give his attention once more to the assail- ants about the carriage. This time three of them came at him at once. He struck the first one fairly with the whip, which he held in his right hand, and dashed his left fist into the face of another with terrific force. The third, however, obtained a hold upon him, aud he was almost torn from the carriage. In fact, the only thing that saved him was a quick twist, by which he slipped out of his coat and left it in the hands of the man. This did not give him relief more tifan a second, for the one who had been struck by the whip and his companion who had felt Frank’s fist came in again witha rush. Still Merry laughed. ‘It is growing warmer,’’ he said. ‘“Why, this is a regular jamboree! It isn’t often I go against anything so swift as this. How do you like that!”’ Agaia he struck, but again one of the men got hold of him, and he was yanked down | upon the seat, where he was help- less for the moment. Then, with a scream of rage, Inza Burrage dashed both her hard little fists into the face of the man who had hoid of Frank. The attack in that direction was unex- pected, causing the man to: start back- ward, and Frank wrenched away. **Well done, Inza!”? he cried, as he scrambled up again. ‘‘You played your card just in time.’? ‘‘But the game isn’t over,’? fiercely from one of the men. The horse was still held by the two at its head, and they were doing what they could to keep the animal quiet. Frank saw this, and again he lashed the creature with the whip, setting it to rearing and jumping. Sometimes “the men were lifted clean off their feet, and the carriage was dragged some distance down the road. By this time the ruffians were thor- oughly furious, for it had not seemed possible that Merry could make such a ”? came 20 resistance. It began to seem that he would break away and escape. One of the men shouted to the others. Again they went at the, carriage. Again they sought to drag Merry off. “Strike, Frank — strike screamed Inza. Two of the desperadoes were coming quick!” over the back of the carriage. One of them caught Inza’s wrist aud nearly dragged her off a second time. Frank Merriwell’s white teeth came together with aclick. The whip in his hand, which he had no time to reverse, cut about the neck of the ruffian. _ As the fellow shouted with pain, threw up his hands and fell back, ~ Jaughed again. + “Vou will get all the medicine you want!’ he promiséd. Now he turned tl hip, | ] her ow he turned the wip, but tne othe nian dodged when he struck, and the blow, wasted on empty air, nearly pitched it Frank from the carriage. With a jump and a grab, the man caught held. of the whip and attempted to tear it away from Merriwell. Even as the whip was caught, Frank gave ita sharp jerk, and he was fortunate in snatching it from the man. Up it went—down it came! It wasa glancing blow, knocking the man’s hat from his head. ‘The fellow went over against the wheel, but came up standing again ina moment. But he leaped back when he saw the whip raised once more. The two other came at each side of the carriage. Frank looked after I1za’s side first, and the fellow dodged; but he could not escape Merry’s second stroke. It sent him reeling away, uttering a howl of pain. Then Frank turned to find a man had climbed almost into the carriage behind him. ‘The fellow was reaching to clutch Merry when he received the hard fist of the young engineer fairly on the chin. It was a pushing blow, as the man had been too near, but it lifted the ruffan and hurled him from the carriage. Frank realized that his success in re- pulsing so many under such circum- stances was wonderful, and it was his - hope now to get away at once. Again he gave his attention to the Frank Have You Read Clif Faraday’s Adventures In Morro Castle? TIP TOP WEEKLY. horse. creature. Swish—crack! swish—crack! The men at the horse’s head had done well to hold the creature so long, but now the animal was fairly mad with pain and fear. It snorted and reared. “With its forward feet it struck one of the men to the ground. E Then the other was unable to hold thie creature longer. He made a great leap to get away, and the maddened animal shot down the road, **Hurrah!’’ cried Merry. way todoit!? He found the reins, and set about try- ing to hold the runaway, for the horse was running blindly and furiously. “Tl pull him down before long, Inza,’? said Frank, with confidence. ‘Don’t be frightened.’’ There was no answer. He turned to look at the’ girl, whom .he expected to firid at his side. She was not there! CHAPTER IX.” DONE FOR A’ LAST. Again he used the wliip on the ‘“That’s the Inza was gone. Frank reeled from discovery. She was gone, and he was alone in the carriage that was being dragged toward the city by the runaway horse. ‘*Great heavens!’’ he groaned. dreaiing ?”’ It was no dream, but a terrible reality. What had happened to Inza? ; He asked himself the question, and then, with frantic haste, he tried to pull the horse down. ‘‘T must save her!’ he gasped. ‘‘I will save her!”’ But the animal had the bit in its teeth, and all Frank’s efforts seemed wasted. The horse rau on, the carriage bounding and rocking. Every second was: carrying Merry farther and farther from the ruffians and Inza, and he was becoming desperate and furious. It seemed that his efforts must throw the horse, but the creature appeared to have a neck of iron. the shock of the *fAin I ¥ TIP TOP WEEKLY. 21 Then Merry ventured everything ona wild chance. Up to his feet le rose, look- ing in the darkness for a favorable place to leap. He believed he saw it. With his teeth set, Frank leaped from the carriage! Through the air he flew, his feet struck the ground, and, after making two leaps in the attempt to keep upright, he went down. Freed from any restraint, the imad horse tore along the road, disappearing in the darkness. Merriwell seemed to coine to his feet quite as swiftly as he had been thrown, and he did not pause to see if he had been injured. ‘Heaven help me!’’ he prayed. Then he turned back and ran likea deer along the road. He wondered if he could tell just how far he had been car- ried alone by the runaway. Again and again. he asked himself what had happened to Inza. Had she fainted and fallen from the carriage after they ‘had broken away from the ruffians? His heart,stood still at the thought, for he knew that it meant a terrible discovery for him. He peered at every black shadow be- side the highway, fearing it should prove “to be the body of his beautiful com- panion. Once, with a hoarse cry, he stopped thinking he had found her; but that, too, proved a shadow, and he leaped on again. Frank prayed as‘he ran. His heart seemed bursting with the wild desire to reach her. Had she been dragged from the car- tiage by the rufhians? If so, it must have happened just as the horse broke from the two who were holding its head. Mite <3 ead He shouted her name as he ran. Away in the darkness the watch dog answered by barking, but that was all. The despair that took possession of him was crushing and awful. It was such as one inight ‘feel who has lost all that is dear in the world. He thought that. Elsie was ‘left, but Inza had loved him, and, if anything serious happened to her now, he knew he could never forgive himself. Somehow he felt as if Elsie were urg- ing him on, imploring him to save Inza. ‘*Yes, sweetheart—I will, I will!’ he panted. ‘You know I would go through a furnace of fire for you! I will find her —I will save her!”? It seemed that he must be near the spot where the fearful struggle had taken place. He tried to make out if it was so, but he could see nothing that told him the truth: ““Inzal Inza! Again he shouted. her name, and the cry went out across the fields. ‘The bark- ing of the watch dog was mellowed by the distance. *“No auswer!’’ he groaned. ‘‘Oh, those wretches shall suffer for this work! I. will give up everything to hunt them down and have them punished! They struck the wrong one when they came at me!?? A question came to him. Whio were they? Then he remembered that the voice of one of them had sounded familiar. ‘‘It was somebody that knew me— somebody I knew!’ Quick as a flash came the thought of his trouble in the roundhouse with Bill Chase. He remembered Chase had ut- tered’ threats, and so had Nick Roper. He had been told that he would not hold his job as engineer. ‘The ‘‘gang’’ would ‘‘do him up.’’ : This was the ‘‘gang.’’ He felt sure of that. An attempt had been made to ‘‘do him up.”? “Oh, if I had possessed a loaded re- volver!’? he groaned. ‘‘I would have finished some of them, and Inza would be safe with me now.”’ Never in all his life had he felt more desperate. He slackened his steps and stared around, for he felt sure he must be near the spot where he had been stopped. Again he called: **Inza—oh, Inza!’ Just as he paused to listen, from a short distance to the left camea sudden scream, that was cut short. That scream sent Frank into the air as if it had been a bullet whistling past his ear. He wheeled and bounded from the highway out across the fields. WAR BUTTONS AND BADGES FREE—SEE PAGE 32, _ WAR, aES 1>4< >< 2 > Customer (to barber) —It’s pretty cold in here. Barber—Yes, sir, it is chilly this morning. Customer—If you’ve no objections, I’ll keep on my hat while you’re cutting my hair. And he wondered why the barber smiled, : —_———- +410 4+ : Young Man—So Miss Ella is your eldest sister? - Who comes after her? . Small Brother—Nobody ain’t come as yet; but _pa says the first fellow that comes can have her, HAVE YOU MET CLIF FARADAY? TIP TOP WEEKLY. 29 Correspondence: J. B. O., Peru, Ind.—The following waterproof solution will stick down the seams of a_ water- proof coat that have come apart: India rubber in small pieces, one ounce; boiled oil, one pint; dis- solve by heat; then add one pint hot boiled oil; stir well and cool. H. M. J., Lansing, Mich.—A standard is a flag under which men are united together for some common purpose. The use of the standard as a rallying point in battle dates back to very remote ages, at which time it consisted of an object fixed to the end of a pole, and borne like the modern flag, but unlike it, not intended to wave or flutter with the wind. The national flag is called an en- sign, : H. H. A., Galveston, Tex.—In the daytime we cannot see the stars because of the superior light of the sun, but with a telescope they can be traced, and au astronomer will find certain stars as well at noon as at midnight. And when looking at the sky from the bottom of a deep well or lofty chim- ney, if a bright star happens to be directly over- head, it can be seen with the naked eye, even at midday. F. lL. £., Denver, Col.—There are certain rules of punctuation necessary to. be observed; but they are not always carried out in the same manner, Many authors have a style of punctuation peculiar to themselves, and if they are at all distinguished, they can insist upon its being carried out. As a rule, however, a printing office has its own ‘‘by- laws’? upon the subject, controlled and regulated by the printer’s reader, It would obviously never do for one journal to contain all the vagaries in punctuation which every contributor might feel disposed to inflict upon the general reader. N. S. S., Yankton, Dak.—Sperm whales are — usually 60 or 70 feet long, and some specimens even exceed this. The circumference of these monsters is between 30.and 40 feet, and the head is enormously large, forming one-half of the entire bulk of the animal, and occupying more than one- third of the entire length. The general color is very dark gray, nearly black on the upper parts, « and lighter beneath. The mouth is very large and wide, and the throat, unlike that of the Greenland ~ whale, is capacious enough to admit’ the body of a man. F, S. M., Kent, Ohio. —The following rules for strengthening the voice will be found useful: 1, Be very temperate in eating and drinking. 2. Avoid causes of excitement, mental or bodily. 3. When about to sing let the body be ina simple uncon- strained posture. Practice two or three times a day, but at first not longer than ten minutes ata time, one of which should be before breakfast. Open the mouth widely at all times, in the higher notes especially; open it to the ears as if smiling. Let every word he heard distinctly. Take nothing _ to clear the voice but a glass of cold water, and al- ways avoid pastry, rich cream, coffee, cake, nuts, etc., when you intend to sing. — a 30 Eleven First-Rate Summer Drinks. HOW TO MAKE THEM. ee es en Cider Cup.—Place in alarge jug a bottle of sparkling cider, a bottle of soda, and one or two glasses of sherry, and sweeten with powdered sugar. Lastly, throw ina sprig of borage, or a few slices of cucumber. Milk Lemonade.—Take a tumbler of sherry, a tumbler of lemon juice, and six ounces of castor . sugar. Pour two tumblers of water on the other finids while boiling. Add nearly a pint of milk, strain and serve cold with ice. Imperial Nectar.—Pour one and a half gallons of boiling water on to one and a quarter pounds of loaf sugar, mix one ounce of the best ginger, and one ounce of lemon juice. When quite cold, strain and ferment with one ounce yeast, then bottle. Spanish Beer.—Boil two ounces of dandelion leaves, five ounces of ginger, and half an ounce of hops, in five gallons of water. Strain off and boil again, adding three pounds of sugar, and two ounces of Spanish juice. Allow this to ferment for twenty-four hours, and then bottle for use. Lemonade. —Boil together one quart of boiling water, one sliced lemon, and «one pound and a quarter of lump sugarfor a few moments, when nearly cold add half an ounce.of citric acid and one teaspoonful of essence of ginger. Two table- spoonfuls of this added to a tumblerful of soda wa- ter will make a deliciously cooling drink, It will keep for several weeks. Lemon Wine is very quickly prepared and most refreshing on hot days. It is best made this way: Boil two quarts of water with two pounds of loaf sugar, until the sugar is dissolved, then add one ounce of citric acid. When cold stir in witha spoon (a silver one for preference) twenty drops of essence of lemon, and eighteen drops of spirits of wine. Color this with a few blades of saffron. Strain and bottle. Barley Water does not sound so appetizing as it might, but it is really most excellent. if well- ‘flavored and iced. You prepare it thus: Place three ounces of pearl barley ina saticepan with one and a half pints of cold water, boil it for a few minutes, and then pour the water away and thor- oughly wash the grains. This makes the barley water nice and white. Return the barley to the saucepan with about a quart of water and boil. Strain, flavor with orange, » gently for two hours. Jemon or vanilla, and sweeten to taste. If rice is used instead of barley, it makes a pleasant change. ra Lemonade Without it emond:--"Phis drink bottles well, and will keep some time. Two or three tea- spoonfuls added to a tumbler of hot water make a very refreshing substitute for lemon squash. Take five pounds of loaf sugar and one quart of cold = water and let it boil gradually. When quite boil- Pater. i ; s ; x BE. PATRIOTIC—WEAR A BUTTON. TIP TOP WEEKLY. ing pour it onto three ounces of citric acid and two drams of essence of lemon. When this is quite cold, bottle for use. The cost is small, and all the ingredients very easy to procure. Sherbet Powders are invaluable in hot weather, especially to the youngsters. They are made with fourteen and a half ounces of castor sugar, three and a half ounces of bicarbonate of soda, twelve grains of powdered orange peel, twelve drops of essence of cedrat, sixty drops of oil of orange peel, and four ounces of tartaric acid. Carefully dry all the powders and crush fine. Then mix quickly, place in a large bottle and cork tightly. Be careful to store this in a dry place. Add two teaspoonfuls to half tumblerful of water, when required for use. Ginger Beer, No.1.—Place ina large pan two and a half pounds of lump sugar and the peel of two lemons cut very thin. Boil one and a half ounces of ginger in nearly three gallons of water, and when it boils pour it over the sugar and- lemon in the pan. Stir in one ounce of cream of tartar, mix the whole and cover witha thick cloth, leave till only lukewarm, and then add one table- spoonful of yeast spread ona piece of toast, hot from the fire, andthe juice of the two lemons. Let it work for twelve hours, strain through mus- lin, and bottle. ‘The beer will be fit to drink in two or three days; the corks of the bottles should be tied or wired down. Giriger Beer, No, 2.—Boil together for half an hour two gallons of water, two ounces of whole ginger bruised, and two pounds of sugar, Strain” the liquor into a tub, and add half an ounge of cream of tartar and two lemons sliced. Allow it to cool, when lukewarm spread two tablespoonfuls of yeast on a slice of bread and put it into the mix- ture, let it stand for a day, skim and pour care- fully into bottles, leaving the sediment in the tub. ° Cork it, and secure the corks with wire, In ten days it will be fit for use. @»it>i->+ort]? “Tt was a dreadful moment,’’ said the dentist. “T was bathing quietly when the great, cavernous jaws of the shark opened before me.’’ ‘‘What did you do?” asked a friend. ‘“‘T took my forceps out of the pocket of my bathing suit and pulled his teeth before he had a chance toseize me. It was the neatest work I ever did,’’ is << >< orto ~ —_>4o> It is well known that some of the novels bearing Dumias’s signature are not his own. Meeting his son one day, he asked him whether he had read his latest novel. ‘‘No,’? said Dumas, Jr., who for his ready wit. ‘‘Have you???’ oe HO was remarkable The number of newspapers published in this — country is 19,582 in the English language, with 741 German, 65 Swedish, 56 Spanish, 51: French, 35 Bohemian, 33 Polish, 25 Italian, 18 Dutch and 18 Hebrew. : i OEY NE > Gigs eee Master—What is a pedestrian? Schoolboy-——A person who doesn’t ride a bike. " | We have } start and fi 4A and old fol the top of hoping to 4 BS Meyer ex Lo Hoboken, Pp, S.— Merriwel The wu Frank M “per, and — iustruct ‘pook pt Trust A. Bdw. I rec sent m| One H his for the $a} Hoch g reade! Iw Week after nore read a Beal area, . far V the pri ms JA kn of acid and en this is small, and ; Weather, Hade with 34r, three a, twelve drops of ISe peel, y dry all quick] y; > Careful 00nfuls for use, an two peel of a half water, r and. [am of cloth, table. t, hot nous, nlus- k in lould an J om hole an radi 9 O.Ofsias t to of Tx. res aD, en *) and old folk. We have read your Tip Top Library from the Start and find them a respectable book for young Hoping that Frank may climb to 'the top of the ladderin the nearby future—also hoping to hear from Elsie Bellwood, Inza Burrage and Bart Hodge, etc.—we remain, Yours as ever, | Meyer Lopez, Patrick Mullaney, Archie Price, b Hoboken, N. J. P. S.—Long live the Tip Top Library and Frank Merriwell, _ The undersigned have read your books about _ Frank Merriwell.from No. 1 tothe present num- ber, and are very well pleased with them. For an instructive book we think it surpasses any other ‘book printed of its kind. Trusting they may continue so, we are, J. Edw. Reifsnyder, Irvin S, Shadel, Reading, Pa I received the excellent timepiece which you sent me as one of the successful competitors of the One Hundred Issue Contest. I am sorry Frank lost his fortune, but, nevertheless, I admire him just the same. I hope to hear something of Elsie and Hoch Mason soon. I remainas ever, a devoted reader of the Tip Top Weekly. Hamlet B. Rowe, Frankfort, Ky. Iwant tothank youfor placing the Tip Top Weekly within my grasp. Most authors get dry after a few issues, but I never had ‘my heart stirred more than by the last copy of the Tip Top. I have read nearly every issue. God bless the author of Frank Merriwell and may he live forever. Yours truly, Boren BE. Slocum, New York City. ‘ We write this to congratulate you on furnishing the American youth with the best novels ever printed—the Frank Merriwell stories. We would like to have Frank enlist in the army or navy, knowing that Mr. Standish would makea suecess of it. Weremain your constant readers, . Paul Pitchlynn, Edward Boyd, Washington, D.C. I have been a constant reader of the Frank’ Merriwell ever since it has been published and ex- pect to continue as long-as the book is printed. Hoping to hear from Frank’s old friends and Elsie Bellwood, I remain your constant reader, Vana Montgomery, Wilmington, N. C. We have been reading your Frank Merriwell stories from the time he went to Yale up to the present date, and we think them excellent stories. We would have liked to have seen Frank go through Yale before he met with his misfortune, | but we know that he will soon go rapidly up the ladder. We hope ‘that his misfortune will not think it is the tip top sure enough. TIP TOP WEEKLY, 31 keep him separated from his friends— Browning, Hodge and Diamond, but that they will frequently meet and have some good times together. We have noticed that two of the readers of this library expressed a desire that Frank would throw over Elsie Bellwood and get stuck on Inza Burrage, but we would rather see him stick to Elsie, Wishing your Tip Top Library great success, Leonard Wilson, Howard Stark, Memphis, Tenn. I wish to congratulate you onthe phenomenal success that you have met with in presenting your publication, Tip Top Library, to the public. I am only a boy 17 years of age, and am making my own way in the world, and I, like Frank Méerri- well, began at the very lowest round in the ladder of life, and, thanks to the imaginary Frank Merri- well, whose ways and morals I have tried to copy, now consider niyself on the way to a good position. I also wish to thank you for the occupation that was chosen for this thoroughy American boy, as it certainly requires nerve to be a+ locomotive en- gineer, I am a railroad man myself, and so can the more readily secure good thoughts and plans from your great works, Tip Top Weekly. Again I say please accept my thanks and good wishes for the future. Respectfully, James Loyd Haley, Salem, Ili. [have taken Tip Top Weekly for about six months now and I must say that you do not exag- gerate when you call it ‘‘An ideal publication for the American youth,’’ Frank Merriwell is truly the boys’ ideal, and as for Mr. Standish, I think he is the best boys’ author I have ever read. I hope he will soon tet us hear from Bruce. Brown- ing, Bart Hodge, Jack Diamond; Hans and a few other old’favorites..~I think I would like to see Frank make a little money and go to Yale fora little vacation and meet all his old chums. But I leave this to Mr. Standish to select, as he has such aknowledge of what boysliketo read. I hope that Tip Top Weekly will continue as good as it always has been and its subscription list cannot help but enlarge. Frank McAllister, Minneapolis, Minn. I have been reading the Tip Top Weekly and Have shown the books to several people, and they do not stop with one, but read them all. I am a boy and want to say that I think them the most instructive books for boys that ever have or ever will be writ- ten. Wishing you success in the future with Frank taking step by step in his new career, I will close, remaining one of your constant readers of the Tip Top. Robert B. Camp, Jackson, Tenn. £ Z A a TIP 'TOP WEEKLY. 32 © a : as ’ Tip Top Quarterly. A Great Series! The earlier issues of Tip Top Weekly are now on sale in the Se ae orm of Quarterlies, each including 18 consecutive issues of this 9 ats weekly, talvatliee with the 13 original illuminated illustra- FRANK MERRIWELL S BICYCLE TOUR ACROSS tions, and an elegant cover in colors. The price is 50 Cents per THE CONTINENT volume, for which sum they will be sent by mail post-paid to any address in the United States, , = = NOW READY. =~ = Comprising Thirteen Issues of the No. 3, *s Nos. 27 to 89 of Tip Top Weekly. ; 3 Yo. ¢ Vos, 52 of Tip Jeekly. de : : Nos, 40 to 52 of Tip ‘Top Weekly ‘Tip ‘Kop Weekly Nos. 53 to 65 of Tip Top Weekly. No. 6, ee Nos. 66 to 78 of Tip Top Weekly. fe : esi: e cs Nos. 79 to 91 of Tip Top Weekly. Complete in No. 5 of the eBay TOP QUAR- . aes rics a got the Quarterlies, remit direct to TERLY, with all the original illuminated the publishers, illustrations. . Admirers of Frank Merriwell STREET & SMITH, 81 Fulton St., N,¥. should have this book by all means. —— Price, SO Cents. OUT-DOOR SPORTS. q Sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt of price serie Sersg a genet aee playing many of the most popular out by of-door games is found inthis took, The gamesare illustrated Sty ° ; and very easily mastered. Priceten cents. Address STREET & SMITH, Publishers, STREET & SMITH, 25 Rose street, New Vork, Manual Library Department), SI Fulton Ht: New York, = Show Your Colors! __Every American boy should wear a patriotic emblem to show where his sympathies lie in these stirring times of war, Messrs. Street & Smith have made arrangements to present a patriotic badge or J button to every reader of their popular publications for boys. The conditions alec easy. Read them. itl We publish six 32-page, illuminated cover weeklies for boys, retailing for five cents each, as follows: 7 The True Blue, The Klondike Kit Weekly, > The Starry Flag, The Nick Carter Weekly, —_.. The Tip Top Weekly, The Diamond Dick, Jr. : We wisi the readers of one series to become acquainted with the entire line. On and after the present date the er coupon at the foot of this column will be printed in each one of the above-mentioned publications, Three coupons, a. each clipped from a different publication, mailed to our office, will entitle you to one of the following, sent to your address, post-paid, free of all expense. . 1, American Flag, embossed on gold ground, button or| 5. Silk Bow, with American and Cuban flags combined, . pin as preferred. or American flag alone, as preferred, , . “Medal with Admiral D ) trait 6. Celluloid American Flag on pin, 2 : 4 et ates Main ewey's portrait On) - Button 1 1-4 inches in diameter in the following designs: a. front, and picture of the Maine on reverse, pendant, A—American Flag. B—Cuban Flag. C—Amer, from Aluminum emblem. | ican and Cuban Flags together. D—American and i $, ane American Flag, in metal, embossed in red, white, poe: ee. Cae waa nee \ olue and gold, Three styles—button, scarf pin and} =f : ” J—Thelowa. J—The ladies’ hat pin, State your choice, Now, will you be good,” «#-—Thellowa. J ih Oregon. K—The Massachusetts. L—The Indiana, 4. American Flag on white enamelled button with lever- M—The Brooklyn. N—The Columbia. O—The hinge. (Two of: these will make a neat pair of Texas. P—General Lee (order by letter and num- cuff buttons.) Se ber, as 7-B., 7-D., etc.) — You can secure as mapy pins and badges as you desire, provided you send sufficient coupons. Three coupons secure any of the above- “ provided each of the set of three is from a different publication. ORDER BY NUMBER. Send in your coupon, Remember this is a purely gratuitous gift on our part, intended to cail your attention to others of our publica- tions besides the ones you mre now purchasing, If you cannot procure what you desire from your newsdealer, send us ten cents aud one : popes, and we will send you by or mail a copy of two other publicationsand the badge which you may select. Address your coupons REET & SMITH’S PREMIUM DEPT., 81 Fulton Street, New York, aoa TIP TOP WEEKLY COUPON. Z - One coupon from the Tip Top Weekly, accompanied by two’others, each from a different oné of fthe followin Les ene es Klondike Kit, Starry Flag Weekly, ‘!'rue Blue, Nick Carter i Weekly, or Diamond Dick, Jr, entitle the sender to a free badge or button as described above ; STREET & SMITH. SPLENDID ADVENTURES IN “TRUE BLUE.” TIP TOP WEEKLY [iluminated Covr-—Price, Five Cents—hhirty-two Pages, Complete List of Stories By the author of “Frank Merriwell.” a le ht ed Tales of School, Fun, College, Travel and Adventure. PPASOI™ All back numbers are constantly on hand, and will be mailed to any address on receipt of price, Five Cents each. 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; ~r, Great ‘Tour. 66—Prize Plot Story; 67—Frank Merriwell’s Yacht; or, Coast —Frank Merriwell’s Athletes. 69—Frank Merriwell’s Red Rival. 70—Frank Merriwell’s Texas Tournament; or, Among the Cowboys. 71—Frank Merriwell’s Nine; or, Surprising the Southern League. —Frank Merriwell’s Shot; or, Gun Club. ; 78 —Frank Merriwell’s Flyer; or, The Winning Wheel. 74—Frank Merriwell’s ‘Thoroughbred; or, soe Against Crookedness. The End of the Fravk Merriwv >)] as the Star. The Chase Down the Combination; or, The Ali Round Sport Out with the Guthrie 75 -Frank Merriwell’s Enemy; or, Rivals of the Bhie Ridge. 7§.—Frank Merriwell’s Crew; Potomac. 77—Frank Merriwell’s Hunt; or, In at the Death. /8—Frank Merriwell’s Blow; or, Unmasking a Raseal. 79—Frank Merriweli’s Return to Yale; or, The Mystery of the Examination Papers. 80—F rank Merriwell as ‘‘Anchor; or, ‘The Winning Pull in the 'l'ug of War. $1—Frank Merriwell’s Initiation; or, of Pi Gamma. 82—Frank Merriwell’s Sign; Student. 83—Frank Mvrriwell as Full Back; or, True to His Colors. 84—F rank Merriwell’s Duel; or, A Point of Honor, 85—Frank Merriwell’s Mark; or, Subduing 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 She Black Schooner, 89—Frank Merriwell’s Chum; or, The Hand of a Friend. 90—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shoot; or, Winning in the Box. 91—Frank Merriwel]’s Danger; or, ‘The Disgrace. 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. 95—Frank Merriwell at Fardale Again; or, Yale Lads at the Military Academy. ’ The Secre Order or, The Secret of the Silent Shadow of or, The Champions of the 96 —Frank Merriwell in Camp; or, Frolics with the Far- dale Boys 97—Frank Merriwell’s Fardale Friends, or, Facing Old Foes. 98—Frank Merriwell’s Yale Chums; or, The Jolly Dogs of Fardale. } 99—Frank Merriwell’s Choice; or, Fardale. 100—Frank Merriwell’s Fardale Rackets; or, Yale Lads On a Frolic. 101— Frank Merriwell’s Courage; or, True Nerve Against Bluff. 102—Frarnk Merriwell’s Faith; or, Jrime. 103—Frank Merriwell’s Celebration; or, Fardale. 104—Frank Merriwell Afloat; or, White Wings. 105—Frank Merriwell Under Megunticook, or, With the Knox County League. 106—Frank Merriwell’s Mystery; Devil Island. 107—Frank Merfiwell’s. Disap of the Island. 108— Frank Berri yeas gre useds or, of Belfast. ia 109— Frank Mere vel] The Fair Rivals of The Shadow of a Last Days at The Cruise of the or, The Monster of ii iapk Mehvi/elre G itis or, s ipert Avan s, Moose- head Lake. 112—Frank Merriwell’s Peril; oF, The Smu of the | Border. elon 113—Frank Merriwell’s Drift; or, With ‘ths. Penot ssdot River Lrivers. 114—F rank Merriwell’s Daring; Sacrifice. 115—Frank Merriwell’s Fist; Truth. 116—Frank Merriwell’s Masquerade; or, Hurricane Island. 117—Frank Merriwell’s Misfortune; New Career. 118—Frank Merriwell, Engine Wiper; of the Ladder. 119—Frank Merriwell Fireman; or, The First Step Up- ward. 120—Frank Merriwell’s Black Gorge. — 121--Frank Merriwell’s First Run; or, His Life. 122 —Frank Merriwell, Engineer; or, The Turn of For- tune. 123 - Frank Merriwell’s Hard Luck; or, A Slip on The Ladder. or, Elsie Bellwood's or, Bound to Know the The Belle of or, The Start On a or, At the Foot Opportunity; or, The Ghost of ae Chance of STREET. & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK. PPAIOE™ For Sale by all Newsdealers. Every Saturday. 2 sia ti sania. searance; or, The Secret ~~ ,