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TOP WEEKLY LEADS ANY

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a No. 278.

NEW YORK, August 10, 1901.

  

Price Five Cents.

 

~~

CHAPTER I.

THE HATRED OF ELDER HOLDFAST.

“Verily,” said Elder Asaph Holdfast, as he
touched the arm of his companion and checked him,
“IT do believe I recogniz the youthful stranger who

is speaking. His voice and his face, as I see it, are

gee

~ wonderfully familiar to me.”

They had been listening to the conversation of the
group of clean-looking youths seated on the bench
in front of the Grand Hotel, which was the only
‘Sandtow n.

_ There were more Mormons than Gentiles in Sand-

’ Frank Merriwell’s Young Star;

- DICK MERRIWELL’S GREAT BASE RUNNING. _
By BURT L. STANDISH.

distrust had arisen between the Mormons and the

house of the kind in the Utah settlement known as. |
not take an acute character reader to detect the fox

   
  
   
         
      
        
     
      
       
         
       
   
   
   

Gentiles, arrayed

against each other, each being suspicious of any

so that the two factions were

movement the other might make.
Just what either side expected might happen it is
hard to say, but both parties had reached a state
of feeling where they were watching like hawks for
something to take place. Wy A
Klder Holdfast was one of the solid pillars of the F
Mormon Church. Yet among the Mormons there '

were those who did not trust him fully, for it did

 

in his face, with its’s close-set eyes, thin, hard lips

    

and sanctimonious expression.

The attempt to abolish polygamy had been bit-
2 _ TIP TOP WEEKLY.

tadly opposed by Elder Holdfast,
himsélf no less than ten wives during his career in
the church, seven of whom were living. . if

He was a man of strong lusts, btit it Was his boast

that he had
through the saving eface of the Lord, of Hosts.

conquered and made. himself clean

The expression of his countenance, however, and
the cold look in his narrow eyes, told that a little of
the “old original” still remained in his nature.

The elder was thick,
strong, hard-faced and cruel-looking.
“Red:
yet he had “repented,”
taken into the “fold.” fe

It was even hinted that Harris had been a mem-
in the old days of

man with the Mormon
Far and wide

3ill Harris was known as a “bad man,” and

ber of the: “Destroying Angels”
terror, when Brigham Young ruled Utah with an
iron hand, a sign from him being sufficient to cause
the mysterious disappeatance of any person te-
garded with suspicion or dislike.

No matter what the past record of the man might
be, it had become evident that he was regarded with
favor and friendship by Elder Holdfast.

‘Holdfast had lately come to Sandtown from
Bethel, | Mormon settlement amid the
mountains, where polygamy still, flourished like -a
green bay tree, for all of the fact chat it was sup-
posed to bea thing of the past ifi the State.

The elder had brought with him his latest wife, a
young girl whom he had chosen from amid the
“flock” at Bethel. It is rumored that the other six
wives had risen in rebellion over this latest addition

a remote

to the Holdfast family, which had caused Asaph to

depart with hig bride. | :
", There were other rumors to the effect that the

poor girl had been forced to marry the old repro-

bate against her will, and that he was working to
break her spirit and subdue her.

often confined under lock and key while her tyran-
nical lord and master was absent. ‘

Today, Holaiast Bad. been | in consultation. with

who fia taken to

it was claimed, and had been

In Sandtown he
lived in a house set apart from the others of the
ft place, and there, it was reported, the girl- wife was
‘ing a “job.” *
| c “Something like three Aa ago, or more, a a

“Red” Harris at the hotel. By chance hé had seén
and heard the little: party of clean-Jooking eid
who were chatting outside the window. es

Harris had explained that the strangers were in

town for the ptirpose of playing a ball game with

the local team, which was regarded ‘in. SRTLOWE | as
extremely fast.

Holdfast expressed his firm’ belief that baseball
was an invention of the devil, calculated to lead the
feet of the tinwary into paths of sin.

Somehow, nevertheless, he seemed to take great
interest in the party of boyish strangers, and he
drew nearer the window.

Outside sat Frank Merriweli and his friends, while
Merry was telling a story, to. which the others lis-
tened with interest. |

Then the. Mormon elder spoke the words which
opens this story. | | Sige

“He’s the cap’n an’. manager of the team,” said |
Harris. “They say. he’s a rip-tearer.”

“T am sure I have seen him before,’

’ muttered the
elder, tapping his forehead, as if trying to recall the
“There is something remarkably
familiar in his countenance -and the intonation of

time and ‘place.

his. voice.”

“His name is Frank Merriwell, ” said the elder’ see
companion.

Holdfast started. Po ant
“Merriwell? Then I know I have séen him!”
Stiddenl¥ the man gtew excited and an evil light —
gleamed in his eyes, while his ‘hand fell’on the earn |
of the ruffian beside him. ;
“Truly it must be the same!” he breathed: harshly,
“He is somewhat older, but it is the samé young
Gentile who caused me so much trouble and fitially.

aided my chosen wife to éscapé with another, ever

sean her father had commanded her to. becorti
mine.” .

“You don’t mean it ” aes ‘Hartis, Se i‘
“When was this?” ie

 
TIP TOP WEEKLY. 3

“He is a spawn of Satan and a blot upon the face
of the earth!” declared the elder, in a low, cold tone.
“Well, if you want him attended to, I reckon I
can look after him, elder.”
“The evil-doer should be punished,’ cracked the
old hypocrite.
“That's
thar an’ cut him into shoestrings:
“He is in the midst of his friends.”

proper,’ nodded Harris. “Shall I go out

eae,

“Northin’ but kids.”

“But there are many of t them.’

“T kin wipe up ther hull dern crowd.”

“Té I remember aright, this Merriwell is not a foe
to despise.”
“Him ?
own self!”

“But he hath a strong arm and a heart that is
not easily daunted. In the Valley of Bethsada he
fell into the hands of the chosen one and was tried
before the Black Tribunal,
with

thunder! he’s no more’n a boy his

Oh,

being condemned to

death; but when he, two companions, was

thrown into the Pit of Fire,
portion of the wall was toppled down and all es-

in some way a weak

- caped.”
“Well, you can bet your boots that he won't git
off that way if 1 git after him.”

“T have long thirsted for a sight of him, and I
have said that the punishment for his acts in Bethel
should be meet.”

“Should be meat?
the fatted calf for him?”

“Nay; I shall take care that my injured honor is
fully .satisfied and this vile Gentile is taught a les-

What yer goin’.to do—kill

son that he'll not soon forget.”

“All you have ter do is to say the word an’ ['ll
learn him ther lesson,” asserted Red Bill. “You
kin stay right yere an’ watch ther fun from this win-
ee. f
“Tf his friends seek to interfere with thee
“Tl shoot a few bullets inter them ef they bother

99

me too Tee

-that the shedding of blood might cause great

trouble.”

“They needn’t nobody ever know that you had
anything ter do with it. Ef I hav ter salt a few of
them youngsters, w’y, it was just my quarrel, that’s
all. But I'll take care not to salt ’em for fair; [ll

jest poke lead inter their shoulders an’ legs an’

arms.’”!

“If you were to break the arms of this Merriwell
I think it would be no more than just retribution
upon the wicked,’”’ whispered the elder, viciously, his
small eyes gleaming.

“Oh, Tl do that!” answered Red Bill. “Remem-
ber how I broke ther wrist of Tom Jackson. That
thar chap’s the pitcher of his ball team, an’ I'll jest
break his wrist in ther shuffle—see ef I don’t!”

Then Red Bill strode from the room on his way

to pick a | quarrel with Frank Merriwell.

CHAPTER I.
RED BILL FAILS TO MAKE GOOD.

Frank Merriwell was determined to give his young
brother, Dick, a good start in baseball, for the boy
had shown himself a most remarkable little fellow
in the very first game he had played, having pitched
against a strong team and won the game.

It was not difficult for Frank to see that Dick
had in him the making of a most marvelous player
and a pitcher who would be regarded as a phenom.

While Frank trained Dick in the arts of baseball,
he was also giving the lad a regular course of physi-
cal instructions to bring about a perfect general de-
velopment.

Merry had carefully inspected his brother for weak
points, and those weak points were receiving his
careful attention. ae

Dick’s mother, like Frank’s, had not been strong,
but Merry believed he could make the lad hardy,
finely-deveioped and well-fitted for the battle of life.

It was Merry’s belief that physical training should
begin, at an early age, and should be continued reg-

ularly and persistently through life. He was satis-

 
   

TIP TOP

4

fied that in no other way could a person reach the
highest possible state of perfection.

At first the boy had been: high-spirited and re-
fractory, but Merry knew just how to handle him,
and he saw that each day he was getting Dick more
and more in hand. At the same time, he was care-
ful to do nothing to crush the proud spirit of the lad.

Merry had heard of the ball team in Sandtown,
which claimed the independent championship of
Northern Utah, and he sought without delay to ar-
range a game with them. | |

Sandtown could pay no heavy guarantee, but
Merry had made money thus far, and so he willingly
and readily accepted what they could afford to give.

Thus it happened that Merry and his friends had
reached the little Utah town in which they were to
plav ball om the following day.

Of course, Frank had no knowledge of the pres-
ence of Elder Holdfast in the place, not having seen
him, and so, when Red Bill came-swaggering out of
the hotel, premonition of coming trouble had not as-
sailed him,

The tool of the vindictive Merman elder strode
inte the crowd, his hands on his hips and an inse-
lent sneer on his face, His eyes were fixed on
Merry. |

The hoys had been laughing over Frank’s story,
but they stopped and nonet at the big ruffian in
surprise.

‘What is it?” murmured Ready.

““Lul-lul-looks lul-lul-like he’s goin’ to chaw some-
body up,”

But Harris glanced at neither of them.

said Gamp,
He had
taken a chew of tobacco, and this he switched from
one side of his face to the other with a roll of his
tongue.

“Anah!” he grunted, curling his lips and contin-
‘ning to stare at Frank. }
“Ugh!” grunted Ready. “Heap big Injun!”
“So you’ re Frank Merriwell, are yer?” said ree

' my brother.

 

WEREKLY.

quietly, returning the ruffian’s look. “What can | a

do for you, sir?”
‘An’ these yere kids are ther fellers you've |

brought hyar to play a game of ball with our team?”

 

“Vou are right in everything but calling them,
kids.
teen-year-old brother.’

“Men!”

a lot of tenderfoot kids,!

You will find eat all men, down to my thir-
scornfully retorted the big chap. “Jest
Why, Sandtown will wipe |
you offen the map. It’s an insult ter bring such a
babby gang as this

“As |

“Why, sure!

ter play with our boys.”
bad as that, think you?”

  
 

You babies oughter all be spanked

  
 

an’ sent home ter your mommers.”

  

“Gentle, sir,” chirped. Ready, “perchance the task

   

would be too severe for accomplishment.”

 
 

Harris simply gave Jack a Se eTRPAE ONS, glance. ?
“Now, I'd like ther job,’ fan’ J al-
low I could jest about do it up to a brown turn.”

 
 

’ he asserted,

  
  

Dick Merriwall was angry, and he deliberately —

  

walked round in front of the man and looked at him. —
“Git out be ‘ Ef yer don’ t; Vi | 1
spit on ye an’ drownd yer!” . Me shek aa

  

growled Harris,

  
 
 
 

Then Dick commenced to laugh in a wild, elfish

  

way. He clung to his sides and shouted with mirth,

  
 

“What i in thunder is he laughing at ?”’ snarled the |

 
 

bruiser. . f
“Oh, ha! ha! ha!” rang out the laughter of he
boy. “Why, to think of you making such talk to
Ha! ha! ha! Ha! ha! ha! Why, do
you know what would happen to you if you, ever
tried to spank Frank Merriwell? I'll tell you. He'd
take you with one na and you a never know wha
had happened to you.”
Harris gasped. aa j
“What?” he roared. “Why, you onery little
Thar ain’t no tenderfoot livin’ that can ha Os
Git out of | i iy :

  
  
  
   
  
  
 

     

  

     
 

 

runt!
dle me with four hands!
- 7H put my unwe on ey |

    
 
 

  

 
   
 

Pranks s voice rang ¢ out: Sia. Oi ae
“Don't touch that bey}! Fa le age
| The tuffian hesitated, looked at Merr

 
 
  

 
 
   
— T’'m done with him!’ vowed Harris.

TIP TOP WEEKLY. §

risen, grinned and grasped Dick, at the same time
lifting his foot to give the lad a kick.
“Pi]——”
; He did not say what he would do, for Frank
Merriwell clutched him, gave him a jerk and a twist,
tore Dick from his grasp, and sent the bruiser spin-
ning with a strong, snapping surge of one arm.

Harris went reeling out into the middle of the
street, tripping over his own feet, and sprawled in
the dust.

“Oh, ha! ha! ha!’ rang out the laughter. of Dick
Merriwell. “Didn’t I tell you! Ha! ‘ha! ha! ha!
Hal?

The ruffian was astounded, but he serambled up,
swearing furiously.
he got upon his feet.
Well, I'll jest

“Dern yer!” he snarled, as
“Took me by surprise, did yer!
nacherlly pulverize yer now!”

Looking like a mad bull, he made a rush at
Merry, who stepped out to meet him, calm, cool,
ready.

“Give it to him, Frank!” cried Dick.

“I'll chaw yar up!” howled Harris.

He came on with a swinging blow at Frank, who
lightly stepped aside and avoided the stroke, thrust-
ing out his foot and tripping the big fellow.

Red Bill plunged against the side of the hotel,
bringing up with a shock that seemed to jar the
building.

“Neyer touched him!” piped Ready. “Make
| -reom. The band is about to squirt!”

“Why didn’t you hit him, Frank?’ panted Dick,
his dark eyes flashing, ‘He was going to kick me!”
iV i kick yer the hull length of the town when
“I won't leave
- yein the shape of northin’ !’

i, “You won't be in condition to do much kicking,
omy prize beauty,” declared Jack Ready. “Just go

Riz right at him again and get your little dose of medi-
pM ES
The bruiser was ready, and he sprang at Merry
once more, “ ae ; a i Bees

This time Frank did not dodge, but he parried the
blows of the ruffian, found an opening, shot out a
hard fist, and- :

Crack—the blow sounded clear and distinct.

It drove the fellow backward as if he had been
struck by a hammer, He tried to keep on his feet,
but down he went in the dirt again,

“Did that jar you much?” asked Ready, with pre-
tended anxiety.

Red Bill had a hard head, and he got up quickly.
He was furious now, and the look in his eyes was
enough to make a timid person quail.

Frank, however, was not a timid person, and he
showed not the least sign of alarm.

“Tl kill yer!” grated the ruffian.

“You had be-+ter hurry up about it,”
Ready.
tired to do the job.”

advised

“Tf you ton't, I’m afraid you'll become too

“And I’ll’tend to you afterwards!’ came from the
fellow, as he again started for Frank.

He had learned to be more cautious, and he ad-
vanced on Merry, seeking an opening.

Frank stood with his hands on his hips, his eyes
fastened on those of Elder Holdfast’s chosen tool.

“Jest let me git holt of yer!’ muttered Red Bill.
“It'll be ther end of you!”

“Hurry up about it,” urged Frank. “I am get-
ting tired of waiting for you te make geod. You're
nothing but a big bag of wind.”

Never before had Bill kriown a human being to

face him with such coolness, and the thought that

this beardiess youth should do so was most humiliat-
ing.

“Oh, I'm goin’ ter fix yer!” he asserted.

He made a sudden leap and clutched Frank’s arm. ©
In a moment he had grappled with Merry. |

“Now, I'll break yer back!” he panted, in great

satisfaction.

But he didn’t: «.

 
  

,

a CHAPTER III.

THE DEATH: OF THE: DOG;

Frank Merriwell knew more wrestling tricks than
Harris had ever dreamed existed. Quick as thought
Merry fastened on the man, gave him a swing,
brought him over his hip and flung him whirling
fairly over his head.

Harris came down on his head and shoulders with
a fearful jolt, dropped to the ground and lay there.

Merry looked at the ruffian a moment, then said:

“IT hope his neck isn’t broken.”

“IT knew Frank could de it!’ palpitated Dick, in

admiration. ‘Nobody in this world can whip him
alone!”
“That's the kind of talk, my giddy young cocko-

?

lorum!” laughed Ready. “You're just beginning to
appreciate the qualities of your brother, my boy.
He’s a darling!”

Frank stepped toward the bruiser to examine him.
As he stopped beside the fellow he suddenly dropped
eS, heavily across Red Bill’s body, while the report of a
: revolver, muffled and smothered, sounded near at

hand.
“He’s shot!” screamed Dick, horrified.
_ In truth, it seemed that Merry had been shot down
‘in a most dastardly manner.
All were surprised to see him spring up, point to-
ward the window of the hotel and cry:
“In there! The man who fired the shot is there!”

They rushed toward the hotel, but even then

Frank led them. ‘They came tearing into thé room
beyond the open wind6w, but it was empty.

On the floor lay a still smoking revolver.
He

“Just where he dropped it!” said Merry.

must have escaped by that door.”
He pointed toward an open door, and, they
rushed through, to come face to face with the land-
lord.
“What's Yaboeied ?” he asked.
“Somebody tried to shoot me,” explained Merry.
“He ran this way. Did you see him?”

“None whatever,” was the answer, _ “T heard the

 

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

  
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
   

shot, and I just come down to see what it meant. 1
Was up Stairs
the back door?”

That way.”

ft ee T ,
4a Where's

They hurried to the back door, but it seemed that
the would-be assassin had escaped, for no one was
to be seen.

 

“How was it you escaped, Merry?” asked Rattle-
“Didn't he hit you at all? I thought you
were shot when you fell.” toe

ton.

 

   

“T saw him just in time.” : ;
“Then you saw him?” 4
“What did he look like?” a.

 
 

“IT can’t tell, save that. he had a

gray hair.”

gray beard and

      
          

“May have been a disguise.”
“I thought of that.”

      
    
    
 

“Perhaps your old enemy, Lake, has followed you
here.”

“T don’t think so.”

“Why not?”

“I have a fancy that Lake is satisfied over the re-

    
     
       
       
    

sult of the last game, on which he won a big sum of

money, and that he will not bother me in the future.”

 
   
   
    

“Then who could it have been?”

    

“That question troubles me.” — *

    
 

» “How did you escape being hit ?”

 
 

oe

>
a revolver that was pointing straight at me.

“By dropping the instant I saw a man holding - a

If
you had observed closely, you would have seen that
I dropped an instant before the shot.”

  
     
       
 
 

“Talk about presence of mind!” muttered Ready.
“I'd rather have it than filthy lucre. If Merry hadn’t

 
     
 

been supplied with a large bunch of it we'd be get-_

    
 

ting ready to celebrate his funeral to-morrow.”

    
 

* ‘But are we going to stand here and let the mur-
derous whelp escape?” fiercely demanded Hodge.
“Can't we do something ?” fx ae ie

“He’s “But that :
revolver ie pee

then he sickly tupted: & = dashed back to the

it

      
   
 

?

escaped already,’

$9 4

said Frank.

 
 

 

    
      

 
 

ai be

  
 

ee eRe Fe Ya os

_ know is who owns that revolver.

p: _earntst? FE,

t we i

aol TOP el F 7

room in Ww hich the revolv er had been | left’ ying on tlie
floor, where it had fallen.

A tan was just stooping to pick up the weapoti.
S r

“Don't touch that!” rang out Merry’s voice.:

_The man straightened up in surprise, and Merry
saw ‘it was Pike Burnham, the captain and manager
of the Sandtown “Saints,” ‘as the local baseball team
was called.

“What's the matter, Merriwell?” asked Burnham.

““T heard there was some sort of a scrap going on.

here, and I came over. Saw Red Harris crawling
off, looking rather used up, but he wouldn't say a
thitig about it, only swear a blue streak.”

Frank looked out of the open window.

The ruffian with whom he had fought was gone.
“Poor Mr. Haris!” sighed Ready. “He found
himself up against the real thing, and it must have
given him that tired feeling, He should try Good’s
Sarsaparilla.”

“He was making straight for Chatley Hook's sa-
loon, so [ presume he intended to take a dose of sar-
saparilla,”’ said Burnham. “But you haven't told me
what happened.”

“Oh, he caine Waltzitig out and ftesorted to vio-
lence,” explained Jack, in an off-hand manner. “As
a result, Mt. Merriwell came near putting the gen-
tleman otit of commission’ — +
Burnham looked surprised.
“Merriwell?” he said: . “Alone?”
“Tt was a skinch,” nodded | Jack~—"“perfect skinch.”

“Why,: T thought likely your whole crowd had
jumped him,” said the. surprised manager of the
Saints. ‘‘Hé's the worst. man in thése, parts. It
can't be possible Merriwell handled him without as-
sistance !” Rea

eo rank sill a bit. |
is “Never mind that,” he said. ‘What I want to
After Mr. Harris
fell and stunned himsel If somebody fired at me from

ye this window, and the man who fired i shot used
ny that weapon. li I knew the: owner:

“Shot at you! s exclaimed Burnhain. “Are you in

“Rather,

“Why, he ought to be lynched!” burst from the
indignant manager. of the local team. “If we could
catch him Wait! We can!”

“How?”

“Ryan's dog!”

“Dog?”

“Bloodhound!”

“Ah! Is:he e

“T can get him heéré in five minutes! Leave that
revolver where it is! Don’t let a soul touch it!”

Burnham dashed out of the door and ran down
the street. In about five minutes he was seen com-
ing back, and behind him ran a man who was lead-
ing a huge, fierce-looking hound.

“A man-hunt!” was the cry.

By this time quite a crowd had assembled, and the
citizens of the town seemed quite as fierce and angry
as the friends of Merriwell.

The dog was brought in and led up to thé revol-
ver, which he was instructed to sniff. He smélled
about it and began to whine.

“After him, Turk!” utged Ryan.

Then the dog led the way through the building
and directly toward the back door. Out of that he

ran, with his master holding him in leash.

The trail had been taken up and the man-hunt
was begun. The biood of the pursuers was getting
hotter and hotter. Some of them were armed, and
they muttered threats against the person who had
tried to shoot down Merriwell in such a dastardly
manner.

Down back of the principal buildings ran the trail,
passing between two of them and reaching the main,
street. :

The dog follow ed the scetit swiftly, soon reaching
the outskirts of the town.

“The critter made a bee+line to gét out of the
place,” said Ryan, © |

“It'll be ali the more conyenient if we overtake
him down the gulch,” observed Butnhani.. “There'll
be some good, stout trees hatidy.”

Several citizens aes ene, the Party, ‘atid one of as

4 ifvee ts

 
8 TIP TOP

them carried a rope. They were grim and deter-
mined-looking men, and their manner seemed to in-
dicate that they meant business.

“Perhaps Elder Holdfast saw the critter,” said
one. “He must have gone right past Holdfast’s
house.”

Ahead of them was the home of the
elder. They were in sight of it, when, of a sudden,

the hound gave a-leap into the air, a howl of agony,

Mormon

and fell writhing to the ground.

“What the devil is the matter with him?’ ex-
claimed the master of the dog, in astonishment.

Then the struggling dog twisted round and they
saw the ground was covered with blood.

Ryan uttered a shout of rage and astonishment,
grasping the animal and turning it over.

“By the imps!’ he snarled. “Turk has: been
shot!”

“Shot !”
we heard no shot!”

“No more did I; but he’s been shot jest ther

they exclaimed, incredulously. “Why,

same! And he’s done for!”
As these words. left his lips the dog ceased strug-

gling, stiffened out and lay dead at their feet.

CHAPTER IV.
TROUBLE ON THE’ FIELD.

‘The mystery of the shooting of the bloodhound
was the talk of Sandtown. No one ‘had heard the
shot, yet the creature had been killed by a bullet.

“Tt must be,” decided Frank,
shot with some kind of an air-gun or with noiseless
powder. There may have been a slight report,
which was not heard by any of us.”

“But who shot him?” was the question of Bérlin

“that the animal was

Carson.
“Fhe manwe were following, or a friend of his.”
The report came to the boys that Red Harris,
looking soniewhat the worse for wear, was vowing
veuigeance on Frank Merriwell. : |
This did not disturl } Merry in the least, as he had
: encountered men of Red Bill’ s sort DRtse) and he

WEEKLY.

knew they often made considerable talk that

“amounted to nothing.

But he was warned by some of the young Mor-
mons that Harris was a deadly sort of chap, whom
it would be well to watch.

Burnham, the manager of the Saints, expressed
deep regret that the encounter had taken place, say-
ing he hoped it would not be thought that the home
team had anything to do with it.

Frank assured Burnham that he did not believe
anything of the sort. o

The young Mormons of the place seemed a very
decent lot, but the old-time spirit of hatred for Gen-
tiles still existed among the older set.

In fact, there were those in Sandtown who de-.
clared that the result. of the ball game would show
the superiority of Mormons oyer those of different.
faith: of belief.

Ryan, the owner of the bloodhound, was furious. —

“Wouldn't have taken five hundred fer that thar
Olt;. 31

could get my paws on the onery whelp that. fired

dawg,” he declared. “Tige- was a bird.
that shot!”

Nothing further of an exciting. nature occurred
that day.

On the following forenoon Frank put his team
onto the field to practice a little and get used to the
lay of the land.

Swiftwing was not feeling well. I‘or a year he
had been living the life to which he was best suited,
and the sudden change to the modes of ciyilization

proved too much for him.

This led Merry to attempt a. change on the teain.
He sent Carson into left field: and ae Dick Mer-
riwell at short.

In practice the boy did very wef? although the
ground was hard and he was somewhat nervous.
When he did get his hands on them he sent them
whistling over to Browning, who laughed lazily. as
they were sw allowed in his mitt. 1)

Every man on the team was feeling at bie best, for ;
Merry was going into the box, and they a no es
of the result.

 

 
 

  

  

 

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“mask and Merry toed the slab. The scorers, had re-

  

TEP TOP

Frank did not let them wear themselves. out with
practice, but, after about three-fourths of an hour
ef-sharp, snappy ~vork, he called them all off the
field.

‘When they returned tothe hotel they were in-
formed that the Saints had prepared a surprise for
them.

A battery had been secured from Salt Lake City,
and it was said to be the best. in the State. Gideon
Young, the pitcher, was a descendant of Brigham,
while Gardner Smith, the catcher, claimed relation-
ship to. Joseph. These two men had worked to-
gether for three seasons, and it was said that they
were fast enough for the National.

“Sorry for you fellows,” laughed Burnham; “but
we're bound: to have this game at any cost. It will
be an honor to defeat Frank Merriwell, and Sand-
town takes the honor to-day.”

“That's all right,’ answered Frank, not the least

disturbed. ‘You are welcome to all the honor you

can win.”

That afternoon by two o'clock the people of Sand-
town were making-for the ball ground. It soon be-
came apparent that the great majority of the citizens
meant to witness the game.

Of course, there were some who looked with aver-

sion on anything of the sort, and remained away.

There was no grandstand at the field, but on one
side ran.a string of bleachers, while the spectators
were snapeied to remain behind a rail on the other
side.

It was astonishing what a crowd turned out.

Other places forty and fifty miles away sent specta-
tors to witness the contest, and by two-thirty it

seemed that nearly a thousand people were looking
on, :
‘The practice of the two teams was good, although

unfamiliarity with the ground handicapped. Merry’s

men somewhat. - %

‘The home team chose to go first to the. bat, which
was satisfactory to the visitors.

It was two-thirty-five when Hodge wanted on his

 

WEHEKLY. 9

ceived the batting orders of each team, which are
here given:

MERRIES. SAINTS.
4
Ready, 3d. Burnham, Ist.
Carson, 1. f. Pew, s. s.
Hodge, c. Ricker, r. f.
Gamp, c. f Ryen, 3d.

Browning, Ist. Tyler, 1. 4;
Rattleton, 2d. Sabin, 2d.
Carker, r. f. Dow;-c.

D. Merriwell, s. s
F. Merriwell, p.

Smith, c.
Young, p.

Just as the game was about to begin Elder Asaph
Holdfast walked onto the field, crying:

“Hold! I speak as one having authority, and I
forbid this ungodly exhibition. It is wicked and sin-
ful, and the Lord of Hosts must look with’ sorrow
on the spectacle.” : ,

There was a hush.

Frank Merriwell turned quickly and faced the
Mormon elder. The look that came to Merry’s face
told that he recognized the man.

Elder Holdfast seemed to be paying no particular
attention to Frank, but he had placed himself where
the game could not continue till he was. removed
from the diamond.

A murmur arose. Some of the Mormons were
awed, while others, the younger ones, were indig-
nant. Po ;

“Get off the field!” yelled somebody in the crowd.

’ “Put him off!’ shouted a man from a distant

town. “We're here to see the game. I’ve come
forty miles to see it.”

“Let any but place the weight of a hand on me
and fire from heaven will strike him dead!’ de-
clared the elder. pa

Frank Merriwell walked straight up to Holdfast
and placed a hand on his shoulder.

The spectators saw no fire descend from heaven.

“T know you!’ spoke Merry, in a repressed voice.

Holdfast looked at him now, and deep in those
close-set eyes burned the fire of hatred.

“It is you, son of the evil one, who robbed me of
the. wife given into my hand by the will of the Most

High! Y muttered the Mormon. “I know you!’

‘

   

 
       
   
     
      
   

     

10 TIP TOP

“It is you,” returned Irank, “a hypocritical old
sinner, who would have forced a young: and: inno-
cent girl to become an unlawful wife, as you had
I did aid the girl in

escaping from your clutches, which gave me un-

eight wives living at the time.
bounded satisfaction.”

“And night and morning since that day. I have
prayed that we might meet again. My prayer has
been answered.” |

“And you sought to. assassinate ‘me from cover
of the hotel yesterday. It is useless to deny ithe
charge. I caught but'a glimpse of your face then,
but I recognize it now.”

“False accuser!” returned . Holdfast, angrily.
“Think not to harm me thus!” as

“You are not so safe, even though you are in the
midst of those who know you so well,” said Frank.
“Many strangers are liere, and the people of Sand-
town were much wrought up over the dastardly at-
tempt to murder me.’ Had you not stopped: the
hound with a bullet, it is likely your gray hairs and
your position in the church wore not have saved
you.”

99

“T have no fear,” asserted the Mormon.

“Perhaps not; yet it will not be well for you if I
declare es this gathering that a attempted to
murder me.’

“Dare to do it and t my neighbors will fall on you
end rend you limb from limb!’

“Til take chances on that. Get off this field with-
out further delay, or I,shall denounce you!”

Frank’s determined face and flashing ta showed
that he meant every word.

Holdfast hesitated.

“You will not dare?” he hatered:,

_ “Dll give you thirty seconds to get off the ground.”
The elder looked defiantly at Merry, but there
was a hidden power in Merry’s eyes that he now be-

held for the first time. He was awed by it, and the.

watching crowd saw him quail and ae backward.’
, GOW: said Merry. .
be x he man turned and slowly, walled from the dibs |

WEEKLY.

>

“Ladies and gentlemen,
distinct tone of voice, “Elder Holdfast has concluded
that it is not worth his while to make trouble for. us
and.he will permit the game to be played.”

A cheer went up.

CHAPTER V,
ERRORS AND SCORES,
“Play ball!’

Barely had the words. rung out when Frank. Mer-

riwell sent the first one-whistling over.

Merry started in with a high. ball, sending: it:

straight over.

Now it happenéd that Burnham liked a high ball
very well, and he swung. like “a flash, meeting the
sphere fairly with a: smart crack.- ; A,

Out on a line sailed the ball, going between. right:

and center field, and Burnham ran like a leaping cat-
amount. 3

A roat of delight rose from the crowd, for it had:

been told in Sandtown ‘that Merriwell . was the hard:
est man in the country to hit safely.”

Gamp and Carker raced after the ball, but. Joe’s
legs were long and he reached it first. He caught it

' up and threw to stop Burnham at second,

“Slide!” yelled the coacher.

The runner slid, and the umpire declared hin safe
when Rattleton took Gamp’s line throw and quickly
touched the man.

It was a close decision, wad the spectators felt sat-
ished that the impire favored the runner, some-

thing a home umpire is almost certdin to do we
the home team. PEER IES }

“Hard luck, Harry,” said Frank, in a low tone.
“Had him by six inches.” |

Rattleton was inclined to kick, but Metty shook
his head and Harry relapsed. , ead

It was not Frank’s policy, to begin kicking at the

umpire till he was. certain the man meant to ben uns. ah
fair or was badly. hc in his jadgment, - .

 

said Merry, in a clear,.

' :

Pe te Ni lan aa
Se

 

Sate

 

 
 

         
       
       
       
       
     
  
 

 

 

   
 

 

 
 

 

 

 
   
 

  

  

    
   

  

TIP TOP. WEEKLY.

crowd. “Is that the great pitcher nobody can hit?
We start with a clean two-bagger.” |
Down ‘by third a coacher was crying:
Everybody will do it!
Come off, there, Burn, old hoss! Get a good lead.
Why, you’re bound to score. Off—off further!”
All at once Frank whirled and threw to second.
“Hey !
Burnham jumped back, and Harry touched him.

“It’s easy—oh, so easy!

Look out!” shrieked the coacher.

Again it was close, but again the umpire de-
clared the runner safe.
“Couldn’t catch

whooped the coacher, who had been frightened by

you in a thousand years!”
the play. “Let him throw down there. Keep him
Take a lead!’

Ricker was at the place with his favorite bat.

throwing!

“l’m going to murder it,” he declared.

“Perhaps so,” thought Frank.

Then he threw one that seemed just like the ball
he had given Burnham, but it was a rise.

Ricker fanned fiercely.

It is possible Bart was not looking for so much
rise, as the ball hit the end of his mitt, glanced off
and went on for a passed ball.

Burnham advanced to third, the ground rule be-
ing but one base on a passed ball.

The crowd roared with laughter, feeling confi-
dent that Merriwell’s team was getting rattled. |

“Keep ’em going!” they shouted. “You can win
the game in this first inning.”

- When the ball was returned to Merry he took care
to see that. every man was in position before deliv-
ering another ball to the batter.

He gave Ricker a sharp drop, and again the bat-
ter missed it.

“Two strikes!’ announced the umpire.

“He'll never touch it,” thought Ready. “They |

can’t score.” | &
- But Ricker met the very next one, driving it like

a bullet along the ground at Dick Merriwell.

The plucky youngster got his body squarely in
front of the ball, but, just before it reached. his
fingers, it struck a small stone that shot it into the

\

 

11

air, and it struck Dick fairly on the forehead, bound-
ing off fifteen feet.

Dick was knocked down, but he leaped up and
made a dive for the ball, seeing that Burnham had
sprinted for home.

The boy got the ball and sent it whistling to
Hodge.

Bart was cool as ice, with Burnham tearing down
upon him.

Ricker took advantage of Dick’s throw to the
plate to shoot off first and make a run for second.

The excitement at that moment was intense.

The ball from Dick’s hand plunged into Bart’s big
mitt, but Burnhan®had slid, and Hodge saw it.would
be impossible to touch him out. Such being the
case, the catcher made no effort to touch Burn-
ham, instantly throwing to second instead.

It seemed to be Bart’s off day, for he made a bad
throw, the ball going more than four feet over Rat-
tleton’s head. :

Ricker heard the crowd roar and saw a coacher
by third wildly motioning for him to come on. J'e
“stretched himself” in the run to third, whic:
reached safely in advance of the ball.

Then how the admirers of the home team cheered.
This was what delighted them beyond measure, and
they waved hats, hands, handkerchiefs and every-
thing they could find to wave, while they yelled and

yelled.

Dick Merriwell looked pale and ill. He felt him-.
self trembling all over, and there was a sensation of
emptiness at the pit of his stomach. .

“I’m to blame!’ he told himself, huskily. “I
should have got that ball! It’s all my fault!’

With the-ball in his hand, Frank turned and smiled
reassuringly at his brother.

“Hard bound,” he said. “You did well to get it
up so quick.”

But Dick was sore with himself, and he felt his.
eyes filled with a mist that made it hard for him to
see. His pride would not let him rub that mist out
of his eyes, as he fancied everybody was watching
him and would understand.

  
 

to try it!’

ately,

12

TIP TOP

The success of Burnham and Ricker encouraged
Ryan, who was the next hitter. . He had a good eye,
and Frank found it impossible to lead him to strike
at bad ones. When Merry put one over, however,
Ryan met it fiercely.

Again the ball was driven like a bullet at Dick,
who put himself in front of it with a single leap. The

boy tried to catch the liner, but it was too hot for

him to hold, and he dropped it.

Ricker chased himself in from third, sprinting at
his highest speed,

Dick leaped for the ball, but it seemed to roll
aside and elude his grasp.

He had seen Ricker start for hdMe, and it was his
one unbounded desire to shut the man off.

Getting hold of the ball at last, Dick straightened
quickly and threw hastily to Hodge.

The boy was so excited that he made a bad throw.
But for that he would have stopped the man at the
plate. As it was, Ricker slid and seored before
Bart could get the ball onto him.

Two scores had been made, mainly through er-
rors by Dick, and the boy was: ready to burst into
tears.

Ryan had ¢tarted off first, but Bart quickly threw
to Browning, and the runner got back barely in
time.

It seemed that Merriwell’s team had lieseaidelt in
a balloon” at the very start of the game.

“Take out the kid!” roared the crowd.

play ball! Take him out!”

“He can’t

Dick choked back a great lump that rose into his
throat and turned away, his face working with the
effort to control himself.

“I can’t play ball!” he muttered, , was a fool

Prank walked out of the box and over to his
brother, about whose shoulders he passed an arm.

“Tt’s all right, Dick,” he said,
Dounebin?

“Both errors were

“Oh, it isn’t all right!’ panted the lad, passion-
“Don’t tell me! Hear the crowd laugh!
_ They are laughing at me] I won't be laughed atl”

 

  

WEHREKLY.

“They are laughing because the home team has
made two scores, but we'll win this game.”
“Somebedy shouted for you to take me out.”

‘They're always doing that. Don’t mind it, Dick.

Just keep a stiff upper lip and make up your mind,

Youw'll
I know you, and you haye the right

that you'll get the next ball if it kills -you.
get it, too.
kind of blood in you,” ;

It was not easy for Frank to drive the bitterness
from the heart of his boy brother, but he had a way
of restoring confidence in those who knew him well,
and he finally succeeded in this case.

“Just show ’em that you're not to be laughed at,
Dick,” he said.

“Twill!”

chance.”

“You can do it.’

vowed the lad. “All I want is the
“You'll get plenty of chances before the game is
done.”
Merry returned to the box.
“Ain't ye goin’ to take the kid out?” shouted
somebody. |
answered Merry, with a smile,
Browning threw him the ball, and he delivered
one to Pew, who was in position,

Pew batted it straight at Dick.

“Not yet, 9

- CHAPTER VI.
SHUT ve

The ball struck the ground almost at the feet of
the boy, and it was whistling, » Dick put his “hooks”
on it, and he didn’t let it get away,

Ryan was forced to second,

Quick as:a flash the boy turned with the ball and
sent it to Rattleton. |

Harry was on the bag when the ball arrived, took
it handsomely, wheeled and shot it to Browning.
Ryan, who was coming down the line at his best
speed, heard the sphere whistle when it er his

head. , | aos

Browning took the throw as Pew madly raced Ae i,

‘first.

At was a dpuble pay, and two men were out

 

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cried Ready, who had made a leap to
Dick te;

that delicious!’

but found his. aid not needed; ‘wasn’t

Why,

more right in the same place!

back
you fellows want to hit some
Oh, Laura! how
lovely !”

“Out second and first,’ announced the umpire,

» Well,

crowd.

well, well!’ shouted somebody in the

“The kid did first rate!”
“Pretty work, Dick!” “T knew

do it.

laughed Frank.
you could It’s simple enough when you make
up your mind.”

The spectators did not cheer, but they were gen-
erous enough to give a hand on the swift and hand-
some play. 3

The color came back into the cheeks of Dick Mer-
riwell. With it his confidence returned.
“But everybody hits the great pitcher,’ came an-
other voice from the crowd, “He's a snap.”

-He had
double-shoot, but Frank declined to throw it, hav-

Hodge looked savage. signaled for the
ing injured his wrist by a fall some time before,
which made him careful about laming it any more.
eat 9 “They
can’t do that often, We

all right, boys,” declared Burnham.
Keep right after them.

can win this game with two out.”

Tyler was up, and he was determined to keep up
the work of the batters who had led off. He hada
reputation as a heavy hitter, and this he wished to
sustain. The very fact that he tried to murder the
ball made him easy for Frank, who worked him first

on a high in-shoot, which he failed to touch,

“Strike!” called the umpire.

“Oh, do it again!’ muttered Tyler. “I'd like to

see you,”

“Wind it right round his neck, Merry,” called

A Hodge. at the same time giving a signal for an out-
— drop. is i

Tyler expected another close one, and so, when

Merry seemed to start the ball straight at him, he
une back from the plate.. The ball curved and

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

   

13

Tyler frowned blackly, feeling sore because he had
been fooled in such a manner.
shook

for a rise

When Bart called for another
Not. till

was Merry satisfied.

drop Frank

his head. Hodge gave a signal
To the batter it seemed like a straight one about
shoulder high, and he smashed at it.
He hit nothing but the air.
“Batter

Frank had struck out Tyler, and the side was re-

out!’ rang from the umpire.
tired,

But the Saints had scored twice, and they were
satisfied.

“It's all right, fellows,” said Merry, as they came

in from the field. “A bad beginning makes a good

ending, you know. All we have to do is to play ball
right along to the finish, and we'll be in the game
all right.”

He had a way of keeping up the courage of his
team that led them to play from start to finish, no
matter how heavy the. odds.

Ready was the first hitter, and he felt that he was
pretty sure of reaching first,

Having a good eye, Jack did not go after the first
ball, which Young sent over with great speed, but
just too high to be good, |

The next one was a drop, and it was too low, and
again Jack held back, which put two balls on the
pitcher. .

Young followed with an out. It seemed good for
a corner till it was within ten feet of the plate, when
it suddenly swerved away.

Ready was nearly “pulled,” but saved himself just
in time.

“Three balls,” said the umpire.

“Here’s where you walk!” cried Rattleton, glee-
fully,

But Young now Biswed his control and pik one
straight over. Ready was a ball player and let it
pass,

Another followed in the same place, and still Jack
did not swing.

‘we strikes and three balls had been called. .

 

    
      
 
   
 

     

14; TIP TOP

Jack made up his mind that Young would be sure
to use his best strike-out ball for the next, and he
was wondering if it would be a drop, when Frank
suddenly said:

“Rise her over the infield, old man.”
had

seen and understood the catcher’s signals, and

Ready knew ,what that meant. Merriwell
Young would throw a rise.

The pitcher seemed to start the ball as if it would
be straight over at the batter’s shoulders.

Ready ventured to let it pass, and, as it was a rise,
it was level with the top of his head.
“Four balls!” called the umpire. ‘Go down.”

“Har! har!’ laughed Ready, as he dropped the bat
and jogged down to first, toeing in with one foot,
after his own peculiar fashion.

I told you!” shouted Rattleton, fol-
“Why, isn’t
it just as easy to pool a fitcher—I mean fool a

“T told you!
lowing down onto the coaching line.

pitcher !”
Carson was the next batter.
Young held Ready close to first, throwing over
twice to force him back. —
“Make a double, fellows,”
The Saints were on their toes now.

called Burnham.

Young had learned his.lesson in trying to fool
Ready, and he was angry over the result.

“Get back from the plate!” ordered the pitcher to
“Get ‘back, or T'll hit ye!”

9?

Carson,
“Let it come,” invited Berlin»coolly.

Young did so, driving one straight at Carson’s
head. |

The young Colorado player dropped instantly,
and a ball was called.

“Throw the bat at him if he hits you! ” » eiecinied
Hodge, his hot blood flaring up instantly.

Carson rose and stood up to the plate the same as
before.

“Get back!” snarled Young.

This time he deliberately threw the ball behind
Berlin, though he pretended that it slipped from his
hand. |

‘ af Ni kill you in a minute, boy” he said,

WEEKLY.

He was doing everything possible to frighten the
batter and make him believe he had no control.

But Carson had played with Yale too long not to
be onto the tricks of pitchers of all sorts, and’he was
as cool as a cake of ice as he again assumed posi-
tion. 7

Then Young put over a drop.

Berlin hit it, but did not hit it fair. It went down
the line to first,,and Ready sprinted for second like
a runaway colt. |

The first baseman gathered in the ball, touched the
bag and threw,to second.

“Slide!” ye elled Rattleton.

Ready obeyed, and the second baseman did not
get the ball onto him soon enough.

“Safe!” declared the umpire, after announcing the
out at first.

“Good sacrifice, Carson!” came from Rattleton.
“Get over by third, somebody.”

Frank hastened down to the coaching line by
third, and Harry came in to the bench.
called Frank.
Take a good start.

“Get
Back!

“Let yourself out, Ready,”
off with the baseman.
back!’

Ready went back with a leap, Young having
turned to throw.

Sabin covered the bag, but Ready was there eas-
ily, and the umpire declared him safe.

Three times Young drove Ready back, but He
could not keep Jack as close to the bag as he wished.

Hodge was ready to hit. |

Now, Bart was one of the best batters on the
team, and Young suspected as much. This caused
the pitcher to use all his skill on Bart, who fouled the
first one, having a strike called on him.

Smith tossed the ball to Young,
and prepared to pitch. But Smith’s glove was not
just right, and he stopped to fix it. |

Smith always watched bases for his pitcher; thus it
happened that he did not see Ready when Jack —

crept still further off second and made a quick start Ee

for a steal. re are
_ A shout went un |

who toed the slab.

“a

 

 

 

   
  
    
  
  
   
 
 
  
  
  

    
        
TIP TOP

 

“Stop him!” .

Ready was going like the wind when Young threw
to; third.
and Jack slid in, under without being touched in time,

Fortunately the throw was rather high,

Salas
EAs

23

Frank gave the signal for

home, and Hodge prepared to obey.
a) It happened that Tyler was onto all the tricks of
| the business, and he suspected just what was going
to happen. Thus it came about that he was running
* toward home when Young delivered the ball,

Bart bunted, but, as hard luck would have it, he
popped up a little one into the air.
4 Tyler. leaped for it, barel ely reached it within
twelve feet of the home plate, and. held it. |
Sa 5 ae Bart, was, out... oem

| ee Pew was playing the game, and he covered third
oe Be : _ when he saw Tyler sprinting to get that bunt.

Of course Ready had taken all the lead he could

mes. Merry’s cry of warning and attempted to get back
] to third in time to save himself.

; ey’ ‘Tyler w hirled and sent the ball to Pew before Jack
could return, arid a double play had been made.

x

2
ay
;

tie

Merriwell’s team was shut out rer by
clever work in the first inning.

 

 

 

  

CHAPTER VII.

“PRETTY WORK.

 
   
 

=

 

sow the crowd roared |
__This was ball playing of the sharpest, snappiest ‘sort,
_ .and the home team had made the best showing thus
i...
Three cheers were given for Tyler, who grinned

  

    
 

         
     
     
         
 
    

-and touched his cap as he came in to the bench,
turning the chew of tobacco ‘that was comfortably
a tucked away in his cheek.
eattes was ang ry.
“Next time I'll lace it out! !” he muttered, fiercely.
| : : “te 's all right, Bart, * assured Frank. “That was
| Play, ‘old man. up fs would have worked nine

t

   

Bart to sacrifice Jack’

get in order to score on the bunt, but he whirled at |

No wonder it roared!

WEEKLY. 15

fumed Bart.
scored anyhow if I had bunted onto the ground.”

“Hang him!’ “Ready would have
‘ “It makes the game a trifle more interesting, that
is all.”

But Bart could not accept the result in such a
philosophical manner, and he was like a savage dog
with a sore ear.°

“Can’t you give ‘em a few double twists, Merry?”
“You'll
breaking their backs trying to hit if you do.”

he asked, urgently. have these chaps
“And fix my wrist So that I won’t be able to pitch
for a month.”
“Well, I'd

that; but it will kill me to death to lose the gaime

rather lose the game than have you do
to this gang. Just think of our team being beaten
by a set like this!” 3

Frank ‘walked into the box, while his men trotted
out onto the field, scattering in a very pretty manner
and making a picturesque appearance.

Sabin was the first hitter, and he felt that he was
sure to continue the work of the men who had been
up in the first inning. In fact, he was much too con-
fident, and Frank sized him up so. |

Merry knew a few tricks himself, and he threw
the first ball into the dirt at Sabin’s

batter jump into the air to get out of the way.

feet, making the

“Oh, put.’em over!” cried the second-baseman of

the Saints. “What ails you? Has your arm played
out as quick as this ~ ;

_Merry made no retort, but gathered the ball into
his glove, pressed it down into his right hand and
looked anxious. By the worried expression on his
face one might have fancied that he regardéd the
game as hopelessly lost already.

“He's a cinch,” thought Sabin.

vi

“Tf he ever gets

one over, I'll knock the cover off.”

Merry sent one in that made the air sizz, and
Sabin fanned. pays |

“Why, how sad! “came from Ready.
never touch anything like that, Merry. Speed "em,
old man—speed ’ em fe se

Next time Frank went through the motions of

‘asing his a speed, but threw the ball ae ie ; |

“He'll

      
-

i reported 1 that he eiies hit well. \ ee

firmly when it fell into his mitt.

16

palm of his hand in such a manner that it loafed over
the plate as dead as a lump of mud. ,

Sabin struck at it before it was within eight feet of

him.

Now every man on the field was talking to Merry,
telling him to put the ball over and let the batter hit
it, assuring him that it would not ‘be touched, as-
serting that he was the real thing, and keeping up a
running fire of remarks of that nature.

Now, instead of looking worried, Frank smiled at
Sabin in a most provoking manner. That smile
angered the batter beyond measure, for it seemed to

say that Merry regarded him as an easy mark.

“Tl show you!” mentally cried Sabin, shutting

his teeth hard. “You can’t fool me again that way.”

Frank had intended to provoke Sabin, and he suc-
ceeded. Then, just when the fellow was unpre-
pared, Merry shot the pat straight over at his great-
est speed.

When it was too late, Sabin swung.

Plunk !—the ball cated in the big mitt of Hodge,

and the striker was out.

Jack Ready laughed derisively, and assured Frank
that it was a clean case of fruit.

Dow stepped up, telling Sabin that he would bet
ten dollars he’d hit the ball out. _ 2

“Of course you can!” retorted the second-base-
man of the Saints. “I won’t do that trick again to-
day. I don’t see where that fellow ever secured his
reputation as a pitcher.”

Instead of hitting it out, Dow put up a high foul,

which Bart went after, plunging into the midst of

the crowd. They made room for him, but, as the

ball came down, some of them danced before him
and waved their arms, shrieking:

“Drop it! drop
att | ¢

-Bart’s jaws were hard set, and he froze to the ball.

¥

Dow was out.

“ce

Now came Smith, the Se tiiest? catcher. He

y was'a good man behind the. i amd it had been

}

 

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

Frank gaye him one over the inside corner, and

Smith hit it. ne

Down to Dick bounded the ball, struck a stone,
shot aside and was stopped and cuffed to the ground
with one hand.

The boy was after the ball in a twinkling, picked it
up and threw to first.

He worked too fast, failing to make the throw
sure, which compelled Browning to jump for the
ball.

Bruce was off the bag when the foot of the runner
touched it, and Smith was safe.

Dick shook his head and flung his cap onto the

ground.
“Steady, Dick!” “Tt was

swift work, and you’d had him dead if you had taken

said Frank, quietly.

a little more time with your throw.”

Others told Dick it was all right, but the boy was
not at all satisfied.

“Tf we lose this game, I shall be one he
told himself.

I‘rank compelled Smith to keep close to first, put-
ting the ball over to Browning twice.

Then he got a strike on Young. :

The coachers were urging Smith to go down, but
the runner could not seem to get the kind of a start
he wanted. ee :

After throwing two more balls, Merry put one
straight over the cetiter,

Young let it pass.

“Three balls!” decided the umpire.

Merry turned and looked at him curiously.

“Don’t you think you need a pair of spectacles?”
he asked.

The umpire made no retort, but looked rather. ~

sour.
“Tt was a strike!”

in position to see.

Let the boys win the game honestly, if they win it.”
“All we want is a square: deal, # said Hodge; “but

4

‘we do want that”). ~" yey sy saree
_, Metey: put another over in just, the Satep place, :

a iia init ‘ ties eal Seg = an - 2 "te satsiascah ces : ae Wins eee ae i a ta St a roe
ee ? SRE gee Re ERR ON Ts TS. CREE TO f PE ee ee a a PERSE ONCREON” Pe

cried a spectator who had been
“Give ‘em a fair show, oes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
   
          
        
    

 

A : and this time the umpire felt compelled to call a
4 : strike.

it ~ “Tt’s all off!” laughed Ready. “He can put every
ie one in that place.”

an This seemed to lead Young to believe that Frank
i : would try to do so.

qe “Play for the batter,” said Hodge; “don’t mind
1% the other fellow.”

Merry dropped the ball and pretended to tighten

his belt. The ball hit his foot and rolled away.

Smith fancied that was his opportunity to steal
second, and he got up on his toes and tore down the
line.

It ‘was exactly what Merry fancied the fellow
might do, and he had been playing to give him the
opportunity to start.

With a leap, Frank gathered up the ball, round he

 

turned like a flash and down to second he threw.

“Pretty work!” cried Rattleton, as he saw the ball
coming.

“Slide!” yelled the coacher.

Smith saw Rattleton ready to take the throw, and
he flung himself forward in a headlong, desperate
slide for the bag.

s
True as a bullet from a rifle the ball came into the

 

hands of Rattleton, who took it and bored it into
the back of Smith, stepping him so that his fingers

didnot touch the bag by six inches,

 

“Safe!” said the umpire.

.
-

_ “Safe?” shouted Harry, instantly. “Why, he hasn't

got his band on the hag yet—I mean his hand on the

bag?”

Then the runner tried to squirm a little nearer to

 
  
 

touch the bag with his fingers.
ae 3

 

“Out,” declared the umpire, reversing his de-
cision. :

3 “Thank you!” said Merry. “But I really think
; you. need that pair of spectacles.”

 

WEEKLY.

  
  
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
    
   
    
   
 
 
 
    
    
       
     
        
     
 

f CHAPTER VIIL
GREAT BASE~RUNNING,

The game was warm enough to suit the most fas-
tidious. It is safe to say that never before had that
article of baseball been seen in the town. ‘

““Lul-lul-let’s get some sus-sus-scores this time,” |
said Gamp, as they reached the bench. “It’s my hit,
and I'll start it going.”

“If you do,” grunted Browning, “I shall try to
keep up the good work.”

Gamp was a heavy hitter, and he was determined

to do his best, and start the ball roiling.

Young, however, was angry because he had not
obtained a hit, and he seemed to pitch better than

ever. After getting two strikes on Gamp, the long
New Hampshire youth drove one straight into the re

hands of Sabin for an out.

“T’ll do better than that,” declared Browning.

Young seemed to feel that Bruce was the heavy
hitter of the team, and he worked all his arts on the
big fellow, getting two strikes called. i 7

But Bruce did not strike out. He met one
squarely and lifted it into deep left.

Ryan was there, and he took Browning's fly after
a sharp run.

Two were out.

“You're getting good support, old man,” said Rat-
tleton, cheerfuly, as he came up to the plate. “You'll
need it before the game is over, or ] am greatly mis-
taken.”

“I don’t think you’ll worry me a great deal,” re-
torted Young.

Then he gave Harry a pretty drop, and Rattleton
met it nicely, lifting it over the infield, oe
“Don't lose any sleep over that, old boy,” laughed

Harry, as he skipped down to first.

Carker took his turn, and Young made the balls |
whistle. Greg was not a strong hitter, and he found
the descendant of Brigham altogether too much for
hin, | s Bae

-Three strikes were called, one after another, and
Rattleton was left on first, ~ |

   
   

18

    
   
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
    
   
   
  
  
  
   
 
 
   
   
    
   
   
  
  
    
   
  
 
 
 
  
   
 

nae LOE

The game seemed to be going to suit the people
who admired the home team,

Young again came up to face Frank, and Merry
began over with the clever pitcher of the Saints.
Although, as a rule, pitchers are regarded as weak
hitters, Merry did not make the mistake of under-
rating Young, and he was able to strike the fellow
out.

Then came the‘head of the batting list, with Burn-
ham the first to face Merry after Young was retired.

Burnham grinned at Frank and received a smile
in return.

The manager of the home team fancied he could
repeat his feat of the first inning, and he set out to
pick a good one and hit it hard.

Merry, however, used all his wiles on the heady
fellow, getting two strikes on him before Burnham
tound the ball and lifted a fly foul back of first,

Browning bored his way into the crowd, which

_ Scattered, and froze to the ball with both hands when
it came down.

Burnham was out.
ye “Just a case of hard luck,” said Burnham.
Bi _ do better next time.” | :
“Perhaps so,” nodded eee
harm to be hopeful.”

nee
“It won't do/ any

Ricker had heen able to score in the first inning,
and he tried to work Merry for a base on balls.
Forced at last to swing, he was fortunate enough to
get a little scratch hit over the infield.

“Here we go!” cried a coacher for the Saints.
“We're all off in a bunch! We can make ee with
two men out.” eg
“Won't you take forty-nine ?” asked Jack Ready,
pleasantly.
_ Ryan faced Merriweli with a look of determination
on his face, rapping out the second ball delivered.
pad fate would have it, this ball came hot to Dick
: Mertiwell, who gathered it easily and then threw it
into the dirt just out of Browning’s reach.
_ Ryan came down to first, and the ball got by
Bruce. The big fellow chased it, while both Ricker
and Ryan raced round the bases, cheered by the wild
_ shouts of the crowd. _
_ Ricker did not stop at third, but went straight
“home like a racehorse. — |
"Browning had recovered the eee and he threw it

from the coach line.

   

WEEKLY.

The throw was bad, and Ricker reached the plate,

while Ryan was stopped on third.

Dick Merriwell was vowing he would nevet play
another game of ball as long as he lived. He blamed
himself entirely for the three scores obtained by ae
the home team. |

Merriwell. was now forced to let himself out, several
notches to prevent further scoring. He knew Pew i
must be a hitter, and so he resorted to all his arts to fe
strike the man out, or prevent him from: securing a ce
safe hit. oe

Pew found Frank’s delivery puzzling in the ex-
treme, and there was something about it that an-
gered him. When he became angry he was less ef-
fective than usual, so Merry had little trouble in get- .
ting three strikes on him. ma

But the score stood three to nothing in favor of ae
the home team, and the ews were well satis- y
fied.

Dick Merriwell was the first man up for Frank,
and the little fellow came up to the plate with: his
own especial light bat.

“Now, Dick,” said Frank, ‘ ‘put us into the. game.
Let his high ones alone, and you'll walk.”

This. proved good advice, for Young : soon gave
the boy a base on balls.

Frank followed at the bat.

Dick danced about first, seeming unable to keep
still, which led Young to throw over several. timés in
the hope of catching him. 7 !

But the lad was lively as a grasshopper, and all
attempts to find him off the bag were fruitless.

 

 

Dick was anxious to redeem himself, and he took
the chance of going down the first time Young de-
livered a ball to Smith.

Smith took the ball and made a pretty good thctiiw,
but the boy had run with wonderful speed, and he
flung himself forward in a long slide. The boy
slipped over the ground as if he had been ona Oa
gan slide, and Sabin tried to tag him i in vain. —

 

  
    
      

chirped Ready,
“Why, you can no more put ae
your hand on that boy than you can caneae, the fes-
tive little flea. mea even so!”

“Twenty minutes late, old socks,”

  
     
       
 

Smith was angry because the boy. baal ‘succeeded |
in going down, and he growled at Sabin, who didi not
take the remarks kindly. i ia ft

Dick took a. long and daring lead off Geeot, get
ae ‘back ato ae time when ‘Young wheeled.

  
   
 
       
  

    

   
   
 

 

 

 

v

  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
   
 
 
 
    
  
 
  

 
    
    
  

  

Tie POr

to throw. He had a way of getting off immediately
when the ball left the hands of the man on the bag,
which seemed rather reckless; but, for all of his dar-
ing, they could not catch him. |

Having stolen second, Dick promptly made a
break for third when Young started on his delivery
to the bat.

Frank stepped back, as if to give Smith a good
chance to throw, but it may be that he bothered the
catcher for an instant.

Smith snapped the ball for third, but it was a trifle
high, and again the lad slid safely.

“Great running, Dick!” called Frank, approvingly.
“Now, do your best.”

It was the sign that Frank meant to sacrifice the
boy home, and Dick was ready.

Merry bunted the next pitched ball.

It did not roll ten feet from the plate, but Dick
was coming in like the wind w hen bat and ball met.

Smith leaped for the ball, getting it wp quickly,
and turning to stop the boy.

Dick was not to be:stopped, and he went clear of
the catcher, bringing in the first score for the Mer-
ties, after some of the swiftest base-running ever
seen in the State.

The work of the boy aroused the enthusiasm of
the spectators, and set them to applauding.

Frank had reached first, and Ready was again at

bat.
Not a man was out.

Team work had counted in making the first score,

for Dick had been informed by a signal that Frank
meant to bunt, which led the boy to play well off
and get a good start when he saw what seemed to:
be a ball that must pass over the plate.
- Many amateur teams make the mistake of swing-
ing on the ball just as fast'as the players come up,
when often a little scientific bunting will win better
than heavy hitting.

Frank had accomplished what Hodge attempted

and failed.

Ready tried to sacrifice Frank to second, but put
‘up a small infield hit, which was called by the amp
without delay.

Frank was forced back to first, and Jack was out,
even though Pew dropped the ball.

Carson took his turn and fanned, and it began to
seem that Frank would be left on first: base.

- But Merry did not feel like remaining there, and

| ° _ $0 he took a chance on the next pitched ball.

WEEKLY.

   

19

Had Merry not been a great runner he must have
been caught. As it was, he barely reached second
in time. He was safe, however, and the umpire thus
declared him.

Hodge now did his best to score Frank, but he
drove the ball on a line into the hands of Tyler, who
held it fast, and the inning was over.

CHAPTER 1X,

AT THE COMMAND OF HOLDFAST,

Three innings had been played, and the score was
three to one in favor of the home team. But for the
remarkable base-running of young Dick Merriwell,
Frank’s side would not have had a score, and all
were willing to confess it.

In the meantime Elder Holdfast had withdrawn te
a distance, where, from an elevation, he could watch
the game. He was thus employed when Red Harris,
pretty drunk, came rolling by.’

“Hello, elder!’ cried ‘Harris,
are ye standing idle all the day?
geranium blossom?

“Verily, the ‘ungodly have taken possession of our
peaceful town,” moaned the elder; ‘‘and the citizens
of the place stood by and saw them abuse me. But
I will have my revenge.”

“How are you going to do it, elder?”
ruffian.

“T have a way—I know a good way!” chuckled the
Mormon. “You have 1éndered me no aid.”

“T’ve done my best. It ain’t my fault that the
feller is a reg’ler wildcat to fight.”

“But you claimed that you could destroy him with
one blow of your mighty fist.”

“Haven't a doubt’ of it,” gt rinned Red Bill;
somehow, I wasn’t able to hit him that blow.”

“All your efforts were unavailing.”

“Ruther so,” acknowledged Bill.

“He threw you fairly over his head.”

“How he ever done it is more than I kin tell, but
I be gol-dinged if he didn’t!”

“You struck heavily.”

“Ground kinder seemed to jump up and hit me a
bump.” - :

on thought your neck was broken.”

“Reckon I’d thought so, if I’d thought anything
about it.”

“In my righteous indignation I sought to destroy
your slayer. It was a hasty act, but you have many

familiarly. “Why
What’s up, old

asked the

“but,

  
? I have-——

 
 

  

29 TIP TOP

times befriended me, and my blood grew hot with
rage when I saw what had befallen you.”

“Thanks, elder,” said Bill, in a queer way.

“T seized a weapon and fired at this ungodly youth
who has brought his ball-playing sinners into this
peaceful town.”

“You wasn’t more’n a rod away.”

“T was just within the window from which we first
saw them.”

“An’ you missed?”

“T thought I had accomplished my purpose, for he
fell across your body.”

“Slick trick of his, elder; he dropped to dodge the
bullet.”

“In my haste, I dropped the revolver and fled.”

“Jest made tracks;” grinned Red Bill. ‘“Derned ef
you mustn’t looked funny hoofing it, elder!”

Holdfast frowned.

“Cease thy flippant observations,” he commanded.

“All right, elder,” said Bill. “But I couldn’t help
laughin’ to think of you leggin’ it,”

“Somehow,” Holdfast continued, “this stranger

_aroused the sympathy of those who had gathered,
and the son of Brother Ezra Ryan brought his
bloodhound and put it on my trail.”

“I reckon you begun to know for the first time
how it feels to be tracked by a bloodhound, elder.
Now you can understand how some of the doomed
ones of the past used to feel-when they knew they
wuz tracked by a hull pack of bloodhounds.,”

The Mormon elder shuddered.

“Hush!” he said. / “Don’t speak of that!”

“But we was paid well fer our work,” said Red
Bill, as if thinking of the old days. “We got plenty
of blood-money. But | can remember every grave.
I can remember the poor devils left on the plains ur
in ther mountains to be devoured by wolves or vul-
tures. I hev come back an’ seen their bleachin’
skilertons. I have heard their cries fer merey in the
still hours of the night. I have seen the faces of
innercent children turned up to me in terror! I
have seen all round me the destroying ones shooting,

cutting and striking down ehh women and babies

p78

iy “T bid you. cease!” “gasped Elder ‘Holdfast:
“Brother Harris, you are drunk or crazy!”
“A little of both, I reckon,” mutterd Red Bill.

eee: been thinkin’ lately about the stain of blood on

time ¢ is keas wae han erazy,” sine ae cen

my soul, an’ I have to keep drys the most of the

ae es i
ie ta am “not one ‘to au: in “the dust,

vb

_ “Are getting thicker and thicker.” eae ae
“But the faith of the Lord is ale on a rock, eee

WHEKLY.

“Forget all that. It is past and gone. It was the
appointed work 6f God.”

“The appointed work of the devil!” growled Har-
ris, whose recollections had changed his humor.
“But I was singled out because I happened to be

big and'strong and rough. I was chosen as a de-

stroyer.° When I was told my task I had no choice
but accept. What if I had refused? I knew the con-
sequences. I would have been marked, and within

three days my a must have paid the cost of my re-
fusal.” ; ‘

“Verily, thou art going crazy of a certainty! I
tell you to banish such thoughts from thy mind.”

“An’ so the bloodhound was after ye, elder?” said
Red Bill.

“The dog would have tracked me straight to my
own door,” said Holdfast. “But I had hastened
home and prepared for any emergency. I have a
noiseless rifle that throws a good-sized bullet, and
with that I armed myself. I left the house by the
back way and climbed to a place where I could kneel
behind some bowlders and look down upon the trail.

I was there when the dog came along with the men

close behind it.’
“An’ you got in your work?” =

“Asking the aid of the Lord, I took careful aim at }

the dog and pressed the trigger. The animal gave
a great jump, keeled over and the work was done.”
“An’ it was mighty lucky for you, elder.”

“Do you think they would have placed violent
hands on me had they traced me and captured me?”
“It’s pretty dern certain some of them would.” —
“But ham
“Elder, you’re a back number,

realize it, but your day is done. The younger Mor-
mons are getting away from the things of other days.

A change has come over the Church. That's what-
ever, elder.
an’ never get inter trouble.”

Holdfast frowned.

“Right shall triumph at last,” ne declared, “These
wretched Gentiles——”

 

 

i

and sin shall not overcome az:

“I don’t know northing about that, but I do ite f

that we can’t run es one a as WE, used we

vite

aang
3

ane 4 ae >
WMH id nc «fo o

 

You may not —

You can’t run things jest any old way es

 

>
Beet

   
  

aad
ars.

 

sane

ae Ee precast

  

 

  
    
   
 
   
   
 
   
   

  
  
       
      
     
 
      
enemy, and he has done me a great wrong.
the Gentile who has brought these disturbers into
our quiet town. With his bloodhound he sought my
life, and now e

 

“The bloodhound belonged to one of our own citi-
zens,”

“But it was employed in the service of this Gentile
Now, Brother Harris, I] have one last command to
impose upon you.”

; Red Bill was silent, looking anything but pleased.
a “T will provide you with the weapon—the rifle that
makes no noise. It is loaded for the work. You
were once a dead shot. From that pinnacle of rocks
yonder you ean look down upon the field. I will go
onto the field once more and command the game to
stop. When Idoso, you must be ready. The Gen-
tiles will refuse to stop. Then I will ery out for
Heaven to strike dead the leader of the wicked ones,
eyen as the bloodhound was destroyed. When I do
‘this, you are to take good aim at Frank Merriwell
¥ and shoot him down.”

eT Meer rn) om Be Nn sce: x oh A
x ire $ oe me

 

2

RS

 

“Look here, elder!” exclaimed Red Bill, “I ob-
, ee Ye f
“You cannot,” returned the Mormon, sternly.
hold you in the hollow of my hand.”
“How?”
“A word from me would put these Gentile officers
on your track. You know they have sought to clear

up the Mountain Brook mystery.”

4T

}

“But you wouldn’t blow on me, would yer, elder?”
- gasped Bill, in amazement.
““Not if you obey my commands.”
“But hev I always got to obey in order to keep
your mouth shut?”

aid. 2
“And it may not be,” muttered Harris. , “So, you

would blow on me? Well, I didn’t think it!”

st “Are you ready to do the work assigned your”

“You won't Jet me off?” E

“Nay, IT will not.*

ttl. hate to salt that young feller what walloped me.

He’ s a first-rate RD an’ I’ve taken a big likin’ to

him.”

_ The elder looked at Red Bill in Burprise,

: “How can that be?” he asked. “How can you

Tike one who has done you an injury?” |

Well, you see, I jumped ther critter fust, an’ he

aright to soak me. I thought he was easy, but

  

  

  

  

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

He is (I found him the hardest thing I ever butted up
ag’ inst.

*Perchance this will be the last time I’ll need your,

to run.

  
  
   
    
   
     
  
  
  
 

21

Why, he kin knock out Jeffries, an’ I'll bet
on it! It’s a shame to spoil such good fightin’ tim-
ber!”

In truth the big ruffian had taken a liking to
Frank, and he did not fancy. the job Holdfast re-
quired him to perform, However, many a time in
the past he had not fancied some task set upon him,
yet had gone about it as if his heart and soul were in
it.

“He must perish from the face of the earth!’ de-
clared the elder, unyieldingly. “I command you to—
destroy him, and I will furnish the means.” a

Again Harris started to argue, but the elder shut N
him off sharply.

“It is useless,” he said. “Are you ready?”

“Well, if I must I must,” muttered the ruffian,
weakly. “I’d ruther be kicked to death by mules!
I don’t mind walkin’ out and facin’ a man, but this
yere way of killin’ Y

“It will not be the first time you have fired from
shelter.’ *

“Well, you're right; but I swear it will be the last!
You hear me, elder? It will be ther last!’

“Perhaps so.”

“I know it! I have made up my mind on it.
This time I will mind yer an’ shoot from behind
them rocks; but never again will I obey such an etn
order from you.” a

“Come,” said Holdfast, quietly; “follow me. I ao
will provide you with the silent rifle.” —

Harris followed him. : a

 

 
 
      
    
      
      
        
      
 
   
    

CHAPTER X._ 4

THE DOUBLE-SHOOT,

  
    
   
    

The game had continued to the fifth inning, with
the home team still two in the lead,

In Merriwell’s half of the fifth Dick gat first on a
clean hit, and then, with two men out, he stole sec-
ond handsomely, although Smith and Young were
looking for him to try it, —

The base-running of this remarkable boy was
arousing great enthusiasm, for it was far ahead of
anything ever seen in Sandtown.

Dick seemed light as a cat on his feet, and he had
the sped of a frightened jack-rabbit when he started
It almost seemed that he could run as fast as
the ball was thrown, | --  --+--

          
      
        
    
    
      
        
       
 

a rs OFA i fa F vy

   
22 TIP TOP

+

“Never mind, Smith,” said Young; “we’ll catch
him the next time.”

But they did not, for Dick got a good start off
second and went to third at top speed, reaching the
bag on a slide.

Then the crowd shouted:

“Why, the boy’s all right!”

Frank smiled.

“I must get a hit now,” Merry thought, “and
score him. He is working like a tiger for this
game.”

But Young was one of the most difficult pitchers
Frank had ever ‘tried to hit, and he secured two
strikes on Merry, making it look rather dubious.

Dick was taking a big lead off third, determined to
score, if such a thing could be done.

Young had been permitting the boy to get this
lead, pretending to pay no attention to him. All at
once the pitcher snapped the ball over, and Dick was
caught between bases.

“Got him!” eried Smith, exultantly. a

Young ran up .onto the line near home plate,
which was covered by Smith, while Pew took third
base. as Tyler ran Dick off.

Then began a desperate attempt to pen the boy
between them and tag him, all four men working like
beavers to accomplish this purpose. Up and down
the line they ran him, throwing the ball back and
forth to head him off. Twice it seemed that they
had him, but he squirmed under their outstretched
hands, and was not tagged.

The crowd stood up and shouted and roared. The
excitement of the moment was most intense.

”?

Dick kept his head ina remarkable manner, work-
ing all the tricks he could to deceive the men who
were seeking to put him out.

“They can’t catch you, boy!” cried Frank, en-
couragingly. “They'll never touch you!”

Tyler had the ball and was within three feet of
Dick. He made a jump and tried to reach the lad,
‘but Dick shot away. Tyler threw to Young, and
Dick pretended to start back, as if determined to
make a mad try for third. ;

Immediately Young sent the ball back to Tyler.

Barely had the sphere left his fingers, when the
boy jumped toward the home plate, shooting past
Young.

This left no one but a between him and the
3 ‘Plate.

WEEKLY.

Tyler threw the ball to Smith, who caught it and
reached out to tag Dick.

Smith’s feet were apart, and the lad flung himself
headlong between them, having ducked like a flash
and escaped the ball. He slid home, and was safe.

Smith was furious. He flung the ball onto the
ground and kicked it into the diamond, while the
crowd continued to roar.

The work of the boy wonder on Merriwell’s team
had caught the fancy of the spectators. When the
shouting subsided, somebody cried:

“Well, say, that little chap is a star!”

“You bet your boots!” came from another.

“If the whole team was like him our boys couldn’t
beat.” |

“Hard luck, Gardner, old man,” said Young, call-
ing Smith by his given name. “Ought to had him.”

“Did have him,” muttered Smith, “if I’d kept my
feet together. Who'd thought he’d slide between”
them and score?” ; ‘

Merry was patting Dick on the back.

“Why, you're playing the whole game alone!” he
laughed. “You have made two scores. It takes
but one more to tie.” :

“You'll never make it!” muttered Young, who had
heard Frank’s words.

’

39

The pitcher for the Saints went into the box de-
termined to make an end of the matter right there;
but he was so angry that he gave Frank a good one,
and Merry rapped out a hit. pire

Ready had been praying for a hit, and he was de-
termined to make it now.

Young was just as determined that he should not —
get a hit, and Jack found himself up against wonder-
ful speeck.. |

“Meet it!”
will go a mile.

“If you do, it

cried Frank, from first.

y??

Line it out!
The last three words were a signal to Ready, for
Frank had seen the catcher’s sign, and knew the —
call was for an out-curve. The final word “‘oyt” told —
Jack what to expect. .
Ready met the ball handsomely, but it; flew’ >
straight into the hands of the right fielder, who held
it, not having to move more than two feet to get it: —
Jack was out, and the score was three to two. a
The Saints were determined to add to their score, |
and they started in right to succeed, the first hitter
getting his base on balls, through the favor of the

 
     

umpire, while the next one managed to hit a hard
one through Ready.
“Here is where we pile “em up!”

“h crowd. “a
eo Ut looked still more dubious, when, through an

shouted the

-etror by Rattleton, the bases were filled,

‘Not a man was out.’

The next hitter was Ryan.

Desperately Hodge called for the sable hank
and, at last, Frank nodded his assent..

The game must be saved somehow.

Merry assumed a position that told every man on
the field just what he was going to do, and. gave
Hodge full information concerning the nature of the
shoot. _

Apparently Fr aul started with an out, and Ryan
remained motionless to let it pass. The ball  re-
+ : versed and cut the plate.
ep “Strike | !’ cried.the umpire.

Ryan dropped his bat and started.
_ “What's that?” he gurgled.
was a.strike!’?
Hodge called for the opposite curve, and M Lerry
: started the next one with an in, causing the batter to
ie jump away from the plate. The, ball reversed and
passed over a corner of the rubber.
“Strike two!” came from the umpire.
pon On, what 2 roast Y roared Ryan,
vag ful! awful!”
i ate was savage now, and he stood up to the plate
in a position that seemed to indicate an intention of
killing the ball: |
Merry smiled at him, anid that made ne batter
still angrier.

  

 

 
  
 
 
 
   
   

angrily.

 
   
  
   
  

ei shook his head and was not satisfied until the’ sign for
a rise had been given.

_ Then Merry burned one over, ne Ryan went up
into the air after it, striking out very prettily.
Bart cores the bal 1 ae letting fe-toll off

   
 

  

 
 

TP TOP WEEKLY.

Why, that never

- Hodge asked for infothet deubte. shoot, Gut Frente

23
“That’s right! Everybody go home! Refluse
“me! isn’t this just perfectly heart-breaking!”

Pew had his teeth set when he-faced Merry. He
had heard of the double-shoot before, and now he
resolved to see if the ball could not be hit.

Frank was in position, and he sent the first ball in
with an out at the start. Taking a chance, Pew
judged about where it would come in case it reversed
and struck atit. | |

It was the double-shoot, and ball and bat met with
a crack.

The ball shot off on a line, apparently going over
ae Merriwell’s head; but the boy leaped into the

r, stopped it with one hand, dropped it, came down,
ae it up and threw Pew out at first.

The Merries had pulled themselves out of a hard
hole,

 

CHAPTER XI."
THE SCORE TIED.

murmured Jack Ready,.as they sat down on
“this sort of ball playing in this part ofthe
La!

“Say,”
the bench,
country is something not down on. the bills.
la! I expected a skinch!” :

“Say a cinch!” corrected Rattléeton,

“No, I mean a skinch. I am:strictly up to sie;
and cinch ‘isold-fashioned, © Skinch is the very
latest.” : .

“Well, ‘tide are some fast ball players out in this
part of the world,’ smiled Frank. ‘‘That last man
up hit the double-shoot, and it would have been.a
safe one if he had put it ten feet either way. It was
a great,stop, anyhow.” .,

“And the boy did it,” laughed Browning, Mactly.
“Oh, he is a great lad!”

Frank encouraged his men to get right into the
game and work hard, but, despite all. their efforts,

.this. inning resulted in another blank for them.”

Frank was feeling of his wrist when he went into
the box.. He wanted to win, but he was not willing
‘to do so at the sacrifice of his wrist.

The work in the sixth inning was of the sharpest .
and snappiest sort, Frank mixing up all kinds of
curves and shoots and getting good packing, which.
resulted in another shutout. Ze

Young, however, was on his mettle and bia séemed we
to appreciate a fighting game of ball. He went into.
_Teturn the compliment, and dic so very effectively,

 
   
     
       
 
    
     
 
     

Tae

  
    

24 TIP TOP

When the Merries came to bat in their half of the
seventh Browning was the first hitter. Thus far
Bruce had failed to get a good safe one off Young,
but now he bunted.

This was quite unexpected, and the big fellow ran
the moment bat and ball touched. Both pitcher and
catcher jumped for the ball. The pitcher got it and
turned to throw,

It was too late, but he made the throw, although
Browning had reached the bag and was safe before
the ball got there.

“Well, I swear!” deinttarbit Young. “Who ever
thought he would bunt, and he the first hitter up!”

Rattleton was ready, a look of resolution on his
pleasant face. Apparently he was determined to
lace out a long one, if possible.

This appearance fooled Young very nicely, for.

Harry followed the example of Browning and bunted
the first ball pitched.
Browning tore down to second, while Rattleton
made for first.
This time Smith got the ball, snatching it out from
beneath Young’s fingers, but, in his angry excite-
ment, he made a bad throw to first,
“Safe!” declared the umpire.
The Saints were looking anxious now.
Young and Smith held a consultation, while the
spectators looked on nervously.
Two safe bunts in succ&ssion had disturbed the
nerve of Young.
Over by third Jack Ready was chinning joyously,
while Carson talked from the line back of first.
“Hot stuff, are we!” cried Carson.
“As all may see,’ rhymed Ready.
“We're out for fun,” said Berlin.
“It’s. just begun,” from Jack,
“We're here to win.”

“You bet your tin.”

“We'll never stop.” ‘
“Till we’re on top.”
_ “Play off that base!” shouted Carson.

“Young is in place,” came across from Ready.

“He’s going to. twirl.”

“He has a girl, cd BS aN

“FHe’s looking grim.”
_., “She’s watching him.”
.. “Come, get.a_start,”
~ *Play up right smart,”
“You've got to go.”

Pontes? Berlin.
‘continued Ready.

  

t

a.
i
Ma.

¢

WEEKLY.

; ag
“Get back there! Whoa!” ;
“Now up and skip.” 3 e
“You're safe this trip.” : E
At this point both men tried a double steal, and i

both succeeded in reaching the bases safely. i
The coaching delighted the crowd, and it seemed P
that sympathy began to turn toward Merriwell’s i.
team, |
But Carker, who tried for a safe hit, dropped it f
into the hands of Sabin for the first out. : .
Now Dick Merriwell was again at bat, and Young, e
angry over the way things were moving, tried to fe
frighten him by saying he was going to hit him. i
Dick did not frighten easily. 9

“Tet ’em come,” he said. . a

The first one was thrown close to the boy, who
pretended to try to dodge it, but pluckily took it &
on his back in a very clever manner.

“He dodged into it!” cried Young, angrily.

“What are you talking about?’ laughed Frank.
“Do you think that boy is going to dodge into. one
of your speedy ones, Young? He is not foolish, and . 3
he wants to live a little longer.” roe 3

“Go down,” said the umpire, and Dick trotted to = |,

first. ms

Frank was the next hitter, and Browning said to cf
the coacher: ee

“The game is won right here! He'll score me.”

‘Merry got a ball just where he wanted it and might
have laced it out, but he knew that would not be ball
playing, so he did his best to place a safe single. He
did not get the ball just where he wanted it, but
drove one into right field, permitting Bruce to come
home, which tied the score.

Rattleton tried to follow Browning
thrown out at the plate. at

Now Ready was up once more, and this time he ge
felt that all eyes were on him. The crowd roared ;
and roared. The excitement was intense.

 

Lins and was

 

Jack slashed hard at the first one, missing it ‘by
at least eight inches. . : bt

ae ‘Steady !" called Frank. Grudn maeaec
I’ve told you before.” 3

Again Frank was on first, with Jack at the bat; and
again he was able to see the catcher’s signals. ©

“Get into it! Get into it!” he shouted.

The word" ‘into” told Ready it Ww as to be an in-
shoot. THe stepped batk, met it ‘handsomely’ and
Gere it at Pew. oe Bi

 
   
 
 

   
 

  

   
 

TIP TOP

It was a hard one for the.shortstop to handle, but
he succeeded in getting his hands on it and holding
it, throwing Ready out at first.

The score was tied.

CHAT Tic

THE

R XII.

POTN AA a2 Sah Ry) Be Bs

The Saints were not laughing and making merry
now. Still, it was plain they felt relieved because
they had managed to crawl out of such a bad hole.

_ At one time it had seemed certain that the Merries
would win out in that inning.

It was plain enough that this band of beardless

young men knew all the tricks of the business, and
would .do anything honorable to win.

Thus far neither side had resorted to dirty ball
playing, whichis always disgusting to spectators
who are out to witness honest sport,

Now, however, one or two of the Saints showed a
disposition to-do anything to win. The first hitter
crowded onto the plate, and then, when complained

of by Bart, declared Hodge had hit his bat with his

ae. mit. ‘
 , “Tf you seeme do anything of the kind, Mr. Um-
pire,” said Bart, “give the batter his base at once.

We do not win our games that way.”
“Tf we can’t win them some other way, we'll not
win at all,’ assured Merriwell.
-’Vou'll never win this one!”
on the bleachers.
-“That remains. to be seen,” returned Frank.
Merry found his wrist sore now, and he dropped
the double-shoot for the time, as he was forced to
ae iapping twist of the wrist to accomplish it.
“The: first batter got a hit. e
‘The next one sacrificed him to second:
>. The third man sacrificed again, and with two out
a runner was on third.
a Ryan had been instructing the rest of the team i inl
the proper way to hit the double-shoot.
' “If he gets to using it,”” said the left fielder of the
- Saints, “you must swing at what seems to be an out
that is bound to pass beyond the piste," for the
hanged. ball will reverse and pass over.’
“And how about the other curve 2” asked | some-
: body. ee
PAs will seem to be coming right at you. 4 you' ve
ca sand, De ‘ll stand still ae take chances, In.

declared somebody

“man out.

| Indian, so he was at a loss just where to put the

tinct.

fret and turned toward ae he® saw the center

  
  
   
  
    
    
   
 
   
  
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
    
 

WEEKLY. 25 i
case it’s the double-shoot it will reverse and go over
the plate, so you must swing on it, using judgment.”

Hodge was calling for the double-shoot, and
Frank decided to use it in order_to strike the last,

Merry knew it had been hit.once that day, though
not safely; but he regarded that as a great accident
and nothing more. Now, however, he was dazed
when a batter came up, stocd stiff when the ball be-
gan to curve toward him, swung hard and met it on
the reverse, with the result that a pretty hit was
made.

Another score came in for the Saints.

The crowd whooped with joy.

Then Merry resorted to all the arts he knew and
struck out the final hitter.

The score remained thus up to Merriweill’s half of
the ninth inning.

As they came to bat in that half Frank noted that
Rattleton was the first hitter. ‘4
It looked dubious. | ieee a
“A little safe hit is all we want,” said Frank.
“Young is burning speed. If you meet the ball it
will go a mile. Don’t slash at’it!”
But Rattleton was very nervous, and he put up a
high foul, which the third baseman captured. oy ee 4
The first man was out. . oa
Carker came next, and the expression on his face ;
told that all the courage had left his heart.

       
      
     
    
 

“Where is Swiftwing 7 ?” asked Merry, looking
round, aa
The Indian, who had been keeping still during ;
the game, promptly came forward.
“Strike in Carker’s place,” directed Merry.
The Indian selected a bat and ady anced to the
plate.
A hush fell on the crowd. ; Se ee
Young had not found the weak point of the young hg

       
      
     
    
       
 
 
      
       
 

ball.

The very first one happened to os just MAE
Swiftwing wanted it.

The report as s bat arid ball met was loud eee dis-

 
   
        
 
 

Away sailed the ball toward deep center.

“A three-bagger!” cried somebody. : ,
“A home run!” shouted another voice. ~~ '
Swi iftwing ran like the wind, but when he reached

    
 

  
   
 
  

   
  

“>

aS

TIP TOP

fielder jump into.the air and pull down the ball with
one hand, making a wonderful catch, .

Two men were out!

“You did all you could, John,” said, Frank, meet-
ing the disappointed Pueblo, as. the latter came in.
“If you had sent it two feet further Dow never would
-have touched it, and | think it might have béén a
home run.”

“It’s all over!” cried Sabin, from second.
great Frank Merriwell has met defeat,”

“Put somebody in the kid’s place,” advised a voice
from the crowd.

It was Dick’s turn to bat.

With two out, it did look decidedly dubious for the
visitors.

Dick looked toward Frank, who gave him a reas-
suring smile.. In the heart of the boy was a great
‘and unspeakable desire to do something to win the
game.

Frank had coached Dick on placing hits, and
now, when Young, fancying the gamé Was easy, put
one right over, the boy met it with the intention of
dropping it back of second.

_ If he were to play ball twenty years to come Dick
Merriwell could never place another hit in prettier
style. It dropped just out of Sabin’s reach, and
‘the boy reached first easily ahead of the ball.

“That starts it!” exclaimed Frank.

It was Merry’s ttirn to strike.. He had séen Dick
yun bases, and. so he waited on the fitst ball,

Dick went down.

Smith threw to catch the lad, but again the fleet-
footed youngstér managed to get in ahead of the
ball.
“Now a good hit ties the score!”
Hodge.

_ Frank did not regard the next one as over, but
the umpire called another strike on him..

It looked black for Frank. —

Merty saw that he must hit or be called out on
strikes, so, though the MERE one was too high, he
drove into it. ,

. It was a handsome, ‘bug sitet. but,
good start off second;
kept on for the plate.

The fielder threw to cut the run off and Frank
went down to second.

Dick: éameé in-on a slide, and the score counted.

Again it was a tie.

Again Ready, who hail failed to do anything at.the
ma that day, was up-to strike.

‘Frank took advantage of the first bail bitetiad and
stalé third, the: Sneae? being a desperate one,

~~ Hecmadé it \

“The

‘came’ from

‘having a
Dick raced dver third and

-ic"Now, a ‘little tap. Settles ‘everything, ‘face. iy he .

cried | pee
¥ ae was pale as death. 2 deere

 

273-—Frank, Merriwéll’s Gloty ; ‘iy The Greatest Trium ait of AL

 

 

At this momént, Eldér Holdfast adv anced toward na
Frank, crying : : te.
“This abomination must stop! I have called’ on ae
the: Almighty to stop it, and he has answeted my . k
prayer. The chief sinner on this field’ shall ibe gy
stricken down before your“tyes by the. hand of the ‘
All-Wise Judge!” e
He was pointing a finger straight at Merry as he Te:
uttered these words; but then he gave a sudden start, ,
a cry, clasped his hands over his “breast and fell for- oe
ward ont his face. ei
Merriwell saw the words of the old elder had me

caused commotion, and he was on his way toward Be
home, to try for a steal, before Holdfast fell. uf

iy

Smith shouted to Young, who thréw the ball in, i.
but threw wild. , The sphere stritck Smith’s’ hatid
and. bounded into the air, falling ten feet from the ogee

plate... |
The catcher ‘jumped for it, got it and tad ‘6 stop
Frank.

Merriwell flung himself forward: in a long. slide
afid came up to the plate in a cloud of dust.

It was evident to all that hé had scored. In fact, .
it was so evident that the umpire: did not dare de ie
clare him ott. ise, igre :

“Safe!l’’ was the decision: he OL ae

Metriwell’s team had won at last by Frank’s. steal
honie. Ready afterward déclared that it was>the
only -way Merry could have scorced, as he-had 16st =|
confidence in his ability to hit Young. a

While the crowd was in a turmoil of excitement or
word came that Elder Holdfast was. dying. .

“What has happened to him?” asked Fr ank.- Bs

“He has been shot.” . Cio

“Shot? I heard no report.” fs Le

“Nor did anybody. The same hand that, killed °° fP
Ryan’s hound has destroyed the elder,’ ee

Little did they know how far frowt the truth they hie
were, | Cae

Frank walked overt and looked att his bitter eneniy, en!

 

 

 

but the man was dead. a

And Red Harris would be forced: to. obey his coni- of
mands no more. . ae Bee.
THE END. fad Seles 3 |

The next raiber (279) will contain *
riwell’s Twirler ; or, Dick Merriwell’s

  

Peak a uly
fake Ball. 3

PSS peters Bh see ;

  
 

= — ~a-- 4

pesasho tne esr ioc ensinaen aetna aaa aoe

 

 
       
   
       
      
      
  

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or, Trainihe a Wild Spirit.
The Contents of the Oil-

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STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY,

238 William St., New York City.

APPLAUSE.

Weekly is by itself on the topmost.tip of the
ladder of fame and the pinnacle of success. In the field of five-
cent literature it is leading by many lengths. The life of Frank
Merriwell is noble with deeds of goodness and glory, and is
worthy of imitation by every boy in America. lip Top has ever
been tip top, but since Professor Fourmen has begtn the Physical
Culture Department its value has been doubled, if the price has
not changed. . Enclosed find my Contest Coupon. You will see
that I have a good foundation on which to build. Iam only 16%
years of age, yet I have given much time and thought to exercises
for wemoving surplus flesh without weakening the system. I
congratulate myself on my success. The first prize in the Athletic
Contest will be mine, because I have no burdensome fat to deal
with during this hot weather. Sam GILBERT.

Cartersville, Ga.
Good for you.
way.

 

 

 

The Tip Top

Your determination ought to take you a long

 

Enclosed find coupon, with my measurements, for entrance to
your Athletic Contest. I have read most all the numbers since
the first. and think any one would profit by reading them. I
always have trained quite a bit, but am now going in for it lard,
and see if I can’t win a prize. My measurements, I thiak, are
good, and, as I have never been sick a day in my life, I think
I stand as good a show as any one. I read the pages on Physical
Culture Department, and think they are all right. I have just
finished 273, the one
is now to come. I hope to see this in the Applause Column, as I
have never seen any from this town. Will send picture in a few
days. Wishing all good luck, I sign, Roy SINes.

Adair, Iowa.
Thank you. Your coupon was received and filed. Good Iuck

to you. |

 

As fama constant reader of the Tip Top and have not written
- to you, I now take the pleasure to write to you and tell you how
much I admire your book. It gives me many a pleasant moment
of enjoyment. As for the Inza-Elsie. question, I aman Inza ad-
mirer, but I knew Mr. Standish would settle this question. I
wish Frank a long and ‘happy lifes Hoping to see this in your
rpiante Column and wishing Frank, Bart, Burt L. and Street
mith the grcaker of success, Pest oy.
Chatham, Pa. ~ nes

‘hank you. .

te in which Frank graduates, and am sorry he
has to quit all his old friends for the battle through life which

  

WEEKLY. 27

I have read your weekly Tip Top from 92 up, and think it the
best ever published for its class. [ am an admirer of athletics,
and am especially interested in baseball and out-door sports.
Next to Frank I like Bart Hodge, for he has the nerve and
grit, and was always true to his friends. Bruce Browning comes
next, for he has shown himself to be strong and faithful. Some
time ago Dolph Reynolds suggested that Frank could go to
England with his all-around athletic team and meet some of
-theirs. I think this would be a good idea, now that Frank has
left Yale. I am an Elsie admirer, and was not satisfied with
the result of Frank’s choice, but I think that Mr. Standish knows
what is best. Bart Hodge will make a good companion for
Elsie, and I am glad to see him win her. I will now close, with
long life to the Tip Top, and best wishes to Burt L.

Detroit, Mich. Harry Epwarps,

Thank you.

 

I have been a constant reader of the Tip Top Weeklies ever
since they have been published. I have read from No. 1 to 267.
They are the best books for boys. Frank always gives good
advice. I do not drink any kind of liquor, chew tobacco, swear
or smoke. I would like to hear from little Neilie, the blind girl,
and her brother, the lame boy, who sang on the streets and
helped Frank when he was sick. I would like to hear from Dis-
mal Jones also. I am glad to know that the Tip Tops have in-
creased in size. My regards to Bert L. Standish. Long life to
the Tip Top and Street & Smith. Joun Hester.

Cayuga, Ind.

Thank you.
soon again.

You may see some of the old friends you mention

 

Being a reader of the. Tip Top ever since the bookstand was
started here, and never seeing any Applause from our little city,
I,think I am entitled to a space in your Applause Column. I
have read many other books, but I think that the Tip Top is the
best book published. Enclosed you find my coupon filled out. I
would like very much to win a prize. I am going to try with all
my might to win. I will promise you one of my pictures. I will
now close, with best wishes to Tip Top, Burt L. Standish and
Street & Smith. Mutrorp STEWARD.

St. Joe, Ind.

Thank you. Good luck in your training.

 

After a good deal of deliberation, I, being a constant reader
and admirer of your weekly, have decided to enter your Athletic
Contest, my age putting me in the first class.

Although I shall have a vast amount of work to do in order to
accomplish my end, yet I intend to stick to it, and by your method
and advice I hope to be a prize winner, Kicer Savoy.

Washington, D. C.

Good luck to you.

 

Never having seen any Applause from Ironton, I thought I
would write and tell you that your weekly has many admirers in
Ironton. I have read the Tip Top from No. 1 to present date,
and thrak they are the best books printed. I was very glad
to hear that you was going to enlarge your books and have a
“Physical Culture Department.” I work in a jewelry store,
but every morning before I go to work I run about a half-mile,
punch a bag, use dumbbells, jump and use Indian clubs, and I
have been doing this for a few years. I can do thirty-five move-
ments on a punching bag, and think it is the best thing a person
can do. Four boy friends and I go swimming in the Ohio River
every cvening, and then we race. We have a hundred-yard
track laid off, and we race on time. I have lost four pounds
since I have been racing. I can run’the hundred yards in eleven
seconds. I don’t think horseback riding or a bicycle does any-
body good. I have Mr. Standish and you to thank for not smok-
ing. I used to smoke all the time, but I have not smoked for six
months now. At first it was very hard to stop, but now tobacco
smoke makes me sick. Well, I have taken up lots of room, so I
‘think I had better stop. With regards to Burt L. Standish, Pro-
fessor Fourmen and Street & Smith, E. L. Butter.
~ Jronton, Ohio.

_, Thank you.

 

    
   

  
    
Collins County, Texas.

28

I haye the honor of reading your Tip Top Weekly from No, 1
to date. I also have the honor of informing you, as well as
Mr, Standish, that in my opinion I don't think anything could be
published that could please the American boy as your Tip Top
does. I am now, and always was, an Elsie admirer. I don't
nrind telling you, or Mr, Standish, or any of your readers that I
am afraid if “Our Frank” marries Inza it will be the mistake of
his life, and, judging from the readers who have given vent to
their feelings through your Applause Columns, I am not the only
one who thinks so, as there is two,.to one in Elsie’s favor. Bart is
all right, but wouldn’t Gallup, Malloy or even Bink and Danny
have tried to save Elsie had they been at on on that burning ship?
Yes, | know it, and, after all, Frank saved them both. Elsie. has
a disposition every young man should admire—timidness, sweet-
ness and goodness. They say, Inza, she is so brave and noble!
Does Frank want the woman he marries to protect him? No!
It’s the man’s duty. I hope you will publish this. I don’t want
you or Mr. Standish to think I want to give you pointers on
book publishing, but even at this late day I want a few of those
hot-headed Inzaites to have something else to. harp on. “But
it's a strong tide that never turns.” He is not married yet. If
he does marry Inza, just say I am still looking for Friday night to
get my Tip Top. NATHAN’s Broruer.

Newbern, N. C

Your partisanship for EK’ ': is very fervid. The Inza people will
have something to say in return. Let us see.

I am delighted with the appearance of Dick Merriwell in Tip
Top, and I foresee a career similar to Frank's at Fardale and
Yale. Burt L. Standish is certainly a man of numerous resources,
and I marvel that he can have kept up the interest of the stories
through the five or six years that Tip Top has run, now making
them even more interesting than ever. Tip Top has always held
a great fascination for me, and I have followed Frank Merriwell’s
‘many adventures with as much interest as if they were true ex-
periences—even more. When they first came out I was sixteen
years old, and I have never missed a number.

Brooklyn, N. ¥ Epwarp T. Breper,

Thank you. We are glad you like young Dick Merriwell, He
_is a character full of promise.

——-

We have just organized a Tip Top League in our town, and we,
the undersigned members, send our hearty congratulations to the
Tip Top Weekly, and wish it the unlimited success that it de-
serves, and to some of the promising athletes of our league we
have given the names of the Frank Merriwell crowd.

Frank Merriwell, Chalmers Crist; Bart Hodge, Henry Reeder;
Dick Starbright, Gilbert Barb; Huck Mason, Chuck Crawford;
Bruce Browning, Chester Crist; Dismal Jones, J. B. Hardon;
Jack Ready, Lee Rea; Jack Diamond, Harry Dildire; E, Gallup,
Frank Shug; H. Rattleton, Louis Odell. | SECRETARY.

Hughesville, Pa.

Thank you,

 

After reading several of your Tip Top Weeklies, I find them

to be the best by far of anything in its-line of literature. When

I first saw them I was against them very much, for I thought
they were like most all cheap weeklies, but after reading one
paper I was a Frank Merriwellite from then until now, and,
furthermore, I intend to read every one I can get. I find the
Tip Top to be a clean, wholesome paper, worth any one’s time to

- read; much different from other five-cent papers. You certainly
“get your money’s worth” when you invest in a Tip Top. I am
a little too old to enter the prize contest, but find your work very
helpful. I have attended eollege, and find a college boy's life
very much like you describe it. Like all others who know them,
I am a great admirer of Frank and his flock. They are friends
e be proud of indeed. I hardiy know which of the two girls,
Isie or Inza, I like best. Both are of the highest type. Any one
would certainly miss a jewel to lose either of them. Trusting
: Fee will find a. vacant corner for this, I close, as I hardly ever
_ lings County. With best wishes for success to yoy all, — .
Louis Survey.

‘

7
4 iu i 4
*
4

 
 
 

  

 

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

Surely, future generations will owe you a debt o

ee any one’s name from down in old Texas, and especially Col-

   

   

Having seen no letter from Gomer in your’ Applause Column,
we wish. to write you a few lines to show our appreciation for ae
Tip Top. We think it the best weekly ever published. We have ae
read many other weeklies, but none are equal to Tip Top. Long
life to Tip Top. From Tip Top admirers, Ivor Roperts, —

Gomer, Ohio, CLoyp Morris.

  

Thank you.

 

I have been. reading the Tip Top stories from No. 119, and
think it.is the best story ‘published for boys. I have made up
my mind to enter the Tip Top Athletic Contest, and enclosed
you will find a coupon filled out. I will have to send the photo-
graph later. Hoping that I am not too late,

Jersey City, N. J. H, G. Treiser.

Your coupon has been properly filed.

As I have been away on a visit and just returned, it made me a
little late in returning my coupon, but I hope it will reach you
in time. This contest has made many friends for your weekly
in this city. I have started in on a regular course of training,
and will try and win one of the prizes, anyway. I am a little
fleshy for a boy my age, but will try and reduce some of my —
flesh. I have not had time to have my picture taken, but will try
and send it by next week. Hoping success to your weekly and
contest, I remain, GAiL WiLkins.

Indianapolis, Ind,

Thank you. Your coupon arrived in time.

Inclosed you will please find my coupon and photo for entry
in your Tip Top Athletic Contest. I shall do my best and shall
work hard to become a winner. My photo does not show very ‘
much development at present, but I hope by the advice contained Ne
An your ideal publication to develop into a good athlete. Hoping
‘to become a winner, and again wishing your publication world-
wide fame, Watrter H. Van.

San Francisco, Cal.

 

j

 

Thank you.

 

ones a { ay

. } aide ‘

I haye read Tip Top from No. 1 to date, and think it's simply =

fine. I inclose Tip Pop Athletic Contest coupon, with my meas- |
urements, and hope it will reach you in time.

Dallas,.’ Texas. THomMAs LASATER.

Your coupon was received in time for entry.

—_——

As it is quite a while since I wrote last, I thought I would drop
a few lines so as to keep in touch with the Tip Top circle. As I
have already told you how much I appreciate your books, there.
is no need to repeat it. Suffice it to say that I think as much of |
it as’ever. As I have stated before, I ama stanch Elsieite,
and always, will be. I am not going to give up until I have not a
straw to cling to. I am sending my coupon for. the Physical | Bee
wulture Contest. Wishing continued success to all concerned in —
the publication of the Tip Top,

. d r
e J ee oe
Toronto, Canada, ets
Thank you, ge Me

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      
 
      
      
      
  
  
 
  

 

I have read all of the Tip Top Weeklies up to date, and it is
my earnest desire that the publication of same will continue and
ever be as prosperous and successful in the future as it has been
in the past. I am sure that in writing the above I voice the senti- —
ments of every true blue American boy; that is, at least, all of |
them who have had the opportunity to keep in touch wigh your _
excellent weekly. The publication is certainly A No, 1 in every —
particular, and the Athletic Contest is a grand and noble idea.

gratitude that —
they will mever be able to repay. All of the characters in the
Frank Merriwell stories are good, and are drawn true to li
Besides Frank, my favorites are Jack Ready, Bart Hodge
Dade Morgan.- Trusting that I will have the pleasure of r
the above lines in your Applause Saigon, ade lent

Clevéland; Ohio. '* 20 ata a Bah

  

 

 

  

  
 

 
  
 

   
  

  
 
  
 
  

5S
i

  
 

 
Pas

“IT ISA CRINE 2

<P

rof. FOURMEN /

FUL LSS xs

> i

a ee

THE USE OF FLYING RINGS.

 

The advantage which this apparatus has over the bar
is that, from its being suspended from the ceiling, it can
be used almost everywhere, even in a passage about
three feet wide, room to swing to and fro being the chief

requisite. There is scarcely a part of the body, from the
hands to the feet, that is not brought into use by prac-
ticing upon the rings, and the effects of being carried
backward and forward in the swing being so well known
to every one, what must therefore be the additional
benefits to be derived from suspending the body by the
hands while being thus swayed to and fro. Though the
exercises are not so various upon the rings as upon the
bar, still gymnasts will be generally found practicing
“upon them oftener.

The gymnast having perfected himself in the previous
departments will soon be able to take up the rings. He
should start this exercise with simple arm movement,
such as taking hold of the rings with his hands and
gradually drawing himself up to his chin, and then let-
ting himself down to arm’s length.

This should be done slowly and repeatedly, from six
to eight times in succession. In the course of several
weeks he will find that he can do it twenty times with
- the same ease that he did his six or eight turns when he

first began.

‘This exercise brings into play particularly the muscles
‘of. the arms.
If this work is completely mastered I
would advise what commonly goes by
_ the name of “‘breast up.’? There are
_ two ways of accomplishing this trick. One is with the
_ single grip and the other is with the double grip. There
is all the difference in the world between the single and

double grip.
_ he single grip is by far the most difficult of the two,
and I advise particularly against its use. With the
“double grip it is altogether different. You place your
inds on the rings and allow them to rest almost half
across the ae You will find that in the course

of time you will be able to do it with very little ex-
ertion.

To make this trick plainer I will add a few words:
You must place, as I have already described, your hands
above the rings, and then draw yourself up so as to have
the hands even with the shoulders, which is not very
easy; then you turn the rings out, in order to allow
your shoulders te come between the ropes. Now draw
the rings toward you, press until you get up at arm’s
length, and the trick is done.

When this trick is done with the single grip a great
deal of weight must be supported by the fingers alone.
When it is done with the double grip the whole hand
and also the waist are used, and thus the labor is
divided.

Value of the
Breast Up.

This trick should be thoroughly stud-
ied and mastered, and when that is done
the beginner will be amply rewarded.
He will have far less trouble and exercise less strength
in doing the more diffieult tricks, such as the forward.
horizontal, back horizontal, hand balance, stationary and
swinging; the half-arm balance, back snap, stationary
and swinging and double disjoint, slow revolve aud
many others too numerous to mention. 4

consider it best to use the double grip in studying —
the rings, as I find that it enables the performer not only
to do all these tricks better, but also with much more
ease and grace,

One thing particularly a beginner Keaigh never lose
sight of. He should be careful to finish his tricks as
well and neatly as possible, so as to make them graceful
and appear easy to the spectator. .

He must be precise in every movement, not a second
too long not too short. He should start in and leave off
at the precise moment.

To beginners I would say do all your tricks with
style and finish, for however simple a trick may be if it
is perfectly done it will be a pleasure for the beholder.
But, on the contrary, if the most difficult trish is not

 
     
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
 
 
  
    
   
  
   
  
   
 
  
   
    
  
    
  
 
 
 
       
     
       
     
       
        
      
     
       
     
         
         
       
 
   
      

well done it is a failure, and would better not have been
attempted.

A beginner will find that the rings
are about as hard as any apparatus in
the gymnasium.

But no gymnasium work is easy, and perseverence
is the key of success. If the first effort is a failure the
fifth or sixth may not be. My advice is to work per-
sistently and never lose heart.

The Rings Not
Easy.

My own experience proves that my advice is good.

When I started in the gymnasium about fifteen years
ago I had as many failures and mishaps as any beginner,
but I persevered and gave my steady attendance to
study, and to that alone I owe whatever success I may
have attained. I won the amateur championship of
America in the rings, as well as the rope climbing, doing
this trick of rope climbing twenty-two feet in five and
three-fifths seconds.

I have already described the process
of training for the rings, and now I will
tell how some of the tricks are performed.

The back horizontal is one of the prettiest that I
know of. In this trick the performer takes hold of the
rings, and throws his legs into the air until he is in the
position of a man standing on his hands. Slowly the

body is lowered until it is held out straight with the
face downward and the arms extended downward.

The front horizontal is much more difficult to most
performers, but with me it is easier. The beginner
should start by hanging at arm’s length. Then heshould
throw the head well back and draw his legs and body up
until a horizontal is reached. ‘This should be done at
first with a forward snap.

The swinging back snap is simply a breast up done
backward and with a throw. ‘The performer rests on his
-palms at arm’s length. This trick does not require:so
much strength as knack. It is not hard to learn and
needs confidence. ‘The beginner should do it first with-
| out a swing. .

Some Hard
Tricks.

The swinging hand balance requires
first a breast up. When you are up at
the forward end of the rings throw your

feet up and strike a balance with your legs over your
head. ; oh

The learner should first balance on his hands on the
floor with his feet against the wall. Gradually he should
draw away from the support in order to gain independ-
ence,

On the rings it should be learned without the swing.
When this is mastered a short swing’ should be tried.
Gradually increase the swing until in the air and in mo-

_ tion, the performer is perfectly at home. This trick re-
quires uerve, confidence and knack.

‘The half-arm balance consists of resting the weight of

The Swinging
Hand Balance.

rings below the elbow, throwing the feet up and stop-
ping at a balance. This trick requires little practice,
and always attracts attention. But unless the rings are
held in one place the arms are likely to be hurt.

In making the slow revolve the performer should first
do the breast up, keeping the arms at full length.
Gradually he should lower the body to the forward
horizontal position, and then complete the revolution
_ until the original position is reached, |

SP ‘ : ¥ \ iit : % 4x2

 

the body on the forearm, which is passed through the

ad

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. - ©

ALL QUESTIONS TO PROF. FOURMEN should
be addressed to 238 William street, New York City, in
care of Street & Smith.

Pror. F6uRMEN: ’

My doctor tells me I have appendicitis. Is there a natural
cure for it? I do not like to have an operation.

WALTER HANSON.

An operation is the only sure cure for appendicitis. But be

sure that you have it before undergoing operation.

 

Pror. FouRMEN:

I have been much interested in your Physical Culture De-
partment. Jam sixteen years old, five feet four and one-half
inches tall, and weigh 116 pounds. Iam a good baseball player
and fairly good basketball player. I have won a few prizes as
a sprinter, but I am no good as a long-distance runner, because
Iam not long-winded. Now, I would be very grateful to vou ;
if you would write me how to train for a half mile or one mile =
run. R. G WARNER. -

Try running short distances, gradually increasing gait and

distance until you experience no discomfort in long runs.

 

 

Pror. FoURMEN: esas
Can I cure a ‘lame arm,”’ that was hurt pitching? I hurt it
about three years ago, and since then I have been unable to
do any great amount of pitching. It bothers me sometimes
when I am swinging Indian clubs. G. W.
Use swing exercise for arm and rub down well with alcohol.
Light club swinging ought to help you also.

 

Pror. FouRMEN: "

1. Kindly tell me how to train for putting the ro and 16-
pound shot. 2. Do you advise running during the hot weather?: <i le
3. Is three to six and one-half miles of running three times a_ a
week too much? MavricEe GoopMAN. as

1. Take general course of training and practice constantly
with shot. 2. Do not run in extreme hot weather. 3, The.
amount of running you mention for one week will not prove a
to be too much,

 

 

 

Pror. FOURMEN:

Can I eaton Saturday what you have suggested for Tuesday,
and eat on Tuesday what you have suggested for Saturday? “i
What will develop the muscles of the back, chest and arms a
most, T. M. M.

1. The change you propose will not make any difference. 2.
Use the exercises of raising feet over head while in recumbent
position.

 

Pror. FourMEN: oe
I enclose my measttrrements on one of the blanks in the Tip. Lr ee
Top Weekly. I have a Whitely exerciser which I use every
evening before I retire for about ten minutes. The following
are ny measurement three months ago. Weight 148 pounds,
chest, normal, gr inches; expanded, 34inches ; waist, 29 inches;
right thigh, 19 inches; left thigh, 19 inches; right calf, 13
inches; left calf, 13 inches; right arm, Io 1-2 inches; left arm, —
Io 1-2 inches; right forearm, 1o 1-2 inches; left forearm,1o
inches. My weight was 148 pounds. Nowitis 160 pounds, ° —
a gain of twelve pounds. Iam 15 years old and rise at 6:45 a ‘<
m.; retire at ro o’clock at night. I hope to be one of the lucky
ones to win.a prize and will work hard to do so.
BERNARD JAHN,

1. The course of exercise you follow is excellent. 2, Your —
improvement during the past three months is certainly splen-
did.

7

 

  

x2 .

Pro¥F. FOURMEN: °. 3 .
Iam a regular reader of the Tip Top Weekl

age

1 [ , and am inter-
ested in the training contest. I wish to say Iam fairly well
developed. I am seventeen years of age. Tama college man,

   

   
 

 

   
 

  
  
  
   
   
  

  

— good knowledge of boxing.

on ‘The Use of the Punching Bag’?

lexander
Alexa a

having spent two years at a prominent college in North Caro-
lina. I played short stop on the ’varsity team and won one
hundred yards dash this spting May 1; time ro 2-5 seconds.
Last year, which was my first year at college, I made the base-
ball team, and won running high jump 5 feet 6 inches. I
weigh 1396 pounds stripped. I can throw & ball 10g yards. Isn't
this fair for my age? Five feet 7 inches tall, Kindly advise me
what you think of my athletic capacity, regarding, of course,
tmy age and size? I want to enter the contest, but I am devel-
oped partially now and I do tot know whether'I can keep it
up as I-am tised-to hard ‘“‘gym’’ work and bali team training,
pi M.N..P., dR.

You certainly have made an excellent beginning in athletics.
I want to urge you to continue, especially the Tip Top athletic
contest. :

i cette Sent nens

Pror. FourMEN: :
-I, I wish to develop the upper portion of my body to in-
erease my chest; also to have broad shoulders. How can I go
about it? 2. How develop strong, shapely legs?
Se: WILL BENSON.

-. Use chest weights and dumbbell exercises, Horizontal
bar is also good. 2, Running, jumping and bicycle. riding are

the best means.
4

 

Pror. FouRMEN: e ; . :
I desire to take advantage of the opporttinity given to Tip
Top readers on questions concerning their physical needs. My
special trouble ts lack of wind, getting winded. very quickly
when engaging in-athletic sports. Please advise me on the

subject. Kindly give me your opinion of my measurements.

. < R. L, Tomson.
1. While doing your regular exercises practice breathing by
taking a deep inspiration through the nostrils, holding ita
moment and gradually expire it through the nostrils. This
will overcome your trouble. 2. Your measurements are good.

 

Pror. FouRMEN: ‘
‘Tama boy of fifteen years and am small formy age. Would
you kindly advise me in what way I could increase my height?
Please also tell me the best manner in which I ean attain a
ALBERT MENDELSON,

-Take course in. training. Live an out-of-door life. I have
written an article on boxing for Tip Top.

 

Pror. FouRMEN* : i
Aresthere any prescribed movements in. exercising with
the rings? Will you at some future date kindly write an article
A Constant READER.
You wili see my article on Flying Rings in this number... I
will probably write about the use of the punching bag.

 

Pror. FouRMEN: | <"
1. Is it beneficial to take a bath before supper if it is impos-
sible to take one in the morning. 2, Should you exercise

? with ‘the clubs: and dumbbells in the morning and evening,
and also wrestle and box every day.

i G, Brinson,
3, If you cannot take bath in the morning do so before sup-

-:pef or just before retiring, in the latter case he ste to rub
down well, ‘2. Do not overdo in training. You can tell when

you have for a languid feeling will indicate the condition
known as ‘‘overtrained,” oo a he

\

 

CONTEST NOTES.

ollowWing naines of contestants were received this

 

dré, Joseph — Garrison, Fred Rummel, Kerwin

atl B. Guettes, Fred = Raup, Levi.
My ew SAAS DRA ot probate tear Por 4
~~ Hulett, Gardner Rhode

 
    

    

mod

tet hae
ea ts OA nS

 
 

     

  

 

Bell, Russell,
Brand, Carl
Burke, Willie
Barney, Ralph
Brown, Caldwell
Brose, H, C.
Baldwin, Hugh C.
Baldwin, Lewis V.
Bell, Clarence
Brannon, Earl ©
Boiteux, Clement
Cranmer, Hugh B,
Carmody, E. r
Cameron, Roy
Callahan, Wm.
Chappelear, Edgar
Corwin, Stanley
Cassada, Arthur
Cryst, Grover B.
Craig, C.

Craig, J.

Hannody, E. L.
Humphries, Mark
Hamilton, Wm. H,
Hinah, Fred M.
Johnson, Arthur
Jackson; Walter M.
Kerfoot, Lee H,
Knee, Patrick
Kundsen, Elmer
Kneachtel, Oscar:
Kappelt, Emil
Kane, Thomas
Leathers, Raul R,
Lee, Walker S.
Levy, Jacob
Lohmann, Chas., Jr.
Laurence, Robt.
Lasater, Thomas
McNamie, Wim.
McKinney, John S,
McKinley, Erskine

Reilly, James L.
Schuerdwind, F. BE.
Salcorn, Karl
Salmon, A.

Scott, W.

Smith, Byron
Stein, Chas,
Savoy, Kiger
Streeter, Ray G.
Steward, Milford
Snyder, Carl}
Severance, S. W.
St. Clair, Marcus
Sevine, Isaac
Turner, James A.
Tragle, Ralph R,
Troy, Joseph A,
Tilden, Fred F,
Tager, S.

Utz, Charles
Wright, Wm.

your records.
odem, Lossie ay “.

Martin, Paul
Meckel, Robert
Miner, Robert
Mann, Fred C,
Mullin, Roy
Mullin, Earl
Morris, C. A.
Neisel, Herman
Noble, Harrison B,
‘Olson, Albert
O’Conner, H. J
Poore, Edgar 8.
Préibet, Herman
Quil, Gordon Li
Quinn, James
Rearson, John I.

Williams, Geo,
Wood, Frank
Ward, Brady
Ward, Chas, W.
White, Daniel C,
Way, Howard
Walker, Jos.
Veston, Wm T,
Waller, Harry
Wren, Willie
Wentz, Geo.
Wiikins, G. B.
Younge, J. Y.
Young, Geo. E.

Christian, Geo.
Clodfelter, Otis
Casada, Arthur
Dillon, Earl
Donal, Thomas
Dinlen, Edw. B.
Dennis, Thos. C.
Driest, Carl Ira
Egan, Wm. B.
Echels, Clarence E.
Evoard, John My
Ebart, Andy
Fletcher, Fred
Gillinger, Chas. W.
Glahn, Leo. B.
Garlick, Iva H.

All prelimenary Coupons are now in. Coupons reé-
ceived hereafter will hot be qualified in contest. WATCH
this column for IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Next week’s Physical Culture article will discuss the
advantages of ‘‘Hand Ball as a Training Exercise.’’

NOTICE TO ATHLETES!

AUGUST CONTEST EVENTS

 

 

For the Best Base Ball Records.
TWO ELEGANT PRIZES!

FIRST—-For the best individual fielding average, Tip Top
offers an extra large and heavily padded Spaldiag’s Catch-
er’s Mitt; veivet-tanned, deerskin face ead face thumb, |
worth $2.00, - nS te

SECOND —For the best individual batting average, Tip Top
offers a pair of ‘Amateur Special’ Base Ball Shoes; made
of best quality calfskin, plates riveted to heel and tee,

 

worth $3.50. Spalding’s make.

Any amateur base bali player in America may become a
Contestant in August Events. Every Contestant must have —

played in at least five games. Fill out one of both coupons

found on last page of this issue and send it tous. Also —
have the captain of your team send in a lettér certifying
All coupons must be received on or before —
August 24th, » . se seb oN, paces ae at

      
   

 
   

 
  
    
    
 
  
  

u Magnificent
1 PRIZES |

 

i Complete Training

 

A GRAND OPPORTUNITY
Read Carefully the Following List of Prizes: 3
FIRST CLASS. a

 

 

 

 

“Gi a RAR TPM S

 

OUTFITS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      
       

Open to Young Men Between 16 and 21 Years of Age, ‘
First Prize. Second Prize.
1. A Spalding’s “Expert” Punching Bag. 1. A Spalding’s “Expert” Punching Bag.
2. A Set of Championship Boxing Gloves, No. 40, 2. A Set of Championship pone Gloves. No. 4, Ks
3. A Whiteley Exerciser. No. 1. 3. A Whiteley Exerciser. No. 0 t q
4, A Pair of Indian Clubs. No. 15. Third Pvine. a
5. A “Shaker” Sweater. No. 3, 1, A Spalding’s “Exper?” Punching Bag. ae
SECOND CLASS. THIRD CLASS. s
Onen to Boys Between 12 and 16 Years of Age. Open to Boys 12 and under. ns
First Prize. First Prize. ea 2
4. A Spalding’s “Expert” Punching Bag. 1, A Spaldin ag’ “Expert” Punching Bag. ia
2. A Set of Championship Boxing Gloves. No. 40, 2. A Set of Youth’s Championship noes Gloves, | nS
3. A Whiteley Exerciser. Io. J. 3. A Pair of Spring Dumb Bells. a.’
4, A Pair of Indian Clubs. No. £5. 4. A Pair of Indian Clubs.
5. A “Shaker” Sweater. 5. A Whiteley Exerciser. No. J.
. 6. A Ribbed Sweater. No. 9.
Second Prize. Seeded: Pri
1. A Spalding’s “Expert” Punching Bag. j an :
2. A Set of facuetinabin Boxing Gloves. No. 4. iy . re ee ee ae najonihip Box + Gloves eo
3. A Whiteley Exerciser. INo. 0. 3. “A Whiteley Hxescises:.. Mo. 0. a o
Third Prize. Third Prize. | a
1. A Spalding’s “Expert” Punching Bag. 1. A Spalding’s “Expert” Punching Bag. G
All these Prizes are Spalding’s First-Grade Goods. hn ae
ee QOURPON SS: aio;
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Position of Playet®:) i i080 08083 Cink > Cee jit har aie
SWeinber of Games PIA 7.05.0. i ek hhc nies 84 pi OW i j s
. ; . Number of Games Played......... 60.00 e eee bne
<i ue ce Oe Wh ha ae See Fide SAO ia ppb Nainteer of Chances... ccs icsvstister ec taees Pa bis
_ Number Of Times Struck Out............. Sk Riese Number of « Put-outs”...... 0660. ee ae, heures came
_ Number of Safe fiits......... Phen e ere e ee (ii e 3: \> Waetbek of MAgsists” 5 coud deg se oho auc « = 10
‘ Number of 2-Base..... 3-Base....,.4-Base Hits....., Numbers oF (Brvors:5. Awe ds Soe. ie Ka de
ERE is the photograph of Bert

A. Giett, a contestant, of Mil-
waukee, Wis. Bert has already

been training for some weeks, and even
now feels the benefit of his work. His
enthusiasm increases as he continues
the course of physical training. Writ-
ing to Prof. Fourmen, he says: “I
have been training ever since the
Physical Culture Contest began, but did
not get a chance to send in my photo-
graph until now. I a: using a White-
ley exerciser in my training. I take
about a mile run every morning, and
also go through Prof. Fourmen’s exer-
cises, which I find particularly bene-
ficial. If there is anything essential
that I leave out, I wish you would
advise me. The following is my pro-
gramme: Whiteley exerciser, Physical
Culture exercises, a one mile run each
morning, an occasional row, swimming,

and playing baseball.
BERT A. GIETT.”

Such a course of training is bound

, to have its good results, and we will be
Contestant Bert A. Giett, of Milwaukee, Wis. very much surprised if Bert is not
heard from later on. Of course, much
depends on the stability and determination of the athlete. There is nothing easier than to
run down hill physically. You must not only roll the stone up hill, but your hardest work
will be to keep it there. To reach the acme of perfection, the athlete must persistently
follow a methodical course of training. Bert’s coupon gives this description :

Age, 18 years. Girth of Left Thigh, rg inches.
Weight, 142 pounds. Girth of Right Calf, 13 inches.
Height, 5 feet 5 inches. Girth of Left Calf, 13 inches.

Girth of Chest, uninflated, 33 inches. Girth of Right Arm, 9% inches.
Girth of Chest, inflated, 34 inches. Girth of Left Arm, 934 inches.

Girth of Waist, 29 inches. Girth of Right Forearm, 10% inches.
Girth of Right Thigh, 19% inches. Girth of Left Forearm, 10% inches.

 

 

 

NOTICE On this page we will reproduce the photographs of Tip Top Readers who

nave the best physical development. Here is a chance for every boy who
aspires to become known as an athlete. Boys, send in your photograph as soon as possible.
Send us negatives or toned photographs. Do not send “blue prints” as we cannot use them.

 
PPFD AF4FF4AFL4AFA4A4F PEPE EOUEFEEEEEEEEEE EFF FE FEF EEFEF EE FEFE EEE E FFF EF FFF EFF EE EFEFEEF EFF E FEF TTF FFF TFET

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EVERY YOUNG MAN SHOULD READ —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HE reasons why Tip Top has met with such unprecedented success are innumera-
ble. One thing is certain, however, Tip Top always has something new and
surprising to give its readers. TIP TOP now brings forward the latest

RSTONS and greatest surprise of all,

Frank Merriwell’s Younger Brother, Dick!

Don’t fail to read about him. Frank never knew of this brother’s existence until his father |

 

 

 

sent him this message from his death-bed: “I leave my son, your younger brother, Dick, in ‘
‘your charge. I want you to be a father and a brother to him. I want you to model him ;

after your own life and make him as successful, as hororable and noble as you, my dear son,
are, and always have been.” Now, let us see how well Frank succeeds. He has found
young Dick pretty much of a rough diamond, but Merry has also found other qualities in
this young brother which he intends to develop. Dick and Frank are to have many blood-
stirring adventures together, and we can safely say that if Frank Merriwell ever has a rival, that
rival will be his young brother, DICK MERRIWELL, the history of whose successes, victories
and fame, is just beginning in Tip Top. Every one wants to read it.

TITLES OF THE LATEST NUMBERS ARE:

No. 275. FRANK MERRIWELL'S BROTHER ; or, Train- No. 278. FRANK MERRIWELL'S YOUNG STAR; or,
ing a Wild Spirit. | Dick Merriwell’s Great Base Running.

No. 276. FRANK MERRIWELL’S CHUMS; or, Out No. 279. FRANK MERRIWELL’S TWIRLER;; or, Dick
Again for Sport. Merriwell’s Jump Ball.

No. 277. FRANK MERRIWELL’S MARVEL; or, Dick No. 280. FRANK MERRIWELL’S COMMAND; or, Dick
erik i in the Box. Merriwell’s Rebellion.

For Sale by All Newsdealers. Five Cents a Copy.

STREET & SMITH,  DURLEMEES:
238 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK.

+o oo+ . 444444444