LARGEST WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA 1 WEEKLY n.ideal publication Bio the American Youth t Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Mat ter at New York Post Office by STREET & SMIT H, 238 William St., N. Y. No. 37 37 ge ? | Price, Five Cents. RANK MERRIWELL ON THE SLAE Noting Down THE WESTERN WONDER, *Y BURT L. STANDISH — _ AS HODGE BENT OVER TO TAKE THE LOW THROW, CHESTER LEAPED OVER HIS BACK AND SCORED, Z ber \ : ‘Tip Top Weekly. SS PPALSSI™ SI PALAIS ™ (LARGE SIZE.) If you have not read them, look over this catalogue and you will read a list of stories unexcelled in any part of this world to-day. Don’t fail to read these stories if you have not already. 346—Dick Merriwell’s Determination; or, The Courage that Conquers. 347—Dick Merriwell’s Readiness; or, Who Stole the Papers? 348—Dick Merriwell’s Trap; or, Snaring a Spook. 349—Dick Merriwell’s Vim; or, The Greatest Game of All. 350—Dick Merriwell’s Lark; or, Beaten at Every Turn. 351—Dick Merriwell’s Defense; or, Up Against the Great Eaton Five. 352—Dick Merriwell’s Dexterity; or, Hot Work to the Finish. 353—Dick Merriwell Puzzled; or, The Mystery of Flint. 354—Dick Merriwell’s Help; or, Flint’s Struggle with Himself. 355—Dick Merriwell’s Model; or, Frank Merriwell’s Fight for Fortune. 356—Dick Merriwell as Detective; or, For the Honcr of a Friend. 357—Dick Merriwell’s Dirk; or, Beset by Hidden Peril. 358—Dick Merriwell’s Victory; or, Holding the Enemy in Check. 359—Dick Merriwell, Absent! or, The Spook of the School. 360—Dick Merriwell’s Registered Package; or, Frank Merriwell’s Desperate Struggle. 361—Dick Merriwell’s Power; or, Settling the Score with Eaton. 362—Frank Merriwell’s Defense; or, The Struggle for the Queen Mystery Mine. 363—Dick Merriwell’s Dream; or, Foiling the Bank Breakers. 364—Frank Merriwell’s Backers; or, Old Friends to the Rescue. 365—Dick Merriwell’s Duty; or, True to Old Fardale. 366—Frank Merriwell’s Talking Dog; or, Faithful unto Death. - 367—Dick Merriwell on the Diamond; or, The Boy Wonder’s Backstop. 368—Frank Merriwell’s Manhood; or, To the Rescue of June. | 369—Dick Merriwell’s Triumph; or, Arlington’s Last Tfick. 370—Frank Merriwell’s Fighting Blood; or, The Battle for the San Pablo. 371—Dick Merriwell’s “Combination ;” or, Playing the Game for Every Point. 372—Frank Merriwell Marked; or, The Mystery of the Black Touch. 373—Dick Merriwell’s Firmness; or, A Steady Hand and a Sure Heart. 374—Frank Merriwell’s Gold Train; or, His Great Victory in Mexico. 375—Dick Merriwell’s Mission; or, From Fardale to the West.» 376—Frank Merriwell’s Battle Royal; or, Up Against the Wizards. 377—Dick Merriwell’s Opportunity; or, ‘Making the Most of His Chance. -378—Frank Merriwell on the Slab; or, Holding Down the Western Wonders. 379—Dick Merriwell’s Promise; or, For the Sake of a Girl. With Trp Tor No. 285 begins the now famous Fardale Series, in which Dick Merriwell has entered the good old school at which the career of Frank Merriwell also began some years ago. Thousands of young Americans will want to read of the fine things that Dick Merriwell has done, is doing and will in the future do. | STREET & SMITH, Publishers, . . 238 William St., New York. ce SEIS ESSE IIIS IIE aT Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 2398 William St., N. Y. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1903, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. i E No. 378, 7. Le ee Ear CHAPTER [. A MANAGER IN TROUBLE. ‘ Lost Dog was having a high old time. It was cele- brating the first anniversary of its birth, and the town was literally boiling with excitement and crowded with visitors. Every shack and shanty was decorated with bunting and flags, and many of the inhabitants and visitors were out in their “glad rags.” “B’iled” shirts and “plug”? hats were in evidence. The miner, the cowboy, the gambler, the Indian and the tenderfoot were to be seen. Men and women had traveled hun- dreds of miles to be present and take part in the fes- tivities. Lost Dog was a mining town of the La Garita Mountains. One year before the cpening of the three a , days’ celebration the first placer claim had been staked ey off on a'sandbar of Yellow Creek. Old Peleg Preston, Betis grubstake prospector, in search of his dog, the animal having disappeared the previous day, had idly panned some of the sand, more from habit than in hope of dis- closing anything worth while, and had “struck color.” = i aera ite elie vital x Te Fe Kk es «ee NEW YORK, July 11, 1903. Price Five Cents. FRANK MERRIWELL ON THE SLAB; OR, Holding Down the Western Wonders. _By BURT L. STANDISH. Some prospectors returning to Del Norte from the north had found Peleg at work there the following day, and Lost Dog was born. In one year the town had developed and grown after the fashion of a prosperous placer place. There were no quartz mines as yet, and therefore there was nothing stable about the camp. The buildings were thrown together any old way to serve their purpose until the placers should peter out, the boom should die and Lost Dog should pass as many another place of its sort had | passed. At the end of the first year of its existence the place was in the full height of its prosperity. It numbered nearly three thousand inhabitants and sprawled over . the bottom and clambered up the sides of Buzzard Gulch. _ There were those who prophesied great things for its future. Being a placer town where hundreds of- men had really valuable claims, prosperity seemed gen- eral and money plentiful. jae Who it was that proposed the celebration it is hard ‘ to say, but the idea was caught up at once and met with 2 | TIP TOP WEEKLY, popular favor. At first it was thought that one day would be enough, but, as the project grew and un- folded, it was finally determined. that Lost Dog could not do the thing up handsomely in less than three days, and a celebration to last three days was finally deter- mined upon. Baseball games were to be played ever day, and a noted independent team known as the Western Won- ders was engaged to meet the Eurekas of Lost Dog. Although the Wonders were known to be fast, the manager ot the Eurekas, Jim Thurston, was confident that his nine could take, at least, two out of the three games. On the first day a great crowd assembled on the open ground just outside the town to witness the game, and the Wonders filled the locals with dismay by winning easily, the score being 14 to 2. Indeed, the Eurekas did not have a “lodk in” until the eighth inning, when, through contempt, the pitcher became careless and a muffed fly by an outfielder saved the locals’ from being shut out. The contempt of the crowd for the performance of his team made Jim Thurston desperate. He realized that something must be done. The spectators would not countenance another exhibition of the same sort. It was humiliating to the pride of the town. _ But there was no one who cared to go personally to Thurston and give free rein to his contempt. ' Thurs- ton was a “bad man with a record.” He carried a gun and knew how to use it. Alone and single- handed he had faced Shank Hayes’ gang in Tucson and put four of them out of business. When the little affair was over Thurston had three bullets in his body, but Hayes, Kid Gray and Bob Wheeler: were dead, while Kentucky Jones was so badly damaged that he was not worth finishing. As a dead shot Thurston was known from EI Paso to Helena. As a baseball manager Thurston was a frost. But he didn’t believe it. He had played baseball in his younger days, and he fancied he knew all about the ee What he didn’t know about it would have made a complete library on the sport. Having managed everything from a cock fight to a lynching, Thurston fancied himself competent. He was not aware that baseball had gone on and left him since he was a freckle-faced, red-headed boy in Salem, -'Mass. So he blamed his players and not himself. But he swore the Eurekas should win the second game. His new pitcher from Denver arrived in Lost with vigor a number of times, cinctly expressed his opinion of a man who wore that © Dog one hour after the first game was over. Thurs- ton met him at the White Dove Hotel and was pleased with his appearance, for Pink Fletcher was a strapping, raw-boned chap, with long arms, and looked as if he could “deliver the goods.”’ That night, however, Pink went astray. Lost Dog was wide open. Saloons were in full blast, dance houses running, gambling dens booming, while all sorts of street shows lined the main thoroughfare of the town, glowing with light and filled to the brim with se- cluctiveness. It was claimed that some one interested in the Won- ders got next to Pink and started him on the down- ward path. Be that as it may, the new pitcher was a bad Indian when Jim Thurston went forth to corral him at about the hour of midnight. Te objected stren- uously to any interference, stating that he was a wolf aud it was his night to howl. Thurston became weary of gentle methods and resorted to physical persuasion. The result was a mix-up from which Pink emerged ina humble and sadly battered condition. They stowed him away and he passed serenely into the land of sluim- ber. | Thinking him quite safe, Thurston locked him in his room at the White Dove and then he himself sought the arms of Morpheus. At an unearthly early hour in the morning Pink awoke to find his coppers sizzling hot. Ie had a dim recollection of the events of the previous night, and, finding the door fast, he quietly jumped out of the win- dow and sprained his ankle. But he found a drink and followed it with several more. The sun was high above the ragged peaks when Thurston again looked on the face of the pitcher on whom he had placed his reliance. Pink was sleeping sweetly amid the bowlders half a mile north of the town, an empty bottle clasped affectionately to his bosom. Awakened by Thurston’s heavy boot applied Pink sat up and suc- kind of boots. The manager’s disgust and rage was boundless when he dragged Pink to his feet and found the man was too lame to walk ten feet, his ankle being badly swollen. The limit of endurance having been reached, Thurston left Fletcher to return to his slum- bers amid the bowlders and made his way back to the hotel, where he voiced his feelings in no uncertain lan- guage. “The jig is up,” ae se “With a Grateclaes % > . ps niet tn ORG ae oe a bates Sy ye a ee pitcher we can trim those fellows easily. This fool Fletcher was my dependence. Rollins can’t pitch again to-day, and he couldn’t hold that bunch down anyhow. I have the men all but the pitcher. I’d give a hundred dollars, two hundred dollars, for a man to pitch that game. 1 mean aman who could pitch. It’s a shame! Fletcher ought to be shot! But this boozing is what has kept him out of the big league. He’s a wonder when he’s all right. That was why I engaged him. I suppose I’ll have to call the game off. The people won't stand for another game like yesterday’s.” _ A young man in a brown traveling suit had been lis- tening to the words of the disgusted manager. “What’s all this about?” he asked. ‘Tell. me, please.” Thurston explained. The stranger listened atten- tively. He had a handsome face and a fine figure. “Too bad!” he agreed. “Are you certain you could win with the right kind of a pitcher in the box?” “Dead certain, stranger.” “Then I'll pitch the game for you, quietly. Thurston stared at him. “You?” he exclaimed. The youth nodded. “Are you a pitcher?” V6," “What team have you ever pitched for that has made a record?” A eles “What? A college pitcher?” Another nod. “What teams did they ever pitch you against at Yale?” “Harvard, Petrone U. of P. and others.” “Well, you must have won some games?” “Sometimes,” smiled the stranger. “I did not al- ways lose.” “T should say not! If you had, they’d not used you many times. What’s your name?” “Frank Merriwell.” | “What? Say, you don’t mean to joke a whole lot, stranger.” — “You asked my name, didn’t you?” Ves,” . “Well, you got it.” “But I’ve heard of Frank Merriwell. 3? said the other, I’m a bad man eee my ee smiled the La a IP TOP WEEKLY. Report says — he was the greatest pitcher Yale ever had.” | “But how do you happen to be here?” “T have some friends who will arrive in town to- morrow. Came on ahead.to secure accommodations for them. Bad time, you know, to get anything at any price in Lost Dog.” “That’s right. Well, say, how much do you want for pitching the game to-day ?” “Nothing.” Thurston looked astounded. “What’s that?’ he cried. “You don’t mean it?” “Oh, yes I do. I’m not a professional, and I do not propose to make myself one. I do not take money for pitching. I do it for pleasure.” “But you expect a present after the game, eh? That’s the way of it?” “No, that’s not the way of it. I expect nothing at all. If your team is strong enough, I’ll do my best to help it beat the Wonders, and I’ll take no money, either as a price or a present.” “Well, you’re the queerest chap I ever struck in base- ball!’ declared the manager of the Eurekas. ‘‘Most all of them work you to the limit when it comes down toa matter of price for their services.” “Do you want me? I am not in the habit of beg- ging for an opportunity to pitch. I can get enough of that todo. But I’d like to help make this baseball part of the celebration a success. Do you want me?” “You bet your boots I do! Gota suit?’ “No; mine will come along to-morrow with my. party and the baggage.” “Oh, well, I reckon I can fix you out all right. And. T’ll let the whole town know within two hours that we~ have a pitcher at last. You watch how I advertise this game. Where you stopping?” X “Mealing here. Hired a tent for my party. Don’t know where I'll sleep to-night; but I'll find a ties What time will the game be called ?” “Three-thirty. Can I find you around here when I want you?” “T believe you may.” | “That’s all right, Mr. Merriwell. I’m going to work up the crowd for the game. I’ll depend on you. We'll as the crimp out of fae Wonders this after- noon.” . CHAPTER II. HOW THE GAME PANNED OUT. _ Jim Thurston kept his promise to advertise the game on and turn out a crowd. He hired a drum corps and pa- 4 ik) AOE. raded the street with banners flying. On the banners he had printed announcements of the securing of the great Yale pischer, Frank Merriwell, to pitch for the Eurekas. That afternoon a wonderfully large crowd assembled about the baseball field to witness the game. The field was roped to keep the spectators back. Thurston was on hand with his team, and Frank Merriwell was there, dressed in a suit like the others. The Wonders wore dark pants, with red shirts and stockings. They were very picturesque. “Tt all depends on you, Mr. Merriwell,” said Jim Thurston, as Frank proceeded to warm up. “You don’t seer to count much on the rest of the team,” said Frank. “Oh, the rest of the team is all right.” “But I have been asking about the game yesterday, and it seems that the Eurekas did not bat very heav- ily.’ “Oh, batting is not the whole of a game.” “That’s right; but a team that can’t bat isn’t liable to make many scores. Stick work is a large part of the game.” “You don’t have to tell me that,” said Thurston, who fancied he knew enough and did not like to have a youngster talk to him in such a manner. “You do your part on the slab and we'll win all right.” : Frank warmed up easily. He did not let out his speed nor display all the kinks he knew. “What do you think of him, Smitch?” asked. Thurs- ton, as the catcher came to the bench just before the game was to begin. “Can he make good?” “He hasn’t any speed, and his curves aren’t much,” answered Smitch. “‘I’ll be surprised if those fellows don’t knock him all over the lot in a’ hurry.” Thurston was worried. His team took the field first, and Frank went into the box. The first ball Merry delivered was a rise, straight over the plate, and it whistled through the air. The batter struck at it when it had passed and looked sur- prised. Smitch let it go through his hands and looked astounded. Speed? Why, that speed was more than he had bargained for. He wondered how much of it the boy- ish-looking young man had hidden in his sleeve. When Frank sent ovef an in-shoot that seemed like a darting streak, Smitch simply muffed it. And Smitch muffed the third strike, then threw wild ta first. letting the batter get down safely. WEEKLY. The catcher was nervous. He had fancied Merri- well did not have much speed, but now he realized that never before had he attempted to catch a pitcher “who could send ’em over like that.” Merry had discovered that Smitch could not hold his speed. He was sorry about that, but began to work the batters with curves and a change of pace. By clever work Merry prevented the Wonders from scoring. Then the home team went in and got a run, being assisted by some bungling on the part of the op- posing team. Thurston was smiling and confident. The crowd was well pleased by this start. But Frank was due to have his troubles. Smitch could not handle hot ones, and he fell to crossing sig- nals with Merry. The Wonders made two runs in the second inning. As they sat on the bench Frank told Smitch of the double-shoot. The catcher gave him a laugh. “Tust you hand up as many of those as you know how,” he said. “I'll agree to catch all balls that curve two different ways. An out-drop is easy. I have seen a man who could pitch an in-drop. But I know there is no man living who can pitch an in-out.” “All right,” said Merry. “When I put my right hand to my hip look out for an in that will end in an out. When I touch my left hip with my left hand, look out for just the opposite curve. I shall not try either unless we get into a pinch. They will come over fast, and you'll have to be right on your toes.” The Eurekas managed to tie the score before Frank went out again to pitch. The Wonders were batters, and Merry was handi- capped by being unable to pitch anything he wished. This being the case, he soon found himself in a bad place, with a man on second and another on third, while there was only one out. “Got to do some strike-out business,” he decided, and gave the sign for the double-shoot. Smitch nodded and grinned. Merry sent the strangely curving ball iene over. He could not make it take the double curve unless he used speed. The catcher, who did not believe in the double-shoot, misjudged the ball so badly that it did not evén touch. his big mitt, but went whizzing past. ‘The man on third base carne in on the pass. Frank called the catcher and went up to speak to | him. - de Name Age Se GES pie a? ik gieteayee ee a bE REITER. Betis aS Nene iy e oawst tS ree ae: Sid Ss eae LESS ok ad Tee pata “Look out for that,” he said, grimly. “I told you what the ball would do. No need to give this game away. I didn’t offer to pitch for that purpose.” “Well, don’t be trying any of your fancy quirks,” re- turned Smitch, who was angry over what had hap- pened. He saw Thurston scowling on the bench, and added in a loud tone: “When you cfoss signals like that you can’t, expect me to know what is coming.” Frank was disgusted as he returned to his position. “Tf I had good old Bart here it would be different,” he thought. “Hodge is the man to pitch to! They just smack into his old mitt and stick there, no matter if they came over the plate like a streak of white light- ning.” He managed to fool the batter into popping up an easy fly, and two were out; but the next man drove a grounder at the shortstop and got to first on a bad er- ror, while another score came in. Hard and heady work by Frank prevented another score before the Wonders could be retired. However, Frank felt that he was pitching a losing game. In thefifth inning he drove out a three-bagger with the bases full, and the score was tied again. Up to that time the Wonders had been pitching one of their outfielders, a man who had never before pitched a game. Their contempt of the locals had been open. But Merriwell was holding them down fairly well, for all of the disadvantages under which he worked, and this inexperienced pitcher was being touched'up at intervals. An accident might lose the game for them, so they put in one of their regular pitchers and used him during the remainder of the game. After that Frank Merriwell was the only player with the Eturekas who made a safe hit. The Wonders had the locals at their mercy. Merry worked hard to keep the enemy in check, but he could not do it all. In the eighth inning, with two men out, the third baseman picked up a slow grounder and threw it far over first base. The ground rule alone prevented the Wonders from making three tallies on that play. = That started the ball rolling, and the Eurekas seemed to Vie with one another to see who could make the most ridiculous error. Frank could not use the double-shoot to strike out a Batley nor could he let out his speed, but he led hitter after hitter to pop up little ones or send easy grounders rolling into some player’s hands. Un- der the circumstances it was wonderfully fine pitching, TIP TOP WEEKLY. 5 but error followed error until the Wonders had made six runs. Thurston was black as a thundercloud when Frank came in to the bench. Merry gave him no attention. He might have stated that it was not possible for him to win with such a team to support him, but he did not do that. The home team did not score. The Wonders went to bat for the last time and made one more run through the bad playing of the locals, being retired by an easy hit to first and two little in-- field flies, which Frank took himself, not caring to trust such a bunch of fumblers. Merry’s face wore a look of amusement as he again came in from the box. “Well,” growled Thurston, “you’re a great pitcher and no mistake! You've lost the game all right!” Frank looked the big manager over. “You're quite mistaken about that, sir,” he said, quietly, yet with a certain grimness. “I did not lose it,” “Well, who did, then?’ “It was not possible for your team to win against those chaps. I do not care to say anything more.” “We may win now. The game’s not over.” “One chance in a million,” down. said Merriwell, sitting Three batters went out in order, and the gaine was over. | Thurston’s face was gray with anger and dismay. The crowd was disappointed and disgusted. The game had promised much at the start, but had ended in an- other fizzle. The manager turned on Frank Merriwell, his eyes glaring. “You're a fake!’ he declared. ‘‘You’re no pitcher! You never pitched a game for Yale College in your life, and your name is not Merriwell.” Now Merriwell did not fancy being talked to in that manner after sacrificing himself without money and without price. The unreasoning ingratitude of the ° man was enough to anger him, and it was only by get- ting a prompt grip on his temper that he restrained. himself.. But he faced the man squarely, looking hi: straight in the eyes, and said: “You are displaying your ignorance by that kind of talk. You cannot expect a pitcher to play the whole _ ” game. “And you are insulting me and my players by that 6 TIP TOP WEEKLY. kind of talk!’ retorted Thurston, his face taking on a dangerous look. Silver Bob, a noted sporting man of the Sweetwater region, who had made a fat thing betting on the Won- ders, happening to stand in line with Frank, quietly shifted his position. He had seen that look on Thurs- ton’s face once before, for he was in Tucson when Shank Hayes and his backers “got theirs.”’ Bob’s face wore a look of concern, for he was inter- ested in the clean youth who had pitched for the Eu- rekas, and he did not wish to see him injured. | Still it was not his affair, and he refrained from mixing in. “You have insulted me, sir, and, if you were worth the trouble, I would make you apologize,” said Frank Merriwell, still looking Thurston in the eyes. The big man laughed in a low, harsh way. “You—you make me apologize?’ he exclaimed. “Well, of all the fool things I ever heard a kid say! Why, you poor tenderfoot, you’re treading on the edge of your own grave, and you don’t know it. But I won't shoot you up, though I ought to. I'll have pity on you. All the same, you get out of Lost Dog on a run, or I’ll grease the face of the earth with you. Get that ?” “It’s plain,” said Merriwell, in the same smooth, modulated tone, “that you have an inflated opinion of your own fierceness. You won't alarm anybody, Mr. Thurston. You lack the instincts of a gentleman, and you have shown yourself a common rufhan. Get that ?” “Ves,” said the enraged manager, stepping in and striking a blow at Frank’s face; “and you get that!” CHAPTER III. FRANK TAKES CARE OF HIMSELF. But he was mistaken; Frank did not get it. He “ducked like a flash, caught Thurston around the body, flipped the big man’s heels into the air and flung him _ down upon his neck and shoulders. ~ It was done so quickly and easily that all the wit- nesses were astounded. But they knew something serious must follow, and _ proceeded to back off in i a hurry. ‘Thurston was not injured, for all of the violence ae “with which he had been thrown down. It seemed that he had his revolver out when he struck the ground. | At any rate, he sat up with it in his hand, the weapon covering Merriwell. acquit him in a hurry, for Thurston drew first.” “Tt’s a shame!” said Silver Bob, regretfully. “But we'll give the tenderfoot pitcher a handsome funeral.”’ However, Thurston did not shoot at once. Instead, he roared: “Stiddy! Hands up and empty But Frank refused t# lift his hands. “Shoot if you want to!” he said. “It will be mur- iad ' der, for I have not drawn a weapon.” Then he folded his arms. “Sand!” said Silver Bob; “but bad judgment.” Keeping Frank covered, Thurston arose to his feet. “Get down on your knees!’ he grated, his face work- ing with rage. ‘Get down instantly, or I’ll shoot you so full of lead that you’ll do to melt down!” “Wonder if I ought to chip in?’ thought Silver Bob, frowning. Frank looked straight at Thurston, but did not move to obey the command. Suddenly, right behind the big manager of the Eu- rekas, a shrill voice seemed to cry in his ear: “Put up that gun, Jim, or Pll bore you! I have you covered!” Thurston was startled in spite of himself, and he made a jump to one side, half turning. That was the opening Frank Merriwell wanted. He went at the big man with one pantherish leap, brushing the pistol aside with his left and smiting Jim between the eyes with his right. It was a handsome knockdown blow, and Merriwell followed it up by landing on the man and wrenching the pistol from his grasp, getting away quickly. When Jim Thurston sat up he found himself looking into the muzzle of his own revolver, “This is exceedingly interesting,” observed Silver Bob to a man who stood at his side. “The tenderfoot is not so very tender, after all.” Thurston was astounded and somewhat dazed. He realized that he had been outwitted in some manner. But now he saw something in the eyes of the youth who Held his revolver that warned him he had been playing with fire. There was a deadly look that boded him no good. He suddenly realized that this young man was just about as dangerous as they grew. “Tt’s up to you!” said Merry, in an icy tone. “Get on your knee, you ungrateful dog, and apologize to me, or I’ll fit you for a long box.” “T think he’ll do it,” said Silver Bob, loud enough for Jim to hear distinctly; “and the jury will shore rs GOLD TEE ROT Pes bees. | be a Gk Bee fe ee otk MAR eR Ken Thurston realized this. He knew Merriwell would go scot free if he fired, and the hand that held the revolver was steady as iron. More than that, he fan- cied the finger on the trigger was contracting a little, and he knew the weapon worked with ease. In that moment he felt himself closer to death than ever before in_all his life, Thurston started to rise, then paused. He was on his knees. “He’s going to shoot!” said Silver Bob, looking at Frank. “Hold on!” said the disgusted manager, quickly. “Don’t be a fool with that gun! It works right easy.” “T am listening for your apology,” said Merry; “but my time is limited. I hate to shoot, but a “Don’t! Ill apologize. Perhaps I was wrong.” “Thanks,” said Merry, quietly. “That’s all that’s required, Mr. Thurston.” And now, having said it, Jim Thurston was enraged at himself. The words had passed his-lips almost be- fore he realized that he was speaking. His humiliation was intense. To be handled in such a manner by a youth he regarded as a tenderfoot and a mere boy was disgraceful. Had he possessed a pistol then, as Frank lowered the weapon in his hand, he would have shot Merry down without thought of the consequences. Frank stepped forward to hand the pistol back to Thurston, but Silver Bob reached out quickly and took it from his hand. “T wouldn’t commit suicide, young man, if I was you,” said the adventurer, “I rather like your style, and I don’t want to start a flower bed over you to- morrow.” “Why,” said Frank, “he wouldn’t shoot now.’ “Mebbe not,” admitted Bob; “but it will be better if you give him a while to cool a trifle. It’s for him I’m doing this, too, as it might bring about a lynch- ing. It would be a shame to spoil this celebration.” Ten minutes later Jim Thurston was glad the sport had taken the pistol from Frank, knowing he would have seized it and turned it on the youth in his blind rage and shame. | Merry walked away from: the spot, but he was fol- lowed by a number of admirers, prominent among whom were a number of boys. They had seen him cow a man of whom all Lost Dog stood in awe. On his way to the hotel Frank was joined by Cap- tain Pebble, of the Wonders.. in. order to draw a crowd. to-morrow. TIP TOP WEEKLY. 7 “It was hard luck, Merriwell,” said Pebble; “but you must realize that you were up against the real thing in my team. All the same, I was glad to see you get onto that big ruffan Thurston. He deserved worse. Still you want to keep your eyes open, for he's a bad man, and he won’t let this matter drop. He'll be pretty sure to pick another quarrel with you for the purpose of evening this affair up.” “Thank you,” said Merry. ‘I shall have my eyes peeled for that.” “And you’re alone in this town.” “My friends will arrive to-night.” “Your friends?’ “Yes. I have a little baseball team of my own, and I think we might make it interesting for you and your Wonders. Too bad we can’t have the chance, but I presume you'll have to play the Eurekas again to- morrow.” “Oh, no; that’s off.” “Off? How.?” “We have beaten them twice out of three times. That ends it.” “Then you're at liberty to play another team?” “If there was another team worth playing we would be glad to get a game; but it’s useless to think of such a thing.” “Oh, I don’t know. I think we can make it some-. what interesting for you, and I'll challenge you on the spot. Will you play?” “Ves, for a purse of five hundred dollars “A purse? That’s gambling.” Pebble smiled. “Do you think I’m in baseball for my health?’ he inquired. “How do you suppose I run my team?” “Vou were paid a big thing for the two games here.” “Well, I have that. It was not a case of working for gate money, or we might have let you win to-day 3? >) “T see,” laughed Merry. “It made no difference to you whether you played two games or three, so you made sure of winning twice.” “Exactly. And there would be no object to induce me to play your team to-morrow unless it was for a purse, as there is no fenced ground, and it is not likely a big crowd could be turned out anyway after these two games. If you wish to put two hundred and fifty dollars of your money. against two hundred and Atty of mine, .I’ll play you for the purse.” “And I never gamble.” ad, LOY “What, never ?” “Not in years.” “Then there is no chance for a game.” “That’s too bad, for I’m confident my team could give you a hot go.” At this Pebble laughed. outright. “I see you have made the mistake of thinking we were playing baseball to-day. Man alive, we were fooling! There’s not an independent team in the West that has any business with us.” “Ever heard of the Wizards?” “Yes; they’re not in our class, my boy. We couldn’t afford to waste our time playing with them.” “Tt’s a fine thing to have such a splendid opinion of your own team; but I have a bunch of boys who might make it rather interesting for you. I’ll have to devise some method of getting you into a game.” “T have told you how it can be done.” “And that’s impossible as far as I am concerned.” “Then there will be no game,” said Pebble, “which is just as well for your peace of mind. We'll be able to leave town to-morrow, and I’m glad of that, as we have an engagement in Lake City and need an extra _ day to rest.” Merry wanted to get a game with the Wonders, but it began to seem that such a thing was not possible un- less he would put aside his scruples against betting. ‘Reaching the hotel, he stripped off the baseball suit, took a sponge bath and dressed. He was completing his toilet when there came a sharp knock on his door. “Come in,” he called, without turning. “You're some careless,” said a voice behind him. “After making a bad enemy like Jim Thurston you ought to be a heap careful not to be caught empty- handed.” It sounded like Thurston’s voice, but Frank finished knotting his necktie before turning. Then he swung around slowly and found a tall, handsome blonde man | of twenty-eight or thirty smiling at him. He recog- * nized the adventurer known in town as Silver Bob. “Really,” said Merry, ‘“‘you imitated Thurston’s voice excellently. I thought it must be him.” “In which case you are a fool, or you have nerves ; like iron,” asserted Bob. “Give me the benefit of the doubt and blame my : x) Beryes ” said Merry. “Will you sit down?” He motioned toward the only chair in the little room. | Thani you, ” said the blonde, ae the chair. Her. WEEKLY. “Do you mind telling me who it was helped you out in this little affair with Thurston?” “Helped me out—how ?” asked Frank, slipping on his coat and sitting on the edge of the bunklike bed. “IT didn’t know any one helped me.” “I mean who was it shouted behind him and caused him to jump and give you the chance to come in at him ?” Frank smiled. “T did that myself,” he said. Silver Bob lifted his left eyebrow incredulously. “Excuse me,” he said. “I must have been a whole lot deceived by my eyes. I reckoned you were stand- ing in front of him at the time.” “T was.” “Then how could you shout at him from behind, if you don’t mind explaining?” “I presume you are aware that there is such a thing as ventriloquism, sir?’ “Oh! exclaimed Bob, suddenly enlightened. “That’s how you did it, eh? Well, that was powerful clever! And Thurston is swearing he will damage the gent that hollered in his ear. This sure is a big joke on Thurston!” The handsome adventurer slapped his knee and laughed heartily. He had curly hair and a fine head, while his blue a: were such as a woman might rave over. Frank smiled a little at the man’s amusement. Sud- denly Bob stopped laughing and said: “I’m afraid you don’t know just how bad an enemy you have nrade in Jim Thurston. He'll be pretty sure to find some excuse for shooting you up unless you leave town directly. Don’t you think it will be best for you to puckachee ?”’ ° ; \ f “{ don’t look at it that way. In fact, I can’t hasten forth from Lost Dog without ai ppOnTng my friends who are to arrive here to-night.” “Then it’s really true that you i. fr lends coming ?” Ves, “A whole baseball team?” eS “And you tried to get a game with the Wonders ?” 1 did? “But you didn’t ee confidence enough in your team to back it, eh?’ - “T have plenty of confidence, but there are other rea- sons why I do not care to make a game in that man- ” ee et en meee eee TIP TOP: Frank knew he was talking with a gambler, and he hesitated about expressing himself freely. Only for a moment, however, and then he was ready to free his mind. He had not sought this opportunity, but he would not shrink from it. “What's that?’ questioned Silver Bob, lifting his eyebrow again. “What seems to be your objection, in case you have confidence in your team?” “I do not gamble, and, playing for a purse, in such a manner, where each side puts in a portion of the purse, is merely a case of betting on the game.” The sport whistled softly. “Seems to me you are highly moral in your atti- tude, young man,” he said. “Do you never bet?” “Never.” “You're a rare bird, indeed! Why do you object to it so very much ?” “T have seen the evil results of betting. Besides that, I know it is dangerous for me to indulge in it.” “If you were a betting man, would you risk money on your team after seeing what the Wonders can do?” Frank smiled. : “Were I a betting man I would not poate to risk any reasonable sum on my team.” Silver Bob coughed behind his hand. “It’s very unfortunate that there is to be no game here to-morrow,” he observed. “The celebration will be incomplete without it.” Frank was silent. “In case,” said Bob, keeping one eye on Merry, “in case some one else were to offer the purse, would you play for it? That is, if some one were to put up money against the money of the Wonders, would you play the game! e “I’d not permit any of my own team to do it.” “T am not speaking of your team. If some one in this town should put up the money with Captain Peb- ble would you play the game?” “T would,” nodded Frank; ‘ winning team.” Silver Bob arose. — “Tt is not impossible that a game may He arranged,” he said. “But again let me warn you to watch out a whole lot for Jim Thurston, He may take to the warpath. You had better carry a gun. Do you?” “Sometimes.” “Make this one of the times,” you later. So long.” — He drifted out. ‘the purse to go to the advised Bob. “See WEEKLY. CHAPTER IV. THE WILD STEER, Lost Dog in the early hours of the evening in the midst of the celebration was a place to behold with joy for those who liked hustle, bustle and excitement. The street was ablaze with light from windows and the open fronts of booths of all sorts. Street shows were in full swing, music came floating out through the doors of dance halls, the voices of barkers could be heard all along the crooked thoroughfare, and people crowded and roved up and down, taking in the “sights.” Thus it was on the evening of the second day. Frank Merriwell came out of the hotel and stood on the steps, waiting for the arrival of his friends, who were already overdue. They were coming by buck- board, a line of such wagons running over the stage trail and every incoming vehicle being crowded to its full capacity. The. spectacle was pleasant to Merry, who had lately. come from the solitudes of Sonora in Mexico. ‘ It was the change he needed. He stood with his hands in his pockets, alert, watchful, enjoying the lights, the people, | the sounds, Some one came and stood beside him. It was Silver Bob, who carried in his hand a coiled lariat. “Evening, pard,” said the gambler. “Looking for your party?” Frank nodded. “They seem to be delayed,” he said. “T hope they’re certain sure to come. If they fail, I’m out a small wad.” “You're out? What do you mean?” “Y’ve made up half of that purse and arranged for the game to-morrow.” Merry turned and looked Bob over. “Why did you do that?” he asked. betting on the Wonders right along.” “Correct; and I’ve won some dust, too. on them to-morrow.” “After putting up enough money to make the purse? Why, that.seems rather inconsistent, doesn’t it?” “T reckon not. You see if there was no game I’d have no chance to take a venture on it. If there is a game, I can back the team I think will win. If/I back | the Wonders for a thousand or two and they win, I shall make money, for all of the two-fifty I. drop into the purse. See?” os see,” nodded Frank, wh ial hatele began to “Vou have been I may bet 10 TIP TOP WEEKLY. regret that he had been drawn into the affair, for he saw that Silver Bob was using it to further his object in gambling. But Frank remembered that he had given his word, and he saw no honorable method of re- treat.. Inwardly he was angry to think he had been trapped by the smooth fellow. “Tt seems to me,” said Frank, “that you should be able to find plenty of chances to gamble without tak- ing so much trouble. I can stand here and throw a stone in any direction and hit a gambling joint.” “Y’m not looking for chances of that sort,” smiled Bob, easily. “Faro, poker and such things will do when there is nothing else to busy a man. I’m a whole lot tired of the pasteboards. I’m going to take a chance on the steer roping to-morrow morning.” “The steer roping?” "Sure: “Ts there to be such a contest ?” | “You bet. Been getting the kinks out of my rope.” “But you’re not going into it yourself?” _ “I certain am.” “T didn’t know———” began Merry, and stopped. “You took me for a kid-glove sport, I opine. Well I’ve herded in my day, and I allow I can rope a steer with the best of ‘em. Have you ever seen a steer roping ?”’ Frank replied that he had. “Tt’s hot stuff,” said Bob. “You’re a clevér baseball pitcher, but I judge you'd be a whole lot out of your range if you tried to rope a steer.” Frank made no reply to this. He had learned to throw a rope several years before this and had dis- covered while in Mexico that he had not wholly lost the knack, having practiced there for amusement when there was nothing else to do, It was natural that Bob should presume he knew nothing of the art. “They have some wild old steers in the corral,” said the gambler. “I’ve looked them over. They'll make hot sport.” Frank was staring down the street and did not seem to hear these words. The sound of a bugle came to their ears, arid a buckboard, drawn by six dusty horses, swung into view. Then the street echoed the well-known cheer of Yale College, causing Frank to start with pleasure, and ex- claim: n “There are my friends!” “Well, I’m glad they’re on hand,” observed Bob. Merry answered the cheer. Then the people on the street paused arid stared to hear it flung back from the throats of those lusty chaps on the buckboard. On the middle seats were a thin, weary-looking man and four girls. The driver cracked his long whip, and Jack Ready, who had the bugle, trilled a few silvery notes that were full of joy and high spirits. The buckboard drew up in front of the hotel, and the weary, but vigorous, lads began to hop down, call- ing gayly to Merriwell. At this moment people up the street began to shout, and scream, and scatter in all directions. ‘There were hoarse voices of men and shrill cries from women. Then ‘right down the lighted thoroughfare, its eyes glaring, its feet throwing dust, its nostrils. steaming, came a wild steer. Somehow the creature had escaped from the corral and was running amuck through the town. The crooked street had prevented those in the vicin- ity of the hotel from being aware of the approach of the steer until the animal-was quite near and coming like the wind. A single horseman was pursuing the steer, but he was too far in the rear to stop the creature until it had run the length of the town. Some fool fired a shot at the animal, the bullet wounding it just enough to add to its fear and rage. Bernard Burrage had descended from the buckboard on the side opposite the hotel steps. He saw the on- coming peril and started to cross the street. But his legs were weak, and he faltered and stumbled in his excitement. A screatn came from Inza, and she rushed toward her father. They were directly in the path of the rushing steer. Frank saw their peril, his heart leaping into his throat as he realized he could not reach them in time to save them. But he made one flying spring that carried him onto the buckboard, and another that took ‘him into the street beyond. There was no hesitation on his part. : With one hand he jerked out his revolver, which, according to the advice of Silver Bob, he had slipped into his pocket. He saw the steer charging straight at Inza, who sought in vain to push aside her paralyzed father. : | “God help her!” thought Merry, making another leap and holding the pistol ready to fire into the very eyes of the steer. > ~ ei ee % The witnesses were horrified beyond measure, for they felt that nothing could avert a frightful tragedy. Frank reached Inza and tried to fling her aside out of the path of doom, but she clung to her father. Then something curling and uncoiling shot through the air, and a noose settled over the head of the steer. It was a lariat. Silver Bob had left the steps of the hotel just be- fore the buckboard swung up. He it was who had flung the rope, one end of which he quickly gave a turn around a post in front of a little building. The rope twanged like a harp-string as it snapped taut, and the steer went down in a cloud of dust, which was flung over Frank, Inza and Bernard Burrage. The rope had thrown the creature barely in time. CHAPTER V. SILVER BOB’S VISIT. Having roped and thrown the steer, Silver Bob dashed at the animal, sprang on it before it could rise, caught a twist of rope around the forward under foot and the rear upper foot, and had the animal secured when the horseman came tearing up. It was a splendid’ piece of work, and the witnesses cheered when they realized what had been accomplished and that no one was harmed. Inza turned Bernard Burrage over to Merry. “Take him, Frank,” she said. “I can’t hold him up. He is ready to drop.” It was quite true; Mr. Burrage was overcome by the excitement and peril through which he had passed, so that he was weak and helpless. Merry was compelled to almost lug him to the steps of the hotel. | Reaching the steps, he looked around and saw Silver Bob escorting Inza. | The handsome gambler had politely offered his arm. Inza heard men saying he had roped the steer and saved her life. She accepted. his arm without hesita- tion. A pang shot through Merriwell. This man was not fit for her to know. Still he had saved her life! “T hope you are not harmed at all, miss,”’ said Bob, in a low, polite voice. | “No, not in the least, sir. And you stopped the steer? I heard some one say so.” “It was my good fortune to do so, miss.” “How can I thank you? My poor father! He is TIP TOP. WEEKLY. II ill; he could not get away, and he would have been killed.” “Tf I were to confess the truth,” said the gambler, “T should say that it was your danger that led me to act. quickly and make a successful throw. I knew what failure meant. The steer was blind with rage and fear.” “Tl not forget it, sir,” promised Inza, whose nerve filled the man with admiration, for she was strangely steady now that all the danger had passed. “If 1 can show how grateful I am sa “T have been paid a thousand times by a glance from your eyes,” breathed Silver Bob, in a manner that caused her to start and draw away a little. Then Frank, who had turned Bernard Burrage over to Browning and Mulloy, spoke to them and added his thanks, although deep in his heart there was a. feeling that was not all thankfulness, as he had not failed to note the gambler’s manner and had caught a few of his softly spoken words. Inza released Bob’s arm, and Frank immediately expressed his thankfulness to the gambler for what he had done. The hotel proprietor had witnessed the affair in front of his house, and now he was ready to make a special effort to do something for Mr. Burrage and the girls. Merry gave up his room to Bernard Burrage, and the girls were provided with a big double room. In the rear of the hotel was the tent Merry had secured for the boys, and there he gathered them, the place being lighted by two swinging lanterns. . “Ah, ha!” said Jack Ready, when he had washed in a bucket and dried his face and hands on a rough — towel. ‘Methinks this will serve until after I devour — a side of beef. Ah, but there is within me a vast hol- lowness that demands filling.” “Oi can ate anny old thing,” declared Mulloy. “Gosh darn if I ain’t gut a thutterin’ good appetite,” put in Ephraim Gallup. “I wonder if they hev enny ‘pies in this town?” questioned Obediah Tubbs, a look of anxiety on his fat face. “Whatever would they be a-doin’ with pie?’ con- — temptuously asked Brad Buckhart. as “Pie!” grunted Bruce Browning, who had flung himself at full length on one of the beds. “Wouldn’t — that jar you!” NE er ale nde eae st depdier ABA. wet Setiner tte ‘ay ae i. wae TOP. ning toward the steer even before the animal fell. Hardly had the creature ceased rolling, when he was on it. With a snap, he brought the lower forward hoof and upper hind hoof together, and with another move- ment he had tied them there. Then he straightened up and uttered his first shout. “By the Lord Harry!” exclaimed the man with the stop watch; “he’s beaten the world’s record by three seconds.” Eight young fellows, with their heads close together, broke into a cheer such as never before had been heard in that valley. “Brekekekex, Co ax, Co ax! Brekekekex, Co ax, Co ax! O—up! O—up! Parabalou— Merriwell! Merriwell! Merriwell! ’Rah! ’rah! ’rah! Merriwell!” The cowboys on their horses involuntarily faced about toward the crowd. “Whatever kind of a chirp is that?” grinned one. “T sure opine it’s one of those college yoops,” said another. “Well let’s give him the cowpunchers’ bazoo,” pro- posed a third. They did so, and the yell that pealed from their hps was simply appalling in its shrill intensity. Then one of them shot out from among the others, and circled around Frank, waving his mud-bespattered hat and shrieking like a Sioux Indian at a “killing.” Then another and another until the entire bunch were circling around the young hero of the occasion. The crowd cheered agai and again. “Wal, by hunky!’ drawled Ephraim Gallup; “I ruther guess there’s something doing around here!” “Begorra,” said Barney, “It’s aquil to Donnybrook Fair!’ , Which was the greatest confession any of them had ever heard from his lips. Having ceased to circle and yell, the cowboys gath- ered about Frank and escorted him to the natural grand stand. Silver Bob pressed close to him and shook his hand. “Partner,” said he, “I’m a whole lot proud to grasp your dainty fingers. You're all there is; there ain’t no more the same. . Tenderfoot? Why, you’ve made these old stagers look like back numbers! You take the biscuit, and I’m plumb proud of you. Hereafter I t WEEKLY. 19 puts my loose dust on you, and no time whatever does I copper.” Looking up, Frank saw Inza’s eyes fastened upon him—or was she looking at Bob? The doubt flashed through his mind, but he quickly put it aside. Jack Ready smiled and flirted his hand. “T have a faint suspicion that we are the people,” he remarked. “And when it comes to baseball we will . provide them with a little harmless amusement.” Frank saw Dick looking at him, his eyes filled with unspeakable admiration. Never for a moment had Dick lacked confidence in his brother, although he realized that Frank might not be able to defeat the cowboys at their own game. The marshal of the day rode up and shook hands with Merry. “The prize sure is yours,” he said. beat that in a thousand years.” In fact, the cowboys felt that the contest was good as settled. The crowd, however, was there to be amused, and the punchers were willing to give them all they wanted. So the steer roping went on to the end, each man taking his turn; but ndét one of them “They can’t _came near equalling Merriwell’s feat. When the last steer had been thrown and the affair was over, the prize of the golden horseshoes was fas- tened on Merry’s flannel shirt. The band played, the crowd cheered again, and the steer roping was uni- versally voted the most successful event of the celebra- tion. But the baseball game between Merriwell’s team and the Western Wonders was yet to come. CHAPTER IX. REAL BASEBALL, Lost Dog rang with Merriwell’s name. He was the sensation of the celebration. An hour before the time set for the baseball game to begin the crowd began to gather at the field. Silver Bob was there, passing to and fro, quietly making bets with those who were willing to risk money on the Wonders. He found not a few who were con- fident that the team that had twice defeated the Eu- rekas could easily down the Merries. Before Bob reached the field there were those who offered odds on the Wonders; but, after he began to gather up every- thing in sight the odds quickly fell off until it was even money. 9. .. ; yin, tigs 20 TIP TOP What was most astonishing was the fact that Jim Thurston placed several bets on the Merries. If any one felt like laughing at him for his change of face, they did it behind his back, well knowing that it would not be healthy to do so in any other manner. At two-thirty the sound of music was heard ap- proaching the field, and a few moments later one of the bands was seen advancing with the players of both teams marching behind it. Frank’s boys wore their blue suits, the big white letter M standing out plainly on their bosoms. But they looked young—very young. Some of them, who had felt that Silver Bob never made a mistake in judg- ment, began to doubt as they noted the contrast between the two teams. As the band and players marched across the field, Felicia Delores gave a little exclamation of astonish- ment. “Why, Inza, Elsie!’ she cried. ‘“Look—look there! It’s Chester Arlington! He’s with them.” She was right; Chester was marching with the Won- ders, wearing one of their uniforms. Dick had seen him; Frank had seen him. Chester, whom they had supposed far away, had bobbed up serenely. More than that, it seemed that he was to take part in the game. This became a certain fact when the line-up of the two teams was given to the scorer. Chester was to play shortstop. The line up of the two teams was as follows: MEnrrizs. Wownpers. Ready, 3d b. Corbin, If. Mulloy, 2d b. Otis, rf. Hodge, c. Maroney, 1st b. Browning, ist b. Kanab, 2d b. Gallup, cf. Pebble, 3d b. Schwab, cf. Arlington, ss. Overton, c. Masters, p. D. Merriwell, ss. F. Merriwell, p. Buckhart, lf. Tubbs, rf. Before going out for practice Chester walked over to Dick, who was standing near the Merriwell bench. “Well,” he said, with a taunting smile, “I presume you are glad to see me! You seem to be beaming with pleasure. Thought you had left me stranded in the Taos Mountains, eh? Well, I made a draft on mamma, and here I am, fresh and frisky. I have broken into the ranks of the enemy, and now we pro- pose to put it all over you. We've got the team to do it. The Wizards were not quite swift enough, but the f WEEKLY. Wonders can trim anything in the business. That’s no dream.” “You're just as confident and boastful as ever,” said Dick. “It’s remarkable what a sanguine temperament you have.” “Oh, I heard all about how the Wonders hammered your brother yesterday. Just watch what they do to him to-day. I fancy Ill be able to touch him up a few myself.” Not caring to waste further words with Chester, Dick smiled and turned away. Practice was short, sharp and snappy. warmed up to pitch. The tossing of a coin gave the Wonders their choice of innings, and they took the field. The Merries were unable to score in the first inning, although Ready, true to his name, led off with a safe hit. But Frank held the Wonders down to one hit, and they could not get in a run. Three times in succession did the Wonders white- wash Frank’s tearm. Merry returned the compliment twice, but in the third inning something happened. Arlington was the first hitter up. “Give us your great double-shoot,” he invited, taunt- ingly. “I want to show how easy it is to hit it.” “T wouldn’t think of wasting so much energy on you,’ returned Frank. “Here is a simple out-drop, and you can’t get a safe hit off that.” True to his word, he threw an out-drop. Chester hit it, and the ball rolled past Frank, who did not offer to get it, believing Mulloy would. have no trouble whatever in picking it up and throwing Arlington out at first. The truth is that the ball came so slowly that the Irish youth was impatient. He dashed in and scooped at it. The ground was rough, and the ball took a bad bound to one side. Barney cuffed it down and snatched it up. He had plenty of time, for Chester was not much more than halfway to first, running as if his life depended on it. “Run, ye spalpane—run!” laughed Mulloy. yer head off!” Then when he threw the ball toward Browning he did one of those unaccountable things, for the ball went high over the head of the big first baseman. Arlington could run, and he went scooting over first and made for second. He could take one base on Frank “Run: Po WV a TIP FOr an overthrow, that being a ground rule—if he could get it. But he could be put out in case the ball was recovered and sent to the bag ahead of him. Sore enough was Mulloy over his foolish misplay. Browning got the ball and drove it to second, but not in time to put Chester out. Arlington laughed derisively in Mulloy’s face. “Tt’s a gift to yez,” said the Irish youth. “It nivver would happen again in a tousan’ years.” Frank was not at all disturbed. He smiled over it and gave his attention to Overton, the next batter. Not considering the situation desperate, Merry handed Overton a slow drop, whereupon the batter lifted it far into right field. Tubbs ran back for it. Had he not known Obediah, Chester would have taken a chance and gone to third without watching to see whether the ball was caught or not; but he had seen the fat boy do so many astonish- ing and unexpected things that he was led to hold second. Obediah thrust out his hands and the ball came down over his shoulder, striking on the tips of his fingers. It seemed to bound off and he made a for- ward plunge, catching it again before it could fall to the ground. Over and over he rolled, but he had the ball when-he sat up, and he held it up triumphantly. But Arlington had dashed off second as the fat boy . fell, and he ran with all the speed he could command. “Throw it in, ye fat-head!” yelled Mulloy. ‘Get a move on yez!” Arlington was crossing third when Obediah scram- bled to his feet. The coacher took a chance and sent him home. Tubbs threw the ball to Mulloy. Barney wheeled and lined it straight to Hodge. It seemed certain that Chester would be tagged and put out. Bart was directly in his path. This was a dangerous position, but Hodge did not seem to mind in the least. The throw was low, however, re as Hodge bent cover to take it, Chester leaped directly over his back in one splendid spring, alighted on his feet and crossed the plate with the first run for the day. It had been handsomely done, and no one could won- der that the crowd broke into applause. Even Frank. could not help feeling admiration for the boy who took pride in being Dick’s enemy. Chester strutted to the bench after that, spoiling everything by his “chesty” manner. He turned and gave his head a wag, as he looked at I’'rank. WEEKLY. 21 “Just tell me what you’re going to pitch next time, will you?’ he said, tauntingly. Merry laughed. The conceit of the fellow was amusing. The Wonders did not score again that inning, for Frank put on steam and struck out the following bat- ters. The fourth inning passed without a tally for either side. The fifth began with Ready at the bat again, and again Jack led off with a safe hit. Frank had found out that the smiling, flippant chap was an excellent man to have at the head of the order. Mulloy glanced at Frank as he picked up his bat. Then he walked out holding the stick in'a manner that told Ready he meant to sacrifice. Jack was on his toes when the Irish youth dumped one down in front of the pan, and he made’ second with ease. Barney was thrown out at first. Hodge pulled over the bats and glanced toward Merry. He received the signal to hit out, and he walked to the plate with the bat in both hands, Sacrificing was something Bart detested, and he was — pleased to be given this opportunity to lace the ball. Masters fancied he had found Bart’s weakness. He was not aware that Hodge had no weakness. It amused him when he caused the dark-haired lad to fan at the first one. Then he pitched two balls, following with a high, swift one across the shoulders. Bart hit the ball a crack that drove it far into the crowd that had forced itself onto the outfield in spite of all efforts to keep them back. The ground rule provided that a hit into the crowd could not go for more than two bases, so Bart sped down to second, while Jack came home. The score was tied. That, however, was the best the Merries could do in that inning, for Brow ning was out on a long fly to left field, be Gal lup put up an easy foul to Pebble. By this time, however, the Wonders were anxious, for they had discovered that this was a game of quite a different order from the last two played on that field. These boys were fast players, and they knew the game. More than that, they were controlled by a guiding spirit that kept them keyed every moment to the right pitch, and they were alert to take advantage of any false moves made by their opponents. 22 IitP: TOP The crowd was thrilled and excited. There were those, nevertheless, who prophesied that the game would end as had the others, with the Wonders easy winners, and they were looking each inning for Capt. Pebble’s men to make a spurt and get a lead that could not be overcome. In ‘the last of the fifth an unfortunate thing hap- pened. The umpire had a bad eye for balls and strikes, and he had refused constantly to give either pitcher a “corner,” the result being that both Merriwell and Masters were compelled to “put ’em right over” when forced into a hole. The first man got a base on balls, although he should The next held off until Frank was com- pelled to “cut the plate,” have been out. when a scratch hit was made. Right on top of this Merry hit a man, and the bases were filled. . “He’s losing his nerve!’ shouted somebody. “They’ll bat him out of the box now.” Silver Bob offered to bet the Wonders would not score, and no one took him. Even Jim Thurston was. confident that Merriwell would “put'on steam” and stop the Wonders’ streak, It was remarkable what a change had come over Thurston. In Lost Dog no man was more open in his admiration of Merriwell. Frank did put on steam. But a most unfortunate thing happened, for Hodge got a ball on the end of the thumb and the blood spurted. Merry ran up and pulled Bart’s thumb into place. The umpire called time and the injury was bound up by a doctor, who said: “You'll ee to get out of the game. You can’t play any more.’ Hodge gave him a look of disdain. “Don’t you think it!” he exclaimed. | stay right in the game.” “Well, you must go into the field. You can’t catch.” “Can't 1?” | | “Not by any means.” “Well, we'll see about that!” cried Bart, as s he started to go back behind the bat. “l’m going to _double-shoot. WEEKLY, “If you get another one on that thumb it will ruin it,’”’ called the doctor. “Tl take my chances,” was the retort. “That,” said Silver Bob, “is what I calls sand. How can they help winning!” . CHAPTER X. THE FATAL NINTH, Frank would have eased up a little, but Bart urged He used the double-shoot and struck out the next batter. him to “whistle ’em over.” Elsie Belwood had seen Bart’s injury. She uttered a little cry when the accident happened, and she was nervous after Bart went back to catch. “T know he’ll be hurt again!’ she said. “T hope’/you don’t want him to stop catching!” ex- claimed Inza. “Why, they will lose the game if he does!” “No, no!” breathed Elsie, though she was very pale; “but I’m afraid!” That there was good cause for her fears was soon made evident, for another speedy one struck in Bart’s hands in such a manner that he was doubled up and the ball flew and rolled off to one side. The runner on third embraced the opportunity to come home, scoring safely, while the other two each moved up a bag. Frank held a consultation with Bart. “Don’t you think you had better come out of that?” asked Merry, anxiously. ‘You know what chances you are taking.” “But we'll lose this game if I quit,” grimly returned — Bart. “Keep on pitching. ‘That one didn’t hit me on the end of the thumb. It struck glancingly.” “You know what the doctor said—it will ruin your thumb if you get another on it.” “Hang the doctor!” | Bart was stubborn. Merry decided that it would not do to use so much speed, nor could he throw the So, from that time on, he was at a great disadvantage in his works and the batters had a better show. - xs erg a ep sn AT tt aes ie . oe = LG PA Sei io es Nie dO? For all of that, he succeeded in forcing the follow- ing batter to put up an easy fly. That chap, however, was followed by one who seemed to tumble into a safe hit to right field, and two more runners crossed the plate. “Got ’em going for fair!’ shouted Capt. Pebble. “Here is where we win the game, boys!” Bart was angry. He walked down toward Frank and said, in a low tone: » “Stop this business right here, Merry! We’re los- ing the game! Put them over fast if it takes the hands off me. I can’t stand to see them get a lead like this now.” “All right,” said Frank, and he did “put them over fast.” that fooled him completely; but the inning had ended The néxt batter fanned three times at twisters with the Wonders three runs ahead. Kanab patted Arlington on the back as they went out to their positions. | “Glad you brought me along with you, boy!” he laughed. “You were right when you said we'd have fun with Merriwell.” “Sure thing,’ chuckled Chester. | ‘The Wonders If I get hold of this team, Kanab, I’ll chase Merriwell up and rub it into him un- will turn the trick to-day. til he disbands his nine or refuses to play with me.” The first batter drove a hot one at Chester, who gathered it up, although it made his hands tingle, and -threw the fellow out at first. “Come again!’ cried Chester, exultantly. “Oh, we like those!” As if in acceptance of his invitation the next hitter sent a sizzling liner into Chester’s hands. Arlington caught and held it. “Thank you!’ he laughed. “If you keep this up, I'll be something of a factor in your defeat.” Brad Buckhart ground his teeth together in rage. “T’d like to shoot him full of windows!” he growled. “T would, I know!” In this inning the Merries were unable to score. In the last of the seventh Bart was hit on the thumb again and the Wonders made another run, \ WEEKLY. 23 “Tt’s the same old story!” cried a man in the crowd. It seemed that he was right. Interest in the game had changed to disappointment. Even Jim Thurston looked disappointed and dis- gusted, although he said nothing. . Bart’s thumb was now in such condition that he could not catch any longer, although he gave up with the greatest reluctance. “The game is lost, Merry!’ he said, chokingly. “Tt’s all on account of my beastly luck!” Brad Buckhart came in to take Bart’s place under the bat, while Hodge walked sorrowfully out into the field. Frank and Brad consulted. “T’m going to try to hold you if you take my paws off,” said the Texan. “Don’t you let up any on my account. You've got to hold them down.” “Think you can handle the double-shoot ?” “T can handle Dick’s combination ball.” “Well, Pll try you.” They agreed on signals, and Brad went under the bat, after adjusting body protector and mask. Frank had decided to risk everything on Buckhart, and he sent in the double-shoot to begin with. The Texan set his teeth and held the hottest ones Merry could put over. Never in his life had he done better, and in a very few moments he had gained the full con- fidence of Frank. After that the Wonders made no hits, and scarcely a man was able to foul the ball. But it seemed that they had runs enough to win the game. When the Merries came to bat in the first of the eighth Frank found a moment to talk to them. He im- pressed them with the fact that only once after that in- He toned them up so that they were resolved to do something. Buckhart led off with a terrific drive at Arlington, and, for the first time in the game, Chester failed to handle the ball. He stopped it and cuffed it around ning would they have a chance to score. until it was too late, after which, in his haste, he made a bad throw to first. 24 TIP’ TOP WHEKLY. Having reached second on the throw, Brad roared with laughter at Chester, who was flushed and scowl- ing. “I opine the wind-bag got pricked that time!’’ said the Texan. Then Tubbs dropped one over the in-field, advancing Brad to third. No one expected the fat boy to try to steal, but he - ran down on the first pitched ball. The catcher lined the ball to second, whereupon Obediah stopped and started back toward first. Brad had dashed for the plate. But Brad’s speed had not been rightly gauged, and he came home on a slide. | In the meantime, Obediah had stopped and turned about again, making for second. When the umpire pronounced Brad safe Overton again threw to second to catch Tubbs. He made a bad throw, and, uttering a wild squeal, Obediah kept on to third. “Dern my picter!’’ he bnepiadtied: as he hopped up and down on third. “This is easier than rollin’ off a lorg! It’s purty nigh as easy as eatin’ pie!” “Stop it right here, boys!’’ exclaimed Capt. Pebble. “Don’t let them have another run.” But, with two men out, a clean hit sent Obediah home, and the score stood 5 to 3. “That was the last ve gasp,” laughed Arig ton. “It’s all over now.” Frank’s pitching was of the sort that kept the Won- ders from making a start toward first, and the ninth inning arrived with Merriwell’s team two runs behind. Gallup strode up and fanned twice. | “All over!’ cried Chester Arlington, derisively. “We'll see, by gum!” muttered Ephraim. He caught a glimpse of a pair of dark eyes fastened upon him appealingly, admiringly. Teresa was watching him. Crack! It was a terrible hit, but the rules prevented it from being a home run. ae had to stop on Bee a | Ny id _ Dick had been batting in hard luck, Thus far, al- though he had hit the ball almost every time up, he had driven it straight at somebody. Now he watched every movement of the pitcher, calculated the speed perfectly and stepped into a swift one, lining it out with ease for a safe hit. Gallup’s long legs took him over the ground with such speed that he was able to score before the ball could reach the plate. Dick went to second on the throw to catch Gallup. At this stage of the game the excitement was fever- ish, for the Merries needed only one more run to tie. And Frank was at bat! Masters kept his nerve, succeeding in leading Frank into fanning twice. But he was unable to strike Frank out at that stage of the game. A single to right gave Dick the opportunity he desired, and he imitated Gal- lup’s sprint over third and home. The crowd was in an uproar as the handsome lad came flying down the line from third. Men whooped and women screamed. Some enthusiastic cattlemen™ pulled their revolvers and fired into the air. Capt. Pebble was filled with oe He walked out and talked to Masters. » “We've got to stop it!” he said, seriously. “They must not have another run,” | “T’m doing my best!” declared the pitcher. “Why, they hit anything, no matter whether it’s over or not.” Which declaration proved that Masters was like other pitchers, who often make the same statement when they are being hit hard. | Pebble did his best to steady his team down. Buckhart had another opportunity, and he improved it by again driving a bill whistling at Arlington. Ches- ter thrust out one hand and deflected the ball, which rolled back of second base. Frank went to third, reaching it on a slide, Buckhart seemed to get foolish, for he ran down from first and was trapped between the bases. This, however, was a clever subterfuge, for he gave Frank an opportunity to work off and make a break i for home. A yell of warning arose from Arlington. The ball was thrown to the plate, but Merry came in sliding i in a cloud of dust 7 was declared safe. Pete Se nn gS <. ae OE A ee <— tb oy i Ge wth ence typi eons, eae em 3 : Re RE ee: th ae tended to urge his players on. _ mined to enjoy it to the full. | back from dancing, but at last they permitted them- ie selves to be drawn upon the floor. TIP TOP This put his team one run ahead. Then, for the first time, Masters seemed to lose his nerve. He declared that the team behind him was playing like kids, and when he pitched to Tubbs, Obe- diah hit it hard and fair. The crowd roared with delight, and Jim Thurston roared louder than any of the others. Silver Bob sim- “ply smiled knowingly. Not until six runs had been piled up in that inning did the Merries stop. Chester Arlington’s head was down as he came in to the bench. “Did you ever see anything like it?” said Kanab, at his side. “T think I have!’ growled Chester, bitterly. “But I'll find a team that can beat Frank Merriwell if I have to search the whole country over! I won’t give up! I’m not done!” “Don’t you think the. Wonders might beat them next time?” “Bah! No! Those fellows are all right when they think they have something easy, but look how they go to pieces when they realize they are up against the real hot stuff. They’re no good, and I’m sorry I played with them to-day.” | Pebble himself seemed disheartened, although he pre- before Frank’s speed and curves the batters went down in one- -However, two-three order, and the game was ended. This is the score by innings: I 9 Weteres re Veta a ee epee eid TN OMUGIOS «6 o5ke bhi Reet cboe ° oon oon 3 o I ° oon owe uw oon mW 00 Ey ‘That night, the last of the great celebration in Lost Dog, there was a barbecue and dance in the open air. The fire on which the slain steer roasted rose and glared. Farther on there was a huge open dance floor, where the music throbbed and the merry couples whirled. 3 : _ Frank and his friends were there. They were deter- For a time the girls held WEEKLY. 2s Silver Bob, far richer than he had been that morn- ing, stood and watched until he saw Inza dancing with Merry. His eyes followed them through the maze of figures. “I'd give all the money I’ve scooped to-day to hold her like that!’ he whispered to himself. Later he found an opportunity to spéak to her. She met him frankly and pleasantly, but when he asked her for the next waltz she answered: “You'll have to excuse me, Mr. Staples; I am en- gaged.” And she danced with Frank again, after which Sil- ver Bob looked in vain for her that night. She had known he would be looking, and that was why she told Frank she had danced enough and asked him to escort her back to the hotel. THE END, The Next Number (879) Will Contain DICK =MERRIWELL’S PROMISE: OR, For the Sake of a Girl. TO THE RESCUE OF JUNE. Arrival of Chester Arlington’s Mother and Sister at Lost Dog—The Snub on the Ball Field. Frank Merriwell and Chester—The Piot Against June—Dick’s Timely Appearance. Lost Doc Spxctat, July 11th.—Mrs. D. Roscoe Ar lington and Miss i Arlington are registered at the Majestic. There is some underhand work going < Om See next ane for details, “ A fiGFican Y ¢ AnifFican oith