et WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA TiPlop@ WEEKLY An.ideal publication és for the American Youth Issued Weekly. By Subscription $ $2 250 per year. Fintered as Second Class Matter at New York Post Office by STREET & SMITH, 238 William St., NV. Y. No. io: aes, | Price, Five. Cents. % DICK MERRIWEL:S DISTR MASKED CHAM PIONS READY HIT THE FIRST BALL PITCHED BY THE SILENT TWIRLER OF THE MASKED CHAMPIONS. KH | OR RIRRISISISISI SSSI SIRES; RISOBIOHIDOISISISISISIEISIISIBSISISISISISIISI SIDR OIE SSIS III III I I II I TACT II III II I AA Io Tip Top Weekly. (LARGE SIZE.) PADLPAL VAAL DAL ALND AL OP 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. 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 Honor 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—F rank 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 Trick. 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. 380—Frank Merriwell’s Coup; or, The Stratagem That Won. 381—Dick Merriwell’s Fast Work; or, The Champions of the North. 382—Frank Merriwell’s Force; or, Disarming His Enemy. 383—Dick Merriwell Surprised; or, Cap’n Wiley’s Wind Jammers. | 384—Frank Merriwell’s Quick Move; or, Cooling off Cap’n Wiley. | — 385—Dick Merriwell’s Red Friend; or, Old Joe Crowfoot to the Front. With Tre 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 Ainericans 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 Yor TASCA III II III I III II JET I III III III I I t RII JK : FI III III III I STII ISIS ISI SATIS ASSIS TAS A ISI ISAS IA SASSI IORI IIR / SERNA RanEEEEEERR et Sen Leer tt cmeiiatiei omenancaey F ep aaa Ts a a ee vs diy. eS dssued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y..Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, we William St.. N. ¥. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1903, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. No. 387. NEW YORK, September 12, 1903. Price Five Cents. DICK MERRIWELL’S DISTRUST; OR, Meeting the Masked Champions. ‘ By BURT L. STANDISH, CHAPTER ‘I. A MAN WITH A CHALLENGE, Frank was busy writing in his room at the hotel when there came a sharp, businesslike knock on the door. “Come in,” he called. A young man entered briskly. He was a clean- shaven, clean-cut chap, having a small, dark-brown mustache. “Mr. Merriwell?” he asked. “That's my name, sir,” nodded Merry. I do for you?” “What can _ “T wish to transact a little business with you,” said the stranger. “Then be brief about it,” said Merry, “for I have “my correspondence to complete, and I must take the six-thirty train for the East. I have turned out my friends in order to get things done before train time.” “You are going East?” | eR BIT. “Then your baseball tour in the West is over?” “Practically. It is possible we may play two or three games in the East.” “But not on your way?” “E don’t know about that. been made——~” “Then you have no games scheduled at the present time ?”’ “No.” “I am glad to hear it. My name is Myron Hun- newell, and I represent an independent baseball team that wishes to play your team.” Frank frowned a little. He had given the best part of the summer to baseball, and now he felt that he must turn his attention wholly to business for a time. Still he lingered with his friends, regretting the necessity that demanded separation before long. Frank and Inza were to be married in the autumn. The date had been set. He was resolved before that happy day arrived to put his business in such shape — that he could take a honeymoon trip of several weeks No arrangements have ~ 2 TIP TOP without care or worriment. To do this he knew he mtst soon turn his attention wholly to his mining af- fairs and hustle for a period. He had teen wavering a little, not quite decided about going East; but having lately received proposals from a powerful New York syndicate who wished to purchase the San Pablo Mine, he had finally concluded to accompany the rest of the party to the Atlantic Coast. He was willing to part with his mine in Mexico in case he could obtain for it what he regarded as its value. The Queen Mystery, in Arizona, would keep him busy. Although he had received the assurance of D. Roscoe Arlington that the Consolidated Mining As- sociation of America would give him no further trouble, he knew full well that it would be a collossal undertaking to open up the San Pablo as it should be done, and, while he would have delighted in such a task under usual conditions, his approaching marriage and the fact that he would be compelled to spend many months of the year in Mexico under such conditions that he could not have Inza with him, led him to decide to let the San Pablo go if made a reasonable offer for it. Inza had remained in Wyoming with her father, the pure air of that country seeming to agree with him. Elsie Bellwood stopped with her. ‘Teresa Gallup and Felecia Dolores also lingered, with the understanding that they were to come East when sent for. So for two weeks there had been no girls with the Merriwell ‘party. They had reached Omaha. pears “Where is your baseball team?” Mr. Hunnewell ?” asked Frank. : “It is playing in Illinois now, sir.” “What ?” | 3 Merry showed his surprisé, and the visitor smiled. “T have traveled from Rockford to meet you here and make arrangements with you to play us, if pos- sible.” “This is remarkable,” said Frank. “You did not notify me that you were coming. Besides, we might have made all arrangements—if we make them at all » x -—by wire.” WEEKLY. “T didn’t care to take chances, Mr. Merriwell. [ was afraid of failure, and I would not miss playing with you for anything. I am frank with you. Of late I have seen some of the Western papers telling of your wonderful success. They seem to think you can- not be defeated, even by the teams of the big leagues.” “Oh, we have been,” admitted Merry, shrugging his shoulders. “What's that? a game for the season.” a Oke. “Flow many ?” eee “And you pitched?” questioned Hunnewell. Why, I thought you had not lost “No; my brother. But it was not the pitching that lost the game,” Frank hastened to add. “It seemed to be our day to lose. Afterward we evened up by taking a fall out of the team thet had defeated us, and they were not able to score in the second game.” “Then I presume you consider yourselves pretty swift?” “We have a good team.” The man seemed disappointed because Merry was not more boastful.” “The papers .stated you had the best independent team in America.” . “The papers say many things,” smiled Merry. “I see you afe determined to talk baseball, Mr. Hunne- well. Have a chair.” , said the other, sitting down and de- “It is not “Thank you,’ positing his hat on a table at his elbow. likely I would have traveled four htundred miles to see you if I had not been in earnest.” : “You took chances, sir. It is likely we cannot make a deal, as we have come to a practical agreement that we'll take a long jump eastward.” “IT do not think you can afford to do that until you have played us.” aways! | “It will not be possible for you to claim the inde- pendent championship of the country.” “We're not out for glory and a big record, Mr. Hun- newell, We're simply looking for sport,’ and we've \ arr ee SN Tenia penieriqen eat a Ae peste at eC IN Tr eR AIF | h j four games played we have won thirty-four. 21k: TOP had lots of that. think the rest of the boys are equally so. Iam pretty well satisfied, and I This proposed game will make it necessary for us to stop over on the way, and will inconvenience us in many ways. I am sorry you put yourself to so much trouble and expense for nothing, but you have no one save yourself to blame.” Myron Hunnewell looked serious enough now. “Mr. Merriwell,” he said, the leading independent teams of the East, and it stands “we have been playing to reason that such teams are faster than those you have encountered in the West.’ “It is possible, but I do not admit it as a fact. In many Western places you can find baseball teams that will make the fastest of them in the East get up and hustle. the East must be superior to the West. It is a mistake to suppose that everything in If you enter- tain such notions, get rid of them.” “Still I insist that the independent teams of the East are far superior to those to be found out this way. We have met them all from Maine to Illinois. setts has some nines that can play baseball with the big leaguers.” “Well?” | “Well, sir, we have a clean record. Out of thirty- : You ac- knowledge you have lost one game. Still the Western papers are blowing you up as the independent cham- pions of the country. You can plainly see that, until you meet and defeat us, you have no right to claim the title,” “We have not claimed it,” said Merry. “We can- not prevent the papers from saying what they choose.” _.Myron Hunnewell looked disappointed. - “T didn’t think it of you! !” he exclaimed. you had better sporting blood.” “T do not claim to have sporting blood, sir!” ex- claimed Frank, his eyes beginning to glow. - “If there is anything I wish to avoid it is the reputation of being a ‘sport.’ Sports are gamblers, and gambling is vice; it often leads to crime. Don’t think to taunt me into ‘a fancied : playing with you by challenging my sporting blood, for the result will be quite opposite. (You'll find directly Massachu- \ WEEKLY. 3 that I am not the sort of a fellow who cannot say no and stick to it.” Hunnewell realized he had made a mistake, and he quickly sought to rectify the blunder by BEEMNE it off as a joke. “But really,” he said, “we are so anxious to meet you that we will play you on your own terms—anything reasonable. There shall be a good guarantee, above which you shall have a percentage of the gate money, or we will arrange it that the winning team shall take We are willing to do almost anything to get a game with all the gate money. You may pick your umpire. you.” Frank relaxed and smiled a little. Ss “You are anxious, indeed,’ he said, as the door opened and Bart Hodge unceremoniously entered the He has been We'll room. “Here is one of my friends. particularly anxious about getting back East. see what he thinks about this affair.” CHAPTER IL. SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS. “What's up, Merry?” asked Bart, pausing as if con- templating retreat on seeing Frank talking with a stranger. “This is Mr. Hun- Mr. Hunnewell is manager of a “Come in,” invited Merriwell. newell, Mr. Hodge. baseball team arid has come four hundred miles to ar- range a game with us.” 7 _ “He. must be anxious to try us a go,” said Bart, having shaken hands with Hunnewell. “T am,” nodded the manager, “For my team I claim the independent championship of the United States. and that j is why I am so serious in my determination to — I have read about your Merries in the papers, get a game with you if possible.” “How do you happen to claim the dependent cham- pionship?” asked Bart, his cheeks flushing. “I be- lieve we have as much right to the title as any team in the country.” | 3 She oat Ne “Not until you have defeated us,’ es epnety declared Hunnewell. “You have been defeated once this sea- 4 TIP TOP WEEKLY. son, while we have met the very strohgest independent teams to be found, and we have’yet to suffer our first defeat.” Bart looked at Frank. “Rather interesting!’ he exclaimed. “Somewhat,” nodded Merry. “Are you going to play him?” “Tt will be a great inconvenience.” “Where is this team of his?” Both turned to Hunnewell, who again explained that his team had lately played in Rockford, Illinois. “T have arranged it so we can play at Belvidere,” he said. “Belvidere is a lively, hustling town of about seven thousand people. It is warmed up over base- ball, so we can turn out an immense crowd by adver- tising the game properly. Leave that to me, I'll guarantee the crowd.” | “What sort of terms do you offer?” “Any terms you ask. We'll play and permit the winners to take all the gate money, or we'll give you a guarantee of three hundred dollars and ten per cent. of all money taken over that,” “How do we know that you are reliable?” asked Merry. “You are an absolute stranger.” “Send to the postmaster at Belvidere, or to Mr. Grant Whitney. They'll tell you. to do that, for I’ll post a forfeit with any man you You'll have me.then where there But you needn’t bother may select in Omaha. can be no crooked dealing. You can see for your- selves that I am serious about this matter. We want the game, even though it may cost us something, for we propose to claim and hold the title of “independent ¢hampions.’ ” ; Frank was watching Hodge, and he saw Bart was becoming aroused. ee “You may claim that title,” the dark-faced catcher of the Merries said, “but you'll have trouble about holding ‘it if we play you.” | “Oh, I don't know!” laughed Hunnewell, and his manner was one of absolute confidence. “We be- lieve we have defeated stronger teams than yours. It is true there is some luck in baseball, but, if you play th by \ us, we shall strain every nerve, and we do not fear the result.” “Tt’s a shame to take the conceit out of a man who is so full of it!” muttered Hodge. : “Don’t let that worry you!” retorted Hunnewell. “This is going to be a great bother to us, Bart,” said Frank. jump into the East on leaving here.” “You know we have planned to make a long “I know,” said Bart, but it was plain that he had become possessed of a desire to get against Hunne- well’s team. “Well, do you think i “Don’t let me interfere, Merry; you are the man- ager. All the same, I’d like to try these chaps a go.” “Well, it can be done.” “Then let’s do it.” “Now you are talking in a manner that pleases me!” “We'll be getting down to exclaimed Hunnewell. business.” “When do you want this game?” “As soon as you like. My team is playing to-day, but has no further games arranged for a week,” “Then you can play us Thursday of this week?” “Yes, that date will suit me.” , im for it myself,” said Hodge; “but you are the _ one to decide, Frank.” “And the others ?”’ “You know they are ready for anything you ar- range.” “Then make it Thursday,” urged Hunnewell. “That will give plenty of time to advertise the game You can reach Belvidere and havea chance to What do you say?” well. rest. “All tight,” nodded Merry, suddenly making up his mind. “We'll play you then if I find on investigation that you are reliable. .1 shall communicate with the parties suggested in Belvidere. You need not post the forfeit here, but I. may require it posted when we ar- rive in Belvidere. As I have been contemplating mak- ing a stop over in Chicago, this will not be such an inconvenience after all.” | Hunnewell was delighted. i Bs thie St ahaa eed pane Beware mins S Sy etre ae. <~ Pe tg D cite clin nis sobs ES: fiero “Good!” he cried. “My trip has panned out well, after all,” “But wait,” said Merry. ‘What do you call your team ?”’ “Champions.” “Ts that all?” Cao “Will you furnish me with the line-up of your team?” “TI shall have to beg to decline, Mr. Merriwell.” Frank was surprised. “Why is this?” he asked. ' “It is customary.” “That is true, but there are reasons why I do not wish to do this. The principal reason is that I do not care to let you know the kind of a team you are going against. Of course, if you wish to back out now you 93 may do “Who has suggested anything of the sort?” sharply exclaimed Merry. Hodge seemed angry at the mere hint. “We don’t care if your team is made up of National League players!” he hotly declared. “But it is not made up of such players.” “Then why are you so anxious to hide the identity _ of the mien on it?” Hunnewell smiled. “I cannot explain now, but you will understand later,”’ he said. ? “This is very mysterious,” laughed Merriwell. “Now you are arousing my interest, indeed !’’ “T am glad of that.” “Are you willmg to make oath that your players are not old leaguers?” es aig,” “Well, they are professionals?” “Tl swear; if you wish, that there is not a profes- sional on the team.” - “Oh, come,now! When a ian plays for a regular salary he practically becomes a professional.” “Not a man on the team is paid a regular salary.” _ Both Frank and Bart seemed to regard Hunnewell with. doubt... “Be careful, sir!’ Merry cried. “Such a statement. as that is ehough to get me into an inquisitive mood. ’ WEEKLY. a The men on the independent teams in the East are paid . regularly, as a rule. I am not objecting if you pay your men.” “T will stand by anything I have said,” asserted the manager of the mysterious ““Champions.”” ‘We have a team made up of fast young players who are out for sport. It is understood that there shall be a division if there remains any money in the treasury at the end of the season. Had I not secured this game with you, the team would have started East to-morrow, disbanding within a week, for the better part of the season is over.” The man made this statement in a manner that seemed very sincere, but the suspicions of Frank Merri- well were not put at an end. Merry, however, was aroused, and now he was really anxious to play the mysterious team managed by this man. Hunnewell produced some typewritten contracts, which were finally signed, Hodge acting as witness. “Very good!” said Hunnewell, with satisfaction, as he placed one of the contracts in his pocket. “We shall look for you in Belvidere next Thursday, and we'll give you the game of the season, be sure of that.” “We shall be in Belvidere Wednesday, and f “Tt is not likely you'll see us there before Thursday, but you may depend upon it that we shall be there then. -Good-day, Mr. Merriwell; good-day, Mr. Hodge.” Hunnewell took his departure. CHAPTER III. SUSPECIOUS- DUCK. “Well, what do you think of that?” cried Bart. “It certainly beats anything we have struck up to date!” “That’s right,’ nodded Merry. ‘Mark my word, there is something most peculiar behind this business. It is an unusual proceeding from start to-finish. Who ever before heard of a manager-of a team traveling four hundred miles without warning to arrange a game with another team! “And then he refused to give. me the line-up of his team. This is taking a step in the dark, but that makes it all the more fascinating.” “What do we care who he has on his old team!” cried Hodge. ‘We can trim them if they are made up ! . defeat comes. \ ? fellows about the game. ~ two other fellows. 6 rips. OP of the best professionals. You'll be in good form, Merry, for you’ve had a rest.” “Oh, ’'m not worrying,” smiled Frank. “If they can best us, we'll try to take our medicine gracefully.” “Beat us!” exploded Hodge. “I'd like to see them do it!” “Tt isn’t impossible. You know we ran up against one surprise this year.” “Vou were not with us then,” reminded Hodge. “Don’t get the idea that we can’t be defeated when I am with the team. We don’t propose to be, if we can _ help it; but such a thing may happen, you know.” “T don’t believe it!” Bart’s confidence in Frank was unwavering; but it was not the kind of confidence that tumbles flat when Had they met such defeat, Bart would have attributed it to luck and gone on thinking Merry invincible just the same. | - Hodge went out, and Merry returned to his writing, pushing the pen faster than ever. It was nearly an hour later, and Frank had just dropped the pen, having finished his last letter, when Dick quickly entered the room. . The face of the boy was flushed, and his dark eyes betrayed excitement. | “Hello, Dick!’ called Frank. swaveran boy ?” “What's this about a baseball game, Frank?” asked the boy. ‘And who are we to play with?” “That’s a mystery,” laughed Merry. “We'll find out all about it when we play, I fancy.” “Well, what has Hodge got to do with it?” “Nothing in particular: © He was here when we made the contract, and acted as a witness.” “Frank, there’s something up.” “Sure; there’s another baseball game on tap.” “But, there is something behind te: “What do you mean} ” “I have seen something. Yipdae told some of the I heard of it, and I saw the man who came here to make the arrangements. After that I happened into a restaurant down the street. In _ a corner, behind some curtains, sat Bart Hodge and I couldn’t see them, but I saw their WEEKLY. reflection in a big mirror. They were talking in low tones, and their manner seemed suspicious to me. That’s what made me watch them. Then I saw them laugh just as if there was a great joke somewhere. I tell you, Frank, they acted queer. One of them was the very fellow who came here to arrange the baseball game with you.” “Are you sure, Dick?” . “Dead sure; and you know I’m not in the habit of making mistakes, Frank.” | “T know that. Oh, well, I don’t know that there was anything in that to——” “But that wasn’t all I saw.” “What else?” “The third chap, a fellow I don’t know and never saw before, pulled out a lot of money, and while I watched he counted off some of it and gave it to Hodge, who took it and put it in his pocket. Now, what do you think about that, Frank?” Merry sat quite still, looking at his brother in silence for some moments. “Why, I don’t know, Dick,” he finally said. “TI sup- pose the fellow may have owed Bart something.” _. “Or he may have paid him something for some service Bart has done him, or has agreed to do,” said Dick. “I tell you, Frank, I don’t like 1 it, and I am dis- trustful.” “Of Bart Hodge! ta res.” | Merry arose to his feet. “Dick,” he said, quietly, “put your distrust aside. It is groundless. I have known Bart Hodge many years, and I have come to trust him fully and com- pletely.” “All right, Frank,” said the boy, but it was plain he did not think it all right. “All the same, I have heard that there was a time when you first: met ‘at Fardale that Hodge was almost as bitter and treacherous toward “you as Arlington has been toward me. Is that the truth: ed eS 3 “To some extent, » admitted Frank ; but there was more sterling worth in Hodge than in 1 Arlington, A f a alco Si ‘f pie see >, ER TIP TOP Once set on the right track, Bart has never turned back.”’ “But he has wavered—-you can’t say he has not! _ Lots of times he has come near falling, Frank. You have said as much. A fellow who comes near it so many times may fall at last.” “Not Bart!’ exclaimed Merry, with absolute confi- dence. “He has been tried sorely, and through every trial he has come with flying colors. Why, Dick, do you conceive it possible that he would be the fellow to go back on me?” “T suspect him, Frank—I confess it. He may not think it is anything very bad.” “You suspect him of treachery ?”’ ree “Then you fancy he has sold the garne? Is that it?” “T’m afraid so.” “Folly, Dick! Take my word for it, he would sell his head quicker. Besides, he is no cheap fellow, and it would take big money to buy him, wefe he to fall. Why should any one connected with this independent team we are to play care to pay a large sum?” “You know, Frank, there often is heavy betting on the games we play. Why not in this case. Perhaps this man with whom you have arranged the game is a gambler. Perhaps he counts on making a pot of money out of this. Our reputation will be sure to make some men ready to bet heavily on us. Who could lose the game for us easier than the catcher? . If it should- be close, Hodge could lose it by one bad play. I,don’t like to suspect him, Frank, but I can’t help it.” Merry shook his head soberly. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Dick. I am ready to trust Bart Hodge with my life!”, “Well, question him—find out what it means. Ask him why he took-that money ?”’ “Not for the world! 1 wouldn’t have Bart fancy I suspected him, for anything you could give me. I have ever shown him that my confidence in him was unwav- ering, and [ think this has been one thing that has aided him to overcome temptation.” _ Frank was right. Jt is a mistake to let any one who is struggling to do right suspect that your confidence WEEKLY. 5 in him is not complete. The fact that you seem to trust him fully will aid him to fight the good fight and win the victory. It is probable that more characters have been ruined through suspicion and distrust than in any other manner. Let a man know you believe him hon- est, and, if he has any integrity, he will be ashamed to be dishonest. Let him fancy you believe him crooked and he is liable to say, “I'll have the game as long as I’ve got the name.” “But I’m going to watch him. There is something queer about “All right,” said Dick, disappointedly. this game, Frank. If Chester Arlington remained at large, I’d say he must be behind it. It is like his work. He strained every nerve to beat us somehow. I don’t suppose it is possible he can be concerned in this?” Merry shook his head. “T don’t think Arlington has the remotest connec- tion with it,” he said. “Well, I'll stake my life that this business will lead to something more than an ordinary, simple baseball game. See if I am not right. Keep your eyes open, Frank, and don’t get trapped. Chet Arlington may be in the hands of his father, and the C. M. A. of A. may have decided to let you alone, but [’ll wager anything there is a big plot afoot to down you somehow.” “Very well,” laughed Merry, “if you are right, we'll see what comes of it. But I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.” Dick was not satisfied. CHAPTER IV. THE MYSTERY OF THE TWIN BROTHERS. Dick was frowning when he left Frank’s room. Gui- side, on the steps of the hotel, he found Jack Ready. “Ahoy, there, Rishard, as the only and original Cap'n Wiley would say. Whither bound ?” “Oh, I’ve got to take a walk!” exclaimed Dick. “I’ve got to do something to cool off.”’ “You seem a trifle heated. Why this agitation? You may whisper your secret in my shell-like ear with the utmost impunity.” ~ unlike. mea: square as a brick and thoroughly upright. TIP <2£0P “Oh, I can’t tell you, but Frank is too easy some- times. Want to walk?’ “Well, I am willing to stroll; walking is a trifle too vigorous for me on a day like this. It will please me to saunter serenely along.” “Come on.” They set out together. Within three squares of the hotel Dick keels stopped, catching Jack by the arm. “Look there!” he exclaimed, pointing at two per- sons who were entering a saloon. “Why, there’s Hodge,” said Ready., “Who is the disreputable gent who is trying to drag him into yon- der dive of iniquity?” “That is what I want: to know,” breathed Dick. “Don’t you know him? Haven’t you ever seen him before ?”’ “Perchance I have rested my heavenly blue eyes upon him, but I am not absolutely certain. Some- how he seemeth familiar to my optics. Bart is seeking strenuously to resist temptation.” For Hodge had paused in the doorway and seemed insistent on retreating. ‘His companion had him by the arm and was trying to coax and pull him in. “There they go!” exclaimed Dick, as the two disap- . peared into the saloon. At the same moment Ready uttered a startled ex- clamation. “Great ghosts!” he palpitated. “I think it. surely must be an optical illusion! That fellow is dead!” For once Jack was serious. “What fellow is it?” asked Dick, eagerly, as they ad- vanced toward the saloon. “Eyer hear Frank speak of Rowland Packard and his brother Oliver, who were at Yale ?” asked Ready. “Never,” : Ee : “Well, they were twins, and looked so much alike that it was almost impossible to tell one from the other. Save for their physical appearance, they were totally Roland was a rascal, wild and dissipated, crooked to the core; while Oliver was a gentleman, is Both were WEEKLY. athletes, but Roll took to drink, and, as a result, he went down hill fast. Oliver did everything in his Often he got the blame for some of Roland’s high jinks, but he power to keep his brother from ruin. shouldered it without a word. It seems that Roland was his mother’s favorite. Strangely enough, he had no particular affection for his mother, while Oliver, who had never been shown favors by her, loved her tenderly and wished to save her from pain.. Knowing any disgrace that might befall Roland would fill their mother with anguish, Oliver was ever ready to appear as the guilty one. But the fellows at college got onto the two boys, and they came to understand that it was wholly beyond Oll’s nature to do a mean or low thing. Roll hated Frank Merriwell and tried to disgrace him: For Oll’s sake Frank refrained from exposing the ras- cal. Often Roland would dress in Oliver’s clothes and pretend that he was Oliver, in which manner he would find out the secrets of the Merriwell crowd. But I’m sure he’s dead. For all of that, the fellow who just entered that saloon with Bart Bytes looks just like Roland Packard.” “Perhaps it is Oliver,” “Impossible!” “Why ?” “Oliver never frequented saloons.” “Afe you sure Roland is dead ?”” “Sure enough.” “Then you’re merely deceived in ssanddbio this chap suggested Dick. looks like him,” “I fain would investigate,” said Ready. “Come ‘hence with me, Richard, and we will sally into yonder gilded den of vice and look on the chap at short range.” “All right,” said Dick, eagerly. “I am with you.” So they entered the saloon, and when they were fairly inside they discovered Bart Hodge and his com- panion standing at the bar. veNae Hodge was saying, “I will not drink whiskey. Better let it along yourself, Packard. It’s bad stuff. I know, for I’ve had my turn with Ts — “Oh, rats ! retorted the other. man at times. Brace up and have a snifter.” _ “It’s good for ai eur AS: 2 le ine ar erg oO ee ese hit me,’ * said Jack. She re “T told you when I came in that I’d take nothing but a lemonade, and that goes.” “Which indicates that you are wise as the serpent, “Re- 9 Bartley,” said Ready, unhesitatingly advancing. pulse the tempter, my boy.” Although speaking to Hodge, Jack was closely sur- veying the other fellow. “Who’s your friend?” he inquired. “Why, you know him well enough!’ “Tt’s Oliver Packard.” “Oll Packard—drinking whiskey?” cried Jack, un- able to believe it. exclaimed Bart. “Ts it any of your business?” insolently demanded the fellow. “Why, man alive, you were on the water wagon at college!” “Was 1?” “Sure. backslid ?” “T don’t know as that is any of your business,” re- “Who What’s happened to you that you have turned the chap, in the same insolent manner. invited you to join us?’ “Well, if I didn’t know better, ’d say it was Oll Packard, not Roland, that kicked the bucket!” ex claimed Jack, in disgust. since you left college ?” The fellow laughed. _ “You're still asking questions that do not concern you,” he said. “Be good enough to stop bothering 9 “What has happened to you Not often did Ready entirely cast aside his flippant manner, but now he was serious enough, as he placed a hand on Bart’s shoulder. “Come away from this chap,” he urged. sort of fellow to let alone.” — Immediately Packard wanted to fight. “You'll get a soak in the jaw in a minute!” he “He’s the growled. “it would give me great pleasure to have you cr to of you in double-quick order?” | cet is going to be no deitiet aaserted, Hodge, “a — “T’d proceed to knock the wind out” WEEKLY. 9 ing himself squarely between them. “This talk is fool- ish. What do you want, Jack?” “I want you to cut this chap, Bart.” “Don’t worry about me; I can take care of myself. There’s not the least danger, Ready.” Hodge resented what seemed to be an interference in his affairs. “All right,” said Jack. has gone to the dogs like this. “I’m sorry to see Packard Come on, Dick.” Young Merriwell had been taking in everything since entering the place. He followed Ready from the saloon. “What do you think about it?” was his question. Jack shook his head. “If that chap in there with Hodge isn’t Roland Pack- “It’s not Oliver!” “But you say Roland is dead.” ard I’m loony!” he exclaimed. “And so I supposed; but now I have a different no- It was Oliver who died—it must have been! The boys looked’ so much alike that one could have been passed off as the other. Roland had a bad reputation. He played the trick. When his brother died, he pre- tended it was himself, and he took his brother’s name! Jove! but that was a plot! I believe I’ve struck the truth, Dick Oliver Packard is dead and buried, but he was buried as Roland, while Roland is rain under his brother’s name!” “T have heard of such deceptions in stories,” said Dick; “but I never knew of anything like it in real life,” , & Jack was thinking. Suddenly he burst forth again: tion. “T. have it! I see the motive! Oliver was his father’ s favorite. ‘To him was to be left the old man’s wealth. — When he died, Roland assumed his name in order to get Boy, I was cut out for a great detective! I can deduce things to a fine point, and right here I have the inside workings of this game. The old man might be fooled, — but the mother—well, being greatly attached to Ro- that money ! Sherlock Holmes isn’t in it with me! land, it is likely she might aid him in carrying out the | sige focal 10 Tip. TOP “But what is Roland Packard, if that is his right name, doing with Bart Hodge ?”’ “Ask me!” exclaimed Ready. “I'll never tell!” “It’s mighty queer!’ muttered Dick. naman ilar CHAPTER V. AN ENCOUNTER IN THE SMOKER. “We'll reach Belvidere in an hour,” said Frank, glancing at his watch and then looking forth at the fly- ing landscawe. ‘‘We’re about ten minutes behind time, but it’s plain the engiseer iy making it up on this fine strip of road.” “Dern my pictur!’’ said Obediah Tubbs, the fat boy. “T de hope to *yoodness they’ll hey some decent pies in that town! My inner man is jest r’arin’ an’ tearin’ fur PRE 5: “One thing they will have,’ grunted Browning; “that’s corned beef and cabbage. They always have that for a staple hearty food in this State.” _ “It's a dacint pertaty Oi wouldn’t moind atin’?’ put in Barney Mulloy. “T fain would masticate any old thing from a hunk of ’ raw dog to a fried bootleg,” murmured Jack Ready, with a characteristic flirt of his hand. “Some ginuwine old-fashioned baked beans wouldn’t go very bad, by thutter!’”” exclaimed Ephraim Gallup. “Don’t look for beaked baries—I mean baked beans, ’ out in this country,” said Rattleton, turning about in his seat. “They don’t know how to cook them.” | “It’s too bad you’re such a good-looking fellow, Harry,” smiled Frank. “Now, what are you driving at?’ asked Rattleton, flushing. | “I suppose you are familiar with the story of Lot’s wife?” “Give us something fresh!” sighed Ready. “That was quite a remarkable thing, wasn’t it?” pur- sued Merry. “You know when Lot’s wife looked back that time when she and Lot were having the little foot- race she turned to salt.” “Seems to me I heard something about that,” nodded Rattleton. : } WEEKLY. “That was a surprising thing, but something still more surprising happened when you walked down the main street of Oneaha the other day.” “What was that?” “Why, all the girls turned to rubber,’ > smiled Merry. Jack Ready gasped and collapsed. “Will somebody please fan me with a brick!” he faintly sobbed. Rattleton shook lus fist at Frank. “T’ll get even with you for that!’ he vowed. “I'll throw the game to these mysterious ‘Champions’.” Dick routed up. “Tf you don’t, somebody else may,” he said, flashing a glance at Hodge, who did not see it, however. Bart got up and left the party, walking forward thrqugh the car and disappéaring. The train was speeding through Northwestern Illi- nois, and the boys lc#ked forth upon the rolling land- scape and the wonderful fields of corn that often stretched as far as the eye could reach. They had discussed the coming game with the mys- terious independent team, and all were eager for the contest. Something about the whole affair fascinated them. Dick had told no one save Frank about seeing Hodge receive money from Packard, for Merry had asked him to remain silent. There was a mystery about the affair that puzzled the boy the more he meditated upon it. | It did not seem possible that Bart would deliberately sell a game. z Still Packard was a rascal; of that Dick had not the sightest doubt. He had seen the fellow at close range in the Omaha saloon, and his face was that of a dissi- pated young man. At that time Packard had been seeking to induce Hodge to drink. For what purpose? Young Merriwell had thought over Jack Ready’s” story of the twin brothers, and the more he meditated upon it the firmer became his conviction that Ready had hit upon the truth in surmising that it was Oliver, instead of Roland, who had died. That being the case, the brother who remained alive was a thoroughbred AER ne Se SS a se oP LOOP scoundrel, and it was likely that he still entertained for Frank Merriwell the same old feeling of hatred that had possessed him at college. Under such circum- stances, Packard might resort to almost any dirty trick in order to get the best of Frank. Packard had seemed to disappear immediately after being discovered in company with Hodge in the saloon. Myron Hunnewell had likewise departed from Omaha, but Frank had received from him a message that gave assurance that everything was arranged for the great game in Belvidere, and that there would be absolutely no hitches. Unmindful of the chatter of the boys, Dick sat think- ‘ing in his seat as the train spun along over the fine roadbed. Hodge had been gone some little time when the boy, without saying anything to the others, arose and fol- lowed. Dick made his way from car to car until he finally arrived at the general smoker. The place was blue with smoke. Walking forward slowly, the boy finally observed three persons who were engaged in earnest conversa- tion. | One of the trio was a big man with a black mus- tache and loud clothes. monds, and his general appearance was that of a sport. ‘He was riding backward on a seat that had been turned to face the one behind it. : | Opposite sat Bart Hodge, with Packard at his side. A gleam came into Dick’s dark eyes as he noted this. This fellow wore many dia- After hesitating slightly, he walked forward again, — passing the trio, The man with the black mustache was saying: “Tt would be a great joke, and Merriwell would re- gard it in that light. At the same time, we could make a good thing out of it, and it would be money in | your—— tC Right there he ee on Bart : saw Dick and made a swift signal. “Plotting!” , thought the boy, as he sedeid ping giving them another look. “I knew it! And a-fel- WEEKLY. II low like Hodge who will associate with such men will be led to take part in their crookedness !” He stopped at the water cooler, produced a pocket cup and took a drink of water. When he turned around to retrace his steps he saw that Bart Hodge had left his late companions and was just hurrying from the rear of the car. “He’s running like a sneak!” was the thought that passed through the boy’s mind. “That shows guilt! And Frank trusts him! He’s another Chet Arling- ton!” The man of the black mustache was smoking a cigar, from the end of which blue smoke curled upward. Packard had spread out a newspaper and seemed trying to hide behind it, pretending he was busy read- ing. This was quite enough to arouse Dick in earnest. He walked down the aisle and stopped, looking hard at the two men. “Your game won't work!” he said, in a low, sup- pressed tore. “I am onto you both! This scoundrel Packard will ‘get all that is cone to him if he keeps on!” Packard dropped the paper. e. “So it’s you?” he said, with a sneer. “Well, you want to trot along about your business, kid, before I turn you over my knee and give you a good spanking.” This made Dick angrier than ever. ‘Don’t you ever put a hand on me, Mr. Packard! A he warned. “If you do——” Although he had learned well to govern his temper, he now felt that it was getting the best of him. For all that Packard was so much older and heavier, he did not fear the fellow in the slightest degree. ” “What ails this kid?” growled the big man with the cigar, glaring at Dick. “Who i is he?” is “Just an impudent young stripling who has a habit of polg his nose into things that do not concern him,” said Packard. ‘Go on, boy, or I’ll fan you!” “Tey it!” invited Dick, showing his. white teeth. “Just try it!” | . | oe. if I don’ tr 12 TIP TOP Packard sprang up and made a grab for the boy, who leaped backward and avoided being caught. Then Packard stepped out into the aisle, again seek- ing to get hold of Dick. The boy crouched like a panther, sprang at him, caught: him about the waist, tripped him and flung him sprawling upon the seat. Packard had been taken by surprise, young Merri- well having moved with astonishing swiftness. The boy now hastened away down the aisle. “Let the kid go. You'll simply get into a row and spoil our chances.” CHAPTER VI. TWO CROOKS. As the boys stepped off the train at Belvidere the first thing that met their notice was a huge poster announc- ing the game that was to be played on the following day between Frank Merriwell’s team and another team that claimed the independent championship of the United States. This latter team was spoken of as something astounding, and. its manager was mentioned as Myron Hunnewell, well known in Belvidere. The record of the Merries was spoken of, and Frank’s name stood out in big, black letters. He was declared to be the great- est pitcher who had ever twirled for a college team in the country. . . “I fail to see that this throws any light on the iden-. tity of our opponents,” said Hodge. “It’s decidedly vague as far as they are concerned,” agreed Merry. : 3 “Gol darn my punkins if this ain’t the funniest piece of business we’ve struck this whole hanged trip!” put in. Ephraim Gallup. “Methinks we are destined to encounter the surprise of our lives to-morrow,” put in Ready. “I feel it hov- ering in the atmosphere.” | “Begorra! Oi hope it won't be th’ same koind av a surproise Cap'n Woiley gave us the firrust toime we wur afther matin’ av him,” grinned Barney. a _ “Hello!” exclaimed Merry, starting forward, “Here WEEKLY. is Hunnewell, himself—here is the manager of the mys- terious team.” ? Mr. Myron Hunnewell came sauntering along the platform, smiling in a satisfied manner. “How do you do!” he exclaimed, meeting Frank, with his hand outstretched. “Came over to the sta- tion to see if you arrived all right. I see you are here.”’ “According to agreement. I presume your team is here waiting for us?” “Oh no!” “No?” “My team will not be in town until to-morrow.” “T am anxious to look on this wonderful aggregation of yours.” “T promise you the surprise of your life when you , see them,” chuckled Hunnewell. . ‘Your accommoda- tions are ready for you at the best hotel, and here are teams to take you there. Get right in. Just give me the checks for your luggage, and I’ll see that every- thing is sent over.” As Hunnewell turned to look after the baggage he came face to face with Packard, which caused him to utter an exclamation of astonishment. “You?” he cried. Packard ?” “TI came in on the train,” was the answer. “On the train?” “That’s right.” “But the train came from the west.” “Well?” “Marengo is east, and I left you there, with the rest of the fellows.” “he ‘““What are you doing here, Oliver “Oh, did you?” laughed Packard. “Well, I’m here now.” ‘ “What are you trying to do?’ demanded Hunnewell, angrily. “Do you want to give the whole thing away? If those fellows should see you—if Merriwell shoutd 9) see you “Til look out for that.” “You'll get out of town on the next train east, that is what you'll do! If you don’t, you'll not catch inthe | game to-morrow, _We have taken pains te carry tlis See ee te See ey TIP TOP thing through right, and we're not going to have you spoil it at the last moment.” “All right,” said Packard. does the train leave?” “Tl go. What time Hunnewell told him, and Packard promised to be on hand. “In the meantime, you will keep yourself out of sight of the Merriwell crowd,” said the manager. ” “T will, sir,” asserted Packard, with apparent sub- missiveness. When he again looked for Packard the fellow had disap- Hunnewell turned to look after the baggage. peared. Walking swiftly around the corner of the station, Packard found the big man of the black mustache wait- ing. “Where have you been keeping yourself so long?” demanded this man. ‘The Merriwell crowd left five minutes ago.” | “T know it,” nodded Packard; “and we want -to hoof it lively and get out of sight. I ran into Hunnewell. He flew at me like a wolf. Was mad as thunder be- cause I was here. Took me for Oliver, you see. I’ve just skipped him.” They hastened away and were not again seen by Hunnewell, Straight to a second-rate hotel they went, _ where they found accommodations, Took here, Mike Donovan,” “T have struck a new said Packard, when they were alone in their room, scheme for making a harvest off this game to-morrow. You can see by this time that it’s no use to try to get that fellow Hodge to stand in with us.. He’s such a chump that he can’t be bought. He just réfuses to see the thing as a joke. Of course, if we could work him, that would be the best plan; but, as long as we can’t, I have another that is pretty nearly as good.” “What is it?” asked Donovan, as he brought out a fresh, black cigar and lighted it. “Bet on Merriwell’s team.” “Hey? What fur?’ “To win. I'll be the catcher on the other team.” Donovan came near dropping his cigar. “You'll be the catcher?” he exclaimed. WEEKLY. 13 “Sure thing. It will be easy enough for me to throw the game. If you can get any bets, put your money on Merriwell’s team, and I'll see that you win.” Donovan looked Packard over. “Inform me just how you propose to work this hittle game,” he said. “‘You are not one of Hunnewell’s team.” “T will be to-morrow. I have played baseball enough to be able to go in behind the bat and put up a bluff. Depend on me for We've got to If it is close, [’ll throw the game. that. Get into gear and get your bets. make some money off this piece of business, or we've wasted our time.” “But we have been planning to have this game come out quite a different way.” “We'll have to give that up. Hunnewell put the idea into my head. A man behind the bat has a fine chance to throw a-game. Bet on the Merriwells, even if you have to give two or three to one.” “But how are you to get onto Hunnewell’s team?” “We'll have a messenger at the station when it ar- tives. The fellow will give his message to Oliver Packard. It will be a request from me for Packard to come here to this room, He'll come. We'll jump on him, gag him, tie him. I'll get into his clothes and Who'll ever know the difference? The I'll catch on Hunnewell’s take his place. game is bound to work. team, and I’ll fix it so Merriwell will be sure to win.” “Well, this is quite a desperate piece of business,” said Donovan, shaking his head. “It might get us into no end of trouble.” | “How ?” “If Packard should squeal “He won't, depend on that. If he does, we'll bluff it~ off asa joke. Why not? This whole thing is planned as a huge joke on Merriwell and his crowd. eo oRs is the only man in the secret.” “But the men who bet their money with me might not think it a joke.” “We'll have to chance that. be any slip. Anyhow, the exposure will not come until It’s not likely there will after the game is over and you haye the money. You ee 14 TIP TOP can be out of Belvidere when the kick is made—f it is made.” “There’s something in that,” nodded Donovan. “TI don’t care a rap about this town. If I can catch some suckers here, I am perfectly willing to do so. But hadn’t you better send to Oliver Packard to-night, so that you may be sure there will be no slip. Send hima message, telling him where you are, and asking him to see you as soon as he steps into town. You say he is in Marengo ?”’ ea, “Then that is the trick. You can make sure that he will come around. We'll prepare to capture him with- out kicking up a rumpus. When the whole thing is set- tled, I’ll venture to put some money on the Merries.” “Tt seems rather odd,” said Packard, “that, after planning all along to bet the other way; we should finally turn around and plunge on Merriwell’s tear.” “Anyhow I bet,” said Donovan, “TI propose to bet on, a sure thing. That is the way to make money. Al- ways bet ona sure thing. That’s how I happen to have a wad in my clothes all the time. Whether it is a base- ball game, a horse race or a prize fight, the thing is fixed before I shove up a dollar, and then I bet on the side that has to‘win anyhow. Ha! ha! hal” CHAPTER?’ VII. , PLAYING THE GAME A LITTLE. Clever advertising had aroused great interest in the baseball game that was to take place between Frank’s team and the mysterious independent nine. Hunne- well knew’ how to stir up the crowd, and he had all Belvidere talking about the game. The appearance of Frank’s team revived the interest and whetted it to a keen edge. Or | But when, on the day of the game, at one o clock in the afternoon, the mysterious team managed by Myron Hunnewell ee off the train at the station there was a sensation indeed. . For every man on the team had his face hidden i a black mask! | | ae crowd was on hand to see > fied players, and there WEEKLY. was a buzzing as the masked fellows, wearing dark uni- forms, descended to the platform. Hunnewell had a band on hand to meet them. He had brought the team into town just in time for its appearance, disguised in that manner, to create the last touch of excitement needed to turn out a mighty crowd. 3 From the station the masked players, carrying bats and led by the band, marched to the principal hotel. Belvidere was agog. People who had not contemplated attending the game suddenly decided to do so. Business men who had con- templated letting their clerks off for the game, concluded that their clerks might attend to business while they themselves took in the game. Already the appearance of Frank and his boys had interested the ladies of the place, and it was certain there would be an unusually large turning out of the fair sex. At two o’clock the masked “Champions” left the hotel and marched along the principal street of the town. On returning to the hotel, the Merries, in uni- form, fell in behind them, and away they went, with the band piping a lively air, haaied for the baseball grounds. Behind came a long string of piel and the men at _ the gates of the gr ound were kept busy from that time until three o'clock. 3 Hunnewell had promised Frank Merriwell a sur- prise when he should see his opponents, and there was no question about the genuineness of Merry’s aston- ishment. The whole team fell to wondering why the “Cham- pions” should have their faces hidden by masks. “I fain would peer ‘neath the face covering of each gentle stranger,” said Jack Ready. “I am consumed by intense curiosity to look on their mugs.” “Oji’m another !” ‘nodded Mulloy. “Av Frankie will say the worrud, O7’ll sail in an’ yank off a few ¢ av thim masks.” | “T’m afraid that would spoil all the fun,” ’ said Merry. “Tt strikes me that this. is nothing more than a clever advertising scheme on the part of Hunnewell. It's i ae i ce Sted ed - mr TiP-- TOP something never done before, and the novelty of it was bound to excite wonder and interest.’’ “T wonder what names they will sail under when they go down on the batting order,” said Rattleton. This. question was soon answered, for the scorer came to get Frank’s line-up, and the two teams were put down as follows: MERRIES. CHAMPIONS. Ready, 3d b. A, Ss. Mulloy, 2d b. B, lf. Hodge, c. C, 1st b D. Merriwell, ss. D, p. Gallup, cf. Be, Oy F, Merriwell, p. F, 3d b. Rattleton, lf. G, c Browning, ist b. H, 2d b. Buckhart, rf. I, rf. The practice of the masked players was watched with deep interest, and their work proved that they were fast and snappy. “If they can play as well as they practice, they will be a hard proposition,” said Merry. The toss of a coin gave the “Champions” their choice of innings, and they decided to take the field. D was the captain of the tearn, as well as the pitcher. He seemed to be a lithe, well-built chap, quick of move- ment and self-possessed in manner. “Shtart it roight off, Jackie, me bhoy!” cried Bar- ney Mulloy, as the umpire called play and Ready picked out his bat. “T fain would tap it an easy swipe on the stitches,” said Ready, as he trotted out to the plate, toeing in slightly with his left foot. “It would be a shame to spoil the ball with the first crack.” The pitcher toed the slab, after making sure his men He said nothing, but about him there was a certain grim, businesslike air. were in position. The great crowd was silent and expectant. The pitcher swung a long arm with a peculiar move- ment and sent the ball whistling over. The game was on. And Ready hit the first ball pitched by the silent twirler of the masked “Champions.” It was a beautiful crack, and the ball went out on a line. WEEKLY. I qn Mulloy sprang up from the bench, uttering a whoop of delight. But his joy quickly turned to dismay, for the ball went straight into the hands of the waiting center- fielder, who caught it without stirring from his tracks. “T am willing to call that hard luck,” said Ready, as he turned back from first and walked toward the bench. “But if yonder twirler will continue to pass up lovely ones of that sort his finish will come swiftly and surely.” Mulloy walked out, gripping his pet bat. “Jist be afther handin’ me wan av thim,”’ he in- vited. The pitcher seemed to comply, but Mulloy lifted a high fly, which was gathered in by the shortstop with ease. “Horseshoes!” yelled Brad Buckhart. It is, 1 know!” Hodge looked grim and determined, after his usual “The rabbit's foot is working! manner, as he advanced to the plate. Dick Merriwell was watching him, and the light of suspicion sat deep in the boy’s eyes. The catcher gave a signal that did not satisfy the pitcher, who shook his head. The second signal was satisfactory, and he quickly delivered the ball. Crack! the man on first base, and he was out. Bart lined it straight into the big mitt of The masked pitcher had pitched exactly three halls in the first inning. Every one of them had been hit by the batter, but they were sent into a player’s hands... “By gum!” said Ephraim Gallup. ‘Them chaps hed luck with um that time.” : “That mitcher is a park—I mean that pitcher is a “We'll bat him out of the box in a hurry when we fall on him.” mark,’’ said Rattleton. The masked players trotted in from the field, and the Merries went out. A, the first hitter, who was a handsomely-built chap, selected his bat and was ready to hit before Bart, had donned the body protector. Hodge called for an out-curve, and Frank started it straight at the batter. The fellow did not flinch. He seemed to be looking for just such a curve, and he met it when it came over. x 16 Tie Lor The ball was a skipper along the ground. Mulloy made a hard try for it, but missed touching it by an inch, and the batter arrived at first in safety. H, the second baseman of the mysteries, immediately got onto the coach line. “Let there be light in dark places!” he droned, in a singular, sing-song manner. ‘This world is a world of sorrow and suffering, and happiness comes but sel- dom to weary mortals. Trials and tribulations abound, and this!pitcher is due to meet a few of them Break way from this bag and take a long . Don’t get to-dav. stride toward the second resting place. caught in the snares of sin. Be ever watchful and wary, for no man knoweth the day nor the hour when some galoot will spot him with the ball and put him out of the game.” ; His intonation was like that of a campmeeting ex- horter, and it produced a general laugh. “That sounds natural! {?? ““Jingoes ! J wonder where I have heard that voice before.” “Why, the maverick coaches like a parson at a re- muttered Merry. vival!’ exclaimed Buckhart. The coacher continued to wave his long arms and urge the base runner to get a good start toward second. Suddenly Frank snapped his foot out of the box and threw to first. , | “Back!” warningly cried the coacher. “He can’t catch you that way. Pretty soon he will cast the ball “far into yonder cornfield, and then you will have time to rove around the bags at your leisure.” Merry kept the runner close to first, but still the fel- low leaped away in an attempt to steal second the in- stant Merry pitched. The ball struck in Bart’s mitt and bounded out. He jumped for it, but the batter, while pretending to get out of his way, cleverly bothered him, and Hodge made a wide throw. The runner slid under waaiiey, who was unable to. tag him because the throw was not perfect. “He has begun it!’ muttered Dick. better keep it up. A fellow who can throw like him doesn’t need to make stich a bad one as that.” Dick was still consumed by suspicions. 2. . y “He hadn’t WEEKLY. “Well, this is easier than blowing down the walls of “Joshua had to do lots of tooting to accomplish that job., We’re Woe and wailing and gnashing of teeth shall be the portion of ) Jericho,” came from the queer coacher. going to win this game in the first inning. the wicked ones who oppose up.” B was a stocky chap, with thick shoulders and a fine neck. He looked like a hitter. Frank saw that a clean single well placed might mean a score, and so he proceeded to let himself out. The batter had a good eye, however, and he declined to be pulled by the wide ones. Bart called for the double-shoot, and Merry nodded. Then he sent that wonderful ball twisting and darting over the plate. The umpire had been told to watch close for this curve. He smiled derisiv ely when informed that Frank often threw a ball that curved two ways, but now, as the batter let it pass, the umpire gave a gasp and cried: : “One strike!’ “That’s the kind, Merry, old man!” rang out the clear voice of Hodge. “They'll never hit one of them in a thousand years!” The batter made no kick, but he was ready and swung at the next ball, which was another double-shoot. _ He fouled it! “Pwhat an accidint!’’ shouted Molloy. It was the second strike. “Methinks you have him done up and put away, Merry,” chirped Jack Ready. “He could hit a streak of chain lightning easier than that!’ grunted Bruce Browning. Again Merry used the double-shoot, and again, to the surprise of several of his team, the batter fouled the ball. This time he lifted it in the air, and Hodge got under it, smothering it when it fell into his mitt. “You better do it!” teed Dick. you!” nts, oy the next batter, was a strappite fellow, Siity put up and fully as big as Browning. But he moved with J aa m watching more lightness than Bruce, Instinctively Merry thought that the fellow was dan- gerous as a hitter. Hodge called for an in-shoot, and Frank sent it whistling over the inside corner of the plate. The batter hit it, but the ball struck too near his hands for him to drive it out hard. The runner on second made for third. Dick leaped for the ball, which had been driven past Frank and was skimming along the ground directly toward second base. The ball bounded over the bag. Dick flung himself out with a wonderful stretch, and it struck in his left hand. He barely got hold of it with his fingers, but it remained there. Then he had to recover himself quickly in order to throw to first in time to get the run- ner, who was racing down the line with great speed. Young Merriwell’s stop had been of the hair-lifting sort. Nevertheless, he seemed to be in such an awk- ward position.that there was no chance for him to shift the ball to his right tate and throw to first in time to get the man. ei Dick, however, could throw with one hand quite as Therefore he was not forced to change the ball to his right hand, but, still on the run and apparently on the point of falling, he made the well as with the other. throw. It was low, and Browning was compelled to fling himself out at full length on the ground, which he did, keeping the toe of his right foot against the sack. Lying thus upon his stomach, Bruce caught the ball. “Out at first!” cried the umpire: | But A, who had gone to third, seeing the awkward position in which the big first baseman had been com- pelled to take the ball, dashed toward the plate. The spectators had been electrified by the wonderful — stop and throw of young Merriwell, followed by Now they stared as the runner raced toward home, and it seemed that he was Browning’s amazing catch. bound to score. Usually Browning was slow and cumbersome in his Now he was like a cat. He flopped over and sat up. There was no time for him to arise before throwing home, and he did not try to do so. Instead, movements. hie TOP WEEELY. 17 while sitting on the ground, he snapped the ball to Bart with a quick, short-arm movement. Hodge caught it as the runner flung himself forward to slide. With both hands gripping the ball, he put it onto the sliding man. “Out!” shouted the umpire. The ex- cited spectators shrieked like a lot of wild Indians. There was silence—then a mighty roar. “T think that was playing the game a little!’ laughed Ready, as he trotted in to the bench. CHAPTER VIII. REAL BASEBALL. Never before had anything like that in the line of baseball been seen in Belvidere, and the great crowd had good cause to shout. Dick and Bruce had covered themselves with glory in the first inning. “What's the matter with the kid?” howled a man in the crowd. “He’s a dandy!” shrieked another. “Well, what’s the matter with the chap on first?” de- manded another man. \ “He’s the real thing!” was the answer. Bruce and Dick walked in side by side, and they re- ceived a great ovation. “They seem to like baseball in this town,” pees : Dick. “Well, if that kind doé$n’t satisfy them they’re hard to please,” grunted Browning. “I strained myself to stop that, fellow from scoring.” “And you saved me from an error by stretching out for that bad throw the way you did.” “Oh, that was a good throw,” asserted Bruce, with a slow grin. ‘The only thing that made it at all trouble- some was that fool chap who tried to score on it. He'll know better next time.” Frank met them, laughing. “You're a warm combination,” he said. “Dick spoiled a pretty hit that must have let in a score, and that was a wonderful throw to the plate. If I have that ini of paper to-day these masked oe mS TiP FOP will realize that they have met the real thing for once during the season.”’ “But say, Frank,” said Dick, in a low tone, “did you notice that that second batter seemed to know you were going to throw the double-shoot? If I’m any judge, he tried to make calculations so as to hit it. He’s the first man I’ve ever seen who struck at that ball as if he knew what he was doing and was liable to hit it.” “T noticed all that,”’ confessed Merry. “If he hash’t seen me pitch before I’m greatly mistaken. I could al- most fancy he had practiced batting the double-shoot.” “T wonder if there até aiiy other like him on that team.” “We'll find out before the game is over. We've got to work for our very lives if we win to-day.” As they gathered on the bench Dick heard a man offering odds of three to one on the Merries, “Here you go, gentlemen,” he said. “T’ll cover arty- thing from five dollars to five hundred. Where is your sportitig blood? Get out your long green.” In surprise young Merriwell turned and saw the speaker was Mike Donovan, the man of the black mus- tache, whom he had seen on the train the day before. “What does that mean?’ Dick questioned himself. “That man was in company with Packard. I know they were trying to buy Hodge. I saw Packard give Hodge money in Omaha. Now this gambler is- trying to bet money jon our team. Is it a bluff?” But he soon decided it was no bluff, for he saw the tan making bets, and the sums staked showed he was fully in earnest. Again was Dick puzzled. If a bargain had been made with Hodge why should this man bet on the Merries? “This affair is too much for me!” confessed the boy. “T can’t see through it.” “Batter up!” called the umpire. ; Dick was the hitter, and he quickly singled out a bat and advanced to the plate. | There was a great clapping of hands, compelling him to touch his cap, his face flushing. “That will spoil him this trip,” laughed a man, loudly “Sette WEEKLY. enough for the boy to hear. “He couldn’t get a hit after that.’’ . ‘I don’t believe he can anyhow,’ , said another. “Fe’s too young to be traveling in this class.” Dick set his teeth together, gripped his bat and waited. The pitcher whistled over a high, speedy one, and Dick let it pass for a hall. A wide one followed, and still Dick refused to swing. Then one came over on the inside corner. Dick missed it. “One strike!” “He'll be easy!’ “He can’t hit!’ “He’s a kid!” “But he made a great stop.” “It takes hitting to win.” The masked pitcher started a ball right at Dick, who was ready to dodge. He stood his ground when he saw the ball “break” some distance away and curve toward the plate. With a firm, steady hand, he swung sharply to meet it. 7 Bat and ball met with a ringing crack. Out on a dead line flew the ball, the second baseman making a jump for it, but missing. Down to first Dick scudded, having made a hand- some single. “Who said he couldn't hit?” shrieked a delighted rooter. ‘‘Why, he can play the game!” Gallup looked at Frank, who gave a signal. Then Ephraim walked out, holding the bat in his left hand, which was a signal that he would bunt toward third. Merry had trained his players until every man on the team could bunt, and they were all wonderfully successful in dropping the ball down in whatever direc- tion they chose. The code of signals was the same as that in use at Yale. The pitcher sent over a high, straight one. It was a poor ball to bunt, but Ephraim dumped it successfully. — For all of that, the third baseman started to run in the moment the pitcher swung his arm, and he was in the proper spot to gather the bunt up in a twinkling, . ne — CS te te ‘ S = =, ee fe ai Fee ~ Ss Saet me ee ET agg ROM COE ee, ar ae " e aig I LE LINE a, SORELY 4 ars, TIP TOP as it came right at him. This was done so swiftly and so cleverly that it seemed certain the baseman had known all the while that a bunt was to be made. He had the ball in a twinkling, and he sent it on a dead line to second. The bag had been covered, and the throw was per- fect, so Dick was caught for a force out. But that did not end it, for the baseman wheeled and threw the ball on a line to first, getting Gallup there, thus making a lightning double play. Dick was astounded, for he had been ready and had It seemed al- most impossible that he had been caught before he could get down to the bag. started as the ball was being pitched. Again the crowd was roaring. Dick walked in, shaking his head. No one was more surprised than Frank, who was the next batter. As he sat down on the bench, young Merriwell gave a start and looked sharply at Hodge. “That is what the blamed traitor did! He sold our signals! If they “That’s it!’ he mentally exclaimed. had not known our signals they never could have made a double play out of that. That might have caught Gallup, but ‘it would have been a good sacrifice. I'll put Frank wise in a hurry.” 7 He could not do it then, for Merry was batting. “What is the matter with this for a baseball game ?”’ cried the man with the loud voice. “Oh, it’s pretty fair, pretty fair!’ answered another from the bleachers on the opposite side of the diamond. The pitcher for the “Champions” seemed afraid of Frank, for he worked carefully, trying all his arts to deceive Merry. He had great speed, but Frank liked speed. However, not a single good one came over the plate, and the captain of the boys in blue was the first man in the game to walk. Rattleton was anxious. He showed it as he took his place to strike. The pitcher did not seem to fear Harry, and he put, the balls over with speed and curves. Rattleton fouled four times. Then he lifted a high in-field fly, which was caught by the third baseman, WEEKLY. 19 and the Merries had failed to register a tally in two turns at bat. Dick hastened to speak to Frank. “Change your code of signals,” he whispered, eagerly “Don’t delay!” “Why, do you think they are onto our signals?” and excitedly. Merry asked. “It’s a sure thing. They knew that bunt toward third was coming. That was how they doubled us up.” “T believe you may be right,” Frank nodded. “T’ll change from the -Yale code to the Fardale code.” Then he called Bart, and they had a few low words together. The masked pitcher was the first batter up for the “Champions’’ in the second inning. “We'll see what you can do with the double-shoot,” thought Merry. He used that ball to start with, starting it with an in that: reversed and became an out. An astounding thing happened. The batter hit the ball fairly and drove it out on the ground for a clean single. Frank actually gasped. “By Jove! this is amazing!” he muttered. “They’re onto the double-shoot, and they are the first men I’ve ever seen who could hit it after that fashion.” The second batter was a tall, gawky fellow, who re- sembled Ephraim Gallup in his. movements. “Let’s see what you can do with it,” Frank whispered to himself. Again he used the double-shoot. The batter missed the first one, but he came very, near it. Another followed, and he fouled it. It was the second strike. Frank continued using the same ball, and the tau batter hit the third one, dropping it just over the short- stop’s head, so that D was let down to second. Hodge seemed even more astonished than Frank, He motioned for Merry to meet him, at the same time walking down. “What's this business mean?” he asked. “They’re nae the double-shoot !” | ball ‘was over. 20 TIP TOP WEEKLY. “That’s right,” Merry nodded. ‘‘They seem to know just what is coming.” “T don’t understand it.” IN Gi ays “We're up against a hard game, Frank. your brains. We must win this.” Frank ‘was tempted to ask Bart some questions, but Hodge seemed sincere in his manner, and so Merry refrained, Two men were on the bags, with no one out. The next batter was a thin, eager chap. Frank seemed to deliver the ball as if meaning to throw it with great speed, but he sent up one that cut a rainbow and took a long time in reaching the plate. As a result, the batter swung too soon,, giving a grunt as he realized he had been fooled. The crowd laughed. . “That’s the stuff!” cried Hodge. ee back over that one!” A wide out-curve follow ed, but the batter declined to swing. Then came a swift in, and it was missed. “Got him!’ grunted Browning. “Dear me!’ sighed Jack Ready. Use all “He nearly broke “T'd like to play in this game! Won’t somebody please let me do some- thing ?” “Somebody lend him a mirror so he may look at him- self,” cried one of the spectators. | “Don’t!” exclaimed Jack. “I must have my eyes clear for the ball. Were I to look in a mirror I should be dazzled by my own radiant beauty.” Frank threw two balls, “Put it right over, captain!” shouted Brad Buck-" hart, from the field. “Let ’em biff it. We're all behind you. They won’t hit it very far. You hear me chirp!” Merry seemed to take Buckhart’s advice, for the next The batter hit it. It was a high liner, and it seemed bound to B° over Dick Merriwell’s head. ‘ The base runners were on the jump in a twinkling. But Dick made an amazing leap into the air, thrust-— ing far up his left hand, and caught the ball. As he dropped like a cat to his feet, he deftly tagged /the runner who had stopped to turn back to second. w Then he threw the ball with wonderful speed to first, catching that runner off the bag and. completing a hand- some ¢ triple play. CHAPTER IX. SENSATIONAL PLAYS. wwever before had the people of Belvidere seen base- ball of such a sensational nature. It was not a mere pitcher’s battle, although the pitching on both sides- was superb. Startling plays abounded, and they seemed to come in almost every inning. If one side made a remarkable piece of work, the other duplicated or out- did it at the first opportunity. It kept the spectators on edge. Interest in the game was redoubled by the knowledge that large sums had been wagered on the result. Myron Hunnwell had told his friends to bet on the “Champions,” quietly tipping them that there were rea- sons why his team was almost absolutely certain’ to win. sg" Many of them took his advice. Then appeared Mike Donovan, who had traveled far to bet against the Merries, but who changed his plan and sought eagerly to get up all the money on them that he could. Having bet on the result of the game, Donovan sat down near some local “chance-takers” and proceeded to bet on everything. Whenever a batter came up he would bet whether he would hit the ball or strike out, whether he would reach first or not, whether he would get to second, to third, and finally if he would score or not. “T believe in keeping money in circulation,” he said. | “This is the proper way to enjoy a baseball game.” The third inning opened with Browning at bat. Bruce missed the ball completely twice, and the pitcher seemed to have him “on the string.” By mistake the masked twirler put the ball right where Bruce wanted it, and there was a terrible crack as the big fellow hit it. The fly was a wonderfully long one to center field, Out there the long, gangling fielder seemed to jump away almost instantly, and he ran with wonderfully long, quick strides, fairly flying over the ground. No one thought it was possible for him to get his hands on the ball. Bruce tore down to first. “A three bagger, at least!” cried Butt Hoge: “That’s the stuff!” Frank was watching the fielder. ieee about the style of the man, the way he ran, his movernents— these things made him appear familiar, \ mt oe SSL aan a ee ee ee ge My ee er eee TEP FOP Some of the spectators thought Browning’s hit would be good for a home run. The long fielder was compelled to run back. He had taken one look at the ball as it rose in the air, and then he fairly flew. “It’s going over his head! “He'll never touch it!’ “It will hit the fence!” “Why, he’s going to run right into the fence!” “Tt’s a homer, for the ball is going out of the lot!” At first it had not seemed likely the ball would pass over the fence, but now they were aware that it must go over unless some marvelous thing happened to prevent. The running. fielder reached the fence. He had paused for a single instant to take one lightning-like glance over his shoulder, and that. seemed to be enough to enable him to judge the ball. Up like a Rocky Mountain goat he went against the side of the fence, springing into the air, catching the top, dragging him- self high enough to hook one arm over. Then he twisted around, thrust up his left hand—and caught the ball! Never but once befere in all his career had Frank Merriwell seen such an astounding catch as that. On !»? that occasion he had regatded it as one of the phe- nomenal plays that are occasionally made by accident, and he had said he did not expect to live long enough to see another catch of the same nature. But here it was. “Well, whatever do you think of that?’ exclaimed Brad Buckhart, in mingled admiration and disgust. “Wouldn't that give you the high fan-todds! Wow! wow! Whoop!” The crowd howled, and shouted, and cheered. The catch was one to set wild all who saw it. Browning had crossed second, and he was astounded when he saw Ready on the coaching line back of third motioning for him to slacken up. “Tt’s over, isn’t it?” panted Bruce. “Ves, ” sobbed Jack, MEE INE: up his face and W ring- ing his hands in anguish; “it’s all over. The sucker caught it!” What’ s that?” roared Bruce, furiously. bet——” “YT know 3 | Then the shouting of the crowd drowned his indig- nant words. Frank sat on the bench in thought. He surveyed. ‘the distant ceuter-fielder, a strange light in his eyes. _ 4 WEEKLY. __ 21 “It doesn’t seem possible the same man could do the trick twice in a lifetime,” he muttered. “Still I believe I have seen that chap before!’ Buckhart was at the plate. The silent pitcher sent over a low one. Brad did a surprising thing for him. He was the kind of a hitter who is expected to try to get a long hit all the while, the result being that he often struck out. Now, however, he bunted the first ball toward third, laying it down handsomely just inside the line about twelve feet from the plate. The Texan was on the jump it seemed when the bat and ball met, and he got off handsomely toward first base. This hit had not been made on a signal, and it plainly came most unexpectedly. Nevertheless, the third baseman got down swiftly after the ball and lined it to first. Brad had stretched himself, and he was safe by a small margain at the bag. “Dear me!’’ said Ready. ‘That is what you might designate as mixing ‘em. First a long one, then an abbreviated one. ‘How lovely!” Brad took as much lead as possible off first. The pitcher drove him back twice, but he was away on the jump with the first ball delivered to Ready. Jack swung the bat wildly, but did not try to hit the ball. The catcher dropped the ball, then caugite it up and threw it high over the head of the second baseman. Buckhart saw the baseman throw up his hands in dis- gust, so he did not slacken speed in the least, but raced over second and cut out for third. a “Score! score!” yelled Rattleton. “You've got towers of hime—I mean hours of time!” The long center-fielder was running hard for the ball, but it seemed certain to get past him, so Rattle- ton, who had taken Ready’s place on the coach line, sent Harry along for the plate when he passed over third. But the running fielder picked the bounding ball up with one hand, shifted quickly and lined it to the plate. The ball came straight into the waiting hands of the catcher, who should have had Brad by twenty feet. | But he let the ball go through. Then jt was that the pitcher showed his Khnichadee of the game, for he had anticipated the throw to the plate and had scooted around to back up the catcher. The ball came into his hands on the bound, and he_ flung himselé forward with it, tagging the astonished f 22 TIP TOP Texan, who had fancied himself safe when the ball was muffed, and had not attempted to slide. “You’re out!’ cried the umpire. “That’s what I call proper backing up!” exclaimed Frank, who could not repress his admiration, even though the pitcher’s play had cost the Merries a score. Having stopped the run, the masked pitcher turned to his catcher. “What’s the matter with you?” he demanded, in a low tone. “You are not playing your game, man!” “Tt won’t happen again,” said the catcher. “T should hope not! That was an awful throw to second, and you should have held the ball when it was returned. Do you want those chaps to beat us?” “Not on your life!” “Well, you are playing as if you did! Brace up!” . ‘Then he returned to his position. © “One run is likely to win this game,” muttered the pitcher to himself. “I came near giving Merriwell’s team the run they need that time. I'll have another chance.” “Don’t talk to yourself, my friend,” advised Jack ‘Ready. “It is a sign of brain-fag in one so young and tender.” The masked pitcher whistled the ball over with hess speed and sharp curves, and Jack quickly fell a victim to his skill, striking out. Just as the umpire declared him out a hatless, coat- less, wild-eyed fellow came rushing through the gate, waving his arms and shouting: | “Hold on! hold on! Stop the game! crooked work here! Stop the game!” His appearance created a sensation. _ “Tt’s Packard!’ exclaimed Dick Merriwell, f There is \ t \ : td CHAPTER X. PACKARD’S REVELATION, 5 The appearance of the excited chap who came tear- ing through ,the gate and onto the field ‘seemed to astonish the masked players more than any one else. The pitcher ran toward him, crying: “Oliver Packard, is it you?’ “Yes!” was the answer. “Why, I thought “Stop that fellow who has been catching! Don't let him get away! Catch him!’ For the masked. catcher, seeking to take advantage of the confusion, was slipping toward the gate, 7 WEEKLY,.. Immediately several of the “Champions” dashed at. him. The first baseman ran swiftly to head him off, and the fellow was trapped. He looked around desperately, as if trying to find a means of getting away, saw he was cornered, then halted, uttering a defiant laugh. “Fello, Ol!” he said. “How did you break loose?” “Confound you, Fred Packard!” cried the one who had produced the excitement by his appearance. “You ought to go to the jug for this! It was a scurvy trick !’ | “Nothing but a little joke,’ asserted the masked chap, as he coolly removed the covering from his face. He was Packard’s perfect double! Frank, Jack, Harry, Bruce and Bart gazed at the two in bewilderment. “Why, they are Oliver Packard and his brother Ro- land!’’ said Rattleton. “I thought Roland Packard had . cashed in his chips! Has he risen from the dead ?”’ Hodge seemed as much astonished as any one pres-. ent. “This is my cousin, Fred, who lives in Omaha,” declared Oliver Packard, pointing at the chap who had been catching. “I was visiting him there. He does look as much like me as my brother Roll did. I have not seen him in many years until about a week ago. That is how I happened to be in Omaha. Went there to visit him. My father’s brother lives there. I found out all about Frank Merriwell and his team, and I sent for, Myron Hunnewell to come there and arrange for this game. Fred found out all about it, but I didn’t dream he would try a trick of this sort. He came here, sent for me to visit him in his room, then, with the aid of another man, who had a handkerchief over his face, he jumped on me and took me prisoner. I pulled the handkerchief off the other man’s face. They made me change clothes with Fred, and then they left me tied and gagged. As they went away they were kind enough to tell me that my cousin would catch for the ‘Champions’ and throw the game, so that they could _make a pot of money out of it. me by offering me money! I managed to get free after _ They even tried to. buy a time, and here I am. I think my cousin ought to be arrested—and the other man with him!” ~ The crowd who heard this explanation swiftly grew indignant. Fred Packard was surrounded and threat- : ened. ) “Give him a coat off tar pe feathers bes suggested. one. ‘They crowded upon him, hustled him, struck him, ee pee eS a Rees inti i tT eit Av oat FO TIP TOP tore his clothes, and seemed ready to do him any sort of bodily injury. His face became very pale as he realized his danger. “Oh, it was nothing but a joke!’ he cried. “What is the matter with you chaps? Can't you take a joke? This whole game is a joke, anyhow!” But they did not seem to relish that kind of a joke. “Help, Ol!” appealed the frightened feilow. “Get your friends to help me, or Ill give the whole snap away !” What did he mean? No matter what it was, it produced a change in the behavior of the masked players. They suddenly got together, forced their way to the fellow, surrounded him, held back the crowd and managed to work him along to the gate, where they let him go, holding pur- suers back until he had disappeared. “Well, if this isn’t a day of sensations!” smiled Frank Merriwell. ‘I surely thought one of those fellows must be Roland Packard returned to life.” The face of Bart Hodge wore a strange look, He approached Oliver Packard, drawing him aside. “See here, Oliver,” he said, cautiously, “did you take me into Wirth’s saloon in Omaha and try to get me to drink whiskey ?”’ “Not much!” was the indignant answer. I do not drink whiskey!” “Did you talk with me on the train in company with a man named Donovan and offer me money to throw this game?” “You know “You know bette:!” exclaimed the angered fellow. “Why, I wouldn't play that sort of a game on any one, much Jess on friends like Frank Merriwell and his crowd!’ “Then it was your measly cousin? grated Bart. ° “I thought it strange! He tried to make me see it as a fine joke. I wanted to hit him! I wish I had!” “T wish you had, too!” returned Oliver. “You should have known that I’m not the sort to ‘try the things you speak of!” “But I didn’t know you had another double. How could I know it?) You never told me, and I was aware that Roland was dead.” “T wasn’t with you long enough to tell you: every- thing.” At this: moment there was a disturbance se the spectators. A big man with a black mustache was seen in the midst of an indignant knot OF men, who were shaking their fists at him.’ WEEKLY. 23 ‘There he is!’ rang out the voice of Oliver Packard. “That is the man who helped capture and tie me! He is the one who came here to bet on a sure thing!” “Call the bets off!” shouted one of the men who had placed his money against Donoyan’s. “It’s crooked work.” Donovan stood up, big and self-possessed, shrugging his thick shoulders. he said, squeal, I arn willing that you should.” “T should say you might be!’ bettors. Played a “All right, gentlemen,” “if you want to said one of the angry “Thought you had a sure thing, did you? fine game on us, didn’t yOu! Oh, you're a sport! You're a shark, and you ought to be hanged!” “That's what!” agreed another, and “I'd like to pull on the rope!” “Why, you’re a lot of excitable people, aren’t you!” laughed the big man. “You fly off the handle at noth- ing. But keep your hands off me! I don’t like to have you get too free. I should hate to shoot a few of you!” That enraged them mere than ever, and, for some minutes, there was such a disturbance that the game could not go on. This was finally quelled by the police, who got into the crowd and made the men keep quiet. However, all bets made. with Donovan were with- drawn. The crooked gambler had no further interest in the game. With the money safely stowed in his pocket, he improved the first opportunity to leave the grounds, being hooted and hissed until he passed through the gate. Oliver Packard took his place with the masked play- ers, and the game continued, | CHAPTER XI. ,, THE UNMASKING. Inning followed inning without a run. ‘It was the kind of a game to keep every witness on edge; for time after time it seemed that one side or the other was on the verge of scoring. Never before had Frank Merriwell struck a team that seemed able to hit his double-shoot. To be sure, these fellows could not hit it safely save in rare instances; but they were constantly on the watch for the double-shoot, and they swung at it with such good judgment that Merry found it advisable to throw other curves the greater part of the time, 24 TIP TOP WEEKLY. “I can understand how it happens that they knew our signals,” said Frank to Dick, as they sat on the bench. “How?” Dick asked. “Why, Oliver Packard went to Yale. It is natural he should post them on the Yale signals.” “Do you think that it the way they got those sig- nals ?” “I am sure of it.” “What do you think about the monev paid over to Hodge by Packard?” “T haven’t thought.” “Bart may have “No!” exclaimed Frank, sternty. ‘Put aside your distrust, Dick! Bart is square as a brick!” “But he knew Packard was on this team.” “That is likely.” “Packard may have paid him not to tell.” “Hodge wouldn’t take money for anything like that.” At that moment Bart sat down near them. “Are you square with Packard?” asked Frank. “Did he settle with you?” | 3”? Hodge shot him a swift glance. “How did you know about that?” he asked, in a low tone. Merry shrugged his shoulders, “Oh, I happened to find out!” was his answer. “Oll Packard didn’t want any one to know. Don’t say anything about it, Frank. He has squared it up in full, just as he said he would.” “How much was it?” “One hundred dollars, “Roland Packard was a dog, and it’s a good thing for Oll he’s dead,” “That’s right,” nodded Merry, his brain working swiftly... “And it’s evidence that Oll is on the level that he paid you back what you lost.” Frank had made a ae shot, but it hit the bull’s- eye. “You bet!’ ical Hodge. “When Roll sible that money I had no idea I’d ever see it again. I’d have sent him to the jug, though, but for Oliver, who came to me and begged me not to do so. He asked me to keep still, saying he would pay me every dollar. I’ve never told.a soul. He has paid me now.” - Frank was satisfied, and the mystery was explained. Oliver Packard had given Bart money, paying back a sum that had been stolen by his disreputable brother. or This was what had aroused Dick Merriwell’s sus- picions. Frank’s confidence in Bart had never wavered. In the seventh inning the masked “Champions” made a. great bid for a run. : The pitcher was the first hitter. He led off with a fine single, and the next man sacrificed him to second. Then came the wiry, nervous third baseman, and he smashed the ball out into right field. Buckhart caught it, but the runner on second scooted for third and secured it on a slide. With two men out and a man on third, Oliver Pack- ard came to the bat. . “Get.a hit, Oliver, thou sluggard!” droned the strange coacher of the masked team. “It will secure the game’ unto us, and great will be the dismay of the enemy.” Packard swung hard at the first ball. Missed it!” The second one was over the corner of the plate. Then Oliver did a wise thing, for he bunted toward first base and ran like a deer. The runner on third was streaking it for home when the ball was hit. The crowd came up standing. ““A score!” was the cry. Frank Merriwell went for the bunted ball, and Hodge plunged after it at the same time. “T’ll take it!’ shouted Merry. Bart stopped just in time not to bother Frank. But home plate was left bare. The only thing that could stop a score was to get the man running to first. That seemed impossible. Merriwell picked up the ball with a swinging move- ment of his right hand. He did not straighten up, for there was no time if he wished to catch the runner. Seeming to use the same swing with which he took the ball from the Rrouaes Frank threw underhand toward first. The runner sieshion directly in the path of the ball. But the ball curved slightly, seemed to pass beneath his right arm, which was uplifted, and plunked into Browning’s mitt just as the runner was making the final jump for the bag. ! / “Out at first!” cried the diawrpthe’ 3 It was the third man out, and, therefore, no run could be counted, the man on third having come home on the bunt. Merry was perspiring a ‘smiling as ae came in to the bench. ht “Great!” breathed Hodge. “I thought he would get there, Frank. I saw there was no me 30 ee the cee from getting —— ett Mert Sa Sete mea y ee SG Re PE es ee SSE SSS ee Sa e TIP TOP “Begobs!” muttered Barney Mulloy; “this do be th’ hottest game av the sayson!” “Dern my picter!’’ sighed Obediah Tubbs, who was on the bench. “It’s jest my luck not to be in a game like this!” “The slightest let-up will give them the game,” said Frank. “It is bound to be a strain to the finish.” Then he urged Buckhart, who was the first hitter, to do his handsomest. Brad tried hard to get a safe hit, but the masked pitcher had found his weak spot, and he struck out. “I’m really too handsome to play baseball,” said Jack Ready. “Cap’n Wiley told me so, and he is a great judge of beauty.” But he went out and dropped one down toward third, getting off handsomely to first. Mulloy fanned twice, then lifted one over the in- field, and Jack went to third on it by fast running. “Here is where we take a mally—I mean make a tally!” yelled Harry Rattleton. Hodge was anxious to hit. Frank did not give him a sign, but whispered in his ear as he left the bench: “Dump it toward first. It’s our chance. Only one out.” Bart obeyed, and he dropped the first ball just in- side the base-line toward first. Ready was on the move, and Mulloy had scooted for second with the swing of the pitcher’s arm. It is likely the pitcher expected Hodge to wait for Barney to try to steal, and that is why he was led into pitching such a good ball. Ready came tearing home, and it was plain that nothing could stop him, A wild yell of joy went up from Frank’s players. Hodge tried hard to reach first, but he was thrown out. However, a score had been made at last, and that was enough to give Frank and his friends cause for rejoicing. as, ee Dick was eager to bring’ in another run, but his line drive was taken by the shortstop, who jumped into the air and froze to it with both hands. Right up to the finish it was a fight, for the masked players never let up for an instant; but that one run was enough, and it won the game. Frank and his players declined to let the enemy have a single run. When the last man was struck out by Frank, Barney Mulloy turned a dozen handsprings, whooping his joy. Frank walked swiftly in toward the masked players, who were huddled about their bench. “Fellows, I congratulate you,” he said, earnestly. “Tt was nobody’s game up to the last minute. You have a great team here, Morgan.” He looked straight at the pitcher as he spoke. “So you know me?” said the fellow addressed. “Yes, and a few others,” nodded Merry. “Joe Gamp. made a fence catch like that in Louisville once. There WEEKLY, 25 was no reason why I should not suspect his identity, when he made another.” “Gug-gug-great tut-tut-turkers!” stuttered the tall center-fielder. “I just kuk-kuk-kept sus-sus-still all through the game so you wouldn’t ketch onter me from my tut-tut-talk.” “And I suppose Hans Dunnerwust kept his mouth closed for the same reason?”’ laughed Merry, looking at the fat, roly-poly right-fielder. “You pet my life dot vos rightness!” was the retort. “Merriwell, you’re almost too smart!” cried the pitcher. ‘“Unmask, fellows.” Off came their masks, and there before the Merries were Dade Morgan, Dick Starbright, Hock Mason, Hans Dunnerwust, Joe Hooker, Joe Gamp, Dismal Jones, Berling Carson and Oliver Packard. “I picked this team up,” laughed Morgan, “and we have been trouncing ’em right along. This is our first defeat. Your success in running such a team, Merri- well, led me to try it this season. We were delighted when we succeeded in arranging this game with you, aided by Mr. Hunnewell. But your outfit proved too much for us.” “Now I understand how it was you happened to know our signals!” cried Hodge. “Boys, the long cheer for Yale—dear old Yale!” cried Frank. It was given with a will. THE END. The Next Number (388) Will Contain FRANK MERRIWELL’S GRAND FINISH; OR, The Independent Champions of America. THE LAST GAME OF THE SEASON. Matched With the Leaders of the American League. The Merries in Boston—Dade Morgan and the Plotters—Bart Shows His Grit. Boston Sprecrat, September 17.—It is learned that a meeting between the Boston American League team and the crack Merries, captained by Frank Merriwell,. has been scheduled for next Saturday. The approach- ing game has created intense excitement among the baseball fans of the Hub, ; 26 . TIP TOP NEW ‘yoRa: t eee: 12, 1 1003. phd SA ht pi niente TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. \ (PostaGe F rue.) Single Copies or Back Nutnbers, 5c. oe 8 months 2.0.0... BE OBE Cee PR FE EG: . $2.50 D WIORERS is 4-0 Narce KadewKs 5c. 2 eopies one year. etd ee eee & 4.60 @ OMNNS es F896 he i $1.25 1 ¢opy two years.......... 4.00 How to S#Xp MONEY.— is 7 ha Rian enact 5 aie A IE anne tne Semcetiied TIP TOP PRIZE GALLERY National League Baseball Series By special arrangement with the managers of the National League, Tip Top has secured the right to reproduce pictures of all the teams in the League. This privilege has not been granted to any other publication. Therefore, Tip Top is the first to present the complete series of this year’s League Clubs. Every reader of Tip Top—every boy in the United States will want to see these photographs and preserve the series complete. Now is your opportunity to do so and thereby obtain pictures of the men who have made baseball an art, and whose names are heard wherever the national game is played. The teams are published, one each week, in the order in which they stand as we go to press. Those already published are the Pittsburgs, New Yorks, Chicagos and Brooklyns in the order named. Below we present the fast Cincinnati Reds whose career in the National League for many years has been one’ that its partisans are justly proud of. THE CIiNCINNATIS Tare Magoon. Morrissey. Hahn. Harper. | Bergen. Steinfeldt. - —— eet Coreoran. Ewing. aE a Preitz. Sudhoff. Donlin. Kelley (Mgr.) Seymour. Beckley. Poole. Phillips. Do you see your favorites? Who can supply the missing names? THE NEXT NUMBER WILL CONTAIN THE BOSTONS “ie ee ADVENTURE THE REDSHINS foes ' Price, ROTO RO Thirty-two Large Sized Pages oOo Clear Type Qo Handsome Colored Covers RR UFFALO BILL, as the Hon. William F. Cody is commonly B called, is one of the brave men who made Western coloni- zation a possibility. The Indians, ever jealous of the ad- vancing civilization, showed their ill-feeling by plundering and killing the poor white settlers who had come to wrest a living from the virgin soil, under adverse circumstances. For a time their horrible crimes were unavenged; but soon Buffalo Bill and his brave scouts arrived upon the scene, and matters assumed a differ- ent aspect. He taught the Indians that it was both wrong and unprofitable for them to molest the whites. It took the savage a long time to learn the lesson, and the adventures that Buffalo Bill had in subduing them, are related in a very interesting manner in these stories. Each one teems with life and excitement. We are the only publishers authorized by Buffalo Bill to print the narra- tives of his life’s adventures. Boys, do not fail to read them. They’re a treat. A great competition is open in this paper, and the lucky boys will receive handsome baseball outfits. Try for them, boys. Send a two-cent stamp for a colored cover catalogue of all our five-cent libraries. The following is a list of the latest issues of the Buffalo Bill Stories; , 106.—Buffalo Bill on a Renegade’s Trail; or, The White Queen of the Mandans. {07.—Buffalo Bill’s Balloon Trip; or, Foiling the Apaches. 108.—Buffalo Bill’s Drop; or, Dead-Shot Ned, the Kansas Kid. 109.—Buffalo Bill’s Lasso Throwers; or, Shadow Sam’s Short Stop. , 110.—Buffalo Bills Relentless Trail; or, The Unknown Slayer of the Black Cavalry. 111.—Buffalo Bill and Silent Sam; or, The Woman of Ree the Iron Hand. Current and preceding issues may be purchased from all newsdealers at FIVE CENTS PER a COPY, or will be sent, postpaid, by the publishers, upon receipt of price. oa Street @ Smith, 238 William St., New York |