LARGEST WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA ‘PIE ADEAL PUBLICATION | FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH Poousd Weeb/s ¢ 6y STREET & SMITH, 2378 William St., N. ¥. No. 436. =~ 02 Price, ie Contes NICK MERRIWEIESPERSISTENCE OR HAMMERING AT THE TOP —™ NOTCHERS ~— Ready to hit out a home run. Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 278 William St., N.Y. - Entered according to Act of Congress tn the year 1904, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. Bro. <* “No, 436. " CHAPTER I. me WILEY S LETTER. — . fy: Three boys lay on the grass beneath a tree not far froma broad, sandy beach, on which the heavy surf was rolling, Bob Singleton. Bob was spraddled on his back, with A eS hands under his head, the picture of laziness. Brad _ lay on his stomach, with his chin on his hands, gaz- ing away over the open sea, which was dotted here and there by distant sails. Dick sat in a comfortable posi- _ tion, with his back against the trunk of a tree. On his "knee was a notebook, and in his fingers a lead pencil. ec “Seaslope is making a hot | dash now,” he laughed. . atte: really wonderful the way she’s pulled up on the 3 If she keeps up Ay be eeeey for first a within a week.” ” said Brad. NEW YORK, August 20, 1904. || DICK MERRIVELL’S PERSISTENCE Hammering at the Top-notchers. By BURT L. STANDISH. They were Dick Merriwell, Brad Buckhart and big her down into the last place!” Price Five Cents. “How does she stand now?” grunted big Bob, as nh it was a mighty effort to ask the question. b “J have jotted down the standing of all the nee here,” said Dick. “Rockford took the lead once more yesterday when we dropped the game to Seaslope. She has won fifteen and lost eleven. We have won fourteen — and lost twelve. Maplewood has won twelve and lost — fourteen. Seaslope has won eleven and lost fiftéen. If we defeat Maplewood here in Fairhaven this afternoon and Seaslope wins from Rockford, Maplewood and_ Seaslope will be tied. If those teams are tied after the game to-day, one of them goes into third place to- morrow as sure as they play, for they must meet t each other then according to the schedule.” sy “Great Scott!’ rumbled Singleton.* ‘““Won't it be an awful shock for Maplewood if the next two o ia | a ont He teat ro ' cancion ct Buckchart, “4 am 2 sure afraid Maplewood will throw up the sponge and - get out of the league. right long, and the pressure must be a whole lot heavy to pear. Hammerswell is packing the whole load on his shoulders, too. He kicked the other backers out of it and took charge in order to run things just about as he pleased, and I certain hope he’s a-plenty satisfied,” They are losing money ‘‘Fle’s done everything he could to keep ahead of us,” ches lealing with crooks, scoundrels and ruffians, said big Bob, resorted to bulldozing, bribery, kidnaping, ¢ and almost everything else on the list.” “And he’s certain had a good, right-hand partner in Chet Arlington!” cried the Texan. “T hardly think Arlington is pleased with his posi- tion or with said Dick, “I don’t believe he would stay on that team another day if his pride did not keep him there, Hammerswell, himself,’ I know well enough that he hates for Hammerswell has ‘several tines given Chet a call-down in public, and a call-down in public is something Chet Arlington can’t take with good grace. He is hanging to Maplewood with the hope that his team will end the season ahead of Fairhaven.”’ “T opine he'll be mightily disappointed,’ chuckled Buckhart. ‘Fairhaven proposes to end the season in first place.” “We'll do it if it’s possible, boys,” nodded Dick. “I wonder what new move Benton Hammerswell will try now. Iam watching and waiting for him to spring some sort of a surprise on us.” i “Do you know, pard,”’ said Brad, suddenly sitting up,» “T sure judge he had a finger in the queer disappearance of Cap'n Wiley.” ; ~ ©Do you think so?” asked Dick, smiling a little. “You bet I do!” “It’s mighty strange where Wiley went to,” big Bob. heard a thing from him since, although we've done everything possible to find out what happened to him.”’ a Dick reached into his coat pocket and pulled out sev- eral letters. -“T have heard from him,” he said. “8 ' “You have?” cried both his companions, in astonish- ment. : “Yes,” “When me “This morning.” | “Got a letter from Bee ?” questioned Buckhart. | “Yes; here it is,” said Dick, selecting one from se those i in his hands. ha put in “He vanished like a wraith, and we haven’t ® TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Well, now that’s some interesting,” said the Texan. “The whole island has been talking about his disap- pearance, while the newspapers around these parts have Where is he?” said Dick. | “Then I sup- had something to say concerning it. «6 This letter was mailed in Boston,” “‘Whe-oo-o0!’ whistled the Texan. ar pose the marine marvel was in Boston when he wrote a it? Does he make it clear why he took French leave so | sudden ?” | ‘3 “He makes it clear in his own fashion,” laughed . Dick. “T will read the letter.” ae me This is what he read: . ““DEAR MATE MERRIWELL: It may give a slight shock to your electro-magnetic nerves to receive this communication from one who has lately been your mainstay and support, and whose sudden departur e from Fairhaven has agitated the whole civilized world. 1 feel it necessary to exonerate myself in your eyes, and hence this brief epistle. You know I am one who loves \ “# honor dearer than life, and whose veracity has never been questioned or doubted for the sixteenth part of a second. Still I fear you may entertain a thrill of doubt . before you have finished perusing my beautiful Spen- = cerian handwriting. A few brief days ago I was happy and care-free as a codfish which sports near the shores around Fairhaven Island! No’ thought of harm came to disturb my happy hours, nor did I dream of the frightful experiences through which I was soon to be percolated. One balmy evening, while strolling along and enjoying my all-Havana cigar, I was suddenly at- tacked by an host of masked ruffians. They fellon me with a crash as loud as the collapsing of a twenty-story © office building. They soaked me with sandbags, and clubs, and brickbats, and rods of iron; and it’s a won- der that at the present time I have an unfractured bone in my body. I put up a terrible fight. I seized men and flung them to the right and to the left. I threw them into the air, and it actually seemed to rain men in that vicinity. You should have seen,me juggle with them. Still they were too many for me. They kept on coming and kept on soaking me with instruments that shocked my sensibilities until at last I was beaten down, pitifully bruised and unable to wiggle a finger or a toe. Then they seized me and carried me to the shore, where I was cast into a boat that was. manned by seven brawny oarsmen, This boat pulled away into the dark- ness of the shadowy night that lay on the heaving bosom of the mysterious sea. After a time we reached, a long, low, black steam yacht that looked like some old-” time pirate craft, without a glimmer of light, outside Fairhaven Hinhor After I was catried on board this yacht the anchor was lifted and we hurried away into the stygian gloom. I was taken below, where I found = myself still surrounded by masked men. I then indig- nantly demanded to know why. such an outrage had ee ee Tees Siee enn . : : 4 seas visit Fairhaven Island I would be spared. I can’t fracture my oath. glory. Cee ee & been perpetrated upon me. I was told that never again should I step foot on Fairhaven Island. To me it then seemed that the fiendish purpose of these desperate men was to take me far out to sea and feed me to the fishes. Indeed, as the blood-red moon began to climb above the watery horizon, I was carried, bound hand and foot to the deck, and a weight was tied about my neck. Those fiends in human form seemed on the verge of giving mea bath. I told them it was unnecessary. I told them I had taken one bath this summer, and I didn’t need another. All my pleadings failed to touch their stony hearts. At length, however, one who seemed to be in command informed me there was a single chance for me to escape with my life. In case I would swear by all that I held sacred never again to Think of my awful situation! I confess I am not yet prepared to manipulate a pair of wings or a golden harp. I have had no practice at.flying, and I am a miserable, poor musician. Taking all this into consideration, I agreed to do all the swearing they desired of me. And then, with the point of a keen stiletto at my jubilee vein, I went ahead and swore a whole lot. I have pledged my- self beyond revoking to keep away from Fairhaven, and I realize with unspeakable anguish the seriousness of the situation in which you are,left without my good right arm to aid you in win- ning the pennant for Fairhaven. Still you can’t revile me; you can’t blame me. I was finally landed here in Boston, and, as soon as possible, I borrowed .a postage ‘stamp and hastened to write you this letter. You will observe it is blotted with my pearly tears. Even as I write they are streaming in rivers from both eyes and from my nose. I fear this weeping will ruin my com- plexion, but I can’t seem to check it. Perhaps some time in the dim and misty future we may again meet face to face and heart to heart. I wish you success and And I bid you a fond farewell. “Yours with equivocations, ““Car’n WILEY, THE MARINE MarVEL.’ oi0 be “Welt, what do you think of that?” grunted big Bob. _ “I think it’s the biggest lie he ever told!” indignantly ay exclaimed Buckhart. _ eS CHAPTER II. : KA TIE "Sj Rae Se fe "Dick laughed heartily. ae Ss 2 Nees souiids like a he said. “He may have . “I see through WEEKLY. 3 “It’s the Texan. “You don’t mean to say that Hammerswell took all that trouble to get rid of Wiley?” He paid Wiley to get another of Hammerswell’s tricks!’ exclaimed “No! he knew an easier way. out.” “Boys,” said Dick, ‘ thing not a little. You will remember that early in the: season, while we were fighting to get into the Trolly League, Hammerswell tried'to bribe Wiley and failed.” “Did he fail?” asked Bob. “Wiley gave the whole thing away to me.” ‘IT confess [’m puzzled over this “But he took Hammerswell’s money ?” “That’s true.” “You can see by that, “that he’s not a chap to let any good money slip through his fingers.” “At any rate,’’ said Dick, folding the letter and put- ting it back into his pocket, “Wiley has gone and we must get along without him.” * said Singleton, “Which I opine we can do very well now that we have Owen Bold,” said Buckhart. “That fellow is a pitcher, and the other teams are a whole lot afraid of him.” “Look out, Dick,” warned Singleton, “that Ham- merswell doesn’t attempt to monkey with Mr. Bold.” +9 “T hardly imagine,” smiled Merriwell, a chap to be fooled with.” While they were discussing this matter, Dick ob- served a small rowboat that appeared round a distant point and seemed heading toward the beach near them. In the boat was a bare-headed girl, who handled the oars skillfully. | “Look, Brad,” said Dick, calling the Texan’s atten- tion. “Do you notice anything familiar about her?” -“T reckon not,’’ confessed Buckhart. to knew her any.” “I think I do.” ~*Do you?” ~¥ 6S... “Who is she?” 3 es “T believe that is Kate Qumn.” At this both Dick’s companions uttered puctnldae: “e and regarded the poet oncing boat with renewed in- . terest. othr 2 pe opined you. would see her again,’ 1 hen hes Westerner. “She seems to be coming: straight this way.” Toa e pr At she | tries to > Tand here,” “that Bold is. “T don’t seem* ' muttered Site “it’s i, je / she has a fellow who is mighty jealous of her. the beach. “Tt sure doesn’t seem likely she can beach her boat without shipping one of those combers,” said Buck- hart. “Kate Quinn knows how to handle a boat,’’ declared Dick, “and she’ll not attempt to land unless she feels certain she can do so successfully.” Nevertheless, he rose to his feet and started for the beach, with the intention of rendering assistance in case it was needed. His companions followed closely, and as the approaching girl drew still nearer she glanced over her shoulder and saw them. “It’s Kate Quinn sure enough,” nodded Dick. “T confess I’m interested to look her over,” said oig Bob. “I’ve heard lots of things about her since your little adventure with her brother’s gang, Dick. If we were to heed the things told of her we’d take to our heels and get anes instead of standing ready to give her assistance.” “T’d certain like to get a look at her magnetic eyes,” grinned the Texan. “They say any galoot who looks into those eyes is hoodooed. I'll chance the hoodoo.” “You’re wonderfully brave where a good-looking girl is concerned,” chuckled Singleton. “Perhaps both you and Dick had better light out. I hate to see you run into such danger. I’m willing to sacrifice myself, but I’m anxious about my friends.” “You’re very kind, Bob!” laughed Dick. “Kind!” exclaimed Brad. “He’s greedy, what’s the matter!” “See here, you wild and that’s woolly cow-puncher,” growled Bob, “you don’t want to forget how one man who fell beneath the spell of those eyes was found drowned and another had his skull cracked. You know Any- one who fools around her is liable to get rate Gore ‘after him.” A short distance from the beach the girl rested on her oars and again looked over her shoulder. | “Get away, you chaps!” she called. “Don’t bother me! I’m coming in there!” “We'll give you a hand if you need it,” said Dick. “T tell yer not ter bother me!” she exclaimed. “I don’t. need no hand. I kin land my, own bo’t without your help.” | i “There you have it! i muttered Biichat laughingly. “She s a-plenty independent.” Having warned them, the girl again ieee toward 4 TIP TOP WEEKLY. _for her to speak again. At the proper moment she sent the boat fly- . x” ing in on the crest ofa swell, jumped out the moment it aa: thin well of you, Miss: Quin.” fore.” “Excuse us, ” said Brad. ; “All right, I’ll excuse yer if you get out.” “It’s up to us, Buckhart,” chuckled Singleton. “Come on!” ea Together they turned away, and the girl stood wateh- Ge | ing them for some moments. ~ : ae ie Finally she turned toward him and looked him over, The expression of her face changed and her features softened a little. Dick was both puzzled and embarrassed. {?? “Tam mighty glad ter see yer again!” she declared, holding out her hand to him. NS a ' He accepted the proffered hand, retorting : ee “I am glad to see you, Miss Quinn,” om “Be you really ?” eee. “Of course Lam. Why shouldn’t 1 be?? hk “T don’t know. I thought febbe you'd hear enough | by uate time so you ’d never want.to set eyes | on me no more.’ me op hee “T gave you my word: the day you took me acto to the mainland that, no matter what T hear d, I would ’ | « 7% Ne Sy ‘ee body call me Miss Quinn. and there ain’t nothing stylish and dignified ’bout me. ae aoe OE 9 “You made me another promise that day,” she re- - minded. “What was it?” “You was going ter call me Kate. I never had no- That's stylish and dignified, Jest don’t you forget to call me Kate.” “All right, Kate,’ he smiled. “And I am Dick, you know. I’ve been wondering where ee ve been keep- ing yourself.” “T meant to keep away right along. I didn’t think I’d ever git round where you was again. | don’t want to git you into no trouble, Dick, and there might be trouble if Tim was to see us together.” “Tim?” he questioned. ‘Why, they tell me the man who is so crazy about you is Lafe Gore.” She nodded. . “That’s right, Dick. The night the boys ketched you and shut you up in the old hut they called him Tim so you wouldn’t know what his real name was. You told me you wouldn’t make no trouble for the boys, and you kept your word. I want ter thank yer for that. Still, it’s a good thing you didn’t try it, fer they was ex- oe pecting it and was ready fer yer in case you done it. _ My were was mighty mad when he found you'd got away.” “Did he suspect son me?” - She shook her head. “Nope ; Jake, he told them the yarn jest as I ordered him to, They found him tied hand and foot, and he Did he think you assisted ee said a lot of fellers from Fairhaven ketched him and _tied him that way and let you go. At first Brian didn’t seem ter believe it, but he couldn’t make Jake con- -tradict himself, and arter a while he had ter believe it. All the’ same, he got the money that man over to Maple- _ wood agreed to pay him for the job.”’ “Tam glad he got it,” laughed Dick. “Hammers- well paid the price and -got—nothing.” vrLe triéd ter make Brian give back the money,’ ” said “but that didn’t work at all. tie girl; ‘Now there’s something else in the wind,” “Something else? What do you mean?” - “To-day a man came to my brother, and I heard some of their talk. This man was sent by Hammerswell. You know sence the time you was ketched and shut up WEEKLY. ~ another one of your fellers has been treated the same way.” one?” “Another questioned Merriwell, “Can you mean Wiley?” eagerly. “Yep. They was paid to take keer of him jest the same as they did you. Then they paid him to take a They Some of the boys went right along with him ter see that he didn’t back out. They: didn’t give him a chance to back out.” steamboat at Rockford. and leave for Boston. didn’t trust him, either. “The mystery of Wiley’s disappearance is explained at last,” said Dick. “But what is this other matter you speak of? What are they going to do now?” “According to what I heard that man telling my brother, Maplewood is ter win the game ter-day, and they are going to try ter bribe your new pitcher. You ain’t got only nine men in all now, and if they can bribe your pitcher you will be in a bad fix.” : up “But I might not let him pitch the game to-day.” 7 «ats 99 “You pitched yesterday, his turn.” reminded the girl. “Naturally anyone would think so, but I may pitch again this afternoon.” “All the same if you do t’other feller will have ter play, and he may git a chance to throw the game away.” “T don’t believe they can bribe him.” | “Then if they don’t it will be the worse for a My. brother made a promise to bribe him or drive him, and Brian always keeps his word. I thought you’ ous ter know about this, and that’s why I hunted yer up.” “Thank you, Kate. I will remember your favor.” She glanced toward the boat, knowing that the rising tide had almost reached it as it lay on the beach, , I don’t keer for no — So-long, Dick!” Once more she heid out her hand, and again he grasped it. Neither observed a man who had eau- tiously approached that beach, taking advantage of any cover that might hide him from their eyes. This man _ was now behind the very tree beneath which Dick and “Guess I better be going now. one to see me talking with yer. his friends had been sitting when Kate Quinn was seen — rowing toward the shore. With a savage exclamation, he sprang out and rushed toward the boy. Kate saw him, and a cry of terror escaped her lips. : “It’s Lafe!” she wildly exclamede 18: Laie, Re he’s fying mad!’ ° CHAPTER Il LAFE GORE. _ Gore was a strapping, big chap, with a thick neck and a bullet-shaped head. His face was convulsed with passion and his eyes glaring as he charged at - the boy. Seeing the man was furious, Dick prepared to meet the assault as best he could. He knew Gore must be a powerful chap and that it would be dangerous to fall into the fellow’s hands. + b daa iee: just as the ruffian reached to seize Merri- well, the boy swiftly dodged, seized his assailant about the legs and threw him with a thud upon the beach. Kate Quinn gasped with astonishment, for she had ‘not fancied Dick could accomplish such a thing. Her magnetic eyes were filled with a sudden gleam of un- speakable admiration for the lad who had thus boldly faced Lafe Gore. Gore was unharmed, despite the shock of his fall, and with a roar.of rage he hastily scrambled up. As he regained his feet, he suddenly whipped out a wicked- looking knife. | | Then Kate flung herself in front of the man, with one hand outstretched, crying commandingly : “Stop that business, Lafe! Look at me! I tell yer cer stop, and you must!” _ His eyes met hers, and in that moment she con- densed all her will power in an effort to control him. ‘The knife was partly raised, and, holding it thus, Gore seemed suddenly turned to a man of stone. His lips _ moved and he huskily whispered : “U1 kill him!” | ae _ “No you won’t!” retorted the strange girl; “I won't . let yer. Put up that knife, Lafe!” Be _ Apparently he fought against the singular afuenke that was overcoming him. The watching boy knew >? i piercing orbs, the gleam of which seemed to benumb his limbs and render him helpless, “You've got ter do it Lafe!” insisted He girl, that knife up!” ya: hs mt . Slowly, slowly his hand retuned the knife eo its hidden sheath... . moment a new sensation of triumph, for i in all her life a fearful struggle was taking place in Gore’s heart. The man attempted to turn his eyes from those dark, “Put TIP TOP WEEKLY. ‘toward the boy. foom enough on it for him and me. “That's right nodded _ ae experiencing ant Phat a : _ job that will land you in the stone jug. ‘You let t is was the first time she had ever ee Late” boy alone.’ : pore + Just because ag happened ter see me “Don’t you try any more of that around here,” she. — said. “What was you doing with him?’ demanded the jealous fellow. “Why did you meet him here?” “That's my business, Lafe.”’ : “You don’t dare tell me,” grated Gore. “Well, you saved him this time; but I'll fix him—I’ll fix him!” “Save your threats. Don’t be a fool, Lafe. There ain’t anything ter fix him fer. He ain’t done nothing.” ee en ee oe ee “He’s one of them slick-looking chaps, and all the girls on the island are struck on him. I thought mebbe you'd git that way, Kate. We had him once where it | would have been easy to put him out of the way. If I'd known then what I know now, he’d never beet: saved from Jake.” The girl suddenly threw back her head and tatigheds in Gore’s face. , “Why, Lafe, you’re an awful silly feller!” she-de- a clared, placing both her hands on his sl houlders. “What 2 7. do you think a chap like him wants of Kate Quinn? a He kin git educated gals. He kin git gals that are ) refined and well-dressed and Jadylike. What does el i he want of a girl like me, in shabby clothes, who don’ es | know even how to read and write proper?” cee “Why did he meet you here ?” insigted Lafe. etn “He didn’t.” i “IT saw yer—I saw yer both! I saw him a-holding - 1 your hand, burn him!’ | ee ae “He didn’t meet me here,” repeated Kate, coolly. “I _ ee ae came here ter find him, if you want to know, Lafe By Gore! I’ve got a right ter do that, ain’t 1? You ain’t my master yit, and it ain't likely you ever will be. fy ‘i ee iy “Don’t talk that way to me, Kate!” pleaded the man, “That’s what makes me full of fire here in my chest. When you throw yer head up and talk ter me that ee sometimes I want ter choke yer.” ree | : “That’s the brute in you, Lafe. I kin come and go when I like and where I like, without giving no a planations: ter you.” | 4 ee right !” he growled, turning his savage eyes. ; “IT am goin’ ter tell him something! _ He had better git off this island to-day! -There ain’t Some others might have been better offhadthey gone.” = “Take care, Lafe Gore!” said the girl. wp here never was no proof ag’in yer, but some: time you will do a He'll mind his business, and. you le ae x . : * ~s ak Pa awakbetsttaaee ee each moment. something ter him, you ain’t got no reason to lay fer He’s got friends who are powerful, too, and should anything happen ter him they’d certainly in- vestigate it,” “I don’t keer for all of his friends! I saw yer hold- ing his hand!’ “IT was jest a-bidding him good-by, that’s all.” “Yer don’t have ter shake hands with him so friendly. How is it you know him so.well? That’s what I'd like ter have yer explain! You must have met him before. You must have talked with him before !” “T have.” ““Where, where?’ demanded Lafe. “Why, on Whirlpool Lake one night. guess you know about that.” “Ts that the only time?’ asked the jealous chap. Come him. I rather “Will you swear you ain’t seen him sence? now, if you didn’t see him arter that night you’ll say so mighty quick.”’ “What’s the use ter say so? lieve me.” “You don’t say it!’ palpitated Gore. you have met him! That’s enough! You can’t deceive me, Kate Quinn! You ask what a chap like him wants of a gal like you? Why, I’ve seen lots of um fool round country gals and make love to um. They think it’s fine sport. They laugh about it. They tell their friends how thé ignorant country gals git smashed on ’em. Do you want this feller You wouldn’t be- “Now I know I am no fool! laughing *bout you with his chums? That’s what will happen.” “Perhaps he ain’t that kind, Lafe. I don’t think he is. In fact, I know he ain’t.” “Oh, yer know it, do yer? You know a lot about ,? him, it seems! You know too much, Kate—too much! It was plain she had not succeeded in allaying his jealousy in the least, although she had checked him and held him in restraint for the time being. If any- thing, his hatred for Dick was growing more intense : The thought that she had met Merri- well there on the beach and had given Dick her hand _ was quite enough to feed the flames in. Lafe Gore’s heart. Jealousy is always unreasoning and often feeds on evidence too flimsy to be considered a moment by ‘any other passion. Brad Buckhart and big Bob Singleton were now seen _ slowly returning to the beach. Gore discovered them and aera TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Here come some of his fine friends!’ “Then it’s time for us to go, Lafe,” said the girl. “Come along with me. Help me put the boat off.” Giving Dick one last vicious look, the fellow turned to assist Kate. Seizing one side of the boat, while she grasped the other, they took advantage of the next high wave that rolled onto the beach. As it receded they rushed with it, the boat between them. At the proper moment the girl sprang in and seized the oars, while Gore gave the boat a final thrust and followed her. In a moment Kate was rowing away, with her jealous lover in the stern of the boat. CHAPTER IV, IN THE POWER OF GORE. “Whither did that there gent come from, partner?” inquired Buckhart, as he drew near with Singleton. “He wasn’t with Kate Quinn when she landed here. I opine that is Mr. Gore?” “That’s right,” nodded Dick. ‘He is Gore, and he came near shedding a litttle of mine.” “Hey? What do you mean?” Merriwell told his friends what had happened. “Whoop!” cried the Texan. “I didn’t opine there was any danger that you might get carved while we took that little stroll. Pulled a sticker on you, did he, pard? Why, the onery coyote! t am sure sorry we were not present when he did that little trick! I judge Bob and I would have climbed right up bis back.” “You want to look out for him, Dick,” said Single- ton, seriously. ““They say he’s crazy over that girl, and you know what happened to two men who became interested in her. Beyond doubt it’s dangerous for anyone to have anything to do with Kate Quinn.” “TI shall keep my eyes open,” declared Dick. “eg confess I think this fellow Gore dangerous. Come, boys, let’s get back to the hotel. On the way I have something to tell you.” Their interest did not, relax as he told them what — he had learned from Kate Quinn’s lips in regard on Wiley and the proposed bribing of Owen Bold. <3 “T certain should think Hammerswell ought to be sick of this monkey business by this time!’ cried Buck- ~ hart, in disgust. | “He’s got it in the neck right along, yet he keeps it up. It seems as natural as breathing: _ for him to be trying some crooked scheme.” . eka eee 19 “Do you think they can tamper with Bold? tioned Singleton. “T don’t believe it,” seems square and upright. they’ll waste their money on him. I shall find him and answered Dick. “The fellow He has no liking for Ham- merswell, and I think Still talk with him without delay.” When the hotel was reached Dick inquired for Bold, but no one around the place seemed to know where the man was. It was near noon when Merriwell learned that Bold had gone down to some of the old wharves for the purpose of fishing. A boy who had been fishing from the wharves told Dick where to find Owen. On one side of the harbor were a number of these wharves, some of them with wretched, sagging, old buildings on them. Without anticipating danger, Dick was passing between two of these buildings, the outer walls of which were so close together that there was not room for two persons to walk abreast. It was a dark, damp place, and beneath the planking under the boy’s feet he could hear the wash of the tide. He passed a dark doorway without pausing to glance in through it. A moment later he fa eid he heard a slight sound _ behind him and started to look round. Then it seemed "as if one of the buildings collapsed and fell upon him _ with a terrible crash. In his brain a bright light _ seemed to flash, followed instantly by total darkness. _ When he recovered consciousness he found himself. lying on some damp canvas in a gloomy place. His head was throbbing and his limbs benumbed. The “odor of tobacco smoke and salt water was in his nos- _trils, “He tried to move, but to his surprise found his arms were securely bound to his sides. With this motion on Dick’s part came another move- I am glad we are warned. o away, the dark figure of a man. For all of the gloom, i he made out this man was smoking a pipe. , _ What's the matter?” whispered Dick, unable 't to command full control of his voice. - “Something fell.’’ fr iNen,” said a familiar voice. t dropped on you. I tapped a on the head with it. able. for a good long while. cracked your skull.” . “Lafe Gore!” ‘breathed the helpless boy... Didn’t je but Td WEEKLY. ques- ‘What have I done to you that you should oe to ae | any, though she tried to. “ment near at hand, and the boy saw, sitting a few: feet ( “Don’t worry over it. “Something fell, and | ‘minute you was free. It was a clean knockout, and you’ve been laying peace- rested. Don’t say you wouldn’t, for I know better. “So yer know me?” said the man. with i ti : “Yes, I am Lafe Gore. waited fer yer.’ Dick now knew what had happened. He knew the jealous lover of Kate Quinn had stepped out behind him from the dark doorway of the old wharf building and had struck him down with a heavy weapon of some kind. At this moment Dick was lying’ on some rotting sails in that same building, with the tide gurgling around the piling beneath the wharf. Gore § was there on guard, grimly smoking his pipe. The — t situation was one to make the unfortunate boy shiver in spite of his steady nerves. He remembered ff what had happened to other men on that island and felt certain he had been chosen by Gore as another victim. ‘ “Tf you’re thinking about hollering,” said the guard, “you'd better save your voice, for it won’t do no good. There can’t anyone hear you if you yell, but I guess | you hadn’t better yell. The first time you raise your voice I will certain use my sticker on you. I will open up your windpipe.” pha “Man alive!’ exclaimed Dick; “‘you must be crazy! I saw yer coming, and I murder me?” “Oh, I don’t guess I’ve got ter explain it ter yer. — You know you can’t fool me. Kate, she didn’t fool me The more she told me she — didn’t care a snap for you the more I knowed she was lying. If she hadn’t insisted on that so hard I might | have thought what she said was so. She was too — anxious that nothing should happen ter yer. She tried — ter make me promise I wouldn’t touch yer. She tried ter make me look inter her eyes and promise that, but — I didn’t look inter them eyes of her’n. Not much! I | promised, but I lied ter her, and ¥ knew it then. All the time I was meaning to fix you.” ci “That’s pleasant information!” said the boy. 1 can’t quite understand why you didn’t finish the job | without waiting around for me to recover my senses.” “T s'pose it does seem rather queer,” admitted Gore. - Don’t think I mean ter let you go. Why, if you was to beg and make all sorts of - promises I wouldn’t do that. I know what you'd do the You'd go up there inter the vil- lage and swear out a warrant and try ter have me ar- ‘You think it queet I didn’t finish the job right off, e ? By and by you'll find out why I didn’ t. I am wait n’ here: till the men eet to kl in 1 the ene Ne rter- ‘ a ee ite tl ea eee ee Pea nah ed ’ happening. fool!” said Gore. of my bo’t and I’ll be giving yer that little row I promised. ‘There’s a half-tide ledge about five mile’ _ outside. tide kivers it. on till ye’re washed off. Mebbe they’ll find yer body and mebbe they ‘won’t. Whichever happens, there’ll be another mystery to talk about here in Fairhaven.” ee _ CHAPTER V. 7 headed toward the open sea. Tee TOP noon. There won't none of them be so likely ter see me when I row away. Oh, l’ve got my bo’t right here under this wharf. little ride in it. I’m going ter give you a nice I am goin’ ter take you out where yer can git a lot of nice wholesome sea air. The summer people who come down here seem ter a fine and healthy thing. think sea air is I am mighty interested in you, and I want you ter have the benefit of the sea air.”’ “T suppose it’s you,’ said Dick. “If you don’t believe Kate Quinn, you wouldn’t believe me.” “Not a_word,” useless for me to try to reason with said Gore, shaking his head. ‘“‘They say drowding is a fine way ter die. I s’pose you’ve heard that, ain’t yer?” Dick shivered again. “Yes, I’ve heard so.” Gore chuckled in a diabolical manner. “Tt’s a lie!’ he suddenly declared. ‘“‘It ain’t no easy way ter die. It’s a hard way. I know, for I was the same as dead from drowding once. You take the water inter your lungs and it gives yer awful pains. You struggle and fight against it, and know what’s And the man who says it’s easy: is a Apparently he fancied he was torturing the boy in this manner and seemed to take keen delight in it. “When you go down,” he said, Jest think what an idiot yer was not ter heed folk’s warnin’ here and keep away from Kate Quinn.” “So you mean to drown me? How long before my ‘time comes?” At a distance a steam whistle sounded. “That calls the men ter work for the arternoon,” “In ten minutes you will be in the bottom I guess we'll reach it sometime before the I'll leave yer there, and you can hang ‘ THE HAND OF VENGEANCE. ke Gore pulled lustily at the oars, with his dory In the bottom of tthe boat: WEEKLY. | 9 found no opportunity to call for aid, as his judgment told him such a thing would be worse than useless. Gore watched the boy closely as he rowed. The harbor mouth was left behind, and the perspir- ing cheek of the oarsman was touched by a soft south- ern breeze. “There’s goin’ ter be a storm some time ter-day,”’ said Gore, as if anxious to converse with his intended victim. “I see thunderheads in the nor’west.”’ “That’s interesting information for me!’ retorted “By the way, don’t you think you'd better It’s possible you might get caught out in the boy. turn back ? that storm.” “Thank yer. jest coming down the channel.” “What steamer ?” I guess [’ll resk it. There’s a steamer “Why, the special bo’t which is bringin’ the Maple- wood baseball team to the island.” “Ts it coming?’ exclaimed Dick, struggling to sit up in order to look over the rail of the:dory. “You lay down!” cried the man, pausing and mak- ing a move to lift one of the oars. “You lay down, or I'll knock yer flat! 1 don’t propose ter have no one but me seen in this bo’t ter-day.”’ “How far away is the steamer ?”’ asked the boy. “Oh, she’s a good mile. They can’t hear yer on her if yer yell till yer split yer throat.” “T am afraid,” said the boy, in grim jesting, “that I’ll be missed from the ball game this afternoon.” “T judge you will,’’ nodded Gore, once more bending at the oars. good many ni arternoons, too. yer no more.’ They won’t have Apparently Dick had given up hope; but in truth he had been for’a long time straining at his bonds, when- _ ever he could do so without attracting attention, hop- ing’ in some manner to free his hands. He had been encouraged when he felt the rope slip a little, but his courage gradually died as it finally seemed to tighten — Finally his again and remain secure and immovable. despair led him to make one more appeal to the brutal man at the oars. \ “See here, Gore, let’s talk this matter over a little. I’ll not attempt to argue with you, but will make you I am not anxious to shuffle \off in the ~ Indeed, I dislike exceedingly to a proposition. heydey of my youth. be fed to the fishes.” “No doubt of it,” retorted the ruffian. “Yer'll be missed this arternoon and a New, ‘if you were a receive a comontalie, sum 1 of IO ALP FOr money to take me back and let me go, I suppose you 7 ot? would eo..siser the matter? Jo yer? ssXAT c a? Why, of course. “You ain’t got money enough, boy.” “Perhaps I can raise enough.”’ “No; yer can’t fool me that. way. I know what you'd do. - you had a perfect right not to keep your promise. In- You’d promise me money, and you'd think stead of paying me ter let you live, you’d land me in limbo.” “Tf Pll swear that I’ll do nothing of the sort “Yer can swear till yer black in the face and I won’t 3? believe yer. No, it’s no use.” “What if I were to promise now that I’d leave Fair- haven Island immediately ?” *No good. You'd do it jest ter fool me. takin’ no chances, boy. Why should I? Nobody saw me put yer in the bo’t, and nobody has seen yen with I ain’t me. They can’t ever prove nothing agin’ me.” Far away in the northwest there was a sullen mut- tering of thunder. : | Gore glanced in that direction, but no look of appre- hension came to his face. “T guess she'll go round to the norrud,” “She won’t come this way.” Again Dick was' straining at the cords which held him helpless. Again he fancied they gave a little be- fore his efforts, but he was compelled to refrain in his attempt whenever Gore’s eyes rested on him. All too slowly was he succeeding in loosening these cords, Should his object be detected he knew the ruffian would _ immediately. make an inspection and tighten the ropes, “How much farther are you going to take me?” asked the captive. “Oh, don’t be in such a hurry,” retorted Lafe. “I guess it’s a good three mile yit.” “Three miles,” thought Dick, “I wish he had said he said. ~The whistle of the steamer that was now rounding Crown Point and heading into Fairhaven harbor was distinctly heard by the man and boy in the dory. _ “There’s a purty good crowd on board,” observed Gore. “Guess Maplewood has sent over'a lot of folks to shout for her ter-day. If she wins this’ game she'll be purty near second place ag’in, won't she?” “Pretty near,’ admitted Dick. “Well, she'll win, all right. They won’t have ter Lother w i t’other pitcher now. If I’d dickered. with ’ WEEKLY. Hammerswell I guess [I might have made money out of this job. I rather think he’d pay well ter have you disposed of, young feller.’ “T am willing you should wait until you can dicker ’ said Dick. “T ain’t got a doubt of that. There won’t be no waiting. He was willing ter pay anyone who would git at your other. pitcher and fix that feller. Money don’t seem to be no object with him. He must have slathers and gobs of it.” with him before disposing of me,’ To confess the truth, baseball matters interested Dick Merriwell very little just then, At an earlier hour in the day the result of the coming ball game had seemed of vast importance; but now, compared with the im- pending tragedy, it sank into total insignificance. At every opportunity the captive continued straining at his bonds. The muttering of thunder grew plainer and plainer, and finally Gore began to regard the rising clouds with a slight show of interest. ““Mebbe she will touch here,” he muttered. ‘“Mebbe we'll git the edge of her. I guess she’s goin’ ter be a rip-snorter, too.”’ Once more Dick suggested that it would be advisable to put about and row back to the island. “Tf I done that,” said Gore, “it would be jest short- ening up your time a little, for I’d toss you over afore I’d turned her round.” ' : Finally he paused, looking over his shoulder, after which he observed: ; “There’s Fang Ledge. I kin see her, That’s where I’m goin’ ter dump yer,’ “How long before the tide will rise over that ledge: te asked Dick. “Well, it may be an hour arter I drops you there, but I don’t think it’ll be quite as long as that,” “An hour,” thought. Dick, on the ledge. I may be rescued.” As if reading the boy’s thoughts, the ae has- tened to say: “Twill jest hang around till the top of the ledge is, a-wash. Oh, I don’t be in no hurry about leaving yer. | Don’t think I will.” “You're too kind,” said Dick, sarcastically. ‘You murderous ruffian! Your time will come! You'll surely meet your just deserts!” The ihdignation of the boy burst forth now, and with — burning words he told Gore exactly what he thought. “Someone may see me t € t t t TIP “Rant away, young feller,” said the ruffian, disdain- fully. “Lots of good it will do yer.” When his anger had exhausted itself in words, Dick lay quiet and apparently helpless in the bottom of the dory. The day, ‘that had been bright and sunny, turning dull and dreary; for the rising clouds had cov- was now ered the face of the sun and a heavy shadow lay on the heaving sea. At intervals lightning played far in the heart of the black clouds to the northwest and the booming thunder increased in volume. Still Lafe Gore seemed to believe the heavier por- tion of the storm would pass to the north. At length the ledge for which he had headed was reached. He approached it cautiously, for out there the sea was running strong and he knew the danger should his boat be carried against that rock. i _ Having swung the dory in close to the ledge, he sud- _.denly shipped the oars, sprang up, seized Dick and lifted him bodily. He then swung the. lad over the stern of the dory, and Dick’s feet touched the slippery, _ barnacle-covered rock, with the water nearly to his cee ee re ea at > Rye ee Re z waist. I, “Wade out, young feller!’ cried the ruffan. “If you fas don't wade for it you may slide off any minute and ‘ drown a lot sooner than you need to.” i Dick struggled toward the part of the rock that rose above the surface of the water. Twice he slipped and i nearly fell. At length, however, he succeeded in mount- ing to the crest of Fang Ledge. : Gore had pulled off a little and was sitting in the _. dory, watching the unfortunate lad. To his surprise he saw the boy twisting and straining at the cords, and _ then a moment later Dick seemed to get one hand free, after which he rapidly released the other. ; Lots of good that'll do yer!’ cried Gore, taking a look toward the island. “It’s a long way off,.and I don’t believe you'll be able to swim that distance.” Dick knew well enough it would be impossible for him to swim to the island. - Glancing upward, the boy was startled.to see nearly re over them a huge black cloud that was almost an exact is representation of a monster hand outs pread. To him it seemed that this hand was open and descending as if to grasp something. . ~ “Look!” cried Dick, standing on the ledge and point- ing at this singular cloud, ‘Look, Lafe Gore? Be- hold the hand of vengeance!’ TOP. a The startled man in me boat glanced spas and WEEKLY. If saw the cloud. His face grew ashen and he stared at the giant hand as if appalled. Then came a moaning sound that seemed to issue from the cloud itself. In-a twinkling a twisting wind raced out of the northwest and bore directly toward Fang Ledge. It tore at the waves and lashed the sea into foam. The man in the boat saw this infant tornado bearing down upon him, and a cry of terror escaped his lips. He strained at the oars in an endeavor to pull the boat out of the course of the approaching wind. His efforts were vain. He saw it fill in a twinkling, and then he flung himself flat on Fang Ledge, to which he clung with all his strength, ' while the awful wind sought to tear him from it. Dick saw the writhing wind strike the boat. CHAPTER VIL OLN - F°A NG “LOE D-G°E, The strange tornado, if such it could be called, passed as quickly as it had risen. It seemed to continue. writhing and twisting on its course toward the open sea. As soon as possible Dick ceased to cling to the rock and lifted his head. He looked around toward the spot where he had last seen Lafe Gore and the dory. Near at hand the man was struggling weakly in the water. Gore had been swept toward the ledge by the — tide. Plainly he was a; poor swimmer, and his efforts indicated that he could not keep up many moments longer. 3 ; cried Dick, for the man seemed con-— fused, and simply floundered aimlessly in the water. Gore made no answer, and the lad realized that the wretched man must soon give ne and go down. Kick- ing off his low shoes and laying aside his coat, Merri- well unhesitatingly plunged into the water and swam — ; toward Gore. He reached the man barely in time, for,, “This way!” with a choking, gurgling cry, Gore threw up his hands a and began to sink. | Dick clutched the man by the shoulder of his woolen shirt just as he was disappearing. Lovie | The man twisted about and weakly erabbed at his — would-be rescuer. , “ Bae Realizing the fearful peril of being clutched by Gore — at ‘that moment, Dick did his best to avoid such BS fing: cays _ The struggle to draw the drowning man toward / 7 in slowly pulling Gore to the top of the ledge. ~ compact bundle. _ plished: artificial respiration. not have been difficult, but in his weak- ‘ ened condition it seemed as ‘if his effort would fail. _ ‘Although he was ready to collapse himself, he managed 12 TIPS FOP Fang Ledge came*near exhausting young Merriwell, Once it seemed that he must give up and permit Gore to sink, He persisted, however, in his purpose, and finally a wave flung him against the slippery rock, 3y this time Gore was motionless and silent, and the receding wave sucked them both back into the water, although Dick tried to clutch with his free hand at some crevices in the ledge. Three times were they flung against the ledge, and three times did the waves draw them back. Dick knew he was becoming weaker and weaker, and he was troubled by a great fear that the merciless sea would beat him into an unconsciousness against the ledge. . Although he well knew he would have many more chances of escape if he released his hold on the unconscious man, his brave heart would not permit him to abandon Lafe Gore to such a fate. Then came a big wave that once more flung both man and boy high on the dripping rock. By rare good fortune Merriwell’s fingers fastened in a deep cleft in the rock, and there he clung with all his strength, while the gurgling waves rolled back with a sob of regret and defeat. ' The boy knew another wave might follow, and as quickly as possible he pulled his unconscious companion a litttle higher, and then sought to mount still farther on the ledge himself. The next wave washed about Lafe Gore’s feet and legs, but now Dick was braced with his feet in the cleft of the rock, both hands being fastened to the man’s collar. ¢ When the water fell back again Merriwell succeeded ‘The task of rescue was not completed, for Gore was uncouscious, and the boy realized that to restore the man he must begin work without a moment delay. Dick’s coat lay where he had flung it: He stripped off his vest and rolled it with the coat into a round, Laying this on the ledge, he lifted the lifeless body of the man, who was placed face downward, with the roll of clothes under his stom- ach. He at once began pressing on the man’s back beneath his shoulder blades in an effort to force the water from his lungs. Ina short time this was accom- and then unaided Dick attempted to, start With another person to ‘assist him this would WEEKLY. a to keep at work until at length there were indications of returning life in Gore’s body. Finally the man began to gasp and groan as if in the greatest pain. Still Dick would not cease work- ing upon him, although Gore finally managed to weakly gasp for him to desist. In the end Merriwell stopped from utter exhaustion. He dropped limply beside the wretch he had saved from drowning. Lying thus on the ledge, the man and the boy looked into each other’s eyes, “Tried to kill me, did yer?” “You waif” Evidently he was under the impression that the tor- being resuscitated had been gasped Lafe Gore. ture he had endured while caused by efforts of the boy to destroy him. And now, to add to their misery and wretchedness, rain came pattering over them, in huge drops at first, quickly followed by a downpour that was little short of a cloudburst. Above their heads the lightning flashed and the thunder roared. The shower was brief, and within five minutes it passed toward the open sea. Dick struggled to a sitting posture, and at the same moment Gore also sat up. “How did I git here?” asked the man, around. ; “You came near not getting here at all,” said Dick. “I managed to assist you to the ledge and drag you upon it.” “You did that ?” “Yes.” Gore shook his head doubtingly. “Don’t lie ter’ me!” he huskily snarled. should you do anything like that fer me?” te “Why “How do you think you got here?” “T dunno. But arter I left yer on this ledge ter drown it ain’t likely 1 ‘d give me any help! I can’t take no stock in that.” “All right,” retorted the boy. “You're at liberty to think what you like, Lafe Gore! Perhaps you were not worth saving, but I didn’t stop to consider that. I, | couldn’t see you drown before my eyes without HES to rescue you.” “What was you doing ter me a iret while ago? Tr thought you was trying ter finish me.’ “Instead of that, I was trying to revive you. ane aia lee Ris malas) looking a nn La a aii sae ae were full of water when I got you up here, but I Ae nf Ss ee RE < att Sl x. / see o- — it TIP TOP " squeezed’ some of that out of you and then started ' your breath again.” ° | _ *Once more the ruffian shook his head. “It’s mighty queer you should do anything like that,’ he muttered. “I remember how the storm \ swamped my bo’t and I found myself trying ter swim. I ain’t much of a swimmer.” “That’s right,” said Dick. “It’s strange a man like you, who lives around the water, should be such a ‘poor _. swimmer.” : . Gore sat still for a few minutes, evidently meditating - on what had happened. . “You don’t look like a fool,” he finally muttered, “T hope I am not,” retorted Dick. “Well, if any critter had done ter me what I done eI een ee ter you I’d let him drown within reach of my hand ' without a-stretching it out ter him.” “I haven’t a doubt of it,” nodded the boy. |. “Did you really go inter the water arter me?” 1, ("I believe T did.” “Then you resked. your life for me, arter all I done ; ter you?” eo “That's true.” | “It don’t seem natteral! It don’t seem natteral! _ Still I guess it must be true, for the last thing I re- member | thought I saw you close ter me in the water. How did yer git me ‘onter the ledge ?” “IT don’t think I can explain that myself,’ confessed the lad. “At one time I feared I would be compelled to abandon you. The waves repeaiedly sucked us back By after throwing us against the ledge. Finally I /ob- ie tained a hold and managed to cling fast to-you. Before ‘the next wave came I had crept up somewhat myself and pulled you a litttle higher on the ledge. [n that way we escaped from the water.” if a eee ay? “It must be true,’ muttered the man, apparently | speaking to himself. “There wa’n’t no other way for me to git out. And then he pumped the water out of ‘me and brought me round!” 5 All at once he started up on his hands and knees, and began to stare around at the wave-fretted sea. _ “Where’s my dory ?” he cried. “Gone,” answered Dick. “Gone?” Then we'll both dround just the same! You'd better left me ter die in the fust place!” _ “There may be a chance for us yet,” said Dick. “Perhaps we may be picked up.” . -’ “Never!” groaned the man. “There’ll be no bo’ts -. There ain’t no chance for us arter all you've done. WEEKLY. 13 out in this storm. The tide is rising now. I can see it’s higher than it was. Purty soon it'll keever this ledge, and that’ll be the last of us.” The full realization of their terrible situation quite unmanned the ruffian. “You'll have a chance to think of your crimes,” said Dick, “You will have a chance to think how you brought it on yourself. In trying to destroy me you have destroyed yourself, Laie Gore.” “T guess that’s true!’ whispered the wretch, his face ghastly with fear. “Look! Can’t you see a sail nowhere?” “Not a sail.” ‘ . “Then we're gonners! It’s purty tough! I ain't ready ter die yit! I can’t die now!” “Tf you’re not ready you had better make prepara- tions,’ said Dick, grimly. The man turned and looked at him in a singular manner. “Be you ready ter die?” he questioned. “Ain’t you skeered to die?” “T am not afraid to die,’ was the answer. “But I be—I be!” choked Lafe Gore, wringing his hands. “I can’t die now! It’s an awful thing ter die, boy!’ “Did you think of that when you brought me out here, with the determination to leave me on this ledge to perish?” “Don’t—don’t speak o’ that! I was mad because I ketched you talkin’ ter Kate. But you ain’t the fust one—you ain’t the fust one!’’ “What do you mean by that? Are you thinking of other men destroyed by your hands? It’s time for you to think of them, Lafe Gore! Your hour of retribu- tion has come!” 2 The stern accusation in Dick’s face and voice caused the wretched man to cower and tremble. - ' “Don’t talk ter me that way!’ he weakly pleaded. “Boy, do you think there is-any hereafter ?” “T believe there is,’’ was the serious answer. “I am confident there is.” | “Then it’s hell for me!” Gore almost screamed. “I | know what I’ll git in the hereafter!” He struggled to his feet and once more looked vainly for a-sail on the face of the sea. After a few moments he again turned to his com- \_ panion. . “Boy,” hé whispered, “can you pray ?” “Yes.¥ 14 TIP TOP “Then do it!’ entreated the wretch. ‘Pray fer some one ter come and ‘It’s your hour to pray,’ to ask forgiveness for your sins. Lafe Gore!” It seemed that the man’s limbs melted beneath him. He fell on his knees and lifted his shaking hands to save us!” said Dick. “It’s your hour Get to your knees, the overcast sky. As he did so, far away toward the open sea the black heavens were rent asunder by a terrible burst of lightning, followed a second later by a mighty crash of thunder. “T can’t pray!’ screamed Gore. “It’s no use—no met x usel” Then he fell flat on his face. Dick shivered in spite of his wonderful nerve. The tortures endured by his Sees were frightful to witness. , After lying prone a few moments, Gore lifted him- self and looked toward the water near the ledge. ““She’s he whispéred—“she’s In a little while she’ll keever the rock! - really think there is a hell?” “After this day I shall never doubt it,” Dick. “T can’t stand it!” _ burning here! here! here!” _» He beat upon his breast with his clinched hands. The look in his eyes was something to shudder at. _ Suddenly he paused and stared straight ahead, while the expression on his face changed and he slowly stretched out his open hands. . “Kate!’’? he exclaimed, joyously. “Kate, you've _ come! I knowed you wouldn’t leave Lafe ter dround— _ I knowed it, Kate! You’re a good gal, Kate! You ~ tol’ me you'd never marry me, but you’re a good, gal, - Kate! I said nobody else should have you! marry me now, won't you, Kate?” Dick felt his blood running icy in his veins. | : “Stop that, man!” he exclaimed, seizing Gore by the shoulder. ‘Don’t lose your reason!. You're going mad!” — | The wretch slowly. turned to ee “Mad?’ ‘he whispered. “Why, don’t you see her? She’ s comin’ ter take me aw ay! She’ Il take you, ‘too! T won’t be jealous of you no more! I'll help you inter the bo’t, and we'll all sail away! It ain’t much I kin do fer you. arter what you done fer me! _ Come, let’s ‘go! y rising steady! Boy, do you rising,” answered “You have already. suffered a taste of it.” cried the man. “TIT feel it now— You'll | _, were uncovered even at the highest tide.~ ledges! ‘his head. tpeae WEEKLY. “Hold on!” cried the boy, seizing the deranged man. [here’s no boat here!” “Don’t try ter fool me!’’ snarled Gore. “TI tell you Kate is here!” ‘ Look “or “Look!” commanded Dick. “Be reasonable again!” Gore stared all around them, slowly lifting his hand and brushing it across his forehead. An expression of disappointment and despair settled on his ghastly face. “Where has she gone Can’t you hear her “She was here,” he. said. now? Hush! I hear her calling! . calling ter me?” “That’s nothing but the wash of the waves,” de- clared Dick. : “T tell you I hear her calling! I’m going ter her!” The crazy wretch would have plunged into the séa, i but Dick tripped him and fell upon him. For a mo- ment they ‘struggled on the ledge, and then Gore gave over his efforts, and lay panting and unresisting, “Rise! rise! rise!” he thickly muttered, as he watched the water swirl around the ledge. ,“Did you ever pull a seine? Did you ever find a dead man among the Sy es fish in the meshes of a seine? There are dead men in aM the sea, and I know how one came to be there? There’ll be another with him purty soon!” | Thus the raving man and the unfortunate boy waited _ for the rising tide to cover the ledge and sweep them > away. jy a CHAPTER VIL. ie eae ‘KATE TO ‘THE, RESCUE. : Sriddenty Dick started anid stared long and intently toward the ledges far to the westward. T hese ledges rose high above the bosom of the sea, and their crests C. «beet “9? "> “Look here, Gore!” he suddenly cried, once more seizing the man’s shoulders. “Look toward those Isn’t that a sail?” : ot But Lafe Gore refused to take his eyes from the ris: : ing water against the ledge. “Higher! higher! higher !” he muttered. Dick searched through his clothing. In a packet hp found a handkerchief, and this he began waving above. i The tiny sail grew plainer and plainer, i Tt was that of a very small boat, but to the keen joy of the boy the boat seemed ec ee for Bi: iP TOR “It’s coming, Gore!’ cried Dick. “If it gets here before the tide covers this rock we may be saved!’ “Higher! higher! higher!’ came monotonously from [ the lips of the man. Aho Indeed the tide seemed rising swiftly. Already it, | was washing well up to the top of the ledge. An un- usually heavy swell might sweep over the ledge at any moment ! Dick continued to wave the handkerchief above his head. He saw after some moments the hull of the boat and was satisfied that it was bearing directly toward Fang Ledge. Would it reach them in time? At last a great swell sent the spray of its broken crest over the top of the ledge. The water wet Dick’s feet. “Get up, Sie ’ cried the boy. I tell you a boat is coming ?” “Too late!’’ said the man, dully. Dick could now see that there was a single person in » the boat. He shouted and waved-his handkerchief, a _ great feeling of thankfulness in his heart, for he was certain the one who steered that boat had seen them. “Stand on your feet! . Another wave broke over Fang Ledge, “At least six } inches of water swirled about the ankles of the man a and boy. . ye ‘ Gore began to laugh. a “Watch!” he cried.. “There'll be another big one i J s purty soon! Mebbe it'll be big enough | ter take us ems >with it!” 4 ' The top of Fang Ledge was awash when Dick made eS out beyond question that the occupant of the boat was ie ia girl. , Instinctively he knew it must be Kate Quinn. In this he was right, as he finally saw when the boat ‘swerved toward the leeway side of the ledge. \___ Then the girl’s clear voice reached him in an en- = couraging cry: “Stick fast!” she called. “T’ll be there in a minute!” At that moment another great roller rose above the knees of both man and boy on the ledge. , _his footing on the slippery rock and would have been carried away but for Dick’s swtftness in clutching him. mente ran the boat ap dangerously near the Jed ge and ares | “Come on!” she called. “Be dele it, too!” Even as she spoke the water, which swept around the rock on both sides, seemed to suck the boat toward the ledge. _ Stern first, it struck the rock heavily. “ WEEKLY. - ing they tol’ me they had seen Lafe Gore lost 14 Still clinging to Gore, Dick made a rush for the sa.l boat. Together they slid down the water-covered ledge until they were nearly up to their armpits. Then they seized the boat, and Gore scrambled into it in a maniacal followed. manner. Dick quickly “T rather guess I didn’t git her in too soon,” said Kate Quinn, as she swung the boom round so that the wind filled the sail. “I dunno, what’s happened, but I that rock ruther hard.” ; she uttered an exclamation of vexa- struck A moment later s tion and dismay. iz “What is it?’ asked Dick. ‘What’s the matter?” 3 “The rudder—it’s busted!” . “That's bad.” “Bad! I should say it was! Lucky for us there ain't any very strong wind now. The wind’s in the wrong direction for us to run back to the island with a busted rudder. We'll have ter look fer somebody ter ‘take us up.” : The rudder was examined and found to be ruined. It was worthless to assist them in steering. “Tf she don’t blow no harder,” said the girl, “we won’t have much trouble. I kin steer the bo’t some with a sail, but I can’t beat agin’ the wind that way.” Apparently dazed and overcome by what he had passed through, Gore sat on one of the thwarts, speech- less and silent. “How did you happen to find us?” asked the boy. “Well,” “arter I saw the storm ris- pullin’ off in his answered Kate, dory.* I had been looking fer you, and I eouldn’t find yer. I don’t khow why it was, but [ thought you was in that dory, though they said Lafe was alone. They tol’ me not to run out in the face of that storm, but I wouldn’t mind, I don’t think they keered mueh what happened ter me, for no one interfered when I started. I didn’t know where Lafe had gone, but I made fast for Green Ledge. That ledge has a place that bo’ts can run into and be sheltered from everything except an — easterly. The wind was from the west, and | run in ~ there. I was jest in time to git away from the tornader. ‘ When I didn’t find anything of Lafe there, jest as soon as the storm went over, I put out. I dunno what made me head this way, but I guess ’twas something there can’t no one explain. Arter a while I thought I saw ~ you or somebudy here on Fang Ledge. Then, when — I got a little nearer, I was sartain you was a-wavin’ — ter me. That’s how I happened ter find yer. Now, how did you happen ter be there?” _ | + apa ple OSE Hak ocoavsarsp teat fa POM Sener rae Pe tye. 16 TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Perhaps he’ll tell you,” said Dick, motioning toward “Don’t touch him, Dick!” she commanded ‘“‘He + the man. ; won’t hurt me.” i} f “What's the matter with him?’ questioned Kate. Then she gazed fearlessly into the eyes of the de- ih “T never saw him like this. Where’s your dory, Lafe?’ ranged man. i ‘ Slowly the man turned his eyes toward her. Yo her “Be still, Lafe!” she cried. ‘Set down where you sy astonishment, there seemed no light of recognition in was!” { those eyes. “Where are you taking me?” he whined. , if “Higher! higher! higher!” muttered Gore. “Purty “T’ll take you back to Fairhaven.” | a * soon we'll go! Purty soon it'll be over! There are “You lie! You ain’t takin’ me back there!” é g dead men in the sea!’ “The rudder is busted, Lafe.” y tl “Goodness!” cried Kate. “Your plumb crazy, “No; you can’t fool me!” ; E g Lafe!’ He threatened. to become violent again, but there | “He is temporarily deranged,” nodded Dick. “What was a power in her eyes that checked him. One of his ~ a Po he had passed through seemed to shake his teason.” hands had grabbed toward her throat, yet she made. __ | og He then related how he had been captured by Gore m0 move to resist. | ae . ge and brought out to that rock where the man left him to “You go back there and set down!” she said. “Be Be die. He was modest in relating his efforts to rescue quick about it, Lafe!” : a Gore after the swamping of the dory. Still his modesty . For a moment there seemed to be a battle of wills could not hide the full truth from Kate Quinn. between them, and in the end she conquered. Mutter- “You done that?” she said, and again he saw un- 19 brokenly, he retreated to his former seat. ONT - : ” 4 6c ’ Ce speakable admiration in her dark eyes. “Arter Lafe Now you set ae said Kate. “1 wont have nes, tried ter drowned yer, you pulled him onter the rock f00ling from you!" si and saved him, did yer? Well, there ain’t many ‘nate In this manner they drove onward before the wind, erat Avoid: have. done atl? unable to put about, watching and waiting for a sail “Look!” said Gore, pointing at some bubbles that for the sight of some craft that might rescue them. floated past the side of the boat. “See the eyes of the dead men! See how they look up at me!” “Poor Lafe!* murmured Kate. “He was born to — CH APTER VIL | be jest what he become. He couldn’t help it. His _ father afore him was a man to look out fer.” e WHEN oS RSME ett “[’m afraid we'll not get back to Fairhaven Island The disappearance of Dick Merriwell had OE no to-night,” said Dick. i | - small amount of excitement on the island. Dick’s. _ “No tellin’ ’bout that. It'll be mighty late when we friends sought for him i in vain, and it seemed that the | git there, if we do at all.” | whole village was aroused. * “Well, there’s one saeetactiqn in the probability that. “Boys,” said Buckhart, “this certain is ia one _ i this storm stopped the game.” of Benton Hammerswell’ s tricks. He has gotten Dick Sts f -“T dunno. It didn’t seem ter me’ that it hit the es out of the way somehow: ‘What are we going to.do! ai hee very hard. Mebbe they’re playing the game now.” “Dern old Hammerswell’s picter !’’ excitedly cried~ -. “Without me!” muttered Dick. _.. Obediah Tubbs. “We ought to go at him and knock | i _ “Don’t you fuss none over, that,” advised the girl. _ his block off!” : . | i You'll be purty lucky if yer play the next game with “Fellows,” ‘said Earl Gardner, “I béligve Dick ke them.” a be x turn up. all right. I have confidence’ that he will. oq That's true enough,” he admmitied.” ote ~ Let’s ey this game to-day to win, whether he i is here es - Suddenly Gore uttered a ne yell and a. or not.” Pree Aowitd: the girl. | | 'There was one time, however, when it seemed that “Stop!” he cried. “Where. are you taking me? ik there would be no game on the island that afternoon: won't go! I tell yer ter stop!” Pe made a clutch at em but already oe 's hands Sar tae a ii The Maplewood team had:arrived and insisted on playing the game. Nearly an hour after the time set for the game to be- _ gin the two teams met on the field. The island team i was one man short, but this vacancy had been filled by Hiram Sniffmore. 1p - Never had the boys worked harder to win than they did that afternoon. With Owen Bold in the box, the game was hotly contested for seven full innings. At ) the end of the seventh inning darkness terminated the | game with Maplewood three scores ahead. “I couldn’t pup-pup-pup-play,” stuttered Jolliby. _ “T kept thinking about Dick all the tut-tut-time.” “T opine we all did,’ confessed Brad. “I couldn’t* | get him out of my mind.” ; _ “Hit was henough to break hany team seal pesady. “Hi made three beautiful herrors.’ Not one of the boys enjoyed supper. In fact, Buck- ' P hart did not eat a mouthful. He improved an oppor- said stipper was over. “J have a right bad feeling about Dick,” he said. é T ve been mee how Lafe Gore tried to knife my The sole of the little iia village were all greatly ‘wrought up over the mystery, and until a late hour hat night there was much searching for Dick. In fact, Buckhart did not give up until oes had struck, is e muttered, as he went’ to his room. i For neath an 1 hour ss paced. the floor. At length, BY intervals hermuttered Dick's name. ith the first oe * streak of f Seale the Texan Ney th bed beside ele prearently sleeping soundly, ck Merriwell! oi eee shied Brad, pinching him- (aay A, pilot's elbow, we ran in here. eee you mae on the outside of the bed when r WEEKLY. 17 Satisfied that he was really awake, he rose quietly to his:feet and stood looking down at Dick. Then he surveyed himself and saw that he had not undressed. “What kind of business is this?” he growled. He reached for a pillow, with which he struck Dick full in the face. “Wake up here!” shouted Brad. “I certain want you to open your lookers and let me see if you're really alive!” “What's the matter with you, Buckhart?’”’ asked Merriwell. “Are you having a fit?” “Well, it’s something like a fit,” was the confession. “T opine you’re really. there, but how you got there I can’t tell. What have you been doing, pard? You’ve raised an awful disturbance around these diggings.” “Lower your voice, Brad,” advised Dick. ‘You will arouse the whole hotel. You act like a madman.” “T am mad—a whole lot mad! Who wouldn’t be mad? Drat it? Do you know you had almost every galoot in Fairhaven raking the island for you last night ?” “Evidently you have been dreaming,” soberly. “Why, you’re all dressed, Brad! you get up and dress?” “I didn’t undress last night.” “Oh, come! come! Don’t try any of that on me. You need a doctor, Buckhart.” said Dick, When did At this the Texan shook his fist under Dick’s nose, “You'll need a doctor after I’m done with you if you don't speak up right lively and explain things!” he asserted. “You can’t fool anybody this way. I am | wide awake now. Where did you go to and where did — you come from ?” : bi Dick began to laugh. _ “Tt’s a long story, Buckhart,” he ‘said. you all about it after breakfast. Just now I need a little © sleep.” abt “You will tell me all stat it right now,” said Brad, fiercely. ‘You won’t get atone wink until you do. | That’s business !”’ Dick gave a sigh of resignation and followed with ar biel brief recital of the facts known to the reader. “Tt was dark,” he concluded, “when we were picked up by a steam yacht. The captain didn’t know his way _ into the harbor and was afraid to try it until the moon | came up. After ‘moonrise, with Kate Quinn at the I was set ashore and “T will tell) 18 I decided it was best not to wake ” reached this room. you up, and so I turned in.” “Well, “you jest turn out, and we'll let the other fellows know you’re here. If we don’t, they’ll all be up directly and prepare to start in search of you.” now,’ said Brad, CHAPTER IX. NO GAME FOR FAIRHAVEN, The reader may imagine the satisfaction and delight of the boys on learning that Dick had reappeared quite unharmed, His story aroused them, and they were eager to lay their hands on Lafe Gore, At an early hour Raymond Garett came to the hotel, looking pale and troubled. His face brightened some- what when he saw Dick. “Well, this is a relief!’ close my eyes last night.” he exclaimed. “I didn’t me I surely would have notified you when I got back : to the island,” said Dick. é B. “T have something else to worry about,” said Ray. “My father is ill, and I had to stay up with him. He has had a dangerous rheumatic attack, and the doctor fears it may go to his heart.” Dick immediately expressed sympathy, after which Garrett listened to Merriwell’s story of his thrilling experiences on Fang Ledge. “This accounts for what Brick Mot ané just told “me,” he said. “I met Brick on my way over here. He had seen Gore a short time before, and he said Lafe ‘was crazy as a bedbug. He kept talking about dead men’s eyes and things like that. Take my advice, boys, and steer clear of Lafe. He’s dangerous enough when he’s all right, and he must be still more dangerous now that he’s out of his head,” on he's right sure that somebody ought to freeze onto _the galoot and | put him where he’ll do no harm,” said Buckhart, “Wh tat kind of a place is this that they'll let a crazy man run loose in it?” “Derhaps’ithey will do something with him now,” nodded Ray. “T’ll notify the authorities and advise them to look out for Gore.: He’ll be murdering some- body’ yet.” | yet ft “Dern his. picter!” exclaimed Obediah Tubbs. “I don’t believe it would be the first. time he’s arate ( EO eY | tien wd Kat apetnd nde BL ep, TaP TOP WEEKLY. “Had I kn wn you were worrying that much over makes a mistake on the weather.”’ ‘sion, for Py ten o’clock a, Be ee rolled over. * “Better not talk that around town too much. Gore’s is] friends will hear it and tell him.” ho _ The people of the little island village’ were both re- lieved and rejoiced when they learned that Dick Merri- de well had reappeared in safety. The story of Dick’sex- | perience with Gore aroused Mayor Cobb, who gave + orders that the deranged ruffian should be apprehended pe and locked up without delay. ae The local constable started out with several as- . iy sistants to look for Lafe, but the fellow seemed to have ie vanished in a singular manner, and no trace of him oie could be found,” Bie - Of course Dick was sorry to learn that Fairhavenhad | «:, dropped a game to Maplewood. He again figured up “Hoy the standing and discovered that the loss of another | +« game might once more place Fairhaven and Maplewood “a. neck and neck for second position. In order to keep © ey ‘ ahead of Maplewood, if the latter team should win the | ang coming game, the islanders must also win from Sea- fog slope. Ne While Dick was figuring this thing over in his room 4} — Billy Bradley came in and observed : “Hi am hafraid we’re going to ’ave a bad day, dons you know. It looks that way now, Dick.” “What makes you think so?” “Fi ’ave just been talking. with Brick McLane, and ’e says the fog is coming hin. There’s a big bank down to the south, and hit’s hawful thick.” “Well, if we can get away before oe fog anid in we'll play that game all right.” ; “Ow are we going hover to Rockford to- “day?” ie “By specia al steamer. Garrett engaged the Lady May to take over an excursion party. He’s working \ up the party now, and the steamer should * meaayes to. leave before noon. It may be in here now.’ “Hif we had gone on the regular boat this morning | hit would ’ave beech hall right,” said Billy. “Hi don't } fancy running round these ledges hin a a don’t you. hunderstand.” , te Tae, “T don’t Sarit it myself,” area > Dick: “put . am ready to take my chances if the captain of the Lady May will take his. Let’s not worry about the fog until | it shuts in.” ; ‘eka “Hi see you don’t think hit’s sorting.” +1 hea “Oh, I don’t know about that. , McLane seldom The lobsterman had made no mistake on this occa Tike fF S , island and seemed to become denser during the next hour. _ The boys gathered at the hotel and began to won- der if they ought to make ready for the run to the 2 | “mainland. : _ Finally Ray Garrett again appeared, and this time ann he seemed to look still more serious and worried. » “TI am afraid,” he acknowledged, “that we made a mistake in engaging a special steamer to-day. We'll . ' not get an excursion party large enough to pay for the boat if this fog continues, and everybody ; says it’s going | to stay by us.’ _ “Well, we’ll have to make the trip just the same,” id d ‘said es, “Tf we lose money on it, that can’t be helped ip “now.” eS | *“T don’t know as’we will sey i od i | “Why not ?” (Pp 6} “The captain of the Lady May is a cautious chap, ne iia he’s afraid to take chances around here in a heavy One fog. Let’s go down and talk with him, Dick.” | | Together they walked to the wharf where the little vi excursion steamer, lay. Apparently there was no. one ? on board, but they found the captain sulking in the 2h: boathouse. : i What do you think about it, Capt. femmiaye™ asked | Paerett me * nd “Rotten! rotten !” eerie Jennings. “TI left another vn job. for this. You always have a fog around this con- | founded isldnd, and oe. time I come here I get it in | in the neck!” “Not quite as bad as that,”’ sence Garrett. “You Cae In’t, get it in the neck the last time. We're losing dy [. omething, too, captain. I know there would have na large excursion party only for this fog. I sup- now there | will not be a dozen beside the ball ing n't you eee? Merriwell s ee ae WEEKLY. ; 19 Garrett to continue the argument, deciding it was use- He walked aft and stood by the rail at the stern of the little steamer. “We'll not be to blame if we can’t get to Rockford,” he thought. “They can’t forfeit the game on us if we less to say anything further. notify them of our inability to appear.’ Suddenly, without a sound, another person appeared at Dick’s side and a hand clutched the boy’s arm. “Look You can see their eyes!” “Took!” whispered a well-known voice. down there at the water! It was Lafe Gore. Hello!” exclaimed Dick. from? "© 8, they’re lookin’ fer me!” “Where did you come There are some people looking for you.”’ said Gore, in that ‘The dead are looking fer I can’t hide from them!’ : The boy was on guard, for he knew it was possible the deranged man might attack him at any moment. “Why don’t you come away from the water, Gore?” he said. “Then you won't see their eyes. Come up into town ‘with me.” “I can’t get away! keeps pullin’ me back! You can hear it?” | The only sound Gore heard was that made by the wwater as it washed round the spiles of the wharf and splashed softly against the Lady May. : Dick glanced over his shoulder toward the forward. part of the boat. He was tempted to call to Garrett and — the captain, but hesitated about doing so, at the same time wishing for one or both of them to appear. “Why @idn’t you let me go when they had hold of. me?’ demanded the deranged man. ‘You pulled me. out of the water! They had me by the feet! I could. feel them clutch me! I couldn’t get away from them! They are determined, to drag me down! down! down!” same awesome whisper. me! I’ve tried it, but something Listen! Hear them whisper! Again Dick glanced over his shoulder, and this time he was relieved to see Garrett coming. Ray uttered an exclamation of surprise as we eyes fell on Merri- : well’ S companion. Gore heard this exclamation and also looked round. “Keep away!” he cried, flinging up one hand and facing Garrett, “I warn yer not ter touch me!” - Dick made a signal to Ray, who quickened his steps. | Suddenly, with an inhuman shout, Gore flung him- self headlong over the rail, ne with a loud ae into the water. “How in the world. did be: get h here i cried Garret, 20 “IT don’t know where he came from,” answered Dick, “but the first thing I knew he was at my elbow. Let’s get a line to him. We must pull him out of that.” Both of them now ran forward and told the captain what had happened, at the same time calling for a line to assist m the rescue of Gore. The captain caught up a coil of rope, and the®three rushed back to the stern of the boat. , , To their surprise they could see nothing of Gore. “Where is he?” exclaimed Garrett. ‘He can’t swim. _It can’t be he sunk so quickly.” “There’s a ” said Jennings. - Merriwell ran swiftly from the steamer to the wharf a boat round yonder,’ and soon reached some steps, at the fogt of which a boat was bobbing. He sprang into it and pulled round to the spot where Lafe Gore had last been seen. “See anything of him?” asked Capt. Jennings. “Not a thing,’ answered Dick. “It’s remarkable.” For thirty minutes at least he rowed round, looking for the deranged man, but Lafe Gore had vanished as if actually dragged down to the bottom by the hands of the dead men he dreaded. “Tt’s no use,” Garrett finally called from the wharf, “He must be drowned. We'll notify the authorities, and they will look for his body. a may be a good rid- dance, although I hate to say so.’ _. On their return to the hotel they told what ie hap- , ‘pened at the wharf, and a number of men started out to search for the body of Gore. Though this search was continued for hours, ‘no trace of the man was found, @ The fog continued to lay heavily over the island, and shortly. after midday Garrett called the Rockford man- ager up on the phone and informed him it would be impossible for Fairhaven to appear. : “Impossible?” exclaimed Tom Fernald. -what’s the matter with you?” | “Why, “Heavy fog,” “Can’t get off the answered Ray. island.” “Oh, rats! No fog. over here! What are you talk- -ing about?” : A4 “Well, there’s fog etigugh here. re ‘ “You're squealing !”Andignantly exclaimed Fernald. “You can’t play that game on us! You can come to Rockford to-day, or we will pat our team onto the field ~ and take the game by forfeit.” ““T wouldn't ‘do that if I were imyour place,” céibaly retorted Garrett. | “Tt's understood that no game shall TIP TOP «arrangements with Maplewood and Seaslope to have WEEKLY. be forfeited because of the inability of the visiting or" team to reach the field where that game is to be played.” Ac “You're afraid to show up!” ; “Instead of being afraid,” said Ray, “we’re anxious li to get at you fellows. You have the lead in the race, fo and we want to pull you down a notch.” “You make me laugh!” said the Rockford manager. a “Why didn’t you take the game from Maplewood yes- terday ?” - “Our captain. was absent.” & “Poor excuse is better’n none. I suppose he’s still a absent ?” B.S “No; he’s right here. We want to play this game as 7 oe badly as you do, Mr. Fernald.” a ee “It looks like it!” exclaimed the Rockford manager, — | med sneeringly. “I hate to disappoint people here, for we'd f . have a roaring, big crowd to-day. I shall keep my i cla word, Garrett, and put the team onto the field.” | fe to- _ “Go ahead,” said Ray, losing his patience at last. | ~ hac “Little good it will do you!” no “Why didn’t you come by the pxuley boat this . “th morning 2 | ; WI “Because we had arranged to come on the Lares Sa a May, and she lies here at the wharf now. The’ fog. . came in in the middle of the forenoon, and Capt. Jen- nings refuses to budge.” “T don’t take any stock in that, Cafrete: nings to the phone for me, will you?” wie I “Get him to the phone yourself!’ retorted Rai) ST don’t fancy having any man call me a liar! If you | can’t take my word for it you may have the umpire for- feit the game and see how much good it will do you! f° Good-by!” e As he hung up the receiver he heard Fernald shout — something, but paid no further attention to the man. | Later Garrett learned that Fernald did call Capt-~ | Jennings to the phone and that the captain firmly re- | fused to take his boat out of Fairhaven harbor. 3 That night the boys learned that Rockford had made the Maplewood team play in Rockford in Fairhaven’ place, while Seaslope took a rest. Evidently Benton. _ Hammerswell had eagerly agreed to this, hoping to win < - from the leading team in the league. If such was his, " ! expectation, however, he met with disappointment, as Rockford easily carried off the game by a score of Six- teen to five. | fas “Fernald was determined to have,a game to-day,” laughed Garrett. eee: he gave up the see of A et we is to-day upsets the schedule some. said. LIP TOP putting his team onto the field and have us lose by forfeit.” “Where is Maplewood nun-nun-now ?”’ liby. foot.”’ “Wait a minute,” as he jotted down some figures. “Let’s see how the teams stand. Both Rock- ford and Maplewood have played twenty-eight games, inquired Jol- “She must be pretty near the fuf-fuf-fuf-fuf- said Dick, while Fairhaven and Seaslope have played twenty- seven each. eleven. teen and lost thirteen. and lost fifteen. sixteen. two or three more games may put it at the bottom.” “That sure is a whole lot of satisfaction to me,” de- clared Buckhart. “This shifting round of the game I don’t see how they had any right to make such a change.” “When it comes to a matter of right,” said Garrett, “they didn’t; but evidently Fernald, Hammerswell and Rockford has won seventeen and lost We are still in second place, having won four- Maplewood has won thirteen Seaslope has won eleven and lost Yes, Hammerswell’s team is slumping, and “Whitcomb an agreed on it, and therefore we have very little to say.” The hotel proprietor now appeared and told Garrett he was wanted at the phone. A few minutes later Ray returned and informed the boys that another change had been made and Fairhaven would be ex- _ pected to play Rockford in Rockford the following day. “Let’s find out if the Lady May is still here,” he “Tf Jennings hasn’t arranged for something to- | morrow, perhaps we can run that excursion.” growled, after listening to Garrett’s proposat. ms it’s the last excursion I’ll ever take off this island.” \7 The Lady May was still lying at the wharf, and Capt. Jennings was sulking. “So you want my boat to-morrow, do you?” he “Well, “Then you will carry us, will you, captain?” “Yes, I'll carry you if the dratted fog doesn’t, pre- s vent it!” “All right,” laughed Ray. “That’s settled.” CHAPTER X. A MAN OF MANY PLOTS, That same evening Benton Hammerswell called Chester Arlington to his room in the Maple Heights Hote at. ‘Maplewood. Hammerswell was chewing at WEEKLY. 2t the end of an unlighted cigar, and looking both dis- gusted and desperate. “T’d like to know what ails this confounded team of Arlington ?” ours, he said. “T wish I could tell you,” said Chester, as he coolly sat down and produced a cigarette case. “I am sure I don’t know.”’ Hammerswell glared at Chester’s cigarette. “Why do you smoke those things?” he demanded. “Why do you smoke a cigar?” asked Arlington, in return. “There’s a difference between a cigar and a cigar- ette, and you know it. never smoke cigarettes. and ruin your playing.” Men smoke cigars, but real men Those things spoil your nerves “Did we lose the game to-day through any fault of mine?’ asked Chester. ‘‘Did you see any errors marked against me to-day? Didn’t I accept every chance I had, and didn’t I make two clean hits? If the others had done as well, the result might have been something different.” “It’s a thundering queer thing,” growled Hammers- well, “that I’ve poured money into this old baseball team and now we're pretty near the bottom. I have been ready to pay any price for good men. I have made change after change that should have improved the team, but still we keep on losing.” “Don’t you think you have made too many changes! es asked Chester, pulling at his cigarette. “Too many changes? How can you make too many changes, if you drop weak players and fill their places with better men ?” “I have noticed, Mr. Hammerswell, that a winning ball team in a league seldom makes changes. It sticks together and works to improve it’s playing. If you keep changing all the time it breaks up team work. New men come in and are not familiar with the others, and are not onto the style of playing. You will notice that only one change has been made on the Fairhaven team since the season opened, and that came through necessity. When they lost W iley they had to fill his place.” These words seemed to provoke the Mavlewacs man- ager still more. “Yes! he cried. Owen Bold. of Wiley. She’s going to win the pennant as sure as fate. only thing we can do is to take second place.” “And they got a better man in I wasted my ammunition in getting rid . It’s impossible to head Rockford” now. The “Can we do that?” laughed Chet, shrugging his shoulders. Hammerswell savagely stamped the floor. “We must do it!” ple around here have the cheek to tell me I made a he almost shouted. “Why, peo- blunder when I refused to keep Merriwell and his gang! This very day Henry Duncan asked me if I didn’t realize my mistake. I’d rather lose five hundred dol- lars more than to give that man a chance to throw it into me, which he will do if we finish the season behind Fairhaven. He’s not the only one, either. There are others waiting for the opportunity to tell me what they think. You were confident that we would win to-day, Arlington.” “I know it,”’ confessed Chester. “I felt that it was our day, and that’s why I was anxious to get at Rock- Mr. playing the regular game with Seaslope. 3 “Not if those lobsters at Rockford. ford. We made a mistake, Hammerswell, in not had put up the game they did I have threatened once or twice to drop you from the team, Arlington.” “I know it. You were unreasonable, Mr. Ham- merswell. You can see now; if you think the matter over soberly, that I have made good right along. I urged you not to shift players so often, but you wouldn’t hear to me. About the time I got the bovs working well together you invariably insisted on some change. No captain can work up a winning team unless he keeps his players together. If you’re dissatisfied with me, you know what you can do.” “Don’t get insolent, young fellow!” snarled the des- perate manager. “I am not going to fire you.” Chester smiled. He was thinking at that moment that he knew the reason why Hammerswell did not intend to let him go. The Maplewood manager had taken Chester into his confidence, and Arlington knew all about Benton Hammerswell’s schemes and plots to | Being aware of this, Hammerswell ~~ did not care to anger Chester by giving him his release. etx “No, I am not going to fire you,” he repeated, seek- ing to* control himself. defeat Fairhaven. “T acknowledge you’ve been a good man, Arlington. You want to down Merriwell, Lie PLL of humiliating my Self i in stich a manner. there.” WEEKLY. “You know I do.” “Well work. Whyc , I’ve a plan. If you will help me out it may can’t you leave here and go to Fairhaven? You can say you became disgusted with us and quit the team. I will pretend to be sore and discharge you for leaving. Fairhaven has only nine men, and she needs another. For one thing, she needs an extra pitcher. You know all those fellows, and you can get back with them if you’re clever. They’ll take you onto the team You will be of more value to me on their team than on our again, and you can.aid me in pulling them down. team here. What do you say to that?” Chester snapped his fingers. “The scheme isn’t worth a puff of smoke,” he de- clared. . “Why not?” “Because it won’t work.” “What makes you think it won’t?” “T know it wouldn’t. I know those fellows on that team. I couldn’t get back with them if I went over there and begged the privilege on my knees.” A “Do you believe that ?” “T tell you I know it.” “You might try it,” urged the scheming rascal. “Excuse me, Mr. Hammerswell. I wouldn’t think to think of something else.” i “Then there is only one thing for it,” growled Ham- merswell. “Merriwell must be reached.” — “What do you mean by reached ?” Again the man stepped in front of the bag lowering | a his voice as he said: “I mean that he must be fixed so he’ll play no more | this season. As long as he remains in the game those Fairhaven youngsters will fight like a bunch of tigers. Take him out of it, and they will be unable to hold their oe own with any other team in the league.” a “Flow do you propose to get him out of it?” “I don’t know just now,” tugging at one end of his drooping mustache; “but Ly had the thing fixed yesterday, all right. He would not | have played in Rockford if rb tees had ite df You will have — confessed Hammerswell, 2 M3 eee i x oes TI hk Rock Party re had l : joinit | ever, | hills : | in the Wit | ake | breeze “Why. not?” “T happen to know a little something about the assist- ant engineer on the Lady May. I happen to know that he is wanted by the authorities in Haverhill, Massa- -chusetts, for breaking and entering there. He is aware that I know this, and I had a little scheme all fixed He was to get at- Merriwell He’s stout as a bull, and has made something of a reputa- up with him yesterday. some time during the trip over from the island, He agreed to tackle What do you think of that? I have an idea that would put the fellow out of tion as a professional wrestler. r ~Merriwell and break his arm. Sa a ae oe " ‘ eras the game for the rest of this season, if it didn’t end | his ball playing forever.” Again Chester shrugged his shoulders. “Mr. Hammerswell,”’ he said, “I confess that for | plots of this sort you certainly beat anyone I ever met. | I wonder what you will devise next. It’s lucky for -Merriwell, apparently, that Fairhaven didn’t cross on the Lady May yesterday.” “They may use that boat again before long,’’ said - Hammerswell. “When they do something will hap- pen. Mark my word.” CHAPTER XI. A FRIGHTFUL PREDICAMENT. - The Lady May was on her way from Fairhaven to rty of excursionists, Early in the day the weather | had looked threatening, and this prevented many from aven’t sus-sus-sus-seen him since we started.” > invited Obediah Tubbs, mysteri- Come with me,’ sly. “TI will show you something.” ther the thin boy and the fat boy descended into. WEEKLY. 23 the cabin, and there, stretched on one of the cushioned seats, evidently sound asleep, was Dick. “What's he sus-sus-sus-snoozing for?’ whispered Chip, in surprise. “It ain’t. like him to sus-sus-sleep such a fine day as this, He’s always on deck and wide awake.” “Keep still!” cautioned Obediah. “Dern your picter! you will wake him up. He’s tired, I guess,” “What makes him tut-tut-tut-tired?” “Don’t you know he sat up all last night with Ray Garrett’s father. You know Mr. Garrett is pretty sick, and his folks are awful worried about him,” “Did Dick sus-sus-set up?” asked Jolliby. “I didn’t know anything abub-bub-bout it.” “Yep, he set up,” nodded Tubbs. ‘Ray was on the jump all day yesterday after setting up himself the night before, and he was blooming pegged out last night. Dick and Gardner called over at Garrett’s, and Dick stayed when Earl came away. This morning I heard him telling Buckhart how he watched with Mr. Garrett most all. night.”’ “He was a fuf-fuf-fool to do it,’ detlared Chip. “Why, he’s got to pup-pup-pup-pitch the game to-day, - and he’ll have to be right on his ginger to bub-bub- bub-beat Rockford.” . _ At this juncture Brad Buckhart tiptoed softly down the companionway and peeped into the cabin to see if. Dick was still sleeping. Discovering Chip and Obe- diah, the Texan hissed in an indignant whisper: “Whatever are you galoots trying to do? Amble out of this, and let my pard snooze undisturbed and peace- — ful.” “Now, don’t you go to looking at me in that tone of | voice!” hotly retorted Tubbs. “If you do, dern your picter, I'll sail inter you! We ain’t done nothing.” “We'll bub-bub-bub-both sail into you,” muttered Jolliby. “You don’t want to get fuf-fuf-fuf-fresh with us, Mr. Buckhart. We're a whole tut-tut-tut-team, with a little dog under the wagon, by jingoes!” “That's what we be, Chip,” agreed Obed, affection- a ately embracing his lanky companion. “We'll stick by each other until the last pie is swallowed.” ¥ 24 TIP TOP “Go on, both of you!” growled Brad, softly. “In ten minutes you will be quarreling.” “What?” exclaimed Jolliby, with an air of indigna- tion. “Quarreling! quarreling! Why, we nun-nun- nun-never have the sus-sus-slightest disagreement, do we, Obey?” 9 “Never,” affirmed the fat boy. “But I guess we'd better move, or this fighting Texan will innake a row and wake Dick up.” Barely had the three left the cabin when a thickset, begrimed, muscular-looking young man silently opened a narrow door and peered in at the sleeper. This fellow was covered with coal dust, and his appearance denoted that he was a worker in the engine room. His eyes _. gleamed with a wicked look as they fell on the sleep- ing boy. . “That’s him!” he muttered softly, “or my name isn’t Luke Grimes. “This is my chance to get at him. If I don’t do it, Hammerswell threatens to blow on me. If he does ‘blow, I will be pinched and taken back to _ Haverhill.” by | For a moment the man seemed to hesitate, after i _ which he tiptoed softly into the cabin. Pausing near the companionway, he peered upward and listened. | “Somebody may ketch me at it,” he whispered ; “but I’ve got ter take the chances. now, but I’ll put him outer one game.” _ Turning toward the sleeping lad, Luke Grimes pro- duced from his pocket a dirty handkerchief and a small Pte containing some liquid. Removing the stopple from the vial, he turned its contents onto the handker- _ chief. Like a cat he stole upon the unconscious boy. The handkerchief gave out a sickening odor as it was ae held close to Dick’s nostrils. \ - Watching like a hawk, Grimes noted the effect of the oe odor upon the sleeper and was faaiy for action when Dick stirred Slightly and seemed on the point of awak- ing. ‘Instantly the man flung himself on Merriwell, pinning him fast and pressing; the hhandkerchie See over his mouth and nose. I won t “break his arm. WEEKLY. had been taken at such a disadvantage that he had no chance to resist successfully and therefore was quickly overcome. Satisfied with his work, yet shaking with apprehension, Luke Grimes lifted the unconscious lad and bore him quickly from the cabin, disappearing through the narrow door, which closed behind them. When Dick recovered consciousness he found him- self lying on a bed of soft coal in a dark, suffocating His jaws were aching and his limbs cramped. sound that told of On trying to stir, he found himself place. He breathed with a hoarse whistling painful efforts. helpless. He was bewildered and dazed, and could not comprehend what had happened. After a time his reviving senses. noted the clanking sound of an engine not far away, and that a regular shuddering movement shook that part of the steamer. | ‘ Gradually he remembered all that occurred up to ee | time he fell asleep in the cabin of the Lady May. Then he wondered if his present experience, might not be a hideous dream. He soon decided, however, that unfortunately he was wide awake. His'hands and feet were bound, and the aching of his jaws was caused by 4 3 a gag which held them wide apart. Eb a Of a sudden, to the boy’s surprise, there was a slight - movement near at hand. Turning his head a little, oe riwell fancied he saw a pair of gleaming eyes fastened _ upon him. In the depths of those eyes was something that fascinated him and held him spellbound. Nearer and nearer they came. Something was creep ing upon him. He saw a black body, and then gradually | BS made out the figure of a man crawling on hands’ and. knees over the bed of soft coal. “Who was it?” Tate a -Dick’s heart hammered og in his breast. | which for him seemed to bode no good. At length the unknown reached out a hand and touched the boy. = What sous he do‘next? > The struggle that followed was brief, for x Mesie_td Tif TOP The silence was broken by a strange, low laugh that was remarkably familiar to Dick. said “They Why “In here.I can hide from the eyes of the dead,” a voice that made Merriwell’s nerves. jump. found me. can't follow me here. But you have did you come?” _Dick’s companion was Lafe Gore! CHAPTER XII. ONE NOTCH FROM THE BOTTOM. _ Though Maplewood was to play in Seaslope that af- ternoon, Benton Hammerswell stopped at Rockford and visited the baseball field there. The home team was practicing on the field as Hammerswell entered, but the islanders had not arrived. “How do you do, Mr. Hammerswell,” said Tom Fernald, as he met the Maplewood man. “Why aren’t you in Seaslope?” “Going right over on the next car,’ said Hammers- well. Ippose you expect to win to-day ?” “Just dropped off here to see your game start. I “Of course, ” laughed Fernald. “Our boys are in reat trim. We'll take a fall out of the islanders all a Seaslopers are ae altogestier too fast to suit me.’ ght, and it’s up to you to hold Seaslope down. aiixiotis to have you sectire second Bee an Sea- is pressing you hard, just one small notch from the bottom.” it_ my players to bed at nine o'clock last night. ttle session with shee yeredey and gave them o ‘thing that keeps us ee is eed Some < 1en 1 monkey with the ee and. get knocked out If you lose to-day you | WEEKLY. 25 of condition. I have warned every ‘booze-seller in these parts against letting any man on the Maplewood team have the stuff, and I propose to make it hot for Vil the whole of my players on the water-wagon if I have the first one who disregards the warning. keep to sit up night and day to do it.” “Pretty hard work to prevent a man from drinking if he’s made up his mind ter have the stuff,” said Fernald. “TI know that by experience.” A coal-begrimed man approached and spoke to the Maplewood manager: “Excuse me, Mr. Hammerswell,” he said. “Can I see yer a minute?” Hammerswell frowned and looked annoyed. “T suppose so,” he said, turning away. Tom Fernald walked toward the Rockford bench. “What the devil do you mean, Grimes, by coming here and speaking to me in public ?” asked Hammers- well, in a low tone. : “T wanted ter tell yer,” answered Luke Grimes, for the man was the assistant engineer of the Lady May. “T done the job. Merriwell.is tied and gagged in the coal hole of the Lady May. He won't pitch to-day. And I doubt if them fellers from the island play at all. They tore things up searching for him, but didn’t find him, and now they think he must have gone overboard somehow. They know he was asleep in the cabin, and some of them say he may have walked in his sleep. and! tumbled overboard. I am going to dig out, for there ; will be an awful ruction over this business when he’ S50 ; found. I want some money.” “Money cal “Yes! Got ai have it! lars!” Gimme twenty-five dol- ie “Haven't a it with me,” said Hammerswell. vey will meet you in front of the Corndike to-night at seven — o'clock. I will let you have some money then. You stand in front of the hotel and follow me as I pass.” 24 “All right, * said Grimes. “But you want to be there, : Mr. Hammerswell. It wouldn’t be a good thing for you if TD vas. ketched and had to confess what I done 26 “Depend on me,” said Hammerswell. ‘“You’d bet- ter take a walk now.” Grimes hurried away and left the ball ground. Hammerswell lingered a few moments, glancing at his watch. “I don’t care a rap,” he muttered, “if Merriwell dies in the coal hole of the Lady May before they find him.” Finally he turned to leave the field, with the inten- As he turned toward Sud- denly he paused, his face turning pale, for at the head tion of taking a car for Seaslope. the gate he saw the Fairhaven team entering. of the island boys was Dick Merriwell. “Ten thousand furies!’ whispered Hammerswell. “They have foung him, and he seems in good condition to play ball.” - | Dick was speaking to Buckhart as they drew near the FE : Maplewood manager, and Hammerswell heard him vi say: “Yes, I might have smothered there only for Lafe Gore. The poor, crazy fellow was hiding in that place, and he set me free as soon as he made out who T was. So you see, Brad, I didn’t make a bad blunder in saving his life on Fang Ledge.” Just then Dick's dark eyes fell on Benton Hammers- well. He noted the pallor of the man, and suddenly he flung up one hand, pointing straight at Hammerswell’s face. “Another dastardly trick gone wrong!” he cried, ac- cusingly. “In the end you shall settle for them all!” -.*.. Without a word in retort, Hammerswell hurried from. the field. & weit ig Ut x : * Pesto Mes i “en That night as the trolley car on which he left Sea- : slope Rested the office of the Rockford Star, Benton a Hammerswell read the following record on the bulletin TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Trolly League, Games To-day. Seaslope, 8; Maplewood, 5. Fairhaven, 6; Rockford,:2.” Beneath this record of the scores made that day in the league was the standing of the teams: | ie Played. Won. Lost. Per C. : ES ROG echo ig sulk sv ons SUSUR ECs 20 17 12 .620 ps Dairpayven: + occas sss plsberadveme s eee 28 15 13 515 ihe Maplewood iio ss. e: Rak eae 209 13 16 448 es SEASIDE bli as tite eos «Meccan hee eae 28 I2 16 .420 be! : bee “One notch from the bottom!” hoarsely muttered | & Hammerswell. { 7 g et THE END. Mi The Next Number (437) Will Contain | te pce Bs "aa Bie, ick Merriwe 's Cil= e iatice PY xn fe pe: Bc ot! an Ok, Fr SNARED BY HIS OWN SCHEMING. ne THE CHASE FOR LUKE GRIMES!) , Benton Hammerswell Makes Some Calculations— A Double-header Between Fairhaven and ‘Seaslope ; With the Honors Even—A Strange Surprise for Hammerswell—Arlington Batted Out of the Box His Team Beaten By An Overwhelming Score—_ Hammerswell Meets a Man He Does Not Wish to Meet—A Talk on the Brow of a Cliff—A Push the Dark—A Watcher—Blackma‘l—Hammerswe ' Despait—His Compact—Back at the Hotel—Ches Arlington Talks With Hammerswell — Ches Gains the Mastery—The Capture of Luke Grimes — The Danger from the Dynamite—Dick’s N o _AFlying Wedge With Old Uncle Gid In It Chase in the Swamp—Kate Quinn’ s Trea |. 4 months DLE, bOn, NEW YORK, August 20, 1904. TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. (Postace FREE.) Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Each. 65c. oe 85% Pt ra hs Sass ene $1.25 8 months ODS FORT ois aR ka ey ea owe SEBO 2 copies one year.......... 4.00 1 copy two years.........4. 4.00 or express money arder, At your own in ordinary 6 months : How ro Sunp Mongy.—By post-office wegistered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. risk if sent by currency, coin, or postage stamps letter. : ; Recsiprs.—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper ehange of number on your label. If not correct you have not been Properly credited, and should let us know at once. STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY, 238 William St., New York City. APPLAUSE. _ As we are old timers, permit us to address a few words to the _ many readers of Tip Top through the Applause column. Since No. 1 was issued we have wished it was a semi-weekly. So have others. The benefits to be derived from your paper are many, and all American and foreign youths should read and be benefited. Frank Merriwell stands before us, we dare say, without a peer, and is ably supported in his undertakings by his admirable Brother Dick, together with a well-supporting host of friends. Now that he is in business, his Brother Dick fills his place in school. Frank’s smaller trials are over, and he has advanced out on the open plane _ of a hustling business career. While Dick has passed through quite a number of thrilling experiences, his career is still com- ‘paratively in an embryo state. We read in the Applause where he, Dick, is severely criticised for his treatment of Chester Ar- - lington. Now, those who try to deride Dick in his actions should t consider the proposition from both sides. What would they do were they in his place? Give it up? Eh! If it were not for | Dick where would Chet be? Undoubtedly a low-down rascal. _ ‘We do not intend to be critics, but we don’t think that Arling- ton’s sense of appreciation is much longer than a fly’s whiskers. In Tip Top, 428, Theodore S. ends by saying, “Three cheers for i} ‘everybody except Dick and his set.” Now, Theo. is either a dunce or has very little respect for Mr. Standish, as that gentleman ok Frank and Dick Merriwell for his characters. Theo., you re Mr. Standish an apology. It is not, in our estimation, the plaudit’s place to assist in compiling this publication, as Mr. andish is, we think, quite capable. If any part of this com- munication might be construed into dictation or suggestions we umbly beg pardon. ; _ Trusting this will escape the wastebasket, we will close, begging pardon for sending such a long letter, Grorce Evans, JACK SEVIER. 4 _ Knoxville, Tenn. \ We gens this thoroughly sensible letter. vate will now take the privilege of writing what I think of Tip ~T have read a large number of-books and weekly papers, ‘ip Top is the only one I really like. It,certainly is far, far sad of all the rest. It has spread far and wide, and is constantly g more popular, as the stories grow more interesting each nk Frank and his friends most interesting. I admire the er in which he disposes of his enemies, and protects his I hope he will soon become acquainted with some boys n. Michigan.” He is capable of fightin world—allows no one to impose. Those w o venture | his way — WEEKLY. 277 we to “tread upon his toes,” well, they suffer the consequences, which often prove serious. A word for Bart, who is always around handy to do his part. His actions are louder than his words; but when he speaks he says something, which generally leaves an impression. He is ever as firm as a rock and as true as steel. Inza should consider herself very fortunate in securing the hero, whom I hardly think she deserves. She was. inclined to be a trifle coquettish and not as true as she might have been to Frank, who, too, for a long time was undecided, and she “is not to be blamed. I was greatly surprised in the choice he made. I consider Elsie the better of the two; but she has no cause to complain. She will win a worthy prize, who will always remain true. And in time, Bart will grow to be his chum’s equal. He is now but one or two steps in the background. Dick is following in his brother’s footsteps. He has been too ~ kind to Chester. I hope he will soon cast aside his principles and give the villain the thrashing he has long deserved. He did wrong in giving to others what rightfully belonged to the con-. ceited dupe. Just because he is fond of his sister, I think he should not give her brother a better show than others. For instance, Flint and Black, whom he of late has slightly neglected, and are worthy of more consideration. Brad is O. K., capable of stirring up excitement and making considerable noise. The world would be very dull without such as he. I hope no other will take his place as Dick’s best friend, who will see him through his future life, which will be as inter- esting as Frank’s college days. June is a good character. She knows her influence over Dick and delights to have him bear humiliations, for the sake of her brother, who will never appreciate their efforts in helping him reform. As he grows older, Dick will discover he has made a mistake. See the jewel “Doris,” whom he is rapidly losing. An old reader, Ipa W. South Bend, Ind. We can see that you are an old reader from the fact, that you know the stories so well. You disagree with many who think that Dick treats Arlington too harshly. Don’t you think that you are rather hard on June? Well, here goes for the “Two Canucks.” Their argument might be all right if everybody who read it had no mother wit at all, but to those who have the least grain of the aforesaid, it is all rot. Now I have made this assertion, “by Jim,” Ill prove my theories are not so far from the real truth. Their estimation of Frank Merriwell is all right, and then they turn square around and deny what they say about him by saying they do not like Dick. The reason I say this is because, if I understand charac- ters, Dick is as near like his brother as it is possible for one brother to be like another. Dick has a swelled head? Well, that is about the thinnest piece of argument anyone could produce. The Canucks are like some of the people who take up an issue’ and back their assertions by passages of Scripture. They read only one line at a time and cut out that part which does not really suit their case. They evidently have not stopped to read everything about Dick’s actions, or they could not possibly think . he has a “swelled head.” This thing of these sapheads all trying to tell Mr. Standish how to write a novel makes me sore. If they are so “Johnny Wise,” why don’t they go to writing some story to compete with Tip Top? Dick Merriwell is. nothing more than a model young man. If these two crazy Indians from B. C. followed in Dick’s footsteps they would have no serious objections to make. Brad Buckhart is a little loud, but how would these gilt-edge weeklies look with all characters of the same temperament and speech? Reason a little. Have a little sense, man, and stop to think how long you would read Tip Top if the characters were all the same, or nearly so. Give me one or two more no worse than Brad. Chester Arlington is simply a noble fellow in the rough. Of course you will say he is as refined as. Dick. He is composed of as good stuff, but he is like a statue in the rough. He is composed of the right material, but the | chisel of forgiveness in the hands of Dick Merriwell, the sculptor, will level off the sharp corners, and the smooth polishing stone of the true love of a sister, in ‘up on 2 level with Merriwell. If the half-breeds from B. C. had — any kind of manly principle, the kind that is portrayed in the — of Dick, they could easily see that he has done these — i, SAS 8 ity the hands of June, will bring him : I am against that also, 28 chk LO things to help a fallen schoolmate, and not for the sake of his sister. Dick likes flattery, does he? Is there anyone who does not, to a certain extent? One thing certain, if everyone had a friend as true as Brad, he would be a “lucky dog,” indeed. C. H. Welch, you are the “Candy.” I had not read your letter until I had gotten this far in mine, but in No. 429 you tell it better than I, and just what I wanted to say. However, I think I have backed my theories by arguments that are logical. Here’s success to the Trolly League! Ashley, Ohio. Good for B. I. Wrong. He knows how to write a good letter. I see in No. 420, in the Applause column of the Tip Top Weekly, a letter signed “Two Canucks,” in which they criticise our beloved characters, Dick and Brad, very severely. They say that Dick has a bad case of swelled head, and is the whole show at Fardale, and has no use for anyone who will not bow the knee to him. They say that Chester is a better pitcher than Dick. Now, I will frankly say: They are a pair of fellows, who either make mis- statements for the notoriety there is in it, or because they are so thick-headed that they can’t peruse sensible reading. What do they know of baseball up there in Canada? Then they hate the Texan, and like that mean, stinking, low-down, onery scrap. of humanity, Arlington. But I see why, as the old saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together,” and I think it was never so plain as it is now. Arlington and the Canucks make a good trio. I dare them to say the same to Brad’s face as they say through Tip Top, or even to mine. Brad would knock the block off of them too quick and I’d try mighty hard. Barron Black, if I remember right, is the fellow who put the scar across Flint’s face. -And then this thick-headed pair try to tell Burt L. what to do to oblige them. They may run their own fool business up in Canada, but the American people won’t stand for it here. They must be some relation to the royal family, they try to be so lofty. I like Frank, Bart, Ready, Wiley, Dick, Brad, Earl and Flint, in fact all, except Arlington. Of the girls I like Inza and Doris, and hope that they will some day become Mrs, Frank and Dick Merriwell. Now come again, my gay young Canucks. I will close, with three. cheers for Burt L. Standish, and a long drawn out aw-aw-aw- aw-aw for the Canucks, Froyp F. Mires. Dallas City, U1, Another blow for the two Canucks! They are getting lots of it this week. I have just finished reading No. 428, and am simply disgusted with the so-called “applause” of a certain “Theodore S.” ‘I am from the West, though not from Texas. I like Brad for his manly _ character in standing up for Dick in everything he says; and as for “Obed” being too fat to play baseball, well, that is too much! I would like to see Mr. “Theodore Ss” make such a stop as Mr, Tubbs did in 428. As for Zona and Dick hitching together, I think Doris, or June, is the girl for Dick. I have been keeping my temper under control tip to this time, but when some one comes down “all sprawled out,” as Brad says, on Dick, Brad and Obed, I do not know what to say. I hope Frank and Bart will soon marry, I have been reading Tip Top ever since “The Contents of the Oilskin Envelope,” and have found nothing wrong with it. My mother also reads it, My father is down on it, but once in a while he will sit up late at night and read it. Well, I will close. Here are three cheers for Tip Top, S; & S., Dick, Brad and Obed. Good luck to all. Colorado Springs, Colo. A. READER FROM THE Pita OF OLp. PiKke’s PEAK. ‘ You are another who disagrees with Theo, S. Of | course, it - would be hard for him to equal Tubbs, either in a baseball or pie- eating contest, especially the latter. / I have never written to you before, as I have to give my time to my schoolhooks and Tip Top Weekly, which is at the tip top, where I know it will remain! I admire Dick, Flint, Brad, Hal, and I have be gun to like “Chet” since reading No. 424, and I think the “Flock” will agree OA with me that “Chet’s” mother was the cause of. his working es against ies as a did. There * I believe, ew) blood i in “Chet’s Ff WEEKLY. -for I know I wouldn’t want anyone trying to butt in to mine, . wish to write me Roan tein ae. and veins; some of the “boys” will say, “Where did he get that?” meee The only answer I have to give is, “Look at June.” Are they arti not sister and brother? “Chet” was too ambitious and he lacked power. Dick has ambition, ability and power, which are three things very hard to find in a person. Again, Dick is a born » t leader, just like Frank. Tubbs and Smart are the “real. thing.” Now, speaking of Tip Top, I cannot praise it too highly. It should not be regarded as “trash,” as my teacher saw fit to call 5 it until he read “Dick Merriwell’s Ability.’ Then he said, “Well, d if you will not read Ladies’ Home Journal, etc., you may read Tip Tops.” What was the result, some may ask. Well, it is this: as we read our “sporting” blood began to rise, and in about a : Dp month we had a fine basket ball team (Howard High School, colored), the only high school colored team in Tennessee, and ¥ - we are going to have a football team this fall. Does it not § ff show that it 1s advancing the colored youth in clean sport? But, Me? Cy by the way, we have a youth on our.team whom we call “Tubbs.” 7 He is a young giant and likes pie, and as luck will have it, he § e, plays center, just-as the real “Tubbs.” The boys call me “Chet,” < because in a tight game I use the phrase of Chet’s, “Fair means — 5; or foul, boys,” but I do not mean it. We have won every game | we have played, thanks to the strength we received from Tip Top 7 and our manager, whom we call “Gullups.” We have a “Ted | ¢h Smart,” too. Since I have begun writing I have become so en- | St thused that I shall try to “rhyme her off,” as the saying goes. RR By Rah! For old Tip Top! May her pages ne’er grow old. : Rah! For Dick Merriwell, so brave and so bold!— And one for old Buckhart, I show ’opine. The same for Tubbs I think would be fine— But the boys told me they had something very nice, ae They say it’s a pie and they’ll send him a slice. ie W - Excuse me for taking so much of your valuable time. Hoping — kif. H; to see this in the next book, I remain, ae Gro. I. Reap, Tip Top’s Cotorep Frienp, AS we Chattanooga, Tenn. i oe We are delighted to hear from Chattanooga, and wish the eel s . ~ Sto the best of luck in athletics and general prosperity. We would — i, d be willing to back these boys from the South against a good ey ee te many Northern school teams, and that’s saying a good deal. The Pe Mi verse is tip top, It is an \old saying that Connecticut is the “Land of Steady © i Habits.” Well, so it is, and one of its habits is to read Tip Top Bin Weekly. Well, it is a long time since you have heard me shout, | 4 and I think I will do a little now. I have noticed of late that batt some of the Royal Bunch are saying many things that are not und true about Dick and his chums. At first I thought I should not a like Dick, as I had known Frank so long, but as the weeks go b or * T can begin to see in Dick that which makes any American aeit sagt a true, manly, honest, respected fellow. rs Bart Hodge follows Dick, I think, because it is plain to see isn that he is trying to do things right, and some day he will stand nen on the level with Dick. 46 A short time ago some one said that he thought Burt es was th : “stretching it some.” Well, I don’t think so, and I will tell you ne why. My home is ina subutb of New Haven, and I can reach “a d “Old Yale’ in fifteen minutes any time; and I can see college Ih life as some fellows never will. The sports and pranks done ‘od the students are as good as a circus, and Burt L. has pictured the . iy life as true as it can be pictured. If you don’t believe it, come and. = see me any time during the college year and I will prove it oO ot you. Next! Well, the fair.sex come next on the list, but ‘reall don’t think we should, worry ourselves about Dick’s love affair I. will just say that I think the girls are a beautiful set, and. congratulate them all for having admirers like Frank, Dick, and the rest of the fellows. I hope to see them happy as some day. ) Now for 1. MK. and his bunch, It can plainly be seen tha they are looking for trouble when they try to down the herg a story, because there are enough supporters of the hero to down them in their tracks. The “Two Canucks? are yery_ foolish making their statements in the way they did, and they need r trimming to make them see straight. I shall be very glad to hear from an of the Top Tip ers = sports, and Fy answer the best I can. Hoping to see this in print, I will close ted ' with a Rah! Rah! Rah! for Burt L., S. & S., and all the rest, y West Haven, Conn. YANKEE BILL. ; : We're very glad to hear from Yankee Bill and glad to hear 1 that the Connecticut boys have formed such good habits. : _ Bill is in luck, living where he is and seeing all the ins and : outs of college life. We hope he will go to Yale himself some _ day and are sure that he will make a splendid record there. ts Be Having been a constant reader of Tip Top from No. 1 to the a __ present issue, | thought I would write and tell you how I enjoy it. | ae My favorites are Frank, Dick and Brad. s d> is I agree with “Two Canucks” about Chester, but I da think ot § Dick has done more for him than anyone else would. But words t, § cannot tell what I think of them for talking so of Dick and Brad. FJ am a full-blooded Texan myself, and will take up for Brad 1\¢ “cee, every time. ~ Me Hurrah for Eugene Fleming! Wish I could shake hands with 1S Res him: 1e The girls, June and Winnie, are my favorites. op Where are all the Juneites; are they asleep? Hoping to see a ny this in print, I will close, wishing long life and prosperity to n- Street’ & Smith and Burt L. S. Three cheers for Tip Top and _ Brad! M. H. Mc. Cleburne, Tex. Another Texan to the fore. fp , I would like to say a few words in praise of “The King of | . Weeklies” and its fine characters. You have many readers in ng | Halifax, who delight in reading anything about the Merriwells. | As regards Dick’s friends, I say all are his stanchest friends who make up the team. I think that Dick ought to throw Arling- / § ~~ ton up entirely; he is so deceitful. The present series of baseball sol eee stories are simply fine, Hoping to see this letter ja print, I remain, ever a Tip Top reader, GILBERT e: MacArrTuur. Halifax, N. S. : We are glad to hear from Nova Scotia, _ Being a constant faodae of your most excellent weekly, I take the liberty to write this letter to the Applause column, in order to air my views regarding your most worthy paper. I have read every “lip Top,” from Number 1 to 430. To say I was, and am, satisfied with them would be putting it very mild. Tip Top is undoubtedly the grandest publication of its kind on earth. It is ean ideal publication for the American youth, either of masculine or feminine gender. By casting its valuable and needful influ- ence out into the world it has caused a change for the better in many a youth already started on the path that leads to damna- “tion and ruination. Before I read this weekly I was possessed of a temper which, because of my inability to control it, promised oO cause me trouble unending in my after life. But thanks to the influence of Tip Top I have been able to put a curb on this il. I admire Dick for the wonderful and manly fight which he made against that temper of his. I know what it cost him, for “I have tried it myself. Dick is a manly and noble youth, a fit model for the American youth, I love to read of his exploits mn the diamond and gridiron. I also am a college youth, and am greatly interested in all athletic sports. I play on the Dixon Academy baseball, football and basketball teams. _ Next to’ Dick, in my estimation, comes Hal. Dear old Hal! fter Dick I would rather follow in Hal’s footsteps than any her of the flock, of course excepting Frank. My favorites are follows (old flock) : Frank, Batt, Diamond; (new flock) : ick, Hal, Black, Brad, Singleton, Wiley. As to Arlington, I dmire him greatly for his perseverance and _ stick-to-it-iveness. these qualities were placed in the right direction he would ake good.” But his bad qualities overbalance the good, But s mother was more to blame for the -ruination of his character ni he was. mfall. Of the girls, June is my favorite. I was for Elsie, ee I was mistaken and that Mr. Standish did right in choos- he did. Leaving the selection in his hands we can be sured that he will choose a wife for Dick, one who will make owing sha noble wife. Lie Shor Being the son of a Croesus was responsible for his ° ‘His selection will ate all the ene as you say. WEEKLY. 29 readers except the “chronic kickers.” But still I am for sweet and loving June. Come forward, Juneites! Are you resting on your laurels already won? Think not the victory is ours yet. The Dorisites are receiving reinforcements every week, and if we do not watch out the tide of victory may flow:in their direction. So, rally your forces and we will wage a war upon the Dorisites. Let our cannon belch forth their volume of letters in defense of our Queen June. Let us declare a friendly war, waged with the mighty pen, to be fought upon the battlefield* of Applause Column. So rally, Juneites, rally! I think Hal should get Doris. As for Zona, I do not think she is worth the attentions of any boy, let alone the sturdy Texan. My address will be found below, and all who wish to cor- respond are cordially invited to do so. Well, I will close, wish- ing long life and prosperity to Burt L.,’S. & S. and Tip Top, I remain, RENE BERNARD. No. 3024 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, La. We are delighted with this letter from a college boy and an athlete. We thank you for your praise, and congratulate you on winning in the struggle you have had with your temper. I wish I were, as are a lot of young Americans, an old Tip Top reader. I have read only 25 or 30 of your Tip Top weeklies. Yet I appreciate and admire it as much as any old reader. Be- ing a new reader, Dick is my favorite. Buckhart and Diamond are Southerners, therefore they are O. K. Tubbs, Smart and Wiley are all right. I like June A. the best of the girls. the girl for Dick. The only trouble would be in having Chet A. for a brother-in-law. Theodore S., of Little Rock, seems to think that money makes honor and manhood. If Chet A.’s father were worth billions where he is worth millions, his son, Chester, unless he reforms, is not the equal of an honest, upright son of labor. Like Alice Burle, I wish to read the first Tip Top num- bers. Do not think me silly, but what are quarterlies? A number of your-Tip Top weeklies in one book? Please let me know in this column what quarterlies are, and what they are worth, and I will send you an order at once. W. D. Cuark. East Durham, N. C. You are quite right about Chester. You have missed a lot in the Tip Tops you have not read, but think of the treat there is in store for you. ¢ Being a girl admirer of your famous paper, Tip Top Weekly, I take the liberty of using some of your spacé in the Applause column. Of the boys, I like Tirdnik, Bart, Dick, Flint and fat Obediah Tubbs, he is too funny for anything. Of the girls, Doris and Inza are my favorites. I am saving post cards, and would like the readers to send me some, Hoping to see this in print soon, I remain, very truly yours, Victoria, B. C. “A Lirres CANUcK Girt.” Hats off to the Canuck girl! May she write soon again. ~ Although I have read the “Tip Top Weekly” for quite a woibles I have never before written anything for the Applause column, but on reading No. 430, I felt that I could contait{Y’ myself no longer. No. 430 was undoubtedly the best athletic story I ever/ read, and I have read some good ones, too, I see quite a few writers in the Applause column ask for Chester A. to be given half a chance. I would like to know what they regard as half a chance. But, while I am no Arlington admirer, “ was sorry to see Chet go back on Dick and the boys the way he did at Maplewood. I should have liked to see him stay with the boys, and I am sure he would have come out a better fellow for it. Dick certainly makes a first-class hero. Next a cheer for Tubbs; he likes pies 4nd so do I. Brad, Flint, Black and the rest all fill their places and fill them mighty well. Now, I’ll end with a toast for the “Tip Top Weekly” admirers _ it) S to drink with me: Here’s to the stccess of Fairhaven in the®~ Trolly League! Ever a friend of Tip Top, Cuter Kick A Big HoLe In THE Sky, |. No. 430 was a yattler! | As. for Oneh, he has had plenty of xX She is | Pror. FourmMEN: I have long been a reader of your depart- ment, and I have decided to ask a few questions. I am taking your course of training. I am 17 years old, 6 feet 1 inch in height, and weigh 150 pounds. My measurements are as fol- lows: Chest, normal, 32% inches; expanded, 36 inches; waist, 28% inches; neck, 14 inches; biceps, left, 10% inches; right, 11 inches; forearm, left, 9% inches; right, 10 inches; thigh, 18% inches; right calf, 13 inches; left, 12 inches; width of, shoul- ders, 17 inches, 1. How are these? ay Am I heavy enough? 3. I exercise every night with two flat irons, pounds each, for five minutes. Is it enough? 4. I skate every chance I get, and ride-bicycle all summer. Do you think it would do any harm to ride a century? I am a fairly good swimmer. Hoping this will miss the wastebasket, in advance, I am, eget Mass. weighing 7 and thanking you “ALA, . Ydur measurements show that you have the makings of a Metis physique. 2. You are slim and light, but you will fill out in the next vepi or so. Your chest is small. breathing exercise. 3. Make it fifteen minutes. \ 4. No. Pay special attention to deep- Pror. FourMEN:,1 am a constant reader of Tip Top Weekly, and I will, with your kind permission, take the liberty to ask a few questions. I am a. boy 14 years old; my height, 4 feet 814 inches; weight, 90 pounds; chest, normal, 31 ‘inches : chest, ex- panded, 32% cenen waist, 26 ‘inches; wrist, 534 inches; calf, 13% inches; neck, 1234 inches ; forearm, 9% inches. 1. | am rather short for my age. What will make me taller? is Are baseball and basketball good exercises? If not, shat is? How are my measurements? _ Please ablige me by answering this in next Tip Top: . V. GRIMSHAW. 1. Outdoor sport and rowing. ‘Heavy exercise will tend to check your growth. ti a Ves. ‘ > Baits oi By * PRor. FOURMEN : Becoming aie interested in your “Guestions ty * and Answers” in the Tip Top, I take the privilege, of asking a few _ questions concerning myself.. I am 18 years, and 2 months of age, height, 5 feet 84 inches; weight, 170 pounds ; chest, normal, ay _ inches; expanded, 44% inches; contraction and expansion, %, inches: waist, 3014 inches ; thigh, 22 inches; calf, 15 inches; biceps, — 4% inches ; ‘forearm, right, 12% inches; left, 12’ inches; wrist, 8. IT can muscle out 50. pounds with my right ar lift 800 ¥ on my iy canes. pounds, pick up 125 pounds in my teeth, carry 500 po ack, 25 hee hace my arm best om! Se "hand at ae - yours respectfully, my ne _ 76 pounds; height, 4 feet, 8: inches. i inches: from shoulder to shoulder, inches; right, 16 inches; ankles, 9 inches. 1. care EoiIiTEeE DY PROF. FOURMEN ee as ae | : | i eames thi tee My ne - hei j : 4 inc ae pis: - ‘ foe ae (AS as f ing shoulder; I can stoop, and, with a person weighing 160 pounds — 2 on my hand, rise to an erect position and walk across a room. h Can bend a twenty-penny nail with my hands. I. started and | =, pushed by myself an electric car weighing between 7 and 8 tons a- ee z distance, of 20 feet before anyone came to my assistance. Tcan | — pe stand a foot away from a table 36 inches in height and with 4} pou one leap land on top. ‘+ 2. 1. Am [ in good proportion? ve 2. What is the best exercise for me? . 4. P 3. I am taking the “Cartilage System” to increase my height. - Pi Is this beneficial or injurious? ‘Will it actually increase heig teed uk ‘Trusting to hear from you at an early date, [ am, sitteerely yours, New Orleans, La. So 1. Yes. ’ on 2. Outdoor sports. aa 3. It will do you no harm, and ‘will pea produce a tem-— ney increase in your betel: —_—— } Gn Pror. FourmeN: My measurements are as follows: Nec 1434 inches; chest, ttormal, 3514 inches; expanded, 3714 inches; biceps, right, II inches ; left, 10 inches; forearm, right, 10 inches; left, 103g inches; waist, 3014 inches;. thighs, right, 2034 inches ; left, 20% inches; calves, right, 15 inches; left, 14% inches ; height, 5 feet A inches ; weight, 145 pounds ; age, te years 9 months. I have never taken any exercise, but am now taking your exe ercises in Tip Top physical culture department. F 1. How are my measurements? Pee 2. Am I heavy enough for my height? + emia Thanking you in advance, and hoping the answers ma} ibe prigted soon, I am, yours very truly, t. Fair. Your right arm is too far behind your left arm.) 5 2. About’ seven pounds light. Yat Pror. ae I, being a reader of ¢ “Tip Top,” would ask you a few questions., I am 13. years 3: months old; we ‘What do you think my. hei: and weight ought.to be, and what would you advise me t to increase them? Hoping to be answered in print, “in| physical culture column in ne next “Tip ee, Wess, T r New York, ah Me is PRror. Hired | ‘Hoving read Tip Top bcs some the liberty to ask you a few questions. I am 14 ye old; height, 4 feet 1014 inches; weight, 90 pound inches: chest, normal, 27 inches : expanded, 30 inches ; 12 inches; | vk u rements. stand? 2. How could I increase 3: ree you, please tell m Tis Tr 4. When I run I get a pain in my side; could you please give me a remedy to cure it? 5. My arms are small; could you please tell me how’to increase their size? 6. How much should I weigh? Thanking you in,advance, I remain, A Tie Top READER. New Orleans, La. . You are short, but well built, . Wrestling will do it. . Live regularly and take plenty of exercise. . Take a long run daily. . Use five potind dumb-bells. About one hundred and five. ; PROF. Foul RMEN:: I -would like. to think I do not weigh as much as My measurements are as follows: Behe cht, 4 feet 10% inches ask you a few questions. I l.ought to. I am working. Age, 15; weight, 85 pounds; girth, 28 inches; my reach is 58 I can lift eae aa as 125 Selnds I wash with cold water every morn- * ing. 2 Do you think I need any eae Yours respectfully, © _ Meriden, Conn. Frep DoMBroskI. To get heavier, take seas exercise. Get out into the open air all you can, and eat wholesome, plain food. Use three- _ pound dumb-bells and chest weights. 2. Yes. ’ - Pror, FourmEn: Being a regular reader of the Tip ‘Top Weekly, I take the liberty of asking a few questions. I wish to take an examination in September or October. The e bivcical reqttirements are, height, 5\ feet 6 inches and moter 135 At the present time I am 128 pounds. Can you advise me how to gain the required weight and height? I am 18 years old. Do you think the height will come * naturally ¢ ? Hoping for an early reply, Lam, yours respectfully. Brockton, Mass. Keep in ‘ha open air all you can. Get plenty of gentle outdoor exercise, but no very violent work, Don’t worry. Kéep all your windows open at night and take deep breathing every day. Eat a good thick soup twice a day, a cereal for breakfast and a noderate amount of meat. Eat plenty. of potatoes and bread. eeieen ten hours 4 aah and drink a lot, of water. Avoid all bad M ‘4 ‘ 5 feet 534 inches in height ve weigh RCC Lae 3 ' ie I want to take the liberty of asking you some which. I hope will be published in Tip Yop Weekly. oS on vare “my measurements, which I give below? Reach, 6634 inches; height, 5 feet 5/4 inches; forearm, ‘10'4 inches; bi- ps, 12 inches : waiat, 32 inches; chest, 33 inches; chest, ‘expanded, 3 64. inches ; thighs, 21 inches;-calf, 13 inches; ankle, 9 inches; ist, “6 inches; neck, 15 inches ; across shoulders, 17 inches: ight, 150 pounds ; age, 17 years. 2. How'can I improve? 3. What exercises should I use? 4. How is my penmanship? T have always played baseball, and go swimming a good deal. i Yours truly, Cus, Livermore. Valparaiso, Ind. : Hee You are fairly well built, Outdoor exercise such as baseball will help you. a. Chest weights and light dumb- hells, oe Not very good. — or) Fourmen: Ihave read “Tip Tap” since No. 1, and T-take: e_ liberty of asking a few questions. ears old; weigh 140 pounds; 5. feet to inches in my’ 5 oulders measure 42 inches; waist, 29; hips, 35; right ; 410; expanded, -1234;. thieh, 1994; calf, 134; , 614; chest, normal, 33; expanded, 36; neck, 15. 1, How my eT 2. Will Indian, cP. work prey the . and start a little f WEEKLY. 31 chest and biceps? 3. How long, with deep breathing, Indian club work, etc., will it take to make a difference of 2 or 3 inches in chest (inflated) and 2 inches in biceps? Trusting you will ‘reply as soon as sony enient, spectfully yours, Shawnee, Okla. 1. Very good. 2. Yes. Three or four months, I am, most re- ed Pror. FourMAN: Being a constant reader of the Tip Top Weekly, I thought I would send you my measurements. . I was 15 years old last month. My height is 5 feet 4 inches and my weight 120 pounds. Here are my measurements: Chest, con- tracted, 31 inches; chest, expanded, 34 inches; waist, 27 inches; calf, 12 inches; forearm, 10 inches; thigh, 18-inches; wrist, 6 inches. How do you think I am built? Thanking you in advance, I remain, a hopeful athiche, Fh Hanover, Ill. You are big for your age and should become a good athlete. Pror. FourMeN: Having aad the Tip Top for somegtime, I take the liberty to ask you .a question. Whenever I start to run faster than usual, I have a severe pain in the back of my foot above the heel. What causes the pain, and what will cure it? Hoping to see this in print, I remain, Medford, Mass. mt Be: You have a cramp there, but there is a possibility that you have broken a tendon, Take a good rest and massage your foot daily, Pror. Fourmen: As I have been a reader of Tip Top from the first number until the present time, I will take the liberty to write you a few lines and give you my measurements. Chest, uninflated, 35% inches; inflated, 38% inches; waist, 28 inches; thighs, 2034 inches; calves, 1414 inches; biceps, 1144 inches; fore- arms, II inches; neck, 14 inches; height, 5 feet 734 inches; weight, 136 pounds ; age, 18 years 4 months. 1. How are my measurements? 2. What part is lacking the most in develop- ment ?3. How am I on an average with other boys? Closing with luck to Prof. Fourmen, S. & S. and B. L. S., I remain, An ADMIRER. Bonham, Tex... ' 1. Very good. 2. Biceps. 3 For above. PRoF. pce Wishing to become a strong and well- built man, I take the liberty to ask you a few questions. I am 5 feet 6 inches tall; weigh 112 pounds, and am 17 years old. My meas- urements are: Neck, 13% inches; chest, 30 inches; inflated, 33 inches; waist, 30 inches; upper arm, 942 inches; lower arm, 9 inches; calf of leg, 12% inches ; thigh, 18 inches. 1, What parts need developing most, and how.may. I develop them? 2. How may I gain weight? 3. How much exercise should I take daily? Hoping to see this in next week’s Tip Top, I remain, * Spokane, Wash. A Tre Top Apmrrer. 1. Your chest and upper arms need development.’ Use the chest weights and dumb-bells. 2. Exercise will make you heavier.’ 3. Half an hour. ss Pror. FourmMEN: I am 15 years old and I would like to become an athlete, but I am not as good as I might be for a boy of my age. I weigh 100 pounds, and my measurements I do not care to state. What kind of “exercise is good for the legs and arms, also the chest and the neck? 2. What is good “for the back? After T run a ‘few blocks I get'a pain in the back; what is good for it ? Hopitig I am not asking too many questions, and hoping to see this in print soon, I remain, yours very truly, . Brooklyn, Ne Ys e: Nepares i Wrestling, will help you more than anything. : , 2, Take long runs twice a ase ioe ak BASEBALL 2 Here ate the opening games of the great Tip Top tournament which have just started. You will see ‘| that the young players who have entered the tournament ate leading off the season in great form. Watch this — page, aeek by week, for later scores so that you can follow the tournament and keep your eye on the best teams. — At Maywood, IlL—All Star Hs ait At Wilmington, Del.—Olympic Jr tO! At Brooklyn, N. ¥Y.—Glenwood A. Gi 8; Bellwood F. C., 7. Manager, B. Stewart. Apple Blossoms, 2. Manager, H. Matthews» Manhatt. T., 11. Manager, L. T. Belles oe 6; Glenwood A. C., 3; Erasmus H. H. 2d 4 a, All Star A. C., 10; Riverside, O. At Roanoke, W. Va+-Tip Top, . All Star A. C., 15; North Ends, 7, Linchburg, 5. Manager, Rossmissen. team, 8. a All Star A. C., 15; West Maywood, 13. Tip Top, 3; Lexington, 3. Glenwood A. C., 10; Public School No. 4 All Star A. C., 8; West Maywood, ©. Tip Top, 9; Riverside, 7. 130, 3.10 . LB Mm af Hi At Ruffsdale, Pa.—Tigers, 9; Empire Jr., Tip Top, 13; Lexington, 2. Glenwood A. C., 14; Withrop A. Cr 12.9 o. Manager, C. J. Poole. At Sag Harbor, N. J—Tip Top, 12; S. eg es C., 195 ar B, Bi Cy 1g Me oa At Detroit, Mich—Tribune, 14; Clipper H. H. S., 11. Manager, H. Emmel. enwood * C., 45 amblers, a 1 “i Jr., 3. Manager, Harry Hanley. Tip Top, 10; Neversweats, 7. $" At Clyde, Ohio—Victors, 7; Y. M:.Ci Aw a Tribunes, 15; Columbia Sluggers, 0. Tip Top, 22; Neversweats, 9. . 8. Manager, Otto Kuhm. ea Victors; 13;.Y¥. M. C. A, Is aes Tribunes, 9; Elks, 0. Tip Top, 16; Neversweats, 12. i Victors, 14; Crescents, 5: + °C] as at ae By hls Vas 5 Tip Top, 10; Neversweats, 9. = th Ea ie race hank ey Ri a Tip Top, 6; Neversweats, 3. ‘Victors, 8; Colvin’s Colts, 0. Cedar A. C., 19; Tyrol A. C., 2. 2 ip - OP, 95 Pia ipa 5- ARES 2s aaerninsy & eek unt : ra . Tip Top, 95 eversweats, 0. | At Bayonne, N. J.—Olympia AL Cris a a Lis be oe et ’ a aa Lip Top, 14; Neversweats, 10. Brookside A. C., 2... Manager, M. ‘Farrel / LR Ss: 5: Cabot, 6: Tip Top,"30; Eastville, 4. Olympia A. C., 10; Anchors, 7. hi LR ay ae 0 Eo # , Tip Top, 12; Neversweats, 13. _ Olympia A. C., 4; Quick Step By Gs UR. 3. ta Old Stars 4 Bloomingdale A. C, 8; Crescents, o. (Olympia A. C., 12; Quick Step F. CRS B. Renibn Rappers ; _ Manager, N. T. Worley. ag Olympia A. C., 9; Montgomery, A. Es LRS. we Heaton Rappers 5. Bloomingdale A. C., 10; Athletic Star, 6. Oiympia A. C., 8; Hillside A. CE mites j Lie S10: EAR: ALC: 6. At Elizabeth, N. J.—Livingston A. C., / Olympia A. C., 0; Spaulding B. B C30 ee , 8; Franklin F. C., 3. Manager, T. Leary. Olympia A. C., 0; Quick Step) FGiy3 At Whitinsville, Mass.—Merries, 19; ~’y iy; ae : Lenord, 8 Manager, McGlynn. ne pent. Pe e sae Pees _ At Whitins, Mass——Merries, 6; I. Merries, 11: Uxbridge, 6 aa at ee Zr Da ae c 4 »\4- Grade, 4. Manager, Wm.. McGlynn At Roanoke, W. Va.——Little Reds, 14; 1 Cy 225 Rar ae MY ts Ae Clyde, Ohio.—Victors,/ 113) Memmeaa Tip Top, 9. Manager, Roy. Williams. _ At Elizabeth, N. J.—Livingston A. C., inthe. Otto’ Kishin, need Hee i Little Reds, 20; South West, 5. 10; Franklin F. C., 6. Manager, T. Leary. ~ ; hasia) ide ae. tle Made. 9; Tip Top 4. , _ Livingston A. Cy ta} Erte ACO, ©: At Keesevilla, N. Y—Tiger A. C 2 Little Reds, +03 Noarkes Square, & Livingston A. C., 7; Public School No. Canarys, 13. Manager, Jack Quinn Little Reds, 10; Belmont, 0.. i tay Ae he A tae > ‘Tiger A. C, 10; Stubs, 0 9 1) Little Reds, 7; Tip. Top, 8: Livingston AS Cyt} Red Stars, es ; Tiger A,) Gi. 20% Crescents, Bio as ; 4 Livingston A. C., 21; Broadway BoC) 7... Tiger A.C. 163/2d Intervals, 13. Ae Wade. Wee cee teh bine 2. Cee eke Cra Western Unions, 3. Manager, J. C. Arm- Tiger ry mo 4: White Stare 1. hi % i” yf > ; . ya At Hopedale, Mass.—Tip Tops, 10; Ama- teurs, 1. Manager, A. Chambers. strong. ° i Ep op 12; Amateurs, 5. Tip Top, 2; Amateurs, I. wai eke ia! is a Fe ced \ Tip Top Stars, 12; Western Unions, 11. _ At Newton, la.—Tip: Top, 8 ; At Waltham, Mass.—Jefferson A. A., 35; Tip Top Stars, 4; Western Unions, 4. Team, 9. Manager, Joe Eynly. — verte care re Me a Eig. LOp Stars, 8; Broadwaysy 2. Tip Top, 16; West Enders, 6. “Jefferson A. A.. 25; Verna Serene Tip Top Stars, 5; Broadways, 4. — Tip oP, at brace ey it Y Tip Top Stars, 3; Postals, 1.0 Tip Top, ‘Jefferson A. A., 15; Green Streets, 6. ; a eh . j Jeftfferson Ac A., 16; Woburn Jr, 2. At. Carlyle, Til—Carlyle,_ 31; All Stars, ED Deb 4 tea ane ee Jefferson A. Ai agi etna APA. Ln 2. Manager, Clinton McGaffagan. Pe) 200s 9: f erates een a Jefferson A. A., 30; Verna Rha, $.) 2xpt Carlyle, “205 AbyiStars.'0. 3. At Elizabeth, N. J.—Livingston : Jefferson A. A., 26; Verna A. A. 5. Carlyle, Tas Boot maity’ ge i486 Mas: 14; Globe A. C., 2, Manager, bs Jefferson A; A., 5; Eastern A. C, ros oCarlyle, 9; Centrals,2. Vee re Livingston * @ 22; Livingston. At Philadelphia, Pa—Fairmount, 18; — At Roanoke, Wi NaeTip Top, 175M _ Livingston A. C., 22; Neptune, Peay ats, Bs, Manager, James Pavior. be yd Cf ah Managety Ae ules, i Rees An Ce oe Caps, . Fairmount, 275 Morriswood, 3, «Tip Top; (1S iiey rey ah ee Cc EAN ie a 10; Inde cet oe Caminita, deo a VP ic Tip Top, 18; N. E. Rounders, 2. nt Pui Pigg eh OME ce Aten | (8, abr aD Top, 17; Belmont, et a Caribou, Me—Little rime ets Tip Top, 273 Belmont, 6. — si ny _Juniors, 4. Manager, Ernest - PLAY BALL — Che Tip Top Baseball Tournament for 1904 Is Open Set. SS ae Do You Want a Chance for the Pennant? Do You Want Your Team Equipped With Baseball Outfits ? Then Look Inside for Rules and Full Particulars of Tour- nament and PLAY BALL!