LARGEST WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA

 

 

 

IDEAL PUBLICATION
FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH

issued ad Weekly. By subscription $2.50 per year. _Eatere a as Second-class Matter at the Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-89 Sez Ave, N. ¥,

NEW YORK, “DECEMBER | 29, 190. Price, Five tee

 

ay BURT L.STANDISH 2’

 

 

Baffled and enraged, Waidron jabbed his stick between Dick’s feet and tripped him; but even
as Merriwell went down he managed to shoot the puck to Jones.

 
 
 

 

 

aad Apideat ib ication

 

 

    

 

 

      
    

Issued ice By subscription $2.50 per year.

Entered as Second-class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-59 Seventh Avenue,
N.Y. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1906, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C.

 

     

No. 559.

NEW YORK, December 29, 1906. .

Price Five Cents.

 

  
 
 
 
   
      

 

a ae Sa

aoe
ors.

 

 

Ree CHAPTER L

eo BUSY TONGUES,

they could at pipes, cigars, and cigarettes.

positions of comfort and discomfort. ‘

what they called an “impromptu smoker.”

_ the lads began to discuss that remarkable feat.
“I object,” piped Bertie Lee,
son’s chiffonier.
- Poland. Merriwell didn’t rescue anybody.”
“What’s that?” rumbled Rufe Robinson.

_ to know why he didn’t.”
“He gets the credit, anyhow,” sneered Sah Mere

 

| Dick Merriwell’s Seven;

The Scrub That Made the Regulars “Go Some.”

ape. ; By BURT L. STANDISH.

 

The room was stifling with ee smoke, for at
least a dozen fellows were puffing away as hard as
There
was a great clatter of voices from these fellows, who
were scattered and packed about the room in various

It was Ditson’s room, and the boys were having

The events of the past week had been ‘quite sufficient
to give them food for comment and conversation; but
when Jim Poland spoke of Merriwell’s heroic act in
_ rescuing Leon le Blond and Big Pet Cunningham

from drowning, all other matters were dropped, and

from the top of. Dit-
“T object to the way you put that,

“T’d like

.. “Can’t Le Blond swim? I tell you what the matter

 

 

 

 

 

“I'll tell you why he didn’t—I’ll tell you why,”
squeaked Lee, flourishing his hands and dropping his
cigarette, | : .

“Silence!” cried Bill Toleman. “Listen to old wise-
head. He’ll tell us all about it. He knows everything |
—he thinks.” | :

“I know Merriwell didn’t rescue any one, and so
do you,” chattered Lee. “He jumped into, the water
in an attempt to rescue somebody, that’s right.”

“Or fell in,” hollowly supplemented Jim Pickering.
“Some say he lost his balance and fell off the bridge.” _

“I wish that was the truth,” said Ditson; “but fel- ©
lows who saw the whole thing say he pulled off his a
coat and made a headlong dive from the bridge.”

“Heroic act,” grunted Robinson: |

“Heroic nothing!” cried Ditson.. “It was a blamed
fool act, and Merriwell can thank his usual -good luck
that he is not now sleeping with massa in the cold, cold
ground. What chance did he have to get anybody out
of that current?”

“He grabbed Le Blond and held him up,”
Robinson.

    
        
     
    
      
        
      
 
   
     
     
       
     
       
      
    
     
    

 

put ‘a

   
        
     
    
  
 
 
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
     
         
      
      
     
      
     
      
      
   
   
   
    
      
  

is. These chumps who want to make Merriwell out
a gteat hero have tried to add little fancy touches to
that tale. Why, the water was so thundering cold that
Merriwell was benumbed = minute he got into it.
He couldn’t help any one.’

“Didn’t I say it? Didn’t I say so?’ squealed Lee
triumphantly. “That’s just right, Dunc, old fel.
You're backing up)my argument.
did a thing.”

“Tt’s likely,” said Duncan,
self in the water, and being benumbed, Merriwell did
try to grab hold of Le Blond. It’s ten chances to one
he did so with the idea of holding himself up.”

“Vee!” piped Lee. “Good' work! Hit him again!”

“Oh, say,” rumbled Robinson, rising with his hands
in his pockets, and puffing at his crooked-stemmed
pipe, “‘let’s give the devil his due. What if we don’t
like Merriwell! Let's be fair about this business. At
any rate, he tried to save Le Blond, and he did help
save Pet Cunningham.”

“Tell us how, tell us how!” snapped Lee.

“Anyhow, Cunningham gave him the credit for it,
didn’t he?” demanded Rufe. ‘Pettinger was mighty

humble and grateful that night.”

“At that time,” said Ditson, “Big Pet didn’t know
just how he was pulled out of the water. The only
thing he did know was that Merriwell jumped into
the drink and tried to do something.” 3

“Merriwell got hold of Le Blond first,” said Robin-
son, “and then McGregor and some others yanked the
BS Frenchman out. The current brought Cunningham
along, and Merriwell grabbed him.”

. “Wait right there,” urged Duncan.
story that’s been handed round, but I have it from an
_ eye-witness that Big Pet was swept against Merriwell
by the current, and then carried under. As he went
down he grabbed. Merriwell’s legs and dragged him
under the ice.”
“Anyhow,” observed Toleman, “it was pretty near
‘the finish of both of them. Only for the fact that the
ice was thin as glass where wee came up, it would
have been their finish.” |
“No one is disputing that,” came from Ditson. “It
was what I call Merriwell luck. He made a fool of
himself when he jumped in, forthe couldn’t do a thing
to help those fellows after getting into the water. It
simply made it all the harder for the rescuers. But

  

 
 

It’s enough to make a ‘real sober-minded, sen-
ible chap es sick,” ;

2 TIP TOP WEEKLY.

Merriwell never
>

“that, after finding him-.

“That's the.

' Emery has dropped him, do you?”

now Mr. Merriwell wears a crown of glory. All the —

aga in college are taking off their hats to murmured Harold.

“Just what I say!” squeaked Lee, who had lighted
a fresh cigarette. “That big lubber, Cunningham, is a
quitter, that’s what he is. He blusters and blows and = .
bullies, but he showed his yellow streak when he ac- E

99

knowledged his gratitude to Merriwell—— han

 

 

 

“And paid for those trousers he had swiped from ;
Merriwell and sold to Old Jakie,’ grinned Kates. >
“Merriwell swore he’d make Cunningham pay, and he |
did.” ; eae

“Big Pet won’t do much bullying in future,” nodded
Jim Poland. “He’s down and out now.” _ i

“That ought to please us, as long as he was a sort
of sophomore leader,” grunted Pickering. oie ;

“Have any of you fellows heard anything about the
explosive baseball?’ questioned Toleman. Set ;

“The what?’ cried several. i

“T don’t think the story has got around. I’m not — |]
ready to swear to the particulars, but I understand that. mi 6
Merriwell got hold of a peculiar baseball in the cage fs 7
one day, He carried it off with him. That night he |
stopped with the jumping Frenchman, Le Blond, who = fj_~
was'too nervous to.sleep alone. Cunningham had been — f
pestering Le Blond, and he attempted to give the fel- —
low a stirring up on that particular night. The i

Frenchman’s window was open. Pet climbed up to he
stuck his head in, and yelled. Then Merriwell tried to” :
grab him. Cunningham jumped down and ran. Mer- |
riwell threw the ball at him, and it exploded.” .
There was a shout of laughter. 3 Seige
“Who told you that fairy-taleP” asked Sam Kates. |
“Ridiculous! preposterous! fake!’ came from
others. ‘ct
“T didn’t say ‘it was true,” came quickly from Tote. .
man. “Don’t tell it on my authority. I won + stand
behind it.” ‘
“T don’t blame you,” snickered Lee, ;
“Speaking about baseball,” said Kates, “I didn’t see
Merriwell in the cage to-day. You don’ t ere at :

 
  
 
 
 

The door slowly swung open, and through the fas
of smoke a tall, dark-clothed, pace- -faced ‘chap ae
peared. 3
' “Are you fumigating, Ditson?” inquired Harold du
Boise. “By Jove, it’s remarkable human heirs can
exist in such a smudge.”

“Come in and shut the door,” invited Dunc. “Tak
a seat on the floor and let your feet hang down.” nis

“Many thanks for your refreshing hospitality,” |
“The floor seems to be about the
_ only seat vacant. What’s doing here, anyhow?”
aa hese thoughtless fellows are wasting the golden

   
  

 
  
      
     
 
 
 
 
 
  

 
  
   
 
  
 
      

  
  
 
whole lot of ice on the diamond this year.

- Five will be enforced hereafter.

TP LOR

moments in idle chatter,”
“Now, you, Du Boise—you
moments, do you?”

“Oh, no,”.murmured Hal. “Time is too precious to
waste when you can smoke and drink and sleep. Have
you heard the latest?”

“The latest what ?”

“It’s awful,” said Hal gently. “It’s terrible.”

“Do not keep us in expense,” pleaded Lee. “If you
have any interesting gossip to relate, fire away.”

- Du Boise lifted one thin open hand. |

“Flush!” he whispered. “Be still!
ears.”

“Don’t take Poland’s ears unless you wish to be
mistaken for a hee-haw horse,”

grinned Bill Toleman.
never waste any golden

Lend me your

said Kates.

“Oh, you’re funny!” rasped Jim.
witty.” _

“Shut up, everybody, and listen to Hal,”
manded Ditson. ‘‘What’s the terrible tale you have
to unfold, Du Boise?”

“He’s out of it,’”’ said Harold impressively.

“He? Who?”

“The mighty one, the hero, the wizard, the wonder
of our class.”

“You can’t mean Merriwell ?”

“Tscan mean Merriwell.”’

“You do mean Merriwell?”

“T do mean Merriwell.”’

“Out of what?”

~ “Baseball.”

In an instant it seemed that every fellow in the room
was on his feet. There was a perfect jabber of ques-
tions hurled at the newcomer.

“Relapse, relapse,’ said Du Boise.
you? One ata time, please.

“You're painfully

“Subside, can’t
How do you expect any

one to answer you all in a single breath?”

_ “Didn’t I say so?” shouted Sam Kates. “Didn’t I
say he wasn’t in the cage to-day? So he’s got it in
the neck at last, has he? And he expected to cut a
i Now, Em-
— ery doesn’t want him.” :

declared Hal.
Emery can’t have him.”

, “That's where you’re wrong,” “Em-
ery does want him.
“Why not?”

“Fle’s received notice that the new rules of th¢ Big
From this time on
no freshman can play on any varsity team. It’s rather
o astonishing that>we were able to dodge that rule at

all’?

- “T suppose this is Harvard’s work,”
_ inson,

on Rufe Rob-
“They haven’t any freshman players equal to

com-

WEEKLY. 3
Merriwell, and so they’re going to nail us to the
cross.”

“Whoever is responsible,’ said Du Boise, “I have
it straight Merriwell has been told that he cannot play
on the nine in the spring.”

“Glory, glory, hallelujah!’ piped Kid Lee, dancing
about. ‘Now, perhaps he won’t do so muchestrutting.
Now, perhaps he won’t be so chesty. Isn't it Lane

Du Boise smiled faintly.

“Oh, yes, it’s very fine!’ he murmured. “Now,
we'll have him on our class team. He'll do the most
of the pitching.’’

“He'll try to!” snarled Sam Kates. “But I want to
know if the management and the class is going to
stand for it. Here he was ready to quit us if he could
get a chance on the varsity. He didn’t care anything
about us. He was looking out for himself. And when
it turns out that he can’t play on the regular nine, do
you think he’s going to step back on our team and
run things his own way? I guess not!’

“T don’t see why not,’ smiled Hal.

itcher, isn’t he?”
Pp

“He’s a good —
* “T don’t believe he’s half what. many think he is,”
said Sam. “He’s overestimated. I’m going to have
something to say about who'll do the pitching.”

“You think you are.”
“I know I am.”

“Now, look here,” invited Du Boise, “you know
‘Merriwell’s success in getting his own man, Jones, ap-
pointed as captain’ of our class team. He carried
things his own way on that occasion. Even Ditson
must acknowledge that. he did.”

“By trickery! by deception!” exclaimed Duncan.
“He fooled us!”

“However he did it, he did it,” evlided Hal. “Do
you think that, with Jones captain of the team, Merri-
well won’t come pretty near pitching whenever he
likes? If you have such an impression, there’s another —
think coming to you. Jones will be the apparent head
of the team, but Merriwell will be the real head.”

“We'll see about that!” shouted Kates. “No one
man is going to run things with such a high hand.
What do you say, fellows?”

“We agree that it’s wrong,” said Ditson;
there’s only one way to hold this fellow down. We
must unite against him. We must stick together in
our efforts to suppress him.” .

Du Boise softly snapped his fingers.

“Your efforts will amount to just about that much,”
he declared. 1 \

“but ;

 
    
      
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
         
        
          
           
        
 
         
         
     
         
   
     
 
    
 
   
  

CHAPTER II.

AG KOR RS” PVE A.

Gregory McGregor dropped into Merriwell’s room»
to express, his regret over the. turn of affairs that
would prevent Dick from trying for the nine. He
found Leon le Blond and Blessed Jones chatting with
Merriwell:

Dick did not seem at all downcast.

There was a sound of heavy feet outside, a bang on
the door, and Tommy Tucker danced into the room,
followed by Bouncer Bigelow. Both carried skates, |
and their cheeks were glowing.

“T come for sympathy, |] Mertiyel! ! cried Tucker.
“You've had mine already. I’m dropped. Course I
can't get onto the hockey-team now.”

“Companions in misfortune,” laughed Dick.
has Bigelow been skating? Was the ice
enough to hold him? Can he really skate?”

“You should see me,’ bubbled Bigelow. “I’m
graceful as a gazelle. Oh, I’m a sweet thing on ice.”

“Oh, Big is no chump at skating,’ .said Tommy.
“Really, ’m rather proud of him. It’s his only ac-
comp Leen Do you skate, McGregor?”. ~

“T have,” answered Greg. }

“I wish we might get up a hockey-team,’ said the
little chap. “Id like to get a good one, and chal-
lenge the regulars. I’d like to beat ’em.”

a aes you're both ambitious and revengeful,
Tommy,” laughed Dick. “It wouldn’t be any easy
thing to beat Bill Hunter’s bunch. Why, he has that
‘French Canadian, St. Claire, who made such a record
at St..Nicholas Rink, New York, last year. I find
most fellows believe he’s the best hockey- -player ever
seen at Yale.”

. “Don’t forget Tut Waldron,” cautioned McGregor.
Bo in my estimation, he’s just about as good as St.

Claire. mace hockey-team is going to be a dams

this year.”

“Who are the other players besides Hunter, St.
_ Claire, and Waldron : ?” questioned Jones. “I haven’t
taken much interest in hockey.”

“Besides the men mentioned,” said Tucker, “the
team, as made up now, contains Cameron, Siddons,
Brown, and Kingman, If I can’t play better hockey
‘than that little squirt, Blinker Brown, tu eat my
hockey stick.”

“Beware of the green-eyed monster,” warned Jones.

“You're jealous, Tommy, that’s what ails you.”

“You're another, you old croaker!”, flung back

Tucker. “You've never seen me play I tell you I’m

| wizard when I get my skates tas f8 93

“Why,

strong

>

,

 
  

  

TIP TOP WEEKLY,

smiled. Dick.

“But [I’ve seen you with your skate on,’’ muttered
J ;

Blessed. “Remember the night Dick and I lugged it aa
you home? Remember how we v on
“Oh, cut it out, cut it out!
now.”
“First time in your life.” a
“Of course you've played hockey, Dick. Didn't I j t
see a picture of your Fardale hockey-team around here ql RRS As

 

I’m talking seriously — ms

 

 

somewhere? Seems to me you were on that team. — I
Weren't you on it?” I

“I believe I was,” admitted Merriwell. 5 2

“Well, say, why don’t we get up a team? Here 9 C
are Bouncer and myself and you who can play. Per- ¥F
haps McGregor’s all right. That would make four.” n

He turned and eyed Le Blond doubtfully ota

“Did you ever play?” he suddenly ee poking "
a finger at Leon.

The French boy jumped. .

“Eh! oh! ah!” he gasped. “Deed I evaire play ze :
ice-hockey? Oui, out. Eet ees ze most splendid game. —
I do love eet.” } : . oe

“Are you any good?” persisted Tommy. ei :

“T theenk perhaps I may do eet fairly well,” was a

the modest answer. ‘si

“There are five!” cried Tucker. “Of course, old.
long-faced Jones wouldn’t be worth a rap at it”

“Now, how do you know so much: Py. demanded *
Blessed, with a touch of indignation. “Why, you ‘little a
sawed-off runt, I played ice-hockey before you were —
out of long.dresses. If I can’t put up a better eng:
thay that balloon, Bigelow——”

“I'd like to see you!” spluttered Bouncer. “Ret .
can skate round you when you're Gone your best,”

“T’'ll give you a chance to try it!” snarled Jones. - 3

re seems to me, ” laughed Dick, “that Tommy. .
doing pretty well in getting together a hockey-team.
We may not all prove to be stars, but we can have a
little sport, at least. We need another man. By
can we get?”

_ “Why, there are lots of fine aise in your class,”
laughed McGregor dryly. “There’s Pie Kates,
Poland, Lee-—— . : } Mp

“Hold on,” spluttered Tommy, er re naming
bunch we don’t have anything to do with. I wouldn’
trust any of those chaps in reach of a plugged nickel.”

“Tommy hasn’t the least confidence in an enemy,” ;
“He doesn’t believe any Ditson sympa- |
thizer can be honest.”

“We can make up our team without any of the: Dit-
son crowd,” declared Tucker, “When are we com ing
out for practise—to- -morrow?” .

  
 
 

  

   

     
 
     
    
  
  

   
  

   
        
     

    
    

422 “YOR

“But you haven’t filled the team yet,” grunted Jones.
“You need another man.”

“T’ll find him,”’ promised the little chap. “Of course,

i some of us may not pan out fast enough,” he added,
j i, with a sidelong glance at Le Blond, followed by a

| doubtful look cast in the direction of Jones himself.

“That’s an insinuation and a slur,” said Blessed,

“You think I’m too slow, do you? Well, by Absolam!
Pll open your eyes a bit.”

“Of course, we can’t tell what we can do until we
get together and practise,” said Merriwell. ‘‘Shall we
come out to-morrow, Tommy?”

“Sure, sure,” answered Tucker. “Come out, every
man of you, and bring your hockey sticks. I'll have
another fellow before that time. Leave it to me.”

“All right,” agreed Dick, “we'll leave it to you.”

CRAP TEAR IE
BACKWARD BLESSED.

To the dismay of many an ardent skater, the fol-
lowing day dawned gray and threatening, and there

we

 

 

i were snowflakes in the air before mid-forenoon. This
| proved to be a bluff on the part of nature, however, for
the few big, wandering snowflakes failed to bring in
i their wake the dreaded storm. Nevertheless, it was
possible there might be a snowfall any day, and there-
fore all who loved skating and could get out hastened
; to the ice in the afternoon.
ie Merriwell and Jones arrived shortly after 3 o'clock.
L McGregor saw them as they came up, and hastened to
greet them.
“Say, Merriwell,” he laughed, “I have an idea
i Tucker unexpectedly picked up a phenom in that jump-
es 3 ing Frenchman. Look at the crowd up there on the
: ki shore. They’re watching a skater do fancy stunts,

The skater is Le Blond. He’s a marvel on the ice.
He can do things that will make your hair curl.”
“These trick skaters are seldom any good at
hockey,” muttered Jones. “A fellow who can cut a
lot of fancy figures usually lacks speed and wind.”
' “T don’t know about Le Blond's wind,” admitted
Greg, “but he’s shown that he has speed, all right.
- There’s not a man on the lake who can catch him.
_ Tucker tried it. Tucker knows now.”
- Dick.said nothing. The truth was, Merriwell had
supplied Le Blond with the skates the French youth
was wearing. To Dick Leon had admitted that’ he
did not own a pair of skates, and his. finanees ’ Ww ould
: not permit him to purchase a pair.

 
 
  

WEEKLY.

' greased it.

    
    
     
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
   
    
   
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
        
       
       
    
   
     
   
   
   
   
    
       
   
     
  

and stared
grace-

muttered an exclamation
came skating

Suddenly Jones
at two girls, who, hand in hand,
fully along the ice near the shore.

Merriwell glanced at those girls,

“Well,” he smiled, “there’s some one you know,’
Blessed. There’s Mabel Ditson.”

“And that little, gushy Gradford girl,” breathed
Jones. “If she comes this way, I’m going to climb a
tree! Yea, verily, I have spoken.”

¢

9) ‘

asserted Dick.

“T am,’ confessed the tall chap. “Why, she can
talk faster than the Empire State Express. And she
thinks me the biggest chump that ever stood in a pair
You know I danced with her once.”

“You're afraid of her,

of brogans.

He ended with a doleful groan over the memory of
that fearful occasion.

“That is, I tried to dance with her,” he added. “It
was the two-step. I was all swelled up over my suc-
cess in waltzing with Mabel Ditson, so I risked my
life and reputation by trying the two-step with Daisy
Gradford. I don’t think we romped round the floor
more than once or twice, but during the course of my
gyrations I danced the two-step, the waltz, the polka,
the Spanish fandango, the sailor’s hornpipe, and the
Highland fling. Mixed up? Say, I was worse mixed
than.a bottle of Heinz’s variegated pickles. 1 didn’t
know what I was doing. I didn’t know what I was
trying to do. I did realize that at intervals I walked
on Miss Gradford’s féet, and I even tried to walk on
my own feet. _

“Tt’s a wonder that the hecabe which grew in my
soul as that awful experience progressed did not turn
my hair snowy white. At first she giggled. Then
she began to say ‘ouch’ when I would put one of my
hoofs on her tootsie-wootsies, and by degrees a fearful
frown settled on her open countenance. She actually
forgot to talk, and when one of the Gradford girls
forgets to talk it’s time for people to take to their
cyclone-cellars. I realized there was a storm coming
—oh, yes, I realized it. But I kept on trying to get —
into gear, all the while inwardly cursing the musicians ~
because they couldn’t fit the melody to my steps.

“Before the horrible ordeal was half over I'd for-
gotten what I was trying to dance, anyhow. I think I _
finished up with a few steps of the Kickapoo Indian :
scalp-dance. The floor was terrible slippery. T’m_
satisfied now that some enemy of mine must have
At any rate, right in the midst of my
fancy performance I found myself standing on my
left ear and waving my Trilbies in she air. When

   

    
6 | TIP TOP

those Trilbies came down upon the floor the building
shook. I gave it up. 3

“IT don’t remember escorting Miss Gradford to a
seat, but I do remember realizing that she had quit,
and marveling why she hadn’t quit before. Then
somebody came to the rescue, and I left them together
and fled into the stilly night. I had some vague idea
of committing suicide. Only the memory of my suc-
cess in waltzing with Mabel Ditson restrained’ me.
And ever since that night whenever I’ve seen Daisy
Gradford I’ve tried to dodge her. Once or twice I’ve
"failed to dodge quick enough. She always greets me
this way : ‘Oh, how do you do, Mr. Jones. Te, he-he!’
Thank gracious Heaven neither of those girls saw us
just now!”

“But I think they did see us,” said Dick.
turned. They're coming back this way.”

“Excuse me,” said Jones hastily. “I’m going over
behind this rock. There’s a nice place to sit down
behind the rock, and I’m tired. I must rest.”’

He actually fled as the girls approached. They
stopped near the shore, and spoke to Dick, who smi-
lingly lifted his cap. /

“What’s the matter with Mr. Jones?” asked Mabel.
“What made him run away?”

_ “He is looking for a comfortable place to put on
his skates,” explained Dick.
 “Te-he!” laughed Daisy Gradford.
Skates as well as he dances.”

e Oh, hush, Daisy,” remonstrated Mabel.
Mr. Jones is a nice dawcer.”’

“And did I say he wasn’t?” tittered Miss Gradford.

“Are you going to play hockey, Dick?” Mabel in-
quired. “I see you’ve brought a hockey stick. Is
there to be a game?”

“We're going to havea little practise,” he explained.
- “Didn’t anticipate the pleasure of finding you here this
afternoon. Did you girls come alone?”

“Oh, Barbara’s over yonder. She isn’t skating.

: Can't induce her to. Says it’s too much trouble. Says

she enjoys watching the others more than skating her-

self. Perhaps you might get her onto the ice if you
tried.” | |

“You seem to think I have some special influence
with Miss Midhurst.”

“Oh, I know you have,”

“They’ ve

“T wonder if he

“T think

: 3 Mabel quickly.
“She thinks you’re just the grandest fellow.”
“And of course I’m flattered to know she entertains

such a fine opinion of me.’
Duncan Ditson came swinging across the ice and
rowned as a hsarerees hig sister chatting with Dick.

WEEKLY.

»

“Come, girls,” he said, “let’s skate together.”

In a moment he had shes himself between them,
and they moved away. Nevertheless, Mabel cast a
backward glance at Dick, which he was puzzled to
define. \

“You rascal!” chuckled McGregor; “you seem to
have a case with Dunc’s sister. That doesn’t please
him much. He doesn’t like you, and he likes me just
about as much since I quit his gang.”

“Oh, Mabel Ditson is not interested in me,” de-
clared Dick. “I do think she has a fancy for Jones,
though.”

“Tf that’s the case, I’d like some one to explain it.
She’s as pretty a girl as you'll find on the lake this
afternoon, while Jones is just about as ungainly and
awkward a chap as you could scare up in month’s
search.” |

“Ever notice that pretty girls sometimes take a
singular fancy to homely fellows?”

“Yes; but Jones is so uncouth.” .

“You don’t know him, McGregor. At heart Jones
is a gentleman. He does lack,polish, and his bashful-
ness places: him at a decided disadvantage. Still, I,
can understand how a girl like Mabel Ditson might
take a fancy to him if she were clever enough to di-
vine his se nature. Let’s dig him out and get him.
onto the ice.’ |

But when they looked for Blessed behind the oul
they were surprised to find he was not there. He had
slipped away, and when they next saw him he was on

*

the ice.

CHAPTER IV.

eds Bae ee ea Fe IR Nay

Dick found Barbara Midhurst bundled in furs and—
seat@d where she could watch the skaters without trou-
ble. «A smile flashed to her pale face as she saw him,
and she gave him a gloved hand.

“Why aren’t you skating?” he inquired. ‘

“Too much trouble,’ she confessed.
can’t bring myself to take trouble for anything.”

“Flaven’t you ever skated?”

“Oh, yes, I learned to skate. Don’t know, hoe I
ever got up the courage, but I did.” :

“Didn’t you enjoy it?” 3 .

“Skating would be delightful if it was like automo!
biling. If you could simply sit still and skate, it would —
be all right. You know I’m dreadfully lazy, Dick.
It’s a shameful) confession, yet I make it boldly

 

“You know I
   

aie LOOP

  

“And you're really proud of it. You're determined
to be original, even if you find it necessary to deprive
yourself of pleasures that you may be so.”

“Really, Dick,”’
so well that I’m afraid of you. You understand all my
little idiosyncrasies. I actually shudder when I’m in
your presence.”

“Tf I fill you with such dread, [Il retire.”

“Oh indeed, don’t do that. I’ve been longing
for some one with a spark of sense in his head to talk
to me. The last fellow who tried it was Harold du
Boise, and he’s so much like me that I can’t bear him.
Why, he hasn’t ambition enough to skate for pleasure.
Told me he’d rather sit beside me than to skate.
Agreed with me when I ridiculed people for making
such frantic efforts to havea little sport. Agreed with
me when I expressed detestation of work of any sort.
Why, he’s utterly unambitious! He’s utterly useless!”

“The very fact that you do not admire such an un-
ambitious, useless person is evidence that in some hid-
den chamber of your being ambition lies bound and
half-smothered, awaiting the time when it shall be-
come liberated and take possession of your soul. If I

were a fortune-teller, 1 would predict a busy, energetic
future for you, Miss Midhurst.”

“Oh, what a horrible prospect!” she laughed. “But
you're wrong, Dick. I'll never come to that. You

__ know I love luxury and ease too well to sacrifice my-
self for anything or any one.”

Instantly before his eyes arose a vision of this same

- girl, clad in light garments and minus her furs, walk-
ing the New Haven streets in order to save a car fare.
eo ) ‘He had seen her thus, and he had learned that she was
} ——_ economizing and sacrificing herself for another be-
| cause she believed it her duty or because she cared a
great deal for that other. Her jewels and her furs
had been pawned that she might raise money for one
_who had claims on her, and rae was in desperate cir-
cumstances. ,
Tommy ewer came dashing up to the shore.
“Hey, Dick!” he cried. “Looking for you.. Get on
: your skates. W e want you. We're going to use this
little cove for a rink. It’s just about the right size.”

she smiled, “you see through. me

y ALAOY

 

“Found your seventh man, Tommy?’ questioned
-Merriwell.

“No; but there are a dozen fellows who'll play.
i Let’s get to going.’

Tommy impatiently urged him to hurry.

   

“Somebody else will get the cove if we don’t get into
gear pretty soon,” said the little fellow.

WEEKLY. 7

‘friends were banging a puck around on the ice in the

about?”

‘you can, you better try it,”

- Dick sat down and adjusted his skates, while .

   

     

Tommy’s fears were justified, for by the time he
Duncan, Ditson his

   

had gathered the players, and

 
 
    
   
 
  
  
   
   
  
  
     
  
    
  
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
    
 

cove.

“Here,” cried Tucker,
practise here! I told you so.’

“Oh, did you?” retorted Ditson,

“You know I did.”

“What of it?”

Tommy glared at Duncan,

“Oh, nothing,” he flung back hotly. “I see you
gathered a bunch and took possession of the cove just
as soon as you could.”

“we fellows are going to

“Didn’t we have a right ?”’
“T suppose you did.”
“Well, what are you shooting your mouth off
Jones, McGregor, and Le Blond were in a group,
while Bouncer Bigelow stood on his, skates near
Tucker and glared at Ditson.
“Tt’s all right, Tommy,” said Dick.
crowd any one off the ice, you know.”

“T should say not,” mocked Duncan.

“We can’t
“If you think
“Oh, let’s be decent, Ditson. lLet’s draw lots for the
use of the ice in this cove.”

Dune declined the proposition.

“Then I'll tell you what we will do,” said Dick.
“We'll play you a game right here. That will decide
who has the cove for practise.”

“Have you a team?”

“All but one man.”

Merriwell’s eyes ran over Ditson’s crowd, quickly
discovering that Duncan had too many men.

“You can spare a player,” he said. “We'll take one »
of your men to make up our team.”

“Do it, Dunc!” cried Bertie Lee boldly. “We can
have some sport, and give this Merriwell crowd a
trimming at the same time.” |

“All right,” agreed Ditson. “We'll play you a ten- ;
minute game. If you’re,one man slrort, you may have
Kates.” : : of

Sam Kates started to Srotest) but Ditson said some-
thing to him in a low tone, and he finally agreed to.
the arrangement. :

    
   
       
       
         
   
 

The posts to indicate the goals were placed in posi-
tion, while Ditson and Merriwell discitssed certain |
points that required asettlement before play began.

Dick felt Tucker pulling at his elbow. |

“T say,’ whispered Tommy, drawing Marsiwell
aside, “how are we going to station the men? You

 
  

  

    
  

 
  
 
  

   
    

  

8

know we haven’t had any practise.
taking charge of everything here.”

He was rather nervous and excited.

“You got up the team,”

“That’s all right. I’m the manager;
captain.”

“Oh, am I? I didn’t know——”

“Yes, you're the captain. You'll have charge of
the’ team in play. Put me among the for wards.
That’s all I want.”

Dick called his players about him.

“McGregor,” he said, “you look like a good man to
tend goal. Have you ever tried it?”

“That’s my old position when I played,” nodded the
Scotchman. “Funny you should hit it.”

“Well, you take the goal.
point.”

“All right,” said Bouncer.

“Jones, you'll be cover-point.
going into the line as forwards.
Le Blond.” |

“Eet ees ze place I should choose eef you geeve me
ze choice,” laughed the pleased Frenchman.

“T’ll take the right end,” said Dick. “Tucker and
Kates will play in the middle. Who’s going to ref-
eree f”’

“Didn’t you settle that?”

“Couldn’t find a man. Oh; L see Ditson has some
one. It’s St. Claire himself.”

Fully satisfied that his team would be the stronger,

_ Duncan was willing to have an honest referee take
charge of the game. |
_ “T expect this will be a great contest,” laughed St.
Claire. “As long as it will last only ten minutes, I
think I’ll be able to stand it. Waldron is the time-
keeper, if that satisfies you, Merriwell.”
“T’m satisfied.” i ‘
_ “Then take your positions.” bat
The players skated to their various position on the
ice, and, borrowing a whistle, St. Claire placed the
puck for a face-off

reminded Dick.
you're the

The rest of us are
Take the ‘left end,

 

/

oe CHAPTER V.

A FEW SURPRISES.

  

It skewed to be far more of a game than St. Claire
vhad expected. At the face-off Merriwell and Ditson
‘strove for possession of the puck, arid Duncan was
not a little disappointed when Dick whipped it away
from him. Pickering dashed in like a flash and forced.
/Merriwell to pass.

  

 

TIP. TOP: WEEKLY;

I don’t feel like

Bigelow, you'll play .

Sam Kates was in position to receive the disk, which
Dick snapped.across to him.

Kates took the rubber with a deftness that told he
was no novice in the game.

Poland bore down on Sam, but Kates tricked Jim,
dodging past him and finding himself up against little
Lees

Lee could not be dodged.

judged the Kid, for he declined to pass the puck, and

Evidently Kates mis-

Lee hooked it away from him with a skill that awoke
some applause from the spectators.

With the rubber in the crook of his stick, Lee went
dashing toward the eastern goal, which was defended
by McGregor.

Tucker misjudged Lee’s speed,
after him, vainly seeking to hook the puck away.

Jones came at Lee from an angle, but the little chap

seemed to have no trouble in avoiding Blessed.

To the surprise of a great many, it was Bouncer
Bigelow who blocked Lee and checked him on his
career toward the goal.
skates, and his corpulent figure seemed to cover the
entire end of the cove.

Barely in time to save the disk, Lee passed it to
Ditson. Duncan took it, swung it round, and with a
sharp stroke lifted it a foot from the ice and sent it
whizzing toward the center of the goal-posts.

McGregor spoiled the shot and flipped the rubber

away.

Tuckér might have secured the disk, but he was off
side, and therefore he let Jim Poland touch it. Barely
had Jim done so when Tommy’s stick took the disk,
and-he shot off with it in his posession.

“Hi! hi!
tator. :

{??

Hot work! hot work!

Poland banged at Tucker’s heels, and Tommy ran
straight into Rufe Robinson, who spilled him on the
ice. oe Re
Robinson started the puck back toward the eastern
goal.
well and Kates had him blocked.

Rufe made a bad pass, and Kates scooped the baer
before Ditson could reach it. )

“Be careful!” growled Dunc. “You're — too.
frisky.”

A moment or two later the disk was in front of the
eastern goal, where there was a fierce mix- up, and sey
eral fellows went sprawling on the ice. :

Once more McGregor stopped a straight drive Aa:
took the puck away, Bigelow covering the goal.

\

and then swung

Bouncer was like a flash on

shouted a spec-,
4

He was a slow skater, and in a moment Merri- _

Me-

   
       
    
   
    
   
    
   
   
  
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
    
       
     
       
           
       
    
   
    
   
     

 

 

 
 

vas he came on.

the opposite goal-posts.

_ flung it to the ice.

- began have quit,”

 

TIP TOP

Gregor carried it far enough to hand it over to Merri-

well, who was waiting.

Ditson shot straight at Dick, lowering his shoulder
To his surprise he was not checked,
for, with a sharp sidelong stroke, Dick avoided the
rush and was off with the rubber.

In the scuffle before the eastern goal Ditson’s team
had been lured to that end of the cove. Robinson and
Du Boise were the only ones between Merriwell and
Robinson proved to be too
slow to block the rushing lad, and Merriwell shot for
goal.

Du Boise caught the puck with his bare hand and
Before he could snap it away, how-
ever, Dick was. on him, and their sticks clashed to-
gether. Robinson tried to get into the struggle. He
was a second too late, for Merriwell’s second attempt
sent the disk between the posts. The whistle blew.

“Goal!” was the cry. ,

Tommy Tucker was ee with triumphant ex-

- citement.

“Well, what do you think?” he breathed. ‘“Didn’t
we make ’em go some? Never saw greenhorns play
together like that before. The team-work was a

“Lucky work,” said Dick. “I hope we can keep it
up.” :

“Those fellows who were laughing at us when we
said Tommy, with satisfaction.
“They thought we were going to make a holy show
of ourselves. How did you know just where to place
the men, Dick? Every fellow is in the proper posi-
tion.”

“That was luck, too,” Merriwell admitted.

In the second struggle at the face-off Ditson uttered
an exclamation of triumph, for he had secured the
puck. A moment later that exclamation turned to one

 

ee _ of dismay as Dick scooped it away from him.

Pickering shouldered Merriwell, and both went

=, down. \

As he fell, however, Dick sent the Sabher skimming

} along the ice until it struck against Rufe Robinson’s
__ skates.

Le Blond was right on Robinson as the big chap

hooked the disk and sought to return it.

With a deft, flashing snatch, the Frenchman se-

cured the rubber and shot ‘it toward the goal-posts.

ot a3 ‘ Already Du Boise had shown he was no slouch as

a goal-tender.
Le Blond’s drive and sending the disk the entire length
_ of the field.
it would have counted for a goal. '

He added to his record by. stopping

Indeed, had not McGregor stopped it,

WEEKLY.

   
   
   
  
    
 
    
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
     
   
  
 
 
   
    
    
   
     
    
   
      
 
      

For a couple of minutes the rubber flew up and
down the ice in a most erratic manner. The players
plunged after it, and the game threatened to degener-

ate into a somewhat laughable performance.

Dick finally succeeded in steadying his men and
getting them to play together once more. Through all
the swift changes and excitement he had studied the
work of those players, and by tlfis time he was con-
vinced that they could be developed into a very satis-
factory team. Considering the manner in which they
had been picked up, this was little short of wonderful.

Ditson was snarling at his players.

“Come! come!’ he cried. “Get together, you fel-
lows! Play hockey, and stop chasing round like a lot
of lunatics.”

Both teams finally settled down again, and it was
not long before Ditson’s crowd threatened Merriwell’s
goal. They were fierce in their efforts to count, but
the clever work of McGregor and Bigelow baffled
them until Le Blond finally secured the puck in a
proper manner and carried it away from that danger-
ous locality. :

Up to that time the French youth had been regarded
with disdain by nearly every one, but now his work
on the ice was winning applause and admiration. He
had demonstrated the fact that he was the possessor
of one worthy accomplishment, at least.

The scene of scrimmage changed, and Du Boise
found.himself besieged. He made two beautiful stops,
but the tussle was growing too hot for him when, with
an awkward swipe, Sam Kates knocked the puck into

_Ditson’s possession.

It looked like an accident, but there were a few who

afterward claimed that Kates had done the trick with
- deliberate intent.

Ditson was some distance away, and a compara-
tively open field lay before him. He rushed the puck
back and shot for goal after fooling McGregor with a
feint movement. The rubber spun between the posts,
and the whistle shrilled.

Eight minutes had been occupietl in securing these
two goals, and the teams were tied.

“We've got to do it now, fellows,” muttered Dick.
“The next goal is liable to settle the whole business.”

This time Ditson did secure the puck cleanly on the
face-off, and passed it to Pickering.

Tucker missed in an attempt to hook“it away from

the tall fellow, and Jim carried it into Merriwell’s —

territory. When he tried to pass it back to Ditson,

however, Le Blond seemed to flash up through the ice

&

    

  

    
 
  

and secure it, after which he shot away and avoided
Duncan.

‘This way and that darted the French youth, drib-
bling the puck with consummate skill. The interested
spectators cheered and clapped their hands.

“See the jumper!”

“Go it, Frenchy!”

“You're all right!’

“He’s a wiz!” ,

Leon smashed the rubber at the goal.

Du Boise drove it back.

Bertie Lee blocked Le Blond and prevented him
from making another drive. It seemed that Lee would
secure the rubber, but the Frenchman saw Merriwell
in position, and snapped the puck to him. oe

As the disk came spinning toward him, Merriwell
made a stroke that lifted it clear from the ice and
sent it whistling past Du Boise for another score.

As Dick had thought, this proved to be the last goal
made, although during the final thirty seconds of play
count by roughhouse method. At a signal from the
timekeeper, St. Claire blew a
“announced that the game was over.

S
\y

CHAPTER VI.
DITSON’S. DISPLEASURE,

“Hold on, Merriwell!” cried Ditson. “That wasn’t
a fair test. We'll ce and then well give you an-
_ other ten-minute go.” /
1 “Thatlsright! that? s right!” oe Bertie Lee.
“We're not satisfied.”
“But we are satisfied,’ smiled Dick. “This: is
enotigh for us to-day. If you want to play us again,
we'll try you to-morrow. You understand we haven’t
played See ENS haven’t even practised togashes
~ before this.”

in Tommy Tucker.
“Oh, wasn’t it?” growled Dunc.
you practise enough next time we gO against you.’
_. “Take your medicine gracefully, Ditson,” chuckled
St. Claire. “If I know Buel about ice-hockey, you
_ were outplayed.” ;
_ This was extremely annoying to Duncan,
scowled at the laughing speaker.
son’s disgust was the action of Bill Hunter, captain of
the regular hockey-team, who now skated out and
congratulated Merriwell,

   
 

[oO | TEP TOP WEEE PY:

 

Ditson’s crowd made a furious attack and sought to ~

blast on his whistle and _

“And this wasn’t real good, first-class practise,” put

“Well, we'll give

who
What added to Dit-

      
   
   
  
 
   
   
   
    
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
   
 

  

“T don’t know how you picked up such ‘good ma- —
terial, Merriwell,’ said Hunter, “but you got some
fellows who know the game. Le Blond is a flash
of lightning on skates. Your head-work was good, ,
and you really outplayed your antagonists.”

Hunter was accompanied by Tut Waldron, who was
not as complimentary in his remarks.

“You all did well for greenhorns,” said Waldron.
“Of course, you weren’t up against much of anything. 4
If you'd been playing against a .o ce team, _
you'd not made such a good showing.’ af

“Very likely that’s true,” admitted Dick, not at all
disturbed. : .

“We're not through with those fellows,” announced PS
Ditson. “You'll have to play us again, Merriwell.”

“It will be our pleasure,” bowed Dick. “Make it
to-morrow afternoon at four, and I think we'll all be
erect 523 anos

“Perhaps they will, and perhaps they won't,” said 9 —
Pickering hollowly. “I have my doubts.” ae

Harold du Boise had not paused to discuss the
game. Already he had found Mabel Ditson and asked a
her to skate with him. A

She hesitated, and glanced in the direction of Jones, 7
but Blessed seemed entirely oblivious to the fact that 9
she was on the ice. A moment later aH was swinging aes
away with Du Boise, — a

Jones seemed to have eyes in the back of his head,
for he turned sharply and stared after Mabel and Hal,
a fierce frown on his face.

“What’s the matter, old chap?” asked Dick

“See them, see them!” grated Blessed, as he moved
toward the shore, Merriwell keeping at his side, ete

“Who? Where?” i OMe

“Look at Mabel skating with that Fee ee Du ae
Boise. I didn’t think it of her!”

“Vou don’t like it, eh?”

“Not a bit.”

“Well, you're to blame.”

“How do you make that out?” — |

“You've been dodging. ae dodged when HOY first.
saw her coming your way.”

ah dodged that giggling Gradiond girl.” Hi

“But I suppose Mabel fancied you dodged her. Oe
don’t presume you've even da ciot to her to-day. Havel
you ?””

“Why, I—er—I haven’ tera haven't had a:
chance,” spluttered Blessed. | v

“But you have had a chance.”

“When? Tell me when.”
» “Oh, don’t POS you didn’t have plenty of cppor

 

 

 

 

 
        
      
       
      
 

  

   
  
  

    
  

oe. ae ee

 
  
 

rael

   
    
    

ia pfs ee

Been

 

 

   
   
  
   
   
   
 

- and skated away to keep track of the pair.

last winter.

Te TOP

tunities before we commenced that game. You. know
you did. But you took pains to keep at a distance.
Blessed, you have a very weak heart.’

“T know it,” admitted Jones dolefully. “I’m a thun-
dering chunap, that’s what I am!. But why didn’t she
choose some one else besides that thing, Du Boise?
I can’t bear him. Every time I see him I feel like
giving him a good poke on the jaw. After this I’fl
feel more so. Yea, verily.”

Jones was not the only person intensely displeased
by Mabel’s action. Discovering his sister in company
with Du Boise, Ditson looked startled and muttered
something under his breath.

Immediately) Duncan forgot all about ice-hockey,
He was
tempted to overtake them and interfere, but, realizing
such an action might provoke an unpleasant scene, he
refrained. ;

After a time the pair skated back to the shore, where
Barbara Midhurst was waiting. Daisy Gradford was
there, talking to a laughing sophomore. On the ice
of the cove the regular hockey-team was practising.

“I think you've skated enough to-day, Mabel,” said
her brother. “You'd better stop now.”

She looked at him in surprise.

“Why, I don’t want to stop so soon!” she exclaimed.
“Tt’s just splendid. You know I didn’t skate any all
There were no young people at home
who skated—no girls, I mean. It doesn’t seem as if
I’d been on the ice more than ten or fifteen minutes.”

“To-morrow you will realize you’ve been on the ice
longer than that. You'll be lame.”

“Oh, that’s nothing. What if I am a little lame?”

“But I want you to stop,” said Dunc authoritatively,
“and you're going to stop.”

“Oh, these brothers!” murmured Barbara Midhurst.
“T’m glad I never had one to order me about. If I

had, I’d never minded him.” j

“Let me have just one more little skate, Duncan,”
pleaded Mabel. Po
“Ves, do,” urged Du Boise. “T’ll take care of her.”
_ That was precisely what Ditson did not want.
No,” he said harshly. “Mother has written me
half a dozen letters asking me to look out for Mabel,

and I propose to do my brotherly duty. She must

stop skating now.
skates off.” |

A short distance away Blessed Jones stood with his
ear cocked in that direction, although pretending to

Sit down, Mabel; I’ll take your

be wholly absorbed in watching the members of the
_ regular hockey-team as they scooted here and there

  

    

WEEKLY. i

Mabel
knew Jones was listening, and she fancied there was
an expression of disappointment on his face. With
a sigh she glanced in his direction. Duncan followed
that glance and observed Merriwell’s roommate, which
caused him to scowl still more blackly.

over the ice in pursuit of the lively puck.

Dunc was removing his sister’s skates when Dick
> )
came up.

“Oh, are you going to stop, Miss Ditson?” Merri-
well cried. “We haven’t. had a skate together. I
haven’t found an opportunity to ask you.”

“You're like some other people I know,” she re-
turned. ‘You're dreadfully slow.”

“Admitted,” nodded Dick. “I am slow.

Miss Midhurst will agree to that.”

I think

’

“On the contrary,” said Barbara, “you’re quite swift
enough. I think Mr. Ditson’s hockey-team found you
too swift.”

_ Duncan laughed with a touch of scorn.
| “Tt was his usual luck,” he-declared. “He wins
games just as he rescues drowning persons—through
the skill of some one else.”

“But he made both goals for his team.”

“He did,” admitted Duncan, maintaining the sneer-
ing expression. “No one denies that. But it was
the skill of that Frenchman who enabled him to shoot
those goals. I haven’t got any use for the frog-eater,
but I must confess he’s clever on skates, and he seems

to know hockey.”

“Le Blond deserves all the credit you are so
strangely willing to give him,” nodded Dick.

“But he wouldn’t prove to be so much in a real
game,” ‘hastily asserted Dunc. “He would get rattled
and go all to pieces.”

“That’s what you think, but I have a different con-
viction. Although Le Blond is nervous and excitable
ordinarily, he seems cool,and level-headed the moment
he puts on a pair of skates.”

“Oh, we'll show him up to-morrow, and the rest
of you fellows, too,” threatened Ditson. “Here are
your skates, Mabel.”

““Well, I think I’d better stop, too,” said Daisy
Gradford, as she was assisted to a seat by her sopho-
more companion. |

Harold du Boise was lingering near. Observing
this, Ditson spoke to him and called him aside. _

-“T don’t want to make any trouble, old man,”’ said
Dune, “but my folks do not wish my sister to receive

the attentions of fellows. I have to tell you this
frankly.” Jf .

 

 
steel,

12 : TIP TOP WEEKLY.

Du Boise permitted the s eco of a smile to flicker
across his face. :

“That’s the case with a great many parents,” he
said; “but in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred they
can’t help themselves.”’

CHAPTER WEL.

ANOTHER SHOCK: FOR DUNCAN.. /

{

Duncan Ditson and Sam Kates were walking along
one of New Haven’s business streets at an early hour
of the following afternoon.

Ditson was in a most disagreeable mood.

“Now, don’t talk to me, Kates!” he snapped. “You
acted like a chump. You tried to show how well you
could play. You had a chance to bother those fellows
and keep them from scoring. If you’d dote so, we
might have beaten them easily.”

“IT thought you could beat them anyhow,” protested
‘Kates. “I didn’t have an idea they would win.”

“That doesn’t let you out, All the fellows are sore
on you.”

“But I did bother them once or twice. Once I
pretended to pass the puck to Merriwell, and snapped
it straight at you.
being suspected.”

“What if you had been suspected? What do you
care about that bunch? Are you afraid of Merri-

pwelee >: |
“Not on your life!” rasped Kates.
not.” |
“No, I don’t know you're not.
“Tt wasn’t Merriwell.”
“Then who was it?” \
“Why, there were lots of people looking on, weren’t
there? St. Claire was referee.
If I’d done much punk work, he would have
seen through it. I wasn’t looking for a call-down.
Besides that, Hunter and Waldron were watching.”

“You know I’m

You seem to be.”

“And you were so egotistical that you wanted to.

show off how clever you were.
one complimenting you for your work.
any thanks from Merriwell ?”

“Well—no. He didn’t say anything to me in par-
ticular. But he told us all that we did well for fellows
‘who hadn’t played together.”

“That was fine. I suppose it puffed you all up.
Next thing we know you'll be one of Merriwell’s par-

icular push. You'll ees kotowing:t to him along with
the others.”

I haven’t heard any

I couldn’t do that often without

He’s sharper than

Did you get

j
} |

“You know better than that!’’ snarled Kates resent-
fully.

“T don’t know better than that. 1 know he has a
way of getting the homage of everybody who has
anything to do with him.”

“He'll get no homage from me.”

“T see you squatting on the bench next spring, anx-
iously waiting for Merriwell to call you into the
pitcher’s box to finish some game. You'll be ready to
lick his hand.”

“Now you make me sick!” snarled Sam furiously.
“You know better than that! You're in an ugly mood.
What’s the matter with you, anyhow? Are you afraid
you can’t beat Merriwell’s team this afternoon?”

“We're not going to play.”

“What?”

“T say we're not going to play.”

“Why, I thought——”

“It’s all off!” growled Duncan. Robinson got mad

because I told him he was like a watering-cart, and @

Pickering flew into a huff when I criticized him, This _
morning Du Boise notified me that I’d have to get.
some one else to tend goal. eh settled it.. I de-
cided that there’d be no game.”

“Have you told Merriwell?”’

“T haven’t put myself to all that trouble.”

“Then he'll have his team out there looking
you,”

“TL don t caress;

“They'll think you were afraid to play again.’

“Let them think anything they please.’

“Seems to me you should have told Merr iwell the
facts.’ . e
“Th not running ; around after Mr. Richard Mere’.
riwell.” |

“All right, all right,” nodded Kates,
do as you please. It’s no affair of mine.
the matter with Du Boise, anyhow ?”

“Oh, I don’t know.
cause I took my sister off the ice.
I didn’t want her to skate with him.” |

“Have you anything in particular against Du Boise? pa
I know he plays poker, but we all do that oceasion-— ,
ally.” oy

“Occasionally,” : admitted Gnsc “but we don’t make
a business of it.” > dnt ea

your sister ihe

“You can
What was.

Perhaps he didn’t like it Be *
I fancy he knew _

“Then that’s why you: don’t want
have anything to do bhi him?”

“That’s one reason.” —

_ “There’s another reason?”

Wes

 
     
     

“What is it?”

“I don’t care to discuss it, Kates.
you that I don’t consider Du B oise the
Mabel should be friendly with.’

“You've been friendly enough with him.”’

“That was policy on my part,’ asserted Duncan,
“I might be friendly with any one out of policy.”

“Oh-ho! Perhaps that’s why you're friendly with

 

Frankly I tell
sort of fellow

    
    
   
  

“Now, you know better, Kates. You're not like

Du Boise. There’s something about that fellow that
makes him particularly offensive to me. I don’t like
to speak-of it. Of course, Ave all know he’s altogether
too clever at poker.”

“Do you think he cheats?”

“Tm positive he isn’t above winning by underhand
methods. He may not be r

Duncan interrupted’ himself with a choking sound
in his throat, for at that very moment his eyes had
espied Harold du Boise and Mabel Ditson walking
in advance of them on the same sidewalk. Kates like-
wise discovered the pair,

“Jerusalem!” muttered Sam.

In a moment Ditson was striding forward, and he
quickly overtook his sister. |
_ “What are you doing here?” he asked abruptly,
without giving Du Boise as much as a look.
“Oh,” exclaimed Mabel, “how you startled me!
_ Where did you come from, Duncan?”
Her face had flushed, and she seemed greatly con-
fused. He noted this, which added to the boiling
anger in his heart. He did not seem to observe the
S fact that Du Boise had lifted his cap with a polite
bow. ‘
“T asked you a question, Mabel,” he said harshly.
i % “What are you doing here?”

 

 

was the

er “Tm going to meet Barbara at Brown’s,’

ay answer. “We're going to lunch together.”

gf “And Mr. Du Boise?” questioned Duncan. “TI trust
4

_ you can spare him a short time. I have a little busi-
ness with him.”

_ *Mr. Du Boise met me wholly by accident, e de-

_ clared Mabel. “He was walking my way.”

: “Perhaps so,” thought the angry brother, “but I
doubt it.”

_“There’s Barbara now!” cried Mabel, waving her

gloved hand. “She's s just come out of Brown’s. Oh,

Bab!’

_ Miss Midhurst saw thera, and approached.

- Ditson glanced at his watch. —

  
    
    
    
 
 

TREY £0F

“Can you spare me a few minutes, Du Boise?” he.

   

WEEKLY.

1

 

asked. “We'll let the girls get lunch together. Td
like a serious talk with you.”

Harold lifted his thin eyebrows, shrugged his shoul-
ders a bit, and bowed.

“T haven’t anything to bother me for the next half-
hour,” he said.

Barbara Midhurst’s keen eyes noted that something
was wrong as she came up. Nevertheless, both Dit-
son and Du Boise lifted their caps to her, and even
Duncan forced a smile to his face.

“Sorry if I’m depriving you of the society of Mr.
Du Boise,” said Ditson, who more than half-suspected
that Barbara was responsible for the meeting between
his sister and Harold. “I trust you will forgive me.”

“Why, I hadn’t the slightest idea of seeing Mr.
Du ‘Boise so early in the day,” asserted Miss Mid-
hurst. “Of course, I expected to see him at the
hockey-game this afternoon. Mabel and I have agreed
to take that game in. She thinks your team stands a
chance of defeating Merriwell’s, but I can’t agree with
her.”

“There will 7 no game this afternoon.’

“No game? Why, I thought Why, you made
arrangements for a game, didn’t your”

Oe”

“Then why aren’t you going to play i ¢?

“Ask Mr. Du Boise. He’s one of the three men
who have quit on me. I haven’t any team.”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” breathed Bab. “It was real
sport watching that game yesterday.”

Once more Ditson glanced at his. watch.

“Although I’m sure both Du Boise and myself find

 

it hard to tear ourselves away,” he observed, “you
know our time is limited. We have to go.”
“Oh, we: won’t keep you,” smiled Barbara. “But

don’t Bo ove all things, don’t quarrel over
ice-hockey.” :
“We won't,” promised Ditson.

CHAPTER VIII.
‘DEFIANT DU BOISE.

Not a word passed between them until they were
seated at opposite sides of a bare wooden table in a
back room of a saloon.

_ “Evidently it’s going to be disagreeable,” said Du
Boise, in his softest, gentlest tone. “In order to pre-
pare ec for the shock, I’d like a litdle drink. Here,
waiter.”

A waiter approached.

  
14 | TIP TOP

“What’ll you have, Ditson?” asked Harold.

“Nothing,” answered Duncan. “I’m not drinking.”

“Has the water-wagon picked up another passen-
sort

“T’m not drinking now.’

_ “Oh, that’s it. You mean you’re not drinking with
me. You're beginning to be disagreeable right off the
neon!”

Dunc said nothing, but leaned back in his chair
and waited for Du Boise to give an order. When
this was done and the waiter had departed, Harold
produced cigarettes, opened the case, and pushed it
across the table.

“No,” said Duncan shortly.

“Tt must be an awful case,’ murmured Hal, as he
took a cigarette and struck a match. “Is it possible
you're as sore as this because I declined to play

99

_, hockey?”

“I don’t care a rap wheter you play F hockey or
not!” flung back Duncan. “I think we could get along
without you.”

“But you’re not going to play?”

“There are other quitters. That big calf, Robinson,
couldn’t stand it when I told him he was half-asleep.”’

“Well, then, I didn’t break a the game, I don't
see why you should glare at me.’

“T didn’t come here to talk about the game.”

The waiter returned and placed Harold’s drink on
the table. Du Boise paid and added a ten-cent tip for
service.

“You have me all at sea, Ditson,” he murmured, as
he lifted the glass. “I’m very sorry you're not taking
anything. Here’s my regards.”

“Now, here,” rasped Dunc, as Du Boise finally ie
ered the glass, “let’s come right down to business.”

“I’m waiting. Of course, I don’t know what busi-
ness you're coming at.”

“T know you pretty well, Du Boise; I know just
about the sort of a man you are. Yesterday I took
my sister ae the ice because I didn’t wish her to skate
with you.” .
Hal’s thin eyebrows went up, and his straight lips

tightened.

“That’s frank, to say the least,” he finally observed.
“But I want to tell-you that you’ve got a devil of a
crust. I suspected that was why you dragged her
off, and my suspicions led me to inform you that I
would not play nee ey to-day. I wes ask any favors
from you, Ditson.”’

“Oh, you’re mighty bold and highs thaadied now!”
grated Duncan. “I’ve seen the time you asked a favor.

WEEKLY.

T’ve seen the time you asked me to buy you a drink.

You were oe You didn’t have the price of a
beers:

“My dear fellow, we all get up against it at times.
I don’t think you’ve done any favors for me that I
haven’t returned with interest.”

“I staked you and gave you a chance to get into a
poker-zame and make a good haul.”

“Quite true,’ admitted Harold, “and you took half
the winnings.”

“Now, don’t give me any chestiness, Ditson. Don’t
strike a highly moral attitude toward me.
into that game and pushed up the pots when I gave
you the signal. I play poker, and so do you.
skinned: suckers at the game, and you've reaped half

the benefit. My dear fellow, it can’t be possible that

you object to the friendship between your sister and
myself because I hapber iP have a way of winning

at cards. Why, you

“Stop!” cried Duncan, gintking the table with his

clenched fist. ‘‘No matter what I’ve done, I want you
to understand that my sister’s all right.”

She’s all
I’ve

“T lift my hat to that statement, Ditson.
right. She’s one of the finest girls 1 ever saw.
been rather pitying her, don’t you know.”

“Pitying her? What for?’
“For having such a rotten cheap brother.”
“Why, curse your insolent tongue!” hissed Ditson,

half-rising and leaning over the table, one fist clenched. —
“There, there, my boy, murmured Du Boise, “don’ é:

play the Cunningham.”

“The Cunningham ?”

“Yes, the bully. You know I’m not in es least bit
afraid of you. You wouldn’t dare hit me.”

“T’d like to know why not!”, panted Dunc.

“Sit down and I'll tell you why not.”

Duncan sank back on his chair, still scowling blocky
and eying Du Boise with unspeakable hatred.

“T know too much about you, Ditson,” said the cool
fellow, as he puffed at the cigarette.
to get me down on you.
might tell some things you don’t want told.”

“What would you dare to tell?”
“Oh, there are a great many things,

for Boston. Roberts was unable to take part in the

You sat)

I’ve

“Vou can’t afford —
I might talk, you know. I~

For instance, —
I might let slip something that would clear up the re-—
markable mystery of the injury to Cal Roberts in the
swimming-tank. You know something happened to
Roberts’ leg just before the relay team was to start |

ahs a

Bia A a
Sie tamed

 
  

 

 

 

  

   
 

     
     
       
   
 

the table.

TIP

meet at Mechanics’ Hall. He crippled around with

the aid of a crutch and a cane for four or five days.
They even say that his leg is not wholly well as yet.”
Dunean’s face had grown pale.
“It’s a bluff,” he muttered. ‘You wouldn’t dare
breathe a word about it.’’

“Wouldn’t I?”

“No.”

“Tell me why not.”

You
stuff I in-

“Because you would find yourself involved.
provided the hypodermic syringe and the
jected into Roberts’ leg.”

“That's right, Ditson, be careful to speak very low.
Some one might hear you.
that I provided anything.

I’m not acknowledging
You came to me for a hy-
podermic syringe, but I didn’t have one. If you had
ever dared tell me what you meant to do with the
thing, I should have been horrified and exposed you
at once. You didn’t tell me, but in clearing out the
tank they discovered a syringe some days after Rob-
erts was injured. I put two and two together. I con-
cluded that you had procured such an instrument
somehow, and, considering the statement of .Roberts
that something had pricked his leg in the tank, I made
inquiry and learned that you were swimming at that
time. Thus I came to suspect that, with the aid of the
hypodermic syringe, you injected into Roberts’ leg
something that crippled him for the time being. Now,
my dear fellow, you see that this lets me out of it very
nicely.”

“You're like a snake, Du Boise. You can squirm

through a mighty small hole.”

“By this time I presume you realize your mistake
in making any objections to me as your sister’s
friend ?” Ags

“No, I don’t!” snarled Dune, as he again thumped
“And I won’t have it! You're slippery!
You're slimy! But I happen to know something about
you that nails you down good and hard. I didn’t in-
tend to speak of it, but you have forced my hand.
Du Boise, you’re a dope-fiend.”

He shook his finger accusingly across the table as

he made this declaration. :
_ Slowly Harold du Boise filled his lungs. A look of

doubtful inquiry crept over his pale face.

“T don’t think I understand you,” he finally said,

“Yes, you do! yes, you do!” grated Duncan. «You

_ know what I mean. I'll tell you why I came to-you
for a hypodermic syringe. One day before that I

TOP: WEERLY.

   

sort
into

called on you in your room.and found you in a
of trance. After I’d stirred you up you went
the alcove, having asked me to take a chair which
was placed where I could not see you. But you did

not realize that the lon

ig mirror in your room was
placed so I could see exactly what you were doing.
I saw you.open a drawer in your dresser. I saw you
take out a little case, from which you removed a
hypodermic syringe. I watched you fill the syringe.
I watched you push up your sleeve and inject the stuff
from the syringe into your left arm. You can’t deny
it, Du Boise. Every one knows there’s something
queer about you. Most fellows think it’s drink. -I
thought so until that day. Every one knows what be-
Let. the habit

become fixed, and it spells ruin. You’ve got the habit.

comes of a person addicted to dope.
Already your will-power is mastered by whatever drug
you use. Knowing that you used a hypodermic
syringe, I came to you with the proposition to. fix
Roberts. You provided the syringe and the stuff to
do the job. Do you suppose I want my sister to be-
come friendly with a dope-fiend? Do you suppose I'll
stand for it? If you do, you’re away off, and you've
got another think coming to you.” |

Du Boise had listened to all this with a certain
calmness that caused Duncan to wonder. At the finish
Harold said:

“Ditson, I advise you to see a doctor. You're
troubled by hallucinations. Either that, or you

dreamed this thing and came to believe it actually
happened. Why, my dear fellow, I scarcely know
what a hypodermic syringe is. Between us, I’m will-
ing to admit that I’ve seen one. I purchased it for
you, and you used it.”

“Why, blame it, do you deny to my face that I saw
you using a hypodermic on yourself?”

The pale chap laughed outright.

“Deny it?” he scoffed. ‘“‘Why, it’s the most ridicu-
lous thing I ever heard of. Certainly .1 deny it.
You’re up against a stone wall, Ditson. You’ve made
a mistake, and you may as well take water. You
can’t afford to open your face about me, for, if you
do, Pll make you regret it. As far as your sister is
concerned, she’s a splendia girl, and I propose to treat
her as any gentleman would. If you attempt to! poison
her mind against me, I’ll make you regret that, too.
You have a conceited idea that you’re a sort of ruler
or master mind among your classmates, but you want —
to. understand that there is one you can’t rule. His
name is Harold du Boise.” ,

 

   
Pea Ae ala

CHAPTER: IX:

LRECS REPORT.

Ditson sat alone in his room, nursing his wrath.

He was glad his roommate was absent, for the pres-
ence of any one would have annoyed him still further.
As it grew dark in that room he still sat there without
moving to turn on the lights. A sound of hurrying
feet ceased at the door,jon which there came the sharp
bang of knuckles. The person who knocked did not
wait for an invitation, but flung open the door and
bounced in.

“Hey! hey!” he cried. “Anybody here? Every-
body dead?. Wake up, you dead ones!”

“Shut that door, Lee!” rasped Ditson. “What the
dickens do you mean by j jumping in here and howling

like an Indian ?”’

“Oh, woo!” exclaimed Lee. “Evidently somebody
is alive. ‘That you, Dunc?”

“Well, who do you think it is?”

“Looking for you. Why all.this cloud of gloom?
Why don’t you illuminate? Too tired? TIl turn on
the juice for you.”

“You needn’t bother. What do you want?”

“THave you heard about the game?”

“What game?”

“The hockey-game this afternoon. You know Mer-
riwell’s team played just the same) even if we were
not there to play them.”

“What do you suppose I caré about that? It
doesn’t interest me.”

“Lovely humor you’re in. Got indigestion, or is it
a bad case of jaundice? Why don’t you take some-
thing for it?”

“You annoy me, Lee.”

“Sorry,” said the little fellow, as he struck a match
and lighted a cigarette. The glow of the match illumi-
nated his face, and the half-grin he wore added to
Duncan’s ill nature.

“Wipe that grin off your face, Kid!” growled Dunc.
“You look like an idiot. Sometimes I think you're
not more than half-witted.”

“Thanks awfully,” returned Lee. “You're very
complimentary. As I was saying, Merriwell’s team
played a game this afternoon, and they had the regu-
lars for opponents.”

“They must have made a ‘fine exhibition ! ” sneered
Ditson.

“That’s the queer part of it.
Did what?

“Made a fine exhibition.

\
\

They did.”

Everybotly was aston-

‘out.

~~

ished. ‘They actually made the regulars go a whole
lot.”’

“Oh, what are you giving me?”

“Tt’s a fact. Hunter’s bunch had to play like fiends
to beat them. an re saying now that Mertiwelt iS:
a star hockey-player.’

“Sickening! sickening!” grated Ditson. “They're
always saying that Merriwell is a star-something-or-

I suppose he covered himself with glory, as
o

other.
usual,”

“That’s what he did. Shot three goals right |
through Jack Kingman. Made Kingman look like
a, dub goal-tender. Why, Hunter says Merriwell has
a\ faster team than the regular scrub. What do yon
think of that?” ;

“T think it’s the blamedest rot I ever heard!” rasped
Ditson. “Is there anything this Merriwell can’t do
better than anybody else? oe you’re lying to me.
You're trying to string me.’ |

“Not on your life. I’m giving you straight goods.”

Duncan sprang to his feet and began prancing up
and down the floor in a great rage.

“What do I care about it, anyhow?” he cried. “Why
did you come to me? Get out of here, Lee! Chase
yourself!”

“Oh, say, say,” spluttered Bertie, “don’t fly off the
handle, Duncan. I thought you wanted to know.
You know I’m your friend, old fellow. You can de-
pend on me. I'll prove it. Bet you’ve forgotten all
about the new collége play that opens to-night. You
know they’re going to try it on the dog right here —
in New Haven. Theater’s been closed the last few —
days, but she opens to-night with ‘College Days.’
They claim it’s better than ‘Strongheart,’ ‘The College —
Widow,’ or ‘Brown of Harvard,’ ”

“Well, what of it?” }

“Everybody’ll be there that can: get seats.
you tickets ?”

“Tf I want to go, I’ll get a seat, all right.”
“That’s where you are mistaken. The house is sold
Isn’t a seat to be had for love or money. I
found that. out this morning when I*tried to pur- |
chase tickets. But I’m not to be baffled. I knew all.
the big men in college were going, and I resolved
to be right in the swim. Therefore I went out on a
still hunt after tickets. I found a couple that a spec.
had picked up, and I gobbled them, paying a premium,
of course. I knew you had so many things to think

Have

of that you’d forget all about it, so I took one of —

those’seats for you. Had to pay three dollars apiece
for those tickets.” | erasers

 

 
 

 

 

Ea SY

 

 
 
  
   
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
    
  
  
 

play is good.

TP ho

‘Well, I hope you don’t think I’m going to cough
up three dollars to see a rotten old play.”

“You misunderstand me, Dunc. You're invited to
attend as my guest.”’

“Oh, that’s different,”
“That’s thoughtful of you,

said Ditson, strangely soothed
in a minute. Kid, and I
appreciate it.”

“T fancied you would,” chuckled Lee, “Let’s put
on our glad rags to-night and do the thing in style.”

“Better cut out the glad rags, Bertie. The sophs
might take a notion to give us a rush after the play.”

“Tf they do,” cried Bertie, “they’ll have all the fun
they want! The sophs haven’t been so much this term.
Fhey say we've upset all precedent and tradition. I
don’t believe they’ll do any rushing. They haven't the
nerve. Some one told me Merriwell has tickets. You
won’t see the sophs starting the rush with him on
mana.

“Now, Lee, there’s where you make me sick for
fair. You pretend to dislike Merriwell, but, just the
same as every one else, you think he’s 1t.”’

“No, I don’t think he’s it, but I think the sophs be-
lieve he is. Let’s chance it with the swell rags, Dunc.
What’s a fellow got a dress suit for if he can’t wear
it once in awhile? I’m not afraid of the whole sopho-
more class.”’

“Oh, you're a bold little snip. Welt, I don’t know
but [’ll chance it. Take dinner with me, Lee. Shall
we dress before dinner, or afterward?”

“Well, if I’m going to wear my swellest, you bet

your life I’ll wear it to dinner—that is, unless we eat

in some hash-house.”’
“Tm not inviting you to eat in any hash-house.”
“Then that settles it. I'll be round by six-thirty.
Is that early enough?”

“That’s all right,” nodded Dune. “I hope the old
If it isn’t, there’ll be something doing
before the pertoraantys over. The fellows won't
/stand for "ae

“Well, so long!” cried Lee, flinging his half- smoked
cigarette into a cuspidor.
troubles. Remember there are better days coming.”

He departed, whistling gaily.

 

CHAPTER X.
IN THE PROSCENIUM BOX.

The theater was packed, and it seemed that fully
half the seats were occupied by Yale men. Previous
_to the rising of the curtain there were no demonstra-

   

“Cheer up, and forget your ,

   

WEEKLY. 7

tions. The college lads came imaquietly, greeted
friends, and took their seats.

“This is too near,” complained Ditson, as he found
himself with Lee in the third row. “Why didn’t you
get something a few rows back ?’

“Gee whillikins! I was lucky to get anything at all.”

Having seated himself, Duncan glanced around and
bowed to one or two acquaintances. eens he

started with a muttered exclamation.

“What’s the matter?” asked Lee.

Duncan did not reply, but continued to stare toward
one of the proscenium boxes. In that box he had dis-
covered his sister, Barbara Midhurst, and a middle-
aged lady with a youthful face and gray hair.

Lee discovered them at last.

“By Jove!” he breathed, “there’s your sister, Dunc.
Did you know she was coming to-night i

“No, I didn’t,” acknowledged Ditson.

Lis voice was hard and restrained, and there seemed
a certain tension about him. Wondering at this, Lee
made another discovery. Sitting behind Mabel Dit-
son in the box was Harold du Boise. There was one
more male occupant of that box, Miles Bradshaw.

Mabel saw her brother, and smiled at him, but he
returned that smile with a glare and a scowl. Du
Boise, likewise, discovered Ditson, and gave him a
very polite bow, which simply added to the look of
anger on Duncan’s face.

“There’s Du Boise,”
us.

“But I didn't bow t to him,”
brother.

“T noticed that,” said Bertie innocently.
you didn’t see him how.”

“Oh, yes, I saw him—I saw him. That fellow has
more cheek than any person I ever knew.”

“Whew! you must be pretty sore on him. It was a
scurvy trick for him to refuse to play, the way he did.
Still, I wouldn’t let him know I cared, if I were in
your place.”

“T don’t care about that. I didn’t Sites it a thought.
I don’t fancy having my sister seen in public with
Hal du Boise. Excuse me, Lee; I’m going round to
that box.” |

“Now, hold on,” cautioned Bertie, catching his com-
panion’s sleeve, “don’t make a scene. You can't af-
ford to do that. .If you have anything to say to Du
Boise, choose another time.”

“lve said a few things to him already, and he’ll
find out that I meant business. I’m going to speak
to Mabel now.” :

chirped Lee. “He bowed to
muttered the disgruntled

“T thought
ate OE

to the box where his sister

Without waiting for him to

Ditson made his way
was ready to greet him.
speak, Mabel exclaimed:

“T thought we might see you here, Duncan! Wasn't
it fine of Mr. Du Boise to get this box for us! We
tried for seats, you know, and we couldn’t get a thing.
Let me present you to Mrs. Stackpole, Barbara’s aunt.
Mrs. Stackpole, this is my brother,”

Ditson bowed gravely.

“Mrs. Stackpole,” he murmured, “it is a pleasure.”
smiled

“T’m very glad to meet Mabel’s brother,”
“Won't you join our party?

the gray-haired lady.

There’s room enoug h.”
“T can’t do that.. I’m here with a friend who pro-

vided. the tickets. It wouldn’t be very nice of me to

desert him, Mrs. Stackpole,

bowed to Ditson after Duncan had

Quite at his ease, Du Boise

Bradshaw
spoken to. Miss Midhurst.
observed:
o'clock, Ditson,
I thought you

“T tried to get hold of you about 7
but I couldn’t find: you anywhere.
might like to. come with us.” }

“You were rather late in seeking to offer an invita-
tion,”’ muttered Ditson, at the same time giving Harold
a quick glance of hatred.

Turning to his sister, he spoke in a low tone:

“Mabel,” he said, “I can’t have this business,
should consult me when you're: invited to the theater.”

“Oh, but I couldn't,” she protested. “‘It was so
| pety late, and you know Mr. Du Boise: couldn't find
ey aR
+ “Mr. Du Boise didn’t care to find me.’’

“Didn’t care to?” :

«© *No.. He knew well enough I would refuse to per-
mit yot to come.” | | |
“Well; I think that would have been real mean. I
- stippose you would have kept me mopirig at home. ‘I
don’t understand you, Duncan. There’s certainly no
harm i in my coming here to-night. ,Mrs. Stackpole is
our chaperon, and I did want to see this play so much.
T knew all the college boys would be here.” »

~ Ditson had resolved to speak » plainly, but now,
glancing past his sister, his eyes met those of Du
Boise. : Hal was very cool, but there was an expression
of wartiing and defiance on hy, face that ene Duncan
a chill, | vee rid |

“re tt sak me if I say a word,” thought Ditson, as
his courage melted, _ | |
- At last he enlteedl: that Du Boise Held the ik.
hand. Should the truth concerning the injury, to Cal

You

WEEKLY.

Roberts’ leg become known, there would be no place
in Yale for Duncan Ditson.

“Whenever you intend to visit the theater after this,
Mabel,” he said, “I wish you to inform me.”

“My dear Mr. Ditson,” murmured Barbara Mid-
“you remind me of a stern parent, but I think
Now, own up, aren't you

hurst,
you're posing just a bit.
posing ?” !

“You mustn’t judge every one by the posers you
know, Miss Midhurst,’ he returned, forcing a laugh.
“Vou know Mabel is inclined to disobey the instruc-
tions of her mother. She doesn’t consult me about
anything nowadays.”

A few moments later he retired from the box, com-
The smiling, trittmphant parting
Nor

pletely discomfited.
bow of Du Boise added to his chagrin and anger.
was he at all appeased as he ran against Dick Merri-
well on the point of entering that box.

Merriwell ' greeted the occupants of the box in a
manner that seemed to dispel the shadow left behind
by Ditson.

“T was wondering if you were here, Dick,”
Mabel. “Where are you sitting ?”

- “Tf you'll cast your eyes toward the opposite pros~
cenium box, you'll discover Jones and a few of our
friends,’ answered Dick. “I saw you, even if you did
overlook us.” | :
“Why didn’t you bring Mr. Jones round?” wei 2
Barbara.

said

“He was too heavy for ;me to carry, and he de- oa

clined to walk,” laughed Dick.

Mabel uttered a faint éxclamation, a

“The trouble with Mr. Jones is that he’ $ altogether ,
too slow,” she said. ‘‘Really, Dick, I think he’s half- ‘
asleep most of the time. Why doesn’t he wake up and, *
do something sometimes ?” 3:

“Oh, he does.” |

“T’ve never seen him do iepelita worth mention-
ing,” declared the piqued girl.
he'll drag himself through the world just twenty min-
utes too late to get anywhere.” res

“Some day,” said Dick, “he'll surprise you by a
clever, ready-witted, and heroic action. I assure you —
that pees is built of the stuff from which ison men are
made.”

Harold du Boise laughed softly.

“Tt is possible,” he murmured, “that your intimate —
relations with Jones Have enabled you to discover
qualities in him that are hidden to other eyes. As
far as s I'm concerned, 1 must agree with Miss Ditson_

\

j

 

 

“T’m convinced that . “4
 

   
  
   
   
  
  

 

  
   
   
   
    
   
  
  
   
 
 
  
   
 
   
   
   
   
 

 

- noticed it.

the audience from the rising of the curtain.

that he is dolefully slow. Your picture of him as a
possible hero is really amusing, Merriwell.”

Dick shrugged his shoulders.

“In the long run, actions count, Du Boise,’’ he said
quietly.

“That’s the very thing,” retorted Hal. “Jones
is too slow to act. I think most fellows who know him
will agree with me that he’s a perfect stick.”

Dick felt his cheeks grow hot.

“Perhaps we hadn’t better discuss Jones here. I
hope you all enjoy the play.”

“By the way,” spoke Bradshaw, “I notice some-
thing rather queer on this program. The name of
the hero of this piece is Frank Merriweather, and he’s
a Yale man. I don’t suppose that could have any
reference to your brother ?”

“TY don’t know about that,” admitted Dick. “I’ve
I’ve also noticed the heroine’s name is
Inez Berkley. Although it seems improbable, it may
be possible the playwright had Inza Burrage in mind.
You know my brother married Miss Burrage.”

At this moment the overture began, and Dick ex-

cused himself:

CHAPTER XI.
JONES DOES IT.

The play proved to be a clever one, and it gripped
It was
imbued with the Yale spirit and aroused the greatest
enthusiasm among the college lads. Not only was it
overflowing with humor, but there were touches of
real pathos at which even those inclined to scoff could
find no occasion for mockery. ‘The setting of the first
scene, the Yale campus, received a tumultuous round
of applause. The green freshman, the flippant sopho-
more, the chesty junior, and the grave senior all were
there. The actor who played the part of Frank Mer-
riweather was a genuine college graduate, which pre-

vented him from making any of those little breaks

which might have aroused derision among the specta-
tors. As the play progressed, it became, whispered
around among the audience that this character repre-
sented the former Yale hero, Frank Merriwell.
Duncan Ditson scowled through the entire first act.

When Lee applauded, he growled at Bertie, and told.

him to “cut it out.” As the curtain went down on the

first act, Duncan started to leave his seat.

“By Jove, that was fine, fine!’ breathed Lee, fai

lowing at Ditson’s heels.

Along with a biquiced others, they tushed for the

Mae AOL. WeERIY;

cheering spectators could be obtained.

  

nearest bar.

In that bar the college boys were com-
menting on the play, and every one seemed well satis-
fied by the opening act.

Ditson said nothing, but as soon as he could crowd
up to the bar he called for whisky.

“Oh,.take beer, old fellow,’ urged Lee. “Hard
stuff isn’t any good.”
“You take what you want!” growled Dunc. “I’m

going to drink what I want.”
brimming glass of whisky.

“Jove! that would load a mule,” breathed Bertie.

Before returning to his seat, Tarte took a second
drink. His face was flushed and his bearing changed
as he settled down in the orchestra chair. ;

The setting of the second act, showing the interior
of the college gymnasium, was likewise appreciated by
the Yale boys. The interest of the play advanced
steadily, and at the close of the act, when it seemed
certain that the villain would prevent Merriweather
from taking part in the great Thanksgiving day foot-
ball-game against Harvard, the suspense was intense.

“Grand! magnificent! glorious!” palpitated Lee. “I
hope Merriweather kicks the liver out of that scoun-
drel, Paxton. Any one who would put up the kind of
a job Paxton has ought to be shot. Don’t you think
so, Dunc?”

“Aw, it’s all rot!” rasped Ditson.
another geezer?”

Again Ditson took et drinks between acts. As
Lee followed him batk down the aisle, he noted that
his; steps were a trifle unsteady.

“T see where I have to cart him home in a cab,”
thought Bertie. “I hope he doesn’t get loaded to the
guards and make a holy show of himself.”

The third act literally carried the house by storm.
The scene showed the Yale dressing-room, and
through a. big open window a glimpse of the seats and
At the last
moment, just as it seemed that Paxton had cooked
Merriweather’s goose, the hero exposed the villain’s
plot and got into the game in time to save the day
by a great run, whereupon the Yale men rose to their
feet and nearly lifted the roof with their cheers. As
the victor was brought from the field on the shoulders
of his comrades, Balmore Harmsworth sprang upon
an orchestra chair, in one of the front rows, faced the
audience, and led the cheering. -

As the first great’ outburst died down, Harmsworth
cried: :

“Now, boys, one for the real hero, Frank Merri-
well!”

And he poured out a

é
=

“Coming out for

 

     
20 VLR a?

Every college man was standing. The roar of their
voices was simply terrific.

“Merriwell! Merriwell!
dered.

In his box Dick. drew back, his eyes filled with a
mist. His days at Yale had told him that the name
of his brother was held in deep affection, almost rev-
erence, by every true Yale man. He felt Jones seize
hig hand and wring it. In his ear he heard Blessed
cry:

“What do you think of that, Dick? Any Yale man
who has missed this night had better go kick himself.”

- As the curtain went down Ditson ploughed his way
along the aisle with Lee hanging onto his coat tails.

“You've had enough, Dunc,” spluttered Bertie.
“Really, you have.” \

“Say, keep your hands off me!’ snarled Ditson.
“The idea of those fools cheering for Frank Merri-
well! What did he have to Bo with this old piece,
anyhow ?”

Lee stuck by Ditson, and persuaded him to be satis-
fied with one medium-sized drink. The little fellow
was afraid Duncan would get into trouble in the bar-
room, as every one seemed talking of Frank Merri-
well. Many of them coupled Dick’s name with
Frank’s, and a few prophesied that the younger brother
was destined to make a record at college that would
equal that of the original Merriwell.

Merriwell!” they thun-

»{Oh, I'll gag if I listen to any more of this!” snarled
Dunc, as he hurried back into’the theater. “Dick

Merriwell will have a head bigger than a balloon after

to-night.”

_ The final act showed a ballroom and a conservatory,

the latter being a bower of vines and flowers, illumi-
- nated by Chinese lanterns. Once more Paxton was on

deck, and this time he seemed to hold the evidence that

Frank Merriweather was really a professional, to-

gether with proof that he had lied in order to take’

Once more it looked dark

for the hero. Apparently his athletic career at Yale
was over. More than that, the heroine was beginning

to doubt, and half-turn to -Paxton. But Bradford

Bodge, Merriweather’s chum, bobbed up with counter-
- evidence that put the villain all to the bad, and com-
pletely exonerated the hero.

Needless to say, Mabel Ditson had followed the

urse of the play with breathless interest. It was
Viabel who-noted the falling of one of the Chinese
lanterns as the heroine slipped into the conservatory
to meet the hero, who would follow her later.

part in the football-game.

“Oh, look!” exclaimed Mabel, grasping Du Boise’s _

WEEKLY.

“That lantern! Her dress! She doesn’t see it!

9

arm.
She doesn’t——

A bit of smoke curled up from the bottom of the
light dress worn by the actress.

“Mr. Du Boise, quick!” exclaimed Mabel.

Before Du Boise could move, a tall figure in the
opposite proscenium box leaped upon the stage, bear-
ing a long overcoat in his hands.

There was a startled scream from the actress, who
had discovered her own peril at last. .

Across the stage bounded that tall figure, and in a
moment Blessed Jones had wrapped his overcoat about
the girl, winding it so closely around her that the tiny —
flame was quickly and completely smothered.

There had been cries of alarm in the audience, and
many persons sprang up. A panic seemed imminent.

At the front of the box, leaning over the rail as he
stood, Dick Merriwell cried, in a clear, distinct tone of
voice: |

“Tt’s all right! There’s no danger!
seats! Jones has smothered it!”

Then Merriweather, the actor, having learned from —
the herdine that she was quite unharmed, also made —
an appeal to the audience.

‘Don’t rush out,” he urged, forcing a laugh, and
waving his hand toward Dick. “This young man is
right. Whoever he is, Jones has done it.”

There was a hush while the audience gathered the
full significance of all this. Then, as one man, those —
college lads barked: .

“*Rah! ’rah! ’rah! *Rah! ’rah! ’rah! ’Rah! ’
‘rah! Jones! Jones! Jones!’

With tears in her eyes, while her face was abeam
with laughter, Mabel Ditson breathed : re

“Jones has done something at last! Dick was right.
He’s not slow. He’s a hero!”

Keep your —

CHAPTER XII.

CELEBRATING,

The boundless enthusiasm at the close of the final
act of “College Days” caused the curtain to be raised ©
repeatedly to permit the actors to bow their apprecia- it,
tion, Then, when the curtain finally fell and remained 2
down, there were loud and tumultuous cries for Jones.

Dick found areaee ee to a at the rear of the
box. ig

AGonie’ out and brides a bow, Jones, ” he laughed. i
“You've got to do it.” |

“Oh, horn of Joshua!” groaned ‘the, apparently

 

 

fall las
    

TEP stor
frightened freshman. “What’s the matter with those
howling chumps?
I can’t!”

“You can, and you will,’ declared Merriwell, as he
forced the diffident freshman to the rail of the’ box.

“Jones! -Ah+h-h-h-hh! Jones f’”
| bellowed the entire auditorium.

Stop pulling me, Dick! I won't!

ina

Ssh shpat Bitar Brite: 2a

Y ee~e-e-e-e-e-ee!

is

 

| Laughingly Merriwell placed his hand against the
back of Jones’ head and forced him to bow. ‘The tall
He saw before him a
and waving hands and hats.

_ freshman was red as a beat.
| great multitude of faces
Something directed his gaze to the opposite proscenium
box, and there in the very front he beheld a girl witl
beaming eyes, who stood and clapped her hands until
| _ they tingled.

As the tumult died out, a Yale man in the first
balcony loudly cried:

“Why
play of heroism, my friends?
that Deacon Blessed Jones is a direct
that great sea. warrior and patriot of Revolutionary
, days, Admiral John Paul Jones.”

should you wonder at this remarkable dis-

I’m creditably informed

 

descendant of

a This was productive of shouts of laughter, and the
audience began to file out.

 

  

“Well, of all the ridiculous exhibitions I
this takes the cake,’ mumbled Ditson, as he staggered
along the aisle, bumping against people and shoving
them rudely aside.

ever Saw,

 
   
    
  

‘Lee followed him, and, packed in front of the
theater, they found a great gathering of college men
awaiting the appearance of Jones and Merriwell.
Two policemen tried in ;vain to disperse the good-
natured lads. 3

   
     
    
   
 

“Have a little patience and patriotism, officer,”
pleaded Big Baldwin Brownell, pretending to stoop
over in order to pat the policeman on the back. “This
is a momentous occasion. - Soon from yonder portal
will issue a direct descendant of the great John Paul
| Jones.”

- “Who the divvil was the great John Paul Jones: es
asked the cop.

“Ts it possible—is it possible you do not know?”
sobbed Brownell. “Why, John Paul Jones was the
original Carrie Nation. He took to smashing things
British away back in Revolutionary days. Every time
he saw a British head he hit it a crack with his little
hatchet. He twisted the lion’s tail until the lion
howled with pain. Only for John Paul, my dear man,
~ you might at this moment be an officer on English
- soil instead of Yankee ground. This whole country

  
 
 
    
  
  
  

 

  

   

WEEKLY.

John
Paul wiped up the high seas with old King George’s
s your patriotic duty as an Irish-American
Do your duty, officer

might belong to England instead of Ireland.
navy.
citizen to cheer for John Paul.
—do your duty.”’

‘Hurroo for John Paul!’ laughed the policeman.
“Thanks, murmured Brownell, pretending to wipe

a tear from “You touch me, but you're a

little late.

his eye.
My roommate touched me first, and I’m
busted,”

In the midst of the swaying, laughing crowd Ditson
although. Duncan man-
entrance, watching for

and Lee were jostled about,
aged to stick by the theater
the appearance of his sister.

After a time Harvey Quarrier appeared and de-
livered the disappointing information that Jones and
Merriwell had left the theater by the stage-door.

The crowd surged away, and, in spite of himself,
the theater.
throng and

Ditson was carried some distance from
Eventually he broke from the moving
staggered back to the doorway, where he waited, with
Lee hovering near, until the last of the audience left
and the lights were being turned out.

“Confound it!” he rasped. “I didn’t see my sister
come out.’

“Were you waiting for her?’ asked Lee.

“Yes; I meant to take her home ee: "

“Why didn’t you a“ so? She’s gone.”

“Gone?”

“Yes. I saw her.
and they took a cab.

She came out with the others,
She must be nearly home by
this time.”

“Well, why didn’t you tell me?’ snarled Dunc.
“What are you good for, anyhow?”

Lee hurried after Ditson as the angry brother strode
unsteadily away.

“Where are you going now?” questioned Bertie.

“Going to get a nightcap.”

“Oh,
be full.”

“T don’t need you to tell me when I’ve had enough.”

ginger! you’ve had enough, Duncan. You'll

A few minutes later they found themselves in a
saloon that was literally packed with jabbering stu-
dents, who were discussing the play in the volatile,
effusive manner of youngsters. A few of them who
had seen Frank Merriwell were telling about him, and
the sound of that name added to the gnawing rage in
Ditson’s heart. ‘

“Tf this thing keeps up, it’ll drive me out of Yale,” .
he grumbled, as he crowded up to one end of the bar,

 

        
      
         
    
 

  

TEE oe

22

 

/

Lee actually shivered as he saw Dunc toss off an-
other brimming glass.

“There’s no question about it,” a junior was saying
near at hand, “Frank Merriwell was the greatest half-
back and baseball-pitcher ever produced here.”

“Some think his brother will equal him,” said an-
other. “He certainly has made an auspicious begin-
ning.”’

Ditson turned on them.

“To begin with,” he rasped, “I don’t believe Frank
Merriwell was ever half as much as a lot of sycophan-
tic, lickspittle hero-worshipers claim.”

Inan instant the two fellows were at him.

“Who are you?” cried the/first, as he gave Dunc a
jab in the ribs. “Who ever heard of you?”

“I’m a Yale man,” boasted Dunc.

“You’re/a liar! No Yale man would make that
kind of talk. Sycophant! lickspittle! Well, this just
about fits you!” |

Then Ditson received a punch on the jaw that would
have knocked him down had there been room for him
io fall

“Hold on! hold on!” piped Lee, excitedly pushing
in. “He’s my friend. Don’t you hit him—don’t you
hit——” | ,

Promptly the otlier fellow gave Bertie a jab on the
nose that started the blood.

“That’s what’s coming to any friend of his.”

‘ Lee grabbed his nose and discovered blood on his
hands, which frightened him exceedingly.
_ In blind fury Ditson sought to reach the fellow who

 

had struck him, but he was battered over the head and

slammed about in a ruthless manner, being finally
hustled to the door and literally kicked into the street.

Tommy Tucker, celebrating the sudden popularity:

of his friend Jones, witnessed all this and whooped
his delight. Pouncing on the two chaps who had
thumped Ditson and Lee, Tucker dragged them up
_to the bar and begged them to order champagne at his

expense. i |

“I say death to the dastard who dares malign the
- noble name of Merrifvell !” piped Tommy, who was
already in a very hilarious condition. ‘“Isn’t there
_ anything more expensive than champagne we can buy
_ here? Got my allowance right in my jeans.”
“Tucker,” said an acquaintance, “you'd better cut
it out. If you keep up the pace, you'll be taken home
ona stretcher before the bar is closed.”
_ “Never mind,” gurgled Tommy, “if I can’t walk,
I know somebody’ll carry me. Come join us, old

 

WEEKLY.

 

It was Bigelow who informed Merriwell that Tucker
had gone forth to celebrate.
“I can’t do anything with him,” declared Bouncer.

“He'll mind you, Dick, but he won’t pay any attention

to me. I can’t get him home.”

“T’ve got to find some way to reform Tucker,” said
Dick. ‘“He’s a perfect Indian when he has one of
these spasms. Come, Jones, let’s find him. Do you
know where he is, Bouncer ?”

“T think I do,’ answered Tommy’s roommate.

They located Tucker, but Dick knew better than to
show himself in that place.

“Tf I go in there, I'll not be able to get. out before
they close the bar,” he said.
either, Jones. See if you can find Tommy, Bigelow.
Whisper in his ear that I’m waiting outside for him.
Get him out quietly.”

This was not an easy thing to accomplish, but
Bouncer finally succeeded in dragging Tommy out,
whereupon Merriwell captured him and léd him away.

“Tusht chelebratin’,” mumbled the little fellow.
“Chelebratin’ the glorious name of Merriwell. Ree-

e-e! Alsho chelebratin’ glorious name of Jones. Wa-

a-a-ow !”
“Tommy, I’m ashamed of you,”
“You're going to the dogs.”
“Tha’sh all ri’. Shome dogs blamed shight better
than shome freshmen. There’sh Ditson f’instance.

said Dick sternly.

Oh, shay, he got hish. Shomebody punched him in

eye. Shomebody kicked him where he'll never tell.
He’sh low-bred duffer.
you're great hero. Jonesh, I ’mire you.
beautiful lady from terrible death. ‘I’m proud to shay

you’re my friend. Shake handsh, Jonesh. Le’sh have

4825

“Then le’sh chelebrate. Le’sh shteal shome shigns. —
I need some shigns to decorate my room. Zat you, —
Bigelow? Where you come from? I didn’t shee you

a drink.”
“You'll have no more drink to-night,” said
they turned a corner.

 

“You'd better not go in,

He’sh common lout. Jonesh,
You shaved

*

"fore. Who’sh zat usher chap wish you? Looks just

like you. Zat your brosher ?”

“You're a disgrace to our house, Tucker,” splut- —
tered Bigelow. “You can get a bigger jag than any _

man of your size I ever sdw.”’

“*Ray for me!” squealed Tommy. “Great ’com- —

plishment. Mush ’bliged, Bigelow. Did you ’spress

compliment for me, or wash it your brosher? I take —

off my hat to bofe of you.”

in a man now.”

“Keep still,” warned Dick. ‘“There’s a cop taking

   

 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

  
  
  

 

 

   
  
 

  

Ahead of them they Saw a policeman dragging a
limp and lurching fellow toward a corner on which

there was an ambulance call.

“That's too bad,” said Jones sympathetically.
“Some chap who’s been celebrating has been pinched.

We ought to do something. Can’t we do anything,
Dick ?””

“Coursh we ought to do shomething,
bracing up to the best of his ability. ‘We musht
- ‘monshtrate wish zat officer. We can’t shee any Yale
‘t _ man put in a cold, cold shell.”

“TY believe I know the cop,” said Dick.
to him. Look after Tucker, Jones.”

- Dick hurried forward and spoke to the policeman.
Ee “Is that you, Officer Maloney?” he called.

? a “Begobs, it is,” was the answer.. “Good avening,
» me bhoy. Shtand up, ye spallapane,’’ he added, sha-
| king his charge. “Shtand up till Oi ring for the
wagon.”

“Why, it’s Ditson!” exclaimed Dick, recognizing
the prisoner. “He must be pretty nearly all in.”

“He'll be in for
loney.

Lot Come

99

 

said Tucker,

 

i “lll speak

x”

the night directly,” answered ey
“It’s tin and costs he’ll git in the marnin’.

 

“Wait a minute, Maloney,” urged Dick; “I know
this fellow. He’s one of my class. I know you don’t
want to run any one in if he can take care of himself,
or if he is properly taken care of. I’ll take charge of
him, and agree to get him to his room as soon as I
can.”
To Dick’s dismay, a voice behind him said:
“Tha’sh ri’, officher,, we'll take care of him.
-a common duffer, but we’re gentlemen, we are.
shee that he ish tucked in hish little bed.”
~“T couldn’t hold him,” muttered Jones in Dick’s ear.
“The little fool was hound to butt in.”
“Begorra,” chuckled Maloney, “
take care of yersilf, Oi think.”
_ “Great mishtake,” protested Tucker.
s a judge.”
“There are three of us here who are sober, Mr.
Maloney,” said Merriwell. “We certainly can look
‘out for the others. Here’s a night-hawker now.
‘We'll bundle them into that cab, and take them home.”
“As long as it’s you, Mr. Merriwell, Oi’ll take yer
worrud fer it,” said Maloney. ©
Dick hailed the cab, which drew up at the curb.
‘Ditson was so helpless that they were obliged to lift
him into the cab. Tucker made a great effort to assist,
nd succeeded in getting into the way and falling

  
 

 

 

  
 

He’sh
We'll

   

 

    

 

   

  

it’s all ye can. do to

  

“Tm shober

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

  

WEEKLY.

“Big’low,” he said,
do it, it your brusher.
into that cab ?”’

“There are only five

“you pushed me—if you didn’t
vash How we all goin’ to git
said Bigelow.
you're ‘toxicated,”
“You can’t shee straight. Now, look here, 1’]
‘em. How many we put in cab, one? All
one.” Then Tommy proceeded to count all the others
double, except himself. Not only that, but he tried
to count round the second time,
sisting that there were as many
party.

Dick scooped the little chap up and placed him in
the cab.

of us,”

“Bouncher, protested Tommy.

4

1 count
ri’, tha’sh

and ended by’ per-

as- fourteen in the

he said. “Bigelow
lf: we can’t

Bouncer to sit

“Get up with the driver, Jones,”
and I will take care of these fellows.
handle. them any other way, I'll get
on them.”

“I protesht!’’ cried Tommy, from the cab. “Boun;
cher’s too heavy. Maybe his brusher don’t weigh
smush. Let hish brusher come in here wish me. I
want to git better ’quainted.”’

“There'll be some lovely heads among your fri’nds
in the marnin’, Mr. Merriwell,” laughed the police-
man. “Good night to yez, me bhoy. It’s an angel of
mercy ye were to resctie the perishin’.”

The cab rolled away, with Tucker loudly singing.

CHAPTER XUL

THE MORNING AFTER.
Harvey shook Ditson in an effort to awaken him.
“Come,” he cried, “you've es to w ake up! You've
got to turn out! It’s morning.” fs
Duncan groaned feebly. |
“Don’t,” he pleaded—‘‘don’t do that, Harvey! Oh,
glory, my head! Say, bring me a bucket of water. ~
My mouth is parched. -I’m dying of thirst!’
“Haven't a doubt of it,” said Crank, as he brought —
a pitcher of water from the bathroom. :
With a mighty effort and many groans,-Ditson sat
up, seized the pitcher, and drank greedily from it.
“You had a beautiful load last night,” said: Crank
reprovingly,.

) “No doubt of that,” sighed Duncan, sinking packs
oe the pillow as Harvey took the pitcher. “Oh, my,
what a headache! What time did I get home?’

“Between eleven and twelve.”

 

  
       
   

 

24

*T don’t remember a thing about it. How did 1 get
here?”

“You came in a cab.”

“Oh, I did. Well, I’m glad I had sense enough to
take a cab. Last I remember I was lost somewhere

on a dark street. Didn’t know where I was. Sat

lect. But even when I get off my pins I seem to have
sense enough to find my way home somehow.”

“You didn’t find your way home. You were brought

Phere.” |

“Hey? Brought here? Who brought me?”

“Dick Merriwell.”

“What?” cried Duncan,
“What are you giving me, Crank?”

“That’s right. He and Jones brought you here and
sacked you up the stairs.”

Ditson swore.

“Pd like to know how in blazes that hsipened
Why should he take so much trouble? I don’t thank
him for it. [’d got home all right if he’d let me alone.”

“Yes, you would—not,” said Harvey. “A cop had
you. Jones told me that. Merriwell induced the cop
to give you up. Only for him you’d had the pleasure
of waking up in the station-house this morning.”

This seemed difficult for Duncan to believe.

“T don’t understand it,” he muttered. “I don’t see
why Merriwell would do anything like that. I don’t
believe it. He lied. Jones lied, Harvey. What’s the
matter with my eye? Can’t seem to get it open.”

“You must have been in a scrap. You have a bruise
on your cheek, and one of your eyes is blackened.”

 

_ Again Ditson gave vent to language that will not be
: reérded:

“T remember now!” he grated. “I did have a scrap
in a barroom. Everybody was cackling ‘Merriwell!

Merriwell! Merriwell!’ and it made me tired. [I said
somethiag and got into a row.”
Bang t-some one thumped the door. Into the

_ room bobbed Bertie Lee. |
“Thought I’d come round to see if you were all
right, Durkan, old fellow,” he said, peering into the

alcove. “By Jove, you’ve got an eye! One of those
big duffers gave ne an awful punch on the nose. It’s
sore this morning.” /

“You ‘get out of here!” roared Ditson, sitting up’
and swinging his feet out of bed. : “You deserted me!
You ran aNeg
“Oh, you’re mistaken, you’re mistaken,” protested
Lee, backing offand holding up his hand. “I—I——”
Whiz!—Lee ducked barely in time to escape the

  

down on a door-step to think. That’s all I can recol- -

in feeble astonishment.

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

   
       
   
  
  
    
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
 
         
      
    
     
      
 
     
   
       
      
      
   
   
    
       
      
   
    

shoe hurled at him by Ditson. Duncan follotwed the
shoe, and the little chap lost no time in getting out of
the room. Then Dunc went into the bathroom and
soaked his head in a bowl of cold water, tenderly
bathing the blackened eye.

“You'll be’ late for chapel,’ said Harvey, as he
finished dressing.

“Confound ape HT snorted Ditson.
make an excuse.”

Later, on the way to his first recitation, he encoun-
tered Harold du Boise and Mike Lynch. ®itson’s
pale face grew even paler as he saw Du Boise. Pla-
cing himself in Hal’s path, he spoke:

“T’m sick. Pll

“You managed to slip
I was looking for

“Wait a minute,” he said.
me last night after the theater.
you.”

“I’m very sorry you missed me,” smiled Du Boise
suavely.

“You and I have a little trouble to settle. There’s
no reason why we should tell everybody the cause of
that trouble.”

“T didn’t think you’d mention it,”
Boise. |

“No, I won’t mention it,” hissed Duncan, stepping
nearer and glaring into the cool chap’s eyes.
warned you, and you haven’t heeded the warning.
Now, you've got to fight me.”

murmured Du

“But I never fight,” was the quiet retort.
a fool to fight you. You’re larger and stronger than

‘I. Besides, gentlemen do not fight with their fists.”

“Then I'll fight you with any weapon you may

name!” palpitated the enraged lad, who seemed wholly ©
“lll fight you a duel! I chal-

to have lost his head.
lenge you!”
Lynch whistled his astonishment.

“Why, you’re a regular fire-eater, aren’t you! ” de~
rided Du Boise! “You challenge me to a duel, do you? —

As I am the challenged party, I have a right to name
the weapons.”

“Name them! name them!” rasped Dunc.

Wee
“‘Pea-shobters at forty paces,” smiled Du Boise,
“As long as

snapping his fingers in Ditson’s face.
I’ve named the weapons, you may set the time and
name the place of; meeting. Ha! ha! ha! Come,
Lynch, we’ll be late if we don’t move along.
around your representative, Ditson. Lynch will act
as my second, I’m sure. Ha! ha! ha!’

“Laugh, you infernal coward!” grated Duncan, as”

they walked away. ‘Perhaps my time to laugh will

come later on.”

“lve

“Pd be

Send

      
       
       
   
     
     
      
     
         
 

 

 

 
 
  
   
   
 
   
 
  

 

   
  
  

     
   
  
  
  
 
    

afternoon.

\ TIP TOP

CHAPTER XIV.
| “HE WHO LAUGHS LAST.”

Snow came at last, a downfall of eight inches, which
made fine sleighing. It likewise covered the ice, to
the dismay of those skaters who had been enjoying
the sport. The hockey-players, however, were not to
be baffled. Gathering their friends, they set to work
in the little cove and cleared a space large enough for
the “surface” of a rink.

There was to be a game that very day between the
regular team and Merriwell’s scrub. Dick and his
friends took part in the work of clearing the ice, and
did their share.

“T hear Hunter says he’s going to wipe up the ice
with us this afternoon, Merriwell,” laughed McGregor.

“Those fellows are chagrined because we held them

‘such good play the other time. They’ve been prac-

|). si ee is
_ tising right along. ;

“So have we,” said Dick. “We ought to make them

ee ”
go some.

Dick’s team did make the regulars “go some” that
It was arranged that there should be two
periods of ten minutes éach.

During much of the first half, at the directions of
Hunter, the regulars played mainly a defensive game.
They were well pleased after holding the scrub with

apparent ease, and finally Hunter gave the word for

_ageressive playing.

Quite a crowd of spectators had gathered to watch

this game, and they saw something worth while, for
the contest became fast and furious the moment Hun-
\ \

ter sent his men in to score. ;
Among the rushers of the regular team Waldron

and St. Claire on the ends were the most dangerous.
They knew all the tricks of the game, and repeatedly

“they besieged Merriwell’s goal. Never in his life had
McGregor performed such wonderful feats as guard:
Seven times he stopped the puck before Waldron finally
‘shot it between the posts.

In the brief interval before the next face-off, Dick
‘cautioned his men to look out in particular for Wal-
dron and St. Claire. After that he gave Waldron the

 

 

  

most of his attention.
player at every turn, preventing him from again get-
ting the puck into position for a fair shot at goal.
Waldron was annoyed at first, but after a time he
3 ‘ean to lose his temper, for he realized that this
reshman was “showing him up” to the spectators.
| “You need something to take the conceit out of you,
\

i

- goal,

Hunter said this would —
be quite enough for a practise game.

they want in the next ten minutes.

It was Dick who blocked this °

   

WEEKLY. 25
Merriwell!” he hissed, as Dick baffled him by a clever
pass to Le Blond.

Merriwell laughed, and that laugh added to Wal-
dron’s exasperation.

From that time on at every possible opportunity
there was a clash between them. Once Waldron body-
checked Dick and threw him heavily, but when he at-
tempted to repeat this performance a little later Dick
crouched and gave him a shoulder that. sent him
spinning. As if to complete Waldron’s exasperation,
during the last few seconds of the first half Merriwell
hooked the puck away from him, carried it through the
ranks of the regulars, and shot it past Siddons for a
The first half ended in this manner, with the
teams tied.

“Oh, we were just fooling with them,” said Hunter

to a spectator who had criticized the playing. “You
watch us when we get after them again.”
“Yes, you watch us,” invited Waldron. ‘There

9?

won't be any fooling.
A double-seated sleigh drew up on the shore. A
span of horses was attached. In the sleigh sat the
driver and two girls, Barbara Midhurst and Mabel
Ditson.
Harold du Boise hastened to speak to them, reach-

-ing the sleigh in advance of Duncan Ditson, who had

'
been sullenly watching the game.

3

“Delighted, girls,” smiled Du Boise, lifting his cap.
“Why, you have a swell turnout. And you've lots of
room in it, too.” :

“Yes,” said Mabel Ditson, ‘“we’re looking for some
friends.” 3 :

“You haven’t got to look any farther,” Hal smiled.

“How’s the game?” asked Barbara.

“Oh, the regular team has been playing on the de-
fensive, you know,” Du Boise explained. “The score
is tied, one and one. You'll see the regulars make all
There goes the
whistle now. They’re going to play again.”

The second half did not prove to be such a snap for
the regulars as many had fancied it would be. Al-
though Dick’s team was kept on the defensive a great

deal, Hunter’s men were baffled for fully two minutes.
Finally Hunter himself shot a chance goal.

The scrub was not at all discouraged. On the next
face-off Merriwell took the puck from Waldron, which
caused Tut to grind his teeth and mutter something
under his breath. Le Blond rushed the rubber down
to the goal-posts, and smaslied it at Siddons, who
stopped it with his feet. The disk was sent zipping
away to be captured by Tucker and passed to Merri-

 

  
26 TIP ‘TOP WEEKLY.

well as Kingman charged. Waldron lunged at Dick,

who. avoided him with a swerve and lifted the rubber |

a long distance toward the goal.

Cameron, playing point, barely disk.
Le Blond snapped it away from him and shot. it be-
tween the posts.

Again the score was tied.

Twenty seconds later Waldron sent Dick sprawling
without any cause whatever.. It happened that Cutts,
who was acting as referee, saw this, and he imme-
diately warned Waldron against a repetition of such
methods.

The exasperated regular forgot this warning in a
few moments. Little Brown, having the puck, was
cornered by Jones and Tucker. Brown triéd to pass
to Waldron.

Merriwell shot in and took the rubber,
a flash toward the enemy’s goal.

stopped the

starting like

Baffled and enraged, Waldron leaped after Dick,
jabbed his stick between his feet, and tripped him; but
even as Merriwell went down.he managed to shoot
the disk to Jones, who was in position to receive it.

Cutts blew the whistle.

“You'll have to go out of - | Waldron,” he
said. “TI gave you fair warning.”

At this there was a great protest from all ae reg-
ular players.

“You chose me as referee,’ said Cutts grimly. “TI
insist that that man retire from the game.”

A number of. the spectators clapped their hands.

“You can see what it means, Hunter,’ said Wal-
dron hotly. “This is not the regular scrub, anyway.
W hy should we waste our time'on them?”

“If Waldron is put out of the game, we ne play-
ing,” said Hunter.
- “Then stop!” exclauued Cutts,
‘self. “Do I understand that you quit?”
- Hunter had no real intentions of quitting,
persisted i in the bluff.

but he

“Yes, you can understand that,” he said.

agen I declare that Merriwell’s team wins this
game,” said Cutts loudly. “That’s all right; not a
word. No, there’ll be no more playing.
now. The game is over.’

_It was. too late for Hunter to eeatity his mistake,
and therefore he-was compelled to submit.

Harold du Boise had lingered near the double-
seated sleigh. He was ready to step in at the slightest
encouragement. To his surprise, Mabel Ditson sprang
penne the sleigh : —— hurried bolas the AES where

getting warm him-—

It’s too late

Dick
their
“Why,

suppose she’s going to congratulate them.

Merriwell and Blessed Jones were taking off
skates,
OC

Every one

what’s she Oe ” muttered Hal.

will be congratulating them to-night, but, really, they |
didn’t win the game.”

A moment later Mabel approached, between Dick
and Blessed. The cheeks of the tall chap were glow- —
ing, and there was an expression of pleasure on his |
face.

Barbara Midhurst was sitting on the front seat.
Jones assisted Mabel to the rear seat, and before Du
Boise could realize it the tall freshman was at the
Then Hal

Barbara and tucking the robe arotund her.

girl’s side. liscovered Dick seated beside

Se téle
We've found

“Good-by, Mr. Du Boise,” laughed Mabel.
you we were looking for some friends.
them.”

The driver spoke to the horses, and away they went
Du Boise stood frown- *
When :
he finally turned he found himself face to face with |

with a merry jingle of bells.
ing as he stared after the retreating sleigh.
Duncan Ditson, who wore a strange triumphant grin, —
— “Tt seems to me you were left, Du Boise,” |
Dunc. “It’s eee
“You go to blazes!” growled Hal, as he turned on
his heel. , a

mocked ©

my turn to laugh.”

THE END,
\ The Next Number (660) Will Contain

Dick Merriwell’s, Partner;

OR,

(

THE BOY FROM TEXAS.

A Rustic and a Dog—The Fight at the Station—The
Texan Tells Why—On the Patrol—The Captive of

Ries How Brad Won—An Old Friend Appears—
Wiley Relates a Few Anecdotes—A Surprise for
-Brad--Mr. Powers of Chicago—The Railroad Wr | k
Where Men Go Weare tha Game Ends.

 
  
  

 

 

   
    

    
   

  

PY

a
Sarr

he

 

 

SE
[-<*_Anideol fib

  

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK, December 29, 1906.

 

 

TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS.
(Postage Free.)
Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Each.

 
    

BABUNUIN. ou ccecacb os sabaans anes BOG. - | One VOatess oe. coro csee see wetecs $2.50
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SAO US seis sw de noad wa eon l.20> 4.2 CODY GWO-Veats.:.crcccdes chs 4.00

; How to Send Money—By post-office or express money order,
registered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. At your own risk if sent
by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary letter.

2 change of number on yourlahel. If not correct you have not been properly
- eredited, and should let us know at once.

STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY,
79-89 Seventh Avenue, New Yotk City.

 

 

 

 

TIP TOP ROLL OF HONOR.

; Following the suggestion of Mr. Burt L. Standish, that appeared
in his letter to Tip Top readers in No. 480, the following loyal Tip

. Toppers have won for themselves a place on our Honor Roll for their

efforts to increase the circulation of the King of Weeklies. Get inline
boys and girls and strive to have your name at the head of the list,
| Jacob A. Klug, Buffalo, N. Y. ,

J. P. Coussens, Chicago. III.

Willie J. Carey, Pennsylvania.

ac. Martin, Ont.

Roy [icLaughlin, Manitoba, Can. |

William Blon, Chicago, Il.

B. G. Hull, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Henry S. Penn, Washington, D. C. :
Harry F. McClune, Pittsburg, Pa.

Clarence C. Buenger, Michigan.
The names of other enthusiastic Tip Toppers will be added from

jine to time. Send in the result of your efforts to push the Circula-
tion of your favorite weekly and win a place on the Roll of Honor.

\

APPLAUSE.

_ Owing to the numbet of letters received, the editors of Tip Top
cannot undertake to secure their publication under six weeks, Those

  

 

 

that time,

Rar Advertisements—A limited number of acceptable ad-
-vertisements will be inserted in the columns of TIP TOP WEEKLY,
at the rate of 50 cents pet line, of about ten words each, nothing less
than four lines taken, Remit by stamps, check or money otdet to the
publishers,

 

(A letter from New York State.)

Since I have never, during the several years that I have read
gid the famous weekly, Tie Tor, seen a letter from this place, it
oe would give me great pleasure to see this letter in the Applause
‘column. aes : we
“Better late than never,” however, and it is certainly time for
a Catskill lassie to put in a good word for the best of all
eeklies. as
-_ I admire and respect almost all of the characters, especially
Frank and Dick: I am sure Inza and June will pardon me for

  

  

    
 

Receipts—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper ,

who contribute to this department must not expect to see them before.

saying I am almost in love with both of our model youths. They
certainly are noble and true-hearted, capable of knowin tight
from wrong, and, better still, capable of choosing the right in
every case.

Fearing that I-may have taken too much space, I will close
this letter with three cheers for Tip Top. May it live forever!
“BROWN-EYED Hortense.”

Brown eyes, and blue, and gray—they all love to scan the
pages of Tip Top, and occasionally the humor to write and de-
clare their satisfaction seizes them, as it has this fair corre:
spondent. We are delighted to hear from all ov~ Zirls, and
Hortense in particular.

 

(A letter from Pennsylvania.)

This is my second attempt to write to the Applause columr
o a great king of weeklies, my first one reaching the waste.

asket.

1 am a faithful reader of Tie Top, and can hardly wait til!
Friday of each week. I started to read Tre Tor about fous
months ago, and I only regret not starting sooner, for I like
the way Mr. Standish handles his subjects. I am especially
fond of Frank and Hodge, and Dale and Dick. I do not know
which I would like to see carry June off, sometimes Dick anc
sometimes Dale, but Burt L. knows his business, and will place
themy to the best advantage. I would like to see Frank Hodge
Merriwell follow in the footsteps of his father.

Hoping this will not share the fate of my first letter, I remain,
a true friend, Ep Irwin.

Donora, Pa.

Although our columns are crowded, and the letters keep piling
in six days a week, we hadn’t the heart to let your second one
pass by. As a rule, we favor the letters that are of general in-
terest, or which relate how the writer is spreading Tre Top
gospel around in his neighborhood. Write us again, and tell
of your efforts in this line.

 

Having read Tip Top for ten years, I opine I get a look in.
“She is a dandy.” All the cowboys take Trp Tor in these parts.
I would like to have Tre Top readers call at my ranch, which
is twelve miles west of Wells. Wishing Burt L. further success,

I am, yours sincerely, Dick STREIGHT. ~
Wyoming.

Perhaps some of our boys may take advantage of this kind

invitation, and drop in on Pard Streight, who will show them

what a real cattle-ranch is like. We have always known that
Tip Top was a prime favorite on the range.

 

I have read your famous Tie Tor for one year, and wish I had
started from No. 1.

I read many kinds of books, but Tre Top is the best of all.
First, I like Dale; then Frank, Crowfoot, Hodge, and Dick.
When will we have some more stories of Frank? I do my best to
make Tip Top sell more. I lend my books to boys to read, so
they can become Tip Toppers. :

I do all I can to build up the king of weeklies.
me a catalogue.

New Iberia, La.

Frank will be heard from again in due time. Just now we
ate with Dick at Yale, and the interest centers around his doings.
Thank you for all you are doing to widen our field. Hundreds
of thousands of boys would be better off if they made a practise
of reading Trp Top every week. Every boy reader knows what

it has done for him. Catalogue has been mailed to your ad-
dress,

Please send
Cie

 

We are a Tip Top family. My wife and I used to read Trp
Tor before we were married. We have a little girl five years
old. She enjoys hearing us read Tre Tor, and I believe she
will be an enthusiastic Tip Topper. I was a news-agent on the
C. R. I. & P. for nearly three years. I used to sell all the five-
cent weeklies on the train, but Tre Tor was the favorite, and I
had several regular customers who enjoyed it as much as I did
myself. The characters are well chosen, and, if we could all

do as nearly right as Frank and Dick, we would be an honor —

27

eget ai i

    
    
  
  
  
 
   
   
 
   
     
   
   
  
     
     
   
   
   
     
     
      
      
   

ttn Rainn Sonn cin asta

   
       
       
     
        
      
    
    
    
     
   
     
     
      
      
     
      
     
    
  
       
      
        
       
      
 
28 TIP TOR WEEKLY.

to our country. Prof. Fourmen is doing a great work, too. If
we follow the words of Burt L. Standish, we will be honest,
upright, noble, respected citizens. The instruction of Prof. Four-
men enables us to become strong and healthy, and better pre-
pared to win in life’s battle.

Wishing Burt L. Standish, Prof. Fourmen, Street & Smith,
and all the characters in ‘Tip Toe long life and prosperity, I re-
main, a true Tip Topper, NEwsy.

Waters, Mich,

You leave nothing
enjoy Tir Tor, and profit from its, weekly teachings.
you and yours much joy in the daughter.

to be said, friend, since your whole family
We wish

(A letter from Arkansas.)

I have written twice to the Applause column of Tip Top
during the last six months, and was very much disappointed
because my letters failed to appear; but I am going to try again.

IT have read Tie Top from No. 1 to date.
Frank through Fardale, abroad, at Yale, and on the railroad
and stage. J watched with untold interest his battle for the
San Pablo and Queen Mystery mines, and, in common with
thousands of other Tip Toppers, I rejoiced at his triumph.

Dick is second only to his brother, and is just splendid.

Some Tip Top reader suggested in the Applause column that
everybody tell which scene in Tip Tor was most striking. To
me, there are so many good ones that I can hardly tell which
impressed me most. One of the. best ones was when Frank was
in search of the “missing link,” “when Elsie Bellwood, captured
by savages, escaped only to fall into the clutches of a monster
of a gorilla, which carried her into the top of a tree, where
Frank found them, and, to’ save Elsie’s life, was forced to fire
his rifle at the creature’s eye, just visible over Elsie’s shoulder;
but he fired anyway, and, as usual, got there! Hurrah for
Frank !

I don’t want to take up too much space, and so had better
stop, but I could write all day about Tie Top.

Wishing long life and continued success to Burt L. Standish,
Street & Smith, and the Tie Top characters, I close, an Arkansas
brown-eyes, ALICE. BURKE.

Another of our ever-growing list of girl readers. Since ath-
letics have become such a fad in all girls’ schools, the scholars
enjoy reading of honest, manly sports, and: we imagine that
‘presently we may have to change-the heading on our first page
to read: “An ideal publication for all American boys and girls.”

I have been a faithful and constant reader of your famous
weekly for only ten months, hut I can truthfully say that I have
never read a book more pleasing to human nature. Really, I
cannot begin to express my admiration’ for it. There is some-
thing.in Tip Top that draws like electricity; and I am sure that,
when I say that such fiction as we read in Tip Tor could oaly
come from such a talented pen as Burt L. Standish’s, all the
readers will agree with me. Of the characters, I like Dick, Dale,
Frank, June, and the wild and woolly youngster, Joe Crowfoot,

Well, hoping that Street & Smith, Burt L. Standish, and all
the readers of Tip Tor can keep up the great book, I remain, a
true friend to it, . Howann Evuis,

Baltimore, Md.

You are a comparatively new reader, Howard, rae you have
a chance to enjoy some mighty good literature by sending for
some of the Medal Library books, beginning with No, 150, where
Frank Merriwell is first introduced at Fardale.
us for this advice if you follow it.

(A letter from Vermont.) © : ‘

It is some time since I. last wrote. I am a loyal reader of
the Tir Tor Weexty, the king of all publications.

; I am glad Dick’s team won the neater in the Blue Hills

. League. |

Of all the characters, I like Frank hast: and then Dick and
Dale Sparkfair.

Brad, Buckhart, and Joe Crowféot are also! favorites: with: me.
I like Dunnerwurst, Jolliby, Tubbs, Bart, Browning, Darrell,

tf and big Bob> Singleton.

Earl Gardner is a fine fellow and a fine athlete.
least, is Billy Bradley.
r am also ae that ‘Chester Arlington is turning, over a new

I have followed:

adinirer,

You will thank

Last tlt not |

‘there was a new set under the sun.

leaf, for his sister’s sake. I hope he will be one of Dick’s most
loyal and true friends. Well, I have written a long letter. In>
closing, I wish success to Burt L. Standish and Street & Smith.
Hoping to read this in the Applause column, I remain, yours
truly, Henry B, PARKER.

You enclosed some money in
Write again,

Thanks for the compliments.
your letter, but neglected to state what it was for.
and tell us what back numbers—if any—you desire.

As I have been a silent reader of Tip Tor for two years, I
will now express my opinion of it. It is the best five-eent novel
published, and Mr. Burt L. Standish must have a good head on
him, else Tie Tor would be on the decline. Of all the charac-
ters, Frank and Bart cap the climax; then comes Dale, Joe, and
Sleepy Jake. I like Dick, too, but I like “Spark” the best. I
think “Spark” should have June.

Sparkfair will step right in Dick’s shoes,
Yale, but will not be forgotten. os

Fearing that I am taking up too much space in the Applause Be
column, | am, yours truly, a copper-skinned American, :

Indian Territory. Tutty L. Jorpan.

Here is a letter from an ‘Indian lad, so he proclaims himself, |
and his interest in Trp Tor’s good stories is as positive as that —
of any one. Why not, when the Indians have always taken to
sport from time immemorial? We hope he enjoys reading about r
Young Crowfoot. bik

and Dick will go to

(A letter from Louisiana.)

I have been a reader of Tip Top for three years and six.
months, and have never expressed my opinion before, I think
it is the king of weeklies, and I am glad that J have so noble
a book for my constant reading. I have persuaded many others —
to read them after first convincing them of its good merits.
They are now. as stanch friends and readers of Tip Tor as I am. ©

Abbeville, La. BuFFaLo BILL.

Brief, and to the point, If you had seen fit to give your name,
we would have proudly placed it on the Honor Roll, for you
certainly deserve such recognition.

(A letter from Massachusetts.)

T have read the Tre Top Weexty for the past six years, and
the title alone expresses my sentiments thoroughly. Burt L.
Standish is a fine author, and the characters portrayed in ‘the
“king of weeklies” are splendid.

Trp Top and the Medal Library series of Frank | Merriwell
are the only boys’ stories that I read. Cheap novels may be

dangerous for a boy to peruse. Tip Top is an exception to the
ce rule. I have tried to increase the circulation of the
weekly, and have had good success. Below is an incident th
occurred some time ago. |

A friend of mine dropped in on me ‘suddenly one day, and
found me reading a Tip Tor. His disgust was plainly evident.
IT handed it to him without a word, and he accepted it grudg-
ingly, and glanced through it. His eyes rested on something
that interested him, for he looked closer. I might as well add
that he finished it, and is now one of Tip Tor’s warmest ad-
mirers, and, with me, has increased its circulation,

Hoping my letter is } published, { am, as ever, your sincere

Ratpu C. ARD.

You took the easiest way of convincing him. Words would
have led to argument, and nothing accomplished; but Tre Tor
has a way of winning the heart of every one who reads it, you 1g,
and old alike. Itis a marvel, and yet every reader knows it to be
true. We thank you for your labors in our behalf, and hope .
merit a continuance of the same.

As I have been a reader of Tre Tor for eight years, T wo ae rs,
like to express my gratitude to Burt L. and Street & Smith for _
putting such wholesome reading for the American youth on the
market. All the characters I love and know by heart. I he
the army of Tip Toppers calling for more of Rattleton, D

mond, Bink Stubbs, and Danny G: In the first place, I was r
luctant to let Dick come in and take Frank’s place, but imagir
my feelings when I started reading No. 514, and found. thi
I would’ also eS t

 
ny

dae toe

that Baltimore is all to the merry, in spite of what some. New

Yorkers say about it’s being so slow. We have been hearing a

lot about ’Frisco’s rapid recovery from devastation, but not a

word about Baltimore’s equally rapid recovery.
Baltimore, Md.
ertainly oug ye able to know a good thing after a
You certainly ought to be abl | good thing aft il
these years of reading, and fhe fact that Tie Tor still
you as one of its stanch friends speaks volumes for the
ful work of Burt L. Standish.

Wake up!
EpprE BALDWIN.

numbers
wonder-

(A letter from Michigan.)

My case is just the same as Herbert Stenshorn, from Ohio. I
wrote once before, but it never appeated in print. At first,
when I took Tip Top, my parents did-not want me to. But
now my mother says it is a good magazine for boys. I have
taken it from No. 492 to the present date, No. 545. At first
only two Tip Tors came to this place; by now I have worked
' for it tilla stack of about fourteen comes in, and it is all sold
the same afternoon. I have the druggist—agent for Trp Torp—
save one for me. [ think .that June Arlington is the girl for
Dick.
Dick’s. Frank’s flock is the one for me. Tell Old Joe Crowfoot
I send my best regards to him wherever he is, Hoping that this
will miss the waste-basket, I remain, yours truly,

CLARENCE C. BUENGER.

You surely deserve to come in this time, Clarence, and we
are only too glad to place your name “among the immortals’—
that is, the gallant band who’ find delight in extending the cir-
culation of the only boys’ paper -deyoted to their best interests,
Here is our hand, and our heartiest thanks. From one to four-
teen is splendid. May many others of our young friends feel
an inspiration from reading of your success to go and do like-
wise.

I have written to the Applause once before, so I thought I
would write again and tell you my opinion of Trp Top.

I think it is the king of weeklies. I like Frank and Dick
_. best, then Dale and Crowfoot. ‘I like Captain Wiley and his
wonderful tales. .

I am. in a big college in Canada, and get the Tie Top every
week by mail, and when I have finished it all the boys want it
to read.

I receive the ten-cent Medal books, and there is a general
tush for them when I have finished.

Is Dick going to play football for his college this fall?

I have from No. 216 up to the present date.

Bishop College School, Canada. HeErBert Wert.

- Before now you will have learned that Dick was drawn into >

the football world at Yale, and how valiantly he acquitted him-
self on the field.

(A letter from Virginia.)

I am sorry to state I wrote you a letter a couple of months
ago which I am afraid found its way to the waste-basket, and
think I am due a little more consideration. I have read every
‘number of the Tie Tor WEEKLY, and cannot tell in words how
much pleasure there is manifested in the reading of your weekly
in our family. I was first induced to read it by a girl friend of
‘mine while going to school, and at first was infatuated with its
characters, such as Bink Stubbs, Belinda, and Farmer Snodd,
and Frank and his frolics with the old professors, and their
courtships, I am very,much interested in Chester Arlington, and
am sure he will finally turn out one of Dick’s best friends, as
a e

art Hodge did Frank’s; for I, for one, can understand Ches- °

ter’s position, as I have about traveled the same road of ex-
perience as he has. My people, like Chester’s, were moderately
wealthy, and I always had whatever I desired and did as I
pleased; and, not to go into detail about my own experience,, will
say it was exactly similar. I am twenty-four years old, and
will say that the impression made on me by Tip Top, and
Frank’s and Dick’s manliness, has made, I hope, a gentleman
out of me. I was a hard drinker even’ while a boy, and smoked
cigarettes, stayed out nights, and did everything that a young
- man should not do; ,only to reform, and cut out all of them

and make a man, but will say I always had friends who liked |

I hope Chester will reform and become a friend of

i rm rh ta a

WEEKLY. 29

some characteristics about me which caused them to always stick
and do everything they could for me; and now I can truthfully
say that I do not know of an enemy, and everybody seems to
like me. I carry some kind of magnetism which I cannot just
understand myself, but every one now respects me as much as
any one in this town, and there is not one know
me. I, like others, have rhed at for reading five-cent
literature, but only say “Try c urself, and, if you say it is
not fit for me, I will quit.” So I have started a large number
of readers in this city, mostly by lending my own copies, which
I have arranged from one to the present number in file, and
prize above all otters. I read three other of your weeklies, but
none so interest me or impress me as Jip Top, for it is to me
more natural to life than anything else, and I never stop reading
one until it is finished. The most impressive thing in Tre Top
to me is Frank’s and Dick’s patience with their enemies, and
their forgiving hearts, which shows true gentlemen in any
for you will never find a gentleman who is hard-hearted; only
in cases where they may be hot-tempered and do not stop te
think; which again shows Dick’s and Frank’s admirable di

positions, as they always look before they jump. Now, ]
tell you what has made the greatest im

vho does not

been

tis
ase;

ssion on me of
the stories, and that was when Frank risked his life to save his
enemies. Mr, Standish surely deserves the ‘admiration of “al
who read Tie Top, for, as I tell all who try to shame me for
reading them: “Read one yourself, and you will improve in
many manly arts, and also learn to be a true gentleman.” I
sure must say one thing, and that is, I hope to shake hands
with Mr. Standish and show him some of the results of his
good work; and also have him enjoy one of Frank’s feasts with
me some time while I am in New York.

I live on the State line between Virginia and Tennessee.
Thanking you for your valued space taken up with this rambling
but sincere letter in advance, I am, a stanch admirer,

? 3
Yonce WILSON.

Our correspondent wishes to stand up before the meeting and
be counted as a devoted friend of Tie Top, He does not mince
matters, but, with true Southern frankness, acknowledges the
great debt he owes Mr. Standish, whose stories aroused his am-
bition to follow in the wake of Frank Merriwéll, and were the
cause of his leading a true and manly life.

(A letter from Old Kentucky.)

I thought I would write you another letter to let you know f
am still upholding old reliable Tip Top, and when 1 have my
say I know that every loyal friend of Tie Top will agree with
me. I have been reading Tie ‘Tor ‘from No, 1, and can cer-
tainly say that its equal has. never, and -will never be found
in the line of books. Its characters are straight, manly boys—
I mean the friends of Frank and Dick—and are models for any
American youth. As I said before, I have read the king of
weeklies from No. 1, and will say that I have never found any
fault whatever until I read No. 550, and found that Mr. Standish
has taken Dick from his old Fardale friends—friends that have
found a welcome place in the hearts of every loyal reader of
Tie Tor. I certainly hope that Mr. Standish. will not let Dick
go through college without each and every one of his old Far-
dale companions. I don’t think that: he will ever find a group
of friends that will ever take their place in the hearts of Trr Top
readers. I wilt be pleased to see this in the Applause, for I
know that every reader of Tie Top will agree with me. Hoping
success to Burt L, and Street & Smith, I am, as ever, your Tip»
Tor friend, JAMES JorDAN.

Have patience, and see. Doubtless, Mr. Standish has good
reasons for what he is doing, and many of those old friends will
bob up serenely from time to time. Meanwhile, Dick naturally
must make new friends and enemies at Yale.

 

 

“GOLDEN HOURS.”
Boys, have you any old numbers of Golden Hours?
Will pay liberally for Nos. 1 to 23 to complete my files.

If you have any of these numbers, write me. 3
Address WILLIaMs, Station ‘‘O,” 30x 24, New York City, —

 
Aicatcs a

EDITED BY

 

 

 

 

Pror. FourMen!: I am a constant reader of Tip Top, and also
the Medal Library. I take the liberty to send my measurements
and ask a few questions. I am 15 years old, weigh 128 pounds,
and am 5 feet 534 inches tall; neck, 14 inches; chest, normal, 32

inches; expanded, 35 inches; biceps, 11% inches; thigh, 20 inches;
waist, 2714 inches; calves, 14 inches. What should I do for all-
round development and improvement? I do not smoke.

Chicago, IIl.. GEORGE YOUNG.

Join the Y: M. C. A. gymnasium, and take'a course of all-
round gymnastics. Bathe after exercising, but do not stay too
long in the water.

Pror. Fourmen: As I am a constant reader of Tip Top, I take,

the liberty to seek some advice from you. I am an outfielder on
a baseball-team, and I wish to strengthen my throwing arm
during the winter, in order to make long throws. Please outline
a course of exercises, I care not how strenuous, to develop my
“wing,” and I promise to follow them persistently.
Indianapolis, Ind. GEORGE STONE.

Practise throwing the baseball under the direction of an ex-
perienced player, and you will soon develop a great many more
possibilities than you suspected: To develop your “wing,” and
also your wind, take deep-breathing exercises before the open
window, and run long distances across country. By punching
the bag and exercising with pulley weights after this, you will
strengthen the muscles of your chest and arms to a wonderful
degree. This, of course, will increase your breathing capacity,
and also the muscular development of your “wing.”

(A letter from Kentucky.)

Pror. FourmMen: Having read the Tip Top Werxty for over
two years, I will take the liberty of asking you a few questions.
Age, 18.years; height, 5 feet.5 inches; weight, 130 pounds; waist,
30 inches; neck, 14 inches; thighs, 20 inches; forearm, 11 inches;
calf, 15 inches; biceps, normal, 10 inches; expanded, 13 inches;
chest, normal, 32 inches; expanded, 36 inches. I take outdoor
exercise, such as baseball and football. I am right and left-
handed; how would I do for a pitcher or catcher of a ball-team?
I am naturally right-handed. How can I get good control with
my left arm in pitching? aN

You are fortunate in being ambidextrous, but why worry

about not being able to pitch -with your left hand when your
right is equal to the demands made upon it?

Pror. Fourmen: I have read Tip Top for six years, and I
think it is tip-top. What are good exercises for a weak back
and short wind? Beauty Bru.

Douglas, Ariz.

Take the United States Army bending exercises, as revised by

Professor Donovan, for your back. The handbook costs toc., or
14c. postpaid, and is published by Street & Smith. It also con-
tains exercises for chest. development, which you need to improve
your wind. . hs

, chest, normal, 38 inches; waist, 29 in thigh,

PROF. FOURMEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pror. FourMEN: Having read Tip Top for several years, I
would like to know what you think of my measurements. They
are: Age, 27 years; height, 6 feet; weight, 143 pounds; neck,
15 inches; chest, normal, 32 inches; expanded, 35 inches; biceps, _
II inches; waist, 33 inches; thigh, 19 inches; calf, 13% inches. —
I know they should be larger. How much more should I weigh? —

Hannibal, Mo. ‘ A READER.

You should weigh at least 185 pounds. You ought to enlarge
your chest. This can be done by 5 minutes’ deep breathing every ~
morning, and by taking long-distance runs.

Pror. Fourmen: I am a reader of Tip Top Weexty, and I
would like to know what you think of my measurements.

inches; expanded, 32 inches; neck, 12 inches; forearm, 9 inches;
calves, 13 inches; weight, 100 pounds; thigh, 20 inches; waist, ©
30 inches, Can you tell me how to decrease my weight? a
Rate Brown.

o

Los Angeles, Cal.

Do not worry about your weight. Take light dumb-bell exer- =
cise, followed by a bath, and in a year’s time your proportions —
will be near the standard.

Pror. FourMEN: The following are my measurements: Age, —
18 years; height, 5 feet 634 inches; weight, 140 pounds; neck, ©
15% inches; upper arm, right, 12!%4 inches; left, 12% inches;
19% inches; —
es; left, 1034 inches.
ill you advise me as”

Nat S.

calf, ‘1314 inches; forearm, right, 11 in
I wish to enter the prize-ring later on.
to what course of training I should take?
Woodbine, Nid ,
The sooner you give up the idea of becoming a pugilistic
bruiser, the better off you will be. A young man should have —
higher aims than to look forward to a life that is demoralizing, —
to say the least. I hope-that never will anybody put to such base ©
uses any information I may give him pertaining to athletics and —
physical development. Boxing as the art of self-defense has
my unqualified approval, and I like to see young men take an
interest in it. But I will never consent to advise on physical-—
culture topics.to enable one of my readers to apply the informa-
tion to such a reprehensible purpose as that of training for the

prize-ring. p

‘

Pror. Fourmen: I have been reading your famous weekly for
about seven years, and thought I would write and ask you a few
questions. The following are my measurements: Age, 16 years;
height, 5 feet 4 inches;\weight, 125 pounds; neck, 14% inches;
biceps, 1214 inches; forearm, 10% inches; chest, normal, 37
inches; expanded, 40 inches; waist, 28 inches; thigh, 20 inches;
(calf, 1214 inches. How can I remedy my weak points? Three

afternoons in the week I exercise on the horizontal bar, parallel

bars, etc., and the other three I fence and run two miles. In the —
morning before breakfast, I exercise a few minutes with dumb

 

lam q
12 years old, and 4 feet 9 inches in height; chest, normal, 31
 

iP: TOP

bells for my arms, and Indian clubs for my shoulders. I can
hold 108 pounds above my head with one hand; can chin and dip
20 times; pole-vault 7 feet 6 inches; throw 12-pound hammer 50
feet, and put shot 20 feet. How are these? Do you think, if
I exercise faithfully, I can become an athlete? “DAVE.”

You have no weak points worth mentioning. Your records
are very good. Keep up your training, and you ought to develop
into an athlete of considerable promise.

Pror. FourMEN: Some time ago I wrote you asking you if you
could give me the name of some schools in the United States

_ where boys are taught how to become physical directors. I have

patiently waited for the answer in Tip Top, but have not seen it.
Thinking that my letter must have been, mislaid, 1 now, write
again. Kindly answer this through Tip Top, and oblige, a true
Tip Topper, A.W,

Brooklyn, N. Y.

Bernarr Macfadden has established at Spotswood, N. J., an
Institute and School of Physical Culture.. Write to him for the
information you desire.

Pror. FourmMen: I am 5 feet % inch in height, and 13 years
old. My chest, normal, is 2734 inches; expanded, 30 inches;
thigh, 1814 inches; calves, 12 inches; biceps, 9 inches; neck, 12
inches; waist, 27 inches. Which is best—swimming or running?
Savannah, Ga. Ae

Swimming and running are both excellent exercises. Eack
performs a function in athletic work which the other does not.

WEEKLY. 31

Swimming, of course, cannot be indulged in so° often-or.for so
ong periods as running.

Pror. FourmMen: I have read all-kinds of weekly’ novels, but
the Tre Top Wrexty ‘is the best. I have been reading them for
two and a half years straight, and am now reading one back
number every night, so this will give me a chance to catch up.
Iam 1§ years old, weigh 102 pounds, and am 5’ feet 2%4 inches
tall; waist, 31,inches; neck, 12 inches. Do I weigh enough? I
would also like to know how to make myself grow} and become
broad-shouldered and strong.. Do you think I. will grow to 6
feet? JosErpH. SNow.

Toronto.

While you lack weight, there is no reason why. you should
not increase it in a short time, if you live ‘according’ to the
simple rules of hygiene. Exercise morning and evening,’ eat
nourishiig food, keep good hours, get. 8 or 9 hours’ sleep, ‘take
a bath .every morning, and your health will improve wonder-
fully. You have as good a chance of growing tallér as any
other boy of your size if you help nature in this way.

(A letter from. Maine.) nt
Pror. Fourmen: As I am a reader of Tir Top,.T would like -
to know my measurements. I am 13 years old, weigh. 95 pounds,
height, 5 feet 314 inches; neck, 11% inches; calf, 11 inches.
Ernest MACKEY.

Take long-distance runs and fifteen-mintute exercises’ evefy

 

 

 

ABOUT THE EARLY
NUMBERS OF THE

 

 

cent stamp to cover postage.

 

MEDAL, LIBRARY
AT 10 CENTS

TIP TOP WEEK

E receive hundreds of letters every week from readers asking if we can supply the early numbers of Tip Top containing
(YJ Frank’s adventures. In every case we are obliged to reply that numbers 1 to 300 are entirely out of print. We would like
to call the attention of our readers to the fact that the Frank Merriwell Stories now being ‘published in book form in the
Medal Library are inclusive of these early numbers. The first book to appear was No. 150entitled ty
We give herewith a complete list of all stories that have been published in book form up to the time of writing. We will be
glad to send a fine complete catalogue of the Medal Library which is just filled with good things for boys, upon receipt of a one.

morning,

ank Merriwell’s Schooldays,”

 

MEDAL LIBRARY
AT 10 CENTS

150—Frank
167—Frank
178—Frank
184—F rank
189—Frank
193—F rank
to7—Frank
201—Frank
205—Frank
209—F rank
213—F rank
217—F rank
225—Frank
2290—F rank
233—Frank
237—F rank
240—F rank
244—Frank
247—Frank
251—Frank
254—F rank
258—Frank
262—F rank
267—F rank
271—Frank
276—Frank
280—Frank
284—F rank
288—Frank

 

Merriwell’s Schooldays.
Merriwell’s Chums,
Merriwell’s Foes,
Merriwell’s Trip West.
Merriwell Down South.
Merriwell’s Bravery.
Merriwell’s Hunting Tour,
Merriwell in Europe.
Merriwell at Yale.
Merriwell’s Sports Afield, |
Merriwell’s Races.
Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour.
Merriwell’s Courage.
Merriwell’s. Daring.
Merriwell’s Athletes.
Merriwell’s ‘Skill.
Merriwell’s Champions.
Merriwell’s Return to Yale,
Merriwell’s Secret.
Merriwell’s Danger.
Merriwell’s Loyalty.
Merriwell in Camp.
Merriwell’s Vacation.
Merriwell’s Cruise.
Merriwell’s Chase.
Merriwell in Maine.
Merriwell’s Struggle.
Merriwell’s First Job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

292—Frank
296—Frank

* 300-—Frank

304—Frank
308—Frank
312—Frank
316—Frank
320—Frank
324—Frank
328—Frank
332—Frank
336—Frank
340—Frank
344—Frank
348—Frank
352—Frank
356—Frank
3590—Frank
362—Frank
365—Frank
368—Frank
37i—Frank
374—Frank
377—F rank

Merriwell’s Hard Luck.
Merriwell’s Protégé.
Merriwell on the Road.
Merriwell’s Own Company.
Merriwell’s Fame.
Merriwell’s College Chums, .
Merriwell’s. Problem.
Merriwell’s Fortune.
Merriwell’s New Comedian.
Merriwell’s -Prosperity,
Merriwell’s Stage Hit.
Merriwell’s Great Scheme.
Merriwell:in England.
Merriwell on the Boulevards.
Merriwell’s: Duel. :
Merriwell’s Double Shot.
Merriwell’s Baseball Victories.
Merriwell’s Confidence.
Merriwell’s Auto.
Merriwell’s Fun.

Merriwell’s Generosity.
Merriwell’s. Tricks.
Merriwell’s Temptation,
Merriwell on Top.

AT 15 CENTS. (Increased Size)

380-—Frank
383—Frank
386—Frank
389—Frank

Merriwell’s Luck,
Merriwell’s Mascot.
Merriwell’s Reward.
Merriwell’s Phantom.

 

 

 

 

Merriwell’s Opportunity,

STREET @ SMITH, Publishers,

RK CITY

 

 

 

 

NEW YO

ee oa

.

J

 
 

 

; 74 s rab Gm S08.
\ s :
\ ‘ '
‘ $ ¢ . 4
| ‘ “ - F
is

 

 

ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY

HANDSOME COLORED COVERS |

 

Never has Burt L. Standish written such interesting tales of the |
adventures of the Merriwell brothers, Frank and Dick, as are now appear- —

ing in this weekly.

Mr. Standish has a world-wide circle of friends and —
he is putting forth his best efforts to amuse and entertain them.
you have no idea of what a gtand feast he is preparing for you,

Boys, d :
Tip

‘Top’s stories are going to astonish you. Do not fail to get it.

PRICE FIVE CENTS PER COPY

For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postpaid, by the publishers upon receipt of price in money or postage stamps

 

 

HERE ARE THE

536—Frank Merriwell’s Summer Camp; or, The Athletic-
school, in the Woods.

537—Frank Merriwell’s Proposal; or, starting the Sport
in the League.

538—Frank Merriwell’s Spook-hunters; or, The Mys-
terious Island of Mad Lake.

539—Dick Merriwefl’s Check; or, The Hot Bunch From
Happy Camp.

540—Dick Merriwell’s Sacrifice; or, Team Work That
Told.

541—Dick Merriwell’s Heart; or, ‘Breaking the Hard
Luck Streak.

542—Frank Merriwell’s New Auto; or, The Lure to
Destruction.

543—Frank Merriwell’s Pride; or, The Double-Header
at Pineville.:

544—Frank Mertiwelf’s Young Winners; or, The Stars

in the Blue Hills.
en. Lead; or, Bound to Hold First
ace. -
546—Dick Merriwell’s Influence; or, On the Right Road
At Last.
547—Dick Merriwell’s Top Notch; or, Against Odds,
Fate, and Scheming.
548—Frank. Merriwell’s Kids; or, The World Beaters In
New York.

 

555—Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power; or, The Great

 

LATEST TITLES:

549—Frank Merriwell’s Kodakers; or,
Game Without Guns.

550—Dick Merriwell, Freshman; or, First Days at Yale. io ue
551—Dick Merriwell’s Progress; or, The First Chance 7 oe

on the Field.

682—Dick Merriwell, Half-back; or, Getting )into the ce
Game at Last. eae

553—Dick Merriwell’s Resentment; or, In Defense of 4 ae

His Honor. ae
554—Dick Merriwell Repaid; or. The Heart of Officer vs
Maloney. a.

Game at New Haven. :
550—Dick Merriwell’s “Push” ; or, The Victim of the
“Flying Mare.” %
557—Dick eine s Running; or, The Meet at Me-
chanics’ Hall. ‘
558—Dick Merriwell’s Joke; or, Fun with the Fungi
Frenchman. Es
559—Dick Merriwell’s Seven; or, The Scrub That Made
the Regulars “Go Some.”
560—Dick poe Partner; or, The Boy from
Texas. ¥
561—Dick Merriwell in the Tank; or, Rushing a hr ;
Jars at Water Polo. :

 

 

TF YOU WANT ANY BA
ut and fill in the loc wien

t out.
OSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY.

- §TREET & SMITH, Publishers, 79 Seventh Avenue, New York City. (RP tee Be A Un hal ou abn daddes dy evoubedwod eae dae auemalehaenageda ..190
Gentlemen :—Hnolosed find............ cents for which please send me: ;
eoeeess.00pien of TIP TOP MOU asc suse gdiverandgOeinineiiecup cs mews copiesof BUPPALO BILL —Nos........-+-+++ cds deth'eatuad SM
Reeceses, CK CANTOR: 2) 5 Wei. css ncdbueds ants pucatnschapimorcned bles feb 4 “BRAVE AND BOLD Nos....:<s-.00s+--s0+00suensaey apache

Ph Ce ee Mapes Coshener iets nonenhneeaaratnry

 

K NUMBERS of our libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained Pom this office ¢
order blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and aye will send. them to you by return

 

  

ieee’ ©" ROUGH RIDER Nosseiacecccnens si ikon snug

 

 

 

Hunting Big a

 

   
   

  

     
  
   
   

 
 
THE FAVORITE LIST

OF FIVE-CENT LIBRARIES

 

 

iti fiP. POP Weer,

Frank Merriwell and his brother Dick are known and loved by over one
hundred and fifty thousand of the best boys in the United States. They are

vigorous fellows who dare to do right no matter what the

both clean-cut,

consequences.

 

Get the current number.

We are sure you will like it.

 

 

 

 

These are stories of the adven-
tures of boys who succeeded in
climbing the ladder of fame by
honest effort. No more inter-
esting tales can be imagined.
Each number is at least one-third
longer than the ordinary five-
cent library.

 

Buffalo Bill is the hero of a
adventures

   
  
   
  

j thousand — exciting
| among the Redskins.
given to our boys only in the
Buffalo Bill Stories. They are

i ‘ a « bound to interest and please you.

These are

 

Every boy who prefers variety
in his reading matter, ought to
be a reader of Brave and Bold.
; | All these were written by authors
who are past masters in the art
Every

451 of telling boys’ stories.

a | tale is complete in itself.

 

 

up-to-date boy ought to read just

 

DIAMOND DICH baollertntsiinsdive

 

 

The demand for stirring stories
of Western adventure is admir-
ably filled by this library. Every

how law and order are estab-
lished and maintained on our
Western plains by Diamond Dick,
Bertie, and Handsome Harry.

 

 

We know, boys, that there is
no need of introducing to you

 

Nicholas Carter, the greatest | ®
sleuth that ever lived. Every
number containing the adven-

tures of Nick Carter has a peculiar,
but delightful, power of fascina-
tion.

BOWERY BOY LI

The adventures of a poor waif | pee
whose only name is ‘‘Bowery | Reg
Billy.” Billy is the true product
of the streets of New York. No
boy can read the tales of his trials
without imbibing some of that
resource and courage that makes
the character of this homeless boy
stand out so prominently.

 

 

 

 

 

deserves his title.
every three months.

 

ROUGH RIDER WEEKLY

Ted Strong was appointed deputy marshal by accident, but he resolves to use
his authority and rid his ranch of some very tough bullies.
slick way that everyone calls him ‘ King of the Wild West” and he certainly
$100 in cash are given to the readers of this publication,

Buy a copy and learn how to come in for a share of it.

He does it in such a