‘i. cs OS EO he OE i aaa oS ee a ee imme ene ws lie A dae vente . . ; f . PRN : , het : Ee £ te 22 ‘ (a3 i ‘ bn) F Z ; " # ° 9 e Bs 45-39 ' 6 Md ¥ 2 / ‘ i) * ve q ve ae, q } te 4 as. 2 ; iz “2 ' 4 ] ,” i] ‘ i i #4 geese ‘ « cy +] } ’ ; : ? eet ‘ 7 a 5 | > ‘eZ * be : i , 1 or + f t} e ica Adssued Weekly. By subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-Sq Seventh Avenue, en N.Y. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1907, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. as No. 575. | NEW YORK, April 20, 1907. Price Five Cents. ; ee ST i . ; e : * a D eee | 4 y cs | Dick Merriwells | wirling; ee OR, Sore : TRACING TIE. TRATLIOR. Bee Z | By BURT L. STANDISH. ae E @ e | - ( CHAPTER I. speed, sharp curves, change of pace, and all the arti- i THe wok oe ae Saatios fices at his contmand. It was quite enough to satisfy , aa oi . ; Ditson that Lynch had made no mistake, and Duncan, For two innings at the opening game between Yale _ Umpty-ten and H sidlscinn “As A., Mike Lynch and Dun- can Ditson, sitting in the Wale stand, enjoyed them- selves hugely.. Both these fellows had bet all the _ money they could rake together upon Hudson, al- iy team pitted against the visitors. Duncan had w agered his: coin on the advice of Mike, who assured his com- : panion that he knew for a positive fact that Tommy Tucker, who had been suspended from the team, had -treacherously given Umpty-ten’s signals and team- manager. Lynch did not full y explain to Ditson how this knowledge had reached him.* » _ In.the first two innings of. the game, Hudson bumped Dick Merriwell viciously, driving in six runs. This happened in spite of the fact that Dick was using though th@y were Yale men and this was ‘their class- work into the hands 6f Ben Newhouse, the Hudson eaten by jealousy of Merriwell, the natural leader of the class, rejoiced without measure. Nevertheless, being surrounded by Yale men, Ditson found it neces- sary to suppress his elation. Every time a Hudson batter biffed the ball, however, Dunc ats hugged himself for joy. “This is the greatest, thing that ever happened, Lynch,” hé whispered. “Merriwell’s own friends are going back on him. I didn’t believe it possible when — you » ‘told me, but now I know it’s a fact. Getting bumped. this way and’ dropping, the first game he pitches for the team will take away lots of his self- conceit. It will also disappoint and disgust many of — the fellows who have been touting him as a great 7 wizard of the sphere.” eae a “Sure,” chuckled Mike, exposing his broad, coarse teeth in a’grin, which he quickly concealed by covering e . Hy , ' oy ‘ ‘ Rr ne 2 3 TIP his mouth with his gloved hand. ning of the’ downfall of Richard Merriwell. Once get him started on the toboggan, and I don’t fancy it will *be difficult to keep him going. He'll never stop until he reaches the bottom of the chute.” —. While Dick was on the bench, during the last half of the second inning, Lynch saw sdme one hurry out and speak with the freshman pitcher. It was Tucker, who, *by his manner and gestures, seemed greatly ex- cited. | 3 | | Ditson observed this also, and remarked: .“There’s the. two-faced little traitor now. he doing ?” ) " What’s " “Giving Merriwell an earache, it seems.’ “He certainly has nerve to OM to Merriwell after F selling the signals to the enemy.’ i “Oh, he’s ‘a rattle-headed little dub. I don’t sup* -. ‘pose he fancies any ‘one has a suspicion of what he’s = we done.” | _ “He’s liable to find out differently after the game,” said Dunc. “It’s my opinion lots of fellows are onto him.” To this Lynch made no retort, but, watching closely, he noted that Tucker dusted away toward the locker- . house, while Merriwell held a hurried consultation with Brad Buckhart. “Perhaps, Tucker has confessed,” nee Duncan. “Perhaps he was Kiatces by remorse.’ _*T don’t believe he’s confessed,” said Lynch. -wouldn’t he fool enough to do that.” “Whether he has or not, it will make little differ- ence. Umpty-ten can’t hit Bancroft, and Hudson has six runs, which are enough to settlé the game. certainly needed the money to carry me over eat my next allowance arrives. I'll be fairly flush now.’ : ; “Yes,” nodded Mike: “ey needed a few dollars my- self. I was right down to bed-rock. . Had to make a raise by getting a loan from Shy lock Daggett. ae Sathya yo J “Ee f secure enough money ‘to back Hudson to- -day.” " ‘ vice, I backed Hudson for my last moldy copper.” ' Tn the first of the®third a change seemed to. take place. Two of the batters who faced Merriwell tin for first a wasted effort. vt : “after Bancroft hard, and forced a dean! round to “This is the begin«. TOP. WEEKLY. = 7 I put up all my loose; valuables and collateral in order to “T didn’t have to!do that; but, : following your dhe fanned the air, while the third man simply lobbed an. ‘easy grounder into the diamond, which made his hard . "Seemingly encouraged by this, the freshmen went» mocked Ditson. new departure of some sort Bernard Wolfe, who was. that Wolfe was no longer fg while filling Many of the 9 others were barking away at Merriwell, but Wolfe, who had previously barked louder than all of them, had suddenly fallen: silent. : j Mike was disturbed, although he managed to con- | 1s ; ceaf the fact. To himself he was speculating on what. had passed between Tucker and Merriwell during their 9 Finally he | realized that there was a Vatching Mike saw his in the game. playing short, coaching position. earnest interview a few moments before. came to the conclusion that the battery-signals had “been changed, which made-it impossible for the Hud- son players to learn w hat sort of a ball Merriwell if- tended to pitch. This movement. had « ‘put an abrupt check on the fierce batting of the visitors. Neverthe. less, as Ditson had stated, it seemed that Hudson had already obtained enough runs to clinch the game. _ Suddenly Ditson jabbed his elbow into the ribs ‘of Lynch. “Look !”’ he hissed ; _“Well——” @ ‘‘There’s Tucker!” Be tat lel Lt 86,” ; “Tn uniform!” “You're right.” “What do you think of that?” : Mike hunched his thick shoulders. . Brom i, “It’s evident that Merriwell has no “knowledge of thes ae fellow’s treachery. When, Tucker spoke with Merri- © 3 well a few moments ago, he must have proposed get- | ting 7 his suit, and it’s plain Merriwell told, him to do so.’ . Pie “And still they all’ Jones captain of the 4 team,” : “Any fool can see that Dick Merri- > well is the real captain.” Mant “Tt doesn’t take a fool to see that,” growled Lynch. : “A person of sense can see it. I’ve said so all along.” “Ah!” *breathed Dunc, at this juncture, “look at that!” Ae tS pee ‘Hudson’s first batter in the fourth had aiven a ball at Bern Wolfe, who fumbled it, making a bad error and permitting the hitter to reach bility nce aa “Bern will have. to do better than that,” said Dit ? “look on the bench! ” ae took a ‘position wal off sowie ae in "Ach a of getting hold of the ball when it should be hit a left- fens batter. T he runner on first ae th & ball. Wolfe covered second, and the runner slid feet . 7} foremost, spiking Bern and upsetting him. a The short-stop picked himself up and examined his _™ spiked ankle. Following this, he limped about in a painful, manner, finally speaking to Dick, stepped toward him. _ “Now what’s going to happen?” 9 “Is Wolfe hurt?” 5 ~~ “Looks like it,” nodded Lynch... “He’s limping.” “Bet they put Tucker into the game.” Merriwell seemed to cast an inquiring glance to- -ward- Blessed Jones, who was filling the left field. Jones made a signal, following which Dick told Wolfe 4 to retire to the bench. : : - ‘} ~~ ~Tucker trotted onto the diamond. ae It was Duncan Ditson who led the scattering volley a _ of groans which greeted this move. who had muttered Ditson. “T wish Merriwell realized. what he is doing,” said _ Ditson. “Why so?’ grunted Lynch. “As Tucker is a trai- gtor, it isn’t likely he’ll put up much of a game. Our chances have improved, haven’t they ?” In his heart, however, Mike feared this was not the _ case. pain In the fifth inning Brad Buckhart statted action for } the freshmen by lacing one of Bancroft’s benders for a clean two-bagger. Blessed Jones demonstrated that A iM and sacrificing himself to land the Texan on third. - Then Merriwell came up and placed a pretty safety, , her first run. ee ics ced.eha ciate by this, the classmates of the ; team cheered lustily. oe Lynch gave Ditson a poke. : shige i “Open your mouth! Howl!” he hissed. “Make be- lieve. you're pleased ! Don’t look like that! It’s all right! _They’ll never cut, down Hudson’ s lead—never in the world.” i “Here comes Tucker,” mn to hit. muttered Duncan. ‘It’ Now we'll see what he’ll do.”’ ‘ s his CHAPTER II. uA THE ACCUSATION AGAINST TOMMY. Tucker surprised ner oe boosting a long drive grinned and assured his companion that Tucker real- otir LOPRUWEREY; he knew how to play the game by bunting toward first _ biuieh sent eee over the pan and gave Umpty- -ten ized he fas unpopular, and was, therefore, trying to square himself with the crowd. But even Mike grew agitated when, directly follow- ing this, Spratt and Tucker worked the “squeeze play,” the little chap scoring while Jack was being put out. Both Lynch and Ditson were relieved to see, Sam Kates follew this with a strike-out. “That.was fierce, fierce!”’ breathed Dunc. “I'd like to get hold of that two-faced little snip, Tucker! Some one ought to wring his neck! He was responsible for two of those runs, and yet he sold out his own team.” “You never can tell what some fellows will do,” growled Mike. “That was oe bad aeaUg I don’t believe it will happen again.’ But both Mike and Dunc were thrown into a cold sweat in the seventh, for Umpty-ten seemed to solve Bancroft’s delivery, easily adding two more tallies to their score. _ “If Umpty-ten wins now, lynched!”’ rasped Ditson. head off myself.” “Hudson still has a lead of one run,” muttered Lynch, with some relief, as the freshman finally ex- pired. 7 “One run!” growled Dune. Tucker ought td be ~ “That’s not enough, considering the way Bancroft is. being batted. I . didn’t suppose the fellows could hit him at all.” “They haven’t hit him consistently,” said Lynch. “They’ve had two batting-streaks, but I reckon that finishes them. They won't have another.” But Merriwell had the team fired up to a point of high erithusiasm, and in the eighth the thing happened which completely flabbergasted Lynch and Ditson. With a run needed to secure a tie, and two runs to take the lead, Umpty-ten got a man’on second and another on third. Two were out as Buckhart strode forth to the plate. To himself Duncan Ditson was whispering : “Strike him out, Bancroft—strike that big | cow- ) “‘puncher out! You've got to do it!” But the task was too much for the Hudson oa Brad had his batting-clothes on, and he placed a beau- tiful single in right field, which: sent the two runners ahead of him capering over the pan, and caused the © watching freshmen td roar madly with joy. And now even Mike Lynch forgot to keep up the . ' pretense” of satisfaction by cheering. While the fel-_ lows all around them were howling like mad, Lynch | and Ditson sat Se still, looking crestfallen and es Ditson came ‘near Fi a fit, but bias Gale heartsick. : Dicesitisee de is going to hear from me after this ‘T’'ll feel like thumping his 4 f fasiciod: me afraid of Tom. Tucker, him try to fight me. inclination to wee TIP. TOP game!” Dunean finally hissed. “Great Scott, I'll be busted and in a hole?” “You won't be as bad off as I will,” muttered Mike sullenly. “I'll have to write home for a check. But Hudson has another chance. They may win yet.” Both these fellows felt some relief as the inning ended with Brad Buckhart on second. ° Hudson now had her last chance at bat. she could secure one run at least, Unless Umpty-ten would not need to face Bancroft again. - It was up to Merriwell, and he proved himself Pitching in his finest form, Dick sent the spectators howling mad by striking out three men in rapid’ succession. Then, rushed onto the field, Dick made his eseape and avoided being lifted to the shoulders of admiring classmates and borne round the diamond. | ‘Naturally, neither Lynch nor Ditson took any part in the celebrating. White with anger, Duncan clam- _ bered down from his seat, followed by Mike. “They'll hear from me!” snarled Dune. His companion gripped his shoulder and attempted to restrain. him. ~ “What are. you hensively. “Come with me and you'll find out!” “Where are you going?” | Come on, come on!” urged Ditson, “Now, don’t make a fool of yourself!” worthy. as the crowd going to do?” asked Lynch appre- f : } entreated _ Lynch, seeking: to hold the excited and exasperated it” “Keep your hands off me, Lynch!” grated* Dune. freshman back. “I won’t have “Vet got me into this, and I lost my money.’ “Are you going to tell people you bet against Umpty-ten?” “No; but I'm going to tell something else.” “What?” | ey . et m going to tell bas the team- -signals were given away.” Wed : ° “You'd better not ye : ase am,” MWg not eto ie! por | a" “Because you can’t prove it”? fe SOM ell. F can tell what Tve heard, can’t I? ‘Let - g0, Lynch!” | i 415) Don't you say you ‘got it from me. If you're ‘bound to have a fight on Tous hands, leave me out of 4 it. an a “A fight?” eaten Hine “Why, y ou tall as ity you I'd like to have Td like to have him show any All sated I won't bay : heard. it him against the Ww all. / Ane nn get at him! ; Jones and Spratt pulled the protesting Tomniy | away.; against him. ging our battery-signals. _ out to Hudson, and that somebody, was Tom Tucker.” \ % WEEKLY, who heard the same | Didn’t you hear ’em-groan when Tucket went | onto the field ?”’ from you. There are others thing. In spite of all he could do, Lynch failed to restrain © | Ditson, who made his way to the dressing-room of | the tearh, and forced an entrance. ; Most of the balf-pl ayers were there, just beginning to shed their uniforms. It happened that Merriwell was the first person encountered by Dune as he en- tered. : 1 ge en ‘Look here, Mr. cried Ditson, “do you know you've got a sneak and a traitor on your team? Merriwell,”’ Do you know Tom Tucker gave away your signals, 4] and that’s Bow Hudson batted you so hard in the first | ~ 4 two innings ? 4S a BS : Quick as a flash, Dick seized the speaker and pinned “As long as you know so much, Ditson, let's have ee he demanded. “If you 4 can’t erie? your charge, you'll find yourself in troub- — Jes” Pr of your source of information!” Lynch made a move to interfere, Age Brad Buck- a hart promptly placed. himself in front of. Mike.. “Hold hard!” down, Lynch, of I'll have to put my brand on you! roared the Texan. “Keep your paws. "7 ay Tom, Tucker, flushed and furious, rushed forward and tried to pull Dick away from Ditson. Zé “et (me: V’ll make him swallow those words!’ tre ae “Keep. i ommy away, somebody y, urged Merriwell. “Oh, let me alone!” Shouted Dunc. “Let him come “He’s a liar!” palpitated the little chap. at me! I'll break* his face!” P Ne “You're | large enough to do that,” “said Dick, as “but breaking his face wouldn't prove your® charge That’s not the way to get at the froth of this crooked business,” — 4 ati “Then you acknow ledge there’ was sroaltanseeet “Ves, ” replied Dick promptly, “ “there was crooked- ness. Buckhart and | nipped it in the bud by chan~ After that I ie all ‘the | team-work signals.” hy ge “T knew it,” exulted Ditson. “Somebody ‘sold you Tommy came near tearing the clothes off his body. in an effort to ‘reach this fellow ; who was making the | a accusation against, him, | | Fes “Struggle not with such stremousness,” advised qe ee believes it, edema tered Spratt. “Why should you dud-dud-dud-do any- thing like that?” 3 “Tl tell you why he did it,” came from Ditson. “He was sore because he had been suspended from the + team. He was sore because Bern Wolfe had been put 4 in his place. Merriwell has acknowledged that the pee odtely’¢.?" _ “What we want to tenn said Dick’ grimly, “‘is your. et, for accusing aces You'd better . give ti? aoe m only repeating. what I’ve heard several fellows say.” ; — “Do-you mean that you're Rye this charge on unfounded rumor? -If so, good sense 8hould teach you that you're gravely mistaken. into the game after Wolfe was hurt, and didn’t he play like a house afire? Is that just what you'd ex-. pect from a fellow dirty enough to betray his team? We demand proof, Ditson. It’s pretty serious busi- ness when you try tq ruin a fellow’s character with- | out proof to back your accusation.” 3 _ “Wait a minute, Merriwell,” said Lynch hurriedly, ay tried to keep. Ditson away from here, but he was “bound to come. As he says, he’s’ simply repeating the general rumor ahout Tucker. If you-were not fio when Tucker took Wolfe’s | Place, That meant some- Mea io) a) ee é thought Wolfe a better player than Tucker.” _ Mike hunched his shoulders and laughed derisively. Tt meant more than that. It meant that they be- lieved Tucker a traitor. Perhaps no one has positive. proof of it, but if you'll investigate, ] know you! ‘Il find that such a rumor was afloat.” ; he “How did it start ?, That‘ some one betrayed ‘the team, I know for a fact; but. a refuse to believe Tommy Tucker guilty,” if “Because he’s one of your pets,” mocked Lynch. cet such a charge be made. against Ditson, or my- If, and you'd be the first to believe it.” . beg should hate to believe it against. etn Ditson or , Lyneh, and I shoul ld decline until T nie evidence hat you were guilty.” | “Oh, yes, you would!” cried bank Ves, you nar minute.” “In a minute,” winded Mike. “You'd believe: any- ing of us, - You’ re not such a generous and noble as. agen ‘d have every one impeines Even if we ‘re TIP TOP WEEKLY. signals were given away. Who did it if Tucker: up against you, I may be a bullwhacker! I judge youw Didn’t Tucker go_ deaf, you heard the groans that came from the stand © pyeay' presumed it meant that the’ fellows who groaned SUNN ON ay ‘, tr o i A ; a It must ini started somehow. | “Didn’ t I play the game, and didn’t I lose some money on it? would, I don’ t think! In see hyp, eee neve it 7 signals, ~ those signals,’ peat faetnd or so before: een HeiN we'd have 1a He. not on the team, Merriwell—eyen if we have been op- posed to your high-handed method of running things, we belong to the class of Umpty-ten, and we want to see our team win over outsiders,” “That sure is a whole lot commendable!” mocked Buekhart, his tone implying serious doubts. “Tm not talking to you, you See. Mike,-his face crimson. “Cow-puncher, eh?’ said Brad. eried “Well, if I ever get realize I’m talking to you.” “Let’s get out Of here, Ditson,” urged Lynch. “T told you they wouldn’t believe anything about one of Merriwell’s particular pets.” : ‘Whether they believe it or not, I’ve had the satis- faction of expressing myself,” said Duncan, “They'll have a chance to think it ever.” “Jutht a moment before you go,” murmured Otis Fitch, who had hitherto taken no part in the excited talk. ey much Oey did you: fellowth lothe on the game?” “Lose? » Why; of course, we didn’t lose anything,” answered Mike. ‘Think we veil bet against our é; own team?” “Well, I had a thuthpicion you might dq thuch a thing,’ was the answer. “Conthidering the faet that we won the game, you both theemed dweadfully ex- athperwated, Eywybody elthe ith happy. I eveth you lotht a little thomething, eh?” Dick was willing the intruders should. depart, and he prevented any one from ‘detaining Lynch and Dit- — son as they ee retired from fhe dressing- CHAPTER TH Ph 3 _ TOMMY IS DENOUNCED. In a room ‘a the Hotel G ada Ben ect caee in an ugly mood, was wrangling with Captai n Hickey of the Hudsor? team: - Neither realined that the doer, was slightly ajar, Boe : : “Why are you jumping on ae eclod Hickey. If you have got to kick at somebody, go for Bancroft, Those kids pounded him, and won on their \ hitting. We had them going until they changed Hes Ww hat made them do that?” , 4% suppose some one gaye it away that we feng ’ growled Newhouse. | “Tf they'd waite 6 TIP TOP the game mae This has been a rotten bad trip for me.” “How did you happen to know our signals?” quired a voice, as the door was pushed open and Dick Merriwell stepped into the room. Newhouse and Hickey were startled by the unex- pected appearance of the Yale man. “Who told you to come in here?’ demanded the Hudson manager. ‘‘You didn’t send up your name.” « “No,” was the cool answer. “I looked on the regis- ter, located your room, and came up unannounced. As I was on the point of rapping at the door, I heard you speaking about our signals. It was to investigate that matter that I came here, Mr. Newhouse. It’s re- sported that a member of our team gave the signals away. You can’t deny that you knew them. I'd like to have you tell me where you got them.” “Perhaps I’ll decline to tell.” es “Tf you decline, you may seriously injure the repu- ae tation of an hohest fellow.” Be: “Ts that so?” “Yes, that’s so.” “Who is this honest fellow ?”’ “His name'is Tucker.” At this both Newhouse and Hickey Baye: a shout of laughter. “That would be a shame!’ mocked the Hudson manager. “I should hate to think any one as honest in- ure rere et ON Se refusal to say how I came’ by your signals.” “At least,” said Dick, ‘ ‘you can state that you did not get them through Tucker.” “Can T°” “Can't your”. “Perhaps I might, seeing that I’m not under oath, and there’s no danger of nty committing perjury.” In spite of himself, Dick paled a bit. “By that do you mean to say you did get the sig- nals from Tom Tucker : ?” he asked. ! “I don’t mean to say anything about it. If you _ think you’re going to get anything out of me, I may -as well tell you you’re wasting your time, Merriwell.” Dick hesitated a moment, but quickly decided on a plan... “If Tucker gave you those signals,” said he, “I see no reason now why you should protect him, for cer- _ tainly he also gave you the double cross. Tucker who came to me in the second inning and told me you had the signals.” i, - Newhouse and Hickey exchanged glances. “More than that,” continued Merriwell, and conscientious as Tucker could be injured by my | It was “Tucker WEEKLY. played like a fiend to defeat you. Only for his fine hit the first time he came to bat, you might have led us at the beginning of the ninth.” “That’s right, Newhouse,” nodded Hickey. “The little whelp certainly worked like a beaver to do us up.” es me oe “And trimmed me out of a bunch of good hard Bg coin!” growled the Hudson manager. “That did — 4 make me sore on him.” i. Dick’s heart was sinking. of “If Tucker was the man who gave you those sig- I think you had better say so,” came a bit hoarse- _ i “That being the case, he § A fel- nals, ly from the: freshman’s lips. played double with you and with the team. low like that has no business on a Yale team.” “Then you'd better get rid of him,” nodded New- : house. “I did’ promise not to tell how I came DAE 7 j Be those signals, but, considering what has happened, lea Fr don’t think there’s any reason why I should keep that 7 pledge. I got them from Tucker. He delivered them to me completely written out, and here they are.” - 39 He produced the treacherous typewritten sheet from his’ pocket, and handed it over to Merriwell. “Too bad this,is not in ordinary handwriting,’ | muttered Dick, who was really sick at heart. “Never- | theless, your word is sufficient, Mr. Newhouse.” ee He pressed the call-button, and then sat down to | examine the paper given him by Newhouse. ee “Think [ll leave you ¢g gentlemen to talk it over your- Ae (ey selves,” said Hickey. “I’m going to see that the if boys have their luggage ready, so that we can catch — ms that train for New York.” ; In a few moments a bell-boy appeared. eee “Did you ring?” he asked. ee Dick answered. . “You'll find a chap ba de name of Tucker waiting in the office,” he said. “Send him up at once.’ Tommy came promptly in answer to this summons. “Close the door, Tucker,” said Dick grimly. The little chap was. rather excited, but his eyes met — those of Ben Newhouse without Sinchitig.. y » With his hands in his pockets, the Hudson iariaper v Le, surveyed the little chap in a peculiar manner. Theses was a mingling of anger, amusement, and contempt. on, |. os his. face. | OT ee Tommy returned this look defiantly. oe ‘ Dick watched them both as if he would learn some thing by their bearing toward each other. ee 2 J For a few moments there was silence, which was Na finally broken by Newhouse, who nodded and said; 4 7 we a SRS ae pee AP TMs Mon. BS ak 5 a se TASS SESS WY ag Mit pe ea adept we Se TIP TOP “How do you do, Mr. Tucker? I hardly fancied you would havé quite so much cheek.” The little fellow flamed in an instant. “What do you mean, sir?” he cried hotly. “T mean that I did not believe you would care to face the again.” | “Agaiti ?” +. “That’s what I said.” ) a “T don’t know when I’ve faced you before, unless —unless Tommy faltered and paused. Pee <6 40 on,” invited Newhouse, with a derisive smile. es) “T saw you on the baseball-field to-day.” , @ ~~ “You also saw me yesterday, didn’t you?” _ There was a pause, and Dick waited anxiously for Pucker’ s answer. It came at last slowly, deliberately, defiantly : Br : “Yes, I saw you yesterday—I saw you in Fred’s — saloon. You were there boasting what your team ~} ~~ would do to Umpty- ten. It seems to me that you | failed to make your boast good.” “Thanks to the double cross I received. But you “ saw me elsewhere than in Fred’s, didn’t your” “T guess not.” “T guess yes. “Then you've got another Bucts coming to you!” “cried Tucker. “If you mean - “IT mean that I met you by appointment ona dark : corner last night.” ° For a moment Tucker seemed dinieed’ by this positive ¢ declaration. Dick continued to watch the little chap i intently, hoping to divine the truth from his deport- ment. RS) “That isn’t true!’ Tucker finally exploded. T left that saloon, I did not see you again until you appeared on the baseball- -field. to-day.” _ Newhouse laughed i in ‘an exasperating manner, _ _ “You certainly have cheek and nerve, kid,” he ~ sneered, “but you can’t make that bluff go. If you had given me a square deal, no one could have forced the truth from me, but you threw me down in the _ game this afternoon. I éan’t understand just why you did it, for it seemed like the act ig a fool, and you look fairly bright.” , se “Thanks! !” retorted Tommy Soils: : “Tm glad I seem fairly bright, at least. * What did. I do when A thatet _ "De? nh — ee et ——— ribly “After thing a little. I met you on that dark corner f : wish are oe tell us Santee arranged that Tucker should meet me and hand: over Why, you handed « over. a certain typewrit- | WEEKLY: as This seemed almost too much for Tucker, who actu-, ally quivered with exasperation or excitement. . “That’s a lie! That’s a lie!’ he panted. “If you received any such document, you've got.it from: some- body else... Who has paid you to ruth my reputation? i It’s a low, dirty trick, Newhouse. I didn’t think it of a a man like you, even though you may be manager of a an independent baseball-team. You're a contemptible coward to try to put this onto me.” “Now, don’t you go to calling names, kid!’ snarled Newhouse, SpPetEney finding it difficult to restrain himself. “If you'te not careful with your tongue, ong you'll get hurt!” ies ie In a flash the accused boy was bristling like a por- . cupine. ; : a “Come ont” he palpitated. “I wish you would! You're bigger, but I’d like to have you lift a hand to me!” And now “Dick moved.’ With a stride, he placed himself between them. “Fighting will not settlé .this dispute,” he said. “Some one has told a falsehood, or he has been ter- deceived. Mr. Newhouse, would you swear, on your life, that it was Tucker who. met you and de- livered the document into your hands? Did you see his face? Did you positively recognize him?” Newtiouas hesitated.a bit. - : “He was wearing a long rain-coat, with the collar turned up. He also wore a slouch-hat pulled down over his eyes and ears’ As I say, the corner was’ not well lighted, and, perhaps, I did not get a good look at his face. Nevertheless, I’m positive this was the chap.” | | ¢ “Wait, Tucker,” urged Dick, with uplifted hand, “ as Tommy opened his lips to speak. “Let me sift this Mr. Newhouse, the fellow you. met 3 was about Tucker's size, was he?” | “T should say so.” “And his voice—was it Tucker's? | “Would you swear that the fellow’ s voice sounded like ene s?” “No.” ; a ee oe SARE. as | “No,” repeated Newhouse, “for this aie eat to disguise his voice, and spoke in a hoarse and husky Still, I’m not mistaken, Merriwell. Tt was all fone: ; the signals.” ee . | “Did Ticker make this arrangement?” #0 o “No. . + “Then who did?” batiae ee ere “T «must. decline to state. My grievance. is with Tucker alone, and I'll not bring any one else into it.” “There you are, Dick!’ cried Tommy. “You see there was somebody else concerned in this dirty busi- 9 ness. If we can only find out who it was “You'll not. find out through me!’ growled New- house, in an ugly manner. “I’m done with the whole business. I wash my hands of it.’ This seemed to be the signal for Merriwell to ex- press his opinion of the Hudson manager. “You need to wash your hands, Mr. Newhouse?’ -. he exclaimed, his black eyes flashing. ‘They are dirty enough! You entered into a contemptible arrange- ment to make victory over Umpty-ten assured, but you got bitten yourself, which was precisely what you de- served. I shall make the facts known, and it’s my opinion that Hudson A. A. has played her last game : with any Yale team. We don’t wish to enter into : contests with men of sucha class.” 5 i For a moment Newhouse seemed taken aback, but he quickly recovered, laughing in a harsh, mocking fe . manner. ' “Any one would think you the whole of Yale, to hear you talk, young fellow!” he sneered. “I _ presume this little sneak is a friend of yours, and you hope’ to - protect him somehow. Per haps you imagine there is some excuse for his treachery. Possibly you fancy. he atoned for it when he rushed to you in the second in- ning and revealed the fact that we had your signals. As long as you've taken so much pains to probe this business, let me tell you what’I propose to do. I shall make no secret of it. I shall tell how I came into possession of those signals and who delivered them to me. I think that will clap the extinguisher on Mr. Tucker. You may try to bolster him up as much as you please, but you won’t be able to stem the tide of popular opinion.” Tommy tried to dodge past Dick, but Merriwell caught him with one hand and held him. “Let go!” panted the little chap. “I’m going to {?? punch him! - *Do let go!” sneered Newhouse. “I wish he’d try to punch me. I’d kill him with one wallop!” Merriwell realized Tucker would be no match for the man, and therefore he continued to hang fast to his infuriated classmate. “That won’t do you any good, Tommy,” he said. “We've got to sift this thing to the bottom.” # “You've done all the sifting you'll do, with my aid,” declared Newhoyse. “This is my room. There’s the door. Git!” & ‘it the truth. WEEKLY. “We're going,” said Dick cooll hurry us, Mr. Newhouse.” “If you don’t git,” was the fierce threat, y; “but don’t try to “Til have half a dozen of.my men in here, and they’ll kick you all the way down-stairs!’’ “As I said,” returned Dick quietly, “we're going, Newhouse. to call your men to your assistance. You won't have ['ve*given you my frank opinion of you and your methods. Think it over, and feel as proud of yourself as you can.” With this parting shot, Merriwell forcibly led T:uc- ker from the room. CHAPTER IV. MISGIVINGS AND DOUBTS, Not another word passed between the two boys until they were on the street. Stealing a sidelong, ap- pealing glance at the face of his companion, Tommy was dismayed by what he saw. He seized Dick by the elbow and stopped him there on the sidewalk. “Tell me the truth, Dick,” he implored, believe I did it?” , Merriwell shook.his head, replying: “IT don’t know what to believe, Tommy. It’s mix-up. It’s mighty dirty business.” a bad “Bute you can’t believe it of me—you can’t!” the — little chap almost sobbed. “T am satisfied Newhouse believes it.” “Why should you be satisfied of that?” “Because I see no sensible reason why he should — af persist in the accusation against you unless he thinks | he declined to — acknowledge that you were the one. I forced him At the outset, Tucker, into such an acknowledgment, and then I called you. I believed I would be able to read the truth in his . I watched him, and Iam sure face if he was lying. he thought he was speaking the truth.” Tommy groaned. “Great Czesar!’’ he muttered. “I’m in an awful scrape, and I don’t see how I’m going to, get out of | th. “I’m going to trace the traitor, Tucker,” said Dick. “Tl find out the truth, and the whole truth. You'll ae have to bide under a cloud of byt hoes until this thing, _ is cleared up.” Reka “But I pa cried the desperate boy. cable sneak, I have my faults. “do. you “I can’t — stand it to have my classmates think me a low, /despi-- I don’t amount to ‘ much, but Vd never in my life go back on my ‘team. ef | | oie Oe | Look here, Dick, can’t you sec one weak point in the story that man told?” “To what point do you refer?” “He said I met him on that dark corner by appoint- 4 ment.” J “ay “Well?” “T came disguised i in a long rain-coat and:a slouch- hat?’ “So he stated.” : “Why did I do that, as long as he knew who it was that would hand him over the signals?” 7 “Well, if you did it,” said Dick, “you were in dis- 4 guise, to prevent any other person from recognizing you. That might be natural enough. You might fancy some one would see you with Newhouse on the corner.” “Wait, wait!” palpitated Tucker. “One thing more.” . “Go ahead.” “He said I talked in a hoarse, disguised voice.’ a eS “Well, that was a pretty slick trick, as long as he , -. knew my name. Why was I disguising my voice when I talked to him?” _ “The only explanation is the same one that applies in the other epee feared some one else might - overhear you.’ - Once more Tucker groaned. » “You believe I did it, Merriwell! _ how can your?” “T’ve not yet decided that you did it, Tucker. Trust cD me to sift this thing. If you’re innocent, I'll find it out and clear you of suspicion. There’s our car. Come on, let’s take it.” . a Dick signaled to the car, ran out, and hastily swung _. aboard. He fancied Tucker was at his heels, but Bee after the car started, he discovered such was not the ease. + Springing back to the rear platform, he looked around for the little chap. — es -. Tommy was not to be seen. - Merriwell dropped off the car and went im. search of his late companion. 2 How can you, There was no sign of Tucker anywheré on the ' street. Dick looked into several saloons, and spent : fully thirty minutes in unavailing search. Finally he re abandoned the task, and, downcast and perplexed, | _wended his way to his room, ’ - Buckhart, Jones, and Bigelow were engaged in a a‘ “hot argument as Dick appeared. with a slow gesture toward Dick. “Lo and behold, the sage hath arrived,” said Taine” . WEEKLY. | : 9 “The sage?’’ said Bigelow. “Are you sure it’s not the mint, or the pennyroyal?” “Where’ve you been, pard?” asked Brad. “You disappeared after the game, and no one could find you. ‘The crowd was waiting to cheer you some.” “Yes, they were looking for the hero of the game,” nodded Blessed. “That was great twirling you did, Dick, old man. You saved our scalps.” | “It was not my twirling alone that did it,” was the reply. -“If the team hadn’t batted Bancroft, we would have been trimmed. It put us into the game when Tommy Tucker landed on the ball and drove in our first runs. He certainly put up a hot game to- day.” Dead silence followed these remarks. “What’s the matter?’ asked Dick, after a few mo- ments. ‘“Didn’t Tucker play the game for all there was in it?” “We were talking about him when aes came in,’ muttered Jones. ; “Were you?” “Yes,” nodded Brad. “We were discussing the ac- cusation made against Tucker by Ditson and Lynch. Somebody did give our signals away, pard.” “There’s no question about that,” agreed Dick. “Well, who was it?” “I wish you could answer your own question. I -hope you're not beginning to believe it was Tom Tucker. Such a thing must seem ridiculous and ‘pre- posterous to the whole of you.” “Just what I said! just what I said!” spluttered — Bigelow. “I know Tommy. He’s a rattle-headed little chump, but he wouldn’t do a thing like that.” “Big says,’ said Jones, “that Tucker has” been pretty sore because he was suspended. Only yester- day he was rubbing it pie Big o cee him how Hudson would eat us up.” “That’s right,” said the fat boy, “but he never made . that kind of talk to any one else. When he talked to | other people, he said we'd trim Hudson.” 3 “Still, it’s plain,” observed the Texan, “that Tommy — was hiding a raw spot. I don’t pretend to explain his ; actions any, for I never did quite understand him. He sure is a queer little freak.” ‘ “What do you really think about it, Dick?” asked : Jones anxiously. “We'd all like to heat. your opin- ion.” | | “Tt doesn’t seem possible to me that Tucker could ‘ do such a thing.” - Rage Still, Buckhart seemed: to detect something i doubt in Merriwell’s voice or manner, - ; IO : TIP “Sure,” like the doings. of a sane galoot.”’ nodded the Texan—‘“‘sure, it doesn’t seem tell me that Hudson had our. sigrials ?” ~ “How did he know that?” *T don’t know that such a report had begun to spread. he heard it froni some fellow who had heard the re- port.” “Did he tell you he was suspected of betraying us ?” if questioned Buckhart, pointblank. Dick was forced to admit that this was the case. “Then that may be the explanation for his action,” _ satd the Texan. : “He realized the secret was-out, and og so, to save himself, he hurried to you and ‘asked to get into. the game. When he did get into the game, “ he played for all he was worth, knowing it would in- crease suspicion if-he put up a punk article of base- ball. . That‘is about as near as I can come to explain- ing the peculiar actions of Mr., Thomas Tucker.” “Where is he now 2?” demanded Jones. -“T don’t know,” confessed, Dick truthfully. _, “Why hasn’t he shown himself since the game?” came from Buckhart. “He sure eae Sy like a spook. He hasn’t even been to his room.’ Some one knocked on the dodr, and two of the team walked into the room. T hey were Jack Spratt and Otis Fitch. ° “We lul-lul-looked into your room, Bigelow,” Spratt. “But we didn’t fuf-find any one, there. _ Where’s Tucker ?” “We don’t know,” answered the fat boy. “Well,” said Fitch, Mr. Tucker to take to the war- path. , Eywybody ith i talking about him.” ® - “That’s right,” nodded Sieath “his ears ought to burn. They’re-gug-gug-giving him merry blazes.” “Mike Lynch hath thertainly damaged Tommy’th weputation,” said Fitch. . : _. The name of Lynch seemed to give ' Merrioel a sudden inspiration. Seizing his hat, Dick announced that he was going. out. ' In answer to their questions, he said he might look around for Tucker... But when he left the house, he proceeded ‘straight to the room sarned it, but it seems Probably just how he |] ‘CHAPTER Vv, i _ BETRAYER BY A MIRROR, $i TOP. WEEKLY, “After giving us- away,’ would he come to me and, said . “T think it’th about time for ~ Lynch. BAe | we oan the. door Dick halted, the sounds of “a Vio-« faltered Bern. . ‘There was a sudden banging of furniture, and Merri- =| well paused no.longer. Placing his hand on the knob, , j he flung the door open, Mike Lynch had Bernard Wolfe pinned against the wall; and was choking him. In another moment Lynch : a went whirling and staggering across the room, falling over a chair. “What’s going on here?” inquired Dick, who had interfered. oN Lynch sat up, and a snarl of anger came from his lips as he recognized Merriwell. , Wolfe, gasping for breath, tenderly fumbled at his A throat. la aes “What’s going on- here?” truder. “Who invited you in?” feet. | “T invited myself, and it seems that I came just in =f time to prevent Wolfe from being hurt. Why was — qa ” he choking you, Bern?” | repeated the cool in- ‘ 4 panted Mike, rising to his “You—you wait till I—get my breath!” Wolfe. “Ill tell you why!” It seemed that Lynch paled the least bit. “Go ahead!” he cried defiantly. ‘Tell the whole business, erg: I’m willing you oe I can stand ! . it if You can.” — i i ss With many gurglings and gaspings, Wolfe finally managed to recover in a measure. - His eyes met those’ of Lynch, and he plainly hesitated. At that moment — Mike was inwasdly wagering with himself that ite would not dare to tell the truth. He knew Bern must — fear the consequences of such a confession, and, there- fore, with a hunch of his shoulders, he once more in- vited the fellow to speak up. ue: “Yes, go ahead,” said Dick. “What was eae a Bi about?” Ps ee . Slowly Bern filled his lungs. His eyes failed to f meet those of Merriwell. ae gasped _ ae 8 8 7 , s eyiocs “The quar- “Oh, it was nothing,” he finally said. rel was between ourselves.” Lynch laughed triumphantly. rane Dick managed to conceal his disappointment, for” of a sudden he had fancied himself near a solution of the mystery that had perplexed him. , “There’s your answer Mr. Mertiwell” Leg scoffed “All right, Ft said Dick: aig. ‘Wolfe doesn't wish to oo tell a: “It—it was a little fuss over—ov er Hewey 7 hades ‘ “Lynch owes me money. He a ‘to Dey me, and I called him Manica: 53005 * es ae Le TIP TOP WEEKLY. » i 4 Again Mike laughed. “At the Hotel Guard. I went there for the pur- 4 “That’s a lie,” he asserted boldly. “T don’t owe pose of seeing him. I obtained an important piece of 4 Wolfe a cent. But what are you doing here, Merri- evidence from him.” well?” It was with the greatest difficulty that Bern Wolfe vy “T came to ask you for the direct source of your in- commanded his voice at all. | ie formation regarding Tucker’s supposed treachery. “What sort of evidence?” he asked, and he could i ve made up my mind to sift this matter to the bot- not wholly hide an appearance of anxiety. qd tom. As long as you and Ditson were the first to ac- “A typewritten document,” answered Dick, ‘watch- q cuse Tucker, you should be willing to help me in get- ing the fellow intently. 4 ting at the facts of the case. I’ve made a resolve to Lynch shifted his position until he placed himself Li tracé the traitor and expose him.” » behind Dick’s back; then he lifted a warning finger a “Ha, ha, ha!” laughed Mike. “I think he’s been and pressed it to his lips. ‘| _ pretty well exposed already. You don’t have to trace Bern saw this and checked his next question, paus- him—he’s traced. You're wasting your time trying ing with his lips parted. " to shoulder it onto any,one else. Tucker is the traitor. “A very important piece of evidence,’ continued * a Of course, being your friend, you would hate to be- Merriwell, pretending to ignore Lynch, who was quite ee lieve this, but you will have to believe it, just the same. unaware that he had placed himself in such a position If Wolfe hadn’t got spiked, Tucker would never have that the unwelcome visitor could distinctly see his re- been given an opportunity to get into that game and_ flection in a mirror. “The document gives our com- | try to set himself square with the crowd. Because plete code of signals. There * no question whatever . he put up a good game, there are some fellows who but what some one betrayed us.’ : decline to believe him guilty of double-dealing. He “Then it must have been Tucker,’ muttered Bern, 2 5s Vee played baseball for all he was worth, to save his neck, with a pretense of regret. ‘‘No one else would have 4 for he knew the truth had leaked out. I can’t help done it.” . = Us \ you in trying to shoulder it onto any one else, Mr. The mirror revealed to Dick that Lynch smiled and — ¥ ie of 3 Merriwell. You'll have to let the stigma rest where yodded. . = 4 it belongs, and that’s on Tucker.” “That’s your belief, is it, Wolfe?” : * With a sudden movement, Dick whirled and pointed -“Oh, I hate to think it, but I’m forced to.” ‘a finger straight at Bern Wolfe. _ Dick pretended a feeling of keen regret. “Do you know anything about this business?” was “You may be right,” he said, as if almost convinced the question he shot at Wolfe. against his will. “Of course, it’s hard for me to The fellow looked startled, and swallowed down a_ think such a thing of Tucker, for he’s always seemed lump that rose into his throat. like such a jolly, square, open chap.” | “Nun-no,” he hesitated. “I don’t know anything Lynch grinned still more broadly. | about it, except what I have heard. Of course, I—I “But,” cried Dick suddenly, as if struck by a new “don’t” want to believe any, fellow om the team would idea, “don’t you fancy it possible some one may have _ give the signals away. I can’t even believe they were deceived Newhouse?” _ given away. Do you ite they were, Merriwell ?” “Deceived him in what manner?” —“T know it. : _. “By pretending to be Tucker.” _ ° “You do?” - “Tmpossible!” put in Lynch, at once. | “Y66, 25 7 _ Dick turned slowly, and regarded Mike, with those “How do you know?” piercing black eyes, which seemed to look clean through “Because Ben Newhouse told me so.’ the fellow. ; Again Wolfe was farced to swallow down that ri- “Why impossible?’ was his question. sing hump. : Eaton “Newhouse knew Tucker.” : - “Newhouse—Newhouse told you that?” he ques- “Knew him?” 2 ‘tioned huskily. “When did he tell you?” . “Yes; by sight, at least.” ia ae “Since the game.” “How do you know this?” You’ ve seen him since > the game?” » “Tucker was in Fred’s saloon last. night, with a lot CaS: te eeng fe of the fellows. I was there, too. Newhouse came in. : Where tr” ans hin 3 . _ Tucker was ee we would lift H dson’s oa e. , F Naa es TIP TOP Newhouse ¢alled him, and offered to bet Hudson would take the game. So, you see, Newhouse knew Tommy, and could not be fooled.” “Possibly you’re right,” admitted Dick, still holding Mike fixed with that steady gaze. “Still, there’s one a queer feature about this affair, according to the state- ment of Newhouse himself. Some one made an ap- '» . pointment for Tucker to meet this man Newhouse on | acertain corner. There is no street light near that | cotrier. When Tucker—or some one else—met New- house there, he was disguised, and tried to change his voice. Now, wasn’t that rather odd?” Lynch was uneasy beneath Merriwell’s snwinkdne gaze. i eo , “Odd, perhaps,” he adrititted : “but a fellow who was going to betray his own class-team might do any- thing. It’s too bad you feel so sore over it, Merti- well, But Tucker is the guilty party.” ‘ "You may be right,” again admitted Dick; “still, it’s very qtieet that you seem so positive. As long as you can’t give me any assistance, I'll trot along. I ‘i hope ga and yore patch up your little eer ment.” But when Dick reached the street, he triumphantly | muttered to himself: ; * “[’m on the right track.” o e THE FELLOW WHO WAS AFRAID. — + Dick was well satisfied with the result of his visit _ to Lynch’s room, for his keen eyes had shown him _ enough to make him feel positive he had not wasted his time. That there was a guilty secret between Lynch and Wolfe, he could not doubt. On his ap- pearance he had found them quarteling over some ‘matter which neither seemed ‘desirous of becoming yi - Wolfe, whd was in every réspect the physical inferior of the red-headed chap. At fitst, in his palpitating — rage over such treatment, Bern had been tempted to spit ott the truth; but thi s inclination quickly passed, following which the fellow took refuge i in equivocation and denial. This indicated to. Mettiwell that Bern t t these facts, if known, might implicate and in- give thefellow. ; Behind Dick's back, Lynch bad made tidacignit tor silence, and, in spite. of the treatment just received at like’s hands, Wolfe had obeyed that signal, The CHAPTER WE ee public. In his brutal way, Mike was manharidli ing ch oe feared to tell the actual facts, and, therefore, it seemed’) gre oe of ee to throw all Paes oe ky WEEKLY. Tucker simply added,to Dick’syonce more growing conviction that Tommy was wholly innocent. é Walking in the open air, Merriwell meditated on these things. Although Tommy might be innocent, it =| would be difficult to lift the shadow from the little =| ~ chap unless the unscrupulous persons concerned in the ie ‘A plot should finally fall into such a disagreement and = - Wratigling that theit own exposure was brought about. Still, Dick was more than ever determined to probe ~ q he the wretched business to the very bottom. Lynch had : ee confessed that he was in Fred’s saloon when New- — house appeared there and met Tucker. At fitst, Mer- riwell was inclined to question Mike as to whether any words had passed between him and Newhouse, but'a sudden determination not to put the fellow still more — on his guard had caused Dick to refrain. He believed «| he could better’ learn of Mike’s acts from some Besa i source. ry Dy a es As for Wolfe, although ‘the fellow was a ‘ae 3 clever ball-player, Dick had never trusted him. There | was a shiftiness in Bern’s eyes and a curve to his thin- lipped mouth that seemed to bespeak unreliability. His ‘pointed white teeth, so often exposed behind the faa ; lips, were suggestive of a cold-blooded temperament. | Thvoluntatily, Dick turned” his footsteps towateh a Fred’s. As he rounded a corter and came into the street upon which the saloon was to be found, he neatly collided with a chap hurrying iri the CPE, . direction. One glimpse, and then Dick had this person by the shoulder. ; hi “Hello, “Lee!” he ctied. “You seem to be in 2 harrye >’, th Bertie Lee glaneed over his shoulder, and Metri- well fancied he betrayed relief on discovering’ the | stteet behind him avas deserted of — ee for at” least a block, “Yes, yes!” said Bettie, with a& tiet'vous laugh. *e it ewas seeking my cyclone-cellar. Just had a lovely little disagreement with some fellows in Fred’s, and they informed they were going = catch me napplag oe do unpleasant things to me.’ ee Res ‘3 “You've just come from | Fred's! Pg: yes.” | ig ae “You hang arciitid that place too ck Lees “That's right, - confessed Bertie: “IT am oe | cut it out.” eT Aaa . SES oo Way “You aa to. Were you in Fred’ 8 tant even ck “a there.” fae ete “Then you were ther last cvsing?” Psi et fe ee ae a TOP TIP : “Sure.” 4 “Did you see Tommy Tucker in Fred’s?” |. “Qh, yes, he was there.” 4 “See Newhouse,. the Hudson manager, also: - a: “He came in looking for bets.”’ . a ‘Did Newhouse have any conversation with Tuc- D> ker?” , 2 “Oh, they fired a few remarks. dt each other, Say, 4 - Merriwell, I know what you're driving at. Now, don’t ‘try to pull me into this business. I don’t know i i anything about it. You oe prove anything by me. I have troubles of my own.’ i Lee's gnanner indicated that he was nervous and “alarmed. u y ~~ “You're afraid of Lynch,” declared Dick. ‘ 4 “Well, who wouldn’t be?- Mike is bad medicine. 7 9 - When he gets on the war-path after a chap, that chap q 18 as good as scalped. He's sore on me, anyhow. I ) ~ can’t afford to'get him any sorer.” € “Oh, but I can't tell you anything that’s of impor: tance,” protested Bertie. You nas not think it important, but it ray seem so to me.’ . _ “Tf the fellows saw me talking with you now, I’d i have the bunch of them on my neck. They think I - peached about that night raid on Claxton, They think 1 told you of that plot, and that’s why I’ve just had a ‘quarrel with some of the gang. I lied like -a é trooper. I swore I had never breathed a word about that business. I had to lie; Merriwell.” — _. “Did that hurt you much, Bertie?” laughed Dick. ' At this Lee was also forced to laugh a little. — | “Well, it wasn’t quite as bad as having a tooth pulled,” he confessed. “I’m no little Georgie Wash- ington. I can lie. without choking, especially if I know I’ il get my face punched if I tell the truth.” a may tell me I shall regard as confidential.” cb “Why don’t you cut clear of that cheap crowd, and refuse to have anything further to do with them? It’s “your only salvation, Lee. If you stick by that gang, send you out of nee in disgrace. ' ae tool, Lee.” EE ” declared ° ieee: Vd have ia 3 all after me. Bertie, “but they’d catch ine napping—they’d catch me when [ didn’t have any backers around.” “You know you can trust me, Kid. Whatever you and had a drink together.” you'll get tangled up in some nasty affair that will | | They use you — e Sive got to WEEKLY, °° it og do it by degrees—sort, of taper off age a common drunkard when he attempts to reform.’ “Do you know, few comrnon drunkards ever re- form in that manner? The man who really and truly reforms through his own will-power does so by quit- ting positively, squarely, and abruptly. He cuts it out at once, and sticks by his good resolutions.” “If I cut*the gang out like that, they'd murder me, Merriwell.”’ ¢ “Well, your situation is certainly pitiable, Lee. You want to get away from that crowd, and you’re afraid to break with them. If you'll be a man, and tell them all that you’re done with them, I and my friends will back you up.” » “That’s awfully good of you, old man!’ exclaimed Dick really pitied Lee. . “It’s pretty tough,” he said, “when a chap is forced to assotiate with a totigh crowd simply because he § pi) fears to cut loose. You haven’t mitch . backbone, : Lee.” ss “Just about as much as a jellyfish,” acknowledged the little chap, with a faint show of self-shame. “Never Dick, it will all come out in the wash. It won’t be like this forever.” “I’m not going to get you into trouble with those fellows, Kid, brs you are going, td’ answer one ques- tion of mine.’ “If you say so, I suppose rill have to answer it,” muttered Lee weakly. “What is it?” — “You saw Lynch in Fred’s last night. Did you . see him talking Speeconedy and privately with Ben Newhotise ?” “They sat down at a table in one of the little Fobths oe ‘mind, _ Was there any one ee | in the room : ss *“T didn’t see any one.” | “Did they leave the dalane together ? ef Na “No. . Newhouse: went out first, and Lynch fol- ‘ lowed a few minutes afterw ard. I know what you’ re driving at, Merriwell, and I want to say confidentially right here and now that I don’t believe Tucker gave — away our signals. Lots of fellows do believe it, or ‘pretend to. Tucker's in a bad place. It's not a case’ of being ‘thought innocent until guilt is ptoven, but” unless he prov es himself innocent, most fellows are. _ going to think him guilty. 1 can’t give you any more _ information, and for goodness’ sake don’t hold mé up before atty of those fellows, to repent what ve said Len nate BS, Pie 9 nied ene 92 te 14 TIP TOP “T won't,” promised Dick. ‘You were not the only one who saw them together in Fred’s. I sha’n’t need to rely on you. I'll clear Tucker without your aid, Lee.” ; , “T hope you succeed,” said Bertie sincerely. CHAPTER VII. . MERRIWELL’S REASONING. a Although he had obtained no positive evidence that could be used for Tucker’s benefit, Merriwell at last f felt completely and thoroughly satisfied that Tommy i was as innocent of treachery as a new-born babe. With this settled in his mind, he turned toward his own room, thinking to meditate upon the matter and form -, aplan of action. On York Street he met Rob Claxton. i; “Just come from your place, Merriwell,”’ said the '. Southerner. “I was looking for you, suh.” “What is it, Claxton?” “It’s Tucker, the little idiot—he’s on another tear. I ran aeross him by accident. Tried to take him home, but I couldn’t do anything with him. You're the one to handle him, old chap.. You know just how to do it. I reported to Bigelow and Jones, but they were both so disgusted with LOTS that they refused to do a thing.”’ “I don’t know as I wonder.at that,” said Dick, who was likewise extremely vexed'over Tucker’s senseless behavior. ‘Do you know where to find him?” » “T think I can find him. He’s making a round of the cheap grog-shops and pool-rooms. » He’s keeping away from places where he might run across friends. I tried to reason with him, but you know the useless- ness of trying that on a jagged man, or a fool. He ‘said you had gone back on him. At first he pretended he didn’t care, but after a while he fell to blubbering over it. Then he acknowledged he'd rather every _ one else in the world would think bad of him than for you to fancy him a traitdr.” “Poor little fool!” muttered Merriwell. ‘if we can find him, Claxton.” But after spending more than an hour looking for ‘Tommy, they were finally compelled to give it up. aot had disappeared, and could not be traced. -“Fe’ll turn up some time to-night, ” said Dick. “Pye been on the jump ever since the game. Haven't ~ stopped to eat. I’ve got to have something, , for I'm ‘ hungry now. Let’s find a restaurant, Rob.” ie There were few patrons in the restaurant they. € en- ““Let’s see * reasons to believe Mike Lynch may have been at the WEEKLY. 2 ae tered. At one of the tables sat a young girl in black , who was eating alone. By chance, the boys took a | table near her. Having ordered, =e fell to talking 1 of the game with Hudson. . “Tt was a great satisfaction to me,” said Dick, “for q ae us to pull that game out of the fire after we had been 7 betrayed. The fellows .certainly put up a fine article i a of baseball, and it was their batting that woa the game.”’ “No, suh,” denied Claxton promptly; “it was your =| twirling that won the game, Merriwell. You know | | that’s the first real game I’ve ever seen you pitch. :. Playing second base, I was in position to wateh your 7 .. work, and, on my» word, it was the finest I ever saw. Ever’ with Hudson bumping you in the first two in- nings, you had everything a pitcher ought to have— speed, curves, control, and judgment. It puzzled me to understand how they could slam you the way they did, but, of course, that was no mystery when we found out that a traitor had given away the battery- signals” 7 oo some extent, it remains a mystery to me, Clax- ton.’ “Why so?” j “Buckhart was doing the signaling. The batter could not see those signs. Some one had to read them and tip the batter off.” icin he “That’s right, suh, that’s right.” “Who was doing that trick? That’s an interesting: ge question.” | “Why, the fellow who sold us out, of course. When you nail that chap, Merriwell, you'll get the crook who was tippitg the batters off.” as “TY think so myself,” nodded Dick. “Right here ies I’m puzzled a bit. Confidentially between us, I] have Po araer. | “se bottom of that nasty work, but Lynch was sitting in | the stand, and could not see Buckhart’s signals.” “What makes you think Lynch is the man?” aie Under promise of secrecy for the time being, Dick told Claxton of his visit to Mike’s room. \ The eyes of } the Southerner began to gleam as he listened. * “According to your own statement,” he said, | “Lynch was probably not the only man concerned. — There was Wolfe. He was in the aca and from his position he could get those signals.” i ee ee “But Newhouse, whom I have interviewed since the © game, made not the slightest reference to: Wolfe. He charged Tucker with the whole crooked Dusinéss,”2 yi “He did?” gasped the Virginian. “By Jove! Dick, | that’s serious! If Newhouse said that, it begins to. LIP TOP rekcd! * ck to me as if Tucker was really in the mess Doesn’t it seem that way to you?” “Not now. It did look bad at first. Tucker was not in the game at the beginning. Newhouse may have been led to understand that the fellow who was to play Tucker’s position would tip off the battery- signals.” “ “And that means Wolfe.” -. “That means Wolfe,” nodded Merriwell grimly. i “There was no parficular reason why Newhouse should go back on Wolfe, for Wolfe fulfilled his part a3 of the program. To Newhouse it seemed that Tommy Be had given him the double cross, and therefore he threw }: . everything on Tucker.” 1 ~~ “But I don’t quite understand this business yet,” | muttered the Southerner. “Unless T ‘ommy had deal- ings with Newhouse, why did at man think ‘Tucker ee had given him the double cross?’ 3° Ra aint OFS col Merriwell now explained his theory as to the de- ception of Ben Newhouse, who, he was inclined to an fancy, had been led to believe it was Tucker disguised in the rain-coat and slouch- hat who had. handed him _the typewritten signals on the dark street corner. The Virginian blazed with indignation. Wa -“Tt’s. the most dastardly pie of business I ever ‘heard of, suh!” he exclaimed. “Tf you are right, not only did the sneak who formed the plot give away _ the signals, but he likewise planned*to ruin the reputa- tion of an innocent fellow. Any | man who will do ». that ought to oF shot!” “T think so,” nodded Dick. -“T hever heard of Bay thing SO contemptible.” Tt a is probable, however,” said Merriwell, “that this ‘a ~ was the traitor, from any possibility of \ exposure. _ They figured it all out in advance. Newhouse, despite, his pledge of secrecy, was not wholly trusted. They feared a man who would accept those signals and use them might go back on the one who gave him the sig- vnals.. ‘Every one knew Tucker was sore on the, team EB Sor thought they knew it. This would seem to be an pee for such a cheap piece of work by Tommy. deavoring to cover their own tracks. Newhouse would say nothing against Lynch because he continued to. believe Lynch had meant to be honest. - T have reasons ‘to suppose that Mike bet some money on the game, a and I'm certain he didn’t hack Umpty-ten. Newhouse | “knew this. : crossed Lynch, as well as himself. cae hai. ' ot ‘Relieve. Je re eae a nodded Claxton. q WEEKLY. { « started and partly rose frony her chair. Sieben was carried through to protect Wolfe, if he You can see their craft in laying the plot. and en- . Therefore, he fancied eee hed qetuble- ,% “You 15 certainly are clever in getting at the bottom of things, Merriwell.” “But now,” said Dick, “what I lack is _ positive proof. I’d give fifty dollars if 1 could find: the per- “son who typed this paper.” As he spoke, he drew: the typewritten code of sig- nals from his pocket and spread it out before the Vir- ginian. Claxton seized it eagerly. “Where did you get this?’ he asked. : “From Newhouse’ hierigelt He handed it. over. to “nite.” ‘ Neither of them realized that the girl in black who sat at the next table had been wonderfully interested in their conversation. At sight of the paper, she “Pardon me,” she said nervously,,as she sat down again, “would you mind letting me look at: that ?”?. The boys turned toward her’ with surprise’ Her face was slightly flushed, and she could not hide her iH embarrassment. _ “T didn’t mean to listen,” she said, help hearing what you were saying. stenographer in the New Haven House. | mind, I’d like to look at that paper.” : . “Why, certainly,” said Dick, taking the paper ashe rose-and handing it over to her. One glance seemed sufficient for the girl. “T typed this,” she announced. ” “but I couldn't Tm the public If ide unas . a CHAPTER VIII THE MAN WITH, THE GLASS EYE. | i Se Dick’s heart gave a throb of elation. | “I’ve only been at the New Haven House for a few — days,’ explained the girl. “Yesterday morning a : e rather disreputable- looking man came in and offered ‘me two, dollars to’ make a copy/of these signals, which . he had scrawled on some scraps of paper. _ Of course, © I didn’t know what they were for—I scarcely knew what they meant. But the fatt that the man, who | looked as if he had no money to spare, offered me _ ‘sO much more than my usual rates made me suspici- ous. I think he saw this by my hesitation, — He - _ seemed to fancy I thought him unable to pay, and h | gave me the money in advance.” =, “This is all very interesting to me, MisssiMiives “Morris, * said the girl—“Bessie Morris. I’ve been working late this” evening), and came in here to get a bite ate ties home.” SaaS ae tN Sha gg he a . when I saw his hands I realized my mistake. — feeling of satisfaction. please! money.” ‘: . For Dick had started to. produce: his money, with | - Miss Morris,” he declared. our conversation, you’re doubtless aware that a friend . of mine has been accused of. betraying his own base- _ ball-team. Unless I can prove beyond doubt that he is innocent, his reputation is ‘as good as ruined. I think you’ve ‘given me material assistance.” 16. “How did this disreputable man look, Miss Mor- ris?” questioned Dick. “Could you describe him?” “Oh, he was unshaved and shabby. At first I thought*he might be a working-man out of a job, but His hands were soft and white, and certainly they were not those of a laborer.” / “How old was the man?” “I can’t say with any assurance that I’m correct. He was one of those persons whose age it’s difficult to tell. He was not under thirty, and he may have been nearer forty.” “Here’s a new character in the plot,” muttered Dick. “Would you know him if you saw him again?” “Oh, yes, I think I would.. He wore an old brown overcoat and a queer little derby hat.” “What did you do with the original scraps of paper from which you made this copy?” “Oh, the man took them all. He was very careful about that. He remained watching me while I did the work, and he stared at me in a way that made me dreadfully nervous. I only looked him in the face once or twice, but one of his eyes was URE, and I got the impression that it was a false eye.” “Did you notice a peculiar three-cornered scar on the back of his left hand?” — “Oh, yes,” was the quick answer. “I couldn’t help noticing that, because I wondered so much at his soft white hands.” _ .* | “TI think I've seen that man,” said Dick, with a “l’m very much obliged to you, Miss Morris. fifty dollars to aay! who did this typewriting.” “Yes, but “TI meant it. You shall have the money.” ~“T wouldn’t take it for the world!” exclaimed the girl, her face red as flame. “Please don't, sir— I really mean it. Tshall not touch the the intention of making good. He saw, however, that the girl was sincere in her protests. . “The information is: worth more than that to me, ! “But I didn’t do it because you said you would pay. . a knew ee was Airs dishqnest about that man / TIP TOP WEEKLY. I believe T stated I would give “As you heard some of \ ; 4 and what he wished me to do. I’m awfully sorry if I’ve assisted in the injury of your friend. You are Mr. Merriwell. DT’ve heard of you. I’ve always wished to see you.” ; Dick laughed. a “I hope you’re not disappointed, Miss Morris,” he said. ton.” 2 ® ! “Miss Morris,’ murmured the Virginian, with the’ true and indescribable politeness of a South- erner. oe i said Dick, “is known He once ran,a “The man you’ve described,” in this town as Store-eye Smith. -policy-shop, but the police put him out of business. He's on his uppers just at present, and I don’t wonder you were surprised at his Jiberality in paying you so much for that piece of work, -I shall find Mr. Smith, and see if I can learn anything of importarice eee him. Again I thank you very much.” murmured Claxton, as ; the coe hadn’t ought to be “She’s a nice little girl,” boys resumed their seats. out so late without an escort.’ Dick laughed softly. . * “Tll match you, Claxton,’’ he proposed, producing ; q a coin. At this Rob seemed a bit upset.. “Oh, no,” he returned, “that wouldn’t do. both offer. It’s no more than right. We'll “Permit me to introduce my friend, Mr. Clax- . bowing TE think shee PE : realizes we are gentlemen, even though we have made —_ |[/ her acquaintance in such an unconventional manner.” When the girl left the restaurant both lads followed, — ~ Once more she flushed in a manner+that delighted the Vir-. ; ginian. volunteering at the door to escort her home. She explained that she did not have far to go, and was not afraid. buried in the pockets of a brown dvercoat. “There he is!” she breathed. did the copying for!” “And I was right,” murmured Dick. eye Smith! leave you to take Miss Morris home.” Lifting his hat, Merriwell whirl aa aad was oft § in a moment. 3 Asa shadower, Dick had demonstrated ie Skill e hundred times. | He now. succeeded in following his ee nn nee ee ene ti ees id Nevertheless, she did ‘not. positively decline their offer, and she found them on either side of her when she reached the sidewalk. ‘They had not proceeded three blocks before the | girl suddenly stopped and pointed toward a man who : was slouching along beneath a street light, his hands. “That’s the man I “Tes Stére- - I haven’t an idea where the man lives, ‘and therefore I’m going to follow him. | Claxtong Pl sae TIP ‘TOP man without arousing suspicion. Smith finally led the boy into a narrow alley, and the shadower was not at all surprised when the person he was following dis- appeared beyond the door of a very questionable and shady resort. There was a saloon on the lower floor of this building, and it was said that gambling was conducted on the floors above. Dick hesitated in the alley, undecided on ee course he would. pursue.” “If I let him get away,” find him agaia in a week. place, but here goes.” he thought, “I may not I don’t like to enter that: e - Putting on a bold front, he thrust open the door and started to enter. A tough-looking man blocked his passage. “Hello!” erowled this person. going?” . “To the bar,” was the Chol answer. cies “IT don’t know you.’ " “It’s mutual. _ your acquaintance.” “Where are you I don’t. think l have tie honor . of “Well, there don’t nobody go iy here unless I knows See! You better chase yourself, Kid.” “Let’s reason a bit,” public bar, isn’t it?” "em. urged the boy. “This is a “Not for spotters, and not for kids who ought to Bee. be home with their mammies. You're under age. The _ perlice notifies us not to sell to minors. See! ‘You're one of them college babies, and they always git us inter trouble when they come round. It’s twenty- three for yours.” eS “Tm not going to drink.” oe Wondiet yer ee 4 “No.” “Then w’at the dest be We goin”in'fer? That settles it! We don’t want nobody that we don’t do no business with: Skiddoo! Beat it!” There was a second door, beyond, which was the bar. ‘Dick could hear the sound of voices coming _ from that room. Stddenly some one began to sing in a thick, maudlin manner: — cots . “Here’s to good old Yale; drink her down! Here’s to good old Yale, She’s so hearty and so hale—— Drink her down, drink her down, down, down!” e Dick knew the voice—it was Tucker’s! A’ moment later something happened that surprised thie man who had blocked Merriwell’s way in the _ passage. head between the man 's legs, rose and flung him head: - their unquenchable thirst. Dick mapa) forward, ducked, thrust his — WEEKLY. 17 long over his shoulders.. With a bang he hurled open the door and leaped into the saloon. Tucker was there at the bar with a dozen others. In his right hand he held uplifted a dripping glass of beer. His left arm was round the neck of Store-eye Smith. | ; CHAPTER IX. THE BOUNCER BOUNCED. °* “Here’sh to good old Yale,” thickly. “‘Finesht college on earth. I love her—yesh, Ido. But I guesh my college career ’s. bout *over. , Reputation ruined. Honor gone. Can’t shtand dish- ° _ grace. Gotter duck. ‘Gotter go back to old folksh at home. They b’lieve in me. Théy don’t know. I’m dis’pated little blamed fool. If my musher could see me now, she’d cry hershelf shick. Poor old musher! I’m chertainly dishgrace to her. Le’sh have nusher drink. I got money. I can pay. Who’sh’em two | fellers gesh come in? Sheem to look natural to me. 5 Come on, fellersh, and with shomething on a misher- able, dishgraced Yale man.’ a He beckoned Dick with «his brimming saat and © i 05 half the contents over his shirt-front. | - Disgusted and angry beyond © ‘measure, Merriwell "ud Tucker by the shoulder in a moment. e , “Drop that rotten slop, Tommy,” he sharply com- manded. The little fellow dumbly ‘obijed, and the glass crashed to the floor. “Now come with me,” take you out of this dive.” ‘ “All ri,” mumbled Tucker. “Jesh’s you say. — You’re two to one, and you're both biggern I be. Can’t reshist you both ; met lesh have — one drink before we go.” i No wonder Dick was dis@llsted. This was not the first time he had seen Tucker under the influence, but - never before had Tommy appeared so absolutely woozy and helpless. He swayed like a reed in the wind, and might have fallen only for the supporting hand of Merriwell. Some of the crowd began to grumble over the in-_ terference of Dick. They were, for the most part, the cheapest ‘sort of loafers and low ‘barroom-bummers, and they regretted the loss of a good thing in Tucker, | who had been spending his money freely to quench * mumbled Tommy Sete at es iy bi - said Peale “Ym going to ‘Dick paid no attention to this mustorte: howevels’ but he was not destined to get out of the dive with TIP TOP out interference. The door that had admitted him was now hurled open with a bang, and the ugly lookout and bouncer of the place came tearing in. : ‘Where is he?” roared the enraged man. “Where's _ the runt that ducked between my legs and upset me?” “There he is, Bill,” said the bartender. “W/’at in blazes do you mean by lettin’ him in here to raise a i‘ row! T’row him out!’ “You bet I will! snarled Bill, the bouncer, making ii. for Dick,: + | Tucker swayed forward and attempted to place him- self between them. “Hol’ on,’ * he commanded, with a flopping wave of his hand. “He’sh my friend. You can’t touch my _ friend. | Allush shtand by my, friends. He’s good fel- lah, and-sho’s hisebrusher. Know ’em both, though cair’t sheem to call their names to shave my soul.” > “Get out, you ‘boozy fool!” yelled Bill, thrusting - Tommy against the bar and reaching for Dick. vs Merriwell dodged under the man’s arm and came up behind him. ', > . “Keep your hands _ off mnie!” “If ‘you don’t you'll get hurt!” This seemed to amuse the big _Tufhan, who purse into a roar of derisive laughter. “Who'll hurt me—you?” he sneered. break you in two!” . ; He made another grab at Dick, but once ‘more the boy avoided him by retreating, at the same. time re- peating his warning. _ The bummers and loafers looked on with a mild show of interest, expecting the bouncer would have * he ‘cried warningly. they had seen Bill throw out men nearly double the size of the intruding Yale lad. Dick knew it was likely that, in a way, his shldtaeth | was not equal to the strength of the huge brute, and _ therefore, as he retreated, he watched his opportunity to get an advantageous hold upon Bill, Suddenly, the bouncer clutched Merriwell, | “Out you go!” he howled, twisting the boy round — and starting him toward the, BOOK. 3 * ois | ever a part of the deceptive art of ju-jutsu. While te yielding, the expert at the Japanese art of self-defense aid in accomplishing his own downfall. now did, for he secured the desired hold, and a moment the air, turning a complete cartwheel over the shoulders wae Ra bt it sean ies GEE Sess “Why, [I a simple task in ejecting the unwelcome visitor, for At first Dick seemed to ed easily enough, but this. r leads his opponent on to exert his own strerlgth 0% This Dick later Bill was lifted and precipitated headlong through of the young Yale athlete, HS was thus hurled with. * outer sda of his Hani ‘held am downward, ) ca, € WEEKLY. crashing violence beneath a table, where he lay sprawl- ing and dazed. , The crowd vented its surprise in a shout. * “Look at dat!” : “He t’rowed Bill!” “Did yer ever see anyt’ing to beat dat?” “What’s de matter with Bill?” The big ruffian gathered himself on all fours and began to crawl out from beneath the table. . ~ fh tea Once more Dick had Tommy by the shoulder. | Tucker was trying to applaud by clapping his hands, but miscalculated at every other stroke, and struck his.x:* Soe open palms past each other. he “Finesht pinwheel dishplay I ever. ‘shaw, ee tt YS “Te ee oye ‘ ei aies - the little chap. “Go ahead and. do it shome more. I” dike it.” y ine “Look out, Merriwell!” «cried a familiar voice. ee ~ “Hooligan will git you foul if yer don't!” pa Hooligan’ was the bouncer, who had again fecovered his footing. as ‘Dick glanced round for the owner of that familiar ee voice, and was surprised to see in the crowd Brock Lannigan, an amateur wrestler whom he: had.’ be- - friended some weeks before Pas Then the Yale man once more fastened tis eyes on the bouncer, \ “Keep away fromm me!” he Aasheds pointing a finger straight at Bill. “If you put your ay hands on me _againy I'll paralyze you!” ; : Once more the crowd uttered ejaculations be sur- prise over the nerve of the boyish- -looking intruder wees) thus'dared defy big Bill Hooligan. “Smash him, Bill!” snarled the bartender. him out! Finish him!» Thus: urged, Hooligan. hurled himself at Dick, — ited Brock Lannigan pushed oné or two of the men said and stepped out to give Merriwell assistance in case it. was needed. | “Keep away, you blokes!” caeatieatind Lanne “Give Merriwell room, and he'll fix Hooligan, Jush, as. x he said he would. He'll paralyze. him,” oe » And this was ‘ptecisely what the hoy meant to do. a if he could get at the ruffian as ‘he wished. His op- en portunity came when Bill shot out his left dard) for ae , clutch at, Dick’s: throat, ‘Those soiled fingers did not find a hold on the tad’g. windpipe. Instead of that, they passed over the boy’ S; - shoulder,, who’ ducked and gripped Hooligan’s s wrist with his left hand. At the same instant Merriwell made a swinging blow with his open right, and the af “Kick: a he shouted. _ Bill has-avright to go where he pleases,” ~ about that. - finish. Well, iPr Hooligan in the ribs at a point which knocked all the wind out of the man, and dropped him stiff and strengthless to the floor. For the time being, the bouncer was really. para- lyzed, being unable to move a muscle. The,spectators gasped and stared at the fallen ruf- fian as if unable to believe what they had witnessed. There was an intense look of fixed distress on Hool- igan’s face, and while he was figid and stiffened in every limb, he also seemed unable to utter a sound. gurgled Tucker. “Old Why don’t “Awful .shlippery floor,” *ship sheems wallowing in a high shee. somebody pour oil on troubled waters?” “What you need is air,” said Dick, again gripping Tommy’s collar; “and that’s what you're going to get in a. minute. Come along.” But now the surprised bummers made a move, led by one of their number, and betrayed a disposition to dispute Dick’s passage. hand. “You ducks back up and let this feller pike out!” “He’s a friend of mine, and I’m backing him. See! This geezy chap is one of his friends, and he’s got a right to take him home.” _ “But looker what he’s done to Bill!” wheezed one ot the crowd. “Well, anybody that cah do anything like that to flung back the arnateur wrestler, ‘‘None_of you never see, Bill put down and out before. This time he went up -ag’in a better man. This is the Yale gent what throwed Hugo, the wrestler. Some of you gents know He’s all right, and I'll stand by him to the lf you make any further rough-house, you'll That’s business.” In a twinkling he was at Merriwell’s side. have to climb over us both. git your fine friend: outer here in a hurry, commanded the surprised and exasperated “We don’t have nobody rough-housing it Lannigan,” barkeeper. us. Let’’em go, boys. Git away from the door. 5 _ In compliance with this order, the tough crowd re- 4 uctantly stepped aside an opened a eapec to the door. Bill Hooligan stirred, gasped and groaned baiafally: pe a signal from Dick, Lanny seized Tucker’s left himself in the open air. ¢ at ti, This seemed to be Brock Lannigan’s cue to take a in this place, for it’s liable to bring the cops down on - “Merriwell placed himself on Tommy’s right hand, and before he realized it the. little chap found WEEKLY. CHAPTER X. A HIGH SEA FOR TOMMY. “What’s surry ?” mumbled Tucker. “‘What’s sawful rush? Le’sh not rush. Le’sh be gentle and deliber- ate,;’ : “We'd better get out of this alley, Lannigan,’ Dick. “I don’t fancy a dark hole like this.” Tucker seemed unable to manipulate his feet, and they practically dragged him to the mouth of tte al- ley. Finding they were disposed to carry him along in this manner, the little chap sagged down in their supporting arms and made no further effort to walk. ’ said “Lovely ride,” he gurgled. “Enjoy it hugely.” “You little reprobate!” exclaimed Dick, in exaspera- “You ought to be spanked.” “You talk jesh tion. like my musher,” half-sobbed Tommy. “You ain’t my musher, are you? Shay, are you my musher? Shay, musher, did you bring slip- per?” * “lm certainly greatly obliged to you, Lannigan,”’ said Dick, as they paused on the street and braced Tommy’s back against a dead wall. ‘Your assistance was needed, I asure you.” : “Don’t mention it, old pal,” said the wrestler. “I ain’t forgot what you done for me.” } “You've squared the debt several times over. What was this deluded young puppy doing in that dive?” | “Spending his money,” chuckled Brock, “and tell- ing everybody all about his troubles.” “TLotsh of troubles,’ mumbled Tucker. “Losht my reputation. Perfectly innerchent. I wouldn’t do nushin wrong to nobody. I’d like to shee anybody who ever shaw' me do nushin wrong. Besht friends went back on me. Dick Mer—Merriwell, he went back on me. That broke m’art. I’m goin’ to pine away and die a shad and perthetic death. Who shays I’m traitor to team? He’sha liar! I never gave away any shignals.” “That’s what he was talking about in the saloon,” said Lannigan. “He was telling everybody ,that his classmates and friends believed him a traiter to the — team. He kept repeating your name, Dick, and that’s why I hung around and listened to what he had to say. I tried to get him out of ie before you showed _ up, but he wouldn’t listen to me.’ pial - “Do you know Store-eye oe Lannigan : . “Sure, I know him.” “What was Tucker doing with him?” “Oh, he grabbed Smith as soon as Smith blew in. . TOP TIP Reckon he saw a néw victim to listen to his tale of woe. I don’t s’posé there’s anything in it, pal.” “There is something in it, Lannigan. Somebody gave away Unipty-ten’s signals, and many of the fel- lows believe Tucker guilty.” “I’m innerchent—innerchent as a n goat,’ sobbed Tommy, from beneath him, and sliding down the wall to land with a bump in a sitting position. “Sorrable calamity to tuin reputation of innerchent man.” ; “Let him stay where he is for a minute or two, Lan- > nigan, * said Dick. “I'll outline this business to you, e for you may be able to help me. At the staft I want to say I don’t believe Tucker did the trick.” By “Bless you for those kind and balmy wordsh,” whimpered Tommy. “Who shaid it? Wha’sh your name? Lemme kiss you on your noble brow. I wanter kiss you on noble brow.” ' Paying not the slightest heed to the maudlin chap, Merriwell continued : »w-born nanny- “Some one who knew the signals of. our baséball’ team had them typewritten and gave them to New- house, the Hudson manager. As a result, Hudson bumped. me fiercely in the first two. innings. . In ‘the last of the second inning Tucker came panting up and told me Hudson had our signals. I made a change at once, and we wonrthe game by a narrow margin. Two of the class came to our dressing-room and acctised Tucker of treachery. I wasn’t willing to believe it, although Tommy had, before the game, been suspen- — ded from the team, which Supplied a possi é motive for-suich an. act. - *T resolved to sift the matter to the bottom. Tye - found out a féw things of importarice singe that game, ’ cand I think I have the guilty parties spotted. Never- _ theless, I lack certain proof against them. I’ve found the stenographer who copied those signals. ‘They were _ brought to her to be typed by Storé-eye Smith. That’s how I happened into that dive a-short time ago--I was following Smith, hoping to get something out of hit. Be Oe cotitse, whet I saw Tucker in stich a disgust- yo ing: condition, I had to look out for him. That spoils omy plan to follow Smith tip, Tél have to take Tucker me a lift, I wish: you'd get after that man and try to pump him. If there’s atiy way to get the truth from him, do it. I don’t care what the experise may be. yee Find. out his price to. peach. Buy him’ if he can be bought. pe . BES ae OSE nn eNO NEY aaa ee a permitting his feet to slp’ hone. Perhaps I won't be able to get track of Smith _in days to come. Now, Lannigan, if you Want to give Get him to tell you who gave. hifn the sig- a and puae hie to have the public epee | in WEEKLY the New -Haven House copy them, You know what I mean when I say I’m ready to pay any price for Y this information. Don’t be afraid to offer him money be enough to tempt him. I'll stand behind you, and I'll pay you for your trouble.” ‘Don’t talk to me about pay,’ ’ protested Brock. “TL i be glad to do anything I'can; but do you think you | can handle this jag?” : “Tl find a way to handle him,” said Dick. “Just you skip back to that joint and get next to Mr. Smith.” ° “All right,”’*said the wrestler “What Smith ish that?” inquired Tucker, as Lan- | nigan disappeared down the alley. “What Smith you talking *bout—C€ap’n John?. He was gay old masher, y washn’t he? He had case on Pocahontus. The ~~ : naughty old wretch! Old 2 eee must have been pretty good looker for a Squaw. _ Wo’sh that. usher ae feller cut Smith out? Lenime see, wast’t it Abe Retif, the prize-fighter? Don’t sheem to me that wash the ~ feller. Sheems to me hish name was Rolfe. My goodnessh, the ship is moving again. She’sh wobbling dreadfully. Where’sh the captain?) You the captain? | Shay, captain, why don’t you shtop the ship? I want tO get out and walk.” “See you later.” “Well, you are a peach!” exclaimed Dick, his hands ott his hips as. he stood staring down at Tommy. “Mush obliged for comp liment, captain: ‘Better shave your bouquets for the lady passengers, Captain, | I’m ’fraid I’m going to be sheasick. Captain,’I think I’ve eaten shomething that dishagrees with me, W hat- ‘ever it captain, it’s moving in my tummy. My grachiots! I believe its ‘that little yaller dog. I ain't sheen that little yaller dog since T had a frankfurter, at shomebody’s lttich-wagon. “lf I’ve shwallow ed that poor little yaller dog, I'll Hever forgive “myself, Tye. had to shawller insults by the bushel.” a Seizing Tucker by the shoulders, Metriwell jerked | him to his feet and held him with his eam ‘agains ‘ the wall. “Now you brace up, you little fool!” commanded Dick fiercely, em, PN : “Goodnesh! don’t be sho rude,” enitreated Torn. “Tt ishn’t niche to-do that way. “Tt tpshets a man when he’sh sheesick. - You're taking | unfair advantag of a misherable, unfortunate deol | Tim only _jesht a passenger, you know.” a “Get your pins. under you. a walk.” “ { “Can't walk. "Pleashe carry ‘me.” a is, € You’ re. going t to take “You will walk. Itll do you good. Come now, | we’re going to start.” With an arm round Tommy lurched along, forcing Dick to waver unstead- ily in spite of himself. “Cruel, cruel “Wha’sh your name? Tucker, Merriwell started. monster!’ moaned the little chap. Where we going, anyhow?”’ \ “You re going | home.” “Am I? Don’t want to go home. Wha’sh masher ° with you? Why don’t you walk straight? You're *toxicated. My goodness, you're ‘toxicated! Thish is awful! I'll have to take care of you.” - With this new idea of responsibility creeping through his befogged brain, Tucker actually attempted _ to assist his companion, This was hint enough for Dick, who took advantage of it by making a pretence that he needed such assistance, and for a time they “managed to get along swimmingly. The effort; how- ever, finally proved too much for Tucker, who came near collapsing. -. “You got ’nawful breath,” said es me dizzy. Stréngest.breath I ever shaw. You ought to have it chloroformed. Shay, wa’sh your name? ?V’ I ever met you before? Where did you git such ‘a beautiful load?” “is iS hog “You know me,” said Dick. “I’m Merriwell.” _“Tmposshible!” cried Tucker. “You're ’toxicated! Oh, this ish shameful—Dick Merriwell— ‘If fellersh ever hear of thish, it'll be shame. git you home ’fore anybody shees you.” I musht _ Once mote the little chap stiffened, and did his best to assist his Companion. . : “What made you do it, Dick?” he sobbed. “You're ‘fine feller! You're good, clean feller! °T Wouldn’t take no difference if I got.’toxicated. I ain’t ne good, oe ) aiti’t no Palky. to nobody. That's s ioe broke By “y never pou so, Tucker, I know you're e nothing. f the sort.” “But ‘+ shaw it in your age Now you’ re ue Awful! awful! : a few pedestrians they pare? asus them two iceman, At last they set into York treat sek Merriwell dragged Tucker up the steps to the front or, of their lodging-house, “Gimme key,” said Tommy.” “You're in no condi- tion to find: the keyhole. When vitae sh sade a load Cee -TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Makes — *toxicated ! , You did think, sho. : and taken the floor for his bed. blamed old keyhole allush plays hide with him. 1: know how ’tis. Been there myself. You shee you can’t carry load way I can, Dick. You ain’t used to it.” | | In spite of the little chap’s bothering, Merriwell sticceeded in unlocking the door, The stairs, Show- . ever, were too much for Tommy, and Dick was com- pelled to carry him up bodily. door, he sacked Tucker into the room where Bigelow had recently stowed himself away between the sheets. Bouncer popped up and gave his helpless roommate a disdainful look. Mr ; “What have yeu got there?” he snorted. “*Sh!” hissed Tommy, with a weak, Happing wave of his hand. “Keep shtill! Don’t let anybody hear | you. They mushn’t know. Dick’sh ’toxicated. Had to lug him home. Shameful shtate of ‘fairs.- Be his ruin if it gits out.” “Well, that’s the limit!” cried Bigelow, bouncing off the bed. “What are you going to do with him,. Merriwell?” “Put him to- bed,’ @ said Dicks Big.” “Not on your life!” rasped the thoroughly disgusted fellow. olf you put him into this bed, | won't sleep with him.” “Now don’t shay that,”’ Scie Tommy, who, seemed to believe Bigelow was speaking of Merriwell. “He's: nish, clean féller. Thish firsht gime he was ever ’toxicated in his life: You let him shtay here, If Jones findsh it out, it'll be shaddest thing If Buckhart findsh it out, he will I guessh 1 Kicking open the “Give me a hand, Bouncer. that ever happened. certainly ty. I feel like crying myIEE will cry.” With which he fell over limply poh the bed and — into tears, { CHAPTER Bi etc ee REMORSE. | . In ie. morning Tucker awoke with a ‘terrible head, — a frightful thirst, and a distressing case of remorse. a True to his threat, Bigelow had refused. to sleep with ‘Tommy, and had wrapped himself 1 in a blanket 8 | Naturally: Bouncer was in anything but a pleasant ‘humor in the morn- ing: He was nearly dressed when. Tucker Sachs his “eyes and groaned dolefully. + “I’m glad of it,” said the fat boy, coming to the bed and glaring oy at $d pale and’ wretched little bf es ! A eee LOE muttered Tucker. For Heaven’s “Oh, my head?” Where’s the water-pitcher, Big? of it. My! but my coppers are hot. like a. phosphate factory. @, phosp y drinking last night.” rT % ” I guess"you were,” sneered Bouncer. “When did I come in?” “Merriwell brought you in about eleven o’clock.” “Brought me in?” ~ “Yes. Don’t you remember it?” . “Don’t remember a thing about it,’ confessed the distressed boy. “My gracious! I*must have been a ~ loaded.- And Dick ee me home? ll never look . him in the face again.” “You ought to be ashamed to look anyone in the face.” “Iam, Iam. Do get me that water, Bigelow. I’m just about dead. Oh, what a fool a fellow is to do ‘anything like that! I'll never do it again.” “I’ve heard you say that before,” scoffed Bigelow. Touched with pity, however, the fat boy brought his roommate a pitcher filled with water, and with many a groan Tucker lifted himself, clutched the pitcher with trembling hands and drank greedily. He did not pause to catch his breath until as much - ‘as a quart of water had passed down his throat. “Thanks, Big!” he gasped, falling back on the pil- lows the ePtigy had placed behind him, but still cling- ing to the water-pitcher. ‘Don’t take it away. I didn’t even wet my mouth.” “It would serve you right if I refused ‘to bother with you at all,” said Bouncer. “That’s true,” agreed the little chap meekly. “But you won’t have me to bother with much longer.” “How’s that?” “Oh, never mind!’ But Bigelow persisted in demanding an explanation, and finally, Tommy said: “T guess my career at Yale is just about over.’ “Oh, rats!’ ysnorted Bigelow. “You'll feel differ- ently about it when the effect of your jag wears off.” “No,” said Tucker grimly. “I’ve made up my mind,” * . “To what?” ¢ “To get out. I’m in disgrace here, Bigelow. Of - course I helped my case amazingly when I was fool enough to get boozed last night. That doesn’t make any difference, however. I’d made up my mind be- fore I took the first drink. My friends think I’m a sneak, and a two-faced traitor, I can’t stand for that. Re ae ee “It’s bursting! sake bring me a pitcher of water—bring me a wash-tub full My mouth tastes I think I must have been to conquer such weakness is to fight against it. I’m 3 cold bath?” . WEEKLY. ° ae I might have stood it if Merriwell himself had not come to think such a thing. Oh, yes, I know he thought it. I read it in his face, and that’s what made me start out on that blamed-fool tear.”’ “That was a fine way to convince him that you were not a sneaking traitor!” scoffed Bouncer. “T didn’t care whether I convinced him or not. Never anything hurt me as much as it did when I real- ized he had lost confidence in me: He’s-the only-fel- low whose good opinion I’ve ever cared a rap about. For his sake, as well as tny own, I’ve tried to cut out cigarettes and booze, and be respectable. I’m a weak- kneed fool, and it’s been pretty hard work quitting those things, Still, I think d should have succeeded if he’d not gone back on me.’ ‘“Merriwell never goes back on any friend.” Tommy drank again from the pitcher. “Perhaps he doesn’t actually go back on any one,” he admitted, “but he did think me a dirty “crook. Look here, Big, hope I may die this minute if I ever betrayed the team.” “I want to tell you something, Tucker,” said the — fat boy, with unusual seriousness. “Some of the rest of us may have entertained doubts abgut you, but I know that Merriwell never gave up the hope that your innocence could be established. He’s been work- ing like a beaver to prove you innocent, and after he lugged you in here last night he told me he absolutely _ knew you were not concerned in that treacherous business. You ought to realize how you've misjudged him. I don’t know just what he’s learned through his investigation, but I am satisfied that he’ll succeed in clearing your good name, unless you make an ass of yourself and run away from college. If you do that, it’ll look as if you’re guilty beyond question, and ite. will prove, under any circumstances, that you're a lit- tle coward. That’s right straight from the shoulder, and I hope you understand it.” | , Tommy gasped with surprise at such language from Bouncer. bi oa “Any one with an ounce of brains could understand that,” he finally muttered. “But after all my promises — to Dick, how am I going to face him now? Id wilt with shame.” M ae “It’s a good thing you feel that way. It shows that you have a little manhood left in you. As you~ say, you are weak-kneed, Tucker, but the only way not much good as a preacher, and I’m not going to say any more. Why don’t you get up and take a TIP TOP “T never could I’d have heart-failure right in “Qo-o0-00-00!”’ shuddered Tommy. do that this morning. . the bath-tub.” _ “There you are with your weak knees and your flimsy backbone. A cold bath would do you good, _ but you nage s nerve enough to face anything so dis- _ agreeable 7 Big. “What ?” “Fifl the tub. I’m going into it 1f I die right there. I’ll never stand to have a jellyfish like you telling me I lack backbone. You make me mad! Now shut up, 4 and turn on the cold water in the tub. Go ahead, _ lively, before I get out of bed and climb aboard you.” ' Pretending to comply with reluctance, but secretly chuckling to himself, Bigelow left the room and turned -on the cold water in the bath-tub. ; : La ay 7 4 “6 “L'il bet: you back out, now, Tucker,” he said, as he returned. “You're a great quitter.” ; _ “You're another!” snarled Tommy, as he tumbled out of bed. “Oh, ginger, my head! Wow! wow! things are whirling. Open the. door, Big. Give me a clear passage to the bath-tub. Here I go!” A few seconds later there came a terrific splash | Hats the bathroom, and a wild howl from the lips of | Tucker. ; “But I drove him to it,” snickered Bouncer. “By. the sound of that howl I should say he’ll survive the /- ‘CHAPTER XII. ON THE, BRINK OF EXPOSURE, ate’ in the afternoon, Tommy sneaked out for a bait: all by his lonesome. Although he was ‘greatly relieved by the fact that Merriwell had not bothered him up to this-point in the day, he also. felt it was mainly because Dick was so thoroughly aac with him. , sh ue he on not fail to notice that an occasional pretty girl u are world. Tm a person with. lofty am- tions and sbulftl desires, but no one seems to une ‘derstand me. came upon three fellows who were lounging by the aroused heart could fling into his eyes. - | _ Ditson. Still he felt Pia weak and languid, and’ Bee eh oe eit me Pel = OS Meee ae a, WEEKLY, I’m likewise haughty and proud and de- sirous of,exalted adventure. Gee! but 1 am like By- ron. I never knew it before... Wonder if I could write poetry if I tried. Sometime I’ll have a go at it. It isn't much of a job to make rhymes.. Why, it’s dead easy. I can rhyme time and slime and bum and rum— Oh, jinks, hold on, I don’t like those. Time and slime make me think of the hot time I had last night, and the dirt I found on my clothes this morning. 3um and rum make me think of the hoboes J drank with. Golly, I’m afraid ’'m not a real Byron, after ali}: 7 ’ am ~Tommy walked far out into the country, where the , fields were turning green and the buds of springtime were swelling to the bursting point upon the -trees. He filled his lungs with good, pure air, and gradually a little of the natural healthy color crept back into his cheeks. Out there the world seemed sweet and and wholesome, and the boy found himself wondering that any one should care to live in dirty cities. clean Finally he turned his face toward the city, choosing « another road. On the very outskirts of the town he roadside. At sight, of him, one of them started up _ to a sitting posture, and called the attention of the others. They were Mike Lynch, Bern Wolfe, and ipuncal Ditson, 3 Getting still nearer, Tucker distinctly heard the’ words, “sneak’’ and “traitor” passing between the trio. This was too much for him, and he stopped ten feet away, glaring at the three with all the anger his — “If you chaps are making those remarks about me,” he said, “I want to tell you that you’re ate that ?”’ “Aw, Mike. ga “Yes, go on, or I'll get after you myself!” cried — “You are a sneak and a traitor! Everybody | knows it now. You've been sapping around Merri- . well, and you got what was coming to you when’ you were suspended from the team. Then you went back on your friends and the class. ‘You sold. your- ¥ self, and, you ought to be ashamed: to look a man in the face.” _ “Lies! lies!’ shouted Desieay, lie, Ditson !” : : ce Dune started to spring Sd are cee clutched hi iS collar and held him, | ' e’wan, you sneaking little wri? seowtad “very 3 word is: a i ‘than he deserves. _ well, I have no sympathy with a cur who goes back on the team.” - smoking a cigar. : later, and immediately beckoned to him. * It was Store-eye Smith. -dast: night.” 24 Ee -“Tll make him swallow those words!’’ palpitated Ditson. | “What’s the use?’ said Mike. “Of course you might knock his block off, but there’s nothing in it, old fellow. He’s branded himself for the rest of his. college career. He'll go through Yale as the sneak. You can’t do him any further injury than he’s done himself. You couldn’t get any satisfaction out of whipping him.” Ditson!’”’ challenged Tucker fiercely. “Come out here and try it! I wish you would.” “Shoo-fly, sneakie,” chuckled Bern Wolfe. “Or you, either, Wolfe!” snarled Tommy. neater my size. 1 can lick you in less than five min- utes.” ( “I’m scared to death!” mocked Bern. fight with a traitor. on you, Tucker.” Trembling with fury, Tommy was tempted to at- tack the three of them, but he finally realized that his chin was quivering, and tears were threatening to burst from his eyes. Not wishing them to witness “T dare you, “Vou’re “T wouldn't I wouldn’t even wipe my shoes such a breakdown on his part, he whirled and hastened away, followed by a chorus of mocking laughter. “He takes it hard,” said Ditson, “but it’s no more Even though I don’t like Merri- - Some time after Tucker had disappeared, the three fellows rose from the roadside and likewise strolled back into town. All day Wolfe had been vainly trying to get a pri- vate word with Lynch. Perhaps Mike knew this. At any rate, he did not give Bern the desired opportu- nity. Instead of going directly to his room, Wolfe left the others and wandered down to the harbor-front. He was standing on one of the wharves, looking out at the vessels and miscellaneous craft, when he espied a familiar figure sitting propped against a pile and This man.saw Wolfe a moment “Well, this is luck,” said Smith, as the freshman ap- “proached. “T’ve been wanting to. see you, young fel- ler, but I didn’t like to come round to your hang-out.” “That’s right,” said Bern oe “don’t you do anything like that. I warned you.” ~ “T know you did. Say, I met a Friend of yours e « "A friend of mine?” TOP WEEKLY. Pt age | ooh afford to overlook a bet like that. fession regarding his connection with the affair. . Smith,” ‘he said, aloud. coming. Sep “Who?” “Chap by the name of Tucker. had a load. Holy smoke! he He was telling all his troubles. Poured =~ | the tale into anybody’s ears who'd listen to him, and a he found lots of coves to listen, for he was buyin’. I’m onto the whole business now, young feller. I — know just what you wanted of that paper, and I know © just what you done with it. Considerin’ them facts, I think I done my part too cheap. I oughter had ‘more money.” “Go on!” exclaimed Wolfe. “I gave you ten. ~ Anyhow, everything went wrong when Yale won. You can’t get: anything more out of me, for I’m broke.”’ “Well,” observed Smith, with a crafty look, “there . are others who have money.”’ c “What do you mean?” gasped Bern, startled. 1 Then Smith told how Merriwell had found Tucker in the dive, and taken him out of the place with the assistance of Brock Lannigan. He added that Lan- nigan had afterward returned to the saloon and en- convers sation. said the man Lanny and this Mer-. ure sort of friendly.” gaged him in “You ‘know,”’ riwell < : 2 bee I suppose you coughed up everything you knew,” said Bern, in great alarm. Smith shook his head. Se ie “Not yet.” se “Not yet? Do you mean to say you're going to! ” eke “Well, there’s something in it if I do. Lanny of- | fered me money to tell the facts. You gave me ten. 3 He offered me twenty-five to tell who paid me to git s them signals copied. That’s purty good money, ain’t ok need the coin.’ , Wolfe twas so frightened that his date almost stood on end. He realized what it meant to him if. this. tool whom he had employed should make a clean con- Not only would Tucker be exonerated, Wolfe would be — exposed, and the ignominy and disgrace would be more than he could face. —“T've got to stop this fellow’s mouth at any cost,” he quickly decided. “I'll have to raise the manky shy. hook or crook. ce i, : “Of course, I know you wouldn’t go back on me, “You keep FO face but- toned up, and I'll make it right with you.” “That's easy to say, but I'd like to see sowed It’s. my Seon yon fee that they're Deh 4 Oe. purty hot on your track. They’ve got it nailed down to me, and I'll be squeezed for a straight spiel. Of course I ain’t done nothing wrong. didn’t know what you wanted of that document. It wouldn’t hurt | _ me none to tell the facts, but it would bump you purty (ae “bad.” ; Wolfe was doing some rapid thinking. He was afraid of Merriwell, and something told him Dick would find some other way to get at the.facts if Smith made a downright denial as to any knowledge of those signals. Nevertheless, that seemed the only method of blocking Dick for the time being. “So Lannigan offered you twenty-five dollars: to peach on me, did he?” came huskily from Bern’s lips. “Now, look here, Smith, I have a proposal to make. _ If you'll agree not to blow, I'll go you ten better than Lannigan, though I'll have to borrow or steal every cent of the money. You must make oath that you'll protect me. Will you do that?” “Why, now J like you, young feller, and I didn’t go back on you when Lanny put it up to me so hard.” * — “How do you know you ‘d ever get the money from a him} o “That's all right. Lanny’s not going to cough it : _ out of his own pocket. Merriwell’s backing him, and they say that kid has plenty of dough.” “But I’ve offered you a better price.” “Wien do I git the coin?” eH try, to raise it to-morrow, and I'll see you in se Murphy’ s saloon at eight o’clock to-morrow sevening.”’ “Make it between twelve and one to-morrer, and _ Till go you. That’s plenty of time.” cs in vain Wolfe sought to argue with the man. _ Smith was greedy and eager, and he brought Bern to _ terms by stating that he had an appointment to meet : Lannigan at 1 P. M. the following day. AN right,” said the frightened freshman, “I'll be at Murphy’s between twelve and one, and I’ll have the _ money if there’s any way in the world to get it.” _ “Then that’s settled,” nodded the man, with satis- faction ; “but you'd better not fail me, young feller.” ~ “No danger of that,” muttered Wolfe, as he turned away, determined to find Lynch without delay, and place the matter before him. CHAPTER XII - SMITH SPEAKS. : Brock ie ihe Merriwell early the following é “ve got a ‘date Sih Smith fer one o'clock,’ " said WEEKLY. the wrestler. make a clean breast of it: I made a good spiel. Told him it wouldn’t hurt him none, and he’d have that dough all to the good.” “Do you think he’ll tell the truth?” asked Dick eagerly. “T reckon he will if he gits sight of the long-green. Twenty-five 1s purty nigh a small fortune for Store- eye, nowadays. He’s been on his uppers so long that he'll feel like a — bond-holder with all that filthy lucre in his paws.” ° “But it will do no good unless the man makes his declaration public,” said Dick. “He must do it be- fore witnesses, Lannigan. That’s the only way to clear Tucker.” “T reckon he’ll do it all right, pal.’ “Then you must bring him to me. Think you can?” “T tink so. When-do yer want him?” “Five o’clock this afternoon will be a uae time. Pilot him round to my room if you can.’ “Hadn’t yer better let me have the greenbacks to show him?” i “Here’s the money,” said Dick, handing it over; “but don’t pay him a cent until you get him before me in my room.” | At five o’clock that Monday afternoon ‘Dick had Buckhart, Bigelow, Tucker, Jones, and Robinson all | Tommy came reluctantly _ in his room by appointment. and with some apprehension, for he still feared there was further trouble in store for him. Still he assumed a defiant air, and vowed to himself ‘that he would fight any one who tried to “rub it in.” , The assembled lads gazed at each other wonder- ingly as they waited for Dick to explain. Instead of explaining at once, Merriwell watched the clock, and betrayed some impatience when the hands indicated that it was five minutes past the appointed hour. He was beginning to fear Lanny would fail him, when ns ears caught the tinkle of the door-bell. “Tm waiting for a little addition to our party,” Dick explained, as he opened the door of his room. ‘TI " _ think they’re coming.” ; | ; A moment later Lannigan’s head appeared as the wrestler mounted the stairs. Dick smiled a bit as he saw Store-eye Smith following at Lanny’s heels. “Hope we ain’t kept, yer waitin’ long, pal, e said Brock. tain fellers to see him comin’ here, and so we had to do a little ducking.” “It’s all right,” said Dick. “Walk in.” He closed the door: behind them. Smith seemed ; a “I’ve offered him twenty-five plunks to “You see me friend, Smith, didn’t want cer- 3 3 4 Beaiten aa By OER oe Aaah EO tig Ss ROTTS TN See ‘ain _ — ~ " ps an noe = ep PS ET aie ee a aoe BE raat: Cee tenet 26 bit nervous, and declined to sit down when invited. Merriwell’s friends wondered still more at the mean- ing of it all. “Boys,” said Dick, “I’ve taken some pains to get at the facts concerning the giving away of our sig- nals to the Hudson team. Here is the man who was employed by a member of our class to have those sig- nals typewritten. I shall make it an object for him to state who employed him. Have you paid him any money, Lanny?” Not yet.” “Well, give him the twenty-five agreed upon.” Lannigan handed the money over, and Smith seized it eagerly, grinning his thanks. -“Wait a minute,” invited Dick. “That is the amount agreed upon between you and Lannigan. Here is as much more.’ As he spoke, he displayed two tens and a five. “Now, Smith,” he went on, “if you'll accompany ‘this party to the room of Bernard Wolfe and make a @ean statement of the truth in the presence of Wolfe, you'll get; this additional twenty-five. You cant get into any trouble, for my friends and myself will stand behind you.. What do you say?” “Tl do it!” huskily exclaimed the man. . the bones.” “When you have made that statement you shall have the full amount,” said Dick. “TI ptomise you that on my’word of honor. Are you ready?” Smith was ready, and the entite party sallied forth.. On their way to the room of Bernard Wolfe, they started to cross the campus. _ “Hey, pard,” said Buckhart, “there’s Wolfe now, over by the fence. He's talking with Lynch and some of that bunch.” “Gimme ‘Immediately Dick spoké to Smith in a low tone, and the man nodded. They headed for the fellows assembled. near the fence. Both Wolfe and Lynch looked startled, and in- clined to run away as eee e his friends came up. | Dick. called to Bern. . ; “Wait a minute, Wolfe,” he said. “I want to see you. The rest of you fellows kindly gather round. Nou all know Tucker is suspected of treachery to the team. You know some one had our signals copied -and delivered them over to Ben Newhouse. here I have the man who was employed as a gO- between. This man Smith had those signals copied, and he’s going to tell who employed him. As yet he _hasn’t told me. If it was Tucker, he'll say so. If it was some one else, it will be interesting to know who that person was. Here’s the money, Smith. Now speak up.’ + ae man seized the money and thrust it into his . pocket. A crafty, sickly smile crept over, his face. “You young fellers are all wrong,” de declared. co copied. I done it on'’my own hook. . EEE QP VV BABI, tection of two policemen, ‘ance thus made good his es- Right “There didn’t nobody git me to have them signals “ I’ve been piping | off id ee of you de for some mn and picking I thought there might be something I had them copied and. up your signals, in it for me, and there was. sold them to Newhouse.”’ The relief of Bernard Wolfe was unspeakable. That very day Wolfe had paid Smith, and the man — had pledged himself to protect Bern. It is not dif- ficult to imagine the consternation of the young rascal when he saw his tool approaching in company with Mertiwell. But Smith had kept his word, and had secured money from both Wolfe and Merriwell. “If that’s true,” said Rufe Robinson, breaking the surprised silence that* followed ‘the bummer’ 5 confes- sion, “why did Newhouse accuse Tucker?’ Once more Smith grinned. ee. “That was because I told him I’d got the signals | from one of the team, a feller by the name of Tucker,” — he lied. “When Tucker went into the game and helped Yale wih, Newhouse was raw. ‘That’s on the level.” “And you stole otir signals, you onery coyote?” roared Bueckhart. ‘You ought to be scalped!” Instantly there was ‘an uptoar, and several of the’ boys tried to get at Smith. The man saw an-opening — and made for it. As fast as his legs could carry him, ft he fled across the campus. They pursued him into Church Street, but there the, fugitive sought the pro- Re Saki pte oe cape. Sometime later Brad Buckhart found an nppobliiees to ask Merriwell what he thought of the confession of Store-eye Smith. i “T think the man lied.” answered Dick. Tom po- a sitive he told the truth when he said he was not em- ployed by Tucker, but I’m equally positive he was employed by another fellow, whose reputation eae saved for the time being, through his lying. I did — not waste my money, however, for Tommy “has vane , cleared of suspicion.’ 3 pee ne THE END. DICK MERRIWELL’S _ OR, t SPRINGTIME’S YOUTHFUL FANCY. te son FSS Bad Supper ‘ha Lack of Confidence--A. Biahtes k f . ven Finish—A. yer for Dick—The a : a Returns the Money —Jealousy-Histary Rep D1 NEW YORK, April 20, 1907. TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. (Postage Free.) ‘ Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Each. Be ANONTHS coved Lin wiw i nocws ces ot OSGi: T One gr bar aistivs sei sWvstnscneucd $2.50 ee PAUINUNA Conway i iiaswocea~ sue ve 85ce. 2 copies one year..........2... 4.00 RP AMT Bp Ol wot de bot anke dys dels $1.25 1 ‘copy two years............2. 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. Receipts—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper _ change of number on your label. If not correct you have not been properly credited, and should let us know at once. ‘STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY, 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York 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 « i £ Toppers have won for themselves a place on our Honor Roll for their © efforts to increase the circulation of the King of Weeklies. Get in line _ boys and girls and strive to have your name at the head of the list, S. Warren Blood, Mass. Paul Bunion, Kansas. Hilda Fitzpatrick, Idaho, JT. C. Dallas, South Carolina. ‘Louis Laire, Conn. Walter W. Lee, Buffalo, N. Y. Frank E. Gerhin, David Rossman, \ So. Dakota. ae Calvin Keisler, _ © Jos. Stahl, Newark, N. J. - The names of other enthusiastic Tip Toppers will be added from ‘time 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. are Owing to the number of {letters received, the editors of ‘Tip Top cannot undertake to secure their publication under six weeks. ‘Those ‘ that time. cs ter Advertisements—A limited number of acceptable ad- __vertisements will be inserted in the columns of TIP TOP WEEKLY, t the rate of 50 cents per line, of about ten words each, nothing less than four lines taken. Remit by stamps, check or money order to the + te (A letter from West Virginia.) me _ As.a reader of “Tip Top,” the king of all books of the good old college days for our young Americans, I think it my duty, as well, of all our dear readers to report the good work going on, » I have just finished some good stories written by the lovers of “Tip Top.” Of all books of true American sport “Tip Top” leads, and every stirring chapter is filled with the good deeds created by our two heroes of world-wide reputation and_ their comrades, a crowd of young, noble men, whose names are house- hold words. Frank and Dick and their true blues are the real goods, and if the young men of this country to-day were like who contribute to this department must not expect to see them before » and, either consciously or otherwise, they are constantly imbibing WEEKLY. 27 our two heroes and their friends, it would be a better world. And again some of our readers have their favorites, but it wouldn’t do for us all to agree. We all know Chester Arlington isn’t as good as he ought to be. He gives our friends trouble sometimes, but we hope Dick will make him a better boy in the near future. It’s all the life of dear old college days, and if you want to keep them in memory read “Tip Top,” the best of all, and learn the results of the good deeds of our heroes and their : brave little band. With kind regards to all our readers, and with best wishes for success to Mr. Burt L., and S. & S., I beg to remain, Yours very truly, Howarp SMITH. Your kind wishes are reciprocated. You seem to be inoculated with the “Tip Top” spirit. , I guess it is about time for me to say a few words of praise about the “Tip Top Weekly.” Dick, Frank, Brad, and all the push are all right from A to Z, and I think that Chester Arlington will turn out O. K. after he gets over the foolish streak he has now. Every boy should read “Tip Top”; it would teach them how to lead a better life and be more manly, to leave off drinking and smoking, and show them they were wrong in keeping up many other bad habits. As long as I live I shall always read the king of all weeklies, “Tip Top,” and propose three cheers with a-tiger for Burt L. Standish, its noble writer. oe Superior, Wisconsin. Atw ADMIRER. | pose Thank you, good friend. If ever a writer deserved the thanks -of the American youth, that man is certainly the author of those stories without compare, the Merriwell tales. The echo of your cheers reached us here in New York, or, possibly the sound we heard was that tremendous explosion of a great oil tank over in Jersey, near the Staten Island shore. At any rate we thank you again for your warm words. (A letter from Washington.) As I haven’t seen any letter from this State in the Applause, I thought I would, write a few lines to the famous “Tip Top.” I have been a reader of the king of weeklies for some time and x I think it the best published. The boys daughed at me when I first started to read “Tip Top,” but I gave them some copies to read. They don’t laugh now, they always ask me if I have got any more. I will close with the best wishes for B. L. S., SiS; * ’ Georce Stevens. We know they don’t laugh at-you any longer, George, if they have become readers of “Tip Top.” They find enough to laugh at in many of the stories, while others hold them spellbound, wholesont lessons concerning the care of the body, and the use- . lessness ‘of certain bad habits that boys imagine will make men __ of them the sooner, Ws page at . * 2 ee F 5 a . x * ® - . _ (A letter from Pennsylvania.) +78) Being a reader of “Tip Top” for four years, I take the time to write you these few lines. One day, four years ago, I was reading a book when a friend of, mine told me to try his book. I did so, and ever since that I have been reading “Tip Top”; I also sell “Tip Top Weekly” in this city, and it occupies a field of its own. A good many of my friends I have persuaded _to take it, and now they are my-regular customers. I think “Ti Exes Top” is the best book that ever was in print. Hurrah for Fran Merriwell, Burt L., and Street, & Smith. Long live “Tip Top.” Yours’ truly, HerMan F. WecENER. You ‘are ina gosition to know what sales all juveniles have, and everywhere the report is the same—that “Tip Top” has all. others beaten to a finish. We anticipate -a_ still further jump | ahead now that our new covers have put us in the magazine class, and beyond reach of any possible competition. Fa ee (A letter from, Dakota.) ‘ sy eeeines med Lama reader of the “Tip Top Weekly,” and like it very much. It is the best weekly written, and I have read it since I was a boy, and have induced other boys to read it, s»me who are now steady readers. It has good characters- and. helps to show , a : 5 Pr ; ae : ‘s « 4 oe i a a man where he is wrong. Hoping it will always be published, I remain, BE, 0, Scorr. "We agree with you when you say that the stories in “Tip Top” show a young fellow what traps and pitfalls lie before his feet; it does more, since it tells how to avoid them, and paints in vivid colors the awful results of indulging in such vices. Thousands of boys testify to the good results of the “Tip Top” habit. (A letter from California.) | T write to let you know that I have read “Tip Top Weekly” for about one and a half years, and I think it is the best weekly I ever read. I have induced three boys to take it and they say it is fine. I like Frank, Dick, and Dale best, and then fae: the others. ‘I will élose with three cheers for Burt L. Standish, y= Street & Smith, and all the rest. Hoping this will find the rows } T remain, Yours truly, Harry A. West. Short and sweet, but Harry is doing business at the old stand, and we hope he will keep right along.convincing boys that there is no publication so interesting and profitable as “Tip Top.” net : * Being. a veteran reader of ‘Tip Top,” and a great admirer of Burt L., I wish to express my gratitude for all the good read- ing I have enjoyed, And, at that, | haye only the current copy on hand. How is that? Because as soon as | finish one I pass, it on to another boy, who does the same. Once I found my name on one fully thirty miles from my home, and that is no exaggeration | I am sure this is the best way to increase the already large “Tip Top” circulation, Hoping to enjoy “Tip Top” for ten years more, and that this will be put in print, I remain, Newark, N. J. } Jos. STAHL. We heartily commend your zeal, Joseph, and doubt not there _ are many boys who thank youetime and again for starting them ' along the delightful “Tip Top” road. There is no trail like it anywhere, and each week's camp-ground: is the scene of a glori- ous feast that ends all too soon. We have written your name among those whom “Tip Top” delights to honor because of the — good seed they have scattered broadcast. Some may be wasted in stony places, others be: choked with thorns, but much will | fall on good eround, to spring up and bear fruit a hundred- fold, ss » rn’ f (A letter from South Dakota.) © Tt is strange that I should take so much interest in, and so _ much zeal to find readers for, the “Tip Top Weekly.” The most singular part of it is that, with about four thousand — books to. read, at home. and at: school, I choose the “Tip Top Weekly.” The dealer. Here started #in ‘with five copies a week; - now they average. from fifty to seventy ‘copies per week. , Thi increase is, I hope, through, the aelping hand of dia ; + “Loyal Tip Toppers,” of | which society I a ' president. | The meeting of the. ae Toppers “last evening was called in order to secure a lars of onor as ort and true*helpers. Yours. ee FRANK’ » GEREN, President, Chairman, Davin Routine a i - Secretary, CALviIn KEIsLer. AS We gladly accord you a place in oug aaa ‘aap, boys, and hope your enthusiasm will increase. about your preference for. “Tip Top”—you love sport that is clean, and no one lives who can picture American sports as Burt fe Stanaish. That's the secret in a nutshell, a, a a shite You “ygunaser” who enjoy “Pip Top” _ not think that u are “the only ones,” Lam three score years. at age, and “then some.” I have read. _and enjoyed “Tip Top” from 0. I up to and including No. 564, which I have just finished; [ have also enjoyed reading the Ap-. use. Having seryed four ears in the United States Army ting the “War. of, the Rebellion,” and knowing how the boys \ in'the army enj joy “good reading.” See the Spanish War I __ sent over two hundred oe of "Ti p Top” to a young friend mine in the Philippines, which were read and reread by all the re 4 wens) + 1 was told by aw. ee that i ee : TIP TOP WEEKLY. oe There is nothing strange | . Chester, he may not yet be out of the woods, .see that Chet would do such a thing after he had reformed, when the company had all read them thiegie books—were taken to the hospital corps and read all to pieces, I have read a great many different works, but “Tip Top” is my favorite above all others. Long may it live ta bless the youth— and even “old boys”’—of our beloved land, Respectfully yours, Cambridge Springs, Pa. “THE SQuirRe.”’ This is one 6f the best letters we have ever received, Boys wi who deserve the name never grow old in heart, and at three score and ten love to read of the struggles and triumphs that beset the path of the rising generation. Here is an old hero, . a patriot who served his country nobly, taking the deepest in- — terest in the sports and trials of the Merriwell brothers. And yet it is not so strange—we know many mature men who delight | in these cleverly told stories, and who try to circulate them among their young friends, in the hope and belief that they may thus be doing great good to the boys at an age where lasting impressions are being formed, Squire, we salute you, and long 4 may you live to further enjoy the “Tip Top ee RAE: a Being a soldier, and without anything to employ my time, I aia find nothing more interesting than reading “dear old.“Tip Yop,” and I want to thank Street & Smith for the publication of the best weekly in the whole wide world, which is “Tip Top.” Will -come again, Private €, C, D., Co, B, 18th Infantry.» Fort Leavenworth, Kan. ; It was kind of you to write us. We hontld. have been nledneali ; * 4 ‘ae io learn how “Tip Top” is considered among your fellow soldiers, ; As a rule, Uncle Sam’s boys, both in the army and navy, delight — in such entrancing stories of clean. sport, and where the Merri- — wells abide there is “something doing” all the time, even if FH8 spirit of warfare:and the battles fought and won are. sometimes mental rather than physical. CA fatter from biiaidarigainee) i This is my first attempt to write to the Applause caliidie i “Tip Top Weekly” is the best publication of its kind in America. — Its characters are so y Hifeliike that sometimes I imagine that they live. I think the stories of Frank out West are the best yet. The new covers are: certainly great and will get a great number of — new friends for “Tip Top.” Hurrah for Chester Arlington! | Le 4 knew that he would come out all right in the end. A true Tip | Topper, Frep J. MALtoy. We are glad you like the new style of “Tip Top.” Such a fhatnee is very hard to curb, We shall all watch with interest the fight he is having with the evil spirits that have had their home within — his heart. If any influence can save. him, that of Frank Mag well should. (A letter from. Ohio.) ei oes ee “T have been a reader of “Tip Top” for two years eight eonthe and regard it as the best juvenife publication on the market. I have never expressed my thoughts before, but I am_ now glad of the chance to do so, — I am glad Chester has turned over a new leaf., I am. sorry that I can’t get “Tip Top” daily. I have persuaded many others to read the same book, and they think it fine. I hope these few lines don’t find their way to the waste-basket, ‘J close, a_true friend to “Tip Top,’ and yore others remain ani it. From a true Tip Topper, — an E. NALLE j That expresses the true sentiments of a boy. . There is n display of language, but just a straightforward declaration of principles. We feel certain that our young correspondent must au Htavinie n never Lidia’ to “ Tip Bie mit take. the ued do so now. I have just finished No, 562, and was surprised to » ink that dear old ie Top” is the “king of all weeklies. tan pki AR ae eae i . “TIP TOP » first one I ever read a friend gave to me, and I «have bought them every week. My father did not approve of me reading them, but he read one and he does not object any more. I cer- tainly enjoy:“Tip Top and have got many friends to read it. _ After they read one the rest is easy, I guess I hav re’ taken - too. much of your valuable space, and will quit with three mighty,” - Jong cheers for Burt L. and “Tip Top.” A Lovay Tip Topper, _.. Richmond, Ind. ; Every friend of “Tip Top’ has pretty much the same story to tell. Your father is indeed sucha parent as any boy need be - proud of. He has good red blood in his veins and knows what healthy boys sh6uld have, reading of the Merriwell stories has broadened your view of life, as well as influenced your character for the best. We believe in honest, manly, truthful, fearless lads, ready to take their part in the battle of life, and not shrinking from danger when the occasion arises. Keep up your good work among your friends - and many will thank you for what you are doing. i (A' jetties from New Brunswick, Canada. ) “ We have read “Tip Top”. for about three years, and found ite the best weekly paper ever published. We get one every week, and after we are done with them we lend them to other boys. Our _» favorites are Frank, Dick, Bart, Brad, and @héster—since he has _reformed—also, Browning, Spark, the two Crowfoots, and _ Blessed Jones. And of the girls, June, Doris, and Inza. I think June is the girl for Dick. We would like to see this in the Applause column as soon as possible. I think we will close now, with three cheers and a tiger for Burt L. and Street & Smith. Yours truly, " Joun Moore, . » RockLanp PAINTER, EARL Moore. Even in that Arcticlike country—at this time of year—the hoys - yearn for “Tip Top” and welcome its coming with delight. -Surély, publishers, author, and editor have reason to be proud of ‘such wnparalleled fidelity, No juvenile publication ever was blessed with such devoted adherents, and, instead of this enthusi- “asm dying out, It seems to grow stronger with age. We thank - you boys for your kind wishes, which we most heartily recip- -rocate. ro% »' (A letter from tedden as I am a soldier in the army of ‘Tip [Top” readers and have ever expfessed my opinién of this: noble book, I think. it is my duty to do so. I have been reading ‘ ‘Tip Top Weekly” about a year. “I did read Western stories. a while, but father made me stop, and I began to read “Tip- Top,” and I think I have t done a ie thing, for I don’t think there is any book in circula- tion ‘that can.come up with {Tip Top.” I also read the Medal Library. TD think it is a fine book. As #o the friends of Frank ie Dick, J like them all, Three sheers for Street & Smith and* ; Burt hii Standish. Curron Hunter. hough the offer was made more than a year back, Glad you Clifton? is * ‘OA’ ie from the Pacif Bie HD wish “you would send, the renewal blanks sooner in’ the e arrived, and it will probably be about two weeks *before Tip Top” recommences coming again, and it’s Abe hard to wait for it that long. I read my first “Tip' Top” nearly five yeais ago. I babs tor gotten the title to it, but it must havé been when Dick first ntered Fardale. ‘Dick and his ‘team needed money. A team r there, that had once refused them, offeretl to play them. ick accepted. Everybody, hearing it was Frank Merriwell’s other wanted to see the game. gSome gamblers, trying to dope ick, doped the opposing captain. Finding their mistake, they vie -something* in Dick’s eyes, ater, he put his hands up to protect his face when the bat clicked—and caught the winning ball, I didn’t read “Tip Top” any more wee bigs laze in the Be! ees I got most ~ : : Ae \ pet ep A Rote Be We fe 1 Show him this, and tell him how the « Not being able to see the- hope you “appreciate the improved appearance of your favorite I see, also, that - you can see what great efforts we are making to satisfy all par- We have'a few post- reicde dial and will send, you a pack, al- 7 “ties, as well as carry out our own ideas as to what the outward. ¥: ink so highly of “Tip Top. Py «How about all your chums, ture, as I got this one only two days before the last number ; and read it. ‘of that series. WEERLY, * gi. Last spring® I subscribed in earnest, I want to be a writer some day, and am reading “Tip Top,” along with Dickens and Eliot and other writers, to learn. Now that Dale jhas gone to Harvard, Yale will have a worthy rival in her. | like Dick best?and am not worrymg who he will marry. I think Dale a lively chap, and I like all the other characters. I Joan “Tip Top” once in a while, but it is pretty well spread here, A Cascade Tip Topper, Si Yes, it is hard to wait two whole weeks, my dear boy, and we certainly sympathize with you. Even if many boys take “Tip Top” in your town, you must know of seyeral who do not, and who would make better men from reading ‘the magazine. Get them interested and receive our blessing. ate « 4 (A letter from Pennsylvania, ) I have entered an order for more hack numbers, which I hope will come forward without delay. My opinion of “Tip Top” is like a very hot fire always burn- ing bright. I think it is-great. I have tried’ to do-missionary work for “Tip Top,” having wi ‘influenced a few boys to read them. Lie My favorite characters are all that take an important part in et ag your books. I will close, hoping to receive these books. faithful reader of your excellent publications, B. “Peqe” Huston, I remain, a very eis) letter, if brief, ds to the point, and it is very evident, from your persistence, that “Tip Top” has entered deeply into your life, We have atterided to your several requests faithfully, and weekly. * oi (A letter from Towa.) Would you mind very, very much hearin ng from a» girl reader of the famous “Tip Top Weekly”? I have read it from the first, and am anxious to add my voice of praise to the infinite chorus _ that is forever coming from the host of “Tip Top” readers. I. just think the boys of the stoty fine, especially Dick and Dale. , ’Tis not strange that I admire them so much, since I am of the feminine gender, is it? I fear me that I am slightly inclined « to bé fickle, for I am constantly changing my affections) from — one to the other. I see.again and again, in the Applause column, ~ where so many of the old readers like Frank the best; but I, © although one of the first readers, like Dick just as well, if not a tiny bit better. I think June and Doris just lovely girls, gand*. envy them their acquaintance with Dick and the rest not a itl. hester has a great many admirers, but, for my. part, ‘although I feel sincerely sorry for him, cannot admire one — of such weak character. If you knock up against a youth cut off the same pattern that Dick is, will you please ship him C. O. D. to” Council Bluff, lowa. A LonESOME LASSIE, We will, What you say about your mother wishing we would © | put a different cover on the magazine is taken in good part, and appearance of the leading boys’ magazine of clean sport, college mn and right living shbuld he. . oo ee Te 7 “T have read ‘your eS “Tip Top” for about two years, Feat I am sure it deserves the title of the eis of weeklies,” as ie” is the best fiye-cent paper published, I have a bother who has been reading it 555 vg years, fer it was while dusting the library that I happened to pick one ink Since-then' I have not missed a copys” ahd have | f induced eight of my friends to read them. _ Three cheers for Dick and Brad, hoping Sn will make the | Yale-time in the’ spring. | ae -seed, straw- seed, f ; a umpkin- ‘seed, squash, We Wie eee Vlg eBMre a ts 1h eee - Yes! By gosh! ths eae Sie to see this in print, I am, yours truly, - Paterson, N, J. A Parersow Gm ‘Thank you. ‘We appreciate: id sentiments you. ees nd wish ve continued pees in gang ie Top Me elie igen lial a ne a AND ANSWERS waar EDITED BY: === QUESTION > Pror. FourMEN: Having been a reader of the “king of week- Ber. lies’ for the last three years, I would like to ask you a few 4 questions in regard to my health. I have a great desire for sweet things, and I am afraid I overload my stomach. Is there any way to cure this habit? I would like to ask you another question. My -knees are crooked; I mean they bulge out in front, and are crooked in the back. As you can imagine, it gives me awery awkward appearance. Is there any way by which my a knees can be straightenedg Every time I get my pants pressed, ie they are all wrinkled and out of shape after I wear them the first bx time. | DISHEARTENED UNLucky Boy. Rochester, N. Y. If you eat plenty of fresh fruit, this craving for candy and various sweets will disappear. Your trouble seems to be organic. There is no complete cure, such as you desire, but if you take up a course of general physical training, the rest of: your body will fill out so that the malformatiédn of your ‘knees will not be noticed. (A letter from Indiana.) Pror. FourMEeN: Being a great lover and constant reader of “Tip Top,” I take the liberty to ask you what you think of my -~measurements. Age 13 years; weight, 93 pounds; height, 4 feet 11¥@ inches; neck, 12% inches; chest, normal, 29 inches; ex- _ panded, 31 inches; biceps, 8% inches; expanded, 914 inches; forearm, 9 inches; waist, 27 inches; thighs, 18, inches ;. calves, 13 inches. My records are: Standing broad jump, 7 feet 10 inches; running broad jump, 14 feet; 100 yard dash, 11 seconds, Francis GUTHRIE. Your records are very good for a boy of your age. Do. not neglect to take regular exercise with a clubs, night and morning. (A letter from Pennsylvania.) ; Pror. Fourmen: I am 15 years old, 5 feet 3% inches; chest, formal, 29 inches; chet, expanded, 31 inches; waist, 25 inches; neck, 12% inches; biceps, 9 inches; forearm, 8 inches; wrist, 614 inches; thigh, 18 inches; calf, 12!4 inches, and my weight is 97 pounds. y A Penna. Boy. oo. & ; ok If you take regular exercise you ought to increase in size and weight in the next year or two. - ' ; ® last four years, I take the liberty of writing you this letter. _ I am a pitcher on a baseball-team, and last year, after I had thrown for about 15 minutes, my arm would hurt me and I _wotld have to stop.. So, commencing with the rst of January, 1907, I have been following this plan: I go to bed at 1o P. M. - and get up. at 7 A. M., then exercise with dumb-bells for 15 minutes, and with Indian clubs weighing 114 potinds each, for 15 minutes. I then go for a run of one-half mile, punch the bag for 10 of 15 minutes, and then take a_ cold sponge-bath. At night I exercise with the dumb-bélls and Indian clubs again for 15 minutes each. As I would like to follow up baseball very much, would you please let me know ’ punching-bag and Indian » eo Prov. Fourmen: As I have been yeading “Tip Top” for the _I take the liberty to ask you about my measurements. PROF.FOURMEN \ {| “if you think my.arm will be all right again in the spring. If +a ri there is anything else ‘that I could do to help it will you please ; let me know? = . S. F. BENJAMIN. Providence, R. I. t . Probably by the time’ you are ready to play baseball your arm will be in good condition. Only, be careful not to overdo your exercising. “i Pi Pror. FourMEN: Kindly answer the following questions: Age, — 21; weight, 155;~height, 6 feet; neck, 14 inches; chest, 34% ~~ WV inches; expanded, 36% inches; waist, 27% inches; biceps, II inches; forearm, 10 inches; wrist, 614 inches; hips, 36% inches; thighs, 19% inches; calv@s, 1314. inches. STRENGTHY. St. Louis, Mo... » 2 - You lack considerable weight. As soon as you take on the necessary number of pounds to bring you up to normal your 4 measurements will begin to assume the right Proportions, ae > _ (A letter from Long Island.) Pror. Fourmen’: As I have read the “Tip Top” for two years, I though I would send in my measurements. I ama captain of an athletic club which some of us boys are just starting here. y+ My height is 5 feet 1 inch; weight, 88 pounds; years, 15; neck, — 12 inches; chest, 2714, expanded to 3114; biceps; 9 inehes; fore-— arm, 814 inches; wrist, 6 inches; waist, 26 inches; thigh, 17 — inches; calf, 12 inches. I am very small for my age. What exercise should I-use to enlarge my calves? to enlarge my chest? | to enlarge my biceps? to enlarge my neck? What should I do to — make my waist smaller? What should I do to grow larger in every way? Could I be an athlete? ‘YANKEE. (| Bicycle-riding will enlarge your calves. Take deep breathing for your chest. Use dumb-bells and Indian clubs for your — biceps. Use the United States Army exercise for the neck to — develop yours. Do not let your waist worry you. You could — become an athlete if you took’ a general course of training. Pror. FourmEN: I am a constant reader of the “Tip Top Weekly,” so I will take the liberty to send you my measure- ments. I am 13 years old, 5 feet 3.inches in height, weigh 113 _ pounds; neck, 1214 incheS; chest, normal, 30 inches; expanded, _ 3414 ifiches; biceps, 13 inches; thigh, 18 inches; waist, 23 inches; _ calves, 14 inches. What should I do to become better developed? _ I do not drink or smoke. ~ R. ,Katpacn. — Reading, Pa. ~ git ey Pea Join a Y. M. C. A. gymnasium, and take instructions under a. competent director. gains eee Pror. Fourmen: Having read the “Tip Top” eee years,” ; ASE, Th years; height, 5 feet 2% inches; chest, normal, 31 inches; expanded, 35 inches; biceps, 10 inches; forearm; 10 inches; '\neck,. 13 inches; calf, 12!4.inches; thighs, 1714 inches; waist, 27 inches; ~ weight, 115 pounds. I use 2-pound Indian clubs, and 1/4-pound — . - Nee 8 y r ; ; , ; Ri « dumb: bells, every morning and night. I eat two meals a day! I run a mile every morning before breakfast. Can. you fell me how I can straighten my legs, for they are somewhat curved? Portland, Maine. CLINTON SHAW. Unless you are very bow-legged, do not let it worry you. Pror. FourmMen: As I am a constant reader of take the liberty to ask you a few questions. My weight is 153 pounds; height, 5 feet 73; chest, normal, 36; expanded, 39. I attend a high school and go out for track practise 3 times a week and expect to take cross-country runs on Saturdays. ‘Will EF running affect my heart? I am only 13 yeats 10 months of age. ~. New York City. AB _ You have the right idea in regard to physical culture. up your present plan of exercises. heart if ther€é is no organic trouble. “Tip Top,” I Keep Running will not affect your + ' » (A letter from British Columbia.) Pror. Fourmen: I wish you would answer a few questions. Age, 173. calves, 15 inches; height, 5 feet 10% inches; normal chest, 37 inches; expanded chest, 40 inches; wrist, 7 inches; biceps, 11 inches; neck, 14 inches; weight, 144 pounds. I don’t _ smoke,-or drink anything but water. W. A, A few pounds more weight is what you need. Plenty of fattening food, and exercise in the open air will give you what you need. $i (A letter from South Carolina.) _ _ Pror. Fourmen: [ wish you would answer a few questions. Iam 14 years old; height, § feet 4 inches; weight, 140 pounds; - neck,. 12% inches; ‘chest, 32 inches; expanded, 35. inches; thighs, ~. Ig inches; calves, 15 inches. . C. Datos. ‘e reduction in weight is what you should strive for. Get dumb-bells, Indian clubs, and @ bicycle, and use them every day. 4 (A letter from Massachusetts.) _ Pror. Fourmen: Having read “Tip Top” for a long time. I would like you to tell me how my measurements are. Age, 14 years 3 months; weight, 90 pounds; height, 5 feet 1 inch; chest, apes 28 inches ; expanded, 31 inches ; neck, 1114 inches ; fore- rm, o% pichtes thigh, 11 ches; waist, iM, inches 5 calves, 12 mere) j: & HH. e ‘By observing strict rules of living, a taking regular exercise, : mo will grow up to be strong and healthy, — i ror. Fourmen: Being a constant reader” of; the great “Tip Top,” I take the liberty of asking you a few questions. Age, 13 _ years 7’ months; weight, 137 pounds; height, 5 feet 5 inches} chest, normal, 31 inches; expanded, 34 inches; neck 1334 inches; thigh, 2114 inches; calf, 13% inches; biceps, {07% inches. I play ona fast basket-ball team. AN EAST-SIDE Lap. . New York’ City. ‘4 ~Join a gymnasium and keep. in training is all the advice teces:" _ sary in your case, « . thy A cal are Sg (A letter from Oregon.) ; Paw Fourmen: I have been reading the “Tip Top” for a number ‘of years and think it is the best book of its kind I ever read. I take the liberty to ask you a few questions. Here are. my measurements: Age, 15 years 6 es height, 5 feet 6 inches; weight, 13214 pounds; right thigh, 19% 6 ’ inches : left thigh, 9 ‘inches ; right calf, 13. inches; left calf, 13 itches: neck, 15 inches ; right foréarm, 10 inches ; left forearm, 10 inches: waist, 50% inches ; right biceps, 1134\ inches; left biceps,’ 11% inches; rs hest, normal, 33 inches; expanded, Br inches. I can lift 85 pounds over my yee with = hands ro wm anc 60 pounds 30 times. ~ Rt, You have no occasion to, worry siionis weak or strong points. ake care of iy health, and moe will aan have a good. , ry? —_ x bs be pone to send ae Ene aria and to. er ae a TIP TOP WEEKLY. ‘top and bettom, but avoid sleeping in a draft. height, 5 feet 934 inches; please outline a course of traiming to increase my measutements, iis oF. Tet cable ‘Gaek read “Tip ton”. ed ‘s sie: tie f \ 3f few questions. My age is 15 years; height 5 feet 17% inches; weight, 106 pounds; neck, 73 inches ; chest, normal, 32 inches; . chest, expanded, 34% inchés;. biceps, 1014 inches : forearm, m4 inches; waist, 2714 inches: thigh, 18% inches; calf, 13 inches. Do you advise sleeping in a cold.room?. The temperature of my room in winter is between forty and. fifty-five degrees. How many hours should I sleep? I have read your “Physical Health Culture” and recommend it to all other “Tip Toppers” as an excellent book. W. B.R New York City. By all meahs sleep i a cold toom. Have the windows open Eight or nine hours’ sleep is not too much for a growing boy. Pror. Fourmen: I am 20 years old; my height is § feet’ 8% inches; my weight 250 pounds. I would like to increase’ my height a few inches; would like to be § feet 11 inches. Would you please tell me “how: to increase my height, and will you please tell me what is good to reduce a flabby neck? hi Millbury, Mass. A Tre Tor. Reaper. sal You should train hard if you expect to reduce your weight to anything like normal.. The more exetcise you “take the quicker i you can do this. The only way a person can increase his height a is to grow, and the only thing that a short person can do ina de case like this i is to hope that he will eét taller, and wait ee se to see if he is going to, a ~ - (A letter from Missouri.) -Pror. Fourmen: I am 13 years old; weight, 82 pounds; height, 4 feet 9 inches; neck, 12%4 inches; chest, normal, 26 inches; expatiled, 28 inches ; Waist, 24 inches ; thighs, 15 inches; calyes,- 1144 inches; what should I do to gain weight and strength ? Jacx Dawson. _ Light exercises* with dumb-bells in. the morning and again at night will make a pleasing change in your physique, i ice! Fourmen: As I ama pleased reader of “Tip Top,” I “take the liberty of writing. Iam 14 yeafS of age; 5 feet 7 inches high, but am somewhat slim, especially in the thighs. What is a good exercise for enlarging the thigh? Has a slitn persof’ a good chance to become an athlete? _ Paubrnas SALuBiorgs. Tacoma, Wash. i Marne Moderate exercise on the bicycle will enlatge your thighs. ° (A lesiek from Pennsylvania.) ~ Pror. Fourmtn: I have fead “Tip Top” for a long time, and have been an interested reader of your answers, but, as none of them seem to exactly apply to my case, I decided to ask youva ~ few questions. I am an electrical worker and have little or — nothing to do in the way of exercise in my présent position. and am going steadily down. These are my tmedsurements: weight, 165 pounds; chest, norrhal, 38% inches; expanded, 30%4 inches; thigh, 19 inches : calf, 1334 inches; neck, 15% inches; waist, 34 inches ; biceps, normal, AD) inches ; expanded, 1214 inches. I” am 24 years old. ill you and also for my wind. I’m very short-winded, so. much so that I am unable to carry a song, venue exhausted before com- pleting it. : Frank G. Grave. | Your proportions are abouteright, except your chest expansion. os Deep breathing in the morning and running at night, after yout: f work 4s finished for the day, will remedy this... ee oe PS rto for oo. Numbe ROR SALE ir or qecach, Quarter 5,7 5 ree. eee h. SPECIAL OFFER numbers below ow. ices ‘or “ all post paid W Wr He ALR TIRE, 2 295 LAUREL ST., RIDGE ved «GOLDEN HOURS.” Boys, have you any old fumbers of Golden ae ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY HANDSOME COLORED COVERS Never has Burt L. Standish written suclr interesting tales of the adventures of the Mertiwell 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 arid entertain them. - Boys, you have no idea of what a grand feast he is preparing for you, Top’s stories are going to astonish you. Tip Do not fail’to buy this ic 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 LATEST TITLES: 539—Dick Merriwell’s Check; or, The Hot Bunch From Happy Camp. ° '§40—Dick Merriwell’s Sacrifice; or, Team Work That Told. 541—Dick Merriwell’s Heart; Luck Streak. §42—Frank Merriwell’s New Auto; Destruction. §43—Frank Merriwell’s Pride; at Pineville. 5§44—Frank Merriwell’s Young Winners ; in the Blue Hills. §45—Dick Merriwell’s Lead; dr, Bound to Hold Fi irst lace. 546—Dick Merriwell’s Influence; or, On the Right Road At Last. 547—Dick Merriwell’s Top Notch; or, Against Odds, Fate, and Scheming. §48—Frank Merriwell’s Kids ; or, The World Beaters In ; New York. 549—Frank Merriwell’s Kodakers; Game Without Guns. '§§50—Dick Merriwell, Freshman; or, First Days at Yale. §51—Dick Merriwell’s Progress ; or, The First Chance on the Field. or, Breaking the Hard or, The Lure to or, The Double-Header ‘or, The Stars or, Hunting Big : §52—Dick Merriwell, Half-back; or, Getting into the Game at Last. 853—Dick Merriwell’s Resentment ; or, In Defense of Bi His Honor. Me “g54—Dick Merriwell Repaid ; or, The Heart of Officer , (Maloney. “ ¥ 555—Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power; Game at New Haven. he 556,-Dick Merriwell’s “Push”; or, The Victim of the “Flying Mare.” 557—Dick Merriwell’s Running; or, The Meet at Me- ota chanics’ Hall. 558—Dick Merriwell’s Joke; or, Fun with the Jumping Frenchman. 559—Dick Merriwell’s Seven; the Regulars “Go Some.” 560—Dick Merriwell’ s Partner; Texas. or, The Boy from 561—Dick Merriwell in the Tank; or, Rustatg the Regu- ae lars at Water Polo. 562—Frank Merriwell’s Captive; or, The Folly ‘of Ches- oe: a ter Arlington. iJ 563—F rank Merriwell's Trailing; or, The Flight of a Fool. — tes 564—F rank Mertiwell’s Talisman ; Cocheta. sos—Frank Merriwell’s s Horse; Would Be Bad. ™ . | 566—Frank Merriwell’s Intrusion; or, ‘Warner, the Man Who Won. ee 467—F rank Merriwell’s Bluff; or, The Lost Sefiorita OF ha Sonora. ean or, The Boy Who pe ~568—Dick Merriwell’s Regrets 0 or, The Friend He Never 2 4 Knew. 569—Dick Merriwell’ s Silent Work; Hand ‘for = Foe. If you want any back numbers of our libraries and cannot procure a from your newasealers they ag a can be obtained from this office direct. Postage stamps taken the same as money. STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 79 Seventh Avenue, NEW YORK crTy. Y. or, The Great » The Scrub That Made a / or,’ The ‘Charm of? 74 Of, ; i Heping a Lg ta. SS AY May Be Secured How the Early vumtes one LIP TOP WEEKLY O THE boys who take interest in the adventures of Frank Merriwell and want to read everything that was written about him, we desire to say that numbers 1 to 325 of the TIP TOP WEEKLY con- taining his early adventurés are entirely out of stock and will not be reprinted. These numbers, however, were published in the Medal Library beginning with No. 150 phictis is entitled “Frank Merriwell’s Schooldays.” We give herewith a complete list of all the Merriwell stories that have been pub- lished in book form up to the time of writing. We will send a complete catalogue of the Medal Library, which is just full of good things for boys, on receipt of a one-cent stamp to cover postage. MEDAL LIBRARY 150—Frank 167—F rank 178—Frank 184—F rank 189—F rank 193-——Frank 197—Frank 201—F rank 205—Frank 209—F rank 213—Frank 217—Frank | 225—Frank ‘ 229—F rank 233—Frank 237—Frank 240—F rank 244—Frank 247—Frank 251—Frank 254—F rank 258—Frank 262—F rank 267— Frank 271—F rank 276—Frank 280— Frank 284—Frank 288—F rank 292—F rank 296—Frank 300—F rank AT 10 CENTS 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. Merriwell’s Opportunity. Merriwell’s Hard Luck. Merriwell’s Protégé. Merriwell on the Road. MEDAL LIBRARY 304—F rank 308—Frank 312—Frank 316—Frank 320—F rank 324—F rank 328—F rank 332—Frank 336—Frank 340—Frank 344—Frank 348—Frank 352—Frank 356—Frank 359—Frank 362—Frank 365—F rank 368—F rank 371—F rank 374—Frank 377—Frank AT 10 CENTS Own Company. Fame. Merriwell’s Merriwell’s 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. NEW MEDAL LIBRARY AT 15 CENTS. 380—Frank 383—F rank 386—F rank 389—F rank 392— Frank 395—Frank 398— Frank (Increased Size) Merriwell’s Luck. Merriwell’s Mascot. Merriwell’s Reward. Merriwell’s Phantom. Merriwell’s Faith. Merriwell’s Victories. Merriwell’s Iron Nerve. STREET & SMITH, Publishers, NEW YORK Ga — ISS (RK bP