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Issued Weekly. By subscription $2.50 per year.

Entered as Second-class Matter at the N. Y.
N.Y. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1907, én the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D.C.

 

   

Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-8 Seventh Avenue,

 

No. 571.

NEW YORK, March 23, 1907.

  

Price Five Cents.

 

 

A

CHAPTER I. 4
ON A SPRING MORNING. |

Spring—it came like the sudden bursting of a sweet
bud... It came like a flower that blooms over night to
surprise the world at dawn. It came up out of the

south, laughing and joyous, and before its happy ad-

-yance old winter took precipitate flight. The snow
was gone. The pulsing breast of mother earth lay
x bare to the invigorating sunshine, which would soon
i \tarn all the world to green verdure and flowers and
Pi tender leaves and fill the air with soft odors and the
music of a million birds.

 

 

ks ee It was the season that always sets youthful blood

 

_ lights to be.

‘A ray of sunshine was creeping in at Dick Merti-
healt s window when he sprang out of bed. The. win-
dow was open, and through it the gentle breeze brought
the song of a robin from the elms outside.

Jones, a! roommate, twisted grotesquely like” x

  

| Dick Tlerriwell’s Skill

“THE PRINCE OF T

 

By BURT L. STANDISH,

 

a restless yearning and impatient longing of the de-

~ Lemme ‘lone, Dc ce

 

   
   
 
  
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
  
  
    

se

 

 

 

 

 

E PISTOL” <3

.

corkscrew, ‘with half the bedclothes wrapped around
him, still snored. 2 |
“Awake, thou sluggard!” cried Dick, as ee donned
his bath-robe. “Turn out, forthe day is here;'and it’s
Saturday—Saturday with the sun shining. No books,
no studies, no lectures, no dull and dingy class-rooms i
to-day. Come, Blessed, dismount from that grisly
nightmare and follow me—follow me to the bath-tub.”

“As Jones continued to snore, Dick picked up a pillow
and belted him over the head with it.

“Ugh!” grunted Blessed thickly. ‘And he smote
the Philistines, hip and eee and batted them until ~
they were exceeding sore.’ Timothy ss 16th,
What’s matter, anyhow ?” .

“It’s time to tear ial from that bed.”

“G’wan! It’s Sat’day, ain’t att fe ee

“Yes, it’s Saturday, and |

“That's my morning to get in an extra .snooze

    
 

«

      
     
 

 

    
    
  

“But the sun is shining, and the birds are > singing.
You know the early bird catches the worm.”, ;
mt a t want any worms!” " growled Blessed “What

     
   

  
 
     

2*- TIP TOP

d’you take me for? I’m not going fishing. I say
lemme ‘lone.”

Hugging the pillow, Jones twisted himself into a
new contortion and prepared to get some more sleep.

“Hopeless case,’’ muttered Dick, as he departed for

the bathroom, whistling gaily.

Blessed was snoring again when Merriwell returned.
Dick’s eyes were clear and his cheeks flushed. A cold
plunge and a brisk rubbing had set the blood leaping
through his veins.

i “Now isn’t that a shame!” he muttered, as he stood
beside the bed and gazed on Jones, who was snoring
in a vigorous manner. “He’s wasting the best hours
of the day. I’m sorry for him.
Again he smote Blessed with the pillow.
gave a snort of surprise and resentment.
“Tf I rise to you,” he mumbled, “Tl statter you all

over this room. What’re you trying to do?’
“I’m trying to arouse you to a realizing sense of
~ what you're missing. Come, Jonesy, roll out... If I
didn’t like you, I wouldn’t bother to get you up. But

Iido like you, you know.”

a Then Dick leaned over the bed and began singing

in Blessed’s ear:

I must do my duty.”
The sleeper

“Not because your hair is curly,

es Not because your eyes are blue,

Be I want you to know, my little dearie,

i: You're the sweetest little chum I ever kriew.
Bae There’s something in your style and manner

ees That seems to tell me, tell me true,
ees That’s the reason. why I love you,
’Cause it’s you, just you.”

Blessed: stuffed his fingers into his ears.

“Why don’t you hire a hall?’ he growled. “If
you're stuck on -your melodious voice, go sing to some
‘one who appreciates it. Lemme ‘lone !”

‘The door of the adjoining room swung oper and
Brad Buckhart, in pajamas, appeared.
“You're mighty gay this morning
the Texan. “I' wish I felt that ae)

“Hello, Brad!” cried Dick.
“Take him away, Buckhart!”” implored Jones; “take
him away, and ft will bless you. Already he has broken
my beauty slumber. Already he has filled my ears
with discord and my heart With exceeding great wrath.
After a time I shall rise—I'll rise and fall on him, and
he'll think he’s up against old Samson.”

 
 
 

   

  
   

ing | as this,”
| literally palpitating with a desire to > get out into
open world’somewhere.” |.

“Well, I wish you'd get ont then mighty sudden,”
a ee is “ a a : WY sek af s
A Ua A age ” ae Bea Fp oN ay ( es per vie , Tis oa

   
 
 

WEEKLY.

 

the bookcase, removed the flowers, and drenched
Blessed with the water which the vase contained. » ied
Jones sat up with a howl, seized one of his shoes from. i ,
the floor, and’sent it banging ag ainst the door as Mer- ae
-riwell dodged from the room. ae

Now, I’m feeling as frisky as a young colt.” dae am

, partner!” growled -

/ “We

“It’s ‘a shame for any one to sleep on such a morn-
‘said Dick. ’ “I feel like doing something.

       

 

 

     

       

“Wait for me to dress, partner,” said Buckhart,
I'll go with you. I’m not feeling just the way i
but I think a little open air would do me —_— Jj

   
     

‘fand

      
 

you are,

    
    

good.’
“Then hurry up,”
nature calling?’

   

“Can’t you hear

     

urged Dick.

           
     
 

ee ae ; ; 4

The Texan hastened toward the bathroom, while |
Merriwell, whistling gaily in spite of his roommate’s a
remonstrances, began dressing. In a short time Brad ca

      
 

returned to his room. a
“What's the program, partner?” he called. ‘
“Put on your heavy shoes,’ answered Dick. “Pre-

pare for any kind of traveling if you’re going to stick’

We'll shake the dust of the city from our

We'll toddle out into the open country.”

Don’t think we'll shake much dust from

It'll be mostly mud.”

    
 

)

 
    

by me,

Trilbys.
“Waugh !

our hoofs.

      
   
   
  
     
 
  
  
  
  
     
    
    
   
 
  
 
 

In a short time the boys were ready. Dick, bubbling _
with mischief, took a vase of flowers from the top of =|

“Why this thusness, Brad?” inquired Dick, as ier }
strode along the street. ‘You're wearing a most ap- >
palling cloud of gloom on your openwork countenance. =}

“Oh, I'll shake it off after a while,” said the Texan. © Re 3
“Don’t mind me, I’m glad we're going to take a good _ ee :
But let’s hit the grub pile before we start =| -
out. No telling when we'll get back. I don’t care
if we don’t return until to-morrow. The way I’m
feeling now I don’t care if we never come back.”

“There’s something preying on your mind. Cone
fide in me, old man.” :

“Oh, it ain't worth talking about. I’m a blamed
fool, that’s all. I didn’t sleep well last night.” » ;
‘ll have a better appetite for breakfast ite we a )
wait a while.”’ kei

“But if we wait a while, we may be where we can a
get breakfast.” ois

“There’s something in, that,” admitted Bink |

“I didn’t eat much dinner last night, and I’m a whole ta
lot vacant on the interior.” Lame ea }

“Didn't eat much dinner?” ~ ty ee

NG. ie San edict Ot

“Why not?” | Sane, .

“Oh, I had a reason. When I feel like elucidating

Til tell you all about it. Just now I'm yearning With | a
a a oP and a yearn, ‘al ham and PERE pss

‘long walk.

 
   
 

      
     
   
    

  

 
   

 

    
       
  

  

   

  
jl

a

<4
ee.

 

   
 

 

 

  
 

  

hae TRE

They sought a restaurant and ate breakfast together.
Dick’s light-hearted mood continued, but not even ham
and eggs could wipe the shadows from Buckhart’s face.

After breakfast they set out for the country, and be-
fore long the outskirts of New Haven were passed,

and they were on the turnpike leading westward.

CHAPTER II.
“THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER.”

Near mid-forenoon two lads with mud-bespattered
shoes lolled on the veranda steps of a cottage at Mor-
ris Cove, where they could gaze out upon the silvery,
sunlit expanse of the Sound. Afar white sails, looking
like tiny, pocket- handk@&chiefs, drifted across the hori-
zon line. A faint surf rolled upon the shingle with a
cool, swishing sound that was delightful to the ear.

“A few days like this will bring the cottagers down
here,” said Dick. “It’s a beautiful spot, Brad.”

“Huh? Did you speak to me?” grunted Buckhart.

Merriwell turned and looked searchingly at his com-

_ panion.

“You're a jolly chap for a morning like this, ain’t
you!” he cried. , “You've let me do all*the talking.
I've-tried to wake you up, but Youre still ina trance.
How far do you suppose we’ve walked?” |

“We're five miles from town now. We must have
walked ten miles or more, partner. I reckon you want

_ to get back for baseball practise this afternoon.”
. “It isn’t absolutely necessary.

I suppose our team
will come out for practise, although Jones didn’t men-

tion it when we left.”

“Jones was too sleepy to mention it,”

“But ‘I woke him up when I baptized him,” laughed

Dick.

“The baseball season is right upon us, Biick-

nett.

“T’m mighty glad of it. I'd like to play a good, stiff
game to-day. I’d like to do anything to get miyeelt
. Straightened out.” ,

“Why don’t you tell me what’s the trouble: Fe

“I don't like to have you laugh at me.”

“Tf I'll promise not to laugh-——”

“I wouldn’t make you promise anything like that.
If you want to know, I'll tell you. I took dinner at
Heubline’s last night. Asked you to come along with
me, but you couldn’t for some reason or other. So I
I had just about finished when a party
There were five of them, two

went alone.
swept into the room.

-. fellows, two girls and a chap. They didn’t see me at
first.

They had a table reserved, and they were feeling

 

WEEKLY. 3

first rate. Oh, yes, they enjoyed themselves! I didn’t
eat any dessert. Lost my appetite. Who do you sup-
pose was in that party?”

“Mabel Ditson.”’

“You've hit it first crack. How’d you guess?”

“For the last hour I’ve been contemplating asking
you what she has done.”’

“Well, she was there, and Barbara Midhurst was the
other girl. They had some middle-aged woman as a
chaperon. The two fellows were Duncan Ditsca-———”

“Escorting his sister.”

“Escorting Barbara Midhurst. And that dark-
haired, high-and-mighty gentleman from Virginia,
whose name is Claxton. You know who he is, don’t
you, Dick?”

“T’m not personally acquainted with him.”

“Well, don’t cry; you haven’t missed anything. He

has an idea that he’s almost too good to walk on com-,

mon ground. He’s a whole lot exclusive and haughty,
partner.”

“He has the Virginia exclusiveness, ‘that’s a fact,”
admitted Dick. “He hasn’t made many friends in his
class. I wonder how Ditson got in with him?”

“I can figure that out for you in a minute. Claxton
found out Ditson had a stunning good-looking sister,
and so he cultivated Dunc’s acquaintance.”

“My dear fellow, you’re the victim of the green-
eyed monster.”

“That’s what I am,” confessed Brad honestly. “It
spoiled my dinner. I couldn’t keep my eyes off that

bunch. There was Claxton, smiling and attentive to |

Mabel, and she was smiling back at him. I just wanted
to prance over there and get aboard his collar. If
there had been any way of sneaking out of that res-
taurant without being seen, I should have sneaked.
There wasn’t any way, and so I grabbed my top coat
and capered for the door. As I went past I gave Mr.
Claxton a look that sure told him just about how much
I loved him. I heard Mabel say, “Oh, dear, there’s
Mr. Buckhart!’ Then I bowed stiff as a ramrod and
did a beautiful duck: All night long I’ve been fight-
ing duels with Claxton. I’ve lifted his scalp at least
seventeen times. Now, laugh! laugh!”

“Tt’s a serious case, Buckhart, old man,”
Dick, ee I think you're doing some unnecessary wor-

rying.” e

Brad scraped some mud from i heel upon the edge :

of a step.
“Oh, I don’t know:

She didn’t like me to begin by Sh you know that.”

 

chuckled —

™~

 

I’ve made'a clean breast ‘of it
to you. I’ve confessed that I’m clean gone on that girl. —

    
     

      
       
     
     
       
   
       
     
     
     
      
  
  

4 7 ie

“It’s different now,” asserted Dick laughingly.
> oY

And
then he began to sing:

“She would like to marry you,
She would like to marry you;
She’s the only, only girl
Ever set your brain awhirl,
She would like to be your wife,
Be your lovey dove for life;
; Tell me, would’ you like to marry her?”
“Oh, cut it out! cut it out!” cried the Texan. “Do
you wonder I didn’t want to say anything about it?
Ti knew you'd guy me to death. But that man Clax-
ton wants to keep away from me. You hear me gently
murmur !” 7
“From what I’ve seen of Claxton I fancy he'll
keep away, Brad. -I understand he’s from a high-bred
Virginia family, and you know most Virginians fancy
themselves of better clay than Northerners.”
“1 don’t know why they should. Back in Colonial
_ days they poured the riff-raff of the old country into
~ , Virginia—the most of ’em criminals. Why a Virgin-
jan. should get the idea he’s better than a chap from
- Michigan or Massachusetts or any Northern State I
can’t understand.” |
“You're a Southerner in a sense, Suckhart.”
s “T’m from the West where men grow, and I’m ready
BY. to meet any honest man on an even footing. I’m ready

 

‘You don’t see me playing the haughty holier-than-thou
with people I don’t know.”

“You know, Brad, in Colonial days there was an
aristocracy in Virginia. In that colony, as in England,
there were three distinct classes, the aristocrats, the
middle class, and the common laborers, who were little
better than slaves.
were slaves who had sold themselves for a term of
| years in order to get passage to America. It was but
- natural that the masters of the old Virginia plantations
- should look down upon such menials, even though the
_ menials were white. ‘To’this day the distinction has
been maintained. Virginidts of family and birth hold
themselves. above the masses. They have to dwell a
long time in the North to acquire our democratic ideas,
‘and even then they never wholly fall into our ways.”
“Tn short, partner, they remain snobs and cads.”
Ee *Cads perhaps, but seldom snobs. ft he Laona

 
 

  

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

‘most frequently i in the North. I can speoathize with
. feelings of a Virginian who believes himself to
be by birth better than the masses. But I cannot sym-
ind with a Northern snob swine caters to those he

  

TOP WEEKLY.

. . { . , i
to accept him as a man until he proves that he isn’t.

In fact, many of the latter class |

         
   
 
  
 
    
 
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
 

his way into a higher grade of society. . Such creatures © { yA
are disgusting to me, but I don’t think Claxton is of et
that cut of cloth.” i 7

“Waugh!” cried Brad, springing up. “You may
think what you like about him, partner, but I’ve got
my opinion, and I reckon I'll keep it. Let’s hoof it

 

toward town.” tar q y
They set out'along the highway, which was very
muddy in spots. The sun had warmed the world until f
a faint steam rose from the brown fields. Winging t
their way across the blue sky, crows cawed harshly. tl
From afar came the sound of shooting. <#
“The Seabright,Gun Club lies over in that direc-
tion,” said Dick. ‘“They’ve got at it early to-day.” oa
“That’s a swell club, isn’t it, pard?” Ss
“Ves, it’s called so.” ~ | # ei
In the midst of one of the muddiest strips of the 4% u
whole road they came upon a big touring-car stuck if a g
fast. Besides the mechanic there were three persons ) EE
in the car. The machine was throbbing fiercely and CEs. a
sending up a cloud of black smoke as the driver at- ee PS a
tempted to work it out of the mire. Hie ne ie Ad
“Hello!” muttered Dick, as his keen eyes noted the = |.
occupants of the car. ‘We know one oF those chaps. | ap
There’s Dunean Ditson in the tonneau.” | ee 8 a
“Sure!” rasped the Texan. “And the fellow beside Sem
him.is Robert Lee Claxton!” imag al

   

 

 
 
   

‘CHAPTER IIL

OWL OF Peis HOLE,

      
   
   
 

Ditson observed Dick and Brad as they aporschads aia i!
and spoke to Claxton, who gave the boys an indiffer-
ent, disinterested look. ) Kaa

Dick recognized the youth on the front seat beside "
the mechanic. It was Casper Steele, well known in
New Haven as a high-roller whose father, Peyton ie
Steele, had made a great deal of money in mining and |
was regarded as one of the city’s most liberal-handed f
citizens. Young Steele had spent a year or so in Har-
vard, but for some unknown but suspected reason had
failed to complete his college course. It was said that.
Peyton Steele himself had been. rather wild in his
younger days. At any rate, the father seemed not
wholly unsympathetic with the son, and it is doubtful :
if Casper was ever severely eee for the si sie
at Cambridge.

_ As Dick and Brad approached they heard Steele se-

verely criticizing the driver. ts
3 ree told i to look « out for that hole, Dobson he

      
     
   

 

     
      
       
        
     
    
    
     
 
 

     
 

 

  
     
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
   
         
         
     
      
       
     
 
    
     
    
 
   

Tae oe

a said. “It-looked soft to me, and we might have dodged
iy it. The frost is not wholly out of the ground here.”
1% - “T didn’t like to get into the ditch, sir,” answered the
if man at the wheel. “You know the sides of the road
: are very soft.”
4 “Well, I know this infernal hole is very soft.
. i your throttle, Dobson. We're in for fair.”
{ The speaker sprang out and observed the lads
foot for the first time. Dick had paused a short dis-
tance away and was surveying the situation. His eyes
_told him that tragtion could be secured by neither of
the rear wheels in the present position.
> @ > SE's: a nasty: hole
| more than to Steel
swered :
} . “That’s what it is, confound it! I hate to be hung
| up like this.. It gets me sore. If there’s anything dis-
* | gusts me, it’s to be pulled out of a hole by horses.
Here I have forty-horse power, and yet the chances
‘| are that P'll be forced to get a pair of ordinary flesh-
| and-blood horses to drag me out onto common ground.
‘| It’s rotten! rotten!”
| | “Perhaps, suh,” spoke up Claxton, “the driver might
of pull her out if we lightened her up. Let’s get out,
| _ Ditson, old fellow.”
eet ‘“Phat.won't make any difference,” declared Steele,
a as the Virginian sprang to the ground. “We can't
| move unless we can make the rear wheels bite. As
ae ny long as they spin ga in that soft mush, we'll stay

\ |

Close

on

,’ he said, speaking to Buckhart

e, although the latter nodded and an-

- right where we are.’

ies nee The mechanician stepped down and walked round
|) the car in an inspecting manner.

| “I think you'll have to foot it to yonder farmhouse,
a Bokscu," said Steele. “If they’ve got a span of good
ee strong horses, bring the animals. I suppose Reuben,
| the farmer, will expect a sawbuck for his trouble:
of They don’t do a thing to us, these country jays, when
im they find us stuck like this.” _ ;
PW TE you'll permit. me to make a suggestion,”
: Dick, “T think——

- Duncan Ditson laughed as he turned and spoke { in a
Jow tone to Rob Claxton:

_ “Strange how that fellow always butts in.) et
seems to fancy. he knows almost everything.” © (ye
: is ‘Steele coughed as if seeking to drown Ditson’s

i

 

 

said

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
  

# oe you can make any 7 prectiea suggestion,” he said
quickly, “I’m sure I'll accepf it gratefully, Dut Tm
moe we can't get out vig our Own Rn

 
 

 

WEEKLY. 5

or a foot, and there was something in the way of
timbers to be thrust down in front of those rear wheels,
I believe your tire chains would grip on the timbers and
you'd pull out. The fence yonder ought to provide
the timbers.”’ .

“It’s nodded Claxton. “‘Let’s see
what we can find over at the fence. If I’m’not troub-
ling you too much, would you mind coming with me
and picking out the timbers ?”’

Dick accompanied the youth, neither of them mind-
ing Ditson’s declaration that it was a case of wasting
time. Brad talked with the mechanician, who, likes
wise, seemed skeptical.

worth trying,

“Tn nine cases out of ten,” said the driver,
only one way to get out of a hole like this. I think
J’d better go for those horses Steele suggested.”

“You'd better wait a few minutes,” asserted the
Texan. ‘My pard seldom makes a mistake, and I’m
banking on it that he’ll show you how to pull the ma-

as Mr.

. chine out.”

, “It’s a clean waste of. time,” cut in Ditson,. “Go on
and get the horses, Dobson. Steele told you to.”

“T think, suh,” said
accept the directions of Mr. Steele. We don’t want
‘to sit here in this nasty mud-hole the rest of the fore-
noon.”’ Bet.

“All right,’’ said Dobson, “T’ll go.”

When Dick and Steele returned with two short
pieces of plank the mechanic was half -way to the farm-
house,

“Can you operate the edahinet
turning to Steele.

“Sure.’ Where's Dobson? Why didn’t he wait?”

|“Why, he’s following your instructions, Casper,”
said Ditson: “We told him he'd better do so. Of

course, you may try any scheme you please, but both

Claxton and myself agree that you would have to have
horses.”’ }

Claxton had lighted a cigar and was standing at the e
roadside, a hand resting on his hip, his attitude one of

unconscious grace. |
The motor was still running. Steele mounted to the
driver’s seat and opened the throttle.

The wheels
spun round and) ‘then caught a bit, een which the
‘car backed a foot or more. >

Dick had given Buckhart one of the pieces of ilies |

and the Texan was fully instructed so that the momen

 

the car ceased to move backward he thrust the plank
down into the mire in front of one of the 1 rear wheels ae

=
“there's

Claxton, “that you had better ’

asked Merriwell,

MT 5
Rave 3 i

| Advancing the
spark, he threw on the reverse. The car quivered and —
‘shook with the throbbing of the engine.

 
     
 
  
     
     
   
   
 
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
  

 
  

  

6

At the same time Dick performed the same act with
the opposite wheel.
“All right!’ shouted Merriwell.
Don’t try to back up any farther.”
Steele shut off the power.
Merriwell ran to the roadside; secured a short, heavy.
fence-stake and returned. Using the stake as a maul,

he began driving one of the planks down under the
/

“Stop! . stop!

chain-bound wheel.
*‘That’s fine on the tires!’ sneered Ditson.
Steele had hopped out and was watching Dick.

“Go ahead,” he directed. “I'll risk the tires. Got

to take chances in a case like this.”’

Having driven one piece of plank as far as possible,
Merriwell went round to the opposite side and nee
the other piece.

“What do you think of this performance?” laughed
Ditson,; speaking to Claxton. “Some people like to
show off, don’t they? They like to demonstrate how-
much they know. It’s my opinion he’ll demonstrate

how much he doesn’t know in this case.”

ing distance of a car.

‘

-him what he knew about automobiles,

The Virginian nodded. eh)
“I’m of the same opinion, suh,” he murmured. “Tf
I were jn Mr. Steele’s place, I should pay no attention

_ to the advice of outsiders.”

Steéle heard them and stepped near.

“T learned a few things \about running an automo-
bile last season,” he smiled. “One point I received
from a farmer who'd never before been within reach-
I got hung up in front of his
house. He came out and watched me tinkering.
Didn’t have a mechanic along, you know. After a
while the farmer shifted his quid of tobacco into the
other cheek and volunteered a bit of advice. I asked
and he admitted

that he didn’t know a ‘derned thing.’ Then I went on

a-tinkering in my own way while he sauntered up onto

his front steps and sat there watching me in amuse-

utes.
' even a, jay farmer who has never run an auto may
_ have a little horse sense in his head, and it’s, well
enough to listen to his advice.”

/ said.
you'll probably ruin your machine.”

: those planks down hard and solid against the tires.

ment. After wasting something like two hours, I,
grew desperate and tried the farmer’s remedy. I had
that machine ready for business in less than five min-
Fellows, that taught me a lesson. I learned that

Claxton shrugged his shoulders.
_ “That was "one case in ten thousand, I fancy,” he ,
“Next time you take an ignorant man’s advice,

“Tethink we’ve got
If

“All ready now!” called Dick.

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

the chains will catch on the wood, you ought to come
out of the hole on the jump. If you start, don’t stop ‘i
until you’re on solid ground.” y

By this time Steele was again in the driver’s seat. 4
Once more he opened the throttle and advanced the
spark. Wa9th the low gear in mesh he softly let in the
clutch.

The rear wheels started, caught, and then, with a
sudden jerk, the huge car lifted herself over the pieces

we

~*~ st 860A Gk

 

 

    
         
     
     
         
     
    

 

   

of plank and buoyantly climbed out of the mire. :
Steele gave a yell of satisfaction, hut Duncan Ditson =f,
swore under his breath, and Robert Claxton looked — |
genuinely disappointed. .
oe
CHAPTER IV. Bi
AT THE CLUB-HOUSE. 1 ie |
“Whoop! whoop-ee!’’ shouted Brad Buckhart. re r
“That sure was the way to‘do the trick.” 18
Steele shut down the throttle, pulled back the spark, 1 mt
and threw off the switch, permitting the heated motor nee iy
to stop. . pes a ve
Leaping from the car, he hurried back and grasped | ; KY
Dick Merriwell’s hand. 3 ae
“I’m much obliged to you,” he said. “Your scheme ya
was all right, old fellow. Now, say, what are you ~ t
doing—striking for town? Well, that’s quitea tramp |
‘over these roads.” ene
“We've had quite a tramp already,” ere Dick? ag
‘Tnat’s nothing.” . \ SES v
“But you're not going to hoof it back to the city.” eS
“Why, we+—” Res r ia
“You're coming with me,” ‘announced Steele: [| &
“We're on.our way to the Gun Club. You can hear |
them banging away now. This is Saturday. What |
have you got that compels you to hustle back? Even’
if you’re in a hurry, I’ll get you to town sooner than
you gould make it afoot. Now, don’t refuse me, Mer-
tiwell—yes, I know you. We've never met before, but oe
I’ve seen you a number of times.” / A
“It’s kind of you to make such an offer,” said Dick, — F
_ SC

“but you see we're out tramping it for the exercise.’

“Thunder! can’t you get exercise enough in fis gym- | “i
-Nasium ?” is

“Besides, we want to be on hand if there’s baseball-
field practise to-day.” |

“Well, you won’t get any of that before 2 or 3 ‘ig
o’clock this afternoon. *I’ll agree to have you on time ~
for it. You've got to come. There’s no way out
of it.” ° ' si ae:
Dick might bod declined persistently, he at this +

      
     
       
     
     
       
     
  
      
 

TIP

 

TOP

|} moment he observed Ditson and Claxton and-noticed
* a look of dismay and alarm on their faces. In a twink-
ling, with a mischievous inclination, he decided, to ac-
cept Steele’s urgent invitation.

“Tf Tve got to,” he laughed,

“But, partner,” “broke in Buckhart, hastily stepping
forward, “we can’t do it.”

“Why not?’ asked Steele. “I don’t see

“Maybe you don’t understand just how things are,”
said the Texan, in a low tone. “You've got your own
company, and we'd certain spoil the party.”

“Oh, nonsense! Nothing of the sort.’’

“But we would,” persisted Brad. “We're not on
friendly terms with your friends, Mr. Steele.”

“Then it’s time you got on friendly terms with them.
They’re classmates of yours.”
4 “What are you thinking of, partner?” growled Brad.
“Neither Ditson nor Claxton wants us.”’

“That’s all right,” chuckled Dick. “Perhaps that’s
_. the very reason why I’m irtlined. to go. Come on,
old fellow. I’ve heard about an Seabright Gun Club,
and I, want to have a look at it.’

 

“that settles it.”

99

 

 

=

e 52
eR

“Well, hanged if I ever know just what you are
} going to do!” growled the Texan. “If I go, I want
it understood that I’m not going to sit with either of
those gents.”
_ “There’s plenty of room,” said Steele. “You know
_ this car carries seven comfortably. I’m going to drive
* the rest of the way. You can sit on the front seat

with me.”
; Evidently Claxton had hoped Merriwell would per-
: r sist in his declination, and, on finding such was not the
ease, he betrayed even more disappointment than Dun-
-/ ean Ditson. The boys got into the machine, Brad ac-
Pe cepting Steele’s invitation to sit on the front seat.
- Dick took one of the adjustable seats in the tonneau,
leaving the wide rear seat to Ditson and Claxton.
: “Steele cranked the machine, and the motor started
} with a soft humming. |

On reaching the farmhouse they discovered Dobson
f aktig earnestly to a man in shirt- sleeves. ~ Steele
' sounded the Gabriel horn, and Dobson gave-a’ start
of astonishment and satisfaction on seeing the auto.
Hey was seen to shake his fist at 'the farmer and then
come running from the yard. —

a » infernal old skincher!” cried the mechanic.

 

  

 

“What

      

  

  

“That was perfectly proper,’ ahaa Skandal’
Some of these country Rubes are like birds of, prey.

 

WEEKLY. 7

‘seen sitting on the sunny quarter of the veranda. From

to have any bottom.”

out?”

   

       
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
       
   
    
   
  
 
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
     
  
 

At the very start.they were spoiled by fool motorists
who coughed up five or ten dollars for one-dollar jobs.
And now they think we have got to have them, so
they stand ready to bleed us to the last drop of our
blood.” '

“But they’re not all alike,” said Dick. “I’ve seen
some who were generous and willing to help and who
positively refused to take pay.”

“Tf I should ever encounter one of that kind, I’d
drop dead,” grinned Steele.

“You should have seen the look of disappointment
on that man’s face when you blew the horn, Mr.
Steele,” said Dobson. “It was the most satisfactory
thing I’ve seen this morning. He realized he’d lost
money haggling with me. If he’d got out his
horses, you would have paid him something, even
though you hadn’t needed them.”

“Of course,” nodded Steele:
him a couple of dollars for his trouble, I suppose. But
that’s where I’m a chump, like other motorists. Sit in
the ee Dobson; I’m going to drive the rest of the
way.’ hem

“T should have given

Before long they turned from the main highway ~
upon a private road that led across some fields and
through a bit of woods. Coming out of the woods,
they found themselves in front of the Seabright Gun
Club. The buildings’ of the club were on a sloping
hillside, while the open lands spread away to a distant —
border of timber which surrounded the stretch on —
every hand. A flag was idly swaying from the flag-
staff near the club-house, and a few persons could be

far over toward the western woods caine the persistent
banging of guns.

“T wonder if the governor is shooting this morning, *
said Steele. “I suppose he is. He’s a fiend at it

But when they drew up in front of the club-house —
Peyton Steele rose from a big rocking-chair and came
down the steps,smoking a cigar and smiling on his j
son. vd gti Dia
“Hello, Casper!” he called. “So you got through |
all right? Didn’t know but you'd get mired over near
Frog Hollow. That's a bad bit of road along there.”

39

 
       
   

 
 
     
    
 

“I found the worst part of it, gov’nor, answered
the boy, removing; his goggles and springing. out.
‘Dobson dropped us into a frost-hole that didn’t seem

       
 
 
    

“Hil hil” cried Mr. Steele. “Have to be jae :

  
 

“No, thanks to Mr. Merriwell here, we managed’

     

a ae ened teed
   
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
   
  
    
  
 
  
   
 
  
   
    
   
   
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
 
  
   
 
  
 
  

3 eae ake

crawl out with our own power. Mr. Merriwell, this
is my father.”

“TIlow do you do,”
Dick’s fingers with a thick, firm hand.
Merriwell? Seems to me that’s the name.
it- somewhere.”

“Guess you've heard it from me, dad,”
Steele. ‘You know Frank Merriwell was a great Yale
athlete in former days. He was Harvard’s béte noire.
This is his brother.”’

“And this, Mr. Steele,” said Dick, “is my particular
friend, Bradley Buckhart, from Texas.”

“Texas? Great Humphrey! I’ve got some oil-wells
_down there. . Great people those. Texans—liberal,
broad-minded, and breezy. In Texas you'll find

- white man is just about as white as they grow.”

That was enough to warm Brad Buckhart’s heart
toward Peyton Steele. From that time on Mr. Steele
could tommand anything reasonable within Brad’s
power to bestow. . p

“You've met Mr. Ditson, father,” said Casper, “and
I think you’ve met Claxton. Claxton is from Vir-
% ginia.”

SS . “Another fine State,’ nodded the elder Steele.
“Most beautiful country along the whole Atlantic sea-
board. Climate unequaled. Grand mountains, grand
air, blue skies, and plenty of blue blood down there.
- ~—Hatha!ha! Claxton? That’s a good old name.”
Be “Claxton on my father’s side, and Lee on my
ie. mother’s,” said the Virginian. “I am very happy,
a suh, to know you admire Virginydh.”

Claxton was as suave and polite as a high-bred Vir-
“ ginian is generally supposed to be.

“There’s. just one fault with Virginia,” said Mr.
Steele. “Her progressive citizens recognize the fact
that she’s altogether too conservative and deliberate.
She needs a little more of the Western breeziness and
vim and snap. They’ve got it out in Texas, all right.

- They don’t let anything get by them out there.”

A shadow flitted across Claxton’s face.

_ “Conservatism is not the worst thing in the world,”

_ he murmured. “There is such a thing as too much
breeziness and snap.”

“That depends a great deal on the view-point, my
-son. Dobson, take care of the car.
_ selves at home here. Seabright belongs to you while
you remain. You can get a pretty view from the
veranda. You'll find you can look over the woods
yonder and see the Sound stretching away to the Long
Island shore. This veranda is a great place. Got it

said Peyton Steele, grasping
“Merriwell ?
I’ve heard

said young

 

‘

Boys, make your- :

on three sides of the house. If you want sun. you can

WEEKLY.

Sai oc ee

In hot. weather
you can always find plenty of Show them
round, Casper. I’m going over to the traps. Think
I’ll do a little shooting before If you feel like
it and the boys care to walk, bring ’em over.”’

A few moments later Buckhart unbosomed himself
to Casper Steele

“T didn’t want to come here a ‘great deal,” he con-
fessed, “but now I’m sure glad I came. Your father
is all right, and he can have my blanket any time he
wants it. It gives me a heap of satisfaction to meet
up with a real gentleman of his caliber.”

Young Steele smiled.

“You bet the gov’nor’s all right,” he nodded. “If
he hadn’t been, I can guess what would have happened
to me when I got my congé at Harvard. He was dis-
appointed, of course, but he took it all right consider- —
ing, and he’s made me allfired ashamed of my fizzle.
You see he graduated from Harvard, and it was his
ambition that I should follow in his footsteps. Still,
I know for a fact that he was suspended once and came
mighty hear getting his walking-papers: Come on, |
fellows, and I’ "1 show ‘you round the place.” ye Ged es Oh

Ditson and Claxton trailed along behind, taking _
little part in the conversation. Duncan was still sore |
over the presence of, Merriwell'and Buckhart, and the.
Virginian had been far from pleased by the fact that’ |
Peyton Steele appeared more enthusiastic in praising
Texas and Texans than in speaking of Virginia and _
Virginians. Not only was Claxton conservative, he
was a bit narrow, for it galled him whenever a person —
ventured to criticize his native State, even though the -
truth of such criticism might remain undenied by most
broad-minded Virginians.

get it if the sun is shining.
shade.

always

 

lunch.

 

 

ce te cre

See

CHAPTER V. See
SHOOTING. FA |

A dozen spectators were watching the men who were
shooting. The smell of powder was in the air. The:
firing was irregular. Guns clicked as empty shells —
were discharged. In the lulls, as some marksmen (|
waited with gun poised, the snap of a trap discharging
the “birds” could be faintly heard. The clays shot | ib,
up and flew erratically i in a score of different ways and. _
directions. X

“Ramsden is making a record this morning,” said
one of the spectators. . one missed but two birds — ee Te
thus far.” . 2 gee ge NR

“Ramsden will carry off the trophy this sedson | or a:

 

     
 

enh se gS — at
RS aM >

amy

 

 

I’m mistaken,” said another. ‘Who'd think Steele
was a trophy-winner two years ago! There he is shoot-
ing now,
average.
him?”

“Some say it upset hint whe
Harvard.”

“Oh, I don’t believe that. Peyton Steele is not a
tan to go nerve-broke over anything of that sort.
He’s smoking too much. A man can’t smoke from

and he makes one miss out of three on an
‘ He’s all to the bad. [I wonder what ails

1 his son was fired from

‘morning till night and keep his shooting-nerve.”’

“Smoking is about as bad as drinking when it’s car-
ried to excess.
was he?” |

“Not in recent years, but they say he was a wild In-
dian at college. That boy of his is liable to make a
new record for the Steeles.”

“Who are these young fellows coming?
there’s young Steele now!”

Casper Steele and his companions were approaching.
Claxton had proposed remaining behind at the ‘club-

Why,

house, but Ditson would not hear to it.

- Virginian’s ear.

“Come on over to the traps,” Dunc ‘Monee in the

“You're going to shoot if we can ar-

range it.”

“Am I?’ muttered the Southerner,
“Why ?”

“Because this is your opportunity to show up the
great Richard Merriwell and his wild-Western friend.
You know Merriwell was born out in the Rocky Moun-
tain country. Both he and Buckhart have an idea that
they can shoot, but I know what you can do.”

“My dear fellow

“Now don’t protest. Down in your own country
you're known as a crack shot.”

“With the pistol.”

“But you can handle a shotgun, too.”

“A little., Still, I

.“The fellow who is known in Virginia as ‘The
Prince of the Pistol’ can shoot well enough in Con-
necticut to make those two chaps look like back num-
bers. I'll fix it all right. You may be as modest as
you please. I’ll put it up to those chaps.”

in surprise,

 

 

Knowing Merriwell as a splendid athlete and the

RY pride of his class, Claxton had formed a strong dis-

like for him ere their unexpected meeting.on the high-

way.
entering Yale to carefully avoid Merriwell and had,
frequently confessed a disinclination to become ac-
- quainted with Dick. Even now the Southerner re-
_ joiced over the fact that the dismay of Steele at his

Indeed, the Virginian had taken pains since

TIP=<TOP: “WERKLY.

Steele never was much of a drinker,®

      

 

¥

misfortune had prevented him from introducing Mer-
riwell in a formal manner. This, of course, was an
oversight on Steele’s part.

Arriving at the traps, the boys watched the shooting
Finally Peyton Steele, after missing four
in disgust.

for a while.
birds in‘ succession, turned away
” he called, holding his gun out to Cas-

I’m rotten.

“Here, boy,
per, “you ought to do better than, that.
Think [ll have to give up shooting.”
” laughed Casper. “Perhaps
A fellow from

“I’m no star, gov’nor,
some of my friends can shoot, though.
Texas ought to be good at it.”

Buckhart shook his head.

‘I’ve never practised much at this sort of shooting,”
he said, “but I think my pard can hit ’em.some.”

This was Ditson’s cue.

“‘Here’s Claxton, Casper,” called Dune. “Have you
forgotten his reputation as a shot?”

The Virginia put up his hand and murmured a.
rasan

“T make no pretence of being, an expert with a shot-
gun, gentlemen,” he said, “I shoot a little with a
shotgun, but a
Young Steele thrust the gun into the Virginian’s
hand.

“Go ahead,” he said. /“This is the gov’nor’s pet .
piece with which he won the trophy year before last.”

 

Claxton “broke” the gun and glanced through the

barrels.
“Well, I don’t mind, shooting a little for amuse.
ment,’’ he said. ‘Let the wiper clean her out.”

“A boy took the gun and wiped it out carefully.
Claxton showed he was no novice by asking questions »
about'the manner in which the shells were charged and —
the distance to the trap. When everything was ready
he stepped onto the line, holding Mr. Steele’s. gun
poised for use. At a nod from his head the trap was
sprung and two “birds”
flew to the left with a peculiar zigzag Sra while
the other seemed to sail straight away. The Virginian
took the latter with the first barrel and blew the clay
to a puff of white powder. With the gun at his shoul-
der, he ee ane fired the: left barrel at the. zig-

zagging “pigeon.” It was smashed into half a dozen
pieces and dropped:to the round.

“Oh, no, he can’t shoot much?” laughed Ditson.
“T’ll guarantee those clays were both nasty to hit, but.
he didn’t do a thing to them—not a thing!” a

“Tt was clever work,’ commented Dick Merriwell,
with genuine admiration.

went sailing into the air. One

   
 

  
 
   
    
     

tO

grinned Dunc. “This fellow can

x3
©
as,

“You bet it. w
show you some points at this kind of a game, I fancy.”

“T wouldn’t be surprised if you were right.”

“Ts it possible there’s anything in this world you can
be beaten at?”

“Lots of things,”

“Waugh!” “Any one would
think the gent had made a record: ‘Two shots and two
oing to establish any man’s reputation

sneered Dunc.
was the answer.

 

growled Buckhart.

hits are not g
‘as a marksman.”
“Stop Brad,”
speak so loud. Don’t let Claxton hear you.
what he can do. I fancy he’s ‘a crackerjack.”

Cool and deliberate, the Virginian smashed eleven
birds before missing. It is possible he was a trifle too
confident, for he chose the easiest shot first on the last
pair sent up. The moment of delay in firing this shot
made the second one still more difficult, and Claxton
missed cleanly |
. _ “Fine work, my boy,” said Peyton Steele.
got a good eye and a steady hand. With practise
you'd made a corker. But you should have taken that
other bird first.”

The Virginian shrugged his shoulders.

“That’s tight,” he admitted. “It was a mistake on
my part, suh. Still, I’m very well satisfied, consider-
ing the fact that my favorite weapon is not the shot-
gun but the pistol.”
|" dont think there’s any one else in this bunch that
can get eleven straight,” said Ditson, his eyes fastened
on Dick Merriwell.

Pin ery tt, pare, ” urged Buckhart.
shoot some.’

“Yes; try it,” invited Gai Steele.
‘All right,” said Dick, “I will.”

a

“Don’t
Let’s see

‘in a low. tone.

said Dick,

na

ao

“Vou've

“You ought to

CHAPTER VI.
SHOTGUN SKILL.

In the meantime, a boy had brought Casper Steele’s
own gun, and this he now handed over to ie for
_ inspection. |
“Of course, it bash’t a record like the gov’nor’s,’

_ said Casper, “but she’s all right. If she suits you, use
_ Dick tested the balance of the gun and the bend of

 
 
 
 

ing a quick sight. In fact, the weapon was nearly
‘duplicate of Peyton Steele’s shotgun.
Be I use vo both, ” said Merriwell. —

 
 

SET there are
That will save

   

 

TIP TOP

€ stock, finding it nicely adapted to his use in ob-

   

WEEKLY.

 

     

delay, as one weapon can be cleaned while I’m s shooting
with the other.”
Ditson edged over to Claxton and nudged hin.
“Hasn't that chap plenty of conceit!’ he muttered.
“Why, I believe he actually thinks he can outshoot
you.’ 4
“Perhaps he can with.a shotgun,’ Rob, as a
he lighted a cheroot.
“1 don’t, believe it. I c
straight before he misses.’
When everything wee arranged Dick took his posi-
tion to begin. had Casper’s gun at the start. —
® Holding it ready, he nodded, and the trap was sprung.
“Two clays shot up, one slightly behind the other.
Bang-bang!—the two reports almost blended into |
one, and both the birds. were smashed to powder in a
tw inkling.
Coolly handing the gun to the boy attendant, Dick y
took Mr. Steele’s weapon. a
“Whew!” murmured Peyton Steele. “He got Sy iy
both, but he didn’t seem to take time enough to change ie
his aim. . That was like letting fly with both barrels = ["
into the middle of a flock of real live birds.”’ ee
Ditson endeavored to repress any show of surprise.
“How about that?’ muttered the Virginian. “ Quicle
work, eh, Duncan?” | e
“Easy shots, both of them,’ returned Dunc. ‘The i ?
birds went up close together.” . as,
Click!—the trap was sprung, and two more white
clays spun flutteringly through the ait. Sih Lie
Bang !__Dick smashed the first one. Then he swung ty 4
toward the other and seemed to hesitate while the
pigeon floated farther and farther away. Just as Lie
was beginning to settle toward the ground Merriwell =|,
fired again and scored a beautiful hit. eas
’ muttered Brad Buck. kg

    

    
   
      

      
 

admitted

      
     
 

lon’t believe he'll get eleven

    
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
    
  
 
  

TT
LS

’

 

“T opine that’s shooting some,’
hart, unable to keep still. e
‘The boy -had run the wiper through the barrels of or
Casper’ s gun. Inserting two cartridges, he handed me ae
weapon to Dick, receiving the other:. | rit
“A little slow that last time,’ murmured Peyton i het
Steele, “but he dropped the clay just the saine.’ (txt
Casper, having lighted a cigarette, nodded in re- ae
sponse to his father’s words, aes
“According to what I’ve heard of this fellow Nena he
well,” he said, in a low tone, “he generally gets what
he goes after, ‘There’s some rivalry between him and | .
Ditson. I don’t know much about Ditson save that
he’s Claxton’s friend. They've not been friendly long, —
at that. You know Claxton has the reserve character- ,
istic of Virginians. He doesn’ t make friends easily.”

}

 

    
       
   
     
       
     
      
       
 
    

  
 

  

-

y

oa

 

 

, chase themselves.

shoulder.
| dery mist.
CPs

Lae

  

“How did you happen to get acquainted with him,
son?”

“Pure accident. Stumbled across him one night as
some town fellows were attempting to bully him. He
was in evening dress and had his hands in his pockets.
A big fellow was shaking his fist under
nose.
pistols at sunrise.

Claxton was urging the chap to meet him with
I butted in and told, the bunch to
Then I informed Claxton he
-couldn’t afford to fight a duel or have trouble of any
sort with fellows of that grade. We had a drink to-
gether after that—a—a—a lemonade. We
Hello! Merriwell has picked off two more.”
That made six in succession for Dick. Mr. Steele
had been watching the boy closely, and he now said:
“There’s a natural born sharp with the shotgun.
When he gets ready to

 

 

 

He never falters or hesitates.
fire he does so on the instant, and his judg#hent seems
perfect. He may not make eleven straight, but in a
regular match I think he’d defeat your young friend
from Virginia, Casper.”

Duncan Ditson had begun to fear that Dick would
make eleven straight, and, therefore, he commented
on the shooting in a manner calculated to irritate the

_ boy he disliked. e

_ “I never like to see a fellow try to show off,” he
laughed. ‘“There’s a way to shoot without putting on
fancy flourishes.”

The Texan shot Ditson an ugly look over his right
shoulder.

“Perhaps you'd ‘better reserve your criticisms until
aftér my pard has finished,” he said.

- Had Dick missed, he would not have felt dismayed

over it, but his score remained clean until the time came
when another successful shot would leave him tied with

» Claxton.
~ * “Mr. Claxton chose to make his twelfth a difficult

one,” said Merriwell. “I don’t wish to take any ad-
vantage of him. ‘I shall do the same.” |

He was holding the shotgun at his side, with the
- stock resting against his hip, At his nod the trap
clipped up two more spinning birds.

Bang !_Dick fired without lifting the shotgun to his
One of the clays dissolved in a white pow-

The other sailed away and began hover-
ing as if ready to settle.

Bang!—again Dick fired, with the shotgun held low
at his side.

- The twelfth bird dropped in half a dcr pieces to

ne a ground. \ |

TOP

 

Claxton’s

- ginia, my lad.

WEEKLY. | | IT

‘That sure is hitting ‘em some,” muttered Brad
Buckhart, with a grin of satisfaction.

“IT think that will do for me,” said Dick, turning
away.

Rob Claxton continued to puff deliberately at his
cheroot, but his cheeks were pale, and his eyes burned
with a feverish fire. In the last few minutes his dislike
for Richard Merriwell had rapidly developed into a
feeling of intense hatred.

“It’s a simple matter for some persons to break clay
pigeons,” with a slight shrug: of his
shoulders. “I’ve noticed a great many chaps do not
have so much nerve when there’s anything particular
at stake. Perhaps Mr. Merriwell wouldn’t be so skil-
ful if he were standing up in front of a loaded weapon
in the hands of some one who was going to shoot at
him,”

“Possibly not,”

would be a deucedly disagreeable situation.

he murmured,

laughed Dick instantly. “That
I shouldn’t
fancy it at all, my dear Claxton—not at all.”

“IT wish you wouldn’t ‘dear Claxton’ me. .I don’t
like it, don’t you know.
don’t think you’re on any footing where you can patro-
nize me, suh.”’

“T give you my assurance that I didn’ t mean it is
way, Claxton. I was.askéd to shoot, and I did so.’

“Come, boys,” spoke up Peyton Steele, “let’s have
no feelings over a little sport like this. It was not.a
regular match. If it had been, the loser coutd not af-
ford to show irritation.

seldom makes a good winner.”

This was a direct reproof for the young Southerner,
who felt it keenly and flushed as he turned away.

~ Mr. Steele shook hands with Dick.

“If you chose to go in for shooting, my boy,” he
said, “you would make. the experts hustle. It’s fine
sport, not at all violent, and*yet it gives a man plenty
of open air and sunshine.”

“T think I prefer something 1a little more violent,”
laughed Merriwell.

“Football, for instance?”
“Or baseball.”

“Well, they’re good games for youngsters, but we
We come to golf —
or shooting as years advance. If you want exercise,

lose interest in them later on in life.

goif gives you that.”
“But not much excitement.”
“Oh, I don’t know. A good tight rub on the links
is exciting enough.
I'll wager he’s a fairly decent. sort,
although he’s rather high-strung and sensitive.”

It sounds patronizing, and I _

A fellow who is a bad loser |

 

Don’t mind that chap from Vir-

  

     

      
     
     
         
       
     
       
         
         
     
      
        
      

   
   
   
   
  

“Oh, I don’t mind him,” assured Merriwell.

“In time you may become better acquainted with
him and find him a really fine chap. The place ta meet
a Virginian and get next to him is on foreign soil.
Encounter one in other lands, and he seems to realize
that you’re an American and a brother. They’ré good
and they'll stand by a coun-
tryman they happen to discover in trouble while
abroad. I know it from experience. At home some
of them seem to entertain a little of the old feeling
aroused by the unpleasantness between the North and
the South. We Northerners are more democratic,
more cosmopolitan. They are inclined to be exclusive
and distant with us. The feeling is dying out though.”

fighters, those Virginians,

“It'll be a right good thing when the feeling is
dead and buried,” said Buckhart. .

| CHAPTER VIL.
es: } BAD BLOOD.

ei On the way back to the club-house Ditson and Clax-
tom walked in advance. There was a dark cloud on
ey the face of the Southerner, and he chewed viciously at
_ | the end of his gheroot with his white teeth.
3 “I told you the sort of fellows they were,
was saying. |
“You didn’t have to tell me,” said the boy from
Virginia, @ «1 sized that Texan up at a glance, I’ve
never bothered myself over Merriwell because every
one else was making such a fv s about him. It’s not
my way to chase a chap who’s being chased by the rab-
_ ble. No, suh,; not for me!, Merriwell has had plenty
_ of opportunities to-seek me out and make my acquaint-
ance if he wished. He’s evidently the kind of fellow
that expects. everybody to cofme after him.”
“Sure, sure. That’s what he lives on. He wants
a bunch kotowing to him all the time.” ” i,
Claxton smiled coldly.
“People from my part of the country are not given
to kotowing. I fancied I should dislike the Texan
more than Merriwell, but I find I was wrong. The
Texan is simply a blusterer.
, about.”
_ “That’s exactly what I told my sister. I can’t un-
derstand what Mabel sees in that loud Westerner.”’
“Tt is singular that she sees anything in. him,”
nodded the Virginian. “Your sister is a deuced fine
girl. She’s dainty and refined, and a fellow like this

 

*’ Dune

   

2 aoe ee

said Ditson.
He isn’t worth bothering

~
)

WEEKLY.

I think
I can put you ee Wi ze Mabel, and, if I do, I hope

ay that I’m glad of it.

~

“And I’m frank t

youll keep that Texan away from her.”
“T’m mortally sorry we got stuck in that mud-hole
and gave those chaps a ch lance to force themselves upon

9)

us.

“That was Steele’s fault. Why did he inyite them?
You know more about Steele than I do,”

is seems like a very fine fellow—-for a North-
erner.’

Ditson winced a bit and chee laughed.

“Don't forget ’m from the North, Claxton.”

“Pardon, Ditson; no offense. You're different from
most Yankees. You're not like Merriwell.”

“T should hope not!”

The club-house was reached, and Steele paused on
the steps to glance at his watch.

“Lunch is on, boys,’ he called. ‘We can have
lunch, and then I'll land you back in town,”

“T don’t seem to be hungry, suh,’ said Claxton,

“Would you mind leaving. me out of it? Til sit here

on the veranda.”

“Oh, come, come, that won't do!’ cried Steele

“We'll all

heartily, as he took the -Virginian’s
lunch together.” °

In a whisper he added:

“Don’t let. Merriwell imagine you’re cut up, over
that shooting.
nibble with us.”

The Southerner shrugged his shoulders.

“Very well,” he murmured, “I'll Mave a bite even if
I’m not particularly hungry.” |

They secured a table in the large bay-window of the
dining-room. .

“I would order something to liven us up a little,”
laughed Casper, “but the gov’nor is liable to stroll in

a rm,

© y

directly, and it might be well enough if he did not —

cdtch us drinking.”
“Tm sure you’rg not depriving us of anything, "
smiled Dick.
““Merriwell is a faithful disciple of Carrie Nation,”

sprinkler,” ’
After consulting them as to their tastes, Steele gave
the order to the waiter.
“You seem to be an all-round man, Merriwell,”
observed, ovet the soup.
“Rather so,” |
“Ever own a boat?”

he

“Oh, yes.” ; uy ‘i Ci ie

“A fast one, I suppose.”

He will think so if you don’t have a.

4)

‘He loves to ride on the front seat of the w

“Are you fond of rowing?”

     
   
           
     
      
      
     
     
       
      
  
    
  
  
  
   
 
  
 
   
 
     
   
 
  
   
    
    
    
   
   
  

 

NSS
ae a a ee = en when 2 at 2 ee

ae

Wig iat

   

        
   
  

 

 
      
 
    
   
PIP TOP,

. “T don’t know about that
y “T can tell you how to increase the speed of a slow
boat.”’

“That would be valuable information. |
you do-it?”

Sand

2h eA

How would

 

“All that is necessary is to make her fast whenever
you leave her.”

“Oh, say, pard, that’s one on you!” cried the Texan,
reaching over and slapping Dick’s shoulder.

“Tt is,’ nodded Merriwell. ‘Do you row,

“Oh, yes.”

“Do you expect to get onto the Yale crew?”
‘ “The Yale crew? What are you talking about? I’m
nota Yale man.”

“But,” declared Dick,
Haven who never entered Yale,
in a number of the freshmen and ’varsity crews.”

This was too much for Cle
erred “I beg your pardon, suh,” he cut in, “how could such
. a thing be possible? How could a man who never en-
tered Yale pull in a number of the freshmen and ’var-

Steele ?”’

 

“T know a man in New

and yet he has pulled

1xton.

cry sity crews? Would you mind giving me his name?’
‘| “Not at all. His name is Maloney. He’s a police-
roy man.” |

a Casper Steele gave a shout of merriment.

ae a “You saved me from getting bitten, Claxton!” he
| cried. “I was ready to snap the bait when you took
qt. 8. it.” :

The Southerner’s cheeks fired up.

“Such brilliant wit is really too much for me,” he
| said. “TI acknowledge I was not expecting it from the
Aerie source,”

) . Ditson kicked him under the table.
_ The waiter removed the soup-plates and broueht on

 

2
Ses -

a the next course.
. “T notice you smoke a great deal, Claxton,” said
vq steele. “Don’t you think that interferes with your
, a nerve in the way of shooting?”
“oad ““Not with the pistol. I believe I stated that I make

no pretense of being an expert with the shotgun.”
“I've seen cowboys,” asserted Buckhart, “who
smoked like a house afire and could shoot like blazes.
Say, I sure heard a funny statement the other day.
Fellow told me that if, Trinity Church on the Green
got afire, it would be impossible to save the organ.”

 
 
 

 

“What’ s that?” snapped Ditson instantly. “Impos-
sible to save the organ?) Why so?” *
“Because the engine couldn’t play on it,” answered

? ‘the Texan solemnly.
: Eee choked, coughed, and laughed again.

WEEKLY.

Claxton flung across the table,

    

  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
   
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
   
     
      
     
    
     
    

13

Duncan turned red as a beet and dropped his fork
clattering upon the floor.
“You and Merriwell
razors lately !” he growled.
Do you know Du Boise has been having a streak of
luck lately? Everything he touches turns into money.”

“Ts that so,” murmured Dick. ‘I’m surprised. He
touched me once, and I didn’t turn into money, By
the way, Ditson, you know my roommate, Jones?”

“Of course I know him, although I may not be par-
ticularly proud of it. What about Jones?”

“He has an odd nickname—Blessed. He got that
after coming to New Haven, but his mother gave him

must have been feeding on
“Let’s change the subject.

a still more peculiar nickname when he was a little
She called him Flannel.”
Why did she call him Flan-

boy.

“Well, that was queer.
nel?”

“T understand it was because he shrank from wash-
ing,” answered Dick

And now Claxton kicked Ditson beneath the table,

“Vou should beware, Mr. Merriwell,” said the Vir-
ginian; “you should be careful when playing baseball
or taking similar exercise, for if you fall down you
may accidentally cut yourself.”

Dick accepted this with perfect good nature.

“Brad,” he paid, “I should advise you to wear a ’
plaid waistcoat.”

“Hey?” grunted the Texan. “Why?” |

“You have an awful appetite, and you ought to keep
a check on your stomach.” ; .

“Sounds like a minstrel show, doesn’t it!” sneered
Ditson, leaning toward Obstet |

“Tt’s about what I expected,” nodded the Southerner.
“T say, Steele, do you ever have lady visitors here?” —

“Oh, certainly.” /

“I presume you have a regular lady’s day occasion-
ally?” said Dick. “You know a woman is like a gold-
mine—we never know her true value.” ‘

“Waugh!” came from the Ate
men go bankrupt prospecting.”

“Lots shane

“A remark ae that is about what I should expect
froma Texan,” said Claxton. “Crack your poor jokes —
about other things, but I beg you, suh, spare the ladies
in my presence.”

Buckhart baa his mug a comical twist.

  
     
 
   

over a little ike,” he said.
“No Virginian will sit quiet and permit coarse
grained’ persons to make remarks about the fair sex,”

  

Brad flushed feverishly.

   
14 TIP TOP

“*Don’t sit still, Mr. Gallant Gent,” he flung back.
4 “Tf you oo I'll take a little promenade outdoors
. -*with you.”

“Hold on! hold on!” exclaimed Steele, in dismay.
“Don’t permit a little joshing to arouse bad blood in
this manner. I’m certain, Claxton, that Buckhart
meant no slander on the fair sex, I’m likewise certain
you will not bring about a quarrel while you are here
as my guest.”

“Certainly I will not, suh,” murmured the Vir-
ginian, wiping his mouth with a napkin and rising to
bow politely to Casper. “I told you I had no appetite
for lunch. What little I had is more than satisfied.
Not wishing to provoke trouble and feeling assured
that these gentlemen may provoke it, I beg you to
excuse me, suh. I think I will retire to the veranda.”

Seeing it was useless to remonstrate, Steele per-
mitted the Southerner to depart. Claxton walked out
of the dining-room with a somewhat haughty and dis-

| dainful air. Gazing-after the departing fellow, Buck-
Fe hart’ could not repress the observation:
m, “That sure seems a whole lot caddish to me.”

CHAPTER VIIL

STEELE INTERFERES.

 

Eager to repeat the Texan’s words to Claxton, Dit-
son finished while the others lingered over dessert,

seek the Southerner. |
. It happened that Brad Buckhart was the next to
saunter out, leaving Steele and Merriwell engaged in
an earnest discussion over the new football rules and
- the possible result of the changes made in the game.
Claxton and Ditson were sitting close together on
two of the big veranda chairs. The Virginian was
savagely puffing at a freshly lighted cheroot, while his
_ hands fumbled with a pair of gloves that lay on his
knee. bi gh
The /Texan patised near. the Periods steps and sur-
veyed the broad stretch of fields which swept away to
‘the encompassing woods. |
_ Robert Claxton rose from his chair and BREDDEd to-

> “A word with you, suh,” he daid.

“Two words if you want them,” said Buckhart, turn-
“ing squarely to face the other. .
_ “I understand you made = observation about me

ter I left the dining-room.’
ai opine I did. I seem to recollect expressing my
inion.”

 
 

  

made a hurried excuse, and left the dining-room tov

WEEKLY.

“I’m not a man who fights with his fists like low
Claxton: “My father fought three
He taught me the use of the

pugilists,” said
duels with the pistol.
weapon. I can shoot with 1t——

“If you don’t do a better job than you did with the
shotgun, I’d be willing to stand up at thirty paces and

let you peg away half a day.”’

39

Gradually a bluish circle crept round the corners of
Claxton’s mouth. His dark eyes burned like coals. ,
“I shall not fight you in prize-fighter fashion,” he
said. “I shall give you provocation to challenge me,

and I'shall name the weapon.”

“This certain is a heap interesting tome. Of course,
fancying yourself a great shot and boasting that you're
known as ‘The Prince of the Pistol,’ it would not be
a whole lot hard to figure out the weapon you would _
But let me tell you something before you get
I was brought up on a ranch, and I,
a Virginian living that can outshoot

choose.
too almighty gay.
don’t opine there’s
a cowboy with a Colt .45. You know as well as I do
that this talk, about a duel is silly rot. We don’t fight -
duels in this part of the. country.”

“Did you call me a cad after I left the dining:
room?”

“Well, now, I opine I did.”

“Then you'll have to fight me.
suh.”’

As he spoke these words, Claxton took hold of the

I shall force you to,

fingers of his gloves.
in his grasp, he lifted them to strike Brad across the

\
wN
4 \

cheek.

Merriwell and Steele had come from the dining-
room and paused at the club-house door. Steele antici-
pated Claxton’s intention, and he cast himself forward
in a sudden spring, catching the Virginian’s wrist and
checking the blow.

Brad had not made a move to lift a hand.

“Why didn’t you let him do it?” he asked, with evi-
dent disappointment.

“T can’t have this here!” exploded Casper, intensely
exasperated. “If you’re bound to quarrel, Claxton, I
ask you as a gentleman to choose another time and _
place. What’ll my father think of me if it happens.
here? He’s got a poor opinion of me, anyhow. Pm
decidedly sore on you, Claxton.”

The Virginian lowered his hand.

“Once more, suh, I beg your pardon. I will choose
another time and place. I'll see Mr. Buckhart again.”

“Any time you please!” snorted Brad. “You got.
me a whole lot raw, and you can ee all the excite-

t

 

With the gloves swinging loose \

     
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
    
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
   
    
     
     
    
     

 

ip ene ©

 

    
      
     
      
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
   
   
     
  
   

 

 

ne
enn gt eat ssi

 

~*
> #

iPM mp:

si itatpe aia aden

 

 

 

Claxton and Ditson.

said.
na -.“T’vye had some experience,” . é .

Tis ar

  

ment you want with me. You hear me gently mur-
mur !’’

“That'll do, Brad,” said Dick, drawing his heated
comrade away. “Perhaps I was wrong in coming here
at all. Steele is a fine fellow, and we must have con-
sideration for him.”’

Casper walked to the far end of the veranda with
He was talking earnestly, appar-
ently remonstrating with Duncan, who now seemed far
more excited than the Southerner.

“Dunc Ditson is a heap well pleased, I judge,”

grinned Brad,» ‘““He’s been prodding Mr. Claxton on.

Well, he’s going to get his some time, and he'll get it
good and plenty.”

After a few minutes Steele returned to Dick and
Brad, expressing his feelings over the affair. Both the
boys declared they were very sorry, whereupon Casper
stated that he did not blame them in the least.
like you fellows,” said
“but I had no idea the feeling was so intense.

“I knew my friends didn’t
Steele,
Ditson has just confessed that, as far as he is con-
cerned, it is an old grudge.

“Yes,” nodded Dick, “ e that he will not

permit to heal. I think we’d better get away, Steele.
We can foot it into town now. We appreciate your
hospitality, be sure of that.”’
“You're all right, partner,” said the Texan, grasp-
ing Casper’s “My pard felt a little devilish, [
reckon, and that’s why he agreed to come along here
in your car. He knew all the while that we'd be tee-
tering on the edge of a volcano.”

“T can’t think of permitting you to walk to town,”
said Steele. “I shall take the gov’nor’s car and carry
you in.”’ |

“But your friends-

“T’ve spoken to them about it.

99

it’s an old sore

hand.

 

They will remain

here until I return for them.”

“Tell be just as well if you let us foot it,” said

Dick.

But Steele was determined that they should not foot
it. Calling a boy, he sent him for the mechanician,

“with instructions to have the car brought pound in

frontf the house.
Less than five minutes later the throbbing of the

_ motor was heard, and Dobson came swinging into
view along the drive.

He stopped # front of the steps.

Steele had secured his coat and cap, Starting to ad-

just his goggles, he paused and turned to Merriwell.

“You must know something about motor-cars,” he

“Have you ever. driven one?’

    

WEEKLY.

 

“Can you drive this car?”

“T think so.”’

“Then take these goggles.
Pll ride on the seat with you.
Mr. Buckhart.

Here are my gauntlets.

Dobson will sit in the .
tonneau with You shall drive us into
town.”

Dick did not decline, for the pleasure of driving
a big touring-car like that was too fascinating for him
to lose the opportunity. Adjusting Steele’s goggles,
buttoning his coat over his sweater and pulling on the
gloves, Merriwell took his place at the wheel. Steele
Buckhart and Dobson de-
posited themselves in the tonneau. Opening the throt-
tle and advancing the spark, Merriwell let in the clutch
with a gentleness that told of experience and judgment.
The big car started softly, gathered speed, swept round
the curve of the drive, and bore them away, followed
by the jealous eyes of Duncan Ditson and the burning,
fiery orbs of Rob Claxton of Virginia.

sprang in beside him, while

 
  
   
 
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
    
  
    
   
   
  

CHAPTER IX,
THE DEFLECTED BALL.

Tn the delight of driving that big, powerful car Mer-
riwell soon forgot the unpleasant termination of @he
visit atthe Seabright Gun Club. |

Approaching the spot where the car had been mired
earlier in the day, he slackened speed and, went onto
the low, picking his course carefully and sending the: —
car past the danger withont the least trouble.

Although there was little breeze; the speed of the
car seemed to create one, and the cool air swept their =
faces gratefully. Beneath the hood the cylinders —
purred softly, and the wheels skimmed the level r
stretches as if merely touching the high spots.

“You must be a. vet!’ CHigt Steele, in Dick’s ear.
“You drive

“T’m no veteran,”’ “but I’ve bad
the pleasure of driving my brother’s car many times.”

As they approached the outskirts of New Haven ;
Dick slackened speed. . ve

“‘What time is it, Steele?’’ he questioned. oe

The millionaire’s son glanced at his watch. |
“Jove!’”’ he said; “it’s twenty minutes past two,
Didn’t think it was so late.” :

Buckhart leaned over the back of the forward seat

“Don’ : Snppoee the boys. might get out eanlys do you,
“partner ?’ '

“Possibly,” nodded Dick,

“Let’s find out if they are.”

like one, anyhow.’
was the answer,

   

        
     
    
   

TIP TOP

 
 
   
  
    
   
    
   
    
    
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
   
 
 
 

A few moments later they came in sight of'an open
field where a small gathering of fréshmen had assem-
bled, and some twenty fellows, many of them wear-
ing baseball suits, were hard at work.

““Well, there they are!” cried Dick, with an intona-
tion of surprise. “Old Jonesy has them on the hustle.

Guess we’d better not go for our suits, Brad.”
'“No,’’ said the Westerner, “we'd better drop off just
as we are.”
Nearly all the practising lads and all
who were standing round watched the big car swing
| in atathe gate and come to a stop. Dick and Brad
were hailed in a friendly manner as they sprang out.
Poland and Lynch were on the field, and Jim turned
to Mike, saying:
“Well, what do, you think of that?
mogul comes out to practise driving a five-thousand-
Some swell, eh?”
s,’ nodded Lynch.

the spectators

The mighty

dollar touring-car.

“T should guess ye “Whose car
is it, anyhow?”
~; \ “Notice the chap on the front seat?’
| eves.”

“Don't you know him?”’

“Looks familiar.”

“That's young Steele, the famous high-roller. ‘Hot
stuff, that fellow. Old Peyton Steele has money to
burn, and his son is getting up an elegant bonfire with
it.”
“How does it happen that Merriwell is aannie
. around with that sort of a chap?”

“Dunno. I suppose that’s old man Steele’s car.
_ Merriwell must stand well.with Gasper Steele; he was
_ driving.”’

“Didn't I hear tisisos boasting that he knew. Casper
Steele?’ |
_ “Perhaps you did. I think Dunc does know him.

Wonder where Ditson is this afternoon ?”
“Ask me! I don’t know.”
Jones strode toward Dick.
_ “The lost is found,” he said. “The wanderer hath
returned. There is eS in thy father’s house.
The fatted calf shall be slain.”
“Look out,» Bouncer!” cried’ Dick, to Bigelow.
i is making threats against your life.”
_ The fat boy blinked and tried to scowl.

_“T don’t see wheré you have any license to get gay,”
he spluttered. “You're late.”

_ “Was there a call up?” questioned Dick.
0 Ame

  

  

a ae

WEEKLY.

our thanks,”

  

up. Youand Buckhart dug yourselves out of the straw

after midnight and got away where you
So you were not notified.”

and we'll get in some work.

shortly
couldn’t be found.

“But we're here now,
Been at it long?”

‘‘Not more than ten minutes.”

“Then we’re not very late.”

Casper Steele sat in the car,
watch the practise.

Dick and Brad peeled off their coats and sweaters.
Merriwell found a ball, and the Texan got hold of a
catcher’s mitt. Dick had just commenced to limber his
arm when another motor-car came'in sight, slackened
as it approached and turned in at the gate. A middle-
aged man was at the throttle, and in the car.were Dit-

lingering a while to

son and Claxton.
“Hello! hello!” cried Casper Steele.
thinking about starting back for you chaps.”
“You won't have to bother with us, you see,’
“Mr. Thorpe was coming in

club and he brought us along.”

“T was just

said
Duncan, springing out.
alone from the

“For which
politely to Marden Thorpe,

kindness, - suh,”’
“be good enough to accept

“Don’t mention it,” said Thorpe, pushing his gog-
gles up onto his forehead. ‘You said you were anx-
ious to take in the practise of your class team if it
should practise to-day, and here -you are.”

Although the work of the twenty or more fellows
on the fieldjseemed of the sort which these chaps chose
themselves, Jones was directing everything. After'ia
bit Blessed cleared the diamond, picked a squad of men,
and set them to work in the usual manner. Buckhart
and Merriwell were left somewhat to one side, Dick

“slowly getting the kinks out of his arm and warming

up without a show of haste.
¢ A group of spectators gathered behind Buckhart to
watch these chaps, who, without question, would make
the principal battery of the class team.

Ditson and Claxton joined these spectators.
Virginian lighted a fresh cheroot, wearing an impas-
sive countenance; but Duncan watched Merriwell ¢or-
ner-wise with a half- sneering expression on his coun-
tenance. At times Duncan would bend toward the
Southerner and make some observation, which, al- »
though not loudly spoken, was plainly of a derisive or
uncomplimentary nature. ;
‘ Although Buckhart did not turn his head, he ee
none of this, arid some of the warm color in his cheeks
was not brought there by exercise.

‘Finally Ditson began te speak louder. i

said Claxton, bowing

The

\

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the car, where Dick appeared and expressed his sin-
cere regrets over the accident.

f

> TIP
“Heard a lot about his speed,” he said, “but I fail
to see anything dazzling.”
Claxton said something in’a low voice.

FAI.

most anybody can throw a few curves if he tries.”

“Oh, I suppose he has curves,” returned Dunc.

Buckhart signaled for Dick to pump in some hot
ones.- Instead of doing so, Merriwell smilingly con-
tinued to work in the same calm, deliberate manner.

“Jump ball?” said Ditson. ‘‘They:say he has one,
but I fancy it’s no more than an ordinary under-hand
rise,”

_ Dick knew the danger of abruptly starting with
curves at the first outdoor practise. Many a pitcher
has put his arm to the bad by such foily. Often a good
man has hurt his arm to such an extent that it has not
recovered for a whole season. Ambitious, or conceited
youngsters are liable to perpetrate this folly.

With the intention of throwing a very few speedy
ones to finish, Merriwell finally let himself-out. The
ball literally seemed to whistle through the air. When
it spanked irito the Texan’s mitt Brad was sometimes
lifted onto his toes. ,

“Yes, there’s some speed,” observed Ditson, in re-
sponse to a low remark from Claxton. “But what is
speed without control?”

The very next ball pitched by Merriwell struck Buck-
hart’s mitt on the edge and was sharply deflected. It
carromed off and flew ‘straight at Claxton’s head.
Struck near the temple, the Virginian went down as if
shot.

They gathered ‘around and brought water. After
a few moments Claxton stirred, drew a deep breath,
and tried to sit up.

“That was an awful crack,” said some one. “It

might have killed him. Merriwell has terrific speed.”

The Virginian seemed benumbed and dazed. Casper
Steele, who had joined the group, proposed taking him
in the motor-car to his rooms. Rob was.assisted to

At the Southerner’s side in bet car Ditson gave Dick
a look and said:

~“That’s all right, Merriwell. You didn’t throw the

~ pall at Claxton, and we'll take your word for it that
you're sorry it happened.”’

Yet there was something in the way he said this that

‘plainly stated he did not take Dick’s word for it. °

Later, on the way back to their rooms, Buckhart

~ found an opportunity to speak to Dick without being

a heard by others.

“That was an awful foozle of mine, pard,”’ ae said,”

TOP WEEKLY.

~ was rotten.

   
     
   
  
     
    
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
     
    
      

93

“You mean——
“Hitting Cla
“Oh, I knew it was an accident.”
“But it wasn’t.’

“What?”
“It wasn’t

xton.”

an accident,” reasserted the Texan:
Dick was amazed.
“You can’t mean you meant to hit Claxten?”’

me |
“Then what do you mean?”

“I meant to hit that chaw-mouth,’ Ditson. .That’s
what I tried to do.”

“Great Scott! I never dreamed it. Why,
Brad——~”

“Now don’t jump on me —don’t do it! I could hear
every word Ditson was saying, and I allow I got a
whole lot hot under the collar. I saw my chance to
turn that shoot of yours, and I did it; I didn’t cry
when it landed Claxton, but I’d felt better if Dunc
Ditson had been the man.”

“T hardly thought this of ‘you.”

“Is that so! I suppose you thought I could stand
there and hear that fellow sneering and chuckling and
blackguarding you over the shoulders of some one else.

The inclination popped into my head, and the trick

was done before I could check myself. Oh, perhaps ‘it _
Anyhow, I did it and I’d as lief tell Dit- id
son | meant it for him.”

“T wouldn’t do that. I have a sate temper, Buck-
hart, but I think I’ve got a firmer grip on it than you
have on yours. I hope Claxton was not badly hurt.”

“Well, I hope so myself. But something worse than
that will happen to him if he keeps up the pace he’s
struck to-day.” |

 

CHAPTER X.
BRAD'S BAD WORK.

“T understand, partner,” said Brad, a day or two or
later, “that thé gent from Virginia is making some
talk on the side about duels and gee He is thitst-
ing to shoot me up some, I reckon.” é
“Of course that’s all talk,’ laughed Dick.
“Oh, I don’t know about it.”
‘Why, of course, it is. Peoplé do not fight duels in —
this part of the country.” a
“But Robert Lee Claxton is not from this part of
the country.”
“There'll be no duel,” said Dick Gas: ely.
“Oh, I don’t know?” :
“Now don’t make an ass of yourself, Buckhart, just

  
    

 

8

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
    
  

because some other fellow is inclined to wear a pair of
long ears.” ,
“If he stamps on my coat-tail, I sure shall come
back at him good and:plenty.”
“That’s all right. He might force you into a fight.”’
“But he says he can’t fight with his dukes. He’s
taking pains to make it plain [ll be showing the bully
if I force a fist-fight.”
“There’s only one thing for you to do.”
“What's that?”
yy “Tgnore him.”
ie “Which is 4 heap easier said than done. Think |]
could ignore a galoot who took pains to insult me in
public? I judge not at all! You may say duels are
out of date, but if that gent is bound to have it, he cer-
tain will get what he’s looking for. I’m going out now
to take a little pistol practise.”’
“To take what?”
ee “To take a little pistol practise.
i shooting-range. -Want to come along?”
ae “Well, I don’t mind,” laughed Dick.
i tise is all right, even if one doesn’t intend to fight a
duel,”
Proceeding to a shooting- silks they entered and
Anet with a surprise, for there was Rob Claxton doing
some practising himself. Claxton’s companions were
Duncan Ditson and a wealthy junior by the name of
Floyd Fernald.
. As Dick and Brad entered the Virginian made a’
bull’s-eye, and Duncan Ditson counted.
“Eighteen. That’s going some without a miss.’
" “Finest pistol-shooting I ever saw,” commented Fer-
~ nald.
Then he saw Dick and nodded.
A “How do you do, Merriwell,” he said... “Your class-
mate from the South certainly has a | right to be called
ey ‘The Prince of the Pistol.”
_ Ditson gave Claxton a signal, and the Virginian
_ placed the pistol on the’ stand before him.
“That will do for stile afternoon, I think,” said Rob,
as he paid for the shooting he had done. “We won't
, smotiopolize the range, Some one 2 else might, like to
_ shoot.” —
“don’t think Gere s any one else will cate to try
tt after the record you have made,” said Duncan.
“Here’s Mr. Buckhart from Texas, but I don't fancy
he could clip off eighteen bull’s-eyes in succession,”

I know a good

“Pistol prac-

-“T can shoot some,” said Brad, “but I sure judge

“Still,

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

said Brad, in a strangely pacific tone
a cowboy, though some gents

I’m the son of a cattleman

“But you see,”
of voice, “I’m not exactly
may mistake me for one.
who employs cowboys.”’

“And you never learned to shoot with a pistol, suh?”
inquired Claxton.

“Oh, yes, I reckon I’ve done some of that.”

“Tf necessary, you could defend yourself with such
a weapon, couldn’t you?’

“T could try a whole lot.” i

‘Dick fancied Claxton meant to press the matter then
Wishing to avert this if possible, Merri-
well picked up the now reloaded target-pistol and
placed it in Brad's hand.

“Go ahead and show us what you can do,”

“Yes, please do,” grinned Duncan. Ditson,
know there’s a difference in the size of those targets.
You might try the biggest one, Mr. Buckhart. Per-
haps you could hit that. Claxton was shooting at the
smallest one.”

“Well, I dunno,’
“Ts she loaded ?”’

“All ready, sir,

and there.

’ he urged.

” said the proprietor of the range:

‘I opine I’ll try the same target Mr. Claxton was —

using,” said Buckhart, as he took his position.

They watched the Texan lift his hand and take care-

ful aim. .
- Crack !—the pistol spoke.

The gong did not ring, but a spot showed some three

inches from the bull’s-eye.
“That's about what I could do,
I’m a rotten shot.”
Rob Claxton looked disappointed.
“Be quiet, Duncan,’ he murmured.
gentleman can do better when he gets the range.”

Brad fired again, and again he missed.

” said Ditson, “and

“A little nearer,’ said Claxton, and there was sill on

disappointment in his voice and manner.
The Texan looked the pistol over.
“She isn’t just the ae I’m used to,’

“I prefer a Colt .45.”

“Oh, don’t lay it onto the weapon,”

son.

this. |
“Come, Buckhart?” he urged.

and get down to business.”
The Westerner looked grieved. rs Cite
: ‘Now , don't rub it in, pard,”’ he implored,

  

“You.

muttered the Texan hesitatingly. |

“Perhaps thé

he complained of

came from Dit-
“Claxton has just scored eighteen without amiss, |
and he used that pistol.” | s . ee t

Dick was watching the Texan in perplexity, for he
felt sure that Brad could do a great deal better a ;

“Quit your fooling

         
   

 

 
    

ie nae

 

 
 

 
ae TOP

reckon that isn’t bad. I could have hit a man both
times, and that’s the sort of shooting that counts out
a in Texas.”

1% Once more he faced the acoee and lifted the pistol.
Apparently he was nervous, for the weapon quivered
a bit in his grasp.

The third shot was far more unsatisfactory than the

other two, for it barely clipped the outer circle of the
target.
! “Waugh!”
\ 1 practise up some if I’m going to rank as a pistol-shot.
This must look some rotten after the great work of the
_ Prince here.”

Perhaps he meant this for sarcasm, but it sounded
rather tame.

Two more shots he fired, and still the gong remained

sa

snorted Buckhart. “I judge [’ll have to

~ silent, ;
| “Better try the biggest one with your last bullet,
Mr. Buckhart,” chuckled cares Ditson.

said the Texan, as
“T ought to
She's large enough to hit, that’s sure.”

he fired. There was_a slight
tinkle of the gong, and the proprietor announced that
it was a “split.”

“Well, that’s pretty near something, anyhow,” said
Brad, putting down the weapon and backing away. “I
sure judge this is my off day.”

Claxton touched Ditson on the shoulder and whis-
} _ pered in his ear.

“Tt’s no use, my dear fellow,
a man like that to fight me.

“Don’t know but you’re right,’
he crossed to the other side-of et range.
hit that.

Taking careful aim,

9

t

It would be a simple case

lt eis

of murder.”’ \
| i 3 Oe :
ee | CHAPTER XI.
et oe . Pistols AT ONE YARD!

“Here’s Mr. said Duncan.
great shot with a gun.
ard with a pistol.”

“T didn’t come here to shoot,” said Dick.
. “Did you visit the Seabright Gun Club for the pur-
pose of shooting?”
“No; but I was invited.”
“You're invited now. I'll pay for your shots.”
“You're very kind,” smiled Merriwell, “but ! fancy
Tm able to pay for my own shooting.”
“Go ahead, partner, go ahead!” spluttered Buckhart.
The proprietor was swabbing out the pistol. This
done, he slipped in six cartridges.

>

Merriwell,’ “He’s a
Perhaps he can cut some cust-

 

 

 

     

WEEKLY. eo

I couldn’t challenge :

care of himself with the pistol,’ nodded the South-~

    

     
 
  
   
  
 
 
 
  
   
  
   
   
    
  
  
  
  
   
 
    
    
   
  
   
  
   
 
       
       
     
       
     
   
 

Dick seemed loath to exhibit his skill, but Brad took
the target-weapon and thrust it into his hand.

“Go on,” he whispered. “Show them a few things,
partner—please do.”

“Have you another pistol like this?” asked: Merri-
well, turning to the proprietor.

“Certainly, sir,”
mate.”

“Loaded ?”

“Yes, and ready for use. But I don’t think you'll
find the slightest difference in them.” |

“He’s going to use another pistol so he can lay it on-
to that if he makes a poor exhibition,” muttered Dit-
son, in the ear of the Virginian, yet speaking loudly
enough for every one to hear.

Dick smiled the least bit. With a pistol in each
hand, he placed himself in front of the smallest target.
Watching him in some surprise, they saw him-lift both
weapons and commence firing. The pistols barked al-
ternately with breathless rapidity as the boy fired
twelve shots, and every bullet sped true}. for the target
responded to each report.

“Great Cesar!’ cried Floyd Fernald, “that’s what
you can call real fancy shooting. It’s as fine as any-
thing I ever saw.” 7

Duncan Ditson was speechless. And Claxton
seemed dumb for the time being. Little by little color
crept into the cheeks of the Virginian. .

“Very clever work, suh,” he finally commented. “T
am pleased, suh, to find that you can do so well.”

was the answer. “Here is its

JO

,

“Thanks,” nodded Dick, putting down the pistols. '
“T was not quite sure that I could do it myself, for
I’ve not had much practise of late, you understand.”

“Anthoriy and Cleopatra!’ laughed Fernald. “If
that’s the case, you don’t need practise. Look out,
Claxton—look out, or this man Merriwell will rob you
of your title.”

This. was enough to bring still more color to the
cheeks of the Virginian. That any one could fancy
such a thing might happen annoyed Claxton beyond
words. .

“T am pleased to see that he is a man who can take

erner. “Somehow I had a fancy it would be his friend,
Mr. Buckhart. I have heard that Mr. Buckhatt is an
expert with his fists, but I have never learned that
rather common method of self-defense, and, therefore} :
Mr. Buckhart and myseif do not stand on the same —
footing.”
Brad whistled softly, realizing for the first time that _
he had made a mistake. For the Texan had sae
arte eet nee

a Aah guihe

ei cabePveny eee sone egee - enna

    

   

aur

 

TOP

ately and intentionally failed in his exhibition of shoot-
ing. He did this with the impression that Claxton
would be rather more eager in forcing a duel upon him.
Brad was a queer chap, and the idea of fighting a real
duel with this fire-eating Virginian, instead of terrify-
ing him, appealed to his sense of the sensational
romantic. Where another lad might have thought of
the consequences, Brad simply thought of the pictur-
| esque features of the affair, having decided, if such a
» duel did take place, that he would shoot his antagonist
: through the leg or the shoulder. That he himself
would be in danger of more serious and possibly fatal
injury was something that had not disturbed him in
¢.. the least, |
bye But now, instead of being encouraged over Buck-
hart’s poor showing, Claxton was inclined to put the
Texan aside as beneath his level, out of his class and
‘ quite unworthy of consideration. Brad longed to kick
himself. | |
| Instinctively Dick felt the trend of affairs, Divi-
ning what was coming, he sought some. method
averting it. |
But Claxton permitted no grass to grow beneath his
feet.
“Mr. Merriwell, suh,” he said, placing himself at
full height before Dick, “I received an injury at your
hands last Saturday, suh,” |

and

 

“Not exactly, from my hands,” laughed Dick, with
uplifted eyebrows. “You were hit by a pitched ball
'. which carromed from Buckhart’s mitt. I think I ex-
pressed my regret over the accident.”

E “Perhaps you did, suh, but I demand a public
apology, suh,”

_ “A public apology for an accident like that?”

C2 C8, BS, ;
 “Aren’t you,demanding a trifle too much? One ex-

another, but he does not apologize unless the injury
was deliberate or inténtional.”

“Then, suh,” snapped Claxton, sharp and clear, “you
refuse to apologize? That is precisely as [would have
ae You were insolent in your bearing naan me at
the Seabright Gun Club. And now if
, Dick had taken out a silk handkerchief, with which
he was wiping his hands. He knew the intention of
a the Southerner, and diate determined to forestall
Claxton. |

“And now,”

  

 

  

he interrupted quickly, “having done

 
 

ou're thirsting for: This for you, Mr. Claxton!”

_ Presses regret and sorrow for the accidental injury of |

Like a flash, holding one corner of the handker-

Meeting ee

   

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chief, he snapped the opposite corner into Claxton’s

 

eyes. .
The Virginian started back and half-lifted his hand,
He did not strike, for he saw Mer- ,
smiling calmly, and he knew

were A

blinking rapidly.
riwell standing ‘there,
Dick had invited a blow..
“Oh, no,” breathed the.Southerner, his eyes blazing,
“you can’t work that, Mr. Merriwell! You've insulted
me, and now, suh—lI challenge you to fight me a
duel !”’
“Great horn spoon!” muttered the dismayed Texan.
“Where do I come in? Dick won't fight, and so——”
But Merriwell was bowing with a suavity equal to
that of Claxton. 7
“With the greatest pleasure, sir,”
Brad staggered. ae
“Well, burn his hide!’ gurgled the Texan. “He's . es
going to cut my watermelon! Say, that’s what I call
plumb hoggish!’’
Fernald attempted to interfere. see

ras

ae ae os

 

 

he said.

 

ne

“What does all this mean, BySHeteel yt he cried. f
“What's this talk about duels?” | a

“You will/observe, Mr. Fernald,” said Dick, “that | ,
I have not forced this thing. This gentleman from the # 4
South is palpitating for bippdsher and if he stays by a
me, he'll get all he wants of it.” | Bi,

Duncan Ditson was a trifle frightened, it is Sckseible,
for at last he began to see the genuinely serious side
of the affair. : hie :

‘There'll be no duel,” declared Fernald, forcing a
laugh. “I'll have both you chaps shut up in a bug-
house.” Jae

“Mr. Fernald, suh,” said Claxton, “I trust you will
not interfere. There can riow be but one termination |
of this affair. I have been publicly insulted, and I |
have issued a challénge. This man has accepted.” ‘bees

‘And, therefore,” said Dick, “it is my privilege to’
name the weapons.”

    
       
     
       
     
       
       
     
         
   
       
 

‘There is one weapon with which we seem to be
quite evenly matched,” hastily said the Southerner,

| who realized for the first time that by taking the initia- _
tive Merriwell had obtained the privilege of a choice 7 .
in this vital matter.

 

 
      
    

 

 
     

“My pard can name any weapon he chooses,” Said
Buckhart quickly, fancying Dick had a scheme wy
would force the Southerner to take water,
“That’s right,” nodded Dick, ‘ ‘and I will name— shld
pistols.”’

\ Claxton drew a deep prenth of relief.

“Pistols,” repeated Dick, “at one yard.”

    
     
     
      
   
 

    
      

ll

mah: |
on

a

e—

=

Pee a es 3 2 ae 2 ae ee, pi Sm ae

“ane

See es, 7 EER He “a

%

<

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIP
“What’s that, suh?’! fluttered Claxton, amazed.
“Did you say one yard?”

“T said one yard,”
I think there will be not the slightest danger that we'll
both miss,”

CHAPTER XII,
THE TERMS.

Fernald began to laugh softly. After all this was a

joke, It hak seemed serious enough for a while, but

now Fernald was somewhat relieved.
Ditson stared at Dick, as likewise did the boy fron\

Virginia, the latter still seeming to doubt that he had
heard correctly.

“You are trying to jest, suh!” cried Claxton. “It’s
a poor time for that.” ne
“If you think ’m jesting,” returned Dick, “it is quite

certain you'll change your mind if you have the cour-

age to see this thing through.”
. “Who ever heard of such a preposterous duel? ‘Pis-
tols at one yard! Ridiculous!”

, | “Tt may seem so to you, Mr. Claxton,” bowed Mer- .
— triwell, “but I regard it as a
_ were determined to force it upon me, and now you've

most serious ‘affair. You

got what you want.”
_ “No, suh—nof That would not be a duel; it would
be” ae

. Ditson gripped the speaker’s elbow and hissed in his
ear:

“It’s a bluff, Rob. Call it, call it.”’

- Glancing round, the Southerner discovered that Fer-
-nald was still laughing, while the proprietor of the
-shooting-range had joined in the merriment. The
’ Southerner’ s face flushed fire-red, and he whirled re-
Ebenthuily on Merriwell,

_ “So-you see fit, suh, to make this matter ludicrous !”
he palpitated. “If you have an idea that your ridicu-

 

lous terms will Prpvenibrine ‘ rom meeting you, you are.
 tnistaken. Name the time.”

“Well,” murmured Dick, still with an air bt serious-

1 1 Ness, “duels are usually pulled off at sunrise. It’s a
_ fine romantic time for a couple of chaps like us to turn
| up our toes. In the infancy of a new-born day we can
coe place the muzzles of our pistols against each other’s
” fs breast and make a very fine job of the business. You
| have fancied it is possible that at twenty or thirty
/ paces you would escape serious injury. You have fan- |
-cied the danger I would know myself to be in would
_ be enough to make my hand tremble and spoil my aim.

TOP

bowed Dick. “At that distance

WEEKLY.

But at one yard, no matter how much my hand may
tremble, I can’t miss you. Ill be on even terms with
you, Mr, Claxton, as long as I have strength to bend
my trigger-finger, and I don’t think [’ll lose the nerve
to do that.”

“Scorpions and tarantulas!’ Buckhart whispered to
himself. “Dick sure is putting it up to Claxy good
and hard. Claxy is beginning to get cold feet already.”

But, still heeding the suggestion of Ditson, the
Southerner, with haughty, curling lips, saw the thing
through.

“You have named the weapons, suh,” he bowed, “the
distance and the time. You may as well complete it by
choosing the place of meeting,”

“How. would the top of Trinity spire do?’’ chuckled
Fernald.
But Dick said: |

“As long as the time is to be the romantie dueling-
hour of sunrise, it will be well enough to meet at a se-

cluded and romantic spot. How would East Rock suit

you, Mr. Claxton?”

“That will do very well, suh.”’

“Then: East Rock it shall be. We'll meet in the
grove near the road on the side by the Sound.”

“We'll meet if you are there, suh,’”’ bowed the Vir-
ginian. “If you do not appear, I hall take’ pains at
the first Opportunity, thereafter to publicly brand you as
a coward.”

“Spare your threats, Claxton, I'll be there, Let's

have everything well settled in advance. Mr. Buck-
hart will represent me as my second. And you?” |

*Mr. Ditson,” said Rob; with a motion toward

Duncan.

“It will be my plessute,” nodded Dunc, catching the a

polite atmosphere of the two principals.

“If you have a particular choice in the matter of
weapons,” smiled Dick, “I’m willing to leave that to
you.” | .
“Having had everything else your own way,
very kind!’ mocked Claxton. ,

“But it doesn’t seem to me,” said Dick, “that, taking ‘
the distance into consideration, it will make any partic- _
ular difference what sort of pistols we use. Any old
popgun, properly loaded, should kill a man at one
yard. Suppose we leave the selection and securing of .
the pistols to our seconds. Will that be satisfactory?”

-The Southerner bowed, at the same time shrugging —
his shoulders, ‘ at

-“Go ahead, Brad,” said Dick,| with a motion toward
the a “We apn as well get everything prepara

   

 
 
    
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
     
  

iv eta aretinne ten: hac naieoegleh

Scr a eaete a

Liye LOY

 

  
 

tory over with, so that there may be no further fussing
about it.” : 7

The Westerner stepped to one side, jerking his head
for Duncan to follow. At that moment Ditson would
have wagered his life that Brad was about to propose
squirt-guns or some ridiculous thing like that. In-
stead of this, Buckhart murmured a suggestion that
they should secure the two target-pistols used in the
‘range.
1 z ew certain wold be no good at twenty paces or
4 more,” murmured Brad, “but at one yard, loaded with

_ .22 long, they will kill all right: ‘Besides that, it’s

x 3 likely they'll give our friends a chance to murmur a
few dying wishes. Heavier weapons and larger car-
tridges might prevent this.”

“What in blazes are you and Merriwell trying to
do?” hissed Dune. “You know he has no intention of
fighting on such preposterous terms.”

Brad lifted his left eyebrow with a queer mo erect
of surprise.

“T sure don’t know anything of the sort,” he de-
clared. “On the contrary, it seems to me that my pard
is a whole lot earnest about this duel. I’ve never
known him to back out of anything he went into, and
I’m ready to hes my boots, spurs and all, that he won’t
-back out now.’ |

“He must be SSeS to commit suicide!”

“Seems to me,” nodded Brad, “I have lately heard
him observe that life didn’t seem worth living, any-
how. I don’t know just why he’s become so pessimis-

tic and anxious to shuffle off the mortal coil, but it may
be he’s been disappointed in love. When a gent gets
disappointed i in love he sometimes feels that he’d rather
die than live, but he hates to snuff out his own candle.
In this case my partner will have the desired privilege

) of dying gracefully, and he’ll be able to kill a hot-
_ footed Southerner at the same time.”’

  

14

  

“What the devil are you talking about ?” seoaitad
“Dune, _ “Are you and Merriwell both crazy?”
_ “We've been experimenting lately.”
“Experimenting ?”
“Yes, Ever hear of loco-weed Le
“What’s that?”
“Tt’s an onery pizen weed that grows out in ‘Texas.
Cattle that eat the stuff go. “daft. Sometimes they seem
deliberately to commit suicide by jumping into cafions
and rivers. A while ago my pard and myself got into
_ an argument over this yere loco-weed. I insisted that
the stuff would affect a human in the saine way that it
affects cattle. My pard he had a different opinion. He
allowed it ee have any affect on human beings.

  

 
 
 
 

 

aan Sees me noe eee

WEEKLY.

 

‘morrow, and I'll kill os as sure as he has the ope

eee
WET on

ae een a a

   

.So I sent out to the foreman of our ranch and had.
him ship me a bunch of the weed. We've been trying
it by degrees to see how it would work on us. The
stuff has kind of got hold of us so we can’t seem to
leave off eating it now, and if you'll take particular no-
tice, you're liable to see us with a wad of loco tucked
into our jaw like a quid of tobacco.”

“Hold on, hold on!’
think I’'m'‘a fool?”

spluttered Ditson. ‘Do you

“T wouldn’t like to answer that question, for you
might feel hurt, and it’s plumb against my desires to
hurt any one’s feelings unnecessarily. So it ’s settled,
is it, that we'll try to hire, borrow, or buy these two
range pistols? I’m glad you agree with me that they’re
just what. we want.” ,

The Westerner now turned his attention to the pro-.
prietor of tke shooting-gallery, with whom he en-
tered into negotiations.

“Oh, what’s the use to carry this thing any further!”
laughed Floyd Fernald.

Brad looked surprised.

“You don’t think Mr, Claxton is ready to ‘apologize,
do you?” he asked.

“Mr. Claxton. will never apologize! ’ flamed the

Southerner. |
““You'see, Mr. Fernald—you see,” nodded Brad.
“There can be no backing out. em .

ee negotiations with’ the shooting-gallery

man, Buckhart finally made a bargain for the use of the

pistols, pledging that they should ue returned in per-
fect condition.

“T’'ll see to that, sir,” he promised.)

Claxton felt himself beginning my quiver with eX>
asperation, and he now proposed to his friends that
they should leave the shooting-range. Both Merriwell.

_and Buckhart bowed politely to them as they passed

out. As soon as they were on the street Claxton ex-

pressed himself in words that were scorching hot, Ans
though still uttered in that soft. drawl characteristic

of him. ; ay co
Fernald continued to laugh. ;
“Why not accept the whole matter as a joke, Clie.
ton?” he said.

“Let it pass?” panted the Southerner.
know me, suh!

“You don’t

   

down. I shall the at the place of meeting at sunrise to-_

to ignd up before me.’

“Merriwell got the best of it,.and you bs
‘may as well let it pass gracefully.”

That fellow tried to force me into a aa
-backdown, but he’ll find that I’m not the kind to back _

  
   
  
 
   
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   

 

 

 

      
     
   
       
         
       
     
      
     
       
       
   
     
       
   
       
       
     
   
 
       
   
tic

1X-
rou

 

TIP. TOP

APTER XIII.

STOP

CH

TOO LATE TO fT.

When Dick

and Brad left the shooting-range’ the

_ Texan was carrying the, pistols, carefully wrapped,
beneath his arm.

: “Partner,” said Brad, “I’ve sure got a grudge to
settle with you.”

te “How’s that?” inquired Dick innocently.

ei “You stepped in and took the fun right out of my
_ hands. That galoot Claxton was my meat. It was a
&:

Dick.”
SENT ¢ - s26tan tens Cabana anit en VaaRe ies phd, Siar
You made a mistake in faking over your shooting,
Buckhart.”’
“T opine |
that way. I
that I was a rotten shot,

clean case of robbery,

did,
thought

but I didn’t allow it would turn out
I’d give him the impression
which would make him a heap
more anxious to stamp’on my coat-tail.”

“Which shows that you do not yet understand these
haughty Southerners.
vantage of an opponent.
would not permit him to force you after he had demon-

They refuse to take the ad-
Claxton’s idea of honor

_ strated that he was a crack shot and you had-shown

up so badly. Still, Brad, I must protest that I had no
5 idea of stepping into your shoes until I found that he
_ was bound to have it. When I saw there was no mis-
take I took: the initiative, which gave me the right, be-
ing challenged, to make certain conditions. As I in-
m formed Claxton, he fancied I might lose my nerve and
shoot badly if compelled to face him at a distance of
‘twenty paces or so. But now he knows there is not

» | one chance in a million that I will miss him at a dis-

tance of one yard.”
“Of course, you don’t really mean to fight him that

ee way.”

“Of course I do, 1f he has the nerve to go through
the thing. It’s a duel of nerve between Claxton and

 

es myself.”

  

“But he’s a derned chump, pard. He’s all swelled up

 

  
  

fi - with his Southern pride, and he may be just fool
ae enough to go through to the finish.”

“He may be,” admitted Dick. ‘We'll see.”

_ Inwardly Buckhart resolved to butt in and stop the
: a affair before it could terminate fatally if he saw that
Eh _ the proud and foolish Southerner had no intention of
| _Tetreating.

 
  

e

yee Talking earnestly, they turned the corner onto
i Chapel Street.
exclamation, for ahead of them a large touring-car
Was standing at the curb, and Rob Claxton was gal-

Mealy, mane arr: Ditson and Barbara Midhurst

 
  
 
 

 

WEEKLY.

You've given Mabel a decidedly bad, impression, I

at her side, and I knew Id betray myself if I looked

interfere with his manners,’

Suddenly Buckhart uttered a sudden |

    

  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
    
    
   
   
 
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
 
  
  
  
    
 
  
  
 
   
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
  

It was Steele’s automobile,
at the wheel.

into the car. and Casper
was
mumbled the Texan,

“Bucking broncos!” faltering.

“Come on,” said Dick, in a low tone. “We can’t
turn back now.
With a black scowl on his face,
at Dick’s side.
Ditson had taken his place at young Steele’s side,

girls into the tonneau to seat

They’ve seen us.”

Brad strode along

and Claxton followed the ¢

himself between them.
“Oh, thete’s Dick and Mr. cried Bab.
iMeeriwell lifted his cap with smiling politeness, but

3uckhart!”’

Brad forgot his manners and plowed past without turn-
ing his head toward the car.

Merriwell, in
Brad.

“What made you do that ?’’ questioned
“YOu

exasperation. behaved like a_ boor,

fear.”
“Reckon that’s right,”
I couldn’t help it.

mumbled the Westerner, “‘but
I was boiling when I saw Claxton

toward them.’

In the meantime, Mabel, very much surprised, was
saying to Barbara:

“What was the matter with Brad?
look at us, and his face was like a thtindercloud.
was awfully rude of him.”

He didn’t even 4
It "S

“My dear Miss Ditson,’ murmured the Southerner, |
“what can you expect of a person born and bred in ;
Texas?”

“T’ve asked her that more than once,’’ Ditson tossed
over his shoulder. ‘‘She has persisted that the fellow ©
is a gentleman, but perhaps this will open her eyes a
bit.” ,
Mabel pouted.

“This is the first tithe,’ she declared, “that I’ve ever
known him to belive otherwise than i in a very gentle-
manly manner.’

“His true breeding is beginning to crop out,” nodennnd
oe “You'll find out what he is before long, sis.”
arbara was inclined to stand up for Brad. »
a s possible he may not have been feeling w well,”
she said. “I believe he had a reason for his action.”

“A true gentleman does os permit his feelings to
’ said Claxton,

Brad was not feeling well, The following hours of 2
the day caused him to wonder at Dick, who attended a
lecture and then set himself down to study in the usual |
manner as if the future. held no promised trouble. for )
him, |

   
 

 

    

TIP

 

TOP

More and more the Westerner became beset by the
$ fear that Claxton was just fool enough to carry the
it thing through to a disastrous and tragic termination.

In imagination he saw Merriwell and the Southerner
: standing up at arm’s length and shooting each other
I down. This picture preyed upon his mind, and with
} it came the conviction that he was responsible for it all.
Only for his dislike of Claxton, told to Dick, Merriwell
‘might not haye mischievously accepted Steele’s invita-
3 ~~ tion to visit the Séabright Gun. Club.
3 beginning of the chain of events that had led up to the

That was the

border of something horrible to contemplate.

At last, unable to endure it longer, the Texan slipped
away by himself and sought Claxton in his own room,
Ditson was there when Brad entered, after knocking,
and both Dunc and Rob betrayed their surprise by the
appearance of the Westerner. Claxton was the. first
to recover, and his natural politeness led him to invite

the unwelcome visitor to be seated.

ag presume, suh,” he said, “you have come in -con-
nection with the meeting which is to take place between
myself and your friend.”

Ditson began to chuckle, for he was struck by the
conviction that Buckhart was there for the purpose
of backing down.
nodded Brad curtly. “No, thank

What P’ve got to say won't

“You're right, sir,”
you, I'll not sit down.
take ime long.”

Claxton bowed and remained standing, |

“Look a’ here!” growled the Westerner, “I opine
_you started out.gunning for me gn the first place. You
shifted onto my pard after you got the idea that I was
rotten with the pistol. I allow I was to blame in
giving you that impression. You may be called a
prince. with that sort of weapon, but I want you to
understand that I can shoot as well as you can,”

Claxton lifted his eyebrows doubtfully.
“Now, hold on,”
_— want to tell you something more.
i _ shooting at the range on purpose to fool you. That’s
You didn’t take it
Instead oF bristling to

. straight, goods, you bet your life!
: the way I opined you would. |

   

 

continued Bu¢khart swiftly, “T
I did that rotten

     
   
   
   
    
    
    
  
   
  
  
   
   
    
   
  
   
  
  
   
 
     
     
       
 
     
  

WEEKLY.

for that, and I don’t,propose to stand for it any at all. : bed
If there’s f
Mr. Claxton,

“Indeed,

a duel, I’m going to be the gent to face you,
That’s what brings me here.”
“Am I

that Mr. Merriwell is anxious to get out of

suh,”” murmured the Southerner.

to infer

thr,
“He’s got cold feet!’

it would be, Rob.”

cried Ditson. “TI told you how

 

blurted Brad. “He

I came of my own accord, and

“You're a liar by the clock!”
doesn’t know [’m here.
you can put your pile of blue chips on that statement. —
I’m going to tell Mr. Robert Lee Claxton my private
and, likewise, my public opinion of him.”

This the Texan did in words that were scorching
hot. Claxton turned pale, but waited. until Brad had
finished and then sneeringly said:

“T think I see through your purpose, suh. You wish
to provoke a quarrel with me. It is your idea that you .
will do so and then beat me ae until I’m unable to

 

face your friend in the morning.” va e
Ditson was on na feet, his hands grasping the sl 4 i
of a chair. : i te!
“Tf he tries that, I’ll brain him!” cried Duneah. i ‘p ROC
“You sure misunderstand me a-plenty,” said Brad. ;
“What I’m after is a duel with you, Claxton, and ts 7. ae

' demand that you meet me before you go up against my — | ‘
partner. You've got to do it, too.” a:
Claxton shrugged his shoulders.

oS
“That’s impossible now, but if [ am fortusiate’

 

 

   

enough to come through this other affair, Pll give you | —,

my attention at the earliest convenient moment.” ne % an
“Waugh! That don’t satisfy me.” sl ‘ee

“You will have to be satisfied with it. A man who - aS ps
has made arrangements to meet ‘one gentleman has no ky ‘si
right to meet another until the first affair is settled. Tt. oe ¥
. positively refuse to discuss this business. with you i te
¢

longer. You are an intruder in my room. There is

the door, suh, and I bid you get out!”
Baffled, Brad stood there wondering what course to 7

take next. To the surprise of both fellows, ty began f

  

, to plead. r

he entt eated,

 
       
 

“Oh, say, Claxton,”
formalities in this business.

I want to fight you—hon- i
est I do, |

Can’t we fix it up?”
TEP EOP

“Not until your friend apologizes or gets shot,” said

] * the Southerner, turning his back on Buckhart.

if Ignoring the presence of the Westerner, the haughty

. Virginian took up the thread of his conversation with
Ditson just where it had been broken by the appear-
ance of the unexpected visitor. i

Brad growled and fumed, but all to no avail.

“Well,’

tain; when you are done with my pard there won’t be

’ he snarled at last, “one thing is a heap.cer-

 

enough breath left in you to interest me! You'd better
make your will and settle up your earthly affairs.”
Then he went out and slammed the door behind him.

§
|

 

CHAPTER XIV,
THE WHITE FEATHER,

Tn the gray light of early dawn a carriage stopped on

 

the toad near East Rock, and two persons left it.
They were Merriwell and Buckhart, the latter car-

-rying the pistols, wrapped in an old sweater, beneath

a. his arm. Passing through the: grove, they came to

Dan open spot not far from the baseeof ‘the rock.

! said Brad. “The

other gents will have to get along in a hurry if they are

“Well, we’re here first, partner,”
going to, be on.time. I wonder if théy’ll fail to show
their noses.” ohne
said Dick. “Hark! I can hear

ie “T don’t think so,”
, . :
I think they’re coming now.”

- the sound of wheels.

<

oe - The sound of another carriage finally ceased near
the spot where the first had stopped. A faint murmur

of voices came to the ears of the two boys, and a few
moments later a pair of dusky figures were seen com-

‘ing through the trees.

3)

 

a Pe _, “Here they are as sure as shooting,” murmured
| the disappointed Texan.
Claxton and his second were on hand. The South-
_ erger bowed politely as he stopped a short distance
- -, away and began unbuttoning his overcoat.

‘Although he tried to repress it; Ditson’s teeth chat-
_ tered a little as he spoke to Buckhart.
: a suppose you have the pistols?”
aa “Right here,” said the Texan, as he proceeded to

“unroll the sweater. “Here are the cartridges.
mam ge eh!) *

    

WEEKLY.

We'll

    
     
 
  
  
   
   
   
 
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
    
    
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  

load the pistols together so there can be no question
about the job.”

Merriwell slipped out of his overcoat and tossed it
carelessly upon the ground. Thrusting his hands into
his pockets, he turned and gazed out upon the placid
waters of the Sound, which were now turning from
gray to delicate blue.
in a calm tone of

“Hurry up, gentlemen,” he said,

voice. “If you’re not swift about it, the sun will rise
ere you get the weapons ready.”

“Curse it!” whispered Ditson, touching Brad’s arm.
“Is he fool enough to go through with this crazy-
headed business ?”

Dune’s face was ashen in the morning light, and °*
there was something like unspeakable fear in his anx-

&

ious eyes.

mt
“T know him better than any man liy-

“You bet your boots ‘he’ll go through with
nodded Brad.
ing; and I’ve never seen him crawfish yet.”

“Let’s not hurry,” muttered Ditson, accepting one
of the pistols.

“Oh, better get through with it without ae ie

ft

Here are the cartridges.”

“I’ve brought some myself,” said Dunc, remember-

ing them at last. “We didn’t propose to take any
chances on fake cartridges. If yours are fakes, you |
can be sure Claxton’s pistol will be loaded with the a
real thing.” er

“That’s all right,” nodded Brad.

cartridges you choose.” \

|
:

“Use any old | a

Duncan’s heart sank, for this was his last bluff. He
had fancied it possible that Buckhart would provide
useless cartridges, but now he had decided that ‘this -
was not what had happened.

‘The Texan loaded the weapon in his hand and ;
waited. Ditson seemed to be listening as if expecting
the approach of some one along the highway.

   
       
       
       
         

“Come, come!” growled Brad. “The sun sure is
coming up directly.” | pts

Dune fumbled, with the pistol. . _

“T’m afraid these En eee don’t fit, ” he said ‘nus
ily. ~! ;

“The ones I brought will,” assured Buckhart.

‘en

“Bet =

ter use them. They’re all right.”
 

       
  
  
   
   
  
   
 
    
   
 
 
    
  
  
  
 
    
 
   
 
   
    
   
   
  
    
  

TIP. TOP

“It’s rather chilly, Duncan,” said Claxton. “I trust

you will hurry as much as possible.”
For a moment Ditson contemplated taking flight and
At last,

ever, his ear seemed to catth a far-distant murmur that

carrying one of the pistols with him. how-
was swiftly becoming more distinct, and he drew a
breath of relief. ?

Buckhart stepped over to him.

“The sun will come up in one minute,” said Brad.
“Tf you can’t load that popgun, I can.”

“JT can load it, I can load it,” breathed Dunc, as
: he slipped in a cartridge. }
H . “That's all right.
Br Impatiently Claxton stepped forward and took the

Now give it to your man,”

pistol from Ditson’s hand, although Dunc sought to re-
tain it, , .
Wait!” etied Ditson fecbly.

But Merriwell was ready. He had the other pistol,
and with a grim look on his face, which showed no
signs of fear or faltering, he took his place. Claxton
still believed Dick might back out. With a brave front,

he advanced, pistol in hand. The boys faced each
| other with barely more than a yard separating them.
“Heavens!” whispered Ditson to himself, “what's
the matter with Casper Steele?”

Dick looked straight into Claxton’s eyes.

“Will you give the word, Brad?” he asked.

_ The dove of peace, upheld by the figure on the col-
umn planted upon the mighty rock that rose above
them, was suddenly g cilded with the first ray of the ri-
- ging sun.
on the, Sound,

: aL ll count three,” said Buckhart.

BA 4 py

_ three you will fire, gentlemen. One:
: Dick lifted his pistol, and the Virginian, his a
hard set, did likewise, dish
 “Twol” ae ; “gee hon

  

 
  
 
 
  

murder and nen It’s not a duel! me code ne

An opalescent haze hpveréd shell-pink afar

“At. the i

WEEKLY.

notice of the sound of a motor which grew plainer
and plainer and finally stopped upon the:highway amo-> is
ment before Claxton’s nerve failed him. : i

“Thank Heaven!” breathed Duncan, who was. un- , *
speakably relieved, even though Claxton had been the

one to back out.

Through the trees three figures came rushing. Two a e
of them were girls. They were Mabel Ditson and r.
Barbara Midhurst, followed by Casper Steele. Seeing : i
Duncan, Steele cried: \ 1.

“My motor stopped on me half-4 mile back, but I te

 

see we're here in. time!”

“No; you're too late!” Rob ‘Claxton whispered to

 

himself,’ “Merriwell forced me to show the white
feather!”
Barbara Midhurst rushed up to Dick and seized his : i:

arm with her gloved hand. be
“What foolishness is this, Dick _Merriwell she
cr ied, reprovingly. “I wouldn’t believe it of you when
Duncan told us about it last evening. Still, I agreed
_to his plan to have Mr.

Steele bring us here in his —
You shall not fight a duel!” |

 

car. | : a
’ smiled Dick, “Tt Ba”
has been settled amicably between us.) Mr. Peat ;

“There is no danger of that now,’

will you give me your hand?”

But Claxton, choking with | rage and hari and a
blinded by a mist which filled his eyes, turned his ae aes
on Dick.

 

 

THE END. |

The Next Number (572) Will Contain ; De .
Dick Merriwell s Magnetism;
OR, ‘i a

THE CURING OF A CAD.

  

 
 

   
 
    

East Rock at Dawn—Quaffing a Bitter Gup--Dedeb 7
Nerve—The Hand of a Conqueror—A Rankling Barb .
—The Professor Decides to Treat—What Was It hse
“The Buttermilk _Party’’——At the Club-—Claxton

ee om by a Close ‘Margin —Ditson's

       
 
 

 
 
  

 
   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAP) EOP,
et = a |
105" e
1

f= pe

ee Tene
y% ‘NEW YORK, “March 23» 1907.

 

a es $$ $$ —______— y's

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WEEKLY. 27

Three cheers for “Tip Top” and the new cover. We remain
loyal Tip Toppers. Paut Howe,

L. Dewitr CoNNER

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Thank you, boys. You will see some presently that far ex-

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(A ‘etter from New Hampshire.) .

As I have just finished your latest Tie Top, I cannot stand sil
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All of my friends, as well as myself, have been long and constan
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Dick.
from St: Louis, who signs himself a “Pineville Rooter,” ‘says that ©

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

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-for more upright, stronger, or more capable characters than
Dick, dear old fellow, so honest, manly, etc.; than Brad, always
ready to right wrong, to help the needy and under dog; and, on
the other hand, Captain Wiley in your latest as an example of
a rather uncertain, chageable, but still strong—in its kind—char
acter, Another point is that nearly all the scenes are scenes
near and dear to the heart of every broad*minded, intelligent
lad of the country. Who could place a scene of American life
in a better place than in an up-to-date school and college?
Finally, as this letter is growing long—so long that I’m afraid
you will not publish it—I shall close by saying that if Tie Top
came every day in the week it could not abate my interest at all.
The more ‘they come, the better. Well, here’s good luck to Trp
Top. ALFRED J. CASCtI.

We appreciate your letter very much, aid only hope you are
bringing others into the fold. Write and tell us about that.

Some few months ago, through the kindness of a friend, I,

was induced to read a copy of your famous publication, Tip
Top, and it is needless. to say that, having read one of them, I
was eager to read any and all others that I could get hold of.
-T have read from 484—Frank Merriwell’s marriage—to 555, in-
clusive, anda ‘few of the Medal Library books, and it would be
impossible to express how great my desire is to read the back
numbers, especially those in which Frank first found his brother
I noticed in Tre Top No. 555 that a brother reader, also

‘his brother has all the back numbers. If he would be so kind
as to grant me the pleasure of reading them, he would be making
me the happiest girl in the land. I enjoy reading the Applause
very much indeed.
but the friend who was so kind as to interest me in behalf of
/ Tip Top is a lady of about fifty-five years, and is as enthusiastic
a reader as myself. She reads them aloud to my sister and me
every Friday night. She herself has read‘them all, from the first
' number, with a few exceptions, and has told me something of the.
past history of our heroes, but she has not kept the numbers,
as she is so interested in others reading them she always dis-

I.am only a young girl of fourteen years, ©

I have just finished reading Tir Top No. 557, and, not seeing
many letters from this place, thought I would write one and
let you know what I think of Tre Top and what I have done
to convert others to the faith of reading it. I have not read
your paper over sixteen months, and can say the same as
the rest say about it, that it is O. K. I have got about twelve
of my friends to read it, besides my school-teacher and mother
and father. One day my teacher saw me reading something in
school, and took it away from me and read it. The next day
he brought it back to me and told me that it was certainly a
fine book. Now he comes to me and asks me if I am through
with the. last Tir Top, instead of scolding me for reading it.
All the other converts have got the fever, and have got it bad.
We have to go about six miles to a news-dealer to get the paper.
In praise of the characters I can say that I like Dick and his
“bunch” the best of all, Dale and his, second, and Frank with his
“flock” comes third. The only fault I have to find with Tip Tor
is that good old Brad is not mentioned any more; but I “opine”
he will “prance” in by Dick’s side soon. . Please send me a cata-
logue of Tre Top, and if you are still giving away Merriwell
postal cards; may I have a set of them? A’ True Tip. TopreEr.

Elberton, Wash.

Well done. We take off our hats to you, friend, and also to
the teacher who knew true merit’ even when discovered in the
shape of a five-cent publication. Others have done the same;
yes, an innumerable throng. We only wish all men would
examine Trp Tor when considering the important question of
useful reading for their boys.

(A letter from Connecticut.)

I take great pleasure in writing;a few lines to, the publishers
of Tip Top. WEEKLY, stating that last November I, was taken
sick, and during my sickness my friends sent me a number of
stories to read and glance over. Among them was a Trp Top,
No. 526, erttitled “Frank Merriwell’s Athletic Field; or, The «/
Great Meet at Bloomfield.”
Tre Top WEEKLY, and this number was my first, but I have been
taking it every week since then, and after work and during cold
winter evenings I sit by the fireplace and read Tip Tor. Some

of the weeklies have been so interesting and exciting that I can

hardly wait until Friday for the next one. I think Frank, Dick,
Bart, and other Frank friends have taught me a lesson, as 1 have
been a drinking man, and also liked a fat pipe of tobacco for a
good smoke. How muth would it cost for the complete back:
numbers of the Tip Top Werk y, as I think it is the king of all

 

I-had never been a reader of the »

tributes them among her neighbors, in order that others might

be happy. If the “Pineville Rooter” will be so kind and con-
~, siderate as to loan me some copies, and will drop a card to the
undersigned, telling me where I may call for them, it will be
more than appreciated. An ardent reader, Ake K. B.
_ 4547 St.Louis Avenue, St, Louis, Mo.

7

weeklies, and I thank Burt L. for the pleasure of writing the
about story and his deserting of many carenten. As I have no
mofe to say at pleasant, hoping to see this in print soon, I remain
yours respectfully, tt Tuos. J. DELANEY.
: ’
We are glad you like Tre Top, and ‘that it has been of good use
to you in a moral way. It is impossible to get the early numbers, |

dal

We certainly trust “A Pineville Rooter” will see this eager
ie 8

tequest, and, with the true Tip Top spirit, hasten to relieve the
_ distress of our young correspondent. It certainly is pleasant to
_ hear of a lady of middle age being so deeply interested in our
publication, and we wish her much pleasure in the future perusal
of Frank and Dick Merriwell’s struggles and triumphs. i

Not having read your weekly before last summer, I have not
been able to write my opinion before. I only began, reading with
No, 540, which so interested me that I began gettipg them
regularly every Thursday night, not to mention the back numbers

hich I have got. Of the characters I like Frank and Bart
Hodge about the same;.Dick and Dale, do.; Bruce Browning,
Harry Rattleton, Jack Ready, Jack Diamond, Dismal Jones,

lessed, et al. What I, ¢annot understand is this: Many of the
readers of Tip Tor write, saying they receive their copy on Fri-
ines While I, living farther away from New York than they, get
‘mine on Thursday night. Has the “Rockspur Nine” been pub-
lished in book form, or is it yet to be? Well, I guess I had
_ better close, as I don’t. want this letter to go where my two
_pfeceding ones went. I remain, very truly yours, R. S. V. P.
Montreal, Canada. hah ne ApaenY iy

The “Rockspur Nine” will, in due course, be published in the

lal, where its two’ companion stories have alteady. appeared.
neglected to tell us what you have been doing for Tir Tor

but some 170 of them are incorporated in about 55 numbers of
the Medal Library, which you can secure from our office, or
through a news-agent, who will charge you 10 cents each, |

4
——

(A letter from’ Iowa.) ' ‘
As yet I’ve. never’ written to you, but have been a constant _

reader of Tir Top when I could purchase one, and can say I
have never read a weekly that has filled the place the Tre Top

‘does. I am nearly thirty years old, and am a married man, and

will say that I am still at the wheel, and when I can find a Tir ;
Tor that I have not read I buy it. And when riding between

‘stations (being a traveling salesman), I enjoy the time’ very oe
much. The influence: of your leading characters, Fyank and

Dick, has helped me through many difficulties, and their “Stay- —
at-it-never-give-up” spirit will always win out in the end. Mr.

Standish is to be congratulated on his work. The American

youth is a queer child, but reading the ‘Tie Top will find ot " 3

\ which is uplifting, self-reliant, and ennobling to him, in. al

ways; and if the examples which are shown in the straightfor-

. ward, true manhood of Frank and Dick and their chums is fol- _

lowed, they can’t help but become true American gentlemen, —
which is the grandest position: the world affords. If you

‘ean find space for this in your columns, I will feel more than’

tepaid and honored by the favor. If Joe Teas should happen to —

see this letter, he will learn something which will benefit: him —

greatly by writing to Box 201, Prescott, Ia. Thanking you.
advance for your kindness, if you should see fit to give this

Ey » rx Rye) Ai ¥

 
  

and rambling acknowledgment of your lasting effort and labor,
I sign myself, ever a grateful and appreciative reader, W. C. T.

the’ Thank you. We are indeed pleased to hear such an expression
of good-will from a Tip Top admirer of thirty, and we hope this
will meet the eye of your brother, who will hasten to relieve
the distress and anxiety of a fond mother’s heart by communica-
ting with home, as you say in your postscript that he has always

Sesh a Tip Top reader in the past.
2

 

This is my first attempt to express my opinion by writing to the
Applause about the Tip Top Werrxkty.- They are the best of
_ books for girls, as well as for boys. I have read this king of
_. weeklies for the past two years, and I have never failed since
then to get one each week. I have already introduced these
books to some of my friends, and they e enjoy them as well as I
ido. The characters I am most interested in, and like best, are
Frank and Bart; then comes Dick, second only to his brother, and
Dale. Of the girls I like June the best. I hope Chester. will
really turn over a new leaf and become a true and loyal friend
to Dick. Fearing that I am taking too much space, and that it
will go to the waste- -basket, I remain, yours truly,

Brooklyn, N. Y. ANTOINETTE M. RANKER.
¥ : (Age 14.)
‘Thank you, Antoinette, for writing us of your good optnion,
_-and doubly so with regard to your zeal in spreading Tie Tor
gospel among your young friends. Each week our horizon grows,
and the additions to our reading-class come through the efforts

of just such faithful friends as yourself.

 

        
     
        
       
   
       
         
   
    
   
       
     
       
 
     

 

 
 

  

Vics letter from Nebraska.)
f I have been reading “Tip Top” for about a year, but have had
pied all the back numbers from No. t up to 385, but never read any
i of them until about three months ago, and now I am glad I
pn ie began to read them, because I never “struck” such a gold-mine,
1 and I only stop for sleep and meals unless something unusual
1 happens.
e. My chum never read very much untill got the “Tip Tops” out,
1 -and now he is just as anxious to read them,as I am, and we can
sh _ hardly wait until Friday comes so we can get a new one. This
e, ; i; is my second letter, but I never saw the first after writing it.
a ay Wishing long life and happiness to Street & Smith and Burt L,,
ines . I remain, Yours sincerely, Warp: Berzer.
Il st ,
e Many boys would envy you the ‘gold-mine” you have, oie:
0 - and we feel sure you will find profit as well as pleasure in read-
TB 5s ing all those fine stories. No one can draw the characters of
na boys like Burt, or gradually develop a small speck of good into
1c a splendid whole that changes the latl’s nature, even as a bit
Sy of yeast leavens the whole batch of dough,
P| be hi —_—_— :
ot ; (A letter from Kansas.)
In reading “Tip Top” 1 notice letters from different States
“about people reading your books for so many years. Now,*I will
be twenty-seven years of age the 4th day of January, and IJ am
Reds ne “married man, and I have been reading the “Tip Top Weekly
nt ever since Frank Merriwell’s school-days, and I can honestly say
I it is the only novel I ever read. And J can hardly wait for

Friday to come so I may get it, for I am ‘a professional ball-
slayer myself in the Three Eye ‘League, and I have played in
Rock Island, Ul., for four seasons, and I know thirty or forty
all-players: who read this book, and we had one fellow by the
me of Johnnie Wanner who would rather read the “Tip Top”
than eat. I think it is one of the best magazines I ever read.

low, I will always read this book as long as I live. I hope to
see my letter in “Tip Top” and my name; so I will close.

f Yours truly, Dow VANDINE.

  

  

 

d by “Tip Top” as an old and valued friend of their younger
, and from which they have always derived much benefit

 

A fe (A letter from Kansas.) epi ety
atthe been a constant reader of “Tip aoe the king of week-
, from No. 1 to date, I thought I would write and let you
Ww what 2 thinks of the magazine. My favorites are Frank,

7

 

 

TIP. TOP> WEEKLY. 29

“numbers yet.

put this in the Applause column.

thank him mentally e every week when you read a new “Tip Toj y.
Do likewise, and gain us ether readers among yout ine Leo L

  
   
    
      
    
   
       
 
  
      
   
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
 
 
  
    

Dick, Brad, June, and I think that Chet will also become one
of my favorites. I have induced many boys in this neighbor-
hood to read “Tip Top,” and they think there is nothing like it.

I consider Burt L. Standish equal to Alger, Henty, and other
famous writers of boys’ literature. Carl Fingenfelter, another
Tip Topper, and I, are trying to get up a “Tip Top” Club, and
will use an old house for our club-rooms.

We will try and get all the boys that are “Tip Top” readers to
join, and those who do not read them we will try to influence
them to join. My files of “Tip Top” are complete ftom No. 1.
I sometimes get boys to become readers of “Tip Top” by loan-
ing them a back number. Seven boys became interested and bor-
rowed the entire set of me so they could get the complete story
and are now enthusiastic readers. One boy told me he had
written a letter to the Applause and it was never published and
he believed the letters were fakes. I told him that I would
write and find out, as I thought they were genuine.

As I have never seen any letters in the Applause from this
place, I hope to see this one there. Paut BuNION,

A Loyal Tip Topper.

We print your letter, not that we may prove the genuine char-
acter of Applause, but simply on account of what you have done {
to extend the influence of “Tip Top.” We are always trying to .
improve the appearance of our famous weekly, and with the help
of such enthusiastic friends as you appear to be we can promise 4
wonderful things. And you know Burt L. Standish is giving
us such stories now as the boys never had before. We are glad 4
to print your name in the Honor Roll. a

(A letter from California.)

Having been a reader of your famous weekly for very nearly
ten years, I think I am entitled to a place in your Applause
columns.

I have been surprised a whole lot this year at the good reading
we have been getting from “Tip Tip,” and hope we will get as
good next year. It cannot be much better. Burt L. is certainly
a good writer. ;

In the ten years “Tip Top” has been published a great change
has taken place in our town. Six (6) years ago you could buy
one in any bookstore in the town at any time. Now you cannot
get even a back number; unless you order it a week ahead of
time you cannot get the latest one. I have got about ten boys
to read it in the last two months.

There is a man stopping at my place who you could not get
to read one at any price. I tried all sorts of ways to get him to
read one, but it was no go; but one night there was a friend of
mine who has been reading “Tip Top” as long as I have, and he’
began reading out loud in the parlor. Soon this man became)
very much, interested. After.my friend was through reading he
hunted up all the “Tip Tops” he could find. He is reading back |

All the characters are fine.
Chet is trying to becomé a better boy.
Yours forever,

Do not change them. I am glad ©
I will closé now. .
J. Dvr. 9%

Your account of how the man changed his mind is interesting,
but nothing new. Hundreds who have been just as set against -
cheap literature have been charmed by “Tip Top” when they be-—
gan to read it, and have marveled ever since at their stupidity
in letting so good and instructive a maghzine vane by them un-
noticed, .°'\..4

 

   
    

(A letter from Iowa.)

About a year ago in the gymnasium'1 saw one of our best’!
runners and boxers and healthy boys reading a book, I said to
him, “Why, Ned, I didn’t suppose you read novels.” He jumped
up an¢ said: “You call that a novel? That’s the ‘Tip Top,’ king
of weeklies. Have you got anything good to read to-night?
you haven't come on up home with me. I will loan you some~ |
thing.” I said, “All right,” and he gave me a “Tip Top.” De
bought them ever since then; but I want some back numbe
so please send me a catalogue of the “Tip Top Weekly” and
Medal Library. I got quite a few boys in this town to read |
“Tip Tops,” so please send me a catalogue for ae work. Please
LrEon JouNnston.

We are glad your friend convinced you, and we know yo

       
      
     
  

   

      
 
 
         
   

  
   

 
  
    
     
    

  
Sc sivab BY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pror. FourmeN: 1. When taking cross-country runs, should
I try to always breathe through my nose and not through my
mouth?

2. As I am hot training for a contest, would I be overdoing
the thing to run every day?

3. Can you tell me of a book which tells about the
etc., 1 should use while, running?

4. Should I use low-cut shoes while runhing?
any difference about my other clothing?

5. Can you tell me how tall and heavy a 1614
should be?’

6. Is exercise without apparatus ‘as beneficial as that with?

7. Can you tell me of a-book outlining a course of exercises
which I should use? Should I go through with all the exercises
it contains?

8. What muscles’ does the running high jump develop?

New York City. A Trur Tip Topper.

1. Inhale the air through the nose and exhale through the
mouth.

2. No; you should take a daily run whether you are training
or not.

3. A. G. Spalding & Co., of New York, issue a ten-cent hand-
book on running which will give you detailed information on
the subject. ;

4. Yes. Dress as lightly as possible,

5. This varies with the individual.

6. Yes, in some cases. It is a good plan to alternate one’s
exercises.

7. My own ace

“form,”

Does it make

“Physical Health Culture,” will give you

_ what you want.

_ 8. The leg and thigh muscles.

Pror. FourMEN: Being a constant reader of Trp Top, I take
the liberty of asking you a few questions. Age, 14 years;
height, 5 feet 5 inches; weight, 115 pounds; neck, 1234 inches;
chest, normal, Re inches; expanded, 30 inches; waist, 25 inches;
biceps, | normal, 834 inches; expanded, 10% inches; hips, 28
inches ; thighs, 18 inches; calves, 13% inches. Is the two-meal a
day plan better than three meals a day? ATHLETE.
_. Princes Bay,

If you stick to the two meal a day plan you wll: feel much bet-
ter. Exercise daily with dumb-bells and Indian clubs.

Pror, FourMEN: Being a reader of Trp Top,’I take the liberty
‘b te, ask a féw questions. I'am 19 years of age; height, 5 feet
Ee inches; weight, 116 pounds, stripped. I am kind of weak.
What would you advise me to do to increase my weight?
_ Lynn, Mass. Jesse J.
Eat plenty of fattening food and take a course of regular exer-
cises with dumb-bells and Indian clubs.

(A letter from Indiana.) 4
As I am interested in football, I thought I
I am 12 years old, 4 feet 2

-Pror. Fourmen:
would send me my ‘measurements.

4-year-old boy

~ PROF. FOU RMEN

 

 

 

and weigh, with clothes on, 70 pounds; waist, 23
inches; chest, expanded, 23 inches; biceps, 9
8 inches; thigh, 10 inches; calf, 10 inches;

FRANK P. Kemp.

inches tall,
inches; chest, 21
inches; forearm,
neck, 10 inches.

If you play baseball this spring and during the summer, and
stay outdoors as much as possible, you ought to grow consid-
erably in the next few ruonths.

(A letter from Illinois.)

Pror. FourMEN: I have read Tip Top for a couple of years,
and I thought I would write and ask some questions. My age
is 15 years; weight, 180 pounds; height, 5 feet 8 inches;
neck, 15 inches; biceps, 12 inches; waist, 36 inches; thigh, 22
inches; ghest, normal, 36 inches; expanded, 39 inches. What |
should 2 do to get to my right weight? CHICAGO.

Eat sparingly, confining your meals to two a day, and exercise
vigorously, in a gymnasium. Take long cross-country runs,

(A letter from Indiana.) -

Please give me your opinion of my measure-
ments. I am 16 years old; weight, 124 pounds; height, 5 feet
5 inches; neck, 13 inches; chest, normal, 33 inches 5 ; expanded,
36 inches; forearms, 9% inches; biceps; normal, 9% inches; ex-
panded, 12 inches; waist, 27 inches; thighs, 18 inches calves,
13 inches. 1. How do my measurements compare with other
boys’? 2.' I have a punching-bag. How long would you advise
me to use it? A Tre Topper.

Pror. FouRMEN:

oj ; s
1. Your measurements compare very well with other boys of

your age, 2, Use the punching-bag fifteen minutes night and

morning.
Pror. Fourmen: Having read your pages of letters in the Trp
Top WEEKLY, I have decided to send you my measurements. I
am 15 years old. I am 5 feet 8 inches high; chest, contracted,
32-inches; normal, 34 inches, and expanded, 36 inches; thigl.s,
30 inches; calves, 1244 inches; biceps, 9 inches; flexed, 101% —
inches; wrists, 7 inches ; ankles, 10 inches; neck, 13 inches.’ he
have been reading your books for over four years, and like oe
better than any others that I have read.
Houston, Texas. 550 of

Exercise and regular habits will put you in good shape.

(A letter from Ohio.)

Pror. Fourmen: I have been a Tir Top reader for. two years,
and like it. I would like to have these questions answered. OTe
am a boy 16 years old. I am 5 feet 10 inches tall and weigh 160 .
pounds; chest, 36 inches, expanded, 40% inches; neck, 15%
inches; waist, 31 inches; wrist, 71% inches; forearm, 11% inches ; by

biceps, 13% inches; thighs, 21 inches ; calf, 13 inches.
Happy JAcK>

You are very well proportioned a should have no occasion |
for complaint.

 

 
 

hes;
AP.

and
nsid-

rears,
r age
ches;
hy. 22
What |
.GO.
ercise

sure-
feet,
nded,;
sy ex-
calves, |
other
advise
i,

ys of
it and

SiC de.
1e TIP.

its. I
racted,
thigl.s,
» 104
1es. I
e them
,
ihe
pe.

) years |

red. “1.

gh 160 ¢

, 15%

inches ; ie

|ACKY,

ccasion

184% inches;

_ forearm, 9 inches.
New York City.
If you usé dumb-bells and Indian clubs regularly for the next

‘year you will notice a marked improvement in your ‘physique.

calf, 12 inches ; wrist, G inches; ankle, 8 inches;
Epwarp Topp.

(A letter from New York.)

Pror. FourMEN: Being an ardent reader of your famous
weekly, Trp Top, and of the Medal Library, I thought I would
take advantage of your free advice to athletes. I am no athlete
yet, but would like to be one, as I think that I am built right
for-one. I am about 5 feet 1014 inches tall, weigh 125 pounds,
and will be 15 years old next June. I work in a shop. Do you
advise me to run to and from work every day. I take no exer-
cise of any kind. How much does. your book on athletics cost?
Louis W. Gorpon.

 

 

A run to and from the shop where you work will do you no

4 a harm. You should begin a course of exercises with dumb-bells

~ atid Indian clubs, as you must increase your weight before

your physique assumes athletic proportions. My work on physical
culture costs 10 cents, or 14-cents post-paid.

 

  
 
  
      
     
           
     
       
     
       
     
     
    

Pror. Fourmen: Having read your Tip Tor WeErEkty for a
long time, I take the liberty to ask you some questions, and give
you my mea:urements. I am 15 years of age, and weigh, 165
_ pounds in street clothes; neck, 15 inches; biceps, normal, 12
inches; expanded, 14 inches; forearm, 1114 inches; height, 5
feet 7 inches; chest, normal, 3304 inches; expanded, 37 inches;
waist, 28 inches; thighs, 21 inches; calves, 14 inches. I belong to
the Y. ME; Gas An® T hay ve been taking lessons in boxing, and am
pretty good with my “dukes.” Do you think I could become a
_ good boxer?) I can lift a 100-pound dumb-be!l off the floor and
/ put it over my head with my right hand. “Kip” SHAW.
Birmingham, Ala. ,

. - You have the right idea concerning athletic training and should
- continue the work you are doing in the Y. M. C. A. gymnasium.
‘i You seem to know how to box, and probably can give a very good
account of yourself.

(A letter from Wisconsin.)

-Pror. FourMEN: I am a steady reader of Tir Top, and think
it the best weekly published. I am also an admirer of athletics
and athletes. My age is 12 years. My weight is 80 pounds;
chest, expanded, 30 inches; neck, 11 inches; wrist, 6 inches; fore-
arm, 8 inches; biceps, 8 inches; waist, 26 inches; calves, 1134
inches ; thighs, 14 inches; height, 4 feet 9 inches. .My records
are: Running ‘broad jump, 12 feet ; standing broad jump, 6 feet;
running high jump, 3% feet; standing high jump, 2 feet. What
weight dumb-bells ought I use? J have three-pound dumb-bells.
Are they heavy enough for me? How may I strengthen’ my
JosrrH DetoreEs.

  

 

*

  

My ; , (A letter from Wisconsin.) j

Prov. FourmMen: Being a reader of the Trp Top Weexty, I
take the liberty to ask a few questions. These are my measure-
ments: Age, 17 years; weight, 141 pounds; height, 5 feet’ 81%
inches ; chest, normal, 3404 inches; expanded, 38'4 inches; waist,
iy 29" inches ; : ‘neck, 1414 inches; calves, 14% inches; biceps, 12

/ inches. How am I proportioned? Wik Dp)

  

 
 

 

     
     
        
      
 

  
 

  

{

. (A letter from New York.)

Pay FourMEN:
it is just fine.. My measurements are as follows:

ee Saki ee 5 feet 2 inches ; ee 95 Or

   

: the track.

   

My age
neck,

e IP) TOr
oir

easy Pror. Fourmen: As I have been reading Tie Top for a long
Mi time, I take the liberty to ask you a few questions. These are
", my measurements: Age, 14 years; weight, 75 pounds ; height,

er 4 feet 10 inches; neck, 13 inches; chest, normal, 28 inches ;—ex-
* — panded, 31 inches; waist, 2614 inches; biceps,-7% inches; thigh,

ou are excellently proportioned, and ought to do good pee

T am a reader of Tip Top WEEKLY, sa I

aon WILLIAMS, Station “O,” Box Eze New York cit 3

WEEKLY, — ® 31
301%4 inches; normal, 28% inches;
biceps, normal, 8% inches; expanded, 934
inches; calf, 11% inches; thigh, 17%4 inches. 1. Is horseback ri-
ue good exercise? 2. I can chin myself nine times; how is that?

I punch She. bag, chin, and run and skate a great deal; also walk
Tice: Is that good? 4. Is walking after a full meal good? 5.
What is good for a pain in the knee. W.F.S.

I. Yes; very good indeed, as it brings all the muscles into play.

2. This record is yery good.

3. These exercises ate excellent; continue them.

4. No; wait until half an hour has elapsed after eating before
walking,

5. Bathe it with arnica,

inches ;
waist, 25 inches;

1134 chest, expanded,

Pror. FourMEN: I am 15 years old; weight, 135 pounds; neck,
14 inches; chest, normal, 33 inches; expanded, 36 inches; waist,
31% inches; calves, 14 inches; biceps, 20 inches ; forearm, 10%
inches; biceps, 12 inches. .My height is 5 feet 614 inches.

Dallas, Texas. ARTHUR BAUGH.

Dumb-bell exercise and the use of Indian clubs for a few
months will show considerable improvement in your physique.

Pror. FourMEN: [I am a constant reader of Tre Tor, and I

should like to know if I am well proportioned. My measurements ©

are as follows: Height, 5 feet 834 inches; weight, 150 pounds;
biceps, 13 inches; chest, normal, 34 inches; expanded, 37 inches;
waist, 31 inches; thighs, <2 inches, and calves, 15 inches. I am
not quite 15 years old.

San Francisco, Cal. A CALIFORNIAN.

You are as well proportioned as most boys of your age; in
fact, better than the majority. ”

Pror. FourMEN: Being a reader of the Tip Tor Weexry I
will take the liberty of asking you a few questions in regard to
my measurements. Age, 16 years, 6 months; weight, 148 pounds;
height, 5 feet 8 inches; chest, 3114 inches; expanded, 34% inches;
forearm, 10% inches; biceps, 1014 inches; flexed, 12 inches; thigh,
20 inches; calf, 14% inches. Where can I get necessary goods
for a gymnasium ? A MERRIWELL STAND-BY.

Houstonia, Mo. ;

Your proportions should not cause you to worry. You are a
pretty good chunk of a boy. If you write to A. G. Spalding &
Co., New York, a complete catalogue of all their sporting goods
will be sent you.

Pror. FourmEen: I am 16 years old; weight, 120 pounds; height, |

5 feet 5 inches; waist, 28 inches; ‘chest, normal, 27 inches; ex-

panded, 30% inches ; thigh, 20 inches ; calf, 14 inches ; neck, 1244)))

forearm, 9% inches; biceps, 6 inches; expanded, 10
wrist, 6% inches. I rise*at 6 A. M. and retire at 11 P. M.

inches;
inches ;

I work in a factory, and my only exercise is running. Is coffee _

harmful three times a day? What must I do to. increase -
weight? Ray STAATS.
Albany, N. Y.

Make it a point to get eight hours’ sleep every night.

drinking as you peo yourself to indulge in.

Eat plain, whole-
some food. \

}

 

 

 

GRE SENBACKS

3 packs and a year's Soe

WAD you carry Cr A TCHOLS, JR.,

FINE SOUVENIR POSTAL CARDS

in colors, 25 cents. Tinseled, 10\cents extra. Ten Photo Comics, 25 cents.

BOX 59, CHILI, N. ¥.
from the city of Buffalo, New

 

Address

Give up-
, coffee, or your netves will soon feel the effects of such excessive

Pack of $1,376 Imitation Bills and
Boy's Magazine, 3 months for roc; —
Send for a pack and show the boys what a

York Ten handsome views —

   
  
    
   
   
   
   
    
  
 

 
       
         
     
    
     
            
       
       
     
       
     
       
     
       
      
     
      
    
   

CHARLES H. REIPE, 400 WILLIAM STREET, eee N. Ye Tee

 

Po obec nove

 
 
  
      
 

If you have any ei these numbers,

 
 
  
  
 
  
    
    
    
 
    
   
  
    
  

ae 549—Frank Merriwell’s Kodakers;

   
   
     
    
 

  

 

 

   

ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY

HANDSOME

COLORED COVERS

 

Never has Burt L. Standish written such interesting tales of the
adventures of the Merriwell brothers, Frank and Dick, as are now appear-

ing in this weekly.

he is putting forth his best efforts to amuse and entertain them.
you have no idea of what a etand feast he is preparing for you,
Top’s stories are going to astonish you,

CENTS PER COPY.

PRICE FIVE

Mr. Standish has a world-wide circle of friends and)

Boys,
Tip

Do not fail to buy this libratyery “

7 y

For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postpaid, by the publishers upon receipt of price in money or postage stamps

 

 

HERE ARE THE

,539—Dick Merriwell’s Check; or, The Hot Bunch From
Happy Camp.
540—Dick Merriwell’s Sacrifice;

Told.
_541—Dick Merriwell’s Heart;
Luck Streak.

or, Team Work That

or, Breaking the Hard

New Auto; or, The Lure to

                         

/ Destruction. _
543—Frank Merriwell’s Pride;
at Pineville.
544—Frank Merriwell’s Young Winners;
_ in the Blue Hills.
§45—Dick Merriwell’s Lead;
Place. .
546—Dick Merriwell’s ve or, On the Right Road
At Last.
647—Dick Merriwell’s Top Notch; or,
Fate, and Scheming.

or, The Double-Header

or, Bound to Hold First

Against Odds,

548—Frank Merriwell’s Kids; or, The World Beaters In

New York.
or, Hunting Big
Game Without Guns. |
5$0—Dick Merriwell, Freshman; or, First Days at Yale.
'§51—Dick Merriwell’s, Progress; or, The First Chance
on the Field. |
'§52—Dick Merriwell, Half-back;
! Game at Last.
§53—Dick Merriwell’s Resentment ;
His Honor. |

or, Getting into the

or, In Defense of

§54—Dick Merriwell Repaid; or, The Heart of Officer

Maloney.

 

-or, The Stars’

 

LATEST TITLES:

555—Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power;

Game at New Haven.
556—Dick Merriwell’s “Push” ;
“Flying Mare.”
557—Dick Merriwell’s Running ;
chanics’ Hall.’

;

or, The Great

or, The Victim of the | -

or, The Meet at Me-— j ie

558—Dick Merriwell’s Joke; or, Fun with oe Jumping

Frenchman.

559—Dick Merriwell’s Seven; or, The Saath ‘That Made

the Regulars “Go acts
560—Dick Merriwell’s. Partner; or,
Texas.

The Boy ‘homes iy

561—Dick Merriwell in the Tank; or, Rushing the Regu-

lars at Water Polo.

562—Frank Merriwell’s Captive; or, The Folly

ter Arlington.

r of Ches4

563—Frank Merriwell’s Trailing; or, The Flight of a

Fool.
504—Frank Merriwell’s Talisman;
Cocheta.
50@-F rank , Merriwell’s
Would\ Be Bad.
566-—Frank Merriwell’s Intrusion ;
Who Won.

lorse ;

567—Frank Merriwell’s Bluff; or, The Lost Seiiorita of mt e

Sonora.

or, The Charm of ©
or, The Boy his

., Warner, ‘the ‘ies

568—Dick Merriwell’s Regret ; or, The Friend He Never a

Knew.

569—Dick Merriwell’s ‘Silent Work ;
Hand for a Foe.

\

or, A Helping e

If you want any back numbers of our libraries and cannot procure them from your newsdealers, ac
be obtained from this office direct. Postage stamps taken the same as money. |

  

    
  
 

 

 
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ones, ” TIP TOP WEEKLY * ina
Numbers of the Secured
a 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 adventures are entirely out of stock and will not be reprinted.
These numbers, however, were published in the Medal Library beginning
with No. 150 which 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 MEDAL LIBRARY
AT $0 CENTS AT 10 CENTS

‘rank Merriwell’s Own Company.
‘rank Merriwell’s Fame

‘rank Merriwell’s College Chums.
‘rank Merriwell’s Problem.

‘rank Merriwell’s Fortune.

‘rank Merriwell’s New Comedian.
‘rank Merriwell’s Prosperity.
‘rank Merriwell’s Stage Hit.

150—Frank Merriwell’s Schooldays. I
167—Frank Merriwell’s Chums. I
178—Frank Merriwell’s Foes. I
184—Frank Merriwell’s Trip West. I
189—Frank Merriwell Down South. 1
193—Frank Merriwell’s Bravery. I
197—Frank Merriwell’s Hunting Tour. I
201—Frank Merriwell in Europe. t
205—F rank Merriwell at Yale. ‘rank Merriwell’s Great Scheme.
209—Frank Merriwell’s Sports Afield. ‘rank Merriwell in England.
‘rank Merriwell’s Races. 344—Frank Merriwell on the Bo::levards.
t
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‘rank Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour. ‘rank Merriwell’s Duel.
‘rank Merriwell’s Courage. ‘rank Merriwell’s Double Shot
‘rank Merriwell’s Daring. ‘rank Merriwell’s Baseball Victories.
‘rank Merriwell’s Athletes. ‘rank Merriwell’s Confidence.
‘rank Merriwell’s Skill. ‘rank Merriwell’s Auto.
‘rank Merriwell’s Champions. ‘rank Merriwell’s Fun.
‘rank Merriwell’s Return to Yale. ‘rank Merriwell’s Generosity.
‘rank Merriwell’s Secret. ‘rank Merriwell’s Tricks.
‘rank Merriwell’s Danger. ‘rank Merriwell’s Temptation.
‘rank Merriwell’s Loyalty. ‘rank Merriwell on Top.
-Frank Merriwell in Camp.
‘rank Merriwell’s Vacation. NEW MEDAL LIBRARY
‘rank Merriwell’s \Tuise. AT 15 CENTS. (Increased Size)
‘rank Merriwell’s Chase.
‘rank Merriwell in Maine. 1
‘rank Merriwell’s Struggle. ‘rank Merriwell’s Mascot.
‘rank Merriwell’s First Job. , ‘rank Merriwell’s Reward.
‘rank Merriwell’s Opportunity. 389—F rank Merriwell’s Phantom.
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‘rank Merriwell’s Luck

‘rank Merriwell’s Hard Luck. ‘rank Merriwell’s Faith.
‘rank Merriwell’s Protégé. ‘rank Merriwell’s Victories.
‘rank Merriwell on the Road. ‘rank Merriwell’s Iron Nerve.

STREET & SMITH, Publishers, NEW YORK |

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