LARGEST WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA

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Issued Weekly. | By subscription $2 $2.3 50 per year. Entered as Second-class Matter at the x. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79- “89 Seventh Ave. N. ¥.

No. 552 NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 10, 1906.

 

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sie STAN DE: aS ate? ma

Who could fill his place?
An electric thrill shot over Dick Merriwell, for he was summoned.

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Cameron was heard protesting weakly as they assisted him from the field.
Hurlburt made a signal.

 
 
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Issued Weekly. By subscription $2.50 per year.

Wo. 552.

Entered as Second-class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-89 Seventh Avenue,
N.Y. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1906, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C.

NEW YORK, November 10, 1906.

Price Five Cents.

 

CHAPTER I.
THREE LOAFERS AND A DOG.

_ The Indian summer sunshine was warm out there
at the base of East Rock where three lads lay
ie sprawled on the grass, each and all the personification
of care-free laziness. l
Near at hand stood an open lunch basket, and about
_ the trio were scattered remnants of the basket’s con-
tents. One tall, lanky chap shifted his position, rolled
ee. grunted, and then fished a ginger ale bottle from
beneath his back, tossing it aside. :
“*Thy bed shall be of stones and thy pillow
‘ock,’” he mumbled.
; “Shut up, Blessed,” said the smallest chap. “I was
ust getting to sleep—just beginning to dream s sweet

 
 
   
  

 

    
   
   
 

“ ‘The young. men shall see visions, ahd the old men
hall dream eater ” droned Jones, lifting his head

  

ipo at Mertiwell. Behold the pacific expression on

s handsome face.

 

 

I should say that he is seeing

Dick Merriwell, Halfback

OR,
Getting into the Game at Last.

 

By BURT L. STANDISH.

 

\

“T was,” confessed Dick. “It’s gone now. When

you spoke I was thousands of miles away. That hill

was the Rockies, and this was Peaceful Valley. The
birds were singing, and Old Joe Crowfoot. was smo-
king his pipe at my side.”

“Who's

“Old Joe what-foot ?” questioned Jones.
ae ? Where’s him?”
\ “He was my one-time mentor and guide. Old Joe

was a full-blooded Indian, and he sought to make an
Indian of me in spirit, if not in blood. He came pretty
near succeeding, too, and he gave me the name of
‘Injun Heart.”

“Hum!” grunted Jones. * “Never heard about that

before. Don’t suppose a were adopted into the tribe, |

were you?”

“One of the peculiar things about Old Joe,” said
Dick, “was that he was a hernfit. He was self-exiled
from his own people. Solitary and alone, he lived
amid the mountains and on the plains. For some rea-
son, he took a liking to me and sought to teach me the
things he knew in woodcraft, hunting, fishing, canoe-

ing, and ig He aera to fancy me an apt

a

ee

 

setae ae

        
   
   
 
  
 

2

pupil. I suppose I was at the right age to learn
quickly, and only for the unexpected appearance of
‘my brother, whose existence had hitherto been un-
known to me, I might have developed into something
quite different from what you see me now.”

“Wow! wow!” whooped Tommy Tucker, sitting up.

“I see you in fancy a squaw man, squatting over a

_ tepee fire, with a copper-skinned mate doing the house-
work and spanking the pappooses. Oh, ginger! Think
of Richard Merriwell, of umpty-ten, the pride of his
class, the freshman candidate for the ‘varsity team,
eating dog stew at a redskin picnic. Dear me! it’s
perfectly shocking.”

“There was something strangely fascinating about
that old life,” murmured Dick. “Sometimes I feel the
call ‘of the wild in my blood. [’ve got a touch of it

to-day. The woods yonder, the open country, the sun-
shine, and the languor it brews have carried me back
to those by-gone days.” |

“What's become of the old Injun?”’ stunted Jones.

“Crowfoot?”

eves.”

“I don’t know where he is now,” answered Dick.
“How the old man hated Frank! He had no love for
any paleface save me, and he was bound to make an
_ Indian of me. He scorned the white man’s ways and
the white man’s schools. When he learned it was
-Frank’s intention to take me away to a school, Old
Joe decided that there was only one way to prevent it.
He determined to kill my brother.” |

“Whoop!” cried Tucker. “Old ae to the war- path!
Old Joe out for scalps!”

“There was no joke ‘about it with Crowfoot,”
smiled Dick, who had rolled over and was resting on
one elbow, with his head supported on his hand.
“Crowfoot meant business. “
kill Frank, and three times Frank baffled him. I don’t
know just how it came about, but in the end my
brother won the respect of Joe Crowfoot, and in a
_ way they became friends. Still, Old Joe was not
Sa mceuiient to the thought of losing me, and he was
confident. that life ina white man’s school would cause

< me to degenerate and become utterly worthless as a

real man. My brother has a way of persuading those
we who oppose him, and he used his perstiasion effectively
on Crowfoot. Old Joe came East and saw me at Far-
dale. He saw me play baseball and football, and
‘finally I fancy he concluded that the white man’s
school was 1 not bores going to ruin me, after all

 

 

ee ERR

Three times he tried to!

  

, that for some chap who really. deser ves it, but a amg

WEEKLY.

a and then 4 broke foal wid: an = int
: re oes, nearer and nearer. Aah we

          

    

came the greatest baseball fan and football crank
imaginable. One thing was hard for him to under-
stand, and that is why we didn’t kill and scalp our
antagonists when we conquered them in a football

a}
Ey

 

scrimmage. A good hot scrimmage woke him up for
fair. I’ve known him to break up a cheering squad by

his war-whoops on more than one occasion. That he
finally became converted to the practical wisdom
taught in the white man’s schools was proven by the
fact that some months ago he brought his grandson,
Young Joe Crowfoot, to my brother at Bloomfield and
placed Young Joe in Frank’s hands to be given an ,
education. | 4

of
ey
i
]

cer

That Indian is a wiz, fellows. Never knew any |
one to study as hard or to make such progress as he.
Some day you’re going to see him right here in Yale.
No, he’s not going to Carlisle, It’s Yale for him, oe
less he quits before he fits himself. And let me tell —

ve

  

        
      
 

 
 

     
    

  

   
  

   
 

      
     
  

  

    

  

   
 
 
  

  
  
  

you that he’ll cut some ice in both football and bases,’ a a
ball if he ever gets here. He won't shirk the way ’m* — 4
shirking to-day. I have no business here, fellows. t :
should be out on the field with the rest of the bunch, » mek
but I couldn’t resist the temptation when Tucker pro-, ee a
posed this expedition. I felt a longing to get away 4
out into the cae Ge where I could flirt with Mother. fee
Nature. Here 1 am.’ :
“And verily I say unto you, ‘it’s a good ching Be .
you to take a day off once in a while,” spoke. Jones. af
“As a football wiz you’ve created a sensation, but no -
one realizes better than I that you’re a blamed greasy a
grind. You don’t give yourself time enough to rae
breathe. From studies or classes you hustle to th aay
field, and from the field you hustle back to studies or bs
classes. You cram like a fiend. What do you ‘think oo
you're going to do? Have an idea you’ re going to on
take the class. prize? Got your covetous ayes Pie i ee

that, hey?”
blot Ij" laughingly answered Dick.

  

    

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7 work I work; when I play I give and when I

   
 

  

 
    

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a

ments. ‘There he is on that tree-trunk, head down,
tail twitching, eyes on you, Merriwell.”

Dick continued to call.

The squirrel left the tree and hopped along the
ground.

Motionless as stones, Tucker and Jones watched un-
til Dick called the furry little fellow within reach of
his very hand. Young Merriwell talked to the squir-
rel in a language that was strange to the ears of his
friends. He picked a piece of cake from the basket
and fed the squirrel.

Finally Tucker moved, and, with a chattering
shriek, the squirrel fled to the nearest tree,

“Thunder! said Tommy, “I’ve seen them like that
in parks, but never knew ’em to be so tame elsewhere.”

Dick smiled.

“T don’t think that one was what you might call
tame,” he said. “I used to have a faculty for calling
squirrels and birds and wild creatures in general, but I
can’t do it now as well as I did once.”

A lank, scraggy, degenerate-looking mongrel dog
came skulking out of the woods and paused to survey
«hem suspiciously.

“Come,
looks I

“Come here, old boy,” called Dick gently.
sir, you’re just in time for lunch.
should say you needed it.”

The dog seemed afraid at first, but it advanced

By: vour

i _ slowly, wagging its tail, its eyes fastened on Dick.

“Walk right up, old chap,” laughed Merriwell.

, “You look like an outcast, but I’m always sympathetic

with outcasts. We've got a lot of grub here that we
don’t need. Come, boy. Take this delicate morsel

and stow it away.”
_ Ina moment he was feeding the dog,
gulped down cake and sandwiches in a ravenous man- ©

and the beast

ner that plainly indicated its famishing condition.

“Poor brute,’ muttered Dick. “Homeless, I should

 

 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 

“say. Turned out into a cold, unfeeling world, with
_ winter near at hand.”

A He patted the dog and stroked its ears.
' “TI wonder what there is that’s devilishly wicked in

said Tucker. “You know they claim that the

 

  

_ wickeder a man is the tenderer he becomes toward ani-

 

 

mals,” “

  
       
        
    
     
 

  

 
 

‘reported from the lips of ‘They Say,’

_ “That’s just as sensible as scores of other things
” smiled Dick.

“No two men are alike. Just because some dissolute

ward S hirnale must be dissolute wretches ? There. old
y, you've cle aned that stuff up in fine shape.

y

- against the blue sky.

4

Nota

 

TIP: “TOP WEEKLY. 3

scrap left. That’ll carry- you over until to-morrow.
On your way.”

But the dog was in no hurry to leave. Instead of
that, having found a friend and satisfied the hunger
that had been gnawing at its vitals, the beast seemed
inclined to slobber over Dick.

“Ten to one he’s got fleas,” grumbled Blessed.
“Keep him at bay, Richard, or you'll get em. If you
get ’em, I’ll get ’em. Never was a flea yet that didn’t
take a bite out of me if he could reach me. Keep off,
you mongrel—keep your distance!”

But the dog had no desire to make friends with any

one save Merriwell, and it finally curled up on the

i ground near Dick, resting its muzzle on its paws and
' watching its benefactor out of sleepy eyes.

“You've got a dog on your hands now, Dick,”
chuckled Tucker.. “What you going to do with him?

‘ You'll have to provide a home for him, sure as fate.

You'll be proud of him, too. Isn’t he a beauty! If
you send him to the Dog ae he'll get the blue rib-
bon—or a dose of arsenic.’

“I’m not worrying,” said Merriwell. “It’s given
me some satisfaction to do him a friendly turn and
appease his hunger. You know the old saying that
‘The friendship of a dog is better seas its enmity.’
Oh, this is fine, fellows—fine!’’

He lay upon his stomach, with his arms folded upon
the ground and his cheek resting upon them.

Crickets fiddled in the brown grass. A reckless bee,
tolled abroad by the summerlike balm, buzzed past.
The squirrel sat on a limb and scolded nervously at
the dog. And above them, at the pinnacle of the mon-
ument on the rock, Peace held. her branch poised
And peace lay in their hearts.

 

CHAPTER If. '
THE SLEEPER WAKES.

In a desultory way their conversation switched to
athletics. Tucker chuckled gleefully as he recalled the
disappointment and dismay a Ditson and his follow-
ers on the night when the class elected Jones captain
of the nine.

“He! he! he!” snickered Tommy. “Dit’s the sorest
fellow in New Haven. He thought he had that thing
cinched.”

“He thought I wasn’t onto his game,” said Dick,

“when he sent Du Boise to me at the meeting with a r
proposition that I should withdraw in favor of Robin-
I haven’t got anything agate, Kebiaeia. but I Se

son.

  

—

     
4 , TIP TOP WEEKLY.

suspected that Ditson held Rufe in the hollow’ of his
hand, and I foresaw that Robinson would duck and
leave Dunc a clear field. I told Du Boise I would
withdraw, but I didn’t tell him that I would withdraw
I fancy I like Ditson quite as much
as he likes me. There’s no love lost between us. |
didn’t believe him the man to captain the nine. I did
believe Blessed was the man, and Blessed is it.”
“And He extended his arm unto me in the hour of
my need and gave me strength, and I was lifted up,’”
quoted Jones. “All the same Dick, you were the
man of the hour and the man of the class. Of course,
there are a few soreheads left to blackguard you be-

in favor of Rufe.

hind your back, but you did a great stunt in the prac- |

tise game that day. And when a man like Billings
says a candidate looks like good material for the
eleven, it means something. That's just what Bill-
ings did say.”

“Ves; he said so!” cried Tucker. ‘‘But ‘there’s
~ something I don’t understand. Why weren’t you with
the team or the substitutes in the game, Saturday,
Metriwell ?”

“They didn’t need me,’”’ answered Dick quietly.
Gee. bidnt need you? Great Scott! They need the

best men they can firid to make up the team, don’t
they °”’

“They’re after the best men they can find. It was a

”)

safe thing for any one to bet that we would take Sat-.

- urday’s game, That was the time to try out the raw
material. You noticed that twenty men participated
in that game for Yale before it was over.’

“That’s all right,”

Dick.”

“Oh, “I don't think so. They say there hasn’t been
Nas ae material to choose from in years as there is
this season. It'll be a case of the survival of the fit-

test, and I’m willing to take my chances.. I hope no-
_ body will think I’ve quit because I didn’t show up to-
eWay. }
- Tayoff. - 7 .
_ “The sophs are not sles much of. a show, ” ob-

served Jones. “Their only promising man seemed to

be McGregor, and he fizzled Saturday.”

ey | SHe’s one of Pet Cunningham’s intimates, I be-
said Tucker. “By the way, Dick, I hear that
Big Pet, still has it in for you.’ The whole soph class.

| pre on us. ee i we need a vee aes

e lieve,”

tered.
_Merriwell is the most restless chap I ever knew. It’s

said Tucker doggedly, “but you

should have been given a chance with the rest. I
‘think there’s somebody trying to mol you down,

V’ll be all ‘the better to-morrow for this ee s

“Vain words shall come from the lips of thine
enemy, but his meaty and his boasting shall be idle
and avail him not,’ ”’ chanted Jones.

“Oh, those sophs would like to ‘haze us if they
dared,” grinned Tucker. “If they ever get a good op-
portunity, we'll catch it.”

“Tt behooves us to be on guard,”

Dick sat up again.

“T’ve loafed about as long as I can,’
got to climb that rock. I’m going up there to the
monument. Come on, fellows.”

Jones moved slightly and surveyed the rocky hill.

“Not for me,” he said. “I wouldn't think of wast-
ing my energy in that manner.” i

“But I’m going,’ insisted Dick. “I want com-
pany—and evidently I’m going to have it.” :
For the dog, opening his eyes at Merriwell’s first

nodded Blessed.

he said. “‘I’ve~

move, likewise rose and stood waiting, wagging its @

tail.
“T’m with you!” cried Tucker, jumping up.
leave this slothful wretch where he is.
on our way back.’

We'll

We'll find him i 4 .

said Jones, settling himself into a

“That suits me,” Se
“ll snooze a bit |

still more comfortable position.
while you're gone.”
He watched them as they departed. aah
“Strange how some people can’t be genuinely lazy -
for more than five or ten minutes at a time,” he mut-
“Now I feel as if I could lie here for a week,

a wonder to me that he ever wastes time enough
sleep o’ nights. I was astonished when he agreed t
come out here and do a little loafing to-day. He’s al
ways doing something, and he makes ee at is
ever he tries to do. Um-mum!. I'm sleepy.”
Se Le yawned, closed his eyes, and ey a | minute
was sound asleep. ; Eas
He was awakened by. the toe of a boat inserte
with no slight vigor beneath his ribs,
_ “Er-yah!” he grunted. “Stop kicking! —
half the bed. What's matter, hey? Ouch!” |
The exclamation had been br Baty ee —

You

| “upon Bink ah encompass him: about

 
 

   

i. Lik. TOR
: ‘ now he saw that the one who had aroused him with
- that rude foot was Big Pet Cunningham. Discover-
‘ae ing this, Blessed added :
yt ae ““And Satan, came, also.’ ”’
\- 7

|

q CHAPTER IIL.
one JONES IS TICKLED.

i Cunningham grinned.

q “Isn’t he a bird, fellows! he exclaimed, with an
| intonation of derision. “This is ~~ chap the freshies
oe elected captain of their great nine.’

a. “You mean this is the chap Dick Merriwell elected

n- ff captain,’ said Crank Harvey, who was smoking a
4 cigarette. “Dick Merriwell seems to be the whole

tome freshman class.”

its 1. . A sandy, freckled-faced, hard-jawed chap observed:

foe “Merriwell is beginning to think he’s the whole col-

Abe lege,”

thee Blessed grunted:

“Hello, Greg McGregor, you clannish old Scot.
erm 2 5 What’s eating you now?”
bit ba At this the freckled chap looked ugly and retorted:

| “You were right, Pet. These freshies must be
trimmed. They’re positively insolent, and we. must

zy | show them their places. We've let them drift along
ut- too much already, not wishing to soil our hands on

them.”

“Oh, those are ere little paws of yours!” re-
turned Jones, with a glance toward McGregor’s huge,
square hands. “T shodid think you d be afraid of soil-
~ ing them!”

There was @ positively vicious g
eyes, :

“You'll be very polite and humble before we're
through with you, freshie,” he. ahieimatibed:
Cunningham lifted his foot as if contemplating

_ kicking Jones again.

_. Quick as a flash Blessed caught that foot, and a mo-
fe “ment later Cunningham was abtanting on the ground.
no Laat 3 right,” said Jones, “sit down and be com-
sith le.” ue 3

glare in McGregor’s

 
 

 
 

f into the freshman, ‘hammer and COTM No
| “Hold on, Pettinger,”
you're not after his scalp.
one else’s.
and ‘decline to ngtve information.” | {

 
  

cautioned one of the fellows,
-You’re looking for, some

 
 
         
  

    

in a high society, Canning,”

WEEKLY. | z

torted :

Big Pet gave a snarl and Metta inclined to (itohs
a moment ago.”
If you punch him, he may get obstinate _

1 freak? eke ie
said Jones. 4 ee

    
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
    
  
 
  
  
  
     
  
  
   
    
  
  
  
  
 
    
        
     
       
       
      
 
    
   
    
     
    
   
 
 

don’t suppose you’ve forgotten a certain pleasant eve-
ning down in an old warehouse near the railroad. I
assure you J never enjoyed anything quite so much in
all my life.”

Cunningham’s face grew red, as these words re-
called the night that he, aided by the treacherous
freshmen, Ditson and Dagett, had ensnared Merriwell,
who was decoyed into the old warehouse by a false-
hood and then forced to meet the bully of the sophs in
a fist fight. Thoroughly aroused by the dirty trick
perpetrated upon him, Merriwell had shown Cunning-
ham no mercy, and the brief encounter terminated
abruptly when Pettinger was knocked out.

Cunningham had hated Merriwell before that; after
that his hatred was doubly increased. But now this
hatred was tempered by a certain amount of fear and
respect, and for some time he had made no move
against the popular man of the new class.

On this day, however, some one.had told Cunning-
ham that Dick and two friends were going out to East
Rock. Although afraid to haze freshmen to any great
extent in the vicinity of the college, this opportunity
to get even with an enemy outside the city limits had
appeared too good for Big Pet himself. Which ex-
plains his appearance in company with Harvey, Mc-
Gregor and a collection of congenial and sympathetic
comrades sufficient. to Soetebelin the trio of freshies.

The three lads had been traced out there to the edge
of the old ball field, and Jones had been discovered
sleeping near the trees at the base of the rock.

‘But where was Merriwell?
Cunningham put this question to Jones, who re- |

"Ask the rocks and read the answer written upon pe
them. Ask the winds, and they shall reply.’ ”

“Shut up that rot!” growled Big Pet. “You make
me sick with yen Methodist face and Methodist ee
son sing-song.”’

  
 

is

“Beg pardon,” wad Blessed, “I’m a Baptist. Bap-
tist till I die! Baptist, Baptist till I die! TU hab a
home in glory, by-and-by,” he hummed.

“You'll ‘hab a home in glory’ before your time if
you're not a little more respectful,” said Harvey.
“Better be careful. ~Pet won’t stand everything.”

“I noticed that,” said Jones. a noticed he sat dowa |

“Come, Cunningham,” said hicCroe tardy,
“why are we ee so much time ens with th

  
    
 

ae if ‘thy mutual | nderstanding, Cunning nd
    

  

6 ae POR

 

Harvey each clutched Jones by a shoulder and jerked

him to his feet. ,

“Thank you ever so much,” said Blessed. “Saved
me the trouble of getting up. You're very kind.”

“Now, look here,” rasped Big Pet, shaking his huge
fist under Jones’ nose, whereupon Blessed sniffed, made
a wry face and closed his nostrils with a finger and
thumb, “you’d better answer my questions and answer
them straight!”

“Say,” said Jones gently, “why don’t you use kreso
or sulphur napthol when you bathe? Or, if you don’t
bathe, why don’t you try a good scented soap when
you have to wash your hands ?”

'That was too much for Cunningham, and he would
have hit the freshman had not McGregor grasped his
wrist. Big Pet frothed for a few moments, but his

friends soothed him, and the Scotchman took up the
role of questioner.

okey re not going to fool with you at all, freshie,”’

e said.

ae nice,” muttered Blessed; “but I don’t see
how you’re going to help acting natural. For a grand
aggregation of silly ones Pll recommend the class of
umpty-nine.”

“We were not looking’ for you in particular,” ex-
plained Greg.

“And I’m sure I wasn’t looking for you.”

“We want to see Merriwell.”

“You have my permission.”

“Will you tell us where he is ?”

“Perhaps I would if I knew.”

“You came out here with him.”

SDid/ 122 | bai

“We know you did.”

“That settles it.’’

“Where is he now ?”

“You hurt me, Gregory—indeed, you do,” said
Jones, with a pretense of great sadness. ‘You seem to
think I would prevaricate. You seem to think I would
lie. How can you be so cruel! Haven’t I just said
_~ that I don’t know where Merriwell is?”

. “Lie!” snapped McGregor. “You'd lie like a dea-
- con, and there never was one who een: lie, espe-
cially ina horse trade.” halts

“You don’t seem to be doing much bebeer than I

did, Greg,” said Cunningham. -
“Tt’s a waste of breath!” exclaimed Harvey,
_ propose different methods.”

 
 

ob

 

expose my Trilby in all its blushing nakedness.”

Indeed, all this ‘brow-beating had arian no re-_ hel, he! Say, stop it! Say, quit! Oh, ho-ho! ho-ho!””

| t, and fants seemed not a seh Bist bed by. cc

    
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
 
    
  
  
   
  
 
 
  

WEEKLY.

  

McGregor began to threaten, doing his level best to
terrify the undaunted freshman.
“Don’t,” nore Blessed mockingly.
pale I am.’
“Swill-pail,”” mocked one of the fell Ows. 4
“That’s a piggish joke. Just what I would expect j
from you,” said Jones. ] ‘
“I'll cook him,” threatened Harvey. i
“Better crawl into the oven yourself,” advised the
freshman. “You're only half-baked.”
“Down with him and off with his shoes and stock- —
ings!” exclaimed Crank.
Jones made no resistance, for he knew he would
simply get the worst of it. He permitted them to trip
him, fling him on the grass, and remove his shoes.
“Wait a moment, gentlemen—nice, polite gentle-
men, please wait,” he entreated. ‘‘Never since my
trundle-bed days have hands other than my own re-
moved my socks. It shocks me to think any one should
contemplate it now. If I must do it, I will.” |
“Yank ‘em

|
“See how i

“Well, be lively,” commanded Harvey.
off.” |

Blessed started to remove the right sock, but paused
with a sob.

“How can I bear:to do it!” he murmured.

“TI guess you can stand it if we can,” grinned one of
the sophs. :

“Another of your polite, fine-grained, gentlemanly
jokes,” said Jones. “Of course, I can expect nothing
else from you.” — \ Be

“Come, come,” burst from Harvey, “if you don’t be sf
ee —— ‘ Pe eee

“Very well, thers well, you shameless vitae” ek
muttered Jones. “Being compelled to do so, I shall

 

 
   
       
   
       
     
 

He removed the sock.
“Now the other one,” ordered Harvey.
“That's the limit!’ groaned Blessed... =’,
But he obeyed. Lots :
. Harvey had whispered a few words to some of fez
ston Suddenly they flung themselves on the fresh-
man, pinned him flat on his back and held his legs. |
“Now,” said Harvey, kneeling at Jones’ feet, “Pm |
sure you'll be pleased to answer our questions. I know on
it will tickle you to do so.’ of
On the lapel of his coat he had been wearing. tor
feathers, blue and, white. Detaching them, he gently
applied them to the bottom of Jones’ left foot. 9

Oh, ha\ hal Ole

 
       
       
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
 

     
     
     
      
 

“Ow-wow | !” said the freshman.

 
  

  

   

“Ton't he a real jolly fellow!” mocked Harvey, con
 

   

tinuing to tickle Jones’ feet. “Just hear him laugh. It
sounds like a funeral.”

Jones squirmed and writhed in a desperate effort to
free his legs. He wiggled his toes and twisted ‘his
i ? feet, all the time shouting with forced laughter.

 

Harvey paused.

“That’s just a taste,” he said. “Now, tell us where
we can find Merriwell. I’m sure you will, you’re in

‘such a pleasant humor.”
“Oh, you wretches—you heartless wretches!
gasped Jones. “Some day I'll get back at you! Some
day I'll fix you! ‘Yea, I will gather you and blow.
upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be
melted in the midst thereof.’ ”
“Just jolly him up a little more, Crank,” urged Cun-
ningham mialiginunly, “He doesn’t seem to be in any
hurry to answer.’
“Oh, wait a minute—wait a minute!” caiiored the
captive. “Good, kind, gentlemenly gentlemen—good,
kind, polite sophs, please do not be hasty. You don’t
know what you’re doing. You're liable to have my
blood on your hands. You're liable to kill me right

here. Why, when I was a small boy the girls used to
catch me and tickle me until I had fits. One time I
| went into a fit, and it took two doctors to bring me out

eof it
_ dangerous to monkey with my ribs and play mousie-
-.- mousie under my chin, for they might throw me into a
fit from which I’d never recover. It isn’t safe to please
me too much in anything, for fear Pll have a fit.. Be-

 

 tailor’s, and he almost gave mea fit. Now, if you kill
me for that, I’ll confess. that I deserve to die. But
don’t prolong the agony.”

“Qh, shut up that talk!” miagend McGregor. “Don't

spend all this time monkeying with him, Harvey.
- Tickle him up until he squeals.
pe: | |

i ‘Harvey once more applied the faalere to Oi bot-
Sei of Jones’ feet. Blessed set his teeth in an effort
‘to hold back the sudden spasms of laughter. Every

        
     
 
   

 
 

writhe. His toes wiggled, and those boys, pinning him
down by sitting on him, felt his body quivering from
one end to the other. Finally he gave a terrible shriek

he cliffs of East Rock.

 
  
 
 

TIP TOP WEEKLY. oe

‘They wildly waved their hands in the air, gasping for

‘Then they warned those horrid girls that it was

: fore coming to college I had a suit of clothes made ata _

‘began looking around for a club or a stone or some

He'll squeal i i a

“nerve and muscle of his feet seemed to twitch and |

that way.
of. laughter that was flung back in a startled echo from >

At this point something fannie Out ‘of the
oods came two hatless, apparently terrified boys, rac

woo? escaped the dog, for the creature had oo. him and
ving madly icc the ve that was meee ve . ae

was still —y anne Merriwell.

 

     
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
   
  
 
   
   
  
  
  
  
     
        
      
         
     
       
       
     
      

breath and panting forth incoherent words.

The astonished sophs paused and looked at them.

“Merriwell!”” said one. ‘“Merriwell and Tucker!
Here they come! Why, we——”

“What’s that they’re saying ?’’ fluttered another.

“Look at that dog!’ came from’ still another, as a
dog burst forth from the timber in pursuit of the two
boys. “‘What’s the matter with him?”

“He’s frothing at the mouth!” cried Pet Cunning-
ham.

By this time the entire group was in a state border-
ing on consternation and this consternation was com- —
pleted as they heard Dick Merriwell gaspingly shout: 2

“Run! run! run! Mad dog! mad dog!” 4

CHAPTER IV.
THE ESCAPE.

That was enough. With hoarse shouts of dismay
and shrill shrieks of terror, the group of sophomores
scattered.and took to their heels. They fled as if their
very lives depended on it. Not a man of them fal-
tered or hesitated. |

Gasping for breath; Jones sat up, rose to his hands _
and knees, stared at Merriwell and Tucker, and then
took one hasty look at the dog, Foam covered the
creature’s muzzle, and its tongue lolled forth from a _
hideous mouth that thredtened the most horrible of
deaths. Its eyes seemed red with the glare of mad-—
ness, and its short hair bristled along its back. — SPE ;
ently it was in hot pursuit of Dick. i

“Run—for God’s sake run, Merriwell!” cried fnae 3
as he scrambled up, forgetting shoes and socks, and

 

 

weapon of defense. Failing to discover anything of —
the sort, and, realizing his helplessness to contend with
a mad dog, Blessed was seized by panic, and the way ,
he covered ground with his long legs was absolutely:
marvelous. | i eS

_*To the left! to the left!”

He seemed to hear Dick utter these words, aa be

lieving Merriwell saw some place of refuge in the thin |
timber to the left and beyond the road, Jones tiene

 
 
  
   
     
  

Casting a look over his anit | be was astounded
to see that Tucker had halted and was gathering up
something from the ground. “Apparently Tucker had

    
  
  

 

   
me ue eee

“Me to a tree!’’ palpitated Blessed, and, singling one
out, he made for it, clasped it and began shinning. So
excited was he thaf he failed ‘to realize anything fur-
ther until something seized him by the trousers’ leg.
A thrill of horror shot through him as-he jerked that
leg free.

Evidently the dog had leaped at him and succeeded
in getting hold of his trousers. He wondered if those
poisonous teeth had touched his flesh. He wondered
if he had been innoculated by that horrible foam which
covered the beast’s muzzle. With a yell, he tried to
lift his feet higher.

Once more he was seized. This time he felt those
jaws close on his ankle, and he came near aes
from fright.

“Get out! get out! get out!” he shrieked, kicking
with his other foot. :

“Here, here, quit that!” called a voice. “Come down
here, you lunatic! Don’t waste time combi 3 tree.
We've got to sift out of this in a hurry.”

Jones became rigid and looked round over his shoes

<2. der, |
_ There was Merriwell, clutching him by the ankle.
There was the dog, not four feet away, licking foam
_ from its lips.

There came Tucker, red-faced, panting, chuckling,
carrying the basket in one hand and Blessed’s shoes
_and socks in the other.

“The dog!” said Jones weakly.
_ there’s the mad ‘dog!”

or hen Merriwell exploded.

“Look out, Dick,

‘It was too much for

him, and he shook with laughter, although Tucker.

Mi warningly exclaimed :

- “Be careful, Dick; the sophs will hear you!
~ Dick let go of Jones’ ankle and sat down on the
; ground, holding his sides.'

“Oh, ha, ha, ha, ha! Oh, ha, ha, ha,! !” he iaghad
“Look out for the mad dog! Oh, say, this is the best
one ever!” | ea
Jones began to feel indignant. He continued to
cling to the bole of the tree with one arm and a pair
of legs, but turned a bit and shook a fist toward Dick.

“You're mad, now,” he said. |

1?

As Merriwell gasped for breath, with tears ‘running

down his face, Blessed added:

“Tf you’re not, by Hec, I am!”

“Come down, Jonesy—come down,” urged Ticker.
“If we get away now, we'll be lucky, I can still see
me of the sophs | beiie it into the ay distance.
Others are hidden in the woods near here.”

nes continued to Lee the dog. The creature shok

WEEKLY.

its head and seemed to make a face as it licked. its
Then the dog ran its muzzle along the

But

foamy jaws.
ground, evidently seeking to wipe off that foam.
it displayed no desire to bite any one.

Jones slid down the tree, lowered himself at its base
and placed his back against the bole. .

“Queerest mad dog I ever saw,” he mumbled.

“Oh, ha, ha, ha!” gasped Dick, threatening to go off
again into another spasm of uncontrollable laughter.

“Here, Blessed,” said Tucker, flinging shoes and-
socks, “take care of your own stuff. We'd better get
back out of sight, fellows.”

“I think that’s right,’ admitted Dick, wiping the —
tears from Hie eyes and rising. “Come on, Jones, let's
seek cover.’

The tall chap rose wearily to his feet, placed Merri-
well between himself and the dog and accompanied
them into the cover of the timber. He clung to his
shoes and socks for all of his bewilderment. He
thought’ those shoes would be better than nothing as
weapons of defense in case the dog should once more
become violent. The twigs and hard ground hurt his
bare feet, and as soon as they were fairly under cover
he halted and looked for a comfortable place to don
socks and shoes.

Still breathing heavily, Tucker flung himself at full
length on the ground, ee Dick with amused |
admiration.

“Say, you're a corker, Merial peel rea nothieet i
chuckled the little chap. “If that wasn’t a slick one! —
If that wasn’t a dandy! Oh, won’t the fellows laugh -
when they hear this! Mad dog! mad dog!
have it.on the sophs for the rest of the term.”

““T walk in darkness, and for me there is fo light,
muttered Jones, as he drew on a sock.

739

“It was the only method I could think of to rescue ie ‘
“They had him foul, and they

Blessed,” said Dick,
were four to our one.” he
“Say,” rasped Jones, “if you don’t tell me about it, —
I’m going to hurt somebody! What was the matter
with that dog, anyhow?” OTe

“No matter at all, ” smiled Dick.

“What made him froth? y

“Soap.”

“What ?”

Soap.” ,

“T don’t understand now.’ |
“Slickest trick I ever saw,’ _ Tucker. “ve

 

Well
 

 
   
 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

é

a4

 

 

 

    
  
 
  
 

a season.
‘ ham’s bunch in particular.”

‘the dog.

Tried to think of some way to
Dick got the idea. Oh,

you to take it alone.
save you. I’d never thought.
ginger, but it was delicious!”

“Well, why don’t you explain?” snarled Blessed, in
unspeakable exasperation. “I saw you coming, run-
ning for your lives, with that dog behind you, its
mouth and breast literally covered with foam. You
relled ‘Mad dog!’ \Everybody ran. 1 got a move on,
too.”

“T should say you did,”
hadn’t tried to climb that tree, I
Never saw anybody get

nodded Dick. “If you
don’t believe we'd
been able to catch you at all.
over the ground the way you did.. On my word, you
seemed to cover ten feet every stride. And even when
I did reach you you kept'on shinning the tree, though
[ called to you over and over. The only way I stopped
you was by grabbing your leg, and then you came near
kicking my ‘head off. Remember, when we were start-
ing out to-day I slipped a cake of soap into my pocket?
Thought we might want to wash our hands, so I took
it along.” ,

“Um!” grunted Jones, “I remember.”

“Happened to think of that soap. Had a bottle ss
witch hazel in my pocket. Been using it on my ankle.
You know I turned my ankle in practise. Witch hazel
and soap make a good lather. Plenty of lather pasted
over a dog’s muzzle and breast make him look de-
cidedly dangerous. But it’s plain the poor beast didn’t
like the taste of soap and witch hazel. It was rather
hard on you, boy, but you helped us get Jones out of a
bad scrape, and he ought to be grateful.” ;

Dick patted the dog’s head, and the creature gave
him a look of affection.

Jones was silent for some moments.

“You'll excuse me for not laughing,” he finally said,
“but I cracked my face while Harvey was tickling my
feet. You're right, Tucker, this is the best joke of the
It’ll be a peach on the sophs and on Cunning

“But we want to be careful not to fall into their
hands on the way back,” said Dick. “You have your
shoes on now, Blessed. Let’s sneak, fellows. Follow
me and be, careful.”

He led the way, and they Scifonied:

‘The dog trotted along at Dick’ s side,

} ; CHAPTER V.

THE STUNG OF Rs

-*T don’t know what I’ll do with him, Blessed,” said

Dick, as he stood in his room and dubiously surveyed

HES LOF.

 

ff

 

      
  

WEEKLY.

The animal returned his gaze, affection beaming in
its eyes, and wagging its tail.

“You eer a owe the cur a debt of gratitude,
’ Merriwell went on. “Why don’t you take
care of him? Why don’t you become his master ?”’

“Excuse me,” said Jones. “Not 1. Besides that,
the beast has attached itself to you.”

“That’s right,” admitted Dick. “I can’t kick the
poor thing out. I’ll have to keep him. I’ve got to give
him a name. I'll make it—er—Soapsuds. How’s
that, Jones?”

“Too long.”

“Then we'll cut it down to Suds. That’s a fine name!
Eh, Suds, my boy? That’s your name, now. When
I say Suds, you’re to answer.”

The dog stretched himself, with paws out-thrust, and
whined.

“I expect the landlady will raise a rumpus,” said
Dick. “Perhaps she’ll object seriously. However, I
may be able to placate her. I don’t know what I’ll do
with you eventually, Suds, but ’m going to feed and
house you for the present.”

In this manner Merriwell acquired a dog.

Of course, the story of the affair at East Rock passed
r&pidly from lip to lip, and before long the entire fresh-
man class was roaring over it. It was not confined to
that class. It spread to the upper classes, and juniors
and seniors smiled and agreed that it was a good one
on the sophs.

And whenever Cunningham or his intimate friends
appeared on the campus or the streets they were con-
stantly menaced by the cry of “Mad dog!’ It infuri-
ated them, for they, too, had learned how they had
been fooled out there at East Rock, and they were Sore —
about it. se

Cunningham was a fellow of no sense of humor
whatever. The jokes which seemed to amuse him were _
usually questionable or frankly brutal. Rather dull —
and slow-witted, he was inclined to be sullen and re-—
vengeful whenever pl laced in a ridiculous light. ~ Nat-

Blessed,’

’

_urally his hatred for Merriwell increased daily, al-_

though he sought to keep the fact bottled up save when
in company with his chosen intimates.

The two chaps of his class to whom he spoke freely :
and openly, without reserve or deception, were Harvey
and McGregor. Harvey was his chum. McGregor, ©
who had fizzled in his football aspirations, fell in with
them because of his dislike for the freshman who had
created a sensation the day he scored against Team A.

On the afternoon of the day following the affair at
East Bock these nee chaps were gathered i in Cunning-

   

     
   

  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

10 TIP SOP
ham’s room.
| wheezy, crooked-stemmed pipe.
end of a cigar, while Harvey puffed a
room was blue with smoke.. One might have cut it
into chunks with a keen knife.

_ “Awful fizzle!” Harvey finally muttered.

They knew what he meant. They were all thinking
of the same thing.

“I’m going to kill somebody if this thing keer ys up!”
rasped Cunningham, smiting the arm of his Morris
chair. “They were just beginning to forget that other
affair when Merriwell and I rolled in a mud puddle
: together. I’ve been insulted twenty times to-day. I.
could. stand it better if it all came from the cursed
_ freshmen, but fellows in our class grin when they see
me.” A oak
“Oh, yes, I know,” nodded Harvey. I’ve been up
against the same thing. —

. “Page Otis and a bunch stopped me in front of
~ White’s,” continued Cunningham, “and asked me if I
| was going-to the Pasteur Institute. Then they all
ccackled like a lot of hens., Another gang wanted to
know if I was looking for a good dog. Then that
little fool junior, Hokey Drew, grabbed me, wrung my
hand and congratulated me on escaping froma horrible
death by the rabies.”

_ “Yes,” said Harvey, ‘and I’ve been told that I was
such a funny fellow that I tickled everybody.”

_ “And they called me the great sprinter,” said Mc-
Gregor. “Got me into a gang and asked if I were
coming out for the dashes in the spring. Said I'd
make a record for Yale if some one would ‘yell “Mad
dog? Yah!”

‘He bit off the chewed end of his cigar and apa it
into a cuspidor.

: “If we don’t get even with Merriwell pinche: we'll
never hear the last of it,” prophesied Harvey. .
_“T wish you'd tell me how we’re going to do it,”
urged Cunningham. ‘“T don’t know.”
_ “Nor I,” confessed Harvey.

_ “For a freshman,” said McGregor, he’s mighty
opular just now. ‘His whole class is daffy over him.”
“Not his whole class,” denied Cunningham, “He’s
got plenty of enemies in his class.” |
‘Who, for instance?” | |

“Ditson, Dagett and that crowd.”

“Oh, they’re sore because Merriwell’s candidate for
1e | aptainey of the class nine beat Ditson. That was

Big Pet was frowning and sucking at a
McGregor chewed the

cigarette. The

 
 

 
 

 
 

t

 
 

 
 

   
 

  
 
 

WEEKLY.

you've heard the yarn they’re circulating about a little

haven’t forgotten that.”

when I have company. As soon as my sister goes I’
el = ready for ee She’s dete ae some ne fri nd

  

ng in his power to get back at Merriwell. I’ve
He ought to be round pretty

do anythi
asked him to drop in.
soon.”

Cunningham glanced at his watch.
so there came a knock on the door.

Invited to enter, Duncan Ditson appeared. His face
took on a mild look of surprise and pleasure as he
noted the fact that Cunningham was not alone.

Ditson courted the favor of men in the class above
him. He thought it a fine thing to be recognized on
the street by a soph. |

“How do you do, Mr. Cunningham,”
litely.

“How are you, Ditson,” nodded Big Pet, without
rising. ‘You know Harvey, and I think you know
McGregor.”

Ditson bowed to them and was motioned toward a
chair by Cunningham,

“Can’t stop a minute,” he said. “Didn't tell you
when you asked me up, but my sister is in town.”

Cunningham had not given Ditson time to make this
explanation. In a curt manner he had invited Duncan ~
up to his room, and the invitation was something ofa
command.

“Oh, I didn’t know that,” he now said.

Even as he did

 

he said, po-

“T suppose

affair out East Rock way?”

Ditson put a hand over his mouth, and Big Pet
flushed as he noted: the movement, for he realized the
freshman was seeking to hide a smile.

‘

“Oh, yes,” said PHACH 5 “that mad dog story. Isn’t.
it true?” hs
“Oh, there’s “sottie eel itis 38! ! Cunningham: ad-

  
   

mitted. “Of course, it’s exaggerated.” pote
“They say Merriwell has the dog as evidence.” pier fy

Big Pet didn’t like the course into which the con-
versation was drifting.

*We know you dislike that tei Merrill just |
as much as anybody can, Ditson,” he said. “He prac- me
tically g gave you and rene friends the double-cross in.
that baseball meeting.”

“That’s what he did,” nodded Dune,

 
     
       
   

“On, we ks

     
    

_ “Well, we feel that it will be to yout ulvaiaul as
well as ours, if he gets a good setback before long aad
we're willing to administer it if we can. Thought per-
haps you might be of some assistance. - as mee any:
ideas?” 3 |

“Not just now,”

 
    
   
  
    

admitted Dit. “Can't iene 2 3

   
 

  

  
 

 

~ and decidedly unpopular with them.

 

AIP POP

Sam Kate’s cousin is one, and they have a chum with
them—a Miss Everness, blonde. Funny
thing, but on their way they fell in with a girl who
turned out to be a sister to that chump, Jones. She
don’t seem to be such a bad sort herself, and she doesn’t
look much like Jones.
Jones is solemn as death, but his sister is lively as a
cricket. She’s not actly 7 pretty—rather freckled.
Still, she doesn’t look so bad when she laughs. They’re
all over at the New Haven House. I’d just come from
there when you spoke to me, Mr. Cunningham. The
girls want to be taken around. By Jove! here’s the
very bunch for it. Now, I’m giving it to you straight,
gentlemen, that these girls are all right. No matter
if two of them are sisters of freshmen—if you want a
jolly time, [Pll fix it. Agnes Jones has an old aunt
who’s going to meet her in town this afternoon, and
the old lady will serve as a chaperon for
‘Agnes says she’s a little deaf and rather eccentric.
Now, what’s the word—what do you say, gentlemen?”
The three sophomores glanced at one another. Al-
though they realized that Ditson was seeking to make
himself solid with them in this manner, there was
something in the proposition that aroused their in-
terest. ere
“IT told’ Mabel—that’s my sister—that I’d get some
decent chaps for dinner,” Ditson rattled on. ‘There
are a hundred fellows who'd be glad to go, but I pre-
fer you gentlemen if you feel like it. You'll be sorry
if you don’t go—that is, if you get a squint at those
girls. If I do say it myself, my sister is a good. looker,
and Orsola Everness, the blonde, is simply stunning.”

stunning’

Doesn't act like him, either.

the girls.

“It’s very kind of you to think of us, Ditson,” said
Cunningham, who was a chap greatly struck on girls
“T don’t know
what’ Harvey and McGregor think about it. Perhaps
they have other engagements.”

“Not I,” said Harvey.
 “T have,” said McGregor, “but I guess it isn’t so im-

portant but that 1 can’t break it.”

“Then you'll all come!” exclaimed Ditson, vastly
"pleased. “Tell be’ just a ae SUPE
Nothing stiff. Tuxedos will go.” %

“Thunder!” sdid McGregor, “I haven’t unpacked
mine. It’ll be nothing but wrinkles.”

“Plenty of time to get it-pressed,”
ham, who was now eager for the “‘ittle affair.”
eI we'll go, Ditson. What time?” ss i
“Oh, about six or a little before,” answered Dunc
elatedly. “I'll be watching out for you. I'll have to
hustle now and send word to Mabel. Have to tell her

i

you know.

sdid Cunning-

“Yes,

WEEKLY.

it’s all fixed so they won’t plan anything else.
long, gentlemen. See you later.”
He hurried out.

CHAPTER VI.
AGNES.

Getting away from practise early, ‘Dick hustled back
to his room to put in a little cramming before din-
ner. He came bounding in and stopped short with a
repressed exclamation of surprise, for he found him-
self face to face with a slim, freckled, brown-eyed
girl who regarded him with unabashed curiosity.

Thunderstruck by this apparition,
mered :

“I—I beg your pardon, Good heavens,
made a mistake? Am I in the wrong room?”

Then, with inexpressible relief, he saw a long, lanky
fellow rise in sections from a near-by chair and heard
the voice of Jones, saying:

“Let me introduce my sister, Dick, old fellow. Ag-
nes, this is my chum and roommate, Richard Merri-
well.”

Dick bowed, cap in hand and ass ished:

“Awful shock,” he laughed, after
pleasure at the meeting.

“Indeed!” exclaimed the girl whimsically. “Am I
so terribly shocking as all that? Of course, ’'m aware
of my defects, and I’ve used gallons of lemon juice
and freckle lotions without any perceptible result. I[
think if one is preordained’ to freckles, it’s a wicked
extravagance to spend real money trying to get rid of 7
them. I’m very glad to meet you, Mr. Merriwell.
You know Charley’s letters have been crammed full
of things about you.”

“Eh?” said Dick.

“Why, Charley’s.”

“Char—oh, yes! Ha! ha! Awfully dull of me.”

The fact was that this was the first time Merriwell -
had ever heard any one call Jones by his given name.
At the very beginning of their acquaintance the tall,

the boy stam-

have I

declaring his

“Who’s letters?”

solemn chap had confessed to the nickname of Deacon =

in his high-school days, and an exuberant, facetious

junior had promptly rechristened him on his appear-

ance at Yale.
The girl looked a trifle puzzled over Dick’s apparent

_confusion, whereupon Jones explained, and she laugh-

ingly acknowledged that she preferred his later nick-\
name to the one he had previously borne.

“And what do they call you, Mr. Mera a she
asked.

 
     
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
    
     
 
  
    
        
 
     
 
   
    
  
  
 

t

pee Le Th ee,

“The most of them call him the real thing,” said
Jones, “but I’ve lately learned that he has been known
as Injun Heart.”

“Injun Heart!” exclaimed Agnes. “How odd!
Any one would fancy he must be very fierce and savage
to get such a name as that, but he doesn’t look it.”

“Appearances are awfully deceptive, sis. I give you
my word that he can be savage and dangerous under
proper provocation, There are a few sophs who'll

swear to that. The ones who know it best are the very
_ chaps you're going to have the pleasure of dining with
to-night.”’
| Then Jones turned on Dick with a comical gesture
of mingled amusement, dismay, and indignation.
“What do you think, old fellow,” -he cried; “what
do you think of a sister who'll take up with a bunch
like Ditson, Cunningham, Harvey, and McGregor
- without consulting her brother ?” |
“But I didn’t know, Charley-—really I didn’t,” pro-
tested Agnes. ‘Mabel Ditson is a real nice girl. I
took a liking to her, and she seems to think her brother
all right. Really, I supposed her brother’s friends
would be decent fellows. Really I fancied all Yale men
to be decent fellows.” 4

"You re becoming really excited—treally you are,’

croaked Jones, with a slightly mocking intonation.
Get’ a new adjective, Aggie. Vary the monotony.
Say ‘perfectly splendid’ once in a’ while.
be great on ‘lovely.’ ” |

ne 2 66

 
 

5

Now, stop, Charley Jones—stop!” cried the girl.
“You certainly can be impolite and disagreeable when
you take a notion, I did hope you'd get some polish
and refinement at college-—really I——’”

—“Tsn’t it awful!” groaned Jones. “When they get
hold of a word like that they just wear it to cae and
tatters.”

  
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

decline to meet those young gentlemen this evening.”
_ “Those young what?” growled Blessed.

 
 

really cheap-——” ae

“Again!” moanéd Jones. eM ac

Then he sat bolt upright, foouing: very s serious.
“Well, I'd like to know how you're going to: carry

 
 

“Vou expected Aunt Emma would be here
WwW here's. your

harply.
siting the Munseys, but she isn’t,

men without. a chaperon’ y i tg
h ge hesitated he nl to Dick

WEEKLY,

You used to.

willing to meet your friends.”

Oye orisse: ’ said Aes ie you insist on it, I shall
Aggie, I want to tell you just who and what those fel- |

-“T know Mabel will be Hispleea, but if they’r re hese the whole list.”

(A oat them out,” " announced the girl decisively.
out that program with any sort of propriety,” he said _

hap ron? Think it will be perfectly proper for four

De ‘my sister taking up with that crowd. ‘They may not
ung: ladies to go out to ‘dinner. with Nett strange

be quite as piratical as I’ve painted them, Aggie, Pe

“Under ordinary circumstances,” he said, “my sis-
er has plenty of reserve. She’s an icecake toward
strangers. Coming on the train with a friend, Miss
Everness, they got to talking about Yale and about

me. Two other girls sat behind them and heard Aggie
spouting about her brilliant freshman brother, The |
other two have relatives in the freshman class. One a

was a Miss Ditson, sister of our esteemed classmate, 4 i
Dunc. -The other was a Miss Hattie Claire, who a
turned out to be Sam Kates’ cousin. They were mee
chums, and they were en route to New Haven, also. a
It wasn’t long before the four were as intimate as

 

English sparrows, and it’s a ten-to-one shot they got - i sd
to swapping gum before they reached town.” [Ree ae
“Oh, but your case is hopeless!’ exclaimed Agnes. a
“You'll never learn to be a gentleman.” ud iy

“Lf it’s real culchaw you’re anxious for me to ac-.
quire,” growled Blessed, “why didn’t you insist that
I chose‘Harvard instead of Yale? What do you think
those four light-hearted young ladies have done, Dick?
Of course, Aggie proposed giving me a surprise. Of
course, Miss Ditson let her brother know she was com- — i.
ing. Dune was on hand. He met the bunch. He 3 J ee
smiled his sweetest smile and captivated them all.” 2.

‘“‘Nonsense,” protested Miss Jones. “He was.sim- —
ply very polite and decent. He proposed to introduce —
us to some nice fellows, and I wasn’t going to be odd
when the others agreed,”

“Why didn’t you wait until you saw mé? How'd
you know I wouldn’t have some/friends ane in -
flict on you?” |

“Why, there’s plenty af time, Charley. We're going |
to be here several days. I’m sure the girls. will ery

 

“But I don’t know whether my’ friends will be. anx-
ious to meet them after they show themselves. with an
the Ditson gang,” muttered Blessed. “Now, look here, _
lows are. [Il bebi xin with Dune eee and I'll g° ‘
He did, and he pictured the chanel of the different z

fellows in language that was vivid and cena to
say the least.

  

“T don’t see how you're going to do differently,’
muttered Jones. “You agreed to provide the ae
eron, and Aunt Emma isn’t here. I don’t want to. s6e*

   
  
    
   
 
   

  
 

haps they have a few es sie ee ‘You must —

 
 

at their expense. I can see them fancying they were
getting the laugh on me if they took my sister out
to dinner the first night she struck New Haven.”

Dick’s brain had been actively at work. Queer
fancies were flitting through it, and now, to their sur-
prise, he began laughing softly.

 

 

J “What's the matter with you?” demanded Blessed
. unpleasantly.
a4 - “Of course, it won’t do,’ said Dick, ‘‘but, oh, if
| we could only work it!”
~ “Work what?” |
“T have a scheme--a wild, ridiculous scheme. It
may be the fancy of a disordered brain, but I'd like to
Bee tit”.
4 » y. What is it?’

“Td like to provide the chaperon for that party.”
“Eh? What?’ shouted Jones.
“That’s what I said,” nodded Dick.

CHAPTER VII.
; A WILD SCHEME.
Blessed looked bewildered.
“J know that’s what you said,’ he
ies did you mean?”
“T meant what I said.”
“But how-——— You don’t know any one to act as
16 s eer for a 1 lot of girls and fellows going out to
| dinner,” .
+. “Don't. TF?”
“Do you?”
Rotipare:
- “Who”?
Bi ; “Me. 99
ie Ww hat ?”’
_ Again Jones gasped for breath, While he was
‘gasping Dick rapidly unfolded the scheme, still con-
fessing it was wild and perhaps impractical.

 "T’d like to dress up and disguise myself as an old
‘woman and chaperon that party,” he said. “If Miss
Jones has. the nerve to s
meas her aunt, I’d make it jolly and intebesting for
hem all.”
“Qh—my—goodness! !? gasped Ages Jones, per-
ectly. aghast at the proposition.
“Oh, I knew you wouldn’t agree to it? said Dick
uickly. “Still, I couldn’t help fancying myself in the

muttered, “but

 

  
  
   
 
   
   

   
 

 
 

 

  
 

  

icipate in. It would go all right with a lot of fellows.
ow, if you wer en't here—if Blessed were the one to

 
 

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

.wouldn’t | be a dandy chaperon!

tand for it—if. she’d introduce’

. It’s too extravagant a lark for a girl to par-—

  

ee began to chuckle dryly.
You're a devil, Merriwell,’
Nae conscienceless scoundrel.
fool ’em.”

“Oh, I think I could,” asserted Dick. “T’ve fooled
my friends in that way more than once. I have a
knack of making up as one of the opposite sex.” |

“Mr, Merriwell,” said Agnes, “you’d better consult
a brain specialist. No one in his right mind could
think of such a preposterous thing,”

“Perhaps you’re right,’ admitted Dick. “But
Wouldn’t I make it
interesting for Ditson, Cunningham, et al! And, if I
could get the clothes, I guarantee I’d make up so you
wouldn’t recognize me yourself, Miss Jones.”

Quoted Blessed:

“ «Thy words have awakened my understanding and
aroused me unto meditation; they have set a light be-
fore me as a guide for iny feet.’ Oh, say, Aggie, let
him try it—let him try it!”

“You're crazy, too!” cried the girl.

oey 99

he said;

“you're an un«
But you couldn’t

“It’s nothing but a joke,’ tirged Jones. “If the
girls do get onto him, they'll laugh over it. Say, Ag-

youve got nerve. LT’ve known you to do a few
things yourself. You like fun.”
“T like fun,” she agreed ;
“Oh, all right,” muttered Blessed regretfully. “Of
course, we can’t try it unless you help us out. But
wouldn’t it be a circus—oh, wouldn’t it be a circus!”

gie,

“but this is too much.”

The girl hesitated. In truth, she was of a daring
turn, and the proposition appealed to her.

“If Aunt Emma ever found it out——
_ “How’s she going to find jit out?” questioned
Blessed, his courage rising a bit. “Who'll tell her?
We won't tell her. I don’t believe any one will, She
isn’t here, and we don’t know when she'll get along.

9

It’s plain she isn’t going to come soon enough to be

your chaperon to-night.”
His sister began to laugh. (

She had a merry, infectious laugh that shook her

from head to, foot. Flinging herself on a chair, she
gave way to her merriment until she was compelled to
check her tears with her handkerchief. .

“Oh, I know I'd give it away!” she gasped. “I
couldn’t help it.” : cL tag :

“Yes, you could, yes, you could,” persisted Jones. —
“[’ve seen you. When you go in for a thing like, —
that you're the girl to carry it through. You'd do it, —
all right, Agnes, and you'd never bat an oye: Come,
now, what do you say? Come, now, Yate pe
Bat a have to see e what sort Ge a a Aepoalle lad i

 

     
     
      
     
       
  
    

 
  
 
    
 

 
  

   

  
  

 
  
  

  

 

4 TIP TOP

Mr. Merriwell can make of himself before I consent,”
she said. ‘Where is he going to get the clothes?”

“I know the very place,” said Dick. “I was looking
in the window a day or two ago. They have a lot of
fancy costumes down there, and one was a queer old
silk dress that looked as if it dated back to the revolu-
tion. There’s Andrews, the wig-maker. I can get
what I want of him. It won’t take me an hour, Miss
Jones.”

“And the rest of the girls are waiting for her to

bring back Aunt Emma,” said Blessed. “If she'll
just stay here——”
“T still think you’re both crazy,” said the girl, “but

I would like to see Mr. Merriwell in costume.”
“If I make up in first-class style, will you agree
to help out on the scheme?” asked Dick. “Will you
take me round and introduce me as your aunt?”
“T will,’ promised the girl, do iti be at last by the
wild plan. “But you've got to hurry.” ‘
“WAurry?” exclaimed Dick. “yl fly ! Come on,
Jones. You're not afraid to stay here alone while
we're gone, are you, Miss Jones? We'll get back
just as soon as possible. Of course, Blessed will have
to act as escort for his dear aunt when we return.”
- They gave Agnes some magazines and saw her com-
fortably settled by a window ere starting out.
_ Dusk was. gathering on the campus nearly an hour
later when Bouncer Bigelow ‘and Tommy Tucker
espied Blessed Jones coming along one of the walks,
escorting an old lady in black who was clinging to his
arm while he pointed out the different buildings. The
old woman wore a queer old-fashioned silk dress and
a peculiar little bonnet of a style never before seen
by Bigelow or Tucker. A veil hid her face. Her hands
were encased in white mits. She carried an ear-trum-
pet, and whenever Jones spoke she jabbed the small
end into her ear to listen. |
“Over yonder,” said Blessed, in a loud voice, “you
see Vanderbilt Hall.” ,

“Hey?” said the old woman: “Do you mean that
fat fellep? Wonder’f he’s any relation to the Sprig-
- gins Corner Halls?”

She was peering at Bigelow, who popes short with
a gurgle in his throat. —

“I mean the building over yonder, Aunt Emma,”
5 shouted Jones. “That’s one of our finest buildings
__ we have some excellent dormitories———”
_ “Dromedaries : >” said the old woman.
_ know they kept camels here.”

ao “Ye nee and ena, Baie Y -splttered

a

“I didn’t

=

- tice acrost your chist.”

 

 

WEEKLY.

Don’t let

Tucker. “Stand in front of me, Bigelow.
Jones see me. What’s he captured there?”

“Looks like a relic of prehistoric times,’’ said
Bouncer. “They’ve got their eyes on us, Tommy.
They’re coming!”

“Let’s run!” proposed Toate:

“Wait a minute, fellows!’ called Jones.
you to meet my aunt.”

“His aunt!” groaned .
peach !’’

“This is my Aunt Emma, fellows,”
“She took me by surprise to-day.”
“Us, too,” muttered Tommy.
we'd seen her coming.” |

“Aunt Emma,” said Jones, “these are two of my
classmates. This is Mr. Bigelow, Aunt Emma.”

““T want

Tucker. “Well,

beamed Jones.

ber

me different if

“How do you do, Mr. Bignose,”
woman.

“He! he!” snickered Tucker delightedly, aici
his companion in the back. “Bow, you chump—bow!"*
Make a salaam.”’

“Delighted,” said Bigelow, bowing, hat in hand.

He bent so low that Aunt Emma seemed to misun-

derstand the salute, for she inquired if he med dropped

any thing,

SEAR ES Mr. Tucker, Aue Emma,’ said Jones.

“Howdy do, Mr. Sucker,” said the old woman.
“Didn’t notice you before.
-——just a leetle.
scrumptious weather ?”’

“We are, indeed, madam,” bowed Tommy.

“My nevvy was jest tellin’ me about the camels you |
have here,” the old lady cackled on. of don’t see
what you can want of camels round here.”

“We have them as an example to the students,” sand
Tommy suavely. “You know a camel can go seven
days without drinking. With a student it’s different.
Professor Bradley believes in object lessons.
expect to remain long in town?”

“Hey? What’s the matter with my gown? Now,
look here, you leetle snipper-snapper, I don’t want you _
makin’ no remarks about my clothes. It’s my affair if
I don’t choose to foller the styles asta as some folks
sae ; yee

Bigelow snorted and then managed to turn it into.
a cough. sites

“T think I’ve e caught cold,” he me omer ‘

arp tea is good for that,” saa Aunt Emma.

   

 
  

wz hank you very kindly,” ewe ke

she’s a * 9

cackled the old

I’m a leetle short-sighted :
Aren’t we having some perfectly |

»

ae rq ;

 
   
   
   
  

   
     
    
      
     

 
 
   
    

 

 
 

 

?

| “I wish you fellows would go along up to the room,
‘| invited Jones. “My sister’s up there waiting for us.’

“His sister !”’ hissed Tucker. “I wonder if she looks
like his aunt.”

“These friends of mine room in the same house I
do, Aunt Emma,” explained Blessed. ‘““They’ll come

’ y

along with us.”

“It’s a grand occasion to study antiques,
low, in a guarded tone.

“Ann Teeks?’” cried the old lady. “‘Who’s she?”

Jones shouted into the ear-trumpet:

“They were just speaking of some of the old furni-

”’ said Bige-

 

 

ture we have in our house.”’
“This promises to be interesting
Tucker.. “I think we'll go along, Big.”
As' they were passing from the campus they ob-
served several fellows standing near the fence and
chatting in low tones. ‘These. fellows proved to be
Cunningham, Harvey, and McGregor.

after all,” muttered

Aunt Emma paused and regarded them with an ex-
pression of admiration.

“What extinguished-looking young gentlemen!” she
~ observed, in her shrill, high-pitched voice.
Harvey clutched ee by the shoulder.
sh “Great heavens,” he hissed, “look at the old dame

with Jones! Jerusalem, Pet, that’s his aunt—that’s
the ancient relic who’s going to chaperon the party
| to-night!” ae “
McGregor grinned. Boe ae {
_- “She’s a bird,” he said. “Fellows, this is going to.
be a very interesting evening.” :
But none of them dreamed how ‘interesting.

 

   
  

 

  

ay ' CHAPTER VIIL

AY Pea Oe LUM A EECS 4

 
 
  

 

  

"i pAdied sat by the window and read her thawanine
‘in the waning light. She heard a patter of feet out-
side and a scratching sound on the door, followed by a
low entreating whining. hs bd,

- “Wonder what that is?” she speculated, rising and
opening the door. | WA
we dog bounded into the as whisked around her,

  
  
 
  
   
 
 
 
   

{??

“Oh, you ugly diginl exclaimed na) girl,
the world could bear to have such a beast,around ?”
Down-stairs a shrill feminine voice called:
Suds! Suds! Come here, Suds! |

   
  

WwW here.

  

 

 
 

i, must be the dog,” thought Agnes.
iat < name!” — oe Ge ee wien 5 oH

  

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

} “Suds!
se gered eee and Tucker, eabalg Gy ratte aay

  

The servant came running up and peered into the
room through the half-open door.

“Oh!” she exclaimed, in surprise, seeing Agnes
waiting there. “I didn’t know—I was looking
for e

“I’m Mr. Jones’ sister,” explained thegirl, flushing
a bit. “I’m waiting for him to return

And after a moment she added:

ce

 

 

 

with my aunt.”
Suds.

e keep on in the base-

“Yes’m,” “T’m looking for
He’s Mr. Merriwell’s dog. We
ment most of the time, but he got out.’

“Is this Mr. Merriwell’s dog?” murrhured the vis-
itor, “1 can’t see what

said the girl.

her astonishment increasing.
he wants with such a dog as that.”
a7 ’ . ; a4tto4e
can't either, mam. He picked the critter up some-
where, and he’s a most norful dog to eat. It'll cost
Mr. Merriwell something to keep that dog in food.”
Suds seemed disinclined to leave the room, but the

maid entered and forcibly removed him, closing the

door.

Agnes returned to her magazine.

Five minutes later she started up at the sound of
her brother’s voice. There were footsteps on the stairs,
and Blessed came in followed by a queer, old-woman-
ish figure that hobbled into the room. Behind this
queer figure appeared Bigelow and Tucker, who also
entered. |

“Where is she, Charley ?” cried the old lady, peering
around. “Where is my dear niece? Oh, there she is!
Oh, Aggie, Aggie, how tickled I be to see you? Come
to your old aunt’s arms, child.” —

Agnes had risen. She did not come to her old
aunt’s arms, however, but her old aunt came to her.

Rushing forward, the old lady grappled with her, the

ear-trumpet clattering to the floor.

And the next thing Agnes knew she was being kissed
and slobbered over in a manner that poppe took
away her breath.

Blessed stepped forward hastily, pretending delight
over this meeting but getting the disguised lad By the
arm and hissing in his ear:

“You cut that out! You're carrying it altogether

ito’ far!’
“Who °

ital Bet he P dangled: the old dady:, still bbesing
Agnes and flutteringly patting her on the back. “Tm

so excited, child! I’m so flusterated ! re ee actu- ‘
any covered with respiration !” |

- Then Agnes dropped on the chair once more, and

the shriek of laughter that escaped . nae actually oa5S

3

 

 

      
     
  

Te Poe

  
 
   
    
   
     
  
  
   
  
    
  
    
  
 
      
 

16
“I say, Tommy,” whispered Bouncer, “she don’t
look so bad, but she’s ratty. Hear her laugh! The
girl’s got bats, as true as you live!”
“She does act queer,’ admitted Tommy.
the whole Jones family must be freaks.”
Then, to their astonishment, the old
forth a handkerchief, flopped down on a chair, and
began to sob and wail in a most heart-rending man-
pet
“T’m complete upsot,” she gurgled. “Don’t mind
me, children, if I git a leetle bit of histderricks. I ain’t
seen my dear nevvy and my dear niece for so long
that I’m complete unmanned—I mean unwomaned.”
“Tommy,” said Bouncer, pushing the door wide
open, “I’m going to fly to my chamber. I’m going to
get in there and lock the door and pile the furniture
against it. They’re violent.” | ,
Suddenly the old lady blew a most startling bugle-

“T guess

lady brought

across her eyes, and bounced up.

“Where’s my ear horn?’ she demanded. “I can’t
- hear a word without it.”

Jones recovered the ear-trumpet and returned it to

its owner.

“Here you are, auntie dear,”
as possible.

“Why don’t your friends come in?” she asked.

“IT think we’d better be excused,” said Bigelow,
keeping near the door. “We'll retire to our own
room.”

“What'd he say about a broom, Charley?” asked
Aunt Emma. “Do you have to sweep out yourself?”

he croaked, as sweetly

‘What’ll Merriwell say when he sees Jones’ rela-
_ tives?” chuckled Tucker. “Oh, heavens! Id give a
_ big round iron dollar to be on hand when he’ S$ presented
to Aunt Emma.”
Down-stairs a shrill voice once more called :
“Suds! Suds! Suds! Come back here!”
There was a scramble of feet outside, and the dog
plunged between Tommy’s legs, upsetting the little
fellow in a twinkling. |

“——”’ said Tommy.

‘Aunt Emma shrieked.
“Oh, you horrid thing!” she cried, halting a finger
at Tucker, as the little chap gathered himself up. “How

— ladies!”
Red as a beet and stumbling over his words Tucker
begged a thousand pardons.
» In the meantime, the dog, having tinge into the

Z »

  

like blast with her nose, gave the handkerchief a wipe

dare you speak of such a place in the presence of ©
3 be Merriwell. ee} ;

through his head at once, and, therefore, he clun ig
to Tucker with all his strength, wildly pleading for o r
‘oom, whisked from on to another, sniffing dog-fash- 3

 

WEEKLY.

ion. Witha sudden yapping bark, it flung itself upon
Aunt Emma, tongue out, tail wagging, the personifi-
cation of delight. |

“Murder!” she squawked feebly, seeking to beat the
creature off with her ear-trumpet. “Take him away,
somebody! If you don’t take him away, I shall bite
him!”

“Then he’s a dead dog!” said Bigelow.
bites him, I see his finish.’

Agnes Jones had not ceased to laugh, and now her
merriment seemed redoubled. Blessed himself caught
it. It was too much for him, and he exploded with
a hoarse roar that added to the general riot of noise.

Bigelow grabbed Tucker by the collar with both
hands. ;

“By Halifax, he’s: gone, too!” spluttered the big
chap. “He’s caught it! Crazy as bedbugs, all three
of ’em!’’

“And the dog’s crazy, too!’ said Tommy, watch-
jing the antics of the animal as it danced round the ¥
queer old woman. | :

Up to this point Dick had managed to retain control -—
of his risibilities. The explosion of Blessed was too ,
much for him, however, and at last he sat down once
more, giving vent to a shout of genuine boyish laugh-
ter. oe

“Oh, ha! ha! ha! Oh, ha! ha! ha!” hecried. “Talk
about your rackets! And this is just the beginning!”

Tommy Tucker nearly collapsed. For a moment he
lay leaning against his corpulent roommate, but he
quickly straightened up, leaped toward a corner, caught
up an Indian club, and started for “Aunt Emma.”

“Tf she

SASS acerca i mer RO

 

 

    
   
     
     
 

“My stars!” said Bigelow; “he’s gone crazy, too!”
With a leap, he clutched Tommy with both hands,
holding fast with all his strength.
“Tucker! Tucker!’ = palpitated,
going to do?” |
“So help me,” frothed Tommy,
Dick Merriwell’s brains out!”

    
       
    

“what are you

 
    

“I’m going to knock

 
    

mee i

   

CHAPTER IX.
(READY FOR THE RACKET. :
The cat was ‘bat 6? the bag, and Suds was the cause. —
Although he still doubted the evidence of his senses,
Tucker knew that clear, ringing, infectious laughter,
and he understood that this queer old woman must —

 
     
     
 

       
     
     
  

     

But Bigelow was too slo wittelt to get the idea

 
        
 

to flee from that collection of sean creatures.

   
  

over him, Dick Merriwell laughed until the tears
raced down his cheeks. Producing a handkerchief, he
pushed back the veil and twisted his wig awry as he
tried to. stanch those tears. His eyes had been hidden
a behind spectacles, and these he nearly broke, for he
" wiped them off and they fell to the floor.

ie pooner mein

“Oh, dear! oh, dear!” he gasped. “I don’t know
when I’ve had so much fun!’

Bouncer stood, mouth open, jaw drooping, eyes

 

1: bulging, hands still fastened on Tucker, staring like
| . one bereft of intelligence’ and the ability to reason.
; Not only was it Merriwell’s laughter which came from
the old lady, but it was Merriwell’s voice in which she
4 . now spoke. More than that, with veil up, wig awry,

spectacles gone, the make-up smooched by moisture

and the handkerchief, Bigelow could see in Aunt
_ Emma a resemblance to Merriwell. Nevertheless, it

seemed impossible to him that Dick could disguise him-
Vi © self in this manner and fool them with such ease and
5 completeness.
~“ ‘Lo and behold, in Home coy. there were miracles
. and the working of miracles,’’’ croaked Jones, resort-
+ ing to one of his familiar and oft-repeated quotations.
‘ Dick pushed the dog away.
“Get down, Suds!’’ he gasped.

 

 

“You spoiled it all.

 

have Bigelow and Tucker on the string.”
aS “By gosh!” said Bouncer ;
3 p well! Well, I'll be blowed!”

 

the rest of us.’

a just when he did,” said Tommy.

oy?

sister !
“That’s what he did, the wretch! # grated Jones.

Dick.
sa natural.

repository. What the dickens is in the wind?”
“Close the door,” said Dick.

TIP TOP WEEKLY. | 9

Lying back on the chair, with Suds still clawing

You gave the whole thing away. Only for you I'd still
“by gosh! it is Merri-

ak “Instead of your being blowed,” chuckled the dis-
| guised boy; i think. it’s ee to you and Tucker to blow

“You want to be thankful becatise Big ‘Acapedl me
“T was onto you,
and when I grabbed this club I meant to kill you. 1.
felt it my duty to kill you! T felt it my pleasure to
_ kill you! Oh, say, Dick, how in the world did you ever
| doit? You certainly make a corking old dame. And
é Jones said you were his aunt! And you kissed Jones’

-

_Didn’t he save Blessed from the hands of the sophs! —

: “Why shouldn’t an aunt kiss her own niece?” said
| “That’s the most natural thing in the world
_ under the circumstances, and, of course, I had to act

cautiously descending from the table and keeping a_

ote “Act natural ?” vided Bigelow. “By jinks! the
way you acted I thought you were just out of a lunatic

“Don’t want any one
else to hear. If you'll pledge your word not to give

 

 

    
  
  
  
    
  
 
   
  
 
 
    
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
    
 
      
   
   
   
     
     
        
        
    
  
 

it away and spoil the game, we'll put you on. Eh,
Jones? What do you say, Miss Jones?”

“Goodness knows I’m scared to death now,” gig-
eled Agnes, “but I wouldn’t back out for anything. If
those girls ever find it out, they'll hate me. I don't
know what they will do to me. You've got to behave
better than you did here, Mr. Merriwell. You can’t
carry it to such an extreme.”

“Leave that to me,” said Dick.

As Tucker had closed the door, Merriwell explained |
the plan, ending up with the suggestion that Blessed,
Tommy, and Bouncer should gather a lot of their
freshman friends and take them over to the main din-
ing-room at White’s, where the party from the New
Haven House would arrive at six-thirty.

“Don’t tell the fellows what’s going to happen,” he
urged. “Simply get them over there with the promise
that they’ll see some sport.” °

The scheme delighted Tucker to such an extent that
he started to caper round the room, but Suds, misun-
derstanding his behavior, growled and sprang after
him, nipping at his heels and causing Tommy to vault
upon a table, yelling with sudden fear.

“Keep your mangy pet away from me, Dick!” he
cried. “TI don’t like dogs, and they don’t like me. I’ve
given you notice already that the next time I catch
him in my room shaking fleas off his anatomy, I’m
going to feed him a large and efficacious dose of
Rough on Rats.”

“Tommy,” said Dick, standing up and lifting a
warning finger at the little fellow, ‘which under the |
circumstances made him appear very ridiculous indeed,
“if you harm that noble beast, you'll do so at your own
peril, and you must be prepared to suffer the conse-
quences. The, whole freshman class should be grate- —
ful to Suds. Suds ought to be mascot of the class.

Didn’t he release Blessed from the most excruciating
torture Ahose fiends could devise! And now you
threaten to do him harm! Oh, shame, Tommy—
shame!” a

“I’m a base, heartless wretch,’ confessed Tucker,
“I acknowledge it. Go ahead
We'll be on hand ee

wary’ eye on the dog.
with your racket, Mee
see the fun at White’s.” «i,

“Tl have to touch up my make-up a little before
accompanying my dear niece to the New Haven
House,” said Dick. “Give me those grease Paints,
Blessed. You have them in your pocket somewhere.”’
_ Jones produced a package, which Dick took. In

 

  

      
  

18 TIP TOP

front of a mirror he retouched his make-up, adding
to it by giving his nose a bulging appearance with a
wad of nose-putty skilfully attached and shaped. He
added to this effect by building a huge wart on the
left side of this altered nasal organ. Then:he finished
by rouging and coloring the nose until it was a deep
red with a slight tinge of purple.

“Landy sakes alive, children!’ he cackled, as he
turned and displayed this addition to the general ef-
fect, “I’ve clean forgut my gin-bottle. Charley, you'll
have to git me a leetle gin.” phe

“A little gin?” rasped Blessed. “Any one would
say it had taken barrels to rake a nose like that.’

“Get mea pint bottle and fill it with water,” directed
Dick. “I must have my gin handy, so I can take a nip

occasionally.”

“Oh, I’m afraid you’re going to carry it too far,”
gasped Agnes. “T’in sure the girls never will stand it.”

“Til be careful to keep just under the limit,’’ prom-
ised Dick.

Blessed found a witch-hazel bottle, which had been
emptied and thrust away in a closet, and this was rinsed
out and filled-with water. Dick managed to conceal
it in a pocket of the old-fashioned dress.

“Goodness knows if I can find it when I want it,”
he laughed. ‘Now we’re pretty near ready, aren’t we?
_ Is my wig on straight, Aggie dear?”

_ He put on the spectacles and was. assisted by Agnes
. in adjusting veil and bonnet.

“For goodness’ sake don’t disgrace me on the open
street,” laughed the girl. “Perhaps you’d better come
along with ts, Charley. - If he gets to acting too bad,
Pm liable to run away and leave you both.” _

» “All right,” said Jones, “T’ll escort you over to the
hotel. Here, Dick, don’t forget your ear-trumpet.
Now we're off—off to the slaughter. I see the finish
of Ditson, pean and the others.”

 
 

 
   
 

 

od

‘CHAPTER Pi
A DOUBTFUL CHAPERON. |
The girls had secured adj joining rooms at the hotel. t
They became greatly worried over Agnes ere she re-
turned. Nevertheless, they had dressed for dinner,

   
 

  

appeared at the door with her sans aunt clinging
her arm. 7 ,
: ‘May we come in?” she wiheods

‘May you?” cried the girls. A cdagee knows
sve been. eres, Med oreug for you! ’ e

  
 
  

_ she jest the sweetest. thing that ever was! ir I have

which proved to be a great relief for Aggie as she

a leetle child. Come out, dear, and kiss auntie.”

said a tall blonde, ai
ae i Henin be ‘sé = ‘Disthi oe a ee of

  
   
  
    
    
 

WEEKLY.

“T had to wait for auntie to get ready,” was the
reply, and the girl felt criminally guilty as she uttered
the words.

The trio stared at Dick, who entered; imitating: to
perfection the walk and manner of an old lady. The
lights were on, and, therefore, in spite of the veil,
they could see something of Aunt Emma’s features.
The bulging nose was plainly apparent, and its vivid
coloring seemed to burn through the veil. The old
woman peered through her spectacles at the trio, and
her cracked voice quavered:

“So them’s your friends} be they, Aggie? I’m a
leetle nigh-sighted, but they look like real nice gals.”’

“Mercy sakes!” breathed Hattie, shrinking away
timidly. “What a queer-looking old person!”

Agnes did not wonder at the poorly hidden conster-
nation of her friends.

“Yes, auntie dear,” she said, ‘these are my chums.
This is Orsola Everness, my dearest friend. Orsie, —
this is Aunt Emma.” ;

The tall blonde gathered herself with a mighty ef-'
fort and offered Aunt Emma a hand. rs
' “He! he!’ cackled the old lady.

meet Aggie’s friends!”

And then she clasped Orsola in a pair of decidedly
strong arms, thrust up her veil, and gave the blonde a
resounding smack in the vicinity of the mouth.

¥ E * tna 4
wy ay re _ ia = " oa ‘ xe,
a ee

    

 
 

 

  

   

 

Re

    
       
       
     
    

“I’m so tickled to

      
     
     
       
 

Miss Everness succeeded in repressing a scream.

Hattie Claire placed Mabel Ditson between herself
and Aunt Emma. EA

“Tf she kisses me, I’ll die—I know I'll die!” panted
Hattie’ “Oh, my goodness, isn’t it terrible!”

“This,” said Agnes relentlessly, as she dragged se
old lady toward’ the helpless brown-eyed enh,
Mabel Ditson.” Dak

“THe! he!” laughed Aunt Emma, as she relied on
Mabel, who seemed unable to move. “He! he! Ain’ e;

    
       
     
     
     
    
 

     
       
   
 

to kiss her twice.”
And she did. | iC |
“Where's t’other one?” inquired the old lady, re
leasing Mabel and looking round.
Miss Claire was found crouching behind a chair i in
a corner. |
“Qh, you cute leetle thing " sated the old ged
sieuiae a quivering finger at Hattie, “Trying to play
peek-a-boo, are you? Why, Aggie, she’s didi but

   
    
    

     
 
     
     
   
 

- By this time Orsola Everness was threatening © con
vulsions, — She bit her lip to keep from shouting . ae

  

    
   
 

ify POF

ment would be misconstrued by Agnes as an insult to
the old lady.

Aunt Emma advanced on Hattie. When the girl
tried to dodge out on one side of the chair the old lady
awkwardly danced to that side and prevented the es-

cape. Hattie dodged toward the other side, and the
old lady immediately crossed over.
Peek!) she -eried.:\* “I°see (you ‘therel... Youre

ketched !”’

Hattie gave up in despair, and Aunt Emma pun-
ished: her with three smacking kisses. Then she
capered back to Agnes like a’ person with the rheu-
matism, gleefully shrilling:

“T like your friends, Aggie dear!
be the nicest sort of gals.”

In a whisper heard only by Agnes she added:

“T like this job. Are there any more? Don’t you
think I’d better go round again?”

“Be careful!” eed Agnes, in return.
near screaming.’

Then she pretended to lead her old aunt toward a
chair.

“Sit down, auntie dear,’
tired.” |

The old woman turned’ her red nose toward Miss

 Everness and sniffed:

-

BE MOE sarap AR fm eg 5 GEE I

 

  

EER Rae SE

        
     
      
         
      
     
     
     
     
     
       
       
         
     
         
     
         
        
        
   
    
     
  

“T came

she said. ‘“‘You must be

“Puffecly delicious odor,” she'said. “My dear, you
must use eeyoudeco-log-nee. Please excuse my
French. I can’t help speaking French occasionally
- since spending a whole week in Paree. I went over as
traveling compendium for a dear old lady two years
ago. She took me along because she wanted some
one young and sprightly to sorter cheer up and in-
vigorate her in her moments when she was expressed.
We took in all the sights together, the Luxembugg,
the Effeet Tower, the Tulleries, the Gallery of Appol-
linaris, the Church of Notadam, and I can’t remember
what all. Every afternoon we used to promenade or
ride on the Boise de Baloon.
an:awful naughty place, but really I didn’t, find it so.
They seem to think a gal can’t git along in Paris by
herself, but I never had no trouble.” :
” cried Agnes loudly, “I'll
I’ve

“Tf you'll excuse me, aunt,
go into the next room and dress for oe.
barely time before the young gentlemen come.’
K “Hey?” said Aunt Emma, adjusting her ear-trum-
pet. “That’s all right—I’ll jest make myself agreeable
with the girls.. I did hate to put on my best bib and
‘tucker, but when you said we was goin’ out to dine
I decided that I’d be fashionable, no matter how much

  

   

 
 

sion.

They seem to-

‘When those boys come you may tell them it’s all off.”

Some folks say Paris is”

“T hope I haven’t been rude; Aggie. You know I was

trouble it made me. Land sakes! but this silk is almost

    
    
      

WEEKLY. 19

as good as it was when I fust wore it. My dress-
maker wanted me to have it made over last season, but
I didn’t think it was-worth while as long as the style
hasn’t changed much.” —

Orsola Everness pursued Agnes into the next room.

“For goodness’ sake, Aggie,’ she panted, “why
didn’t you tell us what your aunt was like?”

“Why,” said Agnes, with pretended surprise,
do you mean?”

Orsola stammered and faltered in the utmost confu-
Finally she managed to say:

“Why, you know—you understand—she’s so queer
—so peculiar. I never dreamed she’d be like that.
You know I don’t want to hurt your feelings, Aggie,
but really she'll attract every one’s attention. We'll
be stared at, and we can’t help being laughedjat. Now,
please—please don’t be angry with me.”

“Oh, very well,” said Agnes, with an air of haughti-
ness, “if you feel that way about poor old Aunt Emma,
we'll just drop this plan. We won’t go out at all.

“what

   
   
       

“Oh, we can’t do that—we can’t. That would be
mean. What would they think of us?”

“T don’t know as it makes much difference to me
what they think,” said Agnes. “I know lots of _
people are ashamed of their relatives, but, thank good- __
ness, I’ve never been that way. I don’t see how ’m ©
going to explain it to auntie. I'll have to\fib to her. |
Oh, if I’d only known when I agreed to provide the
chaperon—if I’d only realized —” -

Orsola clasped Agnes in her arms.

“Now, don’t, dear—please don’t talk that way!
You know I don’t care so much, but it’s the other girls. |
Why, Hattie Claire was nearly frightened to death.
Of course, we’re not going to give up the party.”

“T presume you're going without a chaperon then?” _
said Agnes mockingly. 3

“We'll have to take your aunt, only we're so sur-
prised—so upset. I do hope she won’t talk too much.”

‘Perhaps we’d better muzzle her,” relentlessly sug-
gested Agnes.

“IT never knew you to say such things! Are you.
going to dress?”

“If there’s to be any dinner-party, I’m going ia
dress,” said Agnes, “T don’ t care to waste my time
otherwise.” a

“Oh, well, there'll be a party, all right,” said Orsola.

      
         
     
     

awfully upset. Please forgive me; dear.”

“If yowll go back and help entertain Aunt een
When J I want ge to ae me eL ll call ec :
 
 
   
  
   
  
    
   
  
   
 

   

Left alone, Agnes was forced to stuff a handker-
chief into her mouth to keep from screaming. As it
was, she feared the gurgling sounds smothered in her
throat would be heard in the next room. It happened,
however, that Aunt Emma was cackling away at a

_ great rate just then, and, therefore, those sounds
passed unnoticed.

The old woman talked incessantly while Agnes was
dressing: At intervals one of the girls slipped into
the adjoining room under the pretense of rendering
_ Agnes assistance, but mainly with a desire to escape
- from the chaperon. By this time all were convulsed by
the humor of it, having recovered from the first shock
and regained some of their composure. Although she
was not a whit astonished, Agnes pretended surprise
‘when Hattie Claire bounced into the room, jumped
on the bed, seized a pillow, and beat it furiously with
_two little fists, Nor was she at a loss to. know why
Miss Everness rushed in a few moments later, leaned
against the wall with her face in a corner, and shook
_ like a person with the ague. When Mabel Ditson ap-

peared she simply asked for her vinaigrette.

  

- In time Agnes was ready. She came out, looking
wonderfully changed, and Aunt Emma cackled ex-
~ ultantly on beholding her. — |

_ “Why, you dear, darling rosebud!” soaked the
eld woman, bouncing up and making a dash for her.
“You're so’ handsome you're antually ravaging. Kiss
me, child—kiss me!”

- But when Aunt Emma clasped the girl in her arms,
Agnes warningly whispered : ad

_ “T£ you don’t stop it, I'll quit! I won't stand for it!
It’s too much!” |

ae bell-boy appeared with catds: e

Word was sent down for the boys to come up.

  

  

  

  

  

y Mabel, whose brother introduced his friends. All
were looking very swell in their Tuxedos.

 

  

“Jove!” whispered Harvey, in Cunningham's ear ;
‘this bunch i is all right. These girls are peaches.”

“Gentlemen,” | ae Agnes, “et me introduce my

The old tidy had risen and advanced.

“Aunt Emma,” ’ said Ag ggie, “this i is Mabel S brother
this i is Mr. Ditson.” ; r ee : bt

Howdy do, Mr. eee said Aunt ¢ Emina, giving.
une a quivery Pos xy A
And this is Mr. Peay continued ‘hare 7
Eh? said the old lady. Mer. Carvey? Um! AD.

 
  

   

  

h¢
bts

   
   

20) TIP TOP WEEKLY.

Saturday night reg’lar, and he put on so much style.

house, when we was havin’ an apple parin’, and we gut

‘nothin’ at all but a false bosom. Underneath he had

Ina few minutes the quartet arrived and were met

_ shirts done up as often as once a month to keep "em

“No, indeed, madam,” said Harvey. “I can’t claim
that honor.” ae ae
“T don’t impose so,” said Aunt Emma, “though ] At
though it might be possible.’’
“This is Mr. McGregor, auntie,’ Agnes went on.
“Howdy do, Mr. McNigger,” said the old lady.
“Ho! ho!” chuckled Big Pet, behind .McGregor’s
back, “That’s a fine name for you! McNigger!
Look out that it doesn’t stick.”
“And this tall gentleman,’ Agnes went on; ‘‘this is —
Mr. Cunningham, auntie.” ,
“He! he!” laughed Aunt Emma. “Awful glad to
meet you, Mr. Funnyram.”

9)

 

“Aq beet’ ae Ea ee

SS -—_ A

 

McGregor choked, getting behind Cunningham and
jabbing him with his*thumb.

“Funnyram!”’ he whispered. ‘“Funnyram! That’s
a corker! Look out that it doesn’t stick.”

    
     
       
     

“Don’t mind auntie,” said Agnes, in a low tone.
“She’s a bit deaf, and she misunderstands things.” __

    
   
 
   

“These young men are all dressed to kill, ain’t they,”
said Aunt Emma, squinting at them through her spec:
tacles, “My goodness, how the fellers do dress now-
days! They didn’t uster put on such awful lugs in
my time. I remember Jim Pease was the swellest Fels
ler in our neighborhood. He uster dress up every

 
 
      
     
        
      
   
      

everybody randered, Couldn’t see how he gut the |
money to do it. One time over at Sabina Trasker’s |

     
   
      
 

to rompin’ like gals will, I grabbed him by the shirt-
bosom, and, goodness. sakes alive! T jest pulled that
bosom right out of his vest front, and there it was,

 
      
   
     
    

on nothin’ but a nundershirt. I don’t s ‘pose you young
fellers practise them tricks, do ye?” seo

With this, she made a grab at Ditson’s shinee. i
seized it, and gave it a pull that brought it bulging |
forth from his low-cut vest, much to Duncan’s dismay |
and consternation, = 3 in a

“No,” admitted Aunt Emma, “there uve nothin’ —
dictittos about that, I impose you must have them |

      
    
        
 

        
  

 
  
   

    
   

 

lookin’ spick, and span like MaRS ve Spee
o ‘Oh, auntie, auntie, how can you! ‘ breathed Ag’

nes, fluttering over to the old lady. ;
In a whisper she eet

    
 

     
  
   

ae now!” . ne SON Ee
“Great Cusar’: Ss ghost!" Miecoaiies was dae
_ Ditson’s s Poll “what are we bd fee ee ae

     
LEIP “TOP
“Hanged if I know!” admitted Dunc, “I didn’t
count on anything like this.’’
‘ “What are we going to do with her?”
y “Give it up unless we chloroform her.”
| With the exception of Agnes, the girls were in great

confusion, and there seemed indications of a revolt at
this eleventh hour. Agnes was compelled to use all
her diplomacy to prevent this, but she seemed to sup-
press Aunt Emma for the time being, and she practic-
ally promised to keep the old lady quiet in future,

There was a little light conversation by the way of
getting on easy footing, and then, assisted by the boys,
the girls donned their wraps, and all prepared to start
out.

Ditson proposed to do the thing in style, and he
had a couple of cabs waiting af the door. After some
| hesitation Cunningham, Harvey, Mabel, and Hattie
i. entered the first, cab.

‘ By this time Aunt Emma was aroused once more
’ and protested against the style of conveyance. /
| ~ “Never could go it inside of them contraptions,” she
said. “Feel jest like I was shet up in a corn-crib.
Can’t I ride up there side of the gentleman that’s driv-
ing?”

“Why, auntie! why, auntie!’ breathed Anges.
“Flow can you propose such a thing’ |

“Gee whiz!’ whispered Ditson to McGregor,
be a fine old chap’.
~ We driver.”

_ After awhile it was settled, and fe old lady was
boosted in. It happened that Duncan was compelled
to sit beside her,

~ “Now you be keerful, young man,” tittered the old
‘woman. “Don’t you git to playin’ none of your
pranks. You remember that I’m here to look out for
you young folks. If you uaeer my arm or anything
like that, I shall - Aggie.” |
“Don’t worry,” said Ditson, as the cab rumbled

 

EERE

 

 

 

“she'll
She wants to ride with the

 

  
   
   
    
   
  
 

 

 

 

 

ey)

CHAPTER XI

THE DINNER- -PARTY AT WHITE'S,

 

 

 

  

 

  

dining at White’s. The sophs frowned on the freshies
they were conducted, with the girls and Aunt
ma, to a table reserved for them, Ditson having
telephoned for it. The freshmen oceupied other tables

tered round that one in such a manner that -
irty was almost wholly encircled.

  

  

 
  

They were astonished to find fully twenty Freshener 3

   

WEEKLY,

21

“See what we’re coming to, These freshies will
take possession of Heublines, the Hoffbrau, and every
other decent restaurant unless they’re taught a lesson
before long.”

“Land sakes!” cackled Aunt Emma, peering around
her, “I don’t sée why you folks chose such a con-
spicuous place to eat in. If I’d been insulted about
it, [ should have suggested a quieter place than this,

I spose it’s too late to make any arrangements now, so
we may as well plant our anatomeezers on these cheers.
I’m awfully nervous, but there’s one consolidation
‘in the fact that I can git a cup of tea right away.
Wonder what all them horrid young fellers are star-
ing at? Wonder what makes them grin:so? Where
be you goin’ to set, Mr. McNigger? I want to set
aside of you so I can keep an eye on you, Now you
take this cheer right here to my right, and you; Mr. ,
Funnyram, you take this cheer on my left, I'll be
tight betwixt you wore rose atween two thorns.
He! he!”

At the next table Tommy Tucker choked, grabbed a
glass of water, took a swallow, spluttered, made a
terrible mess, and hid his face behind his napkin.

As soon as the party was seated Aunt Emma leaned
over and whispered in McGregor’s ear:

“T see they’ve gut the table all laid out for us.
Jest slip me one of them glasses, will you? - I gut you
and Mr. Funnyram hoth sides of me so I could take
a lettle nip without none of the gals noticin’ it. I have
to have a leetle stimulant sometimes. Hold the glass
down under the edge of, the table, please. That’s
right--now be stiddy—hbe stiddy,”

While talking she had fished the bottle from her
pocket and removed the cork. She now proceeded to
pour some of the bottle’s contents into the glass, but
her shaking hand caused glass and bottle to rattle ina
way that attracted general attention,

‘Jest a leetle Holland gin, Mr. McNigger,”’ she ex~
plained, in a sibilant whisper that escaped no’ one in —
the vicinity, although she seemed to fancy McGregor —
was the only person who could hear. “The gals will
think it’s water. He! he!” :

“The old fool!” thought McGregor, his face crim- |
son. “She’s making a holy show of herself—and me, |
too. a

_ Apparently fancvinle herself very sly and clever, the
old woman nearly filled the tumbler before restoring |
the cork and returning the bottle to her pocket. Then, :
to McGregor’ s consternation and aa she drank
every drop the glass contained. it |
“A little nip!” thought McGregor,

”

 

“My eee

    
        
    
     
     
      
 
   
        
         
      
      
   
  
     

22

that’s enough to load a mule. If she don’t have a bun
on after that, she’s got a cast-iron tank.”

Apparently the drink enlivened Aunt Emma im-
mensely, for she brightened up, beamed on them all,
and proceeded to monopolize the conversation.

“This seems to be one of them high-tone places,
don’t it,’ she chattered. “They put on bunches of

style here. But I guess we're jest as stylish as any-
body. Now, jest look at Aggie and the rest of the
gals! Jest look at me!”

“T don’t like to look at her,” whispered Cunning-
ham to Hattie Claire. “Every sage T look at her I
fear I’m’going to have a ‘spasm.”

“Oh, isn’t she the worst!” murmured Hattie. “She
nearly frightened me to death when she kissed me.”

“Kissed you?’ hissed Cunningham. ‘Did she do

that? If she ever attempted such an advance as that
on me, I’d climb a tree.”

      
         
     
      
     
   
       
   
   
     
     
    

Endeavoring to do the proper thing in the proper
manner, Ditson ordered the first courses, oysters to
be followed by soup and fish. After awhile the young
people attempted to ignore Aunt Emma’s \ chatter,
Cunningham devoting ‘himself to Miss Claire, while

- McGregor talked to Agnes. Ditson gave his attention
to Orsola, and Harvey sought to make himself agree-
able to Ditson’s sister. :

Between Cunningham and McGregor, Aunt Emma
barked away, turning from one to the other, pulling at
‘their sleeves and jabbing them with her elbows.

“Has nobody ordered no tea for me?” she inquired.
“I want it right away, and tell °em to make it good
and strong. I allus drink three cups every Sunday
morning before going to church. We’ve had a hew

and now we're raisin’ money for a bell. I tell you.

we're goin’ to be stylish if it does’ cost like all git-out.
If any of you folks ever come out to Squeerville to
_ stay over Sunday,’ T'll take you to our church, and
you'll see one of the most ‘extinguished country con-
_ flagrations that ever sot through a sermon. We've
gut some purty dressy people in Squeerville, even if it
_ is a little country village. Aggie knows that, for she
_ went to church with me the last time she was there.

 
  

: what I’m sayin’, Are you deef, Mr. McNigger! ze

__ The surrounding freshmen were heard chuckling,
and from an adjoining table floated the words: |
— “McNigger! pereee™s, He'll re it for his own
after this.”

“And here’s Mr. esate,

   
 

 

TIP TOP. WEEKLY.

even know I’m here.
ime, Mr. Carvey.”

up a little,”

church spire put on our meetin’ house at Squeerville, _

Landy massy! don’t nobody seem to be listenin’ to

7 ” Aunt. jag went Ons?
“Jest completely g are on ee leetle ee so he don’ t

 

I wisht I’d gut you to set side of

Still neglected, she again fished in her pocket and
produced the bottle, refilling her glass beneath the

table.
“Murder!” thought McGregor.

 

“This surely. will
be her finish!”

Having placed the glass on the table, the old adie
fumbled in an effort to return the bottle to her pocket,
but finally dropped it clattering on the floor.

At the next table Jones rose to his feet. Solemnly
advancing, he bent over the old woman, saying:

“Good evening, Aunt Emma. Evidently you didn’t —
see me when you came 4n.” ;

“Oh, Charley,” she squealed, “be you here? My!
my! but I’m tickled to see you!” .

Then she clutched him round the neck sua; gave him
a resounding smack upon the cheek.

“For the love of- propriety! let up, old fellow—let

Jones whispered. ‘You'll break up the

    
    

party before it begins.”
cba) Ter’

ley, Aggie.

Char-

Chartey, I want you to meet the rest of ,

     
 
     
   
     
     
     
      
       
 
      
        
 
     
     

snickered Aunt Emma. “Here's

these folks. These gals are Aggie’s friends. I s’pose

mt know them already. Permit me to introduce you
Mr. Carvey, Mr. McNigger, and Mr. Funnyram.
a is my nevvy. Don’t he look jest like his’ old %
aunt? My sister, Hephzibah—that’s Charley’s mother —
—she allus did say he favored me more’n he did
her.” ! pores : ares
Jones bowed to the party, receiving haughty nods
and icy glares from the young men, while the girls

regarded him with accusing remonstrance on account

  

of his “aunt.”
“T hope you enjoy yourselves,” murmured nie
“Auntie will do her best to rer rot She's very
, entertaining.” *
Then he retired. as
— “Tt’s queer, Agnes,” observed Miss Everness, “be :
T never knew your’ mother’s name was Hephzibah.” MS of
“That was her middle name before marriage,
fall ” faltered Miss Jones confusedly. .
Aunt Emma was smacking her lips over the cont nts
. of her glass. -Appatently she had bees the empt
bottle, which still ay a on the floor. ak ee ;

 
  
   
   
     
        
   
  

  
      
    

   
   

The waiter appeared with the oysters. When a

plate was placed before the old lady she peered at

Ets cE ee RS ae SS

them through her spectacles and poked several of them
with her finger.
“And

them lazy critters down in the kitchen ain’t even took

“Why, they ain’t cooked!” she exclaimed.

 

‘em out of the shells! I don’t believe the poor ‘things
is dead yet. See that one squirm! This is cruel! Ill
have to report it to the S. P. C. A. Why, Mr’ Me-
Nigger, be you goin’ to eat them things that way?

SRI DR aA AES

oh

   

   

You must be a puffec cannibal.”
McGregor,
If you don’t like them,

“My dear madam,” said scowling"

 blackly, “TI like raw oysters.
you don’t have to eat them.”

“Guess I'll jest taste “em,” said Aunt Emma, as

 

_ she captured one with her fingers and lifted it to her
_ mouth.

 

| served Harvey to Mabel Ditson.
Aunt Emma made a wry face and gulped, straight-

sac ot
Ae

ke _ ening up and stretching her neck as far as possible,

 

_ while her eyes seemed to bulge out behind her spec-
| tacles.

 

J

 

hd &
I jest swallowed

   

“It’s gone! " she cried, in apparent surprise.
was SO slippery I couldn’t hold it.
it whole, and I know it will give me injungestion. I
Stil
’ she continued, poking

 

can’t say that I admire. them in pertickler,

  

looks like a purty nice one,’

   

the biggest one on her plate and endea avoring to get

   

hold of it with her fingers. “Come here, you rascal.

  

    
  

Is | Nouse to dodge. No use to slip. I’nt bound to ketch
Is I’m goin’ to give ye to Mr. McNigger.”
he

  

‘ Bick, secured the oyster, she daintily deposited it

 

1 McGregor’ s plate.

   

“That’s' because I like you,”
at that one jest to show me that you reslippercate.”

she said. “Now, you

  

  
  
 

ut
| fist at his supposed aunt,

 

The freshmen seemed to be. enjoying ‘themselves i im-
eer for they no longer tried, to disguise their

 

     
      

 
 
 
 

artly tt turned his pack toward her. ye

PPS TOL

“The old lady’ s manners are simply sublime!” ob-'

1, that |

opened to admit some guests.

: The girls were completely upset by this time, and
t the next table Jones was muttering and shaking a

ioninchaie ied to ignore the old lady, haying ,

  

WEEKLY.

Aunt Emma at-
tempted to assist the waiter by taking the plate from

After a time the soup came on.

his hands, but made a slip and spilled half the con-

"tents of the plate upon the back of Cunningham’s

‘Tuxedo.

“Landy me! landy me!”
J 4
too bad!”

she palpitated. “Ain’t that

Cunningham felt like strangling her as Ditson as-
sisted the waiter in mopping off the soup with nap-
kins.

“I’m of the verge of committing murder, Miss
Claire!” “T shall kill that old catamaran

before the evening is over—I know I shall!”

he rasped.

“I say it’s too bad, Mr. Funnyram,” persisted the .

old lady, jerking at his elbow. “Such leetle lapsus-
lingos will happen, you know. You're so good-na-
tured, Mr. Funnyram, I’m sure you don’t mind. Ag-
She asked

I’m sure

gie told me you was jest the jolliest feller.
me to git you to tell the mad-dog story.
it must be funny. Won't you please tell it?”

It seemed that every one within hearing tittered. In-
deed, the freshmen found it difficult to keep from
bursting into uproarious laughter.

Cunningham’s face was red as a beet as he asked to
be excused.

“Well, mebbe you'll tell it later,” said Aunt Emma.
“T know it must be a good story, though somehow it
gives me the shivers jest to hear any one speak of a’
mad dog. If there’s anything that scares me nigh onto
I more than
half-expectorate that some day I'll git bit by one.

Where’s my tea? Ain’t nobody goin’ to bring me no
y y$ g

convolutions, it’s an ugly-looking dog.

tea?”

At this juncture the main door of the dining-room

a dog that began dodging about and sniffing at the legs —

of the diners at the various tables.

It was Suds looking for his master. .
Tommy Tucker espied the animal and cried:
“Hello, here’s the mad dog now!” Nye 4 one
Just then Suds made a lunge at Aunt Emma. With

a terrible shriek, as she espied the creature, the old
: indy grabbed MeGregor about ee neck and gave him

ak

Into the room whisked — He
     
 
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
   
  

24 j TIP. FOP WEEK ESY:
3 such a yank that he was upset and came near over- bewilderment of all pursuers, both woman and dog
turning the table. vanished. | .
“Help! help! Protect me! Save me! Keep the
squawked the old woman, turning CHAPTER XII. |

to Cunningham and grappling with him. She got her

(»?

horrid beast away!

; DICK’S OPPORTUNITY COMES.

arms round Pet’s neck and squeezed him with such vio-

: a : 2% :

lence that his wind was shut off and he gasped for The.next day all Yale was laughing over it. No
/

breath. :

The restaurant was thrown into a sudden uproar.

wonder they laughed, for the truth had leaked out
somehow, and it was known that, assisted by Jones and

The girls uttered little screams and started to rise his sister, Merriwell had perpetrated that practical joke

The freshmen leaped up from their various tables and ©” Cunningham’s set. It was also reported that when

 

the dinner-party returned to the New Hayen House

 

stood craning their necks and tiptoeing in the effort

to see everything that happened and the girls bade good night to their escorts they
§ c .

; : ; Vi ound the genuit ant E aiti re. How
Suds continued to jump upon Aunt Emma, whining found the genuine Aunt Emma waiting there

‘joyously. ae had succeeded in pacifying and placating a
“Oh, you cowards! Oh, you wretches!” cried the friends was a mystery, but this she somehow accom:

old lady. “Are you goin’ to see me et up by this beast? plished, for those girls came to laugh over the affair
ady. g :

\

 

Ain’t there a man among\ye? Git out, you terrible °° BeAr Ay Bary: ON,

fred } 7 r , i - oe -
critter!” ae _ But there were several decidedly sore and revenge-

» he Lickel out with one foot at the dog, and Suds
"was sent sprawling. A moment later, with a wild

    
 

ful chaps in college. Cunningham and his friends took

      
 

it to heart bitterly. As far as possible he Pet ae out |

 
   
 

bound, Aunt Emma landed on top of the table, clutch- Soe te rapeemmn co i te

 
 

Then happened another thing that seemed flee an

 
 

ing her skirts and gathering them to the knees.

 
 

anti-climax to the affair, va added to the merriment _

   

The freshmen literally yelled with laughter.

   

of the students.
McGregor learned that Carl Cameron, the regular .
halfback on the eleven, had injured his knee so badly |

   

“You brutes!” squealed the old woman, glaring

 
    

‘round at them. “You seem to think it funny to see

    

an unpertected lady et up by a ravagin’ dog!”

 
 

that he might not be able to play in the game against ©
Dartmouth at Hanover. More than that, Washburn |
was in the hospital, and Whiting was sick. Neither of
the last two cowkl be taken along as subs to fill Cam-

 
 

Then, as several waiters came rushing forward, she
made a flying leap from the table and dashed toward
ie door.

    
       
    

Suds followed can and ae she dis
covered this as she cast a glance over her shoulder, for,

eron’s position. t
Then came Captain Hurlburt, the puieet. ates no

tified McGregor that he was to accompany the team

burst out through vb swinging doors, tore across the toy elanooee He was told that Mer well: wowed like-
office, and was gone.

    
     
 

with another yell that almost cracked the ceiling, she

    
     
 

3 __-wise be taken along. gee
: _ People on the street were astounded to see a queer~ = McGregor felt that he would surely’ pet 2) sia 6
i looking, frantic old woman come bouncing out of play if Dick did not go. Therefore, aidéd by Cun-
‘White’s with a dog at her heels. They were further pingham and Harvey, he concocted a plot.
' astounded when a crowd of students and other people Ditson was supposed to carry the scheme out. lt
, followed the woman and dog to the steps. _ was said that: Merriwell had met the girls and bee
Ap the street fled Aunt Emma at marvelous speed. forgiven for his wild prank. It was said that he ha
f Those who attempted to pursue her were astonished shown a particular liking for Ditson’s sister, and |
over the way in which she covered ground. She'turned | = seemed to ee in oF of rac s objec-
first one eee 2 bea and then, to the’ utter es

    
     
      
     
     
       
 
 
 

   
 
   

Therefore, it was planned that Dunc and a friend
should make up in feminine costume, take a closed
cab, and stop in front of Merriwell’s door one eve-
ning. Word was to be sent up that Mabel Ditson

meptetic®

wished to see Dick. Would he please come down a
moment. When he appeared at the cab door Dunc
. and his pal were to erab him, yank him in, and carry
him off.

_ the project.

The cab-driver was to be properly fixed for

But Ditson made a mistake by getting his sister to
In the note she stated that she
would be in the cab at the door, and she asked him
Dunc told her that it was
nothing but a little joke and made her promise secrecy.

_ write a note to Dick.
F to come down a moment.
3

Agnes

 

; | She broke her promise by telling Agnes.
promptly told her brother, and, therefore, the whole
scheme went amiss for the plotters.

 

. When the cab halted half a dozen freshmen were

waiting for it.’ Two of them jumped onto the box

 

   
 
 
  

and subdued the driver. The others crowded inside
| and smothered Ditson and Dagett, who were rigged up

a ein skirts.

t R s - The cab was driven out onto the main street, where
| the disguised boys were dragged forth in the full glare

* | of the electrics. Fifty fellows were on hand to parade

e | those two chaps up and down the street. Then came

ee | some policemen, who nabbed Dunc and Mel and trotted

- them off to the station-house.

yf _ Thé next day both McGregor and Mactiwell-a accom-

es panied the team to Hanover. ;

 

‘
« * * * a / a *

  
  
  

Her team was working

  

7 Yale was disappointed.

    
  

m ek - . °

nets badly. -Dartmouth was strong and aggressive. The
| * green was flaunting high, and the cheering of the
4c enthusiastic New Hampshire boys drowned the cheers

of the Yale contingent who = traveled so far to

 

itness that game.

The first half had passed without See side scoring.

| ‘During the early stages of the game Yale had been
aggressive, but gradually Dartmouth braced up, and
the visitors seemed. to weaken. | 3

 

  

It
Gh
ad
nat

    
  
 

5 Yale’ s hard luck in having several men on the sick
d injured list placed the team in an unpleasant pre-

  

ec>

 

“Tire TOP: WEEKLY:

  

25

dicament. Although his rubber-supported knee was in
field.

Among the substitutes McGregor and Merriwell

wretched condition,. Cameron stuck to the
waited. Two line-men had been injured and their
places filled with subs. But it seemed that Cameron
would remain through the game.

The ball was in Yale’s territory. Dartmouth grew
threatening. Three times in the first half had she
tried a forward pass without success, but now she
pulled it off with a gain of fourteen yards.
led the

Yale cheerers, seeking to put confidence and vim into

Harmsworth, tossing back his long hair,

the sound of their voices.
but
there seemed nothing great about this wavering,

The newspapers had called Yale’s team “great,”
ragged line of defense. The Yale coaches who
watched the game could not help betraying both anx-
iety and disappointment. There were weak spots on
the team that must be strengthened. These weaknesses
became apparent before the attacks of the husky Dart-
mouth lads.

Cunningham and Harvey were watching the game.
“Nothing but luck
Lock- |

ford is on the,bum to-day. Even Hurlburt is in poor

“Tt’s rotten!” muttered Harvey.
has saved us thus far. Dartmouth will score.
form. As for Cameron—why don’t they take him
out?” »

“Take him out?” muttered Cunningham. “‘He’s the
main stay of the back field. If they take him out,
who'll fill his place?”

: “McGregor’s waiting.”

“McGregor? Bah! re: can’t fill Cameron’s shoes,
even with Cameron as lame as he is.”

Watching that game, Dick Merriwéll felt every
nerve quivering, felt his pulses throbbing, felt his heart
strain to bursting.
himself the joy of victory. He had dreamed of it ere
he became a sub, chosen perforce as there was no other
Now defeat stared Old

In advance ‘he had: pictured for

save McGregor to choose.

Eli in the face. \ 7 ; :
The Green attacked and went through for four
yards. Twelve yards more would put the pigskin over.

There was a hasty lining-up and then another at-

    
  
    

26

Yale met this assault desperately, and when the ball
was down it was found that one of the defenders was
also stretched on the ground.

This was Cameron. They sought to revive him that
he might continue in the game, but when they lifted
him to his feet and he made a step his injured knee

Jet him plunge to the turf.

A moment later two chaps were helping him from
the field, and he was heard protesting weakly.

Who could fill his place?) Who could stop that
gap? 3

‘Hurlburt made a signal.

An electric thrill shot through Dick Merriwell, for
he was summoned. Leaping up, he flung off his
blanket and hastened onto the gridiron.

Beneath his breath McGregor cursed,

Almost before he could realize it Dick was back
there behind the line, and Dartmouth’s quarter was
barking the signal.

Merriwell saw the ball snapped, and he hinged for-
ward with the first movement. He saw the pigskin
fumbled, and like a flash he dove for it, scooping it up
cleanly. His shoulder struck a big fellow and bowled

him over. He dodged the hands of another, and then

the Yale rooters rose with a — cry of surprise and

Joy. eA
It was a marvelous thing Merriwell had done,
oh snatching this ball from the very fingers of the enemy.
Had he fallen on it, it would have been clever enough
to bring delight to the hearts of the wearers of the
if - blue, but he had secured it, kept his feet, and flashed
ty chis way through the enemy.
| | ~ One of the backs lunged at the runner for a aed,
oh we a marvelously agile sidelong leap whisked Dick’s

eons on the ground.

Roar after roar came from: tious Yale Ciniats as
i Meniwet sped over the chalk-marks.
after him, but he seemed to be more than holding his

“Harvey had Coningtens drinped iy the arm.
“Look a’ that! look a’ — he aun “What do
you think o of that Pe ita A vaeiekt!

 

TIP TOP WEEKLY.’

and those fellows were aware that a

self on the team.” pies , ee

Dick Merriwell’s Resentmen ;

feet and legs away, and the man miaine Senay 5

They were ;

 

ae Th

“Just his cursed luck!’ snarled Big Pet.
make a touch-down.”’

 

Pettinger’s judgment was correct, for Merriwell
covered the length of the field and planted the ball be-
hind Dartmouth’s line. ;

aye
ier
as!
ae
i;
Rye
wh,
a
aR
ihe

Hurlburt kicked a goal.

 

From that moment to the finish of the game Yale —

 

 

was strong and steady. Singular though it seeméd,

 

 

 

Merriwell’s marvelous feat had braced those men up,

 

and Dartmouth struggled in vain until the whistle

blew. é
x * « * * * xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seemed that all Yale was at the station to greet

 

the returning team. The news had been telephoned,

 

 

 

freshman substi- |

 

 

 

tute had saved the game for Yale. Of course, the — i

 

 

freshman class practically turned out in a body.

 

 

And when the train stopped—when Hurlburt ap-

 

peared, with his arm across Merriwell’s shoulder,

 

 

smiling on the students who crowded the platform, :

 

 

those fellows thundered their applause in one grand :

 

volume of ear-deafening sound.

 

 

 

The campus was reached ere Dick’s feet touched the |

  

ground. All the way up those streets from the station —

 

through the city and past the Green he was sais on

 

 

the shoulders of his admirers. .
“Tt’s settled,” Th .
my next newspaper letters I shall state that beyond

 

said Billings to Harmsworth.

 

 

 

 

question the. freshman, Mersiwell, has established tir

 

t

 

 

THE ‘END.

       
   
     
       
   
     
   
 

The Next Number (653) will Contain

  

ae | OR, Oh th
‘ . ae sae ae

 
 

   
  
    

| Man—With Gloves—The Quitter—Remors s
ce eee |

id
 

 

 

oF ESTE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK, November Io, 1906.

 

 

 

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

.

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

=~

 

   
       
     
     
       
     
     
         
   
     
   
      
     
    
     
       
     
     
      
 
   
   
     

TIP TOP ROLL OF HONOR.

 

\ ’
| ‘Following the suggestion of Mr. Burt L. Standish, that appeared
- | © in his letter to Tip Top readers in No. 480, the following loyal Tip

| Toppers have won for themselves a place on our Honor Roll for their
_ efforts to increase the circulation of the King of Weeklies. Get jn line
boys and girls and strive to have your name at the head of the list,

Dummy, Jacksonville, Fla.

Joseph A. Curtin, Massachusetts. |

P. T. Weymouth, [laine.
- John Gernon, Louisiana.

Sidney Wood, [lissouri,.

Edward C. Merrifield, Minnesota.

John W. Kutz, Pennsylvania.

Adolph Wiener, New Jersey.
Frank Sharon, lowa.

Frank McCauley, Newark, N. J.
The names of other enthusiastic Tip Toppers will be added from

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

. APPLAUSE.

7 i Owing to the number of letters received, the editots of Tip Top
‘cannot undertake to secute their publication under six weeks. Those
who contribute to this department must not expect to see them before

¥

  

 

  

 

(A letter from Kansas.)

- T have not read the Tre Top from No. t to date, but I have
read all of the Medal Library books and the Tie Top from 400
to 537; therefore I consider myself an old reader, I will there-
fore seek the privilege of expressing my Opinion on the merits
Tre Tor for the first time. Mr. Standish is one of the greatest
prose writers of the day. His great ability to describe athletic
“sports is unequaled, -and the splendid way in which the charac-
‘ters are pictured is unsurpassed. There is Chester Arlington.
t one time he: played on the regular football-team at Fardale,
dit was he who, flanked by Dick and Brad, made the touch-
wn which won the game from Uniontown. To-day he is one
of Dick’s bitter enemies. Rand Blacklock is another. Although
ow he is a sneak, I cannot help but admire the way he
s a little common sense in keeping Chester Arlington out of

   
 

  

    
  

     
  

 
 

 

 

%

OF BS a Rtn hace PA pet i a mato)

WEEKLY. 2

a great deal of trouble. I wish there was more about Dick; but,
then, Mr. Standish is writing Tie Top, not me. Frank is my
favorite, and I also like the others. My father’s favorite is big
Bruce Browning. He says Bruce is the ideal model of what
an American man should be. I wish to congratulate Mr. Hodge
on his marriage to Miss Elsie Bellwood. Bart represents myself
better than any of the other characters. I have a hot temper like
Bart had, but I am conquering it as«Bart did. I think Young
Joe Crowfoot is great. I am the catcher on our baseball-team
and end on our football-team. I hope Doris will be the girl for
Dick. I always thought Frank should marry Inza, and he did.
I will close, hoping success to Trp Top and all its readers; also
Mr. Standish and Street & Smith. Yours forever,
f ‘FRANK MErRIFIELD.

We note that you mention your father favoring Bruce, which
proves that he is not only a regular reader of Tip Top, but a
gentleman of common sense besides.
rings true every time. Such a character can be built up if one
goes about it the right way. We are glad to hear that Tre Top
helps you in learning to control your temper. Many a young

man has much to thank Mr. Standish for.

 

Having read more than one hundred Tre Tops, I feel that I
have a right to claim a small space in the Applause column. In
glancing over the Applause column I happened to see where
John C. Snyder expressed his opinion of Dale Sparkfair, and I
wish to say that I have the same feeling: I like Dale Sparkfair
better than any character that has appeared in any weekly. But
J think Dick Merriwell should have June, and I would like to see
Dale take a fancy to Doris. I think Chester Arlington would
make a dandy, once he got started on the right track. Of the
old Yale crowd, I like Diamond, Frank, Bruce, Hodge, and all
the rest. Send Obediah Tubbs around to us. We will give
him all the pie he wants. I greatly admire Burt L. Standish
as an author. In closing I wish to say that I think I am the
only one in Rockwood who reads Tie Top. A Lone READER.

Rockwood, Tenn. ;

Can it be possible that such a forlorn fact is true? If so we.

really and truly pity the Rockwood boys. And, come to think
of it, isn’t it up to you, friend Tip Topper, to arouse yourself
and let a little light in? Spread the news abroad—pick out cer-
tain of your young friends and loan out a few back numbers of
Tre Top. Get the news-agent interested in the matter. We
would be glad to have you write us again in a few months and
tell us what a wonderful change has taken place. It only re-
quires a little effort to start the ball rolling, and you will be
amazed at the result.

 

(A letter from one of Uncle Sam’s boys.)

Having read Tip Tor from the first number, I will say that I
think it is fine. I think Dick and Frank are model young Ameri-

cans, and I disagree with some people who believe these stories

do a boy more harm than good. At the time I started reading
them I was a sickly-looking excuse for a,man. Now I stand as

good as the average athlete. .I can do a mile in 6 minutes and 17

seconds. I am as enthusiastic as any of them, and all on account

of reading Tie Top. I think that I have a right to put in my

oar on that question. F. E. BLacktHorn.
U. S. T. S. West Virginia.

Your experience places you in a position to prove that the

reading of Tie Top is an excellent thing for any youth. The
lessons which these stories all contain teach honesty, sobriety,

and good morals. N6d boy can read them from week to week a

without receiving considerable benefit from so doing.

/

 

I want to tell you why I like the old Trp Top the best of all.

It is because the characters —
of the Merriwells are strictly moral; because Mr. Standish never |
writes up a Sunday baseball-game; because Frank and Dick ©

I have read them from first to last.

never make a practise of doing business on the Sabbath day.

And this is why the mothers:and grandmothers do not object to —

their children reading this most interesting of weeklies. There
are many boys taking Frank and Dick for their model, and I
believe Mr. Standish is doing a good work among boys who are

tee

 

Bruce has a character that

 
  
   
   
  
    
  
 
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  

        
28 | TIP TOP WEEKLY.

neglected, and perhaps do not care whether they are good or
bad. But, reading this good advice, they are encouraged to try
to make something of themselves, to try to be like Frank and
Dick; for they are both good moral boys. Please pardon me
for taking up so much space, but I am interested, for 1 have
children of my own, who read this weekly. My best respects
to the writer and Street & Smith, Ann E. RopMAn Boyce.
Bloomington, IIL.

This is a letter of which any boys’ publication might be proud
Dp

—a letter from a mother who has boys of her own, and whom
she encourages to read Tie Top because her good sense tells her
the reading of stich stories cannot but improve the morals of any
lad. We thank this good mother for the faith she has in us
and in our work. We know what we are doing, and our belief
that Tre Top Weerxty is one of the strongest forces for good in
the country to-day is backed up by two hundred thousand boys
who read it eagerly every week.

(A letter from Mississippi.)
In looking over old files of the king of weeklies, Trp Top, I

got to thinking of the glorious times, week in and week out,’

spent in close communion with the heroes of this weekly. It is
just like having a weekly appointment—a date with, say, for
instance, your sweetheart. (1 have none, though.) A glorious
time offered every week for’ the small sum of only § cents.
Little, is it not, for all the glorious things sent out each week
from the master pen of Burt L. I am sorry to say I know lots
of boys all over the United States who read Tie Top each week,
but who, it séems, have not shown their appreciation for this
weekly. It must be carelessness, dori’t care, or laziness. But I
trust not that. I guess they have not awakened to the true
worth of this glorious weekly visitor. Wake up and show your
colors. Don’t be a drone, and have to be driven. to your task.
It is just this way. The good book says: “The harvest is great,
but the laborers are few.” ee

- Those readers who do not work for the upbuilding of their
favorite weekly cannot enter the Honor Roll. So, you see, you are
losing lots of glorious rewards of merit. Hustle is the word.
_ Long life to Street & Smith, Burt L. Standish, Dick, Frank, and
all connected. Joun R. Ratrns.

_ This. correspondent breathes the right spirit when he calls
upon all loyal Tip Toppers to take off their coats and work for
the ever-increasing circulation of the best boys’ paper. We
understand that Mr. Rains recently had the nisfortune to lose
his news-depot in a fire, but, filled with the same spirit he ad-
mires so much in Frank and Dick Merriwell, he has been un-
daunted by his loss, and put his shoulder once more to the wheel.
We wish him success. He is a good friend to the boys.

| (A. letter from Kansas.)
I want to say a few words about the Tir Top Werxty.

_ Tre Tor is a book worth its money. I say that it teaches boys

not to smoke, chew, drink, or do anything bad. ;
- Harbor Oyler, a friend of mine, who was killed by lightning
- about a week ago, used to smoke all.the time until he got hold
of the Tre Top Werrgty and read it.
He took it as an example and stopped smoking, and was a
steady reader of it till his sad death. He was the one who gave
_ me my first number. Reavis ; :

I-like Dick and Frank and their friends. Dick jan Frank are

boys worthy of their names.
who should reform. fF Wee niet
I do not think the Tre Top Werexty is meant for boys only,
but for girls and grown people as well. ’ Yours truly,
ee brn ner | Cresson BEVier.

Chester and Bill Kane are boys

“We quite agree with you. Tip Top’ is interesting to any father —

r grandfather who believes in the boys having the right kind

of sport, without such evil influences as so frequently surround

thletic pleasures. We receive many letters of warm commenda-
tion from mothers as well, for they see the good our weekly has
one. Don’t be afraid to recommend it to your friends. Thou-
sands of frank young fellows have written us, confessing what

fluence to the good upon their liyes the reading of Tir Tor ~

all the characters in it.
_ kind, noble, and forgiving. Frank, how I adore him, and many

“Merry” do if he were in my place, and I did what

_ much better way, for
Frank comes Dick. I think in time he will be as
brother. . Is ;
true and noble boy. I hope some day he will marry J

(A letter from New Jersey.)

Although I have read Tie Top for about three years, this is
my first attempt at writing to the Applause. I have never no-
ticed any letters from my city, and I will not let it be left out.
I think the king of weeklies is all to the “merry.” Of its
characters Dick and Frank come first. They are fine models
for any boy to seek. I like all their friends about the same,
especially Brad, Obed, Ted, and Billy. The stories are fine
and true to life, and not full of “gore,” as most cheap libraries
are. As to the girls, I leave it to Mr. Standish. But I would
like to see Junie and Dick united, and I would like to see Hal
get Doris, because he certainly does love her. I would be glad
to see Dick and Chet become friends, but I think Mr. Standish
will make that all right by bringing June and Dick together.
Dale and his bunch are all right. I see in this week’s “An
Ardent Admirer of Tre Tor” says Mr. Standish has brought
June and Dale together. I don’t agree with him, as Mr. Burt L.
didn’t do so, and, besides, Dale is younger than June. Isn't
Dale only sixteen or seventeen?’ Dick and June for me. I am
a Juneite forever, and I hope you call me stich.

I am buying up all the old Tre Tops I can lay my hands upon.

‘ Usually when I come out of the store with a bunch of “Tippers”

there is a “muss” among my friends, about who is going to get
them first. I and a friend have been lending them to all the
boys in our class and now they nearly all read them every week.
Hoping to see this appear in print soon, and wishing a long life,
health, happiness, and prosperity to Burt L., Street & Smith, and
the rest, I remain, Frank McCautey.

You have certainly done your share, and a few boys of your

stamp would account for our exceedingly great circulation in”
your city. Newark lads have the reputation for knowing a good —
thing when they see it.

Having read your popular weekly, Tie Top, for the last. three
years, I am now having my say. That is, as far as words can,
When I left the States I bade good-by\to my dear old Tir Tops,
little expecting to see another one again. But judge my surprise
and delight when I saw a copy in the hands of a geritleman in

the Plaza de la Catedral, and he had several other copies on —

hand. On inquiry I found that he received them every week —

‘from the States, and, on asking him to let me see a certain:

copy, was told that I could have it as soon as it was returned. ay
I received it just three weeks after my request. That will give
you an idea of the popularity of your magazine. The Pana- -
manian boys are all anxious to be able to learn the language, —
so that they can read the Tie Top WEEKLY.

will never reach the popularity that Frank has. I always stick

up for him, but cannot take to Dick as I did to Frank. En--

closed please find postage for the catalogue of the Medal Library, ©
which you will kindly send me. Also kindly tell me if the double —
numbers of the Frank Merriwell Series are included in the list

of books found in the back of the Tie Tors? Thanking you ify

advance for your catalogue, and hoping to see ‘this in print, I
remain, An ADMIRER, -

Ancon, Canal Zone, Panama. nae : tans eS

Glad to see Tip Top is so popular down along the big ditch,
It would pay readers in that country to subscribe, since it must
cost heavily if purchased through the trade. ~All the earlier
Merriwell stories have been reprinted in the Medal. If you be-
gin with “Frank Merriwell’s Schooldays,” No. 150, and buy
them in order, you will really have a copy of Tip Top from
No. 1 up to 300—the numbers out of print in the original—only
jn fine book form instead of pamphlet. Each Medal book con-
tains several early Tip Tops. Pet ore, Renae

ee

“As I have read nearly all numbers of Tre Tor from No.

to the present, I will try and write a few lines for the Applau

column. I think Tre Top the greatest. book ever printed. I li
First of all comes Frank Merriwel
are the good lessons I have learned from his ways. Many
time, when I have been tempted, have I thought wl ares d
thought
he would under the circumstances. I have found out it

I know he is “true as steel.” .

‘He nearly is now, and I simply love Dick,

 

 

I think that Dick —
aR TOP OWEERLY 7. 20

she is the girl for him, and I know she will make a kind and As to the other characters, Inza, June, and Doris are fine, but
loving wife. I like Doris as well as I do June, but Hal is the I miss Elsie and Felecia, and would like to see Felecia meet
one who deserves her, for he loved Doris before Dick, and it Dale Sparkfair,
would break his heart to give her up. Among the male characters, Dick, Bart, Brad, Diamond, and
' Here are my best. wishes for all characters in Tre Top, for Browning are my favorites, not leaving out Dave Flint, who is
they are all very dear to me. Good luck to Burt L. and all the one of the strongest characters ever depicted in Tip Top.
rest. I will close, hoping Trp Tor will go on forever. What has become of Bart—is he exiled?

Indianapolis, Ind. “JoHNNY’’ ANDERSON. _ With best regards to Street & Smith, Burt L., and a host of
Tip Toppers, 1 would like to see this in print.

Canal Zone, Panama. ALEx T. Cooper.

You will find Bart not far away from Frank if you read the |
stories attentively.

Here is a reader who grows sentimental when discussing the
characters and our publication. But we can forgive him, be-
cause his heart is right, and he affirms himself to be a true
lover of Tip Top. .

 

: : Ge ; (A letter from West Virginia.)

(A letter from Georgia.) ‘T have been reading Tie Top Werexry for about four years.
I have written you once before, but have never seen my letter Jt js the best weekly 1 ever read. I think it is getting better
in the Applause column. I suppose it did not reach you. every day. Nearly all the boys around here read it.

I think Tre Top is the best publication for the American boys. I like Dick the best, perhaps because the first one I read was _
Frank and Dick are, of course, my favorites. Next comes Brad about Dick. Brad for me every time. Chet has the sticking
and paca. Mr. Standish is undoubtedly the best writer for quality, but he a on the wrong side. D. Roscoe is holding him
boys, and I think Tip Tor gets better every week. down; that is the way I like to see him, I like the stories of

Long live Tip Top and Mr, Burt L., and may many a boy Frank as well. Spark and Crowfoot are my favorites of Frank’s
spend many happy hours reading the world’s famous weekly, — school.

Tip Top. G, W. Lester. ' Wishing success to Burt L. Standish and Street & Smith, with

This time you “breale in.’ You find yourself in good com- three cheers for Tre Tor and Dick Merriwell. W. E. Gaunt.

pany when you declare Tir Top to be the best boys’ publication We welcome ‘you to the Applause column. Who could help
on the market. You will look in vain for anything at all ap- liking Dick, when he shows such a fearless front to his enemies,
 proaching it. Tip Top stands in a class by itself. and a noble spirit of forgiveness, after he has conquered them?

Hurrah for-the Trp Tor Weexty! I have always enjoyed (A letter from New York State.)
athletics and athletic stories, but never have I read such stories I take great pleasure in expressing my ae of Tip Tor
as appear in this king of w eeklies. It has furnished many hours WEEKLY, and I can honestly and candidly say that it is the best - :
of enjoyment to me, and alt hough I would like to have Dick Stoty-paper printed to-day. I have spent many a pleasant hour
- Merriwell’s Pineville team win the pennant in the Blue Hills in reading them, for I have read them from No. 1 to the present
y deat, still they lose once in awhile, which goes to show that issue. They are full of helpful reading-matter, and if all parents —
_ baseball is the most uncertain sport in existence. If they would knew how instructive they were they would not hesitate a mo- —
win every game, it would soon grow monotonous, but, as “variety ™ent to buy them for their children to read. They are helpful . %
_is the spice of life,” it increases our interest to have Dick lose. to the old as well as the young. If all who read Tip Top
Wishing success to Dick and Dale Sparkfair, I remain, WEEKLY would just try to follow the example set by Frank Mer-
Cleyeland, O. Es A. MurpuHey. ‘tiwell, they could not help making better men and women of
Bina, themselves, My regards to Frank, Dick, Bart, Darrell, Dale,
You are right about baseball; it is a most uncertain game. Buckhart, and all the rest of the boys and girls, June Arlington
~The club that plays champion ball to-day may. get the “rattles” especially, as she is my favorite. I sent Mr. Saunders 10 Tip

; Tops of the latest issues, as he lives on a farm in Cordele, Ga.
to-morrow from overanxiety and a few bad errors, and put up brah dba lene fat ane? as Foam &. weit acna Gea 2

an article that the kids on the corner lot would scorn to father. few, and give him a couple of pleasant anaes reading. |
Baseball has a wonderful hold on every true American boy. Hoping to see this in print soon, and wishing you further suc-
eo Case baa cess from a very admiring reader of Tip Top, “the: king of all
(A letter from Ohio.) | weeklies,” Iam, yours truly, Gxo. A. Brown.

Tt is with the utmost pleasure that I write and tell you bt my It is very evident, George, that you have been inculcated with
Oia: in reading the Tre Tor Weexty. I have been a reader the true Tip Tor spirit, in that when you get hold of a good
for some time, and have always got a good word ready for it-- thing, a bon bouche as the French say, you feel an irresistible

Several of my chums read them every week, and‘I only wish |. , e
they would tome every day. I think—although they are all good desire to pass it along, and have others sharé your enjoy ment. ;
—that No. 521 is the best one I have ever read, I am a boy of Accept our sincere thanks. ' ,
seventeen, and am 5 feet 8 inches tall; weigh 124 pounds, and sienna
love all outdoor sports, I belong to the baseball-team here, and I wrote to Applause once before, but am afraid that my cen
have a good time. I am pitcher, and. we have been beaten only tribution reached the waste-basket. :
once this year. Asking God to bless you in your noble work, I Most of the weeklies that I have read get stale as they Ber
will close, Loran F. Haprey. os oe it is just the SoDy Ete oe Tre Top. ; :
peo tat league now running in Tip Top is great, hope Ha
Thank you, Loran, for such sincere good wishes. We know Camp wins, because, after Frank, my il hivaciace ae Ds P
we haye been able to help thousands of young lads in their effort Sparkfair and Wind-that- -roars-in-the-night—Joe
to lead a more manly life, and it always gives us a warm sense Then comes Dick and Brad. I do not like Bart Hodge or Cap’
of satisfaction to have those | who have. been thus benefited . Wiley much,

x Inza, al y
“write in and tell us so. Such an ‘ “experience meeting” is enough — cee “— Franke ge init although I must say that

payment for. our efforts in the line of “a healthy body and a Has Inza a child? If so, is it a boy: Ssievgivl) aad Whee isi its
clean ind.” Page? Ee name?
nels wi ——— Hoping to see this in Applause soon, 1 am, your devote
. (A letter from the Canal Zone.) o rae bse s. ce
This being my first attempt to express my opinion of Tip Top, dikes aii
I would like to say that it is an ideal publication for the |
American youth, and it certainly ought to be in every home as Tor’s great success, The author ah a ately for stri ng ne
1 fit illustration of what the American youth should be. _ things> Tre Top’s career has been a succession of surpriss

eing a constant reader of Tip Tor for nine years, I know it a
es a mie a world of good, and know it will help Sanit eet more are coming, you may depend. on that. Where ‘were

scientious boy, for Frank Mer riwell is certainly an ideal charac- W yhen the “Star” came to Frank and Inza, giles Prank ,
ter, anc one in ee whose Bee no eee will g0 wrong: we an Jr? Read up on the adios “Dale” ae

\

 
QUESTIONS

ae votes aad

(A letter oii Maine. )

Prur. FourMEN: 1. How can I develop my biceps? 2. How
can I develop my chest and strengthen my lungs? 3. At what
time should I go to bed, and at what time should I get up?
4. Are peanuts a good food? Happy HEINIE.

1. Use dumb-bells, Indian
velop the biceps.

2. Take deep-breathing exercises in the open air.
punching will develop your chest as well as your biceps. 3. Go
to bed at 10 P. M, and get up at6 A. M. 4. Yes, when eaten
with other nuts dad fruits. —

clubs, and a punching-bag to de-

(A letter from Massachusetts.)

Pror. Fourmen: I would thank you to outline a course of
exercises which will reduce the size\of my stomach. They will
have to be such that I can do in my room without any parapher-

~ nalia.

C. A. CrarKson.

Bending exercises are good. Rise to a sitting position while
reclining on your back. Long, fast walks will help. Practise
_ drawing in the abdomen as far as you can, and do this as many
times as you can when walking or standing during the day. Do
not eat too heartily, and avoid drinking too freely of liquids.

(A letter from Massachusetts. )

-Pror. FourMen: I am a constant reader of Tip Tor. I take
ihe liberty to write a few lines. My measurements are as fol-
lows: Age, 14 years ; height, 5 feet 3 inches; weight, 110 pounds.
Can run 220 yards in 28 seconds. If I run 100 yards, my wind
gives way. How can I improve it? I take part in basket-ball,
running, and high jump. Are these good exercises? I belong
to the Hartman Athletic Club, of which each member is a
reader of Tip Top. We are going to get basket-ball shirts.
pic colors should we take? I am

A MEMBER OF THE HARTMAN ATHLETIC Crus.

Take deep- -breathing exercises to improve your wind. By run-
ning regularly you should get control of your breathing ap-
-paratus, so that the shortness of breath you complain of would
disappear. Basket-ball, running, and jumping are excellent ex-
ercises for general development, and will also help to develop
the lung-power you desire. Why not have the members of the
up vote upon the color ‘of the shirts for oe team?

a 5 (A siieb from Maine.)
: Prov. FourMEN: I have long intended to submit my measure-
ments to you, and J take this opportunity to send them; at the
me time to show my appreciation of Tip Top—which I have
d from No. 1 to date—and the department of which you are

e head. My height is 5 feet 10 inches; age, 20 years; weight,

62 pounds ; chest, normal, 35 inches; expanded, 39 inches; waist,
2 inches; thigh, 21 inches; calf, “184 inches; neck, 15 inches;
orearm, 12 ‘inches ; left ‘biceps, 13 inches; right biceps, 14 inches.
have attended a preparatory school, and fitted for college. TI

oe iguek of “= school doothall eleven, and manages of the

ANS

SCARE UNL Sedipenasepe theeasenanon elieeaatedsnabetbastbenesteoee tenenmaemanoae etna ae

Your bag-

‘potatoes, spinach, beans, etc.

ANSWER:

Es es piTeao ay ==

PROF. FOURMEN

 

baseball nine during my last year at school, and played on both
teams my other three years. I always have admired Mr. Standish
and his works. Frank Merriwell is an ideal creation. Are my
measurements about ‘the average? Ee Vv

You are to be congratulated on the good health the description
of yourself seems to indicate.

Pror. Fourmen: Being a constant reader of Tip Top, I take
the liberty of sending you my measurements. They are: Age, I
years} height, 5 feet 814 inches; weight, 140 pounds; chest, ae
mal, 33 inches; expanded, 35 inches ; waist, 29 inches ; neck,
inches: biceps, 12 inches; calves, 13% inches ; thigh, 20% nehiest
Would I by training faithful ly. ‘have any chance of becoming a
good all-round athlete? AJAX.

Toronto, Can.

In answer to your question, rr say emphatically: “Yes.” But
you must work for it. Day after day for months and months
you must work, and work hard. Be careful of your diet, exercise
regularly, keep regular hours, and go about your training with :
a set determination to win.

Pror. Fourmen: I am 17 years old; height, 5 feet 714 inches;

weight, 125 pounds. What shall I eat to gain weight? I am

catcher on my baseball-team,'am good in all positions except

throwing to bases. “What can I do to make my arm stronger ?
Brooklyn, Nis INDUSTRIAL.

You should eat plenty of plain, wholesome food, like beef,
To strengthen your pitching arm,
massage it every night. When the soreness has left it, begin
light exercises with dumb-bells, Indian clubs, and pulley weights.

Pror. FourMen: As I have never written to you before, I now
take that liberty. My age is 14 years 11 months; height, 5 feet
6 inches ;, weight, 131 pounds; chest, 35 inches; expanded, 39
inches; waist, 3234 inches; neck, 14 inches ; biceps, 10 inches;
flexed, 11%, inches; forearm, 14 inches ; thigh, 19% inches; calf,
14 inches. A few of my records are as follows: Running broad.
jump, 15 feet 6 inches; standing broad jump, 8 feet 7 inches;
running high jump, 4 feet 4 inches ; 12-pound shot, 28 feet 2,
inches. How are those records? I work from 7 o'clock to 5
o'clock, and ride a bicycle both ways, a distance of three miles.
I visit a local gymnasium, and stand fairly well with the rest of
the boys in gymnasium bas eae often should I go there?

Irvington, N. J. WN

You are well put together, and should become proficient in
sports and athletic exercises if you devote the requisite time Pe
the proper training. Your records are very good, but; of course,
by no means near the highest records. Go to the gymnasium
three times a week, and supplement this with daily exercises at
home. :
iy (A ‘ee from Petinuytanta)

Pror. Fourmen: I have tead Tip Tor for three years. id gheite oo
to ask you a few questions in regard ta my measurements. Lies

 

 
 

TIP TOP WEEKLY, _ gu

16 years 10 months; weight, 142 pounds; height, 5 feet 1014
inches; neck, 14% inches ; chest, normal, 33 inches; expanded,
37 inches; calves, 13% inches; biceps, 1014 inches; expanded, 13
inches ; waist, 3214 meches; thigh, 21 inches; forearm, 1014 inches.
These are my records: Running broad jump, 16 feet 9 inches;
standing broad jump, 9 feet I inch; running I00 yards, 1114 sec-
onds; running 200 yards, 23% seconds : standing high jump, 5
feet flat; pole-vault, 7 feet 6 inches. W M. D. JONES.

You otight to be able to enter a track meet of young men
your age without any difficulty. While your records are good
for one of your age, you should practise considerably before en-
tering any competition.

Pror. FourMEN: What should the chest, normal and expanded;
waist, neck, biceps, thigh, and calf be of a boy 13 years of age,
weighing 100 pounds, and 5 feet 34 inch in height?
cise will increase the size of the chest?. BAsrpaLn ENTHUSIAST.

New, York City.

The following are the ideal measurements which apply in your
case: Neck, 111% inches; waist, 29 inches; chest, about 32 inches;
expanded; 35 inches; biceps, 1144 inches; forearm, 87 inches;
thighs, 15 inches; and calves, 114 inches.

(A letter from Mlinois,)

Pror. FourMEN: Having read ‘Tre Tor for over four years, I
take the, liberty of asking you a few questions. Where can I
get a book that treats on the development of calves? Mine are

“too small. How can I make my knees smaller—they stick out
too far? : A True Trp Topper.
. You will not be obliged to consult a work on physical culture
to find out how to develop your calves. Just ride a bicycle, and
take long walks. Be careful not to ride too hard on your ma-
chine, for in that case you ‘would reduce the size of your calves.
When your calves become larger, your knees will not appear to
be so large as they do now.

(A letter from Pennsylvania.)

Pror. FourmMen: I am 20 years old; height, 5 feet 11 inches;
weight, 150 pounds, I am round shouldered, and want to know
if it is too late to overcome it. B25

Round shoulders are largely the result of bad habits in walking.
It is so easy for a person who has not considered the necessity of
guarding against any unhygenic measures to neglect such a simple
thing asa proper carriage in walking. Make a practise of throw-
‘ing your shoulders ‘back while the body is in an upright position,
whether standing or walking. If you think of this continually,
and do not allow your shoulders to droop, an erect position will
soon become , gaees nature to you. Exercise should not be

neglected. Put your arms straight in front of the body on a
i t ; ‘

expanded, 3534 inches; waist,

What exer- /

line with the chest, palms touching; then swing the arms behind
you, keeping them on a line straight as possible, and try to make
the backs of the hand touch. Do this for five minutes every
morning in connection with your other exercises, and it will not
be long before you notice a. marked improvement in the appear-
ance of the shoulders. But do not forget one thing: Do it, and
do it regularly!

(A letter from. Massachusetts.)

Pror. Fourmen: As I am a reader of the Tie Top Weexty, I
will send you my measurements : Weight, 121 pounds; height, 5
feet 4 inches; neck, 1414 inches; chest, normal, 33 1-3 inches;
29 inches; thighs, 19 inches; calf,
1214 inches; biceps, normal, o% inches ; expanded, 107% inches;
forearm, 10 inches; age, 16 years. What is the correct weight
for my height? Can I become an athlete. W. AE

Your weight corresponds to your height, and you could, with
proper training, become an athlete.

(A letter from Indian Territory.)

Pror. FourMEN: Being an old Tip Tor reader, I take the liberty
of asking you a few questions. I take great interest in outdoor
games, but, being small for my age, I “find myself considerably
handicapped. I am never sick. My measurements are: Chest,
normal, 35*inches; inflated, 37 inches; waist, 27 inches; upper
arm, 9% inches; lower arm, 91% inches; thigh, 17 inches; calf,
11% inches; neck, 1214 inches; height, 5 feet 5 inches; weight,
112 pounds; age, 20 years 7 months. I weighed 125 pounds last
winter, but am thin now. What should be my weight? Do you
think [’ll grow much more? How is.my chest? I have jumped
standing broad, 9 feet; running broad, 14 feet; have chinned
myself 13 times. How are these? What position should I ‘play
in football? E, BiccErs.

You should weigh at least 127 pounds. You might grow an
inch in the next three years, but that is something that is impos-
sible to predict absolutely. Your chest should be an inch or two
larger.
On account of your build you would have to play on a light
football-team, and in a position not requiring great strength.
Join a gymnasium, and take an all-round course for general de-
velopment.

 

 

“GOLDEN HOURS.”

Boys, have you any old numbers of Golden Hours?
Will pay liberally for Nos. 1 to 23 to complete my files.
If you have any of these numbers, write me:
Address Wituiams, Station ‘‘O,” Box 24, New York City. .

 

 

‘worth working for, boys ?

 

MTR

_ bearing the above device. Each winning team will receive a full equipment for nine
‘members, consisting of trousers, shirt, Stockings, shoes and cap.

TIP TOP BASEBALL TOURNAMENT IS NOW OPEN.

The two teams which, at the end of the season, have the highest average—the members of
which play the greatest number of games, score the most runs and have lost the least number
of games, will be declared the winners. Of the two winning teams, the one having the
higher average will be declared the TIP TOP CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM OF THE ALL-
AMERICAN BASEBALL TOURNAMENT FOR 1906, and will receive a large pennant 4

y

Is this not

/ DON’T FAIL TO SEND IN YOUR COUPON aT ONCE.

No notice taken of any score not entered on acoupon. Coupons must be
properly made out. One coupon for each oo :

 

Your records are good for a young man of your age.
   

Mi Tae :

 

 

     

ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY

HANDSOME COLORED COVERS

 

  
    
  
  

ing in this weekly.

Never has Burt L. Standish written such interesting tales of the
adventures of the Merriwell brothers, Frank and Dick, as are now appear-
Mr. Standish has a world-wide circle of friends and
he is putting forth his best efforts to amuse and entertain them. Boys,
you have no idea of what a grand feast he is preparing for you,
Top’s stories are going to astonish you.

PRICE FIVE CENTS PER COPY

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

Do not fail to get it.

 

 

 

    
   
 
 
   
  
   
 
       
     
       
       
       
    
 

5§28—Dick Merriwell Dared; or, The Grapple at Wells-
burg.
529—Diek Merriwell’s Dismay ; OF, The Departure of
June.
_ 530—Frank Merriwell’s Son; or, The Mark of the Star.
531—Frank Merriwell’s Old Flock; or, The Reunion at
is Merry House.
| 532—Frank Merriwell’s House-Party; or, The Rustle
Be with the Rovers. |

533—Dick Merriwell’s Summer Team; or, Baseball in
the Blue Hills.

 §34—Dick Merriwell’s Demand; or, The Draw at Mad-
a awaska.
— 535—Dick. Merriwell’s Slabmate;
a Bloomfield.
536—Frank Merriwell’s Summer Camp; or, The Athletic-
Sy * school in the Woods.
_537--Frank Merriwell’s Proposal; or, Starting the Sport
in the League.
538—Frank Merriwell’s Spook-hunters ; or, The Mys-
_, terious Island of Mad Lake.
539-——Dick Merriwell’s Check; or, The Hot Bunch From
Happy Camp. .
ae Merriwell’s Sacrifice; or, Team Work That
| old.

or, The Boy from

   

 

HERE ARE THE LATEST TITLES:

541—Dick Merriwell’s Heart; or, Breaking the Hard

Luck Streak.

542—Frank Merriwell’s New Auto;
Destruction.

543—Frank Merriwell’s Pride; or, The Double-Header
at Pineville.

544—Frank Merriwell’s Young Winners; or, The Stars :

in the Blue Hills.
, Merriwell’s Lead; or, Bound to Hold First
ace.
546—Di itk Merriwell’s Influence; or, On the Right Road
At: Last.
547—Dick Merriwell’s Top Notch; or, Against Odds,
Fate, and Scheming.
548—Frank Merriwell’s Kids; or, T he Worl: Beaters In
New York.
549—Frank Merriwell’s Kodakers;

or, Hunting Big
Game Without Guns.

550—Dick Merriwell, Freshman : of, First Days at Yale. —

551—Dick Merriwell’s Progress; or, The First Chance
on the Field.

552—Dick Merriwell, Half-back; or, Getting into the
Game at Last.

553—Dick Merriwell’s Resentment; or, In Defense of | i

His Honor. /

 

 

    
   

  

  

t ou
POSTAGE § ST AMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY.

  

 
 

   

STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 79 Seventh Avenue, New York City. Pg ot Te ee achaled el ot
Gentlemen Enclosed GAGs hwsce ....cents for which please send me: Me ' : teeth
io Recs copies of TIP TOP NOG aac cieveanes diveudpsicaesasadssdanns . copies of BUPFALO BILL ROR seiogivicy [ows sngeaintllta intas' eres
Mebuvenss) ° “NICK CARTER Manta Pa hada sod east onary Sasedcn asia “BRAVE AND BOLD “No6...6.050552... havesodsedeagad bpacny ae
faubeidde \) “DIAMOND DICK | « (NoBs.20.05.45202 06.0. eee senses 3 | NOB ces sensei wauasenseannernstungaupeel,

  

 

Pra ook eed ANY BACK decurtiiie ‘ our libraries and cannot procure iuein from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direet,.
fill in the following order blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send nem to you by return mail. —

skeen .. “ ROUGH RIDER

 

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THE FAVORITE LIST

OF FIVE-CENT LIBRARIES

    
 
 
  

 

 

 

  

THE TIP TOP WEEKLY

Frank Merriwell and his brother Dick are known and loved by over one
hundred and fifty thousand of the best boys in the United States. They are
both clean-cut, vigorous fellows who dare to do right no matter what the
consequences. Get the current number. We are sure you will like it.

 
     
 
  

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

AND MAIN DIAMOND DICK WEERLY

These are stories of the adven- The demand for stirring stories
tures of boys who succeeded in | of Western adventure is admir-
climbing the ladder of fame by | ably filled by this library. Every }
honest effort. No more inter- | up-to-date boy ought to read just
esting tales can be imagined. | how law and order are estab-
Each number is at least one-third | lished and maintained on our
longer than the ordinary five- | Western plains by Diamond Dick,
cent library. Bertie, and Handsome Harry.

NICK CARTER WEEKLY

We know, boys, that there is | {,
Buffalo Bill is the hero of a if
' B no need of introducing to you/#
thousand exciting adventures | \jjcholas Carter, the greatest | @

 
    
        
   
 
      
  

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 
   
 
     

|| among the Redskins. These are | sleuth that ever lived. Every ‘Bel

     
   

given to our boys only in the | number containing the adven-
Buffalo Bill Stories. They are tures of Nick Carter has a peculiar,
but delightful, power of fascina-
tion.

is | ee AND BOLD BOWERY BOY LI

Every boy who prefers variety The adventures of a poor waif ce
whose only name is ‘‘Bowery [ft
ree Billy.” Billy is the true product }
4, | be a reader of Brave and Bold. | of the streets of New York. No
All these were written by authors | boy can read the tales of his trials
without imbibing some of that
resource and courage that makes
=| the character of this homeless boy
wi | tale is complete in itself. stand out so prominently.

        
 

bound to interest and please you.

 

 

     
 
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jin his reading matter, ought to

|| who are past masters in the art
| of telling boys’ stories. Every

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROUGH RIDER WEEKLY

Ted Strong was appointed deputy marshal by accident, but he resolves to use
his authority and rid his ranch of some very tough bullies. He does it in such a
slick way that everyone calls him “ King of the Wild West” and he certainly
deserves his title. $100 in cash are given to the readers of this publication,
every three months. Buy a copy and learn how to come in for a share of it.

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

Bane