Wars iehika Da nit enccetsathee vias cali eats a ant ao sie Pm tS A Issued Weekly. By subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-So Seventh Avenue, NV. Y. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1907, tn the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D.C. Bi No. 595. sae CHAPTER TI. IN THE CHAMBER. For the first time in his life Lavan Blackpool volun- tarily took to his ee and sent for the doctor. _ “P’m done up,” he gonfessed to his son, who was with him at the siti. “The events of the last few days _ have been too much for ine, strong as I am.” Indeed, recent events had wrought a marvelous change in the man. He was aged and broken, and a _ few gray hairs were beginning to show in his beard and upon his head. Although’ genuinely Sieben Brian Blackpool was anxious that his father should realize that he could _ sometimes make an error in judgment. “You can’t stand against everything, dad,” he said. “You can’t fight the whole world. You're sensible in deciding to take this rest and place yourself under the making a call. He'll come as soon as he returns.” NEW YORK, September 7, 1907. Dick. Merriwell's “Double Squeeze’; BRIAN BLACKPOOL IN COMMAND. By BURT L. STANDISH. doctor’s hands. I’ve telephoned for him, but he is out Price Five Cents. a ah ch eS es ST itn eS Lavan glanced quickly toward his son, a straight, handsome, dark-eyed youth, with much of his father’s strength of build and independence of bearing. As Brian met the gaze of the man upon the bed the lat- ter swiftly lowered his eyelids, thus hiding his eyes. Of late this had been his habit whenever any one looked at him closely. It was remarkable considering the fact that all through life, until of late, Lavan — Blackpool had gquarely and unflinchingly met the gaze of any man; but Lavan himself had seen.in his mirror something which startled him and led him to — fear others might detect the same thing if they. ¢ eazed into his eyes. At least, he fancied he had seen this. thing, but possibly it was no more than hallucination. Possibly it was a companion of. the many delusions | which had troubled him during the past cays an aided in bsitiging him at last to his beds!) ie “Brian,” said the master of Smoketown, «9 wish yo would bring your chair and place it here close by : ne. I desire to “have a private and confidential talk wi ‘father was wholly unlike his usual self. 2 ELE? LOP you, and this may be the best time I can find. Open the south window and let in all the air possible, for this August day seems stifling to me.” Already ° but Brian opened ‘the third, and a refreshing breeze swept The lad brought two windows were standing wide, through the room and across the bed. a chair, as directed, and sat down near his father. Blackpool's strong square hands tay on the white coverlet, but they were Every moment he was moving those hands, twining and intertwining the fingers, picking at the coverlet and occasionally press- ing one upon the other with a grip which seemed to in- dicate a desire to restrain himself, No more than this was needed to tell Brian that his Not long ago this man had seemed calm and firm and unemotional as granite. This had been his bearing in public and be- not idle. fore his son, no matter what his demeanor in the t | privacy of his chamber. Brian waited patiently until his father was re ady. to speak once more. . “Eré deciding to give up and call in a physician,” aid Lavan, “I looked for you, thinking it best.to have this talk and settle some business. That was two hours ia I couldn’t find you. . Where were you?” “T was attending a funeral,” answered the boy slowly. | The man gave a great start and gripped his two hands together with the fierceness of /one seeking to crush something. “A funeral?” he whispered. “You mean—” “The funeral of little Tom Blair.” Silence fell in that room, The wide curtains at the windows rustled in the breeze with a mysterious - whispering sound. Finally, in a voice that was not quite ot Lavan | Blackpool observed: | “The child is better off.” “Do you think so, father ?” “Of course I do,” said. the master, Hitt Bes slight- : est touch of resentment over any one doubting his sin- ; cerity. he do? “The boy was crippled for life. What could “Possibly he is,” nodded Brian, “But think of his parents and his sistér.” : “What of them: e ia “Think how they must etsy ey ice 1 “They should feel relieved. ey: ee was a 1 bur- He couldn’t work. like other men when he e grew up. I say he’s better off.” WEEKLY. “A welcome burden, I fancy, father. He was al- ways cheerful and affectionate. Adam Blair thought a great deal of the child. You know little Tom was yple. Have you forgotten, father, that not born a crij it was one of the company’s limerock teams that 7 crushed his leg?” “Tt was carelessness on the child’s part,” Lavan, hastily placing himself on defense. ‘That was cause of his death.. I understand he was run by a machine owned by the asserted not.the down by an automobile mother of your new friend, Chester Arlington.” “That's right,” said Brian. ‘Mrs. Arlington chanced to be in Smoketown to-day and unexpectedly Yes, there was a proces- * saw the funeral procession. sion, father. Besides the hearse, there were barely two or three carriages, but behind those carriages the native workmen of the place—the min whose posi- © tions have been filled by Italian laborers—marched to the cemetery. Mrs. Arlington made inquiry. When — the Blairs returned to their saddened home she put in an appearance and offered them money. I believe she offered a check for quite a large sum.” “That was generous of her,” said the man. “It was far more generous than the New England Lime Company, who failed to do more than pay the — surgeon’s bills when the child’s leg was amputated,” | Lavan Blackpool uneasily shifted his position on — the bed. | “Of course, the Blairs were glad to accept Mrs. Arlington’s money;” he said. } “You're wrong about that, dad.” : “Wrong?” “Yes, They declined to take a dollar. They told her they could not place a price on the life of Sherr child.” : “Well, of all the fools I evef met Adam Blair is the biggest,” said Blackpool harshly. “I can’t understand that man. Boy, he’s beyond me.” . “He’s a man, though poor, with a high sense of ~ honor, dad. You’ve known him for some time. Tell 4 , me if he was not a trusted employee of the lime’ company. ‘Tell me truly if you do not believe he is capable of filling a mnch higher position than he held.” “Oh, as far as that goes, Blair was far above th ordinary run of workmen. I had been thinking o: making him superintendent of the kilns before tha: strike came. I understand he has some education. It’s true that he was superintendent of one of th amelie companies w hich the New ae absorbed make it impossible. ‘TIR TOP, son. T have more important topics to discuss. When a man like me, who has been strong and healthy, be- gins to break down there’s no telling what the result will be. I may be confined to the house, or I may have strength enough to go away somewhere where | can find rest and quiet. In the meantime, the busi- ness of the N. E. L. Co. must go on. In the mean- time, some one. must look after it. I’m coming to that point presently. First I wish to speak about you, my son. “As a lad I had a rather unhappy boyhood. My parents were poor, and whatever I have acquired in this world has come through my own energy and ef- fort. In my boyhood I saw little leisure and acquired a deficient amount of schooling. For me life seemed all work, work, and no play. I have sought to make your boyhood different. I’ve sought to make it hap- pier. I’ve wished you to have the advantages I did not receive. It has been my desire to send you through college, and it is my earnest desire that, no matter what happens, you finish your college course.” “No matter what happens, dad?” ~ “Well, of course, such things may happen as will If you are not confronted by cir- sumstances which prevent, I desire that you go through college. And while you are going along I am de- sirous that you enjoy these early years of your life. _ You’ve seldom asked me a favor that I’ve not granted. - Perhaps I’ve. spoiled you in this respect, but always I _ was thinking of the few pleasant things I found in my early life. A few days ago you asked me a favor - that I declined. I’ve decided to, grant that favor. You enjoy baseball with the keenness of a healthy youth who takes interest in that sport. You asked me to advance money that you might secure two players At that time I was exasperated oyer the robbery of the com- _pany’s safe by that rascal, P. McGee McKay. I re- Now, Brian, I want you to go whom you needed to strengthen your team. fused your request. ahead and get those players. ball to your heart’s satisfaction this summer. I want you to play base- Who can tell? perhaps you may never have another sum- “mer in which you can enjoy the sport. Should I refuse my son what I see other lads enjoy? No, no. They “have a team over yonder at Pine Point. | another up there at Wolfwoods. team, ‘Brian. Here’s a check. Fill it out to suit your- self. They have You must have your My name is at the bottom. Get your players.” cried Brian’ gratefully. “Thank you, father!” WEEKLY. CHAPTER IL THE FEAR OF THINGS UNSEEN. eer That is not all,” said Lavan quickly. “I’ve not finished. Purposely I spoke first of you and your pleasure. I must speak of, more serious things. ‘You may have serious things to confront. Boy, would you open that door and make sure there’s no one outside. I fancied I heard a footstep.” Brian rose quickly and opened the chamber door. There was no one outside. “It’s strange,” muttered the man on the bed. “It ‘doesn’t seem that I could be mistaken, and yet when I hear them creeping at my heels I’ve never yet been able to see them.” “It’s your nerves, dad—your nerves and nothing else,’ said the boy, who had closed the door and re- turned to the bedside. “You must put aside such fancies. They’re wearing on you. I’ve seen you look- ing around a score of times as if you fancied some deadly peril was right at your back.” “Yau’ve seen it, then—you’ve seen it? I can’t help it, my boy. I’ve fought against it. I’ve fought like a giant. This is the first time I’ve spoken to any one about it. I hope por re right. I hope it’s nothing more than my nerves.’ ? “What more could it be?” “Who can tell? You know I’m not.a man given’ to foolish fancies, and yet I sometimes fear there are unseen powers for good or evil which hover about us all unknown to ourselves.” “What you need is rest and a tonic, gov’nor. That will bring you round, all right.” “Let us hope so. But now to continue. In case I should -be ill for a length of time, the business of the company must 8° on.’ “Of course.’ “Some one must see that it is carried on.” “There are others deeply concerned.” “You speak of the directors and principal stock- holders. I know them all. putty men, one and all. .They have their individual peculiarities, but they areseasily handled. The three of them were in favor of giving in to the ‘Strikers. With Gerrington’ s support, I eee Ts and had my way.” “But they were a majority, gov’ nor. ie poe do i it?” ee \ \ There’s Gerrington, who > has stood by me throughout this strike and who is an opinionated man, quite incapable of standing’ alone. Tripp, Lambert, and Blount, the remaining three, are og gh FRrermreney, seein, MP cea Mees (Sete en Spee EI I a gt ey : % ot thee. e TIP “A majority, meee Oh, no, [’m the majority my- self.” “Why, how: “I own more than fifty per cent. of the New Eng- land Lime Company’s stock. The stock votes by /shares, and, that being the case, I’m master. You, my son, will be my successor in the business. When Iam gone re “Why. speak of that, father?” “No one could dislike to speak of it more than I, but I must force myself.to speak. When.I am gone you will be in control of the business. Of course, IT am taking the position that the business remains prosperous and unbroken, in spite of the efforts of the rival concern that has risen to oppose us. In case this thing, of which I do not like to speak, should hap- pen sooner than might be expected, it is possible you'll have to give up the idea of finishing. your college course, for you may be compelled to put, your hand to the wheel and manage the business of the company. _ Whether you can handle such'a task or not, I do not _ know, but something leads me to! believe you have it in you to make good. You're like your father in many ways, and he was a man who made good.” fo Blackpool said this with a certain amount of - pride that not even his ee iceman could dimin-. = ish. tte by an unfortunate sien T should pass through a severe illness, I leave it to you to take charge of the _ company and handle its affairs until I am again pepatie of resuming my authority.” “But, gov’nor, how can I do this? If you were seriously ill, the other directors would meet and take | _the matter into their own hands.” “The other directors will meet to-motrow. They 4 _ Have been called together for that purpose. They _ will meet here in Smoketown. I doubt if. I attend that - meeting, Brian. You must be my proxy.” Se “I’m ready, father; but where is the authority : re i "Lavan thrust his hand into his ponies and pease _ forth another paper. : “Here it is,” he said, losers drawn up, signed and witnessed in the presence of ws justice, This makes oe a erent boy.” | se Ra made ahhperias for the ee, of ' burned buildings,” continued the master. ees ll ling in. . TOP. WEEKLY. meet any move of the rival company, for, if that con- cern fancies I am ill, it will lose no time in seeking to get thevadvantage of us. If you can do this and enjoy your sports at the same time, it will be well. If you cannot s “If I cannot, father, everything else shall be given up. You may rely on me.” “I believe it,” said Lavan, gratefully and proudly. “The time has come far sooner than I expected when it is necessary that I should rely on you, but all alone I have been confident that you would respond and rise to the occasion when I needed you.” ' “Have you further special instructions to give me?” “Not now, boy—not now. I’m exhausted already. — Listen. Did you hear anything then? Did you hear a step at the door?” , “Not a sound, father.” “You must remain by me until the doctor comes.” “T will.” i “When you take charge of affairs, if it becomes nec- — essary, use your own judgment in what shall be done. — You'll find you are given absolute authority by that document.” “Absolute authority in everything, father?” “In everything, son.. What was that?” “Carriage wheels on ‘the roadway, father.” “The sound has stopped.” CVeg.” Brian hastened to the window and looked out. “It’s the doctor,” he said. = * Z Immediately Lavan Blackpool became greatly age A tated. “Bring me a handkerchief, boy, he urged. it like a blindfold.” i i Wonderingly Brian pied: The man asked that the handkerchief be bound over his eyes, “Fold “T shall tell the doctor that the light hurts my e es,” at g y ey he said. “Remain close by me until he comes.” “A moment later there was,a ring at the lower door, and directly the housekeeper tapped at Lavan’ s cham- % ber and announced the doctor. fete “Tell him to come up, Mrs. Scadgers,” said Brian. The doctor, a little wizen, nervous man, came bust- “Well, well, well!” he said. “What's this? what's this? You ill, Mr. Blackpool? I’m surprised!. I’m astonished! I’m amazed! What have you - been irisdee You ill? Why, you have been the pictur a m 4 bit upset ane all, doctor,” said 4 Black Nas Rk as oF ae viene Sis Toto See ks, ott ee hye ee Een dbeebteinabiae a -4cbuemndeaeiattes 2 — z — > Tr aaa Tee oe : = ee . _ —— ‘I should take you into my confidence, doctor. things must be hallucinations. worn upon me until I’m in a state bordering on col- lapse. _ range my business affairs ere calling you in. hoped to keep up until after the directors’ meeting of - the lime company to-morrow, but it seems impossible.” Lavan continued. ~ strength and grown more nervous. to be—well, to be mentally unbalanced, doctor. _ it will be to your advantage to see that I'm cared for. here in my own house, in case ‘I should be seriously ill, You shall be well paid for maintaining the stand" that I must not be removed from this house. ‘Do sais understand ?” TIP TOP “Don’t mind this handkerchief over my eyes. The light was rather strong. Brian, you may go now, but IT wish you would stay in.the house until the doctor leaves. I may want you again.” At Lavan’s request the physician closed the door be- hind the boy, returning to take the chair near the bed. “Now we'll hear about it,”’ he said. “Now you can tell me how you feel. My! my! my! You don’t look well. When did this begin? How long have you been ill?” “If you won’t chatter in that way,” “1’ll tell you what I have to say. said Blackpool, It’s necessary that I pre- sume my trouble is a nervous one. That may strike you as remarkable. I’m bothered by the most annoy- ing hallucinations. I’m constantly fancying some one is following me about. I hear footsteps behind me, and I feel a presence near me, yet I’m unable to see any one, and, therefore, my judgment tells me these Nevertheless, they have Realizing this, I’ve been in some haste to ar- T had While speaking he was betraying all the nervous- ness, and agitation that had caused Brian to marvel. The keen-eyed little doctor noted every move, and he, too, was plunged in wonderment that a man so strong and self-contained should -be so changed in such a brief time. 2 “You know I was nearly killed in the fire, doctor,” “Since then I’ve steadily lost If there’s one thing I fear more than another, it is being confined _ through illness in some place besides my own home.” “Dear me! dear me!”’ muttered the physician. “Why should you apprehend anything ike that? I’m sure I don’t understand it.” “You know a very nervous person is sometimes. thought—is ‘sometimes thought—is bometimes believed Now, | “Yes, yes yes. nsist on.’ “Doctor, do you hear any one at the door? a “No, indeed. a Why, that’s the ony thing 1 T should WEEKLY. 5 “T wish you'd look out and see if there’s any one there.” | The physician complied, returning with the assur- ance that there was no one at the door. “But I heard some one,” insisted Lavan. “It is worse at night. At night I hear them creeping around me. I am going to tell you a secret, but you must not / breathe it to others. I have a fear of this unseen thing which amounts to a deadly dread. In spite of myself, I picture this thing as creeping upon me, getting me by the throat, and strangling me.” “Dear! dear! dear!’ gasped the doctor. have something to quiet your nerves, need. I'll see to it.”’ “T must have something besides your medicine, doc- tor. I shall not be satisfied unless I have two reliable armed guards to protect me night and day.” “Why, my goodness! my goodness! It’s ridiculous, Mr. Blackpool. You mustn’t let go of yourself this way. It doesn’t seem possible that you would let your- | self get in such a state.” re “I insist on having two good,. strong, reliable men — as guards. I wish you to select them and send them 5 here, doctor. They shall be well paid for the work That’s all I have to say. Now I leave myself in your hands.” The doctor took Lavan’s pulse and temperature. Then he suddenly lifted the bandage and obtained one look at the man’s eyes. ‘ “Stop!” cried Blackpool angrily. do that??)” The physician fell back on his chair, his lips* mov- ing, but uttering no sounds. The expression on his. face was one of utmost alarm and anxiety. ~ Finally he spoke. | te “Pardon me,” he said. “It x necessary. ee. calm, sir—be calm. IT’ll leave medicine for you. Firs { must give you a hy podermic. It’s nay, re you should have rest.” 3 “Vou must That’s what you “Why did cs “But before,you give me morphine you must swe that you'll see to it that I'm not left alone a sin moment.” aT swear, Sir, x ou may trust me in ‘that rene” $505 Pk, cgaatns, 5 maneernne I a at meer leery “Now don’t agitate your father,” cian. “Don’t do it, don’t do it. Remain by him until the men come. We'll do our best to bring him round as soon as possible. boy.” An hour later the two guards appeared and took charge of Lavan Blackpool, and, although he knew it not, from that moment he was a prisoner own chamber. urged the physi- Leave everything to me, my in his CHAPTER III. BRIAN FINDS A BACKER. As Brian Blackpool was passing the post-office on his way to the office of the lime company to attend ‘the directors’ meeting, he came upon Agatha Blair. His face, which had been somber and grim and hard- set, lighted up in a moment, and his hat came off as he halted and spoke. “Good morning, Agatha,” he said. “This is an un- expected pleasure.” She was wearing dark clothes, and the shadow of recent affliction and deep sorrow was on her pretty face. Still, she gave him a faint smile. ’ “T was just mailing some letters, Brian,” she said. “You know we leave to-day.” He gave a great start. “Leave?” he breathed. “Why, you can’t mean MANE PEACE E by the first train this after- noon,’ Young Blackpool seemed staggered, “Why, you told me nothing of this,’ he said. “I knew nothing about it.”’ “Nor did we know ourselves until yesterday. If I forgot to tell you, it was because of our trouble.” “But why are you going?” “You should know, Brian—you should know. We can’t stay here. Father has no work here.” “Has he found a position elsewhere 2” NOS. | “Where?” : “Tn Westport.” “Westport?” cried the boy, recalling the fact that “pany had purchased quarries and was preparing to ‘start kilns. “What will he do there?” “He has been offered a very good position by an- other lime company, Brian. He will be foreman of the kilns at better wages than he ever received in Smoke- IP TOP WEEKLY. _ this was one of the towns in which the rival lime com-, “So our enemies are after our old laborers,” said Brian, a flush in his cheeks. “Father has been told that there will be employment at good wages for thirty or forty American workmen. He is now holding a consultation with a number of the strikers, and it’s practically certain that. they will follow him as soon as they can make arrangements and the new company provides transportation for them.” “Which will leave Smoketown to the dagos, tered young Blackpool bitterly. “Tt can’t be helped, Brian. I know you would have it different if you could, but even you cannot sway We have been forced 39 mut- the iron will of, your father. out of Smoketown.”’ Impulsively he seized her hand. “Agatha,” he said earnestly, “find your father and beg him to wait. Urge him to go slow, and tell him there is every reason to suppose this unfortunate af- fair here in Smoketown may be settled to the satisfac- tion of every one within a day or two. Tell him my father is now ill in bed, and he has given instructions which I feel sure will bring a settlement of the strike.” “Tt’s too late, Brian.” “Don’t say that, Agatha.” — “Ah! but it is too late! I doubt if one of the stri- kers would place the least confidence in such a rumor. They do not trust your father. worked like Trojans to save the company’s property from burning, your father had not one word of thanks for them.” “Oh, I know that. ( It has been bitterly hard for the gov nor to give in. But you don’t understand his pres- ent ‘position, Agatha. He’s very ill. he requires constant watching.” “Tn that case it’s impossible for him to meet the rep- resentatives of the strikers and come to a fixed agree-. ment. I am right, Brian; it’s too late.” . Still, he earnestly urged her to entreat Adam Biair, to wait another day, and when they separated she had promised that sh¢ would use such influence as she had to induce her father to wait. “Tf the gov’nor could only realize what his obstinacy muttered the boy, as he walked >? has brought him to! on toward the company’s office. has seen its opportunity and grasped it. “This rival concern the other concern will add to its strength. Perhaps it may cost them a trifle more to manufacture their’ lime, but in competition they'll sell as cheaply, or cheaper, than we can, even though they suffer ‘a loss, Even after they He’s so ill that With the — skilled laborers formally employed by the N. E. L. Co. long enough to force us on the rocks. iP’ EOP With vast resources behind them, they can stand to cut the price of lime to the very bottom and hold it there’ There’s but one course to be pursued. My father has placed me in authority. I shall take the helm and try to sail clear of the dangerous ledges.” He was muttering thus to himself, his face frown- ing, his eyes on the ground, when some one called to him in cheery tones, and he looked up to find himself face to face with Dick Merriwell. “Tm Willie-off-the-yacht this morning,” laughed Merriwell. “The Wavelark brought me over for a little business. Thought I would see you before going back. How about that game Saturday, Brian, old chap? The boys are beginning to say you won’t be able to rake up a team.” “Tell them they’re wrong,’ answered Brian promptly. “I wired yesterday for two men to fill the vacancies on my team and received answers from both stating they would be here.” “Then we may depend on you to meet us for a go on our field, eh?” -next few days, i the New England Lime Company. > “You may depend on us,” was the positive assur- ance. “We'll be there. We'll be there, though I’m going to have my hands full of business during the I’m up against’ a tough Steen this morning, MerrfWwell.”’ Brian glanced at his watch. “Haven't any time to lose,” he said. . “Look here, old chap, I want you to come along with me. I want you to stand by me and back me up ina fight I expect. to have this morning.” “A fight ?” re “Not a fist-fight, you know-—not that kind of a | scrap. A fight of a far more serious nature. I’m my father’s proxy to attend a meeting of the lime com- Cone pany’s directors. I need a stiff backbone, too.. on, Dick, and put stiffness into this backbone of mine.’ _“ANl right,” said Dick, “if I can help you, command C95 . ( Aim in arm, they made their way to the office of ad BRIAN TAKES THE HELM. CHAPTER WVU ie ies tm The meeting had been set for 10 o'clock. ss was 7 three minutes past the hour when Brian. entered, fol. } lowed closely by Dick Merriwell. ‘The directors were all present. “meeting of the company.” » “Wait a moment, Mr. Gerrington!” i head: Brian he es dae” WEEKLY., ee thin, nervous‘man, with sharp eyes, a pointed nose, and Seba Lambert, peaceful and bland, was talking in low tones with. Giles Blount, parson, had a parsonish face, and spoke with a minis- a: pointed Vandyke beard, was pacing the floor. who wore the dark clothes of a terial twang. Martin Gerrington, two hundred and thirty pounds weight, sat upon a strong chair, which creaked beneath J the strain. ; with a showy. seal that dangled from the massive gold watch-chain which stretched across the red and black plaid vest covering his corpulent stomach. As Brian entered this man produced his watch, took - a look at it, and observed in a big, blustering voice: “Well, here we are spending our valuable time wait- ing for you in order to have a full representation. I was on the point of calling the méeting to order with- out you. We had a quorum.” “Good. morning, Mr. Gerrington,” said Brian, bow- ing. ‘How do you do, Mr. Tripp. How are you, Mr. Lambert. Glad to see you, Mr. Blount. If I have kept you waiting, I beg your pardon. I’m sure I can’t be more than two or three minutes late.” | “But I’m a man who believes in promptness,’ ’ rum- bled Gerrington. “I’m always on-the dot. I never | keep any one waiting, Who’s this boy with you, Brian?” ; “SDPhis,”* visor.” “But you don’t need him here. He was smoking a black cigar and toying a & q a B was the answer, “is my confidential ad- This is a oe “I beg your pardon, Mr. Gerrington ; Iam sure I~ do need him. He can be trusted. We require a stenographer to take notes of the meeting. Mr. Mest, well is an expert shorthand man and will serve us.” — “Seems to me you’ re taking a great deal of liberty. for a youngster,’ complained Gerrington. “Never- theless, having been notified by your father that you would represent him, I suppose we may as well | t you have your own way in this matter: It’s of mino importance. Gentlemen, come to order.” sharply. “Where do you_get your AP to. charge of this meeting?” i es Gerrington swelled like a toad and stared i in prise at the youthful speaker. a : “My. authority ?” he boomed. “Why, me must take charge now that your father cannot do. “Exactly, sir. I am here as ‘my father’s repr ‘I'm his proxy, and this document | give _ authority ¢ to. att for foes ‘My father Ef i the New England, Lime Company, and his proxy fills _ his shoes. I'll take the chair, if you please, Mr. Ger- rington.” Dick thrilled at this, feeling inclined to. give Brian a slap of approval upon the back, but refraining from showing the slightest emotion. He was glad now that he had come, for this was the sort of a fight that de- lighted him to the core and could give no feeling of dissatisfaction if manfully contested and manfully won. “’Pon my soul, I never heard of anything like this!” belched Gerrington, turning purple with wrath. “’Pon my soul, I never encountered such absolute insolence !” _ “Pardon again, sir,” came coolly from young Black- pool. “I fail to see where the insolence lies, unless it comes from your self-assertive assurance in presuming to take command -without asking any one’s leave. Even if I had not the authority, it would be our duty to choose a chairman, but I have the authority, and, as I before suggested, I will take the chair.” “Oh, never mind, Gerrington—never mind,” purred Seba Lambert. “It’s a small matter. It’s df no con- sequence. Humor the young man.” | _ Giles Blount said nothing, but nodded as if he were urging Gerrington.to accept this suggestion. ‘Titus Tripp seemed more nervous than usual, and growling disgustedly, rose from the office chair at the desk and permitted Brian to sit down. Dick took a seat at one end of the desk, and Brian _ pushed paper and pencils toward him, immediately. rap- _ ping and calling the meeting to order. “Gentlemen,” he said, “will some one please move that Mr. Merriwell be appointed-to take the minutes of the meeting./ That will be necessary, I think, in . order td make his record authoritative.” Lambert made the motion. Blount seconded it. It was put, and it was carried, all without the loss of a moment. iy se gep _ “Gentlemen,” said Brian, rising, “I presume you already know why this meeting has been called. Still, at may be well to state the business briefly and con- cisely. As you all know, the American laborers of this ompany have been ‘on strike since late in the month of April. You are likewise aware that the cause of the strike was a demand on their part for a fifteen per nt. increase of wages.” “Outrageous demand —outrageous fabled Ger- ‘ington. | “Quite so, quite so,’ “You likewise know,” ' agreed Giles Blount, c+... > continued Brian, “that my TIP TOP WEEKLY. a look of relief flitted across his face when Gerrington, | further troubles arisen. _time a rival concern, far more powerful financially than — father, as president of the company, refused to meet the representative of the strikers and declined to con- sider their demands.” “Which was the proper course for him to pursue,” said Gerrington. “Quite proper,” nodded Blount. “In order to continue the business of the com- pany,’ Brian went on, “Italian laborers were imported and installed in the positions formally held by the Americans. Some of these men are working for smaller wages than were paid the previous workmen.” “And the N. E. L. Co. is turning out lime right along,” said Gerrington. Without giving the interrupter a glance, Brian pur- sued the even course of his speech. “Nevertheless, in spite of the fact that they. are receiving less: money, these men are not accomplishing an amount of labor that justifies the present scale. At a higher rate, the Americans did an amount of work which made them cheap in comparison to the Italians. I’m not. saying that the Italians cannot work, but. it will take months for them to reach a point of skilful- ness that will make them, man for man, equal to the native laborers, In those months the company is bound to lose heavily.” “Paugh! paugh!’” exploded Gerrington. ‘‘Noth- ing of the sort! I’ve been through the kilns and the quarries. ‘The work requires little skill. Well-trained ‘babboons ought to accomplish it.” “But I’ve lived right here in Smoketown, and I am positive that my assertion is correct. Now, gentle- men, this meeting might not have been called had not ‘You all know that for some the N. E. L. Co., has been looking with greedy eyes upon the lime business. At first some of you were inclined to treat with disdain the prospect that a rival concern would rise to compete against us. You can no longer maintain that attitude of disdain. The con- cern has arisen. It has reached forth its greedy hands to,secure our property. It has practically. demanded that we set a price on our holdings and has stated that it would then take those holdings at its own price.” “Td like to-see them do it!” rasped Gerrington. “Unless we are wide-awake and up to snuff we may live to see them do it, and it’s possible we'll not have “We have re- © to live very long,’ came from Brian. fused all their advances. In the meantime, they have secured quarries at Newport, Rockford, and Gray _ Hill.” ba t “The Gray Hill limestone is worthless,” asserted © - I’m onto der whole business, I can tell yer jest wat »dey done.” | awe 3 “Tf you know so much, tell us,” urged one. “All right,” nodded Mike, “'ll give it to'yer straight. _ I tol’ yer dey was goin’ ter fix it wit’ old Blair, and dey — done so. He sold out to der company. He’s t ae i yer down.” “Sold out? What do you mean ?”’ Dey’ve bought him: Dey’ ve “Jest w’at I’m a-sayin’. or a super or somet’ing like dat. Now where does der rest of yous gents git off?” “How do’ A know this?” was the savage question. — “Qh, Bri Blackpool tol’ some of his friends, and dey, tol’ me. You put it up to old Blair and see if I ain’t right. You ask him if dey ain’t took him back at . big pay, and he won't say uo, unless he lies.” This was enough’to arouse those men. Low, fierce words followed. Some were profane i in their language. “Only a few seemed inclined to wait and learn in the course of time if this statement.were true. - ‘The jority were for losing no time in demanding the Jina Adaes Blatt s 9 gcse eh PoP TPE rae “Tf he’s sold us out,’ said one man, “he ought to be lynched !” ‘ “We were fools to trust everything to Blair,” said another. “We should have insisted that the directors’ meeting be attended by a committee of three or five. It was not businesslike the way we did it.” “But that makes no difference if Blair has betrayed us!” snapped a small man. ‘He ought to be lynched!” The word “lynched” seemed to inflame them. Some one shouted for a rope. It is doubtful, however, if the laborers themselves would have secured a rope; but McTeague, seeing his chance, scuttled away and re- turned with one ere the excitement and wrath of the men had subsided in the’ least. , “Here’s der string to stretch der neck of a traitor!” cried Mike, waving the coil above his head. The Blairs were at their home, ‘unpacking their household goods, and Brian Blackpool, coat off and’ sleeves rolled up, was assisting in the-work, when one” of Adam’s friends, who had not wholly lost faith in ‘him, came panting to the house. “Look out, Blair!’ he cried, bursting in upon them. “The boys are coming, and they’re howling mad!” —_» “The boys?” asked Blair, in surprise. ‘What do you mean, Lindsay ?” hy “They say you’ve sold us out. They say you’re a traitor. I’m afraid they'll lynch you.” “Well; of all unreasonable, crazy fools those men are f ” ‘ . @ the worst!’ exclaimed Brian. _. “TL told you at the meeting,” said Adam, “that I was afraid they would _ done.” “Don’t stop to talk,” urged Lindsay, “Hunt cover knowing what had been s insist on somewhere, Adam.” _ ; “Run away?” laughed Blair. “Not I! I’ve stood by those men in fair weather and foul. I’ve stood by them through thick and thin. I’ve sacrificed myself more than once for them.’ «Their cause has been my cause. Let them come.” Boma Ned ea “But; father, I can hear them now!” panted Agatha, : a dull murmur reached their ears, : The murmur grew=louder. It was the mutter of any sullen voices, and it was accompanied by the ishing tramp of-heavy feet. i Md me sdf 4 ‘kind allus blows.” . hosses. Dere ain’t no master to hold dem down wit’ a- WEEKEY. “You stay inside, Blair,’ said Brian. “T’ll face them at the door.” If I should fail to meet them now, they’d feel sure their doubts and dis- “That would never do, my lad. belief rightly founded. I must face them myself.” Louder and louder grew’the murmur, swelling into 5 Those if a hoarse note that was little less than a roar. men were pouring in at the gate when Adam Blair, followed closely by. Brian, appeared on the cottage 4 steps. It was growing dark, but in the dusk they rec- Ee ) ognized Adam instantly. S “There he is!” was the cry. “Let him speak!” a “And let him speak blamed quick,” said the leader. “He'll lie to yer!” shouted McTeague. “Wi’at’s der use of fooling? MHere’s der rope, boys,” Brian quivered with indignation, “That cur, McTeague, has been helping it along,” he muttered between his clenched teeth. : “Comrades,” said Blair calmly, “what’s the mean- ing of this? What is it you want of me?” “They say you've sold us out,’’ came from the leader. “They lie,’ asserted Blair, with the same calmness. “Ask him if der company ain’t took him back at a “He can’t deny dat.” 93 big salary,” urged McTeague. “We have a rfght to know what was done at the meeting to-day,” declared the spokesman. ‘‘We waited to hear your report, You made no report. You asked us to wait longer. Why should we wait?” “For your own good,” said Blair. “Boys, I’ve never She failed you. In the past I’ve stood by you, and you may depend on me to stand by you to the end,” - | “Oh, dat’s gas!” sneered Mike. “Dat’s der way his “McTeague,” said Brian, pointing at the fellow, “you'll find Smoketown too hot to hold you after to- e day. If you know when you're well off, you'll get out before another sunrise.” tel “Vour old. man is*down flat on his back, and you t’ink you're “You go to blazes!’’ flung back Mike. goin’ to take his place runnin’ t’ings, but you'll find out. dat you ain’t put up fer der job. Der men of Smoke- — town has stood der limit, and mow dey’re on dere high © ae | lot of armed deputy sheriffs. Dey’ve took dis business. inter dere hands, and you’d better ‘sing mighty low if yer don’t wanter git a taste of der rope along wit’ old Blair.” Brian spoke quickly in Adam Blair’s ear. “Tell them they shall know everything to their satis- faction on Saturday,” he advised. Blair did so, adding that there were reasons why the decision of the company had not been made public at once, This might have satisfied a few of the crowd, but the hotheads were still persistent. Fearing Adam and Brian would find a way to pacify the mob, McTeague, clutching his rope, crept up toward the steps and made a sudden spring, with the intention of flinging the coil of hemp about Adam’s neck. Brian was watchful and on the alert. He met Mike’s spring and, with one smashing blow; sent the fellow staggering, to fall at full length upon the ground. 'There,was a moment of silence, broken by a rifging cheer of youthful voices, Dick Merriwell, at Brian’s suggestion, had returned to Smoketown, bringing his friends. Arriving in the place, they had been told what was going forward, whereupon they lost no time in dashing up the street toward the home of Adam Blair. They arrived in the nick of time. CHAPTER X, GRADY’S THREAT, And yet their aid was not required. The blow from Brian Blackpool’s fist had sent Mike McTeague’s wits wool-gathering for a brief time. At this critical juncture Agatha Blair herself ap- peared at her father’s side upon the steps and stretched out her hands appealingly to the mob. “Oh,” she' cried, “why won’t you trust my father? Through poverty and want and sickness and degpest affliction his heart has been. forever true to you, his comrades. Do you think now, after all we have suf- fered—do you think with the sorrow of a great loss upon us—can you dream for a moment that my father f , TIP TOP a WEEKLY. 17 would betray you? Trust hin and wait and you'll be ashamed because you ever doubted him. You have been good, kind friends to us. I see some among you who, when we were evicted from our former home, helped bring my father upon a cot to this very house, I see many who aided in moving our household goods. You did not doubt my father then. Why should you now? Oh, I’m sure you do not. I’m sure you’ve been misled by an evil influence.and a lying tongue. Won't you trust and wait?” Somehow this simple plea of the pretty girl, who had been in the past and still was the pride of the humble folks of Smoketown, struck straight to their hearts. “The girl’s right,’ said one man, in-a low tone, “We're fools not to go slow and wait. For one, I’m ashamed of myself.” “So am I,” said another. “And so am I.” “And so am I,” said still others. It, was really astonishing how quickly the sentiment and aspect of the mob changed. “You're right, little girl!” cried a tall man. “We've made a mistake, and we acknowledge it, Adam Blair has always been square as a brick in the past, and I reckon he always will be. Gents, d propose a cheer for Adam Blair.” os ‘And so when Dick and his friends came rushing up, instead of a riotous, angry, dangerous mob, such as they expected to find, they came upon a gathering of men who were loudly and heartily cheering Adam Blair. It was more like an ovation than anything else. There was nothing about it to suggest a lynching- party. 3 “T opine some one fooled us a plenty, partner,” ob- | served’ Brad Buckhart. ‘Tt seems that we were given a false report,” agreed — Dick. In a simple, quiet way, Adam Blair spoke his thanks _ for their confidence and positively affirmed that they, should never regret it. . By this time McTeague had recovered ‘somewhat, a but when he sought to bluster and still further’ to incite ‘the then, he was promptly squelched ‘and advised to close his mouth, unless he was anxious to get some-— thing worse than Brian had handed him. ee 18 : Discovering that his effort to incite a riot and arouse ‘the Americans against Blair and Brian Blackpool had turned into a complete fizzle, Mike mutteringly skulked away. As he did so, he heard Brian’s voice again warning him to get out of Smoketown, and promising to make the place too hot for him. The laborers soon dispersed peacefully, going their separate ways. 3rian Blackpool smilingly shook Dick’s hand. “T thought we were going to need you fellows when we heard you cheering down the street,” he said. “It was a joyful sound to my ears. But Agatha took a hand and did more toward calming that bunch than any onelse could have done.” “Dern my picter!’” piped Obediah Tubbs, who was panting heavily. “I’d never run-like that if I hadn’t thought there was goin’ to be some fun at the finish of the foot race. I’m completely pumped out. I’ve spose I can find two or three mince-pies in town? I'm ready ' to collapse. gut to have a bracer. .Say, Brian, Mince-pies allus does brace me up wonderfully.” “Tf there’s Obediah,” assured Blackpool laughingly. _ “Tt'll be fuf-fuf-first rate for him,” scoffed Chip | Jolliby. “He's been tut- tut-tut-troubled by indigestion lately, atid mince- pup-pie ought to cure it.” The Pine Pointers lingered at the Blairs for some- | thing like half an hour, but finally bade the family good a mince-pie in town, you shall have it, night and dispersed, Brian accompanying them. “You've had a strenuous day, old man,” said Dick, with a hand on Blackpool's shoulder ; “but it seems that you have come out on top of the heap.” He “Oh, I think things have passed off in a cdulifagisry - manner,” “Mike McTeague was the ~ ‘real cause of the disturbance to-night. I shall put Jor- dan Jones after Mike with a warrant. rt not flatter- ing myself that the trouble is yet over.’ was the reply. “But you carried things your way at the heating this E afternoon ra Roa, < “Oh, that Macainead was settled all Sebi satisfied, and the strikers will be satisfied also,” ‘Blair i iS s : : Together they dropped back and walked behind the others, ivhile Brian explained the situation for Merri- TIP TOP WEEKLY. -shirt- sleeves, standing upon the steps, talking with two or three men who idled near, “Perhaps you were wise in = | nodded Dick. putting off discharging the Italians until Saturday; but — ff “I see,” aren't you going to have your hands full, then? It looks to me as if you'll have to givé up the idea of ~~ jf playing baseball that day.” 7 “Some- — “T refuse to give it up,” said Brian quickly. thing leads me to believe that this is my last summer I feel that there’ll be no more baseball in the game. For that reason I’m going cam, 8 seems tough to think that I may have to give it up so We'll for me after this season. to get as much out of it now as I possibly soon. Oh, we'll play you Saturday, Merriwell. be there.” “Don’t you think you’ll be needed at the company’s office? Don’t you think you'll be needed when the \ Jf Italians are paid off?” | : i i Titus Between now |h- “I don’t believe there will be the least trouble. Tripp will have charge of that business. and then Adam Blair will gather a number of men on whom he can rely, and they will take possession of the Every a kilns as soon as the foreigners are discharged. foreigner will be provided with transportation. to Boston. » It’s town as quickly and as quietly as possible. our object to get them out of Smoke-— Tripp, to- gether with the other directors, has suggested that it might be best for me to be absent from Smoketown on Saturday. Of course if I felt it absolutely neces- sary for me to remain at my post I’d have to give up that game. It doesn’t seem necessary, and therefore I’m going to play. I mean to give you a hot go, too, Merriwell. I’ve secured two fast men to stop the z i gaps on my team. Next week I’ll have two or three Oh, you'll find. Smoketown strong enough for you before the season college friends who play the game. ends.”’ “Say,” piped Tubbs, as they reached the main street of the town, “when do I look on those pies, and where do I find ’em?” . “We'll attack the Pinewood House,” 4 “If: Herbon has pies in his pastty eee we gee said Brian. captire them or perish inthe attempt.” On reaching the hotel they found Herbon, in his. “Hello, Brian!” called the hotelkeeper. “By Jinks, there’s been excitement round here to-day. When them boys went growlin’ and cussin’ up the street I was ruther afeared you was goin’ to find yourself in a mess of trouble. I understand they didn’t do much of any- thing, in spite of their loud talk.” | “Oh, the men are reasonable,” said Blackpool. “All they want is a square deal, and I’m going to see that they get it.” “That’s the talk, by Heck!” exclaimed Herbon ap- provingly. “They say you’re the boss of the company, now that your father is laid on the shelf for a time. Jest you treat the boys right, and I’ll bate they treat you right.” But now, Mr. Herbon, _the thing that agitates us most is a dearth in pies. “I haven’t a doubt of it. We have with us an emaciated, dyspeptic individual who can’t obtain a peaceful night’s sleep unless he soothes his stomach with from six to a dozen mince- pies.” : “That’s me,” said Obey seriously, as he stepped for- ward. “You can see the delicate state of my constitu- tion. If you have pies in your larder, for the sake of suffering humanity bring them forth.” “You certainly do look delicate,” grinned Herbon. ) + “Bring out the pies,” urged Brian, “and I'll pay for them.” “We ain’t gut no mince-pie,” declared the hotel- keeper, “but I guess we’ve gut some good green apple- pie. knocked together a dozen or more apple-pies to-day.” | y “Waugh! That ought to finish you, Obey. I see a vision of colic I believe the cook—ahem!—I mean the chef— “Green apple-pie!’ exploded Buckhart. angi cramps in store for you.” _/“Don’t you believe it,” retorted Obey. “Green apple-pie! Um-yum! Jest lead me to’em. Jest turn me loose among ’em.”’ So Obey was led to the dining-room‘and several pies were placed before his greedy eyes. He lost no time in attacking them with the vim ofa famishing man. Brian was in the office when Goggles Grady ap- | peared, a sullen look on his hideous face. “Been looking for you, Bri,” said Grady. TIP TOP WEEKLY. _ rasped Grady, in an ugly way. ‘a tenth man in case of accidents.” a. out you.” “Have you? Well, you found me. What is it, Gog- gles?” “I understand you're going to play ball Saturday.” “That’s right.” - “You didn’t tell me nuthin’ about it.” “There was plenty of time.” “Mebbe so,” growled Grady. “But I hear you’re going to have a couple of new players.” “Who told you so?” “Mike McTeague.” “Well, Mike was not misinformed on that point.” “Then you be goin’ to have ‘em on ee fo = “That'll throw two of the reg’lar men off the team.” “Only one. McTeague is off already. I fired him the last time we played. If he remains in Smoketown until morning, Jordan Jones will have him in the cooler.” “So you're goin’ back on your friends, be yer?” “Not at all. I never go back on my friends.” “Well, somebody besides Mike will have to be dropped if you take two new men.” “That’s logic, Goggles. It can’t be denied.” “Who be you goin’ to drop?” : “As yet I haven’t quite decided.” “Now don’t dodge. Don’t duck. Answer my ques- tion. Be yer goin’ to drop me?” “Well, Goggles, to tell you the trutli, I may find it necessary to put you on the bench. ‘You know we need “So you're goin’ to put me on the bench!” exclaimed Grady fiercely. ‘“That’s jest what Mike sdid you’d do. T want you to understand, Bri Blackpool, that I won’t: set on the bench. I want you to understand that you can’t treat me no such way. I’m no soft thing to be used in that fashion. Either you'll keep me on the team or you'll be sorry for it.” “Hello! hello!” exclaimed Brian, with uplifted eye- brows. “What’s this I hear? You're getting decidedly uppety, Goggles. You're threatening, it seems.” “T won’t set on the bench.” 3 ae “You don’t have to, Grady. We can get along with- TIP TOR At this Goggles’ huge eyes threatened to pop out of his head. “All right,” he snarled, “‘you go ahead, Mr. Black- pool! I understand that the new men you've gut are perfessionals. I understand that you're paying them salaries.”’ “Well, what of it?” “T’ll tell you what of it. If you play on a team with salaried players, you You go ahead. I ain’t no fool. become a perfessional and you can’t play no college tedm. That’s right, too. Mebbe you think you can do this @nd they’ll never hear nuthin’ about it at college. ‘They will hear about it. I’ll see to that. I’ll see that they hear about it, and I’ll give ’em such progfs that they can’t git round ‘em. That’ll jest about finish your college baseball playin’.” -Without a word, Brian made a clutch for Grady’s collar, but Goggles was on the alert and promptly re- _ treated in a lively fashion. -Hustling to the door, he ‘turned to glare at Blackpool with his huge eyes, showed his teeth in. a vicious snarl.and shouted : “T'll fix yer! V’ll fix yer!” Then he vanished. CHAPTER xX: ‘OUT OF THE DIFFICULTY, - Between to and 11 o'clock on Saturday forenoon j Brian Blackpool’s motor boat, the Blue Streak, glided ' into Calm Cove, and Brian was soon ashore on Pine Point. after a plunge into the surf on the outer side of the Point. Dick met Brian, portance had brought young Blackpool over from Smoketown, He found the Pointers resting in the shade, faneying something of im- . “We're ready for this afternoon, old man,’ "he said. “Had an hour of early pr actise to- day, atid you'll find us in prime condition.” i li ‘Brian shook his head gloomily. — REA. m afraid it’s all off, Merriwell,” he declared. Why: how’ S that? Think you'll have to stay while : “Oh, ‘it isn’t that. 4 ‘you. I don’t apprehend any trouble te! re ” he Moths WEEKLY. from that source. It’s my opinion that lots of those dagos don’t like their jobs any too well. Unless some one or something stirs them up, they'll take their money and get out in short order. I don’t think anyone will try to.create a disturbance, for os took the hint I u nde That’s a good place for him. stand he is over He'll and dusted out of Smoketown. at Lobsterville. find plenty of his kind over there.” “Then what is the trouble, Brian? Haven't your new men shown up?” They came on the noon train yesterday, and They’re crack- ‘Sure. I had them on the field that afternoon. a-jacks, although I don’t fancy their style as men. You see, they’ve played professional baseball and they’re what might be termed muckers. In short, they don’t bring an added air of refinement and gentility to the team.” “Ts that your reason for not playing?” “T’ll tell you my reason, Dick. You heard the threat made by Goggles Grady ?” Yes,” i “That fellow means to do just what he threatened, and if he does he can knock me out of college baseball as sure as I use those professionals. It would look mighty bad for me if proof were given that I had not only played on a team with salaried men, but had en- gaged those men and paid them their salaries. . That Don’t you certainly could be made professionalism. think so?” | confessed Dick. The fellow | He ‘Have an idea that he’s in communi- “T’m afraid it would seem that way,’ “Well, I’ve heard from Grady again. can’t be frightened into silence or bought off. can’t be trusted. cation with McTeague, and the two are determined to upset my plans. I’m decidedly sorry about this thing, old fellow. I suppose it will look as if I am afraid of ' Great Scott! I think I could take a trimming : like aman in case you were able to deal it out.” | sit down here in the shade and talk this thing | “Perhaps we may find a way *Let’s over,” suggested Dick. to get round this difficulty, The boys are eager for that game. If they learn there’s to be no game this afternoon, they’ll raise They’re just dying from ennui. ' an awful howl.” TIP TOP Together Dick and Brian sat down beneath a tree, where they talked for some time. Merriwell agreed that it would not be best for Brian to,use the profes- sionals on his team. In case Brian did not use them he would find himself one’ man short, even if Grady consented to play; but it was probable that Goggles would stubbornly refuse, if he were asked. “And [| can’t bring myself to beg such a fellow as Grady to play,” said Brian. “That’s too much for mie.” ,’ confessed Dick. “TJ don’t blame you ““But, say, old chap,-I have an idea.” “For goodness’ sake, what is it? I hope it will help us out.of this fix.” “Why don’t you get two men from Wolfwoods? Why don’t you telephone Arlington and tell him how matters stand? I believe he would willingly agree to : _ let you have two players.” | “Jove! cried Brian, his face lighting up; “I never thought of. that. If I had thought of it, I might have fancied — would object What a chump I am! to such an arrangement.” “Object ?” eS. “Why : 2 “Well, I didn’t suppose you felt like Staats a | picked team from Smoketown and Wolfwoods. That’s putting it up rather stiff for you.” Dick laughed? 7 “Go ahead and get anyone you can to fill ie two F vacancies,’ he urged. ‘Perhaps you feel like-suggesting what men I should Va take from the Wolfwoods team.” _ “Not at all. _ one you can get.” I leave that to you, Brian, Take any st _ ‘Blackpool seized. Dick’s hand, “Vl try it,’ ae Il hustle ae to town and telephone Arlington right away. Un- he said, rising to his feet. less’ you hear from fne ip the contrary, we'll be here ready for the,game at three this afternoon.” ; - “Be sure to tell Arlington I’ve agreed to the ar- ” said Dick. “Let him understand there’s ‘no objection on my part.” rangement, ‘rangement’ asked Arlington, as he landed. hot hitting in case the fellows, ever “opposing pitcher. ‘WEEKLY. Five minutes later Brian was again aboard the Streak, and the boat was pointed toward Smoketown. Shortly after 2°o’clock that afternoon the Smoke- town team arrived at Pine Point. Curious to know what two players had filled the vacancies, Dick was on hand as they disembarked. “Hello, Dick!” down from the high places to help Smoketown eat you cried a cheerful voice. “We've come up.” The speaker was Dale Sparkfair, and he was accom- panied by Chester Arlington, Both were in Smoke- town suits. “Do we understand there is no objection to this ar- “Brian *phoned that he had seen you and talked it over.” “Tt’s all right,” assured Dick. Arlington drew Merriwell aside. “June and Madge are coming,” he said. “Brought them to Smoketown in the bubble with Spark and my- self. They’re coming over as soon as the Blue Streak can return and bring them. The last time they had the - pleasure of witnessing a game you took a fall out of my team, but I think Blackpool has an Serer _ that can down you good and hard. . “Perhaps so,” smiled Dick. CHAPTER XI. ‘TWO TO ONE. . Pine Pornt. Tucker, ss. Gardner, 3d b. Buckhart, c. Crowfoot, If Claxton, 2d b. Merriwell, p. Jolliby, cf. Singleton, Ist b. ‘Tubbs, rf. SMOKETOWN. McDade, 2d b. Perkins, 3d b. Sparkfair, 1st b. ‘Arlington, If. Blackpool, p. Hornblower, cf. Cotton, ss. Huglippe, rf. Kipp, c. Brian had indeed strengthened his team by the acqui- é sition of Arlington and Sparkfair. He had also made ‘ ‘some changes in the batting. order which promised red- “got onto” the McDade and Perkins led off, usual, as first and second men, but Sparkfair had bee placed next, with Arlington following and. Brian fif ee P Bh ait Sn Nor was the remainder of the order weak in the way of stick work. Hornblower could clip them out handsomely at times, and Cotton had been known to do some fancy bingling. Huglippe, although rather er- ratic, had “spasms” of hitting like a fiend. Kipp, the last man on the list, could be relied upon to get a . safety at least once in every game. The importance of a properly arranged batting or- der was thoroughly understood by Brian. Many a team loses close games because the batters are not prop- erly lined up, and therefore numerous hits count for naught. The player who is a good base runner and has the knack of reaching first as often or oftener than other men on the team is the one who should head the list. A sacrifice hitter, clever at placing the ball and bunting, should follow. Then should come the best batsman of the team. This was precisely the arrangement Blackpool had tried to make. McDade was lucky, it was said, reaching first. His batting average was not high, yet he had a knack of getting down to the initial sack on , Wiss, ; balls, by being hit, or through the umpire’s generosity or the fielders’ errors. > Reddy Perkins was a fine sacrifice hitter, although he could frequently line them out when a hit was needed. Sparkfair and Arlington had shown their ability as batsmen. Blackpool himself was clever and heady in that line. He was the kind of a hitter who forced the pitcher to put the ball over. Merriwell had also made several changes in the line- up of his team. Tucker and Gardner were the two leading men, with Buckhart third and Crowfoot fol- lowing Brad. Rob Claxton, the Virginian, who had developed into a fast man since making the Yale fresh- man team, was placed behind Crowfoot, with Merriwell . to drive him along. Jolliby had been dropped to sev- enth position. Singleton, the slugger of the team, was next to the. foot. The reason for this was that big Bob had frequently proven unequal to the demand upon him when a hit was" needed in a close game. Tubbs, _ the blunderheels, who sometimes surprised everyone by smashing the ball when he was not expected to touch it, remained i in his old place at the bottom. | JA \ person of ga judgment, if well acquainted with TIP :TOP’ WEEKLY: above Dale’s head. the men of both teams, would have found it difficult to pick the winning nine that day. Every player felt that it was going to be a hard fight, and they were keyed to the finest pitch as Pine Point took the field and Smoke- town went to bat, with Casper Steele as umpire. “Play ball!” cried Steele June Arlington and Madge Morgan had arrived and were seated on the grass beneath a tree, where they could obtain a clear view of the field. There were a few spectators from Smoketown, but not as many as the boys had fancied would attend the game. Lobster- ville had sent over about twenty. . Despite the fact that Merriwell had studied McDade® and knew the fellow’s peculiarities, he could not lead the Smoketowner into biting at any of the “big bend- ers,” and when he was finally compelled to put the Spalding over Mat punched it out for a safety. “That’s the boy!’ cried Chester Arlington joyously. “That’s the way to start it! Now, we’re off!” _ Dick gave a signal which brought the infield creep- ing toward the plate in anticipation of a bunt by Per- ~ kins. It came. Reddy dumped the ball, which rolled slowly down | the line toward first. _ Merriwell scooped the sphere whilé on the jump and threw, with an underhand swing, stride or pausing to straighten up. io Perkins was caught at first, but he had accomplished his purpose in sacrificing. McDade to second. “Beautiful “That’s the way to play the game! Now, get against it, work — beautiful!” Spark, and make things hum!” , “I shall regret exceedingly to disappoint you,” Dale, as he danced to the plate with a bat on his shoul- der. “I never could seem to hit Merriwell.” Dick decided that Spark should not hit the first one, and therefore he threw a ball that was at least a foot — ~ | Gas The yellow-haired youtl,’reached into the air and met that ball with such force and precision that it was lined out for two sacks, and McDade came home, amid ~ the rejoicing of the Smoketowners. “It’s a shame to take the money,” laughed Arling- : ; ae 44 pare ey without shifting his _ cried Arlington. | said | ton. “We hate to do it, Merriwell, but we've got to have your scalp to-day.” As he said this he trotted to the bench, secured a bat and placed himself in position to hit. From beneath the tree Madge Morgan clapped er hands with delight. “Oh, didn’t Dale make a splendid hit!” she ex- claimed. “Indeed he did,” not appear nearly as much elated as her companion. said June; but somehow she did was one of the days when he felt that he could play the game of his life, and he had a feeling that he would start the work with a hit. ce After fouling-several times, Chet finally met the ball _ handsomely and lifted it far into center. » Chip Jolliby, covering ground in a marvelous man- ner, made a wild, leap into the air and thrust up his bare ‘right hand. | The ball struck.Chip’s fingers and stuck there. \ Sparkfair had fancied Jolliby could not touch_the + ball, and therefore he was crossing third when Chip fe: made that surprising catch, i Fa —“Gettback! get back !’’ shouted Nubby Cotton wildly. ii “He’s got it! Dig back to second!” ; _ Jolliby made a perfect throw to Claxton, who was on ' the sack, and a double play resulted. “Horseshoes! horseshoes!” shouted Arlington, in ex- _-asperation. “He couldn’t do it again in a lifetime. Hard luck, Dale, old man. He robbed me of a three- -bagger at least.”’ 3 _Jolliby came in fromi the field, said “Well, we got one mark of merit, anyhow,” Brian, as he went into the pitcher’s box. Blackpool opened the’ game in a manner which _ Tommy Tucker fell an easy victim to Brian’s sharp | curves, ne 4 at 54 ball without even fouetng 3 it ¢ once. seemed to indicate that he was in fine fettle. ington. “you ve got Hersiiiie tae Bri, ‘old chap; but sont forget ie there s a team behind yo You ‘TIP TOP WEEKLY. Arlington was brimming over with confidence. This® Dale turned and did his level best to get back, but Dick waited and congratulated Chip on the catch as — t Brian did not strike Earl Gardner out. Earl made no effort to slug the ball, but he picked out a corner cut- ter and turned it into a clean single by sending it skip- ping out of the diamond. “Nun-nun-nun-now we start!” cried Jolliby, on the coaching line. “We've got to have this run to tut-tut- tie the score! Come on, Buckhart; old bub-bub-bronco! Bust the ball!” Brian ‘held Earl close to first, and Gardner knew it was like suicide to attempt to steal on Kipp unless a good start could be secured. Seeking to give Earl a chance to go down, Buck- hart permitted two good ones to pass, and two strikes were called on him. Then Brad went against the Spalding for a hand- some single that would have scored Gardner had Earl been on second. As: it was, Gardner made third on the hit. ° Brad went down to second on the first ball pitched Nor did he stretch himself ~ Instead of this, he sought to lure Kipp _- to Young Joe Crowfoot. to his utmost. into throwing. . ‘Kapp was not the catcher to play the amateur-game, 3 and let a man jog dowh to second simply because there ; Without loss of a second, he lined a swifttone to McDade. | happened to be a runner on third. _ Gardner started for the plate. , Cotton cut in front of McDade, took the throw, and i returned it to Kipp. Earl Gardner, on the alert, saw Cotton’s move, and went plunging headlong back to third. Kipp threw, to Perkins, but Gardner was safe and ce Buckhart was on second, a : “Never wine | dewey mind!” cried Cotton. “We came near pinching ’em that time. We'll do it next — trip.” , Sane Young Joe Crowfoot had a fine tala Black- pool tried 1 in vain to fool the redskin, but simply put himself in a hard hole, and finally, seeking to cut a corner, got one straight over the heart of the pan. nat Crowfoot was there with his little stick, and he smashed out a whistling liner that McDade e could n not touch, spring he ee a leap for ee ee Tee eae Gardner went home with ease. Buckhart had taken a lead off second, and Obediah Tubbs, on the coaching-line by third, sent him in. squealed the fat boy ex- You'll git “Go it, dern your picter!”’ citedly. “Go it, you runaway cayuse! there, by Jim!’ Get there Brad did, atriving ahead of the ball by a narrow margin. . Crowfoot took second on the throw to the plate. “We're not hearing so mum-mum-mum-much from you now, Chester,” “Oh, that’s simply having a little streak. laughed Jolliby. all right,’ said Arlington., “You're You're all done. The distinguished gentleman from Virginia will strike out.” Claxton did strike out. But there was still a runner at second, and Merri- well was the batter, ae é “Dern our picters! we want another score, Dick,’ came from Tubbs. “Bring the Big Chief home.” It was an exciting moment, for all knew the ability of Merriwell as a batter, and, to the last one of them, his teammates expected him to get a single, atleast. A clean single of the right sort would have'scored Crow- foot, who was a swift runner, but Brian Blackpool _ demonstrated his cleverness as a slab-artist by fanning Dick. The first inning ended with the score 2 to 1, in favor of the Pointers. : e CHAPTER XII. WORKING THE “DOUBLE SQUEEZE.” The second ahd third innings produced no great’ excitement, for both pitchers were at théir best, and not ‘a man of either team saw first. Perkins opened the fourth inning with a hit, and Sparkfair promptly bunted, sacrificing Reddy to second. Arlington came up with an air which seemed to in- dicate that he meant to land on the ball in a savage manner, but he shortened his hold on the bat as Dick pitched, and followed Dale’s example by bunting. - Although Merriwell got the ball and whipped it to Singleton i in time, big Bob made a muff, and Chester _ went leaping over first, with a shout of satisfaction. of Perkins had taken third. WEEKLY. Blackpool waited, and Arlington tried ‘to steal. Like Kipp; Buckhart was not a catcher to hold the ball with a runner getting down to second and another on third. He shot it to Claxton. Perkins believed he could score, and let himself out in an effort to do so. Although the bow-legged chap covered ground in an amazing style, the Virginian returned Brad’s throw in such a fine manner that Buckhart had the ball ready to lay it onto Perkins as the fellow slid. “Out at the plate!” cried Steele promptly. “You gents certain can score every time you try “Mr. Claxton, He can’t throw to the that game,” chuckled the Texan. the Virginian, has a bum wing. plate if he tries.” This bit of sarcasm was not relished by the Smoke- towners. . “Hard luck, Reddy,” chose a bat. “I thought you would make it, and that would have tied the score.” “I don’t see how he got the ball back to the pan so soon,’* growled Reddy, in disgust. Brian lifted a fly back of third base. Gardner should have taken that ball with éase, but misjudged it, and failed to touch it when it came down. This placed two of the Smoketowners on bases, but two men were out, and it still seemed possible that the Pointers would prevent any scoring. Dick did not try to strike Hornblower out. his object to keep the fellow. from hitting safely, and he warned every one to play for the batter. / . Hornblower hit a grounder at Tucker. a 3eing forced, both Arlington and Blackpool were on the jump the moment the ball was hit. . Chester was compelled to dash up the line in front a of Tommy, as Tucker was too far back for the runner \ It seemed that Chet might be hit he the ball, but he leaped into the air and let it bay to pass behind him. ‘beneath his feet.’ ; Somehow, Tommy seemed bothered by this, for he. | cuffed the Spalding around, getting hold ‘of it and ie dropping it twice before he Re the picked it up. Then | he made a wild throw over Singleton’s head. | said Brian Blackpool, as he’ It was | a or ie 1 , ah 6“ Bi "A : ps 7 ¥ pa Te a 14S oe th the Before that ball was returned to the diamond, Ar- _lington and Blackpool had scored,.and Hornblower had reached third. me Once more Chester exulted. 6 2 “Oh. what was coming. I knew we'd do it,” he declared. “I knew Keep right at it fellows, and we'll make some more.” Nubby Cotton attempted to “keep, right at- it,” but Merriwell felt there was danger of still-another run coming in, and he did his levél best to strike Nubby out, finally suceeeding by using the jump-ball. “The “They'd never made it only game is young, partner,” said Buckhart. for Tommy’s throw.” jf “They’re taking advantage of everything like that,” said Dick. make any more wild throws.” “If we win this game, we can’t afford to In disgust, Tucker implored somebody to kick him. He was not a little astonished, however, when Obe- ~ diah Tubbs acted on his urgent request, and gave him a lift that brought a howl from his lips. “What’s the matter?” asked the me boy innocently. “Didn’t you ask somebody fo do it?’ “Don’t you get so gay!” retorted Tommy hotly. Claxton, the Pointers’ first batter in the fourth, “got a life” on an error by Perkins, who lost a grounder | that he should have scooped with ease. Dick sacrificed Rob to second, and Pine Point was in position to tie the score with a clean hit. F But neither Jolliby nor Singleton proved equal to Bob striking out cleanly. “Oh, You can’t get away “stil 1 got you on the hip,” exulted ¥\rlington. you’ ve got to take your medicine. from it to- day, Merriwell.” In the fifth Huglippe, Kipp, and McDade all retired by the strike-out route. * t 0, as he gamboled ponderously to first. nfortunately, he lifted a short fly to Blackpool, who romptly sent the ball to first fora Sree Tubbs ) paving: time to get back. TIP -TOP WEEKLY. 7 occasion, Chip lifting a foul to Buckhart and big x _That’s a pie for me!” joyously squealed the fat Tucker, taking a signal from Dick, tried to bunt. “Never mind, fellows,” called Dick. “That was hard luck; but we can make some runs, just the same.” It. looked as if there would be something doing when Gardner drove a furious grounder between second and third, but Nubby Cotton made a sensational, hair- lifting, one-hand stop, and recovered his balance in time to get Earl at first. Smoketown held her lead on even innings. From this time on Merriwell’s pitching made him a bewildering mystery to Blackpool’s team. But nine men faced him in the next three innings, and of those nine men Sparkfair, Arlington, and Blackpool were among those who fanned. On the other hand, Brian was pitching a great game. It is true that in the seventh he found himself in a bad hole from errors on the part of his teammates, yet, with two runners on the sacks and no one out, he pre- vented the Pointers from reaching the plate. . Perkins opened the ninth with a fine hit. “Now we want this run, Spark, and we’ve got to have it!” cried Arlington. “You know the game.” The Pointers knew the game, also, yet Sparkfair’s bunt was so cleverly placed that Perkins had no trouble in reaching second while Dale was being thrown out. Arlington came up. “A hit this time means the game, Merriwell,”’ he said. “If you don’t want me to hit it, walk me.” But Dick had no idea of walking Chester, with bat- ters like Blackpool and Hornblower following. He \knew Arlington’s old weakness at bat, but he did not know that Chester had been working hard of late to overcome that weakness. A close ball across the knees had always been troublesome for Chester. Now, how- ever, Arlington got against one of them, and drove out a screaming liner. ee ? Tommy Tucker seemed ten feet from the ball as it was passing him, and yet, in some astonishing manner, the little chap made a leap and got the Spalding with one hand. Not only that, but Tucker recovered and whipped the sphere to Claxton in time for Rob to. cover second and catch Perkins off the sack, making a lightninglike double-play. s sulk. looked serenely disused. wy . “That's he growled. “Never mind,” said Sparkfair, ‘The game is ours. They can’t get away from us. Brian is holding them down.” : There was fire in the black eyes of Young Joe Crow- The In- dian lad meant to hit the ball; and he did hit it. It was a handsome single. foot as he came up for his last turn at ‘bat. “Now, play this game right,” called Merriwell. Rob Claxton responded by bunting, and Crowfoot took second. Rob was out at first. Brian Blackpool was a bit nervous as Merriwell came up. Fearing Dick Brian decided to walk him, and take chances with the next hitters. But Blackpool’s control was not perfect, and he got | one over. Dick lined out a single to short center, Crowfoot took third, and would have tried to score . had not Gardner held him, _ Hornblower had secured the ball, and was in posi- tion to stop the Indian youth at the plate. Jolliby was the next hitter. ‘ Dick bothered Brian by taking a uate lead off ‘first, which kept Blackpool driving him back to the sack. Merriwell was in hopes Brian would make a bad throw which would give Crowfoot a chance to This did not happen, but, on the first ball _ pitched, Merriwell went down to second. score, _ Knowing the speed of Crowfoot, Nubby Cotton cut’ - off Kipp’s throw to McDade, and returned it to the plate. The Biskatahs now had a man on third and another on second, with only one out. -Merriwell. caught Jolliby’s eye and gave a sigh Chip held his bat in a position which indicated that he understood, and which was at the same time a signal to Crowfoot. The “squeeze-play” was to be tried. If it Worked: Pine Point would certainly. tie the score. _ Merriwell took a long lead off ‘second. ie he was ane to third when ee make his arm TIP ‘TOP WEEKLY. twice that I’ve been robbed of safe hits!’ Two Boys With Guns—Old Pill and. His Dogs—Ebe \ Crowfoot dashed for the plate, while Dick made for third. " Jolliby hit a grounder into the diamond. ie bes Cotton leaped in‘front of the ball. ye that he should get it easily, but every one could see It was evident . that he would not -have time to stop the run at the plate, as Crowfoot had obtained a good start and was covering the grotind like a-streak. = But imagine the astonishment of every one when iP they saw Dick cross third and make for the rubber, without the slightest hesitation. The Smoketowners yelled at Cotton. “Home it! home it!” they shouted. : Nubby realized the surprising thing that was taking place, and grew nervous. He stopped the ball, but, iT { on his first movement to throw, nearly lost it, which caused him to stop and get a better grip on it. Then he lined it to Kipp. Crowfoot had already crossed the pan, and Meret a well was coming like a sprinter at the finish of a dash. Nubby’s throw was high. : Kipp, too, was eager and nervous. As a result, he © dropped the ball and made a dive for it as he saw Merriwell fling himself headlong in a slide. : The catcher got the ball and tagged Dick, but is riwell’s hand was on the rubber. 7 The “double-squeeze” had worked, and Pine Point e was the winner by a single run. Tet v The Next Number (596) Will Contain + Dick Merriwell’s Vanishings a OR, side Joe Crowfoot On the Trail. ~ Pike, of Wolfwoods—At Pine. -Pond—The Planted Trap—Crowfoot’s Story—In the Night—The Over- ae eer eee ety of the a time to time. NEW YORK, September 7, 1907. TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. (Postage Free.) , Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Each. One, : bdidedactiaess opeee asus $2.! ee 2 copies one year......-.c..02 1 Copy two. years. ..c.s5. cece < 00 PUVETIO gin4 Svvcucsesccetseugaws 65e. BeTOMGUDS civcn beeches scab semeh as 85c. PP ANOUGNS. i secca ccc. esicvegp eovpleeo . How to Send Money—By post-office or express money order, registered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. At your own risk if sent by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary letter. Receipts—Receipt of your remittance. is acknowledged by proper change of number on your label. If not correct you have not been properly credited, and should let us know at once. STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York City. Ormonp G. Smitu, Georce C. Smitn, ; Proprietors. 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 Oh our Honor Roll for their _ efforts to increase the circulation of the King of Weeklies. Get inline boys and girls and strive to have your name at the head of the list. F. M. Allen, New York Ciiy. O. L. Parker, Mississippi. John Mager, West Virginia. Russell Hart, Cal. Edmond. J. Augustin, Louisana. Mrs. A. E. Sanford, Oklahoma. Hugh Faulkner, Iil. Ben. Jones, Penn. Harvey A. Everhart, Ohio. Chas. L. Kuhn, New York State. Donald Bachert, Penn. The names of other enthusiastic Tip Toppers will be added from Send in the result of your efforts to push the circula- tion of your favorite weekly and win a place on the Roll of Honor. APPLAUSE. Owing to the number af tilens'te letters teceived, the editor of Tip Top _ Cannot undertake to secure their publication under six weeks. Those _ who contribute to this department must not expect to see them before that time, “yer Advertisements—A limited: number of acceptable ad- - vertisements will be inserted in the columns of TIP TOP WEEKLY, at the rate of 50 cents per line, of about ten words each, nothing less _ than four lines taken, Remit by stamps, check or money order to the ; eee (A letter from the Lone. Star State.), ay must write and try to show my apprecition of “Tip Top.” I hive passed many hours of pleasure under its uplifting influence, and in those hours I knew life was worth living. ‘The new artistic cover is a move in the right direction. It ill meet with favor, as will anything that tends to place our weekly in a class by itself, far above every other five-cent paper ever ppeghee? I ene to see the day when “Tip Top Cee. _ from the Cimmarron,” lowers of “Burt L.” out practising with a lasso. ee The new covers are a great improvement, for last week Friday ©. ‘big Bob Singleton. WEEKLY. will. adorn our choicest libraries, bound as we see Thackeray and Dickens or Holmes. Burt L. Standish’s name should be written beside those of the greatest authors, and I foresee that he will some day reach that pinnacle of fame. With a gift given to but few, he holds the attention and touches the heart of the youth of this land as no other author has been able to do. With the pen of the poet, he can touch up nature’s pictures and place them before the eye. He can describe a scene of action, and we imagine ourselves in the midst of it. With a humor that shines forth to fill us with laughter and brighten our lives; with a pathos so’deep and tender that the eyes are filled with tears, and through it all a life and action that grips the reader from start to finish, he sways the American boy as no other writer can. Aye, and American men and women, too, and every one whom fortune has blessed with the stories of the Merriwells. : The characters live with us, become part of our tives, and exert'a wonderful influence over our actions. Who has forgotten Little Nell and her brother, or Old Mose Morgan? Who can think of Little Abe without a feeling of sadness?, No one can read of Chester Arlington’s struggle upward until final victory is in sight without becoming a better person himself. I can add nothing more to the praise of the thousands before this. I will simply express my thanks to Burt L. Standish and Street & Smith, and avow myself a Tip Topper forever. C. RosENFIELD. As fine a letter as-we ever had come into our office, and abound- ing in sentiments that do our young friend great honor. (A letter from Illinois.) T write again to thank you for publishing my letter and the honor given me in placing my name among the chosen few. It was a surprise to me and unexpected, but went a long way in. getting the entire set of “Burt L.’s” books in our club library; and also those of the Rockspur series. It encourages the mem- bers to spread the world’s greatest publication, “Tip Top Weekly,” among their hosts of friends. “Dick Merriwell’s Regret, ” No. 568, was one of the best I ever read. As to the characters, they are all needed to make the aes and we meet them in every-day life. I had no sooner finished ‘reading of Bill Higgins, the ePpaee when I saw some boys I knew were fol- the news-dealer where I get my “Tip Top” received his at noon, and when I got mine at 5 o’clock it was the last one, and he had ordered more. Again thanking you, I remain a loyal “Tip Top” reader. * Harotp R, Ivens. Chicago, Ill. We enjoyed your very interesting letter, Harold. It is nice to © know “Tip Top” has such hosts of good. friends all along the | line, eager to push its already booming circulation. (A letter from Missouri.) I have just been reading the Applause column of “Ti Top,” and I couldn’t. keep still any longer. I have read “Tip Top” constantly for the last five years, and I must say that it’s just — ‘great. Most of the readers seem to favor June as the girl for Dick, but they also seem to be new readers. In my opinion the girl for Dick is Doris, and I think that any old reader will be of the same opinion, and Hal Darrell should have June. That seems to % reversing matters, but I am convinced that Dick will marry oris. _ I have read nearly all the old numbers about Hina; and. re- member how he used to love Elsie. I like Frank best, because he wasn’t so infallible when he was at Yale. He used to go around to the “joints” with the boys, although he never drank, and I have known him to get into a poker-game. — I would like for Dave Flint to go to Yale next year, and aia0 \ I would like to hear more of little Felicia and also of Doris. Of Frank’s friends I like Bart best; then comes Browning, Mulloy, Ready, Rattleton, Starbright, Hans, and Diamond. | Why don’t ‘Dick have some friend from Kentucky? for Dek i J am in Missouri, I am a Eee? aoe! ——. like to ied a friend from me Kentuck, TIP TOP WEEKLY. T believe I like Dale Sparkfair as well as I do Dick, for he is not such a perfect fellow and has some faults, which Dick don’t seem to ever have. ' Well, I will close with three cheers for Doris and Burt L. I A Lovau Tir Topper, % : ne We have had many vociferous calls for a Kentuckian character, and perhaps Burt L. will presently take pity on those of us who look back to the “Old Commonwealth” as the place of our birth. You are right; Kentucky is a great State, and her wandering children often have their hearts hungering for her blue-grass meadows and grand hills. remain, I have read “Tip Top” as long as I can remember—not like pe boys who have been induced to read it by some kind riend. I am glad to hear of James Stretcher again. Although I live in Missouri, I was born in good old Kentucky. Kentucky is the place for me. I wish Burt L. would introduce a character from Kentucky in the king of weeklies. I have influenced several boys to read “Tip Top.” By several I do not mean one or two. I should have said seven, and I would then be wrong, as I cannot remember how many I have influenced to read it. Some boys have no taste for reading. These kind of boys you will find chew, smoke, and hang around corners at night. I am very fond of athletic sports. I go to. the Christian Brothers’ school, and they have meets every spring for the school- ° boys. In our last meet very good time was made by one of our boys for the 1o0-yard dash, which he made in 10 3-5 seconds. I am getting off my subject, and, perhaps, making my letter too long to escape the waste-basket. Hoping the waste-basket is . full, I close with cheers for Burt L., S. & S., and all connected with “Tip Top.” Yours truly, MicHarL McLaucHun. St. Louis, Mo. We are always glad to have such good friends write us their opinion, and it would be indeed difficult for such letters to miss the Applause column. (A letter from Michigan.): ad have long been a reader of the king of weeklies, the “Tip Top.” I like all the characters, especially Dick, Brad, Frank, Bart, Browning, and Dale, and of the girls, June, Doris, Inza, Elsie, Felicia, and Madge. _ I wish that all of Frank’s and Dick’s enemies would change like Chester, but not at once; just as Mr. Standish writes them. _ That is best. With best wishes, I remain, a ‘true friend to “Tip Be ROpr in _ I. M. Sprague. _ In other words, you are quite ‘content to accept the delightful feast spread before you week in and week out, and thank our capable author for the many entertaining hours you have spent in his (A letter from Minnesbea.) Tam going to try and write to the Applause column. . I have - been fortunate enough to obtain “Tip Top” from No. 327, off and _ on, up to date. I have read them, too, and loaned them to lots _ of my friends. They all say they are just the thing. \ re have seen some people who would say, “Why do you read _ those cheap stories?’ Then I say, “They are just as geod as ef anything you'll get for a while.” _ Now, as for favorites, I won’t try to name them all. Frank, _ Dick, Bart, and Brad are my best boy favorites, and among the irls Inza, June, Mad; e, Mabel, and Batbara are my favorites. _. I think Frank was right in marrying Inza, and I hope Dick mar- ties June. I think he will, too. __ I would like to hear from little Frank and the folks at Frank’ . I think he will make an athlete out of himself, like his | Now, as for Cheiter, t want to say a \ Fai wotits. i in his favor. t do and always did believe he had as good qualities as any of Woy TD Top’s” racters, if it was not for his mother, who put 1 the oe kind of thoughts in his head. His being rich helped to lead him wrong also, and I always did think he would turn and be ee ne the Metriwells. I can have some idea of having to. aett his. bad habits. ~The forgivin his tresp: ae _ the Scriptures not tell us that by forgiving we heap coals of fire on the heads of those forgiven? I like to hear lots about Frank, as hé is my first and best favorite in “Tip Top.” Many an hour have I enjoyed reading “Tip Top” about the brave deeds of Frank Merriwell. It has always helped me to do better. Del Norte did seem to have a charmed life, but was finelyjovercome by his own trickery. ~I am,not going to giv@ any advice to Burt L., as I don’t think he needs it. When I think I am able to give advice to him I'll start a “Tip Top” of my own, for I don’t think I could do any better. I think he has sure got a_ swell head on his shoulders. I don’t mean what is usually meant by swell head, but one filled with uncommonly good sense, not “hot-air. Hes shows it in his writings of “Tip Top.” Now, I am going to bring this letter to a close. Hoping it misses the terrible wasté-basket, and three cheers for Burt L. and S. & S., also Prof. Fourmen, as he deserves it, I remain, a true Tip Topper. . Percy SMoorz. Good for you; Percy. We like our boys’ to express their‘ sin- cere sentiments after their own boyish fashion, and we make as few editorial changes in their unique letters as possible. : ‘(An Acrostic from Illinois.) If you think this does not take up too much room, T hope to see this in print in the best five-cent weekly ever published, and we ‘all remain faithful Snowbear readers to the “Tip Top Weekly”: EDWARD HENTZYLMIER, GEORGE BRAUTIGUM, ARTHUR FOSS, TOM UH L, ONG CAR L, ERICKSON, JOHN ROSTER, CHARLES C HRISTENSEN, RALPH IVERSEN, FRED CHRISTENSEN, JOHN ,'T IBBETTS, CHRIST FOSS, MELBOURNE RIENER, GEORGE CHRIS + ENSEN, ; LOUIS BEU T' TEL, WILL NITSH. Louis BEUTTEL. Very well done, Louis, (A letter from Kansas.) ‘As I am an ardent admirer of Dick, I hope you will allow me ’ some of your valuable space. I hardly know which is my fa- vorite—Dick or Frank—but think Dick will become the greater pitcher. se et As I am a pitcher on the Wichita club in the Western Asso- © ciation I take special delight in reading of the way Dick pitches "y and try to pattern after him. I admire his cool way, not only in the box, but everywhere and at all times. Wishing you all the success in the world, I am, HArry SPEER. | taxa You could not do better, Harry. You can help yourself won- — derfully by learning Dick’s ways. We feel that “Tip Top” has — a sound friend in you, and that you are always ready to recom- — mend it to your friends because of the good it will do any reader. (A letter from Pennsylvania) ig ‘Pinte read a few numbers of “Tip Top” and Medal Library. hee and I think no stories I have read can compare with them. A Asks I and one of my friends want to get some of the early *Ti Tops, se I would like to have a catalogue of all the “Tip Tops printe . My sister is always teady to read the Merriwell books when. they come in. I have only missed one copy since [ started, a that was because they were all sold. ‘De not forget the catalogue, and if you have any poste of Merriwell and his friends, I would like to have a:set of the Three cheers for the Merriwells, a tiger for Street & Smit and a long ‘life to Boe L. I close as a true Tip Topper. Ben C. Jones. We are sending’ you a Sines but if you want earlier pe bers than those it contains, you will have Y 7 ake Do. books, eo aS gone. a GOS “ ae is le ts l- al a AEE ote eg eee eas OE RET AND rss A AANSWERS_ (A letter from Wyoming.) Please tell me how to get taller and get stronger and stouter. My weight is 83 pounds; my height is 4 feet 814 inches; my age is 13 years; my neck is If inches; my arm above the wrist is 5% inches; my waist is, normal, 25 inches; expanded, 2714 inches; my chest is 12 inches; length of my arm, Pror. FourMEN: 24 inches; my hip is 64 inches. EpMONDS KNITTLE, Take general exercise with Indian clubs and dumb-belis. (A. letter from Minnesota. ) Pror. Fourmen: I am a reader of “Tip Top” and would like your advice in regard to my build. Here are my measurements: ‘Height, 6 feet 214 inches; weight, 132 pounds; age, 19 years; chest, normal, 3044 inches; expanded, 34 inches; neck, 15 inches; waist, 26 inches; biceps, 10 inches; forearm, 10 inches. It may encourage others of slight build to know that I am not allowing my physique to bar me from athletics. I play baseball, hockey, and football. At football I*play end, arid have good endurance and wind, but my weight is a great drawback. At baseball I can pitch a little, as I have speed and range, but I like better to play second base, for my reach enables me to cover consid- erable ground. Hockey is by far my favorite sport, for in no other sport do I experience the same, thrill, My endurance. is fine. It was hockey, or, more correctly speaking, “shinny,” that first showed me that I could hope to enjoy athletics as well as other boys. Before I was sixteen I was a most down-trodden fellow and utterly lacking self-confidence, though I fairly craved to be an athlete. I even heard hints that I had consumption. But one winter I happened to get into several games of “shinny” when I went skating, and soon “discovered myself.” 1 became a good player before the season ended, and this encouraged me and helped me in other sports. Still, though, I now enjoy base- ball, which I play more than anything else, I cannot help wish- ing that winter and skating lasted longer. IMMODEST GREYHOUND. You have the right idea; keep up the good work. This letter ought to encourage those who imagine that a disproportioned physique means a handicap in athletics. (A letter from Missouri.) Pror. FourMeN: My measurements are as follows: Age, 1514 years; height, 5 feet 7 inches; biceps, normal, 9% inches ex- panded, 10% inches; chest, normal, 30 inches; expanded, 32 inches; thigh, 15 inches; calf, 13 inches. I work in a real estate office from 7 to 5, after which I carry a paper route (usually on a wheel). I have-a desire to be a runner, but I am very short-winded. This being a small town, we have no gymnasium. I have a horizontal-bar and a springing-board. I would like for you to advise me as to what to eat. What would be a godd suit to wear while running? I have a desire to become a pitcher, /but as yet I have been unable to learn anything in that line. Could you propose a book on pitching for me? Is riding a wheel detrimental to a runner? A Missouri Boy. Wear an athletic shirt and knee pants while exercising, A. G, Spalding & Co. publish a hand-book on pitching. Riding a wheel will not interfere with your springing practises, j EDITED BY es PROF. FOURMEN \ | Pror. Fourmen: Being a reader of ‘Tip Top,” I take the liberty to ask you a few questions. My measurements are as follows: Age 14 on July 3; 1907; weight, 93 pounds; height, 5 feet 3% inches; forearm, 8-9 inches; calf, 11 inches; thigh, 16. inches; chest, 26-29 inches. I can make a running jump of 12 feet; standing jump of 8 feet, and a running high jump of 2% feet. Are my measurements small for my age? How could I develop or enlarge my wrist and forearm? Is my jumping good? We have a school gymnasium. D. A. T, Yours respectfully, Milbank, S. D. Your weight should be about 107 pourids. You are also lack- ing in thigh and calf. Try bag-punching, and any of the ordinary wrist-developing exercises given in the manual of training. Your jumping is very good. (A letter from Pennsylvania.) Pror. Fourmen: Having read “Tip Top” off and on about five years, I recently got interested in physical culture, and, as I saw where Prof. Fourmen has advised the boys about it, 1 would like to know his address. Your would greatly oblige me ‘by kindly telling me same. Enclosed you will find self- addressed, stamped envelope for reply. Yours respectfully, FRANK TOLLON. A letter addressed to the professor in care of this publication will reach him. Pror. FourmMen: I am a boy 14 years 11 month, and weigh 99 pounds, My height is 5 feet 2 inches. Should I weigh more? Chest, when normal, 2834 inches; when expanded, 3014 inches; neck, 13 inches. Every morning J get a headache upon awaken- ing. Do you think it is due to my drinking coffee, which is my favorite drink? Please give the standard dimensions for one of my height. and age. A. PHILIPPS. New York City. ~ Your weight is all right, but your chest is lacking. Train to enlarge the same. For a lad of your height, weight, 100 pounds; chest, 31 inches, normal; waist, 25 inches; hips, 32 inches; thighs, 18 inches, and calves, 13 inches, (A letter from Canada.) Pror. FouRMEN: “Tip Top Weekly,” I wrote to you a couple of months ago asking! you a few questions, but I have read the questions and answers in the “Tip Top” ever since, and, seeing that you had not answered, I made up my mind to write again. 1.1 am 17 years. of age; my height is 5 feet 4% inches; weight, 128 pounds. How is my, height and weight for my age? 2 I eat ice-cream and candy. Is it harmful to a person’s system? 3. Is white bread good for a’person? I eat a lot of it. 1 have a punching-bag, dumb-bells, boxing-gloves, and Whitley exerciser. 4. I take a run out in the country about a mile every morning. Is it,good for one’s health? 5. [ am working in a store, my hours are from 7 A. M. to 9 P..M., so I havent much time to take exercise, (What exercise should I take so that £ could As I have been a constant reader of the —_ AEE SAE A Be RT SIT oe FE LGR re es ORE EOE Tae oe cree St aan OO TIP. TOP WEEKLY. keep in good health? ironing that you will not find my letter too long, and that I ‘will see answers for my questions in the “Ti ip Top” very shortly, I remain, a true Canadian and Tip Top” reader. ALBERT J, LALONDE. 1. You are about 10 pounds heavier than the law allows for one of your height. 2.°In moderation, certainly not, unless it may be to an athlete in training. 3. Graham or whole wheat bread is much better. 4. Fine. » 5. Your hours are very long. Get up early, take that short run, or On a rainy morning punch the bag or use the exerciser. An ax is still better, since there iséthe added gratification of seeing a nice pile of ‘split wood, which pleases the material senses as no common gymnastic exercises ever can or will. Pror. FourMen: Having read “Tip Top” a great deal since its publication, I take the liberty of asking a few questions. Age, 17 years; height, 5 feet 7 inches; weight, 132 pounds; neck, 15 inches; shoulders, 17 inches; chest, 32 inches; expanded, 36% inches; waist, 29 inches; biceps, right, 10ol%% inches; ex- panded, 12 inches; left, 10 inches; expanded, 1114 inches; wrists, 634 inches; thighs, left, 19 inches; right, 1934 inches; calves, 13 inches; ankles, 10%4 inches. How are my measurements? Is my waist. too ‘large? What is the best outdoor sport for gen- eral development? What is the best exercise for broadening the shoulders? Where can I procure the U. S. Army exercises, and would those be the ones employed by the West Point Military Academy? Thanking you in advance, and wishing you success, and “Tip Top” a long life, I am, yours truly, .. Norwalk, O. A “Tie Tor” ADMIRER. ~ Your weight is just about right, but you should measure about 36 inches around the chest. So many lads are lacking here, and it is a very important thing to start into young manhood with good big healthy lungs. Start to correct this fault. Your waist is a little large. _ ‘Whichever you can enter into with heart and soul, running, baseball, football, jumping, all are ‘good, Punching the bag would develop your shoulder muscles won- derfully. You can procure the book by sending 10 cents to us. Tt covers the field. (A letter from Ohio.) a Pror. FourMen : Having read ‘Tip Top Weekly” for quite a while, I send my measurements, and would like your opinion on them. Age, 17 years; weight, 115 pounds; height, 5 feet 714 inches; neck, 13 inches; chest, 30-32% inches; waist, 30 inches; right thigh, 8 inches; ‘left thigh, 171%4 inches; right calf, 124 inches; left calm, 12 inches; arm, right, 9-10%4 inches; can lift, 140 pounds. I easily get out of breath if I run.g I do not suffer much from. sickness except colds, and have always a cer- tain amount of phlegm. My ‘face has usually a number of pimples and blackheads, W. S. KReEvANE. | You are very light for your height, and should weigh 135 pounds. Your chest measurements should be about 36 inches. Begin a system of training to enlarge the lungs. It is of vital importance in your case, for you have grown fast. But your waist again is 2 inches larger than it should be. Reduce your diet and enlarge those lungs, my dear boy. Have this as a first consideration, and many times a day take a dozen deep breaths. (A letter from Wisconsin.) Pror..-FourMEN: As I have been a constant reader of ae “Tip Top” for over two years, I take the pleasure of submitting my meastirements to you for advice and criticism. I am 18 years old; height, 5 feet 7 inches; chest, normal, 29% inches; ex- panded, 32 inches; waist, 26 inches; thigh, 1736 inches; forearm, 9 5-16 inches; calves, 11 inches; neck, 12 inches; wrist 674 inches; weight, 104 pounds. I smoke a pipe. 1. Is that injurious to the system? 2. What kind of an exercise should I do to develop | the muscles on my arms? My wrist is weak. 3. What exercises should I do to make it*stronger? 4. Are my measurements good for a boy of my age? A Fonp pu Lac Cirizen. 1. For one of your age most certainly. Better drop it until you have gained your full growth, at least, 2. The dumb-bells, 3. Taking bending exercise without apparatus, 4. Yes. Pror, Fourmen: Being a constant reader of the very beat weekly paper published in the world, I would like to ask a few questions. Age, 15 years Ir months; height, 5 feet 614 inches; weight, — pounds; chest, normal, 35 inches: expanded, 381 inches; neck, 14 inches; waist, 30 inches; shoulder to shoulder, wy inches; forearm, 934 inches: biceps, 11% inches; hips, 35 inches; wrist, 7 inches ; calves, 141%4 inches; "agltad: 9 inches; thigh, 2114 inches. 1. Am I the right height for my age? 2, What are my weak points, and how can I improve them? 3. How are ty records? Swimming, 66 yards in 43, seconds; run- ning long jump, 11 feet 9 inches; standing long jump, 8 feet 9 inches; running high jump, 4 feet 7 inches. I have plenty of walking exercise in the fresh air, and have a cold bath 3 times a week besides my swims. Please tell me if cold baths are good. © Hoping you will reply. 4. I go to bed at 8 and rise at 4, as I am working in the bakehouse, pastry cooking. Hoping you will reply, and, thanking you heartily in advance, I wish “Tip Top” every success and remain, yours faithfully, LonzA Brown. Wollonging, Australia. We think you are splendidly built, and that by taking ‘the’ regular gymnasium course you should make a good athlete, Cold baths are good for you in moderation. Your records are something to be proud of, E i cap. Is this'not worth working for, boys ? Tip Top Baseball Tournament Is Now Open. ie : The two teams which, at the end of the season, have the highest average—the members of io which play the greatest number of games, score the most runs and have lost the least number of oe oS 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 1907, and will receive a handsome pennant bearing an _approptiate device. The two successful clubs in 1906 were the “Unions” of Hawthorne, N. J., and the ‘‘Athletes” of Circleville, O. Each winning team will receive a full equipment for nine members, consisting of trousers, shirt, stockings, shoes and ° DONT FAIL TO SEND IN YOUR COUPON AT ONCE. No notice taken of any score not entered on a coupon. Coupons must, be properly made out. | One coupon for each game. ee Faelg sarecgoey™ Penne aaa, Se er Ne ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY HANDSOME COLORED COVERS Never has Burt L. Standish written such interesting tales of the adventures of the Merriwell brothers, Frank and Dick, as are now appear- ing in this weekly. Mr. Standish has a world-wide circle of friends and he is putting forth his best efforts to amuse and entertain them. Boys, you have no idea of what a grand feast he is preparing for you, Top’s stoties are going to astonish you. Do not fail to buy this weekly. Tip 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 BTVEC Ee a Pareoes HERE ARE THE 564—Frank Merriwell’s Talisman; or, The Charm of Cocheta. 565—Frank Merriwell’s Horse; or, The Boy Who Would Be Bad. 566—Frank Merriwell’s Intrusion; or, Warner, the Man Who Won. 567—Frank Merriwell’s Bluff; or, The Lost Sefiorita of Sonora. 568—Dick Merriwell’s Regret ; or, The Friend He Never Knew. 569—Dick Merriwell’s Silent Work; or, A Helping Hand for a Foe. Bre wick Merriwell’s Arm; or, The Trick that Fooled the Tricksters, 571—Dick Merriwell’s Skill; or, The Prince of the Pistol. 572—Dick Merriwell’s Magnetism; or, The Curing of a Cad. 573—Dick Merriwell’s Sy stem; or, The Way to Win. 574—Dick Merriwell’s Salvation ; or, The Traitor on the Team. 575—Dick Merriwell’s Twirling; or, Tracing the Traitor. 576——-Dick Merriwell’s Party; or, Springtime’s Youthful Fahey. 577—Dick Merriwell’s Backers ; or, The Man Behind the Bat 578—Dick Merriwells Coach ; or, Pride and Prejudice. 579—Vick Merriwell’s Bingle : or, A Hit in Time. 580—Dick Merriwell’s Hurdling: or, The Star and the Satellites. 581—Dick Merriwell’s Best Work; or, Up Against a Hard Proposition. LATEST TITLES: 582—Dick Merriwell’s Respite; or, The Campers oe: Lake Calmface. 583—Dick Merriwell’s Disadvantage ; or, The First Avia with Harvard. 584—Dick Merriwell Beset; or, The Revenge of Quinn Harvester. 585—Dick Merriwell’s Great Rival; on the Slab. 586—Dick Merriwell’s Distrust; Blotter. 587—Dick Merriwell, Lion-Tamer; the Air. 588—Dick Merriwell’s Camp-site; or, The Peril at Pine Point. 589—Dick Merriwell’s Debt; or, Settling the Score With Smoketown. 590—Dick Merriwell’s Camp-mates; or, Old Chums On the Field, so1i—Dick Merriwell’s Draw; or, The Struggle With Smoketown, 592—Dick Merriwell’s Disapproval; or, Chester Afling- ‘_ton’s New Chum. 593—Dick _Merriwell’s Mastery; or, The Wolves of Wolfwoods, 594—Dick Merriwell’s Warm Work; or, A Hot Me for * Smoketown. 595—Dick Merriwell’s “Double Squeeze’; of, Blackpool in Command. 596—Dick Merriwell’s Vanishing; or, Young Joe Crow- foot On the Trail. 597—Dick Merriwell Adrift; or, In the Grip of the Sea, or, Dale .Sparkfair or, Betrayed by a or, Ate, Queen of Brian If you want any back numbers of this publication “and cannot procure them from your news: dealer, they can be obtained from this office direct. _ STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 79 Seventh Avenue, NEW YORK CITY. Postage stamps taken the same as money. = <7 Sa GR ELE ae APE ARIES a fet — prot hoe erg . COREA tana nega ne = A ti etantiiec Pitamem Seer ibe What Will YOU Do Have you ever thought what will become of you when your earning capa- city is gone? At 50 will you still be working for a low wage or enjoying a good income? Only training will put you-in the income class. To learn how you can receive this training without giving up your present occupation let the International Corres- pondence Schools advise you. All you have to do is to mark the coupon as directed and mail it to-day. There is no charge for this advice. _ The I. C. S. method is so easy that you will be surprised how quickly you will be énabled to command a much higher salary at the occupation you like best. No matter who you are or what your present occupation, the I. C. S. has a way of helping you. It is an institution of experts—experts in helping poorly paid _— em ae ee ; ’ ’ men succeed. All it costs to learn about International Correspondance Schools, 5. Box 904 ON, PA. It is a two cent stamp. vour future ' res vite? gre op without ‘further obligation on my part, ) £ worth it? ; can er ar a lateet salar ae oe . s 4 on belore whic. ave marke f It zs galling to see the other man Bookkeeper Mechanical Deaftaman | i : Bt h lephone E pushed ahead when you know you could | | Advertisomont Writer lee Lighting Bupe. do just as well if you only had ‘the , Show Card Writer See ne. traini It’s the training that 2 aoe Stationary Engineer} | | Taining. s e tra g at counts. i. Commercial Law Oivil Engineer l “ . , Illustr at Bulldi Cont - During the monthof June386students Otvil Bervice Architect Draftsman if ; : : em ia rehitect reported promotion and higher salary as pentose Mil Gapt. Structural Engineer 'F - . ao a ridge Engineer 1B a direct result of J. C. S. training.! Elee. Engineer Mining Engineer iQ The I. C.S. will help you; but YOU ' Name '§ ! 1k must take the first step. Pie Cie 2 7 4 Mail the Coupon To-day. ' City shite a er wre ewe ewe eoeeneaenr fF we ese Fe & =e @ How the Early Numbers of the TIP TOP WEEKLY May Be Secured O the boys who take interest in the adventures of Frank Merriwell and want to read everything that was written about him, we desire to say that numbers 1 to 325 of the TIP TOP WEEKLY containing his early adventures are entirely out of stock and will not be reprinted. with No. 150 which is entitled ‘‘Frank Merriwell’s Schooldays.” These numbers, however; were published in the Medal Library beginning We give herewith a com- plete list of all the Merriwell stories that have been published in book form up to the time of writing. We will send a compete catalogue of the Medal Library, which is just full of good things for boys, on receipt of a one-cent stamp to cover postage. MEDAL LIBRARY AT 10c. 150—F rank 167—F rank 178—Frank 184—F rank 189—F rank 193—F rank 197—F rank 201—F rank 205—F rank 209—F rank 213—Frank 217—F rank 225—Frank 229—F rank 233—Frank 237— Frank 240—Frank 244—F rank 247—F rank 251—Frank 254—F rank 258—Frank 262—Frank 267—Frank 271—F rank 276—Frank 280—F rank 284—F rank 288— Frank 292—F rank 296—F rank 300—F rank 304—F rank 308— Frank 312—Frank 316—Frank 320—F rank 324—F rank 328— Frank 332—Frank 336—Frank 340—Frank 344—F rank Merriwell’s Schooldays. Merriwell’s Chums. Merriwell’s Foes. Merriwell’s Trip West. Merriwell Down South. Merriwell’s Bravery. Merriwell’s Hunting Tour. Merriwell in Europe. Merriwell at Yale. Merriwell’s Sports. Afield. Merriwell’s Races. Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour, Merriwell’s Courage. Merriwell’s Daring. Merriwell’s Athletes. Merriwell’s Skill. Merriwell’s Champions. Merriwell’s Return to Yale. Merriwell’s Secret. Merriwell’s Danger. Merriwell’s Loyalty. Merriwell in Camp. Merriwell’s Vacation. Merriwell’s. Cruise. Merriwell’s Chase. Merriwell in Maine. Merriwell’s Struggle. Merriwell’s First Job. Merriwell’s Opportunity. Merriwell’s Hard Luck. Merriwell’s Protégé. Merriwell on the Road. Merriwell’s Own Company. Merriwell’s Fame. Merriwell’s College Chums. Merriwell’s Problem. Merriwell’s Fortune. Merriwell’s New Comedian. Merriwell’s Prosperity. Merriwell’s Stage Hit. Merriwell’s Great Scheme. Merriwell in England. Merriwell on the Boulevards. MEDAL LIBRARY AT 10c. 348—Frank 352—Frank 350—Frank 359—Frank 362— Frank 365—Frank 368—Frank 371—F rank 374—F rank 377—F rank NEW 380—F rank 383—F rank 386—Frank 389—F rank 392—F rank 395—Frank 398—F rank 401—Frank 404—F rank 407—F rank 410—Frank 413—Frank 416—F rank 419—Frank 422—Frank Merriwell’s Duel. Merriwell’s Double Shot. Merriwell’s Baseball Victories. Merriwell’s Confidence. Merriwell’s Auto. Merriwell’s Fun. Merriwell’s Generosity. Merriwell’s Tricks. Merriwell’s Temptation. Merriwell on Top. MEDAL LIBRARY AT 15c. INCREASED SIZE Merriwell’s Luck. Merriwell’s Mascot. Merriwell’s Reward. Merriwell’s Phantom. Merriwell’s Faith. Merriwell’s Victories. Merriwell’s Iron Nerve. Merriwell in Kentucky. Merriwell’s Power. Merriwell’s Shrewdness. Merriwell’s Set-back. Merriwell’s Search. Merriwell’s Club. Merriwell’s Trust. Merriwell’s False Friend. Published About August 19th 425—Frank Merriwell’s Strong Arm, Published About September 9th 428—Frank Merriwell as Coach. Published About September 30th 431—Frank Merriwell’s Brother. Published About October 21st 434—F rank Merriwell’s Marvel. Published About November 11th 437—Frank Merriwell’s Support. Published About December 2nd 440—Dick Merriwell at Fardale. Published About December 237d 443—Dick Merriwell’s glory. STREET & SMITH, Publishers, New York City