LARGEST WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA

 

 

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IDEAL PUBLICATION
FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH

Issued We ehh. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at New York Post Eaice ¢ by STREET & SMITH, 238 Wiisiam St.. N. ¥

Price, Five Cents.

 

 

LIN CNSHTINEL |

Pine

NKS-AND PERILS AT THE (GOLDEN HoRN

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in a moment Dick had the professor by the collar on one side, while Brad grasped him by the
collar on the other side. They dragged him off and stood him on his feet.

 

 
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Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 2398 William St., N. Y.
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1005, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D,

 

No. 468.

~ NEW YORK, February HI, 1905.

Price Five Cents.

 

- Dick erriwell in Constantinople;

OR,

PRANKS AND PERILS AT THE GOLDEN HORN.

a By BURT L. STANDISH.

 

CHAPTER I.
IN THE BOSPORUS.
The steamer had crossed the Sea of Marmora and
entered the Bosporus. It was approaching Constan-
On the right lay Asia, on the left Europe.

Either shore was lined with beautiful mosques. and

tinople.

palaces, the fairy-like towers and minarets gleaming

in the sunshine. :

The deck was crowded vith people ashy gazing
_ From that point of view it

‘ owes a land of enchantment, strange, mysterious, fasci-
nating. Shipping from all quarters of the globe lay

in me splendid harbor.

“What do you think of it, Brad?’ asked Dick Mer-
riwell, placing a hand on the shoulder of his comrade
from Texas, who was leaning on the rail and staring
at the bewildering panorama.

Buckhart drew a deep breath.

“Pard,” he answered, “she beats my dreams a whole
lot. I certain didn’t allow that the country of the ‘un-
speakable’Turk’ could be half as beautiful.”

“Wait until we get on shore before you form an
opinion,” laughed Dick. “It certainly is beautiful from

“
here, but I have reasons to believe that things will not

seem so beautiful on closer inspection.”

ett

 
  

EL t hee

“Then I opine I don’t care to land!” exclaimed Brad.
“T’d like to remember her just as she looks now.”
“TI don’t blame
Isn’t she wonder-

“Hum! ha!” broke in another voice.
you, my boy. Isn’t she beautiful!
ful! Isn’t she ravishing!”

“All of that, professor,” agreed the Texan.

Prof. Zenas Gunn, who had joined them, readjusted
his spectacles and thrust his hand into the bosom of his
coat.
he declared.

“In fact, ever since my eyes first beheld her intellectual

“I have admired her for a long time,”
and classic countenance. Her hair is a golden halo.”
“Eh?” grunted Buckhart, in surprise.

“Hair?” exclaimed Dick, puzzled.

“Fer eyes are like limpid lakes,” continued Zenas.
“Eyes ?”’ gasped both boys.

“Her mouth is a well of wisdom.”

“What are you talking about?” demanded Dick.
“Her teeth,” went on the professor—“her teeth are
pearls beyond price.”

“Ts he daffy?” muttered.the Texan.

“And her form has all the grace of a gazelle. She
is a dream of enchantment. Every movement is a

poem. I could worship her! I could spend my life
at the feet of such a woman nein to the musical
murmur of her heavenly voice.’

“Look here, professor,”’ said Dick, “what j is the mat-
ter with you?”

“T’m_ enthralled,
woman.”

“What woman?”

“Why, the one we are falictsg about, Sarah Ann
Ketchum, President of the Foreign Humanitarian So-

“Who else could I be

enchanted, enraptured by that

ciety, of Boston, Massachusetts.
talking about?”
“Oh, murder!” exploded Brad.

?

“Wouldn’t that
freeze you some!
Both boys laughed heartily, alee to the cb gieanats
of the professor.
“Such uncalled-for mirth is s unseemly,’ ’ he declared.
“T don’t like it. Besides,
she may see you laughing, and that would harrow her

It offends me very much,

sensitive soul.”

WEEKLY.

“Professor, I didn’t think it of you!” said Dick, try-
ing to check his merriment. “You are smashed on the
lady from Boston—and you’re married.. Have you

forgotten that?”

“Alas, no! I can never forget it ! But do not use
such vulgar and offensive language. ‘Smashed!’
Shocking! You do not understand me. She is my
ideal, my affinity, the soul of my soul! Yet I must

worship her from afar, for, as you say, I am a mar-
I have talked with her; I have heard the
music of her voice; I have listened to the pearls of wis-
But I haven't

Even

ried man.

dom which dropped from her sweet lips.

told her I am married. It wasn’t necessary.

if I were to know her better, even if I were to become

her friend, being a man of honor, that friendship would
be purely platonic.”

“Rats!” said Brad. . “You're sure in a bad way,
Why, that old lady with the hatchet face
would scare a dog into a fit.”

professor.

“How

dare you speak of Miss Ketchum in such a, manner!

“Bradley!” exclaimed Zenas, indignantly. —

She is a lofty-minded, angelic girl.”
“Girl! gasped Dick.
ha! ha! ha!
“Sixty-five!” asserted Brad, slapping his thigh and

Girl! Oh,
She's sixty if she’s a minute!”

~“Oh, professor!

joining in the merriment. “
“Stop it! stop it!’ spluttered the old pedagogue,
“She’s looking this way now! She'll see you laughing.

She’s had trouble enough with that little, dried-up, old —

duffer from Mississippi, who has followed her about
like a puppy dog.”’ .

“You mean Maj. Mowbry Fitts? Pe eats Dick.
“Fitts—that’s the. man.
colonels down in Mississippi.

than [ am a general.” eon ay ets
“But he’s a fire eater,” declared Dick. “He j is a
very dangerous man, professor, and you. want to be

careful. He's fearfully jealous of Miss Ketchum, too.

Followed her all the way from the United States, they
say. I’ve seen him glaring at you in a manner that has |

caused my blood to run cold. S
“Let him glare!

They’ re all majors or —
He’s no more a major os

Who’s afraid of that withered |
runt! Why, I oud take him over my knee and spank _

 

 

 

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him. I’d enjoy doing it, too! What is he thinking of!
How can he fancy such a superbly beautiful woman as
Miss Ketchum could fancy him, even for a moment!
Besides, he is a drinking man, and Miss Ketchum is a
prohibitionist. She told me so herself.”

“Be careful that she doesn’t smell your breath after
you take your medicine, professor,” advised Dick.
“But I suppose there is no danger of that now, for the
voyage is practically ended.”

“Yes,” sighed Zenas, producing his handkerchief and
blowing a trumpet-like blast with his nose. ‘“‘We'soon

must part, but I shall always carry her image in my

\ heart.

  
 

‘young gentlemen.

\ “This certain is the worst case I’ve struck in a long
while,” said Brad.

“She comes!’ breathed Zenas, in sudden excitement.
“She comes this way! Behave yourselves, boys! Be
Don’t cause me to blush for your
manners.”

Miss Sarah Ann Ketchum, tall, angular and pain-

_ fully plain, came stalking alon& the deck, peering

through her gold-rimmed spectacles, which were

perched on the extreme elevation of her camel-back .

nose.
“Steady, Brad!’ warned Dick.
straight.” |
Miss Ketchum had her eye on the professor: he had

“Keep your face

his eye on her. She smiled and bowed; he doffed his
hat and scraped. Like a prancing colt he advanced to

rr meet her.

“Does not this paneramic spectacle of the Orient

arouse within your innermost depths unspeakable emo-

tions, both ecstatic and execrable, Prof. Gunn?” asked
the lady from Boston. “As you gaze on these shores
can you not feel your quivering inner self writhing

with the shocking realization of the innumerable ex-
- cruciating horrors which have stained the shuddering
% years during which the power of the Turk has been
supreme in this sanguine land? Do you not hear

within the citadel of your sul a clarion call to duty?
‘Are you not oppressed by an intense and all-controll-

q ee ing yearning to do something for the poor, down-
trodden Armenians who have been mercilessly ground

 

 

TIP TOP WEEKLY. 3

beneath the iron heel of these heartless hordes of the
sultan? I know you do! I have seen it in your coun-
tenance, molded by noble and lofty thoughts and tower-
ing and exalted ambitions, which lift you to sublime
heights far above the swarming multitudes of com-
mon earthy clay. Have I not stated your attitude on
this stupendous subject to the infinitesimal fraction
of a mathematical certainty, professor ?”’

“Indeed you have, Miss Ketchum!” exclaimed
Zenas.

“Oh, wow!” gasped Buckhart, leaning weakly on
the rail. “Did you hear that flow of hot air, Dick?”

“T did,” said Dick, concealing a smile behind his
hand. “That sort of Bostonese has carried the old boy
off his feet.

the lady from Boston, and it is up to you and me to

Brad, the professor has lost his head over

rescue him from the peril that threatens him. He is
in danger, and we must not falter.”

CHAPTER IL.

THE ENCOUNTER ON DECK.

The steamer was swinging in to her mooring, but
Prof. Gunn was now too absorbed in Miss Ketchum
and her talk to tell the boys anything about the two
cities, that of the “Infidel” and that of the “Faithful,”
which lay before them.

A man with a decidedly Oriental cast of countenance,
but who wore English-made clothes, paused near the
professor and Miss Ketchum, seemingly watching the ©

‘boats which were swarming off to the steamer.

“Look, pard,” whispered Buckhart. “There’s the
inquisitive gent who has bothered us so much—the one
we found in our stateroom one day. He’s listening
now to the professor and the Boston woman. I'll bet
my life on it.”

“T see him,” said Dick, yet without turning his head.
“Brad, the man is spying on us.”

“I certain reckon so, and I’m a whole lot sorry we
let him off without thumping him up when we found
him in our stateroom.” ot

“He protested that he got in there by accident.”

“And lied like the dirty Turk he is!” muttered the

  
  

4 iP fOr

Texan. “I’d give a whole bunch of steers to know
what his game is.”’

“He’s up to something. I found his name on the
list of passengers.”

“What is it?”

“Aziz Achmet.” ,

“IT knew he was an onery full Biooded Turk. His
cognomen proves it.”

“He’s a subject of the sultan, beyond question.
Something tells me we are going to have trouble with
that man.” :

“Well,

growled Buckhart.

he wants to lay his trail clear of mine,”
“T’m getting a heap impatient
with him, and I'll be liable to do him damage if he pro-
vokes me further by his sneaking style.”

A little man with a very fierce, gray mustache and
imperial came dodging hither and thither amid the pas-
sengers, caught sight of Miss Ketchum, hastened for-
ward, doffed his military hat and made a sweeping
bow. ,

“Madam,” he said, “it will affo’d me great pleasure
to see yo’ safely on shore.”

“My dear Maj. Fitts,”
grateful for your gallant thoughtfulness.

said Sarah Ann, “T am truly
Professor,
permit me to introduce you to Maj. Mowbry Fitts, of
this
Gunn, principal of Fardale Military Academy, a very

{

Natchez, Mississippi. Major, is Prof. Zenas
famous school.”

“Haw!” said Prof. Gunn, bowing stiffly.

“Ha!” said Maj. Fitts, in his most icy manner.

Then they glared at each other.

“Your solicitude for Miss Ketchum was quite need-
less, sir,” declared Zenas. “I am quite capable of look-
ing out for her.” |

“Suh, yo’ may relieve yo’self of any trouble, suh,”
retorted the man from Natchez. | :

“T- couldn’t think of it, sir, not for a moment, sir,”
shot back the professor. “It ‘sell be trouble mae you,
sir, but it is a pleasure for me.’

“The old boy is there with the goods,” chuckled

& Brad.

But Maj. Fitts was not to be rebuffed in such a man-
rier. .

 

‘ ties, suh,” he said,

WEEKLY.

“Considering your age and your physical infirmi-
“T think Miss, Ketchum will ex-
cuse yo’.”

That was too much for Zenas. ;
“Why,
you antiquated old fossil, I’m ten years younger than

“My age, sir!’ he rasped, lifting his cane.

you! My infirmities, sir! You rheumatic, malaria-
sapped back number, I’m the picture of robust, bound-
ing health beside youl”

“Gentlemen!” gasped Sarah Ann, in astonishment
and dismay.

“Don’t yo’ dare threaten me with your cane, suh!”
fumed the major.
from yo’ and throw it overbo’d, and yo’ need it to
suppo’t your tottering footsteps, suh’”

“T dare you to touch it, sir!’ challenged the irascible

old pedagogue, shaking the stick at the major’s nose.

Fitts made a grab, caught the cane, snatched it away ~

and sent it spinning overboard.

A moment later Zenas grappled with the man from
Natchez, doing it %& suddenly that the major was
taken off his guard and sent flat upon his back on the
deck, his assailant coming down heavily upon him.

Miss Ketchum screamed and fled.

In a moment Dick had the professor by the collar

on one side, while Brad grasped him by the collar on —

the other side. They dragged him off and stood him
on his feet, although he vigorously objected and tried
to maintain his hold on the other man.

“Here;

“vou are disgracing yourself by your behavior.” |

here, professor!”

‘He threw my cane overboard, the insolent, old, pug- _

faced sinner!” raged Zenas. “T’ll take its value out

of his hide!” ig OR
The other passengers in the vicinity were looking on

in mingled wonder and enjoyment, many of them’being

~ aware of the cause of the encounter between the two

old chaps.

“See the kind of a scrape your foolish infatuation

has led you into,”
“Brace an

elt

for the woman from Bosto
Dick, in the ear of the < hips
passengers are laughing at you.”

“Tf yo’ do, suh, I'll take it away

exclaimed Merriwell;

said L
The #

   

-

 

 

 

   

 

   

Brad had assisted Maj. Fitts to rise. The little man
  

\v

tv

  

 

 

|} really wants to fight you in a duel.

   

| »“But my honor——” began Zenas. .

was pale and his eyes glared. He stood on his toes

before Zenas, at whom he shook his fist, panting:
“Suh, this is not the end of this affair, suh!

me your address in Constantinople, suh, that I may

Give
have a friend wait on yo’. This outrage shall be
avenged in blood, suh!”
Dick was between them. He turned to the major.
“You have both made yourselves ridiculous,” he
said. “It shall gono further. If you are not ashamed,

I am ashamed for you.”

“JT demand satisfaction!’ palpitated Fitts. “I am
from Mississippi, and no man can give me an insult
and escape without meeting me in a duel.”

“The gentleman is quite right,” said the soft voice

of Aziz Achmet, as the Turk stepped forward. “Un-
der the circumstances the affair must be settled in a
manner that will satisfy his wounded honor. If he

needs a friend, I shall take pleasure in representing
him.”

“Thank yo’, suh,”’'said the major. “I accept your
generous offer, suh, and-appreciate it.’”

“Wants a duel, does he?” cried Zenas. “Well, he

can’t frighten me that way! Ill go him!”

“And I shall take great pleastire, suh, in shooting yo’
through the heart,” declared Fitts. ‘“Yo’ will make the
eleventh to my credit, suh.”

The mooring being completed, a great gang of men
swarmed on board and took the steamer by storm.
They were a struggling, snarling, shouting pack of

Greeks, Armenians, Turks, Jews and Italians, who |

literally fell on the bewildered passengers, as if seeking

to rend them limb from limb. They raged, and

_ shouted, and pushed, and in this confusion Dick and

Brad managed to hustle the professor away, Fitts and

_ Aziz Achmet being lost in the throng.

“Come now,” said Dick, “let’s get on shore in a
hurry and see if we can’t keep clear of Maj. Mowbry

Fitts, unless you are anxious to get-yourself carved

up or shot full of lead... He means business, and he
You were in a
nasty scrape, professor.”’

  

 

Tie TOP: WEEKLY, 5

“Was satisfied when you floored him handsomely

before all the passengers. Let it go at that.”

They found their baggage, and then Dick selected,
amid the howling mass of human sharks, a fellow with
a dirty red fez and a huge hooked nose,

“Do you speak English?” he asked.

“I spik all lanquages, Italian, Grek, Tergish, Yar-

99

man

 

“That will do,” said the boy. “Here is our luggage.
Look after it and get us into a boat,”

In some marvelous manner it was accomplished.
They descended a ladder into a swaying boat, and their
luggage followed them like magic. Then came the
dragoman Merriwell had selected, and soon they were
on their way to the shore.

“Thank fortune!’ laughed Dick. “I hope we have
seen the last of Aziz Achmet, Maj. Fitts and Miss
Sarah Ann Ketchum.”

 

- CHAPTER IIL.
IN PERA.

When they reached the pier they found themselves
confronted by several Turkish officers, who immedi
ately began questioning them. Their passports were
scrutinized doubtfully; and it began to appear that
there would be a long delay, during which all their lug-
gage would be overhauled and examined piece by
piece.

Then Mustapha, the dragoman, whispered a word in

‘Dick’s ear, and. directly the boy slipped some money

into the hand of one of the officers, whose manner
toward them underwent a most surprising change, for
he politely assured them that their baggage would not
be opened and that there need not be the slightest de-
lay. They were at liberty to leave the custom house
at once and take their belongings with them,

_ Barely had they passed from the custom house when
they suddenly found themselves surrounded, -as it
seemed, by people from all the tribes of, the earth. This

_ throng was made up of street venders who -were ped-

dling all sorts of goods, sugared figs, sandals, grapes,

  
_, sensible manner.

4 keep his streets clean.”

   

6 Ti? IOP. WEEKLY:

bread, clothes, and all of them shouting in a babel of

tongues that was deafening and bewildering.
“Whoop!” cried Brad.

wow! This beats ita mile! You hear me gurgle!”
When these peddlers would have charged on the

Americans Mustapha warned them off and held them
at bay, shooting violent remarks at them in a dozen

different languages. With his aid they succeeded in
passing through the thick of the throng without suffer-

“Talk about an Indian pow-

ing physical violence. |

“Well, I certain thought I was due to lose my scalp
that go!” laughed the Texan.
right good thing when you engaged this gent to pilot

“Pard, you sure did a

us. He knows his biz a plenty.”
“Pichard,” said the professor, “I must compliment

you on your acumen and discernment. It has aroused

within my innermost depths unspeakable emotions. of

profound admiration which I am incompetent to ade-

quately express-—— *

“Leave that kind

of gas to the lady from Boston and talk in your usual

“Hold on, professor!” cried Dick.

Up to the present occasion you have

\

been running things, but your encounter with Maj.

Fitts left you in such a condition that I saw something
had to be done, and so I tried my hand.”

“With flattering success, my boy—with flattering
success. Why, young as you are, I believe you could
get along anywhere—in any country or clime.”

We'll let it go at that.”
“What is that chap with the can and wooden mugs

“Thanks, professor.

selling?” questioned Brad.

*

“That is a water seller,” exclaimed Zenas.

“Water? Wow! Is water so dear in this range
that they can peddle it 2”

“Water is the beverage of the Turk. He never
touches intoxicants. Unspeakable he may be, but he
has that virtue.
He keeps his person clean.”

said Dick;

and externally.
“That may be true,”

_ In truth they had emerged into a labyrinth of dark,
narrow and filthy streets, all the charm of the place hav-
ing disappeared as soon as they were fairly on land.

He uses water freely, both internally

“but he doesn’ i

The mosques and towers had vanished, and their sur-
roundings were decidedly repellant.
Of the latter there

seemed to be hundreds upon hundreds of every breed

Everywhere was

mud, and garbage, and dogs.

and description.

“They are the street cleaners,” explained the pro-
fessor. ‘Here no one harms a dog, for if it were not
for them the city would become too filthy for human
beings to inhabit.”

“Well, I certain am not as much stuck on Constan-
tinople as I was,” growled Brad.

“that there is

The European

“T must remind you,” said Zenas,
really no such place as Constantinople.
quarter of the city is called Pera, while the Moslem
quarter is Stamboul.”
” said Dick; “but I
am. If this mud gets worse I shall be stuck on it
Look here,
Mustapha, have we got to foot it all the way to our
hotel ?”
“No, effendi;
choose.”

“Perhaps Brad isn’t stuck on it,

to such an extent that I ‘can’t perambulate.

we tak’ tram car, we tak’ horse—you

‘Even as he spoke they came to a street corner where
several saddled horses were waiting, after the manner
of cabs in an American city. |

“Me to the broncho!” cried Brad. |

“There is the tram car,” said Dick, with a motion.

The car was seen a short distance away, and the
professor favored choosing that method of conveyance.
Mustapha, however, for all that he had invited them to
make their choice, argued against it, explaining that
half the car was reserved for ladies and that the other
half was always crowded to suffocation.

_ Therefore they decided on the horses.

Soon they were mounted and on their way up the

long hill to Pera.

Although much of its ‘tec had vanished, the - -

strange sights and sounds of the city keenly interested
the American lads. They beheld people of many
nationalities, yellow-coated Jews, with corkscrew
curls, Bohemians, Nubians, Chinamen, Englishmen —

all hastening on their various ways.

Pera proved to bea a quite modern in appearance, |

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made up mostly of monotonous four-storied houses,
new hotels and shops filled with machine-made Ori-
ental goods. The houses were flat-roofed and nearly
all of them had balconies with cast-iron railings.

At last they arrived at their hotel, where they set-
tled with Mustapha, who settled in turn with the
owner of the horses.

“When I come next?’ asked*Mustapha. “You need
interpriter dat spik lanquages well. I tak’ you all ofer
efrywheres. . You haf much troubles you try go ’thout

good dragoman.”

By this time the professor had fully recovered, and
he made arrangements with the dragoman, who then
took his departure. 3
_ In the hotel they were turned over to a huge tattoed
Nubian, his midnight blackness made more pronounced
The Nubian
conducted them to their rooms in the upper. story,

by the snow-white garments he wore.

where their luggage was presently brought. Finding
the rooms fairly satisfactory, with windows overlook-
ing Pera, the Golden. Horn, and giving them a view of
the Turkish city beyond, they prepared to settle down
and be satisfied.

First Dick took a long survey of the scene that could
be beheld from the most advantageous window. From
that point he could look away onto Galata and Stam-
boul, and again he was enchanted by the spectacle. The
sun was shining on the palaces, mosques. and tall min-
arets, it was lighting’ the ripples of the Golden Horn,

and over all was the superbly blue sky which defies the

skill of the greatest artist.

Dick heaved a deep sigh.

%
“Strange that it all should seem so beautiful from a
distance and that the beauty should so quickly vanish
on close inspection,” he said. ‘In this case it is. indeed
true that ‘familiarity breeds contempt.’ ”
“That sure is right,’ agreed Buckhart. “All the

same, we'll proceed to get familiar with it, I reckon.”
They next indulged in the luxury of a bath, taking
turns, and all felt decidedly refreshed. |

A call brought the Nubian, and they were informed
that they could be served with anything they wished in

   

TIP TOP WEEKLY. 7

their rooms, if they were willing to pay the extra
charge.

After considerable discussion, they ordered a meal.
There was sufficient delay to whet their appetites, and
then the Nubian and an assistant reappeared, a table
was spread, and they sat down to eat.

“A fried bootleg would taste good to me now,” de-
clared the Texan. “That being the-case, I reckon I'll
manage to get along on the fodder they supply here,”

But everything proved more than satisfactory.
There was enough, and it was good.

During the meal the giant black man stood ready to
wait on them. When not serving them, he folded his
tattooed arms across his massive chest and regarded
: When they had finished
the assistant reappeared, and the table and dishes were

them steadily with his eyes.

removed.

“TI sure would haté to have that gent place his paws
on me in violence,” observed Buckhart. “I opine he’s
some powerful.” ;

“He looks like a Hercules,” said Dick.

“He made me extremely nervous,” confessed the pro-
fessor. “I think I'll inform the proprietor that .we
would much prefer having some one else attend us
while we are here.”

“Don’t!” exclaimed Merriwell. “I rather fancy the
Nubian.”

They lounged about for a time after eating, but
finally the professor made an excuse to leave the boys,
saying he would return soon.

“Pard,” chuckled Buckhart, when Zenas was gone,
“the old boy did get a plenty smashed on the woman
from Boston.”

“I’m glad we got him away from her—and from

aj. Fitts.”

“And I’m glad we won’t be bothered any more by
that sneaking Turk, Aziz Achmet, who seemed spying.
on us. Wonder what Aziz took us for. I believe he

was some sort of Turkish confidence man. He was a

heap eager to act as Maj. Fitts’ second in a duel.”
“Think of Zenas Gunn in a duel!” exclaimed Dick,
and they laughed heartily.
After a while Merriwell became worried over the

  
     
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
     
  
 
   
  
   
  
 
 
   
  
   
   
  
  
     
 

8 TIP TOP

professor’s protracted absence. Going to the door, he

stepped outside. .
He stepped into full view of two men, who were
whispering in the shadows of a draped alcove.
One was the giant Nubian.

The other was Aziz Achmet, the mysterious Turk!

\
CHAPTER IV.
THE PERSISTENCE OF AZIZ ACHMET.

secretive Turk, who were whispering there in the
shadows. In spite of himself, Dick felt a sudden faint
chill, like an icy breath, sweep over him.

He stood quite still and regarded them steadily.
The

eyes of the tattooed black man seemed to gleam with

They saw him, and their whispering stopped.

a baleful fire, but his dark face remained as unchange-
able as marble.

Slowly a strange smile overspread the countenance
of Achmet.
ward the boy. He spoke in a low, soft tone:

With a quick, silent step, he advanced to-

“So you are safely here, my lad? I see no harm has
befallen you.”

His English was almost perfect.

“What are you doing here?’ demanded Dick. “This
is not a place in which one of your faith should choose
to linger, with the City of the Faithful so near. In-
deed, I have been told that the better men of your
religion never deign to contaminate themselves by set-
ting foot in this place, which is polluted by the infidel.
_ Your conduct is suspicious, to say the least.”

“Tt is seldom one who may not be well suspected
is in such haste to suspect another,” retorted the Turk,
still with that strange, faint, smile which was very
| “annoying to the boy. 3 +
a Indignation swelled within Dick’s heart, for now he

7

this man.

_ “Look here,” he said, “you'l get into trouble if you
continue to foliar us about.’

  

WEEKLY.

There was something decidedly ominous and sinister,
in the behavior of the coal-black giant and the silent,

  

“Be careful that you do not get into far more serious
trouble.”

“There is no reason why we should get into trouble,
for we have a way of minding our own business.”

“Then you are the first Americans I have seen who
have that excellent habit,” retorted Achmet, in a man-
ner that became more and more insulting.

Had Dick not learned by example and practice to
control his temper, he might have lost his head. He
kept cool, however —outwardly, at least.

” he said.

”

“Tt is plain you have been spying on us,

 

“We caught you in our stateroom on the steamer

“An accident.”

“An accident, perhaps, that we caught you. It was
no accident that you were there. What’s your game,
man? You are up to some rascally business.”

“T like not your lack of politeness, boy. I am not

the one to answer questions.

“plain, but I will talk with the man whom you call

professor.” | | :

“T don’t know whether you will or not.”

“T demand to see him.”

“You will have to find him.”

“Ts he not in those rooms?”

“No,”

“Tet me see.”

The manner of Achmet plainly denoted that he did
not believe Dick.

“We have engaged those rooms and paid in ad-
vance for them,” said Merriwell, still holding himself
in check. ‘We are entitled to privacy in them, and
we have no intention of admitting strange and sus-
picious visitors, especially a Turk of your questionable
behavior.” ; j |

iy YOM refuse me admittance?”

“Decidedly.”

Aziz Achmet made a quick sign to the black giant.

Instantly the Nubian strode forward. Dick made a

- move to retreat, but the arm of the black man darted

was fully satisfied that they were being spied Epos by out and one powerful hand seized the lad. Merriwell

had not overestimated the probable strength of the
tattooed man, for, with scarcely an effort, it seemed,

the boy was lifted from his feet and placed to one side. ;

It is you who should ex- |

we

 

 

 

    
     
     
       
   
     
     
   
  
   

bart
oa

 

 

 
    
   
 

 

 
 

Ler: Ae

Achmet quickly advanced to the door, flung it open, —

and entered the room.
Brad Buckhart had caught the hum of voices outside
and was crossing the room to investigate when he
found himself face to face with the Turk.
“Waugh!” exclaimed the Texan, in surprise.
“Pardon, boy,” said Achmet, still maintaining his
quiet manner and soft speech. “I would speak with
the professor.”
“Is that so?’ said Brad.

you to walk in all unceremonious and chirklike? It

“Well, whoever invited

strikes me that you are some forward in your deport-
ment. Where’s my pard?”

“Here!” cried Dick, who had been released by the
Nubian and who now hastened into the room. “This
man forced an entrance.
Brad.”

“Dogged is a proper word for it, I reckon!’ grated

He has dogged us here,

the Texan, beginning to bridle. “Forced his way in,
did he? Well, I judge we'll just shoot him out on his
neck and teach him a bit of common decency!”

He proceeded to strip off his coat in a very business-
like manner.

“Hold!” commanded Achmet. ‘You will regret it,
you infidel whelp, if you place your vile hands on me!”

“Whoop!” roared the Westerner. ‘We'll sure see
about that right away! Come on, partner!”

But now the Nubian stalked into the room, ap-
parently ready to take a hand in the encounter, and
Achmet called attention to him. .

“This man alone,” he declared, “is more than the
equal of twenty boys. He once slew a strong man with

a single blow of his fist. If you lift a finger against

me he will rend you. Be careful!’

In spite of this warning, Buckhart would have
pitched in; but Dick had better judgment and hastened

to restrain his friend.

“The black man is dangerous, Brad,” he said, in a
low tone. “Unless we use deadly weapons, he can
Besides that, we do not wish to kick
up an uproar unless forced to do so. Steady, old man!”

master us alone.

“Whoop!” cried Brad. ‘‘This business is making me

sizzle a heap!”

- WEEKLY.

  

“It is an outrage, and we’ll enter a complaint.”

“You bet your boots!”

“That is your privilege,’ smiled Achmet, in his half-
sneering way. “When I am through, you may com
plain as much as you like; but first bring forth the
professor, that I may question him. Why is he hid-
ing ?”’

“Hiding? Do you think he would hide from you?”

“T tell you he is not here. Look for

~

exclaimed Dick.
yourself.”
“And be right careful that none of our belongings
“We've
been robbed in various ways from London all the way
here; but this is the first time anyone has tried the

stick to your fingers,” growled the Texan.

game open and brazen,” like this.”

“You are not in the least danger of being robbed,”
assured the Turk. “I invite you to watch me, in order
that you may see you have no complaint of that sort to
make.”

He then looked: into the adjoining room, the bath
and the clothespress.

“Well, are you satisfied?” demanded Dick.

Achmet showed a trace of annoyance and disappoint-
ment. He stated that he had been told by the Nubian
that the professor was there, and further that he was
sure Zenas Gunn had not left the hotel since his ar-
rival. — :

“Which makes it plain that he has played the spy
on us right along,” said Dick, addressing Brad, but
not lowering his voice.

“Sure!” rasped Buckhart.

“T will wait for his return,” said the Turk. “While
I am waiting, perhaps you will inform me what busi-
ness has brought you to this country.”

“Our business is none of your business,’ declared
Dick. .

“Of that I will judge when I am satisfied that I have
learned your business.” :

“We are traveling.”

“For what purpose?”

“To see the world.”

“Two boys and an old man. In Italy your behavior
was suspicious. You disappeared from Naples in

   
   

 
 

Be ae
eae

 

bb 6 fan NS
ako ti UAL
of mingled interest and doubt.

10 ELE ~ Gre

great haste, without explaining why you left so ‘sud-
denly or whither you went.”

“Great tarantulas!” muttered Brad. “He’s even got
track of us as far back as that.”

“In Venice.you were concerned in some singular and
unaccountable things, and in Greece you had dealings
with lawless characters. Had you remained in Athens,
you must have explained your actions to officials of the
city government. You left there, also, in haste.”

Dick wondered that the man should know so much
of their movements.

“Tt seems,” continued Achmet, “that in various
places the police have been warned against you; but
that in each instance they sought to find out about
you only to find you had suddenly departed.”

“This certain is a plenty interesting!” gasped Buck-
hart. “What does it mean, pard? Can you tell?”

Dick had been thinking swiftly. His hand fell on
his friend’s arm.

“Brad, it is the work of Bunol and Marsh, our bitter

enemies. They were sore because we fooled them by
getting the Budthornes out of their power. They have
lost track of Dunbar Budthorne and Nadia, but have
managed somehow to keep trace of us, and have tried
to cause us as much annoyance as possible.”

Dick,” nodded Buckhart.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see those

Well, they’ve

“L opine you're right,
“That’s just it.

two onery varmints turn up any time.

succeeded in making a lot of fool work for a lot of fool

people, and this is the first time we’ve been touched

by it.”

Achmet had listened to their words with a manner
It was plain that he

did not understand, and he was on the point of ques-

_ tioning them further when the sudden sound of excited

and angry voices reached their ears through the partly
open doorway. ,

“The professor!” cried Dick. “Something is doing,
Brad! ,

“Lay the trail, pard!

Come on!”

I’m at your heels!’

’

WEEKLY.

CHAPTER V.
THE MAJOR AND THE PROFESSOR.

They rushed forth and ran toward the point from
which came the sound of those voices.

“You're a miserable, crawling worm! You're a
whisky-soaked, dried-up, offensive squid! You have
annoyed the lady by your obnoxious attentions, and
they must cease!”

It was the voice of Zenas.

Te

mand satisfaction fo’ your insults, suh!”

suh, are a long-eared jackass, suh, and I de-

“Maj. Fitts!” exclaimed Dick, in dismay.

“Gentlemen, gentlemen!” shrilled another voice.

“This is scandalous! You must not quarrel over me!
It is shocking to my delicate sensibilities. 1 cannot
permit it!’’

“And Sarah Ann, sure as shooting!” cried Brad.

At the head of the stairs were three persons. Zenas
Gunn was shaking his fist down at Maj. Fitts, while
the major was shaking his fist up at the professor.
Miss Ketchum had her hands clasped in an attitude of
despair, while she implored them to desist.

Dick halted, folding his arms.

“Now what do you think of that?” he muttered, in
disgust.
chuckled Buckhart,

“Shall we

“It certain is some annoying,”
pausing with his hands resting on his hips.
pitch in, pard, and break it up?”

“I’m tempted to let those two old fools have it out,”
said Merriwell.

“Good idea! Mebbe it will cure them both,”

“Take your fist away!” snarled the professor, kngek-
ing the hand of the little man aside,
~ “TYon’t yo’ strike at me, suh!” panted the major,
his face red as a boiled lobster and his gray mustache
bristling.
“Tf I
ever struck at you, you human wart, there wouldn’t be

“Strike at you!” retorted Zenas, scornfully.

anything left of you but a grease spot!”

“Oh, please, please stop!” sobbed Sarah Ann, trying
to get hold of them and force them apart. |

“Yo’ had better hide behind a lady’s petticoat !”

raged the man from Mississippi.
/

 

pcg
pre

a

 

 

 

 

 
 

  

  

iP TOF

“Hide behind nothing!” retorted Gunn, giving Miss
Ketchum an embrace and looking over one shoulder,
while he reached over her other shoulder to again
shake his fist at Fitts.

annihilating you.”

“She is trying to keep me from

Finding herself in the professor's embrace, Miss
Ketchum screamed and seemed on the point of faint-
ing.

“Oh, Moses!” laughed Buckhart. “Look at that,
pard—just look!”

“T see,” said Dick, also convulsed. “The professor
isn’t losing the opportunity to hug Sarah Ann, and it
makes the major bloodthirsty.”

Fitts danced round in an endeavor to get hold of
Gunn, but the latter skillfully turned so that he kept
Miss Ketchum’s limp form between them.

‘“Unhand that lady!” rasped the man from Missis-
sippi, fairly frothing. ‘‘How dare yo’ behave in such
a manner!” |

“Oh, go back to your kennel!’ advised Zenas.

y The major caught hold of Sarah Ann and managed

to dance round until he could get his hands on the
professor.

“Release her!’ he commanded.

Miss Ketchum straightened up a little.

“Such a shocking scandal!’ she sobbed.

“Yo? have compromised her, suh!’’ panted Fitts.
“Yo’ shall pay the penalty with your life, suh!”

‘“T’ve stood just as much of this as I can!” grated
Zenas. “I'll just throw you downstairs!”

Which he attempted to do, while Sarah Ann again
tried to part them. On the top stair both lost their
Wildly they grabbed at something as they
The right hand of Zenas caught Miss

The left hand of the major closed on her

balance.
toppled.
Ketchum.
also. Then all three toppled, a shriek of terror es-
caped the woman and down they went.

Bump! bump! bump-ety-bump! |

Tangled in a most astonishing manner, the three
seemed to bound like a huge rubber ball from stair
At intervals legs and arms shot out from
The
woman continued to scream, the professor yelled, while

to stair.
the mass and described half circles in the air.

    

WEEKLY. II

the major grunted and gasped with every thump. It
sounded as if the entire hotel was falling.

“Oh, say, pard, this is awful!’ cried Buckhart, rush-
ing toward the stairs.

“I’m afraid the professor will be somewhat dented,”
said Dick, also losing no time.

Thud! crash!

The trio landed at the bottom of the stairs.

Sarah Ann struck in a sitting posture, with her
skirts outspread. .She was minus a wig and a full set
of false teeth, and she presented a ludicrous spectacle of
wreck and despair. Both men were beneath her, and
having landed on them she did not seem to be seriously
harmed, She sat quite still, her arms straight down
at her sides, clutching the backstrap of Fitts’ trousers
with one hand and a certain portion of the professor’s
garments with the other.

' Dick and Brad bounded down the stairs and reached
her.

“Are you hurt, madam?” questioned Merriwell, his
natural chivalry causing him to express anxiety for her
first.

She spoke, and strange were the mumbling sounds
which issued from her toothless mouth.

“Tve sost my seesh in thish dishgrashful affairsh,”
she answered. “Be sho kindsh to reshtorsh my seesh,
pleash.”’

“Here, madam,” said Dick, picking up something,
“are part of them.”

“And here, madam,” said Brad, also picking some-
thing up, “are the rest of them.”

She hastily slipped them into her mouth,’ while
Mowbry Fitts began to kick and shout.

“Let me get up!’ he called, in a muffled voice.

“Be quiet,” said Miss Ketchum, “until I have ar-
ranged my toilet.”

Her head was almost entirely devoid of hair.

“Perhaps this may assist you,” said Dick, discover-
ing her wig and handing it to-her.

“Help!” called the husky voice of Prof. Gunn. “I’m
smothering! I can’t breathe!”

“You don’t deserve to breathe,” said Miss Ketchum,

calmly adjusting the wig. “You are two indecent

 

 

  
   

12 TIFFs FOR WERALY:.

creatures, and I am sure you have disgraced me for-

ever.”
Maj. Fitts was becoming frantic.
“eT? : .p? es
I’m dying!” he groaned.

“T’m dead!” came faintly from*Prof. Gunn.

By this time scores of guests had reached the spot

and stood asking questions. Others were coming.
The whole house had been aroused.

“Dick,” said Brad, “I do believe the professor is
smothering! She’s sitting on his head, and his strug-
gles are growing weaker.”

“Lift her, Brad,” said Merriwell.

They caught hold of her and stood her on her feet.

“Water!” gasped the professor,

“Whisky !”’ wheezed the major.

They lay on their backs, having managed to roll
over, gasping for breath.

Miss Ketchum looked down at them with an air of
contempt.

“T hope,” she said, “that the proprietor has you both
locked up as lunatics! You are the worst old fools I
ever saw! So there!”

Then, declining assistance, she hurried up the stairs.

enone \

CHAPTER VI.
THE PROFESSOR ACCEPTS A CHALLENGE,

The final words of Sarah Ann ere she pranced up
the stairs did much to revive the professor and the
major. They sat up and looked at each other. The

expression on their faces was comical in the extreme.

!

“She meant you, sir!” rasped Gunn.

“She meant yo’, suh!” snapped Fitts.

“I think she plainly included both of you,” said Dick;
“and I fancy it is the opinion of all present that she
hit the nail on the head.”

“T don’t know about the nail,” groaned Zenas; “but
l’m sure something hit me on the head. And that

-woman—that heartless jade—sat on me! She nearly
finished me!” |

-“Had she completed the job,” declared the major, “it
would have been a blessing, suh, It would have dis-

posed of a pestiferous, weak-minded, addle-pated, gog-

gle-eyed———”
“Hold on! Stop right there!” cried Zenas. ‘“That
will do! You have reached the limit, sir—the limit!’

“Yo’ may think so, suh; but yo’ll find this is far
from the limit. I am a man of honor, and I demand
satisfaction. I demand blood!”

“He’s a butcher!’ chuckled Brad.

“You have it already,” said Zenas. “Your nose is
bleeding, sir.”

“You know what I mean. I demand that you meet
me in mortal combat. You escaped me once, but you
shall not escape again. I caught you sneaking around
the door of Miss Ketchum’s room and———”

“I caught you there, you fabricator!” flung back the
professor.. “I caught you trying to peep through the
keyhole of her door.” .

At this point the proprietor of the hotel appeared on
the scene and promptly announced that he would not
have such things in his house. He threatened to eject
them both, whereupon Dick hastened to assure the
angry man that he would take care of the professor
and see that there was no further disturbance.

Then Dick and Brad lifted Zenas to his feet and

started him up the. stairs, one on either side.

“You shall hear from me again!” cried the major,
in defiance of those who had raised him and were drag-
ging him away. ;

“Bah, sir!” Zenas flung over his shoulder.

“Boo, suh!” Fitts hurled back.

(7?

“Slowly, slowly, boys!” groaned the old pedagogue.
“I feel as if all my joints were dislocated and half
my bones were broken. ‘It’s a wonder my head is not
mashed flat, for that woman—that creature—sat on

it! Then she called me an old fool 36

“But,” said Dick, “you know you could spend your
life at her feet, listening to the musical murmur of her

heavenly voice.”

“Her voice sounds like tearing a rag!” sneered

99

 

Zenas. “She’s all skin and bones, and

“Why, professor!” interrupted Brad. “I heard you
assert that her form had the grace of a gazelle.”

enact

 

 

      

 
  

 

 

  

need it greatly just now.”

at SOP

“Never—never said it! She’s a_ hatchet-faced

old re aoe
“Tut! tut!’ chided Dick.

her the first time you beheld her intellectual and classic

“You know you admired

countenance.”
“Now stop it, boys! Did you see her glare at me
with those fishy eyes ?” 7
“Awful!”. exclaimed Dick. “You called her eyes
limpid lakes.”
“T deny it!

I heard her mumble that she lost them when she fell.”

I deny it! And she has false teeth, for

“You distinctly stated,” reminded Buckhart, “that
her teeth were pearls beyond price.”

“T think they cost about eleven dollars a set,”’ esti-
mated Dick.

“And her golden halo of hair came off in the shuf-
fle,’ said the Texan. “She’s as bald as a billiard
ball.”

“Say no more!” entreated Zenas. “Get me to my
room and spread me on the bed. Boys, if you ever tell
of this—if you ever even mention it again—I’ll send
you both back home!” :

By this time they had reached their rooms, and
they helped the old fellow to the bed, on which he
slowly sank, groaning as if in great distress.

“Bring me my medicine, Richard,” he entreated.
“I must have a small dose. You will find it in my
7 The leather-covered flask, Richard.
I'll take it di-
It is a harmless tonic, and I

medicine case.
That’s it.
rectly from the flask.

Never mind pouring any.

\

He took a long pull at the leather-covered flask.
After that he lay back and closed his eyes for a mo-
ment. Suddenly they popped open and he exclaimed:

“To think that creature should call me an old fool!”

“But you know pearls of wisdom drop from her
sweet lips,” laughed Dick. | ’

“And she is a lofty-minded, angelic girl,” added
Brad.

“Get out of here, you two rascals!” cried the old

/ :
man.’ “You're laughing at me, you ungrateful scamps!

Do you want to drive me crazy? Leave me to medi-
tate on the frailty of human flesh.”

   

WEEKLY. 13

The laughing lads retired to the adjoining room.

“Well, one good thing happened,” said Dick; “‘it
cured him of his foolishness over Sarah Ann.”

“He sure is well cured,” agreed Buckhart.

There came a sharp knock on the door. Before they
could open it, it was flung wide by the giant Nubian,
and Aziz Achmet again entered the room.

“T’ll call the

proprietor and see if we are to be annoyed by this man

“This is too much!” exclaimed Dick.

in this outrageous manner.”

“Wait a moment, boy,’ advised the Turk, still
maintaining his cool and insolent manner. “I am
here on most important business. Prof. Gunn has been
challenged to mortal combat by Maj. Fitts, and I have
come as the representative of the major to make ar-
rangements for the affair of honor.”

“Well,” said Dick, “you may return and tell that
little blusterer to go to a warmer clime! Prof. Gunn is
not a fighting man, and he will not meet Maj. Fitts in
a duel.”

* “Hold on—hold on, Richard!’ called the professor,
who was beginning to feel the influence of the ‘“‘medi-
“Don’t be so

hasty! I want you to understand that I am no coward!

cine’ from the leather-covered flask.
That withered old pippin can’t frighten me! No, sir!
If he wants to fight a duel, I’ll meet him, and I'll give
him all he wants of it!”

>”)

 

“Professor, you

“Stop, Richard—stop right there! I know my own
business. If I were to let that mistake from Missis-
sippi drive me into my boots I’d never after have the ©
face to look at my own reflection in a mirror.”

“But a duel, professor—a real duel e
It’s all right. Tl show him the kind
of stuff I’m made of, I will! He thinks he’ll frighten
I'll meet

I’ll meet him any

 

“T know.

me, but he’ll find out he-can’t jar me a bit.
him with weapons of any sort.
where!’

“Whoop!” cried Buckhart. “The old boy means
it, pard, and I reckon he’ll make good!”

“Mowbry Fitts will find out that I’ll make good,”
said Zenas. ‘He can’t send his representative here

Fix it up,

and frighten Zenas Gunn, of Fardale.

  
     
      
    
   
    
  
  
  
  
    
 
   
  
    
  
   
  
  
   
  
    
 
    
  
  
  
   
  
      

, rT
beth.
ct

14 TIP TOP

Richard. You shall be my second. I leave it all to

you. That unfortunate fall shook me up, and I’m a

trifle dizzy. I'll retire again. But this gentleman
had better tell old Fitts to prepare for his funeral,
That’s all he’ll be good for when I am through with
him.”

Then Zenas again retired to his room.

Aziz Achmet waited.

Dick Merriwell thought swiftly.

“Where and when shall this duel take place?” he
asked. |

“There is an old cemetery a short distance up the

street,” said the Turk.
“Well ?” |
“It wili be an excellent place for the meeting.” -
“And the hour ?”
“Daybreak to-morrow, if it suits you.”
“That’s all right.” |

9

“The weapons

 

,

“We have the choice of weapons,” interrupted Mer-

\

riwell.
“And you choose swords—or pistols?”

“We will not only choose the weapons, we'll provide
them,” said the boy. “I’ll have them on hand, Mr.

Achmet.”

“But it is customary to settle all these little details

in advance, boy.” |
“You have forced this affair on Prof. Gunn. I
» guarantee that he will be on hand at the appointed
time to-morrow morning. I also guarantee that he will
have the weapons. If you’re not satisfied with that, get

out of thése rooms and cease to annoy us further.”
“That’s business!” cried Buckhart.

Achmet seemed to think a moment, but he finally

_ bowed, retreating gracefully toward the door.

“It is only a single point,” he said, “and I shall
advise my principal to concede it. But I wish you to
understand that we shall be on our guard for trickery,

and I’ll see that Maj. Fitts has a fair and even chance.”

Then he passed through the door, which the Nubian
closed. f

‘WEEKLY.

CHAPTER VII,
IN THE CEMETERY AT DAYBREAK.

When Pera was swept by fire but one thing in the
burned portion remained practically unchanged. It
was an old cemetery. It is there to-day, in the midst
of the city of modern buildings, and this cemetery was
the spot chosen by Aziz Achmet for the duel.

To this old graveyard in the dusky light of morn-
ing came three persons. One was an old man, haggard
and pallid; the others were boys. The boys each car-
ried a basket carefully covered by a cloth.

Prof. Gunn had scarcely closed his eyes in sleep that
night. He tried to sleep, but his “medicine” ran out,

and without its soothing influence he wooed slumber in

vain. During the greater part of the night he had |

walked the floor of his room or sat writing at a little
table.

Beneath the dismal cypress trees which filled the
cemetery it was still quite dark.

“Boys,’ whispered the professor, as they paused
on the point of entering, ‘can you see anything of
them ?” |

“Can't see much of anything,” answered Dick, “only
what looks like a lot of drunken ghosts.”

In truth the graveyard seemed filled with reeling,

ghostly forms, but, on closer inspection, these were:

found to be tombstones. The human appearance of
these lurching stones was explained on closer examina-
tion, for it is the custom of the Turks to carve the
stone above the grave of every man so that its top
is crowned either with a turban or a fez. Seen in a
dim light, the tilted stones looked remarkably like stag-

gering human forms, robed in white.

- “Boo!” muttered Buckhart, shrugging his broad

shoulders. “This sure is a spooky old place.”

Both boys heard a sudden sound like rattling dice.
They distovered it came from the professor, whose
teeth were chattering loudly.

“Keep a stiff backbone, professor,” advised Dick.

“Tt will all be over in a short time.”
“Ye-yes,” faltered Zenas, “it will all bub-bub-be over

fuf-fuf-for me. Richard, I fuf-fuf-feel that I am pug.
‘gug-going to fuf-fuf-fall.” : is

  

   

ae
a en OOREERR att

—

———~ ag

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

  

\ last.

TIP. FOP

“Nonsense! Why, you were bold as a lion last night
when Achmet called.”’

“Bub-bub-but that was lul-lul-last nun-nun-night,”
chattered the shaking old fellow. “Besides, I had tut-
tut-taken some tut-tut-tonic. I wush I ha-ha-had sus-
sus-some nun-nun-now.”

“It sure is a shame you ran out of tonic,” said Brad.
“But you won’t be any good whatever unless you get
a brace on. You've got to fight Fitts now.”

“Yes, you'll have to give him fits,” said Dick, mak-
ing a poor pun, “You can’t back out without -being
branded as a coward, after which you'd never again
dare look at your own reflection ina mirror.” +

“T know it,” sighed Zenas; “but I was a fool to be
so bub-brave last night! That woman is responsible
for it all! If I dud-dud-die, my blood will be on her
head!”

“But you’re not going to fall,” declared Buckhart.

They finally succeeded in leading him into the gloom
of the cemetery, and ke seemed greatly relieved when
they ascertaigd beyond doubt that Maj. Fitts and his

second had not arrived.

os “Perhaps they won’t come at all,” said the old peda-

gogue, eagerly.

“Perhaps not,” agreed Dick; “but I wouldn’t count

on that, for I believe Achmet will bring the major.”
_ But the professor was hopeful as well as anxious.
He watched the gray light of morning sifting through
the cypress branches and bringing out the ghostly
tombstones with more and more distinctness. Then
he began to fear. ;

“T—J think there is no doubt about it,” he said, at
“He is not coming, boys. He’s a bluffer. He
tried to bluff me, but he failed.”

Having arrived at this conclusion he rapidly grew
indignant.

“This -thing is outrageous!” he blustered—‘out-
rageous, I say! Why, the craven little whipper-snap-
per! Just think of it, he hasn’t the courage to come
here like a man and meet me in mortal combat! He
is a coward—that’s what he is, a coward! A fire eater,
indeed! Bah! The next time I meet him, I shall

tweak his nose! Yes, sir, tweak it!”

 
  

WEEKLY. 1

In the dim, gray light Dick and Brad exchanged
glances. Neither laughed, but both felt like it.
“I’m tired of waiting,” declared Zenas. “‘The time
is past. He isn’t coming, and we may as well return
to the hotel.”

“T think we had better wait a little longer,” urged
Dick.

“But what’s the use.
craven from Mississippi is not on hand.
he is hiding beneath his bed this very minute.”

“T\ opine you’re mistaken, professor,” said Brad,
dryly. “If I ain’t a heap mistaken, here he comes

It’s morning now, and that
Pll warrant

now.”

“Where?” gasped Zenas.

“There,” -said the Texan, motioning toward three
dim figures which were entering the cemetery and ap-
proaching. “TI reckon it’s Maj. Fitts, accompanied by
two friends.”

“Oh, Lordy!” groaned the professor, growing limp
and leaning on Dick’s shoulder, all the bluster taken
out of him in a second.

Once more Merriwell urged the old pedagogue to
brace up.

“Don’t let him see you’re afraid,” he urged. “Do
stiffen up, professor!’

“Richard,” groaned Zenas, “I had a premonition
that my time had come. Here, Richard, take these
papers, One is my last will and testament. The other
Poor Nancy! how I
pity her! Tell her how
I perished, Richard. Perhaps some time—when I’m
It is a fearful thing

is a fond adieu to my wife.
She’ll never see me again!

gone—you may think—of me,
—to perish—in a foreign land—far from—the loved
ones—at home.”

~The old man choked and could speak no more.

The three persons were now quite near, and by the
dim light the boys could recognize the short figure
of Maj. Fitts. Aziz Achmet had the major by the arm
and seemed talking to him earnestly in low tones. The
third man carried a small hand case, and seemed like
a surgeon.

Fitts and the surgeon stopped a short distance away,

  
16

while Achmet advanced swiftly, with his usual soft
step.

“T see you are here, gentlemen,” he said.

“We are,” returned Dick; “but we began to think
you were not coming. Prof. Gunn is anxious to have
this affair over in order that he may take a bath before
breakfast.”

“A bath?” said the Turk.

“Yes; he always has his morning shower or sponge,”

“Before breakfast ?”’

‘But he may not need one this morning.”

“T reckon he will,” muttered Buckhart, to himself.
“Tf Fitts’ aim is any good, the professor sure will need
one a heap.”

“Maj. ee t said Achmet, “‘is pclae to be mag-
nanimous.’

“Indeed ?’”’ said Dick, questioningly.

“Yes; he wishes me to say that he has no real desire
to slay one of his own countrymen.”

“Kind of him!”

“And, therefore, if Prof. Gunn will apologize, he
will overlook the insult and spare him.”

“{—I think I had better do it, Richard!” Wuiioared
Aeneas...

“Mr. Achmet,” said Dick, stiffly, “you will kindly in-
form Maj. Fitts that he has quite misunderstood the
situation. Tell him that unless he immediately apolo-
gizes in the most humble manner Prof. Gunn insists

that the affair be carried through to the bitter end.”
“To the bitter end!” put in Buckhart. “That’s the
stuff!”

The Turk bowed.

“Then there is nothing else to be done but to ar-
range the preliminaries. I will speak to the major a
moment.”

As soon as Achmet’s back was turned the professor
seized Dick and almost sobbed in his ear:

“Richard, Richard, why did you do it? My blood
will be on your head!”

“Hush!” returned Dick. “Don’t you see the major
is frightened worse than you are? Achmet has

dragged him here, and he’s ready to take to his heels
_.and run for his life.”

TH TOP WEEKLY.

““Wh-what?” gasped Zenas, straightening up as if
“Are you sure?”
Achmet is having a difficult

electrified.

“No question about it.
time to hold him now.” .

It was a fact that Mowbry Fitts was very much
disturbed.. He protested that there might be a mutual
understanding through which the affair could. be
dropped. All the way to the cemetery he had hoped
that the professor would not be there and would fail
to appear. He now declared that Achmet was re-
sponsible for the whole wretched affair.

“Tt isa shame that two highly intelligent men, two

eminently respectable citizens of a great and glorious

country, should meet here, suh, in this wretched old
cemetery, suh, and slaughter each other ih cold blood,”
he said.

Achmet shrugged his shoulders.

“T am quite surprised in you,” he declared. “I
thought you a brave man. _ The other American is
waiting and anxious. If you show the white feather
now, you will be branded the rest of yur life as a
coward.”

At last the major seemed to brace up. He an-
nounced that he was ready for the worst.

By this time it had grown quite light outside, al-
though there were still deep shadows in the ceme-
tery. |

Again Achmet turned to the professor and the boys,

“We are ready,” he said. “Where are the weap-

ons ”’

The surgeon was kneeling on the ground, having

opened his case. He was laying out his instruments on
a white cloth.

“If you are ready, we are,”’ said Dick.
ons are in these baskets. You may select either basket

you choose. Let the major remove his coat in order

that his arms may be free and unhampered. Professor,

strip.”

Smothering a groan, Zenas permitted Brad to as-_

sist him in removing his coat. Maj. e also took
his coat off.
Achmet hesitated tick! invited to ciate one’ of the

baskets. He feared a trick and inquired if the weapons

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} cided on eggs, good and rank.

in one basket were identical with those in the other.
Dick assured him that there was not the slightest dif-
ference.

“T selected them myself with'the greatest care,” as-
serted the boy.

“And rank,’ muttered Buckhart,’ softly.

“Let the major and the professor stand ten paces
“At that distance, they should be
Let
them begin firing at the word and continue until one

“They are good and strong.”

apart,” said Dick.
able to hit each other once in three shots, at least.

or the other falls, cries enough, or the ammunition is
exhausted. Brad, pace the distance.”

Buckhart did so promptly, but his paces were very
short. He made a mark with his heel for Zenas and
another to indicate the position of the major.

In the meantime, Achmet had selected one of the
baskets and carried it to the point where his, prin-
Dick placed the other near the

Neither of the duel-

cipal was to stand.
spot marked for the professor.

_ ists knew the sort of weapons decided on, and both

watched with great. anxiety. the uncovering of the

baskets. | '
Taking note of Achmet’s movements, Dick removed

the cloth from the professor’s basket at the same mo-

ment that the Turk lifted the covering of the other

basket. sag

Both baskets were filled with eggs!

 

CHAPTER VIIL.
THE DUEL.

The uncovering of those baskets created a sensa-
tion.
“Eggs?” gasped Fitts.
' “Eggs?” breathed Gunn.
‘‘Eggs-actly,”’ chuckled Brad Buckhart.
“Why, I—I. don’t understand!” faltered, the pro-

fessor.

“What does this.mean, gentlemen?” demanded the

major. ‘‘Will yo’ kindly explain it.”

“Having the choice of weapons,” said Dick, “I de-
Only
fools fight duels. over trivial things with deadly weap-

Here they are.

TIP TOP WEEKLY. | : 7

“ing off a little, an example followed by Brad.

 

     
  
  
  
  
   
    
   
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
    

ons. With these eggs you cannot kill each other, but
you can soak each other to your hearts’ centent and
thus satisfy your wounded hener.”’

“But, suh, I never heard of such a thing, suh!’” ex-
ploded Fitts. “It is ridiculous!”

“All right,” returned Dick. “If you ebject, I have
brought these.’ 3

He produced fiwo. huge pistols.

“One,” continued Dick, “is loaded. The other is |
not. You shall toss for choice. Then you shall stand °
at arm’s length, place the pistols against each other’s
breast, and pull the triggers at the word. A moment
later one of you will_be a dead man, while the other
will be unharmed. Does that suit you better, major?”

“It’s unusual—decidedly unusual, suh! No, suh, it
does not suit me at all, suh! I prefer the eggs.”
“So do I!”

“Then take your positions, gentlemen,” ordered
Dick. hg es

Aziz Achmet threw up his hands, shaking his“head . x a

wor}

“Good!’’ whispered Zenas.

in a baffled manner.

“Oh, these Americans, these Americans!” he mut.
tered, retreating. “I had hoped they might destroy ‘i
each other, which would save me further trouble with
them. Now they are going to fight a duel with rotten
eggs! Pah!”

The surgeon hastily threw his instruments into the “
case, which he closed and picked up, also retreating _
to get out of probable danger of being hit by one of » - ;
‘those eggs.

The professor and the major got ready for action.
Each picked up as many eggs as he could hold in his
left hand and took one in his right.

“Are you ready, gentlemen ?” asked Dick, also back-

“Ready!” answered both.
~ “Then—fire!” eed a
Whizz! Spat! : Be
The major missed, but the professor’s aim was ac-
curate, and he struck Fitts fairly in the center of his— ;
white shirt bosom. The man from Mississippi stag — mE "3

  

+

gered and clapped his hand to his.nose. |
“Oh, whew! Oh, murder!” he gasped. “That was ane

yas.

   
  

LiP-Tor

   

rB

» not an egg! If it was it was laid two thousand: years
ago!”
Whizz!—another one dew past the major’s ear.
_ This*aroused him; and he got into action once more.
Eggs flew through the air with imcreasing rapidity.
While stooping to get a fresh supply of ammunition
from his basket, Zenas was struck fairly on top of. his
bald head. . The yellow mass spattefed in all. direc-
tions, |

both Dick and Brad, who were laughing heartily.

“For a
Look at ’em, pard! The pro-
There—he hit
the major! They'll be sights in a minute!’

“Great horn spoon!’ gurgled the Texan.
» duel this sure beats!
fessor got it in the neck that time!

Dick was laughing in his old, rollicking way.

“Oh, ha! ha! ha! Soak him!
7 That’s the way!
Pe hg Never had that grim and glopmy cemetery re-

Go it, professor!
Ha! ha! ha!”

NX -sounded with such ‘shouts of merriment.
“Oh, rl fix him!” cried Zenas.
lesson! I'll teach him to challenge me!

/ Murder! I’m blinded!’
an truth he had been struck fairly between the eyes,

“T’ll teach him. a
PU——

and the mass that spattered over his face completely
» blinded him.
R ©. “Teach me, will yo’, suh?” triumphantly sbicislea the
major. “Qh, I don’t know!”
“/ Dick was gasping for breath.

“Ha! ha! ha!
Prof, Gunn wiped his sleeve across his eyes,

his sides. It’s too much!”

Then
he tried the other sleeve and succeeded in cleari ing
- them.

Oe “Have yo’ got enough, suh?” demanded the major,
| “Cry quits, subj if yo’ have.” Mee
». “Never—qnever while I live!” grated Zenas.

¥ ““Then. Tl have to finish yo’, ‘I offered
yo" | |
He eg no more, for at tia instant an egg thrown

ee

?

 

with all the force Zeras Gunn’ could command struck
_ him full and fair in the mouth. ~ Pe ie
Laps ‘The little man went denier’ as if SiGe:

WEEKLY.

A strong odor filled the air, reaching the nostrils of

“Brad, it’s t-too much!” he laughed, holding onto

“Whee!” shrilled the professor. ‘Got him then!”

Fitts kicked and floundered and then rolled over on
his stomach, lifting himself to his hands and knees.
The sounds he emitted were trying on those who heard
him.

At this juncture two ladies suddenly appeared on
the scene, having approached during the excitement
without being observed. They were Sarah Ann
Ketchum and an Englishwoman whom she had found
in the hotel and induced to accompany her to the scene
of the duel.

Maj. Fitts had written her a passionate note of fare-
well, telling her about the duel, where it was to be
fought and when. This he had. intrusted to a servant
to be delivered that morning. The servant had not
waited for Miss Ketchum’ to rise, but had rapped at her
door until she got up and received the message. When
she comprehended its contents she lost not a moment
in dressing and getting the other woman to accompany
het to the scene of the “deadly” meeting.

When she saw Maj. Fitts on his hands and knees,

giving utterance to those distressing and terrible

sounds, she shrieked and ran forward.

“Oh, heavens!” she cried. He is
wounded unto death! He is dying! Hear him gurgle,
It is a horrible

“He is slain!

and groan, and gasp for breath!
tragedy!” ,
“Great horn spoon!” exclaimed Buckhart. “Sarah
Ann is on deck, pard.” ,
“She has arrived too late to prevent the fearful
deed,” said Dick. an |
The lady from Boston saw Prof. Gunn. She shook
her clinched hands at him and screatined :

“You murderer! You have killed the poor major!

You have slain the idol of my heart!”

“Great Cesar !’ gasped ‘Zenas. “So she acknowl-

edged that human wart as the idol of her heart! Well, -

she may take her idol, eggs and all!”

Sarah Ann fell on her knees beside’ the major, clasp-

ing him in her arms. DANA ;

“Poor, poor hero!” she sobbed.

“Tell me where you
are wounded.” |

  

    

  

     
   
 
   
   
 
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
 

fp erences
Bitte ere £

 

    
     
   
     
       
       
       
     
       
     
     
    
  

 

 

——~ mei (ee a

TIP--TOP

“Fo’ the love of goodness, go ’way!” gurgled Fitts,
thickly.

“What is this horrid odor ?”
ingly. “It is frightful!”

“Turkish cemeteries always smell that way, madam,”

she exclaimed, chok-

huskily declared the major. “‘Please go ’way! Please
let me die in peace!’

“Never! I will remain by you until the last! I
will—_—._ But I can’t endure this terrible odor! I’m
growing faint! And what is this sticky substance all
over your clothes ?”

“That’s blood—pure blood.” —

She held up her hands.

cient for her to see.

The light. was now suffi-

“But it’s not red—it’s yellow!” |
“That's the color of my bleod, madam. I’ve had
yellow fever. Do go ’way!”

“But it smells—it smells——— Why, it’s every-

where! It’s on the ground!”

“T’ve shed gallons of it already, I beg yo’ to leave

me!”
“And those brutes are permitting you to bleed to
death!

She began to grow. hysterical.

What monsters!”

The language she
applied to the professor made him wince. It also
When she. repeatedly called

him a murderer he finally decided that the limit had

aroused his resentment.

been reached. Prancing over to her, he shrilly cried:

‘Madam, you are needlessly wasting your sympathy
on that little runt. He’s not seriously harmed, I assure
you. We did fight a duel, and I am the victor ; but we
did not engage with deadly weapons, and Maj. Fitts is
not dying.”

“Not dying? Did not use deatlly ‘weapons? Why
—why, what did you use?”

“ggs, madam—rotten eggs; and I am proud to
say ‘that I pasted him with them in a most scientific
manner.”

_ “Eggs?” screamed Miss Ketchum, springing up and

looking at her besmeared hands. “Rotten eggs? Then

_ this is not his blood!”

“Hardly,” :
“Oh, horrible! Disgusting! It is perfectly shame-

asstired Zenas.

     
  
   
    
   
  
  
     
 
   
    
  
  
 
 
  
   
  
   
  
    
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
     
 

WEEKLY. a9

ful and outrageous! Look at my hands! Loek at my
waist! And the smell! I’m going to faint! Catch
me!”

“Not on your life!” exclaimed Gunn, backing off.
“T’ve learned my little book.” }
She did not faint.

ramrod and denounced both the duelists in scathing

Instead, she stiffened up like a
and scornful terms. Once more she declared that both
were fools, and finally she fled, accompanied by the

Englishwoman.

* CHAPTER. TX:
THE SIGHTS OF STAMBOUL.

“Well, boys,” said Prof. Gunn, some days later, as
the trio were lounging in their rooms after the midday
Have

st °
meal, “what do you think of Constantinople?

you seen about enough of it?’

“Well, we have seen a great deal,” confessed Dick.
“It is a fascinating and bewildering place, with its
narrow, dirty streets, its swarms of people of many
races, its veiled women, its dogs, its palaces and watch
towers—in short, its thousands of strange sights.”

“Tt is a whole lot queer,” riodded Buckhart. “It
gives me a right odd feeling to stand beside a mosque
and see a muezzin come out on the balcony of a minaret
and utter the call to prayer. The way he chants it kind
of stirs something inside of me: ‘God is great; there
is but one God; Mohammed is the prophet of God;
Oh, I’ve

got her all down fine, and I’ll never forget the words

prayer is better than sleep; come to prayer!’

nor how they sound.” ,

“T suppose there are lots of places we have not seen,
together with plenty of interesting things,” said Dick.
“The thing that I'll remember longest is the dante of
the howling dervishes.”

“Vou bet that was a corker!”’ exclaimed the Texan, —

sitting up. “I opine I’ve got good nerves, but it-cer-

tain came near driying me crazy to see them, a full,

dozen, just whirling and whirling like tops.”
“Then when they, began to chant and howl!” said

Dick. “The way they wailed, and groaned, and cried,

oe AS,

cp ie cy
~~ a> “3
Pease

  

pr LD

    
 

—eerss 3
AEP.

tily.

~ major’s yellow blood was smashed rotten eggs,
.. Dick.

20 TIP

“Allah, hough!

nerves of steel.”’

Allah, hough!’ was enough to disturb

“Then when they brought in the children and lay
them out in a row for the old priest to walk on—
waugh! I wanted to soak the old gazabe as he trod on
those kids.”’

“But the finish was the worst, when all the whirlers

had their eyes set and their lips covered with foam.
No more howling dervish shows for me!”

“Nor me, pard!” 3

“Well, when you youngsters get tired of Constan-
tinople we'll move on,” said Zenas.

“IT sure would like to know whatever became of
Maj.-Fitts and Miss Ketchum,” said Brad.

“Never mind them!’ exclaimed the professor, has-

+

“It was a great relief when they both took them-
selves out of this hotel after that—after that encoun-
ter in the cemetery.”

laughed Dick.

“That was a fearful encounter, from which you came

“After your bloody duel, professor,”

forth the victor.”

“But somewhat damaged myself,’ confessed Zenas.
“Boys, you want to remember what will happen to you
if you ever relate that affair to anyone.”’

Buckhart grinned,

“Miss Ketchum was some excited when she arrived
on the scene of action. She thought the major was
dying. I don’t wonder, for the dounds he emitted after
being struck in the mouth by that egg sure sounded
like he was coughing up the ghost:” |

“She certainly was disgusted when she found the
said

“She had the stuff all over her hands after putting
her “arms about him. Partner, that was a great

racket!’

“Hum! haw!” coughed the professor. “Of course,

on the major’s account I was willing to carry out the

‘program and use eggs, but it was beneath my dignity,

and I should have preferred a regular duel with —

“or swords.”

“Professor!” exclaimed Did “Why, you know

TOP WEEKLY.

you were somewhat timid over the result before you

learned what sort of weapons were to be used.”’
“Because I did not wish to have human blood on my

hands.

worried.”

It was entirely for Maj. Fitts that I was

said Brad, “that old Aziz Achmet was

just about as disgusted an anyone.

“T opine,”
It is my judgment
that the old pirate wanted to see the professor and
the major carve each other up, though just what his
reason for it was I can’t say.”

“He disappeared at the same time when Sarah and
’ said Dick.
ing a nuisance, and I thought we might have no end of

the major vanished,’ “He was becom-

trouble with him while in this place. However, I
fancy he found out he was wasting his time spying
onus. I’m still confident that Bunol and Marsh caused
us to be placed under surveillance by the Turkish

Secret Police.”
“The Turkish Secret Police?”

”

exclaimed Zenas.
“You don’t mean to say

 

“There is such a body, and Aziz Achmet belonged
to it.
us. But I have an idea that he finally decided that we

We were suspicious characters, and he watched

were exactly what we represented ourselves to be, or-
dinary travelers. .Miss Ketchum, however, belongs
to a society that js seeking to investigate and correct
the wrongs of the Armenians in Turkey, and, there-

fore, Achmet transferred his attention wholly to her.”

“Al-
though she turned out to be a hatched-faced old ‘maid,

“Good gracious!” spluttered the professor.

I hope no harm has comé to her in this heathen land.”
“Maj. Fitts will
All I ask is that he keeps her away

“Don’t you worry,” laughed Dick.
look out for her.
from us.”

99

“I don’t think the major wants to see us a
chuckled Brad. “I’m sure, he wouldn’t fancy having
the eho y of that duel “eg back to Natchez, Missis-
sippi.” |

“Well, boys, shall we spend the shtetadioa in talk?
or shall we go out and see something ?” asked the
professor. RO’

They qERY decided that they | were a. to go

 

 

 

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come back,”

out, and once more rose the question of what they
should see.
“T have it!’ cried the old pedagogue.
“Name it,” urged Dick.
“The Underground Palace.”’
“What's that?”
“You haven’t heard of it? Good! It’s the very
Wait; I'll send for

Hope he’s not engaged, for we must go

place for us to visit this day.

over into Stamboul, and I do not fancy visiting that

place without a good guide and interpreter.”’
“I should say not!’ exclaimed Dick. “If ever there

was a place just male to get lost in it’s Stamboul, with

its maze of narrow, crooked, unnamed streets and un-

numbered houses.”

“Correct, pard,” agreed Brad. “I can get lost
quicker and a heap sight worse in Stamboul than on a
trackless desert. We sure must take a dragoman if
we're going to amble over there.”

So the black Nubian, who seemed always waiting
for a call, was summoned and instructed to send out
for the dragoman engaged by Dick on their arrival to
pilot them from the steamer to their hotel.

In less. than thirty minutes Mustapha appeared,
salaming in true Turkish fashion, the tassle of his fez
sweeping the floor.

“T here, effendi,” he said, addressing the professor.
“What you haf of me?”

“We want to visit Stamboul.”

“T good dragoman. I guide you, effendi.”

“Our purpose is to see the great underground cistern
sometimes called the Buried Palace.”’

“Effendi, go not! Keep from there!’ Mustapha
showed great concern.

“Why should we not go there?’ questioned the pro-
fessor. “It is one of the great sights.”

“You haf for your life some valuement ?”

“Certainly ; but what can there be dangerous about
a visit to the Underground Palace ?”

“Maybe you haf not hear it, effendi?”

“Have not heard what?”

“One time some Engleeshman go there,

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

They nefer —

 
 

“What happened to them ?”

Mustapha made a gesture with his hands indicative
of vanishing into the air.

“Who answer it the question?’ he said.

“Well, well!’ muttered Zenas. ‘‘What do you think
about this matter, boys?”

“My interest issaroused now,’ answered Dick. “I

want to see this mysterious place.”
“That’s right, pard. I’m sure some wrought up

to see it myself. Of course we'll go.”

“Too. young to haf wisdom,” said Mustapha, with a
gesture toward the boys.

“Come on, professor!” cried Dick. “If this drago-
man will not act as guide for us, we can easily secure
another.”’

Instantly Mustapha hastened to assure them that he
would be only to glad to act as their guide; but that
they should pay him before visiting the Underground
Palace, as they might never return, in which case he
would lose his honestly earned due by neglecting to
collect ahead.

They agreed to pay him in advance, and soon they
set out from the hotel in.Pera, eager to see the mys-
terious place that was said to hold so much of mystery

and danger.

 

&
CHAPTER X, \
THE UNDERGROUND PALACE.

In the afternoon sunshine Stamboul was magnifi-
cent when seen from a distance. But when they had
crossed the Golden Horn and plunged into the city
all its impressiveness vanished. At intervals they came
upon some splendid mosque, but mosques were far
more impressive when seen from the proper distance.

Mustapha knew his business, and he conducted
them to the place where they could descend and in-
spect the Underground Palace, but he declined to en-
ter with them. For that purpose he called another man,
with close-set, shifty eyes and a thin-lipped mouth. 3

“This dragoman, Bayazid,” he said. “He tak’ you.”

“Ts he trustworthy?’ asked the professor, with a

slight show of nervousness.

  

 
Lee Ae

“You not find one more so, effendi.”

So Bayazid, or “Pigeon,” as he was called in Eng-
lish, was engaged to show them the Underground
Palace. |

“I haf very good boat, effendi,” he declared.

“Whatever is that?” asked Buckhart. “Do we have
to take a boat ?”’

“You will see,” answered Zenas. —

The entrance was somewhat like that of a sewer, but
there were stone steps leading down into the darkness
of the place. The guide found and lighted two torches,
which it seemed were kept for the use of those who
wished to visit the Palace.

“Say, this is some boogerish!” said Brad, as they
found themselves in a dark and damp cemented pas-
sage.

“The old city was built above a huge system of cis-
terns,” explained the professor. “Their purpose was

to guard against a famine of water in time of war..

Some of the old cisterns are dry tow and are used by
silk spinners. We shall visit one that still contains
water. |
“But I thought we were going to see a palace,”
said Dick, in disappointment.
“You shall see one—so called.”

The passage echoed to their tread, while their voices

came back hollowly, as if hidden imps were mocking
them.

But the boys were quite unprepared for the spectacle
that suddenly met their gazes They came from the
passage into a mighty vaulted chamber, stretching
away into an unknown distance and filled with a
shadowy maze of marble columns, row on row. The
floor of this wonderful place was smooth as a mirror
and seemed black as ebony, save where the light of the
torches fell on it. There it glittered, and gleamed,
and shimmered.

Exclamations of astonishment and -wonder broke
from the lips of the two lads. ©

The professor grasped them, one with etther and,
and stopped them abruptly.

“We can’t go further on foot,” he said.

“Eh? Why not?” asked the Texan, in surprise.
“Look at that floor! Woulans : it be great ta dance on!
It’s smooth as glass and-——

“You would get yout feet wet if you stiiciel to
‘dance .on that,” declared Zenas.

“What? Why—why, it’s water!”

/

WEEKLY.

‘Brad.

- edge of the black lake.

  

“Hxactly.”

“But-—but it looks black everywhere except where
the light strikes directly on it.”

“Because no other ray of light reaches this place.”

Dick stooped and dipped his hand in the water,
which reached to their very feet.

“Well, this is worth seeing!” he declared.

“This was constructed by Constantine more than
fifteen hundred years ago,” explained the professor.
“Think, boys,, what you now behold is the work of

 

man, yet it remains practically the same as when con- — ©

structed fifteen centuries ago.”

“It looks like a partly submerged cathedral,” mur-
mured Dick. “One can fancy all its worshipers and
priests as drowned in that flood of black water. In
fancy I seem to see their restless spirits floating above
the surface of the lake, away, away yonder_in the un-
known distance. How large is it, professor ?”

“There are three hundred and thirty-six of those
marble columns, arranged in twenty-eight rows. I
fancy the real reason why Mustapha refused to enter
here is because of the many legends and tales told con-
cerning the place. It is said that these vaults often
echo to hollow faughter and that the place is haunted
by the ghosts of murdered sultans of past ages, whose
places were usurped by the very monsters who in-
trigued to bring about the murders. Some claim that
the spirits of the beautiful women destroyed by jealous —
sultans are doomed to float forever here above the sur-
face of this buried lake, and that occasionally one of

them is seen by a visitor for a single fleeting instant,
then goes wailing and sobbing into the black distance.”

“Well, by the great horn spoon, I don’t know that I
blame Mustapha for not coming here!” exclaimed
“Tt’s the most spooky old hole I ever struck.”

At this juncture Bayazid inquired if they wished to _
take a boat and venture out a short distance on the

water. i
“Certainly,” answered Dick, at once, “TI think it will
|
If Brad does
not——’ | Pee ae

be a novel experience, and I want to go.

,

 

“Hold on, pard!’” cried the Texan. “Wherever you
go I go, you bet your eee) Mebbe I don’t like it a
heap, but I’m with you.”

—~~s.

Bayazid left them and moved a short distance to the :
right.

soon brought it. to the sore at their feet.

 

-

rae 5 oe SS agte. i gs a “=

They watched him and saw the light of his
torch fall on a black boat that lay motionless at. the 1%
He stepped into the boat ; and .

   

W
p

cSt

W
tl

ir

      
TIP: TOP.

Dick and Brad followed the professor into the boat,
Te | which was large enough to accommodate two more
persons, if the party had included them.

Bayazid had placed his¥orch in a socket that seemed
ee arranged for it. He suggested that the others should
- extinguish theirs, as too much light close at hand would

blind them, instead of making it possible for them to
Sik. @ see Detter.

x. | — They accepted his suggestion, and slowly the boat
of slipped out upon the bosom of the soundless lake.

- Suddenly there was a whirring rush through the air
and something brushed past the head“of the professor,

it- | who uttereda squawk of alarm, struck out wildly with
nd | both hands and fell over backward off his seat to
In | flounder in the bottom of the boat.

ve | “Howling tornadoes!” gasped Buckhart.~ “What-

ever was that?”
gold “A bat, effendi,” answered Bayazid.
Se" |} ~ Dick laughed. *

Leg “Goodness!” palpitated the professor, as he finally
«t| struggled up to his seat. “I confess it did frighten
n- | me, boys. Made me think of those restless ghosts
en

| which are said to wander forever above the bosom of
ed | ‘this lake. Hadn’t we better go back?”

 

se | “Which way shall we go?” asked Dick.

N= They looked around. On every hand they saw noth-
at ing but marble pillars, shadows and grim darkness.
HS) “Waugh!” muttered the Texan. “I confess I
oe couldn’t follow the back trail.” :

a | “But Bayazid knows the way, don’t you, Bayazid ?”
4 nf ik anxiously asked the professor.

“| “T know it, effendi,” was the assurance. “Trust
aoe ; me.” |

* ae “T—I’'m very glad you ocr breathed Zenas. “I
ee ie t think we will return at once.’ ?
ne __ But Dick urged that they should go on a little

   
  
 

come lost. 3

Brad always stuck by Dick, and the two overruled
the ‘old pedagogue.
- Therefore Bayazid paddled slowly on. Had they
seen his face they might have become suspicious and
alarmed, but the shadows hid the crafty and treacher-
ous look his countenance wore. ;
Finally they paused again, amid the labyrinth of pile
lars. Without the guide, not one of them could have
old which course to follow in order to return to the
point from which they started.

    
  
   
  
   
   
   
 

5 further, as Bayazid was thoroughly familiar with the ,
place and there was no danger that they would be-

     

WEEKLY. ey

Suddenly Bayazid uttered an exclamation and stood
up in the boat, staring into the darkness beyond his
passengers.

Involuntarily the trio turned their heads to look,
wondering what it could be that the guide saw.

Barely were their heads turned in that manner when
the treacherous guide snatched the torch from its
socket and plunged it into the water, - There was a
hissing sound and instant darkness. =

CHAPTER XI.

LOST ON THE BURIED LAKE.

Dick Merriwell had brought along a revolver. He
drew it in a moment and held it ready for use, expect-
ing something to happen in the Stygian darkness of
that terrible place.

Prof. Gunn cried out to Bayazid, demanding to know
the meaning of his act.

“Get hold of the onery varmint!’’ advised Buckhart.
“Let me put my paws on him!’

The Texan floundered about, rocking the boat some-
what.

“Be careful, Brad!’ warned Dick. “You don’t
know what he pill do! It may be intended for a joke,
just to frighten us, and it may be intended for some-
thing else. I have a pistol: Keep away from him and
let me do the business.”

| “Pup-pup-perhaps it’s pup-pup-part of the regular
pup-pup-program,”’ chattered Prof. Gunn. ‘“Pup-pup-
perhaps they always pup-pup-put out the tut-tut-torch
when they have pup-pup-passengers on this old under-
ground pup-pup-pond.”

“Be quiet,” directed Dick. “Bayazid.”

He called to the guide, but there was no answer.

“Bayazid!”

Again he called. His voice echoed hollowly in the
unseen arches above their heads.

“Why doesn’t the blamed fool answer?” growled

| Buckhart.

“Strike a match, Brad,” directed Dick. “I’m hold-
ing my revolver ready for use, and I'll shoot, if nec-
essary, the moment I can see what to shoot at.”

The Texan lost: little time in producing a match, but
when he attempted to strike it he failed, the brimstone
breaking off. Three matches were used before one
burned. The light flared up, Buckhart holding it above
his head. Its glow fell on the old professor and the

  
TIP

24 TOP
two boys, and simultaneously they TIA an amazing
discovery.

They were alone in the boat!

Bayazid, the guide, had disappeared!

Dick had his revolver ready for action, and he was
standing in a half-crouching position, peering over the
head of Buckhart at the place in the boat lately occu-
pied by the guide.

“He’s gug-gone!” gasped Zenas.

Brad dropped the match, and again they were buried
in darkness which seemed to oppress them like an aw-
ful weight.

“Great catamounts!” said a voice that sounded
strange and husky, but which Dick recognized as that
of the Texan. ‘‘Where has he gone? What does it
mean, partner ?”’

“Tt means that we are the victims of thicleey of
some sort,’ answered Dick, speaking in a low tone.

“It means that we are deserted to perish on the
bosom of this awful buried lake!” came from the pro-
fessor, in something like. a moan. “I am to blame!
I brought you here!”

“But whatever could be the object?’ questioned
Brad, in a puzzled tone. “Ti it’s robbery

“It’s a plot—a plot, boys! We are objects of sus-
picion. That agent of the secret police suspected us of
something. In this awful city to be suspected is to be
doomed.”

“T can’t realize it yet,’ muttered
could the guide get out of the boat?”
“T’l] strike another match, ee
“Keep your gun ready for use.’
“There are other torches,”
placed them in the hotfora of the boat.

Brad, and light one.’

_ During the interval that followed the Texan was
heard feeling about in the bottom of the boat. After a
time he confessed :

 

Dick. “How
said the Texan.

reminded Dick. ; “We
Find them,

“T can’t seem to get my paws on them. [’Il hase to

”?

. are.

eps match was lighted, but, oe it was held —

and moved about to illumine the bottom of the boat, not
a torch was.discovered. When they realized that the
extinguished torches were gone they sat up and looked
into one another’s eyes by the last gleams of the ex-
hausted match, which Buckhart held until he, blaze
scarched his fingers.

use another match. The light will show us where they

WEEKLY.

The stub of the match was sent overboard with a
blirt as the pain of the burn became apparent to Brad.

For some moments silence followed.

Floating there on the motionless bosom of that black
lake, no sound came down to them from the great city
overhead. The stillness was appalling, yet all feared
to speak, dreading the sound of their own voices.

Finally Dick asked:

“How many matches have you, Brad?”

“Not over four or five more.”

“And I have none. How about you, professor—
have you any?” 2

“Not one,” was the despairing answer.

Suddenly Buckhart grated:

“T’d like to get my paws on the treacherous dog who
deserted us in this fix!
funeral! You hear me affirm!”

“T’m still unable to account for his action,” said
Dick. “Tf his object is robbery, surely he has taken a
strange way to go about it.”

“Perhaps he’s counting on frightening us good and
plenty,” observed Brad. ‘“Mebbe when he thinks we’re
so frightened that we’ll be glad to cough up liberal, he
will appear and offer to conduct us back to the outer
world.” |

“Let’s call to him,” eagerly suggested the professor.
Then he lifted his voice and called loudly. |

When he had repeated the cry three times, they lis.
tened. ;

“Didn’t you hear a distant answer?” asked Dick. 3

“T judge whatever we heard was an echo,”
Brad.

said

After a time they lifted their voices in a united shout. he

and then listened,to the mocking echoes. which fled

I'd certain fit him for a’

ii

Se ee
Reh. ah te eer
Pe Se

 

fe art Gree ee Be

aK

 

from pillar to pillar and died in the unknown distance. 4

‘No use!” moaned Prof. Gunn. “I am satisfied that
we are doomed! We'll never leave this place alive, and
our fate will forever remain a mystery!”

 

CHAPTER XII. .
THE TRIUMPH OF THE TURK.

“T’m sure that was no echo!” exclaimed Dick, as

rae

far away in the darkness they seemed to hear an an- |

swer to their repeated. BOUTS.
shout.”
When he had lifted his strong, clear voice all hushed

their breathing and listened.

“Be still and let me ~

 
nhs
rad.

lack
city
red

vho. 4
rae

aid
na

and
e’re

he
iter

OT.

 

lis-

   
  
  
  
   
  

hart.
He did so, but the other light disappeared even as

ee. Somebody shall pay the penalty fo’ it!

There was a short interval, and then out of the black
distance came a faint, far-away answer.

“Some one did shout, pard!’’ exclaimed the Texan.
“It’s a dead-sure thing!”

Excitedly they all joined in the hail that followed.

The answer was more distinct.

Dick had found an oar, and he slowly propelled the
boat in the direction from which the answering cries
seemed to come. Occasionally they bumped against
the marble pillars, but these collisions did-no damage.

Soon they could hear the answers to their cries and
knew they were drawing nearer to the unknown per-
son or persons who were thus responding.

Suddenly a tiny gleam of light showed amid the pil-
lars at some distance.

“Looks like that’s a match, pard,’
“T reckon I'll strike one, too.”

’ observed Buck-

he held his own above his head.

Apparently his match was seen, for the voice of a

man reached them, urging them to come in that direc-
tion.

By answering call for call they continued to draw

_ nearer to the strangers, for they soon heard enough

to satisfy them that at least two persons besides them-
selves were afloat on the bosom of that buried lake.

“One is a woman!” asserted Dick.

Lifting his voice, he asked:

“Who are you?”

“We are Americans. Who are yo’ ?”

““We are Americans, too.”

“What are yo’ doing here?”

“We are lost—deserted by our guide.”

“So are we. How many of yo’ are there?”

“Three. How many of you?” ;

“Two; and somebody shall suffer fo’ this outrage!
‘T'll have satis-

33

 

faction as sho’ ’s my nagfme is

“Maj. Mowbry Fitts, of Natchez, Mississippi,” fin -

i ished Dick.

  

| possible that yo’ are——

   

and Brad Buckhart.
j you we

    
  
   
 

 

- Sarah Ann. |
and excruciating experience, the faintest remembrance

“That’s my name, suh! But yo’,

9

suh—why, is it

“Prof. Zenas Gunn, accompanied by Dick Merriwell
Is Miss Ketchum, of Boston, with

answered the well-known voice of
“We have passed through a most awful

“T am here,”

of which will forever seem like a fearful nightmare. I

   

TIP TOP WEEKLY. | 2%

am glad you have found us, for now you can assist
us in getting out of this frightful place.”

“IT am sure we would like to do so,” said Dick;
“but, unfortunately, like yourselves, we do not know
which way to turn. How did you get here?”

The major explained as the two boats bumped to-
gether and floated thus. Like the professor and the
boys, he and Miss Ketchum had visited the lake in
company with a guide, who had vanished in a mys-
terious and unaccountable manner. They fancied they
had been afloat for days on the bosom of the lake, and
they were in a pitiful condition of collapse and fright,
although the major had’braced up wonderfully for a
time.

“This seems to be the usual manner of treating visi-
tors,” said Dick.

“We've used our Iast match,” said the major. “I
lighted it a few minutes ago. We had been saving it.
I am afraid we will never be able to escape. I have
about given up hope.”

“Tt is the work of that terrible Turk who urged you
into the duel with Prof. Gurin, major,” said the woman
from Boston. “He warned us to leave Constantinople,
but .we refused to go, and he told us we would disap-
pear mysteriously.”

“Are you speaking of Aziz Achmet?’ asked Dick.

“That is what he calls himself.”

“Then you have seen him since the morning of the:
duel ?”

“Seen him!”’ indignantly exclaimed the major. “We
have seen him everywhere, suh. He has followed us
and watched us wherever we went. We couldn’t make
a move that he wouldn’t turn up. Twice he told us that
we must leave the city and the country.”

“I wish now,” confessed Miss Ketchum,
had obeyed him. Don’t you, major?”

“Well,” answered the little man, with a touch of
reluctance in his voice, “I must confess, madam, that
I believe it would have been much better fo’ us if we
had obeyed.”

Barely were these words spoken when, in the pall of
darkness near by, a voice demanded:

“Are you ready to depart now? Will you. depart
at once? Do you, one and all, swear by your God that
you will lose no time about going ?” |

Needless to say, the sound of that voice affected
them all much like a sudden clap of thunder on a clear
and sunny day. The woman gave a little scream, the,
major uttered a smothered oath, the professor gasped |

“that we

f

     
   

26

for breath, while both Dick and Brad sat bolt upright,
their nerves tense.

““Answer at once!” commanded the unseen speaker.
“It is your only hope of ‘escaping. Among the Ar-
menians we have enough so-called missionaries, and,
therefore, the woman from Boston is not wanted. In
the other boat are the old man and the boys against
whom the secret police have been warned. It will be
easy to cause all of you to vanish from the face of the
earth; yet if you pledge yourselves to leave Turkey,
you shall be spared.”’

“IT tell you one thing,” spluttered Zenas Gunn,
eagerly, “I’ve seen all of ‘Furkey I care to see, and I'll
give you my pledge to leave within twenty-four hours,
taking the boys with me.”

“Tl go—oh, I'll go!” promised. Miss Ketchum.

“And if she goes,” said Maj. Fitts, “I shall accom-
pany her.” 3

“Swear it!”

The trio were willing enough to do so.

A few moments later a light gleamed a short dis;
tance away, and then three torches were lighted.

Within twenty feet of them was another and larger:

boat, containing four persons, three of whom were
guides. The fourth was Aziz Achmet. One of the
guides was Bayazid, who grinned at the professor and
the boys, as if he thought the whole thing a fine joke.
Another was the guide who had’ accompanied the
major and the woman from Boston. |

Achmet did not touch an oar. He sat in dignified
silence as his companions slowly brought the boat
close to the others.

“Mr. Achmet,” said Dick, “although we dislike to
leave Constantinople under compulsion, Prof. Gunn
has given his pledge, and we shall stand by it.. There
is one thing, however, that we would like to have ex-
plained. How did our guide disappear in such a
mysterious manner ?”

Achmet shrugged his shoulders a bit. At first he.

seemed disinclined to answer, but apparently he sud-
denly decided to do so.

“It was very simple, boy,” he said. “Your guide
stepped from your boat into this one, which he had
seen floating in the shadow of a pillar. I was in this
boat, with these other guides, and I gave him a signal
that he understood. Immediately he extinguished the
torch. That threw you into confusion. . This boat si-
lently approached, and Bayazid stepped into it. In
the same manner Yapouly left the other boat.’

TIP. TOP-WEEKEY,

“Thank you,” said Dick. “It was altogether too
easy !’’
“A heap!” growled Buckhart.

* 2k * * tie * *

They succeeded in securing passage on a steamer
that left the Port the following day. Maj. Fitts and
Miss Ketchum left by the same steamer.

“T hope yo’ will congratulate me, professor,” said
the major, as proud as a peacock, “Miss Ketchum has
consented to become Mrs. Fitts as soon as we reach the
United States. I’m sorry fo’ yo’, suh; but yo’ never
really had a show, suh.”

“That's right, major,” smiled, Dick.
have a show, because he is already i,

“Don’t you dare tell ’'m married!’ hissed Zenas,
in the boy’s ear. |

“He didn’t

 

“He is all ready to carry out his plan to penetrate
the wilds of Africa, where it would be impossible for
him to take a bride, and he could not bear to be parted
from one so young and charming as Miss Ketchum,
were he to have the good fortune to capture her.”

“Saved your life, you rascal!” whispered Zenas, and
then hastened to bow low to the coy and confused lady
from Boston. — § |

THE END.

The Next Number (462) WIIl Contain

Frank Merriwell at Carson’s Ranch;

OR,

THE KING OF THE CATTLE THIEVES.

re

THE MYSTERY OF LARAMIE DAVE!

ee ee

A Little Affair in the Brown Hotel—How Frank Butted
in on a Gun Fight—The Bad Man Disarmed—Injun
Jack Vows to Get Square—A Visit to the Flying
Dollars Ranch—A Pretty Girl, and Some of the
Poetry She Wrote—Berlin Carson Gets Jealous,
Frank Saves Him From a Nasty Fall—The Puzzle

of the Changed Brands—The Round Up of Laramie 4

Dave—Carson’s Greatest Surprise.

——

 

SS ake eT — ee
: ‘Ria ys hoe S

ge Ste

ite

Arto.

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
  
     
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tr too
amer
{ R
-and @
r NEW YORK, February 11, 1905.
said
h TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS.
1 nas . (Postacs FREE.)
1 the pe, Singte Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Each. :
ever 8 months 65c. | One year ...............-$2.80
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MEMOMBEITIONLING % 6 0's y 0:c'0 0s 0h deb ee $1.25 | 1 copy two years.......... 4.00
: ‘ “ How To SEND Monsy.—By post-office or express money order,
idn’t _ fegistered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. At your own
_ isk if sent by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary
etter. °
pa ._ RecerptTs.—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper
nas, _ @hange of number on your label. If not correct you have not been
} _ p®operly credited, and should let us know at once.
ae STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY,
rate 238 William St., New York City.
for
PPLAUSE.
rted. —e A
um, :

_ Owing to the number ‘of letters received, the editors
and ‘of 'Tip Top cannot undertake to secure their publication
eee ; : ‘
ady __—_— under six weeks. Those who contribute to this depart-
ag ‘

_ Ment must not expect to see them before that time.

_ I have promised myself many times to write to the Applause,
| but letter after letter has been destroyed. I am determined to
send this one.
_ I have been reading Tip Top since Tip Top No. 1 was pub-
_ lished. I remember so well ’twas when Bryan and McKinley
hi | first ran for President, and I was quite a little girl going to
$ | school. I have not missed one single copy.

__ I followed Frank in all his joys, trials, etc, and have never
_ been disappointed after having finished reading a Tip Top. It’s
impossible to describe the good points of this weekly, but as all
who read the Applause also read the Tip Top, I might say ’tis
also useless to attempt to do so. J
p When I read the first books published, from 1 to 120, I used
_ to dream at night of seeing Frank, and, of course, I was always

- a young lady and he was a most handsome young man.

I can’t begin to describe my admiration for Frank, and if I
| were a boy or man, I would take him as an example to be
_ followed in my life.
_ As for Dick, he seems like my younger brother. I think he
et Ta a fine man. With Frank as his guide, he can’t help
_ but be. /
_ The old characters: There is nothing I enjoy more than read-
ing of the old-time characters. It makes me feel like I am a
little schoolgirl again, instead of being a “grown young lady.”

tif

 

   
   
    
    
   
    
     
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
   

ted ¥ Hans, Barney, Jack D., Harry R., Bart and the rest—all are very
- real to me. There is one I would like very much to hear of
un again—“little, blind Nellie’ and her brother. The last I heard
from them she was expecting to be able to see again. Can’t
ng we hear of her again? I always hoped one of Frank’s friends
ee would fall in love with Nellie. She was pretty, you know, and
| _ then she was good to Frank when he was railroading.
ts, _. Frank’s choice of his wife I like very much, though I never
| wished particularly for him to marry, either. Of course I like
zle Bart best of Frank’s friends, but I like all the rest, too.
: _ Dick’s friends: Brad’ B. is my favorite, not because hé is a
ue Texan, and I also, but simply because he is himself. I wish the

 

“readers” of Tip Top to know that the people of Texas do not
talk as Brad does. Yet I wouldn’t -have Brad talk any other

 

 

i

   

TIP TOP WEEKLY. 27

way. Mr. Standish could not have honored us more than to have
dear old Brad represent our State. Three cheers for Brad.

This making rude remarks about the characters of Tip Top—
excuse slang—makes me tired. Why, I would not give up one
single character of Tip Top for the world, because that is what
makes it so interesting. Not even Chester. And that reminds
me. Where did Wiley go? He should be with Frank, helping
him out. I beg pardon, Mr. Standish, I should say I wish he
was with Frank.

Dick’s set are all my younger friends, for it seems that I am
as old as Frank, because I have known him so long. I was only
just turned ten years when I first met him. Oh, horrors, what
have I done! Really told my age.

I do wish that a correspondence club would get started. I
once thought I would undertake to start it, but I started to
business college, and since have really not had the time.

Suppose all who wish to correspond with a number of the
readers send me their names and a self-addressed envelope,
stamped, and I will enroll them among the correspondents, and
send them a number of names of the members to correspond
with, and in this way perhaps we can get it started. They can
state how many names they wish, etc. Everyone who writes
should give his full name, address and age—the age only refers
to the boys and to the girls who don’t mind telling—and I can
then arrange matters. I have completed my course at college
and have a typewriter at home, so have plenty of time for this.
I will write each one who sends in their name a short note.
Now I know this is an inducement. Ha! ha!

Many pardons for taking up so much space in the Applause.
Really, I could write forever, but the worst of it is that it never
amounts to anything.

One more word, please, fellow readers. Do not make too
many hard remarks about dear Brad, for it breaks my heart. «»

With best wishes to Frank, Dick, Street & Smith, Burt L. S.,
Tip Top readers, and last, but not least, our correspondence
club, I remain, a constant reader, “a Texas girl, No. 2,”

2113 Conti Street, Houston, Tex. Miss Errie MAYE.

There is very little comment to be made on this letter. Those
who do not enjoy a good, hearty outburst of this character do
not know what it means either to write a good letter or. to
receive one. We wish you pleasure of your letters, Miss Texas.

 

I have been a constant reader from No. 119 to date, and the
stories are simply grand.

Chester Arlington, I think, would have been all right if he
had been given half a show on the start, as he is one of the kind
that never gives up. I hope he marries Felicia:

Of the girls, I like Zona, Felicia and Elsie. Yours sincerely,

Fergus Falls, Minn. A Bor ies.

Perhaps you are right. It cannot be said that any man is
either wholly good or bad. Arlington may have a streak of true
worth in him, although few seem to really think so. Other
sincere opinions on this question would be interesting.

 

I have just finished No. 446, and see that Dick is expelled from
Fardale. Of course that is too bad, but it only makes the story
all the more interesting. Chet is pretty crafty, but if he is ‘not’
careful, he will end up behind stone walls. June is the only
girl in the story that interests me much, and I hope Dick gets
her when he gets ready to tie up. Brad is a dandy, and a fine
side partner for Dick. I am a great pie crank myself, and
believe I could give Obed a warm race if I had a chance. Old
Gooch is certainly a crabbed old chump. Some wind storm
ought to blow him so far away that they could never find him.

Yours sincerely, L. W. Harris.

811 East Sixty-fourth Street, Tacoma, Wash.

If he were there would be some other just as bad te take his
place. You can never have just what you want in this world,
you know.

 

I have been a reader of Tip Top for about eight years. I
don’t think I could find another book that I would enjoy reading
as much as I do Tip Top. I like Mr. Griffin’s letter, only-I think
he is a little bit. detiae, I am interested in all the characters,

  

    
 
28 TIP: TOP WEEKLY:

especially Dick and Frank. I like Hal next. Brad, of course,
is one of my favorites. Doris is the girl for Dick. I like Grace
Garrett. I hope she will appear in Tip Top again.

I don’t think that there will be any correspondence club. They
all wait for some one to start it. Everybody has had a chance.
If they want it so bad they could write to the ones that sign
their names.

Although I am a girl reader, I like football as well as any
boy. I love to read about it, too. We have a great team here.
It beat Washington in St. Louis last week, I don’t think there
are any colors as pretty as ours—orange and white. Sometimes,
when I am watching a game and the band is softly playing, the
colors flying and boys are cheering, | imagine myself at Fardale,
with Dick as the captain.

I finished 446. I am interested in it very much.

I am like Mr. Griffin about the readers expressing thelr
thoughts on Tip Top. Yours sincerely, A Lone Star,

Austin, Tex.

Eight years is a long time to read one paper, and it proves
its interest, You have a very sincere manner of expressing your
ideas, Your description of the impression the game makes on
you is very pleasing.

ee

Frank Merriwell, Dick Merriwell,
Brad Buckhart and Bart Hodge,
Dave Flint, with Black and Tubbs thrown in,
And Bruce, who is so large;
Hal Darrell and Jack Diamond,
Ready, Earl and Smart,
weer Chip and Owen Bold,
ith Wiley and his part;
Hans Dunnerwurst, the Dutchy,
Mulloy, the Irish lad,
And Gallup, from down on the farm,
Are none of them so bad;
While Doris’ just too sweet to eat,
And Inza is another;
And Elsie, who is Bart’s sweetheart,
And loves Frank like a brother.
Grace Garrett, June and Felicia, too,
Are sweet enough to squeeze;
And B. L. S., the writer
And author of all these.
Well, what it is I wish to say
I’ll say before I stop—
If you wish to read o these elect,
J ust get you a “Tip Top.”
*Tis “an ideal publication,”
The be in all the world;
“ sure you will agree to ‘this,
ou a boy or girl,
hed iy for one, will shout its praise
As fong as I can holler,
And would not miss a single one
Were it to cost a dollar.
L’envoi.
With best wishes to Street & Smith, publishers, and B. L.
Standish, author, I am, yours very truly, I. M. DevicHtep,
Albany, Ga
A rhyme of names, a rhyme of fames, a thing to make you stare.
You have the skill of stating well, the things that make you care.

 

I haye been a reader cod admirer of the Tip Top Weekly for
about three years, and have written one letter before this; but

since changing my views concerning the “kickers,” I decided to,

write again.

Before, when I vedi such letters as were written by “I. M. K.,”
“Two Canucks” and “Theodore S.,” etc,, I would become very
angry, but now their opinions are rather amusing. Just because
they do not agree with us is no reason that we should “give
it to them,” for in this free country of ours, has not everyone
a perfect right to'their own opinion? We are certainly violating
some law if we have not,

If one of the characters of the weeklies was left out it would
_ spoil the whole story. So eal do not approve of Brad, but
think he is fine, and so are al o Dick's friends. Burt ‘L.

certainly a student of human nature, as every phase of character
that I can think. of has at some time been portrayed in the Tip
Top. Another thing that is truly remarkable is his knowledge
of all kinds of sports. To read a description of a ball game that
he has written is better than to attend one.

It is interesting to study the different characters of Tip Top,
and their good and bad qualities. I have just finished reading
No. 444@ where Dick and Chester have returned to Fardale, and
C. A. is attempting to run things. Will he never reform or
give up? One can't help admiring his qualities of determina-
* tion, endurance, athletic ability and ambition to be a leader, but
then his evil qualities are predominant, and he has stooped from
one disgrace to another until now he seems beyond redemption.
Another character that is interesting, and whom I very much
admire, is dear old Bart, Frank’s truest friend. The only ones
that are simply disgusting are Hector Marsh, Clint Shaw and
that set of cowards.

The Doris-June question seems to be the problem of the day,
but since Frank chose Inza, I believe there will be a sort of a
compromise, and Dick will choose Doris, with blue eyes and
golden hair. I don’t want him to hurry about it, and either
one will satisfy me, as I admire both of them.

The correspondence club seems to be dying a natural death,

but I want to start one of my own, and anyone who wishes to

correspond with me will find my name and address below.
Hoping this will not be too long and grow tiresome, also not

reach the wastebasket, I will close, with three cheers and con-

tinued success to B. L. S. and S. & 8; Bessie Moore.
Morocco, Ind.

A very sensible letter, Bessie, and one that sums up the situa-
tion nicely. You have weighed the characters carefully.

 

Having read Tip Top for Hikes “yaane I guess it is time to
express my opinion of your wonderful book. When Tip Top
comes around it is time for all the other cheap weekly papers
to take to the woods and climb a tree. .They have as much chance
of competing with Tip Top as Munroe had with Jeffries, It
stands alone as a moral-teaching magazine, and never has been
nor never will be equaled.

Who is such a grand character as Frank Merriwell?
my eyes and all others, is the greatest, truest and most noble
specimen of an American man,. And how about Dick, who, with
his magical and soothing power, has turned Arlington from
a relentless enemy to a friend, and some day he will be almost
a brother?

I think 427 is the goods. That billiard match is certainly a
corker. As my uncle is a former champion billiardist of Penn-

He, in

sylvania, holding emblems which verify my statement, and I have,

been practicing the game for some time and can hold the ivories
a little, my joy knew no bounds when I heard, or rather read, 426,
which describes shortly the contents of the next number. I wish

you would publish more about billiards, especially in connection

with Frank Merriwell.
Hoping you will put these few lines in print, and excuse me
for taking up so much time and space, I beg to assure you that

my praise is sincere and not flattery. How can I obtain a list —

of all the Tip Tops published up to date? Please inform me. A
constant reader, — SYLVESTER Levy.

2085 Lexington Avefiue, New York,

It is very pleasing to know that you were so much sateseered
in the game of billiards in No. 427. Having an uncle who is a
champion at the game, your praise is all the more highly ap-
preciated. We have mailed you the badge requested, and also
a complete catalogue of Tip Tops.

 

I have just finished reading of Dick Merriwell’s expulsion
from Fardale, in No. 446, and I am a “heap some excited.” This
certainly is the limit—Dick who saved the day in the game with

Eaton, kicked out of the school, without a witness, or even the

forged letter, as evidence,

You readers who predicted that Arlington would bow down
before Dick and acknowledge his defeat—it looks now as if we
, will have a deadly feud instead, does it not?

The Graham brothers say in No. 446 that our author is “the

et boys’ author, with the possible exception of G. A. Herity.”

have read both authors’ stories, and I say that G. A. Henty

 

 

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I recommend the Rover Boy Library.

cannot describe those games and incidents like our American
author, B. L. Standish, and there is no “exception.” G. A.
Henty is an English writer, and I propose to stand by B. L. S.

But in praising the author and publishers, let us not forget
the artist who sketches those scenes om the covers every week.

To those who are looking for something humorous and light,
I remain, a constant
reader, H. J. SPANGLE.
Elkhart, Ind.

It is high praise to say that Mr. Standish can write better
than Mr. Henty, for the latter is acknowledged to be a fascinat-
ing and successful boys’ author. Mr. Standish will unquestion-
ably appreciate this compliment.

 

I can distinctly remember when I first started reading Tip Top.

Some five years ago, a good friend of mine offered me a Tip
Top to read. I haughtily declined it, thinking that it was like
all the yellow novels. But my friend, who is a stanch supporter
of Tip Top, felt insulted, and said if I didn’t read Tip Top and
find out what it was like he would never speak to me again, °

Not wishing to lose his friendship, I decided to read it if it
killed me. To tell you the truth, in reading that book I enjoyed
one of the best half hours in my life. I immediately bought up
all the-back numbers I could find, and now I impatiently await
every week for it.

My father, who knew of my prejudice against low novels, was
surprised when one day he found me reading a Tip Top, which
che thought was one of that kind. He immediately asked for an
explanation, and I asked him to read it. I happened to be in
a number where a big baseball game is played. My father being
a baseball crank, while he read the book I heard suppressed
laughter and mumbling and restrained shouts. Since then he is
just as much gone on Tip Top as I am.

Why, I remember one night I had occasion to get out of bed,
and to my surprise I saw my father reading a Tip Top, and I
guess it must have been almost midnight, and there he was, not
the least bit sleepy or tired.

“Why, Willie,” he said, “Mr. Standish is such a great portrayer
of characters that I imagine I can see the players on the field.”
We both like all the characters in the book. Beat Brad, Obediah,
Ted Smart, Cap’n Wiley, or the old Indian, Joe, if you can.

Some of these foolish people—for they must be fools, indeed—
think Chester Arlington mars the story. Now, suppose they left
Chester out, what would happen? Why, the story would be
slow. . ,

Why, it’s just these plots that Arlington hatches and has Dick
try his skill against, where the most exciting part of the story
comes in. , ,

Father and I both agree that if you could publish two weeklies,

one with Frank, the other with Dick Merriwell, that you would

instantly make a hit with the old guard of Tip Toppers, because,
don’t you know, it takes so long for Tip Top to come out.

Mr. Standish, please don’t let any of these knockers influence
the story. Such sterling courage as Frank Merriwell displayed
is only yours in pantomime. Therefore, Tip Top readers, do
not fear! ‘
it shall indeed be an ideal publication for the American youth.

Regards to everybody concerned, not forgetting Herman
Nowoe, or Kidlets. Yours truly, Ww., Jr, and J. Branopr, Sr.

213 East Twenty-fifth Street, New York.

In the presence of such genuine and excellent commendation
_of Tip Top we stand nonplused—unable to add a word for fear
‘of marring. You speak from facts, and hence you have written
a most appealing and interesting letter. Let us trust that you
may never have cause, either of you, to change your opinion.

 

\

I am a boy, thirteen years old, and have read Tip Top for a
good many years. I think it is the best book ever written for
boys. «My mother won’t allow me to read any other five-cent

novel except Tip Top. I remain, an enthusiastic reader of Tip.

Top,
Jamestown, N. Y.
Your mother evidently has a high opinion of the merits of

Tip Top, and you are fortunate, under the circumstances, that

A

you like it so well. (

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

With such a master mind as the author of Tip Top,

‘in his footsteps.
'~ As to the girls, I like Felicia the best.
for Brad, and June for Dick, although they are all too young |

to think of such things. :

 

29

Being a “veteran” reader of Tip Top, I believe I have a little
say coming.

Mr. Standish can certainly write some. The only kick I have
coming is that Mr. Standish hasn’t a character from the “only”
State in the Union—Washington. He has characters from the
North, East, West, South, and why not one from the great
Northwest—from Seattle, for instance.

If I were in Dick’s shoes, Arlington would have been taker
into camp long ago. Still, without the cad, the stories wouldn't
be so interesting.

As for the girls, give me sunny-haired, blue-eyed Doris. She
is my ideal. ;

Among Dick’s boy friends, my favorite is Earl Gardner,. the
Jad from Maine.

Well, I must close my rather long letter. I will close, with
best of wishes'to Street & Smith and our only author, Burt L.,
hoping to remain, I, M. SatIsFiep.

Seattle, Wash.

The trouble is that every State cannot be represented, muchsess
every city. You are loyal to want Seattle represented, and we
are glad to hear you make the suggestion.

 

I take pleasure in writing a few lines, to let you know how —

much I appreciate reading Mr. Burt L.’s great writing. I think
Dick and Frank are fine fellows; also, their friends, Brad, Hal,
Chester, Dave and Ted, and I must not forget Obediah, the great
pie eater.» He and I are much alike, as I like pie myself. Of

the girls, I like June Arlington best, although I think Doris, Inza, « ;

Elsie and Felicia are very nice girls.

As to the correspondence club, I think Lillie Smith made a “e

very good suggestion in’ No. 435, and I will follow her example,

hoping others will do the same.

will anxiously wait to hear from the “boy” and “girl” readers of

the great Tip Top Weekly, I will now close, hoping to see this

in print, and with three cheers for Burt L. and S. S., yours

truly, EpitH Crosson.
118 Murdock Street, Canonsburg, Pa.

Your stiggestion is a better one, as it solves the problem of
who wishes to write and who does not. We have no authority
of our readers, and cannot well countenance an organization
of which all might not approve. ,

\ -

 

It has been my pleasure to have been a reader of the Tip Top
Weekly for about a year, but not until lately have I’ taken‘an
interest in the Applause column. I find it very interesting, but
am not a little disappointed in not seeing any Canadian letters.

I will not give any opinion of the characters of Tip Top, as
every possible sentiment has already been expressed in the
“column”; but there is something that I have noticed, and have
been wondering if it was intentional not. It is the presence
of’at least one syllable in the names Dick’s friends and _ac-
quaintances, that denotes some trait of the owner’s character. I
cannot say the same of Frank’s friends, as I am not very well

acquainted with them.

With best wishes for Tip Top, including author and readers,
I remain, An ONTARIO GIRL.
Canada. Ro

You have certainly brought up a curious coincidence, which
perhaps does throw some light on the author’s chaigcter also,
You have not elaborated the idea, but it would be interesting

to see you do so. ‘
<
I see in the Applause column that there is considerable fault-
finding. I agree with Mr. Oggeri, in No. 445, when he said that
such letters as I. M, Kicking writes shouldn’t be put in print.
I think they are thoroughly disgusting.
J think Frank is a model young man, and that Dick is following

Then comes faithful Brad, Dick’s truest friend.

; Ever a Tip Top reader, ti
Orient, Long Island, New York. Marion TuTtye.

Yes, perhaps so. Girls should know the proper period when

such thoughts may be entertained. y

:

I will give my addréss, and’

I think she is the girl |

  

—

iB

‘

$i

>

       
     
      
   
       
       
   
   
  
     
     

»

ge

 

_ inches; waist, 28 inches.
, What are my good and weak points? 3. What would be the

- average. ;

QUEST!

 

 

    

BeITsaO BY eS

PROF. FOURMEN

 

Owing to the number of letters received, the editor of this department cannot undertake to

answer any of them under six weeks.
not expect a reply before that time.

Pror. Fourmen: Being a reader of Tip Top, I would like to
have your opinion of my measurements. Age, 18 years; height,

Ys feet 5% inches; weight, 133 pounds, stripped; chest, 37 inches;
“neck, 1§ inches; waist, 30 inches; biceps, 13 inches; forearm, II
-inches; thigh, 21 inches; calf, 1414 inches; ankle, 9 inches; wrist,

6% inches; across shoulders, 19 inches. I have been going to a
gymnasium for three years. Yours truly, Ee J.
Your proportions indicate as much. With the exception of
your ankles and wrists, and an inch in your chest measurement,
you have the proportions of a light-weight champion.

4

 

Pror. Fourmen: As I am a constant reader of your weekly, I
am going to ask a few questions. Age, 13 years 9 months; height,
5 feet 2 inches; weight, 11434 pounds; chest, normal, 30%
inches; expanded, 36 inches; shoulders, 1714 inches; calf, 13%
I. How are my measurements? 2,

best position for one of my size? Hoping to see this in print,
I remain, your constant reader, emo ON NS

_IgThey are very exceptional. You are much above the

2. For, your age, your chest measurement is exceptional, but
for your height and weight it is not. You should practice deep
breathing. — at -

3. It is according to what you refer. I do not ee what you
mean. ay '

ne
"

Pror. Fourmen: Seeing you are so accommodating in answer-
ing questions, I would like to ask you a few. I‘do not take the
Tip Top Weekly, but my aunt takes.it for her boys, and there-
fore I get to read a great many of them, but not regularly. 1.
What food is good for the muscles? 2, What food is good for
increasing weight? 3. What exercise will make tremendous
muscles, both in size and strength? Please give me some of the

best ways you know of. I am willing to do very difficult feats!
_ for strong muscles.

; 4. Please. send me the terms of the best
boxers in the world, who will train other people to box. The
following are my measurements: Age, 14 years; height, 5 feet
9 inches; width of shoulders, 2014 inches; chest; normal, 33
inches; expanded, 37 inches; biceps, 12% inches; thighs, 37%

inches; forearm, 1144 inches; calves, 14 inches; weight, 150 .
_ pounds. 5. How am I proportioned? 6. Do you think I could»
make a good boxer? Yours sincerely,

N. C. Farrer.
Colony, Kan.

1. In food or water that which contains silica is good for the.

muscles, though not easily obtainable. Rye bread, oatmeal, peas,

beans, lentils all serve to harden and strengthen the muscles.

‘

Those who contribute measurements or questions must

*

2. Eggs, milk, potatoes, meat and all vegetables add to weight,
if accompanied, between meal times, by plenty.of water. You
should drink lots of water, hot and cold, if you want to add to
your weight.

3. You can raise very large, heavy muscles by lifting heavy
weights, but if you want to be a fighter, I can tell you that this
is not the thing to do. Fighting depends more on speed, and
if you wish to be a great fighter you must box, punch the bag,

run, wrestle, row, skate, and do the other things which give you

speed. Handball and tennis are two all-around muscle develop-
ing games if played speedily.

4. I do not know them. Write to some of them direct.

5. Good.

6. If you try hard, yes.

t

Pror.. Fourmen: Being a constant reader of Tip Top, I wish
to ask a few questions. My measurements are: Age, 14 years;
height, 5 feet 8 inches; weight, 125 pounds; chest, normal, 30
inches; expanded, 33 inches; neck, 13%4 inches; calves, 141%
inches; wrist, 7 inches; shoulders, 17 inches; ankle, r1 inches;
reach, 27 inches; waist, 30 inches.
ments? 2, What is my weak point? 3. What is my strongest

 

point? 4. Is the Cartlege system a good one? Very respect-
D. H. M.

fully, 04
Brooklyn,’ N. Y. ;
1. Good: |): een \

2. Chest. - AION,
3. You have several—height, weight for age, heck; calves.
~ 4. I do not know enough about its results to answer.

 

ees, ,
Pror. FourmMen: As I am a constant reader of Tip Top, I

_ would like to ask you a few questions which I know you can

answer. I have very weak lungs, and the last two winters haye
been very sick with them. The doctor said now that winter
was coming I should take hydrolein. Would you advise me to
take it. I sleep with my window wide open and exercise morn-
ing and night with a Whitely exerciser. I take a cold sponge
bath every morning. Here are some of my measurements:
Height, 5 feet 5% inches; age, 16 years 10 months; weight, 121

pounds; chest, contracted, 3014 inches; expanded, 347% inches;
neck, 14%4 inches; waist, 26% inches; thighs, 1876 inches; calf,
12% inches; ankle, 8% inches; biceps, 11% inches; forearms, 10
inches; wrist, 634 inches; around shoulders, 4144 inches; hips, —
stripped. Being |
A es.

307% inches. These measurements were taken
greatly in need of your help, I remain,
Cleveland, Ohio. |

You are very confident in your feeling that I can aid you, and

!

1. How are my measure- |

'

 

 

 
           
   
        
 
   
     
       
   
       
    

 
 

    

       

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I will be only too glad to do all I can. Your méasurements look
_ very satisfactory to me. You should not be able to complain of
i weakness with such arms and thighs. Still your chest develop-
| ment is not what it should be, and to remedy this and preserve
_ your, future health, you should be willing to make'a good fight.
One of the first things you should do, if you have very weak
lungs, is to get out of the lake region and into a warm, dry
| Climate. If you have money, pay your way, and go either to
' New Mexico, Arizona or Colorado, and get some out-of-door,
_ manual labor at which you can work for a year or two. . If you
__ have’no money, go to the nearest railroad manager and explain
your situation, and ask him to get you a position as a. track
walker or time-keeper on some railroad in a dry; mountainous
_ $State—southern Missouri, northern Arkansas, Texas, or any
_ other. Any railroad man of influence would be only too glad to
do this.
__. In the next place, and meanwhile, get out of doors as much as
_ possible. Drive a laundry or grocery or delivery wagon, or work
. on a local railroad—do anything to occupy your mind in the open
air. In the third place, wear wool, winter and summer, drink
plenty of water, sleep in a clean, well-ventilated room, take a
_. cold, soap bath every morning, and change your underwear once
a week, regularly. Keep regular hours, and don’t eat too much,

 

 

“meat, potatoes, a food coffee and cereals are always beneficial

and fattening.

_ And above all things practice deep breathing. When you get
up in the morning go near your window, or out in the fresh
air, well wrapped, and take ten or twenty. deep inspirations.

_. Then run or exercise—if you have a companion, wrestling or

ee
aE yo
Tins ‘

 

medicine-bag throwing—in the open air—would be the best—until
you. produce a sweat. Then, while perspiring, wrap a woolen
¥ blanket around you, drink three or four glasses of hot water,
| and while still sweating, but after you have begun to ease off a
)_ ittle, take your cold bath. Get in, get out and soap yourself,

sy
hey

get back and wash the soap off, and then get out and dry your-
_ self with two clean, heavy, dry crash towels—one to take the
water off and one to produce a glow. Then put on clean, well-
aired, well-brushed clothes, and after eating, go out to your
work.
Don’t. hesitate to tackle manual Jabor, It will be the best

   

either. The world is large and kind, and you can get along.
|. Be cheerful and good natured and don’t worry about yourself,
_ .and you will get along. Take hydrolein, or whatever it is, if-you
-* want to. If you do these other things it will not do you any
¥ 4 harm, anyhow.

   
 

 

  

j«2 = #/ - Py Ts oe L .
__ Pror. FourMEN: Being a constant reader of Tip Top, I take
_ the liberty of asking you a few questions. My measurements
are as follows: Age, 16 years; height, 5 feet 1014 inches; weight,
145 pounds; neck, 1434 inches; across shoulders, 19% inches;
_ chest, normal, 34 inches ; expanded, 38% inches; waist, 31 inches;
- thighs, 1914 inches; calves, 12 inches; biceps, 1114 inches; fore-
arms, 12’inches. 1. How are these measurements, compared with
other boys of my age? 2. Am I too heavy for my height? 3.
_ What are my weak points? 4. And my strong ones? 5, How
_ ean'I enlarge the muscles of my legs? Hoping to see this in
print, I'am, a Tip Top admirer, c J. R. Corvin.
lowa. — ?
‘1. Pretty good.
2 No. You weigh about right. iA
3. In matter of proportion, chest, thighs, biceps.
4. Height, weight, neck, chest, expansion’ and forearms,
4 5. By wrestling, skating, running, and drill exercises, such as
~~ squatting, kicking and the like,

  
   
  
 
   
  
   
  
  
 
 

- but what you do, let it be clean and well cooked. Eggs, milk,.

thing in the world for you. Don’t hesitate to leave Cleveland ©

 

TIP TOP WEEKLY: 31

Pror. Fourmen: Having read your paper for several years, I
take the liberty to ask a few questions. I am 24 years old; height,
5 feet 7 inches; weight, 158 pounds, with common clothes; neck,
15 inches; chest, contracted, 3314 inches; natural, 36 inches; ex-
panded, 37 inches; waist, 29% inches; hips, 36 inches; thighs,
20¥%-inches; calf, 14 inches; ankle, 844 inches; wrist, 614 inches;
biceps, natural, 1034 inches; contracted, 117% inches; forearm,
10% inches. I am developed the same on right and. left sides.
1. How are my measurements according to height? 2, How
much should I weigh? 3. Which are my weak points, and what
should I do for them? 4. Would a punching bag be good for
me, and does it give a person good wind? Hoping I have not
taken up too much of your valuable time and space, I remain,
yours truly, R. Kovperc.

Fergus Falls, Minn.

1. Very good. You present an interesting example of .good
middle weight.

2. About 156 pounds.

3. Your principal weak point is your chest, in this respect.
Your expansion is very small. However, your contracting power
is considerable. Deep breathing is the only normal remedy for
that. Your biceps are not as large as they might be. Horizontal
bar work and rowing are great aids to these.

4: Yes. Deep breathing and running are better for the wind.

 

Pror. Fourmen: As I am a reader.of your king of weeklies, I
will ask you some questions. Age, 17 years 10-months 5. days;
weight, 110 pounds; height, 5 feet 2%4 inches; forearms, 934
inches; right biceps, normal, 9 inches; contracted, 11 inches; left,
1034 inches; neck, 14. inches; across-shoulders, 17 inches; around
shoulders, 37% inches; calves, 1134 inches; thighs, 1714 inches}
reach, 65 inches; chest, normal, 3114 inches} inflated, 33% inches;
waist, 27 inches; wrist, 674 inches. 1. How are they? 2, What ~
are my weak points, and what will remedy them? I work in‘a
coal mine in the daytime. 3. Do you think that is enough exercise,
besides deep breathing, for me? If not, which exercises are the
best for indoors? After work, I play outside every game in its
season, besides punching the bag and boxing. 4. Do you think
that outdoor exercise will cure a slight case of deafness, cause
by catarrh in the middle ear? No matter how hard I work. I
can’t produce a sweat. 5. Why is this? - I do not practice. weight
lifting, as I. know it does more harm than good, but as a test,
I lifted a two-hundred-pound barrel. 6. How is that? Yours

truly, ; Rosert BARROWMAN.
Spring Valley, Ill. ss
1. Fair.

2. Chest, biceps, calves. Your deep-breathing exercise will in
time -remedy the first..-The work you -are doing, if ‘it invalves.
work with a pick and shovel, should do the rest. :

3. Yes. You do not need any indoor exercise.
outside. ; ' *

4. Possibly.

5. Probably because you do not drink enough water. Try
drinking plenty of -water. ee

6. Very good.

 

Pror. Fourmen: I am 16 years old and my weight is 137 .
pounds.. I.amԤ feet 6 inches tall.. I would like to be a good
runner. and be strong. I have weak wrists and neck. Is my
weight, suitable to play tackle on a football team of average 130.

pounds? Hoping to see an answer, S. Fax.
New York. ;

Your weight is quite suitable, though you will perhaps need

practice. For your wrists you should curl two-pound dtimb- |

bells in your hands, and for your running, take a long, two. or
three mile jaunt, once or twice a week, also one early morging
dash for one hundred or two hundred yards every morning.’ ° -

 

Pror. FourMEN : Being a Tip Top reader, I would like tovask
you.a few. questions. My age is 12. years; -weight; 86 pounds;

height, 4 feet 9 inches; chest, 2914 inches ; expanded, 32% inches;

5 wa

Preferably, get ie

  

~
   

eer

  
  
 
  

»* Fort Scott, Kan. .

32 TIP TOP WEEKLY.

neck, 13 inches; calves, 12 inches; shoulders, 15 inches; reach,
57 inches; forearm, 9 inches; ankle, 10 inches. 1. Where are my
weak points? 2. Where are my strong points? 3. I ran 220
yards in the schoolhouse. Is this good exercise? Yours,

Av M.

-

1. Arms and chest.
2. Weight and height, for your years.
3. It would be much better out of doors.

 

Pror..FourmMEN: I would like to ask you a few questions. In
boxing, a slight tap on the stomach will make me double up like
a jackknife so I have to quit. 1. Could you tell a remedy for
this? I eat what I like, so I thought it might be what I eat. I
am 5 feet 8 inches in height; age, 18 years; weight, 135 pounds,
with my clothés on. 2. How much ought I weigh? Hoping to
see these. questions answered in next Tip Top, I remain, yours,

San Francisco, Cal. SHERLOCK HotMEs.

1. Your stomach muscles are weak. You can strengthen them
by lying down on your back and fastening your feet under some-
thing that will steady and hold them, and then raising the upper
part of your body to a sitting position. Do this only two or
th.>e times to begin with, or only once or twice if it pains much,
but increase it one or two daily. Do this until you reach twenty
times 4 day, and then continue for a little while, and you will
get muscles there that will look like a corrugated washboard.
After that a slight tap won’t hurt you.

2. 140 pounds.

 

Pror. FourMEN : As I have not seen anything in your paper about
Fort Scott, I will try and place it on the-list. I am a constant
reader of the Tip Top. I am 14 years old, 5 feet 314 inches tall
and weigh 98 pounds. Chest, normal, 30 inches; expanded, 35
inches; forearm, 10, inches; neck, 15 inches; wrist, 614 inches;

waist, 28 inches; ankles, 9 inches; upper arm, 121% inches; thigh, .

1814 inches. I wish to be a runner. 1. How can I develop
into a good. runner? 2. How are my measurements? 3. How

can I get fat? 4. My record is 100 yards in 13% seconds. Is"

that good? Yours truly, RED E. Hotson.

1. By taking a long tfot, three or four miles, once or twice
a week, for your wind and limb, and by running three-quarters
of the proposed distance you intend to try for every morning
at top speed.

2. Fair. You are underweight, and your chest is not what it
should be. Practice deep breathing and drink lots of pure water
—boiled, if necessary. This will answer your next question, if
you will add plenty of outdoor exercise and good, wholesom
food.

4. Yes. . ZuA%

 

Pror. FourMEN: Being a constant reader of Tip Top, I take
the liberty of asking a few questions. I am 15 years old, weigh
99 pounds and am 5 feet 1% inches tall. Waist, 27%4 inches;
chest, normal, 29% inches; neck, 13 inches; from shoulder to
shoulder, 17 inches; wrists, 6 inches; calves, 12 inches; ankles,
834 inches; thigh, t6 inches; forearms, 9 inches. 1. How are
my measurements? 2. Does smoking injure one’s height? If
not, what parts of the body does it injure? 3. Is beer injurious?
4. When running fast, I have a pain in my side. What causes
this? 5. I have gained nine pounds in five months. Is this,

good? 6. How far should I jump, running? Hoping to see this |
in an early issue of Tip Top, I remain, ye he
Mathews, Ind, igen

1. Fair. Your weight is not what it should be, and chest de-
velopment is nothing to speak of. Your thighs are also thin.
Yoii should go in for out-of-door exercise and practice deep
breathing. , ; OH re eS
_2. Yes, and your weight, and lungs, and heart and muscles, It

is a bad habit and you. don’t need it, except as an evidence of |
pure foolishness. Boa : Ws!

' pounds and am 4 feet 9 inches tall.

3. Quite as much.

4. A lack of muscular strength. You should rest a little.
5. Excellent.

6. I cannot tell that without seeing you.

 

Pror. FourMeN: I am 13 years old, weigh, stripped, 77.5
Neck, 11 inches; chest, nor-
mal, 26.7 inches; contracted, 26.4 inches; expanded, 28 inches;
waist, 24° inches; hips, 29 inches; right thigh, 16 inches;
left, 15.7 inches; calves, 11.4 inches; lung capacity, 138 cubic
inches; strength of chest, 120 pounds; strength of right fore-
arm, 50 pounds; left, 30 pounds; strength of back, 140 pounds
strength of legs, 330 pounds. 1. How are my measurements?
2. Where are my weak points? 3. How can I improve my weak
points? 4. Do you think two baths—hot and cold water—a week
are hurtful? 5. How can I gaim weight? Hoping to see this in

your next issue of the Tip Top, and excusing me for taking so ~

much of your valuable time, § remain, yours truly,
) A Woutp-BE ATHLETE.

1. Very good.

2. Your chest.

3. Practice deep breathing.

4. Two hot ones are. Seven cold ones are not.

5. By drinking plenty of water—hot in the morning, when you
get up; cold, during the day.

Pror. FourmMen: How can I perfect myself in broad jump,

‘standing; high jump, running and standing; 60 and to0-yard

dash, and chinning the bar? By doing so you will oblige, yours,
4 BEG.

Practice is the only answer that can be made to your question,
a general, regular persistence, out of doors.

 

Pror. Fourmen: Here are my measurements: Age, 16 years; _

height, 68 inches; weight, 143 pounds; neck, 1414 inches; chest,
contracted, 3144 inches; expanded, 36 inches; waist, 3014 inches;
upper arm, right, 10% inches; left, 10 inches; calves, 121%
inches. 1. How are my measurements? 2. How can I gain

‘weight? I worked on a farm nearly all summer and weighed

the same then as I do now. My weight has been about the same
for several months, although I have tried to raise it. I get from
six to eight and one-half hours sleep a day and bathe regularly,
besides playing football. So I see no reason why I should not
gain in weight. Hoping that I have not taken up too much
space, I am, -yours truly, ROH: C,

Centralia, Wash.

1, Very good. a;

2,, Your weight is about what it should be, and you at

c

gain very much without establishing a disproportion which you
should not want. All people should not gain in weight. When

the body is normal, additional weight is a loss. You probably do’

not take on weight because your system has all that it needs.
However, if you insist, drink hot water—three glasses on rising
and three on retiring, and consume that same quantity of cold
water—not ice water—during the day, between meals, and you
will soon gain. I would not advise you to do it, however.

 

Pror, FourMEN: Being an old reader, I take the liberty to ask
a few questions. Age, 14 years; height, 5 feet 414 inches; weight,
118 pounds; chest, normal, 35 inches; expanded, 37 inches; neck,

14 inches; biceps, 11 inches; forearm, 1014 inches; wrist, 7

inches; waist, 28 inches; hips, 32% inches; thigh, 2014 inches;
calf, 14 inches; shoulders, width, 1714 inches; around, 43 inches.
1. What are my weak points? 2, How can I strengthen them?
3..Am I under weight? I do not exercise regularly. Yours,

i al ib cts ig ti Dea inl atta A taser

     
    
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
 
     
    
   
  
   
   
   
     
   
   
 
  
  
 
   
   
     
   
  
  
 

 

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J

Providence, R. I. ; BAe Gs 5g

1. Shoulders and biceps. y" be ; mae
2. You can enlarge the former by practicing on the horizontal

3. No. On the contrary, you are ten pounds over.

oe’ L 7

y

bar. The latter by any of a dozen exercises, punching the bag, iM
using the dumb-bells, boxing, wrestling, rowing and the like. aa

 
        
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A Maladie dea Pada Paden dePeun teu te Pean tra toda tafe toda Pan trdem ted CPS OP PPR POPP MEN

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