LARGEST WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA AN | IDEAL PUBLICATION FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH eat: sued Wi a By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at New York Post Office by STREET & SMITH, 238 William S?., N. Y. No. £73. Se ie Price, Five Cents. FRANK Memerw Is BE CHALLENGERS — or THE HOT GAME WITH THE een INDIANS — be A Bate ha % Co ! ny Mt A j wi g, 4 vy ey oe . he hy ie rs As Ready fanned out, the Indian pitcher rushed forward and joined the catcher. Then they did a wild and grotesque war dance round Jack. <7 Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-class Matter ai the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-8 Seventh Avenue, N.Y. Entered according to Act of Congress tn the year 1005, 1n the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. No. 473. ~. NEW YORK, May 6, 1905. Price Five Cents. --Frank Merriwell’s Red Challengers; OR, | 3 The Hot Game with the Nebraska. Indians. CHAPTER L THE CHALLENGE. F ; | S ‘Only Ones on Earth.’ ae _“GREEN’ S NEBRASKA INDIAN BASEBALL | TEAM, | z f “Guy ee Be ys: “Originator and Proprietor, : | “Linco'n, Nebraska. ‘ “The Shirley, Denver, Col. “Dear Sir: Having been informed that you will _ stop in Denver on your way east with your “baseball "team, I am sending this letter in hopes that it will reach you there. Under separate cover I also mail you some printed matter and my booklet, ‘On the Diamond,’ which. will give you the complete history of my Indian ball oe together wath ee from menuils unso- @ By BURT L. STANDISH. licited newspaper comments on my organization, taken almost at random from the papers wherever we have appeared. As you are one who keeps posted in re- gard to baseball matters, it is possible you have heard of my team; but, be this as it may, I am certain that, on investigation, you will be satisfied that I am put- ting up the real article in the w ay of Indian baseball. I urge you to investigate thoroughly, in order that you ‘may not in any way associate my team with various fake Indian bail teams which-have done much damage to the sport and given people in some localities a bad impression of redskin baseball. | “You will see by my advertising that in 1904 we’ won one hundred and forty-nine games and lost twen- ty-five games, playing the strongest independent and minor league teams in the country. We won every game played from April 17 to June y, or forty-two straight contests. During the season we shut out our opponents forty- eight times. We won seven straight — shut-out games; in other words, we were not scored — a4 4 una ae re A any Rae 2 ge Ved 2 . ae against for sixty-three consecutive innings. These are ts that may be demonstrated. I have deposited in the First National Bank, of Lincoln, Nebraska, five hundred dollars ($500), which will be paid to anyone who will prove that the above figures are not true in every particular. “You have one of the strongest independent baseball teams in the country, and my boys are very anxious to meet.and play your team: I believe we can give you all the baseball you are looking for, and I know you are looking for all of the real thing there is going. I will bring my team to Denver and play you there on the eleventh, twelfth or thirteenth of the present month, in case grounds may be secured and you are willing to meet us. I will furnish a full line of advertising mat- ter, such as window cards, half-tone and pictorial, twelve different kinds of pictorial and descriptive half- sheet window hangers, colored pictorial posters—one sheet and three sheet—two kinds of sixteenssheet col- ored pictorial posters, besides stickers, newspaper cuts, heralds, etc. per cent. of the net receipts, or play with the under- standing that the winning team takes two-thirds, and the losers one-third of the net receipts, accordingly as you may prefer. In fact, we are so confident that we can defeat you, that we are willing to arrange the game with the agreement that the winning team shall take the entire net receipts,,if you like this arrange- ment Detter. “If you agree to this proposition and can play us in Deny er on any one of the three dates mentioned, wire me as soon as you receive this—having first found out, of course, if grounds may. be secured “either at Broad- way Park or °D. A. C. Park. If for any redson you cannot meet us en any one of those dates and you are willing to meet us at all, kindly drop me a line giving your open time and where you are willing to play us. I assure you that ve will travel a long distance to go against you and show you the kind of baseball we can deliver. Sincerely yours, “Guy W. GREEN, Manager.” Frank had assembled the boys in his room at the - Shirley, where he read the above letter aloud. “There, fellows,” he cried, laughingly, as he fin- ished, “what do you think of that?” Immediately there arose a great clamor. “It’s up to us!” cried Dade Morgan, “We'll have to take their scalps,” Stretcher. “Ve-ee-ee !”” declared Jim squealed Rattleton. “We'll make Mr, Guy look green before we are through with him and his bunch of Aborigines!” ° “That’s whatever!” agreed Buck Badger. certain have to do it, Merry.” ie “Well, dud-dud-ding their nerve!” spluttered Joe Gamp. “I bub-bub-bub-bet they really think they can “We'll bub-bub-bub-beat us!” TOP WEEKLY. so from the sound of that As to terms, we will either take fifty’ Angeles “T fain would fancy epistle, said Jack Ready. “Vouldn’d dot made you tiredness!” shouted Hans Dunnerwurst. “I pelief id vill been necessity to dood them. Yah!” “We'll do them—and do them good,” rumbled Bruce Browning, who was Stretched at full length on a couch. “Confident they c Dick Starbright. to jar their confidence some.’ “What do you think about it, Hodge?” “Are you in favor of arranging this game?” can defeat us, are they?” laughed “Well, it wel bea Jolly good thing asked Merri- well. | “I don’t know why we should pay any attention to a fake Indian baseball team,” said Bart. “I’ve known several of those teams, the Sioux Indians, the Cherokee Creeks, and so forth, and I never They go round the Indians, the Eufala knew one to amount to anything. country hippodroming the game, playing ‘ball at night by electric lights, and all that rot.” “Here,” by Mr. Green. particular pains to say carry a said Frank, “is the printed matter sent me Notice on this folder that he takes he does not hippodrome the game, does not canvas; and does not play by electric lights.” “Oh, they all put up thing, but they are out them professionals, and a bluff that they are the real That makes We don’t for the money. we are amateurs, care to play professionals.” “But that is a lame excuse, Bart, for we do play pro- We played the Chiéago Nationals in Los Ey | fessionals. “And beat them!” “But the Chicagoes have some standing. dian team hasn't any standing.” } laughed Rattleton. This In-. “On the contrary,” denied Merry, “it is plain that the Nebraska Indians have made a standing wherever they have appeared.~ Here is a full record of their — doings since Guy Green organized the team in 1897. I have looked it over hastily, and I findit a very frank record, apparently sincere and truthful. Whenever his team has been defeated Green ‘has said so, giving the score. Ona few occasions he has made excuses for the + defeats, and once or twice he has placed the blame on the umpiring. This is natural. It convinces me that he is sincere. Besides that, I have heard about this Indian team, and it is said to be unusually fast. ~ “We did not intend to remain here long enough to game of baseball, but this challenge from the . play a Indians makes me inclined to linger. However, it is ee ee ee Se ae up to you fellows. What do you say. Shall I accept the challenge >” “Sure! sure!” was the cry. “We'll have to take a fall out.of the redskins!” “Well, don’t think for a moment that it is going to be a snap, boys. Evidently Mr. Green is very anxious thinking it will add to his laurels and be a great piece of advertising. If he does beat us, he will advertise it all over the country.” | to defeat us, i. “Uf he does peat us pasepall vill retire from me,” ‘declared Dunnerwurst. “Id vill play me no more nefer.” “Better not say that,” warned Merry, “for I have a feeling that, in order to get away with these redskins, we'll have to stretch ourselves more than we have in any game up to date. Chicago beat us one game. | These Indians have defeatéd minor league teams. They'll come down from Nebraska thirsting for our B Seo pre; “Play them! play them!” more and more aroused. ‘We'll have to do it,.Merry!” Pe ee ee - CHAPTER II. TWO STANDPOINTS ON SPORT. Having decided to play the game if possible, Merry lost no time in seeing about the grounds. First he - found the Denver baseball team had the lease of Broad- - way Park for the season and then he sought the man- ' ager, from w hom he learned that Denver played away - from home the coming week. | When Frank left he had in his pocket a receipt that | i Re showed he had paid for the use of the grounds on Tuesday, the eleventh. . _ He next proceeded to send a telegram to the man- ager of the Nebraska Indians. This is what he said: “Accept your challenge, winners to take two-thirds. Have secured Broadway Park for Tuesday next, _ Send advertising. FRANK MERRIWELL. ewe hours later he received an answer: age teed ‘We'll be there. Ship you advertising with- : ont AY, Boom it. Guy W. GREEN.” ‘Merry keriew how to boom ‘t all right. round of the newspaper offices, succeeding in getting a the sporting writers to, promise him a good send off in advance. Otto Floto, of the Post, was particu- | larly cordial and very glad to see Merry again. iV oka TIP] TORY WEERLY, 3 combination.” cried the bovs, becoming | He made a oe see 1 trimmed he, : hicago cama out on the, contrast. Coast; goods. said Floto, laughingly. “Boy, you're the rea! l’ll give you a column.” “Tm not looking after advertising for myself,” Merry hastened to say. “‘What I want is to boom the game. I believe the Nebraska Indians are a red-hot Well, hem off. Who was that guy you put on the mat out at the Gol- den Gate? Oh, yes, Holbrook, of Seattle. came here last fall and did up our two best local men. I knew you were nifty with your dukes, but now it’s “Red-hot, are they? you'll cool Why, he settled that you're there when it comes to wrestling. Is there anything you can’t do?” “Oh, lots of things, I suppose,” “Wish you'd name a few. the ring. laughed Merry. I'd like to back you for Scrap—well, I guess! Why don’t you take up the fighting game? You'd make a go of it, boy, for you wouldn’t go to the bad fighting booze.” “See here, Flote, you can’t seem to get it through your head that I’m sore on the fighting game and take no stock in it.” / “It’s all right when it’s run right. I know there are lots of fakirs in it, but some of the boys are on the level. Young Corbett was all right, but he chased the can too much, and now. he’s gone to the stable with the has beens. We're thinking we may turn out an- bald other good man in Rube Smith, though he seems to lack the wallop. He'd make good if he only had a good Be You wouldn’t be in that class, for you're too heavy. ie “Don’t talk to me about fighting, Floto. The whole sorry business makes me sick.” Floto wagged his ‘head. “How about football?” he asked, sarcastically. “That is different.” SL8atEr, “Isn’t it?” “Well, the only way I can see it’s different is that it’s worse. It’s more brutal. Oh, I know you'll say it isn’t, but I know it is. When a man goes down for the count in the ring that settles it. When he goes down: in a football game they work over him until they can get him up and send him onto the firing line again. I’ve seen men playing football that were so groggy they could hardly stand. More men have been injured and killed at football than fa “Tm not going to argue with you,” said Merry, — quietly, “for argument does no good. You have your | Ae opinion, and I have mine. For one thing, the spirit _ of football and the spirit of prize fighting make a great One i is. eer the pine ee: “Sport, too,” averred Floto. “In another sense.” X ct . ¢ “Rot! I’ve seen football players doing their best to smash their opponents and injure them in order to win the game.” “Tt’s not done in many instances.” “Oh, yes it is! It’s done in almost every game. What’s the difference between that and fighting, where one man tries to put the other down and out for ten_ ? You know how to handle seconds : your fists. than you ever did w eS your fists.” “Oh, I guess not.’ “T guess yes! But I see it ain’t no use to chin to you. I'll grind off a good lot of dope about the game with the Indians. Just give me the points.” Frank pravided material for the notice and then left, Floto shaking hands with him and saying: “You wait, boy; I’ll see you in the ring yet. You're bound to get there if the right man gets hold of you.” “The right man will never get hold of me,” laughed Frank. You can fight. CHAPTER IIL. T BEB AD M AN. In their sporting departments the Denyer Sunday papers made much of the arrangement for a game of baseball at Broadway Park between the Merries and the Nebraska Indians. Frank had given them enough “pointers” in re- gard to the Indians to make the stuff interesting. As for the Merries, every newspaper man in the city knew what to expect from them. The interest of the public was aroused, and | Mistry felt it would be aroused still more when the promised advertising arrived from the manager of the red men.» - On Monday morning Merry set out to attend to. some private business, matters relating to his mines. There were a number of men he wished to gee, and he called on several of them in their Seventeenth Street offices. | One man in particul: ar, whom he wished to see’more than any of the others, he could not find. This/man he traced from place to place, and his search finally led him to Sexton’s café. ! ; ‘There, however, he was again Aisa apodnebee He was leaving by way of the bar, when a tall, broad-shouldered man in buckskin stopped him. This man was accompanied by a small, squat fellow, with a tagged mustache and the most woe- -begone Merry had ¢ ever Meteld., TIP TOP WEEKLY. I'll bet you’ve hurt men at football worse | J ditions in life, judging from their looks. picture of a dead Indian, who was being viewed by a — ‘number of tough-looking persons in front.of an adobe | “Wait a minute, partner,” said the tall man. “Are you Frank Merriwell?” ‘That is my name,” ment. “Well, I’m Buckskin Bob. Perhaps you’ve of me.” “Don’t think so.” “What? Never heard of Bob Raven?” “Not that I can recall.” “Well, where have you been: heard ?” was the sneering question. “You must be a green one from the East, and no mistake.” The fellow’s manner ws insolent, and .Frank scented trouble. The squat man looked disgusted, as well as wretched. He had a pendent underlip, which fluttered at times in a peculiar manner, Sneseing his yellow lower teeth. ; Merry braced himself for anything and was keenly on the alert. “Why, I’m known all over the country,” declared Raven. | “I’ve traveled with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, but I’m now going it alone. Got-tired of Cody. He’s a big stiff. didn’t know it. He’s been losing money right along ever since he threw me ov—ever since I quit him. What did Bill Cody ever do that was remarkable? He’s an accident. Them novel-writing fellers his reputation for him, and he don’t know it. hadn’t took him up and writ all that stuff about him, he’d just been an ordinary nobody now. Why don’t made they write about me? I’m more of a hero than Cody Cm ever was. I have a reputation as a gun ee the man who shot Spanker Cole, in Butte. I likewise disposed of Diamond Clark, in Fl Paso, last fall. have here some pictures that may interest you a bit, ’ young feller.” With this final remark, Raven drew from his pocket several photographs which he displayed before Frank. They were pictures of men of varying ages and con- saloon. All these pictures were soiled and thumb-marked..> “This,” said the man in buckskin, displaying oe likeness of a dissipated and reckless-looking man of | _ “is Spanker Cole—the very last picture he | ~ middle age, ever had took. He had a record as long as your arm, but he made a fatal mistake when he ran up against . Buckskin Bob. His bullet ¢ cut that nick in my left was the prompt acknowledg-, I was the main patt of his show, but he | If they Te One was a! i ~ i ‘ ee: IG Se is Ey yn BTS. 2iP FOE ear. Mine got him square between the eyes. This is the likeness of Diamond Clark. Handsome feller, wasn’t-he? Swell dresser, too. Look at the spark in He his shirt bosom. Look at ’em on his left hand. _ wore more real shiners than any other sport in El Paso, a at a time when real courage was demanded. We met up in Dibbler’s gamlfling house one night. It wasn't the first time we'd met. coming, and I shot first. When the smoke cleared away they found Clark with three tunnels in him. This? Oh, this is only the picture of a drunken Navajo, who was slow about getting out of my way I knew what was when I was in a rush for my regular morning eye- opener. He provoked me. I was sorry about it, fer I felt it my duty to pay for his planting, and it’s a pity to waste money on an Injun, dead or alive. Here you see the likeness of Squint-eyed Mulligan, who——” | By this time Merry was thoroughly disgusted with the braggart who carried ‘about in his pockets the pho- tographs of the men he had killed. Never had Frank entertained anything like respect for the gun fighters who were inclined to boast of their red deeds. He knew there were “bad men’’ who were really danger- ous; but hé also knew there were many braggarts who loved notoriety and who took keen delight in inspiring fear in the breasts of the timid persons who feared all gun fighters. of a hundred, was certain to show the white feather Usually he had killed some one, and almost always the killing had been a thing to condemn, often without ven the The boaster, in ninety-nine cases out excuse of self-defense. So, at this point, Frank interrupted Buckskin Bob. “You will excuse me,” he said, without attempting to repress his aversion, “I have no desire to see the pictures of your victifns,”’ “Ho! ho!” laughed Raven. does it?” “Yes,” confessed the youth, “it makes me shiver.” “Too bad!” mocked the ruffian. “Timid little thing! It's a shame!” : “It makes me shiver,” said Frank, “to think that even the most degraded person in the world might find satisfaction in boasting of his murders.” “Makes ye shiver, _ “Waugh!” grunted the man with the woeful face. Buckskin Bob looked surprised, and then he frowned bldckly. . PR 3e careful!” he exclaimed. ‘Be choice of your language in addressing me, greenie!”’ His hand fell on his hip. Although he wore no weapon in sight, Merry doubted not that. he carried one where he could draw it promptly. WEEKLY. ‘self into trouble. Still Frank was not alarmed. “T always say what I mean,” he declared, looking 30b straight in the eye. “Why have you stopped me? I don’t know you, for which I am very thankful. | have no business with you.” He stepped quickly aside and attempted to pass the men. Raven whipped out a pistol with a lightning-lile movement and thrust the muzzle under Frank’s nose. “You may not know me,” he said; “but I know you, and I reckon I have some important business with you. Stand where you are!” Frank stood. CHAPTER IV. THE ENCOUNTER. Still he showed not a symptom of fear. He knew the ruffan would not shoot without provocation or ex- cuse of some sort, for he was not anxious to be hanged, and the time had passed when an unprovoked murder could go unpunished in Denver. \ “Put up your gun,’ he said, quietly. “You'll frighten no one by flourishing it, and you'll get your- Put it up!” s “You'll stay right here and talk to me a bit, or I'll be carrying another photo in my pocket,” said Buck- skin Bob. : . “Tf you have any business “T have.” “State it. “You've got Broadway Park engaged for to-mor- row afternoon?” yee “T want it.” “That’s unfortunate—for you.” . “IT want it,g@ repeated Raven, “and I’ve gotter have it.”’ “That’s right,” agreed the woeful-appearing man, “we've gotter have it.”’ My time is valuable.” “Sure we have, Happy,” nodded the man in buck- “Our outfit is here, and we can bring out the My men are ready to put up the advertising — skin. people. this morning.” “Our billboard and window advertising goes up to-. (lay. Already we have advertised in the papers i “But it’s only a baseball game you’re going to play, and that cah be cut out. thing. I have the finest bunch of broncho busters in the business, and we give an exhibition that will make ad your hair curl. We're the real stuff» Eh, Happy?” “You bet,’ nodded Happy, wretchedly. ne ‘There’s nothing in it—not a — Bs | TIP TOP WEEKLY. “We've got to pull out Wednesday to make our next date. Got this one here on a cancellation. So you understand, young feller, that we must have the park.” “That’s unfortunate for you,” repeated Merry, ‘“‘be- cause you can’t get it.”’ “T'll give you the price you paid for it.” “T don’t think you will.” “And add twenty-five dollars to that, Bob, as a second thought. ’ supplemented “You couldn’t get the park if you added five hun-— dred to the price I’ve paid.” “Ohsg come : “That’s straight. money in this game. to arrive in Denver by night. for expenses if I gave up the grounds. Besides, it would be said I was afraid to play them. No, sir; could not get those grounds if you offered me a thou- sand dollars. I think that settles it.” _. “Not yet!” half snarled the disappointed man. “I'll find a way to git the grounds. I don’t believe you've paid for them yet.” Frank smilingly produced the aCe he had re- ceived from the man who held the season’s lease of the There is something more than I expect Green and his Indians They would have a suit ; you grounds. “This ought to satisfy you,” he said, holding it up. “Let me see,” urged Raven. “I’m some nigh “sighted. Hold her closer.” Then he attempted to snatch the receipt from Merti- J ‘well’s fingers. Frank was too quick for the man, but Bob followed up the effort by seeking to get hold of the youth’s hand. | _Aroused at last, Merry struck the fellow with his left a blow that cracked like the report of a pistol. - Buckskin Bob was hurled against«the bar, which _ saved him from going down. y ie ‘With a snarl of surprise, Happy sought to draw a Weapon. j | Frank had him in a twinkling. He seized the small man’s wrists, saying, sharply : - “Don’t do it! You will get yours if you try!” _ The warning was not enough. Happy squirmed in can effort i break away, vowing he would shoot Merry ; up “some.” . i eed All the while, Frank had been watching: Raven. He saw a fearful look of fury settle on the face of the "boastful man-killer. The féllow’s eyes grew beady 7 iy narrowed to two thin slits. At that moment he The pistol, which he had restored to his pocket, he again whipped forth. Already Frank was in action. -He had shifted his hold on Happy. The little man was lifted from his feet and sent through the air headlong into the stomach of Buckskin Bob. é The shock doubled Raven up and both he and his companion fell in an ungraceful heap to the floor. The pistol flew from Bob’s hand. Frank quickly caught the weapon up. “I do not make a practice of carrying a gun,” he calmly; “but I know how to use one, just the If you two thugs think I don’t, just continue I promise you all said, same. the racket and see what you get. that’s coming.” The- people in the place had scattered and devs back, all fearing there would be some shooting and none wishing to get in the way of stray bullets. _ The bartenders had seemed dazed; but now two of them awoke and came to the front in a hurry. “None of this in here!’’ cried one. “You may rough-house it down to Waltrous’ place, but you can’t here. Do your fighting outside. Get out!” A quiet man stepped forward, saying: “T saw it all. This young man is not to blame. He did not look for the trouble, but they forced it on » him.” “Thank you,” said Merry. “All right, Mr. Garvin,” said one of the bartenders ; “we take your word for it.” | One or two of the spectators, who were recovering from their alarm, supported Garvin. “Then you get out, you two!” cried the bartender, threatening Raven and Happy. call a patrol and have you run in.” In the meantime, menaced by the revolver in Frank’s hand, neither of the men on the floor had dared drag forth another weapon. They were assisted to rise by the bartenders and started for the door. “T want my gun!” snarled Buckskin Bob. go till I get it! Call the police, drat ye! If you do, I'll come back here and put this joint to the bad and / you with it!” f »Frank had no thought of giving up the weapon un- til one of the men in the saloon thrust a pistol into his | / left-hand, saying: i “You may need them: both. re “Only one,’ cartridges. handed the useless ‘pistol to its owner. oat you don’t, Pll. Bathe Ribtinte. ’ said Merry, and he “broke” the weapon vats belonging to ‘Buckskin Bob, thus ejecting all the Then he stepped forward oe ee : oo nee ip nesta fis cateenentae naeenpplintttti yt asta ee ee omg ing i < . Beetle Gk Sis inten, he said ; ““but it’s empty, so don’t hurry about trying to use it.” ‘‘Here’s your gun,” The man took the pistol, giving Merry a’ terrible look. “Maybe I'll get a.chance to use it before long,” he said, significantly. “I ain’t one who forgets easy. 33 Better have your photograph taken to-day. CHAPTER V. A NEW KIND OF A MINE. Frank was given much advice by the men in the saloon, several of whom knew Buckskin Bob. SY “Better get out of Denver right away, young man,” i said one. “If you don’t, you’re as good as dead.” | “That’s straight,” joined in another. “Bob Raven -« will find a way to ghoot you upand get clear himself. He'll lay for you.” “Tf he lays, he may hatch trouble for himself,” said Frank, quietly. “TI am not afraid, for I have dealt with worse men than that one. I shall be on my guard. Of course he may assassinate me in some cowardly man- ner, but I have no idea of leaving Denver until after the baseball game to-morrow.” “He’s nervy, all right,’ muttered. proved that he’s able to fight.” __~ They found it useless to waste words on Merry. __ Finally the owner of the revolver insisted that Merry should carry it away with him, ¢ “You may send it to me when you are through sie t,’ he said. ‘‘Here is my address on this card.” “It’s kind of you,” said Merriwell; “but I have one ofmy own at the Shirley. I don’t think I’ll need a gun before I can get to the hotel.” “You never can tell. You may need it ag you get out of here. That man may lay for you. outside, pick a°fuss and shoot you full of lead.” “Well, you may be right,” laughed Frank. “Per- haps I had better keep it. I'll let you have the price ~ of the gun as security.” “Not much!’ exclaimed the man, indignantly. “What ae you take me for? No, sir! [’m lending you that gun.” “Oh, all right!’ cried Merry, quickly. ““I assure ne VOU J appreciate the kindness, and I will return it at the Loe earli&® n moment. If i ever have an opvormniy to do ~~” you a favor——” and he SS one; |“ ne sp pat atin Siegen gyi AES URE TES Re a sos “a pail oe --& The man was placated. He checked Hranies with a Again the Indian. hesitated.” “May not be able to faye éried Bart, — “Hush!” exclaimed ” Wauboose, ‘glancing around hastily. to BEN we > can.” TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Don’t Pie so loud. Of course we're going By this time the curiosity of Merry and Bart had been fully aroused, and both were eager to know the meaning of all this. They tried to induce the Indian to explain fully, but the more they questioned him the more cautious he became. “It’s not my place to talk,’ he declared. Green wants you to come to him.” “Let him come to us!” exclaimed Bart, who was be- ginning to grow indignant. “He proposed the game, I think he’s acted Merry was going to see that Why didn’t he let us know when he would arrive in town?” “Mr. and we've waited here to play him. rather peculiar about it. this billboard advertising was done. ‘““He knew his enemies would be watching for him, and so he had to move on the quiet. He'll explain everything to you when you come to see him. He can’t come to you, and you will make a mistake if you don’t come to him. T’ll talk no more.” The Indian assumed an air of dignity and reserve which added to Bart’s feeling of vexation and anger. “This is what we get for bothering with him at all, Merry!” cried Hodge. “It’s likely he’s held up here for debts, and he wants you to advance him some money. Look out for a skin game. These traveling baseball organizations are generally fakes, and I'm afraid Mr. Green’s outfit is like all the others.” “A few minutes ago,” reminded Frank, “you were telling me that you were satisfied he had the real thing.” “T know,” confessed the dark-eyed chap; “but I may have been mistaken. “I don’t like this ind of busi- ness. Strikes me there is something crooked about it. It’s disagreeable, anyhow. I’m in for letting Mr. Green sweat.” “Shall I tell him you will not come?’ demanded Wauboose. . “No,” said Merry, decisively ; “we'll come.” “Good,”’ nodded the Indian. “Where do we go?” “Follow.” Without another word, the Indian strode on in ad- vance. Beery “You'll be an easy mark if you let this Green work — any money out of you, Merry,’”’ growled Hodge, as he walked at Frank’s side. “Don’t be so previous,” advised Merriwell. don’t know that he wants money.” “Tl bet a hundred The police have nabbed him for a debt. The fellow has worked us to make a stake to start his season. It's: more than even eps ah that he i in debt last year. 6“ W e ; ’ dollars that is what he wants. _ 10 ae eee He knew your reputation, Frank, and he realized that he could get a good start great All this guff about being anxious to meet you for any other reason is sickening! is out for the dough. Winning or losing games is nothing to him if he can make money. Bet he'd be willing to go through a season without winning a single game if he could get the money just as well that way. See if ’m not right about him. I’m going to kick enough if you advance a dollar to him.” “All right,” laughed Frank; “but stop your kicking until I do.” They always do, you know. if he played you, as you would be sure to draw a crowd of spectators. Green CHAPTER VII. EASILY SNARED. They followed the Indian until they came to Arapa- hoe Street. There their guide turned to the east, with- out pausing to look round. Evidently his keen ears _ told him they were close behind. After walking some distance along this street, the young Indian stepped quickly into the open doorway of a building that seemed to be a combined saloon and hotel. This doorway was at one corner of the build- ing, while the saloon entrance was in the center, “Well, I don’t think much of a man who lodges his Indian ball players over a saloon,’’ admitted Merry. “T told you!” said Hodge.’ They mounted the stairs, which were narrow and dark. Ahead of them Wauboose flitted with silent step. led them along a gloomy hall. door of a room at the rear of the building, but re- ceived no answer, which seemed to surprise him some- hai Ee " Maybe not in,” he said, eng ue) the door. “Maybe in some other room.’ é | Frank and Bart followed him into the room, which was bare and poorly furnished, with one window Co ing out ona back alley. | Ste here was no one in the room. “ - “Mr. Green in the house,” said the Indian. “You wait. I'll find him quick. Sit down.” He motioned toward some chairs. “Well, now that we’re here, we may as well see him,” said Merfy, taking one of the chairs, ‘Make yourself comfortable, Bart. Hurry up and bring fo. _ “Ts this the place?’’ asked Frank, in surprise. “‘Is this where Green is stopping?” : “This is the place,’’ dec lared Wauboose. ‘‘Come.”’ Two flights were ascended, and then the Indian / Fle tapped twice on the WEEKLY. “Bring him right away,’ promised the half-blood, ot: slipping silently out of the room and closing the door. “Weill, now, what do you think of it; Merry?” asked Bart, unable to repress his disgust. ‘“Doesn’t it make you ill? I’m sorry we got mixed up in this business. We won't make a thing out of it. I don’t care what Lincoln, Nebraska, people think of Guy Green, I’ve made up my mind that he’s like all the rest of his kind who travel rouge with baseball teams to make money —a cheap guy.’ Merry scarcely seemed to hear Bart’s words. He j seemed to be thinking; while his eyes were swiftly ; taking in the aspect of the room. “Look here, Bart,” he finally said, in a low tone, “this room is not occupied. No one has taken it. Where do yous see trunks or traveling bags? Some- thing is wrong.’ : ® ae Merry rose from his chair and stepped ‘to the door ; of a closet, which he flung open. “Empty “T thought so.” Near at hand was another door, that seemed to com- municate with an adjoining room. - Frank tried it, but found it locked. oe P 5 “Something crooked in the air,” he whispered. ‘‘I 3 don’t know what it 1s, but I feel it. We'd better make ‘ a break out of this place, Bart.” “7 think you’re right,” muttered Hodge. “Come ase ‘ | They started for the door. To their surprise and consternation, they found it locked. “Now I’m sure!” muttered Merriwell, grimly. “Stand aside, Bart! [I’m | going to kick this door down in a hurry!” “Which is strictly ach? snarled Bath ahead, Frank!’ But before Merry could begin operations they heard a noise behind them and wheeled. ‘The door communicating with the adj joining room, which Frank had found locked, was now open, and through the doorway came two men, each having ¢ a pis- tol in his hand. These men were Buckskin Bob and Happy! “Put up your paws!’ cried Raven, pointing his pistol at Frank’s head. “It’s my turn now! Put ’ em up,. or | I’ll shoot you where you stand!” nS ee gee mae “And [ll sure shoot t ‘other gent if he dion’? elevate his!” declared Happy, covering Bart. ; Hodge was inclined to be slow, but Frank felt that. the two ruffians were dangerous, and so he said: “Up with theme Bart ; it’s best. They have us foul.’ OSUEE ( we have - ye foul!” cried errs euitingly. he. exclaimed. ess {2 _ Raven, pet oe and try something that would be bad for Hate’ ‘fools of white men. TIP TOP WEEKLY. II you could fool You “Why, with Bob Raven and not settle for your fooling? know my, record, and I'll take a heap of pleasure in adding your picture to my collection of dead ones. It'll give me joy to send you to join Spanker Cole, you poor fool, did you think Diamond Clark and the others. I ain’t killed a man for two weeks, and I’m just hankering after man meat.” The attitude of the desperado was sickening, and Merriwell felt himself attacked by a desire to rush at the wretch, wrest the pistol from him and give him the drubbing he deserved. At the same time, Frank knew the man was a murderous wretch who took de- light in bloodshed when in no particular danger him- Self, and he felt that Raven would shoot unless obeyed. Hodge put his hands up, but he growled sullenly, and his dark eyes glared like those of a panther. “Watch him, Happy,’ commanded Bob. “If he makes a move that you think suspicious, drill him.” “T will,” promised Happy, who seemed regretful that there was no excuse to do the drilling without delay. 7 : “Now,” added Raven, “‘just to let you two young gents know what you're up against, I'll inform you that i ing . { -my friend, Jim Blood, who done such good work lead- ing you here, is in the door behind you, with a gun pointed at your backs.” Merry had heard the door open and knew some one was there. / They were trapped, and it seemed useless for them to offer resistance. In fact, it seemed worse than use- - less—it looked like madness. Behind them the Indian who had led them there was standing in the open door. His dark eyes shone with a look of crafty satisfaction as fe entered the : room and closed the door behind him: “Just get at these two pretty chaps, Jim,” said “and relieve them of their guns. They might them.” " The eyes of Hodge seemed to take on a fresh gleam of fire’ W hen he saw t the face of the halt-bidod. So it’s Wauboose! ! he muttered. sneered the et “That’s not my I am Jim Blood. TI play better baseball than any on Green’s teani, but he would not have me. Now I am with Buckskin Bob's Broncho Busters.”” | 83 Don’ t talk, Jim” of their guns.” | “Wauboose! ry called Raven. -“J ust relieve them ¥ eis ey a Two IER N iia atl 9 boa would have resisted being disarn mes but ae advised him to submit, and the half-blood took their pistols. “Put the guns on the table there,” directed Raven. “That’s the stuff. Now we'll talk to the pretty boys. Bimeby maybe we'll shoot a few holes in them, just for gun practice.”’ The Indian placed the pistols on the table, as di- rected. Raven faced: Merry with a sneering smile on his sin- ister face. ‘“‘Now, my pretty boy,” he said, tauntingly, “T’ve got ye just where I want ye. You reckoned yourself a whole lot smart when you got gay with your fists in Sexton’s, but it would have been a heap better for you if you had been some careful. No man ever swatted Buckskin Bob and got off with a whole skin up to date, and I don’t think I’ll permit you to be any excep- tion. You'll certain get what’s coming, and get it good and sufficient.” It was plain the ruffan hoped to awaken Merry’se fear and make the youth show the white feather. He was a bit annoyed by the fact that neither Frank nor Bart seemed greatly alarmed, although they had per- mitted themselves to be disarmed. Advancing, Raven shook his pistol threateningly un- der Merry’s nose. ; “Back up!’ he commanded—“back up against the wall! That’s right; now stand there.” Frank had obeyed without murmur or protest. “Kinder ca’med down since we last met, ain’t ye!” sneered Buckskin Bob. “Ain't riding the same high horse you was then. Did you have your picture taken? Didn't? Well, that’s too bad, for I wanted a copy to add to the collection I have in my pocket.” “What are you driving at?’ demanded Frank: “What's If you ‘mean to shoot, you're Habiie. lots of time about it.’ “You certain can’t be anxious to cash in your chips, so I allow you're a bluffer. There’s just one way for s you to escape being shot up complete. You know I want Broadway Parkefor to-morrow afternoon, I did reckon on doing my advertising to-day. You've en- gaged the park.’ If you'll sign her over to me for to- morrow, perhaps ,I’ll reconsider my determination to add your picture to my collection. What do you oi Br 9: “I say “No, ” answered Merry, quietly. your game? CHAPTER VIII. v7 THE MYSTERIOUS VOICE. “No?” snarled Buckskin Bob, in surprise. “No,” repeated Frank, unruffled. Si 12 : “Well, you certain are a bigger fool than I took you for! “Better not, “Why ?” “Because you'll hang for it.” Ha! ha! The rope ain’t made stretch the neck of Bob Raven. that way. your prayers, for I’m going to bore you.” He looked murderous enough, although he did not lift his voice in making the declaration. I sure will have to shoot you.” ” said Frank. that will You can’t scare me All right, young fellow—no, Say “Hang! 4s: Retreating a step, he seerned on the verge of carrying out his threat. “Let’s not stand still to be murdered in cold blood, Merry!” whispered Hodge, his muscles taut and his eyes gleaming. : Apparently Frank said something to his companion in a low tone, but in the midst of it he stopped in an attitude of listening. A strange, hollow groan seemed to proceed from some indefinite point near at hand. It was a sound of such distress and agony that it was suggestive of a hu- man being in the throes of death. “What was that?’ asked Happy, an expression of alaym making his constantly wretched face seem even more woeful. The Indian likewise seemed startled. _“Aw, only some drunk in another room,” Is s-ven, w said Ra- Even Merriwell seemed and Frank ob- served: relieved, “Tt sounded to me like the groan of a dying man. Made me think of the men you have killed. I should fancy they would haunt you.” “Bah! Dead men never bother anybody. When they’re dead they’re done for, and you'll be done for directly. Have you said your prayers: e _ Again that mysterious groan reached their ears, this time more distinct and more terrible than before. Happy shivered and turned pale. “That ain’t no drunk,” he said, in a husky tone of voice. - Jim Blood looked ill at ease. s Then all seemed to listen for another repetition of | the sound. Instead they heard a low, ghostly voice that distinctly said: E . “The grave is dark and cold, dark and cold!” “ _ “Lordy! lordy!’ whispered Happy, beginning , to -,. Shiver. “Who is the critter ?>--and where is he at ?” 2 am dead and buried!” declared the mysterious i voice. “Twas murdered!” wo TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Lordy! lordy!” repeated Happy, and his teeth rat- tled togetlfer, while his knees quivered. Jim Blood backed toward the door: “Stop!” cried Raven, harshly. “Don’t you scoot, Jim! It ain’t nothing but some crazy fool somewhere who’s got the jimjams.” Now the voice seemed to rise from beneath their very feet, and even Buckskin Bob betrayed nervousness when it said: “You killed me, Bob Raven! Why didn’t you give me decent burial so that I might rest in my grave?” “Thunder!” gasped the ruffan. “Who are you?” “I am Spanker Cole. Oh! the grave is dark and cold!” . er “Tt’s somebody in that closet!” cried Raven, sav-* agely. “Open the door, Jim, and fill the galoot full of lead! Go ahead!’ The half-blood hesitated a moment, and then, pistol in hand, he rushed at the closet door and flung it wide open, ready to. shooty* The closet was empty. “No one here!” he declared. “Look in the grave for me!” directed the awe-in- spiring voice. ‘You will find me there.” , By this time Happy was so agitated ‘that the hand holding his pistol nearly relaxed and permitted the | weapon to fall to the floor. Blood backed off from the empty closet, once more betraying a desire to flee from. the room. Hodge was watching the men closely, and he fancied the moment to attack them had come, but Merry d did not give the signal. an iN Raven swore, Ms “Tt-—— . ” SI's 8 ke trick!’ he snarled. “Murder! murder!” cried the mysterious vaice, +’ “Your hands are stained with blood, but you shall The hand of the law is reaching for you! It will clutch you. You'll squirm in vain. It will drag you to the gallows. When you stand with the rope about your neck I'll be at your side. Yovrll not see me, but I'll be there, and I'll whisper taunts in your ear. I'll laugh as they adjust the noose and draw the black cap over your'eyes.. My voice ,will be the last you'll hear as the trap falls. Ha! ha! ha!” he This was too much for the man-killer. For the first time he ceased | to watch Merriwell.. The instant his eyes wandered, Frank made a pantherish spring and clutched the man’s right wrist with ‘his left hand, giy- hang! ing the man’s arm a painful twist and a wrench that ~ ras brought it round behind his back.» Merry pushed the | ruffian’s arm against the small of his back, at the same. se 77, & : \ : . fe AT a Pa Z 7 sce * tS ee Ee oss iis tain SE ct -against him. Frank. - door and let him loose.” PP“ TOP-WHEKLY. 13 ght hand and grasping the left side of his jaw. Keeping his arm © time reaching over Bob's should@ with his ri stiff and using Bob’s shoulder as a fulcrum, Frank pried the rufhan’s head upward, backward and to the right. In this manner, with astonishing ease and swiftness, Merriwell rendered Buckskin Bob utterly helpless. In his struggle to break away the scoundrel dropped the pistol to the floor. Meanwhile Jim Blood had fled from the room, thor- oughly terrified by the mysterious voice, and Hodge had flung himself on Happy, whose abject terror made him pitifully helpless. 5 He had the pistol wrenched from the woeful little wretch in a twinkling, Bart dealt hastily with Happy. Then he rushed the man out of the door and gave him a kick at the head of the stairs that carried him clean to the foot of the first flight. Happy did not linger there. Picking himself up, he fled to the head of the next flight and fell all the way to the bottom. He was not far behind Blood when the Indian rushed out into the street. * Hodge turned back and found Merry holding Raven helpless with the utmost ease. _ “What are you going to do with the whelp, Frank?” asked Bart. “Will you turn him over to the police?” “I’m. considering,” said Merry. “I think I'll give I don’t care to go to court to appear If he'll get out of Denver on the jump I believe I'll let him go. If not, Pll send him to jail, him one chance. -and he’ll do time for this job.” “Send him to jail anyhow,” urged Bart. “It’s what he deserves.” 3° “T know it’s what he deserves, but——— “Lemme go!” whispered Raven, huskily and with difficulty. “Tl git.” “Tle lies,” said Bart. “He won’t do it.” “T- swear I will!’ muttered. Bob. “Tf you fail,” said Merry, “T’ll put the police on you and appear against you when you are arrested.” “Tl go,” again promised Raven, who was thor- oughly cowed and now appeared like anything but a mangkiller. : ; | “Ixam going to take his word for it, Bart,” said “Pick up his pistol. We'll escort him to the So they marched Buckskin Bob down the two flights of stairs and out into the street. “Go!” commanded Merry. “Shake the dust of Den- ver off your feet in a hufry.” a long time,” he said. Without a word, the cowed rascal hurried westward along Arapahoe Street. CHAPTER IX. THE MANAGER OF THE INDIANS. “That was clever of you, Merry,” said Bart, as they sauntered away side by side. “What?” asked Merriwell, with an air of surprise. “That ventriloquial business. You worked it at pre- cisely the right moment, and you frightened the whole bunch until they were ready to dodge at a shadow.” Frank smiled. “It seemed to me the only way to get out of that trap. We walked into it like a pair of easy marks, I reckoned that Raven might be superstitious and easily frightened. and it was up to us to find a way out. That is how I happened to try ventriloquism on him. My chief fear was that my voice would not sound like the voice of Spanker Cole, or that Cole was illiterate in his speech, and I would fall down through failing to keep up his characteristics. I saw in a moment that | had them all going, and I pushed it to the limit. When Raven’s nerve gave out I jumped him and gave him a_ taste of jiu-jitsu, The half-blood had skipped, and Happy proved an easy thing for you. We can thank our luck, for there is no telling how we would have come out had I been unable to frighten them.” . “You seldom fail, Merry,” said Bart, with a faint “T was surprised when you gave up so easily; but I knew you were looking for some sort of an open- ing all the time.” When they returned to the hotel, an hour later, they found that the manager of the Indian team had been there and departed. He had left word that he would call later. Denver was thoroughly billed by Green, who seemed’ the sort of a man who never did/anything by halves. When Merry met Green at the Shirley late that af- ternoon he was well pleased by the appearance of the manager of the redskins. Green was a genial, clean- cut chap, a college graduate and a gentleman. He shook hands heartily with Frank. “T’ve been anxious to pit my team against yours for “Tried to make connections with you last season, but I didn’t get track of you until the season was practically over.” “T didn’t play baseball much last year,” explained Merry. “Got the boys together and gave Harvard, Yale and Manhattan College a game each.” “You mean you took a game from each of those teams,” laughed Green. “Oh, you see, I keep posted smile. 14 TIP, TOP IP about your doings! you have this year.” “Do you think so?” “Sure. You had your brother with you, and I be- lieve he did some fancy pitching for you. Wasn't it his work in the box that won the game at New Ha- ‘ 3ut you had a better team than ven?” “Practically “Besides that, I hear your arm is not quite what it used tc be. You once threw a curve that was called the double shoot ?” “T did—once.”’ “You've dropped it. against Leland Stanford, “Well, you have been keeping close Ww atch of me!” Didn’t use it in your game out in California.” cried Frank. Again Green laughed. “T told you so. What happened to your arm? Hope you're not getting glass in it?” “T don’t think so.” “But I was told that you often hurt it throwing the double shoot. : _“T have wrenched it occasionally,”’ “Wise boy to quit! I have a crockery wing myself.” “Then you played baseball once on a time?” ““Did I! I was captain and first baseman on my kid nine up in Nebraska. When I went to Doane College I was first baseman of the scrubs for two years. In my third year I became captain of the regulars. In my last year I was compelled to catch, as we had no other catcher, and I just threw my wing off trying to head off runners who were sneaking down to second. I’ve played several positions since then. One season I was in the outfield, and I could eat anything in the shape of a fly that I could reach, but I had to-bring the ball in to the diamond. if you care to linger on the slab.” “Thanks,” smiled Merry. “The advice is good. It’s a wonder I didn’t ruin my arm when I first discovered the secret of the double’ shoot. A drop pitcher soon - goes to the stable for good, and throwing the double shoot is harder on the arm than throwing the drop.” “Even if you were able to use your so-called double shoot,” said Green, “I don’t thiuk it would bother my ‘boys much. They are natural hitters, and they make almost any sort of a pitcher weary when they go after him in earnest.” | “Well, ” said Frank, te ~ pats with them to-morrow. | 3 “Well, you bring your best kinks with you if you're ll them to bring their hitting They'll need them.” man, Wauboose, has a score to settle with him. Take care of your arm, old man, WEEKLY. going to pitch agains®them, for you'll need a full ré- pertoire.” “Don’t frighten me!’ exclaimed Merry, in mock supplication. rh “Oh, I know your're easily frightened,” was Green’s What do 2) bantering retort. “Your record shows that. you think “Good. shape.” “Yes; and we'll wake them up with a parade to-mor- row forenoon. Wanted to see you about that. Won't you and your team come out with us? I’m going to have Cook’s Drum Corps, and we'll stir "em some.’’« Frank begged to be excused. in the parade, but this the prospect is of turning out a crowd: I see you've been billing the town in hot in urging him to take part Merry declined to do. “All right,” said the manager of the Indians. “TI suppose you have some sort of scruples about it, but I think it’s business.” “T’m not in baseball as a business, you know, Merriwell. “With me it’s nothing but sport.” “But you don’t object to making a few dollars at the same time, I suppose? Oh, I won’t urge you any more!” “By the way,” cried Merry, “did you ever hear of an Indian by the name of Jim Blood?” “Blood? You bet. He’s a bad one.” “T’ve found that out.” “He played with the Sioux Indians one season., Tried to get into my team, but I wouldn’t have him. He’s been in a number of bad scrapes. My second base- ” said had a mix-up in Stromsburg one day and Blood tried to cut Wauboose with a knife.” “Blood has been using Wauboose’s name here in Denver.” “How’s that ?” Frank explained. “Tf Wauboose hears of this he’ll surely go out after Blood’s scalp,” his story. f “T don’t believe Buckskin Bob or any of his bunch will linger in Denver.” “That man Raven is a bad one, epee grudge against me because I got an engagement away from him at Independence, Iowa, last year. | said oe when Merry had finished He is a He was Green was persistent They hi trying to get in there at a fair, but I beat him to it, and _ he’s been doing his best since then to square up with That was why he tried to force you to give up) I’m glad you got the best me. Broadway Park to-morrow. of him, Bint oe let Eee ae altogether too easy, You Loft ng tite. Pe pr: mn B al th ri tr SU eCal - to fr SI pe ch th: de Wwe yo Se, Wee Se oe ae PRB. XB gwen Ges tite fe ie eae ‘ cs tain region, TIP TOP WEEKLY. 5 should have pushed him. It would do him good to serve a month or two behind the bars.” “According to his gwn confession he should be serving a life sentence for murder.’ “And I think that’s right. He may not leavegtown, and hell be fierce to come back at you, Merriwell. Better keep your eyes peeled.” “If he causes me any more trouble there'll be no let- off for him. He'll get all more,” promised Merry. that’s coming and then some ‘CHAPTER AnGG RE AN. x. CROWD. Green’s parade on the following forenoon was a suc- cess in every respect. Cook’s Drum Corps, one of the biggest organizations of the kind in the Rocky Moun- | marched ahead of the Indians, rattling forth their most stirring :music. The streets were thronged, and people stopped everywhere to gaze at the redskins, Early that afternoon there was a great rush for Broadway Park. The street cars bound southward along Broadway were “loaded to the guards,” whilg the sidewalks on the both sides of the street were twin rivers of humanity flowing in the same direction. Out at the park the crowd jammed about the en- trance and almost fought in its eagerness to get in. Thirty minutes before the game was to begin, the grand stand seemed packed to suffocation, while the sun-scorched bleachers were crowded. And still they peCaAme, Never had there been such an outpouring in Denver - to witness a game of baseball. In the grand stand there was a gathering of Denver friends of Merriwell, the most of whom resided at the Shirley. They were the first to spy Frank as he ap- peared at the head of his team, and they started the cheering. ‘ The Merries were greeted with a great shout from ‘the multitude. Not a few of the ladies joined in the demonstration, and the crowd of boys on ‘the seats oe of the grand stand were particularly vociferous. _ Frank’s players pulled off their sweaters Lane began | a © ptctice without delay. “They'll scalp them Injuns to-day,” declared one 3 youngster. “Aw, g’wan!” retorted nebes “Me cousin, in hideout, writ me “bout the Injuns, an’ he says they can skin the Boston Americans.” “Tell your cousin to go die! Reckon he never ‘itera the game begins. Ay t Him an’ his team can beat the the New York Nationals both ° f Frank Merriwell. Boston Americans an’ togedder.” “Bet yer two bits the Injuns beat.” “Go yer! It’s easy money.” Merry’s players got in ten minutes of sharp practice before the Indians appeared. Suddenly there was a cry: “There they come!” Green and the Indians came marching onto the field. If anyone had fancied the Indians were fakes, that per- son was now compelled to realize that Green had the “real thing,’ for the most of them seemed to be full- blooded redmen. From various sections of the grand stand and the Bleachers came mock war whoops of greeting. The Indians marched to their bench, opened their bat bags and arranged their paraphernalia. Then they peeled off and prepared for practice. Frank walked over and shook hands with Green. “How does this crowd suit you?” he asked. “It staggers me,” confessed the manager of the red skins. “I expected a big turnout, but I looked for nothing like this. Why, the whole city is here!” “Not quite, although it looks that way. We'll make some money to-day.” “Oh, yes; your third of the receipts will be a plenty.” “Our third?” “That’s what I said.” “But you meant our two-thirds.” “No, I didn’t.. After seeing this crowd I couldn't think of letting you have a look in at the game. It’s — two-thirds for us and one-third for you; but you'll be doing well at that.” Green’s eyes were twinkling. ‘My dear fellow,” smiled Frank, “don’t set your heart on more than a third of the money, unless you take pleasure in being disappointed. Your bucks have stage fright now.” “They recover easily, and they'll get over it before Why, I’m so sure of this game that * I’m not even going to put in my best pitcher. Tobey is good enough for this game. I'll let Rapp rest on the bench.” “Tt’s hard on Tobey,” said Merry. 7 Then they arranged the preliminaries, after which the Indians took the field for practice. | It was agreed that two umpires should officiate, Green providing one and Frank the other. Green had an umpire ready for the occasion ; Merry chose Dick Starbright. _ gravely. 16 At first the redskins really seemed overcome by the magnitude of the gathering of spectators, for they be- gan to practice in anything but an encouraging man- ner, the infielders making several bad stops and throws, while the outfielders muffed flies that should have been caught. But soon they settled down to business and demonstrated what they could do. At the finish they were performing feats which marked them as clever and silenced those spectators who had been inclined to jeer at them. The lineup of the teams was recorded on the score books as follows INDIANS. Little Doctor, rf. Small Bird, 3d b. Short Bull, 1st b. Wauboose, 2d b. MERRIES. Ready, 3d b. Morgan, ss. Badger, li. Merriwell, p. Hodge, c. Scraper, rf. Gamp, cf. Tabasekeshick, c. Browning, Ist b. Laughing Eye, lf. Raitleton, 2d b. Wahoo, ss. Dunnerwurst, rf. Tobey, p. The tossing of a coin had given Green the choice of innings, and he sént his team onto the field. ‘the Indians gathered at their bench. Suddenly, with a shrill whoop and a series of sharp yells, they trotted onto the field, spreading out fanlike to their positions. \ Tobey danced into the box, Starbright opening a “box and tossing a new ball to him. ‘“THere’s a fine opening in new goods,” cried the In- ‘ian pitcher, as Ready took his position to strike. “Play ball!” cried Starbright. CHAPTER XI. READY ON THE STRING. “Beware, O gentle-eyed aborigine!”’ said Ready, “Heed my words of warning and keep the spotless sphere out of my reach, unless you are anxious to see it sail far over yonder fence.” ambient atmosphere,” “Oh, dear! oh, dear!’ said Tobey. Pt to knock it so far: 2”? ma expect to project it a vast distance through the answered Jack. _ “How careless!” grinned the redskin pitcher. _ Then he shot one over, and Ready missed it. Tobey turned quickly and looked toward the fence, q shading his eyes from the sun with his dusky hand. “Oh, dear! oh, dear!” he exclaimed. “Did it go “over sige | i! “One gifilees? sainencet Staxbhight was actually rattled by the catcher. I am the only one who can wag a jaw with “Are you going TIP TOP WEEKLY. “My! my!” said Tobey, as if greatly surprised. “It didn’t go over?” “Wait,” advised Jack, undisturbed. “I didn’t want to put that one over. There is a great plentitude of time.’’® : “A what?” inquired Tobey: “Do you speak your own language?” “T do occasionally Tabasekeshick patted Jack on the back. “Don’t mind,” he said, soothingly. “It was hard luck. Yc aybe. Keep on try- ing, but don’t shut your eyes. Tobey has poor control, You can’t see to dodge with Do you pitch?” and he might hit you. your eyes*shut,”’ Jack gasped. “Have I come thither to be chaffed by a copper- colored son of the warpath?” “Lo! and behold! it is too much for Caucasian blood to endure!” The catcher gave Tobey, a sign, and the pitcher whistled over another ball, keeping it high and close to Jack’s shoulder. , Again Ready missed. “Two strikes!” cried Starbright , stop that!” shouted easeuecine head with pretended anger at Tobey. one he can see!’ Then he again patted Ready on the back. “Tt ain’t right,” he declared. “I won’t let him do it any more. How are your folks at home? Do you think they would miss you much if Tobey should hap- pen to hit you?” “Refrain from your joshing,” he murmured. shaking his “Give Bennie 1 implored Jack, who “T like it not, Tab, my boy. such carelessness. You are infringing on my sacred right.” “Too bad! too bad!” cried Tab, again shaking his head: in pretended anger at Tobey. “He’s death. See him tremble.”’ Then he stepped out before Jack and seemed to have “3 a fit of ague, shaking and shivering all over in the most — ludicrous manner. Tobey grinned. “Shall I bring the next one to him?” he asked. ‘What does he want? I don’t bélieve he ever hit a ball in his life.” “Oh, yes, he has!” warmly metoited: the bate: “He'll hit the very next one—won’t you, friend?” Once more he resorted to the nerve- trying trick of 4 i Sf / patting Jack on the back. , fi oe ae moment later Tobey pitched again, oo this time i scared to os { : alent en ova My oa NG a lin at i ate nee Par rm +e fie VE Ben ee slam it good and sufficient. = Jack had good judgment and let the ball go by. It was a wide outcurve, and Starbright called a ball. bats better,” said Tab. “Don’t throw them so near him. See how pale he is.’ The next was an inshoot, and baa Ready did not move his bat. “Two balls.” “Tve told you to stop!” shouted the catcher to To- bey. “How do you expect him to strike when he can’t see them at all?” / Ready gazed sorrowfully at the catcher and then cast a helpless glance at his friends on the bench. Frank was laughing. “This is the first time,” he observed, “that I’ve ever seen anyone get Jack Ready on the string.” “Vos id fairness?” inquired Dunnerwurst, with an _air of wondering stupidity. “If they keep that game up with me,” muttered Hodge, “I’m willing to bet there will be a few dead redskins around here before the game ends.” “If you let that pair know they can josh you they will be sure to rub it in,” declared Merry. “Jack is particularly vulnerable, because he shoots his mouth off so much himself.” “But I don’t want any catcher putting his paws on ’ growled Bart. ” said Buck Badger. “He'll Tobey will put the next “Ready will hit it yet, Due over. : Ready also believed the pitcher would put the next one over if possible, and so he was prepared to “go watter it.” « a Tab Saughall behind the bat and gave the signal. Apparently Tobey took le pains and sent in a _ straight one. Jack swung for it. OA sharp outdrop fooled ‘him nicely, and he missed z once more, the ball landing with a plunk in the big PERS mitt of the man behind the plate. : As Ready fanned the third Feds Tabasekeshick ut- . tered a shrill war whoop, which was echoed by Tobey. £ The pitcher rushed forward and joined the catcher. | Then they did a wild and grotesque war dance round Jack. } eS Ready ied on in helpless bewilderment. S| clapped both hands to his scalp lock, gave a yell of ap- parent terror, aaa a Toke and fled as if for his _ Then he, very life. a TIP.TOP: WEEKLY. to | handle, CHAPTER THE REDSKIN XI. ‘PLAYERS. The spectators were laughing and cheering. The opening of the game had pleased them fully as much as it pleased the Indians. Manager Green sat smiling placidly on the bench. He had seen this sort of thing before. He knew every player on his team was simply bubbling over with en- thusiasm and a keen desire to defeat the Merries. He had talked to them about Frank and his great team. He had “rubbed it in,” by telling them time after time that, good as they fancied themselves, the Merries would best them without half trying. He had praised them at the proper times, but he had taken pains to arouse all their, pride over this one game and fill them with the most intense longing fo defeat the “Merriwell bunch.” Green was a good business man and a clever adver- He knew the value of advertising, and he spent money freely for advertising of the right sort. He had meditated on the matter and decided that winning a game from Frank Merriwell and his team would be worth thousands of dollars. Although the Nebraska Indians were well known, Frank Merriwell was known a thousand times better. Scarcely was there a boy in the whole United States who had not heard of Merri- well and who did not know his history as a pitcher and tiser. as a manager of a wonderful independent baseball | team. Boys generally believed Frank and his team in- ~ In case the Indians won, Green meant to ad- vincible vertise the fact everywhere he appeared, knowing it would prove marvelously effective in arousing interest, wonder and an ee desire to see the red men play. He was anxious, but no one could have dreamed it from his manner. Up to the very beginning of eS game he had persisted in telling his players, that they would be trimmed by the Merries. The moment he appeared on the field his whole manner changed, and he urged the Indians to go in and win, assuring them | Through his cleverness he had ‘awakened all the pride of the Indians, and aroused _ their determination to do or die, and then, at last, had ; led them to believe their spirit. of determination was ee 80 impressive that he had come to believe agstert his that they could do it. will that they would succeed. This man’s success in managing » Indian ball players - ‘was something really astonishing, for it is a well- _ known fact that such a team is the hardest in the world é He had made a study of the peculiarities : of th the redskins he oem when to De. stern, when to . be ie “4 reserved and haughty, when to be friendly and affable, when to rebuke and when to praise. So well had he learned how to do these things that he could tall to his players ina manner that must have brought revolt and disorganization had any other man in his position at- He permitted none of them to become a Te treated all of them squarely and above- There were some he liked better than others, tempted it. favorite. board. knew nothing of it. When a player began to get the Green promptly found a way to reduce Either that, or he let the player go and filled his place with another He made them work together to win, found this the most difficult thing to teach. They were individually brilliant, and it was hard to*bring them to “swelled head,” the swelling. and more modest man. although he the point of sacrificing individuality for team work. The Indians were from many tribes. Little Doctor was a half-breed Chippewa, Small Bird was a half- breed Sioux, while Short Bull was a full-blooded Sac and Fox. Wauboose, whose name had been taken by Jim Blood, was a half-breed Osage—small, slim and like a cat on his feet. Scraper was a yéeelineens . built, full-blooded Arapahoe, over six feet tall and than one hundred and_ ninety. Laughing Eye was a short, fat, full-blooded Klamath, weighing not less always jolly and good-natured, although very sensitive about the size of his legs. Wahoo was a tall, lanky hhalf-breed Sioux with an enormous nose. Tobey was a half-breed Arapahoe and a great jollier. But in many respects Tabasekeshick was the star of the team. cated at Carlisle. He was a fine catcher, a great thrower to bases, a good batter and the fastest runner on the team. On the bench were Rapp, the star. tbe of the team; Wayahkemick, a utility pitcher, ane Big Scout, a general utility man. . Wayahkemick and Big Scout wwere ‘fierce-looking, scowling chaps, typical savages in aspect, the terrors of small boys, but really very peaceable and harmless fellows when treated properly. They took gentine _ pleasure in giving the impression that they were blood- Pa thirsty and anxious for trouble. . It took a man of great tact and diplomacy to handle such a team as this, and Green had proved himself the rs - man for the position. Without becoming overfamiliar - with the players, he had taught them to respect him | “and to entertain a feeling of loyalty and affection for him. While keeping aloof in a certain sense, he never ca gave them cause to believe that he felt himself superior : to foes ee was one of them, $e their Eee Ss and, but he kept this to himself, and the Indians themselves — He was a full-blooded Chippewa and had been edu- 18 TIP TOP WEEKLY. who must be obeyed. Disobedience he would not tolerate, and he knew how to enforce his commands without arousing enmity and a secret long- ing for revenge. This man’s therefore, the one 1 the conclusion that the great cause of trouble and dis- agreement between the red man and the white man since the landing of the latter on the Western Con- tinent had been their inability to understand each other, combined with the inclination of the shrewd paleface to take advantage of his less sophisticated, copper-skinned brother. On the part of the white man the act of a bad Indian was regarded as typical of In- dians in general; and the redskin, defrauded and wronged by a dishonest wlnte man —perhaps distrusted and held in contempt by his own people-—has come to regard all white men as dishonest and untrustworthy. In every particular Green dealt strictly “on the level’’ He did not take them into his confidence in regard to his business affairs, for he knew the manager who did such a thing with either red or white players was bound to bring trouble on his with his players. own head; but in every necessary dealing he was open and aboveboard with them. Having worked them up to the proper spirit of en- thusiasm and determination, he was satisfied that they would strain every nerve to defeat their opponents; and, although he seemed to sit smiling and indifferent of the outcome, in his heart he was anxious for suc- cess. He was there to. watch every play, as a great general watches the evolutions of his army in battle, ready at any moment ‘to issue orders or to direct strat- egic maneuvers. 7 ; Rapp smiled a little as Tobey and Tabadekashicle danced and whooped round Jack Ready. | “Good!” he said, quietly. ‘You not need me, Mr. Green. Tobey can win against them.” “All the same,’ said the. manager, ready to go into the box any moment. Tobey and Tabasekeshick can’t rattle every batter like that.” _—_— ; CHAPTER Y XIII. THE SECOND BATTER. On the highest row of the eastern bleachers, ‘up near the fence, sat two persons who had slipped into the in- closure“in the midst of the crowd, taking care to ntake themselves unobtrusive and not to attract the attention of the players. They were Bob Raven and Tim Blood, the Indian. At ment of Merriwell. the | es of Raven narrowed _ . . . & . experience with Indians had led him to “I want you , haa Sahih iinet Ne Be pn DONG pine ain ape tones ene di peaacmmenigis hes $a) ck lapse into silence. to two thin slits, whil ricked look tled on his evil | face 5 Blood seemed undisturbed until peared. began to shine and his hands to close. 1 murderously w the Indians ap- When they marched onto the field his eyes Leaning toward Raven, he muttered: “There is Wauboose! out, and I'll do it yet!” mY 65," skin Bob, . guardedly, there is Merriwell, the only cuss who ever hit me with I have sworn to cut his heart growled Bucks ‘and his fist and got off with whole skin. But I’ll be carry- ing his picture in my pocket before I leave Denver!” “He thinks you have gone already.” 66 : . mr ; I want him to think so. That’s why I sent my out- fit away and Happy along witht. I kept you with me because you have some nerve. Happy is a coward.” “Anyone might be frightened to hear a voice from said Blood. CONT the spirit ra No living thing can frighten me.’ “Bah! “’Then what was it?” I don't believe that was any ghost.” “T don’t know. Somebody must ’a’ been hiding done the talking. to haunt me, he’d done it long somewhere and Anyhow, it wasn’t a ghost. If Cole meant before this. I shot him up five years ago.” “Tt was a spirit,” asserted Blood. speak before. I’ve heard their voices at night when the wind came through the hills. It was a spirit.” ‘Well, ghost or no ghost, I’m going to shoot up Merriwell this day. That’s what I’m here for. I can do it in this crowd and get away. My horse is hitched, outside. In the midst of the game, at a moment when the excitement is greatest, I shall shoot. Then I'll scale the fence behind me, reach my horse and ride away.” “What shall I do?” “You had better come with me.” “But I came here to get at Wauboose, and I wish not to leave without letting him feel the edge of my knife.” n'a “Better stick by me. Let’s have a drink.” Then Raven produced a pint bottle, from which both drank. Already they had taken enough, so their blood was inflamed and they thirsted for revenge on the ones e ae fancied had injured them. The spectators near. them were annoyed and dis- One man said something about making a “complaint and, having them put off the ground, but _ Buckskin Bob gave him a ks that caused him to re- dee cP WEEKLY: set- “T’ve heard them - 19 The bat. The moment Dade took his place, Tabas gan giving him advice. game progressed, ‘gan following Ready at ekeshick be- said the the umpire put him out of the game. You'll do better than the last fellow. He was awfully frightened. I think perhaps you may make a foul before the game is ended.” “Don’t be afraid to stand up to the plate,” catcher. “If Tobey hits you I’ll have I like you. From second base Wauboose cried: y little college boy! My! but t one, Tobey. He'll cry if you another prett Let him hit “Here’s he is sweet! don’t.” “Well, think of being joslied by a bunch of cadstivie Merry?’ asked Hodge. “It’s a novel experience,” ‘smiled Frank; rather like it.” ate “Morgan is mad,” grunted Browning. ; Indeed, Dade looked mad. gether and his eyes flashing. vhat do you ad a4 His lips were pressed to- He said nothing to the chaffing of Tabasekeshick and the grinning of Tobey did not disconcert him. The first ball looked wide, and Dade let it pass. Starbright declared it a ball. “It looked good to me! It looked good to me!” muttered Tobey, shaking his head. “Oh, give him a straight one,” advised Wauboose. “This bunch of farmers can’t beat anybody.” Tobey tried an inshoot, and Dade missed it. “Strike one!” shouted Starbright. ““Ah-ha! we fooled you!” whooped Wauboose.. > The catcher showed Dade the ball in his mitt, saying: “Too bad! too bad! That was hard luck. may do better—you may.” Wahoo danced around at short like an ungainly _ camel. Some of the boys on the eastern bleachers be- gan to shout at him. “Where did you get that nose, shortstop ?” ee ee You one. “See him do the ghost dance.” a “They'll all be doing the ghost dance before Merri- . well is through with them.” ‘ ns oe “Oh, say; isn’t that nose a beauty! It’s big as a man’s foot.” | ; ‘ Wahoo did not like this; and he pretended not to” es hear, although he was plainly annoyed. a Tobey pitched again, but it was too high, and sic a other ball, was called: fs 3 of % “You're beginning to'shiver,” said the catcher, ad-— & 20 dressing Dade. ‘Don’t be frightened. If he hits you you'll never know it. Jt won't hurt, because it will be instant death.” Not a word from Dade. Then Tobey whistled over a straight one, keeping it on the inside corner. Morgan fell back a bit and met the ball fairly with his bat. Crack!—away went the ball along the ground to Wahoo. It. was a savage drive, and the ball fairly sptin along the ground without bounding. Dade was off toward first in a twinkling. Wahoo jumped in front of the grounder, which struck some little obstruction just before reaching his hands, arfd shot upward at his face. Only for his remarkable quickness, the shortstop would have been seriously injured. His hands flew up in front of his face and the ball struck them, driving them, against his nose with force enough to sit him down flatly. There he sat, clinging to his nose and looking very ludicrous, while the spectators roared with laughter. Had Wahoo tried, there was a bare possibility that he might have picked up the ball and thrown to Short ‘Bull in time to cut Dade off. “Look out for that nose!” yelled a boy. “He made a great stop with it!” cried another. “The ball couldn’t get past it,’ observed a third. Wahoo gathered himself up, picked up the ball, tossed it to Tobey and started for the bench, still cling- He limped slightly, also, as if he had or ing to his nose. injured his leg. In a moment Green rose up. He knew Wahoo’s weakness. The shortstop was a fine player, but it was his habit to seek to get out of the game if he eeapeee to stub his toe. Green shook his head sternly. Wahoo looked at ’ him imploringly, making signs that he was badly hurt. Again the manager shook his head. With an injured air Wahoo turned back and resumed his place at short. “Never said Wauboose. “These farmers won't bother anybody.” Morgan took a lead off first as Tobey prepared to pitch. Tobey drove him back. Short Bull put the ball onto Dade with unnecessary violence. mind,” . “T wouldn’t do that,” said Morgan. “You don’t have to. & Short Bull made no retort. He tossed the ball back to Tobey in a significant manner that caused | the | pitcher to return it instantly. - swung it in such a manner that he came very near a a ‘ i ue \ X Short Bull caught it and TIP POP: WEEKLY. Morgan Dade’s cleverness in dodg striking inf the head with it. Only ging saved ey “Tf you hit me in the head with that ball something exclaimed Morgan. Short Bull, anybody.” will happen to you!” “What P” wouldn't hurt Dade saw the first baseman had an ugly disposition and was inclined to fight on the slightest provocation. This did not add to Morg When the’ ball was returned and ‘Tobey delivered Dade scooted for second. Tabasekeshick lined it down to Wauboose. Wauboose was a little fellow, but he had plenty of asked insolently. “You gan’s good nature, it to Badger, sand, and he unhesitatingly placed himself in position to block Dade off second. Morgan slid feet first. One of his spikes caught Wauboose on the ankle and opened up a gash three inches long; but the Indian had the ball and h An examination showed that Wauboose was badly cut and bleeding profusely. He was compelled to re- tire from the game, Rapp being sent in to take his place. e put it onto Dade, who was declared out. CHAPTER XIV. Tea oh Reb. cea) aoe SS Ordinarily Green would have — substituted Big Scout or Wayahkemick, but he fancied he foresaw a turn in the game that made it advisable to put Rapp in at once and let him get warmed up on the field. The loss of Wauboose hit Green hard, for the little Osage was one of the finest players on the team and could cover second base beautifully. He was a good bunter and batter.» | Morgan received a scowl from Short Bull as he passed that worthy. “Mebbe you get some;yourself before the game is over,” said the Indian. “Did you spike that man on.purpose, Dade?’ asker Merry, as Morgan took his place on the bench. g I 2 “Of course not, Frank!” was the indignant answer. “T don’t play that kind of baseball, and you know it!” “All right, old man; but I’m afraid they aa you did it intentionally.” “I slid feet first because he tried to tists’ me off. Thought he might get out of the way, but he didn’t.” “T’m sorry it happened.” \ “So am I,” confessed Dade. “I wouldn’t mind spiking that sullen brute on first; . but Wauboose seemed all right, and I rather liked him. “I’m going to see how much he is hurt.” ii ; ; ] te ie Fe fy {es 43 lz ta ie’ . ra ss me yo #3 j * : Fs t € ‘ f V n i st fi eh pe | 4 pre tee F ss - ‘os watch the fielder, horseshoes ! _ That’s whatevgr ts . “your life,” ‘ TIP TOP WEEKLY. Then Morgan walked over where Wauboose was be- his regret in such an honest manner that the little redskin brightened up and told him to “forget it.” Wauboose felt keen regret over being taken out of the game. He was a nervy chap, and he had protested that he could keep on playing. injury made Green regard it as advisable to put him on the bench. Badger was grimly determined to’get a hit off To- He fouled the ball a number of times, paying no attention to the chaffing of Tabasekeshick, and finally “nailed it on the trade-mark.” It was along drive to left field. “Wake up, Fatty!’ shouted Buck, as he raced down to first. ‘“There’s an opportunity for you to show your style somé.”’ = “Dot pall vill nefer catch Fatty!” wurst, who was on the coaching line. ing bandaged and expressed bey. yelled Dunner- “Td vill miss him by more as fife mile.”’ 3ut Laughing Eye, the fat-legged little left fielder, was making a great run for it. He covered ground in a most surprising manner. Nevertheless, not one of the speciators believed he could touch it. “See Big Legs!’’ howled a boy on the eastern bleach- ers. Laughing Eye did his level best, and that proved good enough. Making a spring into the air while at full speed, he caught the ball with one hand and held it. “Out!” cried Starbright. “What's that?’ roared Badger, who had ceased to confident the catch could not be “Gallop, you chunk!” made. “You're out,” repeated Dick. »Buck stopped at second, his hands-on his hips, staring at Laughing Eye, who was coming in from the field, smiling broadly. “Did he catch it?” Why, inquired Buck. “Talk about he must have a_ rabbit’s foot! “Go ’way back and sit down,” advised Laughing Eye. The spectators gave the corpulent little redskin a hearty round of applause as he trotted in7 “How did you do it, Pretty Legs?” yelled one of _ the youthful witnessés on me bleachers. “No trouble e, no trouble, “I’m built that way. | declared Laughing Eye. “Can't help it.” “Bet ten dollars you never caught a ball before in cried a man. a “Borrow your money,” advised Laughing Eye. But the extent of his - 21 “Perhaps somebody who don’t know you will let you have it.”’ The Merries took the field. Little Doctor was promptly ,in position to strike. After tossing two or three balls to Browning, Fran‘ toed the slab and took Bart’s signal, A high, straight ball was the first one used. Little Doctor was one of the surest hitters on the team, and he met the ball squarely, driving it on a line to Dunnerwurst. force of that drive seemed tumbled on his back, the Hans went for it, but the to knock him over, and he ball rolling out of his hands. Little Doctor was a swift runner, and he fancied this blundering fumble of the Dutchman would give him a chance to reach second. Therefore, he dashed over first and kept on. ; Seeing this, Hans awoke with surprising sudden- ness. His agility in recovering the ball and throwing to second surprised everyone except his friends who had seen him perform similar feats. He cut the In- dian runner off with ease, and Little Doctor was de- clared out. “Gracious !’’ exclaimed Little Doctor, when he real- ized what had happened. Then he turned and looked at Dunnerwurst in great surprise, as if he did not un- derstand how the cumbersome Dutchman had accom- plished the feat. Small Bird, the next hitter, trotted out to place. He was a foxy little chap in appearance, and Merry knew it was best to be cautious with him. Two strikes and two balls were declared. Then Bart called for the double shoot. Merry started the ball with an outcurve. Small Bird was standing close to the plate. He leaned forward a bit.just in time to get hit as the curve reversed and the ball shot in. | Instantly the Indian dropped his bat, ‘spinning round like a top. . a 3 Starbright motioned for him to take first, and he trotted déwn after he had ceaséd to spin. “Clever rascal!’ muttered Frank. It was now Short Bull’s turn, and the compact, quick-tempered first baseman trotted to the plate, frowning at Merry in an ominous manner, which seemed a warning for Frank to be careful not to. hit him. An unfortunate thing happened on_ the first ball pitched ae Short Bull. Frank and Bart “crossed signals,’ ’ with the result that Hodge came near having | | a passed ball. He mee stopped it, cuffing it t down to. ‘22 the ground. It rolled aside, while Small Bird was fly- ing toward second. Bart sprang for the ball, caught it up, and, in spite * of his haste, made a splendid throw to Rattleton. Small Bird slid, coached to do so by Tobey. Rattleton put the ball onto the Indian. “Oh, dear! Oh, dear!” shouted Tobey. bad. you didn’t get him!’ “Safe,” declared the umpire. It was a close decision, but justifiable, as the umpire had followed instructions and favored the runner. Tobey was happy. He danced about on the coach line, keeping up a chatter. Merry held Small Bird close to second while pitch- ing to Short Bull. Finally the Indian drove a hot grounder at Ready. Jack gathered the ball up, drove Small Bird back to his bag, and then threw to Browning. It was a bad throw, and Bruce was forced to leave first, which enabled Short Bull to reach it in safety. Seeing the throw was bad, Small Bird darted for third. ; Browning threw across to Ready. Short Bull danced off first toward second. The ball. came straight into Jack’s hands, but was -muffed. . Short Bull let himself out for second, while Small Bird slid to third in a cloud of dust, but scrambled to his feet, ready to go on if the opening presented. Réady went after the ball and threw to Rattleton. The throw was not perfect, and Short Bull reached _ the bag by scooting behind Harry, just out of reach. oes 2 Small’ Bird pranced off third, seeking to draw a throw. At this point Merriwell stopped it by ordering Rat- tleton to hold the ball. The Indians had now won the sympathy of the pe, crowd. The spectators saw the redskins could play B5¢ the game and were ready to, take advantage of every - opening. On the other hand, it seemed that Merri- - well’s team was weak and rattled. “Tt’s too Bs: “Steady down, fellows,’’ said Merry. “This is no ie”. way’ tO win a game. Get together ‘and st top this care- less throwing.” irs ; “Farmers! farmers!” laughed Wauboose, on the . “bench. “Why don’t they learn the game?” - Rapp, who had taken the place of Wauboose on the nie order, now stepped out. _ “Rap it? ’ yelled a man in the grand stand. “Win the game aig oe inning, eee with the wonderful ee ey +) > ter bunt and sacrifice me down. lee ewer WEB ‘ Rapp smiled. In some manner the redskin reached far over the plate and almost picked Frank gave him an outdrop. the ball off the ground, sending it into the air and over Rattleton’s head. Harry went back for it and it struck the fingers of his upthrust hand, bounding off and rolling away. Small Bird raced home. Short Bull had been taking a long lead off second, and he kept on after crossing third. Morgan covered second, while Rattleton went after the ball. Harry caught up the ball, whirled and lined it to the plate. Hodge caught the, ball, but saw he could: not tag Short Bull, who had slid. Without loss of a second, Bart threw to Morgan, as Rapp had tried for second. Morgan took the throw and nailed Rapp two feet * from the bag. Two of the Indians were out, but they had secured two runs. CHAPTER XV. THE MERRIES. START. Rbseiier was a home run,hitter, one of the players who always wants to drive the ball to the fence or over it. Such batters are, as a rule, easy for pitchers who understand them, but very dangerous for ee who do not know their weak points. . ~Merry had decided to take no more chances. He began with the double shoot, which fooled Scraper twice, much to the displeasure of that individual. Then - Merry struck him out with a sharp rise, and the ne inning was over. ae bad,” said FORE “but we've got the sane now.’ “Start it off, Merry,” sre Hodge. ll land you on third.” “Second,” his bat. “If I don’t steal on the first ball pitched, bet- great thrower.” “All right,” said Bart. | ot Frank did not try for a long hit. He picked out one that suited him and drove it out for what looked like a safe single. The Indians worked so swiftly, however, that he was compelled to hustle in ae to prevent them from getting him at first. ~ Hodge obeyed instructions to the letter. not steal, and Bart bunted the second ball pitched. “Get first and_ es { said Frank, ina low tone, as he ilanae ie That backstop is a : a Frank ae? tenancy Tr As Pit; oF an ol - wa a Small Bird came in for the bunt, but threw low to Short Bull, who was dragged off first.’ Short Bull had a provoking habit of holding the ball and stepping onto the bag just before the runner reached it. It is probable he fancied he would have time to do the trick in this case, but Bart flung himself headlong and his hand was on the bag when the foot of the Indian touched it. £ Short Bull was disgusted. . ot intrest sit tna nna He said nothing, but his manner denoted that he was angry. “Haw! haw!” laughed Joe Gamp, as he walked out _ to the plate. “I guess you’re gug-gug- gug-going to i have your troubles this inning, _. “Don’t you care,” said Tabasekeshick. be responsible. What had we better give Tobey? Let’s give him something easy. straight over.” “Do,” urged Joe. mum-mile.”’ ‘Then he swung so hard at the first ball that he nearly fell down when he failed to hit it. “Here it is,’ said Tab, showing the ball in his mitt. “Hard luck you missed it.” Tu-Tu-Tobey.” “You won't this farmer, Throw one “Tl bub-bub-bump it a mum- _ _* Tobey wasted two, but Gamp refused to bite. Then i the Indian pitcher sent over a straight one on the inside corner. ir Again Joe slashed at it furiously. By one of those peculiar accidents that occasionally happen, the ball struck the bat in such a ‘manner that it was driven down to the ground in front of the plate and rolled slowly away. Gamp was off like a frightened giraffe, ambling to- ward first with great strides. Merry and Hodge moved up a bag each. Tabasekeshick went after the ball and threw to first, but he was not quick eiouen to catch Joe, and the bags were filled. & Green deipanea to look indifferent, but his heart ‘a was filled with anxiety. He watched Tobey keenly. rags, Browning, massive and formidable, strode forth | -with his huge wagon-tongue held in a manner that told every runner to be ready to scoot if he bansled on - the ball. Bruce fell on the second ball pitched, lifting it far into center field. /F ical crouched on third. Scraper caught the ball, and at the same instant adie also ‘inte a bale leaving second i in an effort to reach third, TIP TOP WEEKLY. 23 The ball was returned to the diamond, but not in time to cut off Merriwell’s run. Bart reached third in safety. Instantly Green made a signal that was understood by his players, Tobey regretfully left the box, changing places w ‘ith Rapp. “Vale! vale! vale!” shouted Dunnerwurst, in de- light. ‘Dose redskinners vos finding oudt dot pase- pall couldt blay us some, I pelief. Yah!” Rapp was permitted to warm up with Short Bull. When he was ready he surveyed Rattleton smilingly and proceeded to strike Harry out with the a of ease. “Let me seen if I can do dot to you, waddling into position. “You'll do it easy,” said Tabasekeshick. “You are not frightened; you are very brave and willing to die.”’ “Who toldt me so?” demanded the Dutchman. “You haf anodder guess coming to me.” Then, after.missing twice, he hit the ball straight up into the air, and Tabasekeshick easily smothered it when it came down, which made the third out. \ * said Hans, CHAPTER XVI. THE SHOT. If the Indians fancied by. their success in the first inning that they were going to have an easy thing of it, they were soon undeceived. In the next four in- nings not one of them got a hit off Merry nor did he pass a man to first. But, on the other hand, after the appearance of Rapp in the box, the white players were bothered, and not until the seventh inning did they again succeed in_ pushing a man past second base. In the seventh they started off handsomely and landed a runner on third, with only one out. Then Rapp showed his mettle, forcing the next hit- ter to put up a pop fly and striking out the final one to face him in that inning. ~ “Good work, Rapp,” said Green, as the Indian came in to the bench. “Keep that up, and we have them. -Merriwell is a great pitcher, and we were fortunate to get those two runs in the first inning. Id given half of my share of. the receipts:to-day had we shut them out.” For all of his words, he did not permit his players | He urged © them on, and fortune favored them i in their half of the | to flag in their efforts to secure more runs. inning. — Short Bull secured a clean hit. Rapp sacrificed wits, 24 to second, and he reached third on a fumble by Morgan of Scraper’s scorching grounder. With one out, Tabasekeshick missed two strikes and landed the third time by accident, putting the ball over the infield, which permitted Short on to make his sec- ond run of the game. “Got them now!” thought Green, exultingly. our game!” Then Merriwell mowed down Laughing Eye and Wahoo on strikes. _ As Frank took a seat on the bench Wauboose ap- peared and touched him on the shoulder. In Merry’s ear the Indian whispered : ‘A man just told me something. He’s been sitting beside two men on the bleachers back. of first base. Don’t look that way. You had treuble with Bob “ats Raven.” Ves.” A “You told him to leave Denver.” bes OSs “He didn’t go. He’s up there back of first by the |» fence, and he’s drunk. Jim Blood is with him. I had trouble with Blood. Blood says he’ll cut me up; but -’ Raven has a gun, and he keeps saying he’s going to _ shoot you before the game is over. J thought you bet- ter know. We must do something.” “That’s right,” agreed Frank. “It’s likely they are _ watching me so closely that they’ll take the alarm if I apply to.a policeman. You know them both. Speak to an officer and point them out to him. Ask him to --arrest them on some excuse. I'll appear against them, but I don’t wish to interrupt the game. Will you do it?” “Sure,” said Wauboose, and he limped away. Bika Browning opened the eighth inning with a smash- ries ing two-bagger; but Rattleton,: Dunnerwurst and : ‘ Ready fell victims to Rapp’s cleverness, and Bruce +. “died on second.” __. “We have them, boys!’’“smiled Green, as the redskin © players gathered on their bench. “Make some more runs if you can; but hold them down anyhow.” Merry was invincible, however, and not an Indian “reached first in the last half of the eighth. “All right, Injuns!’’ roared one of the spectators. - “You're the real thing, and you've taken a scalp to- day.” 3 He _ “Only three more, Rapp,” called Wahoo. “Tt’s easy ¥ ; Rapp was smiling and confident. TIP FOP WEEKLY. 2 faced him and swung at ‘the sécond ball — fe threw him down on 9 back in a . twinkling. — “Appar Small Bird caught it easily and gracefully. “Only two more, Rapp!’ shouted Wahoo, prancing about like an awkward camel. aR Buck Badger looked grim and determined as he got Re P into position. The first ball did not suit him, nor did s the second; but he fell on the third one delivered and ‘ drove it out of the diamond for a pretty single. b “Never mind,” said Wahoo. “It’s just as easy.” i, fc Merry realized that the result of the game might i . depend on him. He had faced such an emergency ei many times in his life. » Instead of being rattled or me, worried, the responsibility steadied him and made him ie wonderfully cool and determined. . BE Rapp feared Frank and tried to deceive him with ay curves. Two balls and one strike-were called. r Then Merry got one where he wanted it and sent it ce far into the outfield. b ir “A home run!” shouted many voices, as the specta- tors saw the ball go bounding away, with Scraper ois wildly pursuing it. # - Badger ran as if his life depended on it. a | Frank crossed first and turned toward second. ; 'A man had risen on the highest seat of the bleach- Be ers. It was Buckskin Bob, his face flushed with drink. : alo _and a murderous look in his wicked eyes. He whipped © , : : out a pistol and fired as Merry ‘dashed toward second. F Almost simultaneously with the report Frank went dra down. e J A shout of horror came from the spectators. “My meat!’ snarled Raven, exultingly, as he flour- ished his pistol. Jim Blood leaped for the fence, caught hold ati it and went over. He was followed by another Indian — who had been approaching the ve in company with | | an officer. The other one was Wauboose! The policeman threw his club at the man with the smoking pistol. It whizzed through the air and caught the ruffian on the side of the head, See nee him down in a twinkling. A second later the officer pounced on the man and | snapped irons on his wrists. <2 “Lynch him! lynch him!’ roared the excited crowd. “He’s killed Frank Merriwell!” ‘CHAPTER XVIL INNINGS! rape ks SEVENTEEN But Frank was not dead. The bullet from Raven’ s | pistol had struck the heel of Frank’s shoe as he ran. a It knocked Mertiwell’s foot from beneath him and — TL TOP ently he had been shot, but in truth he was not harmed in the least. He rose quickly.and ran on, even while Wauboose pursued Blood over the fence and the policeman at- tacked and ironed Raven. Frank felt something beneath the ball of his foot, but paid no attention to that. Reaching third, he found Hans on the coaching line, making frantic ges- tures for him to go home. Scraper had secured the ball. who had run out toward center field. and saw Merriwell making for the plate, upon which he threw to Tabasekeshick. Frank slid and was barely in time to be safe. |. He had tied the-score. Hodge and Badger weré on hand to pick him up. _ Bart was pale and excited. “Where were you hit, Merry ?” he asked. you go down! It was that ruffian, Raven! Where did - he hit you?” “Wait,” said Frank. “Let me look.” | He stood on one foot and lifted the other. Im- _ bedded in the sole of his shoe, havi ing plowed a furrow He threw it to Tobey, Tobey whirled “T saw - along his heel, was the bullet, He managed to wrest it out with his fingers. “No harm done,” he said, with a smile. draw blood.” Then his face clouded. “Where is the whelp?” he harshly demanded. si they let him get away Oe ; “No; an officer has him. See, there’s a policeman | with him now.” . _ Frank hastened to the bleachers and called to the _ Officer. — “Lock him uD t him! 4 | oy MAM ‘tight,’ said the policeman. “You'll have a chance to eipest, aad I hope you'll have nerve enough to press the case.’ - “You can depend on it that I will,” was Merry’s answer, which caused the crowd to shout: _ “That’s the talk!” . “Give him the limit!” “He ought to get ten years!” f Disappointed and bafiled, Buckle Bob was marched away. » Somehow this. incident and the fact that Merry had tied the score by making ‘a home run, changed the sympathy of the crowd. After that nearly everyone seme anxious ae Frank’ S on to win. ae fear - “He didn’t aaa ae “Did “T'll appear against he cried. ae WEEKLY. | 25 gle, while Gamp followed with another, putting Bart onto third. Green was a good sport. Even though he feared the But he knew the Merries had found Rapp and were likely to keep up the hitting. Therefore he immediately made a signal and gave orders that Tobey should re- turn to the box. Browning. was anxious to score both Gamp, and he tried for a long drive. game was lost, he did not seem greatly disturbed. Hodge and What he did was to miss twice and then line the ball far into left field. " Laughing Eye went after it, but to Bart the effort seemed hopeless. Hodge slowly trotted in toward the plate, while Gamp raced over second and on toward third. Once more the ability of Laughing Eye had been un- derestimated. The fat little left fielder covered ground like a frightened deer. He took the ball while run- ning at full speed, being unable to stop’and turn until he had covered much distance after that. In the meantime, both Hodge and Gamp had been * warned and were trying to return to their bases. There was a prospect that Bart might succeed, but Joe was too far from first. Long before he\could retrace — his steps the ball was in the hands of Short Bull, and he was declared out. , Thus the ninth inning closed with the score tied. Green looked somewhat relieved. A second time that day Laughing Eye seeped an ovation from the stand and the bleachers as he came in from the field. " “You're all right, Fat Legs!” hewied a shrill-voiced boy. “Fat Legs!’ exclaimed Laughing Eye. “That's what makes me sore! People are always saying some- thing about my legs.” The manager of the Indians urged them to “fy a at it” in their half of the ninth and take the game. : It was useless for them to attempt it in the face of Merry’s pitching. Frank had them absolutely at his mercy, and no batter reached first. . This made it necessary for them to play on. Merriwell was cheered’as he feturned to the bench. The spectators were getting their money’s worth, and they knew it. Up to date the season had not givens baseball. The tenth inning passed without either side scoring. In the eleventh the Merries pushed a man to third, but Tobey rose to the occasion and retired the white. tgp ny a 4. Hodge came up. | ‘was pitching as if his life depended on it. ‘A 2U In the twelfth and thirteenth innings it was a pitch- ers’ battle, with honors evenly divided. The Merries opened the fourteenth with a hit, sacri- ficed the runner to second, and he reached third on a fly to deep right field. With two men out, the next batter drove a scorch- ing liner at Wahoo, who muffed it. The runner on third tried to get home, but, catlike, Wahoo recovered he ball and threw to Tabasekeshick in time for an out. No run was made in the fourteenth. As may be imagined, the crowd was wildly excited by this time. Guy Green still wore a smile, but his nerves were tingling and he was silently praying for victory. The players of both teams were on edge. man was anxious and eager, ready to make the effort of his life. | Frank was calm, unruffled and apparently confident. His air of confidence did much to keep his players cool and assured. The fifteenth inning passed without a run. “Two games in one!” shouted a spectator. willing to pay double! It’s worth it!” A grim calmness seemed to have settled on the players. No longer did Tabasekeshick josh the bat- ters and pat them on the back. No longer did Tobey make remarks. The others of the Indians were silent, and equally silent were their white opponents. ‘Those eighteen playegs all felt the great strain. Sixteen innings—and no more runs! The seventeenth began with the sun sinking behind the purple Rockies far to the west. -Morgan was the first hitter. “Bays,” said Frank, “we must win in this inning. If we don’t, Senet will stop the oe Morgan, it’s up to you.” Dade responded with a beautiful single. “Sacrifice, Buck,” said Frank, softly, as Badger “Tm picked ‘up his bat. The Kansan obeyed, placing Morgan on second. Then carne Frank. He tried to bring Dade home. are He hit the ball, but Rapp managed to cuff it down, re- _-, cover it and throw him out at first. With two men out and Morgan on. third, Bart The great crowd was still and breathless. One ball! ; f One strike! : _ Two balls! Three balls! ‘Every: TIP: fOP: WEEKLY, Two strikes! The next one would decide it. It was a fast in-shoot, and Bart caught it hand- somely, sending it whizzing along the ground between Small Bird and Wahoo. Morgan came home. Gamp tried to advance Hodge and struck out. The Indians fancied they still had. a chance; but against the pitching of Frank at that point they had absolutely no chance at all. One of the batters fouled the ball once, but that was all. All three struck out, and the great game was over. The score by innings: I234 5 67 8 9 101112131415 1617 TOTAL Merries c064.10- 1.0): 0) OF'02.0-0 2 200050" 0: 0-02.04 4 Indians, ;....-2 0..0:0-0.0,1 06 0.06 00.0 9 0°o=—3 It was necessary for the players to leave the field by the rear in order to escape the crushing crowd of admirers who wished to get a nearer view of them. As they were leaving they came upon a little Indian, whose clothes were torn and who looked rather dilapi- dated. It was Wauboose. “T got him!” cried the little chap, limping toward Frank, a grin of triumph on his face. “Got whom?” asked Merry, in surprise. “Jim Blood,” was the answer. I have lame leg. When I caught him he made a fight, but I fixed him all right. Police have him now. was with Bob Raven. jail?” “Tm going to appear against Raven,” Frank. “If Blood was with Raven to-day, it’s likely he’ll do time as an accomplice.” “That will be good for him,” laughed Wauboose. THE END. The Next Number (474) WIII Contain FRANK MERRIWELL’S FENCING; For Sport = for Blood. eee MODE “tateange Ay Maa of Enthustuane- Theale ead Te | poste—Getting into Trim—Stretcher Breaks Loose. Darleton’s Challenge — The Fencing Bout—The — Master Mind—A Forced Apology — Crooked or Honest, Which ?—The Trick Exposed—The Thirst ft for Revenge Steel Mects Steel—Run Through. — “T run and forget. He You one to send them to | declared | 4 at itr ciate TIP TOP WEEKLY. ee TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. ia (PosTaGE FREE.) - Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Each. mr, 3 months 65c. OhS FRR. oes a hs LEZ 1h PaO op 10 6 See ta ee 85c. 2 copies one year.......... 4.00 ee MP ERMITIOS Pcie naa swisha ike cas ca od $1.25 | 1 ROne tvoyeatsi:t. 3.0as... 4.00 ‘How To SEND ‘Monry.—By post-office or express money order, % segistered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. At your own _. visk if sent by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary etter. t RECEIPTS.—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper shange of number on your label. If not correct you have not been properly credited, and should let us know at once. ol STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY, . 238 William St., New York City. APPLAUSE. PS Owing to the number of letters received, the editors _ of Tip Top cannot undertake to secure their publication _ under six weeks. Those who contribute to this depart- % 3 : yp ‘ment must not expect to see them before that time. , “ __ Of all the admirable Tip Top characters, I like Bart H. the best. He is so good, honest, true and loyal to Frank. Now _ some of my fellow readers will probably criticise me, but. that is all right. Bart has had a struggle all of his life to control his _ temper, and I think that he has won an honored victory, for no man can hope to be a leader until he can first control hjgn- self. Bart is as true as steel, and he should always be given credit for struggling as he had to struggle. Of course I will _ admit that Frank’s influence for the better, with that of Hodge’s mother, has helped Bart wonderfully, but you, my dear readers, must give “hot-headed Bart,” as some of you will no doubt call him, some of the credit, for if he had not made any effort on his part to govern himself he probably would not be where he is to-day. I think that Elsie is a very lucky girl in winning such a prize, as she has in Bart, and I cannot help from envying her a little. Now, dear readers, do-not for one moment think that I am running Frank down and pushing Bart up, for I am _ not, because Frank is one of the grandest and noblest young men _ of our country. I merely want-to express my opinion concern- ing Bart. I think that Dave Flint is going through the same, if not a greater struggle than Bart Hodge did, only Bart had some advantages over Dave, for Dave has no kind mother to a long letter, and also wishing to see more Hodge lovers come to the front, I remain, ever a girl admirer of Bart and Dave, 2 Hamilton, Tl. : ye ee Apa JAMESON. | That is right—come forward and speak for your favorites. Bart unquestionably did have a severe struggle, and it is no reflection on Frank or anyone else that proper credit is given him. You must unquestionably be a good girl, for you realize - the value of a good ‘mother, — I have seen a great many letters in the Applause column, and I judged by the way they were written that those who wrote them were all city chaps. Now I am a farmer, and I think a farm is the place for a boy or girl to be, if they want toe healthy. They say, in town, when a farmer arrives, there farmers. have Stes help hitn over his trouble, and nothing will go so far as a mother’s help. Hoping that all of you will please excuse such m4 goes a “farmer.” Well, that is just what they are, and I believe. more sense than to say when the city man. 27 arrives in the country, there goes a “dude.” In my estimation the farmer’s boy or girl has the best time of any, because they can get their work done and go to the city or elsewhere, while the city clerk has to say, “If I go away this afternoon without permission, there will be an order for me to leave my position when I come back.” Besides, it is unhealthy. to be shut up in those stores and places of business. Say! but that expulsion of Dick Merriwell’s was quite rude, and the lad that was the cause of it should be “spanked.” When Dick went to the train, was it not quite trying on your nerves? Did you not think your turn had come every moment? Well, boys, this is getting to be pretty long, so I will close. Good wishes to Burt L. and Street & Smith. Yours truly, A Frienp oF DAvE. You give very good reasons for liking to be.a farmer, and there is a great deal more truth in what you say than some know. You should stick to that life, if you have a liking for it, and persuade some others to join you. The city is really no place for the average man, after all. I write to show that I still hold dear the best publication in America, Tip Top. It is the highest standard of pure, clean, interesting and fascinating literature. It creates a strong desire in the minds of its readers to become like that noble American youth, its hero, Frank Merriwell, who has battled as hard against fate as anyone and yet come out on top. Dick is another char- acter in whose footsteps we would do well to follow, for, by so doing, there would be no possible chance of going wrong. Bart Hodge comes next, in my estimation, for I am sure he is more true to life than any other character in Tip Top. He is pas- sionate and impulsive, yet always striving to conquer his faults. All the-characters are just right to make the story as it should be. I was surprised and delighted to see in the last Tip Top I. received a letter from Burt L. Standish. I wonder why he never comes up into the Red River valley, the great wheat raising dis- trict of North Dakota. I am sure he could please all the readers with a story from this part of the country. I am also of the opinion of the party who signs himself Tacoma. Either Burt L. Standish had better write the stories longer, or write them semi- weekly. Well, I guess I will close for this time, with best regards to all connected with Tip Top. I remain, a constant reader, Cavalier, N. Dak. Henry D. McGurran. Mr. Standish will no doubt appreciate your invitation, and he may, some day, wander into the valley in question. Meanwhile, he will try and give you the best of his experience as he moves about in the world elsewhere. Inclosed you will find ten cents, for which please send me one of your Tip Top league. badges. I would say, as regards Tip Top, that it is the best book published, both for quality and quantity. I have been reading a good many of the five-cent libraries, but it was only lately that I, happened to run across the Tip Top. The result is that I have laid aside all the “blood and thunder” style of literature and am busily engaged in hunt- ing up back numbers of Tip Top. Mr. Standish excels all other writers, inasmuch as he can always give an authentic account of any city or place where his heroes may be. His books are the most true-to-life stories that it has been my good fortune to strike. Frank and Dick are certainly all right, and Brad is not a fit subject for calling down. He has proven him- self a, true friend to Dick in many cases, and ]) hope he will rage have a long life. i ge Anyone who wants to write or exchange postals will be wel- _ come. Wishing S. & S. and Burt L. a long life, I am, yours truly, Frank W. McKENZIE. 600 Sutter Street, San Francisco, Cal. Better late than never, in your case, isn’t it? The satisfaction which comes from such a discovery must be considerable. Let us hope that your pleasure endures for a long while. ARE I have been reading Tip Top about a year, but in that year I have read from No. 305 to 459 and think they are the bes: — ever printed. I like Dick and Brad, Frank and Hodge, and Wiley and Stretcher. I would like to hear of Wiley and know | in what surprising way he will appear the next time. Then — come Gallup and Dunnerwurst, Browning, Flint, Black, Hal and _ all the rest. Of the girls, June, Doris, Felicia, Inza, Elsie and _ Nadia are fine. I read in No. 458, where Tacoma, A Western — ~*~ cheers for B. L. and S. & S. Hurrah! remain, an ardent admirer, ef your life. then acts wisely. with her father, & ik Me Y TIP TOP WEEKLY. 28 Washington clam digger, sent in a letter saying that he would do something rash if Burt L. did not enlarge his novel, and that he thought he would have some backers in that opinion. Here is one, a Tip Top and Rough Rider reader. Readers, do you read the Rough Riders Weekly? You lose three-fourths of your life, as the story goes. If you have not heard the latter, I will tell it to you. There was once a professor. He was at the bank of a river, and he wanted to hire a fisherman to row him across. He got in the boat and was talking about the city. He asked the fisherman if he ever went to college. The fisherman said he did not.. The professor said he lost half of his life. Then he asked him if he ever was in the city, and the fisherman said he was not. The professor said he had lost three-fourths of his life. The fisherman was not so slow as the professor thought he was. The fisherman asked the professor if he could swim, The professor said, No. You can guess what happened. So if you don’t read the Rough Riders Weekly you lose three- fourths of your life, but if you do not read Tip Top you lose all of your life. I ask the readers to try the Rough Riders and back up Tacoma. Hoping Burt L. and Street & Smith will comply with Tacoma’s command, in order that he may do noth- ing rash, I remain, yours sincerely, / Tip Top AND RouGcH Riper READER. Your story is very good and the moral it points will please both writers. The Tacoma man will have to satisfy his appetite with what he gets for a while yet, however. _ e i . , . ‘ . . “T wish to express my opinion of the king of weeklies, the best weekly ip this great, big land. The happiest hours of my life are when I go to the news dealer and get my Tip Top. Three Hurrah! Hurrah! I An I. Ter. Boy. Very excellent, indeed. Such enthusiasm! The happiest hour We are more than ’pleased. As I have been a constant reader of your famous Tip Top for some years, I will try and show my egratitude. All Tip Top readers of this place think that, next to Frank and Dick, Brad and Bart are best. Brad is an all-round good fellow. So is Bart. I think James Stretcher is O. K. Jack Diamond, Jack R., Flint, Gallup, Dunnerwurst, Browning, Gamp and all are fine fellows. Burt L. is the king of his kind. And Street & Smith are “the” publishers. Hoping to see this in print, I close, with long life to Street & Smith, Burt L. and Tip Top, Bristol, Va.-Tenn. A TENNESSEE Trp Topper. And so are you fine, and your letter also, just like the char- acters we mention. Im fact, all of us appear to be pretty nice, except Chet Arlington, and he is fine, too, according to some. Well, I must chip in and have my say, as all Tip Top readers seem to put in a word or two, and I think the publishers will give me that same privilege. My principal subject will be the -Elsie-Inza argument, which still seems to hang in fire. I will champion that dark, beautiful, peerless woman, Inza Burrage. Inza, the soul and honor of Tip Top; without whom that great paper would be without life or vim. Yes, it would be a dead one. And now, Elsieites, prepare to read the following without a murmur; receive it calmly and gracefully. I will just state what Inza is, and what Elsie should be, to be her equal. Inza Burrage—just think of the name; what it signifies. Beautiful, dashing, divine, Heaven’s own child, and without a peer. Inza who loves in silence, who gives a love that is fond, true and everlasting; Inza, who acts, only after careful consideration, and Your Elsie may be a dear, sweet girl, but she is lacking in a great many sterling qualities. Inza shows her true love for Frank, by her confidence in him. And what is a n absolute confidence. Elsie’s better symptom of true love t I call it a fondness and admiration for Frank is not perfect. mA passion only. And a passion is short-lived. So many women are subject to that affliction, which they consider true love, but it dies, just as sure as it comes. y ™ ; “True love lives forever, While passion dies in time.” ‘Some time ago I chanced to reread some of the “Frank Mer- “ie riwell in Camp at Fardale” series, and at which time Elsie Bell- - wood met Ed Clair, when she was coming in from a sea voyage and attended the opera with that unprincipled every number from then till the latest, No. 458. “in my room on a shelf, piled about three feet high, and I like to man, after deliberately “cutting” Frank. Not much considera- tion, hey, you “Elsieites, is there? Yes, my good friends, Inza Burrage is a perfect woman without an equal. She is my ideal of the true American woman. ee I call her a woman, for what is so great a tribute to one of the fair sex as to call her—a woman? Dark, beautiful Inza, with © midnight eyes and tresses as black as the raven’s wing. She will do for me. Don’t take offense, you fair ones of the blond type, but I must say that nearly all beautiful women are dark. I said nearly all. I can almost imagine Inza in real flesh and blood—if she were such she should dwell in an atmosphere all by herself—and am always highly pleased to read Tip Top when that character is brought in. Trom her sweet presence I always drink deep draughts of inspiration. The very air seems full of her, and breathes around her an accompaniment. You, fellow readers, must think I am smitten with her, or her likeness. Well, I am. What man, who is susceptible to that soft and tender passion, will not fall head over heels in love with a per- fect woman? For one like her, man should give his everything, his very life, if need be. He should battle with rivers of blood. How can you, Elsie admirers, assail and belittle such an honora- ble, virtuous and divine woman? Take care lest you arouse the wrath of all Tip Topdom. Why do ‘you battle against over- whelming odds, when you must know by this time that your case is hopeless? We give you credit for fighting with all art and grace for Elsie’s cause, but is it necessary for you to continue the battle? You had better pass in your checks, join hands with us, and with the beautiful, devoted Inza Burrage as our heroine, and the manly, handsome Frank Merriwell as our hero, we, unitedly, will wish them to be blessed with success and happi- ness, into eternity. I think I have taken up too much space already, so will bring this to a close, trusting the editors will overlook the lengthiness of this letter. With best wishes to Burt L., S. & S. and all Tip Top readers, I remain, a stanch Inza admirer, Os Nes Lansing, Mich. Such a panegyric as this arouses a respect for the divine passion. You seem to have a great regard for the beauty and spirit of woman. If you carry this out in real life your wife’ should be happy. . I have been a reader of Tip Top for five_years, and I have I have them read them over again. I have been reading about Frank in the ten-cent form, in the Medal Library, but the only trouble is that they are not in rotation, and although I’ve hunted the city through I have not been successful in obtaining the ones I want. I know that the first three hundred numbers, in the five-cent form, , cannot be obtained, but I see that you are still publishing them in the Medal Library. If I send you a list of the ten-cent ones which I haven’t got, will you send them postpaid, or should I send money for the postage, and if so, how much? [ like Frank better than Dick, although I think Dick is simply great. I like all of Dick’s flock, but somehow I\like Frank’s better. I guess this is because I have read more of Frank than I have of Dick. | You cannot understand the joy I feel when I lay on the floor — near the stove, in my room, with Tip Tops all around me, read- vi I would like to have all the \) ing of Frank at dear old Yale. Tip Tops from No. 1 to the latest, if it is possible. I will now close, hoping that good old Tip Top will never stop being pub- lished, at least as long as Street & Smith will have a very bright future, oR _ St. Louis, Mo. : What an appearance your room must make filled three feet ‘ high with Tip Tops. And you, lying there reading them. It is a great period of pleasure for you. You will have to send I live, and that Burt L. Standish and — Feat postage for all the Medal libraries—four cents for each one— — i. 7 unless you order as many as forty, when they will be sent post- paid. _I feel like Seite: before the “footlights” and giving three rousing cheers for each character represented in this most inter- esting of all books, Tip Top, Each character is true to life. And is worthy, as each Soe to the front, to be greeted with 7 smiles and hearty cheers. Frank and Dick are my special fa- — vorites, although I like them all. I hope there will be no more “tT Am Kicking” letters. Chester Arlington is indeed his own worst enemy. Yet I am positively sure he will reform and be-_ | eae ; ; i yt , Pa es 7 ae ee ee OO eee? ee DE : ug 7 ee 7h TIP: TOP come a universal favorite with all. Where is our old friend, Capin Wiley? And Obediah? I would be willing to bake a batch of “pies for him if he would return. I am anxious to learn of Dick and his faithful band of “true blue” friends. Of the girls, sweet little June is my pet favorite. Yet I like them all. Now I will not trespass upon your time, by writing any more, but will close, hoping this, my first letter, will not be consigned to the wastebasket. Wishing Burt L. and Street & Smith the best of luck, I am, yours truly, Mrs, P. C. WHITTEMORE. Putnam, Conn. We will not consign it to the wastebasket. So kindly a letter deserves a place among our best of correspondents. Trusting I shall be successful this time, and see my. letter in the king of all weeklies, Tip" Top, I write to let you know my opinion. How well I remember the first one placed in my hands by my brother-in-law, when I was only a boy of fourteen years. That is niné years ago. As our dear friend Burt L. states in his greeting: to the lovers of Tip Top, “quite a while, isn’t it?” However, time has made little change in my love for the best weekly paper published in the United States to-day. Although I have experienced many ups and downs, pain and sorrow, in those nine years that have gone by never more to return, I will ” say, in all misfortune, I had one dear friend I could depend upon + ~ comes, in sunshine or rain, in sorrow or pain—Tip Top. It came just the same and has been the means of making me what I am to- day,.a true and honest young man, moral in every respect. Do J appreciate the many happy hours I have spent in Tip Top’s company, and the many good lessons taught me through its truthful pages? Ah, I am unable to find adequate words to ex- press my gratitude. It gives me pleasure always to put in a good word for Tip Top whenever opportunity affords. And by doing so I have induced quite a number of my friends to invest five cents in'a Tip Top. Then I have always rested contented, knowing the work was done, for when a boy or girl reads one copy they are bound by the tie that binds, and instead of losing interest in the story, they will get more interested, week after week. The years will roll past very fast and still find them loyal Tip Top readers. Once a reader, my dear friends, you will always be one. I haye followed Tip Top from the first number, and I can say honestly, that although characters have changed from time to time, I am just as loyal to-day, and just as much interested in the works of our esteemed friend, B. L. S., and S. & S., as if I had only begun to read their story of Frank and Dick. No, no, I shall never regret the many words of praise I have said for them to my friends. I sincerely trust that the young readers will fall in line and relieve the older ones, who have been so true to the cause these many years gone by. It is. my one request that you.show your mettle, and get down to business and work for’ the benefit of our ideal Tip Top. Wherever you go, mention its name. At every party, entertain- ment or social gathering, tell your sweetheart about its merits, I am confident before another nine years Tip Top will be at the uppermost rung of the ladder and have more true friends than any other weekly published. In conclusion, I beg to wish many more years of health, success and happiness to Burt L. S. and Street & Smith. I am, forever, a true Tip Topite, Dave B. Extiorr. 208 East Twenty-fifth Street, Austin, Tex. If your opinions and methods will carry any weight, Tip Top will soon be at the topmost rung, as you so kindly wish.. A more hearty letter of praise we have not had in a long time. I have just read a letter in No. 458, signed by “Harry as - Smith,” in which he praises the “good old days’ when Dick first entered Fardale. Ifa girl, myself,’may be allowed to write a letter in the same strain, as I hope in this case I may, I will proceed. How well I remember those old times. words, “They come back to me as a dream; a mixture of pleasure and pain.” Pleasure that there were those times, pain that they are gone, Gone, indeed, but living in memory. How clearly I can recall the old scenes, thrill with the fire of the old excite- ment, and shiver with the feeling. of the old danger. Stop, old reader, recollect the husking bee during Dick’s first term, and if ou are the least bit romantic or poetic, you will feel the fire of ygone days rushing through you. How. plainly the picture Dick and Hal both find a red ear. See them both turn hes Doris, who laughingly refuses to allow either of ther to kiss , between them. They are about to rush upon each other when she steps Then, reader, 1f you are not thrilled to your i Fw Le 5a { her. How true the ~ WEEKLY. 29 finger tips, there is not the slightest spark of romance or poetay in 3 You are mere beings, incapable of enjoying Tip Top as | and many others do. Or turn the path of your thoughts to the day the circus exhibited in Fardale. -See the balloon with Doris in it rapidly soaring aloft, with the tiger climbing over the edge of the basket. See Doris recoil to the other side, with her face pale and despairing. Hear the shouts and cries from the crowd below. A sudden hush falls upon them as Dick steps out, his face pale and drawn, but the rifle in his hands never quivering. Crack! The tawny body relaxes, falls; and the spring breezes bear afar the shouts and cheers for that incom- parable young American, Richard Merriwell! BEss. in you. Very dramatic pictures, these, and Sufficient to stir the blood Ne agree that anyone who is not thrilled by them You are of a romantic of anyone. is incapable of enjoying them properly. c turn, and very charming it is in you, too. I have been a constant reader of Tip best publication for the American boy my favorite. I like stories about Dick better than about Frank. Some say Brad is a blowhard, but I don’t think so, although he is a little windy. Barron Black is another one of my favorites. I. also think Dave Flint is. fine. June and Inza are my favorites among the girls. June is the girl for Dick. Chet Arlington is a cad from head to foot. But say, Stretcher is a dandy. I believe he is Cap’n Wiley’s equal. He siretches ‘em some. I was glad to hear of Frank’s old bunch together again, and that Del Norte is gone. He was awful. I read Mr. Standish’s letter in the Applause column, and it was fine. With kindest regards to S. & S. and B. L. S., I remain, a stanch reader, “A GEORGIA CRACKER,” Atlanta, Ga. James Stretcher seems to fulfill many of the requisites of a.- humorist. He seems to know how to tell a story, to be sure. It is pleasant to know that he appeals to you. For about four years Top. ‘I think it is ‘the ever published. Dick is Have been reading Tip Top since Dick entered Fardale, and I have also read a great many of the back numbers telling of Frank’s adventures. I am now reading of him in the Medal Library, therefore it is not necessary to buy up back numbers. Neither is it necessary to praise Tip Top. The readers, also the publishers, know what it is. I am in favor of the semi- weekly editions; or better, give us Frank on about Wednesday and Dick on Friday. J] suggest taking a vote for and against the semi-weekly agitation and giving the decision to the ma- jority. Of course the publishers should have no objection. to printing an extra story every week, providing it would not work Burt L. too much. I have a fad, for which it will be necessary to call on our dear readers, and ask the editor to please publish this letter, I am going to try to get a souvenir card or two from each State in the Union, also from our possessions— \ Hawaiian Islands, Porto Rica, Samoa, Philippines and, if possi- ble, from Alaska. So I am going to ask our readers to please, send me a souvenir card—buildings, natural scenes and pic-. turesque driveways will suit me. Perhaps I can get a building and a scene from nature from each State and Territory. On their cards those who send can call for whatever sort of scene they want in return, and I will do my best to accommodate. them. I close, giving my best wishes to Burt L. and the pub- lishers, and. thanking them. for their kindness in printing this. Yours respectfully, JouHN Fort. 3253 North Sixth Street, Philadelphia, Pa. No doubt some readers in all of the States will be glad to send you the cards you wish and will no doubt welcome those you send in return, Yoy ought to obtain a very interesting collection. ed ee “GOLDEN HOURS.” Boys, have you any old numbers -of Golden Hours 2 If so, see What numbers are among them and write me, ‘ * stating price. I will pay liberally to complete my files, Address Wiitiams, Box 192, New York City. 7 } : ’ 2) - flesh and larger arms. be answered in due time. Pror. FourMen: I have been a reader of Tip Top for two years, and I would like you to tell me if my measurements are good or bad. I am 18 years of age; weight, 163 pounds; height, 6 feet 1% inches; reach, 78 inches; shoulders, 18 inches; ankles, 71, inches; wrists, 7% inches; waist, 34 inches; thighs, 20 - inches; chest, normal, 34 inches; contracted, 32 inches; ex- panded, 37 inches. 1. Are my ankles and wrists large enough? 2. What ought my weight to be? JI will close, giving three cheers for Frank, Dick and Burt Standish. I remain, Kingston, N.Y. - As Bet God ' 4. Yes. Your ankles would be counted small by most people, but the average ankle is much tdo large. Yours are plenty large for all necessary development. 2. 190 pounds. Your shoulders are quite small and your chest development a couple of inches short. Practice with the trav- eling rings and parallel bars for the former, if you can. Practice deep breathing for the latter. Look after your waist. There should be at least seven inches difference between your chest and your waist. As you see, yours are of exactly the same size! Pror. Fourmen: I would like to ask you a few questions about ymy build. 125 pounds, dressed; chest, 30 inches and 34 inches; muscles, 9 inches and 10 inches; wrists, 7 inches; base of neck, 13% ‘inches. 1. Kindly advise me how I may get larger muscles, a ‘stronger and larger chest, and how to increase my weight? 2. What do you think of my measurements, and do you think I may — become an athlete? Hoping that you will answer these few questions, I remain, yours very truly, W. EL S. ' St. Paul, Minn, . _ 1. You can get larger muscles. by rowing, curling a pair of ‘two-pound dumb-bells in your hands, punching’ the bag, throwing the medicine ball and exercising on the horizontal bar. You can get a stronger and larger chest by practicing deep breathing. You can increase your weight by indulging in out-of-door games, _ observing regular hours, eating plain food;and drinking about a _ quart and a half of pure, cool water a day. 2. Your measurements ate fair. You need ten pounds more You can very readily become an /athlete. . -Pror. Fourmen: As I ama constant reader of the Tip Top, I e the liberty of asking you a few questions. My measurements are as follows: Age, 17° years; weight, 150 pounds; ‘height, 6 feet; neck, 14 inches; chest, normal, 36 inches; chest, expanded, 774 inches; wrist, 714 inches; waist, 35 inches; shoulder, 15, inc.es; thigh, 22% inches; calf, 14 inches; ankles, 1114 inches. ; low are my measurements? 2. Have I any weak points? are 4 Owing to the large number of Ietters now awaiting answers, which are being constantly added to each day, it will be necessary to condense some of them, retaining only the more important ques- tions. Correspondents are requested to make their letters as brief as possible, in order that all may I am 16 years old; height, 5 feet 514 inches; weight, . ' should look after that at once. position, relaxing in the same manner, slowly. Do this fifteen _ f so, where? 3. How can I strengthen my weak points? 4. — ay or ss ' Ee 2 ae ~ Kay 4 ‘ “1 a ’ " : q e ‘ ery, i is ‘ f wwe, é When I run I am short-winded. How can I remedy this? de g Thanking you in:advance, I remain, a Tip Topper, ae Oakland, Cal. eA é Frank L. SEWARD. 1. Not very good. — 2. Your chest, shoulders and probably your biceps, though you do not give them, are very bad. A person’s chest expansion, at your age, should be at least four inches and more. Your shoulders should be 18 inches across. Your biceps should be 12 or 14 inches, at the very least. You are underweight to the extent of 25 pounds. — 3. You should indulge in deep breathing, go in for out-of-door exercises, drink a good deal of water and take some special exercises with dumb-bells, the medicine ball and the punching bag to build’ up your arms and back. For your shoulders, use the double parallel bars, the traveling rings, or row. For your chest, run and breathe deep. For you biceps, split wood. 4. By practicing deep breathing. ee os _Pror. Fourmen: Being a reader of the Tip Top, I take the my liberty to ask you a few questions. My age is 14 years; height, a 5 feet 1 inch; weight, 115 pounds; chest, contracted, 29 inches; expanded, 32 inches; thigh, 19 inches; calves, 13 inches; forearm, 9% inches; abdomen, 32 inches; neck, 13 inches; wrist, 644 ~ inches ;_ breadth of shoulders, 12 inches. 1. How are my measure- ments, and what are strong and weak points, and how may I strengthen the latter? 2. What is good muscle-making exercise for the left arm and leg? 3. What is a good manual on physical oe training that one could follow to get strong and healthy? 4. Does 3 candy and soda water hurt anyone? 5. How may I reduce my abdominal measurement? Hoping this will appear in print, I~ remain, yours truly, N. Woo Santa Ana, Cal. La 1. Very good. Your strong points are your weight, chest and 2 thighs. Your very marked weak point is your abdomen. Yours i 2. Rowing, jumping, chopping wood for the arm. For the hopping is good. Bicycling with one: pedal is also good. 3. “Frank Merriwell’s Book of Physical Development.” “Price, ten cents, with four cents extra for postage. + Liga 4. Not very much, no. Not if you don’t overdo it. ae s. By lying on your back, fastening your toes under some sta- tionary object, and—arms' folded—raising yourself to a sitting | leg, a ‘or twenty times a day until the muscles of your abdomen are “i strong and firm. At the same time learn to walk with it well — dian apy eee Es am ee SS oe "aie i r. by F* BY Weds a Pan eae 24 Deity po Es > 7 ie t Sy ORE WPL IY PS PLN nl WPIONG af OPIN ll-Sports Library “* Teach the American Boy how to become an athlete and so lay the foundation ofa constitution greater than that of the United States.’ —Wise Sayings From Tip Top. 7 ts ot We quote the above because there are but two publica- a ; tions that really teach our boys how to become athletes— - The Tip Top Weekly and The All-Sports Library. The former. was established years ago, sprang into instant E favor with boys of all ages and has held first place in their i hearts €ver since. The ‘All- -Sports Library was published Ee only recently, but its success is marvelous. _ It has rapidly t. out-distanced its older competitors and now ranks second ois only to Tip Top. ate . It is difficult these days to find a true boy who is not fond of, or who does not take some interest in, athletic contests. Our schools have baseball, hockey, football, and track teams. The All-Sports Library deals with the adven- tures of plucky lads while indulging in these healthy pas- times and should be read, therefore, by every boy who wants to learn all that is new in the various games in which he is interested. These stories give many pointers and ex- pose many tricks that one could not possibly acquire save a through long experience. Beware of counterfeits. Make sure to get All-Sports Library, no other can compare with it. Boys, we ask that you purchase just one copy of The All- Sports Library. You are hard to please if you do not vote it the best apa biggest five cents worth of reading you ever had. PRICE, FIVE. CENTS At all newsdealers, or sent, postpaid, by | “i the publishers npon receipt of price a he Winner Library Company, 165 W, Fifteenth St., N. Y. SE a ee ae Se SE aes “ ihe tees eee Tip Top Base Ball Tournament IS NOW OPEN 90 Articles Given Away as Prizes The two teams which at the end of the season have the highest average, or, in other words, play the greatest number of games, score the most runs and have been least scored against by opponent will be declared The Winners. Of the two winning teams, the one having the higher average will be declared the Tip Top Championship Team of the All-American Base Ball Tournament for 1905, and will receive a large pennant bearing the above device, — Do 2 & IT WILL ALSO RECEIVE AS WILL THE SECOND TEAM aS &@ 1 Pair Base Ball Trousers 1 Pair Base Ball StocKings 1 Pair Base Ball Shoes 1 Base Ball Shirt 1 Base Ball Cap ogvwvsw FOR EA C:H PLAYER. IN OTHER WORDS A FULL EQUIP- MENT FOR EACH TEAM 2@ee Enter the Contest! Make a Record in Sey Play Ball! \ the National Game ! DON'T FAIL TO SEND IN YOUR COUPON AT ONCE Tip Top Base Ball Tournament Coupon Name of Team._........................ Tewh Sheek easel sabe cae State... Rees Opponent’s Name.................... udee NAMES OF TEAM RO ee ee ORO ewe eee eee wee eee See wee me eee wet ewe ee ee emma ee ewe eee eee eee eee een eee eene ORO ee ER ee eee eee eee eee ees ORR ee ee EER mee eee eee eee eee meee eeeeenee Oe ew ee Ree ew ee eee ee eee eee eee ee eee eet enenes ‘POSITION Pitcher Catcher Ist Base 2d Base 3d Base Short Stop R. Field NAMES OF TEAM We ia antics. rh C. Field ; ey L. Field | Nae . , , 7 wee Fy sae Oe ewe eee ‘ } e 4 | Winner. .............2.... Meevesnsnsscsedencecas Final Score................ Manager..............- ay Seri gee sites BE A ROOTER Root For a Record in the National Game and for Tip Top Prizes O'IOs Ses SUAsFooe SK Spo Muwpw | oN A T I 0 N A as Do You Want to Try for the Pennant ? Do You Want a Fine Outfit for Your Team ? Do You Want to Score High in the National Game ? HERE IS YOUR CHANCE Root for the Famous Tip Top Prizes and Pennant * PLAY BALL Watch Every Number for Further Announcements