LARGEST WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA

 

ae PUB LICATION

FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH

t New York Post Office 6y STREET & SMITH, 79-50 Seventh Ave., Vv. Y.

 

S Peles. Five Cents.

 

 

‘

 

 

To save the game Dick took a desperate and daring chance.

PIWELL'S (LEVERN

to steal home from third base.

 

ESS

ox SHOWING THE JAPS THE AMERICAN GAME:

 

As the ball was returned, he cutsaicesla

 

 

 
APPLAUSE.

Owing to the large number of letters now awaiting answers, which

are being constantly added to each day, it will be necessary to condense
some of them, in order that all may be answered in a reasonable length
of time. Writers to Applause are requested to have patience, and in due
time all the letters will appear

 

As I have been a reader of Tip Top for a good while, I will
undertake to write to praise it.

I think it is the best weekly published. I like Frank, Dick
and all of the boys, except Chet A. and his friends, the Chick-
erings, and all of Frank’s and Dick’s enemies. Hoping this
will be in print and escape the wastebox, I remain, a Tie Top
lover, CrypE MILLER.

Rusk, Tex.

Tie Top has a great number of admirers in Texas, and you
are the latest.

I have been a constant reader of your Trp Top WEeEeEKty for
several years, and my opinion of it is that it is the most valuable
and sensible book ever published for the price. It does not rank
in the “blood and thunder” class. In fact, it is beyond my com-
prehension how such an instructive book can be set before the
American public for so small a selling price. And then, the neat
and handsome covers, the clean, clear and large type, shows care-
fulness that is appreciated by the readers. Most of the five-
cent books have several different colors, of which red and yellow
largely predominate. This used to be the way with the covers
of Tip Top, but lately the publishers seem to have come to the
conclusion that the readers of this weekly do not care for any-
thing that suggests fire and murder, like those covers did. Tip
Tor has a circulation in this city that is to be envied by any
publishers.

Now, I see in almost every Applause that I read, a letter from
some smart Alec, advising Mr. Standish how to write the stories.
See here, readers, don’t you think that Mr. Standish, who has
been writing these books for as good as nine years, and written
them successfully, as the circulation will show, knows how
better than you? Even if you have been reading these books
ever since they were published, what of it? That does not make
you competent to give advice or coach the author, does it? An-
swer this question honestly. Did you not ever hear of the story
of the man, his son and the donkey who tried to please every-
body but succeeded in pleasing only three or four?

Mr. Standish is trying his best to please us all, and from the
Applause, I would judge that he is succeeding admirably.
Everybody should have their own opinions, but he should not be
peevish.

Tie Tor is truly at the top of the pile. and it got there on its
merits, through the efforts of Mr. Standish.

Will the “advisers” please amble to the rear? Ditto, the kick-
ers. A toast, gentlemen: “May the future career of Tie Top be
more shining than that of the past; may it be handed down
through the third and fourth generation of the Merriwells, and
may the light of prosperity ever shine upon Burt L. Standish and
Street & Smith. Drink hearty.”

I hope to see this in print soon; also hope the readers will
not think me a know-it-all. Begging your pardon for taking up
so much room in your best book, I am, and always will be, a
reader of glorious old Tre Tor. Yours very truly,

Richmond, Va. VIRGINIAN.

This is indeed high praise from a resident of the Old Dominion,
and is appreciated. Your letter is a just, impartial and intelli-
gent critique, and expresses in well-chosen words the opinion of
hundreds of Tip Top readers.

The time for expressing my enthusiasm has come. I cannot
hold in any longer. I am one of the old set, and still hold to
Frank as being the best example of American youth that was
ever brought before the public in life or fiction. He is my ideal,
my model, and no one can ever come as high in my mind as the
first hero of Tie Tor. I have gone with him through thick and
thin, wept when he wept, laughed when he laughed. In good or
bad fortune. I was never assailed with a fear that he was wrong,
and everything he has done has been right.

Dick. is, it seems to me, an afterthought. I shall always read
the weekly to keep in touch with Frank, unless I find that Dick
can come up to his brother. I expect great things of him in
Yale, and hope he will fulfill my expectations. I wish you
could take more room in your quarterlies to give us an idea
where the old flock is.

These people who would remodel the magazine, I fully be-
lieve are subject to indigestion. Who but some sour-faced, old
man, or a crazy person, would say the things that I. A. Z. T. and
Theodore S., and the rest of that set?

Although not criticising, I would like to make a suggestion.
Could not the friends of both Dick and Frank, allt the college
boys whom they used to chum with, have a grand reunion on
Dick’s return from the trip? I have my ideas about the love
affairs, but I will let the participants settle their own affairs.

Hoping that this epistle will not become closely acquainted
with the dreaded Miss Wastebasket, I remain, yours truly,

Boston, Mass. ONE OF THE OLD SET.

Your suggestion for a reunion is a good one, and possibly
Mr. Standish may follow it later. Of course it is hard to break
off from old affections, but we are sure the time will come when
you will feel the same toward Dick that you now feel toward
Frank.

May I be pardoned for taking the liberty of using an inch or
two of your valuable space to give praise to Tie Tor and her
characters? To begin with, I have read every number since
their first publication, and I find it a very difficult matter to wait
patiently until each edition comes out.

Where can you find such incentives to do what is right and
live the best that is in us, than in Tip Tor? Mr. Standish
should be given a gold medal inlaid with diamonds for the
judgment he used when he thought of giving to the American
youth the ideal publication which it is. It is my hope, and,
I would not be surprised if it came to pass, to see this honorable
story continued another ten years, and about the time Master
Dick graduates from Yale, Frank Merriwell, Junior, will be
ready to enter Fardale; so you see, it will be like an heirloom,
handed down from father to son. I can imagine Frank and his
loyal friends on one hand, and then one can see Dick with his
chums on the other. If an artist could paint two pictures, with
each one surrounded with his friends, what pictures they would
be, and one would be found in the home of every loyal Tip Tor
reader.

Some of our well-meaning readers are pretty severe on Chet
Arlington, but I predict that Chet will become the closest friend
to Dick, next to dear, old Brad, our friend from Texas. Frank
would not be the man he is to-day if it had not been for his
enemies, as the trials he had to undergo with all of them brought
out that which would have remained hidden had things gone
entirely his way. We need dark days to bring out that which is
good in us, and enable us to sympathize with those whose con-
dition is worse than ours, so I am glad that there is such a char-
acter as Chet Arlington, and while I will be glad to see him
get his just deserts when Prof. Gunn returns to Fardale, still
T hope he will not be expelled from school, as I believe Dick
will prevent that; as, without Chet. the story would lack ginger.
T hope none of the readers will think I approve of Chet’s manner
of doing things, for T decidedly do not; but as there is so much
bad in the best of us, and so much good in the worst, it hardly
behooves any of us to talk about .the rest of us. That may be
poor grammar, but is the truth, just the same.

I believe this will be all this time, as I have yet to see a letter
in the Applause column of recent date from the Windy City.
If you consider any part of this jargon worthy of occupying a
short space in your honorable column, I would certainly ap-
preciate it; but this is left entirely to your judgment.

With best wishes for the success of Dick and his friends, and
long life to Street & Smith, and to our friend, Burt L. Standish,
and hoping that his pen may never grow rusty, I am, an ardent
admirer of Tip Top, Rosert F. Porter.

5434 La Salle Street, Chicago, Il. ‘

We gladly give space to all of your interesting and well-written
letter. What you say is quite true—adversity proves a man’s
worth; those that are strong become stronger and rise above it,
while those who are weak sink beneath it and are lost in the
struggle. Your words show a generous spirit, which you should
cultivate.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. 484,

Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-class Matter at the N.Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-89 Seventh Avenue, ;
N.Y. Entered according to Act of Congress tn the year 1005, an the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C.

NEW YORK, July 22, 1905.

Price Five Cents.

 

—

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~

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PT Seen, contamina imeem

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~ are ere

CHAPTER I.
AN EARLY CALLER. -

 

premio

Brad Buckhart gave a wheezing snore and awoke
} with a start. 3 | |
y 3 “Wow!” he gurgled.
> goner that time!”
ee: _Dick Merriwell, who had been sleeping at the
; Texan’s side, stretched his arms, opened his eyes and
a looked at his bedfellow.

“What’s the matter, honorable vasetacnste ?? he in-
quired. “Why do you thus disturb my honorable
morning nap?” ; | ,

“Beneficently pardon miserable me,” entreated Brad.
“It has been my misfortune, honorable pard, to be
ee greatly troubled by a most grand unpleasant dream.
Confound these honorable Japanese pillows! They
give me a crick in my insignificant neck. I dreamed

“I sure thought I was a

 

 

   

DICK MERRIWELL'S CLEVERNESS;

OR,

Showing the Japs the American Game.

 

By BURT L. STANDISH.

 

- I was a convict in old Manila, and just as I awoke

   
  
   
 
 
   
     
   
  

they were garroting me. An awful pain shot through
my neck as,the executioner turned the screw.’ It was
all on account of these confounded—I mean these hon- —
orable Japanese pillows. I can’t seem to get used to
sleeping with my neck in a trough that’s hard as a
board.”

“I was dreaming, too,” said Dick, a smile illuming
his rosy, boyish face. “I thought we were playing
baseball with the Japs. I had just pitched a ball, and
Zaru, the great Japanese batter, had hit it a mile. It
seemed that about twenty base runners were scamper- _
ing round the bases on that hit and coming home. I
saw man after man come in until they had as many aS
ten or fifteen scores, and they were still coming whe a
you awoke me. It was awful!”

Brad chuckled.

“Well, say, it was awful yesterday > when Zaru did.
hit you for a homer with the sacks charged. I near

 
 

  

Tip

 

TOF

coughed up the ghost right there behind the stick as I
saw those Japs come romping home.
any hitting after that, partner.

But he didn’t do
You had him gauged,
and four runs made the limit for the Japs in that
game.”
“Wasn't it sport!”
memory of the game.
“You bet!

pitch some.

cried Dick, delighted by the
“Wasn't it aportt”
rgckon you showed ’em you could

And that measly sneak, Puttmore, didn’t
get a chance to go into the box. Confound his treach-
erous skin! he ought to be shot for giving our signals
away to Zaru.
you for a homer.
to pitch.”
*“Puttmore will suffer for it if Val Hazen gets hold
of him.”

That’s how the Jap happened to hit
He knew just what you were going

“Oh, I don’t reckon Hazen will do much more than

drop the varmint from the team.
the Japs can play baseball some!
They’re right onto the game.”

But, say, partner,
1 never dreamed. it.

“That's because so many of their youngsters have
been sent to the United States for an education. ‘hey
learn to play baseball over there and then come back
here and tgach it. In a few years baseball will be one
of the great sports of this country.”’

“T certain would like to go against them for another
game. Made me think of Fardale. Wonder how the
~ team is doing this season? Oh, say! I bet that onery
scoyote, Chet Arlington, is running things with a high

hand. It makes me boil aplenty when I think of him

having things his own way there. But something will
drop on him’some day, and drop a heap hard.”

“I’m not worrying about Arlington now,” said

Dick, although a cloud came to his face. “I am per-

-fectly confident that in time he will bring about his

own downfall.”

, “Prof. Gunn gets letters from Fardale at intervals,
but he never _ us much of anything about the doings
that interest us.”

~Dick and Brad were sleeping on a bed made upon
the floor, as is the custom'in Japan. They, together
_with Prof. Gunn, were the guests of Prof. Desura, a
Japanese instructor in Tokio University. The home
of Prof. Desura was on the outskirts of the great city.

As the boys were chatting before rising a door of
the paper wall of their room slid back and there was a
Japanese maidservant, bowing low with her forehead
almost to the floor, on which ney hands were placed
-palms downward. y

Brad had started to get up, but he plunged back

under the futon, or quilt, ¢ gasping:

WEEKLY.

“Confound these. soft-footed Japanese maidserv-
ants! They are a whole lot too careless in their man-
ner of entering one’s bedchamber.”

Dick laughed and called:

“What is it, Aya?”

“Deign to augustly pardon me, honorable sirs. It
is to humbly inform you that a guest has appeared and
humbly entreats an interview, which he earnestly de-
sires that you may graciously grant.”

“Hey?” exclaimed Buckhart. “A guest?”

“At this hour of the morning!” said Dick. “Why
didn’t he wait until we had risen and eaten breakfast ?”’

“Wonder who it is?” speculated Merriwell. He
then questioned Aya, who explained that the caller was
a young man who looked like an Englishman or an
American.

“It may be Hazen,” suggested Brad, eagerly. | ‘‘Per-
haps there is more baseball in the air, pard. Whoop!
Skip, Aya—skedaddle! Scoot and tell the honorable
guest to graciously enter. Hurry, Aya, and don’t
break your delicate back bowing. Get a move on you,
you gentle-eyed daughter of the people who are scien-
tifically giving the Russian bear the grand kibosh.
We'll be ready to receive the august visitor in about
two shakes of a Texas longhorn’s tail.”

-Much bewildered by this flow of language, half of
which she did not understand, the maid quickly retired.

Dick and Brad rose at once and started to slip
into some light clothes in which to receive the visitor.
Barely had they dropped off their night garments when
the Texan gave a yell of dismay and caught up a futon,
which he nervously wrapped round his unclothed fig-
ure.

For there was Aya again, bowing low with her
palms on the floor.

Dick made an agile spring and sought shelter behind
Brad. .
_ “Confound these Japanese maidservants!”  palpi-
tated the Texan. “To them the sacredness of a chap’s
bedchamber is nothing whatever. They make up the
bed while you wait, and when you step out to look at
the moon before retiring they step out, too, and stand
near, serenely humming a tune. Then they conduct
you back and see that you are safely bestowed in bed.
I can’t get used to it. What is it now, Aya?”

Dick was laughing, but he took care to hold Buck-
hart in position between himself and the maid.

“The honorable visitor is here, beneficent sirs.”

“He’s a lively chap!” exclaimed Dick. “Can’t seem
to wait for us to get on a single piece of clothing.”

 

 

“Just tell him—-—"” began Brad ; but HE did not fin- x

    

 

 
    
   
   
 

    
     
 

NS
. eee ET rs
‘ ‘ 3 _ ?

  
   
 
  
  
  
   

 

iP

|

_ man!
i can, having been born in Connecticut.

promiptly ran ae yen a while as a Sen in

ish, for the “honorable visitor” entered and Aya closed
the sliding door behind him.

CHAPTER II.

DICK S DARING.

“Hello!” cried Brad, in surprise.

“Hello!” exclaimed Dick, gazing over his compan-
ion’s shoulder.

“It’s—it’s Foster!’ came from the Texan.

“Arthur Foster; as I live!” said Dick.

The visitor was a handsome young man, with a

smooth, boyish face, which, however, showed signs of °

anxiety.

Foster paused, betraying some embarrassment.

“I—I beg your pardon!” he stammered. ‘“I—I
didn’t know———”

“Of course not. These Japs never tell you.
mind, Arthur; we’re glad to see you.”

“Just turn your back a moment,” urged Buckhart,
“and we'll jump’ into our honorable garments.
Whoop! Hang it all! I’ve got to talking after the
fashion of these Japs and I can’t seem to help it. If it
sticks to me after I get back to Yankee Land people
will think I’m woozy.” |

The visitor turned and surveyed the paper partition
while Dick’ and Brad hastily slipped on some light
garments.

Never

“How age you, Arthur’ >” said Dick, advancing and —

shaking hands with the visitor. “We thought you
were far away from Japan on the briny deep. Fancied
you lost no time in skipping out after pet great disap-
pointment.”

The visitor seized Dick’s
warmth, his cheeks flushing and his eyes shining.

“T know,” he said. “I told you I was going to get
out of this country; but I didn’t go. I couldn’t go!
I had to see O Jo Kato again if possible.” ,

“What?” gasped:Dick. ‘Had to see her?”

“Yes! It was like tearing out my heart and leaving
it behind me to leave her.”

“But O Jo is married)

???

You're crazy, Arthur, old.

wr spe : ang ’ admitted the youth ; “but I can’t
help i \ \ ‘

Arthur Foster, like idk and Brad, was an Ameri-
3 _ When he was
suspended at college the anger of his father knew no

bounds, and the old man immediately set him at work

in a’most menial position. Arthur was’ proud and he

TP TOP WEEKLY.

Hada aint shook it with

was no door and that the man who erected the tower

   

3

the West, drifted to the coast, sailed for Japan, de-
serted on arriving there and remained in the country.
After a while he was engaged as the tutor of two
young girls who were anxious. to learn the things
learned by American girls. One of these girls, O Jo
Kato, was unusually intelligent and pretty, and it was
not long before Arthur awoke to realize that he was in
love with her,

Then the young tutor began to instruct his charming
pupil in the art of love, and so’well did he succeed that
in a'short time she was compelled to confess that she
loved him. But she was engaged to one of her own
countrymen, named Ojigo Kitsune, who was absent
in some capacity with the Japanese army. She knew
little or nothing of Kitsune, to whom she had been-
pledged by her parents; but, like all Japanese girls,
she believed it her sacred duty to obey her father and
mother and marry the man, even though it broke her
own heart. This she repeatedly told Arthur, although
confessing that she loved him “most best of all men
in the world.” Arthur did not give up; he hoped to
win her somehow. When he finally discovered that
Kitsune was a spy in the employ df the Japanese
government, it is certain he lived with some lingering
hope that the unwelcome lover might fall into the
hands of the Russians. ;

But Kitsune suddenly reappeared in Yokohama. He
discovered what was going on and attempted to eject
the three young Americans from the home of O Jo
one day. As a result, although the Jap was a sup-—
posed-to-be master of jiu-jitsu, he was handled with
ease by Dick, who had been taking lessons in judo, an
art far in advance of jiu-jitsu.

‘Infuriated beyond measure, Kitsune had resolved on
revenge. Arthur Foster suddenly disappeared. Dick
and Brad sought for him in vain until, happening to— |
pass the “Tower of Prayer” one evening, Dick saw —
a paper flutter down from the top of the lofty column
and picked it up. It proved to bea hastily scribbied —
message from Foster, who was a prisoner in the little
room with one square window far up at the top of
the tower, where S had been imprisoned and left to-
perish- by Kitsune.

The Tower of ie had been erected tg a wealthy
Japanese gentleman, who, it was said, built it that he
might retire to the room in its lofty pinnacle, there to

‘pray undisturbed. The door by which the tower was

entered was a secret one, and so craftily had it beer. sy
devised that hundreds who sought to discover it were
baffled. There were those who claimed that there

 

      
     
     
    
4 | J3 IP TOP WEEKLY.

was a hypocrite, who did not enter it to pray and
remain there two or three days at a time; but who
disguised himself and sought dissipation and excite-
ment by visiting forbidden places.

Ojigo Kitsune, the spy, however, found a method of
opening the secret door. He paid desperadoes to cap-
ture Arthur Foster and leave him at night, gagged,
bound and helpless at the foot of the tower. Then
Kitsune came, opened the secret door, unbound Fos-
ter’s feet, and, at the point of a knife, compelled him
to mount the winding stairs and the long iron ladder
that led to the little cell far up at the top of the tower.
When Kitsune retreated from the cell he pulled down
the ladder behind him. The secret door was carefully
-closed and the fate of ‘the prisoner seemed sealed, for
even though half of Yokohama knew he was con-
fined up there, there was no way of scaling the out-
side of the tower, and the secret door could be opened
‘by no one save Kitsune.

Having learned by the note what had happened to

Foster, Dick Merriwell sought the advice of Sono
Bochan, his instructor in judo. Bochan ‘explained the
utter impossibility of rescuing the captive by any or-
dinary method, and then he meditated. .He was a

master kite builder, and Dick had seen him send up a —

small boy to a dizzy height with the aid of several of
these kites.
should be rescued at,night by means of the kites, But
it was necessary that some one should ascend to the
tower window in order that he might be told what
to do. 2

Dick Merriwell agreed to undertake the hair-lift-
ing and seemingly maniacal effort to rescue Foster.
Fortunately there was a powerful and steady wind that
night. Bochan and Buckhart manipulated the kites
from the a and Dick soared aloft like a bird.
He reached the tower window and clung there, with
the captive kites above him seeking to pull him clear
and carry him higher.

Then a hitch in the program occurred. It was in-
tended that but one should descend at a time. Dick
_ followed Boclian’s instructions and explained to Fos-
ter, but he decided to remairi on the window ledge and~
permit Arthur to descend first. In seeking to change
places with Dick, Foster slipped from the window and _
caught hold of the kite. The weight of both dragged
the kites downward, and at first. it seemed that they.

would be dashed to pieces on the ground.

-Bochan, realizing the kites were falling, hastily
urged Buckhart to join Aes in running to windward,
clinging to the lines. | In ‘this manner they partly

Finally Bochan proposed that Foster

checked the swift descent, and the boys came down
with only a light shock, neither being seriously harmed.

It was one of the most daring and astounding res-
cues ever accomplished.

A day or two later Foster received a letter from
his sweetheart, in which she informed him that she
had married Ojigo Kitsune, and therefore could never
see him or speak to him again. This broke him all up,
and he immediately announced his intention of leaving
the country.

Dick and Brad supposed he had gone until he ap-
peared before them that morning in the house of
Prof. Desura, at Tokio.

GHAPTEIER - HI;
ANOTHER GAME TO BE PLAYED.

“Ves, I presume I’m crazy,” admitted Foster; “but
I want to tell you something that will surprise you.
O Jo Kato is not married, and-her name is not Kitsune
C36"

“What ?”
married ?”

“No. That letter was a fake to fool me.
she was compelled to write it by her parents.”

“But why—why?” questioned Merriwell, wonder-
ingly. “Surely Kitsune is in earnest about marrying
her, and her parents are in earnest. about compelling
her to marry him.”

“T think I have discovered the reason. Instead én
leaving Japan, I set out to learn what I could about
Kitsune. I have discovered that it has been reported
to O Jo’s parents that while in Korea this fellow mar-
ried a woman of Seoul. He has confessed it, and now
he ae that O Jo shall marry his brother, Yoda Kit-
sune.’ ; |

“Yoda Kitsune?” cried Dick, in surprise. “Why,
he’s a student at the university here! I know him!
We have played baseball against him. He is the
pitcher for the university.” .

“That’s the fellow,” nodded Foster. “He pak
ates this year. They have fixed it up that my poor O
Jo shall be given to him when he leaves school.’?

Brad had listened with keen interest to this ex-
planation. \

“Whoop!” he suddenly cried, ‘“Here’s a heap good
chance for you to get-into gear and do things, Foster!
The girl, like all Jap girls, would not go back on her.
parents, who had pledged her to Ojigo; but she must

exclaimed Dick. ‘“What’s that? Not

I think |

”

ce whole lot disgusted now that she’s found out he’s a.

f -

d i

 

 
 

TIP TOP
married somebody else. You ought to be able to rake
her in before she can be tied onto Yoda.”

“That’s what I propose to do!” nodded Arthur, his
eyes shining and his cheeks flushed. “But there is
one thing in the way. I can’t find her.”

“Well, that is bad.”

“Bad! Just think of the impossibility of finding
anyone in a labyrinth like Tokio! It’s like searching
for a needle in a haystack.”

“Much like it,” agreed Dick.

“T’ve come to you for help.”’

' “T£ we can help you in*any manner, you may count
on us.”

“Bet your boots!” cried Brad. ,-

“T learned Yoda Kitsune was a student at the uni-

versity, and thén I discovered that you were visiting
one of the professors. This Yoda must know where
O Jo Kato is hidden away. Ojigo and O Jo’s parents
have vanished, so I cannot trace her through them.
My only method seems to be to trace her through
Yoda. But I fear 1am watched. It may be that I was
watched when I came here this morning. If I should
obtain a trace of O Jo, she’d be moved at once. You,
however, might be able to discover her hiding place.”

“Took here, old man,” said Dick, “hadn’t you better
give up this folly, for it seems like folly to me. You
came near losing your life over this girl, and you will
be in great danger if you persist in following her up.”

“T don’t care!” cried Foster, desperately. “I can’t
give her up! I won’t give lier up! As long as there
is any hope, I’m going to do my best. If you won’t
help me, I’ll go it alone. I appreciate what you ‘have
done already. There is no reason why you should do
more. I don’t wish to draw you into peril.”

Merriwell checked him.

‘Don’t get so excited, Foster,” he said, calmly.
“T’m advising you for your own good, that’s all. Even
if you found O Jo, she might still insist on obeying her
parents.”

,

oh bd can see her-—if I can talk with her two min-
utes, I am confident that I can win the game. All I
ask is oné more chance.”
“TI certain admire your grit,” put in Buckhart. . “T
opine I know how you feel. Stick to it and win out.”
Dick nodded. ;
“As long as you feel the way you do, that is the
only thing,” he said. “I'll do anything I can to help
you, and here is my hand on it.”
“And you bet your boots I’m with him!” cried the
Texan. “If we can get trace of O Jo, we'll put you

WEEKLY. | 5

on all right, and we'll certain do our handsomest to
help you carry her off.”

Foster’s face expressed his gratitude as he pressed
the hands of the two comrades.

“It’s a great thing to strike two such friends when
one is all by his lonesome in a foreign country,” he
said.

Then all three sat down on the floor and talked for
some time.

Suddenly, as. they were chatting, the sliding door
opened again, and there was Aya bowing to the mat-
covered floor. When questioned she explained that
still another visitor had appeared.

“They are coming thick and fast this morning,”
laughed Dick. “Show the honorable visitor in, Aya.”

A few moments later a young man appeared, at
sight of whom both Dick and Brad expressed pleasure.

It was Val Hazen, manager of the American base-
ball team that was touring in Japan.

Hazen was introduced to Foster.

‘What brings you here so early?” questioned Dick.

“T come to ask another favor,” said, Hazen. “There
is more baseball in the air. Did think of giving up
this tour and returning to the United States, but Tokio
seeks revenge. The Japs can’t seem to swallow their
defeat and let it go at that. Shinrui came after me
last night. He’s manager of the Tokio team, you
know. It seems they had a meeting after the game
and resolved to challenge us to-play them again. It
was rather galling to have us down them after several
supposed-to-be weaker teams had beaten us. Kitsune,
the pitcher, is savage over the defeat. He wants to
pitch against you again. I explained to Shinrui that
it would be impossible for me to play right away un-

less I could get you to do the twirling, for Walker’s -_

arm is so lame he can’t throw across the diamond, and
Puttmore has had the good judgment to keep out of
sight since betraying us by giving your signals to the

Japs.” \

“Then you haven’t seen anything of that traitorous
varmint since he hiked off the field yesterday?” eagerly
questioned the Texan.

“Not a thing; but I expect he'll show up any time,
for I¢know he hasn’t much money, and he’ll not relish
being left in Japan when we get out of the country.”

“I'd like to get my paws on him!” growled Buck-
hart. .

“Don’t worry about him,” advised Hazen.
will be fixed when we get back home.

“He
He'll play no-
more college baseball. That will be the worst punish- s
ment that could fall.on him. Shinrui has a peculiar

 
    

 

     
   
 
   
  
   
 
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
    
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
    
   
 
   
  
  
   
   

6 TIP
proposition. His team is going up to a summer camp
near Nikko to-morrow, and he wishes to play the sec-
ond game there. If they defeat us, the final game will
be played here at Tokio or in Yokohama.”’

“Where is Nikko?”

“Up in the mountains a hundred miles or so. I ex-
plained that it would be impossible for me to play
there unless I could get you and Merriwell for my
battery. That’s what brings me here. Can you go?
Will you go? All expenses will be paid. It will not
cost you a cent.”

“Tt’s up to Dick,” cried the Texan. “I’m willing.”

Dick glanced at Foster and then asked:

“So Kitsune wishes to pitch against me again?’

“Sure thing. He’s eager to get another chancé.
He feels he has been disgraced by this defeat at the
hands of a mere boy.”

“T don’t know about it,’”’ said Merriwell, slowly.

“He'll believe you are afraid to give him a fair
show to get even,” quickly declared Hazen. “We
can’t play the game without you. Do stand by us this
time. After this game Walker’s arm may be all right,
so we can get along if Stroker comes back. We don't
want Puttmore.”

“Permit me to speak a few words with Mr. Foster.”

He drew Foster aside.

“Tf this fellow Kitsune is going to Nikko,” he said,
“T can best keep my eyes on him by agreeing to play

‘do you think of that?”

“You're right,” nodded Arthur. “Go ahead.”

 

CHAPTER IV. oe
AMONG HEATHEN GODS. __

As he was not inclined to make the journey himself,
it was no small matter for the boys to induce Prof.
Gunn to permit them to travel to Nikko. Knowing
how to get round the old pedagogue, Dick finally per-
suaded him.
poe Thus it happened that on the following day they set
/ out by rail in company with Hazen’s American base-
ball team. It proved to be an interesting and com-

fortable ‘journey asi a picturesque portion 6f the
coe

_ Arriving at Nikko, they found that, according to an

_ secured accommodations for the foreigners. Three

ver entirely to them, and each house-was provided

with a aitieuber of per vants, who ae to CCE

TOP.

this game and going along with Hazen’s team. What |

! agreement made, Shinrui, the Japanese manager, had

tiny houses on the outskirts of the village were given |

WEEKLY.

down in those houses, in
delighted by the novelty of it all,
for the place had a truly Japanese air, quaint, fascinat-
ing and soothing. There were cooks to provide food,
waiters to serve it, maids to keep everything in per-
fect order, and the young college men simply lay back
and reveled in the delight of such an outing.

The long, main street of the village, with its little
shops and bazaars, was interesting by day and fasci-
nating by night., The people of the place, simple in
their manners and not too much “civilized,” regarded
the young Americans with curious politeness. There
was a noticeable dearth of young men, and it was ex-

The Americans settled
ereat satisfaction,

plained that they were away with the army, fighting

the Russians in Manchuria. There were,
any number of pretty women and young
surveyed the foreigners with shy curiosity.

On the morning of the second day Dick and Brad
secured a guide and started out to visit the Sacred
Mountain of Nikko, which was once the shrine of that
section of the ep, Detane the Japanese became
niodernized and “civilized,”

At the base of the mountain roared a atte torrent
of a stream, which, however, was spanned by a beauti-
ful bridge.

Crossing the bridge they began to ascend the densely
wooded mountain by means of flights of broad stone

however,
girls, who

steps.

- “Great tarantulas!’ exclaimed Brad.
ever see such trees as these, pard?”
“Never, confessed Dick.
The whole side of the mountain was covered by
gigantic cedar trees, beside the smallest of which the
largest American cedar would look like a shrub.

“Did you

save in California,”

They came to a massive stone gateway, beautifully
carved and set with two bronze doors, which, how-

ever, were wide open.

High above the gateway, seeming suspended in the
air, was an ornamental roof.

On either side of the gateway were great bronze pil-
lars, designed with that elegance of ornament that is
completely mastered by the Japanese.

A great hush reigned amid the massive cedars. Be-
hind them the rushing roar of the brook was dying to

a murmur.

A feeling of awe settled on the two lads.

Pointing to a beautiful fountain beside the gate,
the guide explained that it had once been used by all

pilgrims, who there paused to wash their hands and ~
mouth before visiting the temples of the gods,

 

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Passing through the’ gateway they came to a vast'fa Hercules, with

level tract, where they paused in astonishment.

Amid the trees in the gloom were scores of quaint
belfries, which seemed adorned with an untold wealth
of precious stones; there were temples decorated with
every color of the prism; there were innumerable foun-
tains of bronze, delightful
picturesque pagodas,

very tree tops;

to the eye; there were
which towered almost to the
and their eyes beheld massive bells
whose iron tongues hting silent and soundless since
the day when the gods of this Sacred Mountain had
been abandoned by a people turning from their idols
to become one of the powerful nations of the earth.

The feeling of awe that had begun to creep over the
boys now became almost oppressive. They stepped
gently amid that impressive solitude as they followed
their guide. They seemed to be passing through a
mystic village, deserted by its inhabitants, for no one
save themselves was to be seen. |

“Great horn spoon!” whispered the esr “This
Isn’t it a
heap still?”

The murmur of the torrent had died out now, and

it seemed that they were alone in a dead world. There

were gloomy shadows there on that wide-spreading
terrace. |

Dick ventured to question the guide, and he ex-
plained that the temples held the treasures of the
Shoguns, which no one ventured to molest, although
Japan had burned frém the worship of her old-time
gods. :

Again they mounted by another flight of broad steps
until they stood before the Sacred Gate that opened on
Nikko’s shrines and sepulchers.

There the guide halted and humbly told them that
they might go on by themselves. As for him, although

his people no longer worshiped the ‘gods of old, he

cared not to intrude on their privacy under such cir-

cumstances, He would wait for them to'return.
“Come on, Brad,” said .Dick. “I want to see all

there is to be seen.” ;

“Y’m another,” said Buckhart;
through the Sacred Gate. :

and they passed

They found themselves amid the shrines erected to
the heathen gods once worshiped by the Japanese.

Buckhart started and shrugged his shoulders shiver-
ingly as he beheld reaching forth from the gloom, as if
to grasp him, the hand of a hideous creature with

blood-red body, fang-lined mouth, fiery eyes and hide-

ous shape.
On the other side Ditke- was staring at a creature Uke.

e

WEEKLY..

-gantic trees, came rushing human forms.

        
  
  
  
   
    
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
   
 
  
    
 
   
  
      
       
       
     

1

a great battle-ax uplifted as if to
smite the lad upon the head and dash out his brains.
“Whoop!” exclaimed the Texan. “This sure starts
a fellow some! How do you like it, pard?”’
“It’s interesting, at least,’ said Merriwell.
“Interesting! It’s more! I don’t wondei
didn’t want to come in here amid these hobgoblins.”’

r the guide

They advanced and found there were dozens of these
repulsive shapes, representing the God of War,
God of Fire, the God of Judgment, and so on.

The feeling of awe was replaced by one that was
little short of terror. There was something about the
silence of the place and the horrible menace of .those
hideous forms that gave the boys a feeling of impend-
ing danger. |

It was Brad who finally halted before a deity even
more repulsive than any yet beheld, for it was adorned
with monstrous green serpents, and proposed that they
should turn back.

“T wanted to see it all,’ he said; “but I admit I’ve
seen enough. Somehow, Dick, I can’t help feeling
that we’re walking right into some awful peril. It’s
silly, I reckon, but the impression grows stronger and
stronger every step we take.”

“Tt’s caused by these hideous shapes,” declared Mer-
riwell.. “We are wholly alone here, and there can be
no danger. There’s not a living soul besides ourselves
amid these shrines.”

Even as he uttered the words there seemed to be a
stir behind the green serpents writhing over the limbs
of the god near them. A strange, blood-chilling cry
awoke the echoes of that awesome place. It was an-
swered by similar cries. To the startled boys the hide-.
ous idols appeared to awaken, come to life and rush
upon them.

the

 

CHAPTER V.
NEAR DEATH ON THE SACRED MOUNTAIN.

The idols had not stirred, but from behind many of
them and likewise from behind the trunks of the ee

They were not alone; far from it.

Startled, they turned to fly, but those forms were be-
hind them, on either hand, everywhere.

They were trapped.

“Wh-—what does it mean, pard?”’
Texan. Hs

“T don’t know,” confessed Dick. ae

“We've done nothing!”

“No; but——”’ .

The men were half naked. One more fully clothed

palpitated the

”
against him if he wasn’t tied,”

   

8 TIP TOP WEEKLY.

t

appeared before Dick and cried an order in Japanese,
at the same time pointing at the boy.

Dick recognized this person, and, in great amaze-
ment, he exclaimed:

“Tt is Ojigo Kitsune!”

The boys were seized. Brad was inclined to offer
resistance, but, seeing the folly of it, Dick advised him
to submit. .

“Confound the* varmints!” panted the Texan.
“Whatever do they mean by jumping on us in this
here impolite manner?”

Kitsune glared at the lads in a malevolent manner.
At his command they were rendered helpless by having
their hands bound behind their backs.

“Be careful!” cried Dick. “If harm comes to us
you'll pay dearly for it!”

The jiu-jitsu man laughed sneeringly.

“You have polluted the shrines of the sacred gods,”
he said.
fair for such a thing?’

“Why, your old shrines were deserted long ago.
Your people have abandoned them, and they are no
longer considered sacred.”

“That is what we say, for we wish it to be thought
that we are like the people who call themselves civi-
lized. We play our part much well. But see these
people here—look at them. Not one has given up the
gods he worshiped of old.”

Indeed, the men who had captured the boys looked
like worshipers of such gods. In Yokohama and
Tokio the people of the country had betrayed a strong
desire to do things as the advanced nations did them.
In dress, as far as possible, they had followed the
styles of Europeans and Americans. But these men
were dressed only with breech cloths, and their aspect
was more like savages than civilized beings.

“You had no right to come here,” pursued Kitsune.

“You have polluted the very air by your presence. I,

- saw you seek to Sas some of the precious stones from
the temples, and |
“You lie!” cried a hotly.

 

f
“Correct!” nodded Brad.
clock, old man! re

For a moment it sedined that Kitsune would strike

Ph. Dick, but he refrained.

“Tt wouldn’t be any healthy for you to lift your paw
said the Texan. “You
tried that SHICe, and I opine you remember what hap-

‘pened to you.” |
' Kitsune remembered. Although called a master of
| jiu-jitsu, he had been sent flying through the air by

“Do you think to escape punishment just and ®

“You're a liar by the”

this American boy, who had learned something of the
mysterious of judo. His downfall had
him, and he had sworn to be revenged.

It now seemed that his opportunity for revenge was
before him. |

“I know!” he half snarled, an evil look on his yel-
low face. “I remember it well. I am not one to for-
get. I know, likewise, that you somehow saved Foster
from the Tower of Prayer. Much trouble you have
made me, but it not shall continue more. I will tell
you. These men speak not your language, and none
will understand me. They believe you have defiled
this sacred place, and at my command they will your
heads cut off.”

He grinned viciously.

“Dare to harm us and your life will pay for it!” de-
clared Dick.

“Oh, no fear. Who can know? You came here
with a guide, who is now far gone. He did not enter
because it was for him I said not to do so. I have
chosen the ones to take you when you should be found
here. Not one will ever speak of it when you are gone.
You will vanish as the dew vanishes when the hot sun
burns.”’

“That’s certain is a fine prospect!” muttered Buck-
hart.

“Tt was my hope that you Should with you bring
Foster. He is yet to feel me, oe it was he who
tried O Jo Kato to steal from ear

“Why, you bigamous whelp,” cried Dick, “you’re
married already! Were you going to deceive that
girl by taking her as a wife while you had one al-
ready ?”

‘Kitsune shrugged his shoulders.

“Many in America do that,” he said. “Now it is
my brother that shall have her. How was it you came
to Nikko? My brother made Shinrui have it that here
the game should be played, else he would not pitch, I
planned it with my brother that you might come far
from Tokio and here be trapped. -You are!”

“Oh, you're a whole lot slick!” grated Buckhars
struggling. “I’d like to get my paws on you!”
He

Kitsune grinned, for the Texan was helpless.

continued to taunt the two American boys for some —

time, taking great delight in this.
His companions looked on in silence. They were
rather ignorant-looking Japs, and the boys conjec-

tured that they had been ea by Kitsune for this _

reason.
“ee leader of this band finally Hired of ree see-

infuriated ,

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- of you.

: - thing of talk to say to America.
be. She will go to the Philippines, and to America
If America does not move, then

aii ENS

she will-say, ‘Move.’

_ was not a little of such talk among a certain class in

TIP. FOP
ing that he was failing in frightening the boys in this
manner.

“Tl bother with you no more at all,’ he said.

Then he gave an order in Japanese, upon which both
lads were roughly dragged through the cedar aisles
until-they came to an idol even more hideous than any
they had yet beheld. This creature had three heads,
and its three faces were so terrible that each seemed
to express the full depth of rage and fury. Its fang-
like teeth appeared to be dripping blood, while in its
claw-shaped hands it held an object like a human

Beart.

Kitsune told the captives that on the stone steps be-
fore this monster they were to be slain. Their heads
should be severed from their bodies, and then their
hearts would be torn out and offered to the god. to ap-
pease his wrath because they had defiled the shrines
of the Sacred Mountain.

He seemed in deadly earnest.

Behind the idol there was a dainty temple. Into this
rushed one of the Japs, quickly reappearing with a
heavy two-edged sword. \

“Y’m afraid the infernal varmints mean business,
pard,” muttered Brad.

It began to look that way to Dick. Up to that point
he had not believed Kitsune would dare murder them
there; but now he was not so sure of it.

In truth, the unfortunate boys were in a terrible
scrape.

Kitsune laughed as he saw them lose color some-

. what. ‘

sneered ; “but yet it is so that we may frighten the best
Ha! Japan will yet frighten the world!
Russia thought us small and on us with scorn looked.

How is it that Russia feels now? We have defeated
her everywhere.

Her power is broken, and Japan has
advanced to a lofty height among the nations of the
world. When we have with Russia done, it is to
others we will give some attention, and we may have
something to say to America. Japan needs more room.

_. Why should America come here into the East? Japan

must grow. She may need the Philippines. Oh-ah!
Then, when it the time comes, she may have some-
One word will enough

it is what Russia has received that we may be com-

A yo pelled to give her.”

‘The Jap was boasting, but Dick had found there

  

opine the jig is up!

  

WEEKLY. 9

However, the words of the ruffian were -
heard then, for both lads were trying to de-
vise some manner of averting their fate or delaying it
for a period. They felt that it would be useless to
make an appeal to Kitsune.

“T made a mistake, Brad,’ admitted Dick. “We
should have fought them when we had a chance.”

Seeing that neither of the boys was giving him at-
tention, Kitsune uttered a strange cry, whereupon the
Japs forced the lads to their knees on the stone steps
before the idol. ;

“In one moment I shall the executioner command
to strike off your heads,” said Kitsune.

the country.
scarcely

CHAPTER VL
WHEN THE IDOL SPOKE.

“Good-by, pard!’’ whispered the Texan, huskily. “I
1

Dick did not respond. Up to the last moment he
sought to keep his wits, in hopes of devising some
method of escape. Just then he longed for the ven-
triloquial power of his brother, Frank. Had he pos-
sessed it he would have made the idol seem to speak
and command Ojigo Kitsune to’spare his captives.

As this thought flew through the boy’s head a most
astonishing thing occurred.

The idol spoke!

At least, so it seemed.

From one of those hideous mouths issued a loud

_ voice, -uttéring a command in Japanese.
“You Ameri , h t le,”’ 3
ou Americans are a much brave people,” he

Dick could understand enough of the language to
comprehend that the god had ordered the waiting exe-
cutioner to hold his hand and spare the boys.

Already the man had partly lifted the teffible sword.
For a moment he seemed thunderstruck, as if unable .
to comprehend the miracle. Then he dropped the
sword to the ground and prostrated himself on his
face before the idol. tek

‘The others were not slow in following the execu-
tioner’s example. Down they dropped, bowing their |
faces to the dust. |

All save Ojigo Kitsune.

This man glared at the idol with scarcely less as-
tonishment than his companions, but, instead of being
terror-stricken,

they were fools. He ordered them to rise, and furi-

ously commanded the executioner to go on with the ~

task of lopping off the heads of the captives. .
- But the er: were far too a to pay heed to ;
him. | |

”

he shouted at them and told them © ‘a

      
     
om ‘turing there.

  

     

10 TIP TOP

Dick Merriwell was bewildered. To him it seemed
that his desire to make the idol seem to speak had
brought about that result.

Nor was Buckhart less astounded.

“Great horn spoon!” he gasped. “Did you hear it,
pard? The thing spoke?!’

“It seemed to speak,” said Dick.

* “Seemed to! Waugh! I heard it!’

Kitsune was infuriated. In a great rage, he lifted
his foot and kicked the executioner, who rolled over
in front of the idol, uttering a squawk of pain.

“Coward!” cried Kitsune, in Japanese.

Then he caught up the heavy two-edged sword and
turned toward the captives, his face contorted with
passion.

“Tt is not to escape you shall be permitted!’ he
shouted. “With my own hand I will your heads
strike off !’’

But again the idol spoke!

He was commanded to desist, else the wrath of the
gods fell upon him and annihilated him. |
“The gods!” he sneered. ‘Why, these gods are
nothing! I have learned what fools we were who once
worshiped creatures of wood, and iron, and stone,
created by our own hands and called gods.” ,

He fixed his murderous eyes on Dick and stepped*
forward, swinging the sword over his head.

Then the idol suddenly parted in the very center,
one-half swinging to one side and one-half to the
other. The interior of the body was hollow, and forth
from this hollow stepped a man, white-bearded} clothed
in priestly robes and barefooted. This man must have
been more than seventy years of age, yet the fire of
youth flashed in his eyes as he confronted Ojigo with
uplifted hang.

“Maniac, what would you do?’ demanded the
stranger. “Have you lost your reason? If you slay
these foreigners here you will bring on your head
the wrath of the law that is swift and certain to pun-_
ish. ‘ There are now many foreigners in Nikko. Do
you tlink, foolish one, that these boys would not be
missed? Do you think they would not be traced here
and their mutilated bodies found? Then their mur-
derers would be found, and you---you among them
would suffer with your life for this deed. But even if
the bodies were taken away and hidden, I would ap-
pear and make complaint against you.”

Kitsune was awed now. He bowed low in the dust
before the enraged priest, falteringly explaining that
the boys had defiled the retreat of the peo Ras ven-

 

   

 

WEEKLY.

The old man heaved a sigh.

“Oh-ah!’ “Many are the foreigners who
do that now, yet they are permitted to depart without
molestation. They come here from far countries to
gaze at our temples and our gods, and no one forbids
them. The true worship is no more. Our people
have turned from the old gods to a:new one. They
hold in contempt things once thought sacred. “It is
not with the wrath of the gods that I threaten: you,
but with the wrath of the law. Take those boys away
and, set them free, 1 command you.”

“Tt shall be done even so, Sacred One,”
Kitsune. “I was angry, but now I know that I was
wrong, and I should not be resentful, even though
the foreigners defile all things of old that once we held
sacred. I will take them from the mountain and set
them free.”

“It is well,” said the priést.

Then he stamped his foot and the hollow idol
closed. He did not return to his hiding place within
it; but bowed his head and slowly moved away in that
manner.

“Saved for a minute, paid?” breathed Brad;
that may be all.”

he said.

‘but

CHAPTER VII.
THE ESCAPE. ©

There seemed but one explanation of the astonish-
ing manner in which the luckless lads had been pre-

_ served—temporarily, at least—from death before the

hideous idol.

It was probable that in the oid time, when these
shrines were held sacred by the people, the cunning
priests, in order to work upon the superstition of the
people, this particular god had at certain periods
spoken to the worshipers in his presence. |The seem-
ing miracle had been accomplished by/means of a priest
hidden within the hollow image.

The gray-bearded old priest, who remained like a
guardian among the gods, had by some rare chance, or
through design, entered the image as he heard the
Japs approaching with their captives. Being of a
humane nature, or fearing what might follow should
the foreigners be murdered there, he had sought to
frighten the executioner. When Kitsune refused to be

terrified on hearing that voice issue from the terrible.

mouth of the idol, the old priest disclosed himself and
stepped forth, forbidding the slaughter.

There was a cunning look in the eyes of Ojigo Kit-
sune as he watched the priest depart. Dick noted this
and realized that the respite from death was but tem-

promised
@

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& ‘
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ii?

porary unless some other method of baffling the wretch
could be found.

Indeed, barely had the priest disappeared when Kit-
sune again caught up the deadly sword’and raised it.

His arny was clutched by two of his companions,
who spoke hurriedly to him in their own language.

He was angry, and his eyes glared as he retorted.

It was plain that’ he threatened them.

For all of his power and influence, they were not

overawed, and, seeing that he was determined to ac-
complish his deadly purpose for all of the priest’s com-
mand, one of the men shouted sharply to the others.

Instantly they gathered about Kitsune, and, for the
moment, it seemed that they were about to set upon
him.

“That’s the way, you tarriers, fly at each other!”
“Chaw one another up some and
we won't cry.”

But Ojigo realized at last the folly of defying them
all. The power of the priest over them was greater
than his, and they feared to destroy the two boys on
the Sacred Mountain.

Kitsune was a fox in nature, as well as in name,
and immediately he resolved to bring about his blood-
thirsty design in another manner. Therefore he sub-
mitted, telling them they were right and agreeing that
the victims should be taken alive from the mountain.

The sword he gave over to one of the men, who re-

turned with it to the temple.

“We're liable to get a knife in the back now, Brad,”
said Dick, in a,low tone. “Old Kit has no idea of
letting us escape.”

‘“‘Nary idea,” agreed the Texan.

It seemed that the keen ears of the Fox heard their

_ words, for he turned pete them, smiling in his hate-
ful manner, as he said:

“Tt is vastly correct that you are. The priest has
no more than your agony prolonged. .

Having said this, he spoke a command to the men,

‘

and the boys were ar away, Kitsune incltagt

party.
They retraced their steps and left the terrace by the

Sacred Gate, descending the stone steps to the lower —

terrace. |
During the moments of horror when it seemed that
they would be murdered, both lads had betrayed re-
markable nerve, but now they relaxed somewhat.
“T’m limp as a rag, pard,”’ whispered Buckhart.
“Feel like my legs banda thelt under me any moment.”
“T feel the same way,’ ’ confessed Dick.

TOP

4‘ stoicism.

race,

“But we aida show the white feather any before

    

     

WEEKLY. II

old Kit.
wilt.’

The bravery of the boys in the face of such frightful
peril had both astonished and angered Kitsune, who
had fancied they would weep and beg.

The men who accompanied Kitsune were not so
greatly astonished, as they knew little of foreigners,
and as a rule a Jap goes to his death with amazing
As a race they are peculiar in this respect,
and it is their utter contempt for wounds and death
that makes them so formidable in battle. Therefore,
with the exception of ‘their leader, who had mingled
among Europeans and Americans, they did not con-
sider the demeanor of the captives in the face of ap-
parently certain death as at-all remarkable.

Kitsune had longed to make the boys plead for
mercy. He fell back as they were descending the steps
and walked beside Merriwell.

“Think not you will get away,” he said. “Think
not these men mean to spare you. By the old priest
they were frightened and they dare not harm you
anywhere on the mountain. When we have left.the
mountain I will have them take you far into the forest,
and there, where no one can ever discover your fate,
you shall rot.”

“You are a very brave man, Kitsune!” said Dick,
cuttingly. “I am glad that you do notregresent your
You are a fox by name and a sneak by nature.
Too cowardly to enlist as a soldier, you have been —
employed as a spy, for you were confident that through
your cunning you could escape detection. Oh, I know
you!” 3

“Tt is greatly too much that you know, and for the —
good of my country you should die. I will be doing |
a duty in silencing your tongue.”

“Tt is not yet silenced. Did you ever hear the old
saying that ‘there’s many a lip. *twixt the ae and the
lip’ 2”

“Tt I have heard, but for you it cannot Soe Had
not the coward who is your countryman fled from the
country him I would have destroyed, too. I mean
Foster.” |
The words of Ojigo convinced. Dick that the man
believed Arthur Foster had left Japan. —

“Oh, he’s beyond your reach,” said Dick, quickly.

“I may yet sometime meet him somewhere. It is
nothing of judo he knaws. I can handle him as I
please. I Will break his bones—his neck, perhaps.” —

He didn’t have the satisfaction of seeing us

“I wish you would set me free and try it on me!” _
panted Dick. 3 ae
“I may try it without setting you free,” sneered the _
 

12 | aie POP

scoundrel. “It would give me pleasure immense to
break your arms, your legs and then to destroy you.
Oh-ha! To the west the mountains are deep and wild.

Far in the midst of them 1 think I will leave you with
both arms and both legs broken! Oh-ha! You can-
not walk! You You will starve, or
wild beasts may you devour. It is better than to strike

cannot crawl!

off your head at a single blow.”

“You are about the most inhuman wretch it has
ever been my bad fortune to encounter!” said Dick,
hotly.

Kitsune grinned.

“Your blood creeps,” he said. “Oh-ha!”’

_ They came to the foot of the steps and onto the
lower terrace, where amid the gloom stood the’ pagodas,
the temples and the belfries.

Suddenly, and without warning, they were face to
face with a large party of ten persons, eight of whom
the boys recognized..

Dick uttered a cry of satisfaction and joy.

“Hazen!” he shouted. “Val Hazen!”

; ”9 : 4 >
“Hazen and the boys!” palpitated Buckhart. ““Now
there’ will be something doing! Whoop! Whoopee!

Set loose the Unbranded Maverick of the Rio Pecos
and see him paw the dirt!”

Dick acted almost instantly. Kitsune and the Japs
were greatly taken aback, for they saw before them
the remaining mémbers of the American baseball team,
accompanied by two guides. Before the Japs could re-
cover, young Merriwell flung himself against their

leader with sufficient violence to upset the fellow.
“Jump, Brad --jump lively!’ he shouted.

With which, avoiding more than one hand that was
outstretched to, clutch him, he dashed away and was
in the midst of his friends in a moment.

Buckhart ‘started to follow. A Jap clutched him,

but the Texan kicked the fellow on his bare shins
and caused him to relax his hold. Then Brad made
good his escape. |

The young Americans were e astounded.

‘What is the meaning of this?” cried several of
them.

“Tt means that we've been nearly murdered! Y ex-
plained Dick. “Only a miracle prevented us from

_ being beheaded on this mountain by these ruffians !’”’

_“That’s whatever,”
“Set my hands free,”
“That I will!”

time in doing so.

confirmed the Texan.
urged Dick.
said Bob Flunter, and he last no

At the same ‘time two of the others were freeing
Buckhart.

WEEKBY:

Kitsune had leaped like a cat to his feet, but, real-
izing he was too late to prevent his captive from get-
ting away, he stood with his hands on his hips, coolly
smiling and apparently quite unconcerned.

Dick and Brad told their friends what had hap-
pened, using as few words as possible. \ ;

Needless to say, the Americans were astounded and

enraged.
“Somebody shall suffer for this outrage!” shouted
‘Val Hazen. “Why, I didn’t suppose anything of the

kind could happen in this country. And Kitsune is the
leader ?”

“He’s the varmint!”’ declared Buck! art.

Ojigo continued to smile.

“Listen nots honorable sirs, to the foolish chatter
of two much frightened boys,” he said.

“Listen? Well, it’s evident they are telling the
truth. We had proof of that.”

“The proof will you mention, august sir?”

“Didn't we catch you with them?”

Now the Fox grinned. .

“Tt is eminently true,” he confessed, using language
which he considered polished and impressive. “How-
ever, see them you do unharmed, most wise one. My
people have now become dissatisfied that foreigners
should so ruthlessly invade the region that is sacred
to our gods. They have made it the resolution that
such invasions must stop. Therefore it is that they
‘have determined much to ftighten all strangers who
shall unwisely ascend this mountain. It was no harm
that we meant to those boys, but all that was done it
was to frighten them greatly.” “

“He’s a liar!” roared the Texan.

Kitsune pretended to be greatly hurt.

“The truth I have humbly spoken,”.he averred. “It
was planned that the priest should appear as he did.
No thought did one of us have to bring any hurt to the
foolish boys, but it was meant that they should be so
exceedingly frightened that never again would they a
foot step on the Sacred Mountain.”

“Brad is right,” said Dick.
meant to murder us!”

“Kitsune is lying. He

“And by the ga@at horn spoon he shall suffer for it!”
shouted Buckhart. “Come on, fellows! Let’s give the
varmint a lessor he’ll remember !”’

Kitsune cried out a word or two to his companions,
and almost instantly the ruffians produced keen knives
from some mysterious hiding places about their almost
naked persons.

The Fox regarded the Americans with smiling con-
tempt.

scant sR

 

 
    

 

pada use

china ya

\

sy,

~

_ .
Stn aioe seniioacttennstnh sin Sirianni — sneer

-

me.
_ Kato, Foster’s sweetheart.”

TIP

“It is wisdom that you should have not to molest
1s," he sneered. “Take the boys away, but let them
and all others be warned to keep away from the spot
that is still held sacred by some of my people.”

Again he cried out to the Japs, and in a twinkling
they turned and fled along the gloomy aisles, disap-
pearing like ghosts amid the huge trees and the strange
buildings of the terrace.

CHAPTER VIII.
IN A JAPANESE GARDEN.

That evening Dick and Brad ventured forth to visit
the little shops and booths on the main street of the

village.. The shops had fronts which were open to the
street. They were lighted by many Japanese lanterns

and looked very gay. Ther® were hosts of strangers
in town, and the street was thronged with polite and
smiling people, not one of whom seemed to have a care
in all the world.

“Who could imagine,” said Dick, “that these laugh-
ing people could be dangerous and deadly when in-
clined? They are quite unlike the fine gentlemen who

-. pounced on us up yonder on the Sacred Mountain to-

day.”

Anes Japs are a whole lot queer and contradict-
nodded Brad. “I admit I don’t understand
them any to speak of. I judge they’re a heap con-
ceited, and their success in walloping Russia makes
them think they can wallop the world.”

The shops delighted the boys, who longed to pur-
chase many things with which they knew they could
not afford to encumber themselves.

‘Suddenly Dick clutched his companion’s arm with a
grip of iron.

*“Look!’’ he breathed,

“Where?”

“Tn front of that:shop. See that tall, slender Jap.
You can’t mistake him, because his appearance is so
maspal. o

“T see him. Why, it is

“Yoda Kitsune, the younger brother of Ojigo.”

“Sure as shooting!” 3

“He’s the pitcher for the Tokio team, the chap who
urged them to give him another chance to pitch against
He is likewise the fellow who is to marry O Jo

ory,’

 

The Jap seemed to be making a purchase of some

- pretty’ bauble that would delight a woman’s eye.

“This is my opportunity,” said Dick.
“What opportunity ?’’ questioned the Texan.

TOP: WEEKLY.

13

“To shadow this fellow. He is making a purchase
Who knows

If I succeed in

that must be for one of the opposite sex.
but he may take it to O Jo Kato?
shadowing him I may find her.”

“Then let’s sée if we can’t track him down, partner.
We'll trail him to his hole.”

“No, Brad; leave me to do it alone.”

Buckhart betrayed disappointment.

“There’s You know that
even now we may be watched by Ojigo or some of his
measly tools. Better let me stick by you.”

Dick shook his head.

“If we stick together,

a heap of danger, pard.

there is twice the chance
that he will see us. It’s

the only way.

I insist on going it alone.
Leave it to me, Brad.”’

This the Texan was compelled to d
disinclined he felt,

0, no matter how
and in a few moments young Mer-
riwell was following Yoda,
purchase, turned and walked rapidly away.

who, having secured his

At first there was little danger that Kitsune would
discover that he was being followed. In the crowded
street Dick had not the least trouble about keeping
track of the tall Jap.

It was different, however, when they turned from
the main street and passed into a part of the town
where the streets were comparatively deserted.

Then. the boy’s training by old Joe Crowfoot, the
Indian, came into play. He made not a sound as he
stepped lightly along, and constantly he was on the
alert to take advantage of any cover that was at hand
if the Jap turned to look back. |

It was well Dick was thus on his guard, for twice

Kitsune turned, pausing once and standing in an at-

titude of meditation for some moments. Dick found
shelter both times, and wondered if he had been dis-

“covered.

The Jap had not seen him, and in the end the lad
had no trouble in shadowing him to the outskirts of
the village, where he came at last to a little house amid
a garden of trees.

Beneath these trees in the garden a number of per-
sons were sitting. The garden was lighted by many
Japanese lanterns, suspended from the low branches
of the trees.

Kitsune joined the group in the garden.

Cautiously Dick approached, taking advantage of the
shadows and the shelter of the trees. Like an Indian
he slipped nearer and nearer, and no one saw him.
Finally he gained a position where he obtained a fair
view of the group.

  
   

    

14 TIP? TOP

Instantly he clapped his hand to his mouth to pre-
vent the escape of an exclamation of satisfaction.

He had found the missing girl, O Jo Kato.

She was sitting on a mat spread on the ground, and
Yoda Kitsune was sitting near her. The young man
was talking to her earnestly. Her head was bowed
and she scarcely vouchsafed an answer to anything he
said.

Dick watched them with interest.

“Tf I mistake not,” he said to himself, “O Jo is far
from pleased with her new lover.”

The others in the garden did not interrupt Kitsune’s
love-making. They left him quite to his own re-
sources.

At last, he produced his purchase, which proved to
be a dainty chain of coral beads.
round O Jo’s neck.

Still she kept her eyes cast down. . Yoda was not
rewarded by so much as a glance or the shadow of a
smile.

This poor sticcess seemed to fill him with chagrin,
for a frown came to his face and he relapsed into som-
ber silence.

After a while the disappointed lover rose and walked
away by himself, disappearing from view.

Immediately one of the others in the garden took O |

Jo to task for her treatment of Kitsune. She listened
respectfully, but with an air of sadness. Indeed, Dick
noted that in a short time she had changed greatly, and
her dainty face was clouded with gloom and a shadow
of hopelessness.

Dick’s heart was deeply touched by the appearance

of the girl. He fancied that she was one who might
__ pine from such a disappointment as had befallen her
and finally die of a broken heart.

He longed for an opportunity to speak with the girl,
yet feared such an opportunity could not be found.
Once he was tempted to boldly advance, but his better
judgment told him that such a course would be rash
and that, even though he spoke with the girl, her rela-
tives would lose no time in spiriting her away once

eS ‘more and would conceal her still more effectually.

- “T must find a way to talk to her without the knowl-
_ edge of the others,” he decided.

In the end he decided on a venture. He discovered

a position where he thought it possible he could show

himself to O Jo without being seen by the others. Of

_ course there was great danger that one of the others
_ would observe him, still he waited for his opportunity, —

_ determined to make the trial.

  

This chain he placed .

   

WEEKLY.

Seeing him suddenly,

There was still another peril.
the girl might cry out in alarm.

The opportune moment came at last. O Jo lifted
her drooping head and looked in the right direction.

Instantly Dick stepped softly into the full light of
the lanterns.

The girl gave a great start and opened. her mouth.

Merriwell quickly pressed his fingers to his lips.

She understood the signal.

It seemed that she recognized him.

A flush sprang to her cheeks and her bosom heaved.

Then she bowed her head, but not until Dick had
beckoned for her to come to him.

Immediately the boy retreated with the step of a
panther into the shadows.

CHAPTER IX.

THE TRUST OF O JO KATO.

O Jo had recognized Dick and understood the sig- -

nal. She bowed her head to hide from her companions
the emotion she knew must be pictured on her face.

Dick retreated until he could barely see the party in
the garden. :

Then he waited.
_ At last, he saw the girl rise and say something to
the others.
She was coming!

No, instead of that she moved toward the house,
which she entered. |

Dick knew something of the manner in which
Japanese girls obey their parents, and he decided that,
even though it broke her heart and ruined her life, O
Jo had resolved to do as they desired her to do.

Young Mersiwell was keenly disappointed. Still he
had made some progress, for he had found her, and >
he could tell Arthur Foster, whose address in Tokio he
knew, where to look for her. A

As he lingered a little longer amid the shadows of
the trees, listening to the murmur of voices of those
in the garden, a figure came flitting toward him, mak-
ing scarcely a sound.

He fell back a step, drawing close to the trunk of
a tree, against which he flattened himself until he al-
most seemed a part of the tree itself.

Nearer came the flitting figure. Within three feet
of him it paused. mat ER

“Where are you, beneficent friend?” murmured a
voice that made his heart leap.

It was the musical voice of O Jo Kato, a voice so .
g 7
softly modulated and so sweet that he could compare —

  

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ficial Btn hel Neca tlie Sis

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TIP POP

 

it with the voice of the average American girl only
through its dissimilarity.
‘“‘Here I am,”
She gave a little gasp and seemed all aflutter as he
stepped out from the tree.

he answered, in a whisper.

“I thought you were not coming,” he said.
“Oh, kind good friend!”

ment later both her small,

she palpitated, and a mo-
soft hands, trembling with
excitement, had clutched his fingers.

It gave him an odd sensation. He realized that she
trusted him fully, and that her love for Arthur Foster
had not changed a whit. |

“T so nearly made the loud exclamation when | saw
you,” breathed the girl.
the truth. Then I did remember that Yoda Kitsune
had told me he soon would again pitch in the baseball
game against the Américans and defeat them much.”

“So Yoda told you that,” laughed Dick, softly.

“It is what he did tell me.”

“Well, it seems to me that the gentleman is count-
ing his chickens before they are hatched.”

“Tt was not chickens that he spoke about any, benefi-
cent friend,” said the girl, innocently.

Dick wanted to laugh again.

“Look here, O Jo,” he whispered,
near your friends in the garden. They may hear us.
Let’s move somewhat further away. Trust me.”

“Are you not the honorable friend of Arthur?” she
retorted, and her words told that she was ready to
trust him fully. ¢

“Tt I could not believe was

“we are much too

He bade her cling to his arm, and thus they walked
softly away into the deeper shadows of the garden.

“If Yoda looks for me he may a great disturbance
bring about,” she said. “It is not to deceive anyone
that I have pleasure, hut when it was that you I be-
held and I saw you beckon, then 1 knew | could not

come unless I should of them be asked why I did so.

It was then that I made the pretense that into the
house I would go. Having the house entered, I in
hurriedness slipped again forth and came fast to find
you.” |

“Dear little O Jo!” mur man yee Dick.
love Yod& Kitsune?”

«No, no! It is not for him my heart sings and
laughs as it sang and laughed for Arthur. But in
my heart there is no more a song or a laugh. It is
empty and heavy as a stone.” |

Her words and her tone were so siathetie that Dick
felt a longing to put his arms about her and comfort
her; but as such an action would be hardly consistent
with his friendship for Foster, he refrained.

WEEKLY.

“You do not

  

“Why did you write to Arthur telling him that you
were married to Ojigo Kitsune? Didn’t you know
how that would strike him to the heart?” ,

“I knew! “But it was made me to
do by my august parents, who said that soon I should
be Mrs. Kitsune. What they to me say I must do that
it is which must by me be done.”

“But Ojigo is married already.”

“Which was not to my august parents known at
that time. When it they discovered it was to them a
great shock. Then my venerable father he was much
very angry. My mother was in fear that it might
be that my father would kill Ojigo. But Ojigo it was
who said that his brother would make me to be his
wife. My father was more angry at first, but soon
he did say it was thé only way that my honor could
be preserved, for had I not been betrothed to a Kit-
sune? If anyone should sometime say it was to Ojigo,
my father he could say unto that person that such was
not correct, but was a mistake, and it was Yoda to
whom I had been betrothed. So the honor of our re-
spected family might not be disturbed.”

“Ridiculous!” exclaimed Dick. “And do you mean
to let them sacrifice you in such a manner? Do you
mean to let them break your heart, O Jo?”

She pressed both her hands over her heart.

“I think,” she sighed, “that already it is broken,
for to me they have told that Arthur has gone and left
me and that my eyes may never some more be made
glad by looking upon him.”

“That is not true, O Jo; Arthur has not gone.”

Again she clutched him with both her hands, but
this time her grip was almost savage in its intensity.

“What are such words you have spoken for my
ears?” she palpitated. “Oh, honorable sir, you would
not the untruth tell to me?”

“Not for the world. Arthur Foster has not left
Japan, but he is in Tokio, searching for you. He has
learned that Ojigo Kitsune is married and that- you
are not his wife. He asked me to help him find you.
He does not mean to leave Japan without seeing you
again—without begging you, if -you love him, to fly
with him and become his wife.”

” she sobbed.

She was shaking like a leaf, and Dick fancied he
could hear the beating of her heart like the fluttering
of a wild bird confined in a cage. ;

“It is greatly strange,” she said, huskily, as if not
quite able to believe what she had heard.

Then Dick hastened to tell her how Ojigo had | capet
with the aid of ruffians, and confined
Merriwell explained

tured Arthur,
him in the Tower of Prayer.

 

  
      
   
 
   
   
  
   
  
   
 
   
  
 
   
  
 
 
  
    
   
   
  
  
   
    
  
   
 
  
  
      

16 SAP

how Foster had been rescued by means of the kites, but
did not give himself credit for the daring part he had
played in that amazing piece of work.

“O Jo,” he said, “you have seen Yoda Kitsune.
Do you love him?”

“Oh, kindest friend, it is not one bit of love I can
ever feel for anyone else since knowing Arthur!”

“Will you let your parents, out of a desire to save
your honor in a foolish manner, force you into a
marriage with this man to whom you have never been
betrothed ?”

“Listen,” she whispered. ‘‘It is to die that I have
resolyed rather than to marry Yoda!” ’

“But you shall not die!” declared Merriwell. “You
shall marry Arthur Foster. We will find a way. I
will help you to find a way. Will you trust me, little
O Jor’

“7 trust’ you with my life—everything, all!” she

breathed.

 

CHAPTER X.
DICK’S PERSUASIVE POWERS.

Dick realized that his position was not wholly de-
void of peril—indeed, that it was one of great dan-
ger.

It was not at all improbable that O Jo was closely

_ watched by her Japanese friends.
-sune, although he had retired in apparent disappoint-
“ment, had continued from some unseen spot to keep
z jealous eyes on the girl. Perhaps even now, weapon
in hand, the Jap was creeping snakelike toward the
spot. es
The boy shivered and glanced hastily around.
“What is it?” whispered O Jo, apprehensively.
“Nothing,” assured Dick. “I was simply making
sure no one was near. O Jo, who are these people with
whom you are stopping?” }
“My honorable uncle and his family.
“H’m! And Yoda Kitsune comes to the house
-whenever he likes?”
“Yes. He has invited everyorie to see him pitch the
game of baseball and show the Americans how it is
that the Japanese can so easily defeat them.”

”

“Evidently Yoda has a swelled head. He is a cork-
ing good pitcher, but, he can’t win the game alone.
Never mind that. Do you think your honorable uncle
K and. his family will attend the game?” ; :
“Tt is now their intention as they have to me it ex-
pressed, But Yoda cares more that I should go. He

has coaxed, but no promise would I to him make.”

 

‘Perhaps Yoda Kit-—

TOP, WEEKLY.

Dick swiftly devised a plan for bringing about what
he wished to accomplish.

“Listen, O Jo,” he said, “I shall lose no time in
sending a message to Arthur. He will reach here late
to-morrow. On the next day we play baseball. By
that time I shall have brought Foster here and shown
him where you are stopping. If you remain here alone
and the others of the family attend the game, you will
have an opportunity to see him.”

She gave a little smothered murmur of delight and
was all aquiver with the anticipation of such delight.

Then, of a sudden, her manner changed, her head

‘drooped and her limp figure showed spiritlessness.

“Tt is but only to add to all my pain by frém him
once more parting,” she sighed.

“Why should it be?”

“TI am Japanese; he is American.
us so to love each other.”

“Love asks no questions, but goes where it is sent.
You have been told by your people that it is wrong,
but do not let them deceive you. It is not right that
parents should choose the husbands for their daugh-
ters without regard to the feelings of the daughters.
Japan has adopted many of the ways of people more
advanced, but she has not yet learned respect for true
love between a youth and a maid. Sometime the girls
of Japan will be given the right to refuse to marry
against their wishes. Your heart tells you that it is
not right that you should be forced into this odious
union with Yoda Kitsune. When Ojigo Kitsune be-
trayed you and your parents by marrying a woman
of Seoul, you, were set free from the tie that bound
you to any man not of your own blood.” .

“It is well you talk, my dearest friend; but still it
is that I should my honorable parents obey in every-
thing.” |

“You have told me that you cannot marry Yoda—
that you think of taking your own life.”

She bowed her dainty head.

“Think of the grief that will bring to your parents.”

“But the shame they will feel should I them dis-

It is wrong for

obey.” ut hg ten
“Think of your own suffering.” ®
“I am far too worthless to be considered.”

{

“And think of Arthur.”

“He will forget. He will mien a wel of his own
people and be happy when O Jo is dead. He will for
get! he

There was an ‘tld depth of pathos and sadness

in her manner of uttering these words.
“You have called him honorable. You do not know

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him. He will never forget. If anything befalls you,
he will be wrecked for life. Thus you see, unless you
consent to fly with him and become his wife, you will
wreck four lives, your father’s, your mother’s, your
own and Arthur’s. If you do marry him, your father
and mother will get over it in.time, and you will all
be happy.”

“They have said he would become tired of me and
leave me.”’

“T don’t believe it! Don’t you believe it! I have
not known Arthur( Foster long, but I am confident
that he is the soul of honor.”

“But how could it be that from the country we would
get away?”

Dick realized that he was making an impression.

va think that may be arranged. Steamers are con-
stantly “leaving Yokohama. If you can reach Yoko-
hama, Foster may find a way to get you on board a

‘steamer that is soon to sail.” -

She clung to Dick’s arm.

“Oh, I am so wicked of it to have one thought!” she
sobbed. “Oh, I am most bad wicked girl in whole
world!”

“Wicked, O Jo! You are as innocent and sweet as
he daintiest blossom of your fair country!”

“No, no; I am bad; bad, bad!”

He felt that he was winning.

“While you are here alone and the baseball game
is being played,” he went on, “Arthur will come for
you. I-believe there is a train that leaves in the after-
noon just about the time that the game will be in
progress.”

“Not far could we get that we would not be
stopped.” —

“ “Nothing ‘venture nothing have,’’’ quoted Dick.
“T shall secure the garments of an old woman and give
them to Arthur. He will bring them to you. If you
can play your ‘part and seem like an old woman, they

» may not be able to trace you soon enough to prevent

- you from reaching Tokio or Yokohama.”

This seemed to strike her as rather amusing, for
she suddenly clapped her little hands together, and
laughed brokenly.
“It seem like play. I have sometimes played that
I am much old woman, with crooked back and cane.
All my friends laugh and say I make real splendid old
woman.”

“Good! If you can play the part well once more,

you will yet be Hapay with the man, who loves you
~more than his life.” c
ee know way to make my face look much old. .

ita

im.

TIP “TOP WEEKLY.

yourself up as an old woman.

-even when I should not!

“Then make it look that way. How is it done?”

“Stains from some leaves, lines from burnt matches,
white on the hair.”

Dick was growing more and more enthusiastic over
the project.

“Try it!” he cried. “The moment your people leave
the house to attend the baseball game, hasten to make
Watch for Arthur,
Then trust everything to him.”

e lf we be caught J

“Don’t think about that. Will you try it?’.

“Oh, most kind friend, you seem to make me do it,
I will do it! Iam most bad
wicked girl in all the world!”

 

 

CHAPTER XI.
DICK: TOES THE SLAB.

On the day of the baseball game at Nikko the two
teams faced each other as they had in Tokio.

JAPANESE. AMERICANS.
Okashi, rf. Hillman, 1st b.
Kono, ss. ' Hunter, 2d b.

Urling, cf.
McCord, If.

Tenno, 2d b.
Zaru, 1st b.

Nakado, cf, Stevenson, rf.
Shinrui, 3d b. Shock, ss.
Hana, c Walker, 3d b.
Shogi, lf. Buckhart, c.
Kitsune, p. Merriwell, p.

Ojigo Kitsune had- taken care to keep out of sight
since his encounter with the Americans on the Sacred
Mountain; but now he showed himself with boldness
‘and without a symptom of fear. He talked and
laughed with his brother before the game.

In his insolence he even walked over to the bench
of the Americans and spoke to Dick Merriwell.

“It is to-day that we show you how the game is
played in Japan,” he sneered.

Dick regarded him with a smile.

“Before the day is over you may learn something
about the American game,’ ’ retorted the boy. “And

sometimes the Americans play two games at once.»

Look out for the game you know nothing about.”
The Jap looked puzzled.
“Ts it in a riddle you are speaking?” he asked:
Dick laughed in his face.
“Vou will find out in time,” he said.
The manner of the boy troubled Ojigo. He had
expected something quite different. | Merriwell did not —
even refer to the affair on the mountain.

“My brother is a vrenaiers a bread Ojigo. i

   
 
  
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
   
  
  
   
    
  
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
   
   
       

ay

     
   

 

18 ‘PEP

  

“He is,” acknowledged Dick.

“It is presumption for a mere boy like you once to
think you may pitch as well as he.”

“How do you know I think it?”

“You dare pitch against him.”

“Necessity compels “ My friends are without a
pitcher for

“Waugh!” exploded Buckhart, unable to keep silent
longer. “I opine you pitched one game against Yoda
and won it, too! What 1s eating this bluffer !’’

Ojigo,regarded the Texan with scorn.

“Tt is a tongue that wags much you have in your
mouth,” he said.

“Look here, you onery cutthroat,’ breathed Brad,
his face black with anger, “don’t come round us with
your sauce, or you'll get something you're not looking
for!”

It seemed that Ojigo might seek to lay violent hands

n the Texan; but Dick instantly assumed a position
that plainly told he stood ready to prevent it.

Boy though Merriwell was, the Fox had a healthy
regard for his prowess. He knew Dick had studied
judo under Sono Bochan, a youthful master of the
art, and he who knows jiu-jitsu is not the equal of one
as fully versed in judo.

It must not be thought that Kitsune stood in fear
of the boy, but he knew that should he seriously in-

their team.’

jure Dick in the presence of that assemblage he would |

be called to account for it. He also knew that he
would seek to break some bones should he offer to lay
hands on Merriwell. In case he tried to handle Dick
without doing him serious harm, the lad might through
his knowledge of judo be able to do something that
would make Ojigo appear ridiculous.

“Oh, sail right in!” invited the Texan, in earnest.
“You can’t frighten anyone much by looking fierce.”
Ojigo forced a laugh. i ; |

“After the game I may seé you again,” he retorted,
significantly. ‘First I would have you humbled by —
Yoda. It is not the Sac ienchion of ce a which
I would take from him.”

Saying this, he retired with Waits:

“That varmint is certain going | to get his medicine
sometime!” grated Brad.

The field was an open one near the village. It had
been cleared and the diamond laid out in the usual:
manner. It was ‘not a perfect field,” by any means.
-. The diamond was somewhat uneven, and the left field:
fell off badly. ~ ngs eaters ;

It seemed that the Japanese manager had known
there would be a large number of visitors in Nikko at

s

TOP WEEKLY.

       

that time and had expected to draw a large crowd to
witness the game. He was not disappointed in his ex-
pectation.

The Japs of Nikko who had never seen a ball game
were anxious to witness one. Those who had seen
one were still more anxious. All were enthusiastic.

Indeed, no nation outside of America has taken hold
of the game with so much earnestness and enthusiasm
as the Japanese.

The two teams practiced. Many of the spettators
thought they were engaged in playing the’ game while

at practice, and there was a murmuring jabber of

voices,

Those who knew something
those who did not.

Finally the Japanese umpire stepped out, and the
Americans, who had courteously been given the®choice
of innings, took the field.

The Japs went to bat first.

Dick walked out to the pitching plate, while Brad

about it explained to

donned body protector and mask and placed himself ,

behind the plate.

“Now, boys,”
win the game to-day.
for home.”

Okashi, the Japanese right fielder, was the first bat-
ter. He toddled out with his stick, smiling agree-
ably.

“Start right in, pard!” cried Buckhart.
blink with your benders!”

“Give him a sizzler, Richard, my boy,”
Hunter, from second.

“Put it over and let him hit it if he can,’
Urling, who was far out in the field.

“We're all behind you, don’t forget that,”
McCord from the hollow in left.

“You know what you did to ’em the last time,
boy,” laughed Walker, at third.

cried Capt. Hillman, ‘‘it’s up to us to

“Make him
advised
9

urged

called

« “It’s just as easy to-day—just as yh he ” said Shock, /

dancing de ound at short.
“Let us have something to do out in the field, Dick,”
pleaded Stevenson, from right.

Every man on the team began to jabber at Dick, and.
the spectators looked on with wonderment and breath-

less interest.

Dick was pleased, for the team seemed to have lots | Ss

of life and ginger. It gave hima feeling of confidence
to hear the players talking all round him ‘an every
part of the field. |

Buckhart gave the signal and held up the big mitt.
“Make ’em _

“Don’t waste one, partner,’ he urged.

If we lose, we may as well ship

tio

ma

Natt tial: abhi

 

 

   
 

 

   
  
   
    
  

e The spectators uttered low exclamations of wonder,
n for the speed had been so great that scarcely could the
_ eye follow the ball.
d _ Okashi struck and missed.
n _ The ball plunked into Buckhart’s mitt.
_ “That’s the stuff!” shouted the Texan, in satisfac-
s tion. “Make ’em burn! I like to feel ’em!”
e | “They'll never hit that speed to-day,” laughed Hill-
f | man.
i “Right over the pan,” declared Hunter. “He had
Oo to strike at it. But he couldn’t see it.”
| “That’s a wonderful wing you have, boy!” cried Mc-
e Cord.
“Cut the corners, Dick, you dandy!” chuckled
Walker. “I’d give a fortune to pitch like that.”
| “Ts all the talk a great part of the game?” one spec-
d | tator asked another.
fy “To do with it a great deal has the talk,’”’ responded
| the one questioned, assuming an air of wisdom.
Oo “Did the honorable thrower try to hit the honorable
p | player with the stick?” was the next question.
ww - “Tt is in the game,” gravely assured the other. “The
t- | honorable thrower tries to hit the honorable player ”
- | with the stick. If he can hit, him'he receives com-
| mendation.”
un | -* “But why does the honorable player hold ‘his stick
/“in that manner and flourish it so strangely?”
d | “Tt is to help him that he may escape being hit with
. the ball.” | |
ae “Ffow mahy privileges to throw at the one with the
4 ‘stick does the honorable player have?”
} “That I have not yet learned. We will discover if
i We intently observe. throughout what follows.” )
: | _ In truth the “wise one” believed Dick was trying to
ee | hit Okashi with the ball.
y™ A moment later, however, the batter hit the ball and
" sent it spinning along the ground.
_ Shock made a brilliant one- -hand stop.
d. Ace Then he whistled the ball across the diamond in
rh : a to get Okashi at first. .
_“That’s the way to do it!” cried Capt. Hillman, in
iS | "satisfaction,
| Even though they id's not understand the play, the
y iy most of the spectators were aware that Okashi had
| done something surprising in hitting such a swift ball
t. | and that Shock had performed an even more surpris-

TER STOOL
all count to-day. Let’s show ‘em how they play the
game in the United States.”

Dick responded by whistling over a high one.

 

 

ing feat in stopping it so cleanly with one hand,

WEEKLY. i T9

The Japs uttered little cries of mingled wonderment
and applause.

“We're all behind you, boy,” again called McCord.
“Let ’em hit it out of the diamond.”

“That was a great stop,” said Dick to Shock.

“Oh, I think we can play the game when we know
we have a pitcher in the box,” retorted the shortstop.

Kono stepped out to strike.

He Was wary and waited until Dick put one over
the inside corner. Then he struck so sharply that the
ball was. driven down to Walker.

Walker had pitched for the team until his arm quite
gave out. He stopped the grounder and ran a few
steps into the diamond before throwing. Even then he
could not get it across to Hillman, and Kono,’ sprint-
ing swiftly, crossed first in safety.

“Never mind, kid!” cried Hunter. “That was not
a hit. Walker has a fine throwing arm!”

Kono was a good base runner. One of the Japs
coached him to take a lead off first, and Dick seemed
to give him too much of a start. However, Merri-
well pitched a high wide ball that came into Buck-
hart’s hands just right for a quick throw to second.

Kono had taken a chance and gone down, running
for all there was in him. He literally seemed to skin
over the ground, his legs twinkling beneath him.

. The Texan lost not a second.

On a dead line the ball flew from Brad’s hand to the
hands of Hunter, who was in the proper position to
tag the runner.

The coacher yelled for Kono to slide.

Headlong the little fellow flung himself at the sack.

The ball came into the hands of Hunter, who
seemed to catch it and tag the sliding player at the
same time.

The Japanese umpire, who was likewise swift on his
feet, had darted down toward second in anticipation
of that play and was in position to see everything
clearly. He saw Kono tagged a second before his
hands reached the sack.

“You are out!’ he shouted at Kono.

Hunter laughed as he snapped the ball to Dick.

“Let them come on,” he said. “Your partner under
the bat has a great wing and an accurate eye.”

Kono did not dispute the decisiorh Rising from the

ground, he trotted off the diamond, looking the least —

bit crestfallen, for he had fancied he would succeed in
stealing the bag with ease. |

Buckhart grinned and nodded at Dick.

“Oh, say,” he cried, “we're just beginning to find
some real sport over on this side of the world!”

 

Xa
\

 
  
    
       
 

20 Tip. POP

“That throw was gilt edged; old man,’’ said Dick.
“You are’ showing them how catchers play in
America.”

Tenno, one of the good hitters of the Japs, was
waiting with seeming eagerness to hit. He had per-
mitted Dick’s high one to pass, but his aspect seemed
to indicate that it was not his intention to allow an-
other one to escape if it was in reach,

Merriwell fancied Tenno would go after a coaxer,
and so he threw an outcurve.

The batter seemed to start to hit it, but changed his
mind and refrained from swinging.

“Almost caught him,’’ thought the young pitcher.
“Tl try him with something different.”

He sent in a sizzling in-shoot.

Tenno let it pass, and the third ball was called on
Dick.

Then the boy awoke to the fact that Tenno was try-

ing to “work” him for a pass.
- “So that’s your game,” he thought. “Well, we'll
see about it! I think you'll have to hit.”’

‘He put a straight one over.

It was declared a strike.

He sent over another in the same place.

Another strike was declared.

*‘Ah-ha!” shouted Brad, in satisfaction. “Now

you're even with him, pard! That’s the way to do it!”

Feeling that it was almost certain that Tenno would”
whang a third straight one if it came over, Dick re-
solved to use a curve, starting it wide and letting it cut
a corner.

This he sought to do. ©

He made a slight miscalculation, and the ball barely
missed the corner of the plate.

Tenno did not strike at it, and he was told by the
umpire to take first. \ :
_ Then out from the bench strode Zaru, a Harvard
graduate and the best batter on the Japanese team. In
the previous game Zaru had made a home run the
first time he faced Dick.

Could he do it again?

CHAPTER XII.
NO ADVANTAGE,
“Here he is again, pard!” shouted the Texan.
“He's expecting to tear off another foursbagger.

Give him the dinkey-dink ball.
he hasn’t any whiskers.”

Tenno remembered what had happened to Kono,

and he was not trying to steal.

WEEKLY:

Shave his eyebrows;

da Siliddiidaieestige 2

cc

He expected Zaru to send him along with a hit.
Zaru was full of confidence. He had faced the best

“ce

 

 

college pitchers in the United States and hit their de- i "Tons
livery; it seemed natural to suppose the boy doing the | s
twirling for the Americans would be far easier. hate
Brad crouched beneath the bat and gave a signal. me 1
“Too bad your honorable friend Puttmore is’ not the
here to-day, Zaru,” he chuckled. “However, the other . som
end of the battery is ladling out the signals, and Putt- . fron
more couldn't help you.” sa
“It is not certain I need the help of anyone,” said him
the batter, serenely. ) Ni
Dick used a jump ball. It looked good to Zaru, but Japs
the batter struck under when the ball took that strange a sai
little jump in the air. qT
“Just missed it!” laughed Buckhart, who was in his |=  W
element and as happy as a clam at high tide. “Oh, | Man
say, Zaru, can’t that boy on the rubber bend them think
over with all sorts of kinks! If you only had him for | Who
a pitcher !” parerehe Been
“Entreating your honorable pardon,” said Zaru, “it Yc
is Kitsune who can pitch far better than Merriwell.” | Same
“Entreating your honorable pardon in return,” said §ood
Buckhart, “it is Kitsune who isn’t in it for a second — Fit
with Richard Merriwell, eee Just note who’s the . 4nd ¢
best man to-day.” Pay Ur
The batter was ready when Dick siiehindie again, but cess,
‘the ball looked high, and Zaru let it pass. Pah
It was a splendid drop past his shoulder. Revie
The umpire declared the second strike. Fo
The Harvard man, gripped his bat and looked de- _ Of try
termined. ~ ps Bu
Dick sent in one that was too close. declar
This was a ball. . |} Th
Then he speeded over one with a queer shoot in it, On
and Zaru struck and missed. | Hil
He was declared out. Pee No
Dick had shown what he could Se wher facing a ful ba
dangerous man. He had struck out the best batter on Kit:
the Japanese team. cg the m:
Ojigo Kitsune was sitting on the bench beside his Met
brother, with whom he had been talking. | struck
“Ts O Jo Kato here, Yoda?’ he had asked. es : Ameri
“She is not,” was the reply. “Nothing but force  °" an
would bring her. I wanted her to see me pitch this
game that she might know how much better I am than pogih=
the Americans. She must somehow have, tHe instruc-
tion that the Americans are not superior.”
“Such instruction you can give her when she has | ~ Artl
become your, wrtfe.” co eveniny
“Tt will afford me great pleasure, ” nodded Yoda. He hac
¢ , .
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TIP, TOP

“And to-day you must pitch superior to that boy.”

“If I do not I hope-l no more games may pitch as
long as I am alive!”

“That is the talk that pleases my heart, Yoda. I
hate that American boy, for did he not put shame on
me in the house of O Jo Kato by throwing me through
the partition? And did he not, as I believe, have
some concern in the rescue of the American Foster
from the Tower of Prayer ?”

“He will have no more pride when we are done with
him this day.”

Nevertheless, Dick struck out Zaru and retired the
Japs in the first inning without letting one of them get
a safe hit or permitting anyone to get past first base.

The Japs took the field, applauded by the spectators.

When Kitsune delivered the first ball and hit Hill-
man in the side the spectators howled with delight,
thinking he had been far more successful than Dick,
who had succeeded in hitting no one. |

Hillman took first.

Yoda then proceeded to strike out Hunter, at the

_ Same time holding Hillman on first and giving him no

good opportunity to attempt a steal.

Hunter tried to bunt, but Kitsune kept the ball high
and close, and the batter failed.

Urling, not a whit dismayed by Hunter’s poor suc-
cess, also attempted to bunt. 7

The first ball went foul and was called a strike.

The next one was missed entirely.

For all of his failure up to that point and the danger

of trying again, Urling bunted the next ball.

But this, like the first, went foul, and the batter was
declared out.
The Japanese pitcher grinned in his foxy manner.
On the bench his brother grinned and nodded.
Hillman still fidgeted on first, unable to gat away.
~ Now came McCord, who, like Zaru, was a wonder-

| ful batter.

Kitsune smiled and probended' to tse all his art on
the man from Georgetown University.

McCord made a number of fouls, but at last he
struck out, and in the first inning the pitching of the
_American boy and his Japanese rival had left them
on an even footing.

CHAPTER XII.
THE LOVERS MEET.

% ‘ ° ° wie .
Arthur Foster had arrived in Nikko the previous
€vering, sumimoned there by a message from Dick.

i ‘He had been shown the house in which O Jo Kato was

WEEKLY.

21
stopping, but not a glimpse of O Jo did he obtain,
much to his disappointment.

Arthur had taken pains to keep himself under cover
in order that neither of the Kitsunes should learn
of his presence in the village at the foot of the Sacred
Mountain.

He was burning with impatience on the day of the
baseball game and shaking with apprehension for fear
something So many misfortunes
had befallen him that he could not believe he would
succeed in again meeting the girl he loved. *

Dick convinced him that he had persuaded O Jo, but
still Foster feared the girl would change her mind.
Her conscience would trouble her, he knew.

Shortly after the departure of the baseball team
for the field Foster issued forth and hastened toward
the place where O Jo was stopping.”

would go wrong.

As he approached the house, bearing a bundle of .

clothing provided by Dick, his heart alternately beat
high with eager hope and sank like lead in his bosom
beneath a load of apprehension.

The little house amid the garden of trees ‘Tooked
deserted.

He approached it cautiously, looking closely for a
glimpse of the girl he sought.

“She has failed me!’ he muttered, despairingly.
“They have taken, her to the game or sent her away.
Perhaps she, became convinced that she was doing
wrong and told them of the meeting with Merriwell.”’

Gloomier and gloomier grew his thoughts. He en-
tered the garden and paused beneath the trees, hesitat-
ing about calling at the house. .

As he stood there he saw an old woman hobbling
toward him, leaning on a crooked staff. Her hair
hung over her eyes, and she seemed extremely feeble.
Suddenly, to his surprise, her faltering feet stumbled
and she fell to the ground.

Instantly Foster ran to her, offering assistance.
Without thinking that it was quite likely she could not
understand his language, he expressed his sympathy
and asked her if she was hurt.

She groaned as she partly lifted herself, but seemed

unable to get up.

In a moment he had stooped and was tenderly seek-_

ing to aid her to her feet. ,
Imagine his, astonishment when she clasped him
tightly round the = with one arm and kissed him!
‘“What—what-——’
“Oh, Arthur, I am much very happy to see you

again!” sobbed a voice that he knew—a voice .that
causeG his heart to give a mad leap of delight.

gasped Arthur.

>

o

f

‘
'

 
 

a2 tPA OP

Astounded he looked at the gray hair and wrinkled
face.

“Ts it possible, or do I dream?
it be my little O Jo, my own sweetheart ?”

“It is your little O Jo, who more than her worth-
less life loves you!” was the answer.

It was indeed O Jo, and in spite of the make-up he
kissed her again and again, forgetting that they might
be seen and that such a spectacle in a Japanese garden
would create a sensation. The Japanese do not kiss,
and to see a foreigner passionately kissing and caress-
ing’ what seemed to be an old woman who had fallen
to the ground would be quite enough to bring a won-
dering crowd to the spot.

“Oh, my own little darling!” he cried, feeling her
slender figure quivering in his clasp. “This is joy
enough, for I feared that never again should I see

” he exclaimed. ‘“‘Can

you!”
He had taught her the lesson of love and taught it
well, His kisses thrilled her and the sound of his

voice made her faint with joy.

For a few moments they quite forgot their sur-
roundings, forgot everything save the great delight of
this meeting. ;

“Arthur,” she whispered, speaking his name in that
pretty way which affected him so intensely, “Arthur,

{??

[ shall die from the much great pleasure of it!
“Oh, no!” he answered; “you'll not die, my own.
You'll come away with me—away to my own land,
where you shall be my own fairy wife!” .
“Arthur, do you want me for always and always ?
“How can you ask!” ¢
“I am only silly little Japanese girl.

29)

Bimeby pretty

soon you get tired of me and wish you had married

girl of your own people.”
“Never—not in a thousand years! All I want in
this world is you—you, my Japanese blossom! Al-
ways as long as God gives me life I will love you and
protect you! I swear it by the heaven above us! How
can you doubt my love, O Jo? If you trust me you
shall never regret it. Come, dear little sweetheart,
let’s lose no time in getting away from here. We can
catch a train and be on our way to Tokio before your
people return from the field where the baseball game is
being played.” |
“Arthur,” she said,
wicked girl that ever lived to disobey my honorable
parents, I can’t help it any a bit, and I will go with
— you! Oh, I love you, I love you! Without you I shall
die! “Take me! I bid good-by to, my own country!
I am all yours! You a are all I have now in ee world!

   

“though I know I am. most,

WEEKEY.

, for you I live, or for you I die! I go with you if you
I go with you and be your own little

 

take me away
*Merican wife!”

CHAPTER XIV.

WILD THROWING.

In the meantime the game of baseball was progress-
ing, and a battle royal it proved to be.

In the second inning neither side scored, although
Buckhart secured a hit with two men out and reached
third.

There he was caught, off the base by a trick,
to his disgust, for Dick was up and there was every
prospect that Merriwell might bring him home.

“Rotten work on my part, pard!” growled the
Texan. “I ought to be shot!”

Dick was invincible in the third. His pitching
caused Yoda Kitsune to frown with envy.

Ditk was the first one up for his team in the second
half of the third. : |

Yoda longed to strike the boy out. He used speed
and curves which were dazzling, but finally Dick
caught the ball a fair crack and laced it far into the

much

» field.

It seemed like a home run, but sharp fielding stopped
Dick on third.

Hillman was the next hitter, and he did his best to
bring Merriwell home with some sort.of a hit.

Kitsune fairly burned the air with his speed, and the
captain of the American team fell a victim to the art
of the Japanese pitcher.

“Plenty of time, pard!” whooped Buckhart, on the
coaching line. “Hunter will plant the sphere in one
of the posy beds, and you'll prance over the pan.”

Hunter popped up a little fly that fell into the hands
of Kitsune.

Ojigo Kitsune laughed at the success of his brother,
although he realized that the Americans had, done the
most hitting.

Dick was playing off third as far as te dared, seek-
ing to induce Kitsune to throw to Shinrui.

This Kitsune did once, hoping to catch Merriwell,
and nearly made a bad throw.

“Keep him at it, earhasesial cried Buckhart.
throw wild in a minute.” —

“He'll

Shinrui said something to the pitcher, after which

Yoda made no further effort to catch Dick, although

the boy took a still more daring lead off the bag.
Urling came out to hit. |

Kitsune whistled over a high one, and He American

missed. |

 

 

 

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_ the Aj
They 7

 

 

 

 

The
armed

mittins
The

1 Of Dic

He «
Ing in

ae d
again
The
he rose
On first
_ Alth

 
_ Seemed to turn green with rage.

Vif Soe

When the ball was returned Kitsune thrust out one
hand for it.

The ball bounded off the extended hand, going to-
ward third. ;

Instantly Dick Merriwell leaped toward home.

A shout rose from the Japs.

Shinrui lunged at the ball, scooped it up and threw
to Hana.

a second too late, for Mer-
riwell went home with a beautiful slide, thus bringing
in the first score for his team.

In his excitement Ojigo Kitsune had leaped to his
feet and uttered a cry of warning. As he saw Dick
secure that score by such a piece of daring work, Ojigo
He jabbered some-
thing at his brother, who looked very much chagrined.

Buckhart turned three or four -handsprings, whoop-

But the throw was made

| ing his delight.

 

1 “They sure are going to get a sample of the real
American game to-day!” he shouted. ‘““That’s the way
1d | we do it over the pond!”
k | Hillman seized Dick’s hand as he came to the bench.
e  » ‘Merriwell, you’re a bird!” he declared. “That was
/ a dandy steal! You certainly play the game for all
d | there is in it.” :
“I try to,” said the boy, modestly.
0 The chagrin of Yoda Kitsune did not prevent him
| from pitching like a streak to Urling, who found him-
1c ~©=—_—s Self quite unable to connect with the shoots handed up
rt by the Jap. (er
_ In disgust the batter flung down his bat as Yoda
he | finally struck him out.
ne | “This»certain looks like a right close game, gents,”
| Said Buckhart. ‘‘Mebbe one run is enough,”
ds But the Japs were not at all discouraged. They
| were plucky little fellows, and the clever pitching of
er, | the American boy did not cause one of them to “quit.”
he They stood out to the plate as if full of confidence.
, | The first man up hit to Walker, and again the weak-
k- ~irmed third baseman made a poor throw to first, per-
_ mitting the runner to reach the bag in safety.
ell, |. The next man thrust out a hip and was hit by one
‘ 4 Of Dick’s in-shoots.
ell He dropped to the ground as if shot and lay writh-
“ ing in pain. :
ich | ey don’t opine that ae will get hit intentionally
igh a again during this game,” muttered Buckhart.
‘The Jap had been hurt, but after a few moments
ae lhe rose to his feet and limped down to first, the man

 

+On first | going to second.

| Although Hillman made a vigorous ‘protest, claim-

 

 

 

£

WEEKLY. 23

ing the man had intentionally permitted himself to Be

hit, the umpire gave him the pass to first.
“Burn ’em over, pard,” urged Brad.

them work this funny game on us.”

“Don’t let
us.

The runner on second took
third.

The moment the ball came into his hands, Buckhart
lined it down to Hunter.

The runner comprehended instantly that he could
not get batk to second, and so he dashed toward third.

Hunter whistled the ball to Walker, but threw high.

Walker jumped into the air and barely touched the
ball with his fingers. Away it went, and the runner
crossed third and made for the plate.

At the same time the man on first had scooted to-
ward second.

Walker raced after the ball, secured it and tried to
stop the run by throwing to Buckhart.

The throw was weak, and Brad made no attempt
to touch the runner, who had slid under. Instead of
trying to tag the man when it was too late, the Texan
again lined the ball straight into the hands of Hun-
ter, as the other runner had passed over second and
paused. e *

The ball came a trifle high, and Hunter put up his
hands to catch it over his shoulder. He did not cor-
rectly estimate the speed the Texan had put into the
throw, and the ball went straight through his hands.

The runner scooted for third.

Urling had dashed in to back Hunter up.

He securéd the ball and threw to Walker.

Again the throw to the third baseman was high, and
again he barely touched it as he leaped into the air.

Joe Hillman thumped his thigh in rage as he wit-
nessed this and saw the second Jap cut across third
and turn toward the plate.

The damage was done. This bad throwing had
given the Japs two runs, for the second man scored
even as Walker reached and secured the ball.

Hillman walked out into the diamond and expressed
himself in regard to reckless throwing, and his words
were hot and straight to the point.

a long lead toward

Buckhart stood with his hands on his hips, his face
wearing an expression of unspeakable disgust.
, “Well, what do you think. of that, pard?” he
growled. “Two runs without a hit! It’s easy enough
to give a game away in that fashion.”

Dick’s eyes were flashing and he shook his head
seriously.

“T’m.sorry, Merriwell, my boy,? said Capt. Hillman.
“Tt’s a shame!”

  

 
  
  

  

ASR

 

“That kind of throwing will lose almost any game,”

said Dick, seriously; “but this game is young, and we

may be able to redeem ourselves.”
“You were not to blame, so don’t try to take any of
it on your shoulders,
Then he spoke more calmly to his players.
“Steady “Stop this
foolishness!
Urling retired to his position, his head dqwn, feel-

” cried Hillman.
down now,’ he commanded.
Don’t lose your heads.”

ing chagrined and angry over his bad work.

Hunter was no less chagrined, but he grinned
shaimefacedly.

“T’ll be much obliged
few good, swift kicks,” he said.

The spectators had been greatly excited by the
throwing and running. Although they did not under-
stand the game, they were discerning enough to com-
prehend that their team had secured an advantage, and
they shouted with delight, clapping their hands and
‘laughing like children.

It was Ojigo Kitsune, however, who enjoyed it all
As Dick returned to

if somebody will give me a

in an openly malicious manner.
the rubber, {lige cried :

“Tt is now We are showing you the Japanese game.
Permit me to respectfully inquire how you like it.”

CHAPTER XV.
GREAT BASE RUNNING.

Brad crouched behind the bat. r

“Make ’em sizzle, pard!’” he cried. “We can’t let
the Japs get onto the cushions. If we do, there’s no
telling what may happen.”

Dick pitched in a most wonderful manner after that.
Sometimes he changed and used his left hand, and
these changes bothered the Japs not a little.

The three men who followed were struck out one
after another.

When the Americans came to the bench both Hun-
ter and Urling expressed their regret over the wild
throws they had made. |

Although Dick had a temper, it was well under con-
trol, and he warmed their hearts by smiling on them
cheerfully and saying: . |

“The best. men in the business do such things at
times. We'll keep right after those chaps and win
out just the same. I’m hoping my luck doesn’t leave
me.”

“If we lose this Bae:
be my fault.” sy 3
“No, mine,’ ’ asserted Hunter,

, Muttered Urling, “it will

“T started it. I

TOPsWEEKLY.

alone and would not come,

ner, Walker,

  

Why, we had that chap
Only for my bad throw they’d not

made the first bad throw.
pinched at third.
made a run.”

“And now it’s necessary for us to work all the
harder, that’s all,” said Dick. , ‘‘Another streak like
that will surely give them the game. We mustn’t have
another streak.”

In spite of the determination of the Americans,
inning after inning passed with no change in the stand-
ing of the teams. Once McCord laced out a, beautiful
three-bagger with only one man out; but Yoda Kit-
sune pitched with such skill that Stevenson and Shock,
who followed the Georgetown man, were unable to
touch the ball, and McCord was left on third.

“Last chance is gone,’ grinned Yoda. “No more
hope for you.”

The Japs were laughing and happy. They had lost
the first game played with the Americans, but now it
seemed that they were to be amply revenged.

Ojigo Kitsune was very proud of his brother.
patted Yoda on the back and smilingly said:. ,

“It is great shame O Jo come not to see you defeat
the clever Americans. Did you use all honorable
means to induce her?’

“In every way I tried to bring her,”
swer. “She would not come forth.
the family are here to behold, but O Jo she remained
She cannot forget that

He

was the an-

American.”

“Never mind. In time when you have passed
through college and she is yours you will teach her to
forget. It will not be so much difficult as you think.”

The ninth inning came at last, and still the score
remained unaltered.
| Dick held the Japs down in the first half.

Walker was the first batter up for the Americans.

“For the love of goodness reach first in some man-

old chap!” entreated Val Hazen,
was now on the bench with his team. ‘“Buckhart and
Merriwell follow you. They will find a way to boost
you along.”

Walker looked grim and determined, but Yoda Kit- |
sune grinned at him.

“The game is the same as completed,”. said the
Japanese pitcher. oy

“Walker did his level best to hit the ball, but he
barely touched it once. Finally he struck out and - re-
tired to the bench looking thoroughly dejected.

“Get a hit, Brad, a oe ‘Dick, as the Texan strode
out.

   

All the others of

4

who |

Seat made nb > reply. The third ball pitched by c

  

  

ent tN

Kit
anc

wit

ee

out,

N

“

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| thre
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; have
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to tt

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“Nc
ter to
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that th
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. Scootec
| Kitsun
was de
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: Was or
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and jus
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Dick
ball to.
draw a
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Sik whose

Kitsune seemed to please him, and he smashed it full
and fair, driving it out on a line.

Kono made a leap into the air and caught the ball
with one hand.

“I have to inform the honorable batter that he is
out,’ said the polite Japanese umpire.

Not a word came from the lips of the Texan.

“You did yoursbest, Brad,” said Dick.
That ball was labeled for
three sacks, but he pulled it down by a lucky jab.”

“The short-

“It’s no use,” said Shock, discouraged. “The Japs
have the game. We gave it to them with that wild
throwing.” :

deserve it!”
stepped out

again urged Hunter. “‘T
Yoda Kitsune laughed outright as Dick

“Kick me!”

. | to the plate.

“Was it the American game you spoke so kindly
| about showing us to-day?” he asked.

“The game isn’t over yet,” retorted Dick.

“Just the same,” grinned Yoda.

| He gave Dick a sharp curve, and Merriwell made a
foul, which counted against him as the first strike.

Ojigo cried out Something to his brother, who

» chuckled and nodded.

“Oh, I'd give a leg to win this game!” palpitated
“They think they have it nailed.”
Kitsune pitched two balls.

Then he put one over the inside corner, and Dick
went after it.

It was a nice little “Texas leaguer,” being dropped
just over the infield and inside of the outfield, which
enabled Merriwell to reach first.

“No difference,” cried Ojigo. “The honorable bat-

| ter to follow is very easy to miss when at the ball he
| strikes.’

Hillman was the man who followed, and Yoda felt
that there would be no trouble in disposing of him.

On ‘the first ball pitched to Hillman, Merriwell
_Scooted for second. He had started with the swing of

' Kitsune’s arm, obtaining Sood headway as the ball :

x i

was delivered.
Hana made a fine sire ‘te crave but Dick’s hand

/ was on the bag when the glapanese second baseman

tagged him, and the umpire, eno seemed honorable
and just, declared hint safe.

Hillman had struck at: the ball.

Dick was on his feet the instant Tenno tossed the
ball to Kitsune.

He danced off second, seeking to
draw a throw. Aer
_ Instead Yoda lost no time in pitching.

’

WEEKLY. :

‘bag.

| Merriwell seemed to pornpreHend what the Jap

       
  
  
   
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
    
    
  
 
  
   
 
   
  
   
   
 
   
    
     
   
  
   
 
  
  
   
    
   
  
  
  
   
  
 
   

orc
=)

meant to do, for he was on his way to third before
Yoda began the preliminary motion of delivery.
Hana snapped the ball down to Shinrui; but, by a

handsome slide, the daring base runner reached the

Dick’s

working as if his life depended on the issue.

base stealing was sensational, but he was
His ac- «
complishments had aroused the Americans, who had
shown signs of hopelessness. Now they were eager
enough. .

Shock was coaching, but for a moment he had been
dazed and silenced by Dick’s daring. On realizing
that the runner was safe, Shock danced wildly about, -
whooping

“That
knows how to play it!

joyously and laughing loudly.
“That boy
Look

’s the American game!” he cried.
He’s the real hot stuff!
out for him!”

“He worries no one,” sneered Yoda Kitsune. “It
is of great amusement to see him try so hard for
nothing whatever.”

Hillman had not struck at the second ball pitched,
and it had been called a “ball.”

Now, however, Yoda curved one over, and the cap-
tain of the team was compelled to try for it.

He missed.

“All over!” cried Zaru. “All but the shouting!”

Dick realized that the chances were decidedly
against Hillman securing a hit or reaching first in
any manner. |

To save the game the American boy took another y
desperate and daring chance. As Hana returned the
ball to Yoda Kitsune, Merriwell attempted to. steak \
home from third.

Once during the game he had accomplished the feat,
but this he had done when Kitsune muffed the ball that
was thrown to him. Now he did not wait to see what
Yoda did. Instead of that, lowering his head, he
fairly. shot toward the plate.

CHAPTER XVI.
SHOWING THE JAPS A HOME RUN.

 

Ojigo Kitsune leaped up from the bench, uttering a
yell of warning.

Yoda caught the ball. He saw Dick going for the
plate like a streak, and, without loss of time, he
snapped the ball to Hana, who =e stepped forward
onto the rubber.

It seemed that Dick would be ake ineonad: ques-
tion. Apparently his attempt had been most fool-
hardy, and he had thrown away the last chance of
tying the SEES,
  

Lif TGe
The American players were aghast. The spectators
stared in wonderment.

Dick sent himself headlong at the pan in a beautiful
slide.

The ball struck Hana’s hands and bounced out of
them. In his excitement the Japanese catcher had
muffed the throw.

But the ball fell near at hand, and he made a grab
for it, hoping to pick it up and tag Dick.

He fumbled it a second.

That second was fatal.
result.

Hana caught up the ball arid tagged Dick.

But the boy had his hand fairly on the home plate,
and the umpire declared him safe.

Brad Buckhart danced like a wild Indian and ut-
He lifted Dick in his

The game turned on the

tered a genuine cowboy yell.
strong arms, shouting:

“Dandy work, pard!
some!”

The whole American team was filled with delight
and enthusiasm. They seized Dick and shook his
hands. .

Yoda Kitsune flew into a rage at Hana, to whom
he jabbered fiercely.

“Oh, play ball!’ cried Hillman, who had taken fresh
courage. ‘Pitch the ball, there! Come on!”

Yoda strode into the box, blind with anger and

threw the ball straight over the heart of the plate.

» Hillman hit it fairly and lined it far into right field.
Never in his life had Joe Hillman scooted over the
bases as he scooted then. He seemed inspired by the
example of the lad who had just scored.

Okashi secured the ball and threw it into the dia-
mond.

Hillman had made a fine three-bagger, but now he
took a chance and refused to stop on third. Right
over the cushion he sped, turnihg toward the plate.

The ball was secured by Yoda Kitsune, and in this
moment ‘of wild excitement the pitcher threw it at
least ten feet over the head of Hana, permitting Hill-
man to.reach the plate with the third ane winning
run for his side.

I opine you showed them

As the Americans were congratulating Dick and °

their captain a Jap came rushing up to Ojigo Kitsune
and jabbered something at him.
Ojigo ran to Yoda, at whom he jabbered in turn.
Both were greatly excited, as Dick and Brad noted.
Sy opine they’ve heard some news that disturbs
them a whole lot,” chuckled Buckhart.
“I think so myself,” nodded Dick,

a

“Tf T am not

. f y 4 , t

 

WEEKLY.

mistaken, they

have been told that O Jo Kato has dis-

appeared.”
*K * ok * * ** “«

A few days later, before boarding a steamer bound
for Manila, whither he had been called by a message
from Dunbar Budthorn, Dick Merrfwell mailed a let-
ter to Ojigo Kitsune. ‘The contents of the letter is
here given:

“Mr. Ojsico KirsungE.

“Sir: I cannot deny myself the satisfaction of giv-
ing you a little information before leaving Japan. At
Nikko we had the pleasure of showing you how the
American game of baseball is played, but at the same
time we were playing another interesting little Ameri-
can game, which is called Hearts. While you, your
brother and your friends were deeply interested in the
ball game Arthur Foster was making haste toward
Tokio, accompanied by O Jo Kato. When you dis-
covered she was gone you thought it possible she had
fled into the forest to take her own life, as she had
once threatened to do. You spent some time in search-

ing in the vicinity of Nikko, thus giving Arthur and:

QO "To still more start. As she was disguised as an os
woman and you did not know Fester was at Nikko, 1
was many hours before you obtained anything like a a
trace of her; and she was then safe in Tokio. She
afterward reached Yokohama, still protected by Ar-
thur, and two days ago they left that port on a steamer.
bound for another country. Let me conclude with the
assurance that O Jo will become Mrs. Arthur Foster,
and thus will marry the man she loves. Hoping this
may give you such peace of mind as you deserve, [
remain, Most sincerely,

“RICHARD MERRIWELL.”

THE END.

The Next Number (485) Wil! Contain

DICK MERRIWELL IN MANILA;

OR,

Papinta, the Pride of the Philippines,
_ ;

= ey

@

Prof. Gunn is Disturbed—Spied! Upon—Danger in \the
.  Air—A Repentant Rascal—In Old Manila—Papinta.

Papinta’s Story—An Awkward Situation—A Sur-_ Ba
ptise for Dick — The Siren—T he Strange Old Woman,

 

 

 

 

   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

“An Appeal for Protection—A Little Dark Man’s | inn

Warning—-What Happened in the Night—Fooled.

   

Bunol’s Vengeance ~The Mystery of a Girl's Heart.

t : et"

  
   
        
C et

om

Ait

ane.

in’s

led.
art.

 

 

= CT

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK, July 22, 1905.
TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS.
(Postage Free.)
Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c.' Each.

 

MP WigtithG ics hed eweseddddetseacs OBO. ONO WOaT on. ch 4s cae eee $2.50
A MONEDS. cceccectwcessccccscses 85e. 2 copies One year............-. 4.00
Pa MVIENIE. b-on dose been uwcdass $1.25 1 copy two years............-- 4.00

How to Send Money—By post-office or express money order,

mY registered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. At your own risk if sent
_ by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary letter.
Receipts—Receipt of your rémittance is acknowledged by proper
- ehange of number on yourlahbel. If not correct you have not been properly
 eredited, and should let us know at once.

STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY,

” 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York City.

 

 

TIP TOP ROLL OF HONOR.

 

Following the suggestion of Mr. Burt L. Standish, —

| that appeared in his letter to Tip Top readers in No.

480, the following loyal Tip Toppers have won for
themselves a place on our Honor Roll for their efforts
_ to increase the circulation of the King of Weeklies.
Get in line boys and girls and strive to have your name

Ky at the! head of the list.

 

 
 
 
 

  

 

 

| that time.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

     

  

    
    
    
    
   
   

cr «Rex V.,’? Richmond, Va. »

ie John R. Rains, Ripley, Miss. , ,
: David B. Elliott.

he C. C. H., Masontown, Pa. _

ea Harold B. Davenport, Monroe City, Mo.

Re: W. Montague Morse, 717 7th Ave., N. Y. City.
| _. Marlin J. Seyon, Saugers, Mass.

ee William Koch, Hazleton, Pa.

The names of other enthusiastic Tip Toppers will be

Ps added from time to time, Send in the result of your

efforts to push the circulation of your favorite weekly
and win a place on the Roll of Honor.

APPLAUSE.

Owing to the number of letters received, the editots of Tip Top
Cannot undertake to secure their publication under six weeks. Those
who contribute to this depattment must not expect td see them before

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

: iS
I wrote to the Applause about two years ago, but my letter
was not published. I hope I may be more successful this time.
have just finished No. 468, and in looking over the Applause,
I saw a letter from “A Loyal Cadet,” Pittsburg, Pa. I guess he
Was writing for notoriety, such as horse thieves and their kind
get, for he knows there was not a particle of truth in his as- |
‘sertions. He says: “Look how they tried to ostracizé. Mr. Ar-
ington,” and he knew that Dick did not have anything to do
with it. He said Zona was the only girl of Miss Carrington’s
“school worthy of Chet. In my opinion she is the only one that
vould lower herself to go with him. Well, A. L. C. was either
ignorantly or willfully mistaken, and I guess he will gain all the

swt +9 St
ok a

 

TIP TOP WEEKLY. 2Y

notoriety he wants. I see in the same number that a reader
says Frank has had his day and now it is Dick’s time. I beg
to disagree with him. I think a great deal of Dick and Brad
and the rest of their set, but dear old, Frank is my ideal. I was
an Elsieite, but am satisfied, though | think Bart secured the
greatest prize. I would like very much to hear from Frank’s
old friends of railroad times, especially of Jack and Nellie, and
sill Nuttings. I would like very much for Frank to meet them
on the trip he is on at present. I believe I could write all day
about the Tip Top, and then not say all I wanted; but if this
letter is fortunate enowgh to pass the waste basket, it must not
be too long; so, with best wishes, I am, ERNEST BREWER.

Box 231, Will’s Point, Tex.

Two years was a long time to wait for your letter to appear,
wasn’t it? It was probably mislaid; but we will see to it that
this one appears in Applause. We are of the opinion that “A
Loyal Cadet” just wanted to start a “rough house,” and he has
certainly succeeded. Texas is leading the other States lately in
the number of letters to Applause. Well, everything the Lone
Star State does is on a large scale, and the younger residents
are not a whit behind their eldéts. |

 

I take this opportunity of showing you my appreciation ‘for
Tre Tor. I have read every number from No. 1 up to the cur-
rent issue, and look forward, trusting to have many years of the
same pleasure. I would like to receive souvenir postal cards
from other readers of the Tie Tor; will send them one in ex-
change. Can send some interesting ones of Oregon scenery and
of the Lewis and Clark Fair. Gro, N. RICHES.

Silverton, Ore.

You are one of the veterans. Nine years is quite a period
to remain a-faithful Tip Topper, isn’t it? One gratifying feature
of the weekly, however, is that! it holds the affections of the
reader to the end, through boyhood, youth and manhood. Our
readers will, no doubt, be glad to secure some of the Lewis and

Clark postals—they are very fine,

 

Having followed Tip Top over two years, also as many back
numbers as could be obtained, it seems impossible to connect
with the one where Frank meets Dick, or the following numbers.
Have had them sent for several times by dealers, but word came
back each time: Out of print.’ Now, I have a whole lot of single
numbers, also a lot of quarterlies, and will send them fo any
reader, and they can send them back when through, or else send
them to some other reader; only I wish them back some time.

J sent two quarterlies away to Arkansas last fall, but never

heard if they ever arrived or not, and I don’t care to lose them
that way; so anyone that will return them can have them. I
will pay expenses when I send them, they can do the same when
returning. Also, would like to borrow those ones I spoke of
first, and will promise to take good care and return them, and
pay expenses both ways, as I am very anxious to read them.
Now in regards to the Applause column, I think it cannot be
beat, the same as the book itsellf. Also love to read the critics’
opinions; it is great sport. Some of them should write a book
themselves; they would probably be the only ones to read it.
Was reading Mr. Bruce’s letter to-day, and think very much of
it, having spent ten years in Boston myself, although a Canadian ;
and anyone wishing to follow sport can get all they want there.

s
IT was thinking Mr. Canadian Goutt get answered. As we all

know, there are good, smart people any place, but America, as
Mr. Bruce says, leads them all in all-around athletics. Hockey
is Canada’s game, but there are teams in New England that can
play a little, too. We all do—or should—like clean sport, not,
rough house where a game doesn’t come your way. Now take
Dick Grant, a bosom friend, and who reminds me of our Dick;
also his brother Fleck; they have gained fame on the track in
America and Canada, too; they are’both Canadians; so lit shows,

‘no matter where a man is born, he can be good if he tries; also

shows America is the place to get to the top. Hoping this is not
too much for the first, I remain, a loyal reader, }
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.

Excellent, my Canadian friend. It matters not where you were
born, you are an American, through and through. It is just

‘such fellows as yourself who will eliminate the silly feeling that

exists among a certain element. We are sure that all our readers
we t f i \ 3 . b

i

  
    

*

   
 

 

28

would like to grasp your hand and welcome you as friend and
comrade. Your more than generous offer will probably be ac-
cepted, and let us sincerely hope that whoever avails themselves
of your kindness will duly appreciate it and see to it that your
treasured Tir Top WEEKLIES and quarterlies are returned in due
time and in good condition.

 

As a reader of Tip Tor for over three years and a half, I
would like to say that I think it is far superior to all five-cent
libraries. The way the stories are written, and the way the char-
acters are portrayed is great. I hope it will be continued to be
published for a long time. The stortes about Dick at Fardale
are the best. I liked the football and baseball stories. There
are a lot of people who think Dick ought to get married; there
is plenty of time yet. Of the girls, I think Doris is the nicest;
would like to hear more of them. Wishing the author the best
of health, I remain, Harry SMELTZER.

1729 North Third Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

The Merries are again busy on the diamond, and you are
probably reveling in the “star” games our old friends are playing
all over the Union. The girls are stili “on deck,” and you will
have plenty of opportunities to renew your acquaintance with
your favorite, Doris.

 

To-night, when the boys were playing ball, and everything
seems to breathe “spring,” I sit down in my lonely room—a
lonely boy—and read my Tie Tor. Boys and girls! What a
pleasure, after a day’s hard work, to sit down with Tip Top and
again read about our dear friends, all so familiar to us old
readers. I love them all. How much I have learned from Dick
and Frank! Dear Mr. Standish, how can I repay you for what
you have done for me? Yes, I know how. I can show my
friends Tie Top and tell them what it is, and what it does for
so many of us readers—and once a reader, always. I do like
all the characters; but there is one who leads them all in my
estimation—“Elsie.” She is my ideal. I am very much inter-
ested in the Applause. There is always news—and though I do
not admire some of the characters there, they make it interest-
ing. Now just take this Cowboy. How I would like to have a
good talk with him. He thinks we do not know how to build a
fire. Do we really look that green in the East? I have seen
and been among a good many cowboys, and always found them
O. K., but don’t think, Mr. Cowboy, that they are the onliest
people out. Frank and Dick are not cowboys, but don’t you
think they could build a fire? I guess yes’ I like Brad; he is
a cowboy, but knows how to behave in public places. Boys and
girls, let us work for Tir Tor. We can all do some if we want
to. You all know the results. With best wishes for Tie Top,
its publishers and author, I remain, sincerely yours,

P. Hexce P.

Trp Tor has cheered the weary hours of many a lonely boy
and girl, and caused them to forget their forlorn state. On the
wide, Western plains; in the woods of the great Northwest; at
sea; the lonely soldier boy, far from home and loved ones—they
all have whiled away many a dull moment with the aid of Tir
Top.

/

 

Having been a constant reader of the great weekly for about
two years, I take pleasure in writing this letter to express my
appreciation of your valued publication—Tir Tor Weexty. Its
name-alone implies its merits, for it is “tiptop” in the proper
sense of the word. I think Mr. Burt L. is a tiptop writer sure
“nuff,” and think he is doing a charitable work in publishing this
noble book. While I admire Dick very much, I just can’t keep
from liking Frank better. He is a much stronger character.
And dear old Brad—I just love him, and I don’t care if he knows
it. I like all the girls, and am perfectly willing for all the boys
and girls to be disposed of in the matrimonial market—except
Brad. When his time comes I want to have the right to pass an

opinion. “I should gently murmur.” A few weeks,ago I> was
/ reading some old Trp Tops, and saw a letter from Benjamin S.
Baldwin, 159 Crawford Avenue, New Castle, Pa. He solicited

correspondence, so I wrote him, and after the letter went almost |

all over the world, it was returned to me. If he sees this letter
and will address “Brown Eyes,” through these columns, I will
' write him again. I would also be pleased to hear’ from¥any

"Tre Tor reader who cares to correspond with a “little girl” about

’ ‘

 

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

nineteen years of age, who is jolly and likes to write letters as
well as receive them. Some one wrote to the Applause column
a few weeks ago, complaining because some of the writers did
not sign their names to their letters. Now I do not know how
the rest of you feel about it, but I, being a girl, naturally feel
some delicacy in placing my. name in such a public place, and
as I am not writing for notoriety, I do not care to do so. But,
as I said above, if any of Tre Top readers desire to write me,
they can let me know through Tre Top, as I read the letters as
regularly as I do the book. Well, “brethern’ and sistern,” what
do you think of those “colored brethern” who have been writing
to the Applause column? Now I think it should be “cut out”—
excuse the slang. I feel like I could write a volume, and then
not express my sentiments in regard to this grand publication;
but I am afraid Burt L. would refuse me space, so I will close
right away quick, with kind wishes to Burt L. and all Tip
Toppers, “Brown Eyes.”
Dallas, Tex.

Your very interesting; and characteristic letter is appreciated,
not only for its orginality, but also for the true flavor of a fair
resident of the great Lone Star State. Brad, no doubt, will feel
much flattered for your outspoken affection; but have a care—
Elsie may not like it. We feel sure that “Brown Eyes,” the little
girl from Texas, will receive quite a few letters from our readers
when they see her letter in the Applause column.

 

I have read your excellent weekly for three years; and I have
written once before, but having never seen it in Tip Top, I pre-
sume it has been consigned to the waste-paper basket. I notice
that the part where all the letters are printed is headed Applause,
and some of these “deadheads” who are not satisfied should re-
member this, and not provoke the other readers into making
it a “scrapping ground.” I do not blame the readers at all for
retaliating, but they ought to let these insignificant’ specimens of
humanity, who are frightened to sign their real names, growl
away, and then they would soon “shut up,’ when they found
they were not being taken any notice of at all. I think Tip Top
is second to none. I like to read the Fardale ones and the
baseball and football ones best. It is no good’ my saying who
my ae are, because they are the same as every nine out of
ten ,readers put in every week. I would like to exchange post
cards with readers in all parts of the world. I will now close,
hoping this will not meet the fate of my other letters. I re-
main, your ardent admirer, James Boyce.

8 Banks Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand. “

We are glad to hear from this Tre Top enthusiast in far-off
New Zealand: Tip-Top readers are scattered all over the world,

_and wherever they are, they never fail to derive pleasure and
No doubt many enthusiastic
postal card. collectors will avail themselves of exchanging with |

profit from the: king of weeklies.

Mr. Boyce in distant Wellington.

 

Having read your “king of weeklies” for some years, I have
decided to express my opinion of it. I think it is about the best
weekly published. I like one character about as well as the
other. I won’t kick about them. But wait.
acter I like best of all—that’s Brad; he is a Texan, so am I.
Texas ain’t as rough and ready as it was some twenty-five years
ago. But Brad has her style of talking about right, only he talks
a little louder than the average Texan. Well, to change the sub-
ject, I will go to Dick. He is a fine boy. I think he and Brad

will make a battery on the baseball team some day that will -

equal Frank and ‘Bart.

NuGEeNntT HorrMan.
104 Columbus Street, Cleburne, Tex. :

x

Of course Brad is popular with his fellow Texans, and almost

. . e. ; :
everyone else. While he is more impetuous jand rasher than —
Dick, he is, nevertheless, “true blue.” No doubt by this time —

you have read what a strong battery Dick and Brad have made
when they played ball in the Orient.

 

In No. 469 of the greatest weekly published, George H, Hart

defends Doris in a manner quite right. I agree» with him in
everything that he says, and think that the Doris admirers sare

becoming faint-hearted. Brace up! Are we going to be downed

by a lot of “sports” who are fascinated by Arlington’s fast way

_of living, and who are “taken in” with June, his sister, because

 

 

There is one char-, /

  

 

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7

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she is rich and handsome and likes to flirt with Fardale’s pride?
No, sir, not by a long shot. Doris, so sweet and gentle, should
not be rudely pushed aside because her father is not a million-
aire; because she doesn’t wear the fine dresses June does; be-
cause she does not get down on her knees, beseeching Dick to
do some favor; because she does not smile sweetly upon him
and call him pet names, Now, fight for the girl that loves
Dick better than anyone else in the world. Yes, fight, I say.
Come to the front and defend the only girl for Dick!
A Doris ADMIRER.

Truly, with such an ardent champion, Doris cannot complain
of not being appreciated. If you were in Dick’s place, there is
no doubt as to your choice. June would not be in it, would she?

 

As this is my first attempt to the Applause, I will make it
brief. I sure would like to get.a punch at that gent in No.
468 who calls himself A Loyal Cadet. I think his name should
be A Disloyal Cad. He says that Mr, Arlington was born and
raised a gentleman. If he was he certainly has forgot all about
it now. His conduct shows him to be something different, at

least, This blockhead goes so far as to say that Dick Merriwell
-and Brad Buckhart are two of the most dangerous persons that
ever stepped in Fardale. Now, dear friends, what do you think
of that? He certainly is crazy; but we will let him go, as he is
not worth noticing. As for the characters of the old set, I
like Frank first, then Bart Hodge, with the rest not far behind.
I think Frank made a good choice when he chose Inza. I like
Dick and Brad and all their friends. Hoping that Dick returns

| to Fardale and starts the baseball team, I remain, an ardent
E.

- reader, BOG

Cainsville, Mo.

You are an enthusiastic and strenuous partisan, and have ex-
pressed your preferences in vigorous language. Chester finds
no champion in you, my Missouri friend, does he? Your con-

ception of what constitutes a gentleman is correct. It matters

not what our families may have been, nor how wealthy we are,
one can be a gentleman whether he be the poor son of a day
“laborer or the s@n of a millionaire.

a

I have read the Tip Top Week ty from No. 1 to No. 203. I
I have been a
constant reader of the Tip Top. I like Elsie and Winnie, But
_I like Frank best of the boys. Bart is all right and'so is Harry.
- Bruce and Diamond I like also. I think Frank Merriwell is true
as steel.. I wish Burt L. Standish a long life and prosperity.
Please excuse the liberty I take in writing you, as it really be-

| longs to boys; but I can enjoy it as much as any of the boys,

and I felt it my duty to let you know how your paper is ap-
-preciated. Will Frank and his baseball team come to the Still-
man Valley this summer? The boys are wild to see him. Yours
truly, Miss Wittarp M. BEAcH.
Stillman Valley, Ill. ;

‘We are glad to hear from the girls as well as the boys. Tir
Tor seems to please the fair sex almost ‘as much as it pleases
their brothers. It is very hard to tell just where Frank and

his team.will go, but we have no doubt if ever they reach Still-
| man Valley they will receive a warm reception.

 

ESAS 9 &, se
» _ I thought I would write and express my opinions of youn

famous weekly, called Tre Tor. I have read it for three years,

: _ along with several others, but, as one reader said before, those

cheap publications have to climb a tree when they buck up
against Tie Top.
weekly, but I always read Tir Tor first. I like Frank, next
Dick, then Hodge and dear old Brad. Those fellows who said
Brad is hot air must be made of hot air and think everybady

TIP: TOP WEEKLY.

Every week I get my Tip Top with another '

_ else is made the same way; but we should not notice such fellows
I would not like to see Tre Top give up one single
Burt L. Standish knows best. I should like to secure
copies of Tre Tor where Frank started his railroad career up

| to where he quit the road. Anyone having any of these books

please let me know what you will take apiece for them. Let us

| hear from Joe Gamp soon; also, Cap’n Wiley. Of course Burt
| L.-will put in what he thinks best, and I-am sure it. will please

 

7

all readers.

of Tre Top in

How far back are the numbers
hem THos. Pyerce.

print?

3954 Mt, Vernon Street, Philadelphia, Pa,
Sata

 

 

29

Your friend, Cap’n Wiley, made a brief, inglorious reappear-
ance a short time ago, when Frank played a game in Baltimore.
Pretty mean of the cap’n to play against Frank, wasn’t it?
We can supply copies of Tie Top from No. 315 to date; numbers
previous to that are out of print.

 

Having read that silly, trashy book which you publish—called
Tie Top—for many weary years, I have decided to state my
opinion of it at once. First, Frank is a coward, which he showed
when he stopped that runaway horse in London, and thereby
saved the life of Inza Burrage; and secondly, Dick is a “swelled
head,” because he won’t listen to people who praise his noble
deeds. And Brad? What? that “blowhard”? Well, he’s the
limit. He says big thifgs and, wonders to behold! he does
them! He and Bart Hodge are “N. G”’ But if I keep this
up ’f—i be in danger of receiving the just deserts of “I. M. K.”
and “Theo. S.,” which I would not relish; so, in the classic
language of sunny Spain, “T’ll quit.”

I have read your paper ever since I was able to read, and
then I procured all the back numbers, and haven’t stopped read-
ing yet.

I present to you, and for your earnest inspection, a small
verse, or motto, which I have dashed off in a moment of “poetic
zeal.” Here goes:

Tie Top, mighty and grand,
O’er the sea and the land;
With Frank for a hero
She’ll beat the band.

Hoping that this will escape the “inevitable wastebasket,’ I
remain, with best wishes to B. L., S. & S., .Miss Rose Earre.

Jersey City, N. J.

What a pleasant surprise your letter is. At first, we held our
breath, thinking that here was an awful “knock” coming; but
you end with words of praise and were just playing ‘possum /
at the start. May you continue to enjoy many future numbers
of your favorite weekly, which you evidently do not think is
silly and trashy. b

 

Shimminy Gristmas! Dunder und blitzens! If dot Die Dorp
yosn’t a shim tandy you vos a liar. ;

Ach, Himmel! Ain’t dot Tick Merriwell a beach? You pet
me dot vos so or you vos a fool. Yaw! Dot Arlingdon vos a
schoundrel and he vos ought to pe kilt, ain’d id? Py Chorch!
uf I vos git holdt uf him I vill gick him till I vos plack und
plue. Dot Chune vos a bretty gurl. Shimminy Gristmas! She
vill lead Tick to der halter some tay.. She vos distractioned by
him or I vos a liar. Yaw. Dunder und blitzens! I vos got to
quit, ain’d it? So I vill glose mit dree cheers for Die Dop.

Leonidas, Mich. . “A DEUTCHER.”

You vos all righd, ain’d it?” Vot fine English gesprache you
vos spoken. Yah! Py Chiminey, dot Dip Dop is ret py -all
the Deutchers. Yes? Vas ist les mit Hans Dunnerwurst?
He’s all righd, alretty yet.

 

Being a constant reader of the Trp Top Week y, I will write
and tell you what I think of your weekly. I think it is the
best book for boys ever placed before the American people. My
favorites are Frank, Dick, Brad and Cap’n Wiley. I don’t see
why so many readers kick about Brad, for he is one of Burt L.’s
best characters. I will close now, with best wishes to Burt L.
and Street & Smith. Very truly yours,

. Mannington, W. Va. ~ “Car’n Witey’s DovBte,”

Being so fond of Cap’n Wiley, no doubt you enjoyed his reap-
pearance in No. 479, Rather mean of the cap’n to play against
Frank, don’t you think? ;

 

The undersigned wishes to secure Nos. 260 to 330 of the Tip

-Tor WEEKLY, and is willing to trade for same or purchase them.

They must be in good condition and subject to examination,
References given. Address, W. B. Raymonp.

Care Herald, Halletsville, Tex. .

We publish the above for the benefit of those who may have
back numbers of Tie Top that they may be willing to dispose of.
Street & Smith can supply numbers from 315 to date at five
cents a copy.

 

 

 

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
     
  
    
      
   
  
      
    
   
   
 
    
       
   
   
    
   
    
  
   
  
  
    
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
    
  
 

I would like your opinion on my measure-
ments, and would like for you to tell me: 1. My weak and
strong points? 2, What athletic sport would it be best for

‘ me to train for? I am 23 years old;* weight, 129 pounds; neck,
13% inches; chest, 2914 inches; inflated, 30 inches; waist, 29%

\ inches; biceps, 7 inches; thigh, 18 inches; ankles, 10 inches;
‘calves, 13 inches; wrists, 8 inches. I wear a No. 634 hat and
No. 11 shoe. I am. very light on my feet. ‘I know I am not
/very well developed yet. If you think I could improve, I will
follow any advise you may give which you think would improve
me. I have quit smoking cigarettes since reading Tip Top.

Thomas, Okla. . J. ENDRES.

Pror. FourMEN:

* years, and should start in at once and commence a general
course of training. «Keep out in the open air as much as you
can. Secure a copy of. “Frank Merriwell’s Book of Athletic
Development,” and indulge in the exercises Mr. Standish recom-
mends therein.

'

 

determined to send my measurements, which are as follows:
Neck, 15 inches; chest, natural, 35 inches ; expanded, 37 inches;
Hg > waist, 28 inches ; wrist, 7 inches: forearm, 10 inches; upper
‘arm, ©74 inches, natural; 11 inches, flexed; thighs, 1914 inches;
ehir, calves, 13 inches; weight, 136 pounds, stripped ; height, 5 feet
-* 40 inches; age, 16 years 6 months. I played tackle on the foot-
ball team and forward on the basket-ball team.
our mile relay team. I box considerably. Ought I to weigh
more? At the close of the football. season I was trained down
to one hundred and twenty-eight pounds. I am following your
advice in drinking lots of water, and when not in training for
some team, use five-pound dumb-bells for fifteen minutes every
‘So. morning.
alg never cigarettes. |
cr pounds till next fall. Please give me a course of training to
accomplish this. Also, my weal points, and how to remedy
them. I remain, a Hicw ScHoo, SEnror.
Allentown, Pa.

You are very tall for your age, but should weigh at least
one hundred and fifty pounds all the time. Keep up the water
~ idea and drink a couple of glasses of hot water each morning;
also, eat plentifully of cereals and green vegetables, beans, etc.
_ Your biceps are your weak point. To develop them, try weight
lifting with the bar bell; also, continue using dumb-bells.
should develop into a man of large frame, and by proper liv-

* aye SS all-around atilete

 

You are not very well developed for a young man of your ©

‘ |
-Pror. Fourmen: Being interested in this department, I have

I,also run on-

When not in training I smoke a ‘pipe the least bit;
I should like to weigh one hundred and fifty

You.

ing, abstinence from intoxicants and cigarettes, you can enya

 

 

Owing to the large number of letters 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 ~
be answered in due time.

 

to, Pitch,” “How to Bat,” etc, at ten cents each. Your poor
: wind ete be Fg either by en, or cigarettes, Take

*
ihe
*

 
 
 

 

| deer
| | cise
wou
hou:
Py
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expa
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inch
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lete,
/ ing?
use?
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‘ o 4.
Pror. FourMEN: I will be 16 years old in July, and weigh ||
105 pounds. The following are my measurements: Chest, nor- |
mal, 28 inches; contracted, 26%4 inches; expanded, 3014 inches ; . ef
width of shoulders, 15%4 inches; height, 5 feet 7% inches; old, .
biceps, normal, 8 inches; flexed, 9% inches; forearm, 8% mal,
inches; wrist, 6 inches; waist, 2614 inches; hips, 30 inches; | 4*™S
thighs, 18 inches; neck, 12% inches; calves, 1134 inches; ankles, | 13,1
10 inches. 1. Please point out my weak points and how to genche
remedy them. 2. How can I develop my chest and broaden ~ a.
my shoulders? 3. What exercises do I need gnost, and when |~*
should I take them? 4. How much should I weigh, and how ’ Ne
can I gain in weight? 5. What exercises should be used to | 1,
strengthen the arms and back? I remain, very truly, a!
Augusta, Ga. Prerre HEARD. . |
1. You are tall for your age, but you do not weigh enough.
You should tip the scales at about one hundred and ae a
nee e an
To develop your chest, practice deep-breathing exercises, es
mr also use dumb-bells and the setting-up exercise. thigh
3. The ones I have mentioned.. You should exercise at least | Corre
a_ half hour each morning before breakfast, taking a cold bath a?
afterward. Also, a half hour each evening. io hrs
4. You should weigh one hundred and thirty pounds. Drink F vance
a couple of glasses f hot water each morning and evening. Mt
Get plenty of sleep, at least eight hours. Don’t smoke cigarettes. Yo)
A liberal supply of digestible and .«utritious food should be | while
taken, especially at, the first two. meals of the day. Plenty a | broad
vegetables and cereals are also flesh producers. | weigh
_ Dumb-bells and Indian clubs are excellent to develop the arms — ing j.,
and back. In addition to the above advice, indulge in all the | gargh
outdoor sports possible—baseball, running, swimming, rowing, | Yours
Le ; T.
. Pror. Fourmen: I am a pitcher on a baseball team, but T i Pra
cannot pitch at my best after I have played five innings. I |? yea
sometimes play shortstop, but I cannot throw to first base on — 7 hav
a regular diamond. “I cannot’ bat. I suppose you have a book, | bh Wis
telling how to bat. I haven’t very good wind, either. I pe a
fifteen years old and stand five feet. I get up in the morning at — mee
seven o’clock and retire ‘at eleven. Dp you think these are good ie en
hours? Hoping to see this letter in Tir Top, I remain, yours | * 0a
truly, Basepant Praver.  |3 SS
You can secure several handbooks on baseball from A. G. lf Ee
Spalding & Bro., New York City. They publish books on “How | i

   
    
\

deep-breathing exercises, and be careful not to play or exer-
cise immediately after “meals: It would be far better if you
| would retire at ten and arise at six in the morning. The earlier
| hours of the night are the best for perfect rest.

Pror. FourmMEeN: { am 14 years old; height, 5 feet 5 inches;
| weight, 110 pounds; neck, 13 inches; chest, normal, 30 inches;
expanded, 32 inches; wrists, 7 inches; biceps, 10 inches; waist,
28 inches; left thigh, 18 inches; right, 19 inches; calves, 13
inches; shoulder to shoulder, 17 inches; ankles, 9 inches. 1.
How are my measurements? 2. I would like to become an ath-
"| lete, and wish you would please tell me how to start in train-
jing? 3. What weight dumb-bells and Indian clubs should I
Fuse? 4. How much does “Frank Merriwell’s Book of Athletic
- Development” cost? An old admirer, L. B. M:
Sonora, Cal.
| 3. Your measurements are very good, particularly your height
and weight.

2. You can begin by taking a long walk and perhaps a short
trun, and then exercise with the dumb-bells and Indian clubs. By
” rubbing down thoroughly after! the first exercise you can avoid
| becomnig stiff and sore, though frequently, in beginning, these
| Symptoms will appear, notwithstanding your efforts to avoid
them.

- 3. Two-pound dumb-bells and three-pound Indian clubs are
heayy enough.

 

   
 
  
 

: 4. The book will be sent postpaid on receipt of ten cents.

igh |)
oa, Fe PRor. FoURMEN : Here are my measurements: I am 14 years
es; ~j old, 5 feet 4 inches in height and weigh 115 pounds. Chest, nor- ’
BI, mal, 31 inches ; expanded, 33 inches ; wrists, 6% inches; fore-”
es: arms, 10 inches; neck, 12% inches; thighs, 181% inches; calves,
les. 13 inches; from shoulder to shoulder, 17% inches; waist, 27
fc | inches. 1. How .are my measurements? 2. What are my weak
den | Points, and how could I remedy them? 3. Is. my weight right?
aie I remain, yours respectfully, H. K
ie ae New York City. ‘ ;

to 1. Your measurements are unusually good for your age.

2. You have no noticeable weak points.

a 3. Your weight is in exact proportion with your height.
igh,” es !
itty ae: ; :

~ | Pror. FourMEN :. My age is 17 years; height, 5 feet 1014 inches;
_ | weight, 14 pounds; neck, 14 inches; chest, normal, 32% inches;
seS, | expanded, 36'4 inches; biceps, 12% inches; hips, 33 inches;
' | thighs, 20 inches; calves, 14 inches. How do my measurements
“ast © correspond with my age? ‘There is one other question I wish to
ath ask, and that is this: I have catarrh of the head. and throat,
{and IT would like to know if there is any exercise in regard to

' | physical training that will help to cure it.

j f Thanking you in ad-
ink / vance, I remain, yours truly, ee

ng. Wheat City.
tes. ) You are above the average height for a boy of your age, and
be | while your other measurements are not in proportion, you will

of — broaden and develop as you grow older. Your height and
| Weight ate excellent for a seventeen-year-old boy. Deep breath-
‘ms ing is.good for ¢atarrh; you should also use some kind of a
the. )Rargle. Breathe through the nose, and endeavor to acctstom
ng, yourself to sleeping with the mouth closed.
t 1. | Pror. Fourmen: I have been reading your Tip Top for over
-[ | year, and think it a very interesting and instructive magazine.
Se T have the honor of presenting my measurements to you, and
[ wish you would tell me what you think of them. At school
here I go to bed at nine-thirty and get up at six. As soon as
I get up I take a run of about a mile, and sometimes, two. I
‘then take a shower and get ready for breakfast. Any’ spare
time, as between classes, I take breathing exercises. In the
fternoon I take exercise on the rings, parallel bars, etc., and
So play basebal. I also fence two or three times a week. The
ollowing are’ my measurements: Age, 14 years; height, 5 feet;
Weight, 107 pounds; neck, 14 inches; biceps, 1134 inches; fore-
bi arms, 10 inches; wrist, 634 inches; chest, normal, 34 inches; _
expanded, 3714 inches; waist, 27 inches; thighs, 1934 inches; ~

 
 
  
  
    
 
  
   
   
 
 
  

TIP TOP WEEKLY.

   

31

oe

/

calves, 121% inches. I. can swing the Indian clubs and. punch
the bag pretty good. 1. How are my measurements?! 2. Are my
arms and legs large enough? They are very hard. 3. How is
my chest? 4. I can hold above my head over ninety pounds.
Is this strong enough for my age? [| can lift over two hundred
and twenty-five pounds from the ground, using hands alone. 5.
My friends say I have broad shoulders. They are 1634 inches
broad, being measured by my roommate. “Do you think they
are well developed? Hoping you will excuse me for such a long
letter, I will remain, A YounGc ATHLETE.
St. John’s School, Manlius, N. Y.

1. Your measurements are excellent, and. you are splendidly
developed for a boy of fourteen.

2. Your arms and legs are developed in proportion with your
other measurements. Your thighs are particularly’ well deyel-
oped.

3. Very good and far above the average of a boy of your age.

4. Yes, very good.

5. Your shoulders are well developed. All of your measure-
ments show that your regular exercise and early retiring are
bearing fruit. Keep up the good work and you will develop
into a strong, well-built man.

_————.

Pror. Fourmen: How should, I begin to train for the baseball
season? I can pitch an out, in, drop, in-drop, out-drop. Had
a record of fourteen strikes out against a twenty-one-year-old
team. How is that? My measurements are as follows: Age,
15 years 7 months; weight, 119 pounds; height, 5 feet 4 inches;
chest, 29 inches; expanded, 32% inches; abdomen, 28 inches;
around hips, 33 inches; upper leg, 19 inches; lower leg, 12%
inches; ankle, 8% inches; around shoulders, 38 inches; neck,
13%4 inches; upper arm, 9% inches; lower arm,\ 10% inches;
wrist, 714 inches. What are my strong points? Also, my weak
ones? Wma. R. Doran, Jr.

Philadelphia, Pa.

The usual rules that apply to training for any event should
be followed in your desire to excel as+a baseball “twirler.”
Constant practice will insure perfection. Your record is very
good,

You appear to be very well built for your age, and have no
noticeable weak points.

Pror. FourMEN: I am 18 years old; height, 5 feet 3 inches;
weight, 11c pounds; neck, 12% inches; shoulders, 35 inches;
chest, normal, 2834 inches; expanded, 30 inchés; waist, 26%
inches , thighs, 18 inches; calves, 11 inches; forearms, 9 inches;
wrists, 6 inches; ankles, 9 inches. 1. What are my weak parts,
and how may I strengthen them? 2. How do I stand with
other boys of my age? 3. What do you think my height and
weight should be? 4. Is smoking and drinking harmful? | 5.
Are sweets harmful to the young? 6, Is too much sleep good
for a young person? Yours respectfully,

Shelbyville, Ky. J. Forse Van Wata.

tr. You are not very well developed for a youth of eighteen,
and require a thorough course of training to improve your vari-
ous measurements. I would recommend that you secure a copy
of “Frank Merriwell’s Book of Physical Development” and fol-
low the instructions contained therein.

2. Rather below the average of a boy of your age.

3. A boy of eighteen should be five feet six inches tall and

weigh between one hundred and twenty and one hundred and

thirty pounds.

4. Yes, very harmful. Both injure the nerves, soften the mus-
cles and weaken the stomach. No boy can ever become strong
and muscular who has formed the pernicious habits of using
tobacco or intoxicants.

5. Good, wholesome sweets are not harmful if not indulged
in to excess.

6. A boy of your age requires nine hours sleep each night.
More than that is‘ unnecessary. The earlier hours of the night
are best. .

  
   
  
 

. chest, 27 to 30 inches ;

~ good appetite, and do not eat too much.

tinue it.

Pror. Fourmen: The following are my measurements: Neck,
13 inches; wrist, 6 inches; forearm, 9%4 inches; biceps, 8%4 to
914 inches; ankles, 8% inches ; calf, 12 inches; thigh, 17 inches;/
hips, 30 inches ; waist, 25 inches; height,
us feet 7 inches; age, 17 years 8 months; weight, 112 pounds.

1. What do you think of my measurements? I get up about six

o'clock, take a run of about one-half mile, then saw and cut

enough wood for the day; take ten or fifteen minutes’ exercise
with dumb-bells and other plain movements; eat breakfast about
seven o'clock. At noon I go to a gym. for about forty-five
minutes, and there spend about fifteen minutes on rings, exer-
cisers and punching the bag. The other thirty minutes I play
handball, to get a good sweat, when I take a cold shower. I
then dress and go to work. I work in an office, and not having
much to do between 1 and 2 P. M., I eat a light lunch. I have
no dinner at all—except on Saturday and Sunday—and for supper
vety seldom eat any vegetables. 2. What do you think of this
daily routine? 3. Do you think sawing wood is a good exercise?

I am trying it this summer for my arms and shoulders. 4. Do

you think one cold bath a day would tend to lessen my weight?

A person told me not much wonder I was so thin, taking so

many baths. Now, as to food: For breakfast, I eat oatmeal

porridge, sometimes an egg and fried potatoes, and bread and
jam. For lunch—five days a week—I just have a slice or two
of bread, and for supper I eat bread and jam, biscuits, and
sometimes fish and salad, but not often. I never eat cake or pie
of any kind, and never drink any tea or coffee or anything else
at meals. I sometimes drink a cup. of cocoa directly after
supper. On Saturday and Sunday I eat a good dinner of vege-
tables, but never any meat, having read in Physical Culture
magazine that meat is not good for a person. I drink one cup
of hot water in the morning and another before retiring, and
six or seven cups of cold water through the day. I retire about

9:30 P. M. 5. Do you think my diet is all right? As you will

see from my measurements, I am very thin, but I may say that

since going to the gym., about four months ago, I have gained

five or six pounds, though I.do not seem to be any stouter. I

think my bones must be very long and thin, because, though

I have pretty good muscles, and my muscles are very hard, I

have no flesh on them.
I sleep in a well-
ventilated room, the «window being open winter and summer.
6. Do you think I may grow to a respectable size if I keep up my
exercises? Thanking you in anticipation, I am, yours faithfully,

Victoria, B. C. Leo. ORLINSTON. |

1. While your measurements dre not exactly in proportion with.
your height, they are, nevertheless, good. You are evidently at

that stage in a boy’s life best described as growing, and you will

fill out as you grow older.

2. Your daily routine of exercise is excellent, and I would
advise that you keep it up. The benefits accruing from it may
not be apparent to you now, but you are building for the future,
and the time you take each day in exercising will be amply
compensated for when you grow to manhood by your physique,
your healthy interest in life and your general health.

3. Sawing wood is an excellent exercise, and I know none
better for developing the back muscles, the arms and the

- shoulders.

4. A cold shower is necessary and invigorating after a morn-

ing’s work in the gym. It is not harmful and you should con-
Hot baths will tend to reduce one’s weight, but, cold
baths have no effect.on your avoirdupois.

5. Your diet seems rather light, but if your appetite is ap-
peased, I presume it is all right.

6. You must not worry because you afte somewhat thin at
present. Your height is very good for your age, and you will

. probably be a tall man. Just at present you are growing, but
- if you continue your present mode of life and gh you will

fill out in due time.

 

Pror. ‘FourmEn: 4 hope you will answer my tiesto in re-
gard to my measurements. Weight, 117 pounds; height, 5 feet
5% inches; neck, 1214 inches; waist, 30 inches; chest, normal,
‘32% inches; expanded, 35 inches ; biceps, 11 4. inches ; forearm,
9% inches iVCaet: 13 BUCAES s wrist, 6% inc leas upper legs 3

IiP:; TOP WEEKLY.

I have the best of health and have a

and evening, and—don’t smoke cigarettes.

Address Wittiaws Station ‘‘O,” Box 24, New York G

  

1. Do you think I am large for

inches, and I am 15 years old.

my age? 2. Is my weight in proportion to my height? 3. How
can I enlarge my calves? FRANK DOUGLASS.
Charleston, S. C.
1. Yes, for a boy of fifteen, you are very well developed. ©

Your height and weight are above the average.

2. Your weight is im exact proportion with your height.

3. A simple method of developing the calves is to stand with —
the feet about six inches apart and lift the toes repeatedly as |
high as possible from the floor; or one may walk about the >
room on his heels until he feels the strain. Bicycling is also

a good means of developing the legs.

 

i
j
'

Pror. FouRMEN: Being a reader of Trp Top, I take the liberty
of asking a few questions. I am 15 years old; 5 feet 61%4 inches -

tall; weight, 134% pounds; neck, 14 inches ; forearms, 10% _
inches ; biceps, 114% inches; wrists, 7 inches; thighs, 18 inches;
calves, 13%4 inches; chest, normal, 33 inches ; contracted, 32

inches; expanded, 36 inches ; waist, 28%4 inches. What do "you |
think of my measurements? I. J. Nazzet.

Everett, Mass.

You are unusually well developed for a boy of your age, and |
much above the average. Your height, weight and chest meas-—
urements are particularly good, and you will; probably, if you
are careful of your health and lead the proper life, develop into a
splendid specimen of physical manhood.

 

Pror. Fourmen: [I always play the position of catcher, and.
in throwing from home plate to second base, I get a pain in

the elbow joint, and it has, on several occasions, caused me to’

~make very inaccurate throws, and if you could advise a remedy
for it, would be greatly obliged to you. If you advise a rest,
kindly state about how long I ought to rest. Hoping to see an
answer to this in an early issue of the Tip Top WEEELY, I am,

Yours truly, H.-Y. Fy

hc ana

Chicago, Il.

From home plate to second. base is rather a long throw and
one that a ball player does not often make. On account of its
seldom occurring, you probably are not familiar with the dis-
tance. Of course, the baseball season has just started in, and
you are not as well limbered up as you will be later in the
summer. By rubbing down thoroughly after a game, you can
avoid becoming stiff and sore. Constant practice in long throws

will also improve your pitching arm. ai
j

 

Pror. Fourmen: Having been a reader of the Tre Top for a
number of years, I take the liberty of asking a few qieions
I am 14 years old; 5 feet 3 inches call; weight, 109 pounds;
chest, normal, 29 inches ; expanded, 34 inches ; hips, 31 inches;

“shoulders, 35 inches; biceps, 9% inches; wrists, 6 inches. 1
How are my measurements? 2. Where are my weakest points?
3. What exercise should I take? Yours, ‘Ben. Ton:

Weatherford, Tex. ut i

1. Very good for your age. i

2. Your biceps are your weakest point. To develop them,
practice weight lifting and dumb-bells. Your height and ween
are excellent for your age. Sy

3. Take deep-breathing exercises; also, practice the U. S,
Army setting-up exercises. Indulge in all the outdoor games
and sports possible. Exercise at least a half hour each ihorsing

A

Sa aN et

“GOLDEN HOURS.” |
Boys, have you any old numbers of Golden od
If so, see what numbers are among them and write me;
stating price. I will pay liberally to complete my files

      
    

j

 

  
(Continuation of Applause.) have brought forward some good things; but, on the whole, [
think their insight into the workings of an author’s mind of the
scale of Mr. Standish’s writings are extremely feeble. Such

dicals as I. M. D. and I. M. K. belong to a class by them-
selves. The main good they have done has been to bring. out
the opposition.

Much sound philosophy has been the result of the discussion of
the Doris-June question. Two or three letters have shown un-
usual wisdom. These have been the most interesting to me of
all the letters published.

I have been reading the Tre Top WEEKLY for about six months,
and like it real well, I think it must keep Burt L. Standish
real busy, writing such good stories as he does every week.

I like Dick M. and Brad B. the best in Dick’s flock. Dave
Flint is one of the best char: acters in the whole book, Hal, Earl,
big Bob and Teddy S. are all right. Please pass Tubbs the
pie, if he can’t reach it.

I like Elsie and Doris the best of the girl characters. Where
is little Felicia? I think it is about time that- Frank and Inza, I am making a collection of post cards, and will send one in
and Bart and Elsie, were getting married. It has been over a Petes tcc aoete ocak ‘shakin. have wae good ones of the
year since Inza said she would marry Frank. Lewis & Clark Fair building. e

I hope that Dick will get back to Fardale soon; then watch Hoping my first letter has not-been too jong, I remain, a true
Chester “take to the tall timber,” as Brad would say. I like Tip Topper, Ropert H. Down
Prof. Gunn very much, but have no love for Prof. Gooch. Box 218. Silverton. Ore

As this is my first letter, I will close, with best wishes for eas ae esas .

Burt L.. Street & Smith and Tip Top, A very well-written letter, which needs no comment.

Raymond, Minn. BrowN-Eyvep Susan,

So you want Frank and Bart to marry their respective sweet- In reading over your Applause tolumn, we have failed to see
hearts, do you? Well, they surely will some day; but when that many letters from Canadians, so we decided to give our opinion
happy event will occur, only Mr. Standish can tell. of your weekly. We like all the characters, but Dick and Brad

are our favorites. We both think Chester is all right, only a
ligle fast. We do not understand much about baseball, but we

I have been a constant reader of Tie Top for over five years, would like to see Dick and his friends at a good, hot game of
and have never yet written to express my approval. I don’t hockey or lacrosse. June IS our favorite of the girls, and we
think Mr. Standish fully realizes the good he is doing for Young — think, by the look of things, she is Dick’s favorite, too. We
America. When one considers the vast and growing circula. would like to join a correspondence club, and will put our ad-
tion of Tip Top, one is amazed that the genius of one man is dress at the end. Hoping this will not see the wastebasket, we
thus able to fashion the mind of so many readers strictly ac- remain, two Canucks, LENA AND BERNICE Munk E.
cording to our highest American ideals. St. Mary’s, Ontario, Canada.

To the many Eastern friends of Tie Top I would say that
if you could stand as I have stood, and see how Tip’ Top sells . ;
in Silverton, on its arrival, you would give up most of your of Canada, and are always glad to hear from our neighbors on
illusions about the “wild and woolly’ West. the north. Possibly, in the near future, Dick may indulge in a

As to the many and variously-minded critics, I believe they game of lacrosse. He would certainly enjoy it.

se

We have many letters from admirers in various provinces

a r '

TIP TOP BASEBALL TOURNAMENT IS NOW OPEN.

The two teams which, at the end of the season, have the highest average—the members of which
play the greatest number of games, score the most runs and have lost the least number of ¢ games, will be
declared the winners. Of the two winning teams, the one having the higher average ‘will be declared the
TIP TOP CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM OF THE ALL- AMERICAN BASEBALL TOURNAMENT FOR 1905,
and will receive a large pennant bearing the above device. Each winning team will receive a full equipment
for nine members consisting of trousers, shirt, stockings, shoes and cap. Is this not worth working for, boys?

DON’T FAIL TO SEND IN YOUR COUPON AT ONCE

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

 

Tip Top Baseball Tournament Coupon

Name: of Team... Town State Opponent’s Name
NAMES OF TEAM POSITION Risine Or SeAse

Pitcher

 

Catcher

 

Ist Base

2d Base

 

3d Base

om Short Stop.
| |

Wie aie a. De

 

 

 

C. Field

 

 

 

L. Field

 

 

 

 

}
|
| Winner i Score_— Shanes alas

Na

 

 

 
 

THE BEST STORIES of THE WEST

 

 

 

HE DIAMOND
DICK WEEKLY

 

 

 

The demand for stirring stories of Western adventure is admirably filled
by this library. There is a desire on the part of every up-to-date boy,
to know just how law and order are established and maintained on our

Western plains.

Diamond Dick, his son Bertie and that great hearted fellow Handsome
Harry are self-appointed defenders of the weak and no crook or despe-
rado can commit deeds of violence and escape paying the penalty when

our heroes make up their minds to jail him.

Nearly every story .s founded upon fact and are so intensely interesting
that the reader imagines he is taking part in the stirring events nar-
rated. Boys, if you want tales that bear with them the breath of the

Western Plains, get the Diamond Dick Weekly.

PRICE, FIVE CaxTS

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