LARGEST WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA | AN IDEAL PUBLICATION FOR THE AMERICAN. YOUTH Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at New York Post Office bv STREET & SMITH. 238 William St. GY Fs No. 478. | Price, Five Cents. Lee Aas Pots At the proper moment Frank lifted himself higher on the pole, but it suddenly broke beneath him. Cries of horror came from the spectators as they saw Merry fall from that height. PHYSICAL CULTURE DEPARTMENT. Edited by PROF. FOURMEN. 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 questions. Correspon- dents are requested to make their letters as brief as possible, in order that all may be answered in due time. Pror. FourmMen: I am a boy 16 years old, 5 feet 3 inches tall and weigh 135 pounds in my Sunday clothes. I never took time to measure the other parts of my body, but I wish you would tell me what is good for the wind. I am the best boxer in the forty- inch mill, but my wind doesn’t last. I wish you would, tell what is good for the wind. I wish you would put this in the next number of the Tip Top. Yours truly, Prete FEpor. _Duquesne, Pa. Practice deep breathing and take a two or three-mile run once or twice a week. Pror. Fourmen: Being a constant reader of the Tip Top ‘Weekly, I take the privilege of asking you a few questions. I am quite interested in both indoor and outdoor athletics, but I do not take much active part in them. I am 14 years of age plus 6 months. Am 5 feet 3 inches tall and weigh 108 pounds. J am a little chunky and too round in the center.. I work indoors all _ the time, thinking that would take some flesh off of me, but it does not. I want to take some flesh off me and still I want to grow taller. Now, what can I do to answer these purposes? Leaving it to you to answer through the Tip. Top Weekly, I thank you in advance, ' H. W...Dar.ine. ~Morris, Minn. Whoever told you to work indoors in order to take off flesh? Just reverse that process to begin with. Go in for out-of-door exercise and avoid drinking too much water. At your age you should not be worrying about your height. If you will exercise freely out of doors your height will take care of itself. Pror. FourMEN: Being a constant reader of the Tip Top Weekly, I take the liberty of asking you a few questions. My measurements are as follows: Age, 21 years; height, 5 feet 107% inches; reach, 5 feet 1034 inches; chest, normal, 3614 inches; inflated, 3814 inches; waist, 2914 inches; hips, 3614 inches; neck, 14 inches; width of shoulders, 1834 inches; thighs, 2074 inches; calves, 13% inches; ankles, 87% inches; biceps, 1214 inches; fore- arm, 107% inches. 1. What are my weak points? 2. What is the proper breadth of shoulder for one of my height? 3. How can IT develop them? 4. What is best to develop the muscles of my back? I have access to a punching bag, Indian clubs, dumb-bells and Whitely exerciser. I do not use intoxicants or tobacco. 5. What is the correct weight for one of my age and measure- ments? Hoping I have not taken too much of your valuable time and space, I am, yours truly, Lours D. Hooper. 1596 Jefferson Street, Buffalo, N. Y. 1. Your chest and biceps. You should practice deep breathing and some of the arm-developing labors, such as rowing, wrestling, throwing the medicine ball, using the dumb-hbells. etc. 2. About what yours are. Twenty inches would be better. 3. By using the traveling rings in a gymnasium or chopping . wood. Pumping, rowing, using the parallel bars are all aids. 4.. Lifting, wrestling, jumping, rowing. _ 5. 160 pounds. Pror. Fourmen: As I have read Tin Top from No. 1 to date, and ‘never before bothered you with questions, I take the liberty in doing so now. I am 19 years old, 5 feet 10 inches high and weigh 127 pounds. Neck, 1234 inches; forearm, 9 inches; chest, 321%4 inches—3-inch expansion; chest capacity, 250 cubic inches; waist, 2714 inches; hips, 32 inches; wrist. 614 inches; thighs, 174 inches; knee, 1314 inches; calf, 12%4 inches; ankle, 8% inches; biceps, 934 inches. I am strong for my age but am very slim, having exercised for about a year, and it has made my muscles firm and hard, but in size have not changed. 1. What would you advise? Can make running high jump, 4 feet 11 inches, and standing broad jump, 9 feet 2 inches, both without training. 2. How is this? I use the Milo bar-bell system of weight lifting, dumb-bells, Indian clubs, punching bag and_ deep breathing. 3.. How. are these? .Have no special diet. 4. Can you advise any- thing? I have very small bones. 5. Can anything be done to make bones larger? Thanking you in advance, and hoping to see these answered in an early issue of Tip Top, I remain, Combs Post Office, W. Va. A REApER oF Tip Top. 1. I would advise a change of exercises. Hitherto you have been largely indoors. Get outside. The open-air exercises beat gymnasium work to a standstill. Then, too, you have done noth- ing to add to your weight. You should drink water plentifully and indulge in deep breathing exercise. These two will effect a change. 2. Very good, indeed. 3. All good in their way. 4. Nothing outside of plain cooked meats and vegetables. Very few people eat enough vegetables, particularly of lettuce, chicory and similar greens. A large dish of one or the other of these should be eaten with every portion of meat. 5. Not that I know of. Pror. FourMEN: Having been a reader of Tip Top about two years, I would be pleased if you would give your opinion of my measurements. Age, 18 years; height, 5 feet 1014 inches; weight, 145 pounds; neck, 14/2 inches; chest,* normal, .35 inches; fore- arms, 7 inches; biceps, right, 8% inches; left, 8 inches; wrist, 6 inches; hips, 36:inches; thigh, right, 211% inches; left, 21 inches; calves, 13 inches. 1. How are my measurements? 2, What are my weakest points? I am 18 inches across the shoulders. 3. Is that broad enough for a boy of my age and height? Please tell me what exercises I need? Thanking you in advance, I am, yours truly, W. C. Davis. Fairmont, W. Va. 1. Very good, all except your arms. I cannot understand why they are so small. You ceriainly cannot use them very much. You should endeavor to correct this error as quickly as possible. 2. Your arms and chest. You should practice deep breathing. 3. Yes. 4. Rowing, boxing, wrestling, throwing the medicine ball and all out-of-door games, like tennis, handball, baseball and so forth. Pror. FourMeNn: Being a reader of the Tip Top, I would like to ask you a few questions, which I hope you will answer in the next issue. My measurements are: Age, 21 years; weight, 160 pounds; height, 5 feet 814 inches; neck, 14% inches; thighs, 21 inches; arms, 1044 inches; chest, normal, 36 inches; expanded, 38% inches; hips, 35 inches; calves, 14 inches; ankles, 8 inches; wrist, 6'4 inches; waist, 32 inches; across shoulders, 18 inches; reach, 73 inches. 1. Are my measurements good, and what are my weak points? 2. What is good for a person who has weak lungs anda flat breast? 3. Is coffee unhealthful for me to — drink, say one cup for breakfast, or should I drink postum in- stead? 4. I chew tobacco. Do you think it has any effect on my lungs? I work on a farm most of the time and have plenty ? of outdoor exercise. I play baseball in the summer. I do not ~ take any exercise, except deep breathinge.. T. commenced taking — that this winter. T want to get on a professional baseball team in the spring. I can throw a swift ball for a short distance, but it won’t hold its force. hecause the motion of my arm is quick. 5. Is there any remedy for this? Yours truly, o Naas Lowell, Ark. 1. Yes, they “ate good. Your main weakness is your chest. Your deep breathing, which you say elsewhere you have begun, will help this in ‘time. 2. Plenty of out-of-door exercise. a great deal it would do you good. strengthener for the chest and lungs. 3. You would be better without it. 4. Yes. Stop it. It is not clean. 5. None outside of practice. If you could row or walk Wood chopping is a great o — For continuation of other questions and answers see Page 30 oh N.Y. Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 709-59 Seventh Avenue, Entered according to Act of Comgress tn the year 1905, tn the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. CHAPTER I. | -~—s« ON: THE VERANDA AT EAGLE HEIGHTS. _ “T would give ten thousand dollars to know Frank -Merriwell’s secret,” declared Wallace Grafter, sitting ’ in a comfortable “Old Hickory” chair on. the veranda of the Eagle Heights clubhouse and watching the Albany boat, which was passing on its way up the Hudson. “Tt would be worth it, my dear boy,” yawned Philip Phipps, the youth ‘from Poughkeepsie, as he snapped a half-smoked cigafette over the rail and drew out his handsome watch, at which he casually glanced. “But you think he has a secret ?” “Of course he has!” exclaimed the first speaker, de- cidedly. “His record proves it, What time is it?” } NEW YORK, June 10, 1905. Price Five Cents. “FRANK MERRIWELL’S. METHOD The Secret of Becoming a Champion. By BURT L. STANDISH. ? “Ten-twenty,” answered Phipps. “He'll be here in forty minutes,” said Grafter. “I’m curious to see him.” Farley Fisher, straight, square-shouldered, military in his bearing, not over twenty-four years of age, standing at a corner of the veranda, smiled a bit scorn- fully. 3 “It is amusing to me, gentlemen,” he observed, “to think that any fellow can keep up a fake as long as Merriwell has.” | “Fake?” cried Phipps, excitement bringing a touch of falsetto into his voice. “Fake?” questioned Grafter, moving his chair to face Fisher more squarely. “What do you mean by an that?” Lg TIP TOP: WEEKLY, “Just what I said—no more, no less. I am satis- fied that Merriwell is a faker.” , Inside an open window of the reading room, which was close at hand, Hobart Manton had been glancing over the pages of Outing. The words of those outside reached his ears. He dropped the magazine and leaned on the window ledge. @ | agree with you, Fisher,” he said. “‘Merriwell is the biggest faker in this country, and in many ways the cleverest. You know I’m a Yale man. At college _ I heard so much of Merriwell and what he had done while there that I grew sick and disgusted. He was successful in fooling almost everybody, it seems.” Grafter rose to his feet. He was a well-built fel- low, nearly six feet tall, with splendid. shoulders and carriage.. He was the son of Mike Grafter, the well- known Tammany politician, familiarly called ‘“Reli- able Mike” by his associates in New York. Although young Grafter had never been guilty of doing a day’s work in his life, he had inherited a splendid physique from his parents and had made athletics his hobby, be- ginning with the days of his baseball playing on the open lots in Harlem. Like his father, he was generally well liked, although it was claimed that, with his sturdy frame he had also inherited some of old Graf- ter’s ideas of winning in any contest by whatever -method possible, either fair or otherwise. father, he was also able to cover his tracks so com- pletely that nothing crooked had ever been proved against him, and he was prompt to vigorously resent any insinuation or hint of unfairness. “T presume,” he said, “that you gentlemen have heard the saying of the late Abraham Lincoln that ‘you can fool some of the people all of the time and all _ /of the people some of.the time, but you can’t fool all the ‘people all of the time’ ?” “What has that to do with Merriwell ?” asked Fisher. | “Tf he is a faker,” retorted Grafter, “I swear it seems to me that he has succeeded in fooling all of the people all of the time since he started in to fool them at all.” oe i “T’d like to know what anyone means by calling him a faker,” said Phipps. Manton rose quickly from his chair and came saun- tering out onto the veranda, followed by his particular ; friend, Denton Fisher, of the Harlem Heights A. A. ’ “Gentlemen,” he said, a knowing smile on his smooth-shaven; bulldog face, “I think I can explain what I mean by calling Merriwell a faker. A faker is Like his | great deal of glory as a football captain anda base- ball player. Investigation will show that the football and baseball teams of those years were the strongest ever turned out at Yale. He obtained the reputation, while the men behind him did the work. It has been so ever since.” “Apparently,” said Phipps, “you do not give Merri- well any credit for developing such strong teams.”’ “T place the:credit where it belongs, with the coaches. Merriwell developed nothing. He happened to be for- tunate in having such good teams to back him up, and he has lived on the reputation made at Yale.” “His career since leaving Yale ”” began Grafter. “What has he done? Personally, I mean. He has traveled round more or less, with an athletic team made up from the best Yale men of his day and a few clever outsiders: He still works the old game, of living on the glory that should belong to others. But he is careful when he pla¥s baseball teams*to choose such teams as he can defeat in most instances. For instance Pi “The Chicago Nationals,” laughed Grafter. ‘Didn't _ Pee, he win two games off them in California?” “Fake!” laughed Manton, in return. “He has plenty of money, and he can afford to buy the rubber game, especially when it costs a big team nothing to lose it. That’s another of his tricks. He goes round the country spending money freely. Who couldn't win at almost anything if he had plenty of money!” ~ Grafter shook his head, “I have found out,” he said, “that legitimate ama- teur sports are generally on the level. Amateurs, as a rule, cannot be bought.” ; é “Well,” said the Yale man, with a slight curling of his lips, “I presume you speak from experience.” Instantly Grafter flushed and his hands closed quickly. ‘What do you mean by that?” he demanded, a threat in his voice. “You may have a reputation as a gentle: man boxer; but you had better be careful with your tongue, for I don’t fancy being insulted, even by you.” % ‘ qe Manton looked like a pugilist toned down, or toned up, like a gentleman. He had a thick neck and the cast of countenance that one instinctively associates with pugnacity. He had taken part in many an amateur — boxing match, and some of the contets had been “toa finish.” It was his boast that he had never been “put out.” It was generally known that his college career had terminated suddenly and unexpectedly because he had attempted to beat up one of the professors, a deceiver—he pretends to accomplish things he does <<) NOt actually accomplish. At college Merriwell won a “You're touchy, Grafter,” said Manton, with a slight , 2ik. DOF shrug of his muscular shoulders. ‘“What’s the use? Can’t you take a joke?” “The right kind of a joke. I presume you’re joking _ about Merrtwell ?” | b “On the contrary, I’m in sober earnest. I meant just | what I said.” ; “Tt sounded like a joke to me,” said Phipps. “Why, | I didn’t suppose anyone questioned Merriwell’s stand- _ ing as an athlete. Surely it is not questioned here, else he would not have been invited to take part in our | meet.” ) +» “Tt is possible we may be able to show him up as the faker he is,” laughed Manton. “Why, the fellow ' actually has the nerve to claim that he is the all-round champion athlete of this country.” “T don’t think he made such a claim himself,” said _Grafter, promptly. ‘“‘The newspapers called him that after he made the best record at Ashport last week. _ That was a contest for the all-round championship of _ the country.” “At Ashport!” sneered Manton. “And where is - Ashport, pray? fait Saas 4 TIP TOP is not always the brand of birth or breeding, and, like other clubs, the Eagle Heights contained members who lacked the natural instincts of the gentleman, al- though they had a certain veneering, or outward polish. The Eagle Heights A. A. was the outcome of the modern development of interest in athletics and sports. Ten years ago the organization and maintenance of such a club would have been impossible; and, indeed, the scheme seemed wild and visionary when first out- lined at the Manhattan A. A. by Frederick Fuller, the father of Bert Fuller. Although plainly told that he could never carry the project through, Fuller, Sr., went about it in earnest, secured a site for the clubhouse, with fine grounds on every hand, started a fund, in- terested other men of wealth, and finally pushed the thing through. The Eagle Heights A. A. was nearly two years old and flourishing like a green bay tree. It was generally regarded as the acme of glory to be admitted as a member, and the time had already ar- rived when it was found necessary to make a finer dis- crimination in regard to admissible candidates. As ‘was natural, rivalry for honors among the club members of this remarkable organization was very keen. But not all the contests were held for the bene- fit of members only. Already there had been three open meets of various sorts, and now there was to be another, in which all athletes regularly registered in the A. A. A. of the U. S. could participate. Frank Merriwell, having reached the East after his successful tour of the country, had reéeived a special invitation to be present and to compete if he desired. Having learned that Merry would visit the club at a certain time, there was an unusually large number _\ of members present on the forenoon of this midweek : day. _ Phil Phipps was correct in 1 thinkiig that one of the two strangers in the carriage with the president of the club was Frank. panion, Bart Hodgei The carriage stopped at the broad front steps and Fuller sprang out, followed by his guests. “Here we are, Merriwell!” cried the youthful presi- dent, with a wave of his hand. “What do you think of our location?” Frank permitted his eyes to sweep over the beauti- ful prospect of fields, woodland and hills, through the midst of which flowed the blue, majestic Hudson. It was a vision to delight the soul of any true lover of nature. | “Tt is grand, Fuller !” he answered, with enthusiasm. The other was Merry’s boon com- “With such a view outspread before you, you should WEEKLY, be constantly spurred to do your level best at any un- 4 dertaking. Surely it is an inspiration.” nee The face of Hodge betrayed his admiration, but he said nothing. \ ¥ ‘“‘My father chose the spot,” said Fuller, proudly. “He saw what could be done here. Although we are | up among the hills, we have one of the finest athletic fields in the country. Let’s go in. I know many of the boys are anxious to meet you.” “And I am one of them,” declared Wallace Grafter, advancing to the steps. He was introduced to Frank and Bart, shaking them heartily by the hand. Phil Phipps and Farley Fisher followed. “We have a Yale man here, Merriwell,” said Fuller. . “T know you'll be welcomed by a son of Old Eli. Mr. Manton——” . Be os He stopped short, for Hobart Manton, with Denton i Frost at his side, had already turned away and was entering the clubhouse. : The president flushed. For a moment he seemed sur- prised and confused, but he quickly recovered, smiling a little, as he said: “Evidently Manton’s modesty prevented him from pressing forward at once. He intends to wait to meet you inside.” : ee Frank nodded. He knew something was wrong, but a Ss he did not show it. He did not even return Bart's queer look of questioning. - They entered the building, | In the parlor they met | other members, all of whom were very cordial. In the reading room were still others. ‘ ~ Manton and Frost were there when they entered. — The pair surveyed Frank and Bart with an air of indif- ag ference, and together, just before Fuller would have — presented them, they sauntered away into another part — of the house. | a Fuller was furious, although he tried to conceal it. iy - eS There was no mistaking this repetition of the act. ; It was a deliberate slight. The president made a resolution to give Manton and — ae Frost a prompt calling down, but, not wishing to leave — 4 fe Merry just then, he waited for another opportunity. The visitors were conducted through the ‘buildin until they finally came to the gymnasium, which they — found lavishly fitted with the finest modern apparatus. In the gym. a number of fellows were at work. The only spectators were Manton and Frost. But now neither Fuller nor the visitors gave the — two chaps the slightest notice, although walking past — them within a few feet. | ant eae Tif FOP At one side of the room, and running the full length, was a string of flying rings. Coming to the end of these, Hodge was seized by a sudden desire to test some of the energy he felt seeth- ing within. Giving a short turn, he sprang into the air, caught the first ring, swung to the second, from that to the third, -nd so on until he had traversed the complete line. . _ Manton and Frost left the room, laughing softly and -saying*something to each other about showing-off. Bart had not thought of “showing off,’ but he re- alized that his action might be regarded as the outcome of a desire to exhibit himself, and his face grew dark. “When the time comes right, one or both of you chaps are going to get something from me,” he thought. They next inspected the billiard room, coming at last to the bowling alleys. There they again found Manton and Frost, who seemed on the point of starting a string. Now an odd thing happened. Manton stepped for- ward and spoke to Frank. “You've been kept busy shaking hands with the rest of the boys,” he said. “I’m not inclined to rush for- ward and overwhelm a visitor. I leave that to Graf- Fuller was relieved, and he immediately introduced both Manton and Frost. _ “We're glad to know you, Mr. Merriwell,” declared the gentleman pugilist.. “I heard a great deal about you at college. You surely had all Yale hypnotized. Of course some of the things they tell of you are-pre- posterous. I regard you as very clever in being able to secure such a reputation.” “7 don’t think I understand you,” said Merry, dis- agreeably impressed by the fellow’s words. “Why, you know they seem to think in New Haven _ that you were a champion at any old thing to which - you turned your hand. No man could excel at every- - thing. That’s out of reason. I presume you were : fairly clever as a baseball pitcher, or something of that - gsort; but they seemed to fancy you were possessed of the powers of a god. For instance, although I was the champion bowler and sparrer, I was continually being told what Merriwell did when he was there. I grew sick of it. I longed for an opportunity to demonstrate to them that you were not the only person on earth. Of course I had no such opportunity. Had you drifted along at the proper moment, I’d taken special delight n showing you up on the alleys.” _ He laughed as he made this statement. WEEKLY. “Evidently,” said Frank, “it was a good thiner for my reputation that , kept away from New Haven while you were in college.” “As far as bowling or boxing was concerned.” “You're a fine bowler?” “T am the champion of this club, although one of our members is the champion bowler of the White Ele- phant, of Patterson.” “I’m hardly in my best form as a bowler yt now,’ confessed Merry. Frost started to laugh, but checked himself, “I presume not,” smiled Manton. “T have bowled very little during the last two months, having been interested mainly in outdoor sports.” “Don’t be alarmed,” said Manton; “I’m not going to challenge you.” “But I was thinking of challenging you,” said Merry, sweetly, his words causing the heart of Bart ~ Hodge to leap with satisfaction. CHAPTER III. IN THE CLUB ALLEY. “Oh, were you?” exclaimed the gentleman pugilist, — with a touch of surprise. ‘Well, that suits me! If you’re.not in your best ss however, you had bet- ter wait, for [ll bury you.” ‘Even if you do that, it will give me pleasure to witness your skill,” nodded Frank. “And I believe I am able to accept defeat gracefully. tve been com- pelled to do so more than once in my day.” _ “What’s that?’ cut in Frost, in his cold voice. “Why, from all reports I should fancy you had never been defeated at anything.” “You know reports are generally exag peetated. e “Well,” said Manton, eagerly, ‘ be trimmed, we'll get at it.” Merry calmly removed his coat and vest. A colored boy had followed them into the room, ahd he had the pins all set up. ' At this point Grafter, Phipps and Fisher appeared, apparently looking round for the visitors. They were surprised and interested when they found out what was taking place. “Just in time, Grafter!” cried Manton. “Have you plenty of the needful on your person? You know the sort of talk you were making on the veranda a while _ -ago. Here’s the opportunity® to part with some of a your filthy.” a Grafter was not one to back down. aside and spoke in low tones. They stepped ‘if you're anxious to 2 Merry would be beaten. _ wonderfully good bowler, while he was not at all cer- TIP TOP ” Bet you a hundred I tent him this string,” proposed Manton. Frank knew what was taking place, and he seized the opportunity to say: “Mr. Grafter, ’'m not in my best bowling form, and bowling is not a specialty with me.” “T’ll go you, Manton,” the least heed to Frank. The gentleman pugilist smiled with satisfaction. “No need to put the money up,” he said. “Then we won't break any rules. Here’s where I begin to get into you. I hope Merriwell stays around until after the meet. I'll have — going to your old iat for change.” “For conceit,” returned Grafter, “you certainly take the cake. If you win my money, you’re welcome to it.” _ Frost was smiling as they returned and Manton made ready for business. Merry had been looking the balls over. They were a fine lot, but he weighed one after another in his hands, examined the finger-holds and finally selected two of them as his favorites. A coin was tossed to see who would jae’ off, and it fell on Manton. He picked out a large ball, took his position on the right-hand side of the runway, bent forward, swung the ball at the end of his arm once like the pendulum of a clock, then ran, forward and rolled. He started the ball from the right-hand side of the alley, rolling it toward the head pin, which it struck quarteringly. | - With a crash, every pin fell. fo» eretty,, oldman! : cried _“That’s the way to start her off!” “It’s keeping it up that counts,” Fisher, approvingly. said Grafter. _“Dan’t worry about me,” advised Manton, smilingly. Now the strange thing of the affair was that Grafter, although he had bet on Frank, was inclined to believe He knew Manton to be a tain that Merriwell had ever accomplished much at it. _ Having made betting talk on the veranda, however, he ava was not the fellow to let Manton back him down, and, therefore, he had ventured a hundred dollars on the result. | It is likely that Bart Hodge was the only aka : present who had perfect confidence in Merry as bowler. Bart’s face was grave and unreadable as at ; of a stone image. Frank picked up one of the two balls he had salelhad ae was SW re loss to note his “fonn® by all said Grafter, without paying. WEEKLY. present. He poised the ball in front of his face, made a short run and a single swing Seven pins fell. Denton Frost smiled chillingly. Farley Fisher shrugged his military shoulders. Manton managed to repress any exhibition of sat- isfaction. Not a word of complaint did Merriwell utter. By his manner no one could have dreamed he was in the least disappointed. He took the other ball and rolled for a spare. Two pins went down and the one remaining tot- tered, swayed and righted itself. “Nine pins,” on the sheet. “Hard luck, Merriwell,”’ to do better than that.” “T think I shall,” admitted Merry. level best for that spare.” | “Spares don’t count when the other fellow is making | strikes,” observed Fisher. “The other fellow may not make strikes all the Hes 3 ‘ “It’s plain you don’ t know Manton. I’m afraid he’s, roped you in as a mark, which was not very nice of him.” Fuller, who was scoring, looked disappointed, for he had hoped that his guest would do better. The pins were spotted and Manton went at them — again. | Boom the ball went ae down the malisinl ale : said Hobart. “You'll have i" “Still I did my ley. Crash !—every Pn fell. “Another strike,” said Frost. with him,” Frank had discarded ihe first ball used by him. He put it aside where it would not get mixed with the | others. j At this point he assumed all the self-command pos- sible, fixing his mind on the point where he wished the ball to strike. He.was steady as a mill. i The ball was delivered perfectly, leaving his: hand. without the slightest jar as it touched the pol lished alley. With a soft boom it rolled straight to the pein : on which Merry had set his mind. Crash! “Strike!” cried Fuller. well! Now you are showing your style! “But - began a trifle ate I fear,” “It’s the natural thing; ; “That’s the stuff, Merri-- (2? ites Frost. Hodge. “The string is just started.” XxX said the scorer, as he made the record = e _ to the breadth of my grip.” TIP TOP WEEKLY. y CHAPTER IV. STRIKE AFTER STRIKE. Grafter could not repress a smile of satisfaction. He did not like Manton, and it was his earnest wish that Merriwell would push the fellow hard, if he could not win. “You're getting the range of the alley,” he said. “Of course you were taken at a disadvantage, not being familiar with it. You should have rolled a few before beginning.” : Frank nodded. He realized that Grafter was right, but it was too late to rectify the mistake. “For one thing,” he said, “I think I made a mistake in the first ball I used. The finger grip was not just right for me. The holes were a trifle too close to- gether.” “That’s odd,” said Frost. “That’s the pet ball of Spaulding, the champion of the Knickerbocker Bowl- ‘ing Club and the second best man in this club.” “Without doubt his hand is built differently from mine,” said Merriwell. “It’s a fine ball, but not suited “When I fizzle I’ll tell you why it happened,” laughed Manton, in a most irritating manner. Hodge felt like punching the fellow; but Frank re- mained in nowise disturbed. _ The Eagle Heights man took his time when the _ pins were spotted. He chalked the soles of his feet, moistened his fingers the least bit with the sponge, | _ chose his favorite ball, made his habitual swing and smashed down every pin for the third time. _ “Thirty in the first box,” said Fuller. “Which leads Merriwell twenty-one,” Fisher. “That’s quite a handicap.” _. “Tt is when a man seems determined to make strikes _ right along,” admitted Frank, good-naturedly. “T think I have my hand in yee pore Grafter,”’ chuckled cet “Perhaps so,’ Catskill Club. observed * admitted the great sheets of the “But ‘there’s many a slip,’ you know. _ Don’t be too sure of anything in this world, It doesn’t pay. I’ve found that out by experience.” pe rie's setting ‘a hard pace, Mr. Merriwell,” said _ Fisher, with affected politeness, ‘yet plainly Sy) the idea of rubbing Frank against the grain. | “He is,” confessed Frank; “but that makes it all the more interesting.” . : _ “Your sand seems good,” _ Fuller shook his head at Fisher, but the latter pre- ~ tended he did not see it. _ Frank did not hurry. “Manton. In bowling deliberation al- ways marks the work of the skillful man, precisely the same as in billiards. When he did deliver the ball he sent it once more to the exact spot he wished. Nine pins fell. Hodge uttered an exclamation of bitter disappoint- ment. / Followed by another of exultation. For the tenth pin, which had been tottering, fell. “That’s great luck for you, Merriwell,” declared “You got that strike by the skin of your finally teeth.” “It would have been a shame had he missed,” Hodge. “He struck the pins perfectly.” “Still you know such things happen and leave pins standing at times. I thought he struck a trifle too far to the right.” Fisher and Frost exchanged glances and moved closer together. | 3 “This Merriwell is no slouch at it,” said Fisher, in alow tone. “He's keeping right after Manton.” “That’s right; but I don’t believe he can crowd him , said very hard. He'll slip up pretty soon.” “Tt’s not impossible for Manton to slip up.” “But Manton is not the kind to slip up in a case like this. He’s a sticker.” By this time Manton was ready again. Again he did the trick, although, as in the case of Merry, one pin threatened not to fall. ; “That would have been tough!” declared the Eagle Heights man, with relief. “Of course you struck the pins just right,” tered Hodge. “Yes, I did!’ exclaimed Manton. see that.” “Tt seems to make a difference who rolls the ball,” said Hodge. A eety. in the second box for Mahton, total of sixty,” said Fuller, as he marked the score down. 7 “When the pins were spotted Frank discovered two that were not set right He instructed the boy to place them squarely on the spots, which was done. “Better be careful,” sneered Frost; but pretended to laugh. : Manton had made four grils 7 in succession. His friends fancied this would begin to shake Merriwell’s nerve; but that was because they did not know Frank, whose nerves invariably became steadier when enetees . in a trying contest of arty sort. mut- “Anyone could — Merry sent the balls into the midst of the pins. Crash! | aie LOE “All down!” exclaimed Fuller. “Thirty for Merri- well in the second box, with a total of thirty-nine.” “Which is a long distance to the bad,’ observed Frost. Manton frowned the least bit. Merriwell was al- together too successful in following up with strikes. “Why don’t you quit it?” he cried, pretending to joke. ‘“T'm waiting for you to quit,” ee Frank. “You may have to wait a long time.’ “1 don’t think you'll go all the way through the string with strikes.” A ays “Of course. Still it is not probable.” Manton followed with another strike. As he took his position to bowl, Frank discovered that the pins were spread slightly. He asked.the boy about it, but the boy insisted that they were on the spots. Merry started to go down the alley to investigate, whereupon, the boy hastened to alter the positions of the pins slightly. Immediately Fuller gave the boy a sharp calldown. “You know what you’re down there for,” he said. “Put every pin up perfectly.” ‘Frank struck the pins in his favorite manner, they went down promptly. | “T don’t believe he means to quit,” laughed Fuller. “That gives him a total of sixty nine in his third box.” and “But Manton has ninety in the same box,” reminded Frost. ; i “The string is half rolled, that’s all,” muttered Hodge. Still it looked serious for Frank, as Manton was not the sort of fellow to let slip an advantage that he had fairly within his grasp—at least, that was what his friends thought. No one could have guessed by the face of the gen- tleman pugilist that he was worried in the slightest de- gree. He pretended to enjoy it. In his heart, however, he was growling over the i “persistence of his opponent, which was quite unex- pected. : “Why don’t you give up, Merriwell?” he laughed. “T’m not quite ready to give up,” was the quiet answer. ! ; | “T’ve heard that es never gives tip, Manton, 5 Fuller. “Some people never know w hen they are beaten,” : chipped in bb isher, ”? said WEEKLY. “That’s a good qualification,” said the president of the club. “But it makes them appear ridiculous at times, don’t you know.” This time the pin boy had every pin up correctly. Manton hesitated.as he was starting, pretended that his shoes were slippery, and resorted to the chalk box. “‘He’s beginning to feel the strain,” thought Hodge, in\keen satisfaction. “He’s getting shaky.” Fortifying his nerve, Manton rolled in his usual style. Crash! “All down again!” said Frost. through the string with strikes.” “Total of one hundred and twenty in his fourth: box,” announced the scorer. “That’s a three-hundred — clip.” 3 “Now we'll watch Mr. Merriwell, “T think he’s going — 9) observed Man- ton, sitting down with a satisfied air. “Everybody watch,” urged Frost. “Lots of talking for a match,” reminded Fuller. “Oh, but this is not a regular match,” said Fisher. “But it’s regular enough so that a stranger should — have fair play,” Grafter. “You know what is generally thought of men who try to rattle opponents.” “Merriwell has the reputation of never getting rat- tled,” said Frost, with another icy smile. Frank seemed giving their chatter no heed. With the same air of deliberation he smashed into the pins and cleaned the alley. par The shout that went up from Grafter brought a num- ber of club members into the alley to learn what was — taking place there. } in still more of the members. Frank had a total of ninety-nine in his fourth box, which left him still twenty-one pins to the bad. “Well, here goes another strike,” selected his ball. said Manton, as he CHAPTER V._ e SHIFTING WINDS. |! : He seemed just as confident as ever, but apprehen- sion was beginning to grip him. In his heart he was troubled by a slight fear that he might fail. It is this feeling of doubt that defeats many a ‘man in the game of life, as well as in other games, No person should ever attempt a task while troubled Oy, the. smallest shadow of a doubt, came in something like a growl from _ When they found out some of — | them remained, while others scurried around to bring TIS LOP command of himself that his ‘confidence in his ability to succeed cannot waver. Through years of training Frank Merriwell had brought himself to the point where he refused to doubt when in anything like his normal condition. At the very moment of delivering the ball Manton was assailed vidlently by the doubt he had been unable to crush out of his heart. That doubt sent an electric shock along"his arm to his hand, which quivered as he released the ball. - sound came from his lips, _ Instantly he realized he was not going to strike the pins properly.. Still he prayed for a\fortunate result, knowing by “ experience that pins often fell well when hit poorly. a | In vain, The ball cut through them, taking down only seven, _ leaving two on one corner and one on the other. “At last!” thought Hodge, exultingly; but not a and only the gleam in his dark eyes could have betrayed what was passing in his heart. “Well, now that was rotten, hard luck!” ton, in disgust. “The ball slipped.” “You've kept your promise, Manton,” said Grafter. “What promise ?”’ “You said that when you missed you woulc tell u how it happened.” Manton shot him a look of anger. ; The pin boy had sent Manton’s ball back. He took it from the return and stood inspecting the pins. “There’s a possible spare in it,’ said Frost. » _ Manton turned to inspect the score sheet. It showed him that he had a total of one hundred and forty-seven in his fifth box. If Merriwell made another strike it would give him only one hundred and twenty-nine in - Heights man. ball, I'll never let him catch me.’ ball went down.the alley in beautiful sty le. hope to send one of the two pins flying across to sweep @ down ‘the single pin on the opposite corner, and he be- y ‘““A spare will save me,” mentally decided the Eagle “Tf I can get ar three pins with this He rolled with precision and determination. The It was his , Fate was against him, however. is The ball took the two pins, and the head one shot cried Man- WEEKLY. 9 forty-seven. Nineteen in the sixth; total, one sixty-six. Nine in the seventh; total, one seventy-five.” “And this is Merriwell’s grand opportunity!” cried Grafter. “I have a finger and thumb ‘into your pocket, Manton,” The Eagle Heights bowler turned away and_ sat down, mopping his perspiring face with a fine, silk handkerchief. Fisher stepped over and sat down be- side him. “Merriwell will slump, also,’ “It almost always he said, in a low voice. happens that way. If the leading man falls down, the one following takes a tumble.”’ “That’s something no one can count on,” muttered — Manton. “Great Scott!” gasped Fisher. ing up?” “Hardly ; but that was infernal luck.” It was almost certain that Denton Frost felt quite as bad about it as Manton, but he said nothing. His face was like a cake of ice. | “It’s the golden moment, Merry!’’ muttered Hodge, | in the ear of his comrade. , Frank knew it. There was nothing enbbtianiedt : about him, yet he was steady as a piece of machinery. Through life he had tried to grasp his opportunities. This was an opportunity he must not miss. The pins ‘were up when he stepped onto the runway. He picked up his ball and took his position. There was a hush. “You're not giv- In the midst of it Frost turned to Grafter and whis- pen “He’s shaking; he‘ll blow up now. The whisper was loud enough for. everyone to hear, and Frost was rewarded by several hisses from the spectators. . | Boom !—the ball sped-down the alley. “Tt’s another strike!’ exclaimed an excited watcher. Crash! ' A dozen persons shouted, for it was a strike. “Still he’s only one hundred and twenty-nine in his fifth, against your one forty-seven,’ murmured F isher, —178 Pic . .X18——175 ee a cae 418-193 is .. 8——183 Quisceseseees Q-——202 Q. 6.62.20. +-X2Q——2I2 BO es Prien X30——232 We GELS eee X19gQ——241 CHAPTER VL. SOREHEADS. aol Hobart Manton was sore all the way through. Hav- ing put on his coat, he came over to Merriwell, who was betraying no exultation over the outcome. “TI presume it’s up to me to say something pleasant,” ae he observed. “You defeated me on the level, all right; - but you couldn’t do it again in a week.” ! “Perhaps not,” admitted Frank, unruffled. “Still you know there is an old saying that the future may be judged only by the past. I’m not a champion bowler.” ; i-“You're Bot Re LENO Bit? > _ “Why, I thought you pretended to be a champion at everything you attempted to do.” “On the contrary, I make no pretensions whatever.” “He doesn’t have to,’ chipped in Grafter. “His record speaks for him.” _ “Perhaps you'll have an opportunity to purchase his secret for ten thousand dollars,’ sneered Manton. “You are so flush with money.” _ “Tt wouldn’t cost me quite ten thousand now,” re- | torted the shot-putter. “Only nine Oa nine hun- dred. I have a hundred coming.’ _ “That's right,” admitted Manton; “but winning that et hundred ny cost you dearly before long. I generally ” get even.’ “Welcome to try.” “Tf you linger ‘intl our open meet comes off,” said Manton, again addressing Merriwell, “we'll try to find some one to defeat you at something.” “Jumping or pole vaulting, for instance,’ ley | Fisher. “In a club made up of specialists you should be able to. Gefeaty an Sune eine man,” said Frank. Step acy erie 1 ‘ > said Far- WEEKLY. 1 “You know it is the rule that an all-round man ‘sel- dom excels at any particular eB “He fancies he is the exception to the rule,” Frost, in his cold, chilling way. “Gentlemen!” exclaimed Bert Fuller, “don’t forget that Mr. Merriwell is a guest!” “Oh, never mind them,” smiled Frank. ‘‘They’re amusing themselves by seeking to get me on the string. thing. said reprovingly ; It doesn’t disturb me, and it may give them pleasufe.” “He’s too blamed cool and undisturbed!’’ growled Farley Fisher, turning away.. “Makes me want to punch him! I know Manton is just boiling to get at him with his fists.” “Manton could show him up that way,” said Frost. “Too bad he didn’t challenge the fellow to put on the gloves. Then there would have been no question about the result.” The defeated bowler left the alley, accompanied by a few of his bosom friends. Frank was congratulated by a number of the mem- bers, who told “him plainly that they had not fancied it possible he could defeat their man at bowling. “Well,” nodded Merry, “you know there was noth- ing sure about it until it was over. A man who can make seven strikes and a spare in one string is no mark.”’ “You made eight strikes.” “Fortunately for me, as I needed every one of ine. Mr. Manton is a splendid bowler, but he takes defeat hard. He’s a poor loser.” Grafter kept glose to Merry. Before Frank left the club, he found an opportunity to say: “I'd like to have a little private talk with you, Mr. Merriwell. Will it be too much bother ?”’ “Not at all, Mr. Grafter. I’m at liberty any time you may select.” “Where are you stopping?” “At Elm Tree Inn, down below. Just going down for lunch now. Will you take lunch with me?” “TI should be pleased to!” exclaimed Grafter. why don’t you stop here to lunch?” “But | “ “T invited him,” the club president hastened to ex- plain; “but he said he had some business*that he must look after, and so he could not stay to-day.” “Oh, then I’ll interfere with your business?” said the shot-putter. 3 “Not at ali. The fact is, I’m half expecting some of my boys to arrive at the inn, and I wish to be there when they show up.” i! A few. minutes later Grafter was in the carriage t with Merriwell, Hodge and Fuller. Manton and his __ particular chums watched the four’ depart. : “Grafter makes me ill!’ growled Manton. “He’s ready to bow down and worship Merriwell. Seems to think the fellow has some wonderful secret method of becoming a champion. Oh, hang the luck! Why did I fail to defeat him to-day! I'll guarantee I can do it next time!” “You should have challenged him for another string,’ said Fisher. “T couldn’t very well. I think I mentioned that one string would be enough. I said something of the sort before we began bowling. Besides, I was too hot over losing that string. I knew he would defeat’ me if we rolled another right away.” Dent Frost had his derby pulled over his eyes. He was humped on a chair, his feet on the window ledge. “Tt didn’t seem to bother you as much as it did me,” he observed. “Wonder if Merriwell is coming back here this afternoon?” “T understand he is. Why?” a “T’d like to run him up against somebody ibd could knock a corner off him. Who’s the man?” ’ “There he is now!” exclaimed Fisher, as a young chap in flannels approached the house, followed by a caddie with a golfing outfit. “Cleaves?” said Manton. “The very fellow,” asserted Fisher. ‘“He’s the golf champion of this club, and he could be the champion of the country, if he would give up business and turn his attention to golf.” Manton shook his head. “Tt wouldn’t satisfy me much to see Merriwell de- feated at such a mild game as golf,” he declared. “I'd like to see him beaten at something that would Aurt him—and hurt him bad.” \, “You're looking for revenge.”’ ; “That’s what I am,” was the confession. ing for it, and I’m going to have it!” “Now you're talking,” nodded Frost. ‘Rib him into the pole vault at our meet, and I'll es you a taste BOF it.” wen “Don’t be too sure. I thought I could put it over him on the all@y to-day. I'd like to smash his face!” “Why don’t you?” murmured Frost. “I may—when I get a chance. Couldn’t pick a quar- - ‘rel with him here, you know. Hello! here’s Necker.” A slender, blue-eyed chap approached. ; _ “What’s this I hear?” he exclaimed. “They tell ' me you've let a stranger down you at tenpins, Mant.” “So they’re blowing it round?” snapped Manton, “I'm look- TIP ‘TOP WEEKLY. “T thought they would. Seem to take de- I suppose there are fools around here who frowning. light in it. fancy it’s an honor for a member of this club to be defeated by the great Frank Merriwell.”’ Necker whistled. “Was that the fellow who did it?” “Ves.” “Where is he?” “Gone. He’s stopping down at the Elm Tree. Graf- ter’s mittened onto him.” “T’ve been wanting to get a look at Merriwell. What’s up? Is he here to take part in the meet?” “T reckon so. He'll expect to put it all over our bunch. You want to look out, Jack. You know he’s a champion at everything.” | Necker laughed. “I’m not afraid of that kind of a champion,” jhe de- clared. “Jack of all trades and master of none, you know. I hope he does jump against me. It will add interest to that event.” “Don’t you be too sure of defeating him,” said Fisher. “T’ll defeat him all right if he jumps,” assured Necker. “But he’ll be too clever to let me show him up. He had better stick to his baseball. That’s what he was cut out for. I’m sorry you fell down when you tackled him, Manton. What was your score?” “Two hundred and thirty-two.” “And he defeated you at that?” “He made two hundred and forty-one.” “We-e-e-ell, he can bowl!” “T tell you he is a bad man at anything,” said Fisher. “T didn’t think it a while ago, but I believe it now. He’s a chap with supreme confidence,in himself.” “Sort of a swell head, eh? Goes round with his chest out and a chip on his shoulder ?” “That’s what makes me all the sorer on ‘him, He doesn’t go round that way. He’s too quiet and modest. Never’d know he considered himself anything in par- — ticular. Of course, that’s all a bluff. I'll guarantee he’s all swelled up inside, even if he doesn’t show it.” “I’m growing more and more interested,” smiled Necker. “If he can be induced to enter the jumping contest I’ll make him look like a yellow dog with a tin can tied to its tail, I promise you.” “And I’m ready to do the same thing to ne at the pole vault,” said Frost. “And I’m going to push up against him in another way if I find an opportunity,” growled Manton, clinch- ing his fist and looking at it earnestly. prernmtee pe eee & ates Pe pee on ‘ * Open OM wi HY rm Wi he fri ch pu kn in atl th oI ar mi be be my to: qu of é _ will have his hands full of business if he lingers around here.” CHAPTER: VIL THE SECRET. £: : Frank was a bit disappointed by the failure of his friends to reach the Elm Tree Inn that noon. -_ Grafter lunched with Merry and Hodges They | chatted pleasantly throughout the meal. The shot- _ putter noted everything that Frank ate. “To you conform to a rigid diet?” he asked. | “Not exactly, although I do not eat the things I know are not good for me.” “Can you outline a diet that is proper for all athletes in training?” “T might outline one that would be proper for most athletes, yet not for all. I have found by experience ‘: that*human stomachs vary, and it is an old saw that : : ‘one man’s meat is another man’s poison.’ Still there ee are some rules that apply to everyone. Certain things _ must not be touched by the fellow who proposes to - become an athlete.” “For instance?” “Tobacco, liquor, coffee.”’ -. “Don’t you think a man may take a small drink with beneficial effect at times?” “Never when in health.” ; “When not in health——” “He's not fit to take part in athletic contests. Liquor may be used as a medicine when prescribed by a doc- tor who knows his business.” _ “How about the theory that liquor in- moderate ‘quantity is a food? ‘You know that’s the assertion of the most advanced doctors of the present day.” _ Frank nodded and smiled. “Tt may be a food,” he admitted; “but it is a most : dangerous one. The person who uses it as a food must acquire an appetite for it. Half a pint of liquor a day might not seem to harm a strong and rugged man until he acquired the appetite and desire for it. In the end it might ruin him. It is something that can- _ not be tampered with. It should be let alone by all healthy persons.” * _ “What’s the secret of your remarkable success in becoming the champion amateur athlete of America, Mr. ‘Merriwell ?” — Again Frank smiled. “Am I the champion of America ?” “So called by almost everyone,” “It seems to me,” said Fisher, “that Mr. Merriwell - overdoing and breaking down. TIP. TOP WEEKLY. 13 “Well, there is no great secret about my success. In the first place I began young. I have been working for years to make myself perfect physically without It’s a delicate thing to know just how much hard work will be beneficial for one, for overdoing invariably weakens. I havd¢ been temperate, and I’ve tried to live properly. I have no vices that can weaken me. Petty vices are the ruin of hundreds of would-be athletes. I enjoy life thoroughly without seeking“en joyment in forbidden paths. All the while I. have been training my body I’ve trained my mind also. Mind and*body must work together. The chap who wishes to become a champion must be ear- nest, sincere and determined. He must never slight his work. He must always keep himself keyed up to the finest possible point. The moment he grows care- less or negligent he begins to slump and go backward. He must have unwavering confidence in himself. It’s hard for a youngster to be confident in himself with- out showing conceit, and then everyone wants to kick him. But there is such a thing as absolute and perfect self-confidence without conceit.” Grafter seemed a trifle disappointed. “Have you told me your secret?” he asked. “T informed you that there was no secret about it. Thé secret of success is generally hard work. Veterans will tell you so.” “But some fellows seem to succeed without work- ing.” | : “No man has made great success in this world with- out working; but you know for many men work is play. The boy who enjoys work is certain to be a- winner.” , Grafter shook his head. “T’m_-afraid,” he confessed, “that I’ll never be much of a winner at anything, for I do not enjoy work.” “Learn to enjoy it.” “How can [?” : “Put yourgheart into it. Get interested. That’s the trick. Never do a thing with the simple desire to get it done quickly, but with the determination to get it done well.”’ “That’s good advice, I reckon,” admitted Grafter; “but can you tell me how it is that you happen to be: an all-round champion, yet able to defeat fellows who have made a special effort to excel in one particular line?” / . “T have told you the whole secret./ Other fellows may have been content to perfect themselves in one or two lines; I have tried to become perfect in many _ lines. Some things I like better than others. If I 14 attempt a thing that I do not like very well, I work at it all the harder. If I find some other fellow who can do it better than I, and then I set out to do it bet- ter than he can, and I never stop until I succeed. Even then, I generally find still another chap who is my superior and keep on trying to beat him.” “But you were specially adapted to becomé a great athlete. You were athletic when a boy?” “I made myself so. I was something of a weakling when born. “My mother expected me to die. I re- member hearing her say it was a shame I could not grow up to be strong and rugged. She even fancied I might have lung trouble.” a, “Tt doesn’t seem possible!” cried Grafter, surveying - . Merry’s sturdy figure. “When I became old enough to think, I resolved that I would be strong. I sought to learn how to make my- self strong. I discovered the way. Do you know it is a fact that almost all great athletes and strong men - have been weak children?” “T did not know.” ats trie.!? | “But it almost seems that you must hypnotize your opponents in matches. How is it that you defeat them time after time when they appear to have the advan- tage, the same as you did Manton to-day ?” “T grasp the opportunity.” “The opportunity? Why “In almost everything there comes an opening, or opportunity, that may be seized with advantage. It came to-day when Manton failed to make his seventh straight strike. I:always watch the other fellow to _ see when he weakens. At that point I try to put forth my best efforts. If he slumps and I succeed, it may lose his nerve., All through life a man must be ready to grasp the opportunity.” _ Then Frank repeated the following sonnet, entitled Ee ppominty (2 “Master of human destinies am L, * Fame, love and fortune on my footsteps wait. Cities and fields I walk; I penetrate Deserts and fields remote, and, passing by Hovel and mart and palace, soon or late, I knock unbidden, once, at every gate. If sleeping, wake; if feasting, rise before I turn away. It is the hour of fate, _And they who follow me reach every state - Mortals desire, and conquer every foe Save death. But those who doubt or hesitate Condemned to failure, penury or woe, Seek me in vain and uselessly inpplore- = T answer not, and I return no more.’ “That, ” said Hodge, ‘ | ‘is opportunity. I believe it does come once to everyone. I also believe that Frank | 7 TIP EOP WEEKLY. ' 6 He seldom | oe is a wonder at grasping an opportunity. lets one slip.” “And that,” denly —_ cried Grafter, as if his eyes had sud- been opened, “is the secret of his success!” sieht poke CHAPTER VIII. . Wr. Sar ALT.’ @Ockais Da epi 8 It was midafternoon when Frank and Bart again © appeared at the clubhouse. They came walking briskly up the road, and were greeted by Fuller, who, with others, was waiting for them on the veranda. “T suppose you're too tired after that climb to think of inspecting our field right away?” said the president | of the club. “On the contrary,” smiled Merry, whetted our appetite for more.” “Then come on.” A number of club members accompanied them. Ful- ler led the way along a broad walk and out through a small grove. They came upon a broad, level field, like 5 a plateau. Round the field ran a fine track, inclosing a _ baseball diamond and football ground. At one side — were long rows of open seats, rising in tiers.: At one : end of the oval was the trackmaster’s house, which | also served as a bath house and contained dressing ae rooms for the competitors. ; Merry was surprised. “Certainly I didn’t look for this here,” he confessed. “I was wondering where you could have a field up © among these hills. This is splendid.” ia “Oh, my father knew what he was about when he selected this location!” laughed Fuller. ig They walked along the track, noting its splendid condition. — : _ “Tt must have cost a pretty penny to lay this out and — build this track,” said Hodge. | a “It did,” nodded Fuller; “but it’s paid for. and we don’t owe a dollar.” At the far end of the track they came to the uae s links, whefe a number of enthusiasts in scarlet jackets. were enjoying the sport. se At this moment, seemingly in an accidental manner, ¢ Ross Cleaves, the champion of the club, accompanied | by Manton, Frost, Fisher and two or three others, came up to the teeing ground. R “Why, hello!” cried Manton, with attempted pleas- antness. ‘“Here’s Merriwell. We were just speaking — ‘ of you, Merriwell.” | Oe “Were you, filed gs “Yes; I was ie fone he ug to challeng Es me Si 2d = x “that has simply oka era the are r - iN Tire 2Or: WEEKLY, , 15 Be you for a round of the links, You have a knack of for their balls, and it was found that Hodge had driven Winning at everything, but we think Cleaves could some yards further than Cleaves, take a fall out of you at this business,” It happened that both balls had lodged favorably. “T concede the probability,” said Frank. Cleaves sent his sailing toward the little flag that This did not satisfy Manton at all, marked the first hole. Bart did the same, ‘Then “Do you dare try him a round?’ he demanded. Cleaves made a handsome approach, lodging close to _“Fe’s looking for some one who can make it interest- the hole. Hodge fell off somewhat. ing for him,” “Cleaves makes it in four,” said Frost. “Hodge will “Then I'll recommend Hodge,” said Merry, placing be one behind on the first hole.” a hand on Bart’s shoulder. “He’s fairly good at it.” Cleaves did make it in four. “Tt takes some one who is more than fairly good?’ Then Bart took his time, pulled some grass away “Does it? Well, perhaps Hodge will prove good from the vicinity of his ball, selected another club and enough to keep Mr. Cleaves busy. If Mr. Cleaves isn’t astonished everyone. by dropping the ball into the hole. satisfied after it’s over, let him come to me, and I'll « “A piece of luck, nothing more!” exclaimed Fisher. try to give him satisfaction.” “All right, Bart,” nodded Merry. “You have your “He seems inclined to duck,” said Frost. éye with you to-day, and I’m satisfied that you'll make Bert Fuller was annoyed beyond measure. He _ it interesting, I’m not going to follow you round the walked over to Manton and Frost, to whom he spoke links. You'll find me at the clubhouse when you're _ in a low tone, his words being heard by no others. through.” - Manton shrugged his broad shoulders and turned Bart nodded. away. “Well, what do you think of that, Manton?” hissed _ “Well, I’m looking for some one,” said Cleaves. Frost, as Frank turned away and, accompanied by “Mr. Hodge will do, if Mr. Merriwell doesn’t feel Fuller, retraced his steps toward the athletic field. “He like it this afternoon.” seems to consider the thing is settled. The crust of Without a word, Bart began to peel off, another that fellow!” ’ golfer having offered his clubs for use. “Tt is settled,” said Manton. ‘Hodge had luck to Although he was not in golfing rig, Hodge was sites start with, but Cleaves will put it all over him. What willing to do his best. are’ you going to do? Shall we follow them round?” Cleaves teed carefully, addressed the ball in grace- ae ‘i : i - ful form and led off with a long, beautiful drive. The All right.’ | ball did not rise high into the air, but went sailing Something more than an hour later, as Frank sat on away, away until it almost seemed that it would be lost the veranda of the clubhouse, chatting with Fuller and eit hon others, George Branch came hurrying up. In the meantime, Fuller had obtained a caddie. for “Well, what do you think?” he cried. “That was a - Hodge. * hot one! They kept neck and neck all the way round. Neither one was more than a hole behind at any time. And then, at the a the last hole was anes in two. It was amazing.” “Who won?” cried several. “Hodge,” answered Branch. “He——” “There’s a starter for your man, Merriwell,” said Manton, Frank spoke to Bart in alow tone: \ “Beat this man if you can,” he urged. “I am con- fident that you can make him hustle if you play half But he was checked by a shout of incredulity from a as well as ‘you, did in Ohio last week.” Hodge had won a golf trophy in Ohio. ‘What are you giving us?’ demanded one. “Hees _ Having teed, Bart selected a club, got the hang of won? Hodge defeated Cleaves? Go on!” it, and ‘then addressed the ball, His form was fault- “Tt’s straight,” declared Branch. “TI don’t blame _ less, and he made a drive that seemed fully as hand- you for being incredulous. Cleaves made the last hole _ some as that of Cleaves. in three. Hodge drove for an approach, but landed in _ “Well!” was the exclamation of Fuller; “he did the hole and won. Cleaves is sore.” that e has 3 le, I believe he drove quite as far as Even then some of the club members fancied he was _ pee “stringing” them. They had fancied Cleaves in- | : ee a opponents sauntered leisurely down to look vineible, The a start made by Hodge had are, several of the young men on the veranda. aI POP an accident ; but they knew it could be no accident that the visitor had pushed Cleaves all the way round the course, ) Others who had followed the contestants now ap- peared, and they confirmed the statement of Branch, Hodge had won. Fuller turned to Merriwell. “You must have had confidence in your friend all the time,” he said. | “I did,” nodded Merry. “I knew what he could do, for I saw him take the trophy at the St. Andrew’s Club, of Oberlin, Ohio, last week. We were made honorary members of the club and urged to compete for the cup. Hodge competed and won it.” “Let’s walk over to the trackmaster’s house, Merri- well,” invited Fuller. “We’ll find them there.” They sauntered over together, followed by some of the others. Cleaves in front of the trackmaster’s house. ton frowned at Merriwell as he approached. “You did that very cleverly,” he said. “I suppose you'll take the glory of your friend’s clever accom- plishment ?” , Frank was more than annoyed. “T fail to understand why you should suppose any- thing of the sort,” he retorted. “Why, you didn’t dare go against Cleaves, so you pushed Hodge into it. You have the reputation of being a great all-round champion, but I’ve noticed that much of your glory comes from the accomplish- ment of your friends. If anyone wishes to know your secret method, that is it.” “Evidently you’re something ,of a sorehead,” said /Merriwell. “It’s a remarkable thing that a club of this sort always has at least one sorehead among its members. I wish to remind you that neither Hodge nor I came here with the idea of butting into your club and showing what.we could do. We were invited as guests, You have attempted to show us up. i yourselves if things have not gone to suit you.” “That’s plain talk,” said Bert Fuller. “I regret to see you exhibit such a spirit, Manton. At the sugges- tion of the social committee, I invited Mr. Merriwell and Mr. Hodge to visit us. They should be treated with proper courtesy while here.” Man- CHAPTER IX. SENT FLYING THROUGH THE ‘AIR. It was a proper calldown for Manton. At first the fellow seemed ready to fly into a burst of uncontroll- _able passion. His face grew crimson and then turned WEEKLY. Manton and Frost were talking with ashen, He dared not make an insulting retort to the president. “You're taking me in a literal sense,” he finally man- aged to say. ‘‘Can’t you let me chaff Merriwell a bit? It seems to be the only satisfaction we can get out of him.” “Unless he enters for some of the special events at ee the meet,” put in Frost. “The broad jump and the 7 high jump, for instance.”’ “And the pole vault,” said Manton. “But I pre- sume he'll put some of his friends in for these things.” “That will save him,” nodded Frost. o: Frank laughed. “I’m not here to kick up trouble. Do you think your best men will\engage in the events named?” STIR. “Well, I had not thought of participating; but, just to please you, I’ll agree to enter for the jumping and the pole vaulting.” “Good enough!” cried Manton. “TI see your finish!” Hodge had been washing up inside. He came out now, looking fresh as a daisy. i “Cleaves is a better man than they had in the St. | Andrew’s Club, Merry,” he said. “I won by a lucky i es drive.” . 4 | _“T told you it was luck!” exclaimed Manton, tri- | umphantly. “T knew it!” But now Cleaves spoke up like a man and dexlaseds # there was not much luck in the persistent manner in | | which Hodge had kept him at his best all round the | course. He confessed that he had done his level best | to get a lead on his opponent, but had found it impos- sible to draw away from him. \ “T expect he’ll give me another opportunity,” he con-- ae Rs: cluded. “TI shall then try to square the score.” cee “You shall have the opportunity,” promised Bart. Suddenly Manton assumed a different air. Laugh- ingly he walked over to Frank, observing: “Perhaps I’ve been a trifle hasty, Merriwell ; but you. can’t blame us for feeling it when you and your friend » come here and down us so easily. This is supposed — to be a club of champions. If you were to defeat us at everything, the papers would make sport of us, AS it is, some of the papers have been inclined to poke fun at us and call us a lot of bluffers. We think we’re the — real thing; but you’ve taken us off our guard. Were you ever taken off your aaa t: “Oh, yes, I fancy so.’ “I’ve heard not. Why, I’ve even been told chk man could catch you napping and get the advantage of ou I BE t DAE that, sie HOW. TAPE TO _ “T presume not.” “No, it’s ridiculous,” said Manton, Pee to turn away and stepping behind Merry, Quick as a flash he clasped Merriwell round the _ body, pinning his arms at his sides. “THere,” he said, “you see how easy it is to prove the falsehood of the statement. I have you foul now.” “Do you think so?” asked Frank. “T know it. You can’t doa thing.” _ Merry was angry, but he kept a check on his temper. He resolved to teach the fellow a- “lesson. Instantly he dropped to the ground, coming down on his right knee. At the same instant, Manton’s arms having slipped up round his neck, he seized the man’s _ tight wrist, pressing on a certain muscle in such a _ Manner that it caused a sharp twinge of pain. He : pulled forward sharply, turning Manton’s wrist to the right. Thus, in a twinkling the fellow found himself jerked over Frank’s back and losing his balance. As Manton was falling, Merriwell rose sharply to his feet, and the fellow was hurled flying through the air, to fall - flat on his back\ten or twelve feet away. It was done so swiftly that few saw just how it id happened; but all realized that the gentleman pugilist had been tr icked “and grassed at a moment when he had fancied he was demonstrating the ease with which 7 | ‘ Merriwell could be taken off his guard. - Manton was dazed. He sat up, his face expressing bewilderment, coat and rage. a whee ” he muttered, hoarsely, _ Then he turned his: head and glared at Frank. He ks saw Merry standing quietly, with his hands on his hips, smiling the least bit. “T trust you are not harmed, sir,’ 3 litely “As you had secured a grasp on me from the _ Tear, it was necessary to be a trifle violent.” “Good land!” gasped Bert Fuller, ( ‘Manton rose to his feet. ey “You tried to break my neck!” he grated, his face nN livid. | “On, no,” denied Frank, “Had I iad: you would A have a broken neck now, I assure you of that.” Y The: gentleman pugilist felt of his arm and shoulder, which had been severely wrenched. He saw some of » the witnesses smiling, while others were regarding him with pity, a That was oe to infuriate him beyond restraint, si ae nga’ if I as not: thrash that man!” he ak ll do it here and now!” My Javing g arrived at this determination, he tore off his coat said Frank, po-. WEEKLY. CHAPTER X. THE FIGHT. “What are you going to do, Manton?” sternly de manded Fuller, stepping forward. “Tm going to put a few dents in the face of that chap!” was the savage answer. “He may be able to bowl and throw people round with his Japanese tricks; but we'll soon see if he can fight!” “There'll be no fight!” exclaimed Fuller. “You got what was coming, for you tried to impose on him. You have only yourself to blame.” “Mr. Fuller,” said Merry, in the quietest manner imaginable, “in case Mr. Manton insists, I trust you. will not interfere. It seems to me that he is deter- mined to force a personal encounter upon me, and we may as well get at it without delay.” His fighting blood was up at last, and still he smiled. Bart Hodge was the only one who realized how dan- gerous Merriwell really was when he smiled in that manner, “It will disgrace the club!” exclaimed Fuller. “No need for it to be generally known if Mr. Man- ton will step down here a short distance behind ‘the tees.” “T’ll step anyw fiche you say,” panted the Pee “but don’t you try to run away!” : “You don’t know him!” muttered~ Hodge, Ahicae eyes were gleaming. “You'll be better ee with him in a short time.” Fuller was regretful, but ‘he finally agreed to’ let Merry and Manton settle the trouble if they would retire to the spot designated by Frank. | They did’ so, the witnesses accompanying them. Frost urged Manton on. -e “Smash his face!” hissed he. “Spoil his beauty! Lo You’ye got to do it!” Ngee “Leave it to me!” growled the pugilist. “Tht don't . beat him up I'll commit suicide!” i On their way to the spot Frank. stripped off his coat 4 and vest and removed his collar and necktie, giving _ these articles to Bart. ah Fuller tried to apologize to Merry, but Frank : checked him. “Vou’re not in the ees to blame,” he said. “You can’t be responsible for the behavior of every membet : of the club.” “Manton will be Seutted i “Oh, I wouldn’t do that! count. Don’t do it on my ac- I can look out for myself. as 8 a “He's a gteat fighter. He w as ane champion boxer ae at Yale i in his a See x TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Don’t worry, Fuller. Til try to take care of my- self,” The moment they reached the spot chosen Manton advanced on Merry. There were no preliminaries and no delay. They were at it in a hurry, crouching, spatring, circling, seeking an opening. No rules had been mentioned, It was a fight to the finish in such a manner as they chose. Manton feinted with his right and tried for Frank’s jaw with his left. The blow was parried, and Merry came back with a cross counter that landed and staggered his enemy, Frost ground his white teeth together and swore. “Get at him, you fool!” he snapped, Manton responded by coming back at Merry and landing a body blow; but for this he received one on the mouth that split his lip and loosened a tooth or two, The fight grew faster and more furious, They came together and Manton clinched, but Merry upper- cut him and forced him to break. As he leaped away he was touched lightly by Frank, who followed him closely, : Hodge was standing with his hands in his pockets, watching every move, “Give him a little more jiu-jitsu, Fras, ” he advised. Bift Merriwell shook his head. He had seen oppor- tunities to practice the Japanese tricks on Manton, but was resolved to give the fellow his medicine in his own way. Manton considered himself a fine boxer, as, in truth, he was. To defeat him at his own game, and do it twice in one day, ought to settle his hash, Manton sidestepped skillfully as he got away from Frank, then came under Merry’s guard and delivered | another body blow, seeking for the solar plexus. “That's his game!” muttered Hodge. “Look out for it, Merry. It’s dangerous.” Frank was quick to discover that his enemy was working to get a heavy one into his wind, and after ' that he guarded the spot with greater care. Time after time the pugilist tried to get another one in on Frank’s body. In fact, Frank led him into mak- ing these attempts, and each time he punished the fel- low by cutting up his face, Ina few moments Manton was bruised and bleeding, but he seemed just as fierce and determined as when he ~” began. ~“He’s a hog for punishment,” decided Hodge. _ Dent Frost was quivering with excitement. — 2 “Manton will be a sight, no matter how it ends,” he thought. “Merriwell is marking him all up! I don’t believe he’s touched Merriwell’s face.” Then he uttered an exclamation of delight, for his friend had blocked a lead and landed on Frank’s fore- head, sending his head back. “That’s the way!” he hissed. “A little lowet and Merriwell would have a fine black eye to care for.” Fuller looked on with his blood stirred, although he was very sorry that the affair had occurred. It was a savage fight, and soon both men began to show the strain, although Manton was breathing much more heavily, ~ Frank’s lips were pressed together, but his face wore that same smile, It enraged the gentleman pugi- list, who was determined to “knock the smile off.” Manton came in with a rush, and Frank went under his arm, rising and turning in time to get in a blow. | This very thing was repeated asfew moments later. Then they grappled again, and Manton succeeded in blocking as | Frank sought to uppertaat him as be- fore. “No you don’t!’ he panted. the time!” Merry smashed him on the kidneys, making him wince a little. , "You can’t da that all _ Then Manton sought to get in a blow in the'break away, but it was blocked. Manton’s eyes were beginning to puff up, his nose was bleeding and his lips cut. Blood stained his white shirt. “He'll be a spectacle to-morrow,” thought Heded Dent Frost’ was looking for his friend to get in the “wallop”’.that would settle the fight. Three times Manton had tried for it and missed, Again he tried. And missed. Merriwell came back with a blow that sent him to the ground. He rose at once. Frank permitted him to get onto his feet. In fact, | Merry waited until Manton resumed the attack, said Bert Fuller. In a few “Tt can’t last much longer,” Frank seemed seeking another opening. seconds he found it and his fist shot out. “ Smack !—the blow landedesquarely. Thud !-~Manton went to the turf. He rose more slowly, but he forced himself to get up, although | the es was unsteady beneath his” feet. ; “He’s done for! groaned Frost, as he saw his | a friend ee | OM oP a ORS Malte AES Bt EE LE [ - _ He leaped in and caught Manton by the arm. “Quit it!” he said. “You're out!’ a “You lie!’ snarled the gentleman pugilist, flinging _ Dent off and seeming as steady as ever. “I’ve just / begun to fight!” | Once more Frank waited until his enemy closed in. Then he took his time and knocked the fellow down : _ for the finish. : | Manton lay still a moment, tried to rise, struggled to his elbow and fell back. “He’s out!’ cried Frost, huskily, as he lifted Man- ton’s head. , we i _ CHAPTER XI. A PAIR OF KNAVES. About four miles from the Eagle Heights Club lived _ Joel Bemis, a farmer. On the afternoon of the day following the events just recorded in the best “spare oo. at the Bemis farm sat a young man whose eyes were covered by a bandage and whose.face was cut, bruised and discolored in places. A step sounded outside the door, and the man on the chair started and lifted the bandage from ~his “eyes, 2. “Brost!” “Well, you’ve been a devilish long time coming!” - “Came at the first opportunity, Manton,” _ the visitor, eying the other. ‘Say, but you're a sight! ‘You did let that fellow cut you all to pieces!” “You don’t have to tell me!” snarled Hobart Man- ton. “T’ve looked in the glass.” : “That must have been to-day. You couldn’t see _ out of your eyes last night.” “What are you trying to do—rub it in: ” “Oh, no; but I’m sore because you let him ham- mer you up that way.” “Not half as sore as Iam. I'd like to kill him!” unk “Why, 3 thought you could fight! Ys Yara,’ at looked that way!” sneered Frost, coldly. “TI can,” repeated Manton; “but he can fight bet- ter. I hate to acknowledge it, but I have to.” “He certainly made a holy spectacle of you.” . “—? ll get even! You wait!” — “T don’t know how you're going to do it,’ . a a find a way! I’ve thought of a hundred ways. ‘Tell me, what do they say at the club? I suppose they know all about ate OF Cone Mseriwell: and ‘Hodge, had to blow peo it: é LOP WEEKLY. he exclaimed, as Dent Frost entered. declared , 1g “T don’t believe they have said a thing. I told every- body who asked questions that you yere called-to the city on business. I think Fuller succeeded in induc- ing Merriwell and Hodge to keep still for the present. Cleaves hasn’t said anything. He doesn’t like those chaps.” “But he’s wishy-washy; he doesn’t hate them. I didn’t hate them to begin with. I counted Merriwell a big case of bluff, and I wanted to show him up. This is the result!” ® Manton was bitter enough. He realized his mis- “take, but felt deeply the disgrace he had brought upon himself. It made no difference that he was wholly to blame for the whole unpleasant affair. “Well, what are you going to do?” asked Frost, tak- ing a chair. Once he had regarded Benton with considerable respect; but now his respect was gone and he found it difficult to hold in check a feeling of contempt for the fellow. ! ‘ “What is Merriwell doing?” “He’s getting ready to participate in the meet.” “Getting ready—how ?” ‘am 0.& — . . . . . : “Practicing jumping and pole vaulting. Some of his friends have arrived at the Elm Tree. There’s a I watched them through a field- Merriwell is a pole vaulter, sure field near the inn. glass this forenoon. enough; but I don’t believe he’ll press me close.” “Don’t you?” SN oO. 7. : » “Let me tell you something, Frost.” “Go ahead.” pit “T’ve changed thy mind-about that fellow. He’s a winner if given anything like a square show. If you defeat him, you'll have to do it through a trick of some sort.” 3 .“Rot! Just because he happened to get the best of you, you fancy he can beat the world. Get over it!” “All right; but you wait and see. Unless you find some method of patenting: us by a trick, he'll ee you up, just as he did me.’ “You make me sick!” snarled Frost, angrily. “Oh, do I?’ “Ves, you do!” “You'll be sicker after you go against him.” “You're cumpletety Weippe. All the aos has: been taken out of you.” r, mae me learned something. You've got your lesson to learn.’ “How can he be defeated by a trick | ? } “" ° y é ‘ 20 “T don’t know now. If I find a way, will you ; try it?” * Frost hesitated. “Tt’s tom-foolishness, » . beat him on the square.” j “Go ahead! Go ahead! Have your own way and » be sorry about it afterward.” They were silent some moments. slowly said: “Tf you could tell me of any method that would ? he declared. ‘“I’d rather At last Frost tected.” “T’ll devise a method before to-morrow. I’ve got nothing else to think about. Come round to-morrow > and I'll have a plan. I hope I can get my face into shape so I’ll be able to attend the meet without caus- ing comment. I'll have to stay shut up here a day or two longer, though.” “Well, I’m going back,” said~Frost, rising. “Tl come round to-morrow. So long.” CHAPTER XII. , THE GREAT DAY. ® It was the day of the Eagle Heights meet. The morning was misty, but by eight o’clock the sun drove the mists flying down the river toward the sea and shone forth from a cloudless sky of blue. | Never at any country club for amateur athletes had there been such a gathering of “‘swell” followers of sport for sport’s sake. Contestants came from various “parts of the East, and people of wealth, who were in- terested in open air sports and who could attend, ap- peared to witness the events. 6 * Frank Merriwell and a number of his friends reached. the clubhouse at nine o’clock in the forenoon. _ They were welcomed cordially. Frank met a num- ber of young athletes whom he knew and was given’ the “glad hand” by all of them. “T presume you're going to give the re&t of us a show here to-day,” laughed one. “You're not going in for all the honors?” ; : 3 “Hardly,” he answered. “I’m entered for three events , and no more—the broad jump, the high jump and the pole vault.” - - ©That’s a relief! Let’s see, who are the principal _ men you're up against in those things?” “Jack | Necker seems to be the jumper ooh count 7 a ae “Necker? Oh, yes; he’s from Haptiohal Well, by: e ¢ TEP? EOP work I might consider it—that is, if it wouldn’t be de- . ‘liable Mike, as he grasped Frank’s hand. WEEKLY. “Denton Frost is the representative of this club. They say he is a wonder..’ “Yes, I know about him. He’s a good man, too. Here’s hoping you have luck.” Bart Hodge had been wandering around. back to Merry after a while. _“Manton is here,” he said, in a low tone. He came “Ts he?” a) “Yes. He’s looking pretty well, too. Shows scarcely a mark.” “Well, I’m looking for no further trouble from him.” “I don’t think he'll tackle you personally, although I have no doubt that he would enjoy cutting your throat.” A little later Wallace Grafter, accompanied by a thickset, florid-faced, baldheaded man, came upon | Merry. “Mr. Merriwell,’ he said, “I want you to meet my father.” “Ts this the boy ye told me about, son?” cried Re- “Well, it’s a fine-looking lad he is, to be sure. And ye say he has good fighting blood in his veins? He looks clever, but not at all dangerous. I’m proud to know ye, Mr. ‘Merriwell.” “Thank you, Mr. Grafter; I’m very you, too.” glad to meet “Whist now! Do ye think ye can win at the pole | vaulting ?” “It’s impossible to say. I shall do my best.” “Do. Me boy has a dollar on ye. That chap ye had some trouble with when ye first came here kept’ after Wallace. He wanted to bet ye wouldn’t win the pole ee vault. He even offered odds, Betting is bad business for a young man, but Wallace couldn’t stand it, and he took the chap for the limit.” “I’m sorry he bet on me,’ » said Feaak: “but under any circumstances I shall do my level bak I agree with you that betting is bad business for a young man _ i a —or an old man, either.” “Aw, it’s got so much harm for us old bucks who a have learned the ways of the world. It runs away with the young fellows. If they win, they blow the money. If they lose, they can’t afford it. watch ye, my lad.” 5 With another hearty shake of Frank’s hand, Reliable Mike drifted along in company with his son. = Dick Starbright and Dade Morgan were there, and they enjoyed more or less popularity as the friends of Frank Merriwell. bs ‘ seaikeaeincat 0. 1e "the size of the gathering. ‘as many people would be present. athlet When Merry reached the track he was astonished at He had not expected half tel ious committees and officials were at work, were moving about over the field, and there _ Was a general air of eagerness. ered. _ Great numbers of people were present in carriages. . They were the relatives of competitors, and the hand- some turnouts told that their stations in the world were not humble ones. At one side was a double stand, part of which faced the track and part the field. The seats were uncov- & The early events of the day ‘were to take place on the _ track, and, therefore, the portion of the stand front- _— > qa _ the runners fighting for victory right up to the last foot of the finish. ae he strove as if his life depended on it to start 3° te VW @& “ ie ) a Ps, 3 Vos a illite Te Na is up | thing that may interest you. | ing the field was unocctpied, while the other section | had begun to fill up. A remarkable number of girls and young ladies were there. They were dressed in summer garments and added color and beauty to the scene. _ Frank and Bart entered the stand just as the start- ’s pistol. barked and sent off fourteen clean-limbed young chaps for the mile run. 3 The day’s events were begun. The run proved to be an interesting affair, three of One represented Eagle Heights, _ the day with a victory for the club. But Martin Sayers, of the Knickerbocker A. A., won by not more than a yard, although he fell over a _ moment after he breasted the tape. | . The mile run was followed by a bicycle race, which "was won by George Branch, greatly to the satisfaction Be os all Eagle Heights. Then came the eight-hundred-and-eighty-yards run, oa this was won by a man from the Bison A. A., of _ Buffalo. Dade Morgan found Frank in the stand. _ “See here, Merry,” he said, “T’ve just learned some- Young Grafter has bet a thousand dollars that you will win the pole vault Hobart Manton is the man he’s bet- 1: this afternoon. ting with.” Frank frowned. | “It might teach Grafter a lesson if he lost,” he said. ge gasped. et Phe cried. “You don’t mean that you'll let 9? | 4 TIP TOP WEEKLY. 21 “But he’s reckoned as a sure winner, cutting you out. That tough, Manton, seems to believe he is, any- how. I don’t understand why he should be so posi- tive. Watch out for treachery, Merry.” “T don’t see what can be done to spoil my chances in the pole vaulting.” ®% 3 “Fellows like Manton will resort to anything. I want to see him lose his money. It will hurt him, He has taken advantage of your generosity in keeping still about the fight, and now he’s blowing that you are a faker.” * “That was his first claim when I appeared here. I fancied T had taught him something different.” “He's your bitter enemy. I feel that he will try to injure you before the day is done. Watch out.” CHAPTER XIII. THE BROAD JUMP. The events of the forenoon left Eagle Heights five points in the lead of any other club, and there was rejoicing at the clubhouse during the’ interval of inter- mission at midday. "The first contest of the afternoon was jumping. Merriwell came out in a suit with a large, white M on his breast. The letter stood for his club, but Frost and Manton, who were with the judges, commented on it and declared it marked Frank’s egotism. There were nine contestants entered for jumping honors. Each club was permitted to enter two men, if it wished ;- but only two clubs had taken advantage of this. One was the Merries. Dade Morgan had entered. This proved something of a surprise to Frost and Manton, who had not known about it. They seemed to regard it as a joke, however, for. they laughed and said that Merriwell might enter his whole club without having a show. The running broad jump was started by Tom Wil- lis, of Jersey City, who cleared nineteen feet and one inch. The next man fell an inch short of nineteen. Then came a long-limbed chap who sailed through the air and planted his heels five inches ahead of Wil- lis’ mark. He was wildly cheered by a little group of friends. Morgan and Merriwell were standing close together and watching. “That’s pretty fair, Dade,” think you can beat it?” said Frank. “Do you 22 “T believe I can,” nodded Morgan. The fourth jumper could not reach the mark made by the long-limbed chap. Then it was Merriwell’s turn. A cheer went up as Frank stripped off his sweater and made ready. Everyone seemed to expect some- thing great of him. Hodge and Starbright were watching from the stand, ; “Merry will show them a trick nw,” said Bart. “I can jump some myself; but I’m not in it with him. I don’t see why Morgan went into this.” “Frank wanted him to.” “Oh, he did?” “Yes, at college. You know Morgan was a wonderful jumper Merry was the only man who ever de- feated him, and that was by not more than an inch or so. I think he’s in perfect form. Our trip has done him good. He was run down when Frank took hold ~of him in New York last fall; but he has built up wonderfully. He says Merry saved his life.” ' the starting point. Rah for Merriwell!” cried an enthusiast. “That’s Grafter!” laughed Manton, turning to look at the stand. to-day, I knew better than to bet on the jumping, and “He expects to win a thousand off me _ [have him caught on the pole vaulting, for he loses no matter what happens, if Merriwell does not win. Merriwell may have a paokee neck before the day is over,” manner. . "You cant ite so any si than I do.” . Watch.” ‘He crouched and Then he sped along the “He’s going to make his first trial, Frank toed the starting line. seemed to gather himself. “run, every muscle tense, a look of resolution on his. He came up to the mark in per- aon face. “fect stride and Tnohed himself into the air. ‘The manner in which he sailed over the ground TIP TOP There was a hush now, as Merry walked out to list, while Morgan was ninth. “y hope he gets it,’ said Frost, in ‘his cold-blooded - used more than one witness to gasp with surprise WEEKLY. and admiration. His feet were drawn well under him, a and at precisely the proper moment he launched them, | not forward. He struck perfectly and came up without — } a “bobble.” | 1 The crowd shouted. . littl They knew he had made the best jump thus far. a he Dent Frost whistled in dismay. 4 29 “Manton, he’s a wonder!” he muttered. “I think ES ‘to « he wins!” whi “Don’t you believe it. Necker is the man.” j a “Tf Necker beats that, he’ll beat his own record bye Ne several inches.” i hie The measurers were running the tape under the eyes : 4 - gre of the judges. DL his In a moment this was done, ane a judge announced Sct in a loud voice: : q ee ® “Frank Merriwell’s distance, twenty feet eleven | inches and a half!” | There were some Yale men in the stand,. and the : Yale cheer went up instantly. “Merriwell wins!” was the ‘ery that was repeated over and over. “That can’t be beaten to-day.” The next contestant seemed disheartened by the ae stunt, for he fell far short of nineteen feet. It happened that Necker was the eighth man on the a ws When Necker’s turn came Merriwell held the record ‘ by eight inches. eae Necker had plenty of friends to cheer him. He “G looked pantherish in his jumping rig. He was thin, : but his muscles were like bands of steel covered by | pink velvet. ee ‘ ° Necker caught Manton’s eye as he walked out to he A He nodded and smiled the least bit. “‘Fe’s confident,” said Manton; ‘and he knows what ” | he can do. I believe he'll beat Merriwell.” Pas “Never!” retorted Frost. “It won’t be done in this. starting point. event.” J Necker balanced himself, made a start, went flying ie to the mark and leaped. “He’s ’way behind!” growled Frost, “He has three tries) if he wishes to take them.” * “T know he has, _Merriwell didn’t. try nits once.”” , Roe didn’t have toe, TIP: TOP I; > Necker’s first jump was not measured. for he had ee ‘not made more than eighteen feet. it | He took his time about returning and starting again. }© The Eagle Heights men seemed to think he had | little chance to defeat Merriwell, although they knew | he could do much better than he had at first. 4 P _The second time he tried it was seen that he meant cdg to do his level best, He flew over the ground in strides ted: which gathered impetus steadily, and he came to the mark, in a perfect manner. y | Through the air he shot, his feet gathered beneath ‘ him. When it seemed that he must drop to the Br 4 ground he kept on, flinging his feet far out, landing on | his heels and coming up with an outswinging of his 17 arms. ; . | Hobart Manton gave a yell. 1 | “He’s done it!” he cried. “I believe he’s beaten Merriwell !” oe “Keep still!” warned Frost; “they may put us off Bt a the field if you make too much of a fuss.” | “How does it look to you?” _ “He’s tied Merriwell, at least, and he has still an- other trial. The stand was buzzing with excitement. If he can tie him, he can beat him,” Two per- sons in the stand were very anxious. They were Hodge and , Starbright. “What do you think, Dick? ?” asked Bart, - “Tf I’m not mistaken, he’s beaten Merry a bit.” “Tt can’t be ht id “I’m afraid it is.” _ The measurers ran the tape. they consulted with the judges. ~ One of the judges turned toward the stand. They took care. Then “Mr, Necker will not jump again,” he said. . “His record is twenty-one feet and one inch.” » The Eagle Heights men howled with satisfaction. “Their man had defeated Merriwell by an inch and a half. , ect “ Bart Hodge looked ill. “Why didn’t Merry try more than once: 2” he mut- tered, huskily. “He could have done better! Now he’s lost his chance!” f pat ” said Seat prght. “Let's see what Morgan WEEKLY. “Oh, Morgan isn’t in that class! It’s a shame!’ Still Dick clung to hope, thinking it possible Mor- gan might do something that would surprise everyone. Necker was satisfied. He knew he had done his handsomest and that he would fall back if he made another attempt. He had added some inches to his own best record, besides defeating Merriwell. Dade Morgan, slender, graceful and electric, walked toward the starting point. “Who is he?” was the question asked by many in the stand. “Oh, he’s one of Merriwell’s team,’ was the answer. “THe won’t cut much ice.” In all his body Morgan felt the current of life run- ning strong. He believed himself physically at the top notch. He was full of confidence. In his college days he had never covered twenty- one feet, but something told him he was a better man than he had been in those days. He was matured; his powers were at their flood. Crouching, he set his teeth and gripped his hands. He started slowly and surely, gathering speed and power. When he reached the take-off mark he was flying. Into the air he went, shooting forward like a bird on the wing. On and on he sailed. It was all over in a moment, but the spectators rose. They knew Morgan had landed almost in the tracks of Necker. Denton Frost actually staggered. - “What do you think of that?’ he gasped. he has tied Necker!” “T fear he has beaten him!”, grated Manton. Who is this Morgan? Whoever “T fear “Tmpossible! heard of him?’ “Oh, he was a rattler at college until he began to Then they said he broke down and lost I’ve been told he was the most dangerous dissipate. ambition. - rival Merriwell ‘ever had at Yale.” “Tf he has beaten Necker. “Tt will be a bitter pill to swallow.” \ “They are going to measure. He isn’t going to jump again! By the great Harry! he’s beaten Necker, or he would try again. ies the last man and & ae 24 He checked himself and waited. The tape was stretched. Again the measurers took the utmost care, watched by the judges. The crowd waited. _ Then one of the judges turned and held up his hand, “Dade Morgan’s record is The hush of great expectancy seemed He finished : Morgan wins He paused, to keep everyone from breathing. “Twenty-one feet and three inches! the broad jump.” CHAPTER THE HIGH BEANE JUMP. _ Two more disgusted men than Frost and Manton it ___, would have been hard to find. ~ They had not dreamed the broad jump sould be _ won in such a manner. Of course, Necker was also disgusted, but he tried to conceal it and appear a good loser. The high jump followed. Merriwell being of the number. _ Necker resolved to retrieve himself. » Manton found an opportunity to speak to him and urge him to try, as if his life depended on it. said Manton. “T thought I had “You were too confident,” “That's right,” admitted Necker. it easy. I might have tried again.” Frank congratulated Morgan. “You came in like a dark horse, Dade,” he smiled. “T was rooting for you inside when you came up to ‘the mark. Necker's chest has collapsed a great deal. He’s a great jumper, but it doesn’t do for such fellows to get too-chesty. It ruins them every time.” | Morgan was delighted with himself. “T owe it all to you, Merry,” he said. ss when you found me in hi bum hotel on the Bowery? e on | Yes,” . “J was pretty near all in then. Never expected to be much of an athlete after that. You took hold of , me and straightened me out. I won't forget it.” “Do. - It’s what any friend would do for another.” “Oh, some day I'll get even with aoa threatened Dade,» with a nate 7 3 “Remember \ TIP TOP WEEKLY. Ten men were entered for this, both Morgan and In a short time everything was ready for the high ~— jump. : The first man made five fect and ten inches on three : k trials. “ if : That was pretty good. ' i a The second man could not clear the bar at five feet eich es Morgan was third on the list this time. | He was cheered as he squared away for the start. He had the bar placed at five feet ten. ee : Over it he went, drawing his feet well under him and flinging them round sideways. » “This man wins the high jump, too!’”’ hissed Frost. “That is better than it would be to have Merriwell win,” said Manton. “Not much better.” ; “But some.” Dade had the bar moved up to six feet. Then he went at it, but barely touched it with his 4 heel as he went over, which displaced it. “Ha!” cried Manton. “That’s too high for him!” 4 Morgan walked back'to the starting point. He sig- naled for the bar to be placed the same as before. i When it was up he seemed to hesitate. He paused es | a few seconds, then settled himself and started. Up, up he went. As he reached the highest point: he gave a twisting movement of his body and flung © ) his feet sideways over the mes coming down without ~— grazing it. “Six feet for Morgan,” “*’Rah for Morgan!” “He’s the real hot stuff!’ , “T believe Necker can beat that,” announced a judge. whooped an_ enthusiast. 6 said Manton. “Ttts great jumping ; but Necker is keyed up now, and he'll stretch himself for all he is worth.” Necker was seventh on the list. When his turn came no one had reached Morgan’s ay mark. | | Could he do it ? That was the question. He had the bar set at five feet ten for the first trial . Over it he went. ye “Why, that was easy!” exclaimed Manton. “He can go higher than that, all right!” Ca ae Lr % “Mor- There is no “I believe he can,” nodded Frost, hopefully. gh F gan is a better jumper than Merriwell. danger from Merriwell if*Necker can defeat Morgan.” ree The bar was next placed at six feet. “Go it, Necker!’ cried some one in the stand. “You Phan do it, old man!’’ net He did do it, although the least fraction of an inch was to spare as he passed over the bar. Morgan was tied. “Put it up an inch and a half,” said Necker, quietly. Hodge heard him in the stand. a Ne me nN A nti apiece + . im - “Fe can’t make another inch,” he said. ‘“He barely He'll dislodge it this time.” Bhs “Tt’s more than even chances that he will,’ nodded _ Starbright. But Necker made that jump as if his life depended He rose handsomely and cleared the bar with- | cleared the bar at six feet: yst. fell on it. out brushing it. - Then the Eagle Heights crowd cheered, for their “man led in the high jump by an inch and a half. | - Necker turned away smiling, giving Manton a look. eee 3 - Manton motioned for him to come nearer, m “You might have won the broad jump just as easy,” said Manton. sed - “T know that,” agreed Necker. “It was my fault. . ‘I thought I had it won.” int The men who followed made a sorry showing beside mg. Necker. | out Then came Merriwell. "This day the great champion is not doing so 9 much,” said the gentleman pugilist. “Grafter wbn’t be offering so much money for his secret method. Se- ‘eret method! Bah!” “Has He a method ?” Oh, that’s rot! He’s a mark. He’s just a little better than pr ticlany athletes, and he poses as the a “He can’t do it!” “Let him knock it down,” whispered Manton. Frank did knock it down. Manton grinned sneeringly, and Dent Frost laughed | He did not get away WEEKLY, 25 just right, and his heel touched the bar as he was go- ing over. | Manton laughed outright, but checked himself. Frank spoke in a low tone to the judges. Then many persons uttered exclamations of aston- ishment, for he had ordered the bar raised an inch and a half! That placed it at the height of Necker’s best jump. “Never!” repeated Frost. In the stand several persons uttered cries of joshing. But they were destined to receive a shock, for Merry shot at the bar, leaped into the air, and went over it in beautiful style. Then the Yale men broke forth into that fine cheer. Necker seemed dazed. “He must have springs in his shoes,” he finally growled. Frost was speechless with rage. Manton managed to recover enough to say: “That’only ties you.” But Merriwell had ordered the crossbar up an inch and a half more, making six feet three in all. “Not in a thousand years!” cried a voice in the crowd. “It’s impossible!” “He'll show you!” exclaimed Bart Hodge. . _ Frank settled himself, measured with his eye the distance he had to run and the height to the pole, and then started. Up and. over he sailed. He had beaten Necker by an inch and a half, and | the following contestants declined to make an effort. 6 \ \ CHAPTER XV. FAILURE AND DISGRACE. The pole vaulting contest came late in the after- noon. : Denton Frost set a stint at the very otftset that ap-- — palled the greater part of the contestants. | Man after man failed to come anywhere near the mark he had made. Frank Merriwell’s turn came at last. He had his own pole, which no one else was allowed — to use. Beat actA | ¥ relaxed. 5634 TIP TOP Farley Fisher had joined Hobart Manton, Frost remailtiing with the other contestants. “Took here, Fisher,” “you want to keep your eyes open now. said Manton, in a low tone; You're going to see something.” “What do you think I’m going to see?’ inquired Fisher. “Do you fancy Merriwell is going to win? Why, I’ve heard you bet a dollar or two to-day that he would not defeat Frost.” “So I did, and he won't. Metriwell, have you?” “Nat a bit.” “Well, you know I haven't. You haven’t any use for Watch him—watch him close!” | The gripping his pole, he started. Frank was about to make his first attempt. crossbar was placed and, Up, up into the air he swung.- It was a beautiful sight. The crowd was breathless. * At the proper moment Frank lifted himself higher on the pole to fling his body over the bar. As he did this the pole suddenly broke beneath him. Cries of oar from the spectators as they saw that he was destined to strike on his head and shoulders and him falling from’ that height, for it seeme sustain serious, if not fatal, injuries. One thing Frank had learned while practicing the Japanese art of self-defense was to fall in such a man- ner as:to sustain the least injury. Usually a person who finds himself falling becomes rigid and stiff, so that when he strikes he is jarred in every part of his body. The Japanese fall limply, with their muscles In this manner Frank fell. | Although he struck on the back of his neck and his shoulder blades, he came up in a moment, rising to his feet, as if wholly unharmed. Seeing this, Manton uttered a curse of anger and ‘ “His dismay. ° “The devil protects the fellow!” he hissed. neck should have been broken.” The judges and others oathered around Frank, all it - seeming to feel sure he must be injured. . He finally 4 i them that he was not. : ‘told the people in the stand, and oe was a cheer. Then one of them — WEEKLY. @ This cheer became a roar when, selecting another pole, Frank prepared to vault. At his first attempt he cleared the bar, tieing Frost. Next time he disturbed it; but he tried-again and flung himself over it a full foot higher than Frost had done. It was the best vault made. Frank won, and Manton lost a snug little sum of money. * * * * * * * That was not all Manton lost. Investigation re- vealed the fact that Merriwell’s pole had been tam- — pered with and weakened in such a manner that it — could not fail to break. This discovery stirred up the q Eagle Heights people, and a rigid inquiry followed. Fuller did some detective work, with the result that’ he finally got hold of the chap who had tampered with Merriwell’s pole. This rascal was badly frightened, and he made a confession, in which he told how hé had been given fifty dollars by Hobart Manton todo | - the job. Manton was expelled in disgrace from the Eagle s Heights’ A. A., and his membership in the A. A. U. of the U. S. was annulled. His days as an amateur athlete in good standing were ended. ie THE END. \ \ The Next Number (479) Will Contain — FRANK MERRIWELL’S LEVEL BEST. Cutting the Corners With a New Curve. The Plan of Melvin McGann—The Rise of the Out-— casts—The Fall of the Ciants—Arranging for the Game—The Appearance of the Thugs—Facing Ruf- -fians—Just in Time—Grafter Grows Uneasy—An © Old Acquaintance Appears—Clever Pitching—One_ Run—Cassidy Demands His Money—On an Error. a. at His Best—A Game Worth wees + igs Rs TIP TOP WEEKLY. le, at at ing ne. 9 NEW YORK, June to, 1995, » of j ; TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. (PosTacs FRuzE.) pi Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Bach. ; J in 3 months 65c. | One year Leo 0 ehaainiat OO Meer EONCHS: eis. ase cle we sce 85c. 2 copies one year.......... 4.00 Ry Br AROMEDR 3h, 12) f9 SV as wd we $1.25 | 1 copy two years.......... 4.00 re- aay How to SmND MoNEY.—By post-office or express money order, _ segistered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. At your own M=<> ew Lives! if sent by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary _) Be setter. : it ss ss«sRREcErPTS.—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper | ‘hange of number on your label. If not correct you have not been the i properly credited, and should let us know at once. STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY, ed. 238 William St., New York City. hat’ ith APPLAUSE. ed, CEE he | Owing to the number of letters received, the editors ies of Tip Top cannot undertake to secure their publication _ | under six weeks. Those who contribute to this depart- Wee . | ment must not expect to see them before that time. gle Y ¢ atin \ weed “ U. | Ihave been a constant reader of Tip Top for three years, and think it time to congratulate you upon your splendid weekly. Par: Dick Merriwell is an unlimited hero, as well as Brad, and for myself, and several others whom I know, I think it the best pub- _ lication published. ; __ I notice, in No. 450, a letter written by a Canadian regarding _ baseball, etc.. I wish my Canadian friend to know that he is very ‘much off when he writes a letter like that. He may know how to play “round town” or “three-cornered cat,” but I haven’t seen any of them make a “grand-stand play” so far. We have read his letter, but he hasn’t shown us yet—“we’re from Missouri.” I guess he has a capital of one hundred thousand dollars in his dreams and is out for a good time. But please let him* know that talk and paper are cheap, but it takes money to buy a game of baseball in U. S. So come prepared. S. & S. have my best wishes, and I am, as ever, © “A Rep-Hor ApMirer.” _ Parkersburg, W. Va. — ( : . a * < a . , _ You are evidently a “red-hot” baseball enthusiast, and are, no doubt, fully at home on the, diamond. ; ; eed allow an employee of the American Telegraph and Téel@phone Company to express his appreciation for the Tip Top Weekly. Having read the weekly during the last four years, I consider it to be truly an “ideal” paper for the American youth, and the save} ‘ G4 if we would but recognize them. Bae Some may claim that the Merriwell brothers are pictured as being too perfect to be real, that no one is able to obtain such standard of perfection. But when one familiarizes himself with their past history, sees their failings and weaknesses, just as they saw them, one must recognize the tremendous odds they contended with in order to overcome their imperfections and better their natures. Must we, then, not acknowledge truly that as struggles for true mastery is but a repetition of our own? fwe do so, then they become ordinary mortals like ourselves, and the same avenues of success and honor are open to us, as well _asyto them. <4 : There are many trusted men to-day, bank cashiers, political Officials and others holding positions of trust and honor, who ut. the _ characters represented can be found in our ordinary walks of life. 27 are often found short in their accounts; men engaging in dis- honest speculations, using funds not their own, with the inevi- table result of impoverishing many a hard-working man and woman of their just earnings. And who will say that had Frank not overcome his mania for gambling, he, too, might have added sooner or later to that unfortunate and misguided class? ‘ And Dick, many a hard battle he fought to’ overcome and subdue an almost ungovernable temper, a battle not fought, nor a victory won, in a day, either. When we consider all this, they are not creations of fancy; they are real, like ourselves, and we have the same warfare to wage if we do not close our eyes to the truth. Mr. Standish should have the earnest co-operation of all Amer- ican youths ip his earnest.striving for building up character, for it is to us, young men and women, that he is pleading, and why then should we fail to respond to his noble call, when we have all to gain and nought to lose? ; I sometimes believe that too little character training is taught in our public schools and homes. Boys and girls, not impressed fully that to become manly one must be manly, and to become womanly, one must be womanly. As a“young man, I tender Mr. Standish my sincere thanks for his efforts in our behalf, and will earnestly endeavor to live out the life-giving principles he so earnestly advocates, and by doing so, I know that I shall always retain the confidence and trust of my employers. As to Frank: and Dick, let me express all in a few words, their friends are my friends. Chester Arlington, what of him? For June’s sake, I hope he will meffd his ways, though it looks doubtful. When such young men as he, who have the courage to do wrong, finally mend their ways, they most invariably become. the great leaders of true reform. : You ask about that couple, sir, With such distinguished air ; The man’s a manly man, indeed, The woman’s young and fair. The groom is Richard Merriwell, The bride is lovely June, They’re on a happy. wedding tour, Enjoying their honeymoon. Will this prophecy come true? It’s all up to you, Mr. Standish. With best wishes for all, I am, yours truly, 15 Dey Street, New York City. Eg ae _We are sure that Mr. Standish will thoroughly appreciate the splendid sentiments expressed in this letter. It is to this end that Tip Top is published, and letters of this character are a source of gratification to both author and publishers. This is my first attempt at writing a letter for your it. column, and hope that it will be acceptable with all whom it chances to meet. First of all, I have been a constant reader of Tip Top for many years. I followed good, old, honest Frank as long as he lived in the Tip Top and am now at dear old Dick’s heels every week. If ever I wanted to punch anybody, it is that abominable old Chester Arlington. Say, you can tell that silly Arkansas Bill that I think he has lost something out of his cranium and water has taken its place. Listen, my readers, I’ve a story to.relate Of good old patient Dick and Chester Arlington’s awful fate. Dick and Brad, while walking about town, ,Happened upon old Chet snooping around. ' This peculiar meeting was only by chance, And ended in Brad kicking Chet’s pants. If there is anybody that I despise It’s old Chet Arlington with the goo-goo eyes. @- Chet’s nose was broken, his head was in pain; 2 , I don’t think he will run up against Brad again. Good old Dick tried to interfere, But Brad was so quick that Dick was in the rear. Three cheers for good old Brad and Dick, But the) mud on Ehet’s pants was there to stick. | ; Now I hope that my first letter will not meet its fate in tha hateful old wastebasket. Brad. Your true friend, Moultrie, Ga. You are a true friend of honest old expressed your sentiments in verse. I would like to correspond with any — of the readers of Tip Top who are friends to faithful Dick and ~ Burt Eaton. — Brad: and have: @itingly * wa - # \ ~r and 200. As I have never seen a letter from this little fish town, I would like you to know how much we appreciate your king of weeklies, or at least, we all think so. The boys in our club all wait eagerly for the Tip Top to come along. I belong to the Ben Hur Club and I am the president. The members, one and all, voted that I, being the president, should write to Street & Smith and acquaint them with our ideas, We one and all think it an ideal publication for all young men. Frank is our ideal, then Dick, Bart, Bruce, Diamond and Ready; in fact, all but that miserable scoundrel, Chet Arlington. We all wonder where Cap’n Wiley has disappeared, as we are all fond admirers of that worthy mate. Hoping to see this*in print we, the members of the Ben Hur Club, one and all, with best respects to Street & Smith, Burt L. Standish and all readers of the Tip Top Weekly, remain, Tue Ben Hur C us or Gioucester, Mass, Epwarp J. ComeErFrorp, President. 62 Prospect Street, Gloucester, Mass. We take pleasure in printing your letter. The fishing town of old Gloucester is well represented by the Ben Hur Club, I have just finished reading “Frank Merriwell in Denver,” which just strikes me right. The characters I like best are Frank, Dick and then good old Bart. Bradley is there with the goods, too. Those few crack-brained idiots who say he is a blowhard better plaster their mouths. Brad says he is the “unbranded maverick of the Rio Pecos,” and, by heck, he is. When he says he will do a thing he does it. [ anf®a stanch “Dorisite,” and think she is the girl for Dick. ell, with three cheers and a tiger for Tip Top, king of weeklies, and Burt L., I remain, “a constant reader of good literature,” W. G. W. Chicago, Ill. P, S—Are there any more Frank Merriwell badges? A badge will be sent you 8n receipt of ten cents and two coupons cut from Tip Top Weekly, / I have read the Tip Top from No. 1 to the present date, and when I say they are all O. K. it does not begin to express. my admiration for the stories. Although living away over in Canada there are a great many Tip Tops come to us here*every week,. and if I could not get them that way I would have them sent by mail. I would like to have the stories come about three times a week. - I think that Stretcher has them all beat at stretching the truth, and hope he will continue to appear in the stories. With best wishes to B. L. S. and §. & S., and hoping I may see thi§ in print, I remain, ever, LoyAL. Galt, Ontario. mY We are glad to hear from a loyal Canadian, Three times a week? Have pity on Mr. Standish, and allow Frank and Dick a few hours sleep. I have read Tip Tops for two years, and think they are fine, and I think the time has come for me to express my. apprecia- tion. The Tip Top Weekly cannot be beat. I think that the Merriwell stories are the best stories published. I wish to ask one question through the Applause column. Have you a cata- logue of your publications? If you have, please send me one. Hoping this will miss the wastebasket, I propose three cheers for T. T., B. S. and S&, & S., and remain, yours, | Pocomoke City, Md. , THomaAs SANKFORD. A catalogue has been sent you by mail, We can supply Tip Tép from No, 331. Those published previous to this number are out of print, h Perhaps a few words)from an old reader of Tip Top will not come amiss. I have taken Tip Top with tolerable regularity since No. 3, this coming April rounding out my eight years’ slavery. It has been a very pleasant slavery to me, however, - for I have ever found it a cure for the blues, and have read it on the railroad, in lumber camps and at home whenever I had a spare moment. I never could keep the numbers long, however, regretted my inability to do so. ; i should like to hear from readers who have numbers between If such readers will write me I think I can. make, them an offer that will cause them. to sell out to me. How far and have often t a * » reading, for them, although the stories are long in contrast with + ‘many Tip Top quarterlies are in print? TIP TOP WEEKLY. @ back can you supply single copies, and do you furnish binders? If so, please state price. I am heartily in favor of the corresponding club idea, and will answer any reader who cares to send me a white-winged mes- senger—viz., a letter. Wishing your firm and Mr. Standish life- long prosperity, I remain, a constant reader, Lock Box 842, Perry, N. Y. GrorGE WARREN Hoyt. We trust you may be successful in obtaining the copies you require. The publishers can furnish Tip Top from No. 313 to date. Binders for Tip Top can be obtained by remitting fifty cents. Although I have read many libraries, I can safely say that no author of any library in the world, no-matter how brilliant his career, can come up to Mr. Standish in genuine descriptions of boy life in any form; of the games he takes part in; of his schemes, his plans and his hopes, his victories and defeats and, above all, his superb characteristics. I have just finished reading No. 461 of your fine library. After reading a good, genuine Tip Top, one cannot help coming to the conclusion that Tip Top is the “only thing going.” But if any- — one should like to read a good book, let him read either the | All-Sports Library or the Young Rover Library—presuming, of course, that Tip Top does not contain enough genuinely good other libraries. .As my supply of paper is short, I will close my etter—also my eyes. I am, yours very truly, A. G. 2800 North Grand Avenue, St. Louis, Mo, Mr. Standish certainly understands the various phases of a boy’s life. The All-Sports Library is a good one, and all read- ers interested in athletics should read it. I have read all of your weeklies from No, 100, and consider it a very fine ptblication; my only objection being that you only publish once a week. I admire both Frank and Dick and their associates, Frank in particulary as he has mines in Arizona and I am a native of that region; but I am here in the East going to school, which ex- plains my absence from the wild and woolly plains of the Tucson country. With three whoops for Frank, Dick, Burt L. and Street & Smith, I am, respectfully yours, : O. R. Buck. | Philadelphia, Pa. e Your letter, penmanship and sentiments are appreciated. The Pecos is all right, isn’t it? We will soon welcome your native’ country as a State—and a good one, too. ; ‘ | As I have seen no letters from this city, and wondering if you have ever heard from this place, I am going to try to writea few lines in praise of the best weekly published. I have read ~ nearly every weekly published, but Tip Top beats them all. | o- It is very.strange to me how there are so many people who © read Tip Top every wéek and yet do not like it. If they do not like to read the stories, why do they read them and keep i sending in such letters to which they sign fictitious names and initials? My mother and myself read Tip Top every week. We like _ it very much, and we think that Burt L. Standish knows best* as to who Dick should have for his wife, so we will not fake — any suggestions. - Have you a catalogue of Street & Smith’s publications? How Hoping to see this in print soon, I remain, ever true to Tip Top, Grorce G, GREEN, 76 North Calumet Avenue, Hammond, Ind, It does not follow that because some of our readers express _ sentiments opposing certain characters that they do not like Tip Top. The fact that they still continue to take it is a proof that they do like it, isn’t it? Vols, 2, 6, 13 and 14 of the Tip Top | Quarterlies are out \of print. The other volumes can be sup- plied. A catalogue has been mailed you. ' “S As I have been reading the Tip Top Weekly for over a year” i now, I thought I would sit down and write and tell you what | I think of the Tip Top Weekly. sa I think the Tip Top is the best weekly that was ever published. <= 4 ‘S$? ieee I have read quite a few, but I have not read any that I like so well as I’ do the Tip Top Weekly. I have. been following the Applause column in the Tip Top | now for ‘quite a while, and I must say that I am getting tired of gs- | reading letters from those who say I. M. A. Mistake and I. M. fe- a Kicking and all those old cranks. They should have their blocks 4 _ knocked off, for they’re nothing but a set of fools, anyway, when 4 they say that C. A. hasn’t had a fair show. one What kind of a show should’ a lot of fellows like C. A. and — | his set have? They ought to have their heads cracked, that’s = | what they ought to have, when they are putting up jobs to ruin tty | Dick Merriwell. For Dick Merriwell is a good fellow all around, 4 and if it hadn’t been for Dick, Prof. Gunn would never let | Che ter Arlington come back to school again. I like Dick Merri- a well, for he is a nice sort of a fellow. And next comes Brad, lat | the boy from the West who is always bluffing; but I think that int ) Brad could put up,quite an exciting fight when his blood is up. ie Among the girls, I like Doris, June and Felicia. And I hope aS that Dick will get Doris for a bride when they get old enough id, =} to marry. ae And come to think of it, I want to ask you a question. Have ler =} ‘you got these numbers in print? 284, 285, 353, 354, 355 of Tip he 4 + ‘Top Weekly, and 1, 2 and 6 of Brave and Bold? LY Hoping to see this in print, I will close for this time, with he * ‘my best wishes to B. L. Standish and S. & S. and all the Tip of | _- Top readers. I remain, An Enemy To ALL SorEHEADS. ou 1% Moline, Ill. ny ‘és We can supply Nos. 353, 354 and 355 of Tip Top and No. 6 % of Brave and Bold. The others are out of print. a Of Dick Merriwell’s foes, Arlington takes the cake, de And Bunol seems to be always wide awake; i ; Marsh is nothing but a bag of wind, te And can do nothing but lie like sin. ‘> Of his friends, I think Brad Buckhart takes first prize; ler. max Ted Smart is full of Smarty lies, Ol ss And Tubos does nothing but eat good pies. | odie As a friend, Hal Darrell is a close second, in } And big Bob Singleton’s kinder lazy, I reckon. lat fo Merry knew how to down Del Norte, x= All Porfias could do was to loudly snort. on Se Bart Hodge is the kind of a friend to have, BS, a ’Cause he is like a balmy salve. & Hunting grizzlies in the Rockies is Frank Merfiwell; ' er oh He certainly knew how to tame Hank Bell. io Everything in Tip Top is all right, he .. So I will ring off by saying good-night. wet Please excuse the length of this, but it is the first time in three (acre years. f G. E. H. rere? Marquette, Il. \ : : ; Your verses are unique. You are a great friend of Hodge’s, ou | aren’t you? Well, he’s all right: Who’s all right? H-O-D-G-E. | Aa { ad 7 I have been reading your valuable paper for three years, and ned ---am_a great friend of the Tip Top. The thing I would like to dan \ See.ts for Dick, to g@t married, but I suppose that is because I am ~. | a young married man myself and am in a position to see the nd | delights, of married life. I have a great desire to acquire fame NG; F in the baseball world. My brother played on the first team here ke tee last year and everyone said he was the best man on the team. ee Bek I love to read the Tip Top, and my little wife and myself can est | hardly wait from one week to the other. ke _. With much applause for the Tip Top and for Street & Smith, oa a I remain, yours truly, “Littte Rep Jim.” os —. Clinton, Mo. . ‘eee. pve / | ia The joys of married life! You dé not find the yoke heavy, do you? May it always be as light as in these days, the first ess | -—Ss- years of your life as a happy husband. You are fortunate in ‘ip ——sihaving gained a partner who also appreciates Tip Top. lat | 5 ‘eet op | T have just finished reading a number of weeklies about* Frank | ip- | __Merriwell in Yale, which I liked very much. Of Frank’s flock, eA . I like Bart, Hodge, Bruce Browning, Hans Dunnerwurst and | Ephraim Gallup best. Of the girls, I like Inza Burrage best, ES and then Elsie Bellwood and Winnie Lee. Z wie a -Is Dick coming back to Fardale, or is he going to Yale after ar” he comes home from his trip abroad? I miss Chester and June Arlington in the stories of Dick's travels abroad. Of Dick’s friends, I like Brad Buckhart, Ted Smart, Hal Darrell and Bob ‘ , 4 : { AIP TOP WEEKLY. & 29 Singleton. I think that June Arlington is the girl for Dick, Doris Templeton for Brad, and Felicia Dolores for Hal Darrell. Some one said that Ted Smart is a coward, and doesn’t do any- thing but talk and brag. I suppose that person didn’t read how he fought with Dick, as told in “Dick Merriwell’s Life Struggle.” Well, that person wants to read it and he won’t say that Ted is a coward again. Hoping to see this letter in the Applause column soon, I remain, a Tip Top admirer, Harotp L. ABELL. 242 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, N. Y. Dick and Frank do so many wonderful things that it is hard to keep track of them. Dick may possibly go back to Yale, but watch Tip Top and you will have a complete diary of the Merri- wells’ career, ‘ Having just finished Tip Top No. 450, and looking over the Applause, I find a very angry Canadian. He was speaking of playing ball on an iceberg! I wouldn’t think a Canadian could play ball with a bear hide around him. : It is not necessary to say that I admire Frank and Dick, for a true reader could not help but admire them. As for CheSter, I long to see him under Dick’s feet. I hope Dick will appear at Fardale before long. I have been reading Tip Top over four years, and can say I never bought a weekly I liked better. I intend to read Tip Top- as long as I have got the price. With best wishes to the author, publishers and readers, I remain, a constant reader, R. P. Arkadelphia, Ark. Let us hope that you will always “have the price” of your fa- vorite weekly, and plenty to spare besides, ° It is with great pleasure that I now take my pen in hand to say a “few” words regarding our most popular “king of week- lies,” Tip Top. It is really “an ideal publication for the Amer- ican youth.” May it continue so. I am a veteran reader of this famous piece of literature, having read them ever since the first number made its début. I have written my opinion and praise several times, but it seems that they were lost somewhere, Mr. “Wastebasket” probably being the guilty party. However, I hope Mr. (so-calléd) Wastebasket keeps his hands off this one,- especially until it reaches the linotype machine. After that he may fall in love with it. "Words fail to express my appreciation in behalf of Mr. Standish, who portrays the various characters right to the proper point. Every one are excellent in their aspect. To leave out any single character would be like “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” without Uncle Tom or Little Eva. I am sure the readers would — not like to see any drama produced unless all the characters ‘were complete. Pardon my wayward course—this is only an exam- ple. I must say I have read with interest the letters written by some of our so-called “seemingly dissatisfied” readers. If they do not like the’ way the characters are produced, why then do they read them and then come forth to do a little knocking? Notoriety, eh? ~Well, whatever it may be, we will always bear - such idiotic pefsons in mind. The old flock are my favorites, probably because I was brought up with them. But Dick and his ‘associates will always find a place in my home, should they ever visit Paterson. , eae Before bringing these “few” lines to a complete termination, — I would like to add that I am saving souvenir post-cards, Will» exchange with any and everybody. ‘Nuff said. Again hoping — this escapes Mr. “Wastebasket,” I remain, a loyal Tip Topper; _ after wishing our hero, Burt L. and last, but not least, Stteet & — Smith, continued success, Arva E. WHITNEY. 729 East Twenty-fourth Street, Paterson, N. J. ‘ .Your interesting communication will certainly not reach “Mr. Wastebasket” this time. We are sure that Dick would gladly — accept. your cordial invitation, but Mr, Standish keeps him so busy it will probably be a long time before he findg himself in the vicinity of Paterson. “GOLDEN HOURS.” : Boys, have you any old numbers of Golden Hours? — If so, see What numbers are among them and write me, stating price. | will pay liberally to complete my files. — Address WILLIAMS, Station ‘‘O,” Box 24, New York City, — 2 BHi>vreo aw PROF. FOURMEN 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. ’ Pror. Fourmen: I have read Tip Top regularly since Dick en- - tered Fardale, and think it the “king of weeklies.” Would like to ask a few questions about myself. I am 16 years of age, 5 feet 1144 inches in height and weigh, stripped, 154 pounds. 1. Do.these correspond? Neck, 16 inches; shoulders, 4114 inches; chest, normal, 341% inches; expanded, 39 inches; waist, 30 inches; biceps, 11% inches; forearms, 11 inches; thighs, 2134 inches; calves, 1444 inches. 2. How are my measurements? I play basketball, hockey, baseball and tennis/ I use no tobacco at all, but drink one cup of coffee a day, when not in training. 3. Will this hurt much? I take a cold bath and rub-down every day in the year. 4. Is this good for a boy who wishes to become well developed? 5. What exercise will develop my legs to make me jump higher? I play center on the second basketball team at high school and expect to make the first team next year. I go to bed at eleven and rise at seven. 6. Is this enough sleep for /a growing boy? I grew 4% inches from the summer of 1903 ~ to December, 1904. Hoping to see this in print, and asking pardon for using so much space, I am, yours respectfully, Pittsburg, Pa. L. Auky. - t, Very well, considering your age. 2, Exceptionally good. You have excellent. proportions for your weight. 3. Ne, wi ¢ ag Very. 5. Bicycling, running, jumping. 6. It is not any too much. You are going to be a big man, - aren’t you? ’ - Pror. Fourmen: As I have been reading Tip Top for over three years, I take the privilege to ask you a few questions. My measurements are: Age, 15 years 10 months; height, 5 feet 5 inches; chest, normal, 34% inches; inflated, 39 inches ; neck, 1442 inches}; biceps, normal, 1034 inches; expanded, 121% inches; wrist, 65% inches; waist, 3214 inches; calf, 1434. inches. 1. Are my . measurements good? 2, What are my weak points, and what can I do to.help them? And oblige, A Goon MAN. - Brockwayville, Pa. 1. Yes, . 2. Your biceps. Dumb-bells, Indian clubs and a punching bag will develop*them. Your waist is too large. You should take some light gymnastic exercises to reduce it at least three inches. - Pror. Fourmen: I take the privilege of telling you my measure- ments and asking you a few questions, which I hope will be answered: Age, 17 years; weight, 136 pounds; height, 5 feet 6° inches; chest, normal, 3334 inches; expanded, 361% inches; biceps, ndéd, 12% inches; forearm; 91% inches; calves, 14 inches; : across shoulders, 16 inches; waist, 3134 inches; ments in proportion to my age and height? 2. What are my strong and weak points, and how can I strengthen the latter? 3. I take part in all athletic sports and it is my desire to bg a good athlete. Do you think I can become one? I neither smoke nor drink any intoxicating liquors. 4. If I keep in good training, in what time should I run a hundred yards at the age of nineteen? | 5. Is it all right to take a cold-water bath after baseball prac- tice? 6. Is it good exercise to take a run before breakfast every morning? Hoping to see this in print, I remain, yours truly, fags ae 1. Your measurements are just about right for, your age, height and weight. 2. Your only weak points are your biceps and waist. The former should be larger and the latter smaller. Dumb-bells, Indian clubs#and a punching bag will develop your biceps. * 3. Yes. By continuing to abstain from tobacco and intoxicants | and sensible «daily training, you will develop into a first-class athlete. Y 4. That will all depend upon your own ability. .The record for the 100-yard dash is 11 2-5 seconds. Tfy and smash it. 5. Yes. | 6. Yes, but not too long. “9 ° Pror. FourMEN: My height is 4 feet.9 inches, my age is only II years and my weight is 80 pounds. Chest, 26 inches; ex- panded, 29% inches; neck, 10% inches; wal 25 inches; hips, 28 inches; thigh, 1634 inches; calf, 12 inché§8; shoulders, 31% inches. 1. Where are my weak points? 2. What in and out- of-door exercise is good for the arms? 3. What is some good exercise for the body? 4. What are some good out-of-door sports? Yours, E. V. Ropinson, Kansas City. . You appear to be very well developed for your age. . Dumb-bells, Indian clubs’ punching bag, baseball, rowing. . All sensible exercise is good for the “body. . Baseball, football, rowing, swimming. Pror. FourmMen: I am 16 years old, 5% feet high and weigh 120 pounds. I am troubled with asthma. Is there any cure for it? I take deep-breathing exercises whenever I can, but some- times I,am so exhausted I can hardly breathe. I drink about 3% quarts of water daily. Will this do me harm or good? I never smoked a cigarette or drank any liquor. I work in a machine shop and walk three miles to and from work every day. I exercise half an hour every day except Monday and’ Thursday, when I am bu$y from 6 A. M. to 10.30 P. M., because I have to go to school after work, so I don’t get time to exercise. | Do you think I can leave out these two days for exercise?? Two times a week I have a very hot job which makes me sweat _ - TIP TOP WEEKLY. \ 31 a good deal, and then I take a shower bath. Is this good? I have plenty of fresh air when I do this job. Is a machinist or - tool-maker a good trade? Thanking you in advance, I remain, a “A Harp Guy.” - Your height and weight are good for your age. ee I would advise you to consult a good physician in regard to : your asthma and follow his instructions. It is a very painful } and exhausting malady, but if it is not chronic, it can be cured } by proper treatment. Drink all the water you desire; it is not harmful. : If you exercise sensibly and systematically, it will not matter a if you skip an evening occasionally. A shower bath is beneficial, but you must wait until you cool off before taking it. A first-class machinist is an excellent trade. _ At your age and owing to your line of work, you should get plenty of sleep each night. Not less than eight hours. Pror. FourMEN: My measurements are as follows: Age, 16 years; height, 5 feet 11 inches; weight, 150 pounds; neck, 15% inches; across the shoulders, 19% inches; chest, normal, 35 inches; expanded, 3934 inches; biceps, 1114 inches; forearms, 12 inches; wrist, 7 inches; waist, 31 inches; thigh, 22 inches; calves, 171-3 inches, 1. How are these’ mgasurements? 2. What are my weak points, and what are my strong ones? 3. The left side of my chest is flatter than the right. How can I remedy this? Thanking you in advance, I remain, yours truly, Keokuk, Ia. . J. P. SLAatrrery. t. Excellent. 2. Your weak points are your biceps and thighs. Strong points, chest and calves. " 3. By constant exercise of your left arm. _ Pror. Fourmen: I am a reader of Tip Top Weekly, and take the liberty to ask a few questions. Age, 18 years; weight, 134 - pounds; height, 5 feet 7 inches; chest, 33 inches; expanded, 35 inches; neck, 14% inches ; calves, 13 inches; shoulders, 18 inches; forearm, 10 inches; wrist, 7 inches. I am taking boxing lessons and play basketball. 1. Is this good exercise? 2. How are my measurements? 3. Where do I need developing? 4. How can I.develop my stomach? Hoping to see this in print, I remain, - yours truly, poe he Philadelphia, Pa. 1..¥es, 2. Not very good. \ 3. You should take some regular gymnastic exercise, as you - geem to need general development. 4. Get Prof. Donovan’s “U: S. Army Exercises,” and practice daily the eighth exercise in the book. ‘ - Pror. Fourmen: I am one of the many thousands who read _ Tip Top, and I can say a good word for it at any time. I am - 14 years 3 months old, weigh 120 pounds and am 5 feet 4 inches tall. Neck, 12% inches ; chest, expanded, 3514 inches; waist, 28 inches; forearm, 934 inches; hips, 29!4 inches; shoulder to _— ghoulder, 17 inches; thigh, 1814 inches; calf, 1214 inches; ankles, 10 inches; waist,634 inches; upper arm, 12 inches. 1. How are these measurements? athlete? 3. Where are my weak points? 4. I would like to be a pitcher, but every time I throw my arm hurts. How can I overcome it? Yours truly, a true admirer, A. URSCHEL. Massillon, Ohio. 1. Your measurements are excellent for your age. 2. You are built about the same as.a good, all-around athlete. 3. Your biceps should be about an inch larger. ; 4. You may, at some time, have sprained your arm. This may ~ account for the trouble. Constant practige will overcome it. Pror. Fourmen: I am a constant reader of the Tip Top, and take the liberty to ask you a few questions. My measurements are as follows: Height, 4 feet 10 inches; weight, 85 pounds; chest, normal, 28 inches; inflated, 3014 inches; biceps, flexed, right, 914 inches; left, 8'4 inches; thigh, 17 inches; neck, 1114 inches; across chest, 14 inches; forearm, 8 inches; waist, 25% ‘defects. 2. How do-I differ from an all-around -° inches. 1. How are my measurements? 2. What are my strong and weak points? How can I strengthen the latter? 3. How are these measurements for a boy of my age and size?. 1 re- main, A. S. Brooklyn, N. Y. 1. Very good. 2. You seem to be built proportionately and have no noticeable « 3. Very good for your size; but as you do not give your age, I cannot answer that part of your question. Pror. Fourmen: Being a constant reader of the Tip Top Weekly for the last two years, I will take the pleasure of asking you a couple of questions. I am 14 years 3 months old; height, 5 feet 114 inches; weight, 97 pounds; chest, normal, 26 inches; expanded, 28 inches; neck, 12)4 inches; shoulders, 14 inches; waist, 25 inches. How are my measurements? Thanking you in advance, yours respectfully, B. Carney. Boston, Mass. Your measurements are very good for a.boy of your age, but there is room for improvement in the dimensions of your chest. Practice_deep breathing, get plenty of fresh air in your lungs and don’t smoke cigarettes. In a very short time you will notice a marked improvement. Pror. FourMEN: My measurements are: Age, 13 years; height, 5 feet 6 inches; weight, 120 pounds; chest, normal, 31 inches; ex- panded, 3514 inches; waist, 29% inches; thigh, 2034 inches; arm, II inches; wrist, 7 inches. How are my measurements? I would like to correspond with some of the readers of my age interested in athletics. Thanking you in advance, I remain, yours, Ropert Murpry. Harrison Street, Washington C. H., Ohio. Your measurements are very good. We have not space to publish your records, but I should say that they were excellent for a boy of your age. ; Pror. FourmEn: I am 18 years 7 months old; height, 5 feet 3 inches; weight, 125 pounds; chest, normal, 30 inches; expanded, 31%4 inches; neck, 15%4 inches; wrist, 6%4 inches; waist, 29% inches; ankle, 914 inches; thigh, 1634 inches; calves, 12 inches; from shoulder to shoulder, 1634 inches. 1. How are my meas- urements? 2. What are my weak points? 3. How can.J im- prove them? 4. What can I do to get taller? I remain, yours truly, j M. Philadelphia, Pa. 1. Not very good for your age. 2. Your weakest points are your chest, thighs and calves. 3. By a sensible, systematic course of daily exercise, morning and evening. Indulge in all the outdoor sports you possibly can. Don’t smoke or use intoxicants. Get plenty of sleep. Eat whole- some food. If you follow these instructions you will note a marked improvement in a very short while. e: 4. You may have*been intended by nature to be a man of medium stature; if so, nothing can alter it. Thoroughly develop yourself along all other lines, however, and you will not notice your lack of height. It is only the weak and puny undersized men who excite our pity. Petes Pror. FourmMen: I have been reading Tip Top for about six ‘years, and would like to know the measurements of a Greek If you will answer this through the questions and cee STAR. form. department of this weekly, I will be ‘much obliged, I presume you refer to the measurements of a perfectly pro- portioned man. »They are as follows: Height, 5 feet 8 incheg; weight, 150 pounds; neck, 15 inches; chest, 40 inches; waist, 33 inches; hips, 36 inches; biceps, 15 inches; forearm, 12 ‘nches; _ thigh, 23 inches, and calves, 15 inches. > ‘ : Pror. Fourmen: Will you please answer the following ques- tions for me? 1.,1 have a habit of walking with my shoulders stooped forward. I am trying hard to break myself of it. Will extend to me the favor you do to others. TS inbie ile after 3 Si asad aapnineP atten AeA Rca aes Renae nee RA ROT EET ME i sy walking straight come natural to me after time, if I keep my mind on it every time I am walking? 2. Will you please give an all-around good list of things to eat, not for training for any special thing, but for all the time? How much cake and pie, etc., can I eat without any ill effects? Thanking you in advance, I remain, yours. truly, Harry L. S. 1. Yes; constant practice will insure an upright, graceful and correct method. in walking. 2. Your question is a difficult one to answer. There are so many good things to eat, that a list of them would fill several pages. Eat whatever your appetite craves for, provided it is wholesome. Plain, light cake is not injurious, but heavy pastry and rich pies are not healthful. Pror. Fourmen: I am 17% years old and weigh about 168 pounds. Am interested in all sports, but do very little regular exercise for the want of a proper gymnasium. I take a four- mile walk about three times a week. I am running an elevator connected directly. with the street, therefore am outdoors nearly all the time. 1. How is my weight? 2. Does my walk do me any good? 3. Is hot lemonade every night good for the system? 4. What is good for weak ankles?. 5. Please mention some good athletic club in the city, and kindly state entry fee. I remain, LEDEORHES. New York City. 1. Your weight is very good, provided you are about five feet ten or eleven inches in height. 2. Yes, walking is a very good exercise. 3. Hot lemonade is excellent for a cold, and is not harmful, but it is not necessary every night. 4. Get “Frank Merriwell’s Book of Athletic Development,’ and follow instructions on pages 126-127. 5. The ¥. M. €. A. have several excellent gymnasiums in New York City and the yearly dues are very moderate. — ~~ Pror. FourMEN: My measurements are: Age, 16 years; height, 5 feet 9% inches; weight, 125 pounds, stripped; neck, 13% inches; chest, contracted, 2914 inches; expanded; 33% inches; waist, 27 inches; biceps, 11 inches; thighs, 18 inches; calves, 1234 inches. 1. How are these measurements? 2. How much should I weigh, and how can I increase my weight? 3. What is my strongest point? 4. What are my weakest points, and how can I strengthen them? Yours, é GrorcE McDALE. Phoenixville, Pa., tr. Not very good for your height. 2. You should weigh at least twenty-five pounds more, 3. Your height is excellent for your age. 4. You need to develop in each measurement you have given. You are probably growing, however, and therefore would not be as perfectly developed as a full-grown youth. Exercise daily. Indulge in all outdoor sports. Get plenty of sleep and don’t smoke cigarettes. ; _ Pror. Fourmen: My measurements are as follows: Age, 16 years; weight, 138% pounds; height, 5 feet 8 inches; neck, 14 inches; chest, normal, 35 inches; expanded, 37 inches; waist, 32 ‘inches; léft arm, 12 inches; right, 11 inches; calves, 134% inches; - shoulders, 38 inches; wrist, 7 inches. I play football and baseball, and I also use dumb-bells, Indian clubs and acting pole. Will you please tell me'my weak points? Hoping to see this in the Tip Top soon, I remain, yours, M Waco, Tex. - You are very well developed for your age. Your weak points are your biceps and calves. The sports and gymnastic work you mention should develop them, however. Keep them up. Pror. FourmMen: I hope you will pardon this intrusion and Here are my measure- Height, 5 feet 4 inches; weight, 132 pounds; chest, 36 2% inches; biceps, 1014 inches; wrist, 6% inches; ‘thigh, 2144 inches; calf, 13 inches; ankle, 814 inches; neck, 15 inches. 1. How areé,they? 2. State my strong,and weak points. Although my arms 4re rather small and bony at the elbows, the ments: inches; waist, | TIP-TOP WEEKLY. i SY this right? Hoping to see this in print, I remain, yours truly, rest of my anatomy is well muscled and I am very strong. I participate in all out-of-door games and never have indulged in” liquors or tobacco. 3. How can I enlarge my arms, especially at the elbows? My sight is very poor at distant seeing. How can I cure them? 4. How is my weight? Wishing you a healthy _ life, I remain, very sincerely yours, ARCHIBALD. Minneapolis, Minn. 1. Excellent. ; 2. Your strong points are your chest, thighs and calves. Your — biceps are your only weak point. y 3. Use a punching bag. You are probably growing, and when you have reached your full growth the defect you speak of will probably have disappeared. 4. You are about ten pounds too heavy. Pror. Fourmen: As I am a constant reader of Tip Top, I thought I would write and see how my measurements are. I am 14 years old and 5 feet 3 inches in height. My chest, normal, is 29 inches; expanded, 33 inches; waist, 30 inches; reach, 29 inches; biceps, 14% inches and I weigh around t100 pounds, Thanking you in advance, 1 remain, yours truly, Capt. JACK. Pleasanton, Cal. Your measurements are very good, especially your biceps, which = are very well developed. Your chest should measure more, how- ever, to be in proportion with your weight and ‘height. Use dumb-bells and Indian clubs, and practice deep breathing. * Pror. FourMEN: Will you kindly answer a few questions for | an old admirer of Tip Top? I am 14 years of age, weigh 134 5 pounds and am 5 feet 8 inches tall. I take great interest in out- | door work and exercise. My record for standing jump is 7 feet | 10 inches. 1. Whai is the record for my class? 2. What is the running jump record? 3. Do my height and weight agree? 4, Am I too fat for my age? 5. What will increase my jumping 7 abilities? I remain, your patient admirer, H. P. Jounson. a Bennettsville, S. C 1. The record was made by R. C. Ewry, with 11 feet 474 inches, without weights. 2. Without weights, 24 feet 1134 inches. feet 7 inches. 3. Yes, for your age. 4. No. 5. Constant’ practice, trying each time to surpass your previous — efforts. ; ee ; With weights, 29 Pror. Fourmen: I take the liberty of asking you a few ques- tions concerning my. measurements. I am 15 years old; height, 5 feet; weight, 92 pounds; neck, 12 inches; chest, normal, 31 inches; expanded, 3214 inches; waist, 26 inches; right thigh, 18 inches; left, 17% inches; forearm, 9 inches; wrist, 614 inches. 1. What do you think of my measurements? 2. What are m weak. and strong points? 3. I use four-pound dumb-bells. Is. ‘rt, Your measurements are very good. 2. You should weigh about 100 pounds. are your chest, forearm and thighs. 3. You should not use such heavy dumb-bells. ones are the proper weight. * Your strong points Two-pound — Pror. FourmEN: I have been reading Tip Top for a long time, — and I will be pleased if you will answer a few questions for me. | I am 5 feet 3 inches tall; weight, 113 pounds; wrist, 6 inches; | chest, normal, 30 inches; expanded, 33 inches; neck, 13% inches; _ thighs, 18 inches; calf, mpinches. 1. How are my measurements? — 2. How can I build up my muscles? Thanking you for any. answer you may give, I remain, yours truly, \ * . * 1. Very good. ' oh os 2. You are very well developed now, but to keep so you must | exercise daily. Abstain from the use of tobacco and intoxicants, Get plenty of sleep, fresh air and sunshine, Pror. FourmMen: This being my first letter to you, I would like you to answer my questions, though Tip Top, as soon as possible. My measurements are: Chest, normal, 32 inches; contracted, 2 inches; expanded, 35 inches; waist, 27 inches; neck, 1234 inches; biceps, 934 inches; forearm, 9% inches; thigh,-18 inches; calf, I2 inches; weight, with clothes, 1074 pounds; height, 5 feet 4 inches; age, 16 years 2 months. 1. How are my measurements? 2. What are my weak points, and how can I strengthen them? 3. What are my strong points? 4. How much should I weigh? 5. How tall should I be? Yours truly, A READER. I. Fair. 2. Your weakest points are your biceps, thighs and weight. You can strengthen the former by dumb-bell and medicine ball exercises, and by rowing, boxing and punching the bag. Your thighs will respond greatly to running, jumping, wrestling, kick- ing and so on. For your weight, drink plenty of water between meals and on rising, and eat plain, wholesome food. You are fully fifteen pounds underweight. _ 3. Your chest, and height for age. 4: 125 pounds. 5. About what you are. Pror. FourmMEN: Having been a reader of the Tip Top for about four years, I would be pleased if you would give your Opinion of my measurements. Age, 19 years; height, stocking feet, 5 feet 9 inches; weight, stripped, 168 pounds; neck, 14% inches; chest, normal, 36 inches; expanded, 39 inches; waist, 30 inches; forearm, right, 1114 inches; left, 11 inches; biceps of _ right arm, 1234 inches; left, 1214 inches; right wrist, 7% inches; left, 714 inches; hips, 40 inches; thighs, 22 inches; calves of legs, _ 14% inches; breadth of shoulders, 18 inches; reach from tip of one middle finger to the other, 72 inches. 1. What are my weak points? How can I improve them? 2. Have I the build of an athlete? 3. What is a good plan to work up speed in baseball pitching? Am a good boxer, very quick, and I have done good footwork. Would like to make a professional boxer. 4. How can 1? 5. Have I the build of a boxer? Hoping to see this in print in its turn, and apologizing for taking up your valuable time, I remain, a firm admirer of the Tip Top, ANOTHER Lap WuHo Takes FRANK MERRIWELL For His Mopet. Chrisman, III. I. You are ten pounds overweight. Your chest expansion is not large enough and your biceps are small. You should practice deep breathing, go in for out-of-door exercise, and do something special to develop your arms, such as exercising with three-pound dumb-bells, punching the bag, and rowing or chopping wood. 2. Yes, if you harden your present proportions. 3. I am going to publish a series of papers on baseball in Tip Top very shortly, in which the art of attaining speed and curve will be discussed at length. If you will read these you will find out all I can tell you. 4. Get two men, one lighter and speedier, and one heavier and stronger, who know the rules of boxing, and fight a number of rounds each day with them, alternately. We sell a book on “The Art of Boxing and Self-Defense,” by Prof. Donovan, which may be of use to you. It costs ten cents. Whatever you do, get a book of rules and study them. Then take as much out-of-door exercise as possible to keep yourself in good trim. 5. Yes, of a middleweight. Pror. FourmMEN: As I am a constant reader of Tip Top, I beg you,to consider my measurements. Age, 13% years; height, 4 feet 10 inches; weight, 90 pounds; reach, 58 inches; chest, normal, 28 inches; expanded, 30% inches; neck, 12% inches. Yours re- spectfully, Maurice Branpt. New York City. They are very gocd. You ought to grow up a strong boy. declared the winners. 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 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. for nine members consisting of trousers, shirt, stockings, shoes and cap. 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. Each winning team will receive a full equipment Is this not worth working for, boys? Name of Team Town NAMES OF TEAM Tip Top Baseball Tournament Coupon State POSITION Pitcher Catcher Ist Base 2d Base 3d Base PORE! OPO Seok ker ye ate Peer eee SOS R. Field C. Field L. Field Final OE RENE Sain. FE aon Opponent’s Name NAMES OF TEAM Hint MRR GOP SEES TDP LE I ETA ETE OE AEA I IR REE SS IP A A