No.778 MARCH 11, 1911 5 CENTS ie ait ca “STREET & S/TH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK, MERRY TURNED QUICKLY TOLOOK, BACK,AT THE SOUND OF THE HAIL, AND SAW A STRANGER GALLOPING TOWARD HIM. vm Issued Weekly. By subscrtption $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-89 Seventh Ave., NV. Y Copyright, 1911, by STREET & SMITH. No. 778. NEW YORK, March 11, IQII. Price Five Cents, NK MERRIWELL’S BOLD PLAY: OR, The Checkmating of Felipe Lopez. By BURT L. STANDISH. i CHAPTER 1. OUT OF THE DESERT. a The molten copper sun hung low in the western sky. c All day it had been beating fiercely down on rock and “plain and dusty, cactus-coverea flats alike, withering, _ Scorching, burning, shriveling, until it was a wonder ' that anything survived the intense heat. Even now, as though loath to esata its dominion over all nature, it flared up bigger, redder, more daz- aling than ever, until it seemed as if it must soon burn up altogether with its own intensity. _ It was a vain effort.. Another ten minutes and it must drop behind the jagged peaks of the distant Sier- as, their bluish-purple outlines standing clear against e glory of the western sky. Already the rays, slant- ing across the level stretch of alkali, .cast long, gro- tesque, spragesroted shadows of the dotting cacti coat, once sleek and well kept, was gray with dust, tangled, matted, and unkempt, while hete and there across his sides and flanks, could be seen deep scratches made by the thorny undergrowth. It seemed as if he could scarcly bear the weight of the high-peaked, disreputable Mexican saddle and the small pack strapped behind it; surely not the hundred and eighty odd pounds of the man who walked a little inf advance, the bridle reins hung loosely on one arm. - He was a tall, muscular, finely formed specimen of manhood, straight as a reed and with an easy» springy stride which betokened illimitable endurance; but his whole appearance was that of one at odds with fortune. Ragged, disrepytable trousers, tucked into the tops of well-worn,-heavy cowhide boots, a rather soiled cot- ton shirt, torn in several places, and a stained Mexican - sombrero which had evidently seen much better days, constituted his simple outfit ; with, of course, the in- > ‘evitable cartridge belt and leather holster from which PeeOeS the butt of a servicable-looking revolver. The shirt was open at the throat, showing a mus-— cular, tanned neck ; and the face, with its darks ier 2 tie Tee kling eyes and clean-cut features—likewise deeply tanned—would have been handsome but for a disfig- uring growth of beard and the thick coating of gray dust that covered every square inch of his person. If he was at present out of a job and with no visible means of support—as his appearance seemed to indi- cate—the fact apparently gave him little concern. Looking more closely at the scrubby, dusty face; one could easily see, if possessed of a little judgment and discrimination, the reason for his nonchalance. If ever a man was fitted, mentally and physically, to take care of himself in the world, it was this stranger. Presently he-turned and glanced back at the tired burro. ae “Not more than a mile farther, old boy,” he re- marked, in a conversational tone. “If you weren't so dead to the world, you'd have smelled the water be- . fore this.” The burro half lifted one long ear in a dispirited manner and then let it fall’again with the incredulous air of one from whom hope has long since fled. Evi- dently he would believe the good news when it ap- peared concretely before his eyes, and not till then. The man had spoken in Spanish, pure, liquid, and quite without accent. But, in spite of that fact, he was neither Spaniard nor Mexican. One did not need the evidence of his keen, alert face to realize that, for - a greaser would have ridden the burro until the ani- mal dropped in his tracks rather than walk as this fel- low was doing. ‘No, he was an American, and it is doubtful whether a more typical, thoroughly representative one existed than Frank Merriwell. Strange as it may seem to encounter him tramping alone across this arid plain in northern Mexito, the explanation of the puzzle was remarkably simple. | . . Frank had rescued Fitzpatrick, one of the engineers of the San Pablo Mine, from the prison in which he had been thrown without a shadow of reason, so in- censing the governor of Sonora that Merry and his party were obliged to fly northward through the moun- tain wilderness in an effort to reach the border line of the States at some unfrequented point where there would be no danger of capture. In this wild land Merry had unexpectedly encoun- tered old Joe Crowfoot, and the fugitives had passed through great peril in the strange, mountain-girt val- ley of Tizan. But their danger did not end with their, escape from the valley over the mighty cliffs which formed its northern boundary. . . » There had ensued days of mapaceting) through the WEEKLY. rocky wilderness; days full of arduous climbing to dizzy heights and equally perilous descents into forest- — choked valleys; encounters with bears and mountain lions, from which they had had more than one narrow escape. There had been peril from thirst, and, in a lesser degree, from hunger; and it is doubtful whether they would ever have reached the arid plains of north- ern Chihuahua alive but for the perseverance and in-' domitable will of their leader. y Even here their troubles were far from being over. It was quite possible that the news of their audacious deed had reached even to this remote section of the country, and Frank knew the Mexican nature too well to believe that the pursuit would be relinquished as long as a shred of hope remained of their capture. The breaking of a prison under the governor’s very nose had been so open and barefaced that he would strain every nerve to lay hands on the perpetrators, if only as an example and warning to others that he w as not to be thus bearded with impunity. i Consequently, when they had quitted the mountain wilderness and were approaching the scattered little villages, a consultation was held and the conclusion — reached by Crowfoot as well as Merriwell, that it would be safer for them to separate and each one make his way across the border alone. Merry himself had taken the hardest, longest route, which led across the arid plain to the scattered. settle: ments that lay along the river forming the eastern 4 boundary of the desert. It had been a dusty, toilsome* : journey, and even he, with all his strength and ef- durance, was beginning to feel exhausted as he neared the line of willows and cottonwoods whose vivid, re freshing green spread out before him like a tate lizing mirage. | | | For a little while longer he and the burro pledae on in steady silence. Then suddenly the animal threw up his head with a long, doubtfuk sniff, both eS ears pointing forward. Ahi Frank smiled a bit. hae “You've got it at last, have you?’ hi commented “Tt’s certainly high time. Well, get a hustle on and you'll be there all the sooner, old fellow.” | The admonition was auite ee pace almost to a trot, his bloodshot eyes ali ght and e ses nostrils acess with « mag ene ie ‘ 3 TIP TOP scarcely able to restrain the animal’s impatience long enough to remove saddle and. pack, but he managed to yank them off before the burro broke from him and dashed down the little incline straight into the stream. This was broad and shallow and rather sluggish, and the animal splashed his way into it knee-deep, and then, with a long, slobbering sigh, plunged his nose SS eS ae meant to leave off. Frank descended the bank more slowly, and, fling- ing himself full length on the grass, took a long, re- freshing drink of the tepid water, which seemed like age nectar. Then he splashed it over his heated face and | qq washed the dust from his hands. 4 As he raised himself to a sitting posture, the burro : _was just lifting his dripping snout from the stream, ap- parently able to hold 'no more. “Pretty nice, isn’t it, old boy?” Merry chuckled. The burro glanced at him with a knowing air as if he thoroughly agreed with the sentiment, and then deliberately lay down so that only his head, with the abnormally long ears, showed above the surface. Frank watched him sympathetically for a few mo- _ ments, and then rose and looked about him. A couple of. hundred yards below where they were standing the stream curved sharply to the right, which, together with the thick screen of trees and under- k growth, effectually hid anything which might lie be- yond. | ‘: Presently, as his eyes ranged swiftly over the bushes on the other side of the little river, he gave a low ex- clamation of.surprise. Not half a mile away, and _ showing plainly against the clear, evening sky, a col- umn of smoke rose straight up into the breathless air. _ “Humph!” he commented. “That looks promising. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire; and ‘where there’s _ fire, there is usually some reason how lighting it. At this time of night I should say that reason was apt to _be supper. Wonder if they’ve got any to spare?” _ He might well wonder. His last scrap of food had ek i =—— ait Pia oF _ " and refreshed a little, the vital need of finding some- thing to eat was presented to him with considerable force by a decidedly empty feeling within. ‘The smoke might come from a camp fire, or pos- sibly there was a house of some sort. In either event a little investigation would do no harm, so he turned at once to secure the burro in order to hasten for- That animal had left the stream and was cropping the grass with ay SHeaey and expedition of. one who down and drank and drank and drank as if he never | been consumed for breakfast, and now, being rested WEEKLY. : 3 has learned by experience to make the most of what blessings came his way, without question and with out delay. ‘He evinced a strong distaste to having the saddle and pack strapped on his back, but, finding that Frank was quite firm, he succumbed to the inevitable, eating vigorously to the last. “Never mind, old boy,” into the saddle. . place here, but I’m not made that way, and I’ve got to locate something a little more substantial. You'll have all the grass you can cone inside of you a little farther on, so don’t worry.” He urged the animal into the stream and crossed without difficulty, the water at no time reaching above the burro’s chunky little body. There was a swift climb up the bank, followed by the thrusting aside of low-hanging limbs of willows; and the next moment they emerged upon a narrow, deeply rutted road, which looked strange enough and was altogether welcome after that long, toilsome progress through thé track- less wilderness. / But more Gisiccue than tie road, even, was the low, straggling adobe building, nestling among the greenery close beside the track a few hundred yards away, and Merry’s eyes brightened when he saw that this was where the smoke came from. Approaching it, he saw that the place was old and crumbling and in a wretched state of repair. But that was a small naatter. leaped to the ground, the ravishing odor of something frying reached his nostrils and made him smack his lips in spite of himself. . The next instant a step sounded within and a man slouched suddenly into the doorway. He was a Mexi- can of the lower class, and even more dirty and un- kempt than might be éxpected. Frank thought he had never seen a more villainous face. Low-browed and swarthy, with a nose which had once been broken and set crooked, there was something in the dark, shifty eyes which made Merry decide promptly that here was a man who could be trusted about as far as he could be seen, and no farther. Merry remarked, as he got CHAPTER IL. . A VOICE IN THE DARKNESS. For a moment the greaser glared at him in silence. “who are you? “Well,” he snapped in Spanish, ‘What do you want?” es 5 ¢ , “T know you could eat up the whole - As he reached the door and. sy TIP. “TOP ; ? Merry hesitated an instant. There was no tangible reason for suspicion, but he was a more than ordinary good judge of character, and, moreover, he was con- scious of a swift, decided feeling of repulsion—a sort of intuition that he must be on his guard—which he knew better than to disregard. “Supper,” he explained the next moment, and his Be Spanish, though perfectly intelligible, had a noticeable American accent. “I have had nothing to eat since this morning. Can I not get a little supper here?” The fellow's scowl deepened. “Bah!” he growled. “This is no almshouse. What do you think, that I give food to every one who asks? If you can pay, something might be found; other- wise hi He completed the sentence with a meaning shrug of his shoulders, and Merry’s face fell a little. “I can pay if you do not want too much,” he said doubtfully. “I’m pretty well strapped, for I’ve been out of a job a long time; but I still have a few pesos left.” Thrusting one hand into his trousers pocket, he drew >, forth several copper coins and one small silver piece. ee The Mexican’s face relaxed. : “Well,” he said grudgingly, “for the silver bit I might give you supper; but it will not be much.” 5s He paused, his eyes still fixed keenly on Merriwell’s ¥ face. + “What are you,” he went on presently; “a miner?” Frank nodded. ‘ “Yes,” he returned quickly. “I have also worked on the railroad. I came down from the mountains thinking that I might find something.” The- Mexican shrugged his shoulders again and smiled sourly. ~ “Small hope of that,” he remarked. taking on Americanos on the Mexican railroads.” — “Well, T'll have to try ranching, then,” Frank said. “I must get something to do soon or starve. - you give me a bed, as well as supper, for the silver _ piece? I can’t go any farther to-night.” i | “As you will,” he said indifferently. “It is all you have; but the bed, like the supper, may not be much.” - fellow’s hand as if he were loath to part with it. J) “Pm used to that,” he remarked, hard boards, but I like a roof over thy: head. When _ will supper be ready?” : “Oh, ten—fifteen minutes,” ; (Stay h here Twill call ken en it is Aaa WEEKLY. “They are not But will | The other extended his hand. 5 ie . Merry dropped the coin rather grudgingly into the - “T could sleep on the unknown strangers, the altercation terminate the Mexican ‘doubwated. With a wave of his hand toward a broken-down bench which stood at one side of the door, he disap-_ peared within, and presently Merry heard the murmur of voices in conversation. He did not pay much attention to them. Though he ' had acted the part of the penniless miner, it had been from am instinctive feeling that it would be unwise to allow this fellow to believe him possessed of any- thing worth stealing, more than the thought of any definite rascality. He had heard too many stories of travelers robbed and sometimes murdered at lonely wayside places, and, if one could judge by looks, his host was quite above any squeamish scruples if he thought there was any- thing to be gained by such an attempt. The role which Frank had assumed would, likewise, be calculated to see him safely through the many lit- =| tle towns on the way to the border line. Miners were ae Bi constantly coming down from the mountains and mak- — 2 i ing their way back to the United States, and he could’ ae probably pass entirely unquestioned, for he looked : the part and had managed to throw into his voice a cer- tain brusque roughness and a more or less pronounced _ illiteracy which was tost deceptive. So he paid no attention to the conversation within the house, but, turning to his impatient burro, took off saddle and pack and turned the animal loose to browse by the roadside. Then he, settled himself on the bench to await with what patience he possessed the a arrival of supper. ) Within the house, the conversation was continuing unabated. It had by this time, in fact, developed into a decidedly acrimonious dispute, and from where he — sat Merry could distinguish much of what was being - said by one of the parties—a woman—in a high- pitched, angry voice. He gathered presently that they were discussing thi own arrival, to which the unknown female seemed to— object strenuously. He gathered, also, before very’ long, that apie one Elbe was oe oes tie decide abruptly i in the unmistakable sound of a blow. “You drive me mad with your babble!” shot the man. “Remember that I am master. here. said that this man stays, and he stay ae eo — ens Aree mena rr cae aN Ne ame A aC te CBE NOOR F IEE aN Nt OO TINE EE NENT CE ACY SP a I neta er RN net TIP TOP ignorant miner and speaks little Spanish; he can do F- no harm. And in these days even a ten-peso bit is not to be despised.” r The woman made no answer, and in the silence ea which followed Frank frowned a little in a puzzled | fashion. The words were simple enough, and the rea- son for them might be a perfectly natural one, but still 1) he could not help but wonder what harm he might have 4 done had he not been an ignorant miner with but in- 7. different Spanish. ° 3 There was little time for speculation, however. Mer- . I _ riwell’s hearing was decidedly acute, but even he caught Vr no sound to herald the stealthy approach of bare feet along the stone-paved corridor inside. His first in- timation that the Mexican was near was the fellow’s voice quite close to him. | “Supper is ready within.” oq ko Merry arose promptly, thankful for the swiftly gathering darkness which hid the puzzled look on his face, and followed the man into the house and down _ the empty corridor. There was a feeling of grim satisfaction in knowing that whatever the fellow’s ‘object had been in stealing up to him, it had been thwarted. But at the same time the sensation of repulsion became intensified, and with it a conviction that the man was up to no good. Nothing of this showed on his face, however, as he followed his host into a big, bare, untidy room, _ which was evidently used as a kitchen, and took his place at a rough board table on which was placed a dish of smoking tortillas. “ 4 and the tortillas were well cooked and appetizing de- spite the surrounding filth; but at the same time noth- ing about the room or its occupants escaped his keen yi eye. } Kae The woman, frowsy and slovenly in dress and ap- pearance, was bending over a brazier in one corner, stirring a savory steaming kettle. She was probably about thirty, though looking ten years older, and her _ face wore a sullen, ill-tempered expression which was intensified by a bruise under one eye. Beyond a swift, curious glance as he first appeared in the doorway, she paid no attention whatever to Frank ; but the man _ slumped down in his chair and kept his eyes, fixed in- ee tently on Merry during the progress of the simple meal.’ He had his trouble for his pains. There: was no be doubt whatever in the genuineness of his guest’s hun- He fell to at once, for he was ravenously hungry, a and | Frank was far too clever to oe himselt | WEEKLY. : 5 When he had finished he got up and stretched him- self. “T feel like a new I reckon I'll go out and look I suppose I can turn in most any “That’s great!” he said, smiling. man, I can tell you. after my burro. time, can’t I?” The Mexican nodded without words, and, following him a little way down the corridor, threw open a door on the right. | “Sleep here,” he growled, in a surly tone. “All right,’ Frank returned cheerfully. “Ill turn in pretty quick, and if the bed’s as good as the sup- per, you won't hear from me till to-morrow morning, and late at that.” He found the burro not far from where he had left ~ | him, still eating steadily as if determined to make up for lost time. He was fixing a hobble so that the ani- mal would not wander off during the night, when he caught the faint but unmistakable sound of horses’ hoofs from the road. “Ah, ha!’ he murmured interestedly. “I wonderif — | these aren’t the expected arrivals. I’d certainly like | to get a look at them and see what they’re like.” ss It was quite dark, and where he stood, partly shel- tered by the bushes, he was well hidden from the sight of any one in the road. So he dropped the hob- ble and turned toward the direction from which the sounds had come. These grew louder and louder. Presently they — seemed to have. penetrated to the ears of the Mexi- cans; for a gleam of light flickered out of the pas- sage, and a moment later the man, carrying a lantern, appeared in the doorway just as three mounted persons rounded a bend and drew up before it. One of them leaped swiftly to the ground and busike ried to the side of one of the others, and the next instant Merry gave a start of surprise as a voice, soft, low, and unmistakably feminine, broke the silence. “Oh, thank you, sefior, but I can manage very well myself.” 2 i The rider “sprang lightly 1 to the ground, and for an instant the light of the lantern shone directly on the face of a charming girl. She could not have been much more than eighteen, but there was something, about her face, with the large, dark-fringed eyes and firm though sensitive mouth, which gave one an impression ona uw usual strength of character. _ But ak most caer ba pe of all was that vt 6 TIP TOP. WEEKLY, quite as plainly a Mexican. As he watched the party closely from his shadowy point of 7 vantage, Merry found himself wondering what it meant. oD CHAPTER (IIL. / PERPLEXITY. Having slipped from her saddle, the girl stood for a moment on the threshold while the third rfder scram- bled ponderously to the ground, revealing the portly form and ebon face of a negro woman. “Fo’ de ie missy [ she gasped, as she adjusted her skirts. “‘Ah’s mos’ dead wif ridin’ on dat contrap- tion. It shorely ain’t built ample enuff fo’ mah pus- son.” . The girl laughed merrily, but Frank’s keen ears caught a slight undercurrent of nervousness in her mirth. , i “Never mind, Chloe,” she said encdurapiely: “The ._ worst is over. Sefior Lopez promises us a good bed pe and to-morrow the ride will not be such a long one.’ The negress sighed deeply arid rolled her eyes. “Ah shorely do hope so, Miss Virginny,” she ejacu- lated fervently. ‘‘Ah’d jess about give up de g’os’ ef I had to go through anodder day lak dis. one.” Still grumbling, she followed her young mistress into the house, and the Mexican called Lopez, who had shown signs of growing impatience at the delay, brought up the rear.’ ‘ _ When they had disappeared, Merry ‘stood in the bushes for several minutes without moving or making a sound. Then he smiled a little and shrugged his » shoulders. | “Well, of all the curious busybodies, you take the cake!” he murmured. “Here’s a charming American girl traveling with her maid under the guidance of a Mexican, who seems a decent enough sort as, Mexicans go, and instantly you become devoured with curiosity as to who she is and where she is going—w hich is ab- _solutely none of your business. No doubt she’s on her way to visit friends up country, or something -like that.” But, as he turned and finished hobbling the fens: he could not help thinking of that odd touch of nerv- ousness in the girl’s voice, or a curious, scarcely per- ceptible flicker in her brown eyes while she was talk- _ ing to the negress with her head turned away. from — both ‘the Mexicans. There was som ething about that which had not seemed right.) _ know that he is not near by, listening?” business. 1 Having hobbled the burro, he crossed the road slowly and stood at the corner of the house, his fore- head wrinkled thoughtfully. he mur- I wonder ‘“There’s something wrong somewhere mured; “but I can’t put my finger on it. what - He broke off abruptly as the sould - of voices came suddenly to his ear, and then, hardly realizing why he did it, he stepped quietly aroind the corner of the A moment later the owner of the place came out, closely followed by the new arrival, and stepped toward the waiting horses. “It was most indiscreet of you, Manuel,” the one called Lopez said, in a low, angry tone. “I cannot un- derstand why you took him in. You say:he is not worth robbing.’ 3 The black-browed* rascal laughed. “You would not ask the question had you seen him,” “He is what the gringos call “dead broke.’ ‘hich I secured—and a few ; his clothes less. building into the dense shadow. he returned. He had a ten- coppers. His burro is worth nothing Why worry, Lopez? He is not to be feared. refused to take him in, he might have made things un- As it is, he will suspect nothing, and his Spanish is of a quality that one must speak slowly and distinctly in orc der to be understood.” ERS glanced, around a ’ he asked. pleasant. “But where is he now? “He goes for a stroll down the road,’ Manuel ex- plained. speaking now. You jump at a shadow, Lopez. Rest tranquil. No harm will come of it, I tell you.” Somewhat reassured, but still grumbling, Lopez took — the bridle reins of one of the horses and followed his companion around to the other side of the house, where Merry had noticed a rough track leading ot ently to a stable or outhouse. When they had gone F rank stepped out and slcod! By this time he was positive | hesitating by the door. that there was something peculiar about the whole ing. Manuel, were embarked upon some questionable enterprise, was undoubted. | Still thinking intently, Frank made his way slowly down the corridor to the room which had heen as- signed him, entering and closing the door softly be- hind him. Tt was pitch dark a and he was just oe for ay wena ey Hadi, “How do you “Then he will go to bed. But even were he within hearing, he could not understand us as we are Just what it could be he did not know, but — ‘that this man Lopez, together ‘with the villainous- look- te slp + hehe = ee en ee eed Sore “ So pg ane og a match when he caught the low murmur of voices. It seemed to come from outside the window, and it nella! bugle oda et even le Fe eas en aie ae mee ober puzzled him to know who could be there. With hands outstretched before him, he felt his way across to the casement, and a moment later was lean- ing on the sill. “I’m afraid of him, Chloe,’ sounded suddenly al- most in his ear. “I don’t know just why, but I am. He’s been very polite and thoughtful, but somehow I don’t trust him.” It was the voice of the young: girl Ww hose presence in this out-of-the-way spot had so puzzled Merry, and he saw instantly that she and her maid were in the | room next to his. They must, be standing close to the wa open window, which accounted for the clearness of their voices. stp “Ah doan lak him mahself, missy,” returned the ‘ colored woman lugubriously. “He done got de shift- F jest eyes Ah mos’ ebber see. Ah wish we hadn’ come wif him, honey.. Ah had a cremonation dere wouldn't be no good come outen it.” “But we had to come,” the girl said swiftly. ‘What else was there to do when Tom is in such frightful peril? It was the only way.” The older woman sighed gustily. “Ah specs so,” make me any moh comf’table in mah mind. Dis hyer _ain’t no fit place to bring yo’ to, honey, de good Lawd knows dat. Dey’s bin gittin’ wusser an’ wusser. Why, whar I was raised dey’d be ashamed fur to put de pigs in a room lak dis, so dey would.” She sniffed disgustedly and then went_on quickly : “An’ whaffer dat brown man wif no shoes go off so quick an’ nebber say no mo’? Ah was shorely ’spectin’ him back de berry next mawnin’, an’ he neb- ber showed hide or hair ob hisself ag’in. Tell me de reason ob dat, honey ?” ng . JT don’t know it, Chloe,” the girl answered, in a voice which trembled a little. “That's what worries - me dreadfully. Lopez came.in while we were talking, you remember, and he stopped at once as if he were afraid of him. I’m sure he must have had more to tell, but what was it? about Jack, too. message, and if he meets us to-morrow at this San es tec eces eccedh gies x fees SS a happen.” “Tt shorely am a turrible > _ “Hush!” whispered the girl, in a frightened voice. _“T hear them coming. Not another word now, Chloe. Don’t look so worried. He must not suspect.” she agreed slowly; “but dat doan Tt makes me terribly anxious I’m awfully afraid he never got my Mateo without being disguised, I don’t know what will TIP: TOP WERRLY: : cooler judgment. A Lopez, though she seemed to go with him willingly CHAPTER IV. A PRECIOUS PAIR. A moment later Merry heard steps pass his door Then came a sharp rap. * sounded in the smooth, and stop at the one beyond. “Supper is teady, sefiorita,’ well-modulated voice of Lopez. There was a rustle of skirts as the girl crossed the room and flung open the door. “I’m so glad,’ she said eagerly. was ever so hungry in all my life.” To Frank it scarcely seemed the same voice he had heard a moment before. ' There was a note of light- some carelessness in it which showed a simply marvel- ous self-control, and had Merry not chanced to over- hear her real sentiments at a moment when she sup- posed herself alone, he would never have imagined that she regarded the Mexican in anything but a friendly light. ¥ ‘St will be very rough, I’m afraid,’ Lopez said apologetically. “But in places like this one cannot ex- pect much.’ The girl faughed a little. “Never mind, it-will be food,” she returned. “We cannot be too particular when we're in the wilds. Come, Chloe.” Merriwell heard the heavy tread of the negress as she followed her mistress out of the room, and then “T don’t believe I silence fell. What did it all mean? Instead of throwing light upon the darkness, the few words he had overheard served simply to make things worse. Who was this Tom who seemed to be in such deadly peril?, Some _ one very dear to the girl, without doubt, from. the . ss anxiety she manifested concerning him. And what could be the nature of his danger? That, too, was incomprehensible. \ ~— Then there was Jack, whom they apparently ex- pected:to see in San Mateo the next day. His identity: was quite as much of a puzzle as was the other. And why was it necessary for hin®to be disguised? . Was it’ possible that he, too, had been offending against the 7 government : p For a while Frank stood by the window scudeeee over the strange situation, but lack of more complete knowledge made it very baffling. A dozen solutions occurred to him, only to be EOIRCTRS in the light: of But one thing loomed clearly out of the intricate jumble. . For some reason the girl was afraid of th ao | TIP TOP enough; and Lopez was without doubt on friendly, if not intimate, terms with the low-browed Manuel, than whom, Merry was convinced, a greater scoundrel was rarely met. . He resolved, therefore, to do on his own ‘hook later in the evening, when things had settled down, with the object of finding out something a little investigating more definite of their relations to each other, and also, if possible, what scheme they had on hand which centered around this girl. - In the meantime, he struck a match and surveyed the room. It was bare and filthy, like the others he had seen. A broken-down cot, over which was spread a single ragged blanket which made him shudder, and a single tottering bench composed the furniture in sight.» There was not even a candle or lamp; but that, after all, was unnecessary. Dropping the match, Merry sat down gingerly on the bench and pulled off his boots. Then, much as he _. disliked it, he dropped down at full length on the bed /.- to wait. Perhaps half an hour passed in silencé, and, after the toilsome days and anxious, wakeful nights of the past week, Merry found it extremely difficult to keep his eyes open. More than once he found the lids drooping in spite of his determination not to drowse, and he was just dropping off in earnest when the sound of the two women returning to the room next door brought him back to complete wakefulness like a flash. The low murmur of conversation, which began the moment their door was closed, did not continue long and was presently succeeded by intense quiet. Merry guessed them both to be pretty well worn out by the _. day’s riding, and was not surprised at their going to sleep so soon. h He would, have given anything to be able to do the same himself, but he must not. Another half hour or so went by, and then he caught the shuffle of stealthy door, and was succeeded by a faint scratching on the panel. | eavily and regularly. The scratching was repeated, -and then came a guarded knock; but still the man on the bed lay quiet, apparently overcome by deep slum- - ber. Bae oe - The next instant the knob was turned pearaaely, and there was a little click as the latch gave. _ Merry faced the door and was watching it intently from under drooping lids. the house and its occupants. _ feet in the corridor, which paused presently outside his. Merry instantly closed his eyes and began to breathe He saw: it swing slowly | open without a sound, caught the. slg of light | ee ee a gee WEEKLY. through the rapidly widening crack, and was not at all surprised when Manuel stepped into the room carrying a candle carefully shaded with one hand, and stood gaz- ing intently toward the bed. For almost a full minute he stood there without making a sound. Then, seemingly satisfied that his guest was really sleeping heavily, he turned and tip- toed out again, closed the door softly behind him, and pattered back down the corridor. For a good fifteen minutes Frank did not move. Then he cautiously raised himself from the bed and slipped across the room. The door moved easily and with a significant lack of creaking or noise of any kind. It was evidently kept well oiled. Which fact, together with a total absence of locks or bolts, more. than confirmed Merry’s sizing up of the character of He had done wisely to play the part of a penniless miner. At the far end of the corridor a faint light shone ‘out. from the kitchen, which opened off the right of the passage, and Frank crept slowly thither, making no sound in his stocking feet: Reaching the door, he stopped. He did not dare risk looking in, but that was unnecessary. ‘two men were talking earnestly, and in a moment he had recog- nized their voices. ‘ “You saw Juarez, I hope, and told him of the rifles?” Cee was Saying. * “Yes, of a surety,’ Manuel returned. : on Tuesday and was rejoiced-at eee good news. But where are the arms?” , nae “T am to meet the agent of an American firm in San Mateo to-morrow. I could not, of course, do any-» thing in the matter at Pretilla. The spies of the governor are everywhere. Americano to have them shipped down from the States as mining machinery. That will be safe enough.” “Safe enough if nobody suspects you,” Mariuel com- — mented doubtfully. “Who should suspect?” demanded Lopez testily. ‘Who is there to dream that I, the government agent in charge of the Espinazo Mines, would furnish arms to the revolutionists? Bah! You are childish, Man-. uel. Did I not see the governor himself at Pretilla — and assure him that the uprising was but trivial and — ‘that we at the mines had nothing to fear from them? I did, indeed, suggest that it might be as well to double the guards as a matter of precaution with so much gold stored there waiting shipment, but it was. 7° merely as a matter of precaution, and not that I really feared anything. I am happy to say that his excellency — “THe was here” I shall arrange with this _ pense. from you beforehand when the assault will -a brave’ stand disperse or not, as they see fit. stay it matters not. Ma tan nn OO reayerngee Tciedhiohiitigaleh” siasonch t eoicgadpeniediienreice!amceecet test areee eee TIP TOP has the utmost faith in my integrity, and gave me the authority for hiring good men for that purpose.” Manuel chuckled. “And you, of course, will hire men upon whom you can depend,” he remarked ‘significantly. “But still, Lopez, does it not strike you as dangerous business, this playing with fire? Were it ever discovered, it would be short shift with you. soldiers, a puff of smoke, a flash, and paff! the end. Myself, I should be content with the smaller, safer A ’dobe wall, a dozen profits you are able to make by abstracting the gold now and then and juggling your accounts.” Lopez made an impatient clicking sound with his _ tongue. “Tush!” he exclaimed quickly. “That is as nothing compared with what this haul will be. moreover, .in a continual state of anxiety Who can tell when it might occur to the goy- ernor to send up an examiner? Where would I be then? I have covered my tracks well, to be sure, but It keeps me, and sus- j . no one can tell what those probes might ferret out. We arm not even Why, the other the revolutionists secretly. know my name. You have kept that to yourself, I hope?” | “Yes, he knows you only as a well- wisher of the cause who cannot appear openly.” “Good! When they are well organized, you sug- gest casually to Juarez that an attack on the great Espinazo Mines—the property of the government— is really far: more secure. Juarez does would be a blow which would strike to the very quick, afid be, besides, productive of no small profit. They agree with you and fall upon the mines. : knowing be made, am in readiness. Like a faithful employee, I make a length sufficient to enable you and a few dependable comrades, who have been ad- mitted by the secret way, to logt the treasure room of most of the bullion and carry it out the way you came. “Then the place is stormed, and I fly for my life with the other employees, being able to do no more to defend my trust. The rebels rush in and break open the treasure room, which has been carefully locked after you. They are dismayed, no doubt, at finding so little gold, but they take what there is and Whether they go or The gold, by this time, is safely buried where it can be recovered at our leisure. I “am overcome with remorse at not having been able to repel the assaults, but who can blame me against num- ' bers.so overpowering? No one suspects. If I lose my SR Cage rete pre teresting, too. WEEKLY. . $ 9 position I shall not weep. It is but a step, more or less, to American soil, where life is pleasant enough for one who has money.” t “But what of me?” inquired Manuel. “You can do as you please. Who is to connect you with the ‘affair? It will be supposed that the rebels have taken it all away. You can betake yourself to another country, or stay here with equal safety.” There was a momentary pause during which Man- uel seemed to be thinking the matter over. “Tt sounds safe enough,” he admitted presently, in a grudging tone. ‘ “It is safe,” Lopez returned promptly. “I do not see how it can fail. The governor is completely hood- winked. He believes me one of his most loyal sup- porters.” . 2 “But this girl,” objected Manuel; “would it not be safer to leave her out of it just now?” A chair grated suddenly in the room, and the next instant a shadow, passing between the lamp and the door, sent Merry scurrying down the corridor. Hesi- tating for a moment at his door, he saw that one of the, men had risen and was pacing back and forth across the kitchen, for ‘the shadow appeared and dis- appeared in the lighted square at the end of the hall. It was most annoying. | He could hear the steady murmur of voices, but was unable to distinguish a sin- gle word, and he dared not return to his post of ob- servation lest one of them suddenly emerge and catch him there. “Baht” he muttered. “Just when it was getting in- sum luck!” ; * Presently a second chair grated on the stone floor, and he stepped back into his room and closed the door softly behind him. In an instant he was on the bed, and a moment later he heard the two pass him and enter a room farther down the corridor. Evidently the talk was over and they were going to bed. Though he was as far off as ever from solving the mystery: of the girl, Merry had discovered something else which was quite as interesting and perhaps more important. Ae As he lay there turning the matter over in his mind, he smiled grimly at-the thought of the rage and con- sternation of the two Mexicans had they guessed that he had been a party to their conference. “My life wouldn’t be worth five cents,” he mur- mired. “They wouldn’t, rest till they’d put a knife between my rib§ or a bullet into me somehow. I don’ t know that I’m in an altogether enviable position even now, If that Manuel has the faintest suspicion that a j ee 10 : TIP TOP it would be worth the trouble, he’s just as likely as not to slip in here before morning and settle me.” He hesitated for a minute or two. ‘‘Reckon I'd better not go to sleep at all,” he thought. Tf I stay awake I'll be able to leave here bright and early and start along the road toward San Mateo. Then something or other can delay me until Lopez and his party come up; for I certainly can’t go on and leave that girl in the clutches of such a scoundrel as he is. Whether she’s going willingly or not, she surely can’t know his real character; and, as for him, I’ll take my oath he’s up to no good. It certainly looks as if it were up to yours truly to put a spoke in the rascal’s wheel, even if I do have to lose a lot of beauty sleep.” But this was easier said than done. Merry was abso- _lutely worn out by the physical and mental strain he had been under for-the past week. He had not had a real night’s rest in all that time, and every nerve in him cried out for it now. For a time he managed, by sheer will power, to keep his eyes open. It was doubly hard from the fact that he dared not get out of bed and walk about for fear of rousing some one, but had to lie quite still, con- stantly fighting against the ov erpowering weariness which surged over him with ever-increasing power. Time and time again he almost lost consciousness, oa but managed to pull himself together at the last mo- ment. He drowsed and woke again, ‘almost by in- + stinct, and drowsed and woke. His eyelids felt as if they were hung with iron weights and had to be propped open. It was as if he had taken some pow erful narcotic, - but it was only nature’s way of repairing damages, and at Jast,, as is usually the case, nature won out. | But at first even his sleep was uneasy, as if his sub- - conscious self were keeping up the losing battle. His breathing was uneven and labored; he moved and tossed and muttered incoherent nothings. At last he quieted slowly; his breathing became long and deep and regular. And so the minutes ticked away to hours; the night passed and dawn began to tinge the eastern sky. > And still he slept. CHAPTER V. A CHANGE OF PLAN. When at last Merry opened his eyes they were daz- led by a stream of bright sunshine which slanted through the open window and shone across the bed. — Q ) ; ; , y / 2 n 9 b 1 ; pA sting A osenRcneetimetometinea epee amat WEEKLY. lor a moment he lay there blinking in the glare, his sleep-muddled senses not yet able to take in the where and how and. wh dazed, y of things. Then he leaped to his feet with a swift exclamation of dismay, and ees to the window. By Jove!” he exclaimed. dead!” For an instant he stood silent looking out on the tangle of green which crowded the building close, and then at the sun, already well above the horizon. “Wouldn’t that kill you “Jove! he repeated angrily, snatching at one boot . and crowding his foot into it. fair, I never saw one!” The house was silent. the room next to his. Of course, the party might be at breakfast, but he had little hope of that. Doubtless they were well on their way by this time. However, self-condemnation and regrets did no good. The thing was done beyond recall. He had slept and let them go. his error as swiftly and as skillfully as was possible. A couple of minutes later he strolled down the hall “If I’m not a dope for Not a murmur came from with every appearance of good-humored leisure, and. hesitated at the kitchen door. Manuel lounged in a chair, his feet on the table, a lighted cigarette droop- ing from one corner of his mouth, The woman was nowhere to be seen. “Good morning,” Merry said cheerily. The Mexican returned his greeting in a rather surly. tone and remarked that he seemed to have slept well. “You bet I did!” Frank said emphatically. “Had a great rest, but I must be getting on. Say, let me have a chunk of bread or something for break- fast? Give me a couple of pesos’ worth.” 7 Manuel arose, grumbling, and brought out some rather stale bread which he handed to Merry and re- ceived two coppers in exchange. Then he strolled to the door and watched Frank saddle the burro. _ “Was there anybody else but me here last night?” the latter asked casually, as he led the animal out into the road and faced him 1 in the opposite direction from that in which he wanted to go. I came back I was too sleepy to look them up.” The Mexican hesitated for an instant. “It was a party bound for the mines,’ shortly. “They left at sunrise this morning. You are going on to Baja?” Merry nodded, . “Yes, and farther yet if I don’t oe a job there,” he volunteered. “Well, adios. I must be off.” Bea It was up to him now to remedy. can't you — oe thought I heard ra some horses while I was up the:road a bit, but when _ ’ he returned — Bo at t Sie ae He swung into the saddle and sent the burro down the road at a trot. Though he did not look back, he knew perfectly well that the black-browed. man was watching him intently as if anxious to make sure that he really was going in that direction. . So he kept steadily on as long as there was a chance of being seen from the house. But the instant he had passed from view, he leaped off and led the burro through the trees and bushes to the edge of the stream. _ Crossing this and making his way to the edge of the sandy plain he had traversed yesterday, he mounted again and urged the animal southward. ~The thick screen of trees and undergrowth hid the road completely; the soft, yielding sand muffled the sounds of the burro’s hoofs, so that there was no fear of Manuel’s suspicions being aroused, even if he were lingering in the doorway. Merry kept to this side of the stream for about half a mile, and then crossed back again and started along the road at a trot. . The ride bade fair to be a long one, for, though he had never been there in person, Merry knew consider- able about the Espinazo gold mines, which were sup- posed to be very rich and were the property of the Mexican government. The village of San Mateo was a small one, composed _ almost entirely of laborers working in the mines, and their families; and though, for some purpose, Lopez seemed to have deceived the girl as to the distance of this village, Frank knew that it was a good day’s journey and that he could not hope to reach it before nightfall. But there was plenty with which to occupy his mind as he trotted along the rough track, slowing up now -and then to give the burro a breathing space, only to. urge him on again as soon as he was rested. ‘ The situation in which he found himself—or, rather, into which he had thrust himself with deliberate in- tent—was a serious one. Apparently this Lopez held an important position in the mines. He could scarcely be the superintendent, but was probably the govern- ment agent having charge of the shipment of gold and the accounts. It f llowed, therefore, that he must be all powerful at San Mateo. The inhabitants, one and all, would do his bidding without hesitation and with- out question, and Merry would have to proceed with the utmost caution. The knowledge that he had acquired of Lopez’s dou- , “Dle-dealing—for there was no doubt whatever that he had been systematically, defrauding the government and was on the verge of even more traitorous doings my . oe WEEKLY. rr —would give him a tremendous hold over the rascai anywhere but at the mines. There, however, it would be quite useless, and would certainly prove fatal were the slightest suspicion of it to reach the fellow’s ears. With practically the en- tire population at his beck and call, Lopez would find it extremely easy to have a solitary American miner put out of the way. He would simply disappear from the face of the earth, and no clew would ever be forth- coming as to the manner of his going. Of course, when he failed to turn up in the States, Crowfoot and his friends would no doubt institute. a search, but it would ‘scarcely occur to them that he had turned southward again and was making for the moun- tains, when his intention on leaving them had been to journey in quite the opposite direction. So it behooved him to exercise the utmost care in his movements and to play his part with all the skill which was in him. Luckily Lopez was ignorant of his appearance, and, if the worst came fo the worst, he might even risk entering the town openly to ask for work; but he decided not to take such a step unless it was absolutely necessary. He would not reach San Mateo until after dark. It - would be odd if, before morning, he could not hit upon some plan of making his presence known to the girl and placing his services at her disposal; at the same time acquainting her with the real character of the Mexican. | So he jogged along, keeping a sharp lookout for travelers of any sort, or wayside dwellings. Of the lat- ter he found none. It would seem as if the house where he had spent the night was the last one to inter- vene between the town of Baja to the north—the terminus of the branch nailroad—and San Mateo, It scarcely surprised him, for the country was neither fertile nor attractive. The desert approached closely to the road on the west, being separated from . it only by the stream, which soon dwindled down to a mere brook. On the other hand was a thick, scrubby growth of mesquite, the creosote plant—a vile smell- ing bush which even the burros will not touch—prickly pear, and various sorts of cacti, making a thorny, im- penetrable tangle which offered small inducements for cultivators. Merry was not sorry to find the road so deserted. It would please him very much if he-encountered no one before reaching his journey’s end. ‘Early in the afternoon he halted for half an hour to give the burro a chance to crop some of the grass , and bushes along the stream, while he finished the dry bread before going on again. It was in the neighborhood of four o’clock that he jogged past.a narrow trail which had been cut through the undergrowth on his left and seemed to lead a little way into the tangle, only to vanish around a curve not a hundred feet away. He paid little attention to it, deciding that it was the entrance to some deserted hacienda, but scarcely fifteen minutes later he pulled up his burro with a low exclamation of surprise as the sound of horse’s hoofs came faintly to his*ears from behind. He loosened his rein the next moment, however. What did it matter if he was overtaken by some one riding to the mines? road as any one. So he trotted on again without even a backward glance. The dull thud sounded louder and louder. Evidently the fellow was in a hurry. The next in- stant came a shrill whistle, followed instantly by a shout. “Hi, there! Wait a second, will you?” Merry stopped as if shot, and turned swiftly in his saddle. The voice was unmistakably that of an Ameri- can, and his eyes widened with surprise as they fell upon the rider coming at a gallop. He was a man ot about twenty-eight or nine, trim and spruce in a brand-new khaki riding suit with tan _ puttees, which made a vivid contrast to’ Merriwell’s ragged, disreputable attire and unshaven face. _ His horse, a good-looking bay, was foam-flecked and panting, and showed every evidence of hard rid- ing; and it was with a well hidden, but decidedly ab- sorbing, curiosity that Frank awaited his approach. CJ Seem tee CHAPTER VI. THE STRANGER ON THE ROAD. ‘A moment later the newcomer drew rein beside him, and Merry caught a gleam of surprise in the keen blue eyes which met his. F “Hel-lo!” the stranger ejaculated. not a greaser, after all!” : __ “Not on your natural!” Frank retorted roughly, and - with some appearance of anger. “Where’s your eyes _ that you can’t tell a white man?” He deemed it wiser, until he knew more of this fel _ low, to keep up his assumed character. _ The newcomer smiled pleasantly. “Why, you're He had: as much right on the, TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Don’t get choleric under the collar,” he said apolo- getically. “I was looking at your sombrero, which is sure enough Mexican; and, besides, I didn’t expect for a minute to run across a fellow countryman in this wilderness. “It’s certainly good to hear something but jabber which you don’t understand.” ‘You don’t savvy the lingo, then?” Merry inquired, his face relaxing. “Nix!” returned the other promptly. ‘English is good enough for me, and I’ve usually paddled along well enough with it until I struck this hole.” He hesitated dn instant and then went on: “My name’s Harding, and I’m right glad to meet you.” | : Frank took the proffered hand and shook it heartily. “Same here,” he returned promptly. “You can call me Smith. On the way to the mines, I s’pose?’’ Harding hesitated for the fraction of a second. “Well, not exactly,” he said slowly. “I have—er— a little business in San Mateo, but—not at the mines.” By this time they had started on again and were proceeding at a walk. Merry was watching the stranger’s face keenly but unobtrusively, for a rather curious notion had crept into his head. “Well, I don’t guess we'll hit that joint till after dark,” he remarked carelessly. “Not that it makes any difference to me, ’cause I can’t see the supe till to-morrow, anyhow. I heard this mine was a pretty good-paying proposition, an’ thought I might land a job there.” Harding raised his eyebrows. “Yes?” he murmured, in a tone of polite indiffer- ence. “I don’t know much about mines, myself.” Frank scowled. “You're lucky, then,” he said shortly. “With all these rows and rebellions going on, it’s as much as your life is worth to get taken on in this forsaken country. I’ve just about made up my mind, if this thing don't pan out, to throw up the sponge and go back to the cow business. There ain’t so much money in it, but it’s steady.” “T suppose it must be,” remarked Harding, with that same preoccupied air. for beef.” It was quite plain, however, that the cattle industry _ seemed to have no more interest for him than did _ It was — mining, and a rather prolonged pause ensued. broken at last by Harding. “Have you—er—passed anybody on the road this morning, or been passed?” he asked, with an ae i t sap Even now Frank could see that inte was a decided frown on his face, and more than once he was con- scious of a quick, sidelong glance from the man beside him, as if Harding were wondering how much this rough miner really knew of hes affairs. Whether “Jack” was in disguise or not, it was im- possible to say. He seemed to be traveling under a false name, but beyond that Frank could see nothing which betokened him-to be other than what he ap- peared—a clean-cut, well-set-up young American, who preferred to keep the nature of his business to“him- self. Perhaps he had saelibed the letter about which the ey girl had been so anxious, and perhaps not. At all events, time would tell. And so they went on their way, chatting a little now arid then, but most of the time riding in silence, until the sun set and darkness began to fall rapidly, has- It seemed possible—even probable. tains, which told them that their journey was rapidly nearing its end, and that San Mateo was close at hand. / —_——! ' CHAPTER VIL. FROM THE SHADOW OF THE-GARDEN. oe ‘It was quite dark when the two men came within sight of the little village of San Mateo. Perhaps it ‘would be more accurate to say that it was as dark as.it ever became on a clear night in that semitropical coun- try where the stars’ seem packed together like pas- sengers on a New York subway express at six o'clock At xe events, they could see each other’ S face ae . eee ee TEP STOP plainly as they reined in their mounts at a point near the outskirts, whence they looked declivity for a moment, in silence, at the twinkling lights of the town nestling in a little hollow at the foot _ of the tow ering mountains which frowned upon it like a mighty threat. “Well, that’s the place, I reckon,’ Frank remarked presently, as he dismounted from the burre and stretched his arms. Harding looked at him in surprise. “Aren't you going to ride in?” he asked curiously. Merry shook his head. ee “Nix!” he retorted emphatically. ‘These days I believe in taking a good look at a place and the peo- ple on the quiet before I show myself. - American stock ain’t very high just now among the greasers, and I’ve had one or two close shaves lately from riding up to inns as bold as brass like I owned the place, which sure have taught me a lesson. No, sir! Little Willy is going to leave his burro right here among the trees and take a quiet snoop 4round for an hour or two on foot. That’s time enough to get wise to what sort of a crowd théy are.” Harding hesitated for an instant. “By Jove!” he exclaimed presently. ‘I don’t know but you’re right, Smith. I’ve heard lots of tales about Americans being hooted and hissed and sometimes stoned, but I never believed half of them. If, things are as bad as you say, I reckon you're doing the proper thing; and I'll stick by you, if you don't mind.” “Not any,’ Merry returned heartily. ‘Glad to have - your company. Of course, it may be a waste of time. Perhaps they’re all right here. But you can’t tell that offhand without looking about a bit.” Leading their animals well into the trees, they fas- tened them securely to a couple of saplings a little dis-, tance apart, and then returned to the road. The nearest light was not more than a quarter of a mile away, and, reaching it, they found that it shone from the window of a tiny cottage standing in a well- ' down the gentle kept garden. Beyond it, at irregular intervals, gleamed the white fronts of other cottages, while still farther on was a larger, more straggling building, in front of which were collected a number of men, laughing and » chattering. Two horses were fastened to a hitching rack just beside the door. | All this they observed from the shadow of the trees, and then Merry leaned closer to his companion. “That’s the hotel, I reckon,’’ he whispered. “If we can pike around behind it mebbe we can get next to - something worth knowing.” ‘ -would, of course, have been tightly closed, and the cans are noted for their love of privacy and seem to ' be able to exist on a modicum of fresh air. -ajsound over the soft grass, they heard a man’s voice | falling with varied inflections. WEEKLY. Harding nodded. | in the You're wise about this: in he returned, “You'd better take the lead. sort of thing more than I am.” Without further words, Frank slipped into the grove and began to circle cautiously around the backs of the ae little gardens. In about ten minutes they came to an jf \ . . 4 adobe wall which apparently inclosed the grounds about i the inn, for they could see’ the irregular, low outline of the roof above it. N They were following this along on the chance of y i finding some close-growing tree that would help them | over, when Merry suddenly came upon a wooden gate which yielded-to his touch. 4 Mire “This is luck,” he murmured. f | “Like taking money — [ff from a kid. ip Come on, Harding.” Entering cautiously, they found themselves in a well- laid-out garden with paths of gravel and sod borders, =) something unusual and unexpected in that region. The 9 f rear of the house, looming up before them, was almost entirely dark. a little to the left of the main part of the building, and thither they made their way, walking noiselessly on the turf border of the path. A light shone from only one window. The window’ was set rather high up in the wall, the sill being at least five feet from the ground, and was Had it faced on the street, the shutters wide open. thin muslin curtains drawn across it; for the Mexi- ‘But, open- ; ing as it did onto theyprivacy of the walled garden, that was doubtless thought unnecessary. As the two men approached cautiously and without speaking in Spanish. It was a cultivated voice, witha sort of low, purring quality, and went on rising and — Somehow it seemed, — even in its indistinctness, decidedly familiar to, Merry. He was trying to place it in his mind, at the same) time wondering whether it would be safe to approach close enough to look into the room, when suddenly — another voice—a woman’s—sharp and vibrant with a _ curious combination of surprise, anger, and cutting © contempt, sounded clear and distinct on the still night airs ' : “Stop! ‘How dare you say such things tome? How dare you suppose for an instant. that I would marry > such a crearayy as you have spe n oa to ber” Tie TOP ‘ae warn, and, regardless of the risk he ran, he moved swiftly forward to a point from which he could see into the room, dnd yet remain invisible unless some i one came close to the window and looked out into the t garden. ip. It was indeed she. Standing at one side of a table i under the glare of the hanging oil lamp, she seemed ‘ i was a look of determination to her firm mouth and chin, and a cold, cutting contempt in the level glance with which she regarded Lopez, which made Frank cer- tain that the Mexican would have to advance powerful _ arguments to bend her to his purpose. He seemed not in the least disturbed by her anger. ‘He stood there twirling his mustache and regarding ' her from under drooping lids with a half smile on his | thin lips, which must have been maddening. The negress stood close by her mistress, her hands resting belligerently on her ample hips, and a scowl on her oo dark face which boded little good for the dapper Mexi- ‘can. She looked as if she were longing to pick him up - and throw him out of the window. And} as he glanced | at her, Merry decided that she was fully able to do it, — too. . »» Then Lopez broke the silence which had followed the girl’s passionate outburst. “T am sure the sefiorita will reconsider her hasty estes.” he purred. “An alliance with Felipe Lopez cannot be such a terrible thing. I am rich, of good family. I am. not positively ill-looking.” _ He twirled his mustache with the air of one who con- siders himself very far from being that. _ “No, not by any means ill-looking,” he repeated. “I have many friends and much influence. And best of all among my arguments is—your brother.” He spoke the last two words significantly; and F rank saw the girl shrink a little and turny pale in spite of ~ her brave effort for self-control. “He is in my house,” Lopez continued, in his soft, “silly voice. “Safe now, but I\ should be desolated, sefiorita, at the thought of what might happen were he turned over to the rebels. Their hatred for Ameri- cans is deplorable—regrettable; but very, very bitter. I fear his life would not be worth a moment’s pur- chase were they to get him in their hands. I should protect your prigher.” Me even younger than she had the night before; but there : grieve much, sefiorita, at the necessity; but you can. see ane should you ere in your refusal to aay ea Ww as an perms of dazed horror i in her face IEEE APO LI MS rn ORAM EET LE EAT SLE OE TTL AEE St se ae aan ee WEEKLY. 15 “The letter you brought me saying that he was dangerously ill and needed me rican could venture here on account of the rebels, and that I must trust you in everything! How could he write that let- ter, knowing you?” “But his letter!” she exclaimed incredulously. safely The Mexican smiled placidly. ‘He wrote at my dictation, sefiorita,” he purred. had him safe, and there are ways, you know TF She covered her face suddenly with both hands and as swiftly snatched them away again. Her eyes were blazing. The mine, then, that he came to inspect,” she cried; “that was part of the scheme, I suppose? A lie! All cold-blooded lies! He is not ill What a horribl lies—contemptible, at all, but a prisoner of yours! creature you are—horrible!” “Tut-tut,”’ fair in love and war, as you Americanos say. Much should be forgiven a great love like mine. After you had refused me in Richmond I could neither eat nor sleep, nor think of anything but you. I could not exist without you, and so I laid my plans ‘to bring about this end. But those are not pleasant things for you to say about your future husband.” She threw out both hands in a passionate gesture. — “Husband!” she cried scornfully. “T would rather die than be your wife!» Do you think I could live with you, knowing what you are—how mean and small and contemptible, how wicked?” | Her voice broke at the end, and she. buried her face in her hands again.. “All is murmured Lopez reprovingly. outstretched hand as if he would have stroked her bowed head, but he was suddenly flung back by a single thrust of Chloe’s arm. At the same instant such:a roar of inarticulate fury issued from the fips pf the - negress that the Mexican leaped still farther away and hastily sheltered himself behind the table. “Doan yo" tech: her, yo’ mis’able, low-down’ yaller _ critter!” she frothed angrily. “Ah’'ll shorely brek — ebbery bone in yo’re"body if yo’ doan git outen dis room, an’ git quick! ‘Whaffer yo’ come aroun’ pes- terin’ “Miss Virgingy wif yo’ talk ob mar’age? Ain't — yo’ got no sens’ leff? Doan yo’ know she would’n mahry sich trash as yo’ is, if yo’ was de las’ man lef’ on de Lawd’s earth. Go’wan wif yo’ or Ah’ ll trow yo’ outen de winder as shore as mah name’s Chloe.” | While she was speaking Lopez had been edging — closer and closer to the door, and now he stood with — one hand on the latch and, his thin, narrow face | a. sickly, greenish ‘yellow, Lopez took a step forward with .° dencosarreenea oe he eae 16 It was not a pretty sight which met the girl’s scorn- ful glance as she raised her eyes and put one hand on the negress’ arm. “That will do, Chloe,” she said quietly. understand quite everything.” Lopez brightened up perceptibly. “Exactly,” he said, with an attempt at his usual smoothness, which was not altogether a success. “She does not understand, as you do. But I will leave you alone to think over the situation. I think you will be reasonable and have a good answer for me to-mor- row. I will be here about nine.” | The latch clicked, and he would have gone but for her detaining gesture. “One moment,” she said, in a low tone. “That man —the native who came to me with a message from Tom. He had just commenced to tell it when you came in. I—never saw him again. What—happened —to him?” Fe The smile on the Mexican’s face was not a pleasant thing to contemplate. “An accident, sefiorita,” he purred; “a most deplor- able accident. He was found dead next morning in the square. Assassinated, I believe they said, but the perpetrators of the outrage were never discovered. Think the matter over well, sefiorita. Until to-mor- row, then, Buenos noche.” ; He slipped out of the room, and the door clicked be- hind him.. For a moment the girl stood there rigid and pale as death. Then she threw up her hands in a gesture of utter despair. “You don’t “Dead!” she murmured, in a voice of horror. “Killed by that creature! And—-Tom—is—in—his— power!” ‘ The next moment she had swayed into a chair by the table, and, Uropping her head down on her outstretched arms, began to sob as if her heart would break. \ ‘ ay % \ CHAPTER VIII. » THE RESCUE OF TOM CARRINGTON. i ' It had taken all Frank’s strength of will to keep from leaping through the window and smashing the sneer ing face of the Mexican. But he had managed to re- frain, for he knew that such a step w ould ruin every- thing. ‘ The conversation had opened his eyes to much that ad been so perplexing, and already he had’ mapped Co in his mind a plan of campaign Ww hich, he hoped . ‘acknowledged. , WEEKLY. would be successful. He was just on the point of to the window when a voice close him whispered savagely: ; ' He ought to be advancing softly beside “The contemptible scoundrel! hung!” Turning swiftly, he saw that it was Harding, whose presence in the garden he had completely forgotten in the interest and tension of the little drama within the house which had just been finished. His tone, though low and guarded, was full es anger and indignation, but somehow Merry felt that some- thing was lacking. Evidently he had been a witness to the whole proceeding, and Frank found himself wondering how the man had contained himself at the sight of this girl whom he knew being baited and in-— sulted by a creature like Lopez. It had been hard enough for Merry, a total stranger, to keep himself within bounds. Harding must be.either extraordi- narily callous or possessed of an oe superhuman self-control. The fellow’s next words almost took Frank’s breath away: ‘ “Have you any idea who che} is?” “What?” Merry gasped. “Who is.she?”’ repeated Harding. “What’s her name?” Frank looked at him keenly. “Do you mean to tell me you don’t know?” he asked significantly. Pea “Of course I don’t,” the stranger answered promptly, “Why should I? Never laid eyes on her before in my life.” Merry was incredulous. “Surely you won’t dény that your name is Jack?” he. returned quickly, Harding hesitated, and _ gave a resigned shrug of his shoulders. “but “I don’t know how you found it out,” he said; it is. He was evidently speaking the truth, and Merry saw at once that they were at cross-purposes. Frank ven- tured one more question, however. “At least you know Lopez?” he asked quickly. “Yes, and know nothing good of him,” Harding | “But I give you my word that I have never seen this wil before.” “It’s on me,” Frank whispered. some One else. But it doesn’t much matter. straighten it out later. In the meantime—you heard * But what’s that got to do with knowing this. very charming young lady?” “I took you for © We'll” | | | ie oF a ee et gic st ege S ie pe gr pe amnct pteradihd TIP TOP that fellow’s proposition? me. get the brother out of Lopez's clutches and ‘skip with them both? Wwe can win out.” There was not the least hesitation in the other’s manner. “Sure thing, old man, to the limit.’’ “Good stuff!” Merry smiled. . “You're all to the mustard. We'll settle the greaser’s hash for him this time. Wait a second till I speak to the girl.” He stepped oe to the window. “Miss Virginia,” he called softly. With a swift-drawn breath, she sprang up and faced the open casement, her eyes wide with surprise and one hand clutching the arm of the negress, who stood close beside her. It'll be some fine job, but perhaps ” he returned. “T’ll back you “Hush!” Merry whispered. “Don’t cry out. It’s a friend.” “But—who—are—you?’’ she faltered, gazing in- _ tently at his face, which was just visible above the sill. “An American,” Frank explained hurriedly. “I saw you at Manuel’s last night. 'I heard Lopez and Manuel talking together and learned what they were. I followed to-day to warn you. I heard what was said just now, and I hope we can get your brother away from this liver-colored villain.” She gave a gasp, and her face lit up joyfully. “Oh, if you only could!” she exclaimed. “But how can " | ‘ “Come closer to the window,” “Some one might hear us, and'that would mess things.” She did not hesitate. Despite the rough clothes and heavy growth of beard, there was something in the face of this stranger, who seemed to have sprung out of the earth to aid her, which inspired confidence. Hastily she crossed to the window, the negress keeping close beside her. Frank Merriwell,” Merry “I was making my way into Texas explained swiftly. when I happened to see you arrive with Lopez. “a friend with me, and there’s a chance that we can rescue’ your brother, and all of us escape to-night. Now, to begin with, have you any idea where Lopez’s house is?” | “Yes,” she whispered eagerly. “He pointed it out to us this afternoon. The square is just beyond this inn, and his house faces it on the right. It occupies Sicaxly the whole side of the plaza and has a wall about it.” Well, are you game to help- Frank whispered. - I have WEEKLY. 7, “Do you happen to know whether any of the other officials of the mine live with him?” has a lot though, and he must have guards for my. brother, er Tom would have escaped long ago.” “Maybe we can Where. ‘“T don’t know surely, but I think not. He of men there, “IT see,’ Merry said thoughtfully manage them, all right. Now, about yourself. are your horses?”’ “I’m, not sure, but I think they were taken to the stable. . It’s that building on the far side of the garden facing on the square.” “Is your bedroom on this floor?” “Yes, right over there.” 7 She motioned toward a door on the opposite side of the one through which Lopez had departed. You'd better put the light out inside half an hour, but stay here in this room. My friend and I will make the attempt inside “Good! Now listen carefully.” an hour. The sooner the better,-you know, so that we will have all'the more time before it is discovered. If we are successful -we'll bring your brother here, get the horses, and all of us depart together. You mustn't be discouraged if we don't appear for some time. Some- thing may turn up to detain us. And don’t go to sleep or leave this. room. When we do come, we may have to hustle. You understand?” “Perfectly,” she answered, her eyes glowing with hope. “I can hardly believe it’s true, though. It seqmed as if there was nothing left but the horrible thing that man proposed, to save Tom’s life; and yet I would have died rather than become his wife.” > Her eyes were bright with tears of relief, and then suddenly she smiled. | 3 “But how’did you know my name?” “T didn’t—all of it,” call you Miss Virginny, that was all.” “T heard Chloe he returned. “The rest is Carrington,” mustn't keep you any longer. she explained. “But I You want to be off. I'll -be waiting here for your rat and Chloe and I will pray, fervently for success.’ “ Deed we will, otiey, exclaimed the negress, her eyes rolling excitedly; “an’ dat’s de truff. Ef yo’ gits de chance, jess lamm dat yaller man one good an’ — hard fo’ me.’ : “Don’t be afraid, Chloe,” ‘He'll get his, all right, f we have the chance to hand it to him.” Frank assured. her. Without further words, he rejoined Harding,”and ~ together they made their way silently to the gate. Out- side this they paused to get their bearings,~and Merry J 18 | wae LOL rapidly outlined his plan to Harding, who thoroughly approved of it. “I must apologize, old man,” he concluded, “for hav- ing deceived you. My name isn’t Smith, but Merri- I broke into a prison in Sonora to get out an who had been unjustly confined The governor well. engineer of mine, there, and whose life was in danger. was, of course, furious, and we had to make our way back to the States in disguise. When you came along this afternoon I didn’t know anything about you, so I had to keep it up.” His companion chuckled softly. “You needn’t feel bad about it,’ he whispered. “Turn about is fair play, you know, and it happens that my name is no more Harding than yours is Smith. It’s John Stanley, and the reason for my masquerad- ing is rather too long to tell now. I heard about your little escapade in Las Medidas, and it certainly amused * e me enough.” 39 Merry laughed softly. “Well, now that everything’s satisfactory, we'd bet- : ter get started,” he said quickly. Cautiously following the wall, they reached the cor- ner facing on the square, and had no difficulty in mak- ing out the house of Felipe Lopez. It was a, rather im- posing one for so small a place, being constructed, how- ever, with an outer ‘garden instead of an inner court.’ It was out of the question to approach from the front. There were a number of people lounging in the square and in front of the houses facing on it, so they made a wide circuit and came up at the rear. ° Here the undergrowth came close up to the wall, i which there was no gate or opening of any kind. A aa quiet within, Frank gave his companion a leg up, and then, with a spring, caught the coping and drew him- self beside Stanley. ib | They lost no time slipping down fii the deserted garden and approaching the rear 6f the house, which was but one story in height and covered considefable _ ground. The windows were all covered with wooden ‘Shutters, tightly closed; but through the slats of two of them little crossbars of light shone. : Stepping cautiously up to the first one, Merry saw that it opened into a wide hall which seemed to run _» straight through the house. tice door, which was fastened by some sort of a hook or bolt on the inside, Frank's eyes narrowed a little as they fell” upon a ! man ENG on a bench about halfway down the WEEKLY. _ passing in his mind. listening for a few momerits and finding that all was. Close beside it was a lats length of this hall. Close beside him was a door which, i from its position, must lead into the room with the . other lighted window. ' The fellow was swarthy and unshaven, a typical Mexican of the lower classes, and presently he stretched himself lazily and gave vent to a cavernous yawn. He was evidently on duty of some sort, but whether he was a guard for the American prisoner, or simply sitting up for his master, it was impossible to tell. Having thoroughly surveyed the hall, the two men stepped. quietly onto the other window, which they - found to be covered with a strong iron grill. A glimpse } through the slats of the shutters, however, them that they had found what they were after. dup showed | lighted by a single candle standing on a table in the center.’ Facing the light, his chin resting in his cupped ; a The room, small and very plainly furnished, was < fF | hands, was a young man of some twenty-four or five, whose resemblance to Virginia Carrington was.so i; Ce nounced that they could not doubt him to be her brother. tf His face was pale, with dark circles under his eyes; and, as he sat there biting his lips nervously, there was a look of such utter hopelessness and intense anxiety on his face that the watchers had no doubt of what was - Hearing nothing from his sister, not knowing whether she had received his message of warning or not, the suspense was doubtless preying upon him. For a moment Frank was tempted to apprise him of their presence inthe garden and let him know what they proposed doing. Then he decided to run no chances. The guard outside the door might overhear them and ruin everything. So he and Stanley returned to the hall w indow whetw they observed with satisfaction that the native had i composed himself more comfortably on the bench. It _ would be against all nature if he did not doze off sooner or later, : It was now past ten o’clock, and Merry saw at once _ that it would be impossible to do any thing so ‘lon as the Mexican in the hall remained awake. He had — no means of knowing, either, whether Lopez himself was in the house, but that was not so important. fhvyd It was most annoying, for he had hoped to be able to make a comparatively early start in order that they might be well away ‘before morning; but it cotild not! 403% be helped, and they’composed themselves to wait with “ what patience they possessed. ae onan ee Se you away. TIP TOP An hour passed, during which the fellow bench nodded sleepily, only to start awake again. not moved or opened his eyes for a good fifteen min- utes, Frank decided to waste no more time, and pro- ceeded to attack the lattice door cautiously with his knife. drowsing off more than once, But at last, when he had It took less than ten minutes to cut away two-of the slats, leaving an opening wide enough to thrust his hand through. A moment’s fumbling, and he had drawn the bolt. Then they swung the door open noise- lessly and tiptoed into the hall. _ The door near which the sleeping man reclined was locked, but the key happily remained on the outside. Merry took up his position beside the Mexican, ready to seize and gag him in case he awoke, while Stanley cautiously turned the key and pushed the door open. All might have gone well had not the young man within sprung to his feet in surprise. ‘The noise of his chair grating on the stone floor startled the guard into complete wakefulness. Instantly Merry caught him by the throat, effectually stifling the cry which was trembling on his parted lips; Stanley whirled swiftly and grasped him about the body, and the two half dragged, half carried him quickly into the room and closed the door behind them. Carrington eee at them in petrified astonishment. “What “Not a chirp,” he whispered. “‘We’ve come to get Get something to tie up this fellow— ” ‘he gasped ; but Merry cut him short. quick !” The young fdiow looked dazedly about the room, _ but before his bewildered mind could light upon what was wanted, Frank spied the bed, an old- fashioned, high-posted one of rosewood. “There,” he nodded, “get the mattress off; it’s held up ky rope lacing. Move a bit lively, son. We've got to fill a date a long distance away from here before daylight.” Carrington, by this time boronighly aroused to the necessity for haste, darted across the room and heaved the mattress to the floor. As Merry had guessed, there was a crisscrossing of stout rope beneath, which - supported it, and in a couple of minutes this had been removed. \ In scarcely more than that time the mozo was trussed up like a fowl, tied firmly to onevof the tall, heavy bed posts, with a pillowcase over his mouth so that he could neither move nor make a sound. _ Then Frank turned to Carrington. WEEKLY. on the - “We've got to go back for your sister, and then beat it out of This hamlet will be very unhealthy for gringos at an approxi- “Don't get boisterous, now,’ he cautioned. town before this has been discovered. mately early date.”’ Carrington nodded. Though still somewhat dazed, he seemed quite composed, and his face was lit up with hope. : Merry crossed to ithe door When they had all passed through, ‘he turned the key and they started for the back entrance. ‘They had scarcely taken a step, Swiftly leading the way, and opened it. when a footfall sounded at the other end of the hall, followed instantly by an. ominous click of a key in the front door. however, CHAPTER IX. : FLIGHT. - Like a flash, Merriwell shot down the length of the hall, reaching the door just as it swung open to admit Felipe Lopez. Merry’s companions, petrified with the suddenness of the whole thing, saw a look of dazed amazement come, into the Mexican’s face, and ex- pected to hear ‘a ringing cry of fear burst from his pale lips, which would bring speedy help and ruin all. Instead, the door closed with a bang, struck by the impetus of Frank’s body. Merry’s fist shot out and landed with crushing force straight on the Mexican’s jaw. Without a sound, the man tottéred and would have fallen but for the swift clutch of his assailant’s arms. ai “Lifting him up, Merry saseare back to his com- panions. “Oblige me by taking temporary charge of. this _ bothersome party,” he whispered, thrusting the uncon-— scious body into Stanley’s arms. Hurriedly unlocking coat of the room they had just quitted, he darted in and snatched. up the remains of the rope.. He was out again in an instant, and mo- tioned the other two into the garden. ~” Here Lopez was tied and gagged as had been his hireling and laid on the grass close against the house. Then they made for the wall and were over it ina moment and hurrying toward the inn. Not a word was spoken until they had passed through the gate, and then Frank pointed out the win- dow to Carrington. . “The little girl is waiting in that room, A he said, in a low tone. “Get her and the maid out right away, f nee Prange e ee - > " +" and stay by'the gate at the back while we see about the horses. Don’t make as much noise as a polite man eating soup, or we'll have these people about us like a swarm, of bees.” The young fellow darted toward the house like a shot, and the other two slipped hastily over to the stable. Through an outhouse, the door of which was open, they reached the stable proper, and Merry struck a match. Fora in bitter disappointment at the empty stalls. were no horses to be seen. “Well, wouldn’t that jostle you!’ Frank exclaimed. “What have they done with them?” Just as the match was going out he spied a lantern moment neither of the men spoke as they gazed ‘There hanging on a peg near the door, and in a moment its mn feeble rays were illuminating the long, narrow room. ‘They hurried through this to another connecting with it, but here also they were doomed to disappointment. Not only were there no horses to be seen, but they had evidently hever been placed there. Miss Carrington’s guess was wrong. “By Jove! ” Stanley exclaimed. “We're certainly up against it. What is the doctor’s advice?” Frank turned to the door by which*they had entered. “We've got to make the best of it,” he said quietly. — “There’s no time to hunt the beasts up, even if we | knew where to look. They’re probably in Lopez’s i own stable, wherever that may be, We'll have to doa quickstep on foot. Miss Carrington and the negro es woman can ride our mounts, while we walk. Come on, old man, we haven’t any time to dream over it.” They found the two women and Carrington standing by the gate, Chloe panting with the exertion of climb- ing through the window ; but-her black face was full of joy at the thought of having outwitted the man who _ had insulted her beloved mistress. To them Frank explained the situation briefly. “We have a horse and,a burro outside the town,” he concluded. “Miss Carrington and Chloe can ride. Even with us walking, I rather think we can cover enough ground before morning to escape this ruffian and his gang, Leave it to me to cover our trail. My esteemed red friend, J. Crowfoot, has taught me a few tricks.” | He took the lead, and hee circled around the backs of the houses the way they had come. Ten minutes later they reached the grove and led out the animals. ‘The girl mounted astride of Stanley’ s saddle with- od a word, adjusting her skirts as best she could, but ‘Chloe’s jaw dropped as she stared at the burro. TIP) aoe ' fully. all-around scoundrels if ve ever run up against,” Frank WEEKLY. “Ah cahn’t ride dat way, Miss Virginny,”’ she | gasped; “’deed Ah cahn’t. Ah’s a respec’able cullud | pusson.” i “Don’t be foolish, Chloe,” the girl said sharply. Ht “Get up at once. You don’t want that horrible man to catch us, do you?” The negress shook her head vehemently. “But ig “Lawdy, no!” she ejaculated, rolling her eyes. Ah can walk, cahn’t Ah, an’ let one of dese ge’mmen ii ride?” | “Of course you can’t,” Miss Carrington returned im- Hh patiently. “How absurd you are! We wouldn't make i he a mile an hour.” Chloe shook her head doubtfully, but advanced no met ie further arguments. It took a good five minutes, how- ever, and the united efforts of the three men to hoist he her into the saddle, where she fitted so tightly that it ip looked as if they would have their hands full to Ser her out of it again. Then they started forward at a brisk walk, F rank | leading the way with Stanley beside him, while Car- rington walked by his sistef’s horse, listening with eager interest to her explanation of the amazing events : of the night, as far as she understood them. pie le “Are you going to he straight on this road?” Stan- ley asked presently, bee iy Merry shook his head. ri | te a “That would be a fine way to cover. our trail!” hes adres returned. “It’s the most direct route to civilization and the railroad, but we’d be caught long before we | got away from this wilderness. There isn’t a house between here and the place I stopped last night, and the fellow who owns that is hand in glove with Lopez. No, we'll have to turn off on that track you came over this afternoon, and then I'll do some stunts to blind — such parties as may be anxious for our society.” “T reckon that would be best,” Stanley said thought- 4 Ort we could reach Lazio we'd be safe. at if it’s a pretty long jaunt on foot.” a “If we can only get somew here Beyond the reach of | this fellow’s influence,” said. Merry, “somewhere, 1 mean, where he doesn’t control the people, I’ve got | evidence against him which will just about pickle big herring.” ; Stanley gave a sudden start and eave his breath sharply. f \ “What?” he gasped. if “Why, he’s. one of the most thoroughgoing i _ “What sort of evidence ” fancy,” explained. ‘“He’s got some e kind of.a job in as oy TIP TOP ernment mines here that gives him a chance to lap up - some of the bullion every time it’s shipped, and he covers that by juggling his accounts. At the same / time he’s in thick with the rebels to the extent of \) furnishing them with arms | if Stanley gave a sharp exclamation; his clean-cut face was alive with interest. 1 Merry looked at him curiously. ia “You were going to say something?” he asked. ' “No, ro! Beg pardon, but I could hardly believe 4 ' my ears. Go ahead and spiel off what you, were say- We ine.” 4. “He’s going to furnish arms to the rebels and incite j them to attack the mines. In the shuffle which follows / some of his pals will enter and quietly remove the bul- | lion from the treasure vault. It’s really quite some scheme. You see, Lopez will make a great bluff of repelling the attack, and, of course, the rebels will be _ blamed for stealing the gold. It’s a hundred-to-one - shot that he’d ever be connected with the affair, and - after a while, if he isn’t fired out of his job, he can _ quietly resign and depart to other climes to enjoy his be ele -gotten booty. Mr. Lopez plays his game with _ marked cards.” _. By the time he had finished, Stanley’s eyes were i fairly popping out of his head. “Well—T’ il—be—hanged !” he ejaculated, in tones of the utmost astonishment. “Say, Merriwell, where in thunder did you find out all this?” _. Frank laughed. “By the simple method of playing eavesdropper last right on Lopez and his precious partner. . Hew ent on to tell the story in some detail, and at i the end Stanley burst into a laugh. i By Jove!” he chuckled. “That's certainly one on me.. Here I’ve taken all the trouble of coming a good many hundred miles in disguise to find out this very thing, and the first man I meet when I land on the ground tells it to me. Gee! I suppose if I hadn't been so nee mouthed, you might have opened up this afternoon.’ . “Well, hardly that,’ Merry smiled. “You may re- mber that I wasn’t telling many family secrets when first ran into each other. But what the deuce have u got to do with the Mexican government?” ley explained. “ve been with them for three $ now. They’ ve treated me very mdi) and Pe WEEKLY. ; 21 down below for some time that there was some kind f monkeyshines going on at Espinazo, but Lopez cov- ered his tracks so well that they didn’t begin to sus- pect him till less than a month ago. He was down at Pretilla last week, you know, softsoaping around the governor and looking as if butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth, But as soon as he started back I began to lay my plans to trap him. “We've got a chap up in the Atlas Arms Company, at Springfield, who keeps us posted, and through him we found out that Lopez had sent in a big order for rifles and ammunition which were to be shipped to the mine as machinery. He specified that they must come through Texas, and not by water, and wanted to see one of their agents about further arrangements. Of course, it was up to me to take the agent’s place. The chap in Springfield—he’s a stenographer, by the way —took the liberty of advancing the date of the appoint- ment by a week, so that I might get ahead of the real George Harding. Lopez had never seen me, so we figured out I’d have no trouble in getting him good. I wouldn’t have, either, if this affair hadn’t turned up so unexpectedly.” “Well, it doesn’t much matter,” Merry put in. “You've got him, anyhow. I’d be willing to swear to what I heard anywhere, and no doubt Ri He broke off suddenly, and turned quickly around. “Hold up a second, will you?” he said quietly. “‘Lis- ten !’’ The tramping of the horses and the murmur of con- versation ceased instantly, and for a moment not a sound disturbed the placid serenity of the balmy night. Then, faint and far away, but growing slowly louder and more distinct, came something which blanched the girl’s face and made her clutch instinctively at the shoulder of her brother, who stood close beside her. Clickety-elick! Clickety-click! Clickety-click! “Jingo!” exclaimed Stanley the next moment. _“They’re after us!” And he glanced swiftly around the road as if seek- ing for a place of refuge. CHAPTER X. AT BAY. _ How the escape had been discovered so soon Merry could not imagine. But there was no doubt that the rapidly approaching horsemen were from San Mateo and that the situation was very grave. ~The road on which they had rene ta turn off A -. # Ke % e4 ¥ OP Sn ee 22 was still some distance ahead—how far they could not tell, since the country was flat and scrubby, and quite without distinguishing marks—and there was no possible chance of reaching it before their pur- suers were upon them. Frank looked quickly about him. To one side was the shallow brook trickling over a rocky bed; on the other, a thick tangle of thorny undergrowth. ! There was small choice, but he, decided swiftly to take the latter direction. There might thus be a pos- sible chance of reaching the crosscut if the Mexicans passed them by undiscovered. “Step lively, please,” he cried, catching the bridle of the girl’s horse. “We'll have to get out of sight, and can just about do it before they come up.” Without hesitation they followed him into the bushes, Carrington leading the burro. In single file they pushed their way through the thick undergrowth. But it was slow work, and the sound of galloping hoofs on the road they had just quitted grew louder and plainer with every second. Merry had just decided to stop until the Mexicans had passed, lest they hear the rustling in the bushes, when he emerged upon what had once been a cleared circle, in the center of which loomed darkly the walls of a ruined, deserted structure of some kind. Swiftly the others followed him, and then, at a whis- pered word, they stood still, holding their breath in- stinctively, lest the sound betray them; for they were ‘not more than a couple of hundred feet from the road. On came the thunder of many hoofs. Now the fore- most riders must be almost opposite them. They would pass on, for there was absolutely no reason for their thinking their quarry had turned off. Suddenly, at this crucial moment, Stanley’s horse pricked up his ears, and, before Merry could clutch its nostrils, sent forth a long, shrill challenging whinny. Instantly there was a shout—a sound of horses be- ing pulled up abruptly, followed swiftly by an authori- tative voice raised above the din: “This way—quick! They have taken to the bushes.” As the first loud crash of rending undergrowth came, Merry was racing up the slope toward the silent house, dragging the horse with him, followed closely by the remainder of the party. Reaching the gaping doorway, he swung Miss Car- * \ Tington out of the saddle. “Inside,” he said coolly, and gave the anirnal a blow across the haunches which sent him galloping off into. the bushes. TIP. TOP: WEEKLY. argent aerate net nn re RN " 0 Fan? aie i ah PENNE ON mcm a a ate cael rath erent Pm a. mevvhetalincndstagnghon ates Miemensaaiiea: cain Men mh s ete tee rie ghost into the black interior, and Merry turned quickly to the gasping negress. Even in that moment of peril he found himself smiling at the ludicrous manner in which she was wedged into the saddle, and wondering how on earth they were going to get her off before the Mexicans arrived. Carrington came to his aid, however, and between them they succeeded in dragging her, half hysterical with fright, to the ground. But they were not a moment too soon. As they did so a bright flash came from the edge of the cleared | A space, followed by a sharp report, and Frank heard the ping of a bullet close to his ear. cee | “Get her inside,” he said quietly, thrusting the tot- tering negress at Carrington. “T’ll hold them off for a_ minute.” | | Revolver in hand, he whirled around prepared to ; shoot ; but Stanley was ahead,of him. The government 1. é employee had stopped at the foot of the gentle slope i and was now emptying his gun with methodical regu- larity at the approaching mob, which must have num- bered forty or fifty, at least. Evidently Lopez did not believe in leaving anything to chance. Merry took a quick step forward. “Stanley—come back!” he called. “They’re all in.” The words were scarcely spoken before he saw the American reel to one side, throw up one hand, and col- lapse in a heap, without a sound. ‘Merriwell sprang down the slope, his revolver spit- ting fire, and reached the fallen man’s side. Gathering | him into his arms as if he had been a child, he was © back again at the doorway before the Mexicans had recovered from their frightened, backward surge at his — whirlwind rush. Then, with a yell of rage, they poured a volley ; at the house. Urged on by the voice of Lopez, who remained pru dently in the rear, they commenced a slow approac spreading out among the bushes, and shielding them-. selves in every possible way from the unerring aim of that deadly weapon. Oy ing g, swung to the stout oaken door, whose very heayt- ‘ 4 TIP TOP } ages of time and weather, and dropped the iron bar into its socket. ' Then he struck a match to get his boiihes He was in a wide, rather short hallway, at the other end of which was a door very like the one through which they had entered and which Carrington was at that moment in the act of closing. Four doors opened off the hall into—he judged—as many rooms. Crouch- a ing beside the nearest one, her face a sort of sickly F* _ gray, was the negress. Beside Chloe stood Virginia - Carrington, pale-faced, but with head erect and brightly _ Beaming eyes. } As _she saw the limp figure of Stanley, a trickle of | blood showing on one side of his face, she gave a cry | of horror, which changed swiftly to one of astonish- ment, when he opened his eyes suddenly and tried to J sit up ee “Wa-what’s—the matter?” he asked, in a dazed ba tone. “What That lead _ pill was harder than my nut.” Oh, yes, I know now. Thrusting the box of matches into Carrington’s hand, Merry told him to keep one alight, and dropped down beside Stanley. A moment’s survey showed him that the wound was a slight one. The bullet grazing the skull was what had caused momentary unconscious- ness. He pulled out his handkerchief, and, tying it tightly around Stanley’s head, helped him to his feet. “You ll do, I guess,’ he smiled. “It was a trifle near, but a miss is better than a funeral.” ‘i ernment agent asked quickly, ey did not answer. He ry vanished into one An instant ds Frank appeared in the His eyes lit up suddenly as they fell upon revolver lying on the floor, and, stepping forward, e picked it up. ‘Good boy,” You held onto that, didn’t you? If ii feel mee = he murmured, handing it to Stanley. “But how did I get here after I dropped?” the gov-. FETE OLS LI ILE Ta ILL IS TE “iP Qn Ie Ee es WEEKLY. 23 suppose you take the room on the right while I look after the other. Let’s make this celebration as warm as possible while it lasts—perhaps I should say while we last. Carrington take the rear. Oh, you haven't any gun, have you?” The girl stepped forward and thrust something into her brother's hand. It was a small, pearl-handled, thirty-two revolver, “I brought it with me,” she explained. know what might happen. had it.” Lopez didn’t know I “Fine,” Merry said. “That fits us out. You take the rear, Carrington. I presume your sister has some cartridges? It'll be light enough to see pretty quick, and you can pick and choose. You and Chloe are about The door is bullet-proof, and you're not in line with any win- as safe here as anywhere, Miss Carrington. dow.” He spoke calmly and coolly’as if he were giving a few last directions to the nine before an important ball egame, but there was not one among his companions who did not realize the almost hopeless gravity of their position. , There seemed no chance whatever for help reaching them in this out-of-the-way spot. They would have to depend upon their own efforts alone to escape, and, ‘knowing Lopez as they did, and how deeply he had involved himself, ‘they realized how small a chance - there was of his abandoning the attack until they were all dead or in his hands. , But inserisibly they were cheered and heartened by their leader’ s quiet, manner. pared to give the besiegers a lesson which they. would remember a long, long time. — CHAPTER XI. THE UNFORES BEN: : "As Merriwell had said, the darkness was already lift- ing. It was no more than a cold, gray, half. light, but > dawn comes so swiftly in the Southern climes that “T didn’t. assured, absolutely unperturbed | Hurry’ ing to their various positions, they pre- — Nd « a Y % 24 TIP TOP a” every moment added to the clearness with which they could distinguish objects about the house. Unfortunately, though the windows were barred, the shutters had long since vanished from their fastenings, and there was no protection whatever from the fire of the enemy. Crouching low beside the opening in front, Merry smiled grimly as he saw thatthe latter seemed to have realized that their quarry, though trapped, were far from having lost their fangs. For not an assailant could be seen. Here and there the top of a bush waved, or the long grass rustled as they crept stealthily for- ward, but they were evidently determined to give the defenders no more opportunities of hitting them than they could avoid. , Now and then a flash would come from the under- growth and a bullet spat upon the stonework or whiz through the bars to bury itself into the wall beyond. Merry would return the fire, more to warn them that the defenders were on the alert than from any desire to kill. revolver, and once Carrington fired. Several times he heard the sound of Stanley’s And sé the time passed. Presently the sun arose and began its slow march toward the zenith of bril- liant, cloudless blue; but still anything like a real at- tack was delayed. At length Frank began to wonder what the Mexi- cans were up to. The silence and lack of movement were ominous, and the shots which came from two separate spots in front with such ‘monotonous regu- larity seemed to him a palpable ruse to make the little party believe that the whole force was massed there. Dropping to his hands and knees, Merry crawled beneath the opening of the window and sprang into the hall. moved from where he had left them. Miss Carrington and her maid had _ scarcely He. stepped across the hall to the other room where Stanley was kneeling to one side of the window, his eyes just on a level with the silk The latter looked up inquiringly as Frank appeared in the doorway. “They’re up to some trick or other,” he said, in a low tone. “Things are entirely too quiet to be natural. I’m going to the back. Keep an extra sharp lookout while I’m gone.” WEEKLY. The government agent nodded, and Merry hastened to the rear. He frowned a little as he saw that here there were no windows at all except on the sides. The entire back wall was a solid mass .of masonry, which, while it made that part of the house more easily de- fensible, also enabled the enemy to rush the rear door in comparative safety. “They'll get a warm reception if they try it, though,” he muttered. Carrington had -fired once at a fellow running through the bushes some distance away, but apparently had not hit him; for the man went on without a pause and was out of sight in an instant. Since then he had seen no signs of any of them. Merry returned to the hall and examined the door. It was quite as stout and heavy as the one in front, and the massive bar which held it was unyielding in spite of a thick coating of rust. “T suppose they could smash it in with a tree trunk for a battering-ram,” he murmured thoughtfully ; “but they’d lose a lot of men. If they concentrate their attack here, we might possibly break through them in front and reach their horses before*they knew what was up.” Which was proof that he had not wholly abandoned hope. He had scarcely returned to the front room when a Both Stanley and himself returned it promptly, thinking that a rush would follow; but,nothing of the sort happened. sudden burst of firing began from the bushes. Instead, there came to Merry’s keen ears a: dull thud 7 from the back of the building, and in an instant he was in the hall. . He saw Carrington streak across it to the room op- posite the one he had been in, and heard the sharp spit of his revolver. Then came another thud against the door, and a look of comprehension flashed into Merry’s eyes. He raced down the hall and into the room Carring- ton had quitted.. But as he reached the window he could see nothing, and an expression of baffled’ dismay flickered across his face and was gone. 5 Returning to the hall, he stood close to the doors listening intently. Se eer Ee Or. Presently there came the sound of stealthy foot falls without, followed an instant later by that same muf- fled thud. but rather as if something had been flung down close It was: not a blow on the door directly, ) against it. Without hesitation Frank leveled his gun R and fired point-blank through the panels. Unfortunately the oak was hardened by time and weather to almost the consistency of iron, and, though the bullet went through and a surprised yell came from outside, Merry realized that too much of its force had been spent to make it effective. Stooping swiftly to the tiny hole it had made, he 7, saw that what he had feared an instant before had happened. A great pile of brushwood and heavier sticks lay Mioaintt the panels, and, as he straightened up, he caught a whiff of smoke which told conclusively that they had succeeded in lighting it. There was no ques- tion whatever of the door catching and being reduced to ashes, leaving a wide opening through which the f Mexicans could storm the building. They might lose a number of men in so doing, but _ with their overwhelming numbers the result of the . struggle could scarcely be in doubt. : Frank called Carrington into the hall. _“There’s no use in your staying here any longer,” he said quietly. “The beggars have set. fire to the door, _to keep from beirig smoked out.” Returning to the front, Stanley was called into the “Mr. Merriwell!” she faltered. ey Then they’d go away ‘le - f ‘give myself up. and you ould all be saved.” pat ro] | Merry looked at her oddly. WEEKLY. and we'll all have to stay at the other end of the house Her eyes were full of tears. “T’d do that!” to save you from being murdered! she cried wildly. “I'd do anything I could—kill my- self afterward.” : Frank’s eyes were very gentle. “My dear young lady, do you think for an instant we would let you do that?” he asked... “It’s very brave of you to offer to make such a sacrifice, but it wouldn’t Lopez would kill us, anyway No; we'll As soon as the door is down be of the slightest use. —if he could. We know too much, you see. stick together to the end. they will concentrate their attack on that end of the building.” Of course, some will be left in front, but they will be comparatively few. When they get ready to rush the back, we'll leave by this door and try to force our way through to their horses. I imagine they must have left them in the road, or near it. It’s one chance in a thousand, but this may be the thousandth time.” It was a forlorn hope, but no one could think of any other plan, and they gathered in one of the rooms to wait. The smoke in the hall soon became stifling, and even in the room where they stood it was difficult to breathe. The crackling of the, flames grew louder pen louder, and presently a dull glow could be made out through the billowing clouds, which showed that the door was burning fiercely. Nearly an hour passed, however, before it fell with a crash, scattering the burning embers over the stone floor and leaving a gaping opening through which they could see a wide stretch of tangled green with a bit of blue above it. Here and there these bushes moved and rustled as the men hiding among them gathered for the assault ; but it was a good half hour ee before that commenced. , : Then a sudden, sharp fusillade began on all sides of Bullets pinged through the windows, mak- But the little band had already withdrawn to the hall, where they stood the house. ing the rooms altogether untenable. close to the great doors, the men with fully loaded re- volvers in their hands and expressions of desperate de- termination on the faces, as they awaited Merry’ S sig- | nal to sally forth. i aot manne» rep bauist acwabwrsipenarignonmecdlstearetis bd 26 TIP TOP The latter stood with one hand on the iron bar, his eyes riveted on the wide opening at the rear for the first sign of attack. There was no hint of nervousness in his pose. His eyes gleamed brightly, almost eagerly, and a half smile curved the corners of his mouth. Suddenly the shrill note of a bugle rose above the popping fire of rifles and made them look quickly at one another with wondering glances. Then came a trampling rush through the under- growth in front, followed by wild shouts and yells and an added noise of shooting. What could it mean? and fear, and there were shrieks of pain. The yells denoted surprise Merry dropped his hand from the bar and darted to the nearest window, where a glorious sight met his astonished eyes. The Mexicans were fleeing wildly across the open, stumbling, falling, throwing away rifles in their mad haste to escape the orderly line of! men clad in the uni- form of the regular army, who were just emerging from the bushes, With pardonable joy Frank saw the regulars pick The latter had almost “all disappeared before the rush of troops, off one after another of the running men. and the soldiers reached the house and circled around both sides of it, when a single figure leaped up to one | ; ing tales of ranching and the plains you ever read, side and ran toward the road like one possessed. It was Lopez, and for an instant-Merry was tempted to shout a warning to the soldiers who had passed his hiding place and left him behind. %? . ° . It was unnecessary. Two men in uniform saw him - at the same instant and their leveled rifles, belched fire almost simultaneously.. The flying man threw up both arms and plunged face downward to the ground, where he rolled over several times in the impetus of his rush, and then lay still. . | “V ale, Lopez,” Merry muttered as he returned to the hall. “Adios, you scoundrel. No one in this party will be liable to buy flowers for the funeral.” He hurried to the open doorway at the rear, fol- lowed closely by Stanley and Carrington; for all were _ anxious to see how the fight was progressing there. | But when they reached it, not a man was 45° be seen WEEKLY. save the soldiers making their way steadily through the bushes in pursuit. The leader of the force, a youngish man in the uni- form of captain, caught a glimpse of them in the doorway, and at once came up. His face wore a rather puzzled expression. “You were just in time, sefior,’ Merry said, smiling. “They had almost forced an entrance.” “But I have informa- “So it would appear,” the Mexican returned. I must confess. I am a little at sea, tion concerning armed rebels in this region, and only rebels would be thus armed.” | “They were, Captain Mendoza,” Stanley put in, step- j i ping forward; “rebels against law and order.” ss SS’ ™ 99 . . . ‘ ! J ( “Sefior Stanley!” Mendoza exclaimed, in astonish- jj ‘ ment. “This is indeed a surprise. I am most happy to see you.” The government agent smiled. ba “And I you,” he returned promptly, placing one | hand on Frank’s arm. “I fear, however, that the pleas- “ ure would have been denied us both only for my friend | Bh Mr. Frank Merriwell.” THE END. ) aN hh In the next issue you will get one of the most cork- PR There’s a girl in the story, as nice as she is pretty; anti The great West is. 4 q a lot of cowboys, good and bad. a pretty orderly sort of place nowadays, with its thrive. e ing cities and prosperous, law-abiding farmers, but i in e some sections such contemptible crimes as cattle ru tling and brand blotting still crop up now and ‘ther es nal sid jury.- Therefore, w hide he found himself innc ceritly involved in one of those unfortunate case: You make a guess what he did, but you won’t want to the story. “Frank Merriwell’s Insight; or, The : it Blotter of the X Bar S.” No. 779. Out March 1 had a'few things to say—and do—about it. wf oro acon NEW YORK, March 11, 1911, TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. (Postage Free.) aM is Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Each. ' j t METAONGHS , cdncacecsesssvseussce B56. i ONG VORP i: sat ee ckcpeweondeks »s $2.50 : dis IN TTONE got ge en a, nae 85c. Z COpieS' ONE: VAT. 2... .ncsececes 4.00 im tJ (6 months .........-..---.+----- $1.25 1 copy two years.............. 4.00 a How to Send Money—By ‘post-office or express money order, registered letter, bank check or draft, at ourrisk. At your own risk if sent _ by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary letter. Receipts—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper _ Change of number on your label. If not correct you have not been properly credited, and should let us know at once. . oe oa “AR | Qnmox G. Sure, STREET & SMITH, Publishers, - jf} © Georcs C. Sun, TP Pre 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York City. Uh sh = HISTORY FIBS. r _.| There was probably no such man as Romulus. _ Wellington at Waterloo did not say: “Up, guards, and at fem!” Alfred the Great did not yisit the Danish camp disguised as a minstrel. _ The existence of the Colossus of Rhodes is considered by some f Pan extremely doubtful. There is no historic authority for the statement that. little George Washington cut down the cherry tree. Cromwell and Hampden did not attempt to sail for America ! just before the outbreak of the English revolution. Philip III. of Spain was not roasted to death by a roaring fire, because court etiquette forbade any one to come to his assistance. He died a natural death. Pocahontas did not save the life of John Smith. It has been ascertained that this worthy, man was the most able-bodied -Prevaricator of his century. _ Cesar did not say: “Et tu, Brute.” Eyewitnesses to the cen deposed that “he died fighting, but silent, like a rn wo ” General Cambronne did not say: “The id dies, but does ‘not surrender.” The words were the invention of,a Paris jour- -nalist, and attributed to him. Mary Stuart, of Scotland, was not a beauty. She had cross- ‘he and to save the trouble of having her hair dressed, cut it ose off to her head, and wore a wig. , Queen Elizabeth was not the angelic creature represented in the history and poems of her own times. \ Her hair was red, her temper red-hot. She sometimes drank too much, and: at any rovocation would carry on like a trooper. _ PUMICE STONE, Puiice stone is a porous mineral from volcanoes. The pores are so fine as often to be barely visible, except by means of ia ifying glass. By reason of its spongy texture pieces are n buoyant enough to float on water. The chief source from vhich it is obtained for commercial purposes is Campo Bianco, of the Lipari Islands, where it forms a hill nearly one ousand feet high. Pumice is largely employed, mostly in a erized state, as a polishing material for ivory, wood, glass, bles, etc. TIP TOP: WEEKLY. i) 27 WHEN THE MINERS STRUCK. As I sprang from the train at the little station of Hurstcote, Tom Gil 1am gripped me by the arm and hissed excitedly in my ear: “Frank, old chap, follow me as fast as you can. Every moment’s precious. I'll explain going along. I’m gping to play the sneak, and 1 warn you that it’s a dangerous game down here at the present; so if you feel afraid just say so, and I'll go on alone.” I had expected .Tom—my cousin, and only son of the wealthy mine owner—to meet me at the station; but not with such words on his lips, or such a haunting lock of fear in his eyes. “What’s up?” I inquired, as he hurried me along. “The miners are going out on strike to-day, and father has brought over a lot of fresh men to take their places. The miners call them scabs, and swear that they shall never work in our mines. See that cottage yonder? Inside half a dozen af the old hands have met together to hatch some diabolical plot to scare the new ones away. The scabs are locked up in our house—if they showed themselves out here the miners’ wives would tear their eyes out—and father has gone to the nearest town to gét police or soldiers to protect them.” “Altogether things are lively,” “Terrible!” said Tom. “What’s that?” “That cottage yonder is only one story high. Between the ceiling and the roof is a low sort of loft. If I can only climb in there I can hear what those plotting fellows intend to do.” “Is there room for two?” I inquired, fired by Tom’s pluck. I suggested. “T shall do what little I can. do—— 3 “Heaps. Only don’t forget that if we're caught they'll make it hot for us. Their blood’s worked up to any desper- ate deed.” Tom led the way across desolate wastes, relieved here and there by piles of burned rock and dirt mounds, which gave the whole country the appearance of a long-disused brickyard. Silently we approached the cottage Tom had indicated. At one end stood a short ladder, leaning against the wall just below the doorless entrance to the loft. Up that Tom scram- bled, and I followed. The loft was only three feet high, and we had to crawl in and lie on our stomachs. I heard harsh, murmuring voices below. Tom nudged me and pointed to a crack in the ceiling. I put my eye to it. The room was heavy with strong-smelling tobacco, and it was some time before I could distinguish the men sitting about on benches, with one—younger and taller and more muscular than the rest—standing in the middle, talking loudly ‘and rapidly and gesticulating wildly. “T tell you what it is, mates,” he was saying. “We’re a-going to stop the scabs from taking the bread out of the mouths of our children.” ) “We are that!” came in chorus from the others. “And I'll tell you how to do it,” continued the speaker. “I’ve arranged it already, I have. I’m a man as does first _and talks afterward, I am.’ “Yes, yes!” agreed the chorus. “And it ain’t no good a- playing with scabs, mates. T tell you, it ain’t no good arguying with scabs. There’s only one way of dealing with scabs, mates, and that’s to kill *em— every sneaking hound of ’em. Kill ’ ‘em, I say! That’s what. I tell you!” “Kill ’em?” echoed one. Pethbridge ?” “Who’s to do the job, mate? Why, I will!” “But you can’t kill a hundred and fifty all by yourself, Pete Pethbridge. No man can’t do that.” \ Pete laughed a hard, cruel, cunning laugh, _ “Ye’re right there, mate,” he said. “No man can kill a hundred and oe single-handed, but—” ae SDaeers and. “But who’s to do the job, Pete : 2q TIP TOP grinned—“but what about dynamite, mates? I tell you dyna- mite can do it!” Tom gave me a kick that in my nervousness nearly made me shriek. The next instant he had let down the ladder, and I followed him into the open air. For five minutes Tom cut out the pace for all he was worth, then he slackened and spoke. “Villains! Murderers! cisely what I overheard yesterday. father was at home!” “But I don’t understand,’ I said. “It’s clear enough to me, Frank. The men now at work in the mines are old hands. They come up at two o'clock, and then the strike will begin, and we shall send down the hew men in their places.” “Yes, but what about the dynamite? down a mine.” “The dynamite is used down there for blasting. The men first bore the rock with mallets and pointed chisels, and into the holes they insert dynamite cartridges: with safety fuses attached. When they explode the loosened rock falls down, tons at a time, and it’s all up with any one who hasn’t got out of the way. Now, the men who are in the mine are boring a huge piece of rock and loading it with dynamite. When they come up the scabs will go down—with Pete Peth- bridge, who pretends that he is not going to strike. Pete will collect them near the rock that, has been loaded, and take his opportunity to fire the fuses, and skedaddle before the explosion takes place!” I broke into perspiration at the bare thought of what woud happen. Tom covered his eyes with his hands, “And a hundred and fifty honest fellows will be buried gasped. “It’s pre- Frank, how I wish Heathens !”’ he g Oh, I have never been alive before they’ve time to think!” he cried. “Oh, it’s ter- rible !” : “But surely you can stop it!” I cried. “Where are the ‘police ?” : . There are no police until nearest town—twenty odd miles “Frank, this is not Chicago. father returns from the away.” “Send some one down to search for the rock that has been tampered with, and fire it off in the ordinary way before the men go down,” I suggested. ‘As well search for a needle in a stack of hay !” he wailed. “There are miles and miles of it, Frank.” “Then don’t let the new men go down,” I persisted. “And let the strikers see that we are beaten? No; father would never forgive me. He has vowed that the mine shall be worked without the strikers.” “But surely, Tom, your father would never let those men go down to certain destruction!” I exclaimed in amazement. “Yes,” quietly replied Tom. “He\would let them go down but he would save them from the destruction,” And that was all I could get out of Tom until two o’clock that afternoon, when he came to me Ome years older than the morning. His father had not returned, and the foreman of the mine had laughed at Tom’s story, so the entire respon- sibility of a hundred and fifty men’s his mind. And he was only seventeen! “The scabs are being smuggled down into the mine,” said he, “and I’m going at once. I won't ~ you to come with me——” “Oh, but I will,” T said. His coolness gave me courage, “You may never come up again—alive ! !" he cautioned. My heart sank with a thud; but I had said I would go and ' I was ashamed to draw back from my word. We started at once for a hut hanging over the mouth of a pit, and with as much speed as possible—for the men had already descended—we exchanged our clothes for the more suitable, if less picturesque, flannel suit. Then we stepped into the dirty old box they called an’ elevator, and down the ‘shaft we started—down into fearful, awe- ee Pneeneee aie foul air and grimy. acres apingy, ' time to waste in ’ sively. ago. s lives was weighing on | leave you here to be buried alive!” WEEKLY. Tom chafed at the slowness of our descent, and when we stepped from the elevator he struck off at once along one of the numerous passages. ae mer The men were already at work. In the distance we could ty hear the thud, thud, thud of the mallets on the iron boring’ chisels being driven into the granite. aa ge “Keep your head low,” warned Tom hurriedly, “and keep pil close on my heels. If you lose me you’re done. There’sno | x ; He was interrupted by a crack, a roar, and the crashing yw of falling rock. ea “Great Caesar!” shrieked Tom. “Are we too late?” Ny Se He bolted ahead, and I floundered after him, splashing through unseen water, stumbling over invisible. lumps-of rock, Hes up one interminable passage and along another, with nevera | break in the awful, oppressive blackness, no guidance but the — faint, irregular gleam of the lanterns we carried, and the long ‘shadows cast by those stuck at intervals in the walls. The heat was suffocating. Perspiration ran freely. The density of the air made my head feel like bursting, and I breathed in quick gasps. Several times I thought I must stop; but fear—fear of being lost, fear of that bloodthirsty Pete Pethbridge—kept me going. Suddenly Tom slackened, moved more cautiously, | aang | stopped at the mouth of a precipice that yawned, deep, black, | and awful, at our feet. Tom was quivering with excitement. “Frank,” he muttered, “we’re in time—we’ re in time! Pete hasn't finished his diabolical job yet.” “What are you going to do now?” I inquired apprehen- “Follow me—slowly—quietly.” A few yards distant was a bridge that spanned the chasm, Over that Tom led the way. Turning, then, an abrupt angl we came upon a huge chamber or vault, well lighted, and filled to excess with grimy men stripped to the waist. “Here we are,” whispered Tom. “And it is just as I thought. Pete has collected them here on pretense of Aer ing them their work, and Look! Look! Tom screamed the last word. His voice rang ciscuate the vaultlike clearing and echoed right and left. The me swung round and glared at us. Pete Pethbridge, standin close to the wall, with hand upstretched to the roof, locke guiltily around. Tom sprang forward, something i in his hand. “Pete Pethbridge !” he cried, “stand, or I shoot! move, or you're a "dead ‘man !” The man glared and seemed disposed to disob y. “I mean it, Pete,” hurriedly added Tom. ve got a Te- volver, and I can’t miss at a yard and a half.” “What d'ye mean?” growled Pete. “What kid's play dy call this, Pd like to know?” “Men,” shouted Tom, “gather eoutid and see what I'll show you.” The men obeyed. “The man I am covering with th pistol is Pete Pethbridge. He worked for my father ten year Since then he has been to prison; my father generous] took him out again, although he has twice before set the me ‘to strike.” “Look you here——” began Pete; but Tom went on, “Now he has got up a third strike, and because my ee brought you here to do the work he swore to kill Sey in the village.” ~ A low growl, like the snarl of a wolf pack, went rou the vault. “And see how he was shit to do it,” continued Tom most exhausted, I could hear. “He and his mates. morning bored a few hundred tons of rock in this corner loaded them with dynamite. You see where the scoun ig standing? Do you see what he was just about to Light the ‘fuses !—fire the dynamite, and then cut away . Don ‘The growl livened into a frightful howl. The as bey pore and ere of sls Lita life was. in im iP: TO? nent danger. The men moved toward him. What could save him? _ Tom stepped up and pointed to a narrow passage running . from a dark corner of the vault. Pata “Go!” he hissed. “Clear out of the place before they hunt | you down!” ; Pete made a dash for the passage., So did the men. But the way was narrow, and while the pursuers struggled at the entrance in their eagerness to be first, Pete gained a lead, and the chase was over. For Pete knew the mine as he knew his own cottage, and the others were strangers. Pete was seen flying across country that afternoon and has not been heard of since. But the strike was averted. The old hands had lost their leader, and the new ones were not anxious to stay in a mine where they supeérstitiously believed they would lose’ their lives; and when Tom’s father arrived with the police they were not required. When Tom and I reached the top of the pit and stood in the sunlight we realized what a narrow escape we had had of never seeing sunshine again. Tom was shaking in every limb. “FE rank ! !” he gasped, “if Pete had only been,a little quicker a ana _ Then he reeled and I caught him. aa A SAILOR’S ESCAPE. By A. PENCE, It was the second mate of a large lake steamer told the story as we were passing the Pointe Aux Barques: “It was about six years ago that I was sailing on a lum- ber schooner,” he began, “and just when we were about _ where we are now, the captain discovered that our yawl was adrift. We had been towing it, and somehow the painter had parted, or slipped, and there the boat was, nearly a mile away, drifting ashore’as fast as the water could carry it. There was not a soul to be seen, and, if there had been, it would not have been an easy matter to get him to bring us our yawl; and the captain did not know what to do. _ Finally, as I saw the old man was a good deal worked up Over it, I volunteered to swim ashore and bring the yawl, if he would run in as close _as he could, and anchor, until I came aboard. “The captain accepted my proposal very - gladly, and, as the’ water was warm, | thought I would have a first-rate _ swim, little thinking what was in store forme. So I stripped 4 and lowered myself into the water. For a quarter of an more than I could chew. The shore was farther off than I had figured, and I could see a few ominous-Idoking clouds, which indicated that the wind was rising, which might make a for me to get back to the schooner after I got the boat “T kept on, however, getting more and more exhausted every moment. I tried every way I knew to rest my tired First I turned on my back, and swam in that . position for a while. Then I tried swimming on my side, then ‘dog fashion,’ and then floating. But all the time I was getting more and more worn ‘out, I tried to Signal the schooner, but my voice was so weak I oor not make them hear, and they did not understand, as I after- ard learned, my frantic motions. Besides, they could not oe helped me ‘if they had, because they had no boat. ‘J had swum about a mile, and was still a mile from cS shore. Mechanically, I kept up my motions «as . well as I could, but I knew I was doomed. The water began sing in my ears, and my thoughts went back over my ast life, as I have heard drowning men’s always do. I thong ‘of my poor wife and children, and wondered how they would hak mi: news. I wondered podeh any. Ro hour it was mere’ fun, but I soon found that I had bit off | WEEKLY. 29 would be found, and get Christian burial, or be carried out into the lake, and find a last resting place there. It did not worry me much on my own account—I had ceased to care for myself; but I hoped somehow, for the sake of my family, that I should be washed ashore, and that some- body would have my body carried home. I speculated also as to the captain’s getting his boat, and felt quite sorry when I thought he might never see it again. “T don’t know how long it took me to think of all this. Probably it was not more than a minute, but it seemed to be ages, and all the time I was feebly moving my arms and feet, and just keeping my head above water. Meanwhile I had got perhaps within half a mile of the shore. I made up my mind—or, rather, it made itself up—that this was just as good a place to be drowned in as any other, and, aban- doning motion, I sank to the bottom. “It did not take as long.as I expected it would to reach the bottom. In fact, I struck it with both hands and feet about as soon as I had fairly stopped moving. I kept my feet on it, and, straightening up, found that the water came about up to my waist. I suppose I ought to have fallen on my knees in thankfulness, but instead of that I waded ashore, the maddest man on the coast: I got the yawl, and sculled it back to the schooner, which was waiting at anchor for me; and, as I. went back, I had the curiosity to take soundings, and found that I had been exhausting myself swimming for more than a mile where the water was not more than four feet deép.” “Was the captain glad to get you back?” was asked. “Blast the captain!’ was the response. “All he said was; ‘You confounded fool, didn’t you know that there was:a the sailorman _ mile and a half of shoal water all along that coast?’ ” -MISREPRESENTING GEORGE. Early in the winter the manager of the little theater in our town produced a sensational patriotic drama, entitled “The American Spy.” The play included all the prominent patriots of the Revolution, and among them, of course, General Washington. This part, however, was not one of the leading figures of the drama, and it was intrusted to a somewhat inexpert supernumerary, named McGann. After the first performance the manager sent for McGann, id conversed with him as follows upon the subject of his manner of representing the immortal Washington: Manager—“M¢eGann, I don’t exactly like the way you play your part. It lacks dignity and refinement; artistic, and it, isn’t just to the noble old hero whom you represent.” McGann—‘I dunno’ about that. it?” What’s the matter with Manager—“Why, I noticed, for instance, that four times during the camp scene at Valley Forge you wiped your nose on your sleeve. used a pocket handkerchief, and when he couldn’t get a pocket handkerchief, he permitted his immortal nose to go_ That’s the way he did it, as you might have unwiped. ascertained, if you had paid any attention to history.” McGann—"T dunno as history says George’s nose.’ Manager—“I was also mortified to observe that ‘during the tableau of ‘Washington at Prayer,’ about to descend. You know mighty ‘well, McGann, that _ saying his prayers.” . McGann—‘“I dunno whether he did or not.” _ Manager—“Well, I know, and I don’t want it to occur | again. You ought to have been more careful of your epenaees too.. T pets ne when me ee it is in-. Now, General Washington, McGann; anything about 5 out in the woods, — you took a fresh chew of tobacco just as the curtain was — the general didn’t chew - tobacco, particularly while he was — ~> ¥ » Villager—“No, sir; but I have.” af P. S.—I love my meals, but oh, 30 | TIP TOP WEEKLY. nounced to you the discovery of Arnold’s treason, you ex- claimed, ‘gosh!’ And when they asked you to let up-on Major Andre, you said: ‘No, blamed if I do!’ Now, there was nothing of that kind in the text, and the old hero never used any language of the sort. Several persons laughed last night, and once, when you were crossing the Delaware in a boat, and a soldier accidentally knocked off your hat with his gun, and you said to him: ‘Do that ag’in, and [’ll d . . bust the whole head off of you,’ two of the audience, who a {{, revere the memory of the great. Washington, got up and ») “ZY a Ws ; left the house in disgust.” McCann—“I dunno as they did.” I ee relations ofthe general with Mrs. W.; This is the “Get Together” Department. Here, every week, the “a arcana te pias: eave Soden oe eee “Tip Top” friends chat with the editor and with each otiter. The . . AC iw < c cs : ” s . : 4 unseemly extent when, in the second act, you winked at ay Top” family knows no geographical boundaries: all over the 4 great round.earth, from North to South, the members stand shoulder the woman representing Marthay chucked her under the : . chin, and presided at the court-martial with your arm around *@ shoulder with Burt L. Standish for truth, honor, strength, courage, her waist. Your attempt to waltz with her during the siege 4nd clean living. Many letters are received—letters of comradeship, of Yorktown was even more preposterous, and it excited re- praise and friendly criticism—and while we have not sufficient space mark. These things violate the truth of history; they must for their immediate publication, they are all welcomed, in turn, to be reformed; the simplest consideration of artistic propriety their place by the fireside. requires it.” ; McGann—“I dunno that they do.” . From a Pitcher. _Manager—“I noticed, also, that when Benjamin Frank- I am a reader of Tip Top, and I am very much interested in lin undertook to sit down in the Continental Congress you jt. It has made me like baseball-more than ever. I am lending pulled the chair from under him, and let him drop to the _ my Tir Tops to boys to read, and they like them very much. | floor; and that in the succeeding act you and Lord Corn- am trying to be a good pitcher like Dick and Frank Merriwell. wallis took a couple of snifters out of a brandy flask, and East San Jose, Cal. Joun CALUYEARZ. then you became so much intoxicated as to imagine that you belonged in the British army, and had just whipped him From Central America. your remarks upon that subject, you came down to the footlights and began to sing that comic song about “Ten little ‘Injins sitting in a jline,’ and would have; finished it, took them along with me and sold them at a dime each. It has if the prompter had not rushed out and dragged you off.” brought to me $5.50. What do you think of the scheme, boys? McGann—“I dunno as I'd ’a’ finished it.” . Manager—“Well, anyway, that lets you out as G. Wash- ington. That destroys your usefulness as the représenta- tive of the Father of His Country. You can skip. 1 @fean and Upright. shall put another man in the part, and recommend. you to Being a steady reader of the Tip Top since the time you sent plause column, I remain, ARTHUR WINGERLING. Belize, B. H., Central America. read up in history, buy a couple of handkerchiefs, and — out copies of No. 614, “Dick Merriwell’s Trip West,” which I _ morning.” the good it has done me. I have induced my friends to read i McGann—“I dunno as it’s a particularly good morning.” and*they are all satisfied. The characters in your magazine ar Then he went out, and that night a new man filled the all clean and upright. Frank and Dick are my, models and heroes. Inza and Doris are my heroines. Best wishes to Burt vacant place. a % L. and Street & Smith. Wo. O’DonneELt. New York City. THE INTELLIGENCE OF “SUPES.” ew York City Prompter (to leader of supers at dress rehearsal of stirring Best Author on Earth. ‘ Roman drama, “Right Against Might”)—‘Now, are you all right I have been reading Tir Top ever since I was able to read. I -with the cue?” 4 began by just, reading about the pictures, but later I.read the Leadéer—‘“I am so, sir. When the man in the sheet—toga—hol- whole story. It seemed so good that I have been reading it ever lers ‘Katy Field,’ we get ready, and when he sings out ‘Rum and since. This is the first time I have written to the Applause crackers——'”_/ , Prompter (frantically )—“ ‘Caitiff, yield’-—‘Rome and Gracchus,’ weeklies and for its author. I would, like to be informed o stupid!” abandon plug tobacco while you are on the stage. Good saw in a candy store and read with great pleasure, I real a es Poesia’ cheers for Burt L., the best author on earth! ; Syracuse, N. Y. . C. M. JENKINS. THE LIGHT DEBT, “IT am all in the dark about how these bills are to be paid,” said [r. Hardup to his wife. “Well, Henry,” said she, as she pulled out a colored one and put it on the top of the pile, “you will be if you don’t pay that one, for it’s the gas bill Loves His Meals, But——! Bart, Bruce, Harry, and Jack Ready; of Dick’s, I think Brad, As there has been no letter to the Applause . wish to write and tell you that the stories are highly appreciated, © ye HOW HE TOLD... and may they be published forever! How I camé to read them, Parson (to villager)—“Now, John, tell me how you know one of my chums loaned a copy to me; I finished it inside of an an old partridge from a young one.” j hour and bought two more. I now have No. 765, and it is Villager—“By the teeth, sir.’ ’ dandy. I-could hardly wait till Friday to get it. .Hoping to see + Parson—‘“Nonsense! You ought to know better. A partridge this in print, | remain a booster of Burt L. and Tip Top. hasn’t got teeth.” ' Ph Cafion City, Colo, | “Hats,” you Trp Top! ie t Minin ; . d : I am writing to you once again to tell you about a great at the battle of Gettysburg; and when you had concluded cone 1 have with myold Tip Tors. We have here a bazaar.) which lasts for three nights, so I thought the best way for me to, do away with my back numbers was to place them there; sol — Thanking you many times for your valuable space in the Ap-— column, but I just had to express my admiration for the king of nas the number and name of the book in which Mrs. Bart Hodge — Leader—‘“Jesso, sir; when he says that we are to go for the gives birth to a baby girl. I have not been able to find it, al- — chap in the brass weskit.” though I would like it very much. Well, I will close with three — Nine whoops and a tiger for Tir, Tor and Burt L.!—the best writer of boys’ books a-going. Of Frank’s companions I like © Big Bob, Ted Smart, Obediah, Hal, and Chip Spy. or the best. ——_—_—— rom this town, I } a ad ve = Bee es the e323 yj Aas WG 1 Maree ca Poe tae “s ~ Nites hth aincies . $o many inquiries reach us from week to week concerning the _ various manuals on athletic development, which we publish, that we have decided to keep a list of them standing here. Any number can be had by mail by remitting 10 cents, and 3 cents postage, for each copy, to the publishers. Frank Merriwell’s Book of Physical Development. The Art of Boxing and Self-defense, by Prof. Donovan. U.S. Army Physical Exercises, revised by Prof. Donovan. Physical Health Culture, by Prof. Fourmen, The Cure of Stammering. Pror. FourmMeN: Could you tell me how to get rid of stutter- ing? I stutter so badly that sometimes I cannot recite my lessons in school. ALFRED STRAUSS. Chicago, IIl. ‘The affliction of stammering is very annoying, but it is an established fact that it can be cured. In some cases a slight surgical operation is necessary} but the average case is one of nervousness and self- -consciousness. You often hear that stam- singing the word, That is quite true, but it is merely a matter of ay diverting the mind. A bad stammerer can talk without. difficulty - under great excitement, showing that when, the mind is occupied the stammering does not occur, There are dumerous schools for ye the cure of the habit, and the usual method is one of training the es mind. Train yourself by practicing the pronunciation of difficult words and phrases. Never permit yourself to stammer, but stop “short when your tongue balks at a word, and do not try to speak ‘until you put your mind on the word and resolve to speak it [ae and distinctly. Your ereaion sense will tell you that if og bey Bete will be but a few Remember them oe mind on them before stténipting them. A certain well- known politician in New York once stammered so badly that he » could not make himself understood. He overcame the difficulty by pure resolution and constant aan and is now one vee our f eat. i 3 Lifts One sia Ten Pounds, ; “Pro. FourMEN:! Having been a reader of your excellent weekly for five years, I take the. liberty of asking you a few questions concerning my physical paid. Neck, 15% inches; est, 39 inches; waist, 32 inches; ‘hips, 38 inches} ‘eat: 15% hes; height, 5 feet 8 inches; weight, 165 pounds; age, 10 ‘years, I can lift 110 pounds from the floor with one hand. kindly tell me my physical defects, and to what branch of ath- etics Lam physically most adapted? As I am about to take a tri Sppatied in a month, would like to receive an answer as Epwarp Lee Gopparp nae tain down a little of your weight. branch of athletics for a man is that in which he is most merers can’ pronounce a difficult word by first whistling, or by Will you. As I have often said, tis interested. It is pure enthusiasm, and not mere muscular WEEKLY. Sree Age development, that makes a man successful in any sport.. Your present physical condition should make you eligible to almost any sport that suits your fancy. Life On the Plains. Pror. FourMEN: | take the liberty as a Tip Tor reader to ask your advice on a topic of rhany discussions between my mother and myself. I ama great admirer of life on the plains: I would like to know where I could communicate with the Bison “Moving Picture Film Company; and also my chances of securing a job with them. I love horseback riding, which I do as often as pos- sible, though I have no horse. What do you think of ‘my selec- tion of work? I am 17 years old, and considered_well put up, My measurements are as follows: Height, 5 feet 7 inches; neck, 15 inches; chest, 34 in¢hes; waist, 2734 inches; thigh, 22 inches: calf, 14 inches. Please state if there are any flaws in my measure- ments. A. C. READER, East Braintree, Mass. “Life on the plains” is no longer what it was in the younger days of such heroes as Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill. The great West is now dotted with cities as populous and thriving as those of the East,‘and what was once the range of the buffalo and the hunting ground of the Indian, is now fertile farming. country, given over to the scientific production of fine cattle and crops. Law and order prevail where the.gun and bowie knife used to hold sway, and the bad Indian and reckless cowboy are simply arrested and taken to jail, just as in the East. If you have a taste for extensive farming or scientific mining, or any other great industry of the West, you should go there by all means; but do not expect to fight Indians or shoot terrible desperadoes. They are only found in remote instances now, and they are well taken care of by the proper authorities. We have never heard of the moving-picture firm you mention, but you may get the address from.one of the journals devoted to that industry. If you wish to enter the moving-picture business, you will find a larger: field for it in the East, where most of the large houses are located. In giving your measurements you left out the im- portant item of weight. five more inches, according to your height. A Good Shot. Pror. FourMEN: As I have been a reader of Tip Tor for a long time, I take pleasure in recommending it to all boys.as the king of all: are. Age, 14 years 8, months; height, 5 feet 9% inches; neck, 144 inches ; chest, 37 inches; ‘calf, 15 inches; waist, 34 inches: hips, 38 inches; weight, 130 pounds. I play football, baseball, hockey, etc., and am considered a fairly good athlete. How am 1 adapted for boxing and wrestling? I can put eight shots from an automatic revolver in an inch-and-a-half circle. Hoping to hear from you in next week’s Tip Top, I am, Newburgh, N. Y. A Lovat Tir-Topper. Your measurements are somewhat deficient in proportion to your height, but development will come with age. Enlarge your chest’ by systematic breathing exercises; and keep your waist from becoming any larger by developing your abdominal muscles. With an increase of weight and strength | you should do very well at boxing and wrestling. Your skill as a marksman is ap- parently good, but it could be judged, more definitely if you would state the distance at which you. fired at the target. ( Too Heavy. Pror. FourMEN: neck, 13 inches ; chest, 32 inches ; weight, 123 pounds ; wrist, 7 inches. M weight and. meastirements were taken, while I was stripped, | lease tell me my; wien pratt Kw St. Crair. Madill, Okla. You are too heavy by | iwalue pounds, and your chest_should pent, Take daily exercise for your — general development, and do not neglect breathing, exercises for ‘3 worked ‘up two or three inches. (tte meee Pha. ¥ alg Wiki URC Ree Your chest needs developing to. at least | I also would like to learn how my measurements _ I am 16 years and 6 months old; ‘hele 51° “feet 2 inches; calf, 13 inches; thigh, 19 inches; waist, ‘27 inches; — ——_———————ALE, OF THE BACK NUMBERS OF TIP TOP WEEKLY | THAT CAN NOW BE SUPPLIED %; 241—Frank Merriwell’s Kick. 555—Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power 637—-Frank Merriwell’s Young 711—Dick Merriwell’s Dander, 7 1s ' 243—F = Merriwell’s ‘“Brassie” 556—Dick Merriwell’s ‘Push.’ Clippers. 712—Dick Merriwell’s Hope. a 557—Dick Merriwell’s Running. 638—Frank Merriwell’s Steadying on 3—Dick Merriwell’s Standard. 4 246—Frank ‘Merriwell’ s Mastery. 558—Dick Merriwell’s Joke. Hand. 14—Dick Merriwell’s Sympathy. f ee 247—Frang Merriwell’s Dilemma. 559—Dick Merriwell’s Seven. 639—Frank Merriwell’s Record- H15—Diek Merriwell in Lumber 249—F rank Merriwell’s Search. 560—Dick Merriwell’s Partner. Breakers. , and. eae 250—Frank Merriwell’s Ring. 561—Di Merriwell in the Tank, 640—Dick Merriwell’s Shoulder. 716—Fraak Merriwell’s Fairness. ei 251—Frank Merriwell’s Party. 562—Frank Merriwell’s Captive. 641—Dick Merriwell’s Desperate 717—Frank Merriwell’s Pledge. 4 2538—Frank Merriwell’s Skill. 563—Frank Merriwell’s Trailing. Work. 718—F nt Merriwell, the Man of 254—Frank Merriwell’s Club. 564—Frank Merriwell’s Talisman. 642—Dick Merriwell’s Dxample. Grit. “4 255—Frank Merriwell’s Scheme: 565—F rank Merriwell’s Horse. 643—Dick Merriwell At Gale’s zene Merriwell’s Return +4 469-—Prank Merriwell’s Retaliation. 566—Frank Merriwell’s Intrusion. Ferry. i i 485—Dick Merriwell In Manila. 567—Frank Merriwell’s Bluff. 644-—Dick Merriwell’s Inspiration. 720—Frank 1 Merriwell’s Quest. 4 ae 486—Dick Merriwell Marooned. 568—Dick Merriwell’s Regret., 645—Dick Merriwell’s Shooting. 721—F rank Merriwell’s Ingots. ; es So | \ 488-—Dick Merriwell, Gap-Stopper. 569—Dick Merriwell’s Silent Work, 646—Dick Merriwell in_ the. Wilds, 722—lFrank Merriwell’s Assistance, (an 489—Dick Merriwell’s Sacrifice Hit 570—Dick Merriwell’s Arm. 647—Dick Merriwell’s Red Comrade 723—Frank Merriwell at the 490—Dick Merriwell’s Support. © 571—Dick Merriwell’s Skill. 648—F'rank Merriwell’s Ranch. Throttle. 491—Dick Merriwell’s Stroke. 572—Dick Merriwell’s Magnetist. | 649—IF'rank Merriwell in the Saddle 724—-Frank Merriwell, the Always ; 492-——Dick Merriwell Shadowed. 575—Dick Merriwell's System. 650—Frank Merriwell’s Brand Ready ag 493—Dick Merriwell’s Drive: 574—Dick Merriwell’s Salvation. 651—F rank Merriwell’s Red Guide 725—F rank Merriwell in Diamond a 49 ell’s Return. 575—Dick Merriwell’s Twirling. 652—Dick Merriwell’s Rival. nd. ire 495—Dick Merriwell’s Restoration. 576—Dick Merriwell’s Party. 653—Dick Merriwell’s Strength. 726—F rank awe Desperate a 496—Dick Merriwell’s Value. 577—Dick Merriwell’s Backers. 654—Dick Merriwell’ 's Secret Work Cha Ae ‘497—Dick Merriwell’s “Dukes.” 578—Dick Merriwell’s Coach. 655—Dick Merriwel-'s Way. 727—F rank "Merriwell’s Black)’ Téer\"*) 2.479 498—Dick Merriwell’s Drop Kick | 579—Dick Merriwell’s Bingle. 656—Frank Merriwell’s Red Visitor eee 499—Dick Merriwell’s Defeat. 580—Dick Merriwell’s Hurdling. 657—F rank Merriwell’s Rope. Ts 98—Frank Merriwell Again on 4 500—Dick Merriwell’s Chance, 581—Dick Merriwell’'s Best Work. 658—Frank Merriwell’s Lesson. the Slab. a 501—Dick Merriwell’s Stride. 582—Dick Merriwell’s Respite. 659—Frank Merriwell’s Protection 1: 29—F rank Merriwell’s Hard Game 502—Dick Merriwell’s Wing-Suit. | 583—Dick Merriwell’s Disadvantage er ee Merriwell’s Reputation. | 730—¥Frank Merriwell’s Six-in-hand 503—Dick Merriwell’s Skates. 584—Dick Merriwell Beset. 661—Dick Merriywell’s Motto. 741—F rank Merriwell’s Duplicate. 504—Dick Merriwell’s Four Fists. 585—Dick-Merriwell’s Great Rival. 662—Dick Merriwell’s Restraint. 732—F rank Merriwell on Rattle- 505—Dick Merriwell’s Dashing Game 586—Dick Merriwell’s Distrust. 6638—Dick Merriwell’s Ginger. ¥ snake ‘Ranch, : 506—Frank Merriwell’s Tigers. 587—Dick Merriwell, Lion-Tamer. 664—Dick Merriwell's Driving. 733—Frank Merriwell’s Sure Hand 507—Frank Merriwell’s Treasure 588—Dick Merriwell’s Camp-site. | 665—Dick Merriwell’s Good Cheer. 734—F ae Merriwell’s Treasure — Guard. 589—Dick Merriwell’s Debt. 666—F rank Merriwell’s Theory. Bie, May “i $, 508—Frank Merriwell’s Flying Fear 590—Dick Merriwell’s C amp-Mates 667—Frink Merriwell’s Diplomacy. 7835—F rank Merriwell, Prince of | va : 509—Dick Merriwell in Maine. 591—Dick Merriwe]l’s Draw. 668—Frank Merriwell’s Encour- tope 510—Dick Merriwell’s Polo Team. 592—Dick Merriwéll’s Disapproval. agement. a 36—Dick Merriwell, Captain of 511—Dick Merriwell in the Ring. -593—-Dick Merriwell’s Mastery. 669—Frank Merriwell’s Great Work . the Varsity. ip a 512—Frank Merriwell’s New Idea. 594—Dick Merriwell’s_ Warm) Work 670—Dick Merriwell’s Mind. 737—Dick Merriwell’s Control. eet §13—Frank Merriwell’s Trouble. 595—Dick Merriwell’s “Double 671—Dick Merriwell’s “Dip. 9 738—Dick Merriwell’s Back Stop. as 514—Frank Merriwell’s Pupils. Squeeze.” 672—Dick Merriwell’s Rally. 739—Dick Merriwell’s Masked ee 515—Dick Merriwell’s Satisfaction 596—Dick Merriwell’s Vanishing. | 673—Dick Merriwell’s Flier. 2 .emy. : 1) ke ee 516—Dick Merriwell’s Discernment. 597—Dick Merriwell Adrift. 674—Frank Merriwell’s Bullets. 740——Dick Merriwell’s Motor Car. teh ’ 517—Dick Merriwell’s Friendly Hand 598—Dic k Merriwell’s Influence. 675—Frank Merriwell Cut Off. 741—Dick Merriwell’s Hot Pursuit. ‘ 518—Frank Merriwell’s New Boy. 599—Frank Merriwell’s Worst Boy. 676—Frank Merriwell’s Ranch Boss 742—Dick Merriwell at Forest Lake f 519—Frank Merriwell’s Mode. 600—Frank Merriwell’s Annoyance 677—Dick Merriwell’s Equal. 748—Dick Merriwell in Court. 520—Frank Merriwell’s Aids. 601—Frank Merriwell’s Restraint. 678—Dick Merriwell’s Development. 744—Dick Merriwell’s Silence. 521—Dick Merriwell’s Visit. 602—Dick Merriwell Held Back. . 679—Dick Merriwell’s Eye. 745—Dick Merriwell’s Dog. 522—Dick Merriwell’s Retaliation. 603—Dick Merriwell in the Line. 680—Frank lerriwell’s Zest. 746—Dick Merriwell’s Subterfuge. 528—Dick Merriwell’s Rival. 604—Dick Merriwell’s Drop Kick. 681—Frank Merriwell’s Patience. ae ear Merriwell’s Enigma. ~ 524—Frank Merriwell’s Young Crew 605—Frank Merriwell’s Air Voyage. 682—Frank Merriwell’s Pupil. * 48—Dick Merriwell Def eated. 525—Frank Merriwell’s Fast Nine, 606—Frank Merriwell’s Auto Chase. 683—Frank Merriwell’s Fighters. 49—Dick Merriwell’s “Wing.” 526—Frank Merriwell’s Athleti¢ 607—Frank Merriwell’s Captive. 684—Dick Merriwell at the “Meet” 750—Dick Merriwell’s Sky Chase. Field. 608—Dick Merriwell’s Value. 685—Dick Merriwell’s Protest. 751—Dick Merriwell’s re ae ; 527—Dick Merriwell’s Reprisal. 609—Dick Merriwell Doped. 686—Dick Merriwell in the Mara- 752—Dick Merriwell on the Ro cking R } ae eee Merriwell Dared. 610—Dick Merriwell’s Belief thon 753—Dick Merriwell’s Penetration. 529—Dick Merriwell’s Dismay. 611—Frank Merriwell in the Mar- 687—Dick Merriwell’s Colors: 754—-Dick Merriwell’s Intuition. he 530—Frank Merriwell’s Son. ket 688—Dick Merriwell, Driver. 755—Dick Merriwell’s Vantage. 531—Frank Merriwell’s Old Flock. 612—Frank Merriwell’s Fight ee 689—Dick Merriwell on the Deep. 756—Dick Merriwell’s Advice. 532—Frank Merriwell’s House Party Fortune. er re Merriwell in the North 757—Dick Merriwell’s Rescue. ‘ 533—Dick Merriwell’s Summer Team 618—Frank Merriwell on Top. oods. 758—-Dick Merriwell, American. o 534—Dick Merriwell’s Demand. 614—Dick Merriwell’s Trip West. 691—Dick A erriwell’s Dandies. 759—Dick Merriwell’s Understand- 5385—Dick Merriwell’s Slabmate. 615—Dick Merriwell’s Predicament 692—Dick Merriwell’s “Skyscooter” ing. , ' 586—Frank Merriwell’s Summer 616—Dick Merriwell in Mystery 693—Dick Merriwell in the Elk 760—Dick Merriwell, Tutor. Cam Valley, Mountains. - 761—Dick Merriwell’s Quandary. . 537—Prank. ireriivetta Proposal. 617—Frank Merriwell’s | ‘Proposition 694—-Dick Merriwell in Utah. 762——Dick Merriwell on the Boards. wv 588—Frank Merriwell’s | Spook- 618\—-Frank Merriwell Perplexed. 695—Dick Merriwell’s Bluff. 763—Dick Merriwell,, Peacemaker. hunters, 619—Frank Merriwell’s Suspicion. 696—Dick Merriwell in the Saddle. 764—Frank Merriwell’s Sway. | 539—Dick Merriwell’s Cheek. 620—Dick Merriwell’8 Gallantry. Pel Merriwell’s Ranch tree Merriwell’s Compre- 540—Dick Merriwell’s Sacrifice. 621—Dick Merriwell’s Condition. ends nsion 541—Dick Merriwell’s Heart. 622—Dick Merriwell’s Stanchness, 698—Frank Merriwell at Phantom 766—Franie Merriwell’s Young — 542—Frank Merriwell’s New Auto, 623—Dick Merriwell’s Match. Lake. Acrobat. ' 543—Frank Merriwell’s Pride. r6S 24—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Case 699-—Frank Merriwell’s Hold-back. 767—Frank Merriwell’s Tact.: tS " 544—-Frank Merriwell’s Young 625—Frank Merriwell’s Helper. 700—Frank Merriwell’s Lively Lads 768—Frank Merriwell’s Unknown. — Winners. 626—Frank Merriwell’s Doubts. 701—Frank Merriwell as Instructor 769—F rank Merriwell’s Acuteness. 45—+Dick ‘Merriwell’s Lead. 627—Frank Merriwell’s “Phenom.” 702—Dick Merriwell’s Cayuse. 770—Frank _ Merriwell’s ene 46—Dick Merriwell’s Influence. 628—Dick Merriwell’s Stand. 703—Dick Merriwell’s Quirt. Canadian. - 547—Dick Merriwell’s Top Notch. 629—Dick Merriwell’s Circle, 704—Dick Merriwell’s Freshman 771—Frank Merriwell’s Coward. im © .§48—Frank Merriwell’s Kids. 630-—Dick Merriwell’s Reach. Friend. 772—-Frank Merriwell’s Perplexity. © 549—Frank Merriwell’s Kodakers. 631—Dick Merriwell’s Money. 705—Dick Merriwell’s Best Form. 773—Frank Merriwell’s Interven- 550—-Dick Merriwell, Freshman. 632—Dick Merriwell Watched. 706—Dick Merriwell’s Prank. tion. 551—Dick Merriwell’s Progress. 623—Dick Merriwell Doubted. ' 707—Dick Merriwell’s Gambol. 774—-Frank Merriwell’s Daring Deed | 5f fe ce Merriwell, Half-back. 634—Dick Merriwell’s erereetd rere Merriwell’s Gun. - %775—Frank Merriwell’s Succor. | ‘ 53—Dick Merriwell’s Resentment. 635—Dick Merriwell’s Ris 709—Dick Merriwell at His Best. 776—Frank Merriwell’s Wit 54—Dick Merriwell Repaid. ~ 636—Frank Merriwell’s Vavorite,, 710—Dick mrenesery » haatet Mind 777—Frank Merriwell’s Losdity, . PRICE, FIVE CENTS PER COPY ae If you want any back numbers of our weeklies and cannot procure them from your newsdealer, they can be : obtained direct from this office. Postage stamps taken the same as money., __ ‘ STREET @ SMITH. Publishers. 79 Seventh Ave., New York City ns ee sae Tse gee Cd te RN ae ey ee Ene Pek NOB BERS OF ob Es TIP TOP WEEKLY WILL*BE FOUND IN THE NEW MEDAL LIBRARY A few ‘years ago we were obliged to disappoint thousands of readers who wanted the stories of the early adventures of Frank and Dick Merriwell which were published in Tip Top, because we did not have copies of the numbers that contained them. It was impossible for us to reprint Tip Top Weekly, so we made the stories up in book form and published them in the New Medal Library at intervals of about four weeks beginning with No. 150. Here is a list of these splendid books which contain Nos. 1 to 509 of Tip Top Weekly. Our experience with these books has taught us that thousands of boys are overjoyed at this opportunity to secure their favorite stories in a more compact and permanent form. Merriwell’s School-days. Merriwell’s Chums. Merriwell’s Foes. Merriwell’s Trip West. Merriwell Down South. Merriwell’s Bravery. Merriwell’s Hunting Tour. Merriwell in Europe. Merriwell at Yale. Merriwell’s Sports Afield. Merriwell’s Races. Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour. Merriwell’s Courage. Merriwell’s Daring. Merriwell’s Athletes. Merriwell’s Skill. Merriwell’s Champions. Merriwell’s Return to Yale Merriwell’s Secret. Merriwell’s Danger. Merriwell’s Loyalty. Merriwell in Camp. Merriwell’s Vacation. Merriwell’s Cruise. Merriwell’s Chase. Merriwell in Maine. Merriwell’s Struggle. Merriwell’s First Job. Merriwell’s Opportunity. Merriwell’s Hard Luck. Merriwell’s 150—Frank 167—Frank ' 178—Frank 184—F rank 189—F rank 193—F rank 197—Frank 201—F rank 205—Frank 2090—F rank 213—Frank 217—Frank 225—Frank 2290—Frank 233—Frank 237—Frank 240—F rank 244—F rank 247—F rank 251—Frank 254—Frank 258—Frank 262—Frank 267—Frank 271—F rank 2% —Frank 28¢ +-Frank —Frank 288—F rank 2902—F rank 362—Frank 3065—Frank 308—F rank 371—Frank 374—F rank 377—F rank 380—Frank 383—Frank 386—F rank 389—F rank 392—Frank 3905—Frank 398—Frank 401—F rank 404—Frank 407—F rank 410—Frank 413—Frank 416—Frank 419—Frank 422—F rank 425—Frank 428—Frank 431—Frank 434—F rank 437—Frank Price, Fifteen Cents per copy. Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Auto. Fun. Generosity. Tricks. Temptation. Merriwell on Top. Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Luck. Mascot. Reward. Phantom. Faith. Victories. Iron Nerve. Merriwell in Kentucky. Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Power. Shrewdness. Set-back. Search. Club. Trust. False Friend. Strong Arm. Merriwell as Coach. Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Brother. Marvel. Support. 440—Dick Merriwell at Fardale. 443—Dick Merriwell’s Glory. 446—Dick Merriwell’s Promise. 449—Dick Merriwell’s Rescue. 296—F rank 300—F rank 304—F rank 308—Frank 312—Frank 316—Frank 320—-Frank 324—F rank 328—Frank 332—Frank 336—Frank 340—F rank 344—Frank Protégé. Merriwell on the Road. Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Own Company. Fame. College Chums. Problen. Fortune. New Comedian Prosperity. Stage Hit. Great Scheme. Merriwell in England. Merriwell on the Boulevards. 348—Frank Merriwell’s Duel. 352—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shot. as6—Frank Merriwell’s Baseball Victories 359—Frank Merriwell’s Confidence. 452—Dick Merriwell’s Narrow Escape. 458—Dick Meftiwell’s Racket. 458—Dick Merriwell’s Revenge. 461—Dick Merriwell’s Ruse. 464—Dick Merriwell’s Delivery. 467—Dick Merriwell’s Wonders. 470—Frank Merriwell’s Honor. 473—Dick Merriwell’s Diamond. 476—Frank Merriwell’s Winners. 479—Dick Merriwell’s Dash. 482—Dick Merriwell’s Ability. 485—Dick Merriwell’s Trap. 488—Dick Merriwell’s Defense. 491—Dick Merriwell’s Model. 494—Dick Merriwell’s Mystery. 497—Frank Merriwell’s Backers. 500—Dick Merriwell’s Backstop. 503—Dick Merriwell’s Western Mission. 506—Frank Merriwell’s Rescue. so9—Frank Merriwell’s Encounter. 512—Dick Merriwell’s Marked Money. 515—Frank Merriwell’s Nomads. 518—Dick Merriwell on the Gridiron. 521—Dick Merriwell’s Disguise. 524—Dick Merriwell’s Test. 527—Frank Merriwell’s Trump Card. 530—Frank Merriwell’s Strategy. 533—Frank Merriwell’s Triumph. 530—Dick Merriwell’s Grit. 530—Dick Merriwel:’s Assurance. 542—Dick Merriwell’s Long Slide. 545—Frank Merriwell’s Rough Deal. 548—Dick Merriwell’s Threat. 551—Dick Merriwell’s Persistence. 554—Dick Merriwell’s Day. | 557—Frank Merriwell’s Peril. 560—Dick Merriwell’s Downfall. 563—Frank Merriwell’s Pursuit. 566—Dick Merriwell Abroad. 569—Frank Merriwell in the Rockies. 572—Dick Merriwell’s Pranks. 578s—Frank Merriwell’s Pride. 578—Frank Merriwell’s Challengers. 581—Frank Merriwell’s Endurance. 584—Dick Merriwell’s Cleverness 587—Frank Merriwell’s Marriage s90—Dick Merriwell, the Wizard, 593—Dick Merriwell’s Stroke. 596—Dick Merriwell’s Return. so9—Dick Merriwell’s Resource. Published about January tIoth, I9o1t. 602—Dick Merriwell’s Five. Published about January 31st, IO1t. 605—Frank Merriwell’s Tigers. Published about February 21st, 1911. 608—Dick Merriwell’s Polo Team. STREET & SMITH, Publishers, NEW YORK CITY Ae sa Nceled oe E an