MAY. 3.1913

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_ An Ideal Publication For The American Youth

 

 

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No. 40. NEW YORK, May 3, 1913. Price Five Cents.

 

Frank Merriwell, Junior’s, Umpire;

Or, THE FATE OF RODNO FIELD.

By BURT L.

CHAPTER I.
MORRIS MAKES A SUGGESTION.

“Too much juice, Rod?”
“Burn her in, pard! Whoop-ee! Stick that double shoot
over again, and watch me put a diamond hitch on her!”

. Merry smiled as the Western lad settled down enthusi-

astically behind the plate. But Billy Dill, who was sup-

- posed to be getting batting practice, stepped back, with a

grin, and leaned on his bat.
“If you’re going to work the double: shoot you'll have

to get a new recruit,” he chirruped, in a tone that was.

most emphatic, for him. “I’m tired of swinging at the
sky, so fire ahead and pass me by!”
“Nonsense!” replied Merry, with a glance around.

“Pickles, swing at this for an inshoot; watch out, there,

Rush !”
Making a wry face, Billy stepped up to the plate. Clay

Rushington, on first, came off his bag and crouched in
readiness; Merry turned, and, with a twitch at his belt,

wound up.
That twitch was Rod’s signal. Watching eagerly from

second, Andy Cawthorn gasped in amazement, for the

ball broke for an outshoot as it left Merry’s hand, then
twisted about and became an inshoot!
This time, although warned, Billy Dil almost reached

for the out; he connected, however, and as Merry had

predicted, the ball rolled slowly toward Rush, who snapped
it up, touched his bag, and sent the ball around the bases.
“Pretty slick, pard,’ cried Rod exultantly.
“Say,” called in Rush, “can you, call the hits that way

every time, Chip?” ;

“I could with Pickles batting,” replied Merriwell. “How

-~ does that double shoot look to you, Rod?”

STANDISH.

“Tt’s great! Why, we'll make these Juneaus yell for

help inside of two innings!”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” said Merry, as Larsen
selected his bat.

“Afraid of?” repeated Rush, who had come in from
Arst:. “Why”

“Because if they yell for help I’m afraid they'll get it.”

“Cut out the puzzle page, Chip!” yelled Rod from the
plate. “Loosen up ”

“Sure,’ added the perplexed Rush, holding the ball.
“What do you mean?” }

“Cover your base!” and Merry snatched the ball and
sent it to Jim Hedworth at third. “Time to talk later.”

It was a magnificent afternoon in early May, and the
R. A, C. baseball squad was making the most of it under
young Frank Merriwell’s coaching. On the coming Sat- |
urday the Rodno Club would meet the Juneau Athletic
Club for the final contest of a series in which each club
had taken three events.

And it was through the skill of young Frank Merriwell
alone that the Rodnos had prevented the unscrupulous
Juneau A. C., from assuming possession of this magnifi-
cent athletic ground three weeks earlier.

According to the will of old Lee Rodno, the field would
belong permanently to the winging club. The baseball
game would decide the matter finally, and, according to
all the “dope” obtainable, the R. A. C. would have a walk-
away. Therefore, Merry’s words had both surprised and
worried the boys whom he was helping in their desperate
struggle.

Merry gruntéd with satisfaction as his terrific straight
ball plunked into Rod’s mitt, and stayed. He had feared
that Neil Rodno would be unable to catch him, even if
well. And Rod was far from well. . ?

  

 
  

  

 

 

me

‘we've gone up against in the past.
everything’s looking straight enough now.”

As Merry’s eyes swept. over Larsen, at the plate, with
Rod crouching behind, his face darkened. Only the Fri-
day before these two mainstays of the R. A. C. had been
assaulted by a gang of smelter toughs. So badly were
they “beaten up”
Saturday’s race.

Chip Merriwell and Fred Ricketts had taken their
places, however, and Merry had won the race after
Ricketts’ oar had broken.. There was no direct evidence
that either the assault on the two oarsmen or the cun-
ningly damaged oar was the work of the J. A. C. and
of Spider Morris, its guiding genius, who hoped to gain
the magnificent Rodno Field and make of it a great pugi-
listic center. Yet, none the less, Merry and the others
suspected strongly: that Morris was behind both pieces of
crooked work.

“How does it feel, fellows?” he queried.

“Sore, but still in the ring,” answered Larsen, with a
grin.

“Quit talking, and shoot ’em across,” broke in Rod,
whose head was still bound with bandages under the
mask,

Merry obeyed with unlooked-for alacrity. Larsen, who
was never to be caught napping, dropped his bat to the
ball and smashed out a terrific liner, a foot: from the
ground, Andy Cawthorn saw it coming just in time to
jump frantically out of its way and squarely into Billy
Dice : na
Pickles, who had a perfect right to the base line, went to
the ground with the idea that. Andy had purposely blocked
him, and promptly jolted Andy one as they rolled over.
The stjll startled Andy emitted a yell, caught: the bellig-
erent Pickles, and shoved his nose into the diamond, then
sat on him to see what had happened.

_Merry stood laughing, the ball in his hand, for Ricketts
had stopped it quickly. Andy rubbed his nose reflectively.
' “Call an officer, Chip! Dreadful Dilly has attempted
assault and battery!” eo
- “Let me up, you big stiff!” came a muffled voice from
below. “Pull off this bik guy, somebody { You block me
again and I'll hand you another one?’ ;

“Kind of forgot your jingles, eh? What'd you mean by
Nastia me in the nose?” |

“Let me up, an’ val show. you! Chip, pull him off—l’ m
smothered! I used to think the air was free, but Andy’s
cornered it, I see!” ©

“Let him up, Andy.” Merry explained, matters, and the
practice went on, after Billy was sure. that Andy had not

meant to block him, Although Billy Dill was diminutive
ts body, his tremendous energy and unflagging vim, made
him a “scrapping shortstop,’

as Rush phrased it.

_. Merry was not sparing his men a particle. They were
average players, only Rodno being anything exceptional,
and. Saturday was but four days away. So by the time
they had gathered in the gymnasium for showers and a
plunge, every one,: including Merry,

‘talk over things calmly.

“What did you mean about the Tea getting help if

‘they called for it?’ inquired Neil suddenly. ‘
“I don’t know, exactly, myself,” laughingly confessed

“f’m afraid of some crooked work, after what
Still, : inust own that

Merry.

“Tt sure does, pard,” returned, Rod. “We all know that

the Juneaus, most of ’em, are for clean sport, now that

Pibilet
; »

NEW. TIP: FOP :- WEEKEY.

that they were unable to row in the.

a baseball team.” ~

was weary enough to.

Morris has Jost, everything by his dirty work since you
came, They are practicing pretty steady, too. Morris
used to be a.player himself, they say, and he’s coaching
them.” .
“If they were wise they’d have nothing to do w ith him,
Rod. Surely they must know that he’s crooked.”
“They were more or less warped’ themselves, in the be-

ginning,’ spoke up. Rush,

“Until Chip came along an’ showed ’em how strong a
fellow could be if he never did wrong,” sang out ‘Pickles. |

“Can that, Billy,” replied Merry quickly. “Don’t be!
silly. No fellow on earth can say that he never did wrong
—if I was so all-fired sanctimonious as that, I’d go into
revival work.” ‘nt

“Just the same, Merry,” itsisted Rush, “it’s true that a
good many of the Juneaus have changed a whole lot since
you came to towh, and since they lost Andy here.’ By
the way, I heard that Jerry Taylor, their first basé and
about the best chap in their crowd, has gone out OF town,
Anybody know why?”

“TM bite,” “answered Merry, with a laugh. “Why?”

“It’s no joke, Chip,” cried Rod. “I heard about it, tod.
He left town Saturday night, after the rowing match, and
took the night train south. It’s easy to figure out that
there’s something up: °

”

“Nothing like that, Rod. He turned the*town against
him doing that crooked work with the crew. Well, no use
worrying, I suppose. Jerry Taylor is fairly straight, I
think” $

ow ho’s to “umpire?” spoke up Jim edworty em

“Not sure yet. Mr, Rodno has asked ‘Joe Carson, the
National League umpire, who owns that big ranch over at.

Circle Dot City, to come; and he’s. asked Fred Lucas— “
you know, the ten-thousand-dollar wonder, who broke his: ~

wrist in the first practice game he pitched for. the Ath-
letics this spring? Well, Lucas came out to Denver to heal
up quickly, and, as Morris has agreed to both men, I guess
we'll get a square deal.”

“Sure, Chip—if. they come,”
fully. “Well, it looks pretty good to me.
Taylor went off after. a_pitcher.
one.” Aes
“Fine!” exclaimed Merry. “Spider: wouldn't -dare ‘ring
in a professional, with ‘Licas and Carson here. I -think
it'll ‘be straight, fellows—but keep your eyes open, now !”.

“You bet, Chip!” went up the chorus.

‘A moment later Frisbie, the’ trainer, came in: ‘and told
Merry that Amos Rodno was outside in his car Amos,

the brother of. Lee Rodno ‘and -Neil’s: uncle,.-was’ the —
executor of the estate, and since Neil and Merry shad

made clean athletics respected and’ even feared: at Juneau,

the old sheepman ‘had ‘become a‘confirmed rooter for the
R. A. C, None the less, he treated both sides with stern ‘
impartiality. -

“Carson won't be here; or won't be able to tell us dad
‘the last momefit, Merriwell:

Just got the two wires. —
Lucas will be on hand, all right,

Lucas can umpire strikes, and Carson bases;
Lucas can do the whole thing, if that suits.”

4

“That's exactly what Morris suggested, 2 tatgenad ‘the

sheapniah grimly. Frank looked up with troubled eves, a [
nodded his head, and it was settled, r4

‘Maybe Spider Morris ‘will import

assented Hedworth soube i
I guess Jerry —
They haven't any good

What’ had we better do?” —
“Let things stand, Mr. Rodno, if Morris is willing. ni
_ otherwise,

Sn b

 

 

 

    

 

    
     
     
     
       
     
     
     
       
       
       
     
     
     
     
     
       

 

    
     
       
     
   
       
       
     
     
     
     

 
  
   
   
  
 
     
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
    
  
 

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Neil joined them, and, loading in as many fellows as the
car would carry, they rode into Juneau. x all the way
Merry was wondering why Morris had made that sugges-
tion—first !

CHAPTER II.
MERRY MAKES A FRIEND.

“What’s this chap Lucas like, Rod?”

“Search me, ‘Chip! Guess no one ever saw any more
of him than his pictures in the papers, out West here.”

Neil and Merry were seated in the lobby of the Juneau
Hotel, after dinner. A number of guests had come in on
the noon train, and Merry was interestedly watching one
of these, a man seated a few feet away.

Merry was interested because of the way the man
smoked his cigar. He was a brown-faced, alert-eyed man
of perhaps thirty, and seemed to be a drummer. His cigar
was a very light one, and he smoked it slowly and cau-
* tiously, took in each puff to the utmost, and almost uttered
a sigh of regret As he let it escape again.

But at Merry’s question the hand*holding the cigar had
jumped suddenly, though the face had not changed. A
moment later the man’s eyes traveled casually around
until they met Merry’s frankly interested gaze. Merry
felt as though touched physically, so hard and cold and
intense were the man’s dark eyes; then the drummer rose
and hitched his chair around, with a smile.

“Heard what you boys said,” he began, in a free-and-
easy manner. Merry frowned, for this was in contrast
with the seeming character of the man. “Never seen Lucas
play, eh? Why, they say he’s the greatest little base
runner in the big leagues.”

“I know,” replied Rod eagerly, while Merry aie the
other, still puzzled. “Have you seen him?”

The other flung back his head and laughed. *

“Why, boys, I know him! Know him mighty well; in
fact; we come from’the same town—Marshville, Michigan.
Located here, are you?”

The question came with such suddenness that Neil was

taken off his guard.

“I am, but Merry’s just stopping over.
have——”

“Merry?” The dark eyes flashed from one face to the
other. “You don’t mean Merriwell, by any chance?”

Neil glanced at his friend a trifle awkwardly, and Merry
spoke up.

“Ves, that’s my name, Mr.—er—I don’t believe we know
yours?” :

‘You will soon enough. I’m just plain Bill Smith. But,
say, Merriwell! Are you the son of Frank Merriwell and
the nephew of Dick, the great Yale athletes?”

“Yes,” replied Chip curtly, not yet sure whether he liked
or disliked the odd stranger. The latter put out a hand

We hope to

instantly.
“Shake! Young man, I’m proud to meet any one of the
Merriwells! I met yotr father once, several years ago,

and I’m glad to see that his son is worthy of him!”

- Merry accepted the hand, for sincerity rang through
the voice of the other.

“1 don’t quite see the reason for your cordiality, Mr.
Bill Smith,” he said slowly, beginning to like the strong,
brown face, “but I’m glad to shake your hand, just the
same.”

For a moment their hands continued gripped, while
9

‘interest.

   

 

NEW TIP TOP WEEKLY. 3

each smiled into the other’s eyes; then Bill Smith stopped
smiling suddenly.

“Hold up, please!” he said ee “I sprained my wrist

’ the other day——”

Rod laughed to himself as Merry cnreddced him, and
Smith’s deep-set eyes twinkled in return. Then he pro-
ceeded to explain:

“A good many years ago, Merriwell, I started out to
make a name for myself in athletics. I started right, too,
and everything looked lovely for me until I woke up. one
day to find myself facing wreck. Same old story—noth-
ing big, but a heap of little things, like cigarettes and once
in a while a drink, you know.

“Well, just about that time I read of your father, who
was then at Yale. I heard quite a lot about him, in fact,
and determined to cut out tobacco and liquor and to throw
myself into gymnasium work to regain what I had lost.
It took me a long time, but I kept at it, and you can
see what’s happened. My smokes are few and far be-
tween, now !)

Merry smiled. “You don’t look like a human wreck, ex-
actly, Mr. Smith. Are you going to be here long!”

“Until Sunday. I’m anxious to see this ball game I hear
so much about. I suppose you'll pitch, won’t you?”

“I hope to. Rod, here, is catching me like a veteran.
You don’t play, do you?”

“We-el, I have played a little,’ Smith returned, with a
drawl. “But I’d hardly call myself a player, I guess. I’m
more in the way of a coach or umpire.”

As Smith said the last words, he looked squarely at
Merry, who could not help fancying that there was some-
thing hidden behind those dark, gleaming eyes. Now,
however, he was altogether sure that he liked this quiet-
spoken, self-contained Bill Smith, and he did not hesitate
in his acceptance of the covert challenge—if it was indeed
a challenge.

“If you have nothing else to do,’ Merry answered
quietly, “I would appreciate it very much, Mr. Smith, if
you could get out with us and give us a few pointers.
By the way, I think we'll need an umpire for Saturday.
Lucas, of the Athletics, you remember, was to be one

umpire, and Carson the other; but I’m afraid Carson won’t

be here. Now, if you’d prefer——”

“By all means!” returned Smith, with a duvet “T’m
not sure that I could equal you at coaching, but the blue
blouse is right in my line. Bases, or strikes?”

“That will be up to Mr. Rodno—Amos Rodno, the
sheepman.” And Merry went on to explain the circum-
stances to his new acquaintance, who listened with eager
Neil finally offered to take him to his uncle, to
whom references might be given, and if Mortis made no —
objection, then Bill Smith would become the umpire on
bases.

This being the case, nothing further was said about the
matter of coaching by the new man. Despite the_ final
decision that he liked him, Merry was a good deal puz-
zled by the man. More than once he cut himself short in
the middle of a sentence, and by his general conversation
he showed that he knew more about the inside of the base-
ball game than the average man knows.

Still, there was no peg on which Merry could hang his
suspicions, although he refused to dignify them by the
term. Bill Smith avoided stating his experience in so many

words, and when Rod finally put the straight question

to him, he merely laughed.
 

     

IEW

 

“Haven't the papers on me, Rodno, Lead me to your
uncle, though, and I’ll satisfy him. I-don’t want to tell
you all about myself, being more medest than most men,
and hating to make myself blush in a hotel lobby before
all these horrid men!”

The twinkle in his eye was so akouinis that Neil boas

into a laugh and forebore to press the question farther.
He finally consented to witness their practice that after-
noon, and all three started for Rodno Field together.
» Only a few blocks from the hotel Merry, to his surprise,
saw Spider Morris advancing, with the evident intention
of speaking. Somewhat against his will, he gaye Spider a
curt nod, and stopped.

“Glad to see ye out again, Neil,” Morris eee with a
smile that was meant to be ingratiating. “Say, Merriwell,
your practice ain't secret, is it?”

“Not a bit,” returned Merry. He introduced Bill Smith,
and in his turn Smith stated that he hoped to be the
umpire in Saturday’s game, putting the flat question to

' Morris as though his ‘answer was assured. The calm con-
fidence of the question seemed to take the other off his
feet, and the sinister smile of Nate Morris. took on a
forced look, to the eyes of Merry.

“IT dunno’s we need two umpires,
Morris, as he scratched his chin reflectively.
feller Lucas——”

“Nonsense!” broke in Neil sharply, “We ought to have
Lucas to umpire strikes and another umpire on bases, If
Carson can’t come, and if Mr. Smith can show that he is
qualified, I don’t see where you have any kick coming,
Morris. By the way, thanks for those flowers you sent. up
last ‘Saturday !”

Morris grinned, and his eyes went to Merriwell’s face.

“Well, seein’ Lucas will umpire strikes, I ain’t got no
objection, I reckon, Only I thought that if Mr, Smith,
here, was a special friend o’ yours, Merriwell——~”

“He’s not,” exclaimed Merry, with asperity. “I don’t
even know that he’s qualified, and if you think I’m ringing
in any crooked work of your own description, you can
take another think right here.”

mister,” answered
“We got this

‘Far from flaming up at the words, as Merry expected,
Morris merely waved his hand, with an injured expres-
sion. 4 \

“IT don’t see why you fellers think I’m not on the square,
Merriwell! I wasn’t responsible for what Spink done in
that cross-country run, nohow. Sure, Mr. Smith, you
can steer right ahead, for all I care, so long’s you satisfy
ol’ man Rodno. It’s up to him. I was wonderin’, Merry, |
if you had any objection to lettin’. me come oyer an’ see
you put the boys through their paces?” ;

“Not a bit, Morris,’ answered Merry, a trifle ashamed
at having allowed his inner feelings to escape him, “I
will be only too glad to apologize, too, if I’ve been wrong
in blaming you 'for—several things that have happened.
Well, let’s move along.”

Bill Smith had listened to the thrust and parry of
words, with a quiet, inscrutable smile on his bronzed fea-
tures, while Neil had heard Merry in undisguised delight,
There was good reason to mistrust Spider Morris, but
whether he had had anything to do with the assault on
Larsen and Rodno was as yet undecided.

They found the ball squad already on the field, and_
more than one surprised glance went in their direction at
sight of Morris. Merry and Neil were soon in their

TE TOP aWE

  

   

ICL.

suits, and as Merry put his men through their paces the

two yisitors sat on the bench and)talked amicably.

Merry, however, had not the slightest intention of dis-
playing his strength to the enemy, and he quietly passed
out a hint to that effect. Therefore, Rushington covered
first in a loose manner, Billy Dill, at short, let more than
one grounder go through, and the throws around the bases
lacked a good deal of precision. It was anything but good
work, and when, an hour later, Morris took his departure,
with a shouted word of thanks and farewell, Chip Merri-
well was glad to see that Bill Smith remained,

“Now, fellows,” cried Merry, when Morris was out of
sight, “quite the fooling and get down to work!”

“Right with you, old man!” sang out Rush,
over, Rod!”

During the next fiye minutes Merry saw Bill Smith open
his eyes. Every man on the field was on his mettle now,
and the way in which grounders were snapped up and

“Put her

throws made around the sacks was astonishing to Merry é
Finally Smith came strolling out across the dia- ~

himself,
mond,

“Merriwell, I got a. little system all my own on working

signals, If your boys will get together, I think maybe
we can do a little business, if you don’t mind.”

As Merry had no signals, save for Rod, owing to lack
of time, he hesitated. Finally he assented, and a moment
later the R, A. C, team was grouped about Bill Smith,
who began talking earnestly and simply, until his words

. drew a quick yell of delight from all,

“Now, get out there and try it,’ Smith finished, with a
grin, and Merry’s eyes shone with satisfaction,

CHAPTER III.
MERRY SAYS NO.

“Well, how do you think it’s going to work out, Chip?”

“Hine, Andy. Smith’s a bright chap.”

“You bet, pard!” cried Neil enthusiastically. Merriwell,
Cawthorn, and Rodno were walking home together after
the workout, and stood on qa street corner before sepa-
rating.

“Those signals were all-fired good, Chip. Why in time
didn’t we think of ’em?”

“I thought of using something of the sort,” replied —
Merry, “but it didn’t seem as if the Juneaus were worth —

the time, and I was too anxious to get the team working
together. I wish I knew who they’d have to pitch!”

“Some professional, you can bet on that,” said Andy
disgustedly. “Well, so long, fellows! See you to-mor:
row!”

ward his hotel, Still a block away from his goal, he was

halted by a voice from behind.
“Mr, Merriwell! Just a moment
Turning, he whipped off his hat and stepped to the curb

as Rilla Morris, on horseback, reined up with an evident

desire to speak to him. Her blue eyes were lit with some __

excitement, and her face was flushed a trifle as she spoke.

“TI just wanted to wish you good luck in Saturday’s ©
game, Mr. Merriwell! You keep to yourself so much that

one never sees you except in the street!”

Merry laughed.
you for your good wishes, but I anand think you'd save
them for your father’s team?”

  

 

 

 

 

 

The three separated, and Merry walked on alone the

  

   

    
     
   

“T’m pretty busy, Miss Morris, ‘Thank ct %

He was standing with his hand on the ae of the horse, 3

    
   

 

  

  

  
 

 

 

 

  
 
 

 

 

 

   
    
   
  

   
   

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
   

aT oe ee oe ee

    
 

 

 

 

 

cordially.

NEW

 

and as he looked up he saw that flush steal into her cheeks
again,

“’m—I—I hope you beat him so badly-———’ she began,
and her voice changed suddenly. Merry looked up, startled
and grave on the instant.

“What's the trouble,-Miss Morris? I don’t wish to be
inquisitive, but if there’s anything I can do, please com-
mand me,”

“You can win that ball game!” she flashed out quickly.
“’m not at liberty to say much,- Mr. Merriwell, but—yes,
you can do something for me. I’ye just found out sey-
eral things that I didn’t know before. I’ve been away at
school for a good many years, and I haven’t kept up with
events back here in Juneau, I’m afraid that my father
is not exactly—not exactly all I have thought him, Mr.
Merriwell—and I am sorry.”

- It was a strange scene. Merry stood at the curb, still

”

- quietly stroking the horse’s neck as if nothing troubled him.

But inwardly he was much perplexed, Evidently some-

_ thing had happened to greatly disturb Rilla Morris—some-

thing connected with her father and his past. trickery.
There was only one thing to do, and Merry did it.

“IT am at your service, Miss Morris,” he tried to speak
as calmly as possible, and his words and confident air
‘served to restore the girl’s self-possession to some extent.
“T will be more than glad to help you in any wey pos-
sible.”

She flushed again ‘slightly,

“Tt seems strange that I should ask this of you, and yet
—well, I really seem to know you better than any one else
at home, here. You saved my life when Jupe was run-
ning away with me—and I want me to go easy with my
father,”

Merry stared .at this sudden, siuiaae defiant request, then
he laughed. |

“Why, my
your father!
of the things

ar Miss Morris, I have nothing against
rankly, I am not in sympathy with some
does, but-———”

“You misg@@lerstand me, Mr, Merriwell. I cannot ex-
plain to youf™but I appeal to you as a friend, If some-
thing happeng, which I am afraid will happen, the knowl-
edge that y@l: will lend your voice in dad’s favor will
be a great help to me. It’s not an easy thing to ask, for
I know that dad has wronged you, but—I hoped——

“Trust me, Miss Morris,” returned Merry gravely, real-
izing that there was more to this than he was aware of.
“T have not the slightest enmity toward your father, and

whatever may happen, I give you my word that I will use

uty influence I may possess in his behalf.”

“Bully for you, Frank Merriwell 1” Rilla ‘Morris leaned
over and extended a gauntleted hand, which Frank shook
“Muchas gracias, setior! Hasta luego!”

“Until soon!” repeated Chip, in English, as she wheeled
her horse, and he waved her-a cheerful farewell.

As he walked on, he pondered her words. What was the

“something” that was about to happen? Could it be pos-

_ sible that she had just become aware of her father’s

trickery i in connection with the Juneau Athletic Club? Or
was it something altogether different?

“Guess I was a little too hasty with that promise,” re-
"Feetod Frank ruefully, as he entered the hotel, “Well, I'll
keep it, anyhow.”

 

 

  

~

_ He little thought how soon he was to be put to the —
j test. As he was crossing ae lobby, he heard the eleric
~eall to him,

forfeit?” asked the sheepman, turning suddenly.

  

TP TOP oon iY: 5

“Hey, there, Mr. Merriwell! Old man Rodno called
up about five minutes ago—wanted you to come right over
to his house!” ;

“Much obliged,” returned Merry. Instantly he banished
Rilla Morris from his mind, and set out for Amos Rodno’s
house, only a few blocks distant.

What did the old sheepman want to see him about? His
perplexity was increased when he met Neil, who had started
out to met him.

“Search me,” answered Rod to his eager question. “Bill-
Smith’s talking to uncle, and he sent me for you on the
jump. Seems mad about something, pard.”

Dusk was just gathering as they ran up the steps of the
Rodno residence. Neil opened the door and Merry en-
tered the hall. As he did so, the sound of Smith’s voice
came to him from a room beyond.

“No conclusive proof, you see. However, it’s plain,
enough to me, Mr. Rodno, and that’s why 1 came along,”

“I’m right glad you did,” sputtered the angry voice of
the old sheepman. “Jumping juniper! For two pins I’d
land that fellow behind the bars and keep him there for
six months!”

A moment later Merry and Neil entered the room.
Amos Rodno was striding up and down, while before a
table littered with papers sat Bill Smith. He greeted
Merry and Neil with a gay smile, and stuffed the papers
into his pocket.

“Judging from the words I just heard,” said ics,
with a laugh, “Mr. Bill Smith has exploded a cannon
eracker, Mr, Rodno! What's up?”

*Cannon cracker? Humph! More like a blast of giant
powder, Merriwell! Sit down, both of you! Now, Smith
—fire away. Tell ’em the whole dad-burned yarn!”

As Merry dropped into a chair, Smith glanced at him,
with a half smile. Then he shook his head with sudden
decision.

“Hold up, Mr. Rodno, I’d rather not give the game
away, Merriwell and Neil, there’s a little question of con-
duct for you chaps to decide. By certain information —
which I have just given Mr. Rodno, he believes that this
coming baseball game could be called off, and Rodno Field
awarded you without opposition from our friend, Morris.
Want to do it?”

Merry leaned forward in astonishment.

“What is it—more crooked work?”

“Crooked?” stormed the old sheepman in anger, “Why,
crooked as—as—as a ram’s horn! So confounded crooked
that-——-”

“Whoa!” exclaimed Smith. “It’s only fair to say that
Morris’ hand can’t be proved in it, but, at the same time,
it might do. Shall we call that game off?”

Merry frowned. What on earth was going on here? \
“I'd much rather that you did not,” he replied finally,
“Of course, I do not know just what you refer to as
crooked work, but I firmly believe that crooked athletics
must always yield to straight playing. In the last three
events we have run up against this dirty work, Smith, and
we've won out each.time. Personally, I’m not afraid to
let the ball game vindicate my judgment. How about you,

Rod?” ,

“Tm not so sure, Merry. Still, given anything like a_
fair show, I’m willing to risk it, if you are, What you
say goes with me.”

\“Then you don’t want to take the Résew Grays by

 
  

  
“No, sir,” replied Merry, with a smile. “I guess it’ll be
worth a whole lot more to the fellows if the grounds are
won in a fight against odds. That we will win, I have no
doubt whatever.”

“Vou’re a set of blamed idiots!” exclaimed Amos
sharply. “Shake hands, Frank Merriwell! If you lose
that game ’ll—I’ll put a bullet through Spider Morris
myself !”

“Good for you!” added Smith unexpectedly, his dark
eyes gleaming. “I thought that would be your decision,
boys, and I’m glad you made it so. I think we'll just keep
our little affair dark, Rodno—even to Merriwell, here.”

“Suit yourself,’ grunted the sheepman. “If things are
as we suspect, however, I’ll see. that something happens to
Spider Morris real sudden!”

“T wish you wouldn’t, Mr. Rodno,” spoke up Merry. All
stared at him, astonished. “If Morris is defeated on Sat-
urday, I rather imagine that he’ll give up his whole idea.
You know, his, daughter is in town, and it would be pretty
tough on her. By the way, have you ever found out any-
thing about that smelter gang that assaulted Rod and
Larsen?”

“Got word to-day from the Pinkerton man,” answered
the sheepman shortly. “Trailed ’em to Circle Dot City,
lost ’em, and thinks they’ve landed in Smelter City.
recognized one, named Ed O’Leary, you know. But are

you in earnest about Spider Morris?”

Merry nodded gravely.

“I am—dead in earnest. Morris is used to playing any
kind of a game, and when we finally beat him out I think
he'll quit altogether. Besides, all he wants is the field.
That fellow, Jerry Spink, is a lot worse than Morris, for
Spink is any kind of a-crook. Morris will do crooked
work to gain his point, but Spink is crooked because he
can’t be anything else. He may not be bad clear through,
but he doesn’t show his good spots.”

“Right smart girl, that of Spider’s,” assented Amos
slowly. “Well, we’ll see. Smith, here, will umpire the
bases Saturday—that much is settled. If Lucas gets here,
he'll umpire strikes.”

Smith laughed. “Sure—and oe anxious to see this
chap Lucas, if he’s the same one I used to know.”

There was something odd’ in his voice, but Merry could
not fathom it.

“Sorry youre going to keep us in the dark,” he said,
with a smile. “However, I guess we can handle Spider and
his gang, eh, Rod?”

“Surest thing you know, Chip!” agreed Neil, with a puz-
zled chuckle. “Wait till they strike that double shoot of
yours! Stay and have supper—you too, Smith! Then I'll
go over to the hotel with you and we'll have a little base-
ball talk all to ourselves.”

“Be careful,” broke in the grim sheepman,
don’t take Smith out of his depth!”

And Merry wondered as the two laughed together.
What on earth was happening?

“that you

é CHAPTER IV.

THE $10,000 WONDER.

e

“Give it up, Chip. Uncle Amos can be as close-mouthed
as a clam when he wants to be. He hasn’t let a peep out
of him.”

“Smith’s been busy keeping silent, too,” returned Merry.
“Well, I guess that if it was anything special your uncle

y

NEW TIP TOP WEEKLY.

Rod’

would throw the hooks into Morris. Probably this chap,
Bill Smith, suspects something or other, but can’t prove it.”

“Most likely, pard. He sure was sore, though!”

The two were seated in the lobby of the hotel, on Fri-
day morning. While they were talking, Wes Bilkins and
Pickles Dill entered.

“Howdy, Chip!” Wes had become a real Juneau hero
on the last Saturday, when, as coxswain, he had brought
the R. A. C. shell to victory, afterward utterly collapsing.
Thereupon his employer had promptly granted him a
week’s vacation, and Wes was making the most of it.

“Where have you two been?” inquired Rod, as they set-
tled down.

“We met a fellow down the street,” began Pickles Dill.
“He said the Rodnos had cold feet and were goin’ to get
so badly beat that they'd know they’d met with a stiff de-
feat; and after——”

“Get the hook!” interposed Merry, with a laugh. Wes

promptly obeyed by tipping back the reclining chair of
Pickles until the latter went over with a crash. When
Rod had restrained the eager rhymster from “jumping all
over” Wes, all settled down again amicably.

“Fact, Chip,” said Wes. “We did meet a couple of the
Juneau crowd, and they said we were going to get soaked
proper this time. They forgot to say how, though.”

“Yes,” added Billy sadly. “We tried to make ’em blow
the game, but they were close-mouthed, just the same.
Hello! Eleven o’clock train’s in!”

The three walked to the door and stood looking down at
the street. The usual file of traveling men and miners was
coming up from the station, for the Juneau Hotel did not
boast a bus. f

As he watched idly, Merry saw a figure stagger from the
door of the saloon owned by Spider Morris, a block dis-

tant, and went its devious way toward them. Wes laughed
*

in disgust.

  
  

, putting in the
other drunk.

“There’s old Sim Hagen—I suppose he
proceeds of his last prospecting trip on
Too bad, too; Sim used to be quite a decerqgfellow} before
he began to hit up the booze. Queer old chip, ain’t he?”

Merry nodded in silent pity. He had seer§the old miner
on the day of the boat race, when Sim, im common with
all Juneau, had taken an active part in rooting for .the
R. A. C. against the Santa Cruce College eight. Then
he had admired the rugged old man, but now he felt
pity and disgust at the spectacle.

“There’s a sample of what liquor does to a sa he re-
marked, as Sim collided forcibly with a post, straight-
ened up, and stared in astonished surprise at the obstacle.
“Plumb takes the brain out of him, fellows! I'll bet a
picayune that old chap is worth something in his sober
moments.”

“You're right about that, Chip,”
“They say he’s found more than one big paying prospect
and gambled it away with the drink‘in him. Once he
packed a broken-legged tenderfoot twelve miles through
a blizzard to a doctor, too.”

“Sim’s all right when he’s sobered up,” cried Billy Dill,
“and he wouldn’t hurt a yellow pup, but once he gets off
on a toot he wears a gun and he’s primed to shoot!”

“I don’t think he’d be very dangerous in his present
condition,” returned Merriwell, as he frowned. Old Sim
Hagen had just discovered the new and startling fact that

‘it was much easier to tack against the wind than to go

\

assented Wes quickly. —

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_ brought up to come about.

did not.
__sheered off and came smash into the man himself.
_ the impetus they both went headlong, while the crowd
~ roared.

_ boil.

from the crowd.

“Good ol’

- Pifion Cafion!

4 claimed, with a bit of a smile. |
him, that smile would have shown weakness, and so the -
other read it.

+ coward, sir, to strike an old drunken man like Sim. Why

NEW. TIP

straight forward, so he was making a series of abrupt and
extremely erratic tacks across the sidewalk.

“He'll be colliding with some of those drummers,” ex-
claimed. Merry, as Sim narrowly missed a group and
A moment later, as Sim had
gained a point only fifty yards from the hotel, the threat-
ened collision. came to pass.

Following the main stream of arrivals, a tall, dark, trim-
set man was’ walking with two suit cases, one. in. either

hand, Sim had tacked across the bows of a cheer ful-look-

ing drummer, who cheered him on with a laugh. Reach-
ing the curb, the old miner had hauled about, waited«for
a moment, and then plunged forward on the other .tack,
which had brought him up to the lone figure.

“By George!” .exclaimed Merry angrily. ‘That fellow

must have seen Sim coming, yet he made no, attempt to |

get out of the way!”

The: arrival had time to avoid the sat miner, but he
Instead, he thrust forward a suitcase, but Sim
Under

“That’s a disgrace!” cried Merry hotly. . “Isn’t there any

. one to take care of that old chap?”

“Only his pard,” replied Wes, ‘ ‘who is conspicuous. by

_ his absence.”

Old Sim had. gained his feet before the angry traveler
Sprang up. As the latter did so, however, he flung out

_ his, fist and the drunken miner went staggering back, with
_a silly smile of apology half frozen on his. face.
_. “Good night!” yelled Billy Dill,

“Looks like a fight-——”
But Merry had vanished. That blow had made his blood
The first action of the man in not evading the miner,

but ‘stubbortily holding his place, was bad enough ; but no

_ ‘sooner did he see the’man rise and strike out, than Merry
“sprang to the steps and was down the road instantly.

“Look out there, Merriwell!” cried an alarmed voice
“Sim’s got a gun somewheres !”
It flashed through Merry’s mind that this was all the

“more reason for interfering, for if the drunken miner

started to shoot, there was no knowing what might happen.

’- When he teached the spot, Sim, wavering on the curb, was
just feeling in his hip pocket, while the traveler was watch-

: ing him: with a sneer.
“>. “Let the old boozer pull his. gun,” buieekesy with an ugly
‘laugh.
sri tedem atl”

“V’ll knock him two ways for Sunday if ‘he

‘Merry flung a single iis of ariidacie: at the man, and

sprang to the side of Sim.
. “Give me that gun, Sim Hagen,” he: Loithbadek quietly.
~The old miner leered up knowingly, then recognized him.

“Ray fer Chip Merriwell!” -he. exclaimed. hoarsely.
Chip—Chip Merriwell an’ Juneau—whoopee!
Git. outen' my way, boy—I’m a rip-r’arin’ wild cat from the
I’m a lone wolf from——? »

Merry reached forward, grabbed the blued-steel revolver,

and flung it fifty feet away. Then he turned and faced
the sneering traveler.

“You're a fine specimen -of a man, I don’t think " ee ex-
To any one not knowing

“Huh? Say, what business is this of poten?
ae choose to make it my business. You’re a contemptible

\ didn’t you'get out of his way? I was watching the whole

“as quiet as ever.

him, and he looked with a frown.

 

  

TOP, WEEKLY. | 7

thing, and you had plenty of time to step aside.”

“That’s so,’ and a murmur of corroboration flashed
through the crowd, which had at ofice gathered. Two
men were holding Sim.

_ The traveler took a step forward. His face had dark-
ened and was anything but pleasant as he faced Chip.

“Say, me bucko, are you lookin’ for a scrap? Better
put a hitch on that tongue of yours, kid, or I’ll spank you!”

Merry smiled sweetly, and something like a laugh passed
around the crowd, The voice of Billy Dill piped up over
the murmur.

“Don’t get too flip or he'll spank you, Chip! Who’s this

_ fresh guy, anyway? Looks to me like a tinhorn jay!”

“I’m not looking for trouble, my friend,” returned Merry
smoothly. “But. I’d advise you to be off about your busi-
ness. Juneau people don’t take kindly to men who knock
down drunks.”

“They, don’t, hey? I don't take kindly to kids who can’t

mind their businéss, son.’

_ Merry caught a faint reek of whisky as the man stepped
out, and knew that he was in for trouble. Without watni-
ing, the dark stranger shot out a fist. Had the blow landed,

‘it would have taken Merry off his feet, so hard and swift

Was it.

But it did not land. Merry seemed to twist his head a
trifle and the man’s arm went over his shoulder. At the
same instant Merry thrust forwatd his open hand, and

the heel of his palm took the stranger under the chin,
jerking him sharply backward.

“If you want a fuss you can have it,’ Merry’s smile was —
“But I think you’d better be moving
along.”

aS answer, the man grunted and charged. Now that

fight seemed unavoidable, Merry determined to make it
as brief as possible. Before the stranger could strike a
blow, Merry’s fist went out, met the dark, square chin on
its point, and the man went down in a heap. He made
no motion to rise, and a moment later Spider Morris
came through the crowd hastily.

“Here, what’s all this—you, Merriwell?
man! Do you know this chap?”

Great guns,

“No,.-and. I. don’t want to, Morris. He knocked down
Sim Hagen and I interfered. Then he tried the same game
on me and got what was coming to-him:.. Friend of yours,
is he?”

“He's Fred Caras the ten-thousand-dollar hiader|
This is too bad; boys—Lucas is to umpire the baseball
game, you know!”

Surprised, Merry watched Morris help Lucas groggily
to his feet. That an athlete, such as Lucas was reputed
to be, should reek of liquor was an astonishing thing to
Lucas attempted no
further fight, however. Spider picked up the two grips,
Lucas shot one baleful glance at Merry, and the two pushed
on toward the hotel.

“Great Scott!” murmured Wes, at Merry’s side. “If
that’s Fred Lucas, we're in for it on Saturday, Chip!”

“Nonsense! The man has been drinking, Wes. This
won't affect him in the least when it comes to umpiring.

Where’ s Sim?”

Sim had retired to the saloon, and Merry © was now ‘the

center of an admiring crowd. One big miner stuck oe
a py paw in delight,

   

    
 

“Shake, pard!. That was as pretty a knock-down as I
ever seen!”

“Sorry I had to do it,” returned Merry thoughtfully.
“But he didn’t give Sim a square deal, friends.”

“Huh!” and the miner chuckled. “I reckon if it hadn’t
been for’ you, Sim would ’a’ drilled him in a minute! | It’s
him ought to thank you, Merriwell!”

But Merry remembered that malignant glance, and it
worried hém. The actions of Lucas by no means corre-
sponded with what he had heard of the famous athlete.
When he returned to the hotel he met Spider Morris going
out, and Morris merely said that Lucas had gone to his
room to recover.

“Well,” thought Merry, after inspecting the register,
“that was Lucas, sure enough. However, he’ll be all right
to-morrow, so I guess we neédn’t worry.”

CHAPTER,
MERRY SHAKES HANDS.

“Now, fellows, we’ve got to hump ourselves this after-
noon. No practice to-morrow, of course. Feel able to
hold everything, Rod?” :

“You bet, Chip! More batting practice?”

“T think so. I don’t want to work the double shoot,
though, because it’s hard on my wrist. What we need most
is batting work and base throws. Come along in, Pickles.”

Dill selected his bat* with a groan of dismay. The little
shortstop was a fair batter, but when he was facing Merry
his nerve deserted him.

“Let her go, pard!”

Merry smiled and glanced around. Wes Bilkins, the
substitute, covered Billy’s place at short, and every member
of the squad was on his toes.

“Now, Bally, Vl give you three straight inshoots, 80
watch out.” ,

Pickles stood up to the plate, swung at the first ball,
fouled the second, and managed to knock the next down
to Hedworth at third. There was to be no base running, so
Merry proceeded to give Billy a thorough, knowledge of
in and outshoots, keeping him at bat for half an hour.
Rushington took the next turn, but as Clay was a strong
batter Merry contented himself with speeding over a few
curves, looking for weak spots.

“Don’t pull at those outs, Rush,” he exclaimed. “Except

‘for that one thing, you're all set. Come along, Andy!”

Andy Cawthorn had surprised Merry from the start.
He was a cracking good infield man, knew the game thor-
oughly, and next to Neil Rodno was the best batter on the
team. As Andy stood up to the bat, Merry en

“Hello! We're to have visitors!” ~
Neil. pulled off his mask and turned. Just coming into
the field was the black car of Amos Rodno, and in the

_ tonneau were seated Spider Morris, Bill Smith, and Fred ‘,

Lucas. Merry walked over to the plate as the car came up.

“We brought over the umpires, Merriwell, ” said Amos
shortly.

Merry nodded to Morris, then his eyes went to Lucas,
who was just climbing out of the car. Without an instant’s
hesitation Lucas strode up to him and put out a hand.

“Merriwell, I want to apologize for my actions of this
morning. To tell the truth, I had a few drinks on the
way up, and—well, I’m sorry for what happened.” :

“No apology necessary,” Merry replied, as he- stidale
hands with Lucas.

BE Wow hUP 2LO IR SEP Id oye.

 

Oddly enough, the hand of Lucas

lacked the firm, iron grip he had expected from a ball
player. “Merry * caught a smile of satisfaction on the. face
of Morris; and ke felt no great cordiality “for the dark-
featured Lucas, but Amos Rodno nodded giimly.

“Glad you fellows are willing to call quits. Any objec-
tion to our ‘watching, Merry?”

“Of cotrse not, sir! .Ilf you and “Smith would like to
get out on the field, Lucas, we could have a little base
running.” |

“No thanks,” responded. the ‘ ‘wonder,”
up, if you don’t mind.”
*Smith, however, accepted the offer with alacrity. While
he was, changing his shoes, having brought a pair of rub-
ber-soles with him, Merry turned to Spider Morris.

“Well, who are you going to spring on us this time?”

“How do you mean?” inquired Morris, evading the
question with a show of surprise. ©

“Why, as battery,” and Merry smiled. “I haven’t heard
that you have any great pitcher concealed in the Juneau
Club, Morris!”

The other chuckled. “No more have we, Merriwell.
But I’ve got the finest amateur pitcher west of Denver,
so look out! No, I’ll keep him as a surprise, right enough.”

“Suit yourself,” returned Frank carelessly. Amos Rodno
grunted, ‘Plainly the old sheepman had no love for Spider
Morris and did not disdain to show it. se

Despite the fine show of frankness displayed by Lucas,
Merry did not quite trust his smooth apology. Perhaps it
was some subtle sixth sense that warned him, perhaps it
was the uncalloused hand, perhaps it was the remembrance
of that malignant glance flung at. him that morning... He
could not place his reason, but instinct told him that there
was a screw loose somewhere. None the less, Merry had
accepted the proffered hand, for Lucas had at. least- ap-
peared to be sincere in his protestation, and Merry would
never dream of refusing a reconciliation on such poor
grounds.

“Don’t try that signal work before Medea said Sraith,
in a low voice, as they walked across the diamond. “Give
‘em straight work.” ae

Merry nodded. Somehow he had come to like this
slim, alert man and to trust him implicitly. Smith knew
the game, that was certain, and as he stood behind Merry
he kept up a ceaseless fire of comment in a low voice. |

“Strike—one! Tell that guy to loosen up with his bat.
He holds it like an umbrella. Ball—two! That’s better.
You can’t drive him away from the plate.. Try it again.
Ball-—-thres! All right, Merry. Let him hit out a straight
one.”

Merry grinned as he passed on the low remarks, which
seemed to strike at the individual weakness of each
man with instant precision. Who was this Bill Smith?
Whoever he was, he was helping Merry incalculably.

Spider Morris seemed to have no great concern about
his own team, and remained to watch the Rodnos during
the afternoon. Frank had heard from his own men: that
the Juneau Club boasted some fair players, and were only

“I'd sooner rest

weak in the pitcher’s box, for Brannigan was a marvel |
behind the bat and Jerry Taylor, their first baseman, was

said to be as good as Clay Rushington.

The team was now showing the results of Mertiwell’s
labor. While there was still much to be wished for in
their team work, many of the rough spots had vanished as
by magic.
big smelter men, had learned not to swing. at the ball,

 

 

Worden, Ricketts, and. Hedworth, all hulking.

 
  
  
  
    

    

oa DR TAR re

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but to put their weight behind clean, snappy strokes. Bill
Smith emitted a grunt of admiration as Ricketts slashed
out a tremendous drive that fell far beyond the lines of
the running track which inclosed the diamond.

According to the ground rules which had already been
arranged, a hit beyond the track counted as a home run,
for there was no fence inside Rodno Field, of. course.
Jones, the caretaker, and Frisbie, the trainer, were stretch-
ing ropes on either side of the diamond to serve.to hold
the expected crowds back, for the grand stand was hardly
large enough to contain all of Juneau. And that all of
Juneau would be present*there was no doubt. :

The town had taken little interest in the fight for Rodno
Field until the Rodno Club had won their first victory. By
now, however, every one in town was on edge. A hit into
the crowd behind the ropes, if fair, would go for two bags.
Suddenly Merry met with a surprise.

“Here, get in there to bat yourself,” ordered Bill Smith,
with a smile. “I’il hand you one or two twisters, if. my
wrist is strong enough.”

Nothing loath, Merry grinned and trotted down to the
plate. Selecting a bat, he faced Smith, who was toeing
the plate like an expert. The umpire twisted himself. up
into an amazing knot, out of which came a flash of white.
Merry flung up his bat and allowed. the ball to graze his
chest, smiling.

“Ball—one!” sang out Smith, as he took Rod’s return
gayly.

“Line her out, Chip!” yelled Andy. —

“Waiting, Merry!” came from Billy Dill.
work and see if I'll shirk!”

Once more, Smith tangled himself up and once more
Merry passed up the ball.

“Ball—two!” * ae

“Look out there, Mr. Bicticn? shouted Rush from first.
“You'll wind up so far that you'll bust the spring !”

Smith grinned and shot over a ball without winding. up.

“Give me some

_ Merry gasped as he struck, for he had seldom encountered

such sizzling speed, even from his father or Dick Merri-
well. But he took the ball squarely and lifted a skyscraper
that went far over the head of Worden, the left fielder.

Smith motioned to him to keep his place, and Merry
saw him feel his wrist with a satisfied air as the ball was
relayed in. Once more he toed the box, then wound him-
self up in that astonishing manner.

Merry struck—and missed.’ A yell went up from every .

one, but Smith grinned over at him cheerfully.
““Fooled you that time, eh? You're choking that. bat
too much, Merry.”

“But Merry was choking the bat purposely. He pretended
to shift his grip, and as the ball shot toward him again,
shifted back. That first strike had showed him that Smith
had a wonderful spit ball, and now he did nat try to
slash at it. Instead, he waited for the break and sent
down a perfect bunt which he beat out to first with ease.
~“That’s enough,” exclaimed Smith, with a laugh. “Pretty
neat, Merriwell!”

‘As thé afternoon was about over, Amos Rodno fneied
Merry and Neil to ride back to town in the machine, While

_ he changed clothes, Merry listened to the chatter of the

rest, which centered about Bill Smith. Whoever the man
Was, Merry guessed that Smith was not/his real name,

and that he desired to keep it under cover for the time
being.

He and Rod climbed into the tonneat of the car with

POE Wier baer OE, NV ata Ys

Smith and Lucas, Morris riding in front with the old sheép-
man, who drove. Lucas sent a glance at Smith.

“You’re some pitcher yourself, old man!” exclaimed the
“$10,000 wonder,” with a smile. “Don’t play the game, do
you? Seems like I’d seen you before somewheres.”

“I used to play when I was a kid,” and Smith chuckled.
“No, I’m out of it now. I don’t think I ever met you,
Lucas—though I’ve heard a good deal about you, of course.
I'd like to see you pitch a little to-morrow—just for the
fun of it, you understand?”

Morris, twisted about in his seat and listening, broke in
as Lucas hesitated.

“Sure, we'd all like to see you, Lucas! But I s’pose
your arm ain’t in shape yét, after that break, is it?”

“Oh, my arm!” Lucas spoke in a slightly relieved tone.
“No, I just took it out of the splints two weeks ago, and
I can’t afford to take any chances.”

“I should say not!” interjected Merry quickly. “You
can’t risk a ten-thousand-dollar wing that.way, Lucas! I'd
like to get some pointers from you, of course, but. I’d
hate to urge you.”

“I’m sorry,” said Lucas.
some other time, Merriwell.
this morning.”

Merry caught a twinkle in the eyes of Bill Smith, and
saw a smile flash across his face and die away quickly.
Merry’s thoughts flew back to that interview with old
Amos Rodno. What could the grounds have been on
which the field might be adjudged to the Rodno Club with-
out the game being played? And what had Rilla Morris .
meant ?

“Oh, well,” he thought finally, “I guess we 11 find out
soon enough, so there’s no use borrowing trouble. Any-
how, I’m dead sure that I wouldn’t trust Mr. Fred Lucas

17

any farther than I could see without lasses!

“Maybe we can get together
I didn’t know who you were,

CHAPTER VI.
SUNDODGER,

“So your uncle hasn’t come across with the information
yet?”

“Nary-a word out of him, ats Holy smoke, what a
crowd!”

Merry and Neil, were walking toward the field. ata
Rodno was to bring the two umpires.in his car, but the
boys had not waited for his arrival, setting on ahead.
And to those, who knew the circumstances, the sight was
indeed wonderful.

For that Saturday all Juneau had gone baseball died
Every store and factory and smelter in town was. shut
down for the afternoon. While it had seemed that Spider
Morris was about to win the great field without a struggle,
almost, men had shrugged their shoulders and declared
that it was no use fighting against “the gang.”

But the advent of Frank had changed all that. . When the
Rodnos had’ won the relay race with his help, it was the
general opinion that the finish had only been prolonged.
Then had come the cross- country run, and when Merry
had carried off the honors in that, running against the twin
Spinks and winning despite the terrific handicap, Juneau
began to wake up.

The third event, the rowing contest, had aroused the
wildest enthusiasm. Merry and his crew had beaten the
crack Santa Cruce College eight, imported for the occa-
sion by Spider Morris, after the gamest battle Juneau

“a

 
 

    

16 NEW TIP TOP WEEKLY.

had ever witnessed or ever would witness. This had tied
the scoré, and the fate of Rodno Field hung upon this
day’s baséball game,

“Well, your Uricle Lee’s~ lagacy certainly seems to have
accomplished its purpose,” and Merry laughed as he looked

at the crowds of eager fans who thronged the dusty road. °

“It’s got Juneat wide awake and interested in athletics
clear down’ to the ground, Neil!”

“It sure has,” neem the other happily.

Curiously enough, the crowd was mainly silent. There
was none of the jovial larking and horseplay manifested
on former occasions. A sort of tenseness hung over every

one, a waiting for what the day should bring forth. pede

was in earnest, and showed it eee:

“There’s young Merriwell now,’
the nearest group.. “And young Rodno.”
1?

‘Hurray for Chip Merriwell!
The shout was passed along through the crowds, mingled

with. gratuitous advice and good wishes in the matter of |

“cleaning up” Spider Morris.. The general sentiment was
much in favor of the R. A. C., owing to the gallant way
in. which that. club had pulled up. in-the vety nick of
time under the guidance of. Merriwell. If Morris and
the Juneaus had) any. active rooters, they were not in-evi+
dence as Merry and. Neil made their: way eee ‘the
enthusiastic throngs on the road.

“Uncle Amos said that he met Jerry Taylor to-day,”.

remarked Neil suddenly. “Saw him on the street just x
fore. lunch.”

"Then he must have returned this bares
frowned thoughtfully... “Taylor is not a bad sort .at all,
Rod. I wonder what pitcher he secured?”

“Search. me, pard,. It’s a dead. cinch that Morris the
something up. his sleeve.”

Jerry Taylor was one of the Juneau boys who were
most active in trying to weed out any crooked work.
While the J. A. C. was, of course, behind Morris in the
endeavor to win Rodno Field and use it for their own. pur-
poses, still a good many of them had become imbued with
the true spirit ee since Merry’s arrival in
Juneau..

“There go the two Spinks, pard,”

Just entering the gates/of the field Merry saw Jerry

Spink, no lofger a member of J. A. C., and. his Brother
_ Sid, the professional athlete, who was now training Spider’s
team. With them were walking Hop-along Brannigan, cap-
tain of the Juneaus, and another member of the team.
Suddenly a heavy hand fell on Merry’s shoulder, and turn-
ing quickly, he looked into the face of old Sim Hagens the
prospector.

“Jest a minute, Mr. Merriwell! I ints cank cuttin’

loose for the last, few days, but I heerd this mornin’ what -

you done yestiddy, an’ I wants to thank you, son.”

“Don’t mention. it, Sim,” and Merry smiled as he gripped
the rough brown hand. “I think the Rees will ‘walk
a little more carefully i in fu-+—”

“Oh, Lordy !” broke in the miner, with a hoarse chuckle. .
“Tt.ain’t him—I don’t give a dern about that critter. It’s.

me I’m thankin’ you fer—-why, I ain’t never killed a man
in my life, but when I gets boozed up then I’m liable to
let loose. If it wasn’t fer you, son, I might be behind the
bars’ to-day. ‘So I'm rootin’ fer you—lick the boots off’n
em!”

“All right, Sim, we'll sure try hard enough !”

The story of ne 8 conti with Lucas, the umpire, had

‘which appealed to their ‘simplicity.

’ sounded: a voice froin

Aare e

 

  

soon become publie property, and the brief exchange’ ‘ot
words had significance for the crowd. ‘As Neil and Frank
passed on to the gates, more than one voice follow ed alter
them. a
“Good for Mertiwell !”

-

“Ain't ashamed to shake hands with ‘no otie, is he?”

“Hurray fer Chip Métriwell!””

Frank smiled happily as he entered the gates. “Four”

weeks previously he had comé to Juneati unheralded and
unknown, and in that short space of time he had won his

way to the hearts of these rough miners and factory men

through sheer gatneness, and by’ the honest cleanliness
It was a triumph in
itself, and oné of which Merry was justly proud.

Rodno Field was packed with sich a mob as would hay &
déligtited the heart of Lee Rodno, could. he have sech it,

Never in his most sanguine dreams cotld he have imagined

so wild a throng of baseball enthusiasts resulting from
his legacy. Below the center of the grand stand there had

been built a special box for reporters from the two Juneau °
newspapers. At each side of this were other special | boxes.
One was reserved for Amos Rodno, and in that adjoining :

wete two people who. caught Merry’s eye instantly.

They were Spider Mortis and his daughter Rilla. F rank
and Neil- were lost in the crowd, however, and’ neither
noticed them. The grand stand above was packed, Since

eatly thorning every seat had been taken, and eatly as it

was, the ropes stretched behind the foul lines coul id hardly.

contain the overflow.

The entire police force of Juneau. was in. action, re-
straining those who were too boisterously disposed and
keeping the crowd from breaking over the field. -At one
side the Juneau Athletic Club supporters had gathered
-—men, for the most part, from the smelters and rough sec-
tions of town, who wete thoroughly in sympathy with
the aspirations of Spider Morris and his chdice Circle of
friends. It was significant, too, that here the police had
assembled in strong force.

Frank and Neil hastened to the gymnasium and were
soon getting into. their uniforms. Another room had been

given ovér to the J. A. C. for the occasion, and Merry
had hardly begtin to dress when me sink se entered and

asked for him.

“Just want to get things settled, Merriwell,”
so take your choice of position.”

“Much obliged, Brannigan. We'll take our ins, then.”

“Anybody got any coin to put up on this here rassle si

Brannigan turned and waved a handful of ee at

the Rodttos who had clustered about. \
Jim Hedworth, Neil, and Andy Cawthorne yelled age

sent, but Merry held up a hand.

“Hold on, fellows. Not a man on this team bets cent, es
unless hé wants to get out in the crowd and stay there.” Ke
A little mutter of dissent arose, and Brannigan gave a_

sneer:

“Scared, hey? Thought ye was ahora sports, anyways ‘

Well, so long, then!”
As he swaggered out, Merry “faced his teammates.

“We're playing for Rodno Field to-day, boys. — ‘Isn't’ ;
that a big enough: wager for you? I shouldn’t think any at

of you would want to touch that gang’s money, anyhow,

but we must make this a clean game in eye way. The ba

less betting, the ‘cleaner it will be.”

 

said the rival
captain breezily. “Of course, aa chaps ain’t got any ; show, ic Lo RA

“Right-o, Chip,” and Andy promptly rafelteeh the mate ;

te Se

iit RE at SF

 

a eee hee ee ee ee ee ee ee

 

 

 

    
 
  
    
 

/ NEW. -EIP TOP. WEEKEY. ; II

neers. ‘“He’s right, fellows. We'll show ’em if we're
scared! Now shut up and let’s get moving, everybody.”

A few moments later the trainer, Frisbie, entered with
the announcement that it was nearly time for practice, as
the Rodnos would take the field first.
gathered the others around him.

“Boys, the fate of Rodno Field hangs on this game. I
guess you all know that we’re going to fight with every
ounce of brains and strength we have. Unless we do,
Juneau will become a byword on the whole coast; but if
we do, we win. We're bound to. win, boys, so keep a
stiff upper lip, every one—and mind those signals!”

Somehow, a few words from Merry seemed to infuse
confidence and fresh life into the whole crowd.

“Hip, hip, hooray, we win to-day!” chirped Billy Dill.
“We'll swat the ball, we'll never yield, and‘ we'll walk
away with Rodno Field! Hurray for Chip Merriwell!’’

“Hurray for Chip!”

“And now to see what’s up, pard, in the way of a
pitcher!” murmured Neil,

As the team filed out to the bench, a wild roar of ap-
plause swelled up that completely drowned out the yells
from the fewer Juneau rooters. Merry’s eyes went to
the far end of the field, however, where a force of men
were sliding a prepared sheet into place on an immense
signboard. On this sheet were painted the two line-ups,
visible from all parts of the field, and they read as follows,
in batting order :

RODNOS.
Cawthorn, 2d b.
Rodno, c.
Ricketts, c. f.
Merriwell, p.
Rushington, rst b.
Hedworth, 3d b.
Worden, I. f.
Larsen, r. f.

Dill, ss.

JUNEAUS.
Taylor, tst b.
Murphy, 3d b.
Brannigan, c.
Sundodger, p.
Gopher, 2d b.
McDuff, r. f.
Gates, ss.
O’Toole, c. f.
Truley, 1. f.

“Holy smoke!” gasped Neil, as he saw the fourth name

on the Juneau line-up. “Who’s this Sundodger, pard?”
“You’ve got me, Rod. Any of you chaps know who
he is?”

“Sure!” sang out Cawthorn ‘quickly. “He’s a Sioux

Indian, Chip—plays amateur ball with the coast teams, or:

did last year. They say he’s a whirlwind, too! Boys,
we're up against something, and no mistake!”

“Well, get out and get gingered up,” snapped Merry.
“We'll make this redskin dodge something besides the
sun to-day, fellows !”

As the team trotted out and began a brisk, snappy prac-
tice, roar upon roar went up from the crowd. Merry,
gently limbering up with Neil, searched the boxes with his
eyes. He saw Amos Rodno alone in his box, and in the
next caught a flutter of white. As he recognized the
‘source he touched his cap to Rilla Morris, and caught a
curt nod from Spider Morris, who made no secret of the
fact that he admired the lad who had beaten him three
times running.

After ten minutes of oibtine and some quick tae that
brought shrill yells from the eager crowds, Merry led in
his men, A moment later the J. A. C. team appeared and

x were greeted with fresh cheers, while every eye sought the

- Indian.

With that Merry

A fine, erect figure he was, too—eagle-faced, handsome,
proud, and as lithe in his every movement as a panther.
Merry watched him for a moment and turned to his team.

“Now, fellows, make up your minds to knock him out
of the box. He thinks he’s in a bunch-of country jays,
and we'll show him something different!”

But Merry wished that he felt as confident of knock-

ing Sundodger out of the box as his words implied.

CHAPTER VII.
HOW THE GAME STARTED. c

“Batteries—Juneaus, Sundodger and Brannigan. Rodnos,
Merriwell and Rodno.”

Merry had been surprised at the remarkable way in
which the opposing team had been whipped into shape by
Spider Morris and his aids. The brief practice work
showed that Taylor played first like a veteran, that the
Junéaus were extremely accurate in their base throws, and
that the redskin twirler, when he let himself out, had
speed with smoke on it.

The crowd became silent as the batteries were announced
in due form. A cheer for the great Fred Lucas went up,
but Bill Smith walked out te his position behind the
pitcher’s box without applause, for he was unknown. Lucas
touched his cap, then turned it around, and began ad-
justing his mask.

‘They'll go all to smash once we pound that redskin,”
observed Merry cheerfully. “All that form of theirs looks
fine, fellows, but there’s nothing behind it. You chaps let
me sit over here on the left-hand edge by myself. Andy,
if you get to first Rush will come down to coach.”

Cawthorn nodded and walked out swinging his two bats.
Lucas adjusted his scorer, sent a white ball spinning out
to Sundodger, and settled down behind Brannigan.

“Play ball!”

Merry smiled to himself. Andy was no novice, for in-
stead of stepping directly into the box he threw one of
his ‘bats back, watched it roll out of the way, and very
deliberately slouched into position. Sundodger stood like
a bronze statue, a smile of confidence playing about his ©
thin lips.

“Wow !”

The cry seemed to burst from every throat as the Sioux,
without winding up, sent over one terrific straight ball
that ruffled Andy’s shirt. But the batter never winced.

“Strike—uh—one!” |

“Take your time, Andy, old man!” came the shout.

“Hit him a mile, Cawthorn!”

“Wait for it, Andy!”

Once more the Indian stood, every muscle tensed. Once
more his arm went back and with scarcely an effort he
shot another straight one over. Once more Andy stood
grinning and never moved his bat.

“Strike—uh—two !”

“All right, Andy!” cried Neil encouragingly. “You’ve
got his goat this time! He’s scared to put it over again!”

Cawthorn never moved, and to the excited crowd it
seemed as if he intended to stand there and let himself
be struck out. Evidently the Juneaus thought so, too, from
their cries. :

“This guy’s easy coin, Sun,” giedted Brannigan, through
his mask. “Jest slam her across an’ watch him fade!”

“He never played ball before,’ jeered Gates from short.

 
I2

“See him’ tremble!” cried Gopher. “Show him some
speed, Sun!”

Andy retained his indolent pose, but Merry saw his
knttckles suddenly whiten as the twirler’s arm went back.
Plainly the Indian thought it useless to waste a curved
ball, for he sent another straight one across in the same
groove.

Crack!

No need this time for Lucas to pass judgment. Bat met
ball viciously, and a white streak shot over the head. of
Gopher at second. O’Toole gathered in the ball and
snapped it to Gopher, but Andy was calmly standing on
first when the smoke blew away.

Rush trotted down and opened up on the coaching line.
Then the cfowd saw a curious thiig: Andy, playing off
first, gave absolutely no heed to Sundodger, but fixed his
eyes on Rushington!

The Indian whirled atid sent the ball to Taylor like a
flash. But Andy beat the ball to the bag and grinned at
Rush. How was it done?

Merry grinned as Sundodger’s smile vanished for the
first time. Then Neil stepped up to the plate, and the Sioux
toed his line. Andy kept his eye on Rush, Rush, still
rattling away, shifted his gaze to the bench. As Sun-
dodger’s quick motion began Merry leaned forward, Rush
bit a word in two and snapped his jaw shut, and Andy
dug for second.

Merry had guessed that the Indian would not waste his
first ball, with a man to watch. No sooner did Andy put
down his head and go, than Rodno, at bat, choked his
stick and brought it down to meet the ball.

It was a feeble enough bunt, but it served. Had Mur-
phy waited, the ball might have rolled over the foul line.
But the third baseman was too eager, and he scooped in
the ball, shot it to Taylor, and the umpire behind Sun-
dodger waved his hand. Rodno was out, but there was a
man safe on second,

“It was an accident, Sun!” howled Brannigan furiously,
“Them guys just went nutty!”

“We're right behind you, old man,” sang out Taylor.
Bill Smith ran quickly around behind second.

“Now, Ricketts,” said Merry quietly, “look out for
squalls. Watch Andy.”

Ricketts nodded and walked out. The simple system of
signals which Bill Smith had shown Merry was working to
perfection so far. A single gesture from) Merry at the
bench went to the coach, who passed it along to the runner.
From the runner it went to the man at bat if necessary, or
it could go direct from the bench to the runner.

The system had its drawbacks—notaply lack of speed.
‘But Merry had not attempted to use it except in well- de-
fined cases, which he had spent every moment in practic-

‘ing with his men. With the short time at his disposal it
was impossible to extend the system to a whole game, but
what they had learned, the Rodnos had learned thoroughly
and: well,

Merry wanted to demoralize the Juneaus by getting one
man around in the fitst, if possible. But the Sioux would
probably extend every effort to check Fred Ricketts, and
there was little doubt that he could do it. Frank reached
down fot a bit of grass, and Rush jerked at his belt—

“stand pat, everybody !”

_ Andy obeyed, playing off sécond safely enough.
watched keenly, and started at the swift, splendid outshoot
which Sundodger sent across. The control was marvelotts,

je

vo

Merry >

NEW. TIP TOP WEEKLY.

and the break was quick and strong. Fred dropped his bat
as a ball was called, atid a whistle of surprise came from
Larsen,

“Some pitcher, Chip !”

Mefry nodded silently, and threw away the bit of grass.
Instantly Andy led off second, and Fred drew back his
bat as if for a tremetidous swing. The redskin twirler
showed his teeth in a smile, and flashed the ball over high
and straight.

Fred quickly choked his bat as Neil had done, and met
the ball in another bunt, while Andy dug in his toes and
sprinted for third. Sundodger gathered in the ball, knew
Andy was safe, and flung Ricketts out at first, while
the crowd howled with delight. This was real ball. play-
ing! Two out and a man on third—with Merriwell at
bat!

“Hurray for Chip! ig

“We win with Chip Merriwell!”

“Lam her a mile, old socks!”

Merry stepped up, adjusting his cap to keep ott the stin.
The Indian was scowling now, and he stood waiting, siz-
ing up Merry with a keen and careful eye.

“All right, chief,’ came Brannigan’s growl.
a four-flusher.”

“He’s a dead one, Sun,” cried Murphy.

“You'll need a steam shovel to bury him with,’ flashed
back Billy Dill, coaching Andy at third. “Glory be! The
J. A. C. is on the way to the cemeter-ee!”

Sundodger realized his danger fully. Twice he snapped
around on thitd, but each time Merty’s bat had jerked
sharply, and each time Andy brushed the dust. from his
clothes with a grin, studiously avoiding putting his eyes on

“This one’s

the pitcher and seeming to watch the heavens as ae led

off again.
“Looking at the sun? ” called Gopher.

“He’s some sttridodgef himself,” grinned Billy, in swift —

retort. Once more Meéffy’s bat twitched. Andy, still look-
ing up at the blue sky with a vacuous smitk, caught a
swift hiss from Billy, aad ace back under Murphy’s
hands.

“Fine work,” thought Merry, stepping into his box. “If
we can keep that tp, those fellows will go on the toboggan
in short order,”

That Andy’s antics amazed and puzzled the Juneaus there
was no doubt. But Merry read comprehension in the dark,
strong face of Sundodger, and reached for some dust.
Whenever he reached. for the ground, that spelled “stand
pat, everybody!” He knew that the Sioux would feel him
out at fitst, and so it was.

Sundodget was 4 magnificent pitcher. His ‘arét ball was
just barely above Merry’s shoulders, and fairly smoked

with speed. Brannigan grunted as he stopped it.

“Strike—tth—one !”

Merry’s atms up, to avoid it. This was followed by an-
othet ball, which made it one and two. As Brannigan re-

tufried the ball, Merry brotight down his bat with two de-

termined raps on the plate.

Billy Dill suddenly ceased his chatter. While saneaeee:

stood poised, Andy edged down from third, for the signal
told him that Merry was going to hit.

his head and broke for ‘the plate.

  

4

  

wt

Merry glanced arotind in surprise, but Lucas held out
his tight hand. Next the Indian tempted Chip with a
pectiliat itishoot, which broke at the last instant and sent —

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~ given” Rod his three balls.
‘man stepped into the box, the yelling crowd quieted stid-

NEW. TIP

 

Just as Merry guessed, Sundodger sent over a second

inshoot that might have easily passed for a ball. Many
a player would have let it pass as such, and rightly, but
Merry was taking no chances this time.
- Without swinging, he brought his bat afound and met
the horsehide with all his force. With the crack, he was
off. Never waiting to see where the ball went, he sped to
first, caught the frantic yell of Rushington to “hold it!”
and came around.

The ball had shot like a bullet at Gopher. But the second
baseman was game, and made a gallant effort to hold it.
It was too hot for him, though he managed to stop it and
scoop it across to Gates, who covered second. Mean-
while, Andy had made home safely.

The crowd went wild. As Larsen ran out to relieve
Rush behind first, Merry saw plainly that the Juneaus
were up in the air. With two out, a man had been brought
home! Then Merry saw something that surprised him.

Brannigan had whirled about and seemed to be address-
ing Lucas hotly. The umpire merely waved him back. and
beckoned to Rush. Brannigan resumed his task with a
sullen air, and Frank, watching from first, wondered
vainly as to the catcher’s words.

“Strike—uh—one !” 5

Sundodger was settling down to business now, and
played for the batter with hardly a glance at first. On

the second ball Merry went down to second, Brannigan’s
. throw failing to catch him, and his fall-away slide hooked
him safely to the base.

The Sioux never deigned to look,

“Strike—uh—two !”

Merry repressed an angry exclamation, while the crowd
roared out its disapproval, for the ball had dropped swiftly,
below Rushington’s knees. The next ball, however, cut
the plate cleanly, and Rush struck too late.

“All right, fellows!’ sang out Merry, as he picked tp
his glove. “Now we'll show ’em how to play the game!

1”

Good work, Rush, old man!

CHAPTER VIII.
PLAYING TEN MEN,

“All right, Chip,” sang out 2ush from first. “Shoot her
over !”

“Let ’em hit it, Chip!” pleaded Andy.

“All behind you, old man!” |

“Lob it over and let us do the work! ‘

“Have we got style? Well, I ‘should smile! We're
going to beat those dubs a mile! Chip, don’t think you
have to hurry; let ‘em hit it—we should worry!”

_. Merry flashed a grin at Billy Dill as Jerry Taylor
walked out from the Juneau bench with: his bat.
one run had put ginger into the Rodnos, and every man

That

was on his toes. Behind Merry stood Bill Smith, keen,

. cool, ‘alert.

- Taylor stood aside swinging his bat wuntil Frank had
Then the Juneau first base-

denly, and Merry poised himself.

He knew that he must. give his team Val Waaeie in
themselves as well as in him, so he shook his head as the
eager Rod signaled for the double shoot. Instead, he

Tt was a clean grounder to Billy Dill. Pickles gathered
it-up. in fine shape and Taylor never touched first, but

 

  

POP

sent over a high, straight ball, and Jerry Taylor smashed it.

WEEKLY. 12

turned and trotted back slowly as Rush grinned at him.
The crowd yelled in excitement.

Murphy, a hulking big smelter boy, strode out and
pulled down his cap with determined air. Now Merry
studied him for a moment. Murphy was plainly eager
to hit, and hit hard, so Merry sent over an out drop that
fooled the big fellow completely.

Strike—uh—one !”

“Go slow, Murphy,” called Brannigan.
them bad ones, you dub!”

Rod signaled for another out, but this time Murphy re-
fused to bite. Then Merry handed him a sharp inshoot,
that clipped the plate. To his surprise, Lucas put out his
left. hand, calling it a ball.

“Don’t reach at

“What's that?” queried Neil sharply, whirling with the
ball in his mitt. Lucas motioned him back without a
word.

“All right, Neil,” “This man looks
like soft money !”
Again he refused thé double shoot, nodding at the signal

for a straight ball. He put all his speed into it, however,

said Merry quietly.

and by the time Murphy had struck’ the ball was in Neil’s

mitt.

“Wow!
three this time!

Nevertheless, Rod again called for the double shoot,
and this time Merry obeyed, with two and two on the
batter. The ball broke for an inshoot, then it reversed
and a cry of wonder broke from the grand stand as the
double shoot became evident. Murphy had refused to
strike, and Merry could hardly believe his eyes as he saw
the left hand of Lucas dart out.

“Look a bit closer, Mr. Umpire!” he called, walking
down toward Neil. “That went straight over——”’

“No talk, Merriwell,”’ snapped Lucas, in an ugly voice.
Neil came forward.

“What’s the matter with this critter, Merry?”

“Probably he was fooled by it also, Rod. Try it again.”

As Merry walked back to his box the Rodnos sent up
an afigry chorus.

“Rotten!” howled Hedworth’s voice.

“Get him a pair of glasses!”

“Teach him what a strike is!”

“That'll do, fellows!’ Merry glanced around. “No
more of that, please.”

Once more he sent over the double shoot, in the same
place. Again Murphy stepped back, and this time he
threw down his bat and jogged to first at the tumpire’s
signal. Pale with anger, Merry walked toward the plate.

‘Did I understand you to call that a ball, Mr. Lucas?”

“Saw him walk, didn’t you?” returned Lucas.

“But that double shoot went squarely over the plate!”

“Thete’s no stich thing as a double shoot.: Cut out the
kicking and get to work.”

Put another in the same place, pard! One, two,

1?

   

   

Again Merry repressed the angry cries of his men with |

an uplifted hand, but there was no repressing the crowd.
By this time every man in the grand stand had seen that

double shoot in action, and a storm of hoots and catealls

Tang out.
“Take him out! Rotten!”
“Jab the ten-thousand- dollar wonder i in the jaw, Ronin f
“Back to the bush leagues for him!’
Merry faced Brannigan with set lips.
muttered word of admiration
secorid double shoot broke, and knew well that there was

.

He had chaght a

from Bill Smith as that.

 

     
     
      
 
   

14 NEW DLP nEOR: WEEE:

something behind those decisions. Yet it was impossible
to believe that Lucas, one of the greatest professionals in
the country, could be crooked purposely. Morris had not
enough money to buy: him.

“Here’s the big noise, Chip!” and Rod signaled for an
inshoot.

“Put her over, you sorehead!” growled Hop-along.
lam ye a mile!”

Seemingly Merry paid no attention to Murphy at first.
Seeing this, the smelter boy took a big lead. Suddenly
Neil spread out his hands as if all ready for the ball, but
Merry whirled and sent the sphere hurtling into the
glove of Rush. Murphy was caught!

“Out!” snapped Smith.

“That’s the idea, Merry!” went up a roar from the
crowds. Two men were down, and no one on bases.

Now Merry determined to force Brannigan back from
the plate. He put a terrific inshoot across, and as it broke
the big fellow jumped back. The ball cut the rubber

cneET

\??

cleanly.
“Ball—one !”
“What? Rotten! Rotten!”

“Take him out!”

Merry waited for the ball, smiling. Rodno saw the
smile, and knew it for a dangerous signal.

“Put ’em over, Chip,” he called. “This man Lucas has
Lum eyes.”

“Another such remark from you and you go to the
bench,” snarled Lucas angrily.

The crowd was howling with rage. Merry set his teeth
and put one straight across. Brannigan swung, and Lucas
called a strike. Once more Merry handed him a straight
one, and this time Brannigan connected.

The ball shot down to Hedworth at third. Hedworth
reached for it, dropped it, and Smith declared Brannigan
safe at first by a narrow margin.

“Two men down, Chip!” called Ricketts.

“Play for the batter,” sang out Andy.

Sundodger strode up to the plate, and Neil called for the
double shoot. Although he doubted its advisability, Merry
obeyed and put over an out that reversed to an inshoot.
The Indian stepped back, and the left hand of Lucas went
out—a ball! @ i

The Rodnos fell silent. Twice more did Merry put over
throws that clipped the corners of the plate, and each
one was declared a ball. In his anger he sent over a high
straight one, for Brannigan had not tried to steal.

Sundodger met it cleanly, and‘dropped a Texas Leaguer
over second base. This put him on first and advanced
Brannigan to second. As Gopher advanced to bat, Merry
turned to Bill Smith.

“Did you catch those double shoots, Smith?”

“Sure, Go ahead and play the game, Merry.
over yet.” ‘

Nor was it. Gopher landed on the first ball pitched, and
sent a sizzling grounder through first and short. Before
Larsen could get it Brannigan was tearing home.

_ The Norwegian coolly put all his energy into a beauti-
- ful throw to the plate from right field. Neil saw it com-

-ing, stepped out of Brannigan’s way, but the big fellow
plunged forward. As Neil caught the ball, Brannigan shot
into him and they both went down, while the ball rolle
out of the cloud of dust.

“Dirty !” yelled a score of voices. But Smith pronounced
Brannigan safe, and Neil crouched down behind McDuff

It’s not

without a protest. Merry’s fists clenched at the deliberate
collision, and he started for the plate.

“Easy, Merry!” came the quiet voice of Smith.

Frank slowly went forward and met Neil halfway.

“Hurt you, Rod?”

“Nary a bit, pard. I was out of his way, too.”

“All right. We'll land those dirty players yet.”

Sundodger was on third and Gopher on second, and the
Rodnos were utterly demoralized by the swift and unex-
pected disaster, McDuff faced Merry with determined air.

Twice did Frank refuse the signal, then nodded as Bob
called for a drop. McDuff bit at it, and Lucas called a
strike. McDuff fouled a high ‘straight one for another
strike. Then Merry gave him a quick-breaking drop, but
Lucas called it a ball.
into cries of anger, and a pop bottle whirled over the
field.

By this time Merry knew that it was to be a slugging
contest. Whether or not Lucas, was deliberately working
against him, it was of no use to clip the corners, and he
put a straight one squarely across the plate, with all his
speed.

McDuff brought down his bat, there was a sharp crack,
and the ball rolled to third. Sundodger was tearing home,
and in his flurry Hedworth\ made a bad throw to Neil,
who was forced to jump for it. The Sioux slid under
his hand, and Smith called him safe.

“Who's this Merriwell?” jeered Brannigan, now coaching
from third.

“Everybody’s hitting him!” cried Taylor exultantly.

Gates, the little shortstop, came up to the plate. As he
stepped into the box Merry jerked one straight across
that caught him napping, and Lucas called a strike. Gates
picked up some dust and rubbed his bat, and Merry re-
peated his motion.

But this time the ball seemed to hang in the air, and the
eager Gates struck in vain. Then he glanced desperately
at Brannigan. Merry guessed that the play would be a
hit and run. ;

For the third time he delivered the ball with the same
motion. This time it was another fast one, and Gates
swung savagely at: it, barely making connections. He
knocked out a difficult grounder to short. ,

Billy Dill took the ball neatly and shot it home to catch
Gopher. The throw was a perfect one, but Gopher slid in
safely. Gates, however, had gone wild and was tearing for
second despite the yells of Truley, coaching at first. Neil,
knowing that Gopher was safe, did not try to tag him, but
flung back his arm and sent the ball to Andy at second.

Cawthorn received it and stopped Gates a yard from the _

base.

walked in. “Chip, it’s awful!’ ;
“Tt’?s worse than that,” said Merry grimly. “Boys, I’m
afraid we’re up against ten men, though I hate to admit
it. Now’s the time to begin to fight, fellows. We've got
to hammer tlis Indian out of the box. Go to it, Hed-
worth’ Hit the first ball over.” .

CHAPTER IX.
BILL SMITH INTERFERES,

“Chip, it’s absurd to say that the great Lucas could be

crooked—but it don’t look right to me, pard, by a whole is

lot. ” ‘ ‘

Once more the crowd broke out ©

 

 
  
 

 

 

 

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“Three runs!” groaned Rush, as the team gloomily , |

   
  
 

 
  
 
  
  
    
 

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| walked in.

the others.

test echoed the sentiment.

a straight one over,

: NEW TIP TOP WEEKLY. 3 5

~“Can’t help it, Rod... I think something’s wrong myself.
Fellows, we've got to go after everything that Sundodger
offers... Strike at the first three balls, provided that they're
anywhere near the plate. That’s the only.way. to land on
him, I’m afraid.”
“Pretty desperate.remedy,

Chip,” and Rush shook his

gad,

“Slugging match; that’s all, Risch, Make up. your, mind
to ity:
‘Hedworth walked out, cheered by. Merry’s ‘decreaned

Air, and determined to hit the first ball over the plate.

He was an awkward- -looking fellow, and Sundodger per-
haps, disdained to waste time on him,. for the first. ball
came ,over with such terrific speed that Merry stared in
surprise.

But for all his awkward looks, there was nothing slow
about Jim Hedworth. | The big. fellow, met that first. ball
with savage energy, and the crowd rose with a yell. Al-
most. at the same instant Sundodger stuck. out. his glove,
whirling around, and Bill Smith waved his. hand.

Hedworth had sent a terrific line drive, and the Indian
had stopped it!.. No ,one. realized what, had , happened
fora moment, and. then the crowds went mad with de-
light, for the play was a magnificent. one. . Yell upon yell
arose for Sundodger; ‘until the Siopx had to. touch his cap
in smiling acknowledgment.

Hard luck, old man,” exclaimed ate as  eagoul
“You should have had a two-bagger: out of

that easily! Go to. it; Worden!” .

‘But Worden failed dismally, not even ceeding a ta off ©

the. Sioux. Larsen managed .to put up.a pop fly that was
gathered i in by Murphy with ease, and, the Juneaus came jin,

“Now, pard,” said Neil, “I’m taking it for, granted, that
Lucas is as crooked as a joshua tree. Let me handle this
inning, will you?” Bae eg am

Frank nodded. He knew that Rodno was acquainted
aaah most of the other nine, and the peculiar blindness
which had suddenly affected the ten-thousand- dollag won-
der left him all but helpless.

“T’'ll have to depend on you fellows now,’ he admonished

“We're with you,-old man,’ exclaimed Andy, and the

Frank ‘still thought he might have been rhistaken in

thinking Lucas crooked, for the thing seemed impossible
on the face of it.

But whet O’Toole, the first man up,
drew a pass, Merry knew that he had to face a hostile

umpire beyond all question.

Reet 3 Then it was that Neil Rodno stepped in to save the day.
_ He signaled for outshoots to Truley, and Frank sent them
over,’

The Juneau left fielder swung at three in succes-
sion, and on the third O’Toole attempted to go down to
second,

Neil lined a perfect drole to Andy, and ssetitth, waved

_ the runner off. It was fine baseball, and the crowd yelled.

-and roared and stamped its approval.
of Amos Rodno with his coat off, waving his Stetson,
and emitting yell upon yell.
_ now Taylor came to bat again.

Merry caught sight

He was a hard man to fool under any conditions, but
with the moral certainty that anything not actually swung

 

vat would be called a ball, Merry accepted Neil’s call for
Jerry had not expected it, and let it

   
  

 

“We get a square deal on the er: at
least, so dig in and we'll begin to do things.”

| too.
Two men were down, ane

pass. To the amazement of every one, Lucas called it a
ball!

“That's too raw altogether, Lucas,” cried Merry angrily.
Even Taylor turned and added his voice in protestation.

“T called it, didn’t 1?” sneered Lucas, openly hostile
now. “Half a minute to get back into your box, Merri-
well, or you leave the field.’

Raging, Merry obeyed. Even the crowds. on, ie side
lines had seen that strike, and a perfect storm of fury went
up. At more than one point the police were forced to
drive the crowd back, and not until Merry smiled. and
waved his hand cheerily did the angry men quiet down into
some semblance of order.

Merry saw Spider Morris leaning back with thumbs
stuck. contentedly in his vest and a cigar protruding from
one corner of his mouth. Beside him in the box stood
Rilla Morris, joining in the cries and hoots at Lucas. She
waved a hand at Merry as he faced Taylor again, and
he smiled with an answering nod. a

That complacent look of Spider Morris’ left no doubt
whatever in his mind that Fred Lucas was crooked. .Amaz-
ing as the thought was, he was forced to believe that one
of. the greatest: ball players in the world had. sold. him-
self. The thought. fired him with savage determination
to-win this game whatever happened, and he nodded as
Neil called. for a low straight ball.

When Merry threw, Taylor stood as if dazed, and the
crowd yelled again. Too late, Jerry struck. Not even
Sundodger could equal the tremendous speed Merry put on
the ball, and it almost took Neil off his feet.

Again Taylor struck vainly. . The third time, as the. ball
came in the same groove, he managed to pop up a little foul
fly. Neil tore off his mask and turned. As he did so,
Lucas refused to budge, and Neil deliberately crashed
into him, sent him Sea ll and took the fly as it came
down.

Lucas came to his feet, white with rage. But: as he
pointed to the bench, Jerry Taylor strode up to him with
fists clenched,

“Look here, Lucas!. If you send Rodno to the bench
for that I’ll knock your crooked face galleywest! It was |
your business to get out of the way, and I'll warn you
tight here that you’re goin’ a blamed sight too far!”

The words carried clearly to the astonished crowd, and
the. instant cheers that rose seemed to bring Lucas up
with a jerk. He merely nodded, put on his mask again, ~
and beckoned to the Juneay men to take the field.

“That did me a heap of, good, pard,” and Neil gtinned
as Billy Dill walked out to bat.

“Risky | work, though,” replied Merry Sal “Jerty
Taylor is white all through. I can’t understand this
business of Lucas playing crooked.” ~

“Maybe it’s because of your little run in with him yes-
terday.” ;

“Tt might. be, but I- doubt it. I can’t understand a_
really great athlete like that holding a little grudge.
there are ee things which look mighty queer to mney :
” . Fs

Billy Dill tried desperately to connect, pitt fanned,” This
brought Andy Cawthorn to bat, and the hopes of the R.
A. C. rooters revived instantly. They were doomed to dis--
appointment, however, for Andy only smashed out a sky-
scraper that O’Toole gathered in without moving from his. |
tracks,

   

    

And ae

       
  
    
         
          
      
   
        
    
  
 
       
     
     
      
        
         
       
       
 
        
    

   

  

16 NEW

 

“Now, Rod, try for a hit,” exclaimed Merry. “Let
him hit you, if you can.’

But Sundodger was in remarkable form and had per fect
control. Rod managed to step into the way of an inshoot,
but his intention was obvious and he only gained a ball
by it. In desperation, Merry signaled him to bunt.

This move was so surprising to Sundodger that Neil

_ had met the ball and was halfway to first before the
Indian scooped the bunt in and shot it over. By a nar-
row margin Neil beat it out, and as Ricketts came up to
bat the Rodno fans were whooping in tremendous excite-
ment, This passed into a mad frenzy when Ricketts swung
furiously at the first ball and*Rodno scooted down to
second. Brannigan shot the ball to Gopher, but Neil
made a perfect fall-away slide that took him. safely under
the extended glove.

The effort was a vain one. Ricketts hit the next ball,
but it was a line drive that went squarely into the hands
of Gates and ended both the rally and the first half of
the third.

By now the Rodnos had recovered from their early
demoralization, and under the quiet, confident words of
Frank they settled down to fight against odds with every
ounce of strength and energy at their disposal. The
third inning was finished without a hit being scored off
Merry, though the heavy end of the Juneaus was up.

Murphy sent a sizzler¢to Dill, who caught him at first.
Brannigan waited for a pass, but Merry savagely sent
the ball square over the heart of the rubber, and Lucas
did not dare call anything but a strike. Brannigan growled
out something under his breath, Neil goaded him into
hitting the next ball, and his high fly was taken in by
Worden in fine shape. Sundodger artfully contrived to
get in the way of an inshoot, Lucas promptly sent him to
first, but Gopher put up another high foul that ended the
inning. And this time Neil swallowed that foul without
the slightest interference from Lucas.

“He didn’t dare block ye then, Roddy!” yelled old Sim
Hagen from the side lines.
Will we see that feller to the train, boys?”

  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
 

~“T guess we will!” roared the men around him, most of
whom were rough prospectors or miners. “We'll send
that ten-thousand-dollar bird off home with his wings
plucked and tarred—whoop-ee!”

Whether the angry yells had any effect on Lucas it was
hard to say, but for a time he steadied down somewhat.
More than once Merry tried the double shoot, but so
emphatically was each effort pronounced a ball that he
came to believe that Lucas was deliberately trying to make
him avoid its use.

Through the splendid sipent given him Ae the angry
Rodnos, Merry managed to prevent the other team from
making another run. In the fifth Sundodger knocked a
two-bagger into the crowd and stole third, but died there.

_ At the end of the seventh the score was still three to one
in favor of the Juneaus. Then Lucas grew wilder than
ever.

“This is getting serious,’ Chip!” murmured Neil anx-
iously.. “Our boys are plumb scared out of their boots at
that critter !” /

“Never give up,” said Merry, with a smile. “Go ahead,
Larsen, post smash at anything, or you'll get strikes called
on you.”

“T’ll smash it or bust,” growled the angry Norwegian.

Th TL Oe Wire

“Wait till after this yere game!

And he did. The first ball.was a wide out, but Larsen-.
went after it and cath it with the nose of his bat :-for
a two-bagger.

“Now, Pickles!” oka Mecey.
it means two runs!”

“Honest, Chip?”

“You bet!”

Billy Dill’s face set hard as he walked out. - Sun-
dodger took his time, then sent a slow teaser across. It
was too low even for Billy, but down went the-bat.. By
some miracle a slow bunt rolled toward third, and so a 3
perfect was it that both Larsen and Billy were safe. 7 D.

“If you get. to first;

Andy Cawthorn advanced, but waited for a good one, . Mer
and while he waited Lucas called two balls as strikes. prog
Andy fanned on the third. Determined to hit anything, i
Neil went to bat. Sundodger’s first ball was jso high that ; Ml
even Brannigan had to reach for it. but

“Strike—uh—one !” Bra:

As the crowd stormed its disgust and Neil glared at whi

Lucas, Merry saw Sundodger suddenly halted by Bill
Smith. A moment later the base umpire ran down, beck-
oning to Merry. As Frank joined him in surprise, Smith
took Lucas by the arm, with a quiet smile.
“Let’s delay the game for about ‘five minutes, Fullaae ;

1?

This robber is getting too raw altogether!

CHAPTER X.
A CHANGE OF UMPIRES,

“What do you mean, Smith?”

Merry motioned his men back as Brannigan growled out
the words. Lucas said nothing, while Smith jerked off his
mask for him. Merry saw a figure coming from the
grand stand, and recognized the tall form of Amos Rodno.,

A little hush had settled down over the field. People
realized that something unusual’ was going on. A chorus | | 4
of queries arose from the men on the diamond, and Smith
raised ‘a hand. if

“The first man to leave his place goes to the bench,” he
said quietly. Brannigan turned on him in fury.

“Who in blazes are you?”

“T’m Fred Lucas,” came the smiling answer. Lucas
turned white at the words and tried to shrink away, but
Smith held him firm. When Amos Rodno came up, Merry
turned to him in perplexity. The old sheepman went
straight up to Lucas with threatening aspect.

“You low-down pup!” was his polite speech. “Now give
up the name of the man that hired you for this, and you

go free. Jump, now!”

Lucas jumped, while Smith held him by the collar. At —
last Merry got a chance to put in a word. .

“But what’s all this, Mr. Rodno? Who hired Lucas,
and for what?”

“T hired Fred Lucas to umpire this game!” The old
sheepman fairly roared out the words, bristling with his
anger. “Somebody tried to shunt Lucas to Juneau, Ore-
gon, with a fake railroad ticket, while this man took his ~ Pe
place here. Now give up the name—quick !”

Merry saw it.all instantly. The false Lucas was, of
course, an adherent of the Juneau Club, and had relied
on no one knowing the real Lucas so far West. How,
then, had Lucas found out the deception? Heturned to _
Bill Smith, who read his thought and smiled. by ld le

“I got suspicious, Merry, and looked the matter up

    
       
     
 
         
      
   
    
      
       
ats the name of Smith,

NW TIP" TOP “WEEKEY.«). 17

pretty carefully.» That showed me that the ticket sent
_~ mei was:to the wrong place, and I came on here first under
to make sure. Now, wort -tinhorn
- ‘actor; loosen up!"

Smith loosened him by a vigorous wahetine that left the
- supposed Lucas white and scared, his truculent air entirely

. yanished.

“I'll tell you, gentlenien,” he ried hastily. “I am an
actor—yes, sir. I wasin Boise; dead stranded, when I met
a guy named Spink; and he——’ +:

“Spink !”

The cry broke fin every one in the group. Instantly
Merriwell turned to one of. the policemien who had ap-
proached.

“Find Jerry Spink, officer: He’s here somewhere.”

Merry looked over toward the box of Spider Morris,
but only Rilla was<in sight, her father having disappeared.
Brannigan had been dumfounded by the rapidity with
which events had transpired, but now the captain of the
‘Juneaus pushed forward.

“See here! How do we know this guy’s’on the level,
Amos?” .

“Because I say so, Mr. Brannigan. I have investigated
this fully. Now, what shall-we do about this game?”

“Let her stand!” exclaimed Brannigan. Hop-along was
somewhat dazed, for clearly he knew nothing of Spirk’s
dealings with the stranded actor, .But-his mind was clear
enough to realize that as things stood the Juneaus could
win the game with their’ big lead of two runs, and he
seized the chance.

“Let her stand!
“Responsibility has nothing to do with it,”
= old sheepman.
am disposed to call it .off right here.”

Frank stepped forward earnestly.. The eca was just
- beginning to sense something wrong, and was stamping and
- pounding excitedly for the game to go on.

‘Don’t do that, Mr. Rodno! I am beginning to under-
stand what you meant the other day, but I say now what
] said then—that we'll win. We're bound. to win! ' Let.
this game stand as it is, and Lucas—the real one—can
umpire everything. This is only the first of the eighth,
sir!”

- Brannigan sneered. Lucas nodded at Merry, aad Amos
_ Rodno 4ookd troubled as he stroked his chin. The false
Lucas had been handed. over to one of the officers.
“Very well” Amos Rodno turned and raised his voice
to the grand stand. ‘As the yells died arte his deep
tones boomed out.

2?

We ain't sasha patie for.
snapped ‘ira

“Gentlemen, there has been a cold deck sprung in this —

game. But from now: on, the sole umpire will be the
real Fred Lucas, the great twirler of the athletics.”

_ This gave the crowd and the players the first inkling
~ of the situation. As the word spread around, a storm of?
yells and cheers rose, Brannigan slipped on his mask with
a determined air, and Lucas walked out to his position.

' Larsen was on second, Billy Dill on first, and Neil was
at bat with one strike and one out. As those on the bench

had heard most of the conversation at the place, Merry .

did not bother explaining any further to his men.

“We ve got to give all our
Now get away and let me

rt “Never mind now, fellows.
energy to playing the game.
ret the sigrials to Andy.”

“Andy was on the coaching line at first.

_ that. Sundodger would put one over.

‘gan at home.

“So far, this game. has. been crooked. I.

As Neil stepped -

into his box, Merry sent down the signal to hit, guessing
Larsen took a good
lead off second, and as the €ndian’s peculiar, quick motion
began both runners were off like’scared jack rabbits.

Merry had guesséd aright. A low drop came over the
outside corner of the plate, and Neil met it with a sharp
crack of the bat. One swift yell went up as the ball began
to climb, then the center fielder, O’Toole, turned and
began to run.

Up and up went the ball over center field. Larsen turned
third and Rush sent him pounding for home while Billy
Dill tore past second. Rodno was almost at second when
O’Toole looked over his shoulder, whirled and reached
for the ball.

He had misjudged it!

It struck his fingers, hesitated, and leaped to one side
just as Larsen came in. The fielder sprang after the ball,
recovered it, and made a magnificent throw to third. Rush,
taking desperate chances, sent Billy along, for Neil was
tearing down the line. The crowd held its breath as the
sphere flashed in.

Murphy was ready, however. Neil went down in a
beautiful fall-away, but he was an instant too late, and
Murphy put the ball on him, instantly throwing to Branni-
Billy was already there, and beat the ball
over for the run that tied the score. .

“Fine work, old man!” cried Merry delightedly, as the ©
dejected Neil came in. “That was the hit that won the ~
game, Rod!: Brace up, everybody—we'll make this In-
dian look sick!”

Seizing his bat, Merry trotted out and faced Sundodger
with a smile. The Sioux was not a bit unnerved by the
two runs made off him, and his first ball was a strike. The
next was a straight drop, flung with all his terrific speéd,
and Merry brought down his bat to meet it.

The ball darted out betwéen Gopher and Taylor for a
clean hit that landed Merry on first with time to spare.
Billy Dill darted down to the coaching lines as Rush se-
lected his bat.

“They’re done! They’re done!
run!” shrieked the little fellow wildly.

We've got ’em on the
“Beat it, Chip!”

As Rush struck at the first ball over, Merry went down
to second, and Brannigan failed to catch him. But,now
Sundodger showed his caliber) for he made Rush foul a
bad one and strike at another. It was the third out, and
the Juneaus were at bat.

“All right, Rush,” called Frank cheerfully.
these fellows where we want them now!”

“Show ’em what pitching is, Chip!” growled Hedworth.

“One, two, three, old man!” cried Andy.

“It’s all over now,” said Neil to Brannigan, as the big
catcher stepped up to the plate. “Just stand and watch
?em roll over, Hop-along!”’

“We've got

Brannigan grunted savagely and his jaw set. With a a

grin, Rod called for the double shoot, arid Merry nodded.

So gently did the ball float-in and break for an out-
shoot that Brannigan swung at it heavily and confidently.
But as he did so the ball reversed sharply, the heavy
swing took Brannigan off his feet, and he sat soy hard
amid roars of laughter. ;

“Some sundodger, aren’t ee ?” said Neil sweetly. “Try-
ing to hit flies ?”

“What’s the matter with that blamed ball?” demanded

Brannigan. “Hey, umpire! Throw out a new ball!”

 
   

18 7 NEW TIP TOP WEEKLY.

Merry caught the return and passed the ball to Lucas.
“Give me a new one, and satisfy them.”
Once more*that amazingly.easy ball floated over, this
time for an inshoot, and once more Brannigan clipped the
‘air as it reversed. The fans cheered and howled delight.
“Finish this easy mark, Chip,” called Neil, as he re-
turned the ball. A third time the double shoot came over,
now with full speed, and Brannigan simply flung down his
bat and stalked back to the bench amid the hoots of the
crowd,
“Hail to the chief!”
came out to the plate. ,
No need for signals now.” Merry laughed to himself,
as the bronze statue came to life and slashed vainly at
the double shoot, twice in succession. The third time, with
the same motion as before, he sent over a hot, straight ball
that clipped the outside corner and fooled the Indian.

chirped Billy Dill, as Sundodger

Two men had been retired on six pitched balls, and the

throng yelled its applause of the feat.

“Go fer Gopher!” yelled Billy, as the sturdy second base-
man came forth to the slaughter.

In the private boxes Merry saw Rilla Morris waving a
handkerchief in excitement. Old Amos Rodno. was beat-
ing the front of the box with his hat in-a frenzy, while
his deep voice boomed out hoarse appeals to “shut the
critters out!”

Merry didjso. One slow floater and two double shoots

made poor Gopher gasp, and the dungane had been retired
with nine pitched: balls!

“Oh, you Chip!” Neil fairly threw his arms about Merry
and hugged him as he came in, touching his cap to the
grand stand and smiling happily.

“The game ain’t done and we’ve got ‘em on the run!”
shrieked Billy, as Hedworth strode out to the plate, with
orders to smash the first ball over.

And he did—lifting it over second base for a fine hit.
But Sundodger settled down grimly, retired Worden, and

_when Larsen bunted the Indian brought off a spectacular
double play at first and third that caught Hedworth.

In the last half of the ninth Merry repeated his amazing
performance of retiring McDuff, Gates, and O’Toole on
nine pitched balls, with the score still tied. This brought
the crowd to its feet, and Billy Dill picked up his bat to
the accompaniment of a thunderous chorus of “Merriwell!
-Merriwell! Chip—Chip—Merriwell!” that every man_be-
hind the ropes was chanting in unison.

Through the roar Merry suddenly heard the excited
voice of Amos Rodno, and turned to smile at the old
sheepman. But Amos was waving a slip of yellow paper
and howling frantically as'he climbed over the front of

his box. Startled, Merry left the bench and ran over to
meet him, § | .
CHAPTER XI, i
- MERRIWELL’S PROMISE.

“What's the matter?” shouted Merry to make his voice
heard, as he reached the box.

“Read this—quick !”

The old sheepman’s face was ‘blazing with: anger, and
Merry grabbed the telegram in haste. A sudden silence
from the crowd showed that Billy Dill had made a strike,
by the foul route. The telegram was dated at Smelter
City, and read as follows :

   
  
 
   
 
 
    
   
   
   
  
  

 

    
   
  
  
  
   
 
  
 
 
 
  

“Amos Ropno, Juneau: Have arrested four men here) |: (9 -
All have made full: confession. Arrest Jerry. Spink,. See aa the
ney Spink, and Nate Morris implicated in confession. pe cil
arrive Juneau evening train. y oa

“PINKERTON AGENCY, per Howe.” wf A

“Where is Spink?” Bonded Merry quickly, “Was @ at oo
held?” Saas . a

Rodno nodded. “They have him and his brother in, one if «
of the dressing rooms now. I just got this wire, Merriwell, if ee
and we must get hold of Morris. If he was behind that d i
assault on Neil and Larsen last week, as the telegram i
would imply, Pll send the cuss over the road, and no mis- ah)
take !” re

Frank knew that the sheepman had placed detectives ce mee
the trail of the men who had so brutally beaten up Neil eee
and Larsen. He was glad indeed that the assault would hor:
not go unpunished, and for the moment forgot the excit- O
ing events behind him. ¥ O’T

As he handed back the message and’ started to spilte: a frar
sudden movement at one side caught his eye. “Leaning dover base
the edge of her box- was the figure of Rilla Morris; her the
eyes anxiously fixed on’ Merry. He: started: -Had she win
heard those words: of Rodno’s? ns abit I

As his eyes met hers, he knew ‘instantly that she -had us
done so. Her gaze was filled with pleading, -as’1f she caln
were trying to recall something to Merry. Then he re- ve
membered his promise, and knew now that she must have TI
had some inkling of her father’s crooked work. ’ * Tace

In a fraction of .a second the whole chain of thought _ reac
flashed across his mind. Here was the chance to land — Jey
Spider Morris behind the bars, together with the two. the -
Spinks! But Merry had. promised, and without hesitation ee
he gave a warning gesture to Amos Rodno and took.a ate os had.

forward to the side of the girl. and
“You heard what he said, Miss Morris?” he sued tags t
quickly, and Rilla nodded. “Then find your father and: _ and
get him away at once. I have not fcrgotten what I prom- = ‘It
ised you, and I will manage to either gain time for your thie
father or else to placate Mr. Rodno. But get him nf a Neil
atyonce, by all means!” Fe inca

Merry held out his hand, Rilla pressed it for an instant,. a as tl
and was gone. He turned back to Amos ORE and. ho. went
smiled. a> the

“Don’t do dncthing about Miers: Mr. Rodné. His  ” me
daughter overheard your words, and I told her to get him = = ‘“Sla
out of town. If he leaves, it will be the best ee for) Se ae Get |
all concerned. Besides——” a. ga

‘Amos Rodno sputtered, hesitated, then looked out over” “G
the field as a sudden silence fell. Billy Dill had fanned _ Mer
out, and Andy Cawthorn was walking to the plate with an : — qui
anxious glance toward Merry. oe stepE

“Go ahead, Merriwell,” snapped the sheepman cise: A
“T'll not get after Morris—till this thing is settled. Ues in sheet
and win this derned game first!” he time,

“Thanks !” derfi

hoar:

Merty turned and ran back to the bench hasty.) “As
he did so, Cawthorn swung at the first ball, hit it, but
Gates stopped the grounder and threw him out at fiveteel

“Now, Rod!” cried Metry, hoping against hope that the —
big fellow would make a hit. “You’ve got to do it, , ie

man!” | ;

  
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 

    
Sundodger smiled confidently and Neil refused to bite
at the first ball, Again the white sphere flashed across
the plate, and still Rod stood motionless. One strike was
called by Lucas, and the crowd implored Neil to make
a hit. §

Again that sizzling ball sped across and plunked _into
Brannigan’s mitt. Sundodger now seemed to have more
speed than ever. Neil stood as if dazed while two more
balls went over. It was two and three!

“He’s got to put it over!” shrieked Billy Dill.
Th I it, Rod!”

The Sioux hesitated, then sent a wide inshoot that barely
clipped the inside corner. But it was plenty for Neil. He
{drew back a trifle, brought down his bat with all his
power—and as he broke into his stride dropped two shat-
tered pieces of wood, He had broken the bat, and the
horsehide was sailing for center field, higher and higher!

One wild, shrill yell went up from every throat as
O’Toole and Truley turned together and began to run
frantically, Neil was flashing to first. He rounded the
base and tore toward second. Then a groan rose from
the fans as it was seen that the ball, borne back by the
wind, would fall within easy reach of the two fielders.

“Look out, you dubs!” roared Brannigan.

“Split apart!’ shouted Sundodger angrily, losing his
calm for the first time. “Get out of the way!”

“Glory be!” shrieked Billy Dill hoarsely.

The two outfielders, with no thought for each other,
raced toward each other. Before Brannigan’s frantic yell
_ reached them, O’Toole made a leap forward just as Tru-
ley held out his glove. Neil was rounding second, when
the two fielders crashed together.

_ “Hold it, Rod!” shouted Rush from third. But Neil
had no intention of holding it. He had seen the collision
and knew that his chances of ‘making third were good.
As he sped along, O’Toole staggered up, clutched the ball,
and sent it to Murphy almost on a line. ©

“Lam

~
oO
aie epee a = — =

 

_ It was a terrific throw. Lucas raced down to be in at
the finish. Murphy stood all ready for the ball, out of
Neil’s way. Rush gave a quick shout and Neil went down
in a perfect slide, his leg hooking about the sack just
; -as the ball plunked into Murphy’s glove. Out and down

went the hands of Lucas, and when Neil emerged from
a _ the dust he stood on the sack and grinned at Merry.

 

 
  
   
   
  
  
 
  
  

Ri “One run does the trick!” snapped Billy from first.
m “Slam the chief and slam him quick! Home run, Merry!
Of. Get a-hit—get a hit!”

i “A hit, Merriwell! Chip, Chip Merriwell!”
er ~ “Get inter your box!” growled Brannigan eclousle
ay _ Merry stood aside for a moment until Sundodger made a
iH _ quick throw to third that failed to get Neil. Then he
a

 

- stepped up and faced the pitcher.

 
 
 

A hush fell on the crowd—a tense, anxious hush of
sheer excitement. Now the Sioux wound up for the first
time, uncoiled, and shot the ball over with such won-
_ derful speed that Brannigan staggered Ree and grunted
i hoarsely.

 “Strike—one!”

_ Again the Indian wound up, but this time Merry was
ready, his bat held low. It seemed that he hardly struck
at, the ball, but merely allowed it to meet the bat. Yet
the crack rose clear and sharp, and the white sphere darted
along the ground betwee short and third.

balk hit ! A hit! Come on, you Rodno!”

  

 

    
   
   
 
  
  
  
 
   
   

  

NEW. TIP) FOP WEEKLY.

up a hand.

   

19

Despite his anxiety, Merry smiled as he tore for first,
for the words of Amos Rodno rang out in a deep. boom

‘ above the frenzied shouts of the crowd. Billy Dill waved

him to hold first, and as Merry turned back to the bag
he saw Neil slide home full into Brannigan, who had stood
out to block him.

Coated,

The crowds in the grand stand and behind the ropes
were frantic, as Ricketts stepped up to bat. But at his
first strike he sent up a pop foul that was gathered in by
Brannigan, and the half was over.

The second half was a repetition of the two previous in-
nings. Merry put nine pitched balls over the plate, fanned
Truley, Taylor, and Murphy, and in the tenth inning the
fate of Rodno Field had been decided. -The Rodno Ath-
letic Club had won, four to three!

CHAPTER XII.
WORD FROM CLANCY,

“You won your own game and your field with it, Neil!
Great work, old man!”

Merry was just finishing dressing, and had told the
others about the great news from Smelter City. Already
the story of Lucas had become public property, and the
famous athlete was still outside, having been caught by
the crowd. The false umpire and the two Spinks were on
their way to’the courthouse in Juneau, while Spider Mor-
ris and his daughter had completely vanished.

As Frank spoke, Jerry Taylor advanced from the Juneau
Club dressing room, and held out his hand to Neil frankly.

“Congratulations, Rod! ‘You sure beat us square, and
our boys want to know if there’s any show for them to
get in with your club.’ There you have it flat.”

For barely an instant Neil nee Then his hand shot
out.

“That isn’t up to me, but to all the fellows, Jerry. I
will say, though, that I don’t think we’ll object to giving
any fellow a square deal—and you can‘thank Chip Merri-
well for that! Boys, who won this field for us?”

The answer came in a wild shout that seemed to shake
the very building.

“Merriwell! Merriwell!
ray !”

“Much obliged, fellows,”

Chip, Chip Merriwell! Hur-
and Merry flushed as he held
“But thank yourselves, not me. You’ve won
out by clean sport, manly endeavor, and you’re a square
crowd from top to bottom. If the Rodno Athletic Club
doesn’t do big things, it won’t be your fault—and I want
to say’ that I’m proud to have made the acquaintafce

of every fellow here!”

As Merry finished a dusty messenger boy came through
the doorway and held out a yellow envelope. Frank tore
it open, read the message, and looked up at Neil with a
sudden smile.

“Rod,” he asked slowly, “How’d you like a little trip
with me? ‘Are any of you chaps free to leave Juneau
for a while?”

Neil’s eyes shone eagerly, and he glanced around. With
a disappointed air, the others shook their heads one by
one. But Billy Dill bounced forward \instantly.

“Merry, take me!” he cried. “I’m foot loose and free,
and I long for a life of wild gayety—but do you mean it?”

“Sure I do,” and Merry laughed.

> \

“Here’s a wire I just

 
20 NEW TIP TOP WEEKLY,

got from Clancy, my chum who’s been at Blyfield. Read
it, Rod.”
Neil seized the rnessage, which read as follows:
“FRANK MERRIWELL, JUNIOR, Juneau: Bring one or two
crack athletes, ball players:if possible. Meet me Monterey
at once. Big idea. Will explain when I see you.
“CLANCY.”

“Well?” ‘Frank smiled as Neil looked up.
go?”

“You can bet your last dollar!” and Rod’s hand went
out. “I’m with you, pard!”

“Make it two and I'll go, too!” chirped Billy excitedly.

“It’s a go, fellows! Andy, couldn’t you come along?”

“Sorry, Chip, but I can’t do it. I only came up here
to oblige Mrs. Hodgson, you know. I’d give a million to
be with you, but—it can’t be done.”

“Well, we’ll talk it over later, Rod,”
less my ears deceive me, I fancy pom enies
outside. Let’s participate.”

‘In fact, a dull roar of voices had been sounding for the
last moment or two. Shouts of “Rodno! Where’s Rod-
no?” and “Merriwell! Bring him out!” were ringing
through the solid walls of the gymnasium, and as Merry
led out the refreshed athletes he was met by Amos Rodno.

“Hurry up!” grinned the old sheepman, grasping Merry

and Neil and shoving them through another doorway.
“Here—this way—whoop-ee!”

Merry felt himself shoved out into this box that Amos
had occupied, while the rest of the Rodnos crowded along
behind. In front were massed the excited citizens of
Juneau, and at sight of the lads a tremendous, sustained,
unending roar of voices broke out. Again and again Amos
Rodno tried vainly to quell it, until hoarseness finally com-
pelled the frantic fans to desist. Then the sheepman stood
on a chair.

“Will you

said Frank, -fUn-
going on

“Folks, I ain’t much hand at ee talk. But I reckon

all of you know what Frank Merriwell’s done in this
here camp. He put heart into the Rodnos when they were
plumb knocked out, and he’s given me a heap more respect
for sport than I ever had. before. I just want to say that
Rodno Field is hereby an’ herewith awarded to the Rodno
Athletic Club, as per my Brother Lee’s will. Any objec-
tions?” .

“Naty one!” yelled Sim Hagen, flourishing his miniature
cannon. “Hurray fer Neil Rodno! Hurray fer Chip Mer-
riwell !”

“Speech! Speech! Merriwell!” went up a continued
shout as the crowd surged forward.. Neil pushed Merry
out, and Amos thrust him on to the chair.

“Friends,” said Frank, with his sunny smile, “it does me
a whole lot of good to know that this athletic field is in
the right hands,-and to know that I’ve really managed
to do something, in and for Juneau. But I don’t want
you to thank me for it. You’ve got to hand it to these
fellows behind me.’ They’ve given their time and strength
and efiergy to this fight. They’ve won sticcess where de
feat seemed certain. It’s their pluck and their honesty and
theit squareniess which has won Rodno Field, and I want
you to give three cheers for Neil Rodno and his corr
rades !” t :

And they were given with a will, But they did not die
down, Instead, they changed into a steady chorus, snapped
out by Hundreds of throats, while the crowd leaped for-

ward and catight up the Rodnos on theit shoulders. With
Metry at the head, the procession finally. wound out of
Rodno Field toward town, that chorus thundering ott the
time to stamping feet and rising in a steady, hoarse, but
exultant chant of triimph that ‘brought out all Juneau—__
what there was left of it—to meet them

“Merriwell! Merriwell! Chip—Chip—Merriwell!
Merriwell! Merriwell! Chip~Chip—Merriwell!
Hip—Hip—Chip—Chip—
Merriwell!”

THE END.

“Frank Merriwell, Junior, Sidetracked; or, The Chink of
Hobson’s Choice,” No. 41, which will be out May toth,
starts Chip on a new line of action and adventure. He —
leaves Juneau to join Owen Clancy at Monterey, but his
journey is delayed. Why and how it is delayed makes
mighty interesting reading, as those of you who are for-
tunate enough to get this issue will find out, to your
pleasure. That “Chink of Hobson’s Choice” is an unusual
and entertaining character. !

Tom Armstrong, Cop.

By MARVIN MERCURY.

SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING CHAPTERS.

Tom) Armstrong, a young college man, forced by cir- os
cumstances to give up his stidies, becomes a tember of the’ ey

New York police force,

On his first day on patrol, he meets the girl he had

hoped to marry, Miss Carolyn Howard, who tells him that

_ he must resign at once or she will have nothing more to
do with him; he refuses to give up his chosen profession, Sy

and later in ‘the day sees her motoring with his rival, a
lawyer named Wilton Sayres, who he believes to be
crooked.

That same night he catches Sayres attempting to enter
a house with a skeleton key, and arrests him. The lawyer,
however, shrewdly turns the tables on the inexperienced
“cop,” proves that he simply.made a mistake in the house
number, and is allowed to go by the desk lieutenant.

Armstrong, however, convinced of Sayres’ guilt, goes to
the house the lawyer had tried to enter, but the inmates—
an old man named Cyrus Maxwell, and his daughter—
claim never to have heard of Sayres.

Through his political pull and misrepresentation, Sayres
causes Armstrong to be reprimanded by the commissioner,
and transferred to the toughest beat in New York, where

the young policeman has some unpleasant experiences.

‘CHAPTER TX,

TOM RECEIVES ADVICE.

“You have made a wrotig statt, my boy. !t wae a great

,

mistake to have placed that fellow under arrest.”
The speaker was a grizzled old policeman, with several
service stripes ofi his sleeves.

’ ss

experiences of the night.
“A mistake to place him under arrest! Why so?” r
poe Tom, in a tone oF surprise. lau you ¢

 

hotl
bein;

He was seated on a bench ~
in the back room of the eighteenth precinct station house, —
and Tom Armstrong, just in from his tour of duty and, —
waiting for roll call, had been telling him of his exciting

effo

to t
that
resp
have
val
grin
my

rests

mak
ru
NEW. TIP -lOPT WEEKLY, | 2i

effort to budge when I wanted to pass; and when I spoke

to them pleasantly that fellow became so mean and ugly
_ that I had to do something in order to maintain my self-

- respect.
have done as I did.”

"No they wouldn’t,” retorted the old veteran, with a

gtim smile. “I had that sate beat for two years steady,

my boy, and during all that time I only made five ar-

rests—and those were for felonies. : never one of

making an arrest in a case like yours.”

- “Well, what would you have done?” demanded Tom
hotly. “Would you have apologized to those loafers for

being on earth, and then meekly turned around and walked
away?”

“I should say not, indeed ” replied the other. “If you

did that it would be almost the same as committing sti-

cide. Those fellers were no doubt members of Red

 Carson’s gang, and the only way to keep that crowd in

check is to show them that you're boss, all the time.”
“Exactly,” exclaimed Tom, “and that is why, when that

young tough got fresh, Ijdidn’t lose any time in showing
them that I was boss, by placing him under arrest.”

“And I say again that you made a great mistake there”
declared the old veteran. “Instead of attempting to lock
him up, you shotld have sailed into the whole bunch
|} with your nightstick and given it to them good and
7 plenty.”
| “But that would have been unnecessary brutality,”

- tested Tom.

The older policeman shrugged his shoulders.
“The newspapets might call it that; but, believe me, my
boy, you'll find that it’s the only way of making good on
that beat. West of Tenth Avenue, the nightstick is the
only law that is feared. The cop who has a good strong
right arr, and isn’t afraid of getting into trouble at head-
quarters by using the locust, is the ony one who can be
boss over there.

“Why, bless you,” he went on, “those fellows don’t think

pro-

/

: anything of being placed under arrest for anything short of

a felony. To be put in a cell is a joke to them. They
know very well that they’ll be able to make a monkey out
of the cop when they get to court, for Red Carson has
gota big political pull, and there’s somebody with influ-
ence to look out for his followers when they get before
the judge. .The worst that can happen to them is a few
dollars’ fee, and the district leader will pay that for them,

“'Do you mean to say that a district leader Would nother
imself about such scttm as they?” exclaimed Tom, in

“How gteen you must be to
Ae toh a question. Red Carson and his* gangsters make
themselves very valuable at election time. They've got
repeating down to a fine art, and each of them is good for
at least ten votes.
has got to take care of them when they’re in trouble. You
see, therefore, what waste of time it is to place them under

arrest, for misdemeanors, and how little they’re scared.

“Well, if that’s the case,’

Any policeman with red blood in his veins would

Consequently, my son, the district boss |

* argued Tom, a did that
fellow un away from me? If he wast’t afraid of Heine
11 fe hy did he make his SernEE pe .

“They saw that you was a new arrival on the beat, and
I guess they could tell, too, at a glance, that you was a
green policeman—for those fellers are pretty shrewd at
sizin’ up a cop—and they wanted to test your mettlé and
find out how far they could go with you.

“Tf you had sailed right into them with your nightstick
without wastin’ any words on them, they would have seen
that you were not a man to be fooled with, and they would
have treated you with respect in future.

“But, instead of doin’ that, you went to work and spoke
easy to them fitst of all—which was the first bad break you
made—and then, when that encoutaged them to get fresher
still, you went to work and tried to lock one of them up.
Carson and his gang have got nothin’ but contempt for a
cop who can’t settle matters himself tight there and then
on the sidewalk, instead of marchin’ to the station house
with every little thing.

“They've got you sized up now for an easy mark, my boy,
and, take it from me, you'll have trouble in bunches if you
don’t remove that impression right away.”

He looked at Tom’s athletic figure with admiration.

“Why, bless me, a young giant like you oughtn’t to have
any trouble with that bunch,” he declared. “If you go
about yotr business right, you ought to have them all
eatin’ out of your hand and takin’ off their hats to you
wheti you pass by. Have you met Red Carson himself
yet?”

“No, I don’t think so. If he was there, I wasn’t intfo-
duced to him,” replied Tom, with a smile.

“T guess you'll run into him before long,” said the old
policeman, “and the very first time you meet him, take
my advice and show him plainly that you mean to be boss,
Don’t wait for hit to start trouble. Meet him halfway.”

“What kind of a fellow is he?”

“Well, he’s qtiite a,character. He’s strong as an ox, and
knows how to use his fists. He was in the prize ring at

-one time, and fought and'licked some: pretty good men.

“He’s quite an intelligent fellow, too—head and shoul-
ders above the rest of his gang,) both mentally and physi-
cally. He dresses pfetty well, is soft-spoken, atid. not
bad lookin’. If you didn’t know who he was, and met him
on the street, you'd never stspect that he was the leader
of the most notorious and desperate gang in New York.

“He’s as crooked as a bent pin, of course, and can be
hired to do almost any kind of a job that’s against the
law; but he’s always on the sqtiare with his pals, and for
that reason, and the fact that there isn’t one of the fol-
lowers that he can’t lick to a ftazzle, they're i to

go thrspen fire for. him.”

“T see,” said Toth quietly, “Well, I’m much obliged
to you, old fellow, for the advice you’ve mivet mé, ard
I’m going to follow it—to a certain extent.”

“That’s right,” exclaimed the veteran approvingly. “Don't
be afraid to use your nightstick, my boy, and you'll be
sure to win out. Remember that’s how I kept that gang
in check for two years, and ‘how all the other cops who
have made a success of that beat have managed to pea
good.” very

“T don’t. think I'll use my night stick,” said. Tom. “Tt
would sort of go against my grain to hit a man with a club
if I can avoid doing so. I’ve got a pretty good. pait of
fists, and know how to use them.”

_ The older policeman smiled. op ais foolish talk, my

lad. Your fists, no matter how good they are,won’t pro-

tect you against that bunch, They'll come at you twenty

 
22

at a time, and only with the locust will you be able to
keep them off. You'd better cut out all sentiment when
you’re west of Tenth Avenue.”

“T’ve got a plan,” retorted Tom, “and I think it will
work. How will I be able to recognize this Red Carson
when I meet him?”

“He’s got red hair, of course—that’s how he gets his
-nickname; his right name is Peter—and he’s got a cauli-
flower ear. He generally hangs out in the back room of
Dolan’s saloon, on Tenth Avenue. That’s the headquar-
ters of the gang.”

“How many are there in the gang?”

“About a hundred, I should say.”

“And there isn’t one of them that Carson can’t whip?”

“Of course not. If there was, Red wouldn’t be leader.
As soon ds the head of a gang is licked, he loses his su-
premacy, and the man who whips him becomes his suc-
cessor. That’s gang law.” :

“Thank you,”\said Tom; “that’s all I want to know.”

CHAPTER X.
RED CARSON.

The next night, as Tom was passing Dolan’s saloon, a
tall, heavily built young man, nattily dressed, with a shock
of red hair and a cauliflower ear, stepped out of the side
entrance. He was accompanied by a half dozen other
young men, who treated him with so much deference that
Tom knew that he could not be mistaken.

The policeman stepped up to him.

“You're Red Carson, aren’t you?” he said quietly.

“T’m Mr. Carson to everybody on the police force under
the rank of captain,” replied the gang leader, and his satel-
lites applauded this sally with uproarious laughter.

“Well, Mr. Carson,” said Tom, with a good-humored

smile, “I understand that you’re something of an expert
with the gloves. Is that right?”
_ “T was considered the best in my class when I was in
the ring, and there’s mighty few men in the ring or out
that I can’t lick now,” declared the gang leader, who
did not number modesty among his few virtues.

“T think there’s one right here,” announced the young
policeman.

“Where?” demanded Red Carson, eaauie around him in
all directions, “I don’t see him,” His followers burst
into another laugh at their leader’s wit.

“T’ll give you. three guesses as to whom I mean,” ‘said
Tom quietly. “Let me tell you, Red Carson, that I think
yowre nothing but a great big bluff. I’m willing to put
on the gloves with you any time you say.”
“T don’t use gloves when I’m fighting cops,”

gangster.
' “Very well. J’ll fight you without gloves, if you prefer.
I suggested the regulation mittens because I didn’t want
to be too hard on you. Let it be bare knuckles, if you
like, and any time and place you choose—as ee as you
make it some time when I’m off duty.”

The gang leader stared at the, policeman in incredulous
amazement.

sneered the

“Say, what’s your game, anyway?” he demandéd sus-
piciously. “Are you tryin’ to frame me up for somethin’?
I’m wise that you ain’fjon the level with. that challenge.”

“T certainly am,” replied Tom smoothly. “I’m just spoil-
ing for a fight with you, Carson. I’ve got an idea in my

£

4

‘Tom.

NEW “TIP. TOP. WEEREY.

head that I can lick you, and: I won’t be satisfied until
I try.”

“You might be able to do it—with your nightstick
and gun, and a hundred cops within call ready to help
you,” sneered the gang leader.

“T don’t fight that way,” replied the policeman quietly.
“I shall enter the ring stripped, and I give you my word
that I shall be absolutely alone.” ,

“Well, if you’re on the level about it, I’ll take you on,”
said Red Carson.

“Good!” exclaimed Tom delightedly.
name the time and plac&”

“When are you off duty?”

“To-morrow night.”

“All right,” said Carson. “Let it be then. Meet me here
at nine o’clock, and I’ll take you to a place where we'll
be able to pull-off the scrap without any interference.”

When Tom Armstrong told his friend, the veteran police-
man, of his engagement to meet Red Carson in the ring,
the old bluecoat expressed his disapproval.

“T never heard of such a fool idea,” he declared.
do you expect to gain by it?”

“The respect of the gang,” replied Tom, with a vale
“IT am going to be boss of my beat.”

“As I told you yesterday, there is only one way ot
accomplishing that,” said the older policeman. “Let the
young ruffians have a taste of your nightstick whenever
they show themselves.”

“As I told you yesterday, I don’t like that way,” retorted
“I think mine is a much better plan, and that it
will prove equally effective. By showing them that I am
a better man than, their leader—and I am confident that I
shalt lick him—I shall make them all look upon me here-
after as a man to be feared and treated with respect. In
future, when I tell them to move on, I bet they'll do so
without argument.”

The older policeman shook his head.

“You must be crazy, my boy, if you are seriously think-
ing of going among that gang unarmed, and all alone, to
fight Red Carson. Do you think they’d give you a square —
deal? Not a bit*of it. If you succeeded in knocking out.
their leader, the whole gang would jump into the ring and
avenge him. They’d pound and kick you into insensibility
at the very least, and you'll be gettin’ off mighty lucky if
you don’t have a knife stuck into you. Don’t ever expect
fair fighting from those loafers.”

“IT think they'll give me fair play when they find that
I’m on the level with them, and have come among them all
alone,” declared Tom confidently. “ Remember that Carson
is an old member of the prize ring, and, vicious as he is,
I think he’s got enough sportsmanship in him to insist upon
his followers giving me a square deal.”

“Do you mean to say that you don’t intend to take even
a couple of friends along with you to act as your sec-
onds?”

“No,” replied Tom. “That’s going to be my strongest #3
card. I want to show that gang how little I’m afraid of
them by venturing among them absolutely unaccompanied. /
When they find that I haven’t even brought anybody along _
to hold the sponge for me, it’s bound to make a hit with —
them, ‘and, if I’m any judge of human nature, it will cause
them to give me fair play. It is my theory that even the
most vicious and treacherous bepch of men will act on ‘s A
level under such circumstances.”

“It is for you to

“What

 
NEW TIP TOP WEEKLY. 23

Carson’s gang,” déclared the other ] policeman. he you take
my adyice, my boy, you won't . keep that appointment.
You'll strre come to grief if you do.”

‘ But Tom was not to be dissuaded by his friend's warn-_
oe ing., He felt. sure that , his plan. would succeed, and at

nile 0’ clock the’ next night he met Red Carson and a score
of the gang “outside” Dolan’s, saloon on Tenth Avenue.

CHAPTER XI,

A SQUARE DE! AL.

The young policeman was not in: and boxing ‘of course) for

it was his time off, and, in his ordinary:clothes, he looked
so. different.that at AtsbS-ataod and his gang did not cere
nize him, -
pT. hepe Ln on time;
f stepping , up-to, the gang: ae
take place?”

“Oh, it’s you, is it?” eos Lata ae
you're, really on- the. ‘lével about wantin’ co. fight:sme? «I

must admit that I didn’t expect you to show up... I:thought ,.
Beton beaught anybody with: you,

you'd: get cold feet.’
neither, eh?” b Seg

“No. .-I-said, Pd come: uate pglidds orks "T iat:

have to ask some -of your: esd to. be kind Peat to: act;

as: my seconds,”

“ure.
of your corner. ;Ate you-ready. to start?”
“Yes, Where are we. going to fight?”
 Lve got a good. place picked out,
over. in Hoboken,” said; Carson;
better. to go: over to Jersey,.so-ds, to be safe: from your
cop, friends... They can’t.interfere in. another State,”

“They wouldn’t have interfered. over -here,”’. declared
Tom. “You needn’t have had any fear of that.
as anxious to avoid interference as you are.”
_ The party proceeded to the Hoboken ferry, Carson dis-
patching one of his followers to “tell. the rest of the bunch”
that, “the scrap” was coming off, and to be sure and be
on hand.

ma

The. gang leader was so doskideak Has he. was si

‘to. “beat. the. policeman to a frazzle” that he desired every:
aember of his band to. he on the scene to witness. his.
triumph, - He never neglected an opportunity to impress
his following with his prowess, for by such means.he in-
reased their loyalty to himself.
Carson’s » courier did efficient work, for soon after the
principals and the group who accompanied them. reached

the empty. stable in which the contest was to be :held, half.

hundred tough-looking young ‘men straggled in and sta-

ioned themselves around the square rope ring which had:

been hastily put up.
Carson took a paper-wrapped bundle from one ‘of his

% ends, and, untying it, pneteed Tom a une of regulation |

feat remarked the Retteatalt

Fil mt thought ‘that, after all, gloves would Be aes

dail

want to commit murder OV er in Yorsey or beard

rsey justice is pretty swift, and I ain’t got any po-.

‘Td just as soon fight with gloves

ust as you aiease

sidtna chee Toni: witth a sities
ere is the gee to

“So

A sale ot the pt ‘will be was igi dake cpa
It’s an :empty patie ;

“TJ. thought it would-be

Tam just.

—ain’t anybody heteé will lay a hand on you.”

as without.
you are,”

The two men stripped, and donned the fighting trunks
which each had brought.along. They were both. splendid. -
specimens of physical dev elopment. Tom was-slightly taller.
than his. adversary, but the latter’s chest, arm, and thigh
muscles were so much larger than the policeman’s that Car-
son’s_ adherents,. confident in the invincibility of their
chief, believed, that the aight would not last more than a
few rounds.

Carson, however, skilled by his experience in the ring
at sizing up an adversary, was very much impressed with
Tom’s appearance, realizing that the policeman was in
the very pink of condition, without an ounce of superfluous
flesh on, him, while he, himself, powerful though he looked
to the untrained eye, was far from being in the best of .
form, dissipation and excesses having somewhat under-
mined what had once been a splendid human fighting ma-
chine. — eg

If it had not been for the knowledge that he could not
back out, now, without losing the respect and confidence of
his followers, the chances. are that. the gang leader would
have refused to fight; for when Tom had issued his chal-
lenge’ Carson had not suspected that there was beneath
the policeman’s uniform the perfect~ physical development
which was now, for the first time, revealed to him.

Realizing that he must go ahead, however, or starid for-
evet disgraced’ and humiliated in the eyes of the gang;
Red Carson, his face suddenly grown grim and sullen,
picked out two of his friends to act as Tom’s seconds, and
two more to act in a similar capacity for himself, and,
his ‘gloves a been put on, asked his opponent if he
was teady.

“Quite ready,”

I am no more anxious to commit murder than .

replied the policeman; “but, before we

start fighting, Carson, I have a request to make.”

“What is it?’ inquired the other eagerly, hoping that
his adversary was about to display a yellow streak.

“T want you to promise that, in the event of my being
the victor; I’ shall get fair treatment from the bunch here.
I have come among you all alone, and I realize that I
haven’t a friend in the house. I want you to tell your gang '
that’ in case you are knocked out Iam to be allowed to
leave here without any trouble. 1 ROW that they wer
give mé a Square deal if you say so.

“You'll get a square deal, all’ right,” growled Carson.
“You don’t have to worry about that. If you lick me there
He turned
to’ the crowd of spectators and raised his voice. “You
heard what I just said, fellers? Well, that goes. This
cop has acted on the level with us, and we've got to treat
him white. If he’s the winner don’t nobody raise a hand
to prevent him from walkin’ out.” $

“He won't be able to walk out, Red, by the time you |
get trough with him!” shouted a man at the back of the
room, and \.the crowd shouted applaudingly at this -re-
mark.

CHAPTER XII.
THE FIGHT.

The two fighters entered the improvised ring and, shook
hands. The man who had been selected to act) as time-

_ keeper sounded a gong, and the fight was on.

It was a queer scene. The stable was in darkness save
for a big oil lamp which hung from the ‘ceiling directly

 
24 Be NEW TIP TOP WEEKLY.

over the “ring.” The latter was far from being the raised
canvas platform on which fistic contests are usually held.
It was nothing more than part of the stone floor of the
stable roped off with a coil of rope which had been dis-
covered in: a locker.

There were no seats for the spectators, who stood around
_the big room, leaning against the whitewashed walls and

against each other, and puffing at cigarettes, the smoke from
which filled the place.

After a few seconds of preliminary sparring, during
which each man carefully took the measure of his antago-
nist, Carson started the serious fighting with a vicious
swing for Tom’s jaw with his left hand. The policeman
ducked the blow, but his foot slipped on the greasy stone
floor, and he fell to his knees.
howl of delight, and manifested much disappointment when
Tom quickly rose to his feet again, cool and smiling, and
a few moments later landed his left. heavily in the pit of
Carson’s stomach with such force that the gang leader let
out a grunt that would have done credit to a prize pig.

After that the fighting waxed fast and furious. Both
men possessed science, as well as brute strength, for Tom
had learned boxing at. college, where he had been con-
sidered pretty handy with his fists, and Red Carson, during
his ring career, had been noted as much for his clever-
ness as for his “wallop.”

For ten rounds it was either man’s victory. Carson
landed several blows on the policeman’s head with a force
which caused the biased crowd to howl with joy, while
Tom contented himself with driving his powerful left into
his opponent’s body whenever he got an opening—for he
soon perceived that the gang leader’s wind, impaired by
dissipation, was not at all what it should have been. |

~ At the end of the eleventh round Tom saw, with great
satisfaction, that the pace was becoming too fast for his
adversary. He could tell by the latter’s labored breathing
and the look of distress on his face that those terrific body
. blows were beginning to tell.

ok have him out in less than two rounds more,’
told himself. —

It began to be apparent, even to Carter’s stanchest sup-
porters, that the gang leader was in a bad way. . His
blows seemed to have lost their force, for, once, when he
landed a vicious left-hand swing upon the very apex of his
opponent’s jaw, and the yelling audience expected to see
the policeman fall senseless to the floor, the latter merely
grinned, and retaliated with a right to the nose which made
Red Carson’s head rock. ;

Carson, who, in the earlier rounds had led the fighting,
was now availing himself of every opportunity to clinch
—a. sure sign. that he was tired and dispirited. ©

> Tont

Pretty soon the audience, whose sympathy to a man was

all on one side, ceased to yell, and maintained a stony
silence, looking on with dazed, shocked faces as the po-
liceman hammered his antagonist at will. 5

/To give credit where credit is due be it said that, al-
though every member of the gang had an inherent hatred
for all policemen, and felt bitter chagrin and rage at see-
ing their leader slowly going down at the hands of a mem-
ber of the force, not a move was made by any man in that
audience, whose members were thieves, thugs, and black-
mailers—the worst scum of society—to interfere and stop
the fight or to assist the gang leader in any way.

Tom, .Armstrong’s theory was proved. There-are very.

few men, no matter how base and lacking in honorable in-

At this, the gang set up a

stincts they may be, who will not display enough sports-
manship at a prize fight to give the unpopular contestant
a square deal.

Even the two men who had been chosen to act as the
young policeman’s seconds—although they were loyal sup-
porters of Red Carson—performed their functions with’ as
much vigor and sincerity as if they had’ wanted to see the
man in their corner win.

They went about their work in grim gilatice and with
scowls of disappointment and hatred on their’ faces; but
they sponged Tom down between each round and rubbed
him with the rough towel as attentively as if they had been
his friends. After all, there are some noble instincts even
in the very lowest grades of human nature.

The finish of that fight came in the twelfth round. After
a feeble attempt on the part of-Carson to land-a left-
hand blow to the body, the men clinched, and, when they
broke away, Tom shot his left hand with terrifie speed and
force to his opponent’s jaw, and sent Red Carson totter-
ing against the ropes.

The gang leader did not fall—he had always prided him-
self upon being “a demon at taking punishment”—but, al-
though he put up his tired arms'to cover himself, he was
too far gone to rally, and the policeman followed up that
staggering blow on the jaw with a hail of right and left
punches on the same spot which completed thé job.

Like a big tree crushing down under the last decisive
blow of the woodchopper’s ax, the gang leader fell prone
upon his face,.a groan escaping a his swollen lips.
as consciousness fled. 5

A smile of-triumph upon his flushed bee Gans cake
for his opponent to rise, and then, seeing that Carson. was
“down and out,” he turued to the dazed; shocked, pean
members of the gang. Se eae

“TI fought him fairly,” he said. “No man here. can: say
that I didn’t. All I ask now is a chance to get. into- ~my
clothes and to leave here without interference.”

They did not cheer him—that would have been expecting
too much for creatures of their stamp—but they allowed
him to leave the ring; and to go to the corner of the stable

where he had thrown his clothing without’ any hostile

move except a low murmur of hate. '

While Tom was dressing, Red Carson slowly opened his
eyes and recovered consciousness: He was assisted to his —
corner, and, after he had been rubbed down and sponaed,
his friends helped him to put on his clothes. ;

Tom, his toilet completed, walked over to his vanquished :
foe and held out ‘his hand.

“T hope you don’t bear me any sth Witl;“Caiaén” he‘ said
generously, -“A fellow. can’t always ‘win, you, know.. I’m
a little bigger than you, and I’ve been in training tor: some vd

_time, and I guess that’s what counted.” -

The gang leader took his outstretched Hand:

“No, I don’t bear you no: ill will,” he said -huskily.
“You fought me fair, and you won fair. If 1 had sus- |
pected that you was such a bear cub of. 4 fighter I wouldn’t —
have taken you on without goin’ into trainin’ first. - When
I first saw you, in your uniform, I hada fool idea that
them big shoulders of your’ n was mostly paddin’.”

Tom smiled at this frank statement, and stooped to pick i
up a small piece of white paper which he had seen
from the gang cee s pocket as the latter ‘was slipping on
his coat. +e

“Here—you dropped this,” said Tom, ae as hes
words, ‘a look of surprise came to his face. a

 
rts-
ant

the
up-
as
the

vith

but
bed
een
sven

fter
left-
they

and
tter=

him-
tale
was
that
; Yeft
tisive
yrone
; lips

raited
1. was
ostile

n say
pony

ecting
lowed
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nostile

ed his
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onged,

uished

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r some

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ouldn’t |

- When
ea that

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en fal
ring on

NEW .TiP> ‘TOP .WEEKLY. 25

No wonder he was. .astonished.. On the paper. was writ-
ten in a crude hand: _

“Maxwell, West Thirty- nitith ‘Street?’ Third house. from
Madison Ayenue, uptown side.”

It was the name and address. of the aaa man ee
‘ome ‘Wilton. Sayres, the lawyer, had tried to-enter with a
‘skeleton key in the small.hours of the night.

Was there any connection between Sayres and Red Caz-
son? Tom asked himself the question, as he handed the

piece of paper.to the gang leader, who. put it in his pocket

without seeming to notice that the policeman had read it.
“I must look into this further,” said Tom to himself.
“Tt looks as if. I’ve stumbled upon an important discov-
ery.”
TO BE CONTINUED.

‘AN ORIGINAL!”
By Lieutenant Murray.

Almost. every New. England town has. its. “original,”

one who innocently fills the. place of village “butt,” the

subject for all practical jokes, and concerning whose

. follies and inconsistencies. the. local gossips. wax eloquent

whenever. a, stranger chances to become a listener.

These subjects are generally senen by + some > appropri:
ate. cognomen,

oc Ehus’ Mr: t—s; of Newburyport, - wisee was ‘univer-
sully known in his neighborhood as “Old Bumblebee.” - He

‘earned this graceful nom de Bane by one’ of his usual

incongruities. °

“What are you running after?” adked one of his neigh-
bors; seeing Uncle T—— rushing into his toolshop.

“My hatchet.” ‘
Ce What “tor?”

"To cut that tarnal bumblebee in two that just stung

And, sure enough, hatchet in hand, he pursued the
vicious insect until he got him on an angle of the house,
and in his attempt to use the sharp edge of the hatchet
upon him, he cut off his little finger, and let the bee 80
unharmed.

OF course, he was s “Old Bumblebee” ever after that...

“What are you so busy about this morning?” asked the
old parson, as he saw Uncle T—— on the top of his barn
vigorously nailing something,

_ “Been making a window in the top of the barn, ’c ‘cause it’s

0. dark, ” said the original.
_. *That’s.a good idea,”

said the other. “Let’s see how it
operates.”
“Walk right in, parson.”
“Why, Uncle T——, what have you done?”
“Made a window, I tell ye.”
“What have you got over it?”
» “I put in a pine slab in n place of glass.”
“What for?” :
“Why, parson, glass wouldn’t last a week in that lace!”
This was a fact; to let daylight in, this man had actually
a small , aperture in the roof, and set in a wooden

the signification of the word, but feiss it for a compli-
ment, as the other walked away.

The previous season to that of the blind pane being set
in the top -of the barn,. Uncle T—— had, with his’ own
hands, shingled the roof of the building, and in one of
his fits of abstraction, with infinite inconvenience and
trouble, he shingled over his spare hatchet, and spent half
a day in trying to find it.

“Hello, Uncle T——, what are you doing there?” asked
one of his neighbors, seeing Old Bumblebee with his arm,
head, and feet through a board fence.

“Look here, neighbor.”

“Well, what do you want?”

“You just get my arm out of here.”

“Take it out yourself.”

Mb cane”

“What the deuce have you done?”

“Why, I nailed up the board, all right.”

“Yes, I see you did, but forgot to take out your left

arm.”

This was only another instance of his obliviousness. He
had nailed his left arm so firmly between two boards of
a fence he was putting up, that he absolutely required as-
sistance in order to extricate himself. There he was, hard
and fast, his neighbor standing by and laughing ready to
break a blood vessel.

“Uncle The. what are you looking at?” asked the vil-
lage schoolmaster, as he saw Old Bumblebee gazing at his
own gate, in a brown study...

_“Can’t get the fastening right, somehow.”

“Let me see,” said the master. Ss

“The button is all screwed on, but it won’t hold.”

“Well? Is it possible that you cannot understand the
trouble with the gate?” asked the schoolmaster seriously.
_ “JT don’t see; there’s the button, all right.”

“But it is not all right.”

“Why not?” .

“You have got the button screwed on the gate, and you
might as well try to lift yourself by the straps of your
boots: as to suppose that will fasten the gate.”

“What shall I do?”

“Why, put the button on the post, of course.”

“Well, now, I never thought of that!”

The schoolmaster went on his way, and related the cir-
cumstances to half a dozen persons before he reached
the*door of the schoolhouse, satisfied that there were not
brains enough to go all round in the family where Uncle
T—— was born, and that he did not get an AEinaty share
of that important article.

Old Bumblebee was down in the village one warm
summer’s day, and saw the young folks go into the
apothecary’s shop, drink a glass of soda, and seem much
refreshed. So he thought he’d try some. -

“How much is it?” asked Uncle T—.

“Ten. cents a glass.”

_ “Creation! Well, here’s five cents; give me half a.one.”

The clerk was up to the joke, so he prepared a glass of «

soda water very strong with the acid property and sweet-

ening it, gave it to Uncle T—— to drink, who swallowed
it, with a wry face, and didn’t like it at all.

“Why,.it don’t foam like t’other people's.”

“You only had half the dose,” ‘said the clerk; “five cents’
worth.. If you want the other property, it’s five cents —
more.” Ee ed tse ee

 
26 | NEW .TIP

T-—— had paid his five cents for the glass--he
had drank, strongly impregnated with tartaric acid, and
thought, as he invested so far, he’d go the’ other five
cents and get the whole thing. So he fished up five cents
more, and. said:

“Here’s the change.
stuff.”

The clerk prepared a strong glass of bicarbonate of
soda, and sweetened it for Uncle T » who swallowed
that, with a more disgusted expression than at the first
portion.

It was not more than two minutes before the acid and
the alkali, becoming fairly mingled in Old Bumblebee’s
stomach, created an inflation that threatened spontaneous
combustion. The old man looked at first rather distressed,
then frightened, and finally ran up the street toward
‘home with all his might, wondering what was going to
happen.

Suddenly his mouth opened involuntarily, and there
escaped a burst of confined gas that nearly took ‘him off
his feet, and with such stinging force as to fill his eyes
with teats, and set him sneezing violently.
'“What’s the matter, Uncle T r+ asked ote whom
he passed during this Pinewiay expérienice,
_.“Soda’s the matter,” said the old man, holder ‘tito hig
sidés and waiting for the next explosion.

“Been taking soda?”

“I should think, it was bottled, thunder,” said Uncle
i 7 aS a report like a pistol came from his mouth

Uncle

Give us the other half of the

again, starting the tears down his cheeks and causing him’

to sneeze repeatedly. “I didn’t take a strong dose, neither.
I took only half of the stuff at a time.”

But. the rarest freak of Old Bumblebee’s was when he

ran through the streets of the town, with his hands about
three feet asunder, held before him, begging the passérs-by
“not to disturb him, as he had got the measure of a door-
way with him.

a

A SALT-WATER-PROOF WOOD.

One of the most peculiar and most valuable trees in
Florida i is the cabbage tree. The tree, in fact, belongs to
the palmetto family. It grows to a height varying from
twenty. to forty feet deep, and there is scarcely an inch
‘difference in the diameter from the roots up ‘to. the
leaves. The leaves, or bayonets, .all grow in a cluster at
_the top. .The wood is. very. porous, and extremely light ;
‘it resembles cork, Its yalue lies in the fact that. it is
utterly impervious to the ravages. of salt water and bar-
hacles, which quickly destroy. all other natural woods.
Hence the cabbage tree is. much sought after for posts and
piles for. building bridges. and wharves in salt water.
Pine piles that are used in building in salt water have to
be creosoted in order to preserve them any length of time,
and the process is a very expensive one, but the cabbage
wood needs. no application of any sort. era

EAT ING ‘woop a: FOOD.
It isa fact that wood is digestible. by some animals, and
even by mankind. As a proof of the latter assertion; the
Norwegians mix powdered pine and birch inner bark with
barley meal when making bread, the heat of: the -baking
rendering the woody fiber nutritious by changing it into
» starchand gum. Sawdust may be. changed into, starch, and

TOP

The Vitality of the snail’is remarkable;

“specimens in the collection of a

_or the circulation,
braces, belts, and garters...

; praia ctowding round. .

WEEKLY.

sugar_by..a chemical process, and-eyen. distilled into alcohol.

In the last century, when the wood tradé of the Baltic
was confined to the Russian ports, the-how thriving towns
on the Gulf of Bothnia were poor fishing villages, and the
bread of the people was commonly made from the inner
bark of the fir tree. The staple grain was oats and rye,
but in time of scarcity bark’ bread’ was used; at other
times bark meal was thixed with corn jueal as ‘a matter

of economy

Oa

HARD TO KILL.
one that “had
been glued to a card in the British Museum for four years
camé to life upon being immersed in warm water. Some
naturalist tevived after
they had apparently been dead for fifteen years.

(Oa
SOME FIRST- AIb HINTS. HEN

“Here are some hints which you should remember. when
administering first aid. They are taken from a small

handbook entitled “First, Aid to the- Injured and Sick,” by ihe
Published . Py. the, National Hees Pee eo

H.W. Gell,

Eero :

Send for.a doctor.

. Make the patient lie. or at tee ‘aif, awe. 4) 7
Bai he all tight clothing .that. may impede. breathing 4
such as. collars, EES

4. Get a good sight of an injury hetbre treating it,
5.. Keep the patient warm, .and, if in, the. open, air, do
not remove. the clothing more than necessary, to examine

and treat the injury.

Lat | undressing an. injured person, tale: thie: ‘clothes. aff
thre’ sound. side. first; then, remoye. them gently from. the
injured side. Do not pull anything off an injured, par 7
but cut.or rip up the seams of trousers, coat, .et. cetera
cut. the laces or elastic. sides , of boots... Use. as sharp 2 ‘a,
knife or pair of scissors as you can, ;

. 6. Secure fresh air for your. patient, and prevent People

7+ Quickly, find out,..so, far. as possible,. what is ‘the
matter, Promptly decide..on your . treatment, _Steadily
carry, it. out. Avoid questioning. or pulling your. Patient

about., aunnecessarily...

8..Be very cautious in givitig.  stimtants particularly

wine. or ,spirits, .

fois. “Si mi Delite 4a: 9,

A FLORAL BAROMETER.
A gmall- bouquet of artificial flowers is made of. whit
tissue paper—-a bunch, of, asters; for instance,

aaa One grain of chloride. of Fskall) one-half. grain
of. common salt, .one- intad bes of gum arabic,

water. Peni can be fades sec dins te
quantity desired to be used... The flowers of. this

blue. 1.
tion 1frentioned. above must tbe mixed. with a few is
glycerin, Hs Weis . Pichi sie hh ym ike

 
yhol.
altic
ywhs
| the
nner
rye,
other
atter

had © \

years
Some
after

when 4
small |
Bee by j 4
ciety,

athing |
bands, 7

$i

ir, do-
ae

es. Get a
mn the

ferring to the canteen question recently.

NEW. 21R “LOOP “WEEKLY,

NEWS ITFEMS OF INTERESE

 

Number of Suicides Mounts in England.

The mounting progression of suicide is a striking illus-
tration of the growing intensity of human struggles in
England and Wales, and is clearly shown in the table for
fifty-five years, which is presented in the blue book on
criminal statistics just issued. In every 100,000 of the
population there are now four more suicides than during
the ’50s.

In the five years 1857-61, the number of persons who
committed suicide was in the proportion of 6.65 among
100,000 of the population. During the period between
1877 and 1891 it was above 7. In the early ’90s the pro-
portion passed 8, and in the five years 1897-1901, exceeded
9. From 1902 to the end of to11 the five-year average
was above 10, The last yearly return gives 9.85 per

100,000,

Army Canteen Dead Issue Now.

“It is time for the friends of an efficient army, and for
army Officers, too, to turn to the practical questions and
leave the impossible alone,” remarked Major General
William W. Witherspoon, assistant chief of staff, in re-
“Congress will
not restore the canteen, and we should concentrate our
attention upon the unpreparedness of the army to. meet
a sudden emergency.

“In my opinion we have wasted years and reams BE
paper writing about the advantage and necessity of re-
storing the canteen, when we would have been better en-

gaged in pointing out the necessity for actual military
training, and for creating an army reserve that will mean
~ something in time of war and put us in a position that

will meet a sudden call to arms, for we all know that the
United States never has been prepared in any, of ae wars
that we have fought.

“T believe there is a sentiment in this country in favor
of a well-trained, adequate, and efficient army, instead of

an army in name, scattered far and wide, without officers
of experience in handling large bodies of troops and men
only partly under drill and discipline.
ple do not ask for a large army, but they want the army
we have efficient.

The American peo-

There can be no doubt that they will
cheerfully support a first-class army organization, just as

hey have supported a navy.”

Boy Has a Tooth in His Ear.

: Leo Smith, 14-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Smith, of Middletown; Ohio, had been suffering with ear-

ache for several months, when physicians began an
examination. His ear-was operated on by a local physician,
who found a full-grown tooth imbedded in the lining of
he ear, as perfectly formed as if it had grown in his,
outh.
The boy is in a Cincinnati hospital, where the case will
be previed and the ear treated.

es: Operator May Become Rich,
“As thes result of three dreams in as many nights, C. B.
“h an a Reset Railroad operator, at ee

‘post.

frequently acted as relief agent at stations and in walking
down the tracks has noticed that nuts on the bolts holding
the rails together would frequently become loose and fall
off. He began thinking how to make a safety bolt, and it
is announced the idea came to him in dreams. It is a
shock lock bolt and nut combined. He had the dream
idea patented and has been offered $50,000 for.his patent
tights. He is holding out for $75,000.

An Aerial Trolley Cat.

An aérial trolley car, which hangs from an overhead
tail and has no support beneath, is the invention of J. W.
Eawkes, of Burbank. The car has a seating capacity for
sixty persons, but weighs only a fifth as much as the
average trolley car. A 100 horse-power gas engine can
drive the car at a rate of about two miles a minute, operat-
ing a large propeller which is at either end of the car.
The car rides through the air as a motor boat does
through water. Fawkes claims the construction and opera-
tion of ‘his car will be found to be about one-fifth the
cost of the ordinary street car.

Nails Mend His Broken Bones.

After spending three months in a hospital at Iola, Kan.,
With the severed parts of the fractured bone in his leg
literally nailed together, W. H. Teegardin, a contractor,
of Eureka, Kan., is recovering.

Teegardin, who is 48 years old, fell from a ladder and
broke the femur bone where it enters the thigh. socket.
The injured bone could not be set, and the doctors re-
sorted to the use of common steel nails. The physicians
recently withdrew two nails from his thigh, and said he
would soon be able, to resume work.

Oxford Crew Wins.
The Dark Blue crew of Oxford University won 1 the an-

nual eight-oared intervarsity boat race from Cambridge

on the Thames by a quarter of a length, wresting their
victory from the Light Blues almost on the finishing
Their time over the course of 4% miles from Put-
ney to Mortlake was 20:53.

When the Light Blues appeared to om the race at
their mercy the weight and stamina: of the Oxford oars-
men told, and after a stern chase to Barnes Bridge, about
one-quarter of a mile from the finish, the Dark Blues
made a wonderful spurt, and in the most exciting finish
witnessed in this race for years wore down their rivals
a few lengths from home, then gradually passed them, and

pushed the nose of their shell in front with the last few

strokes.

Cambridge, by winning the toss, had obtained all the ad-
vantages of weather and station. The Light Blue crew
chose the Surrey or southern side of the river, and in
water almost without a ripple soon after the starting

pistol was fired, at 4:38, assumed a substantial lead, set-

ting a stroke of 36 to the minute against the Dark
Blues’ 34.

The Light Blues gained half a bodt’s length Sieieng the
first three minutes of the race. Their smarter stroke drew
the new style center-seated shell farther ahead with each

 
28 NEW TIP TOP WEEKLY.

dip of the oars until Hammersmith Bridge was reached,
which is about half the distance.

Then E. D. Horsfall, the Oxford stroke, called on his
men for a spurt, and their efforts momentarily reduced
the advantage of the Light Blues, but Cambridge gallantly
responded, and, rounding Chiswick Mall, where the Light
Blues had all the advantages of the shorter curve, they
‘soon put daylight between themselves and the Dark Blues.

Settling down to a stroke of 34 a minute, the Light
Blues increased their lead to a length and a quarter and
maintained their advantage with such apparent readiness
that they were regarded as certain winners.

Cambridge shot Barnes Bridge with a full length to the

good. Here, however, Horsfall, the Oxford stroke, again
called on his crew. He quiekly whipped up his stroke to
-36 to the minute, got a tremendous pace on the boat, and
crept up foot by foot on the leaders,
, The Light Blues, who had been compelled, owing to
illness and accidents, to carry two half-trained men in their
boat, were unable to respond, and a few lengths from the
finish Oxford’s long stern chase came to an end and the
Dark Blues caught their rivals, gradually wore them
down, and ran out to the finish at Mortlake the winners
of a most exciting race by a quarter of a length.

The official times of the race were: One mile, 4:12;
Hammersmith Bridge, 7:40; Chiswick, 12:31; Barnes
Bridge, 17:21, and the finish, 20:53.

Oxford has now won 39 races and Cambridge 30, while
one was a dead heat. hs

{
}

This Exptessman Badly Stung.

If three boxes of bees which Harry Collins, an Alton,
Mo., expressman, received to carry from Alton to Wood
River, a distance of nine miles, had not “leaked,” Collins’
face would look different,

Before starting with the bees Coiling made particular
inquiry as to whether the boxes “leaked,” as he termed it.
He was told they did not With G. H, Pierre he started
on the drive, One after another, infuriated young bees
wiggled through cracks. Smarting under a particularly
effective sting, Collins managed to turn the wagon into a
‘deep rut and upset one of the boxes, Thousands of bees
swarmed forth and made the following fifteen minutes
unpleasant, Collins will carry no more boxes of bees.

S| First Motorman is Killed.

William Crist, probably the first motorman to operate
aa electric car, was killed at Sunbury, Pa., recently, in a
collision between his car and a draft of Pennsylvania Rail-
road freight cars on the Sunbury and Northumberland
trolley line. Roy Maurey, a brakeman of the train crew,
was fatally injured. Crist helped to build a trolley line
twenty years ago, He was taught how to run a car by
Thomas A, Edison when Edison was installing the first
electric-light plant at Sunbury twenty-eight years ago,

; Pipe Line to Sell Whiskey,

_A whisky pipe and a slot in the fence for the dollars
and pay checks is the latest scheme the “bootlegger” has
evolved to sell liquor to the employees of the Great West-
ern Power Compaty and the Walker lumber camps, at
Nevis, Cal.
given to nip it in the bud.

At a point halfway between the two camps the peddler
of morring headaches _ schemied to catabligh a fain with

7B

The scheme was discovered and orders were

, shift,

a high board fence containing a cunning slot. In the slot
the thirsty laborer inserted two round hard dollars. The
dollars then rolled down a trough to the dealer, who tied
a wire to a bottle of the latest benzine preparation and
lowered away. The thirsty who were initiated found the
bottle at the mouth of a pipe on a mushy knoll a few
yards from the slot in the fence,

Historic Plate Found on South Dakota Hill,

On the top of one of the highest of the hills surround-
ing Fort Pierre one of a number of school children who
were out for a walk kicked a piece of lead out of the
ditt. A boy picked’it up and cleaned it, and it was dis-
coyered that it was a plate placed on the hill in 1743 by
Verendrye, who claimed this land for the French king.
The plate measures eight by four inches, The arms of
France are engraved upon it, and there is an inscription
reading as follows:

“In the twenty-sixth year of the reign of Louis XV,
and in the one thousand. seventh hundred forty- tin year e
of our Lord—placed here by Verendrye,’

George O’Reilly, the boy who became possessor of the |
plate, has been offered $250 for it.

Biddle Tries New Exetcise,

Anthorly J. Drexel Biddle, who is equally prominent in
Philadelphia social and boxing circles, was recently seen at —
Palm Beach, Fla., practicing a novel training trick in order
to strengthen the muscles of his neck and jaw, First, a~
broom handle is driven down two feet into the firm white |
sand, only enough of it being left projecting to enable
Biddle to get a grip-on it with his jaws,

It is not a graceful exercise, and the sand grates ‘the
nose of any one indulging in it, but it is the finest means _
in the world to develop the muscles of the jaw and neck
those muscles which act as buffers against the blows which
Mr. Biddle’s sparring partner, “Philadelphia Jack” O’ Brien,

delivers with force in frequent private bouts,

Dreamed Only of Sandwiches,

Speaking the other day on the subject of his three year
expedition to the i icy regions of northeast Greenland, Cap-
tain Mikkelsen told of his dreams of sandwiches. Wher
the food supply was giving out, said the explorer, the
members of the expedition dreamed of food at night, ¥

naehdedou! to keep the power going in the ‘human machi é
as various roe testify. For much the same Teason ‘the

‘visions é baht beverages,

' The explorer, related that one night he dedaelad | at :
large plate of “beautiful sandwiches,” but when he ap
proached them he found i ot were pore

athe one, dad still another, saat could. Hever get vn
food, —

Captain Mikkelsen’s onde pi ‘all the menus. .
all the nations to roam through unchecked, so obstin:
chose to fix itself on sandwiches. After all, the sz
wich, though useful in its humble way, is but aln

It is a mockery of a meal, What west} is ae

 
NEW Oo Ti? “TOP WEEKLY.

to the sandwich in the hierarchy of foodstuffs in Captain
Mikkelsen’s native land we know not, but in England it
ig looked upon only as a temporary expedient when a meal
a la fourchette is unobtainable.
Legend tells us that this article of food owes its name
«to an Earl of Sandwich, who, having reluctance to leave
an enthralling card game in order to dine, told a servant
to bring him a slice of cold meat between two pieces of
bread,

Mote Ships to Burn Oil,

Naval officials estimate that at the end of the present

fiscal year 20,000,000 gallons of fuel oil will have been con-
sumed in naval vessels, or 6,000,000 gallons more than
__ was used last year, and more than three times the amount
used in IQII,
_ These figures are considered important as indicating that
the amount to be consumed during the fiscal year 1914 will
Teach a total of 30,000,000 gallons, or an increase of 500 per
cent. in three years. :

Already six battleships and 20 destroyers are burning
oil, and this number will be increased by two battleships
and eight destroyers next year.

In addition to the many advantages which naval experts
claim for oil as fuel, it is pointed out that the United
States is the only great nation in the world with an almost
inexhaustible supply.

All Get-fat-quick Recotds Broken,

All get-fat- quick records were broken by Malissa Cooper,
valence, who died recently at her home at Grayson, Gwy-
-ette County, Ga. It took fourteen men to put her in a
coffin. .

She weighed 613 pounds when her heart stopped beat-
ing, and the doctors say she would have been as heavy as
‘a small elephant had she lived a month longer.

Five months ago the woman apparently recovered from

erious illness, and then—she had never before weighed
more than 150 pounds—she began to put on fat at the
rate of almost 100 pounds a month,

-. $he could be seen to grow fatter and fatter almost
from day to day. Her skin stretched and stretched, and
what kept it from cracking and splitting wide open was
‘a puzzle to the many physicians who flocked to study her
eee case. .
The whole countryside got interested in Malissa, and
people went to Grayson in droves, “duast to see her
vy” She grew while they waited.

French Youths Rush into Army,

rhe willl lingness of the young men of France to Join.

by the thousands of volunteers who now “apply at
recruiting offices in every part of the country to serve
erm of thtee years,
ugene Etienne, the minister of war, commenting on
lis fact, said that the offers came from every class of

_ Every pupil in the two upper classes of the high _

1 at Avignon sent a letter to M., Etienne asserting
ess to stay in the ranks for three years, The re-
, Pontoise cheered loudly when the prefect of the

department referred during a speech to the three years’
service. Deputy, Jacquier brought forward a proposition
in the chamber of deputies to raise the $100,000,000 asked
for by the government for additions to the French arma-
ments by imposing an extra taX on incomes, Those
above $2,000, he said, should be taxed heavily when there
were no children in the family. Where there were chil-
dren, he proposed that the tax should be decreased in pro-
portion to their number.

Deputy Paul Pugliesi-Conti brought forward an amend-
ment to the bill proposing to lay a tax of $25 on every for-
eigner working in France.

Spinsters Give Up Pet Dogs for Babies,

Two Baltimore spinsters who for years had two dogs
for pets, have recently, through the efforts of the Henry
Watson Children’s Aid Society, got rid of the dogs and
taken two babies to raise. They say they are glad they
made the change,

This and similar cases have grown out of the plan of co-
operation with the churches which the society recently
started. More church workers are joining in the work and
more babies are coming under the care of the society. The
Russell Sage Foundation is closely watching the experi-
ment, a

Even after the spinsters began negotiations with the so-
ciety they felt some misgivings, but as soon as they saw the
babies, they became attached to them. ty

“We could not decline to take the babies after seeing
them,” they told the society’s agent.

The latest report the agent has received is that the two
spinsters and the babies aré having a glorious time.

English Bureau of Brains is Created.

A bureau of brains, or, as it is formally styled, a “busi-
ness appointments bureau,” is now being formed in Eng-
land to conduct a campaign “in favor of a more bracing
and vigorous life on the part of our educated young men.”

The bureau will bring home to educated young men the —
specific place in business that they are fitted to fill; it will
convince business men of the necessity for fresh brains
as well as fresh methods; and it will act in codperation
with existing appointment boards and similar organiza-
tions to bring qualified applicants for business posts into
touch with suitable business houses,

The bureau, contend its champions, should have com-
mand of all the talent available from public schools and
universities.

Odd as in Man’s Will.

While protesting that he had absolute\confidence in his
son’s ability to care for himself, Talbert Lanston, an in-
ventor, who died recently, left in his will a strange pro-
vision for his son’s protection. He wrote:

“While I have full confidence in my son, Aubrey Lans-

‘ton, in his intelligence, probity, and sobriety, yet, in order .

to protect him in the event any attack is made upon his
liberty, I direct the trustees to expend, if necessary, om
sum of $10,000 in his defense.”

leh Dynamite Blast Wipes Out Towa,
Many persons were killed and injured by an explosion
of dynamite at Nobel’s explosive works, the largest explo-

sive factory in Great Britain, at Ardeer, about half a mile

from. Irvine, Scotland. - The explosion occurred at —
/

 
30 NEW. UEP: TOP "WEERLY.

o’clock in the morning, and the terrible detonations alarmed
the people throughout the country for a distance of thirty
or forty miles.

It rocked buildings, shattered property, and created a
panic among thousands of people.

The alarm was all the greater because few people were
able to locate the source of the disturbance, the immen-
sity of the noise making it seem close even to people miles
away.

The little town of Irvine was naturally the greatest suf-
ferer, being the nearest center of population to the works.
It was virtually wiped off the.map. People rushed from
their dwellings in great alarm, the women and children
screaming. Horses bolted in all directions, and this in-
creased the alarm in the streets. Several people were cut
by falling glass and bruised by falling ceilings and tiles.

Hundreds Writing for Their Per Capita of Nation’s Wealth.

Apparently under the impression that the Democrats
will divide the nation’s wealth among the people of the
country, several hundred persons in letters received re-
cently by George E. Roberts, director of the mint, applied
for $34.72 which the treasury department estimates is the
per capita circulation of the United States.

It was a reviv’il of an old story, intended facetiously that
$34.72 awaited every individual in the country. Many ap-
plicants asked that the amount be forwarded by parcel
post in pennies. “The story, of course, is absurd,” said Di-
rector Roberts, “and each applicant will be informed in a
circular letter.” :

Steet’s Strange Escape.

A steer which leaped from a Burlington cattle train
while the train was passing through Woodriver at a speed
of thirty miles an hour was not even bruised by the fall.
It made off on a mad dash through the fields. Joseph
Eckman, the station agent, organized a posse of farmer
boys and they lassoed the steer two miles away on the
farm of William McIntosh. It is believed the steer had
been fighting with other cattle in the car.

oho Excluded from Warships.

An order was issued by the English naval commander
in chief at Portsmouth recently excluding barbers and boot-
makers from warships in future, and directing steps to be
taken by commanding officers to prevent contractors using
their opportunities of going on board on contract work to
carry on private trading.

Scouts in the Air Find Enemy for United States Fleet.

The hydroaéroplane in naval warfare has scored its first
victory in connection with the maneuvers of the Atlantic
battleship fleet in Cuban waters by discovering a supposed
enemy far at sea and directing the fleet to the place.

Lieutenant John H. Towers and Ensign Godfrey de
‘ Chevalier, of the navy aviation, put out from Guantanamo
Bay, just before sunset, a report to the navy department
says, to scout for the supposedly hostile fleet. Weather

conditions were bad, there being frequent squalls, three of

which the aviators passed through successfully. After pro-
ceeding seaward some distance the fleet of the enemy,
composed of five battleships and two scouts was discovered
fifteen miles away.

The aviation officers took observation of its location,
course, and speed without being detected. They returned

_ several unique rules for his players.

to Guantanamo Bay at dusk and reported to Rear Admiral
Badger, commander in chief of the Atlantic fleet, who or-
dered out the torpedo-boat destroyer flotillas which en-
gaged the enemy within an hour. »

Noiseless Machine Gun.

A remarkable machine gun has been invented by Mr.
Ernest Welsh, of Hull, England. The gun, weighing —
about three hundredweight, is discharged by explosive
gases, and it is claimed that it will send projectiles a dis-
tance of five miles, which will then ignite whatever they
hit. The gun is not unlike a maxim in appearance, and
the mechanism consists in part of three generators which
manufacture three distinct gases. In the stopper there is

a small sponge saturated with a certain fluid, which alsow :

gives off a gas, while there is, further, a supply of oxygen
and hydrogen inside the cylinder. The cylinder rests on a
plate, and by setting into motion of a small, electric motor
situated on the right hand of the gun the gases are ex-
ploded, and the projectile is propelled through the muzzle.
There is no report when the gun is fired. Mr. Welsh states
that there is no recoil, and there is no pressure on the out-
side of the cylinder. All pressure is felt forward.

Kaiset’s Son an Athlete.

i view of the thoroughgoing preparations which are al-
ready being made to organize a German victory at the next
Olympic games in Berlin in 1916, special interest attaches
to the announcement that the emperor’s youngest son,
Prince Joachim, has joined the officers’ section of the
Berlin Sport Club.

The prince intends to practice sports, especially ake
athletics, in Berlin in company with his cousins, Princes
Sigismund and Frederich Karl, of Prussia.

Killed While Flying a Kite. bg

Sidney: Bright, 15 years old, of Portsmouth, Va. was
shocked to death while sailing a kite with picture wire
substituted for the cord generally used in such pastimes.

Young Bright succeeded in raising his kite in the air
and was running across a field when the kite dipped and
the wire fell across a service wire carrying 11,000 volts.
The current was transmitted into the boy's mody and he
died instantly. .

Frogs Are Put Under Protection of State.

Assemblyman Newcomb Spoor, of Madison, Wis., has
triumphed in his battle to save the frog from extinction.
The report of the House committee on fish and game
recommended the passage of Spoor’s bill to give the slimy
croaker protection of the game laws between Noreeben

1 and June 1.

The measure is revolutionary in the extreme. The tawe :
makers are puzzling their heads over whether a man with
a frog in his throat will be forced to travel the back
streets through fear of meeting the game warden, and
sociologists are up in arms because, they say, all prece
dent was violated when the slippery amphibian was classi.
fied as a “game bird.” Pan

i
Some Interesting Sporting Notes.

It is reported that the training expenses of the pelea
clubs this year will amount to $200,000.

Manager Stovall, of the St. Louis Browns, has
They mu

 
. has
ction.
‘game

NEW. TIP TOP WEEKLY. “at

white collars and boiled shirts while in the hotel. They
are not allowed to shoot craps, but 5o-cents-limit poker
is permissible. Cigarettes are barred before breakfast, or
while players are in uniform.

The New Brooklyn baseball park has no stairways, four-
teen runways taking the place of them. It has ten exits
and will seat 30,000, which can be increased 20,000 more.
- Larry Lajoie says he will play the middle cushion for
the Naps all season, if he does not meet with any acci-
dents.
Leslie Bush, who hails from Brainerd, Minn., the town
in which Chief Bender was born, is being given a trial
by Connie Mack, manager of the Philadelphia Athletics.

' Earl Blackburn, the Pittsburgh Pirate catcher, who was
dying a few.days ago of diphtheria, changed his mind, and
is getting well.

Manager McGraw, of the New York Giants, expects
Jeff Tesreau to pitch fifty games this season. McGraw will
need him, too.

Jacinto and Thomas Calvo, two Cubans, who have been
signed up by the big leagues, the former with the Wash-
ington Senators, and the latter with the Boston Red Sox,
are said to be the richest boys who ever entered pro-

fessional baseball.

It is reported that Tris Speaker, the slugging outfielder

. of the Boston Red Sox, will receive $9,000 for his serv-

ices. If the reports are true Speaker will be by far the

hhighest-priced player on the Boston team. Joe Wood is the

next bést-paid player on the team, getting $7,500 per.
When Ted Corbett, former manager of the Beaumont,

Texas, ball team, was married recently, it was discovered
. that his right name was Czkhaplieshki.

All of which once

% more proves that a man should make a name for himself.

‘Pitcher Otto Hess has signed for his second year with
the Boston Braves,
season, and also pee a no-hit and a nineteen-inning
game.

‘Vice President Thomas Marshall says that he expects
to bea regular attendant at the Washington park this'sea-
son, and will root for the Senators.

Denton T. (“Old Cy”) Young says he shia accept a

b as scout, if some team offered him it. The veteran

cher says he is done as a player.

Canal to Open Next Fall.
Colonel George W. Goethals, the chief engineer and
‘chairman of the Panama Canal commission, says that he
wil be able to keep his promise that the great waterway
vill be opened next fall, two years ahead of time. He
as issued orders that Gorgona, a village on the Chagres
r, and other towns along the line, which Gatun Lake

submerge, be removed.

‘ ; “FE” on New Nickel Will Stay.
nere is no possibility of the mint pera ns the new

% connected with the Lincoln cent. This cent, the

0 Ni ictor D. Brenner, was withdrawn as the result —

against the artist’s initials on it and new dies

Hess won eight straight games last

were made eliminating that feature. The designer of the
new nickel said that his coin has the approval of all the
authorities.

Says Meat Famine Impends,

A meat famine is facing the country because of de-
creasing live-stock supplies, said Arthur G. Leonard, presi-
dent of the Union Stock Yards and Transit Company, the
clearing house for the largest packing houses in the world
recently.

Mr. Leonard says it will take six or seven years to build
up the cattle-raising business to a point where a material
reduction of prices will be possible. Then, he says, the
increasing population may have a counteracting influence.
The surplus of the country is almost wiped out, and the
demand is hardly equal to the supply, he said.

Within the last year there has been a decrease of one
pound of meat per capita per month, Mr. Leonard said.
His statement was brought out by a telegram from Mrs.
Julian Heath, of New York, president of the National
Housewives’ League, which is investigating the high cost
of living.

“The shortage of meat has been gradually increasing
during the last six or seven years,” said Mr. Leonard.
“One of the’ main reasons is the cutting up of the range
country into smaller tracts.”

* Dog Saves its Mastet’s Life.

A Scotch collie dog barking and running about the home
of Ourant Kailor, aged 62, of Dennison, Ohio, led the
neighbors to investigate. They found the aged man lying
in bed, his head covered with cuts and bleeding profusely.

He was unconscious and residents believe he had been in
that condition for a day. A stranger was seen running
from the house. Robbery is believed to have been the in-
centive, although nothing was missing. ;

Prison Stripes Are Banished.
Following the lead of the Ohio State penitentiary, the
California board of prison directors has decided to abolish
stripes at San Quentin prison’ and in the place of the

sinister uniform which has been used in prisons for gen-

erations to substitute clothing of cadet blue, with sleeve
marks or chevrons to denote good behavior. Only the
“incorrigibles” will wear the traditional badge of disgrace,
and as there are only thirty “incorrigibles’ among+ the
1,900 prisoners at San Quentin the order virtually banishes
the stripes.
Police Station in Two Cities.

A police station, half of which shall be in St. Paul,
Minn., and the other half in ‘Minneapolis, maintained
jointly by the two cities, soon will be erected. This, was
decided at a meeting of officials of the two cities. The
action was taken with a view to greater codperation. Con-

|

struction of the station will be ceed of the aicesyey ay

4

England’s Stat # hthew:

The really remarkable all-round athletic ability displayed
by TEP Sh Ashington, of King’s College, Cambridge, in
the annual ‘track and field sports between Oxford and

Cambridge at the Queen’s Club grounds, West Kensing-

ton, London, recently, provoked the most favorable com-
ment among athletes in and about New York City. Ashing-

ton’s wonderful versatility is ample erideace that England

 
NEW 2EIP: TOP “WHekey.

is not so. badly off as fancied in regard to capable ath-
letic material, and that with proper coaching in. the events
in which the British have been weak for some years, Eng-
land will have a grand opportunity to again put herself
on the athletic map in’the Berlin games-in 1916.

The former Harrow. schoolboy, whose. performances
were of a negligible character as far as his public show-
ing was concerned up‘to a short time ago, when he came
into his own, competed in three events—the high hurdles,
running broad jump, and half-mile run.

In the running broad jump, in which he contributed the
fine leap of 23 feet 534 inches, he set a new mark for the
world as a jump by an Englishman, as no man of his
nationality had ever accomplished such a performance.
For the three events he. caused to be hung up marks which
probably no man in the world to-day can equal in one
afternoon, and it is not on record that any man ever made
such meritorious records in three events of such a varied
nature in one games series. One hundred and twenty
yards over the 3>foot 6-inch hurdles in 16 1-5 seconds is
a fair performance, and 23 feet 534 inches at the “running
broad” a top-notch leap, but’ when these are topped off

-with a half-mile in a fifth of a second over 2 minutes
it immediately becomes noticeable that a feat has been per-
formed that was probably never before duplicated.

Ashington’s broad jumping and hurdling bespeak high-
class ability at sprinting and high jumping, and, although
nothing is known here of his prowess with the weights or
at pole vaulting, his seeming natural ability along the lines
he has recently shone at appear to mark him as an all-
round man of the highest type, and in all likelihood one
who has never been coached.

England has seen men of marvelous all-round ability
with Pat Davin, the wonderful Irishman of the early ’80s
as the peer of them all, but they have not been English-
men. Davin could jump over 23 feet, leap 6 feet in the
high jump, and do close to “evens” for 100 yards, but
there is no record of his ever having tried to run a half
mile and do it in 2 minutes. ° |

America has had dozens of all-round men, not a few
of whom could do 10 seconds or a bit worse for a hundred
yards, beat 16 seconds for the hurdles, and leap over 23
feet in the running broad, but none of them ever essayed
half-mile running, and none of them ever did any such
work in such events in an all- round competition.

Walter Dohm, the Princeton man who in 1890, at the
intercollegiates, won the running broad jump with 22 feet
3% inches and the half mile in 1:57 1-5, is the only man
on record with high-class performances in such events
on the same afternoon, and he could not run over high
hurdles in a manner which would net him anything like
16 seconds for the route.

- Day of Fire Horse Passing.

“We will purchase no more horses for the New York
fire. department,” Commissioner Johnson announced. “We
have now about 1,500 in the department, and we are re-
placing horse-drawn apparatus with motors as fast as pos-
sible.”

Uses “Dummy” to Flee from Jail.

By placing a “dummy” in his cot and by sneaking out a

cellar window, James H. McNicholas, mining promoter,
whom the Federal authorities chased all over the country
for two years and finally caught in Boston, Mass., a few

weeks ago, escaped from the county jail at Cleveland,

Ohio, and:is now believed to be in Canada.
Sheriff Smith has offered a reward of $1,000 for Mc-~

Nicholas’ capture. The Federal authorities will hold a

grand-jury investigation and will ‘indict. several Cleveland-
Mc- —

ers for conspiracy to, aid in. McNicholas’ escape.
Nicholas was accused of using the mails to defraud.
Babies Stronger than Men,

Medical men assert that, according to well-conducted
tests, it is shown that the new-born babe is relatively much
stronger than a full-grown man. The muscles of the fore-
arm are astonishingly vigorous. A few hours after birth a
baby suspended by its finger to.a stick or to the finger of a
grown person can sustain itself in the air for about ten

seconds—in the case of particularly strong infants for $0 q

long a period as thirty seconds.
When four days old an appreciable increase in the in-

fant’s strength may be noticed, and the time during which 4.

it can thus sustain itself is about two and one-half min-
utes, for ninety-eight per cent of babies. The maximum is
attained in two weeks.

record that one exceptionally developed child remained

suspended for two minutes and thirty-eight seconds by his q %
right hand. After that he continued to hang on with his a .

left for fifteen seconds longer. ee.
Other experiments along this line all went to show that |

if man could keep up his strength when he reached ma- | ’ E
turity in proportion to the strength of his infancy, he |

would be at least twice as strong.

Saves Mother from Death.

But for the presence of mind of her little son George
Mrs, Edward Schlusser, of Beaver Falls, Pa., would hav
burned to death at her home. While carrying an oil
lamp Mrs, Schlusser tripped over a rug and fell, strikin;
her head against a chair. She was rendered unconscio
Her son jumped from the bed and extinguished the flames
He called his father and a physician.

$100 Left to Dog, $400 for His Care. 4

The will of Mrs... Magdelen Hendrickson, an. aged
widow, who died more than a year ago in the little’ cot
tage she had occupied for more than’50 years on Alley
Hill, in Douglaston, L. I., was filed in Long Island Ci
and revealed the hiding place of $200 in gold she had
aside for her funeral expenses.

Edward Martin, executor of the $10,000 will, is charged
with the care of Mike, her pet dog, and the will s
aside $100 for Mike and $400 for Mr. Martin’s. trouble.
John W. Neesham, a nephew, receives a. photograph
Harrison W. Moore, “my attorney; and also my grind
stone, the good coal shovel and potato fork, the dining.
room table, and the best crazy quilt in the house.” |

Plant 8,775 Trees in One Day.

W. S. Guilford and his staff of tree planters south: 0:
Hamilton City, Cal, planted 8,775 fruit trees in one day
breaking the world’s record. The big job of planting 500 |
acres was soon completed. Guilford had thirty men at }
work. The trees put in the ground in one day covere
135 acres. The trees, which are being planted for a Sa

prune trees.

 

Few infants can “hang on” for — 3.
more than one and one-half minutes, although it is of |
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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We have made some changes for the
better in the size and outward appearance of

NEW TIP TOP WEEKLY
NICK CARTER STORIES
NEW BUFFALO BILL WEEKLY

The present weeklies, on account of the
difference in the size of the type, gives you
more of the same good reading that you have
always found in the S. & S. Weeklies, at the

same price, five cents.

Don’t accept substitutes for these weeklies
—insist upon having the genuine which are
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