Tip lop WEEKLY “An ideal publication forthe American Youth: Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office by STREET & SMITH, No. 126, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 10, 1808 Price 5 Cents. Panik MERRVEL “THAT WILL DO!’? CRIED FRANK, SHARPLY. ‘‘DON’T KICK THAT BOY AGAIN!?? “AN IDEAL PUBLICATION FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH.” Tipe Top WEEKLY. ; Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y. Post Ofice. SryrunT & SMmivss, 81 Fulton , &t., N. Ye Entered Aceording to Act of Congress, in the Year 1898, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, V ‘ashington, D. C. Price Five Cents. No. 126 ~NEW YORK, September 16, 1808. Contents of This Number rr ‘ ae BF Gt Me ay (Wet Ga THORCUGHLY ENJOYED : Page. i FRANK MERRIWELL’S PROTEGE; or, Lending 2 a Helping Hand ‘eis See wee “SOUFFY,”’ THE AMERICAN WAR DOG - » ~ 3 é 29, CORRESPONDENCE - = ° “i wi 2 29. AMATEUR JOURNALISM - < : é 380, 31. ~ Frank Merriwell S Protege; LENDING A HELPING HAND. By the Author of ‘“‘FRANK MERRIWELL. CHAPTER I. A CHEERFUL WAIF. ‘“‘Wuxtree! Buy the wuxtree! All about der terrible catastrophe! ‘Terrible fire in a shoe store! One hundred soles burned! Buy a paper, mister ?’’ It was a ragged little chap who thrust a copy of the Evening Call toward Frank Merriwell, who was hurrying home from his work. Snow was falling, and the wind was whisking it along the frozen streets. Shivering pedestrians, wrapped to their chins, were hastening toward their homes and firesides. No one seemed to stop to ‘pay. any attention to the pathetic little figure of the thinly-clad newsboy, who was shrilly calling his wares. Frank was thinking of his own home, HAVE YOU READ PAGE 32. | | the the room that had been made confortable and pleasant by friendly hands. He was thinking of the reception he would re- ceive there, and he knew little Jack, the lame boy, would have a good hot supper ready for him, while Nellie, Jack’s blind sister, would greet him with a kiss. Thus absorbed in his own thoughts, Frank pushed on like the others, not even glancing at the boy. The little fellow did not seem discouraged by this, and he i inl; mediately called: . “‘Here you have your wux-tree! Buy der evenin’ poiper, mister! It’s chock full of news. All about der fearful ship- wreck on a railroad! Oh-ho, der wux-tree —der wuxtree!’’ This caught Frank’s attention, and, as he understood the humor of the boy’s cry, he laughed and paused, looking round. f ‘That brought the ragged urchin to his side again. ‘‘Buy a poiper, boss,’’ he urged, ‘‘Dis has been a dead-tough day fer me. I’ve taken in less dan fifty dollars ter-day. Mebbe yer don’t believe dat, but it’s on der level. How is a gent like me goin’ ter live on a small income? I'll have ter dis- charge me coachman, me valet, me but- , ler, an’ come down an’ live like ordinary people if dis keeps'up. Sure t’ing.”’ Frank was accustomed to the usual plaintive wail of the newsboy who claims that he has a sick mother and brothers and sisters to support; but this little fel- low, clad in rags, smiled up at the young engineer as cheerfully as if his fingers and nose were not blue with the cold. In- deed, his face, none too clean, wore an expression of cheerfulness and good nature. “What railroad was that shipwreck on?’’? asked Frank, reaching into his . ’ pocket for a coin. ‘On der Air Line ter Mars. ‘Too bad! Just w’en t’ings was lookin’ up dat way, too! Buy a poiper?’’ ‘‘T don’t seem to have any change.”? “Never mind dat. I can give yer change fer'a fifty-dollar bill—I don’t tink!” ‘Tf T had some change I would buy a paper of you,’’ said Merry, still feeling through his pockets. ‘You look cold and hungry.’’ ‘© °Sh-h-h! Dat’s me professional air. Don’t give it away. I have ter look dat way ter win der sympathy of der push on der street. See? I’ve got money ter burn —in me mind.’’ ‘‘Wouldn’t you like something to eat ?”’ “Why, boss?’? “Oh, I thought you might.’ “Don’t give it away, but I’m due ter dine at me club in an hour. I'll go Apa, in me dress suit, an’ have a few birds an’ TIP TOP WEEKLY. READ ‘TRUE BLUE”’ ONCH, AND you} way READ IT EO ay eee a couple bottles or so. Dat’s der only way I kin live ’cordin’ ter me income. Chaun- cey Depew is goin’ ter take dinner wid me ter-night. Chauncey an’I has a scheme on fer buyin’ up all der railroads east of der Rocky Mountains an’ runnin’ t’ings ter suit ourselves. 171] furnish der capital, an’ he’ll furnish der gas. Don’t need no brains in dis scheme. You look like you works on der railroad. Say, buy a poiper an’ we’ll take ye in on der ground floor—make yer high muck-a- muck, or somet’ing of dersort.”’ By this time Frank had found a ten- cent piece down in the corner of a pocket. “*You are eee helaughed. ‘‘I like your generosity. ‘Don’t mention it, ie. It don’t cost me nutting. Any feiler kin be liberal w’en it don’t cost him nutting.’” “ ‘‘What is your name?”’ **Bob.”’ **Bob what ?”’ “Dat’s all—jest Bob.’’ ‘But you must have a last name.’’ ‘“Ts dat so?”’ ““Of course. name.’’ ““Dat’s w’ere I’m different from every- bedy. Me last name is nutting.”’ ‘Nothing ?”” “Dats it.” | “Bob Nothing—that’s a queer name.”’ ‘Sure t’ing. It don’t pay ter be like ev’rybody else in dis world. A feller wants ter be a little differant if he is goin’ ter cut any frost. Dat’s me idear.’’ ‘‘Where do you live ?”’ ** ’Most anywhere dat I want ter. I puts up all over der city, but I’m gettn’ sick of dis ole place, an’ I’m goin’ ter dust out. Business is on der bum _ here, Everybody has a- last an’ dat’s straight. I’m going where I kin enjoy myself an’ git me money’s worth, x , “But your father and mother——” \ "Ain't got none.’’ - ‘‘No? Too bad!’ “Oh, I dunno ’bout dat. Never re- member anyt’ing *bout me mudder. As fer der ole man, he wasted lots of good air by breathin’ it up away from odder folks.’’ Frank was a bit shocked by this. ‘‘How can you speak that way about your father!’’ he exclaimed. ‘‘Boss,’’ said Bob, soberly, ‘‘ye didn’t know ’im. | If yer had, ye’d wonder how I can speak so well about him. It was der luckiest day of me life w’en he tripped his trolley. I don’t want ter say nutting ag’in him, but he was dead hard on me. Uster keep soaked all der time, an’ he punched der stuffins outer me reg'ler ev’ry night jest fer fun. eX ‘He beat you?”’ ‘*T should guess yes!’ ‘*T should have thought some benevo- lent society would have taken charge of you.”’ “Wat’s dat? Well dat shows how much you knows ’bout dem sercieties! Dey don’t bodder ’bout real poor children ‘less dey has ter; but if some kid is makin’ a good t’ing by dancin’ or singin’ on der stoige, an’ is gittin’ der dough reg’ler so dat he can live comfortable, one of dem sercieties jest steps in an’ stops it, so der feller has ter go back ter — shinin’ shoes, sellin’ poipers, beggin’ or starvin’. Oh, dem sercieties are good tings—I don’t tink!” The little fellow’s sarcasm was of the most cutting kifid, and Frank felt that it would be useless to argue with him then. ‘“Have you made enough to-day to take --eare of yourself, Bob?’ Merry: asked. “‘Because, if you haven’t——” The newsboy drew himself up. “Don’t yer worry bout me, ce ” he. said, with something like real pride. “Now, dat der ole man ain’t round ter "Swipe all der dust I iia I kin take __ PATRIOTIC: EMBLEMS GIVEN / AWAY—SEE PAGE 32 TIP TOP WEEKLY. 3 care of meself. I ain’t had much chance in der world yit, but I’m goin’ ter git there, you bet. Dey can’t hold me down if dey tries! I’m all right.” This sort of spirit pleased Frank, and he became convinced that there was really something in the ragged urchin. Even an uneducated newsboy with such spirit and determination is pretty sure to push his way along in the world in a suc- cessful manner. ‘‘Here,’’ said Merry, giving the boy the dime, ‘‘I will take a paper. You may keep the change. I can’t bother with so many pennies, Godd-night, Bob, and good luck.” *“Thank yer, mister!” cried Bob, heart- ily. ‘‘You’re der real t’ing, an’ no mis- take. ) | Frank went on his way toward home. CHAPTER II. DEFENDING THE WEAK. The following morning as Frank was — passing through the yards on his way to the roundhouse he saw a yardman drag- ging a boy from one of the boxcars. The little fellow was protesting. ‘*Wat’s der matter wid yer?’ he cried. “Is you der porter of dis sleeper? ur de sup’rintendent of der road? I don’t wanter git off at dis place. Break away! Me valet will give yer der tip, if dat’s wot yer lookin’ fer. Don’t git gay wid me,”’ ‘(Come outer that, you young ésnipe!’’ cried the man, angrily. ‘I saw you stowin’ yerself away. You can’t play that game round here.’? : ‘“Dis is my train,’? declared the boy. “Vou don’t know who yer monkeyin’ wid! Yer wanter havea care, or I'll git ye broke. I’m der Prince of Whales in disguise. I’m travellin’ round dis way fer a change. Got tired of travelin” in palace 4 TIP TOP WEEKLY. carts an’ bein stared at by you blooming Americans. ”’ ‘‘Don’t give me any of your guff!’’ snatled the man, who was ina bad humor. ‘*l won’t take sass from you!’’ ‘Is dat so! You gives me pains! See? First tiling you knows you’ll t’ink yer runnin’ der eart’! Wot you needs, mis- ter, is ter have a good t’uimpin’. I t’ink T’ll call me man, and have him do it.”’ ‘‘What you need is to have some of ther insolence kicked out of you!”’ grated the man, as-he held the boy by the collar aud kicked him savagely. The urchin cried out with pain. “*Ver a big stiff!’” he shrilly shouted. ‘*W’y don’t yer take somebody of yer size!’ Frank recognized the ragged newsboy he had met the previous evening, and he hastily started toward the two, ordering the man to desist from his brutal work. Neither of them heard him, and the man gave the boy a furious shaking, striking him with his open hand. ‘*Oh, dat’s right !’’ came defiantly from the boy. ‘‘Dat’s a brave t’ing fer you ter do! You’d oughter be proud of it! But yer can’t make me squeal! See? You kin knock der head offen me, but I won’t do no beggin’! All der same, Ill jest re- member dat mug of yourn, an’ I’ll punch der stuffin‘s outer you w’en I gits ter be a man !’’ ‘“Why, you young brat! do you dare threaten me! You'll get it worse than ever for that! I’ll fix you so you won’t be able to set down for a while!”’ Then the man kicked the lad again in a most brutal manner. By this time Frank was near enough to make himself heard. He sprang forward, straight at the beh ipe and sharply ctying: “That will do! Don’t kick that boy again!’ — let the boy goand turn his attention to ARE you PATRIOTIC? READ. “TRUE BLUE. ” The man looked round. He was a new hand about the yards, and he did not know much of anything about Frank Merriwell. “What's that?’ he snapped, glaring at Merry. ‘‘Are you talkin’ to me?’ , ‘“Ves, Iam talking to you! Don’t dare kick that boy again!’ ‘*What’s the matter with ou! This is J none of your business. ’’ ‘“Then I wiil make it some of my busi- ness.’’ The man measured Frank from his head to his feet. He saw a well-built, beardless youth in plain working clothes, and as he was a strong, square-shouldered fellow hiinself, he scarcely regarded the young engineer as of any consequence. ' ‘*Take a tumble- to yourself and go along !’’ he growled. ‘‘You will get your- self into trouble if you don’t.”’ “Let that boy go!” **T’]] do that when I’ve taught him the lesson he deserves.’’ ial **Vou will do it now, or I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget in a hurry!’? — ,_ The newsboy whistled. PETRY ie ‘‘Jimminy!? he gasped. ‘‘Dat’s der stuff! He’s all right! Pll put me money gn dat sport ev’ry trip. He’s a winner!’ The man seemed doubtful whether to RT ry Frank, or to ignore Merry entirely. It seemed that he decided tu pay no further attention to Frank just then, for he again began to beat the newsboy. RETO Re RSTn e tern r ny : eis Then the ex-Yale athlete leaped for- : f ward, caught man and boy by the collars _ and tore them apart. He snatched the = urchin from his abuser in a twinkling, swinging Bob behind him, and ae the yardman. poke egies Frank spoke swiftly: | re ‘You big brute! What you deserve is _ ees a good thrashing! Such men as you 7 poi trl ye Pen TARRY eer spree should be banished to heathén countries! You would make a good savage!”’ ‘*Well, may I be hanged!’’ gurgled the astonished man. “Vou will be, if you keep up your career,’’? declared Merry. ‘Well, Dll have the satisfaction of thumping you instead of ther kid!’’ The man squared away at Frank. **Give it to der stiff!’ the boy cried to. Frank. ‘Ill help yer!”’ ‘*Keep out of the way,’’ said the en- gineer, quickly. ‘‘I can take care of him alone.”’ **All right; fair play.”’ ) but I’ll stand by ter see There was snow on the ground, and Frank changed his position to a spot where his footing would be more'secure. ““Now,’’ he said, ‘‘if you are anxious for trouble, come on and get what you are looking for.’’ fie The yardinan believed he had an easy ~ thing, and he was savage enough to wish to give Merry a beating. He made a rush, striking out with first one fist and then with the other. * Merriwell met him squarely, parried both blows, and gave the fellow-a terri. ble jolt in the mouth. The man was nearly knocked down. He reeled backward, clapping a hand to his mouth, and uttering an exclamation of astonishinent and pain. ; Ana the ragged newsboy danced and shouted with glee. ‘“Why, dat was a beaut!’ he shrilly piped. ‘‘Right in der kisser, too! Oh, say! come ag’in! Here’s where you git yer money’s wort’ !”’ 4. He pranced about, thrusting back. duis sleeves, and making pugilistic gestures with his dirty little fists, as if he were 7 taking an active part in the fight. Cer- tainly he was a laughable spectacle, and TIP TOP WEEKLY. HOW TO GET A BADGE Frank, broadly. who glanced at him, smiled That smile made the yardmam furious. OAD, chi ed make “yer laugh outer ther other side of yer mout’!’’ he roared. ‘‘I can do it, too! This time I'l] fix ye!’ “In a horn!” crieé the urchin, ‘‘Why, you’re a reg’ler game of bluff! You ain’t in me frien’s class! He’ll do yer up in der first roun’.’’ “~ The yardman advanced on Merriwell again. His lips were cut and bleeding, and he looked ugly enough. Frank stepped forward .a bit ‘to meet him. ‘Then the man rushed again. This time Frank did not stand up as before, but slipped aside easily, and gave the man a dig in the ribs as he went past. ‘*Oh, dat was a feeler!’’ chirped Bob, happily. ‘‘Wait till.we gits down ter business: -'We’H make der fur fly!’’ The yardman whirled about, growling like a savage dog, and lunged at his youthful antagonist once niore. *‘T’]1 smash yer!’ he grated. spoil your face?’ eatis ‘‘Say, wanter gamble on dat?’’ asked the newsboy, quickly. ‘‘I’ll give yer odds dat yer don’t leave a mark ‘on him. I kin see by der cut of his jib dat he’s a game one. He’s been dere many a time. Right here is w’ere he does yer up.”’ Frank was amused, and he laughed outright. ‘‘See him laugh!’ shouted Bob. ‘Why, dis is a strawberry picnic fer him!” “1}] make him think it’s a funeral !”? snarled the yardman. Then for afew seconds, he did give Merriwell some lively work. Although the man fought bunglingly, he was so savage that he did not seem to mind the blows he received; but Merry continued — to put them in thickly, and the newsboy FREE—READ PAGE 32. 6. oe 6 TIP TOP WEEKLY. spectator stood on his head and cracked his heels together in the air, whooping: ‘*Enjoy yourselves! Why, I ain’t seen anyti’ng like dis sense I ‘tended der Corbet an’ Fitzsimmonds mill out in Carson. Dis frien’ of mine is der comin’ cham peen of der worl’!”’ The yardman was astonished to find that he,could not reach the youth with any of his furious blows. He had fancied it would be an easy matter to do up the beardless chap who interfered, and his surprise at his failure to do so began to daze him. As soon as the fellow showed signs of weakening Frank got into it in earnest, following the man up. He Watched fora good opportunity to end the fight, soon found it.. With a smashing’ left-hand blow, he knocked the man off his feet and under the very car from which the boy had been dragged. The fellow crawled out on the other side of the car and took to his heels, followed by the triumphant whoops of the newsboy. g ee CHAPTER III. ‘“THE .FIGHTING ENGINEER,”’ “Go it, old biuff!’’ yelled the delighted lad. ‘tHere’s where yer gits a run fer yer money! If yer stops der bogie man’ll ketch yer sure! Well, wasn’t dat stiff a cinch! Why, dat was more fun dan a whole barrel of monkeys!” Then he turned and looked Frank over admiringly. ‘Say,’ he cried, ‘‘you’s der genuwine stuff! Ye’re a dandy, an’ dat’s no dreamin! I knowed you was a hot one, but I didn’t tink you was quite so warm. Yere der swiftest t’ing I ever seed, ey can’t keep up wid youse.’’ ; ‘Thank you,” shes Frank, wiping _ some blood off his knuckles with a hand- _kerchief. —“T don’t fancy fighting, but it RA and > could not be helped in this case. There was no way out of it.”’ ‘‘Oh, yes, dere was, imister.’’ ‘*How is that?”? ““Ver might have kep’ still an’ let der bloke soak me.”’ 3 ‘That was not possible,’’ declared Frank. ‘‘I couldn’t keep still and see a big man abuse a boy. It always starts me when I see a inan abusing a boy.”’ ‘‘Say, you are der white t’ing!’’ burst from the newsboy. ‘‘I knowed it last night, an’ now you has proved it. Ican’t do nutting ter square dis now, but Ill eat my hat if I don’t make it even if I ever gits der chance!’ He was very earnestin this declaration. ‘*How did that man happen to be pull- ing you out of the car?’’ asked Merry. ‘Well, asI tole yer last night, I’m dead nutty on dis old place, an’ I t’?ought I’d git out somewhere, so I jest got inter dis car. I was stowin’ meself erway when dat moke come an’ yanked me out by der heels. Ifhe’d let me erlone I’d had a free ride.’’ **So you are determined ‘e leave ‘ds city?” 5 ‘Sure t’ing, Wot’s der use of stayin’ here? Dere ain’t room .ernough fer a fel- ler of ny talents. I needs a chance to spread out an’ show der worl’ wot I kin do. New York’d be a small town fer me. It don’t seem dat I ever had no show in dis ole place.’’ ‘‘Perhaps you haven’t had the ‘show you deserve, my boy. Opportunity is a great factor in success in this world.’’ ‘*Dat’s dead right, an’ I ain’t never had no opportunity, Jest give me one, an’ I’ll push it fer all dere is in it. But I gotter git out of dis place ter find it.’’ “Perhaps Hot tes “Well, Pm goin” ter go, iienee chap spoiled ine game dis trip, but eee fool ’em der next time.” CLIP FARADAY IS A GOOD FELLOW. see 2 Dat — ef % % ing, my young friend,’’ ‘Tf you are determined to leave the city, perhaps I can aid you to get away.”’ ‘‘Dat’s dead kind of youse, an’ It’anks yer; but I’s allus had ter hoe me own row, an’ I guess I kin work der racket some old how.’’ “Very well. Ithought I would offer to help you. Didn’t know but I could fix it so you could ride on my engine.”? ‘“Vour engine ?”’ (Ves ‘*Be you an engineer ?”’ ‘“SYes.”? **Teewhiz!’’ The boy’s eyes bulged, and he again looked Frank over. 2 Say,’ he.cried, whiskers!” Frank laughed. ‘Ts it necessary for an engineer to have whiskers ?’’ he asked. ‘Well, I didn’t tink dey’d let a young feller like you-run one of dem engines. Dis beats! You must be smart!’ “Well, Irun an engine, and I must take her out right away,’’ said Merry, glancing at his watch. ‘‘My engine has to go out on time to the minute.® I always get down early to look her over and see that everything is all right, and. that is how I had this time to spare.’’ “Tf you runs an engine,’’ said Bob, ‘tan’? you Pinks you kin fix it so I kin ride wid you, I'l] be tickled. Never rode on an engine in all me life. It must be great.’? “Tt is too late for me to fix it this morn- said Frank; “but, if you want to go with me to-mor- row morning, I’ll try to get a permit to take you on. my engine.’’ | The boy struck his leg with his hand. “Dat goes!” he exclaimed. ‘‘I’ll stay we vou ain’t got no in dis place aunodder day jest fer der privilege of ridin’ wid youse.”’ a Then you must be around here ‘to-. = BY ALL MEANS GETA FREE BUTTON OR PIN—SEE LAST PAGE. TIP TOP WEEKLY. 7 morrow iorning wheu I come down to the roundhouse. Of course I am not sure Ican get a permit to take you, but Pl try. Where do you want to go?’’ ‘‘Oh, ’most anywhere dat I can strike new groun’ fer ter branch out on. Don’t worry ’bout dat. I’ll drop off some place. Jeewhiz! But it will be fun ridin’ on an engine! Wot train do you go wid—one of dem freiglits?”? ‘‘No; Iam on the Mountain Express.”’ ““Wot?”’ The urchin seemed more acer than ever. ‘““Why, dat’s der daisy train of der road!’’ ghe cried, ‘‘Is disa guy you’re givin’ me?”’ | ‘‘Notliing of the sort. Iam the engineer on the Mountain Express. ’’ ‘‘Well, say, you’re a jim-hickey! Will I stay an’ ride on dat engine! Will I! Well, I should cough! Why, dat will be der greatest sport goin’! I'll be here, you kin sport on dat!”’ : ‘All right. I will see what I can do. If Iam not able to take you, you’ll know it isn’t my fault.’’ ‘‘Sure ti’ng. But git me on if yer kia.”’ “PI1 doit. Take care of yourself. So long.’ **So long.’? Frank hurried toward the roundhouse, while Bob turned and lost little time in getting out of the yard, fearing the yard- man might see him and seek revenge. Frank found his engine waiting under full steam, while Larry Lcgan, who had recovered from his brief illness and was firing for Merry again, was eagerly and anxiously looking for the engineer. ‘“Pwhere have ye been, Frankie?’ asked the fireman. ‘‘It’s late ye are.’’ “It isn’t quite time to go out, Larry.” ‘‘No; but ye’re alwus ahead av toime.”’’ ‘*Well, I had a little scrap out here in the yard, and that delayed me.”’ Larry’s eyes shone. ‘‘A schrap, did yez say?’’ he asked. ‘*Who wid ?’’ ' ‘(A yardman. He was beating a boy he found trying to stow away in a boxcar.’’ ‘‘Wur thot it, bad cess to th’ mon! Pwhat did yez do, me b’y?” ‘“Told him to stop.’’ **An’ he did?”’ ‘When I made him. Then he turned on ime and tried to do me up.”’ ‘‘Pwhat thin? Ye don’t same to be in very bad shape, Frankie.’’ ‘‘No; he didn’t do me up very much.” ‘It’s a stranger he must have been around here, ur he’d nivver troie4 thot thrick. Ye made yer record here whin ye knocked th’ corners off Old Slugs th’ day ye firrust entered this roundhouse. Ould Slugs had whipped ivery mon around here, an’ ye nivver got so much as a scratch knockin’ him out. Oh, ye’rea dandy foighter, ime b’y! It’s wan av thim train robbers ye had th’ schrap wid thot Said ye’d got th’ bist av three av thim av one hadn’t caught ye by th’ fate after ye knocked him down an’ thripped yez up. Some av th’ b’ys call yez th’ foighting engineer. ”’ Frank looked displeased. ‘‘T don’t like that name, Larry,’’ he said. ‘‘If there is anything I detest it is fighting, It is low and disgraceful, and I believe a man should avoid it whenever he can. I hope they will not call me the fighting engineer.”’ 3 The young Irishman saw Merry was sincere in what he said, but it was some- thing Larry could not understand. ‘‘Be me troth!’’ he muttered;_ ‘‘it’s mesilf wud be proud av such a name and ricord.’’ ‘(Tl hope you understand me, Larry,” said Frank. ‘‘I do not believe a man should run away and play the coward, but I think he should use every honorable - - TIP TOP WEEKLY. If You Once Begin Reading ‘‘TRUE BLUE,’’ You Will Never End. means to avoid a fight. If he is forced to fight, however, let him be sure jie is in the right, and then let him fight like blazes. That’s my motto. When I find I can’t avoid a fight I sailin if? athurry, and make it as hot as possible. The first blow counts. I don’t intend to let the other fel- low hit me first, if I can help it; and when I hit him I hit him hard. Often the first blow wins a fight.”’ At this moment they received the sig- nal to leave the roundhouse, CHAPTER IV. ALLURING PROSPECTS. When Frank returned at night and left his engine he started to walk home at a brisk pace. On the very corner wheré® he had seen Bob the newsboy the night before he found the little chap again. Bob had a few papers left, and he was cheerfully crying: ‘‘Poiper, Record, Call an’ Dispatch. Der man wot don’t read der evenin’ poiper gits up a day behind der next mornin’, Dispatch, mister? Wuxtree! Buy a poiper?’’ ‘Get out of the way!’ snarled an ill- | natured man who was in a hurry. ‘*All right, me lord dook,’’ said the hoy, dodging aside. ‘‘We’ll have der street made wider fer youse.’’ Then he darted toward another man, shouting: ‘*Read all about der shooting! Havea poiper.”’ ‘‘What is it about the shooting ?’’ asked the man. , ‘fA feller did it wid his best goil. Took her out an’ shot der chutes wid her. Poiper?’? : The man seemed in doubt whether to be angry or not, and Bob hastily added: ‘Tell yer de facts, mister, der ain’t a blessed bit of news in any of der old f “alert tah GAPE Pimerere Tee ‘TP TOP WEEKLY. 9 poipers, an’ so I has ter make up some- ting. Won’t yer have a Record? It'll be good fer yer kitchen goil ter start der fire wid ter-morrer mornin’. Mebbe it’ll save her life by keepin’ her from usin’ kero- sene..”* The man could not keep from. smiling, and he decided to buy a paper. “You'll do,’? he nodded. Tl wager something that you will find a way to sell your papers.’ . “Well, Vl try, mister,’? laughed Bob, in a jolly way. ‘‘Gotter keep hustlin’. Dat’s der only way. Thank yer.”’ The man passed on, and then Bob saw Frank, who had paused to watch him. The boy pushed up to his friend, his face showing his pleasure. ““Didn’t know but I’d see yer if I held dis corner down,’’ he said. ‘‘Dat’s w’y I stuck here. Did yer fix it?’’ “T forgot all about you to-night, Bob,’’ confessed Merry, ‘“‘but Ill try to fix it to-morrow,’’ he added, seeing the- look of disappointment that came to the Jad’s face. ‘Think Pll buy a paper.’’ “Ver can’t buy no poiper of me, sit. Dere’s one due yer any time yer wauts it if I’m round.”’ “‘T shall not take one, unless I can buy it?! ‘‘Now, dat ain’t fair! You paid me too much las’ night, an’ it’s me turn ter blow off ter- uiga If yer don’t let me do it, I’m goin’ ter be insulted, an’ I’m a holy bad one w’en I’m insulted! Teats rairoad iron whem I’m mad! You may t?ink yer some, but yer want ter give ie room w’en I’m mad.’’ Frank laughed. ‘“‘Well, as I have no desire to get you ge _mad, I suppose V’ll have to take a _ paper,” he said. “But Vl tell you what a want you to do, Bob; I want you to FREE WAR BADGES. SEE LAST PAGE. come along with me to my home and have some supper.”’ ‘‘Aw! stop yer kiddin’ !”’ ‘‘T ain not kidding, Bob.”’ “Den I’in much obleeged ter yer, but der real facts is dat me dress suit is at ine tailor’s, bein’ pressed, an’ I can’t come dis evening. Ye’ll have ter ’scuse ies" ‘‘Vou don’t need a dress suit, my boy. We do not wear dress suits around my place. Just you come along.”’ ‘‘Wot, in dis rig ?”’ Ves: 7? ‘‘T guess nit! Wot’d yer mudder soy ?”’ “‘T have no mother.’’ ‘‘On der level? Dat’s rough! ole man wud kick.’’ ““My father ?”’ aa ‘*T have not seen my father for years.’’ ‘“Den yer sisters or yer frien’s, or der folks yer boards wid. . Yer don’t ‘waut ter show me up by takin’ me round dere.”’ ‘*Vou may be sure I’ll not show you up, Bob. That is not my game. You will find my friends all right, and they will make you feel at home. Just you come along,.’’ . But the boy hesitated. ™ “7 don’t see w’y yer should do dis fer me,’ he said. ‘‘] ain’t nutting ter youse. Folk ain’t in der habit of bodderin’ wid me.’’ ‘““My boy,’’ said Frank, in his most persuasive way, “‘I want you to come along, and you must come. I like you, and I want to havea talk with you. I give you my word that there will be nothing stylish about the supper. I live with some friends in some plain rooms in a poor quarter. We do not try to put on any style, for we are trying to save every cent we can. My friends are a boy anda girl who play and sing on the streets, and But yer you will find them ee agreeable com- — Er 10 TIP TOP pany. Now, Bob, I shall not like it if you tefuse to come with me.’ ‘“"Well,’’? said the urchin, soberly, ‘‘if yer puts it dat way, yer don’t leave me no pins ter stand on. Il] jest have ter do as you says. Dese poipers——”’ “T will buy all the papers you have left. Here, let me have them.”’ Frank took them quickly from the waif, and, a moment later, gave them to another boy. Then he and Bob walked onward toward Merry’s home. ‘*Say,’’ the newsboy suddenly. broke out, ‘“*What is it??? asked Frank. | ‘Yer ain’t never told me yer name.’ **It is Frank Merriwell.’’ ‘*Dat’s a good name. Say, I like dat name! It kinder fits youse somehow.” ‘It is the best name I have,’’ smiled Frank. “It’s all right, jest like youse all right. Never met nobody like yer before, but I sticks ter youse.’’ This was the boy’s way of expressing his appreciation of Frank’s kindness and friendship. “Tf you stick to me,’’ said Merry, ‘‘I may be able to give you a lift some way.” oe **How d’yer mean ?”’ é ‘*¥ou say you have had hard luck ?”” “Oh, Iain’t kickin’. Don’t believe in kickin’. Wot’s der use? I was jest t’inkin’ of gittin’ outer dis town ter see if I couldn’t hit it easier somewhere else.’ . ““How would you like a job on the. railroad ?”’ \ Bob staggered. *“Wot’s dat?’ he shouted. Frank repeated the question. “How would I like it? Well! kind of a job?” ‘*Selling things on one of the trains.’’ Wot ter pay no fares fer der rides! don’t dast ter t’ink of dat! It] sure turn an’ beat yer.” Have You Read Clif Faraday’s Adventures In Morro Castle? WEEKLY. ‘Wot, goin’ trough der cars an’ sell- in’ poipers an’ books an’ t’ings?’’ aes The = Bob actually clasped his hands and rolled his eyes upward. ‘*Dat wud be heaven!’’ he murmured. “T don’t dast to t’ink of dat! Why, jest ridin’ all day on de train an’ sellin’ tings to de passengers! An’ never havin’ Say, I me brain!’ ‘“Of course I don’t know about it, but it is possible I might work you onto the train that way. It would be a good job for you.”’ ‘“Would it! I guess yes! But I’m afeared dat kin never be. Don’t roust me hopes, an’ den t’row ’em down.’’ ““T have done some favors for the road,’ said Frank, ‘‘and never yet have I asked a favor of it. Now, if you would like a place to sell stuff on one of the trains, Pll see what I can do for you. I may be able to work you in all right.”’ ‘If you- kin do dat, Mr. Merriwell, Ill be der happiest kid in der worl’, an’ I’ll never fergit der favor—never !”’ **Of course you will have to have some clothes and be spick and clean,’’ said Merry ; ‘‘for you will be inspected before you are given the job.”’ ‘‘Dat settles it.’” **Settles what?’ ‘*Der job.”’ “Why 7? **T ain’t got der clothes, an’ I ain’t got no dust ter git ’em wid.”’ , ‘*Don’t let that worry you. I can lend you some money to buy clothes, and you can pay me back after a while.” ) “But I might skip out wid der clothes **F’]1] take chances on that. Of course’ I will have to find out first if there is a place for you. If there is, we'll have the Se Arter TIP TOP WEEKLY. clothes, and we'll try to capture that place. If you can be as polite as you are quick-witted, you will win all right. Here we are. This is where I live. Come right in.’’ CHAPTER V. DOING GOOD BY EXAMPLE. As usual, little Nell, the blind girl, welcomed Frank at the door, having heard and recognized his footsteps as he came up the stairs. She was there, with her hands outstretched, and her lips up- turned for a kiss. *‘Jimiminy !’? gasped Bob. The newsboy stared at Nellie. She was pretty as a picture of a fancy doll, although wearing a simple pink print house-dress, and the waif of the streets was sinitten by intense admiration. Jack, the lame boy, was hustling the supper onto the table, which, covered by a snowy white cloth, stood in the middle of the room, looking very attractive, covered as it was with an array of dishes and food. ‘Just in time, Sir Frank.’’ cried Jack, ‘“The coffee is piping, and the steak will soon be ready. You’ve barely time to wash and change your clothes if you maké a jump for it.”” ‘Wait,’? said Frank. ‘‘Don’t rush things so. I’ve brought a friend to sup- per, and he’ll want some time to wash the stains of oil from his person, as he is a laboring man, like myself.”’ ‘‘Jeewhiz!’’? muttered Bob, to himself. “‘Dat’s spreadin’. it on pritty t’ick! dis I’m a laborin’ man, an’ der fust guy dat calls me a kid gets a swipe cats der kisser Ih “T heard other steps besides yours, Frank,’’ said Nellie. ‘‘Who is your friend ?”’ “‘He is a young os who sells - papers.” “(T's EASY TO GET A WAR BADGE—SEE ee 32. 11 “Voung gentleman!’’ whispered Bob. “Dat’s pnttin’ it on ticker still. Well, here-is where I; has ter do me stunt at bein’ perlite. Dey’ll t’ink I’m a member of der swellest serciety w’en dey looks me over—I don’t t’ink!”” “Tam glad you brought him,’’ smiled the girl. ‘‘Where is he??? — ““Great smokes!’ thought the news- boy. ‘*She’s lookin’ right t’rough me fer der gentleman! Be Ia spook dat she can’t see me???’ For the blind girl’s eyes looked so natural that he could not believe her sightless. = ‘*Here he is, Nellie,’’ ‘said Merriwell, drawing Bob forward. ‘‘I think you will like him.”’ The girl reached out both her hands and took the dirty little paw ‘that the waif of the streets held forward timidly. ““You are welcome,’’ she said, sweetly. *‘All Frank’s friends are welcome here.’ ‘“Manks!’’ Bob managed to say, and then he choked so that he could not utter another word, and he took his hand away as quickly as he could, ‘*Say,’’ he whispered to Frank, ‘I never knowed before dat me fins was so soiled till I saw her takin’ right holt of one wid dem white little fingers of hern, Dis is too much! W’y didn’t yer tell me yer had an angel up here?’’ The urchin actually seemed on the “verge of dodging out by the door and taking to his heels, so Frank, laughing, ” took him by the arn. ‘ “It’s all right, my lad,’’ he said, reassuringly. ‘‘She is blind, and she can’t see you.”’ ‘*Wot? Blind? Dem eyes? Come off!” “Tt is true? : “Well, dat’s der toughest yit.’’ Bob was strongly affected, and he showed it. It was hard for him to believe that the girl was blind. | 12 TIP TOP WEEKLY. ‘“Don’t mind ime,’’ called Jack, from the stove. ‘“‘I’m busy now. You must entertain the visitor, Nellie.’’ “YT will do the best Ican,’? said tlie girl. Bob caught hold of Frank, betraying symptoms of fright. **Don’t leave me alone wid her!’’ he whispered. ‘‘Dat would be too much fer me! Mebbe she can’t see but dem eyes don’t look dat way. Ain’t dere some place I can scrub me face an’ han’s?”? ‘‘We both waut to wash,’’ said Merry, to thewbrother aud sister, ‘‘so we’ll go into my room. ‘‘I’ll have to change my clothes, too.’’ He took the newsboy into his room, where a lamp was dimly burning. When he turned up the lamp, Bob stared all around in astonishment. ‘Dis is grand!’ he softly exclaimed, looking at the lace curtains, the rugs, the pictures on the walls, and the many things that aided to make the room really cosy and comfortable. ‘‘Never’d believe dere was anyt’ing like dis here if I didn’t see it wid me owneyes. W’y, I t’ought you was poor!’’ ‘*Solain,’’? smiled Merry. ‘‘This room was rather bare till I was taken ill some time ago, and some friends of mine came here and fixed it up like this.”’ ‘Well, it’s a regular sweel joint now, an’ dat’s dead straight. I feel like I was a cat in a strange garret. It’s too fine fer me, Mr. Merriwell.’’ **Call me Frank; everybody calls me that. - We are frinds now, you know. You'll be all right here. And, by Jove, I have an idea! I’ve got a suit for you.’ ee “Wot’s dat?” ~ wl ‘A suit of clothes: I bought it for _ Jack‘as a birthday present. He is about _ your size. His birthday comes the last of the week, and Ismuggled the suit in here without letting him know it. I'll have time to get him another oue, and you shall have this one.”’ **Dat don’t go!’’ came resolutely from Bob. ‘‘Wot have I ever done dat you should do ay se like dat? It’s too much !”? But Frank was determined. He brought out ‘the suit, having closed the door between the two rooms. It was not an expensive suit, but it was neat and tasty. Bob looked it over admiringly. ‘“‘Wot wud I do in dem togs?’’ he said; ‘‘W’y, I’d- feel- so.- queer.-dat- 1 wouldn’t know wot ter do! ’Sides dat, I ain’t got no right ter take ’em. I can’t pay fer ’em.”’ “Tf I get you that position, you will be able to pay for them all right, and you know I can’t get the position for you unless you make a good appearance. ”’ **Will yer let me pay fer ’em ?”’ “Ves? *¢*Sure?” Yes’ e ‘Allright. Dll take ’em, an’ I'll pay fer ’em, if I gits der persition or not. I'll stay right here an’ save me coppers till I kin do it.”’ , 9o it was arranged that Bob should take a sponge bath behind the curtain .that was drawn across one corner of the room. Frauk brought warm water from the other room and got everything ready, and then Bob went behind the curatin and undressed... Merry went out into the . other room and told Jack to delay the — preparations for supper. Behind the curtain Bob gave himself such a scrubbing as he had not enjoyed before in many a long day, and then he” put on the new suit of clothes and came out. Frank had bought a complete outfit | for the lame boy, so Bob was able to Don’t You Want To Know A Fine Fellow? Clif Paraday, Ts One. ‘ So re ; 2 3 able. dress down to his shoes, He came out awkwardly, his face crimson. ‘‘Say, I can’t wear ’em!’’ he protested. ‘*Never had anything on like ’em before, ‘an’ I don’t feel well.’ ‘Oh, yon will get used to them,’’ smiled Merriwell, as he hastily made arrangements for taking a bath himself. ‘‘Wait a little while, and I will be with you.’’ ; While Frank was behind the curtain, Bob surveyed himself in a mirror. ‘‘Jimminy!’’? he muttered; ‘‘but I do look fine! Never knowed I was such a good lookin’ feller. Clothes has a heap to do with a chap’s ’pearance. I needs a hair cut. An’ me finger nails is ruder bum. Dot goil’s naiis is pink an’ clean an’ purty. If she kin keep her nails dat wa an’ she blind, Poughter be able ter look out fer mine w’en I kin see. Here’s a pair of shizzers. I t’ink I'll see wot I kin do wid mine,’ He sat down and went at work on his nails. The dirt was ground into the flesh beneath them, so that he could not clean them in a very satisfactory manner, but he clipped them down and made some general improvements. ‘‘Here’s where I turns dude!’’ he chuckled to himself, and he was pleased with the idea of being clean and respect- **Never had no chance before, an’ it didn’t seem ter make no difference how I looked. I bet some of me _ frien’s wouldn’t know me if dey was to see me now. Dis Frank Merriwell is a dandy! Ities ter him! An’ I’m goin’ ter pay him fer all dis stuff he has let me have, you bet!”’ Merry hurried, and he soon came out, dressing in some of the clothing left him from his extensive wardrobe of college days. He had looked as clean and re- _spectable before as a man could who worked on a railroad engine, but now uy * OUR PATRIOTIC PREMIUMS ARE ELEGANT—SEE PAGE 32, TIP TOP WEEKLY. 12 there was such a change in his appear- ance that the newsboy could scarcely be- lieve his eyes. ‘*Well,’’ said Bob, as Frank put on his collar and tie, ‘‘you is a reg’lar swell! Sure t’ing! How kin yer look like dat w’en you is a workin’ man?’’ “Even a workingman cau keep him- self clean and tidy, if he will,’’ said Frank. ‘‘Of course, he must give time and attention to it, but there is no reason why he should be sloveniy about his person because he has to work-with his hands.’’ ‘Well, I never knowed dat! Allus t’ought nobody could look swell same as you do now except der chaps wot had money ter burn, or worked on some kind of soft jobs where dey didn’t have ter git dirty.’ ‘“Many persons think that, hut they are wrong. It has cost me hours of extra labor to get myself groomed since I be- gan working on the railroad, but I think I have been well paid for the trouble.”’ **Dat’s right! W’y, you could go into der finest parlor in der city an’ look all tight!’ The boy’s admiration for Frank in- creased, and inwardly he resolved to imitate Merry as far as possible in the matter of cleanliness. Thus Frank was doing good by example. There was a knock on the door. “‘Are you ready for the feast ?’’ called the voice of little Jack. ‘“We’ll be ready in one minute,’”’ an- swered Frank. ‘SAll right. ready.”’ Come out when you are ~ ‘‘Say,’’? whispered Bob, hoarsely, ‘‘I ain’t jest up on all de lates’-table ettyket, so I may make some breaks at der table.’ ‘Don’t let that worry you, my. lad. Nobody will notice anything™ like that. 14 TIP TOP WEEKLY. We're not sticklers for little things. Come on.”’ He drew on his coat and took one last look at himself in the glass; then he led the way from the room, with Bob fol- lowing. CHAPTER VI. A PLEASANT SUPPER, The change in the appearance of the newsboy was so great that the young cook stared at him in astonishment, won- dering if it could be the same ragged, dirty appearing urchin that had accom- panied Merry into e at room a short time before. Frank noted this with satisfaction and laughed quietly to himself. The smell of coffee and broiled steak was strong in the room, and Bob sniffed the air as a war-horse is said to sniff the Z c smoke of battle. **Sit right down,’’ cried Jack, ‘Til pour your coffee in a minute.”’ “This is my friend Mr. Nutting, Jack,’’ said Frank. : “‘“Glad to meet you, Mr. Nutting,”’ declared the lame boy, as he grasped Bob’s hand. ‘I was too busy to stop for an introduction when you came in. We’renot putting on any style here, but I think you will find things taste oe well.’ “*Style!’? gasped Bob. ‘‘Say, dis is royal ’side of wot I’m used ter! Ginerally a cracker box is me table, an’—-—’’ He stopped short and capped one hand over his mouth with comical haste, look- ing up at Frank and whispering: “Dere I go! Tole yer I’d do it. Bound ter give myself away !”’ Frank laughed. “Don’t let that worry you,’’’ he said. TBs all right, my boy. We all of us know what it is to be hard up and run close to the wind.’’ ‘“It don’t look dat way from der road now.”’ They sat down to the table, and then little Nell bowed her head and asked a simple blessing. Bob held his breath till she had finished. . As soon as he could, he leaned over toward Frank, aud whig- pered; ‘‘Tole yer she was an angel! Can’t fool me!”’ Jack began his merry chatter, as he poured the coffee, which gave out a de- lightful odor. No one could have fancied that he was doomed to lameness all his life and knew it. **Y want you to make yourself at home, Mr. Nutting,’’ he said. ‘‘Frank will help you to things.”’ ‘“*Scuse me,’’ cut in Bob, as swiftly as possible. ‘‘I don’t wafit ter be imperlite ner nutting like dat, but I wisht you wouldn’t hitch no mister onter der front end of me name. All me frien’s, Chaun- cey Depew, John Jacob. Astor, Russel Sage, and der rest of der boys, dey allus calls me by me front name without put- tin’ mister to it, an’ I’s got so used ter it dat I don’t know who yer means w’en yer speaks some odder way. Me name is Bob. Jest call me Bob.’’ *‘T am willing,’’ smiled the laine boy; “but you must call me Jack. Frank’s friends all call me that.” *‘Dat goes,’’ nodded Bob, beginuing to fect easier. Pretty soon they were eating and chat- ting, and Bob felt better as the mane passed. ‘‘Dis reminds me of der last time I dined wid der Prince of Whales,’” said the newsboy. ‘‘Der prince he says ter me, says he, ‘Bob, I allus enjoys a little spread like dis in der serciety of choice people like yuse.’ Dat was dead perlite of him, but youse kin bet I warn’t ter be — left at der post. ‘Ole man,’ says I to. him, ee FARADAY Is A FOR TO Se SPANIARDS. _ aah amnptentts Pitas \ ; TIP TOP WEEKLY. 15 ‘yer do me proud, an’ I congratulate yer on gittin’ in wid choice people oncet in a while, for yer can’t be much stuck on der gang you has been runnin’ wid jately.’ Yer see, der prince an’ I was on ptitty easy terms. He took me ter court once.”’ Bob paused a moment there, and then added : ‘But der judge let me off widout no fine.” : This was a bit of wit that Frank could appreciate, and he laughed heartily, but the newsboy never cracked a, smile. ‘‘Well, we’re glad to know somebody that is acquainted with so many great persons, ain’t we, Nellie?’ asked Jack, jokingly. : The blind girl nodded and laughed. She understood that they were joking, but she did not offer to take any part in it. In the midst of this, Bob leaned) over toward Frank, with his mouth full of steak, and whispered: “P]l eat me hat if dis ain’t der best mieat Lever pnt inter me face! Never tought anyt'ing dat growed wid hoofs an’ hide on it cud be so good!”’ ‘It is good steak,’ said Merry, ‘‘and Jack knows just how to broil it over the coals.’’ *‘T should guess yes! If yer see dat I’m makin’ a pig of meself, jest hit me a t’um in der back. I’m liable ter fergit an’ try ter eat der dishes.’ Indeed, despite his efforts to eat slowly, the food tasted so good that Bob would bolt a mouthful occasionally. He felt like wading in and eating as fast as he could stuff himself, but he remembered that he had on new clothes, and was on his dignity, and so held himself in check. Never before in all his life had he tast- ed anything so good. He had looked in at the windows of big hotels and stylish READ “SHOW YOUR COLORS,” AND SEND FOR A BADGE OR BUTTON. - restaurants and seen fashionable people leisurely picking away at their food, and he had wondered how it was possible for them to eat so slowly of such good things. And he had wondered if the time would ever came when he would sit down at a handsome table, on which were fine dishes and silverware, and have a waiter bring him food, and slowly eat a part of what was brought, and end it all by lighting a fine cigar and smoking as if he had a clear title to the earth, More than once he had told himself that, if the time ever did come, he would not leave a part of the good food for the waiter to take away; he would clean everything up. Now it seemed to him that nothing he had ever seen served in a restaurant could bé asegood as the food he was eat- ing, and he was happy. Bob kept up his talk during the meal, and many of his conceits were humorous and witty. Frank studied the little fel- low, and he decided that the waif .of the streets was far removed from the ordinary run of newsboys. ‘There was something fascinating about the lad for Merriwell. ‘*Bob,’? said Frank, ‘‘I am going to make a big try to get you that place on the railroad. I believe you would bea hustler, and it would mean much for you to get snch a chance.’’ ‘“Tank yer, Frank,’’ said the urchin, calling Merry that for the first time. ‘‘You has been mighty good ter me, an’ I don’t fergit it in a hurry!”’ ‘‘Rrank is always good to everybody,’’ put in’ Nellie, quickly. ‘‘He, finds his | pleasure in helping people and doing — good te them.” | ‘‘Well, I never s’posed ‘dere was any- body like dat in der worl’, declared — Bob; ‘‘but I can see dere is now.” ‘‘You must get your hair cut to- morrow,’’ said Merriwell, ‘‘and I will be 16 able to let you know something by to- morrow night, I think.’’ Supper was finished, and they moved back from the table. Bob began to feel through his clothes, and then, of a sud- den, asked to be excused to look for something in the suit he had-discarded. He went into Frank’s room, and soon re- turned with a half-smoked cigarette in his fingers, **Dnuno’s you ’low sinokin’ in here,”’ he said, looking around. ~‘'*Well,’’ said Frank, ‘‘there is no one here who smokes.’’ ‘*Wot’s dat? Don’t yer smoke?’ ‘No. 9 ‘*Say, come off!’’ ‘‘Did you think I smoked ?”’ ‘Of course. ”’ ‘*Why of course ?”’ e.- ‘*VYou’s a reg’ler up-to-date-lookin’ chap now, an’ all up-to-date fellers smokes. ’’ ‘*Then I am not up to date,”’ **Didn’t yer never smoke?’ “Never. ’”? ‘‘Well, yer don’t know wot ye’ve missed, ’’ ‘‘T know what I have escaped, for I have seen what smoking cigarettes has done for many a fine fellow. ‘They are the worst things a lad can put into his, mouth.’’ Then Frank gave Bob a little ‘‘talk’’ on the evils of cigarette smoking, telling him just what caine of it in many cases. The street waif listened attentively. When Merry finished, Bob walked over - to the stove, lifted a lid, and dropped the cigarette into the fire. _ ; ‘‘Never t’ought anying aboutit,’’? he said, ‘‘but now I remember dat Billy Hecker uster spend all his money fer cigarettes, and he wasn’t able ter git all he wanted at dat. W’en he didn’t have _ *em he was crazy, an’ he took ter stealin’ TIP TOP WEEKLY. IF YOU LIKE copTp ‘TOP, " THEN YOU Wile ihe ‘CT RUE BLUE. ses so dat he cud buy ’em. Den he was pinched fer breakin’ inter a store, an’ dey sent him ter der House of Correction, where he’s gotter stay till he’s twenty- one. I guess cigarettes is bad, an’ I quits ’em cold fromm dis day.’’ ‘Good!’ cried Frank. ‘‘Stick to that, and you will not regret it.”’ “Oh, Pl stick,’? assured Bob. © ‘‘I never backs down ona t’iug w’en I has me mind made up.’’ — ss _CHAPTER VIL. THE SUPERINTENDENT’S PROMISE. Bob stayed there all night. He was awake bright and early in the morningt and he was ready to get up the moment Frank stirred. : “Couldn’t sleep more dan fifteen min- utes all las’ nigh frum t’inkin’ of dat job on der railroad,’’ he said. ‘‘Won’, dat beasnap! W’y, I'll own der train! It'll be dead loads of fun ridin’ roun’ wid dem swell guys.”? ‘‘Bob,’’ said Frank, ‘‘there is some- thing I want to speak to you abouts v? “Let her flicker.’’ **VYou use too much slang.’’ ‘*Wot’s dat? I don’t ketch on. If yer: watts ine ter tumble, ye’ll have ter wu it ter me straight. ”’ ‘“There you go. ‘Catch on,’ ‘tumble,’ _ and ‘give it to me straight’ are slang ex- pressions. You could have expressed yourself in better language.’’ ‘Is dat on der level? Wot cud I said?’’ “You should have said, ‘I do not understand, and if you wish me to under-— stand you must use language that I can comprehend! ”’ Bob gasped and eae to look ill. ‘Is dat wot I should said??? he faintly gurgled. ‘‘Jeewhiz!’’ 7 ‘If you are careful to avoid slang, you. | | ' i { Celtel \ TIP TOP WEEKLY. 17 will stand a better show of getting a job on the tailroad.”” ‘“An has I gotter spout der way youse did ter ketch der job? Den dat settles it! Der jig is up! I don’t git no job!”’ ‘“Why not?’’ “YT couldn’t talk dat way in a t’ousan’ yeats! I talk straight United States, I do, widout any monkey business. If 1 wauts ter tell a guy a t’ing, I gives it ter him right straight from der shoulder, an’ you bets yer boots he don’t have ter read der dictionary ter find out wot I means.”’ “But your language is not very choice, Bob, and they might think you would be offensive to some of the aristocratic people who travel on the road.’’ “Me language is der best I knows, fer I was raised w’ere dey talked dis way. You bet I ain’t a-doin’ it ter show off. I'd like ter spout der way youse can, but it ain’t no use fer me ter try.” ‘‘Mind, I am not objecting to all slang,’’ said Frank, quickly. ‘‘Occasion- ally there will be a slang word or expres- sion that seems to express one’s meaning better than straight English. Any amount of slang words. have crept into the Eng- lish language and become legitimate simply because they were far more ex- pressive than the words they supplanted.”’ ‘*Dere yer go!’’ cried Bob. ‘‘Now how is a feiler like me goin’ ter understan’ dat? I warn’t eddycated in no semeér- tary.’ . “You mean seminary, not cemetery.’’ “Well, mebbe dat’s it, I dunno. Yer can see dat it ain’t me fault dat I talks ‘slang. If dere was any way fer me ter git shut of it, you bet I’d do it.” ‘‘There is a way.”’ **How’s dat ?”’ : = : “Tf you get the position, you can go to an eyening school in the city and there you will learn to talk correctly.’’ ‘Say,’ came eagerly from the urchin, “REMEMBER THE MAINE!” ‘kin Ido dat? Dyer think I cud learn ter talk like youse do?”’ ‘Of course you can.’’ “Dat’s allright. [ll do anyt’ing yer says fer meter. I know I needs it, an’ Ill go ter school. If you says it ain’t right ter talk slang, I’ll try ter quit.”’ “Allright, my boy; that’s all anybody could ask.’’ Frank took a sponge bath and dressed in his working clothes. By the time he was dressed he found Bob in his old ragged suit. ‘Here, what does this mean?’ cried Merry. ‘‘Why didn’t you put on the suit I furnished you?’ ‘“CWot? Wear dat suit ev’ry day? Say, d’yer t’ink I’m daffy! I ain’t no million- aire!’’ ‘‘But you will wear good clothes every day after you get the job on the train.”’ “It'll be time enough w’en I gits it. I’m goin’ ter sell poipers on der street ter-day, an’ I wouldn’t look much like a poiper boy in dat swell rig.’’ ‘All right,’ laughed Merry; ‘‘you can have your way about thiat.’’ Little Jack had heard them talking, and he was hustling around in the next room, getting breakfast ready. Bob was surprised to find Nellie up also. Frank and Bob left the house together, and the newsboy promised to be on hand when Merriwell returned at night. Of course the engineer could not see the superintendent so early in the motn- ing, and he had decided to apply direct to Mr. Eaton in Bob’s behalf, for it was through the superintendent that he had been advanced to the position of engineer. Frank’s work on the engine was prov- ing so satisfactory that even the train_ inaster, Henry Cobb, was unable to dis- cover anything about which he could coinplain, although he disliked Merri- WEAR A “MAINE” BUTTON. ain. nies : Pee — ama 5 ‘eeustiinaiede . ciples, Coe anaes - PR SREY EIR HEIN ag 18 TIP TOP WEEKLY. well, who had been retained and advanced after being discharged by him. That night, when Frank returned to the city he sought an interview with Kmery Eaton. tendent was not particularly busy just then, and so he was willing to see one of the road’s engineer’s, Fortunately the superin- Frank spoke with the utmost respect as he stood before the superintendent, but he saw at a glance that Mr. Haton ex- ‘pected hii to make some kind of a com- plaint. The chief official betrayed this by lis first question: “Well, Merriwell, what is the matter now ?’? , “Nothing at all, sir. I came to you to ask-a favor. I believe I have never asked a favor of the road.’’ Mr. Eaton scowled a little for, even in his judgment, this youthful engineer had been used astonishingly well by the com- pany, and he immediatly inferred that the treatinent had given the youth a ease of ‘‘swelled head,’’ which had led him to expect still further favors, for himself. ‘‘What is it?’ he shortly demanded. ‘(I have a young friend who is a news- boy, and I would like to get him onto one of the trains to sell periodicals and books. If there is an opening for a bay, I should consider it a aoene favor irom the road to take him on. The superintendent’s face cieaeea im- mediately. ‘Is that it? Well, I don’t know any- thing about the newsboys on the trains, so I can’t tell whether there is a place or not. Of course your young friend is smart and capable ?”’ R ‘*He is a hustler.’ ‘*Polite and gentlemanly ?”’ Frank hesitated a bit, and then qui said: ‘‘T do not believe any passenger will ever find fault with him on that score. ~word. He hasn’t had the education, advantages of an but I believe he will have enough natural politeness to make a good appearance.’’ ‘Well him. If you do not hear anything from ine you’ll know there is no chance for him. Of course you understand there are scores of applicants for such places on the trains. Good-day.” , 1’ll see what can be done for Frank knew he was dismissed, and he retired from the office with a feeling of disappointment, for he doubted if the superintendent would ever think of the matter again. Bob was waiting for him, but he did not have a single paper left on his hands. **Never done such a rushin’ business in all me life,’? declared the urchin. ‘‘Dis has been a great day. Did yer git me dat job?’ ‘You must not be so impatient,’’ said Frank. ‘‘I have done whatIcould. I saw the superintendent about it.’’ ‘*Wot did he say ?”’ ‘“Promised.to see what could be done.”’ ‘*W’en will he see?’ **T don’t know that.”’ Bob was disappointed, ‘*Dat’s too had! I was hopin’ have dér t’ing all fixed. All der saime, I t’ank yer fer wot you has dane. You has been mighty good ter me.”’ “‘Oh, that’s all right, my boy, Iam glad of the chance to give you a lift, if I can. Come on, we’ll go home.”’ The boy drew back, ‘‘Dat ain’t me hoime,’’ he said; too much.’’ Frank took him by the collar. “Look here, you young rebel,’’? he said, ‘‘you must obey your commanding officer, so come along without another while.’ CLIF FARADAY IS THE HERO OF THE “TRUE BLUE” STORIES. you'd 6a? J j ain’t got)no right ter impose on yer. It’s ae going t to look after you for a Jeera - | ‘*I’m modest,’’ grinned Bob; ‘‘but I kinder guess dat I kin put me modesty under cover fer a while long ernough fer mie ter tell dat high mogul wot I wants.”’ ‘That will be all right.’? ““Cert! He was eager ter do sumpn fer me, an’ I rudder guesses he’ll have a chance.”’ of : ‘That will be business. ’’ | “Sure t’ing, an’ we has ter business.’ : ‘*It was a great streak of luck for you, my boy.”’ ‘‘Don’t sp’ose he will go back on wot he said, does yer?’’ “Tf he does, he will have a very poor sense of gratitude. You must accept his invitation and call on him.”’ **You bet!”? | Sa - **To-morrow you must go to his office.”’ BES 7 ‘‘Mebbe I can’t git in.”’ ee oe “T thought of that. You must send in |) -your naine. If he will not see you, then as I'll visit him myself and tell him who it te was that saved his little girl from the a ae dog. ‘That ought to bring him to time all right.” = They returned home in good spirits | ._ that night. Frank was rather proud of Jiis | --—s protege, for Bob had shown that he was made of the right kind of stuff. *tend ter .. TIP’ TOP WEEKLY. e ~*~ BE PATRIOTIC—WEAR A BUTTON. 23 Of course Jack and Nellie were told of the adventure and of Bob’s heroic act, and they expressed their admiration and pleasure. ‘‘Oh, dat warn’t nutting,’’ declared the newsboy, with a wave of one hand. ‘“Tf ye’d seen me w’en I saved der Em- peror Willyum frum der fierce an’ ragin’ Bengawl tiger you might have t’ouglit it was a trick ter make a fuss over. Dat was on me tower round der worl’. I met der emperor in Injy, an’ we chummed round tergether. One day w’en we was walkin’ along der main street of Hong- kong——’’ ‘That isn’t in India,’’ said Jack, quickly. ‘‘That is in China.”’ Bob gave him a withering glance. ‘““Wait a minute!’ he said, loftily. ‘‘Was you ever dere?” ‘*No, but——’’ ‘*Dat settles it.’’ ‘The map says—— ‘‘Don’t care a rap bout no maps. Dis Hongkong wot I speaks erbout is a city ‘in Injy. Well, as I was sayin’, me an’ der emperer was walkin’ ’long der street, chattin’ away socerable like. He was jest askin’.me fer a light from me perfecto w’en, all of a suddint, dere was der awful- lest roar, an’ one of dem man-eatin’ Ben-/ gawl tigers wot had strayed inter der city jumped on der emperer’s back and knocked him flatter dan a mashed per- tater. Den dat tiger grabs him by der shoulder wid his teeth and flings der em- peret acrost his back an’ starts ter waltz_ off wid him. Dat was w’ere I got in me fancy work.”’ ”? The young prevaricator paused in his narrative and stared up at the ceiling with a reflective air, while Frank smiling- ly waited for him to complete his little romance. ‘What did you do?’’ asked Jack, un- able to keep still. — *‘Oh,’’ said Bob, carelessly, ‘‘I jest grabbed der tiger by der tail an’ give ita twist dat inade liim squeaP*and drop der eviperer instanter.’’ ‘*But didn’t the tiger liurt you ?”’ “Wot, me? Hurt me? Wy, did youse ever look me square in der eye w’en I was feelin’ real cross? Never did? Den yer can’t ’preciate der feelin’s of dat tiger jest den. I was real cross, an’ I looked hard at de tiger. It was too much fer him. He couldn’t stan’ er pressure, so he jest put his tail ’tween his legs an’ sneaked away as qtick as he cud. Der emperer didn’t happen ter be hurt much, an’ he got up an’ shook han’s wid mie, an’ he offered ter make ine a dook, or a tajah, or somethin’ of der sort.- I tole him I was jest a straight Yankee, an’ I didn’t care a rap fer any- of dem titles.”’ “You want to be careful not to spin any of those fairy stories when you call -on Mr. Eaton to-inorrow,’’ siniled Frank ‘‘Rairy stories!’’ sighed Bob. ‘‘Well, dat simply goes ter show how a feller’s own frien’s will t’row him down.’’ Then he relapsed into silence for as nnuch as a minute. The boy’s teal object in telling this yarn was to turn the subject, for “he did not like to be openly regarded as a hero. Frank gave Bob full instructions: as to how he should act if he was able to see Mr. Eaton, and the lad promised to. fol- low the directions faithfully. \ It was not far from noon the following day that, dressed in his best and ‘“spruced’’ up generally, Bob applied for adinission to the office of the superin- tendent of the Blue Mountain Railroad. The man at the door looked him over in a supercillious manner and demanded to kuow his business. - Me business is wid Mr. Eaton,’’ said the boy, flushing, ‘‘Well, Mr. Eaton has no time to waste on kids.’’ That aroused the lad. _ “Say, you is pritty fresh ter call folks kids! Dat don’t g6 wid me! I t’ink I'll report yer ter Mr. Eaton.”’ ‘Go on away from here now!’’ ex- claimed the man, angrily. ‘“‘You are a stspicious-looking young rascal, and IH HAVE YOU MET TIP TOP WEEKLY. Oo have you arrested if. you hang around here. ”” “Tf yer has ine arrested, it’ll be der sorriest t’ing wot yer ever did. I has a *pointurent wid Mr. Katon, an’ I’ll eat me hat if I don’t see him!”’ The man looked as if he longed to take Bob by the collar and give hin a shaking. “You are lying!’ he said. haven’t any appointment with Mr. Eaton. ’’ ‘*Dat’s more fer me ter report,’’ came calinly from Bob. ‘‘If yer keeps dis up, ye’ll be lookin’ fer a new job ter-mmorrer.”’ ‘“‘T swear I never saw such an insolent young rascal!’’ exploded the exasperated man. “‘If you don’t go away——”’ “Tf you don’t take me name in ter Mr. Eaton, I’ll stay right here till he comes out.’? “TY tell you Mr. Eaton is busy.’’ ‘Well, take name mein, an’ I’. wait till he gits over lisrush an’ wants ter see me. Dat’s all I ask of youse.”’ ‘““What is your nanie?’’ “Bob. Mebbe ye’d better say it’s Bob Nutting. Jest say he saw me in front of Carleton’s store last night.’’ Still the man hesitated. **Go on!’ cried the boy. “Dat's der only way yer kin git rid of me. Reluctantly t the man entered ae office, carefully closing the door behind him. In less than a minute the man came out, and his manner had undergone an entire change. Bowing politely, he said; ‘“Mr. Haton will see Mr. Nutting at. once. Walk right in, sir.’’ “Didn't I tole yer!” inutinured Bob, | as he strutted into the office. But he re- lieved the attendant’s feelings by adding: “‘Don’t worry; I won’t say a word on der way yer used me. I'll fergit dat.”’ Mr. Eaton rose to his feet as Bob ap- proached his desk. He smiled and held out his hand. “‘T am glad to see you, heartily exclaimed. to spare. Won’t you sit down? I want to thank you again for your brave and noble act last night. oe Bob shook hands with the man, and then, with all the politeness he could i command, he said: | fas CLIF FARADAY? — ‘*Vou. my boy!’ he.» ‘‘You called at just the right time, for I have some moments Ca ‘iil 2. ‘CMank yer fer tivitin’ me ter set down, sit, but ye’re standim’ yerself.”’ The superintendent sat dawn, and Bob followed hits example. ‘(My httle girl,’’ said Mr. Raton, ‘“‘is the apple of iy eye, and it would have crazed me if that dog had bitten her.”’ “He might not toticlhed. her at all, but, den, yer can’t tell "bout dat. Yer tole me dat if I wanted a favor F was ter call on yer, an” dat’s w’y I’m here. I have foun’ dat I do want a favor, an’ you ‘ys jest der one dat kin do it fer me.’ ‘‘What do you want?” asked the super- intendent. ‘‘I am listeming.”’ CHAPTER X. MERRIWELL AS A MASCOT. Now Bob was embarrassed, and he be- trayed it. The very fact that he was not too bold in asking the favor made a good impression on Mr. Eaton. “Speak right wp, my lad,” said the superintendent. ‘Your request will be considered, whatever it is, and, if it is not unreasonable, I shall do my best to _ grant it.” Thus encouraged, the waif cleared his throat and said: ‘*Ver see, it’s dis way, sir, I’ve been wantin’ a job on dis railroad fer some time. ”’ “Ts that it? What kind ofa job? You are a mere boy, and there are not many positions you can fill.”’ “I tink T kiw fill der one I wants all right.” ‘“*What is it ?”” **Me friend, Mr. Merrrwell, spoke ter yer about it.’” : “‘Mr. Merriwell ?” **Ves, sir. ”” ‘The engineer ?”’ *“*Dat’s him. ”” “Yes, yes; I remember. Are you the boy who wants a place as meen on one ‘of our trams?” i - Sure ting.” Mr. Eaton’s face cere: It was plain he had feared that Bob would make some unreasonable demand. Well, well!’ tre exclaimed, pleasant- dy; “this is rather singular. at _ Wheat you want to see me about?” And is that TIP TOP WEEKLY. employee, GET é COLLECTION ” WAR BADGES AND BUTTONS. 23 “*Dat’s ##.” ‘‘Have you ever had any experience in that kind of work?” ‘*I’ve sold poipers on der street ever sence I was big enough ter lug ’em..”’ ‘*But never on a train ?”’ “*No, sir.”’ ‘“There is a difference. Anybody can sell on the streets, but the agent on thie trains must be polite and obliging.” ‘*Well, wot’s der matter wid me? I t?ink I kin be as perlite as dey make em. Anyhow, I kin try.” ‘That is a good spirit,’” nodded Mr. Eaton. ‘*‘You are willing to try. Well, now, I promised that I would do uty best for you, and I will. I think I can get yeu a place’on one of the traims.”’ Bob looked happy. > “"Mank yer! Ie cried. ‘‘¥ don’t ber- lieve yow ll wish yer hadn’t if yer does dat.” ‘‘T hope not, but ‘you understand that this will be a position of responsrbility. You must be on hand every day at a cer- tain hour, the sanre as any otler railroad for trains wait for nobody. You will find it is not a case of play, but is business. At first it may seem like fun, but the novelty will wear off after a time, and then it will be like other work.”’ ““T expects dat, sir.” ‘‘In the matter of politemess you must be especially particular, Yow will find some passengers who are ill-natured and disagreeable, but you are always to keep your own temper and remaim just as polite as possible. If you do mot, some time there will be a complaint against you. Politeness is what we demand of all our employees. ’’ ‘“‘} Pinks I wnderstan’, sir. Hf I feels like tellin’ some guy ter go jump off der ert” I must keep it bottled up insider me _ an’ smile at him as sweet as new milk.’ “That isit, only you must not snmile im a manner that he cam possibly fancy insulting.’’ “Dats sallright. Ill be abet as er clam. How will dis do?” Then Bob smiled im his pleasantest manner, and it was really effective. Mr. Eaton laughed outright, his fat sides shaking. “TY think you understand what is 24 TIP TOP WEEKLY. needed,’’ he said. ‘‘I believe you will do all right.”’ ‘‘Den I gits der job?”’ **Come see me to-morrow at two o’clock in the afternoon and I will answer that question.’’ “AL “right, sit; here.’’ Bob was wise enough to know that the superintendent’s time was valuable, so he bade Mr. Eaton good-day and left the office. The little fellow was in high spirits whien the office door closed behind him, and he could not refrain from saying something to the now obsequious attend- ant, ‘‘Der next time a gent like fhe comes an’ wants ter see der superiiitendent,’’ he loftily observed, ‘‘jest you take his namie in instanter, fer he may give yer der shinkey-dink if yer monkeys wid him der way yer did wid me.”’ This was more than the man expected, aud he gasped for breath, seeming unable to find words to express himself. ‘‘Oh, yer needn’t ’polergize,’’ chirped Bob, airily. ‘‘If I gits der persition of head slasher on der railroad wot der superintendent has promised me I’ll let yer hold dis job jest der same. Dat shows me generosity. I’ll be round ter-morrer, as I has a date wid Mr. Eaton. Have der door wide open fer me at two P. M. Ta, x «ieee “ Then he walked away with great dig- nity, leaving the doorman still gasping. When Frank came home that night he found Bob entertaining Jack and Nellie with more ‘‘fairy stories.’ He was telling about an original plan of his to be shot to. the North Pole rong a cannon. Z “‘Of course,”’ he was saying, yer kin bet I’ll_ be “Tve got der scheme patented all right, all. right; but dere is trouble erbout findin’ der right kin of powder ter do der job.”’ ‘*How would fly powder do??? asked _ Frank, laughing. That seemed to be a crusher & the boy. He gave Merry a resentful look. “T don’t like dat,’’ he muttered. “It’s -areg’ler killer.”’ Nellie greeted Frank as ; tisual, but she , said: “This is the first time since we have been rooming here together that I have not heard you when you came up the stairs. To-night I was so interested in what Bob was telling that I did not hear your steps.’’ ‘‘Bob must be an ingenious fabricator to interest vou to such an extent in I»is fish stories,’’ said Merry. Then he asked the boy if he had seen Mr. Eaton, and Bob brightened up in- stantly. **See him!” he etied. ‘‘Well, I should cough! Himan’ me had a right jolly chat dis mornin’.”” ‘“Tell me about it before I change my clothes,’’ urged the young engineer. Bob did so in his own peculiar manner, and Frank nodded his satisfaction. ‘I believe you will get the position,’’ he said. ‘*You have had great luck, iny boy.”’ 7 ‘‘Dat’s right,’’? admitted the newsboy ; “but it’s bin sence I met youse. Sees like youse give me all der luck I’ve had.”’ ‘*He gives everybody luck,’’ declared Jack. ‘‘We never got along so well before we inet him. Why, we’ve got almost enough money saved to have the opera- ‘tion performed on Nellie’s eyes, and we did not have but a little when we met him.’ ” And the poor old man in the back room,’’? put in Nellie. ‘‘Why he was broken down and hopeless, without a friend in the world, when Frank rapped on his door one night and asked him in here tosupper, and now, directly through Frank, his daughter has been restored to him, so that he is happy and satisfied.’’ ‘‘T guess dat Frank is a mascot,’’ said Bob, soberly. ‘‘An’ he has luck, too. Some day he’ll be preserdent of dat rail- road. If he ain’t, I’ll eat my hat!”’ ‘*Well,”’ smiled Merry, ‘‘I hope you will not be forced to make a meal off. your hat, but Iam afraid you will, if you keep your word. From engine wiper to 7 president of the road would be a jump.’ ‘“No,’’ said Nellie, ‘‘not a jump, Frank. Once you told me that you were on the ladder of life, and you meant to work your way upward step by step. You are doing it. You have mounted swiftly ee so far, and it would be no more wonderin +e ee YOUR CHUMS ABOUT ‘TRUE BLUE.”? pantie for you to become president now than it has been for you to advanice so rapidly to your present position.” ‘**Perhaps you are right. hope’ you are. All the next day Frank kept’ thinking of his young protege, and he was anxious to get home and learn what Mr. Eaton had done for him, if anything. Bob inet him at the door, his face glow- ing. ‘‘Say,’’ he cried, dis is great! Guess wot.”’ **Give it up. job?” ‘Sure t?ing!”’ Anyhow, I Tell me quick! Got the nodded the urchin. “An he ain’t doneat’ing but put me on your train, der Mount’n Express!’’ CHAPTER XI. FOUND BY HIS ENEMIES. The following day Bob began his new work on the railroad. It was necessary for him to make arrangement with the American News Company for them to supply him with the books, papers and magazines he wanted, but that part of the business was easily arranged, and he was ready to start when the Mountain Express pulled out. The boy’s feeling of elation was great, for it seemed to him that the opportunity of his life had come at last, and he was determined to make the most of it. He kept constantly in his mind the advice he had received about being polite. ‘*Morning poipers,’’ he called, as he passed through the train with his bundle. ‘*All der morning poipers.”? His eyes were wide open, and he turned them from face to face inquiringly, deter- one of itis supply. os an’. I can’t help it. se AG) mined not to miss a possible customer. ‘‘Have a poiper, sir?’’ he asked, as an old gentleman who was seated beside a pretty girl looked up. ‘‘What’s a ‘poiper?? ’’ asked the pas- senger, rather crustily. “Dis i 1S, sir,’? and Bob held forward ‘It’s de Joinal.”’ ;, Why don’t you say paper, not ‘poiper,’ and Journal, instead of ‘Joinal? ”’ ‘Well, sir, dat’s me way of speakin’, I was borned dat TIP TOP WEEKLY. ‘SHOW YOUR COLORS—GET ONE OF OUR FREE BADGES. 25 ‘‘VYou should be in school, not here. Why aren’t you in scliool ?”’ ‘“‘Because I has ter make me livin’, sir. W’en a feller has ter hustle he don’t git no time ter go ter school.”’ “But your father should send you to school.’’ ‘“Me fader is dead.”’ ‘“Your mother——”’ ‘*T don’t remember her. had none.”’ ‘‘Well, you should be taken care of and sent to school. It’s criminal for a railroad like this to permit you to work on one of its trains. Ithink Ill see aboutit. I think I’]] make a complaint.’’ Bob was frightened. ‘Oh, don’t do dat, ‘‘Please don’t do dat! Just commenced on dis job dis mornin’, an’ it’s de chance of me life ter git erlong: Never had no chance before, an’ I has lived in dex gut- ter. Now, if youse makes a complaint, mebbe Ill git fired an’ have ter go back ter der streets.’’ His distress was genuine, pretty girl looked sympathetic. ‘‘But you should be taken care of and sent to school.’ ‘*1’'m goin’ ter school, sir. Frank Mer- 1iwell is goin’ ter send me ter school.”’ A young, insipid-looking man in a seat forward started and turned round. Then he listened. ‘‘Who is Frank Merriwell?”” asked the old gentleman. ‘*He is der best frien’ I ever had,’’ de- clared Bob, earnestly. ‘‘He foun’ me on der streets, an’ he helped get me dis place on der railroad.”’ “Then he must have some influence here, ”’ ‘**Dat’s right.’ ‘‘How is he connected with road ?”’ ‘‘He is one of dem engineers.’’ The young man in advance looked as- tounded and still more interested. He continued to listen eagerly. ‘One of the engineers?’ said the old gentleman. ‘‘I can undeistand why he should get you a place to work instead of encouraging you to go to school. It is likely he thinks schooling of no real prac- tical value.”’ Guess I never sit!?*? he eried. and the the rail- 26 TiP TOP WEEKLY. “Well, I guess not! He’s goin’ ter have me go ter night school. W’y, he’s a college feller hisself!” “Indeed! What college?’’ i vale. ‘‘My!? exclaimed the girl, ‘‘can it be the Mr. Merriwell who was full-back on the Yale football team. You kuow, papa, when we saw the Yale and Harvard game last year you said he was the best full back that ever punted a footbail.”’ ‘That can’t be the fellow!’ ‘‘Guess dat’s der one,’’ laugled Bob. ‘‘Heé was dere den, an’ he’s a top-notcher at anyt’ing le does.’’ ‘Well, I declare!’ smurmured the old gentleman. ‘‘And he is a engineer now ? What achange! I wonder how it hap- pened.”’ “Well, he lost his fortune. He was beat out of it by a crooked ole reprobate dat oughter be hung, an’ he had ter go ter work. Dat’s jest how it happened.’’ The young man-in advance stirred un- easily. “Too bad!’ cried the girk ‘And he was such a handsome, manly fellow—so different from the ordinary ‘worthless young man.’’ She looked straight at the young man ahiead. ; ““Dat’s wot he is!’’ cried Bob, with en- thusiasin. ‘*He’s all right! ae he’s der engineer on dis very train.’ The young guan who was listening nearly jumped out of his seat. ‘** Al] this is quite surprising,’’ said the old gentleman. ‘‘You have interested me very much. If you have such a young man fora friend I think you will get along all right. Youwneed not worry. I shall not bother you. I will buy a paper.’’ ‘*Which one, sir?’’ ‘‘Any one will do. Here is a quarter. Never mind the change. enough of your time to come to that.”’ “Have you books and magazines ?”’ asked the girl. ‘‘Ves, I has dem wid ine stuff in ae sinoker.”” ‘Tl will buy something of you when you bring them along.”’ “All right, miss, t’ank yer. youse, too, sir.’ T’ank ‘well, I have used up SPLENDID ADVENTURES iN ‘PRUE BLUE.’ v The old gentleman bowed and Bob> passed on. The young man who had been listen- ing was talking excitedly to a fat nan at his side. “‘T tell yer, governor,’’ he was saying, ‘‘T heard the boy say so. Qu this very train, too!’’ ‘*Tnipossible !”’ “Why, it can’t be!’ ‘‘Here is the boy. Ask him.’’ So Bob was stopped and the fat man growled: ‘‘What’s ing??? **T duno, sir.’’ ‘‘About a fellow called Frank Merri- I mean. Did you say he was the engineer on this train ?”? ‘“Dat’s wot I did, sir.’ “Ts he a young man?”’ “Yés,.sit.*” ‘“No beard ?”’ *“No, siz.” ‘‘Dark brown hair and eyes?”’ “Sure t’ing.”” ‘It is the fellow, governor!’’ put in the youth. ‘‘Hang it! it can’t be! I'd known it before. Jam the heaviest stockholder in the road. I should have been informed.’ ‘‘No one would bother to tell you about an engineer you were not supposed to kuow, gov." ““T won’t believe it till I know. At the very next stop you imust go ahead to the engine and find out.”’ A tight, goy.’’ ‘If that fellow is working on this road, VH—W'll have him discharged!’ ‘(Of course you will!’’ This was very interesting to Bob. As they stopped talking he invited them to buy a paper. ‘No!’ snarled the older man. “Go on with your stuff! Don’t bother us.”’ Without a word in reply, Bob went on. The boy was thinking. He had heard Frank’s story from little Nell, and it did not take him long to atrive at a conclu- sion. “I’ve done der. wust Ping fer Frank dat I cud do,’’ he decided. ‘‘Dat fat man this I hear you’ve been tell- ‘nus’ be der very enemy wut robbed him | of his fortune.. Nellie said dat man was . gurgled the fat man. | os you suppose I want of your books!’’ might interest aun: i TIP TOP WEEKLY. 27 one of de owners of dis road. I oughter have me head punched fer talkin’ so much !”? It made him feel ill to think of what he had done. Still, he sold out his supply of papers ina short time, and then he went to the smoker. The express made a brief stop while he was getting his next lot of stuff together. With books and magazines he went through the train again. He reached the fat man just after the youth sat down. ‘“Well, Dyke,’’ said the man, ‘‘what did you learn a r “Tt is the fellow,’’ was the answer. ‘*Rrank Merriwell is running the engine on this train!” CHAPTER XII. DEFEATING THEMSELVES. **Tt’s dem!’ decided Bob. ‘‘I’ve done der job dis time an’ I oughter be t’umped fer it!’ ‘“This beats anything I ever heard of!’ savagely growled the fat man. ‘‘Why, he had a nerve to get work right here on this road!”’ f ‘““That’s what, gov.,’’ nodded thie youth. ‘‘Oh, he’s a case, that fellow is! But you must keep your word and have him discharged,”’ By that tite Bob was seadine beside them. ‘““Have a book, sir?’? he said to the fat man. ‘‘Here’s one dat might interest yer. Der title is, ‘Der Social Highway- man,’ an’ it tells ‘all erbout a man in good sersciety dat beat an’ robbed folks. I ’spects dere’s lots jest like him.’ The man paid no attention to Bob. **Here’s anodder,’’ the boy went on. *“Tt’s called, ‘From a Mansun ter a Prison Cell,’ an’ it’s der story of a man wot jived in grand style by cheatin’ an’ de- fraudin’ peoples; but he was ketched at last, an’ den he went ter prison, samé as all cheats an’ beats gits ketched.”’ “Go on!’ snarled the man. ‘‘What do i ey ‘Scouse me,’’? said Bob, politely. “Readin’ is good ter pass erway der time. Now here is Thott Shalt Not Steal.’ Dat ae ‘Tf you bother me any more, 171] make a complaint against you!’? ‘*T begs yer pardon.”’ Bob passed on. Stopping to show his books and maga- zines to the girl who had asked for them, he heard the fat man and his son talking. ‘‘Dyke,’’ said the elder, ‘‘I want to begin by inaking a complaint against this fellow. At the next stop you inust go for- ward and insist on riding in the cab of his engine.”’ ‘““T don’t believe he’ll let me do it, gov.” “That's it. If he refuses, attempt to force your way on.’ ‘*He’ll throw nie off,’? **T hope so.”’ “What?” ‘*Then I would state how my son was insulted and assaulted by this engineer, . and demand his immediate removal.’’ It was plain Dyke did not relish the ob.’ ‘That fellow doesn’t handle anybody gently,’ he said. ‘Tf you can show some marks on you after the affair is over, that will be all the better. ‘*You may think so, but I do not.”’ “But you must do what I say.”? ‘“Why don’t you go up and let him throw you off, gov. ?’” ‘*T ain too heavy. You must do this.”’ ‘If you say must, governor, I'll try it, but I d@ not faney it.”’ Bob had not missed a word of this, and so it happened that he was one of the first to step off when the express stopped “next time. Hastening forward to the engine, the boy quickly told Frank his story. ‘It’s a dead shame dat I give yer erway like dat,’’ he said, sorrowfully. ‘Don’t let that worry you,’’ said Merry. ‘‘Forewarned is forearmed. ‘‘I’l] be ‘ready for Mr. Dyke Conrad.”’ At that moment Dyke was seen advanc- ing toward the engine. His face was pale aud he seemed to be hesitating. ‘Frank stepped down to the platform and stood by the step. Dyke came up, and, without a word, tried to push Merry aside and get on the engine, RALLY ROUND oe FLAG—WEAR A FLAG PIN. a TIP TOP WEEKLY. ‘*T beg your pardon,’’ said Frank, quietly. ‘‘Have you a permit to go on there ?”’ **Get out!’ snapped Dyke. ‘‘My father is one of the owners of the road, and I can-go where I wish.”’ ‘You cannot-get onto my engine with- out a signed permit from tlie proper authority.”’ **T will get on!”’ . Frank barred the way, but did not lif a hand. ‘*Tt is impossible. ’’ ‘*Get out, or PI——”’ Dyke lifted his clinched hand. **T do not think you will.’’ Frank spoke even more quietly than usual. He made no move, but looked his enemy straight in the eyes. Dyke had encountered Merry twice in his life, and he really had 10 desire to make it three times. His hand fell. Just then Darius Conrad, the fat man, caine puffing up and caught hold of his son, saying: ‘*My boy, has he insulted: you ?”’ ‘Of course he has!’’ cried Dyke. ‘‘He won’t let me get on this engine.”’ ‘‘Which is perfectly proper,’’ said a white-bearded man, who, with two friends, had witnessed everything. ‘‘Mr. Conrad, I ain sorry to say it, but your son insulted the engineer, and should offer an apology, while the engineer was a per- fect gentleman. ”’ . “Mr. Thurlow!’’ gurgled Dafits. ‘(The president of the road!’’ gasped Dyke. And Bob, the newsboy, catching onto the situation, hugged himself with glee. % The president came forward and spoke to Frank. *‘Voung man,’’ he said, ‘‘always stand by your orders and your duty like that and you will be all right. I was looking you over just now because I have heard you are very young, and I wondered if you were qualified for the responsible position you hold. Somehow, since what just happened, Iam led to believe you are.’? Frank bowed and thanked him. In an aside, Darius Conrad hissed at his dutiful son: ‘You fool! You spoiled the whole business! Didn’t you see Thurlow ?”’ ‘*No,’’ said Dyke, sullenly. ‘‘I did as you told me, and I don’t stand being called a fool.”’ Then he walked back toward his car. Darius Conrad tried to smooth it. over, . but the president again told him Dyke was to blame. Then came the cry: **1Al aboard !”’ A few moments later the express was on its way, and it bore two utterly dis- comfited and disgusted persons, Darius Conrad and his son. But Frank Merriwell well knew he had not seen the last of his enemies. © (THE END. ] eee a 4 The next number (127) of the Tip Top Weekly will contain ‘‘Frank Merriwell On Strike; or, Saving the Enemy’s Property,’’ by the author of Frank Mer- riwell.’’ De te a ke A Santiago: TIP TOP WEEKLY, a9 Tip TOPWEEKLY. “AN IDEAL PUBLICATION FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH ” NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 10, 1898, Terms to Tip Top Weekly Mail Subscribers. (PosTaan FRER,) $8 months - - - - - - - 65c.| One year sie - = = = $2.50 4 months - - -.° - §85c. | 2 copies One year - - = 4,00 6months - - - - - - ~- $1.25} 1 copy twoyears - - - - 4.00 How Tro SEND Monity.—By post office or express money order registered letter, bank check or drift, at our risk. At your own risk if sent by postal note, currency, coin, or postage Stamps in ordinary letter. Rucuiprs.— Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper change of number on your label. Ifnotcorrect you have not been properly credited, and should let us know at once. To CLuR RaisEens.—Upon request we will send sample copies to aid you in obtaining subscribers. Z All letters should be addressed to STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY, e $1 Fulton St., New York City. PRPPPPPPPP PAL AD A lA LPP AP el el AP Dl el et ‘“SOUFFY,’’? THE-AMERICAN WAR DOG. There was once upon a time an English called ‘‘Mustapha,’’ who followed his regiment into action at the battle of Fontenoy. So remark- ably sagacious was this animal that he ‘‘remained alone by a field piece after the death of the gun- net, his master, clapped the match to the touch- hole of the cannon, and thus killed seventy sol- _ diers.’’ This statement is put in inverted commas, to emphasize the fact that itis an historical quo- tation. Perhaps those faithful seventy wrote it themselves, just to show they did not commit sui- cide. Anyway, about ‘‘Snuffy,’? whois a real dog. He first saw servic@in Idaho, where he was at- tached to the 7th Cavalry. When the regiment was ordered to Texas, he did not like the idea. He has done sentry duty and barked with a will at the heels of marauding’Indian braves, but he drew the line, somehow, at Texas. So he deserted. This act of misconduct and breach of discipline dwelt upon his mind. It made him feel as he did when he had the distemper; he felt as though he had got something lodged in his chest all the time and could not get rid of it anyhow. So he joined the 7th Cavalry’s successors, the 13th Infantry, and became the special pet of Company D. Afterward he went with the company to Gov- ernor’s Island, but he was nearly done out of the Cuban campaign. Plans were laid to leave him be- hind, but he laid plans to march. When the bag- gage wagons were loaded, he got in among the stores. As soon as the regiment was well on its way down south, out came ‘‘Snuffy,’’ and Com- — pany D took him along. - ee Now he is alternating sentry duty for signs of the Spanish fleet with sharpening his teeth and practicing his grip on indiscriminate objects, in the hope of finding a Spanish butcher from Cuba out alone and unprotected, somewhere round So should such a chance occur it is be- lieved he will not disgrace the colors of his regi- ment. > es ses i £ i terrier ~ PO YOU WANT A FLAG’BUTTON OR PIN? Correspondence, Gold, Cambridge, Mass.—One, three, five, ten aud twenty. G. A. McD., Philadelphia, Pa.—Read the stories, and you will find out all that you want to know. J. R. F., Chicago, Ill.—1. The characters wili all appear later. 2, The number you inquire for is out of print. J. M. S., R. M. C., and Many Others.—vYes, Frank Merriwell will return to Yale. And his ad- ventures there will be more interesting than ever. C. M., Port Chester, N. Y.—Many of his adven- tures are founded on fact. There is such a person, but we are forbidden to give his address to any one. C. T., Beachmont, Mass.—We cannot give you the information you desire. Why do you care to know anything about such people as the James boys? EK. H. L., Evanston, Ill.—z1. A spider’s foot has three claws, which are toothed” like a comb, and on this account they do not become entangled in their webs, as do flies and other insects which touch them. 2. Pulverized borax sprinkled over an ant-hill or in any other locality in which these insects are found will destroy them. P. D., Mobile, Ala, —It is not the general physi- cal make-up that constitutes the true actor, that being merely a secondary consideration. He must have the innate talent and capability for depict- ing various characters, and unless nature has bountifully endowed him with these attributes, he will never be successful. Jack, Helena, Mont. -A guanaco is a wild variety of the llama, found in Patagonia and Chili. It is usually about three feet in height, and possesses great swiftness. Its flesh is edable, its skin valuable, and as a beast of burden, when domesticated, it is very usefuJ. These animals are generally found in herds of from ten to forty, and are very quick-sighted aud wary, I, R., El Paso, Texas.—Lithographers’ transfer paper is made by rubbing white paper with a com- position consisting of two ounces of tallow, half an ounce of powdered blacklead, quarter of a pint of linseed oil, and sufficient lampblack to make it of the consistency of cream. These should be melted together and rubbed on the paper while hot. When dry it will be fit for use. O. G., Wrightstown, Pa.—~Imitation ivory from potatoes is formed roughly as follows: Good pota- toes@re taken and washed thoroughly in -diluted sulphuric acid; then they are boiled in the same solution, becoming very solid and dense. In the " final stage of preparation they are washed entirely free from the acid and then dried. This prepara- tion is found to give a very substantial and useful imitation of real ivery, and will stand the pro- cesses of both dyeing and turning. : Amateur Journalism. Hereafter we shall ae a page devoted to this subject which we believe is of interest to a large number of our readess. Our criticisms we shall try to make fair and impartial. The depart- ment will be in the charge of Mr. Arthur Sewall, whom most boys know. —_——— -— In November will appear the first number of ‘Phe Western Monthly Magazine,’’ for which great things are promised in regard to both typography and quality of contents. It has a com- plete printing outfit. It will consist of sixteen pages, with an especially designed cover in colors. Mr. Don C. Wilson is the editor, and this goes far to guarantee the excellence of the new venture. Our Country is a new paper, published in Ogden, Utah, of which we honestly cannot say much in prise. The illustration on the cover is the best part of the paper. The Club Echo, Edward Ll. Bowerman, editor and publisher, 441 S. Western avenue, Chicago, Ill., is by no means bad, but there is too much criticism of other amateur papers and too little original matter, , The Cadet, Moxham and Mystrom, publishers Omaha, Neb., in its last two issues, is up to its usual good standard, The Little Star, Edmund B. Howe, editor, Minnesota Lake, Minn., is really excellent. Its matter is well selected, and it is essentially patriotic. e ‘“The Beautiful Hudson River,’’ published in The American Grit, Renssélaer, N.-Y¥., is very well written. * AMATEUR PUBLISHER’S JOYS. What a strange fascinating power has printers’ ink! Once it is on one’s fingers he is held in its powerful sway. Such is the case of the amateur publisher. But the power is increased twofold by the labor in- curred by the publishing of his paper. What joy! What pride! to see the product of many days’ toil and trials. Although mistakes are aglow, misspelled and left out words—what mat- ters that? Your paper is out at last. Without a murmur you dig down into your pockets and pay the expenses that have been incurred. Through many months you drag your publica~_ tion, though it pays younot. Do you think of giving up? No! a hundred times no! Friends call you a fool, but you do not mind them; the paper is your ee: the joys and vexa- “tions are yours, vere each issue you are more firmly wedded to TIP TOP WEEKLY. ‘TRUE BLUE” 1s PUBLISHED EVERY WEEK. | "your task; more firmly does one believe that print. ing is an art, not simply a trade. Still you continue to publish your paper till you are éither compelled to give it up and follow some trade or profession, through no cause of your own; or graduate from the amateur ranks for the broader professional field. In either case you will always cherish the time, as most dear to memory, when you printed your own paper. Royal E. Beck, in The Pioneer. ANOTHER INDEPENDENCE DAY. O’erhead the clouds in sullen guise Still lower'and menace in the skies; But darkness yet must yield to light, And day shall triumph over night. Freedom is in the world to-day, To grow, to triumph, and to stay; In all the world her potent sword Shall be the symbol and the word. The Cadet. _ The twenty-second meeting of the ‘‘Amateur Press Club of New York City’’ was held at the club room, No. 110 East Forty-first street, Man- hattan Borough, and after the usual hour of busi- ness, two candidates were elected members, and two stories were read and openly criticized. ‘‘A Tourist’s Adventure,’’ by Henry Geisler, was con- siderably corrected, and ‘‘Maud’s Love Affair,’’ by Harry M. Konwiser, was well received. There were fourteen members in attendance, and an ex- cellent meeting enjoyed. Owing to the illness of Miss Leah Hicenbothen, of 1192 Washington avenue, the next meeting will be held at her. home, as she is one of the Anthusiastic lady mem- bers who evinces much interest in the club. September 19th, the anniversary will be celebrated and new officers elected for theensuing year. All amateurs are invited to meat with the club at that time, and all aspirants to journalism, oratory and debating between the ages of -sixteen and thirty-— ; residing in Greater New York and Initiation fee, five years, evicinity, are requested to join. gentlemen, twenty-five cents, ladies free. ladies and gentlemen, five cents per week. formation cheerfully furnished by the secretary, Arthur Waldere Atkinson, No. r10 East Forty-first street, Manhattan Borough, New York city. The New Recorder, formerly published by H. B. Cole, of Black River Falls, Wis., is now in the hands of Arthur Waldere Atkinson, of I1o Kast Forty-first street, New York city, and Floyd Remington Switzer, of Little Falls, N. Y. The paper has not been issued since May, but will reappear in September, with better contents than ever before. Sample copies free on application to either address given above, ft : — Louie Burstein, 723 Lyon street, Des Moines, Ia.—I would like to receive some sample copies of any amateur paper published in the United States _ On ‘Pied, 3; In- oo da a wa wry OQ J — 2D “ and if any of them are all right he will subscribe, hi THOROUGHLY ENJOYED. I saw in Barbados (says a writer) ote of the big- gest laughs I have ever experienced in my life, There was a traveling circus there, to which I 3 went, The seats were arranged in the ordinary 5 way—one above the other—and I sat about half- way up. Immediately behind was a white-headed and white-bearded old negro. When the first event in the programme had come off, the fooling began with the clown, and with it, also, began for me some further fun. The old negro was evidently witnessing his first per- formance, and as the clown’s funniness developed so did the old gentleman’s amusement. He began by smiling from ear to ear and saying, **Yah! Yah! yah!”’ Then the smile gave way to rippling laughter, _and-he began to rub his hands. The ripple became a running stream, and he clasped his knees and shook his white head from side to side as if it were ] loose. The stream became a torrent, and his head, still wagging, went down to his ‘knees, which he was hugging with both hands; tears rolled from his eyes, his tongue came out, and his mouth opened so far that hardly any of his face remained. The clown gave the finale to his joke and then I thought the old fellow would injure himself. His arms, legs, feet, hands, tongue and head were all |. waggingand stamping in sucha manner as to sug- ; est a dancing doll. It became at last so bad that his mouth entirely swallowed up his face, and it looked like two great rows of white. shining teeth, covered with a white wig and framed in white astrakhan. There was absolutely nothing but woolly white hair and whiskers, while out of his ; throat came a gurgling sound as of the meeting of ‘many waters. _ The laugh was of such a character as to attract the attention of the house—not to the clown, but _ to the mouth, tongue, wig and whiskers. The laugh became so contagious as to set everybody roaring, but I feel certain the negro never thought himself, , but the clown, the author of all this mirth. a FACTS YOU DID NOT KNOW TILL NOW. Serpents are said to obey the voice of their mas- ter. » The American trumpet-bird follows its owner like a spaniel, and the jacano acts asa guard to _ poultry, protecting them all day from birds of prey. In the Shetland Isles there is a gull which de- _ fends the flocks from eagles, and is, therefore, re- _ garded by shepherds as a privileged bird. __ Species of pheasant. The bird acts as sentinel; as - soon as it gets sight of the hunter it whistles, _ whereupon the chamois makes off for seek: at full SS oe —_—_—__>++6>+<—______ = Mamma—Dear me! You've got your clothes all _ covered with whitewash. Little Son—No, ma, it isn’t whitewash, on isn’t. It's only paint. ‘deed TIP TOP WEEKLY. LHe chamois, bounding over the craggy steeps, is indebted for its safety in no small degree toa ~ ~ WAR BUTTONS FREE TO ALL READERS, APPLAUSE. We have read your Tip Top Weeklies from No. 15 up to the present number. They are the best weeklies issued. We think we would like to hear of Frank’s father turning up and having plenty of money, for Frank could finish his education at Yale. Harry Whitmore. Elizabeth, Pa. Nelson Walrath> — —— I have bought your Frank Merriwell’s from No, I up to date, and will continue till the end. More I could say, but I think these few. lines enough to show you and Mr. Standish that I ap- preciate his fine ideal of the American youth. j. Guy Wieting, Toledo, Ia. I have read most all of your books, and’I think they are fine. One day I went down town and I purchased one of the Tip Tops. I came home and started to read it, when my mother grabbed it, and she said you will go crazy reading novels, When I told her there were no vulgar words in it she says I will read it aud see. And now the whole family is reading them., I shall remain a reader of the Tip Top as long a€ it i is “published. Hugo McFatridge, Ottumwa, fa. We havc read the Frank Merriwell stories since No. 66, and found Tip Top the best library pub- lished. We havé the first quarterly, and are going to get the rest. Wealso read True Blue. Wecan say this for Tip Top. It is a first-class paper, and every boy’s parents should allow him to read it, as it is very instructive. Hoping to hear of Frank’s college chums, Richard Malone, Brooklyn, N. Y. Thomas Doyle, — We have read your Tip Top Library from No. 22 to 122, and will keep on reading them till they end. Long live the Tip Top Library! Andrew Tenley, Washington, D. C. Charles King, We have read the majority of the Tip Top Library, and think them the finest library pub- lished. Hoping to hear more of Frank’s Yale friends, we remain. Stewart G. Rippey. Sydney R. Ailen. Herbert E. Street. Philadelphia, Pa. We, the Crescent Social Club, wish to say that the Frank Merriwell stories are the best ever pub- lished, without a doubt. We receive them every week, besides a lot of other books, but the Frank Merriwell stories are the favorite. We have read nearly every one from beginning | to the present number. Hoping you will continue to publish them. Crescent Social Club, ; W. G., president. ; ~ T. K., vice-president. J. S., treasurer, New Orleans, La. TIP 'TOP WEEKLY. HOW TO DO BUSINESS. This book isa guide to success in life, embracing Principles of Business, Choice of Pursuit, Buying and Selling, General Manage ment, Mechanical Trades, Manufacturing, Bookkeeping, Causes of Success and Failure, Business Maxims and Forms, ete. It also contains an appendix of complete business forms and a dictionary of commercial terms. No young man should be without this valuable book. It gives complete information about trades. professions and occupatoin in which any young man is interested. Price tencents. Address STREET & SMITH, 25 Rose street, New York (Manual Library Department.) Tip Top Quarterly. The earlier issues of ‘Tip Top Weekly are now on sale in the orm of Quarterlies, each including 13 consecutive issues of this favorite weekly, together with the 13 original illuminated illustra- tions, and an elegant cover in colors. The price is 50 Cents per volume, for which sum they will be sent by mail post-paid to and address in the United States. \ - = NOW READY. = = No. 3, a Nos. 27 to’39 of Tip Top Weekly. No. 4, os Nos. 40 to 52 of Tip ‘Top Weekly. No. 5, e Nos. 53 to 65 of Tip Top Weekly. No. 6, ts Nos. 66 to 78 of Tip Top Weekly. No. 7. oa Nos. 79 to 91 of Tip Top Weekly. Nos, 1 and 2 out of print. If your Newsdealer has not got the Quarterlies, remit direct to the pubiishers, STREET & SMITH, $1 Fulton St., N, ¥. A Great Series! —_—— FRANK MERRIWELL’S BICYCLE TOUR ACROSS THE CONTINENT ‘Comprising Thirteen Issues of the Tip Top Weekly Complete in No. 5 of the TIP TOP QUAR- TERLY, with all the original illuminated illustrations. Admirers of Frank Merriwell should have this book by all means. —? Price, SO Cents. Sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt of price by STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 81 Fulton St., New York. ring times of war. reader of their popu lar publications for boys. Show Your Colors! Every American boy should wear a patriotic emblem to show whefe his sympathies lie in these stir- . & essrs, Street & Smith have made arrangements to present a patiiotic badge or button to every The conditions are easy. Read them. We publish six 32-page, illuminated cover weeklies for. boys, retailing for five cents each, as follows: The True Blue, The Starry Flag, The Tip Top Weekly, We wish the readers of one series to become acquainted with the entire line. coupon at the foot of this column will be printed in each one of the above-mentioned publications. The Klondike Kit Weekly, The Nick Carter Weekly, The Diamond Dick, Jr. On and after the present date the Three coupons, each clipped from a different publication, mailed to our office, will entitle you to one of the following, sent to your address, post-paid, free of all expense. 5 1, American Flag, embossed on gold ground, button or pin as preferred, 2 Alumittum Medal with Admiral Dewey’s portrait on front, and picture of the Maine on reverse, pendant, from Aluminum emblem. 3. The American Flag, in metal, embossed in red, white, blue and gold, Three styles—button, scarf pin and ladies’ hat pin, State your choice, 4. American Flag on white enamelled button with lever- hinge. (Two of these will make a neat pair of cuff buttons.) 5. Silk Bow, with American and Cuban flags combined, or American flag alone, as preferred, 6. Celluloid American Flag on pin. a 7. Button 1 1-4 inches in diameter in the following designs: A—American Flag, B—Cuban Flag. C—Amer- ican and Cuban Flags together. 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Address your coupons to TREET & SMITH’S PREMIUM DEPT., 81 Fulton Street, New York, TIP TOP WEEKLY COUPON. One coupon from the Tip Top Weekly accompanied by two others, each. from a different one of the following publications: Diamond Dick, Jr., Nick Carter cee londike Kit, ‘True 5 Blue, or Starry Flag entitle the sender to a free badge or button as descri sr RE CLIF FARADAY IS TRUE BLUE. above. ; ET & SMITH. . ¥ * 4 ORT ccd eRe ee ae ey ey a 4 TIP TOP WEEKLY Illuminated Cover—Price, Five Cents—Thirty-two Pages, Complete List of Stories By the author of “Frank Merriwell.” wesw vv Tales of School, Fun, College, Travel anc Adventure. Aon" All back numbers are constantly on hand, and will be mailed to any address on receipt of price, Five Cents each. 66—Prize Plot Story; Frank Merriw 21] as the Star. 67—Frank Merriwell’s Yacht; or, ‘The Chase Down the Coast 68 —Frank Merriwell’s Combination; or, The All Round Athletes. 69—Frank Merriwell’s Red Rival. 70—Frank Merriwell's Texas Tournament; or, Sport Among the Cowboys. 71—Frank Merriwell’s Nine; or, Surprising the Southern League. 72 —Frank Merriwell’s Shot; or, Gun Club. 72 —Frank Merriwell’s Flyer; or, The Winning Wweel. 74—Frank Merriwell’s ‘Thoroughbred; or, Honesty Against Crookedness. 75 Frank Merriwell’s Enemy; or, Rivals of the Blue Ridge. 7§ —Frank Merriwell’s Crew; or, The Champions of the Potomac. 77 —Frank Merriwell’s Hunt; or, In at the Death. 78 —Frank Merriwell’s Blow; or, Unmaskiny a Rascal. 79 —Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale; or, The Mystery of the Examination Papers. 80—I'rank Merriwell as ‘Anchor; or, ‘The Winning Pull in the ''ug of War. 81—Frank Merriwell’s Initiation; or, The Secre Order of Pi Gamma. 82—Frank Merriwell’s Sign; or, The Secret of the Silent Student. 83 —Frank Merriwell as Full Back; or, True to His Colors. 84—Frank Merriwell’s Duel; or, A Point of Honor. 85—Frank Merriwell’s Mark; or, Subduing a Bully. 86—Frank Merriwell’s Secret; or, A Friend in Need. 87—Frank Merriwell’s Revenge; or, Aroused at Last. 88—Frank Merriwell’s Capture; or Jhe Black Schooner. 89—F rank Merriwell’s Chum; or, The Hand of a Friend. 90—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shoot; or, Winning in the Box. 91—Frank Merriwell’s Danger; Disgrace. 92-—Frank Merriwell’s Wager; or, Bound to Win. 93—Frank Merriwell In Training; or, The Mystery of the Midnight Prowler. 94—Frank Merriwell’s Courage; or, Loyal to the Last. 95—Frank Merriwell at Fardale Again; or, Yale Lads at the Military Academy. 96 —Frank Merriwell in Camp; or, Frolics with the Far- dale Boys. 97 —Frenk Merriwell’s TIardale Friends, or, Facing Old Foes. 98 —Frank Merriwell’s Yale Chums; or, The Jolly Dogs of Fardale. 99—Frank Merriwell’s Choice; or, The Fair Rivals of Fardale. Out with the Guthrie or, ‘he Shadow of 100—Frank Merriwell’s Fardale Rackets; or, Yale Lads On a Frolic. 101— Frank Merriwell’s Courage; or, True Nerve Against Bluff. 102—Frank Merriwell's Faith; or, The Shadow of a Crime. 103—F rank: Merriwell’s Celebration; or, Last Days at Fardale. 104—Frank Merriwell Afloat; or, The Cruise White Wings. 105—F rank Merriwell Under Megunticook, or, With the Knox County League. 106—Frank Merriwell’s Mystery; Devil Island. 107—Frank Merriwell’s Disappearance; or, The Secret of the Island. 108—Frank Merriwell Aroused; or, The Bicycle Boys of Belfast. 109—Frank Merriwell’s Pursuit; or, The Chase of the Stolen Yacht 110—Frank Merriwell’s Catch; or, The Canoe Boys of Lake Sebasticook. 111—Frank Merriwell’s Guide; or, Sport Around Moose- head Lake. 112—Frank Merriwell’s Peril; or, The Smugglers of the Border. 1183—Frank Merriwell’s Drift; or, With the Penobscot River Vrivers. 114—Frgjilk Merriwell’s Daring; Sacrifice. 115—Frank Merriwell’s Fist; or, Bound to Know the Truth. 116—Frank Merriwell’s Masquerade; or, ‘The Belle of Hurricane Island. 117—Frank Merriwell’s Misfortune; New Career. 118—Frank Merriwell, Engine Wiper; or, At the Foot of the Ladder. 119—Frank Merriwell Fireman; or, ‘The First Step Up- ward. 4 120—Frank Merriwell’s Opportunity; or, The Ghost of Black Gorge. 121—Frank Merriwell’s: First Run; or, The Chance of His Life. 122 —Frank Merriwell, Engineer; or, The Turn of For- tune. 123 - Frank Merriwell’s Hard Luck; or, A Slip on The Ladder. 124—Frank Merriwell’s Advancement, the Mountain Express, 125—Frank Merriwell Held Up; or, The Robbery of the Mountain Express. 126—Frank Merriwell’s Protege; or, Lending a Helping Hand. 127—Frank Merriwell on Strike; or, Saving the Enemy’s Property. of the or, The Monster of or, Elsie Bellwood’s or, The Start On a or, Engineer of STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK. 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