PRIZE ATHLETIC CONTEST See Page 32. r [TPTORS, WEEKLY An ideal publication “fp for the American Youth Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at New Vork Post Office by STREET & SMITH, 278 William St., N.Y. No. 273. i | | : Price, Five Cents. \ A GLORY THE GREATEST TRIUMPH OF ALL BY BURT L. STANDISH EVERYONE KNOWS THAT TIP TOP WEEKLY LEADS ANY PUBLICATION OF ITS CLASS IN AMERICA. Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per vear. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 2398 William St., N. ¥. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year rg01, in the Office af the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. $ | 'NEW YORK, July 6, 1901. Price Five Cents. NK MERRIWELL'S GLORY: OR, Last Triumphs at Old Wale. By BURT L. STANDISH. CHAPTER I. A WARM RECEPTION, When Frank, in a great hurry, flung open the _ door of his room and sprang in, he was little pre- | pared for the reception that followed. / From all sides they leaped upon him, clutched _ him, surrounded him, hemmed him in. There were exactly thirteen of them, and he was alone and un- armed. , Never before had Merriwell quailed in the face of odds, but now he took one look at them and then / : flung up his hands, crying: “Great Hadveril I surrender! i They clutched those uplifted hands and ocr They grasped him about the body, around the neck, anywhere, everywhere. them down. Howls of joy arose from their lips. “We've got you " they yelled. Then they wrenched at his hands, one after an- other, as if trying to tear his arms from their sockets. Then they eee him on the back, the shoulders and the che | Ee On the sien of the attacking mob one wild- eyed fellow fought. like a demon to get at Merry. “Got my vay oud uf!’ ‘he roared, as he butted into the mob with terrible fur y. “Break away! Let me_ ? got ad him! “Git aout!’ cried another, a tall, ah chap, as he ic put his foot against the fat stomach of the one whe > ~ ° TIP TOP was fighting to reach Merry, and kicked him clean across the room. “Go lay daown, gol ding ye!” “Give me a cloob!” roared one. with a. strong brogue of the Ould Sod. “it’s ‘mesiif that'll be afther makin’ a way here!’ Then he wedged his shoulder into the crowd and flung the others aside till he could get in and grasp Merry’s hand. he shouted. “Ye spalpane!’ ~“Tt’s a soight fer sore oies ye are! Begorra, Oi'm ready to die wid joy!” laughed Frank, as he wrung “Tm ‘de- “Barney Mulloy!” he hand of the honest Irish youth. lighted?’ : ; “Let me git in there !” rasped the tall, lank fellow who had kicked t the fierce one across the room. “If ye don’t make way fer me, I'll bet a oon good squash somebody gits bumped!” Then he succeeded in getting hold of Merry’s free hand. | é , 7 oe Gh, right daown and die frum satisfaction.” say!’ he palpitated ; “I'm jest reddy to lay “Ephraim Gallup!” burst from. Merry. “Right off the farm, b’gosh!” chuckled Ephraim. “My squawked the one who had been kicked, as he came don't you both gone’ und died alretty!” -chargin ¢ in and drove against Mulloy and Gallup. “Td vould peen a goot thing der coundry vor. Yaw! handt ! “And as he grasped the ow :tstretched, pudgy hand of the I vandt to shook Vrank Merrivell by ay Got av ay ey Hans Dunnerwust! ti exclaimed Merriwell, fat young Dutchman. x? “How .You vos glatness to “Dot vos me,” nodded Hans, ‘in n delight. you peen, Vrankie, ain't id? Yay “You fellows give me that fired teeling—I mean seen me. ‘that tired feeling!” declared a handsome, ‘curly- as he thrust Mulloy, Gallup and. Dun- ; “Why don’ t you let somebody else haired youth, a nerwt ust. aside.’ Twant as fake his shin—I mean | hay ‘ec a show? we shak e his fin!”. it S Harry Rattleton! I" ‘Frank sjaculated, as he “ever. WEEKLY. returned the hearty hand-grip of the curly-haired youth. ‘Dear old Harry!” . | There were tears in Rattleton’s eyes, and his hon- est face showed the deep emotion he felt and-tried to hide. Fighting, squealing, kicking at each other, two One was red-headed and freckle-faced, while the other But they seemed trying to scratch out each other’s eyes. “Me first !” yelled the cherub. “T guess nit!” shrieked the one with freckles. “Here! here! that will do!” smiled Merry, as he little fellows now plunged against Rattleton. had a snub nose and a cherub-like face. grasped them and pulled them apart. “It seems to me you chaps are old enough to quit fighting like kids.” | ‘Then they both turned and seized his hands, which they wrung with all the strength at their com- mand, yelling: “How are you, Merry? We’re glad you see us!” “The same Stubbs and the same Griswold,” nodded Frank. | “The same Merriwell!” they returned, in unison. “Only greater, grander, nobler—more famous!” ~“T reckon it’s my turn to shake Mr. Merriwell’s paw,” said a strong, hearty voice, as a big, broad- shouldered youth hax) Bink and Danny aside. “That’s whatever! ? nA “Badger, too!” Frank. cried, as his nate met that of the Westerner. Jo ts is untold pleasure ae | ~ “You bet it is!” nodded Buck, “I trust you'll not overlook me, Morshect? ss aa. a pleasant, soft, well-modulated voice, as a hand-_ ‘some, fine-faced youth stepped i in, with an agreeable smile and a white hand outheld. | : “Jack Diamond, by all that’s good!” Meriwell gasped, as he poe that necuge “Back from Teo i) | SMES ae 3 my eNOS, Merriwell; your final honors.” (prettk s The handsome Virginian looked handsomer than y? a hf a4 back in time to see you win “a om TIP TOP Ralph Bingham and Oll Pack about card were the others who had crowded Merry when he entered the room, and they were. filled with great joy because of his pleasure in meeting these.oid friends of other days. : ‘You'll have to have us arrested for breaking and said Carker.. ‘‘J. knew these fel- entering, Merry,” lows were going to be here, and we planned this 7 s little surprise. 1 swiped your duplicate doorkey so that I could “Tl forgive admit them to this room.” you, Carker, if you do not let the carthquake rumble “I think,” ‘said Greg, “that I'll keep the earth- quake suppressed till commencement is over.” “Do,” urged Frank. Oliver He had been accepted as one of Merry’s friends, for all Packard didnot have much to say. of his vicious brother, Roland, the twin who looked —or. had looked in the past—exactly like ‘him. Oliver had ali the fine instincts of a gentleman, and the conduct of Roland had worn upon him and given him lines of care. It was now known among the students that, since his final defeat by Merriwell, _ Roland was fast: becoming an inebriate, and it was “said that he would not be able to finish his med- ical course. Of course, this worried Oliver, but he tried to hide his own troubles. _ Dashleigh had been eager to grasp Mertiwell’s —hand.with the others, thanking his lucky star that he could be counted as one of the friends of this most famous man Yale had ever produced. Hooker, once an outcast, was another’ who had received a warm hand-grasp from Merriweil and had felt in his heart that } he was most fortunate to be there. | Ralph Bingham, the big sophomore, had taken ¥ part in the struggle, his heart throbbing with satis- ue faction. , . j 39 Pa “There are others coming,’ he now declared. 3 “At the rest of the flock will be here right fe “You mean- > pipe: | Ready, Gamp, Browning. and the Ay was right and for the best. WEEKLY. o ’ said Badger, “‘I er bring forward the reserves at once.” “In that case,’ eckon wed bet- “The reserves?” said oS Ct Sy Buck flung back a portiere, and then out flitted Merry. dies.” four beautiful girls, who had been waiting for tha: moment. Elsie was there, laughing with joy, her sweet ‘iace flushed, | lalke-mur- her blue eyes like the depths of a rored sky. The girl with Elsie put her forward, and it was Elsie who murmured in Merry’s ear: “Frank, we're all so happy and so proud of you! Inza is the happiest and proudest!” Nobile Elsie! little ‘All you have stood ready to sacrifice yourself and your Brave Elsie ! your life own feelings for others!) And now, in this moment of great happiness, you think of Inza——you call his attention to Inza! Elsie, bravest, sweetest, most self-sacrificing of all girls—for you might have won him long ago had there been the least spark of self- ishness in your pure heart! He thought at one time that he loved you best, but you were too noole to take advantage of it. You thought only of his great happiness, and, without doubt, what you did But who will give yo 11 I will, your heart,/I know your soul, I know you as 10 ‘credit for it, dear Elsie? Kisie, for dt hiecw other ever can! CHAPTER Hi: ‘FRANK’S FRIEND “Tnza!” exclaimed Frank, in great surprise, ; he had not dreamed of seeing her there. 3 She was in mourning fer her father. “Frank!” her hand found bis. He looked deep into her dark eyes. which gazed, upon him in loving pride. “This,” he said, restraining himself and steadying his voice, “is a pleasure that was entirely une pected.” Sa Ne He gave Elsie his other hand. 7 j 6OYTT We rather reckoned | you'd be pleased,” Sar phiy 9 pA i he had met in London. 4 | TIP TOP WEEKLY. Badger. “But I don’t want you to forget that the former Miss Lee is now Mrs. Badger, and I'll not permit you to look at her the’Way-you're looking at those young ladies.” Frank flushed and laughed, turning to the hand- some brown-eyed girl at the side of the Westerner. “Miss Lee—no, Mrs. Badger,’ he said, “I am de- lighted to see you again.” Winnie gave him her hand. “Don’t mind Buck,” He'd be jealous of an Indian.” she said. “He’s jealous of everybody. “T al- low I’m built. that way, and I can’t help it. I know I “That’s whatever,” confessed the Kansan. make an onery fool of myself sometimes, but Mrs. Badger has a nice little way of forgiving me. I rather think she likes it, to tell the truth.” Diamond touched Frank’s arm. There was a look of deep pride on his face, mingled with a faint smile. “Permit me,” he said. Merry turned. “My wife, Mr. Merriwell,” said the Southerner. A handsome, dark-eyed girl, somewhat resem- bling Inza,*stood there. “Your—your wife?” exclaimed Frank. The girl was the sister of Dolph Reynolds, whom “Yes, sir,” said Jack. “We didn’t invite you to the wedding, as it: took place rather suddenly on the other side of the pond. I hope you'll pardon us for the failuce to notify you, but we decided to do so in. person.” “Diamond,” said Frank, easily as he aeagied the hand of his college comrade, “T offer you my most sincere eae ret dog.” ee The English girl was ae and laughing. “You do not congratulate me,” she said. “And you know T had to make an explanation before he ea would come » back to me after he became jealous of my cousin.’ : bbe ee reserve ee congratulations,” smilingly, riously Jack took it. ‘ap! favorite writer, anyhow?” I teanik you are a said Merry, ‘till I find that he has made you a good husband.” “Merriwell, I think that right mean of you!” Dia- mond exclaimed, somewhat nettled. “Your words and manner are calculated to arouse distrust and sus- picion in her mind. Do you think that quite fair?” “Perhaps. not,’ confessed Frank, seeing how se- “Far be it from me to arouse anything of the sort by words. spoken in jest.” The Virginian breathed easier. “Now we're so nicely introduced all round, let’s try to be real jappy and holly—I mean happy and jolly,” said Harry Rattleton. ‘“Hasn’t any girl mar- ried me aga said Bink Stubbs, “that ener among the female sex is decreasing.” Teeey “There are ladies present,” said Harry, severely, as he glared at Bink. ‘Thus you are saved for the time.” hse “Here!” cried Griswold, taking down a gilded horseshoe from the wall and offering it to the other little chap. “Take it. You're dead in luck.” Stubbs regarded the horseshoe doubtfully. “Do you regard horseshoes as lucky?” he asked. “Of course,” was the answer. “Then,” said Bink, “the horse I bet on the last time was running. barefooted. Cluck, cluck; git p? “Bah!” retorted Dine “A clean swipe out of © the cothic column of some paper. Say, who’s youn — “My father.” “Your father?” “Yes.” pe “What did he ever write?” “Checks.” “They're off!” exclaimed Rattleton. “You can’t i stop them,” py i Tagen gtr ie Shi "Vou know you can always stop 4 a river by dam- 4 ming it,” ‘grinned Bink, 3 a, 2 “But you can’t or an alarm clock that Pay: | ey in len 14b TOP “This suited for such stale jokes.” “Stale!” said Danny. “Stale! echoed Bink. i “And they are the very best in our repertoire,” declared the little red-headed chap. “Then your repertoire needs replenishing,” was laughing inwardly. occasion is not said Merry. So the little jokers were repressed for the time, although they were sure to break out again and again at the slightest provocation, or without any provocation, “What makes us feel real bad,” said Diamond, “is that we were unable to get along soon enough - to witness’ the great ball game to-day between Yale and Harvard. I felt sure Yale would win.” “Merriwell won the game himself,’ declared Oliver Packard, who had once played on the nine, but whose standing as an athlete and whose chance to take part in athletic sports had been ruined by the actions of sh eroener “It was the os work I ever saw.’ “Right!” agreed Carker, the socialist, also a ball ioe of no mean calibre. “The manner in which he stopped Harvard from scoring near the end of the game was enough to set every Yale man wild with admiration. It was great!” _ “Great!” nodded Jim Hooker. “Magnificent!” laughed Bert Dashleigh. “Hot stuff!’ nodded Ralph Bingham. Rattleton, Stubbs, Griswold, Gallup, Dunnerwust and Mulloy had reached the field after the game be- gan, but in the vast throng they had been unob- served by Merry. . All were profuse in their compliments for Frank, _ but he cut them short. “Every man on the nine played as if his life de- ~ Nears on the result,” he declared. serve just as much cr edit as I do.” But not one who had seen. the game would agree _to that. “They soe While they | were stalking, the dos epenkd, and his Bart oe entered, followed se erent: rar WEEKLY. § Mason, Carson, Morgan, Starbright, Gamp-and Benson. The principal members of the Varsity nine, the ones who had been mainly responsible for the win- ning of the championship, had come to that room to gather round their captain for the last time before the parting that might break their ranks forever. Of course, they were surprised, and, of course, there was more handshaking and introducing of Mrs. Diamond, The Virginian was showered with congratulations. Jack Ready stood and looked at Juliet with an ex- pression of regretful. sadness on his face. “It’s too bad!” he finally sighed. She flushed more than ever, if possible. “What’s too bad, Mr. Ready?" she asked, in sur- prise. i he “That we did not meet before this hot-headed young man from the warm and reckless South Alas, you are no 9 It is too late, too late! drifted across your horizon. longer a lass! He seemed to heave a great sob from the depths of his bosom, and there was real moisture on his eyelids. | “Sir tl’ Are you seeking to insult me?” dear old college. chum,” exclaimed Diamond, “what do you mean? “Nay, nay, my said Ready, who really took extreme delight in irritating “Far be it from me to indulge in such Still I cannot help thinking that you Diamond. rudeness. would not have stood a ghost of'a show had I hap- | pened along in advance of you. I would haye dawned on her delighted vision like a ten thousand f dollar diamond Sunburst, witite: you would have re- Gee I have ra sembled a two-dollar rhinestone cluster. desire to cause you misery, so I ‘shall take care not to let her see much of me, well knowing it will lead her in time to regret her choice of a side-partner is she often beholds my intellectual countenance a ee figure. Ny nn a * Juliet bit her lip and suppressed a laugh, but Dia- mond, knowing pont was guying him, ich, like hit- tg nn fellow tn hone he knew.’ he was to set se course toward a high goal when he around. } in that moment. “with Hodge at Fardale, and of the adventures, strug- é “It’s a good thing for you,” whispered the South- érner, “that the ladies are here.” “How?” “If they were not, ’d give you a black eye!” "Go said Ready. rid!" way!” “I think you’re~ hor- Frank’s rooms were crowded now, and a chatter of conversation arose. Ephraim Gallup and Joe Gamp were talking about “crops,” Dunnerwust and Mulloy were discussing old times at Fardale, Gris- wold and Stubbs were cracking jokes, Badger and Carson were speaking of things Western, while others found topics of interest. Of course, Merry was the center of interest, but he founc an opportunity to draw. back and look These Were the loyal friends he had: made —-the dear friends of his school and college days. They had clung to him through thick and thin, many of them, and he felt his heart swelling with affection toward them all. Even Dade Morgan was included, for Morgan had tried his best in these final co llege ‘days to prove that he was repentant for the past, and ready to do anything in his power to make atonement. Memories of old times came rushing upon Frank. : He thought of his first meeting gles and triumphs that followed. He thought of his coming to’ Yale, of his freshman struggles, of the enemies who seemed to rise around him as he toiled — upward and onward, of the friends who were here and who had remained firm in every change that _ befell him. _ Oh, those grand days of toil and pleasure at Yale! He felt that he would give much to live them all over again. But the end had come, and now he was ‘oing out-into the w orld—going | to bid Yale fare. vette: : , ; This thought brought hia a Saaitbe e unspeaka- ble sadness. It seemed that he was leaving the only Home+-yes, it was home for him: ‘In truth, he had no other. Life lay before him, and TIP TOP WEEKLY. received his sheepskin and turned his back on his alma mater. But he felt that he was being parted from the happiest portion of his life. Bart had found Elsie and was talking to her, his dark face flushed, Then his eyes fell on the girls. his eyes glowing. She smiled and nodded as he was speaking. “They are happy,” said Frank, to himself. . He did not know that at that moment Hodge was praising him to the skies, telling what a remark- able game he had played and how he had covered himself with glory in the battle against Harvard. He did not know that somehow such praise was the pleasantest thing Elsie Bellwood could hear. He saw Inza, and she looked toward him: She: smiled, and he felt his heart throb. Home! Yes, Yale had been his home; but now before his vision there seemed to rise the phantom picture of another home. . And he hastened to Inza’s side. CHAPTER IIT. ANTON MESCAL. A Roland 1 Packard on the steps of the Tontine Hotel. dark- -faced, Spanish-appearing man stopped 23 “Get out of the way!” snarled Roland, who had deen drinking. es “Wait,” said the man, in a soft, not unpleasant voice. “I wish to speak to you. It is impor- cant.” : | Roland was in anything but a pleasant ‘mood. He had seen Frank Merriwell cover himself with glory in the game against Harvard, and, having | foolishly bet that the Cambridge men would win the — championship, he had taken to drink immediately after the game. “It’s got to be cursed ieaperia Ay! Y be snapped, looking the stranger o “I don’t know you. What's your name?” i ¢ “Anton Mescal.” ' “Never, heard it before. Are you one of these Pignenion old grads — are overrunning the town? pee over. “No.” “Then what in blazes " ‘A group of men came out of the hotel and -de- scended the steps. .’ They had gray hair about their temples, and some of them were bald beneath their hats. They carried canes, their faces were flushed and they looked hilariously happy. They are a group of “old Yale's begun; erads,” and they had been celebrating victory. With them the celebration had just it would extend all through the night. As they rolled down the steps, clinging to one an- -other’s arms, they were talking excitedly: 7 ites “asserted one. the greatest pitcher Yale ever produced!” “Come off, Smithy, old man!” cried another. ALOU know the class of ’ umpty- six had the champ. This fellow . “Don’t talk, ‘Sluthers!” “Baseball was different then. interrupted another. Who ever heard of 3? curves. This Merriwell—— “Is a marvel!” “Fe’s a dandy!” *?Rah for Merriwell!” Yow! Cheer for Merriwell!” ‘‘Tet’s all cheer! Then they bumped against Roland Packard, who snarled at them. One of them grasped him; others followed the example of that one. They bore him down the steps to the sidewalk. “What's the matter with you?” the grad who had grasped him first demanded. “Are youa sorehead? Well, by thunder, I want to hear you cheer for Mer- riwell!” 3 : ; “You'll want a long time! _agely. 1:3 Boys; ' declared Roland, sav- e Let go of my collar C7 4 said the old fellow, fiercely, here’s a chap who won't cheer for Merriwell.” i, DHOOE® him !” advised another, who. was rather “unsteady on. his’ feet. . “Don’t. bother — Shoot him on the spot, Bilton , pee © What spot 3p asked Bilton, 4 P “ a2 “Any: ‘old spot.” with. him ! I feel just like cheering! to follow. and have them arrested! drunken idiot in-the jug for this!. a ball cartridge!” tempted to stampede WAG. WEEKLY. 7 “All right,” ame the one who had Roland by the collar, “I'll do it.’ He was just full enough to be pean and he ac- tually took a revolver out of his hip pocket. “Brotight this to celebrate with,” he declared. “Loaded it for that purpose; but I guess I’ll shoot this fellow.” Then he fired straight at Roland’s: breast. Packard fell back with a gasping cry, and the dark-faced man caught him. The other old:grads were appalled by the act of their: companion, who himself was rather dazed, not having intended to’fire the revolver; but the latter quickly recovered, saying: ar “He isn’t hurt, gentlemen! The danged thing is loaded with blanks.” Packard recovered at once and threatened to call for the police, not one of whom happened to he near. Not wishing to get into trouble on account, of the reckless act of their companion, the old grads has- .tened away. ; the with, the laughed a little, as he said: » “Ts this the East? Why, I didn’t suppose men were so careless with their guns here. Anton Mescal, man dark face, For a mo- ment I fancied I must be at home.” ‘Packard swore: “Infernal old fools!” “T’m. going ‘Til put. that» Why, he would - he muttered. have shot me dead. if the thing had been loaded with “T want to — “Better let them go,” urged Mescal. talk with you about eee important.” “But I don’t know you.’ “I introduced myself a Liters those mein at- Packard seemed in doubt. -He wanted to follow ‘ and make trouble for the man who had been so — reckless witlr his revolver, and:-yet, something was — ur ging him to listen to the: stranger who claimed to have important business with him. 8 TIP TOP ” he said, again by these gray-haired Yale men of other days “If we stay here, “we'll get bumped into “Yet I must stay here. Let’s get off the steps, I am not go- € where we can watch both entrances. ing td be given’ the slip again.” “What are you talking about ?” “Something I will explain if you prove to be the man I think you are.” “You are from the West?” “That's right, partner.. Come down here.” They moved aside on the walk, where they took pains to avoid the groups of hilarious men who were circulating in that vicinity. “Talk about Yale men of, to-day sapping up “If these old fellows are samples of the students who used to attend, the men of to-day are regular Y. M. C. T. U. chaps be- There is going to be a wild time in this town to-night, and every blamed fool afloat seems That’s what’s, You refused to booze!” exclaimed Packard. side them. dotty over Merriwell. sickening !”’ “You-.do not like. Merriwell? eieee for hini, even*when that man drew a gun on you.” . i “| didn’t suppose the howling ‘chump was érady enough to shoot.” “Still you refused to cheer for Merriwell, and everybody else is howling for him.” “What of that?” Packard, “Haven't I got a right to refuse?” | j asked suspiciously. “Of course. ) convinced me that I had made no mistake in my man. You dislike Merriwell, when everybody else seems wild about him, You seem. to be his only enemy here.” ve / “That's right. bit I'm the only one left.” a SW hat has become of them all?” * . There were enough of them once, . 1 . ‘ fe ‘ “He has triumphed over them, and they have | bowed down to worship him. They are ee ie: _ themselves ee over him to- night.” “You mean e m4 “They have® become his natade, or else they sak been driven out of college.” » har eeites The very fact that you did refuse wish to strike Merriwell.’ : WHEELY. “How does it happen that you have not’ suc- cumbed ?” “Becatise I will not!” panted Roland, fiercely. “He has never defeated you?” Packard hestitated about answering, for he knew that in everything that had brought about a con- test between himself and Merriwell the latter had been victorious. : “Only temporarily,” he asserted. “I never up.” “Good!” ever satisfied that you are the very man | want.” give ‘exclaimed Mescal. “I am more than CHAPTER IV. PACKARD AGREES. Packard now demanded a full explanation. His curiosity had been awakened. | Still Mescal, the soft-spoken man from the West, was rather cautious. | “Wouid you like to strike Merriw ella last blow ?” he asked. “Would 1?” For a moment the Westerner knitted his brows. He had asked Packard, and the slang of the East bothered him. said the medic. “As cs me!” But the expression on Packard’s face demon- strated his meaning, and Anton Mescal nodded. ” he said. | you the opportunity.” “I thought so, “TI may be able to give “But you have not explained, ” insisted Reland: “T will. Tt takes a little time.” “Then let’s go in here and get a drink, | and tired.” Tm dry : Mescal shook his bead, Brasping the student by | the arm. **Stay here,” fie’ divecked: “It is necessary if you — This su irprised Roland, i hat are you coming at?” he growled, | “Think I’m going to hit him with ty Ratt ee ae -“No. I am watching for a man who is in that TIP TOP hotel. I must not miss that man when he comes out.” “How is he connected?” “T have followed him pretty. nearly three thou- sand miles, trying to watch him night and day. Four times he has given me the slip, and four times I have picked up his trail again. I have tried in every possible way to accomplish my purpose before he could reach this place, but thus far I have failed.”’. | This was interesting, and yet Packard failed to see how it was related to Merriwell. “Vil explain,” said the Westerner. ‘This man is the bearer of an important message to Frank Mer- riwell.”’ “Ah! that’s it?” a eR. “Well, you can’t stop him now unless you kidnap or kill him.” — : “T don’t want to stop him.” “What, then?” ae “J want to get hold of that miessage.” ~ “You wish to know what it is?” “T know now.’ “Hey? Why the dickens have you put yourself to so much trouble?” “Because I do not wish it to reach the hands of Merriwell.” “The bearer ‘‘Hasn’t the least idea what the message is.” “Oh-ho!” , } “He is simply a messenger—nothing more. 9 é He has been instructed to deliver an oil-skin envelope to Merriwell. He knows absolutely nothing of the _contents of that envelope. | “would fail utterly in his task.” lf he were to lose it, he Packard nodded and made. a motion for the man , to go on. ‘is of the utmost “This message,” said iekat: oY _ importance to Merriwell. lp will do him great damage not to receive it. hands, and you will strike Merriwell a terrible blow. Then why do. you wish, to get hold of it? Get it and place it in my. WEEKLY. g Besides that, I will zive you five hundred dollars in cold cash.” “Five hundred dollars?” ingly. ‘Just that. convince you that I can keep my word.” gasped Packard, doubt- I mean it, and here-is the money, to The Westerner displayed a roll of bills, the out- side one being for the amount of five hundred dol- lars. Now, Roland’ Packard had been going it pretty hard for the past few months, with the result that he was involved in debt and knew not how to clear Qf a sudden, he saw a way to wipe out his debts and himself till this moment. he fancied strike a blow at Merriwell at the same time, and his blood- shot eyes shone greedily. “How am_I to do this?” he asked. “That is for you to settle.” “You mean that . “That you are to find a way. I am at the end of my resources, else I would not have applied to you. It was by chance that I heard you spoken of as only enemy of Merriwell remaining in_ Yale, and it was by chance—a lucky one—that you happened along and were pointed out. I lost no time in stop- pine you'right here, hopmg you might be the rman to do this work.” “T’ll do it if posible; but how is it to be done?” “Again I say that is something for you to find out. I will point out to you the man who has the mes- sage, and you are to follow him and get it if you. can. If you. succeed, the money is yours the mo- ment you place that oil- aki envelope in i hands. Are you ready to try it ae ira wee ay ae WEB as eee HS oa “Now!” ‘whispered Mescal, as he stenred behind | “You bet! Packard, so that ie. student was between. him and a man Ww ho was descending the steps of. the. Tontine. “There goes the man with the message!” , : p the .~ ee cI sal A ED aE TP CHAPTER V. THE MESSAGE DELIVERED. The man with the message was 8indoth-faced and shrewd-appearing. He’ stepped out from the Ton- tine briskly. Having struck New Haven when every hotel seemed filled to overflowing, he. was glad to get any kind of accommodations at the Ton tine. He was dressed in a plain gray suit of clothes. “After him!” “He. has the “Get it be- whispered Mescal. message! Get it somehow—anyhow! fore Merriwell reads it!” “Tl do my best,” I find you?” “Here—at this hotel.” Without another word, Roland Packard started promisede Packard, “Where'll & after the man in gray. Up Chapel street went the man, with Roland not far behind. — : : cous: The student was trying to‘think of some way to. secure the mesage. He was a desperate fellow, and desperate schemes flitted through his brain. He _ thought of attacking the man on the street and try- “ing to go through his pockets; but New Haven was thronged with visitors, old and young, and Packard | found no opportunity, knowing full well that all chances of success were against him. Desperate _ though he was, he had-no relish for artest on the charge of assault ‘and robbery. But Roland's eyes’ were open, and: he was on the watch for’an oppor- ~ tunity. Still, something told him that the man was. going directly. to Merriwell, and he felt that his show of accomplishing his purpose es ‘becoming smaller with every BES Te 1 ony _ Already preparations were. being a for. a hi- : Jlarious time in the vicinity of Osborn Hall that ne night. Bickard knew there would be speeches, | cheering, red ‘bre and all that, but he gave it no : thought rr aioe eee ae SE A New Haven has gone. ‘daffy over Martiwall i ‘he muttered, to himself, as he heard Frank's name. - “Anybody : “spoken many ‘times: by passing men. ould think there was CORRE. else ta talk of! ‘Mer- room, which was standing wide open. WEEKLY. riwell eclipses class day, senior prom., graduation, © everything. Oh, if I could get a last crack at him. right in the height of his glory!) And to make five hundred plunks at the same time. I. must do it somehow!” But how?—that was the question. He ground his teeth as he saw his chances diminishing. The campus was reached, and the man in ay made directly for Vanderbilt. .- has ATE “Going straight to Merriwell’s room!” iveske Roland. “Perhaps I'll have:a chance on the stairs.” No-one paid much attention to Packard. Every- body.seemed hilariously: happy. He. was close behind the bearer of the message when that individual entered Vanderbilt ; but the op- portunity did not come. It seemed that a. perfect’ stream of men was making for Merriwell’s room or coming from it. | “Just pouring congratulations on him,” said the. medic. “Oh, he’s the kingpin here!” He saw the messenger reach the door of Frank’s Within that room there seemed to be a mass of happy students. “No use!” grated Packard. “ ‘chance !’’ Just then Oliver iT sdigi and Hock Mason came Neither of an ob-. served Roland. = 7° * late: chy “He hasbeen there,” anutiered Metra: ehoiny, looking after his twin brother, whom he so closely out and descended the stairs. resembled in outward appearance, although. other-. 3 wise there was not-the slightest similarity, Then a sudden thought came to him. In the past he had been mistaken for Oliver a score of times, and again he might perpetrate the deception. No> one would expect him to boldly enter Merriwell’s. room, If any one had observed the departure of Oliver, it might be fancied that Oliver had returned if Roland were seen. “I'll do it!” he muttered, eek he boldly flowed the messenger into that room, 1c Absaaeh iow He turned green with jealousy when he saw v Frank in the midst of. his friends. , alata would have” { ng didn’t get ws BH BES ES. bit a aatte SS ae 2 x, Me esis) TIP TOP WEEKLY: given ten years of his life to win such homage from that admiring throng. Yet he could not help see- ing that Frank Merriwell bore himself with perfect modesty, as if feeling himself no better than his humblest friend. Merry’s position was most. diff- cult, and only a man of remarkable tact could have filied it without seeming to pose. It was this atmos- phere maintained by Frank at all times that had made him: so popular. He did not betray exalta- tion, and yet in no way did he lower himself by his quiet, unaffected manners. The man in gray, slowly pushed forward till he could touch. Frank’s arm. In. a moment when Merry was not engaged, the stranger spoke, saying: “Mr, "you now, but my business is most important. I beg your pardon for bothering 1 will trouble you only a minute if you will kindly step Merriwell, aside.” _ Frank was surprised, but his courtesy was sufh- cient to enable him to betray it only by a slight lift- ing of the eyebrows. Then he excused himself to those immediately about him and stepped apart with the man. : ‘| would not have bothered you now,” said the stranger, “but I am the bearer of an important mes- sage to you, and I wish to get it out of my hands without delay, as there is danger that I may lose it. I shall not feel easy till I have turned it over to you, when my task will be completed.” “A message?” said Frank. “From whom?” ~.“T do not know. I know nothing, save that I have been paid a large sum of money to bring it to you, and to guard it with my life till it is in your hands.” “Such a. statement: as sive was calculated to arouse _ interest. ae you do not know whom the message is from?” é “T do not. It was not my place to make sat ‘All I know is that I have been pursued from Colo- rado to this city by a man who has seemed de- isi, termined to rob me of i ; This added to the interest. | au toa lorida. 11 “But he did not succeed ?” “No, sir. I am here, and I have the message, which I will now hand over to you.” From an inner pocket the man took an oilskin envelope, which he gave to Frank, who looked at it curiously. On the envelope were traced these words: j “To Frank Harrison Merriwell; not to be opened until the day after he graduates from Yale.”’ The moment Frank saw that writing, which was wavering and unsteady, he uttered a little exclama- tion, his face paling. “Tt’s from my father! he murmured. “I wonder what it can be!” The messenger now pr Lacutedt a receipt for Frank to sign, having produced a fountain pen. Merry signed the receipt, although for some rea- son which he himself did’not fully understand his hand was not as.steady as usual. “There,” said the man, “I thank goodness that my task is accomplished!” “Who gave you this?” asked Frank. “My chief.” “Your chief? “J am in the employ. of the Great Western De- tective Agency, of Denver, and my chief placed this in my hands. He stated that I was to receive two thousand dollars if I delivered it into your hands. He had been asked to name a man who was reliable, The man who sent the ; You mean 99 and I had been chosen. message fixed the remuneration I was to receive. What he paid the chief I do not know.” Strange thoughts ran riot in Frank’s brain. _ He had not heard from his father for some time, and he had not seen Mr. Merriwell since they parted in The last letter from Mr. Merriwell had as- sured Frank that his father was safe and comforta- ble, and, knowing the peculiarities of the man, he - had not worried much for all of the period of si- | But now something told Merry that strange 3 It seemed that for ace lence. things were soon to. happen. moment a curtain had been partly drawn, giving | him a glimpse of the future, and whai he saw filled ; 4 12 him with surprise and a longing to know more. Then the curtain fell and left him wondering. said Merry, as he returned the fountain — to the man “You have performed your duty well,” in gray. “Thank you,” said the stranger, quietly. “And now I will bid you good-by.” Then he quietly departed, leaving the mysterious message in Frank’s possession. CHAPTER VI. HOW ROLAND PACKARD DID IT, Frank stood there studying the oilskin envelope, wondering what it contained. For the time he for- got his surroundings, forgot the friends who were present; forgot the triumphs of the day and gave himself up to vain speculation. His father was a most mysterious man, seldom Yet somehow it seemed to Merry that this did not ac- doing anything in a conventional manner. count for the care and expense to which Mr. Mer- riwell had gone in order to have the message safely delivered into the hands of his son. Of course Frank had no thought of opening that envelope before the time set—the day after gradu- ation. ope contained a check for a large sum of money which he was to use in starting out in a business career. Anyhow, it was certain, Merry thought, that the contents must be valuable: He was not aware of a pair of greedy eyes fas- tened upon him. He was not aware of a person _ who moved cautiously toward him without attract: ing attention. ' Roland | Packard. was " desperate. The message _ had been delivered, but as yet Merriwell knew noth- i ing of its import. Packard reasoned that this was his’last chance to earn that alluring EYE hundred : dollars. ees SM Puen | Reaching, d'tavorable pustidad, Roland glanced Pian toward the door, observing | that, for the pres- oe ent, the coast was clear. a, He wondered if it could be that the envel-. TIP TOP WEEKLY. Then he turned, and, like a flash, his hand went out, his fingers closing on the envelope, which was snatched from Merriwell’s grasp. the desperate Without a word, without a sound, ' student leaped toward the door. Merry, who had thought himself surrounded by friends, who to the last man were constant and true, had been taken utterly by surprise. He quickly recovered. “Stop, Packard!” , With that cry, he sprang after Roland, who was vanishing through the door. : In a moment there was great excitement in that room. is . is Hans snatched from Merry’s fingers, and he tried to over- Dunnerwust had seen the ‘envelope take the young rascal, shouting: “Come away back mit dot! Id dit nod belonging to you!” fi In his rush for the door he collided with Ephraim | Gallup, who likewise had leaped after the thief, and they went down heavily in the doorway, locked fast in each other’s arms. | “Gol ding’ a | foot: ' spluttered the youth from Ver-_ mont. Merry was compelled to leap over them both, which he did, dashing out after Packard. Half way down the stairs Frank clutched Oliver, who was calmly returning to Merry’s room, “Give it up!” commanded Merry, ae Oliver was astounded. “Give what up?” he asked.- “The message.” “What message?” “You know. This is no time for joking, and it is. ‘a very poor joke, at best.” Ws “Toke?” said Oliver, wonderingly. “What are — I know nothing ath { you talking about, Merriwell? any joke.” — | Frank held biti off ia looked at hive! wie . -Merry’s friends were swarming to the head of vil stairs. . Ga ea ah “Frank’s got him . they cried. TIP TOP WEEKLY. ewer? der lobsder vot didded id! kie!”’ “Shut yeour maouth, yeou dinged Dutch chump!” shouted Hans Dunnerwust. ‘Dot vos Holdt him onto, Vran- came from Gallup. “Yeou come nigh fixin’ it so he couldn't git him.’ 99 “Roight ye are, Gallup, me bhoy,” put in Mul- loy. “Thot Dutch chaze is foriver in th’ way.” To the eyes of Merry the look of amazement on Oliver “What has happened?” -ackard’s face seemed genuine. “Tl heard the sudden commotion, and then you came leaping Oliver asked. down here at me.” “Make him give it ae Merry!” cried. the stu- cents above. “T’ve got nothing to give up,” protested Oliver, his face, which had turned pale, now flushing hotly. “What, do they mean?” Frank just then. He had not seen Oliver leave the room in company with Hock Mason, and he had not ob- served Roland’s face fairly as the latter whirled with ‘the snatched envelope in his grasp; but he realized that Oliver's actions in the past had stamped him as in no respect likely to perpetrate such a trick, while it was very | much like his scoundrelly brother. . But it did not seem that Roland had been in the room. That he would dare come there in the midst of Merry’s friends seemed utterly beyond rea- son and not worthy of consideration, Yet Frank asked Oliver a question; | _ “Where is Roland?” _ Again Oliver's face paled, “Roland?” he said. “I don’t know.” “Didn’ t he pass you just now on cee stairs? : “He did BOG. bie ie Frank’ s face was hard anne grim. “Come up to my room,” he commanded. Oliver did not demur. «He saw Frank's friends “regarding him with looks of accusation, but, know- i ing he was not guilty of any wrong-doing, he quietly - ; ascended the. stairs and entered Merriwell’ $s room. y, At one moment, ‘Panting, Merriwell. was doiag some swift thinking. to rush out and grasp me on the stairs. such a bad brother. “strated with Frank for his friendliness with Te , neve! trying to. still his | dent. 13 breathing and his thumping heart, Roland Packard was listening behind the closed door. of another he had darted. taking room near Merriwell’s, into which He had seen the door. slightly ajar, and, chances on any one being eit: had leaped in there as he fled with the stolen message. As Oliver, surrounded by Frank’s friends, entered . Merriwell’s His ears had told and he chuckled to bit and cautiously peered out. him something of the truth, think that his brother had appeared just in time to fall into the hands of the pursuers. ‘“He’s all right,’ thought.the young scoundrel. “And he.turned up at just the right moment to di- vert suspicion from me long enough for me to get away. My last blow-at Merriwell will be effective, and I'll make a ten-strike at, the same time.” © He saw Merriwell’s door closed by some one who meant to make sure that the captured suspect Then Roland stole swiftly out from that room and hastened down should not break away and escape. the stairs, chuckling with evil triumph, Oliver Packard was in a bad scrape, and some- how his face seemed to indicate that he felt guilt. Still; he persisted in being told what had happened. When he heard the story, he firmly said: “This is a mistake, Merriwell—I swear it! I left ‘this room ten or fifteen minutes ago in company with Hock Mason, a8 I can prove. I left Mason outside and came back. I was just in time for you truth, as Heaven hears me!” There were murmurs of doubt ¢ on all sides. Many of Merry’s friends had never trusted Oliver fully, be- go ing inclined to judge him by the conduct of his ras- cally brother. To them it did not seem that Oliver could be perfectly honest and trustworthy and have Some of them had remon- These were the ones who now muttered their incred- | | room, Roland opened the door the least This is the ulity on listening to the words of the suspected st Be Oliver turned pale as he heard that muttering. He stiffened up, crying: “You need not believe me if you do not wish, but I know it is true!” “Search him!’’ said somebody. ‘Search him!” was the cry. _ “Yes, search me!’ panted Oliver. “I demand to be searched!” “No,” said Frank, as his hand fell on Oliver's shoulder. “I believe you! I am satisfied that you speak the truth. It is a mistake.” “But we saw him with the envelope in his hand,” said Dade Morgan. “It was not I!” asserted Oliver. “No, Was one W “but it ho hates me and who looks so much like it was not you,” agreed Merriwell, you that we were all deceived.” * “My brother!” muttered Oliver, huskily. “it must have been,” nodded Frank. “ile has stolen that message, which is of great value to me.” “Merriwell,” exclaimed Oliver Packard, excitedly, “lll recover the message for you! Trust me to get it. 1 witl restore it to you if I live!” CHAPTER VII. THE FALSE MESSAGE. Roland Packard was exultant as he hastily left Vanderbilt. message he had snatched fae Frank Merriwell’s Safe in his pocket was .the precious hand. \?? “{ have it! I have it! “Oh, fght it out with them. he laughed, as he hastened Let Oll He'll get off somehow, and away. that was a piece of luck! they never can prove I did it.” is He seemed utterly regardless of the shame and humiliation he had cast upon his brother by his “rasca Wly act. Having sunk lower and lower, Ro- 3 land’: s conscience no longer gave him much trouble, no matter what he did. 3 “Five hundred dollars!” he muttered. “All mine! That will clear me of every debt.” i f As he Lia TIP TOP WEEKLY. He was hastening to find Anton Mescal, when, of a sudden, he stopped. | “Tf that man is willing to pay five hundred dol- lars for this message the old envelope must contain something of great importance.” That set him to thinking, and soon he softly ex- claimed: “I'd like to know what is in that envelope! It might be worth much more than five hundred dol- lars to me.” He was on Chapel street, opposite the green. Glancing around to make sure he was not watched, he took the envelope from his pocket and examined it. “Sealed!” he muttered, in disappointment. bad! But for that, He grew,silent, examining the seal. “Too I might——” “This is luck!’ he finally laughed. “The seal was struck with a ring made to represent the symbol of one of the old Freshman societies. The man who struck that seal may have received the ring from Merriwell himself. I know where to find another ring exactly like that.” Packard thrust the envelope into his pocket and hastened straight to a jeweler’s shop, where he soon purchased a rmg which he knew would strike a seal | exactly like the one on the envelope. ‘From the jeweler’s store he went to a stationer’s, where he purchased a stick of sealing wax like the wax used on the oil-skin envelope. Then came the hardest thing to obtain, an envel- ope like the one in his pocket; but, after much search, Packard secured just what he wanted. “Now, I am going to know what the: message is !’”” he exulted. : At first he started for his own room, but he did not go far. _ “Oliver may be there,” he shige come before the job is done. I must go there.” In a moment-he thought of a place, and then he proceeded straight to a little club room, where some of the reckless Yale men had often peer to play cards for money. “or He may | TIP TOP The clubroom was deserted now, as everybody seemed out to take part in the gay time that night. Roland knew there was little danger that he would be disturbed, for it was not probable that any Yale man would care to play cards on such a night. The place had been lighted by ordinary kerosense lamps, and Roland had one of these burning in short order. Then he set to work to open the envelope. At first Packard’s hands trembled, which caused him to stop and wait for his nerves to become stead- ier. He took a silver flask from his pocket, un- screwed the cap, and drank from it, “There!” he said; “that will fix me.’ When he: resumed his reprehensible task his hands were quite steady. Slowly and cautiously the’ rascal worked with his When this was done he found some trouble in opening the knife, removing the seal from the envelope. flap without Jeaving a tracé, but the ‘task was ac- complished at last. ; 3 “Now 1" he exclaimed, his face flushed and his eyes gleaming, “we'll see what this great message is all about!” From the envelope he took several ‘sheets of parchnient-like paper, which were covered with writing. Then, by the light of the lamp, he set- tled himself to read the message that had never been intended for other eyes ‘than those of Frank M erriwell. ' ~ As Packard read he show ed signs of surprise. ~ At first he whistled softly, then he uttered an exclama- tion, and at last he exclaimed aloud: 'p? “Well, by Jove! this is interesting! When he had finished reading, he started ’ uP, ex- a claiming : “Frank Merriwell’s fate is in my hands! Al- _ mighty goodness! What a ten- strike! With the | aid of this I can turn Merriwell out into the world re pauper! Ha! ha! ha! Roland Packard, this is the- Five hundred Why, this is worth five million dollars! Ph greatest piece of work you ever did. - dollars! He was wildly. excited: and could hardly sees WEEKLY. 15 wild shouts of joy. Indeed, he executed a savage dance of exultation. “At last !” revenge for every injury Merriwell has done me! Oh, Laugh, he panted. ‘‘Now I am able to obtain but my revenge will be a sweet one!” Packard; Packard; but The evildoer may triumph for a time, but forever exult, beware! he is walking amid the most terrible pitfalls, into one of which he must eventually plunge. The rascal was so excited and interested that he again read the wonderful message from beginning to end. “Now,” he said, pay me the five “to fool Mescal first. He must hundred, for I need it.” There was some writing paper on a table near. He took several sheets, folded them and thrust them into the envelope from which the message had been removed. Then he stuck down the flap with care and brought out his sealing wax and the ring “he had purchased. — Roland’s hands were steady and he knew. how to. Re- moving the chimney from the lamp, he heated the perform the task he had set out to accomplish. wax in the flame and dropped it on exactly the spor where the original seal had been. At the proper time he pressed the ring on the wax, and an, exact reproduction of the first seal was made. Packard surveyed his word with pride, examin- ing it closely to see if a casual observer could detect that the envelope had been tampered with. | “Tt’s all right,” he decided. to tell that it has been opened. Ol! devil!’ _Mr, Merriwell is in the midst of his glory now, but he shall go out from Yale a beggar! If he only knew! When it is too late, I’ll-tell him all, and hat shall be my tri- umph, Ha! ha!’ ha!” Then he set about fixing the other envelope, into which he placed the message, sticking down. the “T'll defy aiybody y DPmiica- clever’ Some time he shall know. flap and putting on the seal. | “All that is necessary is to soil. it a little,” Hes said. “Then it will be exactly like the. original. if Teche George, no!” | 1 16 TIP “TOP For he had turned the original envelope and seen the writing upon it. “Well,” “I’m rather clever at imitating handwriting, muttered the fellow, after a few mo- ments, so £1) see what I can do in this case.” Finding pen and ink, he set about the task. At first he imitated on a sheet of paper the writing on the original envelope. The first trial was not per- fectly satisfactory, so he made another attempt. “There,” he said, as he examined it, “if I can do as well as that on the envelope it will be a first-class job.” Without delay he set at work on the envelope, and the result was greatly to his liking. “It's all right,” he decided, as he blotted it. believe it would fool Merriwell himself.” ia ‘He destroyed the sheet on which he had been ‘practicing, and then placed the envelope containing the message in his pocket, where it would be safe. “Now to.get the cold five hundred!” he laughed, hi as he picked up the other envelope. ‘‘Hamlet’s ghost! but won't Mr. Anton Mescal be hot under the collar when he opens this and finds nothing but blank paper in it!” A key turned in the lock, and Packard leaped to his feet, Quick as a flash, he thrust the envelope into his pocket. ‘Yhere was a slight sound at the door. turning in time to see the door swing open. Oliver Packard stepped into the room. - CHAPTER VIII. THE STRUGGLE OF THE BROTHERS. “You?” exclaimed Roland. “Yes! said Oliver. He stepped i in, closed the ioe and locked it. “Why the devil are you here?” snarled Roland. “To find you,” said Oliver, quietly. “What do you want of me ie “Il want that message.” “What message?” “The one you snatched from Merriwell.” “\What ails you? Are you nutty?” / < WEEK. Oliver. “You're silly!” | declared Oli- “Hand it over,’ commanded “You go die!” sneered Roland. “T am here to take it, and I shall,” ver. “T don’t know what you're talking about.” j “What did you put in your pocket just.as I en- tered?” “None of your business!” “T know what it was.” “Then, if you know so much, why do you ask me?” “It was the message.” “What are you giving me about a message rus “It’s no use to play innocent with me, Roll.” Roland uttered a savage exclamation. “You get out of here!” he cried, taking a step. Oliver did not stir. 3 “Pll go when you give me what I am after,’ he said. } “T'll give it to you—in the neck!” Then the brothers stared at each other. “you can’t bluff me. I know you snatched a message from Frank’ Merri- I was accused, but Merriwell believed me on my word “Roll,” said Oliver, quietly, well’s hand to-night, and you have it with you. of honor.” “That’s more than he would me,” said Roland, with a harsh laugh. - : vy “Youthave only yourself to blame if no one will : ” said Oliver. , is it?’ cried the other. believe your word of honor, “Sermon, “You're al-- ways preaching nowadays, Oll,” » « “Tt’s no sermon now, for waste.” “Pm glad of it. “T shall not go till I get what I came for. I have no time to Get out and let me alone.” T will clear myself of suspicion, and I will restore to Mer< riwell what rightfully belongs to him,” | “You've tackled a big job.” “I shall do it.” * “How? SAR disgraced me i ‘ “Somehow—anyhow. You have time and again, Roll, and 1 have stood it for moth- — i. TIE graduate loose on old New Haver town upon the occasion of one of his class reunions. ae ’Umpty-sixers, take the fence!” goes up the cry. There follows a rush of the begarlanded old fel- lows, all eager to gain a place on the fence. Then the band plays all the old college songs, and for several hours to come these hilarious and tipsy old gtaybeards will bawl and howl to the strains of the band, which, like themselves, is fast passing into a state of innocuous desuetude. _ But ’Umpty-six is not the only class mixed up in ‘ this general blow-out. Other and younger classes are there, back for occasions of lesser significance than the silver wedding. Nearly a thousand Yale men are surging about Osborn corner, which is kept prilliantly lighted by the glare of. Egyptian red e lights. Judging by the deafening noise, it would _ seem that the entire stock of fireworks in the city must have been set off already. » - But they still keep coming in wagon lOmAp Ay” MAI SIe ie WEEE 19 And in the midst of all this tumultuous rejoicing the man who has won for Yale the baseball cham- pionship of the season is not forgotten. “Long cheer for Merriwell!’” shrieks an ’Umpty- sixer. Then the whole vast crowd of Yale men pause to roar out the cheer for a Yale man who to-night is more famous than all others. that Merriwell bimself felt a thrill. No wonder some of his friends laughed while their No wonder ‘eyes were dimmed with tears. And on his arm was the pressure of a hand—the hand of the girl he loved. And at his side was a radiantly beautiful girl, who felt that on this day of his glory her joy must be even greater than his. And his friends about him thrill also and feel that his honor is theirs. Hans Dunnerwust was sobbing. “Whut in thunder is the matter with yeou?”’ blurted Ephraim Gallup, giving the Dutch youth a punch. “IT don’d knew vot id vos,” answered Hans, “but I veel like I vos peing tickled a fedder by till I couldn’t stood him no longer alretty.” Oi fale loike Oi’d nivver get over it!” “Begorra! said Barney Mulloy. year.” Elsie is there. “Or'll drame av this fer a She is saying nothing, but the joy in her blue eyes speaks. She looks at Frank as that mighty cheer for him rolls up to the rocket- riven sky. She sees Inza’s hand on Frank’s arm, and then—then she turns to Hodge. Bart, once called selfish, feels that he is far hap- pier than he would be were those men cheering for him. A good, true friend Bart had been, and in this hour there was nothing of envy in his heart. Why should there be? and somehow he felt that for all of Frank’s great Elsie was beside him, glory, for all of bewildering, dark-eyed Inza, he— Bart—had won the prize of prizes. shouted an ’Umpty-sixer, as the cheer- “Speech !” ing subsided. “Speech! Speech!” beach the others. 20 TIP TOP “Speech by Billy Bilton, the only and original “Put him up—put him in the wagon with the fireworks! Shoot off your face, Billy! Billy Bilton!” “Billy Bilton! ’Umpty-six!” Nominally Billy Bilton was the Hon, William P. windmill of "Umpty-six!” cried an old grad. roared the crowd. Bilton, representative at Congress for the great and glorious Commoriwealth of Maine. Just now the Honorable William’ was more of an advertisement for a certain house of French vinters, for. William, to tell the sad and solemn truth, had been drinking And he was smoking, or trying to smoke, a fat cigar. And this Billy, servative and dignified—why, on my word, it’s the champagne till it was running out of his ears. this Honorable William, the con- same reckless fellow who drew a revolver on Rol- and Packard! To be sure the revolver was loaded with blank cartridges for this occasion, but think of a man of his standing behaving in such a réckless and unjustifiable manner! x Billy steadied himself with something of an: effort. He smiled, and that smile was something worth be- holding! and held it between his fingers. He removed the cigar from his mouth “My contemporaries,” he began, pointing with the ‘cigar toward the fireworks in the wagon, “have been doing such good work that I feel handicapped. I want to say that the greatest thing in this great university on this great night, next to the great class of f “Umpty-six, is the g great Frank Merriweil!” Then they cheered again, and again they cheered. Meanwhile, although the wagon seemed to lurch and reck most. unpleasantly, Billy steadied himself and stood by the ship, serenely smoking his cigar. “Now,” said Billy, when he could again be heard, “I want to tell you what Frank Merriwell, has done for Yale. letic record of any college.in the country! Since of the day that he was placed in command not one im- _ portant game has been taken from us. who arose in time to lift Yale from the slough of | despond into which a had es and it was he speaker went on. But » ‘He has’ made for her the proudest ath- and sparks flew from his glowing cigar. ture nearly proved disastrous, but his determina-_ hs It was he WEEKLY. who has led her to the dazzling where she now’ stands.’ Then they roared and roared again, while the ora- tor smiled once more and braced himself still more firmly, for not only was the wagon rocking, but it seemed that the solid ground was giving an occas sional roll and some of the buildings threatened to topple and fall. “At least, Inza, with another look of pride at Frank. he-is able to tell the truth,” laughed “That's not all,” the Honorable William contin- ued. “While he has uplifted Yale he has risen him- self, until to-day he is known from the broad At lantictic to the blue Pacific. Yea, wherever the flag of our country floats, the glorious Stars and Stripes, there, has spread the name and fame and glory of: Merriwell, of Yale.” It was impossible for him to continue until they had roared again; and the cheering gave him an op. portunity to get a still firmer foothold on the deck of the rocking wagon. He was determined that the wagon should not spill him ignominiously upon his _ head, and so he planted his feet yet a bit further apart. “Even to foreign lands his glory has spread,” the the English guage is spoken the name of Merriwell may be “Wherever lan-. heard. From the Klondike to Patagonia, from the Philippines to South Africa, he is known and ad- | mired and reverenced as the model American youth. Old men commend him to the young, the young try | to model after him, and even the child at its moth- er’s knee lisps the name of Merriwell.” “Oh, say !”’ muttered beach. too thick! | “he’s putting it on 1 I can’t stand this!” But Billy was ready to switch now, although he had no thought of stopping. He waved his hand, That ges- tion not to be upset by that confoundedly bis S { wagon saved him for the time. iF TIP TOP greatest class that ever graduated from Yale!’ he declared, with another wild gesture that caused him ? 5 to drop his cigar. ‘‘’Umpty-six is _ Bang—barked a cannon cracker in the wagon. *’Umpty-six . ° Bang! bang! bang! A series of terrible explosions set the verbose William to dancing in a lively manner, for his fallen _ cigar had ignited the fireworks in the wagon. The horse attached to the wagon was frightened and broke away, despite all efforts to hold him. Immediately the Honorable William lost his foot- ing and fell upon his knees in the wagon, while away pranced the horse at a mad gallop. The ora- tor was kneeling in the midst of.a pyrotechnic dis- play. of hissing Roman‘ candles, flaming red lights, bursting cannon crackers and ‘screaming rockets. ee Jack Ready afterwards declared that it was a grand and awe-inspiring spectacle. “There goes Windy Billy!’ shouted the crowd, and every man, to the last one, started after the blazing wagon and the most startling piece of set fireworks ever seen in New Haven, which was long remembered by the name of “The American Rep- _ resentative in All His Glory.” As the wagon disappeared Frank Merriwell, who was laughing at the astonishing climax, ielt a hand von his shoulder. He dirted and saw Oliver Packard. a ney have found you at last,” ‘said Packard. | thought you must be out there in the crowd some- where, and I’ve been hunting for you for more than two: hours.” y | ee ; aoe have been ag here all along,” said Frank. well.” es LSA nia ated at i ilet Godd ee ‘exclaimed Merry, in great iiitistaction.| ‘immediately thrust it into: his pocket. “T’ll _ care it is not snatched from me ae se ask WEEKLY. 21 you. no questions, Oliver, and I'll not, forget what you have done.” Little did either Packard or Merriwell dream that the envelope contained nothing but blank paper. CHAPTER X. ‘ANTON MESCAL STRIKES. Roland Packard had fancied he might be forced to destroy the original oilskin envelope in removing the message from it, and for that reason he had se- cured a duplicate. When he succeeded in getting the message out without destroying the original en- velope, he decided that the best thing to do was to place the blank paper in that same envelope, as the clean newness of the other might betray the trick. Then he was seized by a desire to put the message in the,other envelope and copy as accurately as possi- ble the writing upon it, which he did. ‘The villainous medic chuckled gleefully as he thought how his brother had been deceived. “T have the message safe in my pocket,” he mut- tered, “while Oll is ‘taking the fake to Merriwell. But must I give up this genuine article in order to get the five hundred from Mescal?” He was not at all pleased by the thought. In fact, he quickly decided not to give up the mes- ° . He set to thinking ‘the matter over, and it was not long before he had de- sage if he could help it. cided on his course of action. . Roland left the clubroom and skulked away to his own room, taking care to attract as little attention as possible. Once he saw a man he fancied looked | like Mescal, and he was pees not to be seen in turn. ‘ : So it baraindd: that he saw nothing of the old grads’ celebration at Osborn corner. The following morning Roland secured another oilskin envelope. Knowing Oliver would be off to the exercises of the day, he sought his own room and prepared the envelope there. Stems When he came out the seniors, in caps and gowns, z 22 were assembling at the chapel, into which a crowd of visitors was flowing. “Yah!” muttered Packard to himself, He will be the Oh, he’ll feel proud and fine, “Merri- well will be there in all his glory. cynosure of all eyes. but little he’ll dream that it is my hand that will send Yah!” The chapel was thronged with visitors when the him forth from Yale a pauper. exercises began, and Packard was right in thinking that Merriwell would be the center of: attraction. Merry, in cap and gown, looked much, like the other seniors present, but the visitors sought and found him with their glances. The class poet, as he stood up to read his poem, took but a small por- tion of attention from Frank. The class orator And un- drew but little more when his time came. Merry, modest and unassuming, appeared quite conscious of everything but the exercises, In the meantime Packard had sought Anton Mes- cal, whom he finally found in a room at the Tontine. Mescal had a bottle of wine on the table at his His was flushed and his eyes gleamed wolfishly elbow and was smoking a Spanish cigarette. face when Roland entered.. He did not rise, but re- garded the medic grimly. ‘“T’ve come,” said Packard, with an air of triumph. “T see vou have,” said Mescal, coldly, showing his ;white teetn after the manner of a wolf. , “You ao not appear glad to see me.” “But d am glad—very glad,’ said the man | from | the West, in a very singular way. Packard paused, and a shiver ran over him. There. was something deadly in the atmosphere. %? “Sit down,” invited Mescal, in that same awesome manner, making a slight gesture toward a chair, “T had a hard time getting the message,” Packard, awkwardly. ; “Then you did get it?” asked Mescal. tm Yes. way of. doing it. pleased.” “I 4m pleased—very pleased. Go on. el did you get it?” 4 TIP TOP WEEKLY. “] went straight to Merriwell’s -room in tracks of the man you bade me follow.” “Lo M Mes: low and secure the messace. erriwell’s room?” I could not get a chance to tackle the fel- You know the streets were full.” “Yes.” must have “If I had tackled him on the street I failed, and I would have been lodged in the jug.” “Possibly. Go on,” The manner of the Westerner had not changed in the least, and Roland felt that those dagger-like eyes were piercing him through and through. “Merriwell’s room was packed with his friends, who were there to congratulate him. I walked right in after the messenger.” “Very bold of you!” “The messenger took the message from_ his pocket and handed it over to Merriwell.” “And you?” “I was near enough to ;spring forward and snatch it from Merriwell’s hand.” “But you did not?” ~“T did! I snatched it and fled. pursuers and got away with it. I eluded the Of course, they - were searching for me last night, so % was compelled | began When I set out to do a thing, I bias “ But you do not seem much. den spring placed himself between Packard and the. \ to lay low. But I am here now.’ “And you have the message?” OY Bane ied 34 Mescal rose to his feet, and the look on his face | seemed to become more dangerous than ever. 3 “Where is Tt: Saenes said Packard, also rising. From his pocket he took the fake envelope, which he held in his hand. | “Give me the five hundred dollars,” he demanded, “It is yours the moment you pay me the mioney.” _ Mescal stepped clear of the table and by a sud- — door, : He was like a panther in his movements, f What’ s the matter with you?” asked Roland, in alarm. “What are you ae Don’t think for 3 a TIP TOP WEEKLY. moment that you can take the message from me jae without paying the money.” “You fool!” said-Mescal, in a low’tone. “You liar! You traitor!” He wondered if in any manner this man could have dis- Packard saw there was trouble in the air. covered his. trick. “What do you mean by calling me such names?” _he blustered. “J mean just what I have said; you are a fool, a liar and a traitor. You came here to deceive me!” “To deceive you?” oe” “How ?” “With that thing!” said the man, pointing at the : oilskin envelope. “It. does not contain the mes- sage!” | | Packard was astounded, but he resolved to make a good bluff. “What are you saying?” he exclaimed, pretending to be much astonished. “What do you mean?” is “I mean that I know your game to beat me out of five hundred dollars! I mean that I was. watch- ing you last night! e you went to Merriwell and gave the message to him with your own hand!” | Roland gasped. “Went to him-—and gave sie ill message?” he faltered. “Why, man, you are y LHen he _ paused, uttering a ne cry, as a sudden light broke on him. Hs It was Oliver this fellow had atehed It was Oliver he had seen give the fake envelope to Merri- 4 f "You, are mistaken, ” he said, swiftly, although I he ‘could not quite see how he was going to. make aiieas clear. a hye a, twin brother who looks ex- I mean that I saw you when — . tators anc 23 Roland choked and hesitated, That hesitation seemed to fan the man to a burst of fury. “Fool!” “You have tried he hissed, crouching. to deceive the wrong man! Had you known me better you would not have done so! In my body flows the blood of the Spaniard, and I never forgive an injury! You betrayed me, and I will settle with you as we settle such scores in the West!’ . Ro- land uttered a cry of fear as Mescal leaped upon The student tried to defend himself, but Mes- cal’s blade rose and fell. “You devil!” stabbed me.” Then, as Roland’sank to his knees, Mescal broke Out flashed a slender dagger in his hand. him. gasped Packard. “You have away, flung the blood-stained dagger on the floor and bounded to the door. One backward look he took as he disappeared, seeing the bleeding youth upon the floor. | : Then he fled from the hotel and from New Ha- ven, to be seen in the College City no more. CHAPTER XI. THE TRIUMPH OF PACKARD. Packard had not been fatally wounded, _ by. any. means. The dagger had pierced the bicept muscle: of his arm and the point had penetrated his side as far. as a rib. The wound in the arm was the most painful, and the other was not dangerous. In the hospital Roland was skillfully treated, but he persist- ently refused to’ tell how or by whom he had been wounded. Nor would he stay in the hospital when ‘he found that. his wound was not/at all dangerous if properly — cared for. He came out that afternoon and re- turned to the college. He found the afternoon exercises on the campus taking place. The place was like an open. aren; with temporary seats rising in tiers all round | it. | Those seats were packed with human, beings, spec- friends of the students. Already the _ classes hac marched i in, led by re band, and assem- — Tk > MOP of the smoking long clay They who bled on the benches in the middle arena, where they now sat sedately pipes and wearing caps and gowns. were listening to the historians of the class, were reading the class histories. Packard looked on, feeling that something was occurring in which he had no part and no interest. His arm was in a sling, and this last enemy of Mer- riwell at Yale looked a forlorn and wretched figure. The histories read by the different historians had been full of hits upon the various members of the class. As a man’s name was called his companions while his history He was compelled to submit gracefully, but some of lifted him upon their shoulders, was given to the strained ears of the gathering. those sharp hits caused the victims to look like fresh boiled lobsters. j The historian was reading when Packard reached a spot where he could see and hear. Bruce Brown- ing was held aloft upon the shoulders of his fellows. When it was finished, Browning was lowered, and up came. Bart Hodge as his name was mentioned. !” muttered Packard, bitterly. “Everybody seems to be Merriwell’s friend to-day. “Merriwell’s friends I’m the only one of the whole howling pack who has remained, his enemy. He has conquered them all, p? oe but I'll conquer him! Then doae was lowered, There was a stir. The name of Merriwell came from the lips. of the htistorian. Instantly something remarkable took place. Merry was lifted and held. aloft, but every man on these benches rose to his feet. tribute’ to, ‘Frank, and the great crowd of watching PEERING caught the feeling, Up rose that mass of men and women and youths and girls in one great surge, standing fot the moment to. do honor to the eee famous college man in the world. It was a "spectacle never forgotten at Yale. Then those students who were not holding Frank aloft sat down, and the spectators followed their ex- ample, gs; ¥ ~The, historian, his voice ringing out clear, and ; It was a TAT 7 sr ¥ Zea Rd 4 hk lt For some time he sat in silence (Taat: \ strong, delivered a blood-stirring eulogy on Merzi- e well. j ‘tale? slunk away, muttered Packard, and, sick at heart, he unwilling to listen to those words of adulation for one he hated with undying intensity. all land in the room they Late that afternoon, when the exercises were over, Oliver Packard found Ro had occupied together. Oliver. was surprised when he saw his brother's arm in a sling, and he asked what had happened. “None of your business!” ily. “You are hurt?” exclaimed Oliver, for eeition that answered Roland, surl- he had vowed he would take no further interest “What is it, Roll? you tell me how badly you are hurt?” “Go to the devil!’ Oliver sat down, a in his wayward brother. Won't snarled Roland. look of sadness on his face. ; but he spoke at “Where were you while the exercises were taking: £0 place to-day?” he asked. “That's “You should have been there. my business,” said Roland. ns it’s: Ro- learid st have returned the message to Merrivell, and 3 If you had, possible your arm would not be ina sling now. ] feel that he will make no action against you. I did not ask him not-to do so, for I have been forced to ask him so many times before that [ ‘was. ashamed.” oh | “Then I owe you no chats” 4 ah i Is the last spark of honor and the last par ticle of justice driven | “No; but you do owe him something. from your heart? Can’t you see where you have . placed yourself by your conduct toward this man, % who to-day has been honored as no Yal € man even before was honored i fe Fie: “Honored by fools !” growled Ritind es Hons ) If you had seen every person in that great crowd on the ae rise when his name “ 2” ‘ “Honored by the wisest men in ‘college! ored by everyone! iw as spoken by the historian Ve did see it, and then I gets away.” Pe ty PER 4 cm : SS Se ee “Then your place.” “Tf I had been, college man did not rise when Merriweil’s name was you were there? But you were not in they would have seen that one called.” “And you would have brought on yourself the scorn of everyone. Can't you see 'that by his gen- erosity, his nobility, his fine character and manli- ness, he has risen far above you?” “No! Bah! everybody but me. I see that he has a trick of fooling He can make his enemies for- get that they were once enemies, but I am not like . the others. 1 want to tell you something, Oll. You think Merriwel!l has triumphed, but you are wrong. @. . I am the one who has triumphed, though no one save myself knows it. Some time Merriweil shall know, and then he will realize that one of his ene- - mies was more than a match for him.” >») “What do = Are you crazy?” you mean?” asked Oliver, amazed. “Never mind what I mean, but I speak the truth. I have triufphed, and Merriwell is my victim. I'll - talk no more about it, so you may as well close your face.’ : And Oliver could get nothing further from his | "brother. sions, was a grand and glittering success. girls there were by hundreds, and they danced with | ‘the handsome Yale men till they. were weary. CHAPTER XI. Lf i eee END COMES. The Manic prom. that night, like all such occa- Pretty But, oh, they, were so happy! -Inza did not attend the pr om., Soe but a short time before her father had been buried, and she was in J mourning. Frank" appeared on “waltzed once with Elsie, but with Inza not there the the floor and dance was unattractive tohim. Elsie knew when he departed that it was likely he would see Inza, if ay on enough to bid her good-night. , ie. day of eeednatior ‘came. Th he sun shone W A Te errs aa ad ae 25 bright and clear on this great day in the life of Frank Merriwell, but still that feeling of sadness was lingering in his heart, for he felt that he was bidding farewell to his dear home. * Frank had competed to be a Townsend teacher, and sae lad been chosen one of the fortunate six who were to speak for the DeForest gold medal. Thus it happened that he was given little time for thought and little in which to see his friends, all of whom were eager to be m his company. Had he known that the oilskin envelope im his possession contained nothing but blank paper it is not probable he could have spoken as brilliantly as he did. always remembered that oration and the handsome Those who were fortunate enough to hear appearance of the splendid youth who delivered. it. His perfect voice was modulated to suit every shade of meaning, his manner added to the effectiveness of his delivery, and his style, while effective and in- spiring, was in no degree stilted and artificial. ‘When the speaking was over it was generally conceded that the handsome medal must go to Mer- riwell. .The faculty adjourned to the Treasury building, and there to Frank was awarded the splendid prize. Each member of the faculty shook his hand in turn and spoke some word of praise to him. They looked on him lovingly, for they knew that he had done more to raise the standard of college life than any other student in the country. Frank was on. his way to his room when he al- most collided with Roland Packard. Packard had been drinking heavily, and he stopped, his lip curling ina scornful sneer. “You think you're it, Merriwell,” he said, in a tone of great contempt ; “but, if you only knew it, you are the biggest fool alive.” Frank had no desire to ere, words with the fellow. “You're drunk, Packard, ” he said, quietly. ae on about your business.” : “You're a liar, Merriwell!” snarled Packard, rae seemed not to have a single remnant of reason left. MF ae 26 Frank was not in the habit of taking the lie from anybody, but now, seeing Packard’s arm in a sling, he did not heed the fellow’s insult. Ro- land went on; “but you really are mighty small po- ww ell, you may have to pawn it soon to get bread t to keep “Your friends think you're a great gun,” tatoes. Won the DeForest prize, did you? you from starving!” This did not have the effect Roland had titiiied it might, which angered him to a still further ex- pression of rage. “Oh, you’re mighty. cool; cool when you find you're a beggar! And you are! I know what I’m talking about. You will find it out in time, and I want to tell you now that it is I— I, Roland Packard, whom you despise, who -has made you a beggar! Don’t forget it!” He wheeled and walked swiftly away. Frank stood still and looked after the fellow. “IT wonder what he meant,” feeling of uneasiness in his breast. daffy? that he must have some reason left.”’ “Is he plumb. Packard had hurried® away to drink “still more, Already he was half-crazed by liquor, but he felt ‘consumed by a burning fire’ that called for more, more, more. 3 The afternoon of graduation ly came ahd saw all graduating students in caps and gowns, headed by the faculty, likewise garbed, march to the. music of a band out. of the campus and down Elm street to »the green. which they crossed, turning up Chapel street to Vanderbilt, The gates of Vanderbilt are opened but once a year, always on this occasion, and through the gates they marched, under the arch and across. the campus. The chapel - was entered, and. then came the, last siiertin ceremony of con- ferring the degrees. _ Frank thrilled when he stood up to receive his | .{Barnesville bridge. but you won’t be su” ; seen. Merry muttered, a: I know he’s pretty drunk, but still it seems 1 TIP TOP WEEKLY. his sensation was a mingled feeling of joy and sor- row that was like exquisite pain. His face was pale as matble. When the certificate was: placed in his it was the document that divorced his teeth clenched to hold back the moan that sought hand he felt that him from dear old Yale, and he sat down with vent. It was over! That afternoon a man was seen reeling’ over the He was intoxicated, and he ‘seemed to fancy he was pursued by an enemy or enemies who. sought his lifé. Filled with mad ter- ror, he climbed upon the railing not far from the eastern end of the bridge and flung himself head- long into the river. | Several persons had seen this crazy-act, and they — rushed to rescue him if possible. Two men pulled 4 a out in a boat toward the spot where he had last been As they pulled he rose to the surface, made a few feeble splashes and sank. dialed } inp Suk One of the men stripped off his coat and plunged _in. He brought the drowning fellow up, helped the te .other man get him into the boat, Gales in | him- pe Frank was troubled despite himself, and he hur- i self, and they build ashore. ried to his room, where he made sure the oilskin en-, velope was still safe in his possession. On the shore men worked nearly an hour: over. ; ‘the poor wretch, but all their efforts were unavail- ing. He was dead. In his pocket they found some letters, which told them he was a student aud that his name was Roland Packard: ' And thus it came about that in the pocket, of ‘hie: dead brother Oliver Packard found another envel- ope that looked exactly like the one ‘Roland had — snatched from Merriwell. He was astonished and puzzled, but he took it to Merriwell. : _ “One of thém must contain the message, Meri: well,” said Oliver, whose face was marked with deep sorrow. , “To-morrow will tell,” atid Frank, “or then pmill open them both.” He took Oliver’s hand. a am ) vety sorry, Packard,” he said. . gal tts “Tt is for the best,” declared Oliver ; Dut his chin : ee as he turned away. THE, END. riwell’s. 1 Series or, the Contents. of the ‘Oia be sheepskin _ There was a choking in, Bis. Shpoat, “Envelope,” sxeceb -WEEELY = NEW YORK, July_6, rgor. Terms to Tip Top Weekly Mail Subscribers. (PostTAGE FREE.) Single Copies or Back Numbers, Se. Each. BPMOTLAL.. ccc cevend devas hebces s 65c. One CO VOR, ccas aerated Ervebe 5c GeeO0 SA MrRPUIPUE DSL 5.3) p banc ne abv biende kas 85ce. 2 copies ONG YeAL..ceccccvcess 4.00 MPEG ssicciseieuceeesttoe5 $1.2 | l copy two years.......06+ «e- 4,00 . How to Smnp Monery.-—-By post-office or express money order, registered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. At your own risk if sent by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary . letter, REcEIPTS.—Recéipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper change of number on your label. If not correct you have not been properly credited, and should let us know at once. STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY, 238 William St., New York @ity. APPLAUSE. Being constant readers of the Tip Top Weekly, we take the é liberty to write and tell you what we think of Mr. Standish’s . book. We think it is just what you call it, “Tip Top.” We have organized a club and we call it the Tip Top Club. We have grand times in our clubrooms. We box, wrestle and play all sorts of games. Each one of the boys has a name correspond- ing to the Tip Top characters.’ The following are the names: Joseph Walter, Frank Merriwell; William Spikin, Bart Hodge; Thomas O’Connor, Jack Diamond; Robert Jones, Bruce Brown- ing: John McGrane, Dick Starbright; Ira Garlick, Dade Morgan ; Daniel McGrave, Danny Griswold; Harry Eldridge, Bink Stubbs. Wishing Mr. Standish and Street & Smith good luck, we remain, New York Tue Tre Tor Cus. Good luck to your club. \ We take the liberty to write and tell you that the boys in the “far West” appreciate the Tip Top fully as much as the boys in the East. We like the baseball series best; for we have a crack- a-jack)baseball nine in the high school and have lost only one game during the entire season. We are greatly interested in the new Physical Culture Department, for we expect to have a track ‘ team next year if we’get our new gyninasium. Our pitcher, Clyde Akin, is an ardent admirer of Frank, and likes nothing bet- tet than to tell how Frank has grown-up “from a mere strip- lir.e” into one of the greatest athletes of the country. Well, we must close. Our kindest regards to Frank, and our sincere thanks to Burt L. Standish, the prince of story tellers. ARDENT ADMIRERS OF THE Tip Top WEEKLY. ‘McMannsville, Ore. Thank you. Your nine has made a splendid record. May your track team do as well. Good luck to you all. I am a constant reader of Tip Top and have been since Frank was in England, when Frank*met Dolph «and Juliet. That's about the first one I read, but I want to tell you that I haven’t missed one since that date. I have read almost:all of them from No. 1 to that date. I think every American boy should read the Frank Merriwell stories. I have just finished No. 268, and read Starbright’s statement about how Frank taught him the right way to train and how much he had developed in less than a year. I think it would be a good idea to put Frank’s instructions in the Physical Culture Department to Jet the Tip Top’ readers train from. I hope the book that Frank is writing tells you how to be- come an athlete. If it does, I will be sure to get a copy of it. I was one happy chap when I saw that Tip Top was to be increased TIP TOP WEEKLY. 27 in size, and going to have a Physical Culture Department in the back. I would almost give five years of my life if I had the money to carry me through Yale, so I could become.an athlete. The Elsie-Inza question doesn’t bother me, for I like one as much as the other. We Southern readers would like to see Hock Mason’s photograph in the Tip Top photograph gallery. I am a Southerner, so I will sign Hock MAson. Danville, Va. Thank you for your kind words. .By this time you will have seen Hock Mason’s picture. Reading your Applause Column for many weeks in the Tip Top Weekly, I would like to say a few words myself about the above- mentioned weekly. I have read many libraries, but I think Tip Top is the best.. Wishing you long success with your publica- tions. Emit SUNDHEIMER. New York City, Thank you. _As I am a reader of your great weekly, Tip Top, I take the liberty of writing to you. I am fifteen years old, five feet four . inches tall, and weigh only 110 pounds. Do you think this too light a weight for a boy of my age? I am going to try hard to gain a prize, and I think I can if I try, don’t you? I hope this letter is not too long and that I will see it in print as soon as possible. Wishing long life and success to Mr. Burt, L. S., Street & Smith, Frank Merriwell and his friends, J. F. M. St. Louis, Mo. Your measurements seem to be all right, but we can tell better when we have received your coupon. Send it in as soon as pos- sible. Inclosed find coupon with my measurements for entrance’ to your athletic contest. I started Tip Top because of the Physical Culture Department, but now would take it for its own merits. I hope soon to send my picture for your photographic department of physical culture. Epwarp C, Kenny. Albany, N. Y. Thank you. Let us have your picture soon. I have been a constant reader of the Tip Top Weekly since its birth, and as I have never seen an applause from this town, so I thought [ would send one in to let you know that I think it is the best paper ever published for boys. I have read so much about Frank Merriwell that I think if I met him on the street I should know him. I think he is a wonderful pitcher, and | think that if the one American League teams could get him for a pitcher that they would-be all right. We are starting up a ball team here and I wish Frank was here to pitch 'for us, so that we might win, but as he isn’t I shall have to pitch and I am trying to be as much like him as I know how. I| think that Frank wiil have A svery nice partner for life with Inza and I hope they will marry soon. now that Inza is all alone in the world. Here’s to Inza,. so jolly and bright; Here’s to Frank, who thinks she’s all right; Here’s to the one so loyal and true, Here’s to the one who fights for the blue. I should be very pleased to have this printed, as I have never seen an Applause from Marlboro and I am sure there are quite a few Tip Top readers here. Wishing the best of luck to Burt L., Street & Snwith and long life to Tip Top. Ben CooLmce. Marlboro, N. H. ; Thank you. fe Having seen your advertisement of training contest in Tip Top, I have decided to enter. I am fifteen years old. I inclose my measurements, signed by Mr. Julius Smith, who handles your publications. Cart L. Gipson. Mouitrie, Ga. Thank you. Your coupon received and properly filed. Although I have never written any Applause to the Tip Top, I have always been a constant reader and I must thank you for TIP TOP WEEKLY. the pleasure it has afforded me. You will find inclosed a coupon for the athtelic contest. I am entering this contest with hopes of becoming a prize-winner atid also of becoming known as an ath- lete. I close this letter with three cheers for Frank Merriwell, three cheers for Tip Top and three for its author, Chicago, TIl. Ropert FAEDTKE. Thank you. Your coupon received and Peat filed. I am a constant reader of Tip Top; Ht diy the Frank Merri- well stories, but the athletic part of it. As regards the Inza-Elsie question I am a strong Elsieite, there- fore I am not ‘satisfied with the way it has turned out. In read- ing the letter sent in by Harry Bodin I agree with him in every- thing and also hope the tables may be turned later. Bridgeport, Conn. Harry FREEMAN: Thank you. Perhaps you may change your mind in regard to the Elsie-Inza question. But be sure of one thing, Elsie and Inza, Frank and Bart are very happy these days. 4 Not seeing any letter in your Melodia Column from our city, I thought that I would write and Jet you know that people living in this city appreciate the Tip Top stories just as much, if not more, than people in other cities. I started to read the Tip Top stories about a year ago, and as soon as I started I wished for’ back numbers which I started to buy as fast as I could read them’ and now I have read and kept all but fifteen of them. I find that I can read one book five times and like it. just as much the last time as the first, that I think is proof that it is a good book, be- cause not many books can have that done and be liked as ‘well the last time you read it as the first time. Hoping to hear of the rest of Frank’s many friends soon, I will close wishing success | to Mr. Standish and a long life to the Tip Top, the best weekly that was ever published and just as good as any that can-be ever written. Ep. EpMer. Duluth, Minn. Thank you. As you say, Tip Top is one of the very few books that can be read and reread with pleasure and profit. What bet- ter test of its quality do we need? 2 Not having seen an Applause to your excellent weekly, Tip Top, I thought I would let you know it is thought of.as much here as anywhere else. Frank is an ideal boy and any one can find a good example in him who will follow him. Best wishes for Street & Smith, Burt L. Standish, and last, but not least, Tip Top: AN ARDENT ADMIRER, Hattiesburg, Miss. Thank you. ‘ Tam glad pe the Tip Top Weekly has ane such a generous offer in a peed cause to its readers of developing themselves into \athletes. am going into this contest with the determination that Frank Merriwell has when he goes in a contest. Buffalo, N. Y Tuomas J. Wuire. We are glad that you have gone into.the contest with so much determination, Don’ t forget to send in your picture. a I have heen reading Tip Top Weekly for a long time and I am very fond of it, therefore I send you my measurements for boys under twelve years of age. vane you for the chancé you have given me. JAMES Sours. North Adams, Mass. Thank you. Your coupon has been Beats filed. We Goin advise you to follow Prorat ‘Fourmen’s instructions for gen- eral training. — Kal Vasa SUE : "Having read Tip Top Weeldy for quite a ele A noticed that you gave prizes for the best eee young coupons, one in the name of Harry Ehren org Thomas Jeffery. In a few days we will sen ee N. % ets fee i rad the other of j Gave ph tographs., Harry EHRENBERG, | Thank you. ve our F coupons ‘were received 8 and property filed. I think it’ very helpful. _ a modest way. ‘wells to boast of. -and also to Mr. Standish and Professor Fourmen. | Hodge. heard that Frank propo _ husband ‘in Hodge. I inclose two — BS Sheree THomAsS R. Jevrery. fh Before I read the Tip Top I did not care much for ‘athletics, football and baseball. But now I am interested in all.and think they ‘are great. I can handle my hands better than any boy of my size in our neighborhood because I am trying to develop my- self like Frank. Osc AR HENRY. Mankato, Minn. Thank you. We are glad to hear of your growing interest in athletics. Will you please tell mé the cost of a term at Yale, tuition fees, room and board and necessary extras. JAMES W. Pour: Duluth, Minn. Six hundred dollars will cover all expenses of a olla year in / Seeing your great offer of prizes in the Tip Top Weekly I thought I would enter the athletic contest and try to win one of your prizes. J read your hooks from No. 50, to the present date and think they are fine. -I like Frank Merriwell’s methods of training and am following them. Iam thirteen years old and am quite stron I practice twice every day on a punching bag and dumbbells in the meting and afternoon, WitiiaM LEBLe. Rochester, N. ; vou should alk: improve yourself greatly if you conten to train as ae aer as you have begun. / % { It’s a laine time since I.wrote, so.I thought I would drop you a few lines to tell you what I think about your athletic contest. I think it is a splendid opportunity for every boy. in the United States if he only tries. If the readers of the Tip Top would only go at it in earnest I think there would be a few more Merri- Wishing Frank and all his friends good luck, — New York. An Etsie ApMirer. You are certainly right in saying that the athletic contest is a great opportunity for every boy. Good luck to you. Having hesed nothing in the Applause en ie Buffalo — for a time, I wish to let you know that Frank Merriwell has a host of admirers here. J am and have been a constant reader of | the Tip Top since it was first published. Next to Frank I like I am.interested in the Physical Culture Department and am following the rules of Professor Fourmen. AN Apwiirer. Buffalo, N. Y.: Thank you. We hope your interest in the contest will continue _ / Soe Ane eae Brae’ tt ahi agree ¢ ae T think your Tip tap Weekly is the best paper : sbtiatied: <7 love to read about Frank, Hodge, Jack Ready, Inza, Elsie and — Bruce. I am an Elsicite and was much disappointed when I — ed to Inza. But Elsie will find a good © N I wee te see this letter pablihen in a, op. | Birst comes Merry, Pek a3 So good and so strong; : Then there is Hodge, ~ Phe second | in the throng; - Then up comes Mason, But you'll see him dodge When Bruce comes along.- Se Then, there is Elsie, With beauty so fair; . Then comes Inza, / » With chestnut brown hair. ‘And Frank takes Inza, , And Bart takes Elsie, a en there's nothing to come eR Phat en or ‘iach jealousy. et GTN Newark, N. ae: . Mian, you. ; ae Ahmad veers Repeal meet ate ed tens a es eK RS ete SEN * Sp ae a = Bq Jr rof. FOURMEN SSS eI HOW TO USE INDIAN CLUBS. SECOND PAPER, The double movements are simply four different ways of combining the single circles. The circles described comprise all there is to club swinging. When they are thoroughly mastered with either hand so as to be swung either to the right or left, Double Movements. forward or backward and the same diagonal, they can, with ingenuity and patience, be formed into an endless variety of beautiful, intricate and difficult evolutions, by combining the circles. Any number of circles can be formed into one com- bination by counting while practicing. The best method for learning the double movements is as follows: Hold the clubs in the starting position, go through the movement several times with the right hand, then do the same with the left. Repeat, making one circle less with each hand, and continue, making one less each time, until the movement is done once with each hand. Then count the circles and proceed. When the movements and circles have been mastered sufficiently well to allow it, the interest in the exercise will be increased by arranging a routine of movements, so as to have them in groups, with all the changes which are in them, in the order in which they should come, with the easy movements first and the most difficult last. To become an artistic and graceful performer, it is necessary to do.every movement in perfect time and with the greatest precision, thus combining grace and ele- gance, Ifthe club is to be held perpendicular, let it be exactly so; if horizontal exactly horizontal. Describe all the circles and sweeps squarely to the side or front, and do not swing too fast. Where you can have the benefit of a large mirror, it will be a valuable assistance in exhibiting defects and correcting awkwardness, and it will also assist in developing countless variations and movements. The latter affording an ample field for ‘ingenuity and skill in combination, and with patience and perseverance, the pupil will soon become the master of a beautiful and beneficial accomplishment. By crossing the clubs above the head a cross movement is made. By swing- ing one in advance of the other a reverse movement is executed, and by passing them both in the same direction a parallel-movement is the result. Swing the clubs: 1. Outside of the arms. 2. Inside. 3. To the right of both. 4. To the left. Either forward or backward. They can be done parallel, cross, follow or reverse, in front and at the side. Double Bent-Arm Movement. Extended-Arin Circles. This movement is a combination of the inner and outer circlés, the clubs moving parallel for a complete circle. It is of great importance to thoroughly understand . that the descriptions of double movements are not only for the straight-arm circles, but. also for every circle described in the single circles. ‘They can all be done in the ways described, and any two or more can be com- bined. Parallel Movement. This movement is the same combin- ation as the parallel, the clubs following each other like the arms of a windmill, retaining the same relative position for'a complete circle. A back circle, either upper or lower, must be added to allow the clubs to pass each other. Follow Movement. Double Bxtorsion Movement. The double extension is a combina- ation of half a straight and half a bent- arm. circle, and can be done parallel, cross, reverse or follow, it can also be combined with any of the circles by doing the extension with one club and the circle with the other, arranging the couut, to allow the clubs to pass each other without breaking the time. These combinations of half circles should receive due attention, as it is the only way to reverse froti right to left, or to change fyom one movement to another with- out ‘breaking the time. _For the inner cross cireles, start by crossing the arms or clubs at the top of the circle and separating them at the bottom, coming together and crossing as before at the top. For the duter cross circle, start by separating the arms or clubs at the top and crossing them at the bottom. Combined with the lower back or front circles this movement becomes very pretty. The inner reverse movement is the inner straight and bent-arm circles com- bined, the arms or clubs crossing and separating at the sides of the circle. Start by swing- ing one-half of a circle with one hand before moving the other, then move toward each other, passing at the outermost part of the circle, repassing at the opposite side. To combine the straight and bent-arm circles, start both clubs in the opposite directions at the same time, make the right-hand club describe a complete inner, bent-arm circle, while the left describes an inner straight- -arm circle, the clubs regaining the starting ee together. Then repeat, making the left-hand club describe the bent-arm circle and the right the abit chers circle. Cross Movements, « loner or Outer. loner Reverse Movement. The outer reverse movementis the outer Outer Reverse proactines he straight and bent-arm circles combined, the arms or clubs crossing and separat- ing at the sides of the circles: Start by swinging one- half of a circle with one hand before moving the other, then move both toward each other, passing at the outer- most part of the circle, repassing at the opposite side. To combine the straight and bent-arm circles, start - both clubs in opposite directions at the same time, make | the right-hand club describe a complete outer bent-arm circle, while the left describes an outer straight-arm circle, the clubs regaining the starting position together. Then repeat, making the left-hand club describe the bent-arm circle and the right the straight-arm circle. This movement is swung the same as the inner and outer reverse move- ments, and the same directions should be followed. ‘Throw the head well back and extend the arms to their greatest length to allow the clubs to make a graceful circle over the shoulder. For this movement follow the direc- tions given for the: inner and outer‘re- verse circles. “Fixtend the arms to full length and compress the shoulders forward to allow the necessary action of the arm, making the bent-arm circle. Stand with the feet well braced. From the starting position raise the club and drop it over the head and let it Over-Arm Movement. Pront Bent-Arm Movement. Bxercise for _ Heavy Club. hang behind the hack, then reverse the movement, pass- ing the club with .arms extended, around in front and up to a horizontal position, behind the back. ie the movement by passing the club to the right r left of the body ‘Raise the club, drop it over the shoul- Second Exercise. ae arn: to full length, pass der, extend the the club in-a full swee far ue behind as poss sible, the catrying the club to the starting ing. ‘(he movement over the head should pally with the wrist. This exercise is similar to the pre- ceding one and for two clubs. Raise the clubs from the starting positiot, drop them behind the back, bending the arm as much as possible, then return them to the starting position, make a bent-arim circle at the side and in finishing it extend the arnis and makea ne sweep in front, past the side and up behind the back to a horizontal position. Then reverse the movement and return to the starting position. Extend the arm full length, pass the clubs in opposite directions, dese: ibing full circles. Reverse the ‘moyenient. Vary the movement by swinigng both clubs in the same direction, but having them at opposite sides of the circle. : Turn the body from side to side to assist the move-— ment of the arms. \ =p in front of the body, and. as en reverse the movement, position before repeat- be made princi- Third Exercise. Straight-Arm &xercise. en a rt ne QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. ALL QUESTIONS TO 0 PROF. FOURMEN pee be addressed to 238 William street, New York City, i care of Street & Smith. Pror. FourRMEN: I wish’ you would tell me how to take off weight. I weigh. 197 pounds, and am only fourteen years old. I think Iam too fat, and please tell me what exercises to take. I want to take off a sood lot, A Trp Tor ADMIRER Reducing weight is, in general, a bad thing. What you should strive to do is this: Train systematically so that what-~ ever you,take on will be used in forming muscle, not fat. Soon the muscle will demand the stored-up fat in your body for its nutriment, and then you will slowly but surely lose your uncomfortable fleshiness. Don’t begin too arduously, and don't work foo fast. Take it by degrees, but stick at it for it isa thing that cannot be done ina few days or weeks Be sure to regulate your diet according toa training system, Siar. FoUuRMEN: My doctor tells me that I have an enlargement of the heart, and that I should not take much exercise. Last winter 4 layed left endcon a football team, and am now playing second ase on a baseballteam. My heart doesn’t trouble me until] run, then it beats very hard. What would you advise me to do about it? Mi: Nearly all great athietes have enlargement of the heart. It is called cardiac hypertrophy. It is due to the fact that the ‘excessive exertion of athletics makes greaterdemand upon the heart, and consequently the muscle tissue of this organ, be- cause it does more work than normal, becomes thickened and heavier. It. often leads to sevious heart trouble: A fatty en- _ largement i is more serious. I should advise you to have your, physician examine your heart, and if he tells you it will be a injurious to take part in es asa you had best: follow his % directions iste nas nina ig. ides: ong ing? | Pror. FourmMEn: Pror. FourMEN: t. How do you think my proportions are for my age and for becoming an athlete? 2. A certain trainer here says that ice cream is not good for the wind. What do you think of it? g. I am « little knock-kneed, although with a little effort I can stand with iny heels and toes together and my knees about one and one-half inches apart. Do you know of any exercise or mode of treatment by which this can be cured? M.S. 1. Your proportions are good, and I feel sure that you have the making of an athlete. 2. Ice cream is a nutritious food, but too much of it, like too much of anything, is sure to be injurious. Do not eat it when you are overheated or just after you have finished exercising. 3. The ‘‘dip’’ exercise which I have described before will do much to correct this trouble. Pror. FouRMEN: : I thought I would write to you to ask you a few questions concerning physical culture, Iam considered the weakling of our family, because J am so slim in body, while all the other members are all well built. 1. What will put me in stich a con- dition that I will have some flesh on my bones? I eat heartily, ride a wheel a great deal, and have plenty of other exercises, but I drink a great deal of strong tea. 2. What is the best training to take in camp when you have plenty of time? W. H. J. 1. If you follow my course of training you find that you will improve wonderfully. You need not let your condition worry you when you stop to consider that some of the greatest ath- letes were weakly boys. I would advise not to exercise exces- sively, and I certainly think it harmful for you to drink strong tea. 2. Follow out my directions. They apply to all conditions and kinds of life. Pror. FoURMEN: 1. The left side of my chest is developed more than the right. How can I develop the right? 2. Sometimes after run- ning I have a headache. How can I get rid of this? 3. What is the best course of training for a long-distance swim? GREGORY SMITH. 1. If you are left-handed, the left pectoral muscles will naturally be more developed than the right. By giving the muscles on the right side more exercise than those on the left side, while following a general course of training, you will greatly improve your condition. Use chest weights and dumb- bells. 2. Do not run too far ot too fast. Begin slowly until you are accustomed to a good gait, and you will soon find that the headache does not trouble you. 3. See my article on swim- ‘ming in the next Physical Culture Department. Pror. FourRMEN: I was advised by a friend to enter this contest, so I take the liberty of writing to you asking for advice through the great Tip Top. 1, My hours are from 8 till 12, 12:go0 or 1 o’clock, so I find it hard to get my dinner regularly, and when I come home at night I start and study a course I have taken up, and during the week I find it hard to get the three hours of fresh air daily. What would you advise me to do? 2. Isit wrong to drink seltzer or eat candies at intervals? J. L. B. Couperr., 1. Get as much exercise in the open air as you can, train regularly, and do not give your brain too much work to do. 2. An occasional glass.of seltzer is not injurious. Do not drink too much of it. Eat little or no candy. I am working in the post-office and have my meals 6:45 a. m., Ip. m., 6:45 p. m., and have an hour in the morning and noon for exercise. 2. After I run-about five minutes my lungs commence to fillup. Will you please state some way to help that? SUSAR Rates Tim EpwARDs. 1.’ Your. hours, if regular, are.all right. 2. Do not run too fast until you can stand it without discomfort. Begin slowly. Pror. FOURMEN: “I seldom exercise on Sundays, but do on week days. Would ‘you advise me to exercise on Sunday? F.N, © It is just as well to take one day in the week for a complete change and rest. I advise all young athletes to rest on Sunday. Pror. FouRMEN: I would like your advice as to. training for running. I have practiced running half a mile once a day for about one month, and my wind does not seem to improve in the least. Neither do I run with much more ease than at first. Perhaps I do not practice enough, but do not know. If you could give me some instructions as to the way to train, I would feel greatly obliged. C. A, PHILLIPS. You are trying to run too farin the beginning. Try shorter distances. Instead of running one-half mile daily, run an eighth twice a day and don’t run too fast to begin with. You will see a great improvement in a short time. Pror. FouRMEN: Please prescribe a method of training for a club of boys be- tween the ages of twelve and fifteen. ae Follow my cowrse of training as prescribed in Tip Top. I know of no simpler or better method. Pror. FourRMEN: Would you kindly inform me as to my measurements whether you think they compare with my age, weight and height? RvupoupH L. SIcKEL. Your measurements are good. Follow the course of training I advise in Tip Top. Pror. FouRMEN: 1. lam doing the following in regard to bathing, exercising and retiring: I start to retire atten, take a cold bath for one minute, following it by a good rubdown. I then throw up the window in my sleeping room and exercise with dumbbells, In- dian clubs, and with some free-hand exercises. I then get in bed about 10:45, letting my window remain open. I rise at seven, eat my breakfast and go to business. Now, I would like to find out if you think I could use dumbbells one night and Indian clubs the next, as I seem to feel exhausted when I am through. 3. Is lemonade all right between meals in place of water? 4. I go toa!‘gym”’ twice a week. Do you think it suffi- cient? 5. Isa bicycle good for developing the legs? Thanking you in advance for your kindness, I am, f Louis STonz. 1. Your course of training is very good. If you feel ex- hausted by use of both bells and clubs, alternate, using bells , one night and clubs the next. 2. The diet you suggest is good, but too long to publish here. I advise you to followit. 3g. A small quantity of lemonade will prove a pleasant, harmless and refreshing drink. 4. Twice a week is sufficient, with your other exercises. 5. Bicycling will develop the legs better than any other exercises. CONTEST NOTES. The following names of contestauts were received this week: Abbott, Forest Alfred, Edward Bihrkin, John H. Bailey, Wm. D. Brudford, Ed. C, Battey, Louis Embertson, P.C. . Leh, John F, Flavin, Walter J. McKinney, Frank J. Feldsman, Wm. W. McLachlan, John Gallagher, Daniel F. Murray, Willie Grimes, Grover A. Malloy, Thos. Hanschke, Robt. Mead, W. A. Branham, R. B. Hanna, Curtis M. Patterson, Rex Barker, Hid. H. Hall, Herbert Reed, Jesse Burwell, Walter J. Hanson, Walter, Singley, Ellingwood Bonifield, W. E.E. Heinze, Oscar W. Sullivan, Willie Bailey, Ralph C. Jones, Jean Uhlig, Herman Cohen, Ralph C. Kamp, Philip P. Vees, Albert Douthill, Herman Kuder, Eugene White, Thos. J. Eschner, Albert Lewis, L. Wilson, Eugene NEXT WEEK’S PHYSICAL CULTURE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTAIN AN INTERESTING ARTICLE ON SWIMMING AS AN ATHLETIC SPORT. io WN es * Le W" of his town or city, Magnificent PRIZES First Prize. A 8palding’s “Expert” Punching Bag. A Set of Championship Boxing Gloves. No. 40. A Whiteley Exerciser. Wo. 1. A Pair of Indian Clubs. No. 15, A “Shaker” Sweater. Wo. 3. SECOND CLASS. @pen to Boys Between 12 and 16 Years of Age, | First Prize. A Spaldin ng’ s “Expert” Punching Bag. A Set of Championship Boxing Gloves. Wo. 40. A Whiteley Exerciser. No. J. A Pair of Indian Clubs. No. 15.- A “Shaker” Sweater. | Second Prize. A Spalding’s “Expert” Punching Bag. A Set of ‘hs A Whiteley Exerciser. No. 0. Third Prize. A Spalding’s “Expert” Punching Bag. _All these Prizes are Spalding’ s First-Grade Goods. EN a Tip Top reader becomes a contestant for these prizes he must measure himself carefully; cut out the coupon which he finds at the end of this column, fill in the blank ‘spaces with answers to all questions, have it signed by the newsdealer or postmaster and ing ul to TIP TOP WEEKLY, in care of Srreet & SMITH, 238 William Street, Mew York City. At the end of six months he will measure himself an: tin, cut out another coupon from the Physical Culture Department, which must be filled out in the same Way and re- A GRAND OPPORTURIT Ww oe Read Carefully the Following List of Prizes: ag FIRST CLASS. . a @pen to Young Men Between 16 and 21 Years of Age. mpionship Boxing Gloves. Wo. 4. ‘of counting used at Yale College wiil be adopted, and Professor Pound Complete Training OUTFITS | Second Prize. . i A Spalding’s “Expert” Punching Bag. 2. A Set of Championship Boxing Gloves. Wo. 4, 3. A Whiteley Exerciser, No. 0. Third Prize. 1... A Spalding’s “Expert ” Punching Bag. THIRD CLASS. Nea . @pen to Boys 12 and under. First Prize. 1. A Spalding’s “Expert” Punching Bag. 2. A Set of Youth’s Champicnship Boxing Gloves. » 3. .. Weight ......... Oe eae Cn Seat Fee aeg eater MQM Liye 24 Feet OS ek Midian. Sasairely \ Girth of Chest Uninflated aT haghin ah 528 a ae “ i Waist. . ele is ties ahs ey ee eae ) Girth of Right Thigh ....0.0.......0.00..00... Inches | MON Miia 670. s oag vet eae a “ Right Calf ..... ges | ta Pa Oe nae + Ce COW 2c oie eae edbdas caaevanieme he, Wlaiint Milter, asec tog hen Poh eee ae «“ Left Aem...... SER VBP SS Pi Re aga ‘ Right Forearar sects beste vaca doves My Rett FMA cu. eee Nes Pe ts Oe Name of Newsdealer or Postmaster........3......... 4 == lip Top Athletes HIS is the photograph of Roy Drukker, - of St. Louis, Mo. He is sixteen years old, and promises to.be one of the most likely candidates for the Tip Top prizes. We make this statement, because we know he is an ardent enthusiast about physical train- ing. Inhis letter to Prof. Fourmen, he says that he has always been fond of athletics in all departments, and especially so since he became interested in the wonderful career of Frank Merriwell as a college athlete. He says that he has made it a point to keep in training at all times, and he is now conscien- tiously following the course of training ad- vised by Prof. Fourmen in the Physical Roy Drukker, a St. Louis contestant for the Tip ey tebe: Culture Department. This course he thinks particularly adapted to the needs of all young athletes, and he says he is in the contest to stay, and if he fails in being a Winner, it will be through no fault of his. We call the attention of our other athletes to the fine development of his bicep muscles; his neck and shoulder muscles are also good. Without a doubt his training will give him a fine, all-round development, so that, at the end of six months, he will be in the pink of condition, and his improvement will be such as to put him among those who stand the best chance for the prizes. Roy’s coupon gives the following description: Age, 16 years; weight, 106 pounds; height, 5 feet 4 inches; girth of chest uninflated, 32 inches; girth of chest inflated, 3454 inches; girth of waist, 26% inches; girth of right thigh, 18% inches; girth of left thigh, 18% inches; girth of right calf, 123g inches; girth of left calf, 1214 inches; girth of right arm, 934 inches; girth of left arm, 9 sok pepe girth of right forearm, 9% inches; girth of left forearm, 9% inches. NOTIC On this page we will reproduce the photographs of Tip Top Readers who have the best physical development. Here is a chance for every boy who aspires to become known as an ath- _lete. Boys, send in your photograph as soon as possible. Send us negatives or toned photographs. Do not send “ blue prints’? as we cannot use them. FRPP EPEFFEEEF FEF FFEFEFFEFFFE EFF EFEFFEEEE EFF FFEFEFEFFEFFEEFEFEEEEFEEFEFEFEFFFFEFEEFF EEE +4464 UNE OF THE FINEST. TALES OF ADVENTURE FOR YOUNG FOLKS ©! the many weeklies which we have recently introduced to the public, COMRADES has proved itself one Tom Wright, the hero, is a splendid character and a strong of the most popular. t favorite with all who say of him that he + is Wrght by name and right by nature, night in deed and always right. The many thrilling and exciting ad- ventures of Tom and his friends will be followed with the deepest interest by all who read COMRADES. Titles of the latest numbers are: No. 64—Tom Wright’s Pluck; or, Under the Leadership of Bobbie Skylark. No. 65—On Guard; or, Phil Stirling’s Peril. N o. 66—Tom Wright’s Daring; or, Old Man- sur’s Unexpected Passenger. No. 67—In the Nick of Time; or, Phil Stir- ling’s Fair Rescuer. | | : : For Sale by All Newsdealers. | EVERY YOUNG MAN SHOULD READ THE O modern series of tales for boys and youth has met with anything like the cordial reception and popu- larity accorded to the FRANK MERRI- WELL STORIES. Published exclusively Mm -SERBET & Seite e fi Pe WEEKLY, a publication which has to- day a circulation larger than that of all similar weeklies combined. There must be a reason for this, and there is. Frank Merriwell, as portrayed by the author, is a jolly, whole-souled, honest, courage- 3 ous American lad, who appeals to the 3 hearts of the boys. ; He has no bad habits, and his man- 3 liness inculcates the idea that it is not necessary for a boy to indulge in petty vices to be a hero. Frank Merriwell’s exampie is a shining light for every am- 3 bitious lad to follow. : Titles of the latest numbers are: No. 269—Frank Merriwell’s Great Victory; or, The Effert of His Life. No. 270—Frank Merriwell’s Trick; or, His Battle With Himself. No. 271—Frank Merriwell’s Escape; or, The Girl Who Hated Him. No. 272—Frank Merriwell’s Steadiness; or, The Great Yale-Harvard Contests. Five Cents a Copy. Pow IO 00°0 OOO Oorees=— STREET 6& SMITH, PuBLisHers, 238 WILLIAM STREET, HHHHEHSEHEEEELK HH NEW YORK. LHADADHDAFADAD EDAD EADEADEDD EEE +DE DADE +++ o4 +