NN APR oe Issued Weekly. By subscription $2.50 per year. Ey tered as Second-class Matter at the N.Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-S Seventh Avenue, N.Y. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1907, tn the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. No. 574. NEW YORK, April 13, 1907. TT - Price Five Cents. Dick Merriwell’s Salvation; OR, THE TRAITOR ON THE TEAM. By BURT L. STANDISH. CHAPTER I. THE AMBUSH. On a clear, crisp spring morning three young fellows were crouching near a road that led through a strip of woods outside the city of New Haven. They had taken shelter in the lee of some scrubby bushes. Squat- ‘ting on a stone, Mel Daggett rubbed his gloved hands together and grinned up at Mike Lynch, who was craning his neck to peer over the bushes and down the road. Jim Poland, smoking a pipe, lay on a dry ‘bit of ground a few feet away. The sun, creeping up over the eastern hills, was gild- ing the treetops above the heads of the trio. “Anything coming, Mike?’’ whispered Daggett sibi- lantly. “See your man?” “Not yet,” answered Lynch, “but, he'll be along -_-prettv soon.” “You seem certain of that,” grunted Poland. ‘Per- _ haps he won’t come out this morning.” ’ “Or perhaps he’ll go some other way,” suggested Daggett. “He'll come out unless he’s sick,” said Mike Lynch. “He's following Dick Merriwell’s system, you know. A morning run before breakfast is a part of that sys- tem. Claxton aims to become a great athlete. Merri- well is his model. I know for a fact that he has jogged it over this strip of road every morning for the past week. I’ve had him watched. I know his daily routine from the time he pulls himself off the mattress until he crawls back into his nest.”’ “Oh, how you must love him!” chuckled Daggett. “Oh, yes, I’m dead stuck on him!’ rasped Lynch. “These haughty Southern gentlemen win my undying affection. I love him so much that I long to caress — him! That’s why I’m here this morning. I’m going to square up for that surprise he gave us the night we visited him in his room.” | : “T say,” came from Poland, “how many fellows do you suppose he had with him in that room?” TIP). TOP.“ WEEKLY ’ hissed Daggett, “T don’t know how many there were,” Lyncl “Twenty,” “and Pll bet on it!’ acknowledged 1, “but they had the advantage, for we were not expecting that sort of a reception.” “T should say not,’ nodded Mel. “The house was dark as a pocket. When I found a key that would un- lock the door and let us in you might have fancied every one dead in the place.” “Gee whiz!” exclaimed Jim, sitting up and taking the pipe from his mouth. “T’ll never forget the shock it gave me after we sneaked into Claxton’s room and found that he had a dummy rigged up and waiting for us in his bed.”’ “That shock wasn’t anything compared to the one I received a second later,” acknowledged Daggett. “I thought some one had hit me on the ear with a sledge- hammer.” ’ ~ “T got mine all right,” confessed Poland. Mike. He had a split lip the next day.” “Somebody peached on us!’’ snarled the red-headed chap. “That’s how it happened that Claxton and his friends were waiting to give us the grand razzoo when we got into his room.” “Just what I’ve said a dozen times!” snapped Dag- gett. “And, of course, we know who peached.” “Tt was " a . _ “Tf I had proof of that,” grated Mike, “I’d wring that little snip’s neck!” - “T accused him of it,” wasn’t so.” “He! he!” snickered Daggett derisively. it would hurt him frightfully to lie.” “So did t “Oh, there’s something coming to Lee some day,” an Lynch, again craning his neck to peer down the - road. “He's a treacherous little worm. Only for Dit- - son———”’ | “What’ s the matter with Litson lately 3 ee interrupted’ Poland. “He’s lost all his nerve.’ ~ “He never had much,” Mike Ries over his shoulder. “He just thought he had nerve. The story of that visit to Claxton’s room got out, and Ditson couldn’t stand the joshing. He simply wilted. On my word, he seems afraid of Claxton.” _.“Know, why ?” questioned Daggett. on't, I'll tell you why. Ditson is a climber. He’d like to lift himself into social prominence. He'd like to be Claxton is smitten on Ditson’s sister. Dune thinks hat fine. He figures it out that it’s a great thing to have a high-bred Southerner stuck on his sister. Per- “Well, if you hhaps Claxton, has. threatened to show him up to Mabel said Poland, “but he swore it “J imagine —I believe that’s her name. Oh, I can figure these things out. I’m no dumb one, I never did take any great stock in Mr. Ditson. He’s sneered at me more than once. He has called me a robber because I Joan money to fellows who are hard up, and | take a rea- sonable amount of interest for the favor.” “They tell me you’ve squeezed some of the chaps to the tune of twenty per cent. a month, Daggett,” said Poland. “Is that what you call a reasonable amount of interest?” “Business is business,’ said Mel. “If a chap doesn’t want to go to a common pawnbroker, he must expect to pay any other fellow a good price for such a favor. I’ve lost money at it, too.” OH, scoffed Jim. “You lose? Tell tuat to the marines! Why, you always take gilt-edged se- You gobble up a chap’s watch, scarf-pin, rings, you can get your hands on, How can you oO 3 ?? go on! curity. everything lose ?”’ “Oh, [’m not: going to explain!” “What's the use?’ “Not a bit of use in the world. Everybody knows you, Daggett.” Lynch stamped the ground impatiently. “I’m afraid you're right in thinking Claxton won’t come this way this morning,” he confessed. “‘It’s late for him now. But if I miss him to-day, [ll get him next time. I’m going to make him fight.” : snapped Mel. “He'll want to meet you with pistols,” laughed Po- land. | ; _ “He'll meet me with bare fists,” declared Mike, * and Til put my mark on him.” x “What if he refuses to fight that way?” “Then [ll mark him just the same. Such a great athlete as he is, the pupil of the one-and-only Merri-— 7 a well, should be able to defend himself with his dukes. If he can’t do that, so much the worse for him.”’ “Of course he'll squeal,” grinned Daggett. “He'll tell everybody how we caught him out here in the woods and forced him into a low and brutal fist-fight.”’ “It will be his word against the three of us,” said Lynch. “We can swear he’s a liar.” : “We won’t have to swear to anything yet a while,” — observed Jim, rising to his feet. “Thunder, I was a ie fool to smoke before breakfast! It’s making me sick.” — - Daggett also rose. | ee “Guess we might as well be moving,” he said. 23 , Lynch gave a sudden sibilant hiss, holding up_ his hand to them as he stood on tiptoes aud re over the bushes. | i Prriagics one coming!” he. exclaimed. “By Jove, it’s TIP TOE | Claxton—it’s Claxton, but he has another fellow with $a him!” . By this time both Daggett and Poland were peering |. past the bushes. Far down the road they saw two run- : ners approaching at a steady swinging pace. “What are you going to do, Mike?” asked Jim. _“Going to let him get away?” 7 “Never!” snapped Lynch. “But the other fellow s ie : _ “Never mind the other fellow. to fight just the same.”’ “You ought’ to know the other fellow,” I'll force Claxton Daggett. “Your eyes can’t be very good. I know him.” “Who is it?” muttered Mike. 3 “Dick Merriwell,” was the answer. 2s CHAPTER IL 1 FORLING THE VIRGINIAN’S HAND. Lynch began to swear. | “Merriwell,”’ he snarled; “‘it’s always Merriwell! om Now, why is he with Claxton this morning? This is ee _ the first time he’s been with him for a morning sprint ee in a week.” er a ee “What are you going to do?” questioned Daggett | nervously. “You can’t stop Claxton now. Let’s get out of sight. Keep down, Jim—keep down.” | _ “Why can’t I stop him?” panted Lynch. “Think I’m going to let him slip me after I’ve taken all this trouble? I guess not!” “Daggett’s right,” said Poland. __ that fellow into a fight now.” “Tell me why.” <*Vou can’t force _. Perhaps Merriwell won’t let-him fight.” “We'll see about that!” rasped Mike. “Let ’em tell 7 anything they please. Are you fellows scared? Have you both got cold feet? Are you going to duck, or will you stahd by me?” “Now havea little judgment, Mike—do have a little judgment,” whispered, Mel, getting the red-headed chap by the elbow. “If you attempt to crowd Clax- _ ton, you may be compelled to fight Merriwell.”’ ~ “Not if you and Poland back me up. My quarrel is with that blamed Southerner. Anyhow, I’m going to stop him and make a few remarks. If you want to hunt cover, ae better do so in a eo for they’re almost here.” fas pve can’t duck Meroe bing pen Sh, Daggett,” sibilated | “He has a witness who'll tell the straight facts. TO ee ey ae . 5 of 1 DRED ee WEEKLY. “Then come on,” ordered Lynch. ‘Follow me.” The pattering feet of the runners sounded more and more distinct upon the hard road. Totally unconscious of the ambush, Claxton came on, absorbed in following the occasional instructions given him by his compan- ion. Dick, however, keen-eyed as a hawk, had glimpsed a head over that clump of bushes. Before Lynch rushed forth, followed by his two friends, Merriwell knew some one was watching from that cover. Clax- ton was surprised as the trio appeared, but Dick was not a whit disturbed. “Hold on!” shouted Lynch, rushing onto the road and flinging up a square commanding hand. “Don’t be in such a hurry, Mr. Claxton! I want to see you. I have some business with you.” & “Hello, Michael,” came from Merriwell. “You 4 seem to be up along with the early bird that goes for- aging for worms. Or perhaps you haven't been to bed. You’re a great fellow on night expeditions.” Lynch paid no attention to the speaker, but blocked the Southerner’s path, ready to seize Rob if he at- tempted to dodge past. “a Claxton, however, seemed to have no desire to | dodge. He had stopped, one hand resting gracefully on his hip, and was surveying Mike from head to feet. In his running-suit the Virginian looked surprisingly well put up, although he retained his usual grace and easy poise. Apparently he had quickly recovered from — the surprise caused by the sudden appearance of the two. Jim Poland tried to swagger and wear an air of non- chalance, but it was plainly a poor bluff. Daggett wad-_ dled forth like a toad, a sickly grin on his repulsive face. | Neither Claxton nor Merriwell paid any attention to the chosen companions of Lynch. Both of them knew Mike still entertained a bitter grudge toward the ‘Southerner, whom he had insulted and abused in Rob’s own room. . For more than two weeks now Claxton had been — training faithfully day by day for the purpose of some time meeting his bullying enemy and obtaining satis- faction for the insults heaped upon him. He had gladly accepted Merriwell’s offer to teach him the sci- ence of boxing, and he had proved to be a marvelousl apt pupil. To Dick’s pleasure he had discovered at the outset that Claxton was ready-witted, quick as.a cat and cool in the face of emergency. Further than that, although he professed ignorance of fist-fighting the Southerner was not wholly a novice. At pt nS aa dk ec Gs ee Ct 3275 4 TIP TOP WEEKLY. school he had boxed a bit with an enthusiastic room- mate for the purpose of pleasing that roommate. Ta- king this into consideration, the progress made by Rob during those two weeks of well was not as surprising wise. secret tutoring from Merri- as it might have been other- Lynch knew nothing of this.’ It was his belief that the Southerner had no knowledge of the real art of sparring, and therefore he expected to find in the fel- low an easy victim. “Did you say you had business with me, suh?” mur- mured Rob, his dark eyes fixed unwaveringly on the bully, “That’s just what I said,’ nodded Lynch. ‘I’m mighty glad to meet you here this morning. Could hardly believe my eyes when I saw you coming.” Dick laughed. “Come off, Mike!” he said. “Don’t try to josh us. You've been shivering behind that bunch of bushes for some time. Why, Daggett is blue with the chill.” “T’m not talking to you!” flared Mike. “But I’m talking to you,” returned Merriwell, un- ruffled. : “This isn’t your affair.” “Isn't it?” SAN, “Well, I’m deeply interested just the same.” “T have a score to settle with en and this is a fine time and place to settle it.” “T think the balance stands on Claxton’s side of the sheet. If I’m not mistaken, him in his own room.” Rob Claxton’s white teeth gleamed forth in some- - thing that was not exactly a smile, while a flash of - fire showed in his piercing eyes. you insulted and struck The look was that of a jungle tiger that had scented an enemy. Still, he was handsome—handsome as the lithe, fierce creature he momentarily resembled. There was a gurgling sound in the throat oi Mike | Lynch. “The fool brought it on himself,” declared the bully. _ “He’s a quitter, a squealer, a two-faced coward!” _ At that moment Claxton had to hold himself with all oe the will-power at his command to keep from leaping at the insulting ruffian, but self-control was a part of Dick Merriwell’s system which Rob had set himself to _acquire. Dick, originally the possessor of a violent temper, had learned to conquer it and to hold himself ‘in hand under the most trying circumstances if good dgment demanded. it. i Merriwell more than hali-expected + a sien clash between the two fellows, and he was well pleased over Rob’s show of self-mastery. “You, suh,” said the Southerner, “you are the coward.”’ And now Dick flung himself forward with a bound, checking the next move of Lynch. “Wait a minute, Michael,” gan it. his voice cold and even; he half-smiled; “you be- You can’t object to such an exchange of com- pliments.”’ shouted Mike. Claxton is not a If so, he has the He'll meet you with pistols without the slightest hesitation, and they'll have to put a plug in you to stop you from leaking after it’s over.” “Pistols!) Bah! He's willing to shoot some one, but he doesn’t dare to fight like a man. “He’s got to fight me now foie here!’ ” said Dick, “Mr. Do you challenge him? “As you know, fist-fighter. privilege of choosing weapons. That shows he’s a coward! “And you know you have the advantage with fists,” retorted Dick. “Oh, what’s all this fool talk about pistols ?” enapwed Daggett. “Nobody with a lick of sense in his head settles a quarrel that way nowadays.” “Are you looking for a little fistic exercise, Melvin?” murmured Dick. “For if you are, I wouldn’t mind ac- commodating you myself.” Involuntarily Daggett fell back a step. 7 “T didn’t come here to fight,” he hastily declared. “TI came to see fair play.” “Oh, is that it?’ mocked Dick. a fine and manly fellow to judge fair play. “You certainly are he secures fair play in a fist encounter with Claxton. The three of you lay in wait for him here in these He knows he has the advantage that way.” ' LBB AIEEE Sue Lcompliz ment Michael on his choice of companions to see that © woods, expecting he would show up alone. Had that ee happened, beyond question Lynch would have obtained — all the fair play he desired, but I have my doubts about Claxton.” ore Mike. “Tm Claxton’s fiatd ” he said. “ng you're shiv e | ing for a fist-fight, I’ll accommodate you, and I'llagree _ to give you all you want, even though I must regret the necessity of soiling my hands on you.” “l’'m not going to fight you, Merriwell. wouldn’t satisfy me.” “Oh, I think you wows be handsomely satisfied Py the time it was over.’ “What’s the use to chin, Mike?” sneered Poland. told you Claxton couldn’t be driven into a fight.’ me That it At this point ey riwell again wheeled eee on Then came a great surprise for the trio who had set their trap there in the woods. Claxton spoke up quietly, saying: “We're wasting time here, Merriwell. As long as this cheap fellow is determined on a fight, I suppose I'll have to accommodate him. Let’s get at it and have it over.” . Te Se ae ES ce CHAPTER III. THE FIGHT IN THE WOODS. Lynch caught his breath with surprise, while both Daggett and Poland looked as if they doubted the evi- ae dence of their ears. ) ey e can’t have a common scrap here on the high- way,” said the Southerner. “Some one might come along and witness it. Let’s find a secluded spot where we'll not be seen or interrupted.”’ “That suits me,” said Lynch hastily. little opening in the woods near-by.”’ “If you'll kindly lead the way “You go ahead, Poland,” directed Mike. ing to keep an eye on this chap.” “I assure you, suh, I have no intention of running,” came from Rob. “You need not worry about that.”’ Dick took Claxton’s arm and murmured something in his ear. The Virginian nodded in a determined way. “As well now as any time,’ he said. bound to have it.” “Tf you could only put it off another week or two,” whispered Merriwell. \ “But you see I can’t.” Following instructions, Poland led the way into the woods. Merriwell and Claxton followed without hesi- tation, while Lynch and Daggett brought up the rear. “Suppose he really means to fight?” whispered Mel, getting close to Mike. “My eye, but this is a surprise! I didn’t think he would.” “THe saw he couldn’t get out of it,” muttered Mike. “I want you to watch Merriwell, yott and Poland. Don’t let him dip in. If that cracker will only stand up long enough, I’ll make his face look like a war-map. _ He’s proud of his beauty, but he won’t be so. proud when I’m through with him.” | They crashed their way through the underbrush to a small opening some rods from the highway. The _ ground there was level and smooth, and there was plenty of room for the encounter. . “A choice spot,” commented Dick, glancing a around. “Now where are the gloves? i a “There's a cey? bs I’m go- “The fellow is TIP TOP ‘Claxton will acquire a few marks.” WEEKLY. “The what?’’ cried Lynch. “The gloves. As long as you set out deliberately to force this fight on Claxton, I presume you brought a set of gloves with you.” Mike laughed hoarsely. . “It’s too bad,” he said, “but we forgot to bring them. We'll have to get along without them.” Dick shook his head. “Aren't you afraid you may bear away some scars of battle?’ he inquired. Again Mike laughed. “[’m not worrying much about that. Perhaps Mr. “T wish to remind you, suh,” said Rob, “that we’re rather warm from the exercise we've been taking. It’s chilly here. If you'll be good enough to get ready, we'll settle this matter as soon as possible.” | “Anxious, isn’t he?” snickered Daggett. “Decidedly so,’’ muttered Lynch, as he began to strip down. A song-sparrow perched on a sunny limb high above their heads and poured forth a full-throated melody of happiness.. He was answered by other song-birds of the woods, all athrob with the joyousness of early spring-time. Lynch flung his coat and vest to Poland, quickly stripping to his sleeveless undershirt. He had a pair ‘ of powerful arms, with big, bunchy muscles. His chest was full and deep, and his shoulders were thick and strong. “A bull for strength,” murmured Dick, in Claxton’s _ ar, “but he must be muscle-bound. Don’t let him slug you at close range and watch out for his wallops.” Mike stepped forth and announced that he was ready. Not only was he ready, he was eager with a brutal desire to get at the Virginian. “Before we begin,” said Dick, “let’s have this mat- ter thoroughly understood. Is it ‘to be a fight by rounds?” “Certainly not,” was the prompt answer. “After we start we'll make a straight go of it to the finish, — and I hope your brave friend from the South doesn’t lie down and cry quits the first time I tap him.” —~“T hope he doesn’t,” nodded Dick. “But let me give you a little advice. I know the rules of the figh ing-game, and I'll not stand for fouls. If you try ar fouls on Claxton, I’ll certainly take a hand myself.” “Why shou “Fouls?” laughed Mike sneeringly. I foul him? It won’t be necessary.” “Perhaps not, but don’t forget my words of caut Are you ae Claxton ?” “Yes, sah.” “We'll cut out the usual courtesy of shaking hands,” said Dick. “I don’t think either of you is anxious to = indulge in that. As we have no gong, you'll engage at the word. Now—go ahead.” Claxton came forward cautiously, his guard up. _ Lynch stepped forward squarely and they met. It was not Mike’s intention to alarm and discourage the Virginian at the outset, and therefore he made no immediate effort to press the fighting. Instead of that, with a scornful smile on his freckled face, he waited for the Southerner to get into it, careless in his guard and inviting in the openings he left. Suddenly the Southerner’s left fist shot out. There was a spat as Mike blocked the blow with his open hand. “Why, you're real vicious,” mocked Lynch. “T be- lieve you really meant to hit me.” “Why didn’t you counter?” cried Poland. “Don’t fool with him, Mike. Give him what he’s after.”’ - “Oh, plenty of time. Let the boy show us what he -knows—which isn’t much.” _ Lynch was most irritating in his manner and words, _ but still the lad from Virginia declined to lose his head -and make a rush. | “Are you afraid of breaking him if you hit him?” - snapped Daggett, after the sparring had continued ‘a few moments. ‘Tap him once or twice.” Thus urged, Lynch suddenly closed in and swung for Claxton’s face. The result was a surprise to the red-headed chap, for the Southerner ducked, permitting the blow to pass - over/his shoulder, and slammed a fierce punch into Mike’s ribs. He got away, too, before Lynch could retaliate. “Not so bad for a greenhorn,” commented Dick. “I think Michael knew he got that one.” The bully flushed with anger. “Oh, that’s your game, is it?” he grated. now, try it again—try it again!” _ But Claxton used his feet to keep out of Mike’s reach as the exasperated fellow followed him up. — “Corner him! “Well, Make him stand up to it!” urged “He'll get tired of that pretty soon,” sneered Lynch. p “He'll wind himself dancing around in this fashion. TIP ‘TOP WEEKLY. Mike escaped that upward blow, uttered a bellow, and returned with a side swing that would have jarred Rob had not the Virginian leaped back like a flash. “Where'd you learn that trick?’ snapped Lynch. “Thought you didn’t know anything about fist-fight- ing!” J - “You are aware that I know very little about it, suh,” was the reply. “I’m simply doing my best.” “Well, if that’s your best, you’ll have to do better.” Once more Mike closed in, and a volley of blows were exchanged. Claxton was hit several times, but he managed to protect his face from the chopping stabs In the midst of it he caught Lynch a sharp punch on the nose, and the blood started. his enemy delivered. That seemed to turn the red-headed fellow into an infuriated bull. Roaring with anger, he slammed away at Rob, who was kept busy in avoiding the furious swings and punches. Although he did not show it, Dick was a trifle anx- ious. He had hoped the Virginian would lose no time in getting at Lynch, for that seemed the only show Rob had. If Mike became aware that Claxton could really put up a good fight, he would be on his guard, and this must make the encounter more difficult for the South- erner. Once or twice Claxton had been given openings which he failed to improve. More than that, he had not delivered his blows with all the steam at his com- mand. In the midst of Mike’s furious assault Claxton suc- ceeded in landing on his wind, which stopped the bully fora moment. But Lynch was tough and ee and he recovered almost instantly. “So you can fight, can you?” he grated. “Well, ’m glad of it. It will give me all the more satisfaction in pounding your head off.” Again he rushed the slender lad, forcing Claxton to stand on defense, but in his fury Lynch grew careless, and the Southerner got him on the mouth, cutting his lip. | Blood began to drip from Mike’s chin. Both Daggett and Poland were aghast. “Great Scott!” spluttered Jim, “Claxton’s getting the best of it.” “Perhaps he has so far,” hissed Mel, “but Mike will finish, him up now. Look at that!” The fighters had clenched, and Lynch was hammer- ing at Rob’s kidneys. “Break away!” cried Dick, leaping in. This is to be a square fist-fight.” “No holding bh _ Claxton hy aoa promptly *% ae a | hold Se ee Ne ee ee Ee a Te oa SAB ca SAS a se og pa te Dekontnente be 3 ve ps rat ao tah iat re cy eee a sens oo Sa ver ‘ez BP desl 7 the. Southerner oe hae eee bec “ TIP:-TOP on Mike, but Lynch saw his opportunity and aimed at s jaw in the break-away. The blow ted a trifle high, but Rob w ent down as if he had been shot. “All over!” shouted Poland exultantly. tles it!” In his heart Dick Merriwell feared Poland was right. “That set- CHAPTER IV. THE FINISH. “I didn’t mean to do it so soon!’’ growled Lynch, wiping the blood from his mouth and nose. Claxton lifted himself to his elbow. There was a buzzing in his ears, and he seemed to hear Merriwell at a great distance asking him how he felt. For the first time he realized that he had been knocked down. “IT wanted to mark him,” Lynch was saying. “I wanted to spoil that handsome face of which he is so proud.” The Southerner heard those words, and into his heart leaped a fierce and burning rage. Lynch believed the fight finished, and he saw the same conviction on the face of Merriwell. “Vm—I'm all AA: he declared, as he sat up, not finished yet.” “Ts it possible he wants some more?” ” mocked Dag- gett. “If he does S “Tl give it to him,” for me.” -To the surprise of all, Rob rose steadily to his feet. Lynch lost not a moment in getting after the South- erner, but Claxton side-stepped and ducked, safely es- caping from the attack. Boa ene | For'a moment the ground had felt unsteady beneath “T’m cut in Lynch. “It will be fun him, but with a mighty effort of self-control he took himself in hand and kept clear of his antagonist, long fe enough to get his bearings. Again Lynch rushed. This time, howaner he was “met by a stiff-arm punch that threw his head oe and made him see stars. - “Follow it up, Rob,” advised Dick auickly. This advice was taken, and suddenly Mike Lynch - found himself on the defensive. - fancied whipped was smiling now, but that smile told | _ of intense fury wonderfully well suppressed. There The fellow he had was no fear in the heart of the Southerner, and yet his reestablished wits kept him from exposing himself He knew © to the sledge-hammer wallops of Apretn which. were HS | cals wanted: on an Alfie i ox: WEEKLY. 7 Being baffled in this manner increased the exaspera- tion of Mike and led him into giving still further open- ings. Rob improved one of these openings and landed a left-hand jab on Mike’s eye. It was a buttuner, and that eye began to swell in short order. Daggett was shivering with excitement. “Tf this keeps up three minutes longer,” Poland, “Claxton will get the best of it!” “Don’t you believe it!’ retorted Jim. “He couldn’t whip Mike in a month. Mike can stand all that pun- ishment. He’s a perfect hog for it.” If Mike was a hog for punishment, he was keriainly getting his fill, for Claxton’s sharp knuckles were cut- ting him up, and it was not long before the face of. the- red-headed bully began to look like a piece of. raw — beef. a Although nauseated by the fight, Dick’s cae ; was so strongly with Claxton that he was wholly satis- fied by the punishment Lynch was receiving. he hissed at For all of this hammering, Mike did not show any grogginess. He was a dangerous bulldog fighter, who — could take his, medicine and who was liable.to put the — other fellow out after getting much the worst of it — himself. | | a Several times Dick. caught his breath as Claxton > 4 barely blocked or escaped one of Mike’s terrible swings. Lynch was aiming for the Southerner’s jaw now. At last he realized. that in the game of cutting each other up Claxton was high lines. - “Mike will get him in a minute,’ prophesied Poland confidently. ! Barely had he ‘uttered these words wher ‘Clation landed a corkscrew blow that sent his’ antagonist reel- ing against the trunk of a tree. Again Merriwell urged the Virginian to follow up his advantage, but Claxton waited until Lynch had re- covered and stepped out again. . < | For the first time Mike began to be toute. He realized now that there was a possibility of defeat.. H was also astounded by the battle. which the boy he despised had put up. pe 2 “Get into him! get into him!” snarled Dag “You've got to do it quick.” eee But when Lynch sought to accept this neing he re up against another thumping that nearly took. ay his breath. Claxton was ene ee steam i | his blows now. Suddenly Mike went down at full mein - “Bilazes!"’ palpitated Daggett. “He's out!” De eee chap. “Do get up,” he entreated. up and kill him!’ | The Southerner was standing with his hands on his hips quietly waiting for the next move. “He’s whipped, Rob,” announced Dick. done it all right.” “You're a—a liar!” rising. to his knees.. ‘‘You’ve been training him, Merriwell, curse you!” ~TYour ve guessedvit the very first time,’ was the an- swer. “I’ve been training him for this particular occa- sion. He’'s.a better man than you in every way, shape, and manner, Mike Lynch.”’ “A lie! a lie!” snarled: Mike, getting onto. his feet. “T’ve just begun to fight.”’ “Really, suh,’”’ said. Claxton, “I dislike to do you further damage. I’m satisfied, for I’ve paid you for your insult and your blow.” —_, - “Well, I’m not satisfied. Come on.” With a shrug of his shoulders, the poutherner ac- cepted the invitation. There-was nothing like fooling in the way he went after Lynch. During the next twenty seconds Mike had the busiest time of his life. He was panting heavily, his huge chest heaving con- vulsively. Duck, dodge, block, side-step as he might, he could not get away from those hard fists. .Nor was he able to land one of those furious swings of his. “Vou've gurgled Lynch, 99 it Poland. now lost heart entirely. Flinging up his : hands, he turned to. Daggett, saying: “Hanged if Mike isn't thrashed to a whisper! Who would ‘have believed it?” ~ “Yes, he’s licked,’ nodded Mel sourly. confident at the start.” “He was too and uppercut him with the other. Mike dropped to his knees. “Throw up the sponge!” ished!” __ Staggering like a drunken t man, Hee recovered his footing. ctied Dick. “He’s fin- “Tes a mighty disaceecatle job, suh,” said Claxton, “but you see I’ve got to put you to sleep.” ; 5 Lynch. tried to defend himself, but the Virginian’s second swing for his jaw landed on the point, and the defeated bully lay down to rest. The song-sparrow returned to the sunny branch WEEKLY, Poland leaped forward and bent over the fallen “If you acknowledge yourself. whipped, you'll never hear the last of it.. Get Claxton landed 6n his enemy’s wind with one hand above and repeated its joyous song, but the ears of Mike Lynch were deaf and his senses were wandering afar in a dim land of dreams. The fight was over. CHAPTER V. THE COACH. Bouncer Bigelow was sweating like a butcher. He was covering first base in practise, and the throws chucked at him by the other infielders were of the weird and erratic sort. First the ball came high, then low, then wide. The fat boy leaped for it when it was high, did his best to dig it out of the dirt when it was low, and stretched his arms for it when it was wide. Some- times he misjudged it badly and frequently it got away from him. He panted and gurgled sarcastic remarks at the throwers, quite unaware that they were follow- ing the instructions of Merriwell, who was doing the coaching. “Do you think I’m ten feet tall?” squealed Bigelow, as Tucker sent a high one over his head. A few moments later Otis Fitch handed the ball across from third and Bouncer fell on his stomach with a grunt in an effort to keep one toe on the sack and reach the ball before it struck the ground. “Get ’em up! get em up!” he squawked, in unspeak- able exasperation. “What's the matter with your whip? Haven’t you got any powder in it?” Fitch smiled, but said nothing. Following this, Rob Claxton took a ground-ball on the bound, scooping it with both hands as he dashed to- ward first. Without pausing to throw, he continued the scooping movement and tossed the ball at Bigelow. The fat boy was not prepared for this, and he fumbled the sphere. “Why don’t you give a feller warning!” he wheezed. “I didn’ t know what you was going to do.” “You have to be ready to take anything that comes your way, Big,” said Dick, who was standing near first. “Tf you can’t handle bad throws, you'll never make a good first-baseman.” “Well, if you've got any better man to put on fe sack, trot him out!” gasped Bouncer. “For freak throwing this bunch of infielders can scoop all the medals.”’ “Make your throws good now, boys,” “Give him a chance to get his breath.” For the first time Bouncer became aware that those fellows had been throwing after that fashion with malice aforethought, and he resented it. called Dick. ’ “Trying to show me up, hey?” he: muttered to him- i. di: anes © “ a Vial a eee os ee Se SS aes SE ae as . eRe: BSc ot ga eR coe ae 2 ERR ORS ee apart ee i Sa Ga oS a See — ies head: wie OP self. “Well, I like that! tentions of being a first-sacker.”’ He glared after Dick, who had jogged onto the dia- mond and was talking to Claxton. In the last week the Southerner had made rapid strides in the art of covering second base, and Merri- well believed he would eventually pan out to be a first- class man for the position. Tommy Tucker was having. an off-day at short. Every grounder that came his way seemed to bound erratically, causing repeated fumbles. At first he grew angry, and then he permitted himself to become dis- couraged. After trying to get one or two line drives and muffing them, Tucker fell to loafing. If he did not feel sure of getting his hands on the ball fairly, he let it pass. | Dick observed this and knew what was the matter with Tommy. Leaving Claxton, he turned to the flushed and sullen short-stop. “Got a woozy streak, haven’t you, Tom?” he said good-naturedly. “Why don’t you break it? not playing ball; you're letting the ball play you. after it, go after it.” The Spalding came cracking from the bat and bounded merrily in Tucker’s direction. Instead of going after it, Tommy waited and stepped back a ‘bit to get it on a good bound. “Pretty bad, pretty bad,” observed Dick, shaking “T doubt if you could have caught a good runner at first. You lost valuable seconds then, my I’ve never made any pre- Go boy. You must go in after that kind.” ’ “T’ve been going in after ’em,” said the little chap. “That’s one way of playing the position, but I can play it better my way.” “You're holding the keystone position of the infield, Tucker,” said Dick, reaching Tommy’s side. “Only a fast man who takes advantage of every play and loses not a second of time ever makes a good short-stop.”’ “Which means I’m rotten, I suppose.” “Which means that you’re not doing your best to- day. Give Tucker another grounder, Buckhart.” Brad, who was wielding the bat for the infielders, slashed a hot one at Tommy. Tucker leaped forward astride and dropped on one knee to meet the ball. “First!” cried Dick. Tucker got the Spalding, but was compelled to rise to his feet and swing his arm back for the throw across to Bigelow. In his haste he made a mess of it, and the ball went wide. “Don’t callous your kneepan getting groundeérs,” ad- vised Dick. “Never go onto one knee, Tommy. That’s You're © WEEKLY. 9 rank. Only greenhorns do it. Look at.the trouble you had in getting onto your feet and making that throw. Play for the ball with your hands and keep off -your knees. Never mind trying to hold your heels together. That's the old-style method. The best short-stops to- day pay no attention to it. You won't see Wagner or Lajoie wasting time to nail their heels to each other when stopping a grounder. They take. the ball in any old position that comes easiest and will best enable them to get it off to first in a hurry.” “But I’m no Wagner or Lajoie,’ growled Tommy. “Let me see if I can show you what I mean,” said Dick. Brad batted another grounder in that direction. Like a flash Dick leaped in for it, crouched with knees outspread and feet twelve inches apart, trapping the ball cleanly. Up he came in a twinkling, and it seemed that he threw even as he rose. It was a whistling liner, straight across to Bouncer, where it arrived, waist-— high and easy to catch. Tucker shook his head. “That’s all right,” he admitted, “but every one can’t do it that way.” “Try, try,’ urged Merriwell. “While you must never throw a ball before you have it securely in hand, you should not waste valuable time in getting it across. And don’t be afraid of errors, Tommy. Coverall the ground you can and go after everything. The fellow | who fears to have a few errors chalked against him never makes a good short-stop. You must expect — errors. If you could get everything you could touch, © you'd be worth a high salary on a big league team. — You'll find Lajoie makes lots of errors, but that’s be-- cause he is always stretching himself to the snapping — pitch. You've got to do your best to cover the whole — range between second and third and also back up both | sacks when you can. Besides that, you'll have to cover second a good part of the time. You should have a perfect understanding with Claxton, so that he’ll know ~ when you're going to cover his hassock and when you're not. You two may devise a little signal code of your own if you choose. In a game watch the pitcher —notice what kind of a ball he delivers. If it’s a — straight one, the chances are that a right-hand batter will drive it somewhere between second and third. If it’s an out curve, it'll go to the other side of second base. You should shift your position a bit as your judgment dictates when you know what kind of a ball will be pitched. Of course, you can’t always be right, but you'll find this plan will help you lots of times. You have a-good whip for a little-chap, and if you'll do yor 10 TE AOE best to follow instructions, I’m confident you'll develop into a “Thanks,” muttered Tucker; but still his face wore . acloud of gloom. Dick next turned his direction toward right ‘field, where Rufe Robinson was loafing in an exasperating manner. “Got lead in your shoes to-day, haven’t you, Rufe?” called Merriwell. “Don’t wait for ’em to come after you. It’s your place to go after them.” But Robinson was a heavy runner and a poor ground-coverer. Besides that, he was not ambitious to play the game. He had been drafted under necessity, but as manager of the team his ambition was satisfied, and he was more than willing to sit on the hench. Dick believed Tucker could make good his present position, but he was extremely doubtful about Bigelow and. Robinson. | _ The deflection of Lynch and his followers had left the team lacking the services of two or three fellows who would have strengthened it materially. This was the. situation’ that gravely disturbed ‘every one who was interested in the team’s success. Even Jones, the captain, was in the dumps. _ day the freshmen were to play their first regular game, | their opponents being the Hudson A. A., a strong ag- _ gregation from York State. Prophets predicted de- _ feat, and sports were offering odds on the comers. With some surprise Dick observed two fellows in _ playing-suits who now strolled in at the gate. They were Sam Kates and Bernard Wolfe. _ Merriwell met the two late arrivals and gave them a - “Out for practise, I suppose?’’ was his question. “Yes, if we can get any,” answered Kates. “Per- haps you don’t want us.” “T%m neither captain nor manager. I’m simply doing the comeing. But it’s my opinien that Jones will want you.’ . fast man.” ’ CHAPTER. VI. PAT OR RR OUDTS. With his teeth set, Tommy Tucker lunged after rerything that came his way. Finally he caught a hot e on the end of a fihger, and that finger promptly et Nea te On the following Satur- WEEKLY. Dick called Jones and spoke to him in a low tone. Blessed turned and looked Kates and Wolfe over. - “Shed thy outer garments and get thee onto the turf, Wolfe,” he directed. “Take short.” Becoming disgusted, Robinson followed Tucker's example, making for the bench. “Why don’t you put Bouncer out in that garden, Jones?” suggested Dick. “Who'll cover first ?” “Try Kates.” This suggestion was followed, ‘arid practise contin- ued. Sitting at Tucker’s side on the bench, grumbled. \ Robinson “T’ve never announced myself as a star fielder,” he said. “I don’t want to play. Let them get a good man for the position.” Tucker nursed his injured finger, his eyes fastened on Wolfe. Buckhart slashed a warm one along the ground to the left of the new short-stop. Wolfe went after it swiftly and gracefully and forked it with his gloved | hand. Rapidly shifting the Spalding to his right, Bern» lined it over to Kates without halting to set himself for the throw. It was neatly and handsomely done, and Kates gathered the ball in with ease. “That’s the style!” cried Dick approvingly. “Hand him a bouquet!’ muttered Tucker, The dissatisfaction of the disgruntled little chap in- creased as he continued to watch the work of Wolfe. The new man was a great ground-coverer, and it seemed impossible to get anything past him if he could reach it. He ate up grounders to the right and left, met the straight ones on their way, froze to all sorts of liners and got back for short flies which could not be touched by the outfielders. His throwing was of the most satisfactory order. On first, Kates was doing yery well indeed. Bigelow’s fielding was jfar better than his base- fas playing. Despite his welghe, Bouncer was no poor — runner, and he showed an ability to start quickly and to judge flies accurately. Robinson grunted with satisfaction, “Guess I’ve lost my job,” he observed, with a grin. “T’m glad of it. can’t play first to save his neck.” \ Tucker was beginning to fear that fie had likewise a lost his job, but he was far from feeling the satis- — faction experienced by Rufe. “Tm going. f to get something on 1 this digit,” he wid ee edi aie athe a ee ft cape EA aS SS That’s where Bigelow belongs. He en 5 Seley etal. Rig tne Ze if meant te Si Sti a inert, oe inal ae vais ei Sos ne Ree ari mee ae wits ee SI, Set < Seat > TIP TOP “No use for me to hang around here any longer to- day.” No one observed the little chap as he slipped away and made for a trolley-car. Tommy had a bad case of the “mopes.” For some time he had been training with a prospect of making the class team. He had cut out cigarettes and beer, and, as he expressed it, “was living a life almost too good to be true.” ' Reaching the gym, Tucker had a shower and a rub- down, but even this did not relieve the congested state of his feelings. He wanted somethirig else and he wanted it bad. He ecouldn’t tell exactly what it was, but one of his wandering feet finally came to rest on the foot-rail of a bar. “Got an awful thirst,” murmured Tommy. ‘Water 18 too dry to quench it. I think I’ll try beer.” To his surprise, beer! tasted good. In his days of indiscreet guzzling the stuff had always seemed more or less repulsive. being now very thirsty, hé found it palatable and re- freshing, which led him to order more. When Tommy left the saloon he had a cigarette in his mouth. “First time I’ve felt like myself in a month,” he said. “I must look almost human now. Good-by to baseball and glory. Glory—I don’t know as I’m miss- ing any of that. If I ever tried to play in a game and messed it the way I practised to-day, I’d probably have Having denied himself so long and enough vituperation and recrimination heaped on my humble head to bow me to the dust.” Tommy was sitting in his room with his feet on’ the table and a cigarette in his mouth when Bigelow strolled in. Bouncer stopped short, his eyes bulging. “Hey!” he spluttered, pointing at the cigarette. “What's that ?” “This,” said Tommy, taking the cigarette from his mouth, “is a bit of aromatic tobacco skilfully rolled in rice-leaf paper. It is sometimes vulgarly called a cof- fin-nail.”’ “But you—you’re smoking!” gurgled the fat boy. “Am I?” murmured the little chap, returning the cigarette to his mouth. “I’m glad you told me.” “Why, you—you’ve quit!” said Bigelow. “Further information from a supposed-to-be reliable source. Would you make oath to that statement ?” “But you did quit. I haven’t seen you smoking be- fore in, I don’t know how long. Great Scott! let me shut this door before Jones and Merriwell come in. If they catch you——” Pain WEEKLY. II “Never mind the door,” said Tommy. “Leave the portal ajar.” _ “They’ll smell that smoke! - They'll be in here!” “Visitors are always welcome, Big.”’ “You'll get the dickens! You'll be fired off the team!” “Oh, no, I won’t.” “Why.not ?” “Because I’ve fired myself. I’m a tender little lamb, and the lamb has been eaten by the Wolfe.” “Do you mean to say you're going to throw up the sponge and let Bern Wolfe fill your position?” “It lately became apparent to my astute perception that Wolfe could fill it a great deal better than yours truly. That lets me out.” Bigelow began to get red and angry. “You're a fool!” he cried. “Save your bouquets,” said Tommy. “You're a fool!’ repeated Bouncer fiercely. “The idea of doing an idiotic thing like this! Somebody ag ought to kick you! I'd like the job.” ‘Raise not your hoof in threatened violence ta my “Tf you do, Pll catch you when you're asleep to-night, tie you to the bed and tickle your feet with a feather. I did that once. You know the horrible torture of it.”’ “Tf you ever try that trick again, I'll murder you vowed the fat boy. “Tucker, you haven’t got the back- bone of a sick kitten!” “T hope I haven’t. The backbone of a sick kitten wouldn't satisfy me.” “The idea of throwing up the sponge and letting - that fellow Wolfe have your place on the team.” person,” warned the little chap. ” ! “If he’s a better man than I am, he ought to have it, hadn’t he? Cease this wailing and gnashing of teeth, Big. Any one would think you’d just lost your grand- mother and the dear old lady had forgotten to men- tion you in her will. Ive got sense enough to know when I’m down and out, Bouncer. I watched Wolfe, — and he made me look like a fiasco.” + “But they don’t want him on the team.” “Who doesn’t ?” | “Merriwell, Jones, Robinson, any one. Even if you can’t cover short as well as he, you'll be kept on the team.”’ ; 1 “Fie! fie! Shame on you! You can’t believe ity Big.” | eee”: “T do believe it.” “Then there’s something rotten in Denmark. The team should not be run on any such plan. It’s supposed to represent our class and to be made up of the best 2 Ee ee available players in the class. If Robinson or Jones or Merriwell contemplate running it on any different basis, it’s time the class as a body took them in hand , figuratively speaking. But While watching and spanked them soundly I think you're Bigelow. Wolfe to-day, I saw my chances go glimmering. [ll guarantee that the-powers-that-be have already tagged me for the shelf. If they haven’t, they should.” “But just look at me!” waving his hands wildly. “You were a decided improvement on Rufe Robin- son in the pasture.” “Well, that’s where I’m going to play. see me quitting. I haven’t got cold feet.” “Hooray for the hero that valiantly marches to the slaughter!” cried Tommy, reaching for the package of cigarettes. “You should be crowned with laurels and bays. As for me, I’ll drive another nail in my coffin.” mistaken, cried Bouncer, *“Look at the mess [ made on first!” You won’t CHAPTER VII. THE FELLOW WHO DID NOT UNDERSTAND. After trying to study a while with his one good eye, the other being hidden behind a bandage, Mike Lynch flung the book across the room, kicked over a chair and swore. ; _ “What’s the use?” he snarled. “Can’t get my mind - down to grinding. Can’t help thinking of that rotten _ business. I swear it’s. hard to believe it now, but I suppose the cursed Southerner did knock me out. I - would have bet my life [ could whip him with one hand tied behind me. Here I’ve remained cooped up in this room all day long, and I suppose Pll have to keep under cover to-morrow.” i he } } _ Rising, he strode heavily across the room and “ squinted at his own reflection in a mirror, Then he swore some more. _ “Well, if I’m nota beauty!’ he grated. “The fellow plugged my eye, split my lip and dented me all over my phiz. And they say he doesn’t show a scratch, It’s a dream—a horrible, grisly nightmare. It can’t be true.” Mike even pinched himself to make sure that he was “By this time I suppose the whole class knows about ne affair. They'll try:to josh me. Well, they’d better be careful. I won't stand for any joshing. Tl knock the head off somebody. :Perhaps Mr. Rob Claxton, Virginia, fancies this is the end of the matter. If he’s got another think coming to him, No man WEEKLY. ever did things to me that I didn’t find a way to get back at him, and [Il get back’at Claxton if I live.” Pacing the floor blindly, he stumbled against a foot- stool and gave it a furious kick which lifted it and Mel Daggett, enter- ing without warning, dodged just in time to let the stool spin past him and strike Jim Poland on the shins, Poland howled. “Ouch! ‘Thunder and guns! Wow! wow! Scott, what are you trying to do, Mike?” | sent it whizzing through the air. Great Dancing alternately first on one foot and then the other, Poland rubbed his shins and glared resentfully at Lynch. “Why didn’t you knock?” didn’t know you were coming.” demanded Mike. “I “Why, I never stop to knock at your door. are you trying to do, break up housekeeping ?”’ “Shut that door,” ordered Lynch. Daggett hastily did so. Poland sat down and continued rubbing his shins with many a wry face and many an expressive in- taking of his breath. “Where’ve you fellows been all day?” asked Mike. “You knew I was shut up here. I’ve been expecting you round.” “And when we came you received us in a most delightful manner!” sneered rs “Tf I’m a cripple for life, I'll sue you for damages.” “Oh, forget it, forget it. Don’t make such a fuss over a little thing like that! Did you hear me whim- pering after the fight?” “No,” admitted Poland; “but I heard you snarling and snapping like a mad dog. One time I thought you ‘were going to pitch into Mel and me.” “Did you?” “Yes, You certainly lost your head, You turned on your best friends.” | “Fine friends you were!’ scoffed the red-headed chap. soaking? Why didn’t you take a hand? Why didn’t you both pitch in and help me when you saw I was getting the worst of it?” “Oh, we couldn’t do that, you know,’ Mel. “Couldn’t you?” “Of course not.” “Tell us why. You didn’t have the courage, was that the matter? You were afraid of Merriwell? We * came from were three to their sie and \ we might have e walloped them.” What / “Didn’t you stand around and see me get a EI beset | i Sse ee Saeed. ae a . x — RES a SS Sk Oe Dee eta ee a oan ae vse nA ees a pete ae dP TOP “Did you think Claxton would do you up when you began the fight?” inquired Poland. “Of course not, you idiot!” “Did you think so after he knocked you down the first time?” Be 5:4 “You didn’t invite us to pitch in, did your” “No, but “If we had tried to take a hand without any signal from you, I know just what would have happened. You’d been furfous with us. You would have given us blue fits. You thought you didn’t need any help, and you continued to think so until it was all over.” { “T couldn’t believe he needed , Fa myself,” said Mel hastily. “If I'd really imagined how the scrap was going to end, I’d pitched right in.”’ “Oh, yes, you would!” mocked Mike. “You're noted for your courage, Dag. The truth is that you both are scared to death of Dick Merriwell. If you'd seen Claxton killing me, neither of you would have dared lift a nee f “It isn’t so,” protested Poland. “You do us a great injustice,’ gurgled Daggett. “We both felt awfully cut up over it,” Poland averred. “If we'd only known in advance a -“Oh, if, if, if!’ rasped Lynch. “Of course you didn’t know! I suppose the whole college is chuck- ling over it.” “Hardly the whole college, old man,” said Poland soothingly. “Of course a great many fellows know about it.” “T suppose Claxton has been going round bragging about his great feat.” “YT don’t think he’s said ee about it him- _ self,” f “Then Merriwell has.” “That’s the one; that’s the one,” “He told it to all his friends.” “And he fancies he has all his enemies on the run,” said Mike. “By this time he thinks he’s found the end of all opposition to his style of lording it over the class. I suppose I’ve encouraged him a little in that to-day.” “What do you mean?” “T made a wager with Kates and Wolfe.” “What sort of a wager?” | f ¥. “T bet them that they couldn’t go out for baseball practise and: get a show on the regular team.” _ “Did they go out to-day?” asked Daggett. “I suppose so. That was in the understanding. nodded Daggett. out how oe succeeded.” WEEKLY. 13 They were to make a test ef it to-day. I can see them showing up at the field and hanging around waiting for a chance to practise. Why, they couldn’t get a show in a hundred years. Merriwell wouldn’t want Kates anyhow. Sam might do some good pitching, and the great Merriwell intends to be the only hog with his feet in the trough. He wants all the swill.” “He can’t do all the pitching for the team, can he?” “Well, he won’t give any of our crowd a chance to do some of it, and you can stake your life on that. He'll run in some fellow he fancies, whether the chap can pitch or not.” “Perhaps Jones or Robinson will have something to say about that.” “Jones! Robinson! Oh, splash! They're mere figureheads. They really don’t have a say about any- thing. Everything goes precisely as Mr. Richard Mer- riwell directs.. I don’t suppose there’s any one in our class, with the possible exception of myself, whom Merriwell dislikes more than Kates.” “Seems to me you were taking long chances,” ob- | served Poland. “Wolfe might get a try-out.” . aa “Don’t you believe it.” S “Why not?” a “Wolfe’s position is at short.’ | a “We iP”. “One of Merriwell’s particular chums is playing there.”’ - "Tucker P” + eee, “But Wolfe might be put on second.” “Oh, might he? How astute you are!” “Why couldn’t that happen?” “tr. Robert Claxton has second base, and. he’ S now one of the chosen slobs of the Merriwell crowd, i “Wolfe could play either short or second much - better than the fellows filling those positions.” “Tf you have any remote idea that ability will get a_ man onto the team, you're still pandering to a delusion. Get it out of your head. It was a sure thing for me when I made sm bet with those fellows. It was like finding money.” Being himself a fellow without an idea of cane dealing, Lynch could not understand another person who might, in spite of personal aversions and pre u dices, give an enemy a square show. # Some one banged on the door, and at the invitation to come in Wolfe and Kates appeared. 4 “Here they are!” cried Poland, “Now we'll fi 1 / TEP tor CHAPTER VIII. THE RAGE OF LYNCH. | ; Kates strode in with a swagger, while Wolfe wore a white teeth. Lynch surveyed them inquiringly with his unban- daged eye. “Well?” he growled. “Pretty well, thank you,” answered Wolfe, striding a chair and resting his arms on the back of it. “Yes,” said Kates, “we’re in much better condition than some of our friends.” “Supposed to be wit,’ said Mike. painful, Sam.” “Thanks,” said Kates, gabe a lunge for a cigar his eyes had discovered on the table. ‘Guess I'll smoke. This’ll be my only chance for a long time.” “Your last chance?” “Uh-huh,” grunted Sam, biting off the end of cigar and finding a match. “Got to conform to train- ing rules to-morrow.” e “Yes,” said Rufe, ‘frugal fare and the simple life _ for us. You know they’ve established a training-table for our team.” “Our team? our team?” rasped Mike. “What do you mean by that? Come, now, what sort of a spiel are you fellows trying to give me? Don’t try any funny business. 1’m not in a humor to stand for it.” “Oh, we wouldn’t try anything like that,” chirped ‘Wolfe, winking openly at Poland. “You owe us _ money, Mike, old fellow. Fork over.” “What for?” “That bet.” “Do you mean to: say “Your wit is very 9 “You don’t have to take our word for it,’’ chuckled Kates, cocking the cigar up in one corner of his mouth _ and enue Lynch triumph By “We can deliver _ the evidence.” nodded Wolfe. “Did you practise to-day?’ asked the red-headed fellow doubtingly. “Did we?” chuckled Bern. “Ask us!” “Did we?” laughed Sam. “I should say we did!’ “But you weren’t asked to.” “Oh, we have witnesses galore,” “Who told you that? Whoever the party was, he’s responsible for false information. We were politely invited to take part in practise.” “By whom—Merriwell ?” “No; Jones.” | ‘ satisfied smile that exposed the sharp points of his, ee vel, where did you play, Wott ?” sneeringly ques- WEEKLY. “Did you back up the catcher, or did you bat balls for the regular team to handle ?”’ “Oh, no, indeedy; no, indeedy,”. chirped Bernard. “T filled my usual position.” “Short-stop ?”’ “Correct. Take your place at the head.” “But Tucker—where was he?” “Benched.” “Benched ?” “Straight goods, Mike,” corroborated Kates. “Tuck- er’s practise was pretty punk to-day, and so he was retired to the bench and Wolfe was given a tryout. Did he make good? Well, now, as I remember it, he was eating everything that came his way. And some of the warm ones he sent sizzing over to.me burned a hole in my mitt.”’ | “Where did you play?” doubting what he had heard. “First base.”’ “What became of the fellow who was playing it be- fore you showed up?” tioned Lynch. asked Lynch, as if still “Oh, they retired him to one of the remote farms— right field, I believe. They’d been yearning for a first- baseman who could cover the sack in style, and, there- fore, I filled a long-felt want.” “But you—you are a pitcher. You won’t get any chance to pitch if they put you on first.’’ “How do you know?” “Of course you won't,” “Again I must ask how you know. . I caught a bit of casual conversation ere leaving the field, and it led me to eres that I shall have a chance to do some twirling.” “Who'll go on first when you pitch ?” ‘“Merriwell. You see, that makes a very nice ar- rangement. It keeps us both in the game all the time. They’ve been desperate for a good first-sacker. Merri- well could cover the sack, of course, but he couldn’t do that and pitch at the same time. Noe he will Play first when I’m pitching, and vice versa,’ Lynch felt like again resorting to profanity, but re- strained himself. “T think both you chaps are being fooled,” he said. “Merriwell never would chuck Tucker off the team to give Bern a show. That’s a settled fact.” “In your mind, perhaps,” said Kates ; “but I’m satis- fied you’re wrong. - Bern can play all round Tucker, and the sentiment of the class, if nothing else, would force them to give him a show. Perhaps it was lucky for me that they really needed a first-baseman. On my word, Mike, they welcomed us with open arms. They e o€ ta, ks eae Pr ee ee al a SS amie 3h gave us the glad-hand. myself.” “You'll never make the team, either one of you,” j asserted Lynch. . | i “But we’ve been ordered to training-table. 4 that fact percolate through your intellect. business, Lynch, old fellow, ; you may as well pay.” : “Not yet. Even if they - are willing to give you a chance on the team, do you od mean to say you'll take it?” I was somewhat - surprised Let That means You've lost your bet, and I don’t believe I’ve lost it. certainly,” was Sam’s prompt “That’s exactly what I mean to do, Bern can do as he pleases. ” “Then you're going back on your friends, are you?” “Now, hold on, Mike,” said the tall fellow, the cigar from his mouth. A 3h, a rational manner. s “Why, certainly, * - answer. taking “Let’s consider this thing in I’d rather play baseball than- eat. * . ,I like the game. It’s the greatest ever. If I don’t de: _ happen to like Merriwell and Jones and ‘the rest of that crowd, that’s unfortunate, but it’s no reason why . h I should make 4 chump of myself and lose a season of f < baseball. Tf. I queer myself by my prejudices, I'll . |. stand a mighty poor chance of ever doing much of any- |. thing with baseball while I’m at college. I’ve got to } look out for Number One. I came here with the idea in my head that some day T’d play in the regular Var- sity team. I’m going to get there if it’s in me.” “Then you—you’re another!” shouted Lynch. “Another what?’ _. “Another turncoat! Another fellow who has been _ kicked and sneered at by Merriwell and his crowd, but _. who’s willing to lie down and let that bunch wipe their feet on him.” _ “Oh, I sha’n’t let any one wipe his feet on me,” Sam. : “You're going back on your friends.” “Ym doing the only sensible thing for me to do. ~ When you and Ditson proposed organizing an indepen- dent ball-team, and were so confident you could eat up ‘the regular team, I stood by you. You tried that trick -and made a grand fizzle of it.” said iy “Thanks to your assistance!” snarled Mike. pitched for us.” “Vou mit “The whole bunch literally fell over themselves in their a eagerness to make errors behind me. was delicious! _ the end of your great baseball-team. ‘There was noth- ing doing after that. The whole bunch took to snarl-> dng and quarreling like a pack of wolves.. You couldn't iti ti dite tii dali TIP “FOP: _ part in the conversation. “And I received beautiful support! !” scoffed Sam. It was fine! It It was a juicy exhibition! That was WEEKLY: I ut get them together with Gatling guns and force them to play another game. You see where that leaves me. Now I’ve got a chance to play baseball, I’m going: to take it, and you can bet your last moldy copper on that.” By this time the bully was fairly frothing with rage. “IT always knew you were a squealer and_a turn- coat!’ he shouted. “I never did trust you, Kates... Go ahead and play on the regular team—if you can, I don’t believe you'll get a chance to handle a ball in a single game this spring. Anyhow, you'll queer, your- self with our set.” “Perhaps that’s true,” admitted Sam; “but I -sha’n’t lose! any sleep over it. Now that you have spit out just what you think of me, I’ll come back a bit, You say I'll queer myself, do you? Let me tell you that you've queered yourself already.. You're down.and | out, Lynch—down and out. You'll never cut, any / more ice as.a grand. high mogul... When Claxton Ww hipped you, he put the kibosh on you. Every one interested knows all about that little affair.’ i “And I suppose you’ve helped to spread the yarn.” “Oh, I wouldn’t do that. I didn’t have to. . Nat- urally enough, Merriwell gave the particulars to his friends, and they did the spreading. Don’t glare at me, Mike. You can’t frighten me that way, If we © had not made that little bet, I presume I might have | lost a season of baseball-playing. The bet sent Wolfe and myself out to the field to-day. We got ont chance, and I’m going to make the most of it. Bern can do as he pleases.” | | The open defiance of Kates caused Mike Lynch to choke and turn purple. Indeed, he looked hideously ugly as he glared at Sam with his uncovered eye. Neither Daggett nor Poland ventured to take any They regarded it as unwise - to put in as.much as a word under the circumstances. _ Mike turned on Wolfe. “How about you?” he fiercely asked. going to-turn traitor, too?” Well, I don’t know,” answered Bern fidsitarale : “It’s almost, too good an opening for a fellow to pass — up. Don’t think I’ll fall in love with Merriwell. can play on the team without doing that, can’t 1?” “If you play on the team, you'll become one of hi: crowd, just as all the others are. You Ynake me sick you and Kates! I’ve seen fellows like you before. They bark and yap at some’chap who has made hims a leader, but when thé chance comes they fall into lin with the rest of his followers. I suppose it’s hun nature but it’s disgusting just the same. Looks at “Are you both of you chaps. I’m a better ball-player than either one of you.. Why don’t I go sucking around Merri- well in order to get onto his team? I say his team, for it is his team, tio matter who captains it—no matter who: managés it! Didn't he really elect Jones captain last fall? You know he did. He might have been cap- tain himself, perhaps, but he put up a bluff that he was generous.and liberal and willing for some one else to hold the: position. Then he ran in his roommate, a dummy that he could control just as he pleased. If this thing keeps up a little longer, he'll have the whole class licking his shoes. He’ll use you fellows when he wants. you, and when he doesn’t want you he’ll misuse you. That’s the kind of a fellow he is.” During this speech Lynch strodé up and down the room, his heavy steps-actually shaking the floor. His fists: were clenched, -and the cords on his neck stood out prominently. He was a person of bitter passion, and just now he was in his bitterest mood, for he realized that, plank by plank, everything was slipping away be- neath him. “Anyhow,” said Wolfe mildly, “I’ve got to stick for a while in order to prove that I can make the team and win that bet. You know I didn’t really go out with the intention of becoming a regular player on the team. You told Kates and me that we couldn’t get on in a year. You see, you're to blame for what’s happened.” “Oh, yes; oh, yes!” rasped Mike. . “That’s the way you try to squirm out of it. Quit now, both of you, and we'll call the bet-off.” “That’s fine,” laughed Kates—“fine apd liberal! After we've won the bet, you’re willing to call it off. Oh, no, Mike; you put the money up in Ditson’s hands, and I’m going to-claim my share of it. I'll get it, too. If I don’t, Ditson will have a lot of trouble.” “Get out of here!” suddenly roared Lynch. “There’s _the door! Chase yourselves, the whole of you! Yes, I mean you, Daggett, and you, too, Poland; It isn’t ae for any one to remain here with me! Git!’ “Sure,” said Daggett, edging toward the door. “Don’t blame us, Mike,” begged Poland, following Mel's example. “Of course, you’re mad now, but we'll -come'round and see you after you have gotten over it.” Kkates followed them, laughing in a way that added 7 _ back of a chair, and for a moment he was tempted to _ send that ehair whizzing after Sam. _ Wolfe started to follow the others, but Mike gripped his arm, saying ina low tone: “Hold on, Bern; let them go. you—alone.” I want to talk with wo TIP TOP WEEKLY. to Mike’s fury. Both of Lynch’s hands gripped the CHAPTER IX. A LITTLE LECTURE. Among those ordered to training-table, Tommy Tucker was conspicuous by. his absence. Bouncer Bigelow had told no one of Tucker’s freakish mood. The fat boy had fancied his roommate might get over his pique and change his mind. Tommy, however, i As me tal cece = ali hata wy showed no inclination to get over it. : ee At the first opportunity Jones sought the little chap in his room and demanded an explanation. 4 “What the dickens do you mean by not showing up at training-table?” asked the captain of the team. a Before replying, Tucker put down his book, reached for the package of cigarettes, selected one, struck a match and fired up. Blessed noted every movement in the most solemn As Tucker bégan to puff vigor- manner imaginable. ously Jones droned: : i “ ‘And the smoke of their iniquity shall rise like a | vast cloud,’ Timothy x, 16.” a “T like real food better,”’ chirped Tucker. - “I always knew you were an idiot,’’ said Jones. “You can’t play on the team unless you come to train- ing-table.”” “Cant £r° fo : “Of course not.” } , “Then I won't play on the team, will I? That was all settled yesterday.” “Settled yesterday ?”’ “Sure. Didn’t you put Wolfe in my position, nid didn’t he make me look like a frappéd custard ?” ***And the fool said unto himself, There is another | greater than I,’”’ grunted Blessed.’ “Take that cig- arette out of your, mouth, Tucker.” “Couldn’t think’ of it,” grinned the little chap. MES, delicious, don’t you know.” | “Well, you’re a peach!” | “Thank you kindly.” | ey “Here you go and break rules and bagi balsa just when we’re MP against our first | Teal game. I’ve got to report -you.”’ fe “Tf the task is disagreeable, you needn’t take the trouble. I’ll report myself.” ie ye “You'll queer yourself for the whole season. We're depending on you.” 3 “Don’t—don’t make me laugh,” “My face is lame. ) “We're depending on you,” repeated Jones. ae “Put not your dependence in such as I, I’ve quit, implored Ticker. : 4 a, re = li cui na, ip Me Fe > ¥. . m _ quit at this time, do you? TIP FOr Blessed—I’ve thrown up the sporige. I saw the bubble of baseball glory burst, and I. realize there are no ‘laurels laid away on the shelf for me.”’ “You'll be drinking next.” “Havealready. Isn’t that a brazen, bold con fession? Had a splendid load last night. You know I never get more than I can carry, but sometimes I ought to make two trips. Go forth, Jonesy, and tell it unto’ the world that I am among the lost and fallen. Now don’t bother me any more, Blessed, for I’m all tangled up with a ne of Latin that’s rougher than a cobblestone pavement.’ Tommy picked up-his book once more, and, without another word, Jones left the room. The little chap laughed softly to himself after Blessed’s departure. “That was easier than I thought it wuld be,” said. “I reckon he was really glad to get rid of me.” A few minutes later Merriwell appeared. Instead of finding Tommy studying, Dick discovered him with his feet on the table, chanting pleasantly to himself: he » “Mary made a little cake To suit her papa’s palate; Her papa put it on a stick And used it for a mallet.” “Very sentimental and touching,” observed Dick. _“What’s this Jones has been telling me?” “You tell me,” invited Tucker. “He says you've quit the team.” “Old Sacred Quotations is correct—lI’ve quit.” » “After all our trouble in getting a team together you Tucker, I’d like to shake you. You ought to be properly spanked. You're the most irresponsible little whelp I ever knew.” “Then I must stand at the head of my class. - There’s some satisfaction in that. What’s.the use of being anything unless you go the limit?” “Why have you done this?” “Because you have found a better man to fill my * position.’ . didn’t think you were that kind.” “You can call it jealousy if you like, but it isn’t. ‘You know as well as I do that Wolfe is the. best man ‘) to play short.” “He may be,” admitted Dick; to that conclusion. Wolfe is one of the Ditson crowd. Yesterday he did puteup some brilliant practise. I’ve studied the fellow on the field and off. I’m afraid he has one serious fault. I fear he can practise a great deal better than he can play the game. There are such ' and Kates have followed. Next I expect to see a stuck by the team and played short as well as I could, _ which was rather punk. Further, we’ll suppose that ‘ after a few games the rebellious members of the class “Tt can’t be you’re jealous and sore, Tony ¥ _the speaker finished. . ve wees _ we must have some one to fill his place. I don’t-think “but I haven’t come fellows, you know. On the other hand, Tucker, I WEEKLY. 17 es! you.can play the game better than you can prac- tise.”’ “It’s awfully kind of you to say that,” murmured Tucker, flushing a bit and beginning to feel émbar- rassed ; “but, really, you can’t be sure of it... I haven't any confidence in myself. Wolfe is running over with confidence. As you say, I’m an irresponsible: little whelp. I know it. Therefore I'm not the kind of: man to cover short field on Umpty-ten. For about a month I’ve been hankering like the dickens to smoke: a cig- arette or surround a stein of beer. All I wanted is a good excuse to do so. Yesterday I got the excuse. .I immediately went, gone and done it. . It’s all up, Dick. Don’t bother about me. I'll get out and yell miy head off for the team, and that’s just about all I’m good for, I wish you lots of luck, and-I think you'll have it; for I hold an idea that the opposition against you whith has split the class is pretty nearly dead. “It was the beginning of the end when Claxton buried the hatchet and joined our ranks. Now, Wolfe grand rush, and you'll have more baseball timber on your hands than you'll know what to.do with: Under such circumstances I’d be in the way. Supposing I came flocking into our camp. That would mean Lynch, Ditson, Pickering, Daggett and the rest of those fel- lows, who can really play baseball. What would hap- pen to me then? Would I hold my job, or. would Ibe put on the retired list? If I-held my job, it would be ~ to the exclusion of a better man. If I was put on the retired list, I might feel sore: If I wasn’t put — on the retired list, lots of chaps would have good rea- a to raise the howl of favoritism. You see, I fig- - ured this thing out pretty thoroughly, Dick. I came to the conclusion that the time for me to quit was right now, and I’ve quit.” Dick stood, hands in bokets, listening quietly until “You know as well as I do, Tommy, that we should have plenty of subs for the team. Ifa man gets hurt, you're showing the right spirit about this matter.. True class spirit would keep you in the game just-as- long as you could stay there. It’s not for you to. question the methods and motives of the-management.: You're to suppose that you and every one else will get a square — deal. The right spirit would lead you to play ‘when | requested to do so, and if some one else was filling your — 18 IP’ TOP position, to hold yourself ready to play when needed. And you’d always do your level best, regardless of your personal feelings toward the handling of the team or any man on the team. That's the proper college spirit. | That's the essence of the genuine Yale spirit. Get a Let it soak into you, and don’t let ‘It’s only jealous grip on it, Tommy. it ooze out after it has soaked in. and narrow-minded fellows who get Sore and sulk in case they are’ pulled out of games and put’on the bench. The chap who has the interest of his team at heart will make no murmur when he has to warm the bench while another fellow is tried out in his position, | If the other fellow really proves to be a better man, the ore who has been benched seOuid not lose ‘his interest and his enthusiasm in the team.” “Oh, I suppose’ that’s right, Merriwell,” sy ae the little cliap,? who was sobered at last by Dick’ words; “but I'll tell you how 1 felt about it. Were vients Jones and I are aiso friends. Robinson hasn't anything against me. It seemed to me -that, such circumstances, | might have been kept in when it under fill my shoes. Perhaps this wasn’t all generosity on my part—I’m not claiming it was.. Still, it. wasn’t wholly selfishness. I’m not stuck on Bern Wolfe. I’m not a ’ er any one else can play short.better than J, it’s me to the pines. \ Twenty-three for mine!” “And-in order. to take yourself out of the way, you've resumed smoking cigarettes and gargling your throat at the bar. | Fine, Tommy—fine!” - “Well,-that gives them a good excuse to fire me, doesn’t it?” | _ “Was that your only reason for resuming your old, bad habits. which you, found so difficult to break ?” .. “Not, the only. reason, perhaps,” admitted Tucker, flushing again. “I acknowledge I was troubled by a thirst, and I was nearly blowing up to smoke.” “T’m sorry you didn’t talk with me about this matter before you imade such a move,’ said Dick. “Of course, you've got to be punished now. Jones will report to Robinson. You'll be put off the training- -table for a pry time. It wouldn’t do to overlook this breach on your _ part. can’t be-sure of Wolfe. How do we know he means business? How do we know we can trust him: ? if lie fails.us, what'll we do without you?” _ chap, who, by this time, was very, ‘much ashamed of ' imself. would: be’ better ‘fot the ‘class if I let some:one else on-any of Ditson’s crowd. But if Wolfe A But, Tommy, quit it quit it, I say. Throw those cigarettes away. Stop right where you are, “We | “There'll be plenty . of others,” muttered the little THaog it, ‘Merriwell, I wish ye wouldn't t if WEEKLY. talk to me like this! I don’t mind what other fellows say. But when you get at me every word hurts. 1 can laugh: at Jones or Robinson, but when I try to laugh at you I feel cheap.’ Why the dickens are you so'infernally earnest about everything you do?” “Anything that’s worth doing, Tucker, is worth doing earnestly. Even if I am taking part in a prac- tical joke, I go into it heartily. By calling me earnest, T hope you don’t mean that I’m a solemn fossil.” “Oh, no, 1 don’t mean just that. You're not solemn, Merriwell. I don’t know a fellow in college who 1/ gets as much out of life as you do. You seem to find ‘ enjoyment—I might say fun—in everything you do. I | believe you actually enjoy grinding. I believe youen- joy sapping up dry lectures. I can’t understand that. 1 Those things are téo much like work, and I always entertained a pronounced aversion for work.” | “That's too bad, Tommy, old chap; you should try to cure yourself of it. A man who can’t find pleasure in work as well as in play never will amount to much in this world.” aD hat’s me. sich fizzle.” ae “Tf you continue to hold that belief, you'll become | a 4 fizzle. Some one has said, ‘That which we think,. we create,’ and it’s true. Think, yourself a fizzle, and |. you'll turn out nothing better. Make up your mind — that you'll be a success, and cling to this determination — in the face of doubts, waverings and failures, and the chances are ten to one that you'll eventually succeed. I’m delivering quite a sermon, I’m afraid. I beg your i a5 pardon, Tucker; I didn’t come in to peeatay I hope. ia 3 you'll overlook it.” Li att I expect I was cut out for the Boe “TI fancy everything you've said is straight goods,” nodded Tommy, “I don’t hear sermons often Sage , to hurt me. If any one else had tried this line of talk — on me, I’d raised a howl, I don’t know just why it is, but Ihave to listen 'to’ your sermons, Dick. I say I don’ t#know why it is, but perhaps I do know. ‘It's because J realize that you're actually sincere and not merely talking platitudes to hear the sound of your own voice. I've found that many people who preach, ~ in the pulpit and out of it, talk one thing and practise — ai something else. I’ve found mest you practise what | gu preach, as a rule.” | “At least, I try to,” said Dick. “I rsa not always : succeed, and I think you’re waong about most peopl , who preach, It’s my belief that the majority of the actually try to live up to their ideals. They may fai for you know it’s natural for humans to err. If” hear a chap preathidy een deception or ar tj ) TIP TOP _ afterward detect him in guile or see him lose his tem- | per, you must not think he did not believe what he was |) preaching. But let’s cut this off. What I want of % you is to quit cigarettes and keep away from the bars. I’m not going to extract a promise from you. Promises are easily. broken.”’ “That’s the case with me, anyhow,” little chap, with NaS a dolefulness. ” said Dick. will get three or four days to meditate on it.’ . SREY ES Se confessed the “Think this matter over, “You DECHOMY nt (ificaiint i aati la et Sine Tommy began meditating at once on Merriwell’s departure. He realized that he had made a bad break, and he became very much disgusted with himself. Later in the day he took a grim dressing-down from | Rufe Robinson, who notified him that he was sus- | pended from training-table for three days. , ee . ‘Three days,” muttered Tucker, when the manager had passed on his way. “That carries me up to Sat- urday. The game with Hudson comes Saturday. If I behave myself and Wolfe fails to make good, I may get into that game. I wonder if I can behave.” As yet Tommy did not possess the necessary self- confidence, determination and will-power to make a thorough success of himself. CHAPTER X. g A TRAITOROUS PROPOSAL. Late Saturday afternoon the Hudson A. A. baseball- team arrived in New Haven and put up at the Hotel Guard. : “as After dinner Manager Ben Newhouse spoke to Cap- tain Hickey. vee “I’m going out on a little business, Hick,” he said. “T’ll leave you in charge of the boys. Keep them away from the bar and chase them to bed early. We want that game to-morrow, and we’ve got to have it.” “All right, Mt. Newhouse,” said Hickey. ‘There are only two or three fellows who need watching. I'll keep the booze away from them, and get them between the sheets at a sgasonable hour. eae on me, We ought to eat those freshmen up.” “We ought to, but you know what we’ ve heard abicitt their battery. They have a brother of the famous Frank Merriwell for a pitcher, and reports declare hat their catcher is the finest freshman back-stop Yale has seen in years.” _“Aren’t the reports alittle premature in sugh a laim? Umpty-ten hasn’t played any real games yet.” : dents. “But these two chaps made a record before they WEEKLY. 19 They played together in the same prep. “i ID came here. school. Merriwell “May be traveling on his brother’s reputation.” “T don’t think so, Hick. The youngster has been coached by Frank Merriwell, and he has seen a great deal of real baseball. Why, they say he once replaced Merriwell in a game against the Yale Varsity and actually held Yale down. Of course, the freshmen won’t have much team-work this early in the season, but with-a good pitcher, they may not need team-work. We ought to play together in handsome style, for we've only two new men on our team. We've got prac- tically the same bunch we finished with last season, and we certainly made the most.of the teams we met go some.” “If you find any Yale money lying around loose,” said Hickey, in a low tone, “don’t forget to give me a chance at some of it. I’ve got twenty-five I’m willing to stick up.” ) Newhouse nodded. ‘All right, Hick,” he replied. “I won’t forget you. But these freshies are not liable toybe flush with their coin.” It was the object of Newhouse to see if he could find any Yale money, and for this purpose he visited Morey’s and several other resorts frequented by stu- His quest proved to be a most disappointing one. Listening to the gossip of the college boys, he soon learned that the upper classmen had little faith in the ability of Umpty-ten to defeat Hudson. It was said that the class was divided; and the split had caused a deflection of several good players from the ranks of the regulars. The Hudson manager finally wandered into Fred’s. In this place he found a gathering of freshmen who were patronizing the bar and sapping up beer by the gallon. : One of these, a little chap with twinkling eyes, was in a very gay mood. “I’m branded as a criminal and an outcast, you know,” he was laughingly saying. “Got suspended from training-table. My absence from the field will be a harrowing loss to the team. Still, if I had any money, I’d bet Umpty-ten would take the garhe. I’m going out to see that game. I'll be right with the | rooters. But if we lose, I shall fly, flee—fly—well, what’s the difference?” “Yes, what is the difference between fly aad, flee, Tucker ?” questioned another chap. “Well, as near as I can explain,” ctucidad Tommy, | 20 TAE CLE, “one bites you on the forehead and ‘the other bites you fi “Oh, Tucker!’ cried a fellow called Toleman, “‘don’t be so careless.”’ A big fellow sipped his beer audibly. _ “Stop that, Benjamin!” cried Tucker. “You're not eating soup. eee you drink that way it sounds like the tide coming in.” “Although I’m not going to be in that game, Toleman, “I’ve got a hunch that Umpty-ten will put it all over Hudson.” Newhouse, standing with his hands in his pockets, laughed. | “How hard are you willing to back your hunch, young fellow ?” he inquired. “What, ho!” cried Tucker. “Who have we here?” “I’m the manager of the Hudson team,” was the answer, “and I’ve got a few soiled government certifi- cates that say we'll beat Umpty-ten. I’ve been search- ing for the last two hours to find some real Yale sports who had confidence in their own team. I can’t get even a little measley bet,” “It’s a shame!” sobbed Tucker. “But, you see, we're all busted. We've had to buy spring wearing apparel. This day my tailor chased me under the bed with a frightful bill in one hand and a shotgun in the other.”’ “Which means, I presume,” said Newhouse, “that there’s no Yale money lying around loose. I’m very sorry, for I’d like to make a little something on the side. Our guarantee will barely pay expenses for the trip. I understand you fellows have a very bum team.” : “T think you'll find the team good enough for you,” flung back Toleman. | 9) said _ A red-headed ibeag with one eye carefully whitened to conceal a ee touched Newhouse on the arm. ~ ; “Perhaps I can tell you where you can find some Yale money,” said this fellow. ‘You won't find it here.” ; | “Are you betting on Yale?” “Me? Hatha! ‘Oh, no, I’m too wise for that; but _ Thappen to know some fellows who will bet on Yale.” “Lead me to them,” ‘urged Newhouse. | “Sit down a minute,” invited the red-headed fellaw, motioning toward a little side-room, in which there was a table. “Tell me about your team. -a Yale man, I wouldn’t mind’ turning a nimble penny myself if I was satisfied I could find a sure thing.” “Come, come, Lynch!” cried a voice. “That doesn’t look oon ee Wee know.” es itt Although ?m_ | Umpty-ten will lack,” WEEKLY. : But Mike Lynch paid no attention to this. He led Bs the way into the little room, and Newhouse followed him. Mike ordered drinks. “I’m not going to try to pump you,” he said. “Tl state my position at the start. Perhaps you are not aware that the class of Umpty-ten is split, but such is You know the saying that ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand.’ I’m a freshman and a ball-player, but ’m not on the team. I should be, and As I just told youy 1 know where there’s some Yale money. Several fellows have formed a pool to back Umpty-ten to-morrow. I’m not averse to making a few dollars myself, but I’ve hesitated about placing any bets, not. knowing how strong a team Hudson would put on the field. If you ean satisfy me that your team is strong, I shall take some of that Umpty-ten money, and I’ll give you a chance at the rest of it. That’s on the level.” “If it’s on the level, I ought to be able to satisfy —— you, young fellow,” said Newhouse. “Six of our reg- Pe ular players are men who finished the season with us I last year. Do you know anything about our last sea- | son’s record ?” “I understand you had one of the strongest. inde- pendent teams in York State.” . the case. I acknowledge I’m sore. “And that’s true. Out of twenty-eight games played, we won twenty-two, and we went up against the very best teams supposed to be in our class. The old play- ers we've rétained are all' crackerjacks. The new men we've picked up made reputations for themselves last — season. They're young fellows, but they’re fast. Why, the American League bid for two of them. With such a team, we ought to win over your freshman aggre os gation in a walk. To-morrow we'll use Bancroft, our star Southpaw twirler.. I doubt if your green batters can hit him at all.” He “Umpty-ten has a pitcher who can hail "em up some,” declared Mike. “Oh, this young fellow, Merriwell ?” “Ves. I haven’t any use for him, but ’m forced 4 to acknowledge to you that HS can pitch. , “But he lacks experience.” “7 “Don’t you bank on that. He’s had more ‘experience _ Te than Yale’s Varsity pitchers.” a yt “Well, I had heard this; but I didn’t know whether it was really true or not. Then you consider him a won- 9 der, do you?” ae “Tt’s like pulling teeth for me to say it, but I'm afraid he’s really a wonder.” ; his Es “But we have team-work, which is something — +X | TIP: TOP ee Fe Al ; “Wrong again, Mr. Newhouse. Merriwell has been coaching that team, and I know for a fact that he has developed and drilled them in a complete system of team-work. Now, e hesitated _ about betting any money against Umpty-ten. as you can obtain some sort of an advantage, the chances | areas good as even, ora little better, that you will go _ back home defeated.” you understand why I’ve Unless “Some sort of advantage,” muttered Newhouse. “What do you mean by that?” said Mike, “Wait a minute and I[’ll ex- “Here are our drinks,” in a low tone, as the waiter reappeared. Blain,” As the waiter departed, Lynch eyed his companion -aslant, as if seeking to size the man up. 3 “Now, explain what you meant by speaking about our obtaining some advantage,” urged the Hudson A. ) A. manager. “Let me ask you a question first.” “Go ahead.” “If you could get hold of information that would } put you wise to Umpty-ten’s team-work, would you | take advantage of it?” 3 bi _ “Have you any such information ?”’ questioned New- i ‘house cautiously. y sa — “T haven’t, but I know how you can get it.” ae “Do. you?” Pures” nN ‘ " “On the quiet?” i “Tt will have to be, if you get it at all. You'll have bh to give your promise to keep a close mouth. You. | understand why I’m doing this thing? It’s because I ir ie have been treated rotten by the management of the - team. It’s because I’m sore on Merriwell, and wish . By _ to see him defeated. Perhaps you don’t know that | Merriwell sometimes gives the signal for all the balls he pitches. He does it by assuming different poses | in the box. on his team what sort of a ball he will throw. If your team knew that code of signals, the batters would be “Not a cent. All I want to know is, that you'll use the information. If you give me your word on that, -T’ll make my little haul backing your team, and I'll also In this manner he informs every player WEEKLY. 20 going to put me wise, for you Who has?” they call Tucker out use the tip. Now, who’s say you haven't the signals? “Notice that little fellow there ?”’ “The gay chap who was shooting off so much chin?” “Yes, he’s the man.” “But he was rather boastful about: Umpty-ten.”’ “Mere bluffing. He’s as sore as I am. was on the team, or supposed he’d be on it, originally. They dropped him. That made him good and raw. This day he showed me a complete typewritten code of the team’s signals and a full explanation of its team-work, If you'll use it, I'll agree to have him deliver it into your hands.” “When?” “To-night—-within twenty minutes. Tucker has gone out now, but I know where to find him. Tell me where you'll meet him twenty minutes from now, and [ll have him there.” “You name. the place.” “Of course, Tucker’s careful about this thing, and you must promise not to give him away.” “I'd be a fool to give him away. You needn’t worry about that.” “He mustn’t be seen talking’ with you. meet him on some dark corner.” Lynch then named the corner. of two streets at a dis- tance from the campus. “Go there at once on leaving this saloon,” he said, “and Tucker will show up inside of twenty minutes. Here’s luck.” Mike lifted his glass. “Here’s luck,” nodded Newhouse, and they drank, “But before I go,” said the Hudson A. A. manager, “tell me about that Yale money. How am I going to get hold of it?” “Tl fix that for you to-morrow morning. Meet me here at nine-thirty, and [ll tell you how it’s to be done. If I don’t make good in this, you don’t have to use those signals unless you wish to. I'll prove to you that the whole thing is on the level by backing your ~ team with some of my own money. Now make a dash’ for that corner, and I'll go after Tucker.” Newhouse left the saloon at once, and Lynch. fol- lowed a few minutes later. — \ You see, he You'd better CHAPTER XI. LYNCH PUTS DITSON WISE. Ben Newhouse did not have to wait more than hie s _ minutes on that dark corner. He peered curiously at 22 | TIP TOP WEEKLY. a slender figure in a long raincoat and a slouch hat that drew near. This person paused and looked in- quiringly at the expectant baseball manager. “Ts your name Newhouse?” came the question, in a husky tone that was evidently an attempt at disguising the voice. “That’s my name, Tucker ?” Poot? around. ‘Don’t speak so loud. ‘Then I suppose you have something for me?” Whe fellow fumbled beneath his raincoat. “Here it is,” he said, nervously producing a folded sheet of paper and thrusting it into Newhouse’s eager hands. “But if you blow on me, my goose is cooked.”’ “Don’t you worry about that,’ laughed Newhouse. “If this stuff is on the level, I won’t blow.” Somebody might ”’ was the answer. “Is your name hissed the disguised chap, timidly glancing Yes, that’s my name.” “Well, I’m going to hike along. pass and recognize me. Good night.” The disguised traitor hastened away and quickly dis- appeared in the darkness. Half an hour later Mike Lynch rapped on Duncan Ditson’s door. Ditson was alone, much to Mike’s sat- isfaction. “Sit down, Mike,” invited Duncan, wondering a little over the appearance of Lynch. The visitor accepted the invitation, smiling in a sat- isfied manner. “You seem to be in a pretty good humor,” said Dun- can. “What’s happened?” “Do you want to make some money?” inquired Lynch, oh O be a a chump if I didn’t. I can always use real money. But what do you mean?” “I can tell you how to make a good haul to-morrow.” “Much obliged. How?” “Bet on Hudson A. A.” “Oh, Mike, Mike!” cried Ditson, “you’re permitting your prejudice to run away with your judgment! Simply because you’re sore on the team, you think Hudson will win.” Lynch smiled still more broadly. “Have you seen me betting — money on Hudson up to date?” he inquired. © “No.” “If you want to come along with me now, you'll see ’ me bet my last dollar, and I’m doing it on a sure thing.” “T wish | thought so,” said Duncan; “but, instead _ of that, I think you're taking eaNey long chances.” —“T know I’m not.” “How do you know so much? What right have you to suppose that Hudson will surely win to-morrow ?”” “They have Umpty-ten’s code of. signals and a full explanation of all the team-work.”’ “Eh? Why, Mike, you don’t mean that you’ve been giving the signals away, do you?” And now Lynch laughed outright “T didn’t have to,” he said. “Some one else did that. I happened to get onto the fact, that’s all.” “Who gave the signals away?” “Guess.” “T--can’t. would do it.” “Ditson, old fellow, your judgment of human na- ture is rotten poor. There’s one fellow who’s been on the team, but who is now suspended, and he’s sore enough to do anything. Now you should be able to guess the chap I mean.” “Tt—it can’t be Tucker?” : “He’s the one. You’ve named him.”’ T don’t know a man on the team who “Oh, say, I can’t swallow that! Tucker is one of Merriwell’s friends. He’s chummy with Merrivwell. He’s a Merriwell admirer. They live in the same house: Tucker would cut off his right hand quicker than betray the team.” This was Lynch’s signal to roar, slapping his knee with his thick hand. “Just because Tucker has been thick with Merriwell,” he said, “you think the little runt will swallow any- thing #m the way of kicks. You're wrong. I knew he was mighty sore as soon as I found out he’d been practically dropped from the team. He’s made a bluff that he didn’t mind, but it’s galled him every minute since the day that Bern Wolfe got his position away from him. To-night Tucker entered into a deal with | Newhouse, the Hudson manager, and he handed over a complete typewritten code of signals to that man. They met on a dark street corner, but I happened to be there, standing in a near-by doorway, and I wit- nessed the whole transaction. This is straight goods, Dune, old fellow.” 3 “Then Tucker ought to be shot!” cried Ditson. | “He’s a little cur!” “You think just about as much of him as I do; but, having this bit of knowledge, I’m going to take advantage of it. Of course, it’s a sure thing Hudson will win now. Certain of Merriwell’s friends have — made a pool and turned all the money they could rake up over into the hands of a fellow who is instructed to bet on Yale Umpty-ten. I’m going after all that - money I can get. x Want to come along? tof it for yourself?” _ “As I said before, I can always use real money,” returned Dunc. “Lead me to it.” } ___ Ditson seized his light topcoat and his hat. fellows set out in search of bets. The two CHAPTER XII. HUDSON’S HARD HITTING. _ There was considerable curiosity among the upper classmen to see what Merriwell could do in the box, _and this brought out a goodly crowd of students for the game. Of course every one knew of the trouble : _ the. freshmen had encountered in Samii their team.to- was not as strong as it should be. fact, it was thought probable that Hudson would win p unless Merriwell kept the batting of the visitors down. | Lynch, Ditson, and a few others of their particular } set were together in the stand when the game began. _ Ditson was rather nervous, having put nearly all his _ Bont allowance into bets against his own class team. As Dick.entered the box and the first Hudson B batter walked out to the plate Duncan leaned toward fh. _ Mike and whispered in his ear: . | “Now .we'll see if they really. have our signals. If - they can’t hit Merriwell, we'll both go broke this after- ~ noon.” Strothers, the batter, a rangey chia with thin legs and a nervous manner, waited for the ball. On the | field the freshmen were also a bit nervous, although » they tried to appear easy and alert. | _ Buckhart gave the signal. “Burn it over, Merriwell, old man!’’ barked Wolfe, t _ who was in position to watch Brad’s fingers. Aes _ Dick pitched. Crack !—Strothers lined out a humming single. _ as he bobbed up on the coaching-line. “Is this your | oe Frank Merriwell? Dear me, what a shame! I'm sorry for the boy.” Strothers was followed by Bellew. Again Buckhart crouched and gave the signal. gain Bern Wolfe called cheerfully to Dick. ‘ “Never mind. Twist it round his neck. Trim his ae SfOR Want-a slice Considering. this “How easy, oh, how easy!” cried Captain Hickey, | We ereat pitcher? Is this the brother of Yale’s former WEEKLY. 23 drive to right field, and Bigelow overran the ball in his haste to scoop it up. Strothers heard Hickey yelling to him to take aa and therefore he did not slacken his pace abit as he sped over second and bore to the left. Bigelow finally managed to dig the ball out of the grass and made a desperate throw to nail Strothers at third. On this throw Bellew captured second, while Strothers arrived safely at buoy Number Three, ma- king it on a pretty slide. “What do you think now, Dunc?” triumphantly mut- tered Lynch. “Either you were right about the giving away of those signals or Dick Merriwell is pie for real batters.” Brad Buckhart braced himself behind the pan and pounded his clenched right fist into the hollow of his big mitt. “Accidents will happen, pard,”. he cheerfully: re- marked. “Never mind little things like that.” But when Clark followed the work of Strothers and Bellew by smashing out a hot grounder that Claxton vainly tried to. reach, thus bringing in two runs, it be- . gan.to seem evident to every one that this sort of hit- ting was anything but accidental. Captain Hickey pretended to weep on the coaching- line, ‘We came here to play baseball, not tag,” he said. “We thought you had a team. Is this the best you can. offer us?” | Perplexed and disturbed, Merriwell now tried a dif- ferent move, for he shifted his position and began using his left hand. Being ambidexterous, he could use one hand as well as the other. This move seemed to bother Grady, who was the next Hudson man to hit. Grady made a couple of fouls and then bumped a weak grounder into the dia- -mond. Dick himself took the ball, and ore passed away ere reaching first. “That’s the stuff, partner,” ner from Buckhart. came ina satisfied man- — “T knew they couldn’t keep it up.” ? But Shane, who followed, lifted a long fly into’ left field. Blessed Jones was there, however, and he froze to the ball and clung to it as if his life depended on it. Nevertheless Clark scored on the fly. “Hard luck, Shane!’ called Hickey, trotting in to get a bat. “Every one hits him, though! He’s 4 easy mark!” With his blood stirred, Dick was seized by a ‘strong oo desire to strike out the Hudson captain. It began to look as if he would succeed, for Hickey fouled ‘the — "first ball and missed the next one cleanly, Then Dick 24 TIP TOP tried two “coaxers,’ but the man at bat declined to reach for them. “He’s easy fruit, Merriwell, old chap—easy fruit!’ shouted Wolfe, as Buckhart gave a signal. The ball looked high, but Hickey was prepared for a drop and caught it beautifully with his slugger as it came down past his shoulders. | Tt looked like a clean hit to left field. No one be- lieved Bouncer Bigelow could reach the ball, for the fat boy seemed to be lumbering over the ground with the startling speed of an ice-cart. Bouncer, however, was traveling faster than he appeared to be, and at the last moment he flung himself forward in a lunge that enabled him to grip the Spalding ere it reached the - ground. Down he went, rolling over and over like a huge ball, but he managed to hold onto the sphere just the same, finally sitting up with it in his upheld hand. The spectators gave Bigelow a hearty cheer, and Umpty-ten trotted in from the field. | “There’s something wrong, Brad,” Dick observed in a low tone to Buckhart, as they seated themselves. “Every man who faced me smashed the ball. Try as I would, I couldn’t seem to fool them. I don’t believe they can be such phenomenal batters. This is not the first time I’ve pitched against good hitters.” “Well, what do you suppose the trouble is, partner ?”’ asked the Texan, likewise keeping his voice low. _ Dick shook his head. “T can’t tell yet,” he confessed. be with me, but I seem to have speed, curves, and ¢on- trol.” “It'll be different in the next inning,” declared Brad. “It’s up to us to get against their great pitcher, Ban- “The trouble may ' ” croft. \ But the freshmen did not show up brilliantly in their attempt to get against Bancroft. Claxton, who Jed off, proved easy for the Hudson man, who quickly fanned him. Buckhart put up a foul back of third, which was captured by Hickey. Then Jones suffered the fate of Claxton, and the collegians took the field once more. , “That money is as good as ours this minute, Dit- son,” chtickled Lynch. “I told you it was like finding WEEKLY. the coin. With stch a man as Bancroft. doing the pitching, I don’t believe Hudson needed those signals.” When McCabe, Guerine, and Bancroft all hit safely, which gave Hudson another run and left two men on _the sacks, it began to look to every one as if the visit- ors would wipe up the earth with Umpty-ten. The head of the batting-list came upvagain, and now by using his combination ball Merriwell succeeded in fan- ning Strothers. This seemed the only ball at Dick's command which was genuinely effective when he wished to strike a man out. But he could not pitch it all the time, and whenever he tried something else the batter seemed certain to hit. After getting two strikes on Bellew he whipped in an in shoot, but the Hudson man fell back and biffed it. Both McCabe and Guerine crossed the pan, while Bellew reached second on the throw-in to the:plate. \Following this, Bancroft scored on a fumbled throw to third. In desperation Dick gave Clark nothing but the com- bination ball, and Clark met the fate of Strothers. Grady lifted an infield fly that was easy for Wolfe, who caught it. This terminated the agony temporarily, but the visiting team had made three runs in each of their first two turns at bat. There was a revival of interest among the spectators as Dick led off for Umpty-ten in the second inning. Bancroft did his best to strike young Merriwell out, but did not succeed. Nevertheless, Dick’s fly to center field was gathered in by Clark. Returning to the bench, the freshman pitcher found Tommy Tucker there, and Tucker seemed greatly ex- cited. Getting Dick by the arm, the little chap drew him away from the others. 3 _ “Look ‘here!’ hissed Tommy. “Have you heard about it? just had'a fight. I punched a fellow who called me a Do you know what they’re saying? I’ve _ traitor. Dick, they say Hudson has all our sipping | and I understand I’m accused of giving those signals away. It’s a lie—it’s a mean, dirty lie! I’d never do. a thing like that.” \ a Even while Tommy was spluttering in this manner, a 4 Dick was doing some quick thinking. — “Got our signals, have they?” he muttered. “T worl TIP TOP der if that’s it. By Jove! I'll find out by changing pitching-signals with Buckhart.”’ It may be. “But you don’t believe I betrayed the team, do you?” , _ panted Tommy. “You know I wouldn't do anything _ like that, don’t you, Dick?” : “Of course I know it, old fellow. Whatever faults you may have, you're no traitor.”’ “All : the same, lots of fellows are going to believe [ did it. “Thanks,” breathed the little chap in relief. It looks bad for me now that I’m not with the team.” “Tommy,” said Dick, “go at once to the locker-house and get into your uniform. I want you on the bench. Don’t say a word, but do as I tell you. I may have a chance to show my confidence in you by putting you into,the game before it’s over.” “Il do it!” exclaimed Tommy. “Never mind about _ putting me into the game. I ought to be satisfied to - sif on the bench.” He skipped away, while Dick turned back and held a hurried consultation with Buckhart. CHAPTER XIII. DICK’S SALVATION. _ The information brought by Tommy Tucker proved to be Dick Merriwell’s salvation. Dick arranged with Brad to use an old code of signals which they had used at Fardale. r _ two of the men who faced-him and forced the third In the third inning Merriwell struck. out | to bat an easy one into the diamond. d og _ The freshmen seemed to take heart, for they went after Bancroft and landed a man on third. Neverthe- Coe gy ee less, the Hudson pitcher prevented any runs from com- aM ing i in. a | Tucker had returned and was on the bench, wearing his uniform. Dick gave Tommy a smile and a nod that meant a reat deal. ife” on an error by Wolfe. nelination to try a steal, and Claxton, who was play- ng over toward first for a left-hand hitter, signaled for Bern to cover second. The runner went down on the first ball Prices and In the fourth inning the first Hudson man “got a This fellow showed an WEEKLY. 25 foremost, and his spike caught Wolfe in the ankle, making a nasty gash. Getting onto his feet after the mixup, Wolfe hobbled around, his face wearing an expression of pain. “I’m afraid Pll have to go out of the game, Merri- well,” he said. “I can hardly step on that ankle now.” “All right,” said Dick, “ Tucker was go to the bench.”’ called onto the diamond. As Tommy trotted out there came a number of groans from the stand. The little fellow’s face flushed, yy VV for he believed he ki the meaning of those sounds. His blood was up, and he made a resolve to do his level best that day if never again. Not till the last of the fifth inning did Umpty-ten get a run. In that inning Brad led off with a beautiful two-bagger. Jones promptly sacrificed the Texan to third. Then Merriwell came up and landed on the ball for a safety that sent the Westerner over the plate. : It had started off bad enough, but after the shift in signals The game was genuinely interesting now. Hudson found it impossible to add to her six runs. A mo- ment later Bancroft made a punk throw in an effort to catch Merriwell off the sack. The ball went over Grady’s head, and Dick got to third. Tucker, who had taken Wolfe’s place, was the next batter. Tommy stepped out. Dick stole second on a windup by Bancroft. Not a sound came from the Yale crowd as The little fellow missed two of Bancroft’s benders, and it began to look as if he would fan. Then he surprised everybody by basting the ball a fearful crack on the trade-mark and boosting it clean over the right-fielder’s head. On jhat hit Tucker reached third. In the stand Duncan Ditson was hissing into Mike Lynch’s ear: fe If he wants to see Umpty-ten beaten, why does he make a hit like that: a “T guess he knows he’ s unpopular,” “Well, what do you think of Tucker now? muttered Mike, “He’s trying to square himself with the team and the crowd.” 3 ‘As soon as Bancroft started to pitch Tommy dashed from third, making straight for the plate, understanding that. Spratt and Tucker now tried the “squeeze-play.” 26 Spratt would do his best to hit the ball into the diamond somewhere. . Spratt hit it, and it went rolling down inside the but could not cut first-base line. Shane got the ball, off Tucker’s run. He tagged Spratt, and this made the -second man out. By this time Duncan Ditson was very nervous, for the freshmen had made half as many runs as their opponents. Kates soothed Dunc’s feelings somewhat by striking out. The visitors were exasperated over their inability to hit Merriwell effectively. They were no longer able to take advantage of Buckhart’s signals, and since losing this advantage they had done nothing startling with the stick. In the seventh Yale again went after Bancroft and made him sweat. Two runs were added to their tally. In spite of Hickey’s urging, Hudson remained inef- fective with the bat in the first of the eighth. The freshmen were full of confidence and determina- tion now. Only one score was needed to tie, and it seemed that two might be sufficient to win. They went after those two scores—and got them. Buckhart had the opportunity to bring the runs in and rose to the occasion, planting a fine single in right field. The stand cheered madly as the runners romped over ane Pane." 927% \ Although no more tallies were secured, this lead In the first. of the ninth Merriwell Not one of the three men who faced him touched the ball. proved. sufficient. — was a perfect enigma to the visitors. The game (was won, thanks to the warning of T ommy Tucker, which had come just in time to prevent Hudson from piling up sufficient scores to get out of the home team’s reach, 8 * * * * * Bern Wolfe, his ankle heavily bandaged, limped __ painfully into the room of Mike Lynch. He found Lynch there, looking sullen and disgusted. He glared _at Bern as the latter appeared. | Ree “Well, peeen < crawled out of it, ‘didn’ t he?” said Wolfe. ’ Lynch's Ss. answer was a flow of furions language. TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Ore you'd remained in the game, you might have found “Why did you quit, Wolfe?” he finally snarled. a chance to throw it.” “Tf you could see this ankle, you’d know why I quit. This is what I get out of it. It would have been all right if Merriwell hadn’t changed the signals. Any- how, I want my pay for what I did.” mocked Mike. I didn’t play Tommy Tucker for “Oh, you do?” “You bet I do! nothing. You planned the thing, and you agreed to give me a doublé sawbuck if I would write out those signals and deliver them to the Hudson manager. I’ve kept my part of the. agreement; now I want my money.” | Lynch began to laugh mirthlessly. Sitting down, he regarded Wolfe with disdain. “You'll get a lot out of me!” he scoffed. I haven’t any money.” > | You'll have s broke betting on Hudson. _“T don’t care whether you have or not. to raise money for me. If you don’t “Well, what if I don’t?” “T’ll make you wish you had. I'll peach.” Mike snapped his fingers derisively. } | “Go ahead and, peach!” he flung back. “You can’t do it without exposing yourself. If you want to tell | people how you led Newhouse to believe you were | Tucker and handed over Umpty-ten’s signals to him, do so, but I’m betting my life you'll keep your trap | closed.” 3 THE END. The Next Number (575) Will Contain DICK MERRIWELL'S TWIRLING; OR, } Tracing the Traitor. The Work of a Traitor—The Accusation Against Tommy Tommy is Denounced—Misgivings and Doubts— Betrayed By a Mirror--The Fellow Who Was Afraid —Merriwell’s Reasoning —The Man With a Glass Eye—The Bouncer eee the Brink of xpoenre—Smuitt, Speaks, Bl “T went — Tir fete al, <=? Ap ideal Publigatio NEW YORK, April 13, 1907. ata he iH Meg eae ALA Jaa) JE TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. \ (Postage Free.) Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Each. . 654. OUI VORP Gs sie ts Ssntiewestesurs $2.50 - 85e. 2 copies one year...... RTIEL ISS cais cle coutedecua as .. $1.25 1 copy. twO Years... .....66.220. 4.00 How to Send Money—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—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper change of number on your label. If not correct you have not been properly eredited, and should let us know at once. STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY, 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York City. TIP TOP ROLL OF HONOR. Following the suggestion of Mr. Burt L. Standish, that appeared in his letter to Tip Top readers in No. 480, the following loyal Tip Toppers have won for themselves a place on our Honor Roll for their efforts to increase the circulation of the King of Weeklies. Get inline boys and girls and strive to have your name at the head of the list, F. H. McClure, Pittsburg, Pa. William Bloss, Chicago, III. Nat Lekachman, New York City.. L. G. Lenz, Ohio. S. Warren Blood, Mass. Paul Bunion, Kansas. Hilda Fitzpatrick, Idaho. T. C. Dallas, South Carolina. Louis Laire, Conn. Walter W. Lee, Buffalo, N. Y. The names of other enthusiastic Tip Toppers will be added from time to time. Send in the result of your efforts to push the circula- tion of your favorite weekly and win a place on the Roll of Honor. APPLAUSE. Owing to the number of letters received, the editors of Tip Top cannot undertake to secure their publication under six weeks. Those _ who contribute to this department must not expect to see them before sa Advertisements—A limited number of acceptable ad- vertisements will be inserted in the columns of TIP TOP WEEKLY, | at the rate of 50 cents per line, of about ten words each, nothing less than four lines taken, Remit by stamps, check or money order to the Iam from Missouri, so “you will have to show me” a weekly that can equal dear old “Tip Top.” I have read every number - from number 1 to date,.and have never before expressed my opinion of the “king of weeklies.” I have read other five-cent publications, but they truly are not in it with “Tip Top.” As the characters, I like them all. One cannot help admiring ‘the heroes, and benefiting by the excellent examples set by them. As for the bad ones, well, they give spice and vim to the story, nd without them it would be rather tame, wouldn’t it? TI can ecall various admonishments I received for reading “Tip Top,” both at home and in school, but I am proud to say they never ‘numbers in the Medal Library u and Burt L. Standish, I remain a loyal “Tip Topper.” WEEKLY. 27 = fazed me. I have been the cause. of all my friends becoming as enthusiastic over “Tip Top” as I'am. I think Burt L. Standish deserves a great deal of credit, for his publication shows what high and noble ideas he has of the American youth. I really believe that “Tip Top” is doing more toward influencing young men to abandon the injurious habits of drinking and cigarette- smoking than anything I know of. I am only a girl, that is true, but no boy enjoys a good game of basebail, or football, or a little hunting expedition better than I. So hoping to see these words of praise in print soon, I will close, with three cheers and a tiger for Mr. Standish. 3 HUuNTRESS. St. Joseph, Mo. We fancy our fair correspondent is a character that Burt L. would dearly love to picture—a Diana of the chase—and she evidently appreciates a good thing when it comes her way. (A letter from Connecticut.) About six weeks ago, I sent you my opinion of the “Tip Top Weekly,” but I think it reached the waste-basket instead. I have been a reader only three months, but I got four boys to take it since. I am doing my very best to get all the boys in this city to get the “Tip Top.” I have just organized the Merriwell Circle, Branch No. 1, and hope you will help me to organize others. I just read number 560, Dick escaped from being killed; he got out all right. So Buckhart is going to Yale? I am glad of it; he is the best companion for Dick to chum with. Buck- hart did not do a thing to those fellows who attacked Dick. I thank you for the space you have given me, and I hope the “Tip Top” will be published for many years to come. I give three cheers for the “king of all weeklies,’ Burt L., Street & Smith, I remain yours, Tuos. J. DELANEY. Just go right along, Thomas, and convince every lasting boy in your burg that he is losing all sorts of good things by not taking “Tip Top.” All the boys around here like “Tip Top,” and the Frank Merriwell books in the Medal Library. I have got them all to read them. My father enjoys them, also, ever since my mother died, which was six years ago, and I am only twelve. I started to read when quite young, and my father and I have great pleasure in taking our spare time. My father says I can go to Yale and wear the blue when I am big enough to go. My father says it would be a good thing for all boys to grow up like Frank. And I am trying to be like him, for he is the best man in the world. I have not read many back books of “Tip Top,” and do not know any of Frank’s girl friends. In the Medal Library Frank is not married, but in “Tip Top” he married Inza, and Bart married Elsie, but Buck married Winnie in both libraries. I think Chet will get along very good, and I am going to buy the books to-morrow and read them. Do you know: Professor Fourmen’s address? I want to send him my measure- ments, as I am not very healthy and weigh eighty pounds with my Overcoat and everything on me. I remain, An ever-true Frank lover, CiirForD LAMPLOUGH. Ottawa, Canada. An enthusiastic, genuine, boy’s letter, brimming over with faith in his cherished ideals, Frank and Dick. And no boy who tries to model his life after the Merriwells is apt to go ‘wrong. Professor Fourmen is daily at our office, where a letter will reach him. (A letter from New York.). As this is my first letter to your famous weekly, “Tip Top,” I hope it won’t find its way to the waste-basket. In the first place, it’s no use of my praising characters, for other readers have done so in far more eloquent language than I could express. I have been read- ing your magazine for the past three years, also all Merriwell. a date. I have recommended it to several friends, who think just as I do, and say they won’t read any other weekly. But I suppose you have heard all of this before. I think I will now close, wishing long life to “Tip Top,” A. NEWELL. Yes, we have read the same sentiments thousands of tfines, but, dear boy, we never tire of the refrain. It is just as pleasant to — us to-day, inthe height of our success with our magazine, as in 28 TEP FOr the earlier days, when we were anxious to know how our little venture went with the rising generation. Continue to work in *-the good cause, and let us hear from you again. (A letter from Alabama.) “Tip Top” is the king of all weeklies. I have been reading it for the past four or five years, and I have also read most of the Medal Library, so I ought to know whether it is good or bad. My father—now dead—used to buy “Tip Top” every Thursday for us, up to the time he died. This makes my second attempt to get a letter published. I have gathered together fourteen. boys and formed a baseball nine, we call ourselves the ‘“Merriwells,’” and have won twenty-three out of twenty-seven games. Each one has to sit down and read “Tip Top” every week or he is not allowed in our club. Of all the characters, I like Dick and Blessed Jones most of all, then comes, Frank, Brad, and Dale, and Joe Crowfoot. Wishing Burt L, and Street & Smith\a happy and prosperous New Year, I am JAMES Convy. You seem to be on the right track, and we are always pleased to hear from those who have the interest in “Tip Top” at heart. A few such friends in a town would boom good literature hugely. Write again, James. (A letter from Illinois.) This is my first, and maybe my last letter to the Applause, but I want to go on record for once. I have read “Tip Tops” since the winter of ’98-’99, and will continue as long as Mr. Standish is behind the pen. I have read nearly all writers, but ‘none that cover so many places and subjects as well as Burt L. | He is our friend, and we all love him. Now, one word for an exile. I have been waiting a long time for Chester A. to start in the right path. He is no quitter, and when Dick adds him to the fold he will take in one only excelled by himself. The characters drawn by the pen of Mr. Standish are the “best ever,” and I feel as if I were personally acquainted with them. Respects to Mr. Standish and to Street & Smith. P. Dee. - Respectfully yours, Your sentiments are commendable, and we appreciate them, but you neglected to tell us what you have done from time to time to spread the circulation of the paper you prize so highly. ; (A letter from Illinois.) I take pleasure in writing to you, for I am a reader of “Tip Top,” and have been for four years, and it is all right. I have gotten lots of my friends to read them. I think Frank and Dick and Sparkfair can’t be beat; and June and Madge are good gitls. I think Clrestér will come around all right. I remain, youts truly, and hope to see this letter in print. R. L. Goopwin. The point we like best of all in your letter, is just where you say you have influenced many of your friends to read “Tip Top.” That is the missionary work that tells just how much a boy appreciates the good thing that has fallen to his lot, and for this little confession we thank our Illinois correspondent heartily. I have been a reader of “Tip Top” for over six years, and 1 think it is the best weekly ever put in print. I have not seen - many letters in the Applause column from the Smoky City, ,so I thought I would try and contribute one, just to show that the ore-dust town is not altogether behind the times. There are lots of boys around this neighborhood who read the “Tip Top” stories, and they are all of one opinion—“Tip Top” is all to the good. We admire “Tip Top” mainly because it contains clean, ‘wholesome reading. We do not like stories containing murders, bloody battles, and suchlike. “We also like it because it contains many comic stories. I almost killed myself laughing when I read the “Mad Dog” and “Aunt Emma” jokes. Would you please give me directions in the Applause column for addressing letters to Professor Fourmen? Hoping to see this in the Applause column, I remain, f - Pittsburg, Pa. A Loyat Reaver FROM THE Smoky City. _A letter to the professor in care of Street & Smith will reach him, and any reasonable questions you may ask concerning health aE Ast : s > be¥ Veer investigation, for we thrive upon it. WEEKLY. and exercise and diet will be answered in the department con- ducted under his supervision. (A letter from Ohio.) IT take the liberty to express my admiration for your famous weekly called “Tip Top.” I think that Mr. Standish’s stories are just fine, for he shows the characters so plainly; and then, the way he brings Dick to the front is enough to make any girl fall in love with him. I hope June won't get mad when I say that if I had a fellow like Dick, I certainly would find some way to get him to propose to me. Mr. Standish has a talent which I am sure cannot be excelled in the way of writing. I have caused my best fellow to read “Tip Top,” and am now after my brother, who is hard to convince; but you can depend upon it, I am a girl not to be beaten, I will have him reading it yet. Please mail me one of your catalogues and I will ring off, wishing, as lots of others wish, long live “Tip Top,” and Street & Smith, not forgetting Burt L. Standish. Mary MAvyFIELp. We admire your pertinacity, and hope you will make a convert of that stubborn brother. If he wants any peace in the family he had better yield. Some people do not seem to know what is good for them, anyway. You happen to be one of the sensible ones, Mary. (A letter from Colotado.). I am a “Tip Top” admirer from Colorado that has read it for two and one-half years. intend to continue to read it. different boys, and now they get it every week. keep increasing “Tip Top” admirers. and Bart is all right, too. just as good. Chet is improving, and I hope he will come out all © right. I wish you would send me a catalogue of the “Tip Top Weekly.” Hoping that this will escape the waste-basket, I remain, RALPH GIDDINGS. I loaned my copies to several I intend to It usually takes a good deal to get the average boy to write a “4 . letter, and some of our readers of many years’ standing hold out a long time against the desire to put themselves on record, but sooner or later the spirit moves them to action. Glad to hear from you, Ralph, and to know that you have the interest of our Ys magazine so much at heart. : a et Having been as still as a clam for the last ten years, I thought _ choice. Everybody in my family reads “Tip Top.” When I first got “Tip Top,” I used to read them slyly, and one day my — father caught me and threatened to burn all I had, when, in ~ He did, and to this day he | despair, I asked him to read one. has been reading. And, best of all, he is a minister. I also read “The Rockspur Eleven” and “The Rockspur Rivals,” and aim now reading “The Rockspur Nine,” in The Popular Magazine Hoping you will overlook mistakes, as I have already spoiled six sheets, and am sending this in desperation, I will close, with | three cheers for Burt L. and S. & S, I remain, i ie Boston. YALE’s ADMIRER. A very interesting letter, and we surely rejoice with you ove the conversion of your father. We. feel certain that he is a_ thoroughly wide-awake, progressive preacher, who understand: boy nature, and what the rising generation crave. There never has been a juvenile publication that did so much for boys, morally and physically, as “Tip Top.” This is the plain opinion of everybody who has looked into the matter, We court Seeing many letters which other friends of “Tip Top” hav written, which have escaped the editor’s waste-basket, I though I would write and give my recommendation of the “king weeklies.” I have read them for several years, and enjoyed them. I have also read a great many of the Medal Libra I have enjoyed the Medals as I never have any other book, a1 have read a great many in my time. I enjoyed, particular the books where Frank was on hunting-tours, as I am ‘a lover of guns and Emi and am reckoned a fair shot, tik A 5 ie aay I think it the king of weeklies, and | I think Dick is a dandy, | — As for Frank and Brad, they are | aq 5 I would have my little say. Frank is my ideal for a man and q Elsie for a woman. I was disappointed to hear that Frank did not marry Elsie, as, in my opinion, she was the girl of his — “dl 3 “a TIP TOP liked Frank, Bart, Dick, Brad, and Elsie. and Inza best, and also enjoyed the other characters. . Please excuse bad spelling, blots, ete., as 1 am burning midnight oil to write this. Hoping to sée this in print, I close. Yours forever, West Chester, Pa. Oxtp BucksKIN. We appreciate your love for the woods, because the “call of the wild” is also exceedingly alluring to us. And we expect. that you do not fail to interest all your chums in the magazine. that tells of this attractive life, as well as of all manly and clean _ Sport. ' (A fetter from Michigan.) | I have read about 230 of your great and renowfed “Tip Tops,” and think it’s about time to put my autograph/in the Applause column. I have gotten as many as thirty or forty readers in : ae this town, and as we only get about eight or ten copies of “Tip Top,’ we have to borraw from, or lefid to, each other every week. Harry R. Bancer. You should insist upon it that your news-dealer increase his _ order; double it, at least. He is a very short-sighted man, when he takes no chances with his order, since unsold “Tip Tops’ are always returnable. If he refuses, influence some druggist _ to open up a news depattment and you boys stand bhck of him. _ Every boy should own a file of “Tip Top:” SNS I have not seen any letter from our city, will say that I _ \think “Tip Top” is the best of all weeklies. I have read almost every number, and have three boys who have read every one up to number 564. Hope to see this in print. Owego, N. Y. A Moruer.” We feel that we have a bulwark in this family, if a mother Gies” Es A and her three sons set such store by “Tip Top,” and we would wager they are good boys, every one, for they could not be 4 otherwise after reading of, and admiring, Frank and Dick he 4 Merriwell all these years. \ ba | a (A letter from Maryland.) faye I have just finished reading “Frank Merriwell’s Talisman,” and 7a think it is simply great. J am sorry to say that I missed some ae of the early numbers, but am more than ‘making up for it by eg reading the earliest numbers in book form, in Medal Library. I have read every “Tip Top” obtainable, and can truthfully as much of my interest'as do our favorites, Frank arid Dick.. “overcame his objections when 1 induced him to read one. ~He is tlow as deeply interested in them as I am, and he doesn’t say a word against them any more. I work at the Western Union would like to say “73” (accept my compliments) to other “messenget boys. With three cheers for all, I will close. Pi PauL E. Hotperart, We like thé tone of your letter, Paul, and we congratulate you on having so sensible a father, who does not forget that he was also a boy, and that manly boys must be fed on sturdy ood, not mush. He realizes.that your reading “Tip Top” will tir up your better nature, and your admiration for the Merti- wells cause you to love what is honest and square, and to avoid - those things that may do you harm. | (A letter from Florida.) - About four years ago I went to work for a news-dealer. He “kept all of the five-cent books, and I started reading them the first day. I found out that the “Tip Top” was far “better than any of the other weeklies. I have only missed a few since I rst tead one. I wish that this wonderful little book was tinted two or three times a week, at the least. Dick is cuttin wide path at Yale. I am glad to find Brad at Yale also. O girls, I like Elsie, Inza, June, and Madge. Of the boys, I Ry ' I am a great lover of baseball. We have a team here and play all summer. I do most of the pitching, although - left-handed catcher is a pitcher, too. We have a reversible WEEKLY. say that not one book have I read that had a ‘hero that took | ~My father was greatly opposed to my reading,them, but speedily , Telegraph Company’s local office in this city as messenger, and — ike Frank, Bart, Dick, Brad, Captain Wiley, and, in fact, all of © 29 battery. Whenever he pitches I take a turn at catching. It puzzles a batter when he has to ‘bat a left-handed pitcher when he is used to a right-handed one. Most .all of our team read the little book known all over the world as the “King of week- lies.” I would like to hear more about Little Walter, the marine marvel. -Il am glad Chester is reforming, or trying to. I do not find many letters in the Applause from this part of the ' gontinent, and by printing this it would be a special favor to a Florida “cracker.” RALPH Quiaé. You see we have done so, Ralph. We know your lovely little town well, and have caught many a fish off the lower bridge, and even had the bluejays over on the beach feed from our hand. We hope you keep on sounding the praises of your favorite magazine to all the boys around. Let us hear from you again. (A letter from Illinois.) As a reader of “Tip Top,” I am taking the liberty of asking you to help me in finding a book’I wish very much to get my hatids on. ‘It is entitled “The Mysteries of Paris,’ but I am unable to, procure the author’s. name. You probably have several books of that title listed in your catalogue, so you see they would not be of much service unless 1 intended purchasing all of them. If you happen to know of it, or could find out without undue inconventence, you might let. me know. Or, perhaps, you could refer ume to the proper authorities, from whom I could gain the information. Awaiting your reply, in case you find anything you think will aid_me, I remain, . Sincerely yours, Epwin M. SPARKS. “The Mysteries of Paris” is by Eugene Sue, author of “The Wandering Jew.” 2 (A letter from Indiana. } L received your catalogue of the Medal Library, and would like you to send’ me one of old “Tip Top” weeklies. 1 always used to sell all. of my “Tip Tops” after I .got through with them to anothet boy, and now I am sorry for it, as I want to keep my “Tip Top” weeklies, and F ould like to get the old ones. I have read all of them from about number 400, and I would like a catalogue. I wrote one letter before,. but I suppose it found its way to the scrap-basket. Yours truly, Vip RAYMOND. WEISBROD. We ate sending you the catalogue, but if you want the early | numbers, back of 350, you must buy the Medal books, as that is the only form in which they can be obtained. Die (A letter from Mississippi.) = ae As I have been a reader of “Tip Top”. for about two years, — I think I ¢an rightly claim a little of its valuable space. 1 think it is the best ever. My favorites are Frank, Dick, Brad, Blessed Jones, Rattleton, Obey, June, and Madge. June is certainly the girl for Dick. Chet is all O. K. since he has set out to reform. I have been urging my friends to read the best ever, “Tips. ss Top,” and they think it is fine and now read all they can get | hold of. I am glad Dick is doing well at dear old Yale. Welly ge I must close, hoping this does not reach Waste-basket Avenue, and three cheers for the big four: Burt L., “Tip Top,” and Street & Smith. an Gorvon GEORGE. ‘As we have said before, in answer to your query about back numbers, consult; the list of Medal books on the last page of our new covers. Each volume contains about three of the earlier “Tip Top” stories, so you are getting full value for the money, and have the stories in fine library shape. (A letter from Ontario, Canada.) I have been reading “Tip Top” from number 1 up to 512, and > from 536 up to date, and guess J can consider myself one of © the veteran readers of the ideal publication for American youths. — I consider “Tip Top” the king of all publications, and you will © find me reading it as long as it is published, and I hope that | will be a long time. yet. } F. M. LyMBuRNER, Most assuredly this young Canuck must be classed among the © veterans, and we trust he will have the pleasure of reading _ “Tip Top” for many years to come, ~ Saye ane « AND ANSWERS EDITED BY (A letter from Missouri.) Pror. Fourmen: As I have been a reader of “Tip Top Weekly” for some time, I take the liberty of asking you a few questions. Age, 15 years; height, 5 feet 814 inches; weight, 132 pounds; chest, normal, 35 inches, expanded, 38 inches; neck 14% inches; right forearm, 10% inches, left, 11,inches; right calf, 13 inches; left, 14 inches; waist, 32 inches; thighs, 19 inches; biceps, normal, 10 inches; expanded, 13 inches; left, normal, 9 inches; expanded, 1214 inches. About 7 years ago I had the measles, which affected my ears. Since then I cannot hear very well. . After I drink anything hot, or cold, I hear sounds in my ears like escaping steam and the jingling of bells. Can you tell me any way by which I can cure this and restore my hearing? Any little excitement makes me nervous. Can you tell me how I can cure this? A. J. BorENKAMP. Take light exercise regularly, bathe every day, and pay strict attention to your diet. By observing these simple rules you will find that your general health has improved. Your hearing will be affected by the condition of your physique; at least there will ~ be considerable improvement. (A letter from Massachusetts. ) , Pror. FourMen: I have read a great many of the “Tip Tops” and think they are the best weekly novels published. I am 13 years of age, 5 feet 3% inches in height; my chest, normal, is 30 inches; expanded, 32 inches; thigh, 18% inches; calves, 13 \ inches; weight, 98 pounds; neck, 134 inches; waist, 28% inches. I have a weak heart. Lee Hart. _ Avoid heavy exercises if you have a weak heart. Take long ; ‘ e a \ 'walks and stay as much as possible in the fresh air. ; (A letter from Ohio.) Pror. FourMeN: I have not read “Tip Top” very long, but as long as I have read it I enjoyed it very much. I wish to ask you a few questions. I am 13 years old; weight, 105 pounds; height, 5 feet; neck, 124% inches; chest, normal, 28 inches; expanded, 32 inches; waist, 28 inches; reach, 27 inches; wrist, 6 inches; calves, 12 inches. I am a great lover of baseball. I do not smoke, chew, or drink. I would like to know if I would make a good pitcher or first-baseman. I am a good runner and jumper. AN OHIOAN. I do not see why you could not make a good pitcher, provided you have shown that you possess a speedy arm. (A letter from Pennsylvania.) Pror. FourMen: Being a reader of “Tip Top’ for some time, | I would like to ask you a few questions. My age is 16 years; height, 5 feet 9 inches; weight, 159 pounds; neck, 15 inches; biceps, 12\ inches; forearm, 10% inches; chest, normal, 37 inches; expanded, 39 inches; waist, 35% inches; thigh, 22 inches; calf, _ 14%4 inches. What should I do to develop my biceps? E. T. S. . Get a Whitely exerciser and use it fifteen minutes, night and morning. This will enlarge your biceps. i ¢ Wes. f threw a baseball 300 feet. _miles every morning. oI ) PROF. FOURMEN (A letter from New Hampshire.) } Pror. FourMEN: | have read the “Tip Top” for some time, so I thought I would write and give you some of my measure- ments, and ask you some questions. Age, 19 years; height, 5 — féet 1014 inches; weight, 148 pounds; chest, normal, 38 in¢hes; expanded, 43 inches; wrist, 8'4 inches; neck, 15 inches; fore- arm, 12 inches; biceps, 14 inches; flexed, 1534 inches; waist, 34 inches; thigh, 38.inches. I have run 100 yards in 11 seconds. I beat the second man by 25 feet. Is that a good throw? Running broad-jump, 16 feet 7 inches; standing broad-jump, 9 feet 2 inches. K. Yoke Your records are very good. There is no reason why you should not develop into quite an athlete. (A letter from Illinois.) Pror. FourMEN: These are my measurements: Age, 14 years 6 months; height, 5 feet 8 inches; weight, 155 pounds; wrists, _ 7 inches; biceps, normal, 11 inches; expanded, 13 inches; hips, ° 34 inches; calf, 14 inches; forearm, 10% inches; chest, normal, 33 inches; expanded, 3514 inches; waist, 32 inches. Can I ever become an athlete? | W. V. G There is no reason why a boy like you could not become an _ athlete if you paid strict attention to the rules of health and training. - \ (A letter from New York.) i yy Pror. Fourmen: I am a constant reader of the “Tip Top Weekly” and think it the best paper published. I ask you to | kindly answer a few questions referring to my measurements. Will you kindly publish my letter as soon as possible? My measurements are as follows: I am 13 years old, and 5 feet 6 inches tall; weight, 132 pounds; biceps, left, 10 inches; right, 10% inches; thighs, 18 inches; calves, left, 14 inches; right, 14 inches; right forearm, 10% inches; left forearm, 10% inches; wrists, 7 — inches; chest, expanded, 33% inches; neck, 13% inches. Am I fit to become a perfect athlete?» I run, in good weather, about 14 — Is it good for me? An Inguisitive Tie TopPpER. You ought to become quite athletic if you trained properly. — There are very few people we could designate as “perfect — -athletes,” though they might have superb physical developments — and be capable of making excellent records. Keep up your — running; it is good for you. / (A letter from Massachusetts. ) Pror. FourMEN: Being a reader of “Tip Top” for two years I take the liberty to ask a few questions. My age is 14 years; height, 5 feet; chest, normal, 30!4 inches; chest, expanded, 32 inches; waist, 31 inches; neck, 13 inches; thigh, 23 inches; calf, 14 inches; weight, 105 pounds. I left school a little while ag and went to work outdoors. It made me feel strong and healthy when I went to school. I was manager and captain of the bas balls and football-teams. I played as a pitcher, but I can - any position. When I played football 1 was full-back. — i es bal soe ‘year we made up a baseball-team and I had all the team come together so I could. talk with them, and the next ‘night after school we had a game of sides by ourselves. That night I saw that the team -wanted practise,-and every night we. practised, till he boys were in good shape. Then we played real games with ‘schools around the city. That. year we did not lost a game. fter that’ I was very thankful for the practicing after school. do not smoke, chew, or drink. I.am very fond of baseball; but I do not like football very well. One day we were playing football -with another school and the whistle blew, ther side ‘kicked off and it came into my arms. 1 ran the length of the field without being tackled. It angered the other team, and the next time I got it they all jumped on me. Oneé boy kicked me over the eye and I was laid flat on the ground for about five minutes, A Tre Topper. A strong, healthy boy like. you, who likes outdoor sports, will become a strong, able-bodied man. (A letter from Pennsylvania.) - Pror. Fourmen: As I am a constant reader of “Tip Top,” I take the liberty to seek some advice from you. Age, 16 years; - height, 5 feet 8 inches; weight, 120 pounds; chest, normal, 34 inches; expanded, 36 inches; Wald 32 inches; neck, 14% inches; _ thighs, 19 inches; forearm, 10 inches; wrist, 6 inches. What exercise . should T take for round and hollow shoulders? How. many pounds should I weigh? B. ‘A person whose height is 5 feet 8 ‘aod should have the _ following measurements: Weight, 147 pounds; neck, 15 inches; waist, 33 inches; chest, 40 inches; biceps, 15 inches; forearm, ty inches; thighs, 23 inches; calves, 15 inches. Pay FourMEN: I have been reading “Tip Top” for the past three years, and now I take the liberty of asking you a few .questions. I am 18 years 4 months old, and weigh 11314 pounds stripped, and am 5 feet 234 inches in height. { would like to box a fellow of 115 pounds. My biceps are 934 inches; forearm, 934 inches; wrist, 614 inches; calf; 13 inches; chest, normal, 34 inches; .chest, expanded, 3534 inches; waist, 26 inches; thighs, 834 inches: ankle, 9% inches; neck, 14 inches, Give me. the right weight for a fellow of 5 feet 234 inches, and also the right measurements. Astore D.C. G. New York City. You’ ought to hold your own boxing pith a lad Wwalghine 115 pounds. A person whose height is 5 feet 2 inches shoild have he: following measurements: Weight, 111 pounds; neck, 12. ‘ nches; waist, 30 inches; chest, 34 inches; biceps, 12 inches; forearm, 95% inches; thighs, 17 inches; calves, 12 inches. (A letter from Florida.) Pror. Fourmen: I have been reading “Tip Top,” ‘the king: of weeklies, for about 2 years, and I would like to ask a’ few. height, 5 feet 3 inches; weight, -chest, normal, 31 ifiches’; -6X- thigh, 1814 inches; biceps, What should I W.-L: G. rot as oilg exercise regularly with dumb-bells, Indian clubs, and a eae: “he ' uestions. My age is 15 years; 15 pounds; neck, 1234 inches; anded, 324 inches: waist, 28 iniches * oO oc forearm, 9 inches ; wrist, 6Y inches, 7 (A letter from Wisconsin.) Prot: Fourmen: I have been reading your “Tip Top Weekly” rR last two years. I will give you my measurements and d like to know. what you think of them. Height, 4 feet inches ; weight, 86 pounds ; chest, normal, 28 inches, expanded, i inches; neck, 12% inches; biceps, 10 inches. I am 13 years id. I ama little awkward in running, and am also short of nd, though I am quite strong. - Deap-GaME BILty. Strive to take on a little more weight. | Ina year's time,. after you have taken eee exercise, you will fill out considerably. two years, and I "wuld like to have you answer a ‘tee fam 23 years old; waist, 28 inches; chest, normal, chest, expanded, 30 inches; neck, 12% inches 5, thigh, . and the... 7 .basket- ‘ball ever since I was able to hobble along. inches; WEEKLY, ar 20 inches; ¢alves, 1214 inches# forearm, 914 inches; biceps, 10 inches; height, 5 ‘feet’ 2 inches;.wéight,:107 pounds: I take five- minute dumb- bell exercises, punch the bag, for. ten minutes, and take five-minute deep-breathing exercises. Am I built right for a pitcher? I can throw an in-shoot; a-curve, and-drép- 1 practise half an hour a day. How can I become heavier and_ broatfen my shoulders? BENNIE OviaTr, Los Angeles, ‘Cal. A course of general training in a gymnasigm will give you what you want. iy (A letter from New Jersey.) Pror: FourMEN: I am 15 years old and I weigh 430 pounds. Iam five feet 6 inches tall; chest, normal, 30, inches; chést, ex- panded, 34 inches; waist, 32 inches; neck, 13 inches; biceps, ir inches; thighs,32 inches. [ve played football, baseball, and T can’t jump Wenpbett P, Avior. well. L can box pretty well. Do not fail to exercise regularly night and morning with dumb- bells, Indian clubs, and a Whitely’ exerciser. height, 5 feet 414 inches; 114 pounds; sete 7 inches; neck, 14% inches; biceps, 1014 inches’ normal; 12 inches flexed; waist, 27 inches; chest, 3214 inches normal; 36 inches expanded,’ ‘and thighs, 18 inches. How can I teeten my liung-power so as to. be able to run 6 miles? How long should’ I sleep? ; Chicago, Ill, A Trut, Tre ‘Top ADMIRER. Pror. FourMEn: I am 13 years old; reach, 6614 inches; weight, Deep breathing and short-distance runs will enable you to increase your ‘running-powers so that in time you ‘¢an “run” Six’ miles without experiencing any trouble, a eight or nine hours sleep. Pror. Fourmen: I: amr 15 years §) months old, weigh 150 pourids, and*my height is 5 feet 10 inches, Here are some of my, measurements: Chest, normal, 37, Str riaey 4114; forearm, 11%4 inches; biceps, 13 inches; néck, 15 inches; calf, 14 inches; thigh, 22 inches; waist, 29 inches,» How can I improve my biceps? Chicago, Ill. R. A.: Dumb-bells and Indian clubs will increase the size a eis, biceps. : 4 Pror. FourMEN: Having read “Tip..Top”. since I was old enough to-read, I'll take the liberty of asking’ a few. questions. I am 14 years old; height, 4 feet 10 inches; “werght: 82 ‘pounds ; chest, normal, 28 inches ; chest, exparided, 30 inches; waist, 22° inches: neck, 12. ‘inches : calves, 12 inches; biceps, 10 inches. What parts, of the body does the Whitely exerciser develop most? Is swimming a good exercise for chest and forearm’ muscles? Chicago, Il, “*K-Ray. (1) The muscles’ of the z arms and chest. _ (2) ‘Swimming i is excellent for this purpose. Te POEL RIES (A letter from Pertisylvania.) Pror, FourMEN: As “yours ‘truly’ isa teader of the-“‘Tip Top Weekly” he sends you the following measurements, asking: you how to remedy the defects: Age, 16 years 6 months; weight, 175 pounds; height, 5 feet 8 inches; neck, 15 inches; chest, normal, 36 inches; chest, expanded, 39 inches; biceps, : normal; 1% inches ; biceps, expanded; 14 itches; forearm, « 10: to» 1k waist, 37 inches; thigh; 22 inches; calf,»15 inches. How can I strengthen my chest? °°” Frank Newkirk. If you take deep-breathing exercises of five minutes duration — night and morning, and go in for ¢ross-country rinning, you will find a material increase in the size of your thest in a short time. ae “GOLDEN HOURS.” — Boys, have you: any old. numbers of Golden Hours? — will pay liberally for Nos: 1 to 23 to complete my ° files, cs “If you have any of. these: numbers, write "me, Address Winuiams, aioe 40, B Box 24, New. w Nori City. THE TIP TOP WEEKLY 7 ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY HANDSOME COLORED COVERS Never has Burt L. Standish written’ such interesting tales of the adventures of the Merriwell brothers, Frank and Dick, as are now appear- Mr. Standish has a world-wide circle of friends and ing in this weekly. he is putting forth his best efforts to amuse and entertain them. you have no idea of what a grand feast he is preparing for you, i! Top’s stories are going to astonish you. Do not fail to buy this library. Boys, PRICE FIVE CENTS PER COPY For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postpaid, by the publishers upon receipt of price in money or postage stamps HERE ARE THE LATEST TITLES: 5§39—Dick Merriwell’s Check; or, The Hot Bunch From Happy Camp. ~ §40—Dick errivcits Sacrifice; or, Team Work That Told. 541—Dick Merriwell’s Heart; Luck Streak. 542—Frank Merriwell’s New Auto; Destruction. 5§43—Frank Merriwell’s Pride; at Pineville. 544—Frank Merriwell’s Young Winners ; in the Blue Hills. 545—Dick Merriwell’s Lead ; Place. 546—Dick Merriwell’s Influence; or, On the Right Road At Last. 547—Dick Merriwell’s Top Notch; or, Against Odds, Fate, and Scheming. 548—Frank Merriwell’s Kids; or, The World Beaters In New York. 549—Frank Merriwell’s Kodakers >. Game Without Guns. '550—Dick Merriwell, Freshman; or, First Days at Yale. '551—Dick Merriwell’s Progress; or, The First Chance on the Field. '§52—Dick Merriwell, Half-back; or, Getting into the Game at Last. 4 '§53—Dick Merriwell’s Resentment; or, In Defense of His Honot. §54—Dick Merriwell Repaid; or, The Heart of Officer Maloney. or, Breaking the Hard or, The Lure to or, The Double-Header -or, The Stars or, Bound to Hold First or, Hunting Big tf you want any back numbers of our libraries and cannot procure them from your newsdealers, they a f can be obtained from this office direct. Postage stamps taken the same as money. E STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 79 Seventh Avenue, NEW YORK city ee ane Merriwell’s Trailing; or, 555—Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power; Game at New Haven. 556—Dick Merriwell’s “Push” ; or, The. Victim of the ; “Flying Mare.” 557—Dick Merriwell’s Running; or, The Meet at Me- chanics’ Hall. 558—Dick Merriwell’s Joke; or, Fun with the Jumping — Frenchman. 559—Dick Merriwell’s Seven; or, The Scrub That Made * 4 y the Regulars “Go Same.” 560—Dick Merriwell’s Partner ; Texas. or, The Boy 561—Dick Merriwell in the Tank; or, Rushing the Regu- lars at Water Polo. 562—Frank Merriwell’s Captive; or, The Folly of Ches- | ter Arlington. Fool. #66. Rrank Merriwell’s Talisman; or, The Charm of | Cocheta. 565—Frank Merriwell’s Horse; Would Be Bad. 566—Frank Merriwell’s Intrusion ; or, Ww arner, hes Man ie i Who Won. or, The Great — from The Flight of a — Tip ? | i 5+ JERR Or Rely or, The Boy Wiese 567—Frank Merriwell’s Bluff; or, The L ost Sefiorita of 4 Sonora. 568—Dick Merriwell’s Regret ; or, The Friend He Never : Knew. §69—Dick Merriwell’s Silent Work Hand for a Foe. a or, A Helping ‘ EMEC NESE SECA CAEN VAS = SS ANS S > WS WS GS AY How the Early TIP TOP WEEK] y May Be Numbers of the Secured T= THE boys who take interest in the adventures of Frank Merriwell and want to read everything that was written about him, we desire to say that numbers 1 to 325 of the TIP TOP WEEKLY con- taining his early adventures are entirely out of stock and will not be reprinted. These numbers, however, were published in the Medal Library beginning with No. 150 which is entitled “Frank Merriwell’s Schooldays.”’ We give herewith a complete list of all the Merriwell stories that have been pub- lished in book form up to the time of writing. We will send a complete catalogue of the Medal Library, which is just full of good things for boys, on receipt of a one-cent stamp to cover postage. MEDAL LIBRARY MEDAL LIBRARY AT 10 CENTS AT 30 CENTS || 150—Frank Merriwell’s Schooldays. 304—Frank Merriwell’s Own Company. |} 167—Frank Merriwell’s Chums. 308—Frank Merriwell’s Fame. ' || .178—Frank Merriwell’s Foes. 312—Frank Merriwell’s College Chums. 184—Frank Merriwell’s Trip West. 316—Frank Merriwell’s Problem. 189—Frank Merriwell Down South. 320—Frank Merriwell’s Fortune. 193—Frank Merriwell’s Bravery. 324—Frank Merriwell’s New Comedian. 197—Frank Merriwell’s Hunting Tour. 328—Frank Merriwell’s Prosperity. 201—Frank Merriwell in Europe. 332—Frank Merriwell’s Stage Hit. 205—Frank Merriwell at Yale. 336—Frank Merriwell’s Great Scheme. 209—F rank Merriwell’s Sports Afield. 340—Frank Merriwell in England. 213—Frank Merriwell’s Races. 344—Frank Merriwell on the Boulevards. 217—Frank Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour. 348—Frank Merriwell’s Duel. 225—Frank Merriwell’s Courage. 352—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shot. 229—Frank Merriwell’s Daring. 356—Frank Merriwell’s Baseball Victories. 233—Frank Merriwell’s Athletes. 359—Frank Merriwell’s Confidence. 237—Frank Merriwell’s Skill. 362—Frank Merriwell’s Auto. 240—Frank Merriwell’s Champions. 365—Frank Merriwell’s Fun. | 244—Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale. 368—Frank Merriwell’s Generosity. || 247—Frank Merriwell’s Secret. 371—Frank Merriwell’s Tricks. 251—Frank Merriwell’s Danger. 374—Frank Merriwell’s Temptation. 254—Frank Merriwell’s Loyalty. 377—Frank Merriwell on Top. 258—Frank Merriwell in Camp. 262—Frank Merriwell’s Vacation. N KRW MEDA 1; EER RA RY 267—Frank Merriwell’s Cruise. : a71—Frank Merriwell’s Chase. ae ees ce 276—F rank Merriwell in Maine. 380—Frank Merriwell’s Luck. 280—F rank Merriwell’s Struggle. 383—Frank Merriwell’s Mascot. 284—Frank Merriwell’s First Job. 386—Frank Merriwell’s Reward. 288—Frank Merriwell’s Opportunity. 389—F rank Merriwell’s Phantom. 292—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Luck. 392—Frank Merriwell’s Faith. 296—Frank Merriwell’s Protégé. 395—Frank Merriwell’s Victories. 300—Frank Merriwell on the Road. 398—Frank Merriwell’s Iron Nerve. STREET & SMITH, Publishers, NEW YORK 281 tasso~sou SnD Ss sess ea ses sosastins=e- <= Sle 0 ee rnc