eed Frank MerrRIWwELL's PuPIL y+ ee STREET EPSMITH PUBLISHERS NEW YORK The pitchers every achion Stamped fim a young | f } x | phenomenon \ ) po ese RTI ee eee oe ES — Issued Weekly. By subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1909, tn the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. MITH, 79-89 Seventh Ave., NV. Y. No. 682. Frank Merriwell’s OR, THE BOY WITH THE WIZARD WING. By BURT L, STANDISH. CHAPTER I. THE RETURN TO-BLOOMFIELD, After the game in Blackstone on Friday the Farn- ham Hall players could not get a train which would take them home before late Saturday afternoon, un- less they caught an early mixed accommodation which ‘stopped at every little wayside station, and made two changes absolutely necessary. Blanding Curtis being ill, although he showed de- cided improvement, Frank himself decided that the boys had better. wait for the regular through express. Frank had wired news of the victory to Bart Hodge, . giving no details, however, save the score, which was five to four. When the express drew up at Bloomfield station shortly before dark Saturday it seemed that every boy of the school was on hand to welcome the conquerors. The newly formed band was there playing “Farnham Hall Forever” as the express came to a stop an the ball players appeared. The waiting lads broke into a tremendous cher as they caught sight of the smiling faces of the satisfied and triumphant players. NEW YORK, May 8, 1909. ham Hall!’ - forth the Farnham cheer. Price Five Cents. Pupil; 4 The cheer captain, mounted on a box some one had secured and brought for him, wildly flourished his arms and soon succeeded in gaining command of the excited youngsters. “Ready, fellows!” he shouted. “A rouser for Farn- Keeping time to the jerking of his arms, they barked “Now one for Frank Merriwell!” cried the fellow — on the box. They cheered for Frank. . “Now for Stan Cregan, captain of the nine!” com- — manded the leader. They gave Cregan a hearty one. Some one pulled at the cheer captain’s coat tail while they were roaring for Cregan, and looking round, he saw Tom Waller. “Dunlap next! Dunlap next!” palpitated Waller. “Curtis was sick and they had to put Dunlap in to pitch.” iy A moment later the leader proposed . a cheer ae Ben Dunlap, and the gathering responded. 3 One after another, all the regular members of ‘he first team were saluted in this manner. But Willie ty’s automobile, and the quietly smiling master of the .8chcol was whirled away while those rejoicing lads were still howling themselves black in the face. The cheering over, a procession was quickly formed with the band at the head and the triumphant players following. Behind the players the boys fell into line in command of their division captains. With the band ‘playing its loudest, snappiest march, they paraded through the village, continuing to cheer all along the route. Three citizens who seemed to be waiting in Rufus Applesnack’s store for the appearance of the boys hastily made for the front platform as the sound of music and cheering drew near. Applesnack himself put his old pipe back on a shelf and followed them. “Git out of my way, Cy Tellmore!” cried Uncle Eb Small, rapping Tellmore across the shoulders with his crooked cane. “If I was as OPE oD and spry as you he, I be gall dinged if I wouldn’t ’a’ gone over to the deepo’ to see them boys come home. I’ve heen all doubled up with the rheumatics the hull blamed spring, yet I pegged it over here to the store so that. I could git a look at the youngsters as they went by.” “Be careful with that dratted stick of yourn, Eben Small!” rasped Tellmore, trying to reach up between “Don’t you git so familiar and funny, what you’d do if you was had fallen. You’re alwus_ a-tellin’ _ Was younger you never done much of anything of any _ account nohow. if you had, mebbe you'd be i in more i, comfortable circumstances now.’ é “Dod rabbit ye!” squealed Big “You're al-’ ( wus a-slingin’ up about my poverty. If I’d been as - feller now. I’ve known ye to walk five mile to sell two dozen aigs at a cent a dozen. more’ n Rafe was / “Hold on, n Aeighio s,” interposed Eli binds, “Stop, “your quarreling. “Here. comes the youngsters. — ~ Jest. hear that band toot it up! ‘tarnal well for kids! , And they. ain't practiced to- gether, much, of any time yet.” On| it came, the musicians, doing their best, ele ks Ghee - West, unobtrusive and unseen, was forgotten or ig- y nored. And to West, more than any one else, was due credit for winning the game. . Toots, Frank’s colored man, was waiting with Mer- his shoulder blades to rub the spot on which the cane — Aj ° ee y . younger and didn’t have the rheumatics, but when you mean as you be, I’d have as much money as Rocky-— By. jinks, they do look purty fine! Jest hear them cheer! | Don’t they do purty. “ ‘The head ‘of the procession had ‘reached ¢ the village 2 he beset player, | -more; “but somehaow I don’t alwus cal'late he’s the ~ up human soul. f - WEEKLY, cheering persistently, although with growing hoatse- ness. Uncle Eb snatched off his old hat and flourished it ’ in the air with one hand, waving his cane with the other. “Wee-ee-ee!’’ he squealed. “That's the stuff, boys! | Whoop ’er.up! You're the fellers to wax ’em. There | | can't nobody ever beat Frank Merriweil’s boys. Wee- ee-ee |” Finishing with another wild, shrill squeal, the old man forgot his rheumatics and danced a grotesque jig upon the store platform, Tellmore regarding his ca-- pers with scornful derision. “You certainly do act like you had the rheumatiz!” —” sneered Cyrus. . “Why, anybody’d think you was a "i youngster about sixteen or seventeen year old.” | “Gee whiz!" groaned Uncle Eb, suddenly round- ing’ over and clapping both hands to his back. “I | swan to man if I didn’t clean forgit all about my = {| theumatics !’’ oe _Eli Given was laughing and cheering as the head of the procession swung past the store, “Purty fine-lookin’ lot of fellers Mr. Merriwell’s got for ball players this year,” said Eli. “Consarned = | if I can understand haow it is he manages to keep =| aye ct such a rattlin’ good bunch of ball tossers, _ a seein’ as he has to make up a new team every year ie It’s plumb wonderful!” | | A me “It’s genus, _Eli—it’s genus,” declared Uncle Eb. oe ie “They ain’t another man in the hull United States that | | could do it. I wonder where he is? 1 thought mebbe tee he’d be with the team.”’ | dl Mr Merriwell,” said a village boy who had stopped on the steps—‘‘he’ s gone home in his automobile, He as was with ‘em when they got off the peace D3 “Oh, he’s purty smart, purty smart,” agreed Pelle. only ‘toad in the puddle, sens as some folks do.” \ “Cyrus,” said Uncle Eb, “envy is the usual — pree- dominating quality of a narrer, contracted, shriveled- | You've got plenty of it. Jest because : you don’t amount to nawthin’ in particular yourself, you’re alwus sneerin’ about other folks that do amount to suthin’. I ain’t particularly religious like Deacon Hewett, but, by'gum, I thank the Creator that — he didn’t fill me up with no such a mean, ennvious, despisable sperit.” ! : “Small,” rasped Tellmore, “you age is what saves: ye. It’s what keeps me from puttin’ hands on ye. Only for your age, I'd wipe up this yea platform | vith any carcass.’ “Hey?” cried Uncle Eb, flinging his hat and cane aside. “You would, would ye? Well, now don’t you let my age interfere with your deportment a’ tall. Jest you sail right inter me, Cy Tellmore, and rheumatics or no rheumatics, I'll give ye the blamedest tussle you ever got up against before you wipe up this platform with me!” “No, Eben—no, I can’t touch an old man like you, even if he is an old jackass.” “What's that?” yelled Uncle Eb, ablaze with wrath. “An old jackass, hey? Well, I’m going to tech you! I'll make ye swaller them words or [’1I——” But both Applesnack and Given got between them and held Uncle Eb in check, although it was no sim- ple task to do so. ; “You're jest interferin’ with my pleasure, that’s all,” ” “Do ye think I’d stand insults off’n a stingy-souled, prevaricatin’, cowcumber-pickle like Cy Tellmore? You can hold me off haow, but some day I'll ram. them words down his throat or cough up the ghost a-tryin’ to do so.” « _ “Seeing’s I can’t put hands on an old man,” said ~Tellmore warningly, “I'll tell ye that I'll have the law on ye if you ever try to do me any personal violence.” palpitated the old man. “And that’s jest abaout what I could expect of ye!” scoffed Uncle Eb. coward that ever stood on two laigs, and of course you'd threaten me with the law! You orter be praoud | of it!” _ “Now hold on, Eben,” remonstrated Applesnack slowly and drawlingly. “At your age it ain’t dignified to git into a fight with a neighbor anyhaow, no matter what he may say abaout you. by making that kind o’ talk.’ “So you're a-sidin’ with Small, be ye?” demanded Tellmore. “That's jest about what I could expect of ye. And you think I oughter do my tradin’ here at your old store! You git mad when I go somewheres else and buy groceries and sech stuff. I must say, Mr. iy Applesnack, you don’t use a great deal of deeplomacy. Mebbe if you did you’d git more business.” Pe YI Us," business. I’d rather not have it.: I never sold ye a paound of sugar or anything else that ye didn’t try _ to beat me down on the price or ye didn’t complain of getting short weight. If I had all the profits I’ve made off your trade in the last fourteen: year I don’t ~-eal’late it would buy ‘me much more’n a pair of shoe- faces.” “All right, all right,” snapped Tellmore. some influence in this taown I guess, and, by jinks, TIP TOP “You're the biggest dod-rotted » He only hurts hisself . drawled the storekeeper, “I don’t want yer — up the steps by several fellows and modestly turned — “Pye got ing, and it was plain that the emotion aroused by this WEEKLY. 3 mebbe you'll feel it, Mr. Applesnack! Mebbe you won't be so uppish and insolent if you find you’ve been boycotted by my friends. Well, sir, I give ye my word that I’m goin’ ter use my influence agin’ ye. Good evening, Mr. Applesnack—good evening.” The indignant man descended the steps and hurried away through the oncoming twilight toward his home. Given had restored Uncle Eb’s cane and hat. Small leaned on the cane with his right hand, lifted the hat with his left and slowly scratched the bald spot on his head. “Rufus,” he said, “I dunno but I’ve done ye an in- jury gittin’ ye into a dispute with Tellmore. I didn’t mean nothin’ of the kind, and I’m sorry if %. “New don’t you worry over it, Eben,” interrupted Apflesnack. “T spoke the pee truth when d told him I didn’t care for his custom.” “But he’s threatened to influence friends ete Yee Applesnack laughed. “You don’t cal’late, do 1 Eben, that Cyrus Tell- more’s influence is a-goin’ to do me no great harm? Why, pe ain’t got influence enough in-this here town to hurt anybody. He’s alwus threatenin’ somethine ; j Ly b or other agin’ somebody. By to-morrow he’ll forget all about what happened here jest now, and I'll have him loafin’ round the store on Monday same as usual. Don't worry, Eben—don’t worry.” CHAPTER IL. HATRED, _ At the academy 4 huge bonfire was quickly started, and the old bell began pealing joyously. The boys — were wildly rejoiced over the unexpected victory which _ had given them a chance to win the championship oe the State. They realized that had they lost that second game with Blackstone the chances were twenty to one against them, for Blackstone had a strong team and | undoubtedly would make a splendid record. Standing on the steps of the main hall, Tom Waller — made a snappy, fiery, enthusing speech, which seemed to arouse to the highest point all the patriotism and school spirit of his listeners. He concluded by calling on Captain Cregan. | et Once more they cheered Cregan as he was pushed — to face them, pulling off his cap and baring his head. Cregan’s voice was a bit unsteady as he began speak- 4 Tie reception threatened to master him. ee however, he steadied down and spoke clearly, plainly | and quietly. There was no egotism in his words. He ; praised the work of the entire team, telling how the Bi boys had fought a splendid battle on a strange battle- : field, refusing to be awed or disturbed in the least by the supposed strength and superiority of their oppo- SOF After a moment, nents. It was a great surprise, however, for the rest of the listeners when Cregan finally announced that to Willie West was due the most credit for the victory. The listening lads looked at one another questioningly. Some of them had not even known that .West was with the team. In fact, having seen the players depart without Willie, they were amazed to hear that he had taken part in the game. | Waller, just seized Tip Driscoll by the shoulder, w hispering in his ear: “What the dickens does Cregan mean? What's he saying about West? Why, Dunlap pitched that game, didn’t her”’ “T supposed so,’’ said Driscoll. “Turner told me Dunlap was put into the box because Curtis was sick and Hill’s arm was still bad.”’ Waller made a lunge at Ross Fielding, whom he seized with both hands. hie hats ‘What's this about West?” he whispered. Dunlap pitch?” | “Dunlap started the game,” said Fielding; “but he “was batted out of the box in the fourth inning. Blackstone made three runs, and only one man was out when West went in to pitch. Bill gave those Blackstone fellows just one tally after that. He cer- tainly pitched a wonderful game. ,He’s a wizard.” who had spoken, “Didn't 99 _ Waller was stunned, He could hardly believe it, and the enthusiasm was completely taken out of him. _ cheering for him. T hey looked around, an vain, seek- _ ing to discoyer him in the crowd. | be West t. West!” they cried. ols Beeb Willie was not to be found just then. To tell fs the truth, he had felt, without conceit, that to him was due some recognition, at least. He had played : himself. elas pac \ ‘During the time that had didgsed since his coming to Leaman et he had Eo ina measure in . West+—Bill West. On learning from Cregan to what an extent West» had figured in the game, the boys. suc \denly began — ‘Where’ s Bill West?’ |: on the team, but he heard them cheer. aveny man save. Blackstone i in even less than the schedule running time. ; PaEe or WEEKLY. several of the as- When West could not be found, sembled lads called on Cregan to tell the story of the The captain complied, choosing his words in such a manner He explained how the great Blackstone hitters had put on game, that Dunlap could not feel hurt. their batting togs in the fourth inning after Dunlap had held them down beautifully, and, infected by a fierce desire to smash the ball into atoms, had bumped it furiously. He told how, as a last resort, he called West into the box and Willie, with amazing control and wonderful steadiness, checked the am He told how Willie had! control and heady And when he fine OR i. marvelously cool, joyous career of the locals. maintained that judgment throughout the game. same coolness, ished that great crowd cheered again and again for Waller looked around for Dunlap, but could not — P find him. The sore-hearted pitcher of the second team, 4 ay who had.-fancied he would “make good’’ on getting i his chance at Blackstone, had not relished this praise | of West, and in his ears the applause for Willie I sounded hateful. g 4 : But there was another fellow even more bitter than ~ Dunlap. Bob Mullen had a black eye, caused by the. hard fist of Willie West, who had knocked him down on the Blackstone field after the game was over when p Mullen hypocritically sought to make excuses for the treacherous trick by which he had tried to leave West — at Wakeford Junction, while they were making Hts ey journey from Bloomfield to Blackstone. Frank Merriwell had seized Willie a moment too a late to prevent him from delivering that blow. Of m course Merry had demanded an explanation. Omhear- ing West's story, he turned to Mullen, who sullenly Fn and savagely denied that it was true. | z Nevertheless, for all of his protests that the story was not true and his deel: rations that he had tried his ae oo level best to cling fast to’ Willie’s wrist and pull him, > he onto the rear platform of the moving train at! W ake- ford, Bob felt sure Merry believed Willie. } A score of times Mullen had vowed with intense i bitterness that he would get even with West. He did not consider for a moment that he had simply received — his just desserts for a nasty piece of work which had proved a complete fizzle, thanks to West’s luck in find- ing an accommodating stranger, who had brought him in an automobile across mba from Wakeford to of the accommodation train on which. Mullen was + HOt ener in a quiet way, Se Sie ae _ wise felt field Bob was something of an outcast. pee ’ he [ tion to sit down. _ “Dodge it when I can. because I « allowance. TIP but Mullen of praise than reproof in the reproved Willie for his passionate blow, felt that there was more words of the master. Not only was he, bitter toward West, but he like- angry at Frank Merriwell because he had let West off so lightly From the time of Willie’s statement concerning his reasons for striking Mullen until he arrived at Bloom- He kept away from his companions and refused to talk more than was absolutely necessary with Frank when the master sat beside him and sought to draw him into conversa- tion. - For Mullen there had been absolutely no joy in the victory Instead of being thrilled by the reception of the team on its return home, Bob was enraged and resentful. As soon as possible he hastened away to his own room, at Blackstone. and there he re- mained, growling to himself as at intervals he could hear the cheering; the music and the singing of the crowd upon the parade ground. “Tl fix Bill West yet!” he snarled. anything like that.’’ “T never forget CHAPTER III. ENVY. On Sunday afternoon Jack Hill knocked at the door of Blanding Curtis’ room. It chanced that Curtis was alone, his roommate be- ing out. He was writing letters, but he put the pen, -! down as soon as Hill entered. said. “Have a chair.” nodded Hill, accepting the invita- “Hello, Jack,’ he “Hello, Bland,” , “Just writing home,” explained Curtis. “I always take Sunday to do my letter- WTAE ports like a waste of tiie any other day.’ grinned Hill. My people growl constantly “T don’t do much letter-writing,)’ don’t write.’ “If I don’t write,” said Curtis, “I don’t get my “Do you get your er weekly ?” evens: “I get mine every eb Don’t know bist it shia. if ‘be better if I got it once a week same as 7a do.”’ saith “Oh, it must look pretty good coming TOP : I have to write once a week or else there’ S. _ mo money coming my way.” * WEEKLY. month. It’s sort of a dribble when you get it by the week.” “Perhaps so,” grinned Hill; “but you see I can’t in my pocket anyhow. a_ hole ina hurry. So, getting it only once a month, I hurry keep money It burns it, and it doesn’t last more than a week. I have to go broke for the next three weeks or else borrow of my friends. I’m in debt all the time.” “That’s bad,” said Curtis. “I never get into debt. I’m always careful about that. Do you owe much up to spend now ?” “‘About twelve, dollars.’ “Whew! “Four What is your monthly allowance?” dollars.” “Well, how .. you ever expect to pay that twelve dollars? It would take three months to do it, and you. wouldn’t a any spending money in the mean- time.” “Oh, I don’t know how I’m going to pay it,” an-. swered ea unconcernedly. “I suppose I'll have to fix up some sort of a fib to pull ad governor's “It doesn’t seem to worry you.” “What’s the use to worry?” “If I owed twelve dollars and I couldn’t see.any way to pay it, I'd lie awake nights worrying.” “Fudge! What’s the use? You're too conscien- tious, old chap. You worry about lots of things. 3 leg.” _ Now after my wing went to the bad you began to s in once a if that's worry about the pitching staff of the team.” | “Why shouldn’t I? Great Scott! I was. the only. man left—at least, it seemed that way.” Hill shrugged his shoulders. “You were the only man left,” he declared. “Dun- es lap, the second team pitcher, didn’t count, and the fel- a y low who finished the game at Blackstone wasn’t reck- — x oned onvat. all. chap?” “Who, West?” - te eS ‘Curtis shook his head. —“T wouldn’t care to express an opinion just now,” ‘he said; “I might make a mistake.” . “Oh, don't be so cautious! We're. friends, and we're alone. When you woke up Friday mofning and Say, Bland, what do you think of that ‘ 3 found yourself so. sick that there was little show for. ee you to pitch the game you thought everything: was. gone to the dogs, didn’t you?” NA ; - “Didn't you, Jack?” — ie “Well, to tell you the truth, I didn’t have feaek "bet dence in Dunlap. It did. look ‘pretty. bad for us, feht at, a ae ‘Was our on! y man. , Once i 1 6 fs TAP iho of telling Cregan I’d go in and try to finish the game if Dunlap could only last for five innings and hold the score down. Between us, Bland, I could have done it, too. My arm was better than I let on. But I concluded that I’d be a fool to tell Cregan about it. If I let him know that I could pitch at all, just as likely as not he’d call on me to go into the box after Blackstone had pounded the stuffing out of Dunlap and taken a good lead. anxious to pitch an uphill game against a team like Blackstone, so I just kept my mouth shut.” “IT never could have done that,” said Curtis re- proachfully. “You shouldn’t have done it either, Jack, You should have had more heart in the inter- ests of the team.” “Piffle, Bland—piffle. “Don’t preach to me that a man should have so much heart in the interest of his team that he’s willing to be put into the box when there’s danger of ruining his arm in a hopeless game. I intend to do some pitching after I leave Farnham Hall, and you can bet I’m going to look out for my wing. All the same, it’s in shape now so that I could pitch if necessary. It will be much better by Thurs- day, when we have to go against those Bucklin Acad- emy fellows. I’d like to pitch the whole or a part of that game, but of course ua not going to pitch any if you want to hand ’em up.” “Much obliged,” said Curtis. “Bucklin should be fairly easy, for it’s only a small school. I’m willing you should pitch that game, but it all depends on Cregan. If he wants me z “Or West,” said Hill quickly. “West!” breathed Curtis. “Oh, yes, I suppose we'll have to consider him on our pitching staff now.” — “Vou’ll find he’ll have to be reckoned with, Pland. Lots of the fellows thihk him a better pitcher now than either you or I. The whole school is talking about him. Really and truly, it has made me sick to hear the fellows. Everybody asks me questions about Bill West va how he held Blackstone down and saved the game.” Curtis frowned. “Well, I suppose that’s kind of natural after all,” he muttered. ? me Why mite | _ “Why, you see it was such a surprising And unex- pected thing. If either you or I had pitched that game, it would have seemed natural. No one reck- _ oned on West as a winning pitcher.” “But now, Bland, evefybody seems to think him a wizard. a AREY ae a should be the first eee Of I’m not chump enough to feel | WEEKLY, the team. That dethrones you and puts me into third Perhaps you like it, but I'll tell you right now don’t.” place. that I Curtis drummed on the table in a nervous manner. Suddenly he struck it a blow with his fist. “TI don’t like it either,” he cried. “Of course I™* wouldn’t go round saying so publicly, for everybody would think me jealous of Bill West. As long as you've said so, I acknowledge that I don’t like it. The He’s had he couldn’t stand much grief. fellow’s a sort of freak pitcher, anyhow. no experience, and You've seen some fellow who didn’t know much of anything about pitching go into a game and prove unhittable against a bunch of good stickers, haven’t you?” nodded Hill. “The fellow who did it never had pitched a game in his “Yes, [ saw such a thing once,” life, and the men he was up against were semi-pro- fessionals, yet he let them down with three stingy sin- gles and would have whitewashed them if the team behind him had not made some beastly rotten errors.” “Ever see him pitch again?” “T saw him try it.” asked Curtis. “Tow did he succeed ?””’ “Why, he was pounded to death. He was batted out of the box in three innings. He couldn’t seem to do a thing.” “And that,” said Curtis, “is the usual fate of these freak pitchers who shoot up like rockets. They go down like sticks. Mark my word, West is due to get his medicine.” it’s administered to him the better / “Well, the sooner pleased I will be.”’ | “I’m mot saying he won't make a pitcher some day, but I’m not willing to believe that, with the small ‘amount of private coaching he’s received from Frank ‘Merriwell, he’s a pitcher now. Of course I’m gladyhe won that Blackstone game. We had to have it if we wished to make a fight for the State championship... If either you or I had pitched the game, I would have been much better satisfied. to pitch it Hill snapped his fingers. “T haven’t any faith in Dunlap,” : “Nor I either,” admitted Curtis. “He’s got curves and spéed and all that, but he’s no good in a tight place, and sometimes he acts as if his head was full of putty instead of brains. I don’t know juste why he has those GOPEY. spells, do you? eee he seems bright enough.” “Why,” said he declared. Hill, “he’s a cigarette fiend. If Dunlap had been able Hes ee s Kets Te “pn ie i. eee ee y Agee sos on pipe if people didn’t inhale them,” smoking the things. not going to disturb myself over’ Dunlap. smoke himself daffy if he wants to. Sa epee LLP Oe Cregan knows it, and that’s the fellow. for the. first smokes them all the time. why be didn't even Baa team.” “T don’t understand how a man can get much chance said Curtis. should think Mr. to smoke around here,” “It’s against the rules, Merriwell would catch him.” “He's a sly dog, Dunlap is. and ,J Why, even some of his chums don’t know he smokes. Do you know what he does? him constantly and wears it when he’s smoking so that he won't stain his fingers. He carries a right-hand walking glove with I’ve heard that he gets up in the middle of the night and sits in his dark room with the window open and smokes for as much as. two hours at a time.. I suppose he’s sort of making up for the time during the day when he has to deprive himself.” “Well, if he hits it up like that I can understand what gives him those queer dull spells. I’m no crank about smaking, but a man who gets the cigarette habit tied onto him for fair can’t help being damaged by it. He may not realize it. I don’t suppose Dunlap Ordinarily he’s all right. Once in a while his brain is dulled or stagnated, and he can’t do his best at anything. Still, he doesn’t think such dumbness is caused by cigarette smoking. I’m glad I never acquired the habit. DTve smoked a pipe and cigars sometimes, but no cigarettes for me.” “Cigarettes wouldn't hurt as much as cigars or a said Hill. “That’s the only way men can get any satisfaction out of You’can’t use them the way you do cigars and a pipe. If you try it you get disgusted and quit them. Ifa man should inhale a pipe as much as cigarette smokers inhale cigarettes he’ d get knocked out all right, you bet.” | “T suppose that’s true, thinks smoking hurts him. “Well, T'm Let him The only chap * nodded Curtis. who's worrying me now is Frank Merriwell’s pupil, Bill West. ‘The boy with the wizard wing’ called by some of the fellows.” as he’s CHAPTER IV. ON THE SLY. Tt was growing dusk and the village bells were _ sounding vespers when Bob Mullen, who was lone- i -somely seated at the foot of a tree, from which spot he, thought Mullen resentfully. _ : oe WEEKLY. eo had been watching Farnham Hall Lake as the re- died on its darkening bosom, perceived two dark figures slip- ping down toward ,the boathouse. “Hello!” Mullen, as the figure disappeared like shadows some distance below him. “Who were those chaps? They acted sort of suspicious.”’ After a time he arose-and made his way slowly and cautiously in the direction of the boathouse.- It was getting dark, but he was familiar with the ground, and he chose a path by which there would be little danger of making a noise that.would warn any. one of his approach. Now and then he paused, stood still and listened. Finally he fancied he could hear the low murmur of voices, and he moved onward with in- flected light of a gorgeous sunset faded and muttered creased caution. Reaching the boathouse, he hovered close beside it and distinctly heard two persons tallsing in low .tones just beyond the nearest corner. Stealing to that cor- ner, he stood still and listened. ia * “Oh, Bob’s got all the nerve taken out of him,” said one of the speakers, and he recognized the voice as — that of Dunlap. He knew the fellow was referring © to him. a “What makes you think so?” this question was Tom Waller. The one who asked “Oh,” laughed Dunlap, ‘ ‘it was\plain enough. West biffed him right in the peeper—gave him a black eye, and he stood for it.. Why, I’d want to kill that fel- — low!” / | OE “T would kill him,” declared Waller. “I had an idea that Mullen was something of a renters “So did I, but I’ve changed my mind.” The edor of burning tobacco reached the nostrils of | the listener. Bending forward with his cap removed, he slowly placed himself in position to prs round — the corner of the building. He could see the dark figures of two. fellows, who were seated on the ground with their backs against | the building. Two tiny glowing specks of fire paves es that both were smokiffg. “And they’re ripping me up behind my back!” In another moment he stepped round the corner. “Hold on!” he cried. “Don’t run! I know you both! I know you, Dunlap, and you, too, Waller. Stay where } you are! Oh, don’t throw your aS : anes it’s too late.”’ LIP: OP * “Hello, Mullen,” he said almost insolently. “Where did you come from?” .. “Never mind that,” said Bob. “I happened to ‘hear you talking about me behind my back. So you think I’m.a quitter, do you? You think there isn’t any fight left in me, do you?” “How did you happen to be listening?” asked Dunlap. “Never you mind. I didn’t listen long, but I heard that much. Now I'll tell you something, Mr. Dunlap. If you hadn’t dad a streak of yellow in you, you’d been able to pitch that game through at Blackstone after the team behind you got a clean lead of five runs. If every anybody quit, you did. You were to blame for West getting the chance he did. I did my best to keep him away from the field.” “Well, you certainly succeeded handsomely!” ‘sneered Dunlap. “If I were in your place I’d feel proud of it!’ “How could I figure out that he’d pick up a man with a gas car who would bring him across country to Blackstone? _He’d never been on hand to get into that game when . you flunked if it hadn’t been for sheer luck.” | “Now I’m about sick of having you talk to me about quitting and flunking!’ rasped Dunlap. “It doesn’t ~ sound well from you. You're wearing a black'eye that Bill West handed you.. How have you retaliated?” “Tf you have an idéa that I’m not going to retali- ate, you’re mightily mistaken, Dunlap. I’m just wait- ing my time, that’s all. In the meantime, if you con- tinue to shoot your lip at me, I’m going to give you a pair of black eyes.” “Hold on, fellows,’ interposed Waller. ‘“What’s the use of quarreling? What’s the use of you fellows -| having a disagreement? There’s every reason why you sont be.” But now Mullen pretended to be fearfully angry. He raged at Dunlap for smoking on the sly. He ended by telling the fellow that he was ungrateful. - “Look what I tried to do for you, Ben!” he cried. “I did my best to keep West away from that game so you could pitch it through. Now you turn against me and sneer about me behind my back! You're a _ fine friend to have!’ “Say, don’t talk so loud, Bob,” cautioned Dunlap. “Somebody will be liable to hear you. Perhaps I was mistaleen about you. ae take it back, I'll swallow, it ek it will satisfy you.” 3 “You wait and see what I do to West!” cried Bob. rt Lge at him! Think it would satisfy me merely to you slipping down this way,” I left him at Wakeford all right.” things over. getting on. times I’m just crazy for a whiff in the daytime. You ought to be friends. in the world. Why, there were fellows in school who didn’t smoke, WEEKLY. pound him? Not on your lifg! That fellow is getting too upperty altogether. I’m going to take him down. I’m going to knock his props out from under him. I'll do it, too.’ “How are you going to do it?” “Oh, I'll find a way. I don’t know just now. gimme a cigarette. I want to smoke, too.” Dunlap laughed and joyously produced a package of cigarettes. Mullen took one and lighted it, while Waller, greatly relieved, accepted another. “Now sit down, Ben,” urged Dunlap—“sit down and let’s talk it over.” j Mullen found a seat beside the others. Their ciga- rettes winked and glowed in the deepening darkness. and the Say, Frogs were peeping from distant marshes, snight air was soft with the smell of opening buds and growing things. A night bird winged its way across the bosom of the lake and shrieked harshly. “I didn’t fancy that it was you fellows when I saw | said Mullen. “I was sitting up yonder under the old oak sort of thinking I wondered who it was coming here, and so I followed. If Frank Merriwell should catch us np “Oh, I’m mighty careful that he don’t catch me smoking,” said’ Dunlap. : “Do you smoke a great deal?’’ asked Mullen. “Oh, no, not a great deal—only a little.” “T ‘don’t see how you manage it to keep him from He finds out everything somehow.” “I do the biggest part of my smoking nights.” “Nights ?” ; “Yes. After everybody is in bed and sound asleep I get up and sit by my window and smoke. Some- I’ve found a chance to get one now and then. You know my folks sent me here because I smoked s6. much that the fool teacher said it was putting me back in my studies and hurting my health. What idiots some peo- ple are about smoking! Now it never hurt me a bit I guess I could tell if anybody could. and some were away behind me in studies.” “A little smoking doesn’t do any hurt,” said Mullen; “but a lot of it affects a man’s wind. I suppose every- body is saying that West. is a great pitcher.” “Oh, of course. “About what ?” “The game over at Wellsburg “No, I baven’t heard about it. Saturday.” there?” Have you heard the latest news?” Who played over Be I a et IS eae Lae aor “Bucklin Academy.” “What, Bucklin? Why, I’ve got a cousin, Everett Stewart, catching’ on that team. You know I came from Hayden, the next town to Bucklin. Say, but Wellsburg must have put it all over them fellows. Bucklin is only a little place.” “That’s where you Bob, old fellow. Bucklin trimmed Wellshurg seven to five in a hot old game. We play Bucklin on their ground next Thurs- day, you know.’ go wrong, CHAPTER V. THE PLOT. said Mullen. “Wer” “Don’t you think for a min- _ ute, Dentap, that either you or I will take part in that game. We're done for, both of us. We're down and out, thanks to Bill West. It seems almost ridiculous to believe that Bucklin beat Wel I know my cousin wrote me they were going to have a strong team, but I didn’t believe he was right. If they can beat Wellsburg. in Wellsburg, they ought to make Farnham Hall go some in Bucklin. How did you hear Isburg. about this game?” “Heard Stubby Rudd telling Cregan about it. I didn’t let them know I was listening. Cregan said it would be a good thing to put West against Bucklin and let him pitch the whole game just to see if he had the stamina to go through nine innings on the slab. That’ If West can do it, he’ll be pitching the most of the time.” “T declare,” growled Waller, “I never saw a féllow come to.the front the way he has. You notice that he’s getting pretty stout and solid lately, and he was the most sissified-looking thing I ever put eyes on when he came here. I’ve never seen such a change come over anybody.” ‘ “Still, he’s puny now,” sneered Mullen. heard him say myself that he couldn’tysmoke three whiffs without being sick as a dog. Even in the open air the smell of tobacco smoke sort of upsets him. s what will happen, ‘too. Once at boarding school, according to his report, he. was hazed and had to both smoke and chew. He didn’t get over it for a week.” “By George!” chuckled Waller. “Wouldn’t it be a ‘good joke on him if we gave him a dose of that about next Wednesday! Thursday.” ! . _ “Great head!” laughed Dunlap. “Let’s doit. We ean get together a bunch and work the trick on him He wouldn't do much pitching easy enough.” . a WEEKLY. 9 _ him to do so, they would close the doors and windows -I could only talk with him a little while, I could tell “IT once ‘miles from Bucklin. mother is very ill and wants to see me, and sigH nay father’s name. That will fix it all right, you bet.” - /“Gee! I do want to go with y ou!” cried Dunlap. “Don’t forget what happened to Hunk Branch when he went into West’s room one night without announ- cing himself,” said Mullen. “Oh, pshaw! West was laying for him. He won't be suspecting anything now. We can ¢atch him easy.” They laid their plans to visit West some time Wednesday night for the purpose of hazing him. It was agreed that West should be forced to smoke and chew tobacco if possible. If they could not compel tightly, tie him to a chair, sit around him in a circle and blow smoke in his face until he could not breathe. * “That will be liable to knock him out,” said Dun- lap. “‘I’ll bet something that he'll be sick as a dog next day.” “T’ve got another idea,” said Mullen. “It’s my opin- Ss ion you can't smoke West out to such an extent that. he will refuse to pitch Thursday. He’s so delighted and conceited over getting onto the first nine that he'll try to pitch anyhow. ‘ lf the smoking he gets puts him out of condition somewhat, it wouldn’t take much coaching for a team to bump him. I know the pet curve he depends on, that queer twistof his that looks like a rise or jump ball when it leaves his hand, but turns to an in drop. You fellows remember how we took the starch out of him by hitting that curve... If Blackstone had known how to do it, West never équa have lasted through the game after Dunlap left the box. It wouldn’t do Farnham Hall any great harm to lose this game with Bucklin Academy.” “If West is going to pitch,” growled Dunlap, ‘ “] hope they do lose.” “If I could see my cousin,’ ’ muttered Mullen—‘‘if him just how to coach his teammates to hit that curve. — Say, fellows, I’m going home Wednesday.” A “Going home?” Yes? . i RR rename “Why ?” | I : Mullen tossed aside the remainder of his cigateabee re “T told you I live in Hayden. It’s less than seven — I’m going to see my cousin and put him wise on West’s pitching.” “4 “By Jove!” cried Dunlap; “I'd. Ae to go wits you How are you going to work it to get off?” “Oh, I know a fellow at home who will saat one telegram—a fake. I'll write him and get the letter off first thing to-morrow. I'll tell him to wire me that my. Spreersneenageaen>--DERSENTSPapeanypneyEDEeapee seed eatemertonareseres eee terion eee oe eee _—— - 7 7 4 . , at manera ce men 10 Ae DO ; = ‘Say, Bob, I’could show. them fellows better how to & hit West than you benita for I’m a pitcher. Springfield. den. 1 live in That’s thirty-eight mules beyond Hay- Say, I’ve got an old letter from my sister,asking one me to come home for two or three days. I’m going to try te work that letter on Mr. Merriwell. Tl show him the part of it asking me to come home. I wrote and told my sister 1 couldn’t come. I didn’t want to then, anyhow. Mr. at the date. I believe the date is on another sheet, anyhow. Say, Bob, I’m going to ask to get off the same time yourdo. I'll go home with you. We'll take in the game at Bucklin. If there's any kick made about it, I'll just say I decided to stop over with you a day after we took the.train together. What do’you say to that?” “Well, you’ve certainly fixed it up to suit ideal chuckled. Mallen. “You've invited yourself, and _ you've made all the arrangements. All right, come along.” “Now that’s fine, isn < it?” cried Waller. “You two ‘ chaps are going to hike out and leave me here to give -West-his smoking all by my lonesome.” . “You can get plenty of fellows to help you, only be careful of the ones you pick out. ‘ake Callahan, he’s all right, and Joyce and Leslie and—and Harris. Don’t fix it up too far ahead so they will be liable to slop over about it, Just make arrangements at the last minute; that’s the way.” _ “Oh, I don’t know but I'll Heo it, anyhow.” “Now don’t you do it!” remonstrated Mullen. We'll depend on you. You see that smoking will | just put West in good condition to be easy for the ‘Bucklin batters, and we'll have them prepared for him. __ If that little third-rate school should happen to fall on him and pound him out of the box it would be the end of Mr. Bill-West. His sun of glory would set in a cloud of glooin. Give us hl word that vas ‘ll do your prettiest.” gether who will have the nerve for it, we'll smoke West like a) ham on Wednesday night. If that process can upset him, he’ll be properly upset, you bet.” | Good I” cried Mullen and Dunlap in unison. ee | a - SHAPTER, VE THE ‘TRICK. ‘ - alas ‘ on Ge a while deoohighi. and I tele not get baat until pre Tate. “Leave the: door utlocked for me.” Merriwell never will think to look | “All right,” said Waller, nf T'can get a Are’ to- “because he doesn’t dare.” . ‘recently. | It’s queer how a fellow who knows tobacco — wants to without any injury.” _ injured by such a habit < and persists in toying with it fancy several of the team won't turn in at that hour.” WEEKLY. It was Wednesday evening, and they were alone in Willie was making a charcoal drawing, Branch’s words their room. and he did not seem to understand until Hunk repeated them. ‘Where are you going?” he finally asked, putting down the pencil and standing off to survey his work. “What's up, Hunk?” “Oh, “Just some of us fellows going out for a little lark, nothing much,” answered Branch evasively. that’s all. knew it was no use to invite you.” Ap “Who’s going,” asked Willie. 4 “Oh; Tom Waller and two or three others.” i “Tom Waller. Somehow, I don’t like that fellow. He’s never done anything to injure me that I know of, but I can’t help feeling a dislike for him.” “Oh, Waller’s a decent sort of a chap,” said Branch. “He’s a bit sore because he didn’t make the first nine, that’s all.” “Hunk, you know the rules.” “Oh, that’s all right.’ “You know we're going to play Bucklin Academy | to-morrow.” , - Sure,’ nodded Branch cheerfully. “And we're all supposed to be in bed to-night by nine-thirty,”’ “We're supposed to be,” chuckled Branch; “but I “Tf they fail they'll break rules.” “Well, who doesn’t break rules? There’s a rule against smoking, but I caught Turner pulling the pipe a on the sly day before yesterday. _He’s one of Out: ce t/ steadiest and most reliable men, yet he smokes.” ae ‘said Willie, - | fF “YT donit think he smokes a great deal,’ “Why not? You mean he’s afraid he’ll be caught?” “No, I mean that he was sent here because a doctor whe examined him declared that he had a tobacco heart. when he won out for the track team of his school vn a year, ago, al’ ve heard that he was frightened over it, too. I don’t believe he’s been smoking at all until is injurious and dangerous for him will resume a habit like that.” : “Oh, Turner is in fine condition now—fne, He's put himself all right, and he cats smoke a little if as are ‘ nodded’ Willi Bes “but the man’ ihe en “Perhaps SO,’ _ when ‘he might leave “it off is taking his life in his hands, with the probable result that hae will cut it need- Dea Short. Uf he « can leave tobacco alone for four \ ee going out for tioned Willie. ie ator or six months, he can go without it forever. If he attempts to smoke moderately, he will gradyally get back into the old habit of smoking too much.” “Well, I’m not Turner’s guardian,” cried Hunk: “I have smoked, but I don’t care anythjng about it. Oh, don’t get the idea that a lot of us fellows are that purpose to-night.” “If you go at all, Hunk, you will break the rules, and it’s a bad time to do that just before a baseball game.” “Ho!” cried the big chap. trouble trimming Bucklin. enough.” ‘I don’t see why you should think so. lin beat Wellsburg ?”’ “They've got a weak team over at Wellsburg this year. You just see how we'll put it all over those Bucklin chaps to-morrow. Now don’t preach, Bill— I’m going out a little while to-night. I’m tired of following the same old routine day, after day. A fel- low has got to have a little fun.” “Fun!” exclaimed Willie, angazed. seems to be about all we do have here. a place where fellows could enjoy themselves the way they can here. It’s a case of sports or games more than half the time. Of course we have to do some studying and some work, but I notice that the most of the fellows study the things they like and do the kind of work they take the most interest in. That’s like play to me.” “We won’t have any We'll take that game easy Didn’t Buck- “Why, that I never saw “Oh, I’m not kicking about the way things are run. It isn’t that. I acknowledge that we all have a chance to do the things we like best. Now I like blacksmith- ing. I take pleasure in it; but really, that gets a bit tiresome after a while. Let a man do the things he likes to do, but make him do them by rule and rota- tion, and he’ll get sick of it in time. It becomes mo- notonous. Variety is the spice of life, Bill, You can stand the monotony all 1 way. I’ve been so blamed regular in my habits for the last two months or more that I’m actually getting into a rut. When Tom Waller proposed that some of us should go over and give old Cy Tellmore a serenading to-night, I was ready enough. I despise that sour- faced old prevaricator. We'll wake him up. We'll make him growl and swear.” , “Look out that you’re not caught at it, Hunk,” cau- “Tellmore would like to get his hands on some of the fellows here, for he’s gore’ on the school.” 7 “Yes, and that’s what will make it all the better ‘ight, because you’re built that WEEKLY. tt sport to stir him up. Don’t worry about me, Bill; Ill look out for number one. Just you leave the dope unlocked, that’s all I ask.” Willie felt that it was useless to try further persua- sion on his roommate, and so he abandoned the effort. Thirty minutes after the lights were.turned off in the big dormitory Branch slipped out, carrying his shoes in his hand. Every one in the building was sup- posed to be fast asleep. / “Good-by, Bill,” whispered Branch ere he left; but, although Willie was awake, he did not answer. West soon fell asleep. After a time he was aroused by the soft sounds of some one stirring in the room; but, supposing Hunk had returned, he tried to go to sleep again, and had nearly succeeded when strong hands grasped him and a voice hissed in his ear: “Don’t yell on your life! Keep still as death!” He might have cried out, but a hand was pressed over his mouth for a moment until he recovered some- what from his startled condition. In the room some one struck a match and began lighting some candles. West could see several figures around the bed. By the candlelight he perceived that they were dressed in strange fringed garments and wore caps of long feathers upon their heads. Their faces were covered with masks, which made them look like Indians. “Paleface,” said one, who seemed to be the leader, speaking in a low tone which was scarcely more than a whisper, “behold the braves of the Yaller Dog tribe. We have come to adopt you as a brother. Long we have watched you with fond and admiring eyes. We have beheld in you one worthy to join our sacred cir- cle. You shall become a full-fledged warrior. If you have the courage to pass through the initiatory cere- monies in silence and fortitude all will be well; Dut if you lose your nerve and squeal, we'll tear your ‘scalp from your miserable head. We'll leave you with a premature bald spot on the crown of your cranium. Do I not speak the truth, brothers of ie Yaller Dog a 3 tribe?” ‘Ush! ugh! heap truth!” grunted the others. Willie realized he was in for a hazing. His first thought was to fight, but after a moment or two he decided to keep still and see what sort of a game they He was not frightened now, for he | felt sure there was little danger that his schoolmates _ He would show them — would try on him. would do him serious harm. that he was a chap who could “take his medicine.” Willie Vag wearing a suit of pink pajamas, and the “savages” ’ seemed aay eer by his , 12 TIP TOP when he had been pulled out of bed and stood up in their midst. They uttered grunts and chuckles of ad- muration as, one after another, they put out their hands and touched his pajamas. “Hean pretty,” “Much: fine,”’ said one. grunted another, Then they placed him on a chair, and ere he real- ized their intentions they had pulled several strands of rope round him and tied him fast. “No squeal, paleface,’”’ said the chief, crouching be- fore him and shaking a wooden tomahawk in his face. “No squeal or big chief will crack um.” “Well, you're a_lot of idiots, aren’t you?” grinned Willie, looking them over in search of Branch, for he fully believed his roommate was one of the. band. “Now is this what you call having fun?” “No. call-um big Injun names!” cried the leader. , Injun no like-um it. He get heap mad.” He then made sure that Willie was securely and safely tied to the chair so that he could not move hand or foot. . “Much good job,”, he nodded. “Now, the Yaller Dog tribe, we hold counsel. pipe of peace. is to become one of us—gather close around him.” brothers of We smoke They drew up the other chairs in the room, and those who could not sit down stood near, formi: ng a circle around Willie. The chief produced a huge black pipe, which he lighted. Thrusting the stem through the mouth aperture in the mask, he took sev- -eral long whiffs and passed the:pipe,to his right-hand neighbor. In this manner it went round the circle, all ‘pulling hard at it and blowing the tobacco smoke at Willie until he was almost smothered in a great cloud. _ West began to cough and gag. “Make that as brief as you sided he urged. bacco never did agree with ae ; : “You smoke um pipe HOW,’ aata the chief, ektendirie the stem toward his mouth. “You take-um | it, give _ good hard pull four, five, six, eight, ten times.” “I must beg to be excused,” said Willie. “That - one thing I never could do. a Tse with me Ps _ much.” aa ee | 4 “Listen, warriors,” said the chief : show the limber backbone. He no got courage. not fit to become brother in Yaller_ Dog tribe. shall we'do with him?? RAN him,” said ones) 6 _ “Make him smoke,” said another. ae, make him smoke,” came. from. a third. , nake him!” een the otters. ae “He seat He Him Gather around the noble paleface who in the dormitory would _hazers put to flight. endurance. to turn yaller now.” ae as this. WEEKLY. ” said the chief. “You must smoke um counsel pipe.”’ “Well, if I’ve got to,’ pull at it—only one.” “You hissed smoke.” ‘ “You hear, paleface, ’ sighed Willie, “T’'ll take one iy takg-um four, five, six, the chief. ‘“‘You eight, ten pulls show-um courage. Now He put the stem between Willie’s lips, his tepugnance, West took one whiff. “That’s all I can do,’’ he “No good! no good!” said. growled the disguised lads, But although they insisted that he should repeat the performance a number of times, West resolutely de- clined. Suddenly some one grabbed him by the throat, and ere he realized it a thick, stout gag had been thrust between his teeth. They tied it there in spite of his fierce efforts to baffle them. When the gag was se- curely knotted in place Willie could make no louder sound than a smothered groan. He glared at them fiercely, exasperated and enraged because he had per- mitted them to cargy the trick through to this point. If he had raised an outcry in the first place, the boys have been awakened and the Now it was too late. “You no smoke-um council pipe, paleface,” said the chief. cave have to smoke-um for you. Get busy, warriors.’ Then those disguised chaps proceec led to produce” pipes, cigars and cigarettes, which they hastily lighted, Packed closely about the captive, they puffed away with all their might, rolling the nauseating tobacco smoke into West’s face in great clouds. He could not help inhaling it, and, with the nausea increasing, he coughed and wheezed behind the gag, feeling his ised beginning to swim. The sensation was almost beyond he could dimly see the hideous snacks of the hazers. “Tim make tum heap fine ham,’ Veale the chief, “Heap fine,” agreed the “Much good Yaller i brave,” he been able to do so. and, despite It seemed to him that he would choke to — death in the midst of that thick smoke, through which “warriors.” “Him begin — chuckled a di- -minutive warrior. - ‘ Willie wou Id have ‘ieaited with them to stop had To him it, seemed that being burhed by red-hot irons could not produce such agony He was filled with a terrible sensation, which he imagined as painful as the throes of death. Still they continued to blow that ‘cloud of horrible smoke _ : - into his face. At times he sought to hold his breath, — TIP | and then, pulling his lips from the gag, he would blow of .. with all his strength and breathe quickly, in order to take less of that smoke into his lungs. A sensation of giddiness came upon him. The floor rose and rocked like The room, seemed whirling round and round. a sea. Suddenly, without warning, Willie’s head lurched over upon his shoulder. He had been overcome and | was unconscious. ry When West recovered consciousness he found Hunk He did not recog- nize Branch at first, for only two of the candles, eaten down to mere nubs, flickered weakly in the foul at- mosphere of that room. Branch at work untying the ropes. Branch had from: his mouth, and Will “Open the window—open the window quick!” will see the light,” whispered taken the gag roommate’s ie faintly whispered: Siig “The watchman Branch, ; “I don’t care! I’m dying! I must have air! Open the window! Oh, I’m so sick!” 3ranch pulled down the blankets which the hazers had pinned over the window and opened it, “T’d like to know who in blazes did this trick!’ he rasped, as he hurried back to complete the work of releasing his comrade, West said nothing more until he was free. “Take me—take me to the window,” he pleaded. Hunk lifted Willié in his strong arm and bore him ‘to the window. West knelt upon the floor, with the upper part of his body over the window-sill, drawing deep breaths of the pure night air into his lungs. Behind him Branch extinguished the two candles, Bei “Somebody is going to get it from me!’ vowed 4 Hunk furiously. ‘Oh, I'll fix them! See if I don’t! Bie You wait till I get at Tom Waller!” | “What—what made you do it?” faltered WHOS ‘ iy: “What ‘made you help them?” ' ks “Help them? I didn’t!’ tid “ “You knew—you knew tobacco Ste made me deathly sick. What made you do it?’ “1 tell you I didn’t, Bill! Hope to die if I did! (2? ing out of the window. After a time he spoke again, _ weakly and faintly. to-night, Hunk. They knew I was alone.” “Yes, they knew it,” fool of me, Bill. agreed Hunk. TOP _ Willie groaned and retched, with his head still hang-. . “Tf you hadn’t helped them they’d never «bob in here ‘They made a- 7 | Listen, and I'll tell you the truth. - Waller promised to meet me with a lot of the fellows, the boathouse and left me there. ‘round.” _ until he gagged. us. to serenade old: Tellmore 2” asked Hunk. ie cerawl into bed.” . at There’ 8 something i in 1 this. business that: ad | WEEKLY. and we had planned to raise Ned with old Tellmore. We were going to meet down by the boathouse. I went there, and some fellows were waiting. They were all disguised like Indians, their faces covered with masks. I wasn’t expecting it when they jumped on me, threw me down and tied me in spite of the best fight I could put up. Oh, I made them go some, but they trimmed me just the same. -They carried me into I couldn’t imagine what was up. I thought they’d come back in a little while, but they didn’t. After they had gone I kept « trying to work my hands free. Look, Bill, if it was only light you’d see that the skin is all worn off my wrists. They're both covered with blood. I did get my hands free, or else I suppose I’d be lying there in the boathouse now. After a time I got clear of those ropes. Then I’came back here and found you. It was Waller’s doings, and ’m going to kill him! I'll knock the packing out of him! See if I don’t!” “Oh, I’m so sick!’ moaned Willie. “It will be a week before I'll get over this. And I was going to pitch to-morrow!” “To-day,” Perhaps youl be all right. corrected Branch, “for it’s past midnight. ea Perhaps you'll come — “No, no,” said Willie; “nothing upsets me like to- bacco smoke. I know, I know.” For fully an hour West remained there with his head out of the window. He was shaking with the cold, but he insisted on breathing the pure air as long — as he could stand it. Finally he slid down ina pitiful ce heap upon the Hoor, and Brapet carried him to the bed. . a} When morning came Willie was stil very ill. Branch went in search of Waller and found him in . his robm, also looking pale and used up. Hunk ace G cused him at once, but Waller denied everything, de-! 3 claring that he had been caught alone in his room, tied to a chair and forced to smoke a rank old pipe He asserted that five fellows dis-. guised like Indians had perpetrated the trick upon him. He was so earnest in his declarations and looked so. . miserable himself that finally Hunk began to believe | he spoke the truth. : “But how about those fellows who were going with, “T don’ t snows . declared, Tom. sate d smoked a LEP Tae to investigate,’ growled Hunk. “I'll find out who they were, and they'll get the handsomést trimming I can hand out to them, or my name isn’t Branch!” . , \ CHAPTER VII. ‘ “WHO WILL PITCH? , The Farnham Hall team accompanied by a few en- @ thusiastic supporters from the school arrived in Buck- lin at 11 a. m. on the day of the game. The team was met by Gordon Stone, captain and manager of the Bucklin Academy Nine, who escorted the visitors to the only hotel in the little country vil- lage, which proved to be a huge, somewhat dilapidated frame building, sadly in need of paint on the outside and soap and water on the inside. “Mr. Bradley, the landlord, has promised to get you “up a good dinner, fellows,” said Stone. “I’ve asked him to take special pains. He’s assigned you the big- gest room in the house for a dressing room, and I ‘think you'll find everything all right. penses in town will be paid by us.” Willie West was with the team, but he looked de- cidedly pale and ill, and the journey had served’ to _ upset him completely once more. He informed Cregan that he wished a private room for himself, saying that he felt so miserable he would lie down a while. “What you need is food,’ said Cregan. “You couldn’t eat any: breakfast, and you're plumb knocked out. Lie down until dinner is steer I'll call you, old chap.” ; So Willie dragged himself up the stairs, carrying the suit case which contained his field uniform and » other paraphernalia, and tumbled onto the bed the - moment he was alone in the room he had secured. Tom Waller was one of the “fans” who had accom- _ panied the team. Waller pretended to be more or less concerned over West’s condition, and it was he who _ told Branch that Willie had taken a room and retired. ee Hunk growled fiercely and again vowed that the fel- | lows who were responsible for Bill West’s condition - should “pay for it.” | | es “It’s a rotten shame,” said the hypocritical. Waller. “T don’t know what the dickens we're going to do. Hill says his arm is so lame he can’t pitch to-day. and-on the journey here Curtis was taken sick again. It would be rotten to have those Bucklin fellows beat us. Hadn't you better go seé how West is? He may bs me to eS : fd a All your ex- ing down ‘trom the hills to the northeast. bridge spanned the river. WEEKLY. Branch mounted the stairs and found Willie’s room. Without knocking, he entered, stretched across the bed. discovering his friend “It’s a rotten, miserable shame, Bill, old chap,” said the big fellow. “Can’t you brace up anyhow?” “That you, Hunk?” muttered Willie. ing.to brace up by and by. myself.” “Why? What for?” “Oh, other fellows don’t get sick because they inhale a little tobacco smoke. They can stand it all right. But I’m such a puny, miserable, white-livered creature that it puts me all to the bad.” I swear I’m ashamed of “There’s nothing puny or white-livered about you, Bill,” cried Branch. “You’ve proved in more ways than one that you're built of good fighting stuff. You | can deliver the goods. It happens that tobacco poi- sons you. business! I’m a bit suspicious of Waller, don’t Jet him know it.” though I “Leave me alone until dinner is ready, please,’’ en- treated West. “I don’t want to talk. I don’t want to see anybody. My head aches dreadfully, and my Cyd are burning like red-hot coals. I’ve got chills, too.” “Perhaps you'd better have a doctor,” said Branch in sudden alarm. “Nonsense! I don’t need a doctor. it all right in time.” As he left the room Branth could hear some of the fellows talking in the big T’ll come out of front room, which had been given them as a dressing room. He went there and found five or six of them,:among whom was Curtis, who had flung himself on the bed. “What's this?” cried Hunk. “Another invalid? “I hope you're not knocked out, Bland.” “I’m afraid I’m going to be,” said Curtis. “I’ve got another one of these attacks. When they come on good and hard I’m weak as a sick kitten. I can hardly walk.” “This is a deuce of a condition, isn’t it?” cried Jack Hill. “West. isn’t feeling well, Curtis is down, and I’ve got a lame arm. Well, if we aren’t a bunch of beauts!”’ He walked to the window and looked out. From that. window he could see the tumultuous little river’ which brawled through the centre of the village, com- An old tance, were the ruins of an old dam. Above the dam lay a deep pool of water.’ At one end of the dam > 4% an old grist mill, threatening to collapse any eae . “Oh, ’'m go- You wait till I find out the truth about that Below the bridge, at a dis-. \ | pe pees eS 4 ee SESS Spa ; > 4 i TIP. TOP n. : hour. Through a break in the middle of the dam the d A water rushed and poured, falling in beaten spray and | foam upon ragged rocks below. d ( “This certainly is 4 forsaken hole,” said Hill, after i he had gazed-out of the window for a moment or two. - | “TL feel mean enough. I’ve got a premonition of dis- f | aster. I shall hate to go back to Farnham Hall if / we're trimmed by a bunch of hayseeds in such a burgh i as this.” e “Oh, don’t talk that-way, Jack,” remonstrated Cur- | tis. , “I may be all right this afternoon. What I need most is to be let alone now.” Branch thought of West, SQ et: —<==>-—~ who had virtually said the same thing. out of the room, leaving Curtis upon the bed with his face to the wall. - Cregan was walking up and down the veranda of i the hotel, a frown on his face. “As soon as he ‘saw “we { Hill he motioned Jack aside. “JT think you'll have to pitch this afternoon,” he said. Hill shook his head. “Can’t do it, Captain. I'd like to. I thought my arm was coming all right, but I must have hurt it again yesterday. Look—I can barely.lift my hand to Ae my head. I’d make a fine spectacle trying to pitch with a wing in that condition.” a “Do you think Curtis really very sick?” “Shouldn’t wonder if he is. You know he’s. sub- ject:to these spells in the spring of the year.” “And West is knocked out, too. It’s tough luck! Why, we haven't even got Dunlap.” “Do you think West is very sick, Stan?’ asked Hill, with a queer look on his face. The eaten of the nine seemed surprised, “Why, yes,’ he answered, “I fancied he was com- pletely done up.” “Rather odd that he should be knocked out to such — an extent by inhaling a little tobacco smoke, ont it?” “He says tobacco smoke always upsets him.” » “Yes, but isn’t it time he got over it?” “T’min hopesthe will after he has dinner. trouble with him now, I fancy, is that. his siomach is. empty.” é | re “Then you'll.be all right. You'can pitch West.” “ be no cinch. .West won’t be in At condition, even if open pitch at all,” 4 Jack shrugged his shoulders. “It’s my opinion,” he said, “that Bill West i is faking, ie hole lot.”’ The somewhat dejected fellows filed , | oem you may be sure I'll do my best, captain.” ; The “Hill, I’ve gor a feeling that this game is going to a : aeary. of WEEKLY. “Fhe Faking?” ress: “What makes you think that?” . “Oh, I’m pretty sure of it. He doesn’t want to pitch to-day. You see he’s won his spurs, and he proposes to keep them. He’s : got it straight that Bucklin is a hard team to down. Now don’t repeat my words, please, taken.” “I think you are, Hill—you must be. I don’t like —- to believe West a squealer. I hope Curtis will be all right, but if he isn’t we'll have to start the game with West in the box.” | He’s trying to dodge it. I may be mis- CHAPTER VIII. FOUR RASCALS. When the dinner bell rang Cregan himself went for Willie West. | “Come ‘on, Bill, old chap,” he urged. «Come down and get some food into that empty stomach of yours. You’ve got to brace up, old man, for it looks as if we'll be obliged to put you in to pitch to-day.” “Can't Curtis pitch?” asked Willie, sitting up and | looking decidedly frazzled. ‘No; he’s down and out for fair. minutes ago. He’s all to the bad. Can’t even get Se down to dinner. Hill’s arm is on the bum. You're © the only man we've got left. For goodness’ sake, don’t - fail us, Bill!” Seen “All right,” said West, rising to his feet, “I'll try ‘to eat something: I'll try to brace up,. If I can pitch, I saw him two They descended the stairs together and écherddl ae dining room. Several of the boys were already there and had begun eating. They hailed the appearance of. West with jests and laughter, and Willie, endeavoring te appear natural, forced a smile to his pallid face. . Jack Hill was eating hastily. He had finished ere Ww est was fairly ready to begin. Without attracting attention, Jack left the dining room and_ slowly - mounted’ the stairs. Walking softly, he hurried to the room in which Curtis had remained. Pushing open : the door quickly, he caught Bland Sitting up on the bed and Eee solitaire with a cave of sa ie | ae to catch up 7 the cdbde: but ent he. é. pert ceived it was*Hill he looked fret: relieved: and On i stiff old game. 16 EP iGP “What the dickens do you mean by giving a fellow Such a start?” he exclaimed. Hill closed the door. “Well, say, you’re taking chances of being caught,” he laughed. “If any one else had found you playing solitaire, your yarn about being so thundering sick would have seemed rather thin.” “Have you eaten dinner?” Cees... “As quick as this?” Ba. . “Well, I didn’t expect any one would finish for ten minutes yet. Thought I had plenty of time to amuse myself a bit. It’s mighty hard work lying here on the bed and pretending to be sick when I feel like a spring colt’ How is West?” “He’s in the dining room:. He came down to eat, but, on my word, he does look a wreck. He’s as white as a sheet and sort of blue round the gills. Oh, he’s sick all right—he is. No faking about that,” — “Is he goimg to pitch?’ “Is ‘he? He’s got to, et he?” . “Tf he’s too sick he can’t.’ “Oh, I guess he’ll be able to go out there and get into the game. It’s my opinion him sicker than he is. I wonder where is?” “You put it in the closet, didn’t you?” At the rear of the room was a deep, old-fashioned closet, in which some of the boys had hung various articles of clothing. Hill ransacked it for his sweater, which he finally discovered. 3ucklin will make my sweater , { ’ 6eeg? * it’s a lucky thing If he was Cregan “Say,” he called from the closet, Dunlap isn’t within reach now. would put him in to pitch.” “Cregan doesn’t take much stock in Dunlap’s abili- ties,” said Curtis, once more beginning to match the cards upon the bed. “You ought to pee this game, Hill—really, you had.” | “Oh, you go to Halifax!” laughed Jack, coming out 05 the closet with his sweater and leaving the door open behind him. “We both knew it’s s going to be a - My arm really is just a little lame, though I suppose I could pitch if I had to. As for you, you’re not even sick a little bit You're ducking in order to let West get a dose of bitter medicine just _ when it will do Farnham Hall the least harm. It won't kill us if we do lose to-day, “together that wewouldn’t pitch. Some of the conceit paust be eee out of West, or else he’ I] be cock of the rial. We fixed it up | 4a WEEKLY. walk. Why, lots of the fellows think him aj yRetees man than you to-day, Bland.” “Yah!” rasped Curtis. “Don’t tell me that again! I’ve heard it enough! I know it as well as you do! That’s why I’m not going to pitch.” Some one knocked softly at the door. “For goodness’ sake, Bland,” hissed Hill in excite- ment, “look out for those cards!” Curtis caught up the cards as quickly as possible, thrust them under the pillow and curled himself on the bed with his face toward the wall. Hill started for the door, but ere he could touch the knob it swung open and into the room walked Ben Dunlap and Bob Mullen. Mullen closed the door and turned the key, which happened to be in the lock. “Well, where did you chaps come from?” eried Hill in surprise. 99 “The next room to this,” answered Mullen, jerking his thumb in the direction, ‘‘That’s Dunlap’s. room. He’s staying here. He took it early this morning. He and I have been there ever since you chaps arrived. We decided not to show ourselves in a hurry.” Curtis turned over on the bed and stared at them. Mullen put his hands on \his hips, surveyed Bland for a moment or two, then burst into loud laughter, giving his leg a slap. , 3 “So you're the sick man,,are you?” he said. “Well, you can nue it pretty well, but you don’t look real sick to me.’ “What do you mean?” asked Curtis. “I am sick.” “Tn your mind, old chap—in your mind. Oh, sit up. Go ahead with your game of solitaire. You can’t play that on us. We're onto your game.” “Well, I’m blowed if you aren’t insolent!’ snapped “What do you mean by that kind of talk?” : Dunlap: sat ma n and lighted a cigarette. “Come, he said, shaking the match to ex- tinguish it, “quit it, fellows—dquit it. Bob is telling you the straight stuff. We’re onto your game. You' re both Hill’s arm isn’t lame; Curtis isn’t sick. West is sick, and you're going to force him to pitch to-day so that Bucklin will bump. him.” come,” faking. Curtis sat up, although he still pretended to feel miserably ill, + “Open that door, Jack,” he said. “Kick them out. I won't stand for anything like this from these chaps. If I was able I’d kick them out myself.” “T wouldn’t do any kicking if I were in your place,” sneered Mullen. “You can’t afford to try it. °If you do you ‘ll expose yourselyes—or rather we'll expose you. ~ Now we're all friends, or we shouldbe, anyhow. Be pete = “3 noon. ec OE I PLT EE et RS ee Soe ers 4 es ae SS ae ee = te De We said, * “was the explanation. shelf in this closet here. ey oe There’s not one of us four who has any use for Bill West. ° West is sick, isn’t he—really sick? Well, you can thank us for that.” | “Thank you?” muttered Hill. 7 wee; ts," “Why—why, you weren’t in Bloomfield last night when they gave West that little smoke council. How do you take so much credit?” Mullen chuckled. “T planned the’whole business,” he said. “I laid the plans, and Dunlap made the arrangements with Wal- Walle ler, who carried them through. r got some of his chums to help him, and they gave West that smok- . I knew it would make him sick, for he’s always upset by even a breath of-tobacco smoke blown in his face. that West would be used to pitch to-day. ing. I knew he couldn’t stand it. As I told ‘you, we’ve been here since early this morning. The Bucklin team has been practicing batting this fore- We've taught them how to hit Bill West’s pet curve. You know how we fellows of the second team pounded that ball. day that I saw. Frank Merriwell demonstrate to West that the ball was easy to hit. I heard Mr. Merriwell tell exactly how to hit it by stepping back a bit from the plate and striking low with the bat. The ball looks like a rise or a high in shoot, but it’s really an in drop. If West attempts to rely on that curve to-day he’ll be pounded to the four corners of the universe. ae Bucklin man is coached to hit it.” those Bucklin fellows can hit. I wouldn’t pitch ’ put in Dunlap; ‘ They “‘And say,’ are batters all right. against them for anything.” it aoe gets an eye on you he’s liable to ask you _ to pitch.” “He can ask and be hanged,” said Ben. “He won't get me. I’m no fool. I know my little book.”, “But how do you happen to know so much about us?” asked Curtis. “What business had you to say - that I wasn’t sick?” ‘And what made you say my arm wasn’t lame ?’’ de- manded Hill. Mullen jerked his thumb toward the open closet at the back of the room. Ee aH chaps are going to talk priv ately i in here,” ‘keep that closet door shut.” “The closet door!” muttered Curtis. “Why?” “There’s another closet directly opposite this one,” “Tf you'll look, you'll, find an opening in the partition above the highest. I happened to want some- there’s I figured it out. We did it because it happened*one _- after another, and ice what four chaps ‘were talking - too; and, his curiosity aroused, he finally rose from. WEEKLY. : | 17 thing in our closet, and I heard you chaps talking. I called Dunlap. We listened. That’s all there is to io } Neither Curtis nor Hill were inclined to keep up the bluff. They surrendered at once. | “You fellows want to keep still about this,” Bland. ‘Don’t talk it over. hear you.” “Oh, that’s all right,” chuckled Mullen. “Don’t you worry about us. We’re all in the same boat, it seems. We all want to down Bill West. By pulling together we ought to be able to do so, too. I think he will lose some of his reputation to-day.” ta said If you. do, somebody may CHAPTER IX. THE DISCOVERY. Now a singular thing happened. Willie West had eaten very little before he was seized with intense “nausea and forced to leave the table. Branch hurried after Willie, who hastened outside the hotel, and found him sick and discouraged. ; , “Go back, Hunk—do go back,” gasped Willie. “Tl iat your dinner. Don’t stay here and watch me lose mine. You can’t do anything. It’s no use. Let me alone. Go eat.” | When Hunk seemed inclined to remain with him, Willie almost savagely drove him away. 7 After a little time, West reéntered the hotel, blind and faint, and, dragging himself wearily up the stairs, sought his room. By a singular chance he made a mis- _ take and entered the room of Dunlap and Mullen. Dropping on the bed, he lay utterly disconsolate and disheartened. He ,heard the murmur of voices, but paid no heed until suddenly his own name, , spoken by some one, reached his ears. ‘ Changing his ‘position, he listened. Now and then — he caught a word. He recognized the voices, one in that nearby room. They were speaking of him, the bed and approached the door! of the closet, which was standing’ open. — , : 2 “This isn’t my room,” he decided, ooking aroutil “I made a mistake.” J Ae Holding onto the closet door, he listened a moment, more than half resolved to leave the room and_ seek his own. But what he heard held him there. | ‘Tt aroused bi in a aarnresinG & muariner, and soon he TIP TOP listening with the greatest intentness, fearful that he would. lose even a word. He heard it all. those four had plotted to do him harm, and for the first time in hours his blood began to stir warmly in his. body, In this manner he discovered how By ean rascals His indignation and anger at this treachery warmed him a bit, even though he was still sick and faint. he whis- You hope to You've coached Bob Mullen? Well, 90 that’s the sort of fellows you are!” pered to himself. see me batted out of the box, do you? them to hit my curve, I won’t use it to-day—-I won’t use it. Oh, if I only felt a little better! I’m afraid I can’t pitch any kind of agame. I will—I will pitch! Ill pitch a winning game, too. I won’t use that curve. If I will be when they aren't looking for it. I’ll remember Frank Merriwell’s coaching and use my head. If I ean only control the ball to-day! I’d rather pitch well _ to-day then ever before in my life. I didn’t dream of such meanness in Bland Curtis. | was always suspicious of Aim. Mullen and Dunlap are sneaks, sneaks! I'll fool them all.. Let me get out of here before they come and find me.” In his own room he began walking the floor, stag- géring now and then like a drunken person, but setting his teeth and fighting off the weakness. Over and over he kept vowing that he would pitch a winning _ game that afternoon. | Te Stan Cregan was just leaving the dining room when WwW illie W est Frabpaared, ; “Captain,” he said, “sometimes when I've been real _ sick I could keep. down a little hot milk, Don't you suppose I can get some now?” “Now I know you! have you, do use it, it “Qh, perhaps so,’ ’ said Cv regan, aho was thoroughly , downcast by this time. game.” nl Aik OAT pitch, e exciladried Willie py can pitch, bie gan, and I’m going to. I want to pitch this game. Don’t refuse me the chance now. | _ hot milk and see if it won't brace me up. Pil a ‘or. die!” rn ae ; _ His words and, his. tmantier shee ified ak downcast Pa Fan aL a fe aid “Well, if you feel that way, ‘satis you can a it, old chap,” he said. ot UL see if I can ee vgn of hot ‘milk for you.” ‘a On hain Mah her bas Eh ae ee WEEKLY. As for Jack Hill, I. after “But you can’t pitch, Bill. | We'll faye to put in some fellow. who never pitched a_ Get me a glass of © Less a ten minutes later Willie was se ‘a Indeed, it revivified and stimulated him in ful manner. dawn, too. a wonder A little color crept back into his cheeks, and he looked somewhat like himself. ‘Perhaps [ll be able to eat a little something in half an hour,’’ he said, “and I’d like another glass of hot mill just before we start for the field.” “Don’t you want some coffee?” asked Cregan. “No, no. take now. That would be the worst thing I could I don’t know why it is, but when I’m upset It’s only hot milk When I was a little times, the doctor used to order hot It’s queer, but I believe the things that coffee knocks me out completely. that seems to agree with me.., fellow and sick at mille for me. agree with a chap most are the things which agreed with him and he became accustomed to when he was pretty young.” “There’s a lot of truth in the old saying that one man’s meat is another man’s poison,” “Now. it seems to me sick as a dog. squeamish.” Willie resolved not to tell B the game. smiled Cregan. as if hot milk would make me ranch the truth until He feared Hunk would become so infuriated that he would get into a fight with the ras- cals. West returned to his room and remained there until it was time for the boys to proceed to the field. | He had told Branch that he was feeling somewhat better, and Hunk was relieved and encouraged. In truth, West’s improyement was even more than he confessed, for he did not wish the plotters to im- agine there was any possible show for him. to pitch a wi nning game. In order that the visitors might get a train, the game was advertised to begin at 2:30 instead of 3 o'clock, : , with the exception. started. for the aaa ieeaiee in their uni- | Shortly before 2 of Curtis, o’clock the players forms. Jack Hill pretended to be greatly convergan over, and asked him with hypoeritical. West’s condition, sympathy how he felt. “Oh, I haye. felt better,’’ to punch, the fellow. “I’ve felt worse, too,’ “Do you think you can pitch?” : “T’ve got to, haven't LEO Late Do you?” “Ves, 99 - “Then why don’t you pitch?” ny Satie “Why, you know I can't. Bega vw My ATL yee | I can’t think of it without feeling answered W illie, longing 7 et POR that way. Lwish h I could pitch this after Je noon,’ j oe ete 2 +) ‘ look like a raw$amateur in short order. Frank Merriwell players! - ou, they might talk! Tif 2tOr “Oh, yes,” said Willie, arm was lame.” Hill wondered if West implied a doubt as to his truthfulness. He flushed a bit and glared at Willie, who, however, walked along with an air of perfect in- “T know you said that your nocence. The Bucklin field proved to be unfenced, but the diamond was fairly Left field, however, fell off in a hollow, so that the fielder playing far back could only be seen at the home plate from his waist upward. Behind the base lines there were long, stout rails to hold the spectators back from encroaching, upon the field. The Bucklin team was on hand when Farnham Hall arrived. a gathering of spectators had assembled. satisfactory. Already quite For a little while Willie sat on the bench and watched his teammates working. Hill was pleased over this, for he felt that West still remained in a condition which would w holly unfit him for a hard game. A few minutes before time for the game to begin West pulled off his sweater and prepared to warm up. “Take it easy, old chap,” “Don’t work too hard. Just get the kinks out of your wing, that’s all.” Willie smiled and nodded. He did work easy, al- though he seemed to be laboring much harder than he really was. Once or twice he appeared to make an effort to get speed into the ball, but the watchful Hill decided that his arm was weak. Practice began right away. said Cregan. One thing Willie discovered, greatly to his satis- faction, which was that his control was excellent. He could put the ball anywhere he wished with almost the — precision of an arrow. he again and waited for After satisfying stopped, pulled on his sweater himself, the game to begin. « va ‘Cregan and Stone consulted about ground rules, and when everything was thoroughly understood the umpire called, “Play.” Farnham Hall went to bat first. Johnny Ford, the Bucklin pitcher, took Fielding in hand and made Ross The man who headed the visitors’ batting order did not even touch the ball, being quickly fanned by Ford. The assembled crowd shouted its delight. “That’s the stuff, Johnny!” “You’re the boy for us! You can show up the great If they had a pitcher like 1»? cried a little man, wav- ing his hat and displaying a shining bald pate. 19 WEEKLY. who followed Fielding, back of third and was out. Then Cregan hit a weak grounder directly at Ford, who scooped it with a flourish and tossed it to first for the third put out. \ ¢ West doffed his sweater and prepared for business. Turner, put up a e foul CHAPTER X, A SUCCESSFUL START. Naturally the visitors were decidedly anxious, al- though they sought to conceal the fact, and they began their usual lively coaching behind their pitcher as soon as Willie toed the slab. ; Cregan’s anxiety betrayed itself in unusual nervous- ness as he adjusted the mask and crouched behind the bat for Sines, the first hitter for the locals. “Get the first one, Bill,” he urged. “The others will come easy.” West took the signal and swung into the long, free delivery which he used when there were no runners on‘the bases. ‘The first ball came over far too high— so high, in faet, that Cregan had to jump for it. The next one was wide, and the en Hall captain got it with his right bare hand. “He’s wild as a hawk!” cried a Bucklinite. a minute and he’ll walk you, Sines!” But in rapid succession West shot over two swift straight ones, both of which were declared strikes by the umpire, although Sines made no effort to hit them. “Oh, he’s wild, he’s wild!’ barked Stubby Rudd de- risively. “Just wait a bit longer, old chap, and you'll walk—to the bench.” But Sines, regretting that he had let these good “Wait = ones pass, prepared to smash the next ball that came over. ‘Look out for it!” warned Everett Stewart, speak- ing just loud enough for the batter to.understand his. words. “Look out for it,” was the ieeat agreed upon a the Bucklinites as a warning to beware of West’s own peculiar curve. Sines understood and was ready, for he also had expected the visiting pitcher to use that ball at this juncture. came high and swift, and Sines, having stepped back a little, struck low to meet it. To his dismay he did not even touch it. West had fooled the first batter by. bai a switt ” Apparently West did attempt to use it, for the ball - 20 TAP EOP rise instead of his pet high in drop, and the Bucklin fully a foot below the hall. oe Stubby Rudd whooped with joyous relief, while 3 Hunk Branch, who had also been disturbed and anx- ious, began to chuckle. “You're all right, Sill!’ averred Hunk, you've got ’em all up your sleeve to-day. you better in your life.”’ Out in right field Jack beneath his breath. Tom Waller, Bob Mullen and Ben Dunlap were in a little group by themselves. Dunlap had taken pains to keep out of Cregan’s sight until the game started. “Say,” muttered Waller, “West fooled that fellow all right. He doesn’t seem to be so very sick.” man had struck “Why, I never saw Hill muttered something “That’s right,” growled Mullen, “he doesn’t. He’s revived amazingly. “If he pitches this game through and wins it,” hissed Dunlap, “T'll be the sorest man in seventeen states and nine territories.” “That’s too many territories, “Oh, don’t joke,’ * watch this next man. it?” “Yes, that’s Ford,” nodded Mullen. “Why do they put him second on the batting order ?” _ questioned Waller. 9» , grinned Waller. erated Dunlap. “Just watch— That’s Ford, the pitcher, isn’t _ base runners,” explained. Mullen. “He'll get a crack off West all right, see if he don’t.’ But Ford missed the first ball he swung at. balls, although two of them cut. the corners. “Got to split the plate in two, West!” cried Cre- “You won't get anything unless you do.” The umpire scowled, a bit at this “knock,” -frained from saying anything. : West did cut the plate in two with the het one, but he did not get it past Ford. ~The Bucklin pitcher Janded on the ball with savage force and laced it far into right field. Hill made a one-handed fae at a ball as-it took tthe first bound and missed it. “Ing, to say the least, and while he chased the Spalding into the extremity of his patrol ground F ‘ord went skimming over the sacks to. reach ret at which he was held by the coacher, | Hill had relayed the ball into the diatond, ais “Because he’s one of their best hitters and finest Fol-— lowing this he let three pass, and all were declared but re- It was awkward field- | into me. at. first to Decrow, who ran out to receive it ret 3 NT et een oe oe ae WEEKLY. Satisfaction, and they repressed a demonstration of q delight with no small difficulty. | | fi “Steady, fellows—steady,” whispered Mullen. “Don’t laugh. Pretend to be mad.” d “Oh, wasn’t that a linger—wasn’t it!” palpitated } Ss. Dunlap. “That man Ford ts a hitter, isn’t he?” te “But Hill fielded that ball like a prune,” said Waller. qon “If he’d got it on the bound Ford would have been bi compelled to step fast ‘In order to reach first.” , “Oh, Hill isn’t going to assist Bill West if he can . help it,” declared Mullen. “Take my word for it, Waller, neither Hill nor Curtis is in love with West. They aren’t rejoiced to see a fellow coming up to crowd them out and carry off the pitching honors.” # Cregan had shouted to Hill to “brace up and look 2 alive,’ and then he sought to soothe and reassure West t by urging him not to mind what had happened. : . Willie knew Hill had not backed him up. It made x him tingle with resentment, and again he quite forgot 1% the fagt that he was still decidedly ill. His eyes flash- ing, he made a mental-resolve to do his best with the x . batters who followed Ford. ‘hs eee: Something warned him that the Bucklin lads, al- | though country boys, were, ball players who knew the — 4 hi 1 “squeeze play,” and, realizing this was a fine oppor- | ¢ tunity for the locals to seek to work it, he shook his 4 ne head over Cregan’s first two signals and used a high, =| ¢ close rise on Barton. Even as he swung into his short | delivery he saw Ford, who had crept off third, start "| I at full speed for the pan. , a : Barton tried hard to hit the ball, but missed. Then et ‘ he seemed to get his feet tangled and fell against Cregan. Nevertheless, Stan leaped aside, hanging fast. ty to the Spalding, and then sprang past the batter, nail- } ing Ford as the latter made an effort to plunge head- | —— long for the plate. | Par ne “Oh, beautiful beautiful work!” shrieked ‘Stubby Rudd. “A handsome squeeze—I don’t think! W hy, that play is out of date! Have you fellows just got next to it? Try something new!” work! “Clean and pretty, Bill,” laughed Cregan. “You put _ that one where the man couldn’t touch if, Never mind bs apologies, Barton. I knew you were going to tumble . . That’s a stale one, too. ve don’t play that. i sort of baseball at Farnham Hall.” i: The, locals were much disappointed over Ford’s fail- ure to score. Barton muttered some retort to Cre- Ng gan, rubbed dirt on his palms and grabbed the ‘bat, looking savage enough to pound the cover off the ball. But he did: not pound it off, for Mee gave as’ a queer crooked one, which he lifted into an easy foul fly that Cregan smothered. “All right, all right,’ langhed Stan, tossing the ball down and making a jump toward the bench, at the Same time reaching for the straps of his body-pro- tector. Bill, old chap. Why, you never were better in your life! We'll put you ‘ig a smokehouse every night before we play “Fine business, a game.”’ Bob Mullen, sometimes inclined to be profane, was swearing in a whisper. “Hang me if I didn’t think they would bat him hard right off the reel!’’ he said. “I believe it was luck that kept them from doing so,’ muttered Dunlap. “They made a mistake in try- ing to work the squeeze play. There was no need of it. If they will keep after West, they'll hit him hard enough to win two games without sacrificing or play- ing the squeeze. They lost a run by that foolishness.” “At dinner time,’ said Waller, “West was so sick he couldn’t eat much, and he lost what he did eat. I was afraid he was going off his pins completely. I was afraid he wouldn't be able to pitch at all. Hanged if I e¥ér saw a fellow brace up the way he has.” “Look at them congratulating him!” snarled’ Dun- lap. ‘Any one would fancy they thought the game as good as won. They'll have to hit some if they make many runs off Johnny Ford. He’s a pitcher, and I _ think I’m a judge of pitchers, too.” | “Well, we'll see what he can do this time,” ‘Mullen, as Ford walked into the box once more said CHAPTER XL. ef DISAPPOINTED PLOTTERS. The moment the strain and excitement of. pitching _ relaxed and Willie started for the bench he felt some- ~what giddy and his head threatened to spin. _} . vented himself from betraying any sign of weakness. _ teammates, warning them that the game “was young,” when Hill expressed regret because. he failed to stop Ford’ s hit when it bounded past him. ‘teived a fellow who was approaching, Sweater and rain-coat. It was Curtis, who could net way from re; fie! d no longer. TIP TOR Never- | theless, he braced up, set his teeth and resolutely pre- | - He modestly accepted the congratulations of his “and succeeded in restraining any show of resentment As Sanderson stepped out to the plate Hill per- ‘a muffled in a: WEEKLY, , seen Blanding, and so he rose from the bench indiffer- ently and sauntered toward Curtis. “What the dickens are you doing here?” he said | in alow tone. ‘“You’re supposed to be ate in bed.” “Well, m feeling alittle better—just a little,” said Curtis, wearing such a doleful face that Hill barely succeeded in smothering a laugh. away, you understand, “TL couldn’t keep even though I am awful sick. I’m anxious about the game. “First inning ended. This is the beginning of the second. No runs for either side.” “No runs?” “No.” “What did West do?” “Pulled out.of a bad hole. Bucklin had a man on third, with only one out, and tried the squeeze play. Batter failed to hit the ball, and Cregan got the Next man put up a foul, and Bucklin lost her chance to score.” “Then it wasn’t West’s pitching,” whispered Curtis. “No, not exactly, although he started in a blamed sight better than I thought he could. I don’t believe he'll last, though.” “Don’t you?” “No. If they ever get to hitting him—and they’re sure to do so—he will go all to pieces. Are you going to let Cregan see you?” ) “Yes, I’m going to sit on the bench. You see ’m sO ae I can’t stand up, but I’ve just got to watch the game.” Again Hill suppressed a chuckle, suddenly whirling round as he heard bat and ball meet.. How is it going? runner, Sanderson had hit a furious grounder skimming toward Sines, the Bucklin shortstop. Sines fielded the ball a bit awkwardly, but lunged at it and caught it up after fumbling and made a swift throw to first, which caught Sanderson ere he could cross the sack. “Too bad, Sandy—too bad!” shouted Rudd. robbed you!’ a | But Stubby did not do as s well’) Hisfoul back of first was easily handled by Kerr, the slender initial- " _ sacker of the locals. FR ade a v as Hill, anxious: to make a good ee at batting, sae his prettiest to get a hit. He lifted a “rainbow” over | the infield, but “Ellis, the middle garden man of the Bucklins, came in swiftly and gathered the sphere. “Hello, Curtis,” said Cregan,-as Bland seated him- self on the bench. “‘Couldn’t you stand the suspense ?” “No,” answered Curtis, shaking his head; “I just a ‘i had to come out here: and watch the game < wish could oe feces ty wy “rte \ 22 ; ,TIP TOP Then Hill’s fly was caught and'Farnham Hall went into the field again. Gordon Stone, Bucklin’s captain and third baseman, walked out to the pan and smashed the first ball West pitched, It was a humming two-sacker, and the crowd yelled its approval. “That ought to start Bill West going,’’ muttered Dunlap in great satisfaction. they'll all «hit him.” Rupple looked toward Stone as the Bucklin captain laughingly rose to his feet at second. He was given the signal to hit, and he squared himself for business. Two balls West pitched wide, bending them just be- yond the outside corner, and Rupple let both pass. Then Willie seemed to “go into a dope,” for with the ball in his hands he dumbly let Stone steal third behind his back. He was aroused by the yelling of his com- radcs, but turned too late to put the ball to third and catch the runner. “Tt’s all off with William West, Esquire,” chuckled Bob Mullen. “He’s up in a balloon.” “His wits were wool-gathering then, that’s sure,’ nodded Waller. In fact, West had been seized by dcattie spell of giddiness, which compblled him to place his feet wide apart and brace himself hard to keep from swaying. Again the situation was serious, forsnow the locals had a man on third with no one out. It seemed that they were certain to make a run. West set his teeth and shook himself idirethae. “Look out for it!’ cried Stone from third. Whiz!—a high, swift one sped from Willie’s fin- gers. Rupple struck under it.. “What's the matter? What’s Dunlap. “Now the matter?” Srowisa “They don’t seem to hit any of that kind. Why don’t they go after them the way they were coached to?” “In my opinion,” said Waller, “West isn’t using that pet curve of his.” — , “Do you think so?’ muttered Mullen. “Yes, and I think so, too,” said Dunlap. ‘“That’s what’s fooling ’em. He’s not working his high in _ drop. It looks like a rise to me. They’re striking _ under the ball.” / “There goes Rupple Beat “That’s two strikes on him.” “Steady, Rup!” called Captain Stone, dancing a lit- “tle way off third. “You can hit him! He’s easy !”’ _ Again West pitched a high hall. This time Rupple : fancied he knew how to meet it, but it proved to be ps - soon. ‘ ‘ palpitated Mullen. | WEEKLY. shooting down swiftly. Ruppie he struck more than a marvelous drop, had ‘struck under the other two; a foot too high for announced the umpire with a seem- this one. “You're out,” ing intonation of regret. “Fine work, Bill—fine work!” laughed Cregan. “Tt’s too bad for Stoney. He'll die on third.” “Never!” said Stone. “Get against the ball, Stew- art.’ Everett Stewart, the catcher, was the next hitter. said Mullen. “He ought to Just watch him.’ ““Here’s my _cousin,”’ hit it. He will. But Stewart made a fizzle and fanned in short or: der, to the unspeakable joy of the visitors. “Oh, Bill, stuff!” said Cregan. “They've got to get a man on third before you really you're the real _ wake up “You're pitching like a lark, old chap,” cried Stubby Rudd. “Never saw such fineework in my life.” Hunk Branch was so swelled with satisfaction and pride over the performance of his roommate that his lips were dumb. “Bill’s sick,” see him pitch! “sick as a dog he thought : but just Why, he’s a wiz! It must ‘niles Cur- tis ree as sick as he really is to watch this perform- ‘ance.’ “A little single, Ellis,” implored Stone, as the Buck- lin centre fielder walked out with his bat. “Give me Don’t try to kill the ball. Just meet that speed easy.” f West did have Speed. a chance to score. The delivery taught him by Frank Merriwell enabled him to put his body into the’ ball, and he could make it hum when he wished. He hummed the first one over Ellis, fouled it. “That’s a piece! that’s a piece!” coachers. close for cried one of the “Take a bite next time! Eat it! eat it!” Apparently West started to deliver another swift one; but he had been coached to mix them up, and now, knowing those Bucklin chaps were expecting speed, he tried a slow ball. “Oh, that was a speedy one for you!” cried Stubby Rudd. “You can PEAY know is going’ to give you.’ “Two sttikes on this man, West, old chap,” It was a call for an in shoot. cu } On sh who It was a success, for it | came up slow enough to fool Ellis, who struck too > just what Bill West West decided to use. : that curve, and he started it like a straight ball, wide | said Cregan, crouching and giving a signal under his out- — - spread mitt. 04 ea _ “Turner had rio business to touch it.” _ “Didn’t you hear West holler for him to take it?” asked Stan. | Hill and — yelled for _ drop it or miss it entirely. Co rw e trom the plate. cut ae sical corner. It took a sudden veer, however, and “Ball,” said the umpire. “Oh, come, come!” “that was on the corner. Give us a square deal.” Immediately the umpire “called” Cregan, and Stan shrugged his shoulders. remonstrated Cregan; Bill,” he it straight over the middle of the pan. fellows can hit it.” said. “Put See if these “You won't get a corner to-day, Ellis hit and lifted a fly into the territory midway between Bill did put it over, although he used a drop. Turner. If anything, it was a trifle nearer But Willie, turning to watch the ball, suddenly Hill would Hill. Turner to take it, feeling sure Turner shouted at Jack: “Room! room! I'l take it!” “It’s mine!” cried Hill. They collided, both of theni going down. But Turner had made one last leap at the ball ltt seized it. Even though he was knocked down, he held fast to the Spalding, and, sitting on the ground, ex- | tended it far above his head. Of, course Stone had come home. The umpire hesi- tated and announced that the batter was out. Stone’s score did not count. “Awful!” groaned Mullen. ‘‘What the devil ‘did _ Turner mean by going over into Hill’s territory? It was Hill’s ball.” . “West yelled for Turner to take it,’ said Waller. Ts West captain of the team?” growled Dunlap. Hill came in from the field in a decidedly savage - frarne of mind. “That was my ball,” he said, addressing Cregan. “Yes, but I didn’t hear you tell any one to take it. Is West giving orders. to-day?” the ball. catch was made, “cept 19 ou, ap - “Now quite it, Jack,” said Cregan. “Turner held You're not hurt. You ought to be glad the for it kept Bucklin from’ scoring.” “J don’t take or ders from ‘any one on the team ex- said Hill, “I'll thank West to TIP TOP ‘the credit of another strike out, a great game. WEEKLY. et ee Ford seemed somewhat annoyed, for he hit De- crow in the ribs and passed him to first. Hunk Branch, reckoned the most uncertain batter of the team and therefore kept near the bottom of the list, walked out to the pan anxious to do something to put Farnham Hall “into the running.’”” He made a phenomenal long drive off the very first ball Ford pitched. The Spalding sailed over the head of Ellis, who made an ineffectual running jump for it. Decrow had listened to the advice of the coacher near first, and that coacher’s judgment was good, for he commanded the man to run the moment he saw the ball s Therefore Decrow was well on his way and running fast when Ellis made that ineffectual leap into the air. sailing away following Branch’s furious smash, Cregan, on the coaching line back of third, shouted and signaled for Decrow to go home. Con obeyed and scored with ease. Branch reached third, and the visitors had aries a run with no one out. “Here’s where we do it!”’ little He Bill, old boy. right here.” West was the batter. He rose from the bench, with a smothered sigh, and. walked toward the plate, Again, with the strain of pitching relaxed, he was feel- ing miserable indeed. i 7 laughed Cregan. “Just a Help win your own game Needless to.say, Mullen, Dunlap and Waller were in anything but a pleasant mood. “It's all West, West, West!” snarled Dunlap. “Any — one would think him the only real player we have got. If he makes a hit now—* Ah!” Willie had struck at a wide one and missed. . An instant later he let a good one pass, and the "umpire called the second strike. The batter brushed the back of his hand across his _ eyes as if seeking to wipe away a blurring film. or “I must try to hit it,” he thought. | Ey. But although he tried he failed, and Ford was even “Never mind, Bill,” said Cregan. “You'te icine < The rest of us will do. the higting. } Come on, F ielding, it’s ip te’you.” mi} ‘ Ross Fielding stung the ball on a line, but Moore, the second baseman, leaped high and made a beauti- ful one-hand catch. Branch barely scrambled back e third in time to prevent a double play. ee ee Turner followed F ielding. After having ‘two : strikes called on him, both of which looked doubtful By and caused Cregan to make an observation concerning A the eet affiction which troubled eu impire’s 24 LIP Ne eyes, Turner laced out a beautiful single and brought Branch home with the second run. Cregan ran toward the bench and secured his own bat. When he picked it up he did so in a manner which instructed Turner to try to steal second on the first ball pitched. Turner went down obediently, but Stewart made a splendid throw, and the Farnham man was tagged as he slid. : “Never mind,” said Cregan. “If you’d got that sack perhaps I could have brought you home. We’ve gathered two tallies. That’s only the beginning. Now, Bill, hold ’em steady!” CHAPTER XII. BILL SHOWS HIS METTLE. West was feeling meaner than he had at any previ- ous stage of the game. hovering over his eyes. In a moment he hit Moore on the shoulder and sent the man to first. Kerr followed with a scratch single on which Moore moved up to third. Then, in spite of the encouragement of his team- mates and Cregan’s effort to steady him, Willie threw four balls to Sines and filled the sacks’ Dunlap and Mullen were palpitating with excite- ment. “This is his downfall!’ hissed Ben. feet right now!” - “T believe he is,” grinned Bob. “Anyhow, with the bases filled, they’re sure of scoring. They’ll tie the score and take the lead in this inning.” Curtis, who fancied himself a good judge of bat- ters, likewise believed that West’s Waterloo had dawned. | Make him, put it over, Ford,” “He can’t find the pan.’ “But Willie gathered himself enough to pitch two straight ones over the plate, and Ford realized that he would have to hit the next good one. _ _ After wasting two, West tried to give the batter a high ball. He made a mistake and threw it straight across Ford’s breast, precisely where the fellow liked to have them come. 5 Ford hit the Spalding fair and square. It whistled ile. a bullet as it shot out from the bat on a dead _ line. Py That blur still persisted in “He's off his urged era Stone. _ Stubby Rudd made one electrified leap and theust his ! Se a RR NN ARES PS, yO PTEL eer WEEKLY. the speed of which nearly car- Nevertheless, Rudd held fast to the sphere, and, the instant he could square him- self, he whipped it to Fielding, who had leaped onto third. Moore had started for the plate. elled at him, and he tried to get back. hand out for the ball, ried him off his feet. The coachers y He was too be: and a double play had been made. “You're out at third,” said the umpire with such an intonation of sadness that the members of the visit- ing team shouted with derisive laughter. “That fixes it, Bill, old chap,” said Cregan. “Now do your prettiest, and they'll never tally in this in- ning.” Curtis felt like teeth tightly shut. It seemed as if that double restored West ‘to his normal condition in a twinkling. The blur de- His Dunlap and Mullen both swore. swearing also, but kept his play parted from his eyes, and he was himself again. heart full of confidence, he became steady as a clock as he pitched to Barton. He could once more put the ball just where he wished; and, using his head, he put it where Barton could not touch it. The heavy-hitting right fielder of the locals struck out. “They won't have another-chance like that in this game,’ laughed Cregan, flinging aside the body-pro- tector. “They've missed their golden opportunity.” He was right, too. Thenteforward the came a pitcher’s battle between West and Ford, and with every inning the Farnham man’s effectiveness in- creased. he died there, for as he, started to steal third Willie West struck out the third man. action stamped him a young phenomenon. After the fifth not one of the locals could secure a safe hit. The pitching of Bill West was of such thing like it. “Why, boys, toward the tlose, he wants to. “Bill I never saw such control. such speed. I never saw such head work.” Blanding Curtis writhed inwardly as he heard these words. As for Hill, he was now quite as sick, in a ‘way, as West had been when the game began. ° The feelings of Mullen and Dunlap cgn ee imag- viet amounted to nothing. had had their trouble for their pains, and that _ ied: They was all there was to it, On this day, when they had expected to see Frank Merriwell’s pupil meet with an ignominious downfall, All their plotting had game be- The pitcher’s every — a figh order that | ‘Stan Cregan declared he had never before c caught any- he had established himself be-_ q Inthe fifth Bucklin gota man on second, but. 5 : a: ”’ said Stan, as the game was drawing cary put that ball exactly where I never saw. ma —_ L_ — 4 rs € Bea ci the game, and kick me a couple of times. Ti TLTOr yond the possibility of any further questions or dis- pute as the star pitcher of the team. Curtis knew this. He felt that this day he had dropped into second place As for Hill, with rage that henceforth he would as the Farnham Hall pitcher. boiling in his heart, he knew be used on the slab only as he might be needed in easy games. The locals fought to the last ditch, but those two runs secured by Farnham Hall in the third were in- surmountable. Even though the splendid work of Ford and the support he received prevented the visit- ors from tallying again, two scores were enough to win 3ucklin was shut out on her own field. When the game was over West received congratula- tions from every one except the disgusted and disap- pointed plotters. “Bill was the “lor a sick man,” laughed Cregan, greatest marvel I ever handled behind the bat.. Fel- lows, he’s got a wizard wing. He’s a wonder any- how. No other man ever developed into, a pitcher of such calibre as quickly as he has.”’ “Oh, fellows, let up—do let up!’ implored West. “IT had good luck and good support, that was all. I did want to win this game, and I tried hard. But just think how you backed me up in the last of the third inning. Just think how I filled the sacks without a single man out and then ygu kept them from scoring. Rudd, that was a grand catch. I wanted to hug you then.” “Wow! wow! whoopee!” cried Stubby, Willie with both arms. ‘‘Do it now! Bill, I’ve ma- ligned you. I’ve talked,rotten about you. Bill, I apologize, and I'll be much obliged if you'll kindly Won't you please ?”’ “Well, not to-day,” laughed West. “I don’t think any one should do any kicking’ after this game.” grabbing But then, as he saw Curtis and Hill walking away together, sudden resentment filled his heart. He was tempted to tell the truth then and there, but refrained. “T’ll Jet them know about it though,” he decided. On the way from the field Branch stuck close to his roommate, whom he now admired beyond words to ex- press. “Bill, old chap,” he said, “those fellows who gave ~ you that smoking last night didn’t do us up after all. I tell you I’m going to find out who’s responsible, and when I do : 5) “T know,” said Willie in a low tone. Hunk grabbed his arm. “You what?’ he hissed. “IT know who was guilty.” -if you didn’t say it was true, Bill,” he said. er WEEKLY. “You do?” Des: “EHlow do you know?” West fell back in order that no one else save Branch himself might hear his words, and then he told Hunk & the truth. The big fellow was furious. “T wouldn’t believe it of Bland Curtis or Jack Hill ““As for those other whelps, those fellows who put up that job to make you sick and knock you out, I’m going to have a reckoning with them.” “Don’t,” said West. “Oh, but Tom Waller “Wait till I catch him! Waller, Mullen and Dunlap «had stopped on the old bridge and were looking at the swift water below the arch. They ceased talking as Branch and West drew “T’ll settle my own accounts.” lied to me!” grated Hunk. Where is he?” near. Hunk stepped right into the midst of them, seizing Tom by the collar. “You sneaking, lying, treacherous whelp!’ Branch. “Here, away. “Take your hands off me I with you, anyhow?” “You’re a liar and a cur, that’s what you are!” said Hunk. “You lied to me about that hazing business last night. These two other sneaks, Dunlap and Mul- len, put up the job and you carried it through.” “You lie yourself!’ palpitated Waller. In another instant Branch struck him a blow which ‘sent him spinning against the wooden railing of the bridge. \ | Z ‘At that point the old bridge tailing was weak and insecure. It) snapped beneath the impact of Waller’s ‘body, and, with a cry, the fellow plunged eae downward toward the water. | West had tried ‘to catch Branch by the elbow and failed. He sprang to the side of the bridge and saw a piece of the broken railing fall and strike the head of Waller, who disappeared i in the swift water. Not an instant did Willie hesitate. On coming ‘to Farnham Hall he had known nothing about swim- grated snarled Waller, trying to break What’s the matter let go!” ming, but since then he had taken lessons daily until he 1 had become an adept swimmer. Placing his hands to- — _ gether, he leaped from the shi i diving seats as: into the river. The startled and horrified boys on the bridge looked — down and ‘saw West shoot like an arrow beneath: the’ surface of the water. pene and shaking. with Marca toe alarm, they watched, and soon a shout went up, for the head of West appeared. The®urrent had carried him some distance down toward the deep pool above the dam, but in that plunge he had found Waller, and ae they saw he had a grip on the unconscious fellow. “The dam! the dam!” shouted several. “If the eur- rent carries them over the dam they'll be killed on the rocks below! Run, fellows, run!” ir hey ran, leaving the bridge and leaping down the embankment to race madly toward the old mill and the broken dam. Branch was foremost among them. He was thinking with horror of what he had done, filled with unspeakable terror lest his act should re- sult in the death of both Waller and West. the bank of the river, all made toward the dam. Hunk got there first. saw Willie fighting in the edge of the current, but Looking up the stream, he still being swept toward that break in the dam. Unen- cumbered West could have swum into quiet water and’ saved himself, but through it all he held fast to the other boy. opening where the water poured down upon the jagged rocks, from neh He it rose ina cloud of mist. Once he succeeded in regaining his balance and kept on. Bland Curtis had forgotten all about being \“‘sick,” and it happened that he was the one who reached the dam ‘at the heels of Branch. Without hesitation, he followed Hunk. | “Hurry, Branch!” he cried. can get clear of the current! If we: can only reach ; : Mii ii 9 him~ 3 “Tf we can only reach him!” panted Ha TA last the break in the dain’ stopped them. _ that point the water was hissing and thundering upon Below the rocks. The spray rose in a cloud around them. oY |The timbers and stones of the old dam were slimy and - slippery. i > "Careful, Branch!” ‘panted C artis. ‘come! ‘Let me get there with. you! lf we can only ae es hold of them! ‘Look out that ee don’ t Hip! N A shouting, running line of boys strung out along — ‘Branch ran out over the Sisthe dam iuiatd the slipped and came near plunging into the pool, but: he’ rt eatt believe West “FRANK MERRIWELL'S FIGHTERS; Byes "Faith and 1 Friendship Two Disgruntled Men—The pile Here. they» | WEEKLY. tion side by side, and as West and: Waller were swept i close to them in the edge of the current they seized | the imperilled boys. Even then it was a fierce struggle ei to draw Willie and Tom back along the upper edge of oe the dam and out of the dragging suction of the cur- a; rent. Other boys had arrived, however, and they ren- =} dered such aid as possible. Before long the victor oF g yd . lift Waller ter, and then he permitted them to pull him out also. West saw them from the wa- Was won. Slowly and cautiously they made their way back Waller and gasping as he recovered consciousness. along the dam to the shore. was strangling — He had swallowed more or less water, but in a short time he ‘revived, although he contintied to cough and strangle =} for several minutes. Aa “He’s all right,” said Curtis in great relief. “I ke can’t find any place on his head where the broken rail of the bridge bumped him.” a eC “How didI «| “Yes, [’m—all right,” gasped Waller. —get out—of the water?” Sp 4 1 ; “You owe your life to Bill West,” said Stan Cre- oe gan. ‘He jumped in after you and saved you,” a “Did: het’ gurgled Tom. “West, I’m mtuch— 4 obliged. I—I can’t—say what I want to. Maybe bimeby——”’ : é Quite a crowd of men and boys Had assembled. As Waller choked and faltered some one proposed a cheer for West, and the crowd responded instantly with a a i great shout of admiration for the boy who had this | ae | day proved the mettle that was in him. THE END, The Next Number (683) Will Contain OR, THE DECISIVE BATTLE WITH ai i tive—The Fellow Who K new—-The Threat and the Parting —Pulling Out of a Hole—A Matter of Confi- dence—Prison Fear—The Palen Week a: Done Gs Depths SB Ship. CONCLUSION. P Ransome looked back over his shoulder, smiled grimly, and continued on his way. Resolutely keeping his eyes from the storeroom with its fearful occupant, he opened cupboard after ‘cupboard, and a few minutes later returned to where his com- tades were standing, laden with some ship’s biscuits, a joint of cold meat, and a small beaker of water. The Terror Laying his coat on a skylight, Ransome placed the viands upon it, and signed to his comrades to fall to. “If it comes on to blow we carry a great deal too much can- vas,” said Ransome, as they finished their meal. “Come on, O’Ryan, let’s go aloft and see what we can do with the sails: It'll be dark in an hour, so we had better get everything home _ except sufficient ‘sail to give us steerage way. fe the wind, Tom. 7 Keep her head to That's right. Up you come, Dennis,” and, set- ting the example, Ransome clambered nimbly up the shrouds. It was hard work for two men, but at last the sails were reefed, and they regained the deck. “I wonder if his lordship, Jamaica Jack, is hanging about now?” Jaughed O’Ryan. “Yes, there he is, bless me, it’s quite like having an old friend near to see his fin sticking up above the waves,” he added, nodding toward where the huge shark was swimming by, about a cable’s length from the ship. “You must be hungry after your journey, my bhoy, here’s a bone. for ye!” and O’Ryan threw ‘the remains of their meal into the sea. As the bone splashed into the water, the shark darted forward. But ere he reached his object he swerved to the right, then swam off in a zigzag course, as though seeking to avoid some pursuer, and finally darted away, until his fin appeared but a tiny speck, a good half mile from the brig. : “What’s scared him?” asked O’Ryan. “I ceased, and looked inquiringly at his companion. “I seemed. to see a weird something, like a gigantic spider, floating where the bone struck just now,”. declared Ransome. “What?” demanded Ellis. “T wish I knew; I'd give the best part of my life to know! Don’t you see, youngster, it is the uncertainty that is so hard to bear! I would rather He pulled himself up suddenly. “At - any rate, it is no good -imagining things.” “Shure, an’ I wished to board her! I’d give my uncle’s old hat to be back in Banana Pete’s dugout again!” moaned O’Ryan. _ The use of the Irishman’s favorite expression did more than —atight else could have done to restore Ransome’s courage. He smiled, shook himself as though throwing off some heavy weight, then, turning on his heel, reéntered the fo’c’sle. A few minutes later he rejoined O’Ryan, his\face still very pale and grave,, with an expression of rising hopé “Hunt about for the locker where they keep the kerosene, Dennis, will you?” he requested. _. O’Ryan looked at the speaker as though he thought terror had driven him ee _ “No, no, old chap, it’s all right. Do as I tell you: Whatever the. fearful creatures are that have rendered this fine vessel a ‘derelict on the ocean, I have found one thing at least they fear,” he explained. Ten minutes later O’Ryan returned, carrying a sealed can of _ kerosene, half of which Ransome sprinkled in a square over the _ quarter-deck, and round the wheel, then, feeling that food was necessary ere they faced the horrors of the night, they lashed the helm, and entered the stateroom. : When they went on deck again a strange sight met their\ gaze. Deck, bulwarks, spars, running rigging, were alike dotted) with tiny. specks of blue, spectral light that shone like numberless _ phantom eyes through the increasing darkness. — “Sure, it’s the Flying Dutchman himself’ gasped O’Ryan. “An’, by the same token, there’s his jolly boat,” he added, pointing to ~ Where, some half mile from the bark, a huge, glowing mass Swept madly through the sea, now darting to, right, to left, now ‘sweeping round in a circle, the water falling from its ever- Shifting sides in an avalanche of* spray. “Tts Jamaica Jack! They’ve got him!” cried Tom Ellis, in -Shrill, hoarse tones. . O’Ryan irritably. wonder——” he: “What has got him? What are they? Tell me that!” shouted WEEKLY. _ 3 27 Tom Ellis did not answer, for a loud, shrill shriek of terror burst from his lips as he pointed, with trembling hand, to a fear- ful monster, which might well have been the chimera of a mad- dened poet’s dream, that was drawing its foul length over the port bulwarks amidships. The apparition, for such it seemed, was like nothing so much as a huge spider with long hairy legs, or tentacles, for each ter- minated in a broad, leaf-shaped sucker that adhered tightly to the woodwork, and raised a huge, bloated body, covered with short, red bristles, a foot from the deck. On either side of a cruel, parrot-like beak appeared round, saucer-liké eyes, fixed, horrible, lustreless. Paralyzed with terror, the three men watched the monster’s approach. Then a sigh of relief burst from their lips when they saw an advanced tentacle drawn swiftly back as it came in con- tact with the impregnated deck. ‘ Then came an hour-long minute of deathly silence, broken by a sudden, blood-curdling shriek from the apprentice, and, turning swiftly, Ransome found that, shrinking from the first sea spider, Tom Ellis had unconsciously gverstepped the kerosene-covered line of safety, and his leg had been seized by a second monster. Springing to the youngster’s side, he brought his heel down with all-his force unpon the sea spider’s head, then, as the crushed horror released its hold, he dragged his comrade to the centre of the square. “What are they? Octipi, spiders, or devils from the infernal regions,” groaned the doctor, gazing around him. ‘ “No matter what they are, we have got to face them. Try to find some more oil,” thundered Ransome, and, awakening, as from a fearful trance, O’Ryan disappeared within the cabin. When he returned with empty hands, it was to find Jack Ran- some, a slat torn from the aft-hatch in his hands, standing over Ellis’ prostrate body, as he battled fiercely against an overwhelm- ing horde of sea spiders that was pouring over the body of the monster that had first seized Tom Ellis. It was a fearful fight. With every spider slain, a dozen pressed forward to take its place. Drawing the unconscious apprentice from beneath the man who was defending him so gallantly, O’Ryan propped his limp body against the wheel, and then sprang to his feet in response to— eRansome’s appealing cry: “The kerosene. Make haste, or it will be too late.” A quick glance showed the Irishman that the bodies of the slain spiders had widened the bridge over the oil-soaked boards, across which their fellows were crowding in overwhelming num- bers. Snatching up the half-empty tin, he sprayed its contents broadcast over the mass of red bodies and wildly waving legs. _ Immediately the attack ceased, as, uttering angry hisses, the sea spiders retreated, and formed a semi-circle round the devoted three, snapping their parrot-like beaks, and stretching forth their sucker-armed legs, but without venturing to again approach their triumphant foes. “The curse 0’ Cromwell on ye, ye murtherin’ blood-suckers. If. we'd a barrel of kerosene and a fire engine we’d——” began O’Ryan, shaking his fist at the spiders, when Raymond inter-_ rupted him with a loud: “Doctor, didn’t you find the kerosene? Where's it stored?” “In the galley. It,might as well be in the mioon for any chance we have of getting to it,” returned O’Ryan despondently. Ransome’s face fell, for between the galley and themselves crawled a score of octopus-like spiders. With a sudden burst of despairing anger, he’ snatched up the empty can and flung it at them. f As the tin rattled on the deck, the spiders scurried off. With a loud “Whoop!” Raymond dashed across the vacated stretch of deck, and disappeared into the galley, closing the door behind him. Five minutes later, he flung open the door, and four crouching sea spiders that had turned upon hearing the creaking of the hinges, shrank back before the twirling mop with which the lieutenant was armed. : And now from being the attacked, Raymond became the at- tacker. Only stopping to dip his mop into a pail containing all — the oil he had been able to lay hands on, he advanced upon the — huddled spiders, and being shortly afterward joined by Q’Ryan — the two speedily drove the sea spiders headlong into their native element; then, having used the last of the oil to paint the bul- _ warks, they breathed freely for the first time since they had boarded the ill-fated derelict. i ak A few minutes later they were bowling along for Port Royal, _safety—and salvage. coke ae aa cm nt nnn May 8.21909, Bix ~NEW YORK, TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS, (Postage Free.) Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Each. Te AONUME ciel. abu aic dns oe Ge 65e, ONG YORE sei Gan esas, Nee os $2.50 ST MONTNS i. wise cots pete ewe, 85c. 2 copies one year.............. 4.00 6 months ....... bi Me GUN eke $1.25 1 copy two years...........265 4.00 How to Send Money—By post-office _or express money order, by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary letter. ; Receipts—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper change of number on your label. If not correct you have not been properly credited, and should let us know at once. STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York City. Ormonp G. Smitn, Georce C. Srrn, t Proprietors. 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, Allan F, Malone, Arizona. V. D. Reynolds, New York State. Edward B. Egan, New York City. Alfred M. Vandyke, Washington, : Edgar Bickle, Canada. Ralph F. Paulding, Mass. Carrie Hazelrigg, Minnesota. Clarence R. Sawyer, Canal Zone, Panama. Roy Lincoln, Colorado. John Anson Lee, New York City. 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- non of eee favorite weekly and win a place on the Roll of Leen APPLAUSE. “Owing to the large number of letters fepabtesds the dase of tp Top cannot undertake to secure their publication under six weeks, Those who contribute to this oer must not expect eH see e them g before that time. FREE POST CARDS —Any o, who writes 1 us, telling ot why he loves Tip Top, and what the magazine has done for him, as well as what he is doing on his part to increase its circulation, will, upon request, receive a set of six fine post cards of the principal characters in Tip Top free by mail. e _ Top Weekly Post: Card Offer.” A I suppose every itepdared redder of “Tip Top? has his or her _ story to tell as to how they came to make it the very valuable ; think it is my duty as a reader of over a year. past to express he story of how I became numbered among its many thousands ~ of readers. One day in December, 1907, being sent to a cigar- a show-case, and picked it up. and ee while my order was fase de up, and when ‘the man | nse registered letter, bank check or draft,&t our risk. At your own risk if sent’ boys and girls, and strive to have your name at the head of the list. Be very sure and address your letters “Editor Tip addition it seems to be to their weekly literature, and so I also_ my own opinion as to how I value the publication, and relate ore on Charles Street, I discovered a small publication lying on fixed niet “ vee. be sg WEEKLY. to call my attention to the fact several times before I noticed him, so absorbed was I in reading the little pamphlet which proved to be about one-third the story of the current issue: of “Tip Top.” I asked the man if he knew where I could get the rest of the story, and he informed me that he sold them and I could buy the whole story, which I did, and there has not been an issue since that I have not read, including as many back numbers as it was possible to get, also the Medal Library to 497. There is a peculiar charm about these stories that makes me feel as I read that I know every character as though they were my friends. As this is my first, | hope you pardon the length, but it seems that it would take several more sheets of paper to fully St express my appreciation for your fine publication. I extend my a, sincere regard to your famous author, Burt L. Standish, and also to “Good Old ‘Tip Top’” and its publishers. + Mae: Baltimore, Md. Joun R. Tenney. B26) We have heard similar stories before, but mark you, we never =| J grow weary of reading the old, old story, for with every new. ee 9 reader thus gained we feel that .“Tip Top’s” wonderful hold | upon the affections of our American youth has been more firmly riveted. pie T have read some very good books by very good authors, but J have read none so interesting as the one entitled “Dick Merri- hy . well’s Friendly Hand; or, The Boy Who Was Saved” (Number ’ 517).. It-is full of heroism and shows what a noble, honorable, truthful character Dick has; and later on receives his reward for being so. I will always speak very highly of all your publica- tions, Respectfully, 3eRTHA S. FICHHANDLER. New York City. ; It is very nice of you, Bertha, to say this. the number most boys have called the best boys’ written, “Dick Merriwell’s Regret.” We hope you ‘read story. ever 9/4 I started to read the “Tip. Top” about six months ago. Ij don’t think anybody can read anything better. It teaches a person to be manly and just, and shows boys what to do to build their bodies up. I buy it- every week, and the time spent in read- ing it is very well spent. I have encouraged my friends to read it, which they do. They all are strong supporters of the “Tip Top.” Three cheers for Frank, his chums, and girl friends, and three more cheers for Dick and his friends. I remain, yours, Chicago, Ill. Ho Wide Thanks, (A letter from Illinois.) Having read “Tip Top” for a number of years, I think it is. time I was telling how I like it and why I like it. I like it be- cause I cannot he Ip it. It has aroused that almost smothered flame of ambition in me, After re: aiding the Merriwell stories for a while I decided that instead of stopping going to school at the age of 15, to keep on until I reached the goal—education and «4 health. I and my friend Joe Kahlert have done all we pdssibly can to add to its circulation. I have given all my copies ito boys Das who had none, and together we have made twenty good “Tip- Toppers” out of our schoolfellows. Wishing you a_ prosperous year for 1909, and with three cheers for Burt and ‘ ‘Tip 20nd ae close. Brick CAMPBELL, Thank you, my boy. With two such boomers as Joe and your- — self there is little chance that “Tip Top” will be an unknown quantity to any Jad in your section. ’ ' (A letter from Virginia.) I have read your magazine for three years, I like “Tip Top” — because it is full of good, clean reading, and is an ideal paper 0p” the American youth. It has caused me to quit the use of to- — bacco, and to take an interest in my physical make-up, which I~ now consider of great importance. Of the boys I like Frank, » Dick, Bart, Brad, and Harry best, I have got six boys to read ‘them. I remain a true. friend to ae “Tip Top” and. Burt is. Standish, Yours truly, | Frank E. Bowrgs. You have done eth and we can only hope that as the months toll around you will always maintain your present at pinion, - ate iw) merits. ‘ LE LOOP (A letter from Georgia.) It would be impossible to tell you of the pleasure that we experience in reading “The World’s Famous Leader,’ “Tip Top Weekly.” When I say we, I mean my father, mother, and my- self. We also lend it to two of our neighbors, and then send it to a cousin at a distance, who continues to pass it along. We have been reading it nearly five years and have missed but three 7} numbers. Long life to Burt L. Standish and a larger circulation to ‘to “Tip Top” is the earnest wish of yours truly, he Ray H. Cason. cy For which “Tip Top” returns many thanks. Your request has } ~—__cbeen attended to, Ray. Glad to know your parents are fond of our magazine. (A letter from Arizona.) When your “king of weeklies,” the “Tip Top,’ appeared on the newsstands over ten years ago, I happened to be one of the purchasers, and up till now I have not missed a single number. ! have often changed my place of residence since that time, but have always lodked up a néwsstand the fitst thing which handléd “Tip Tops,” and if there happened to be none in the town, I always made arrangements to have them hatidle it. The dealer generally has thanked me afterward for calling his attention to your weekly, as it seemed to always prove his best seller! Thus, [ imagine that I have gotten you at least a hundred of two new readers. However, for the last two or thrée years I have sent in to the home office my annual subscription, fearing that through accident I might miss a.number. By my letter head, you can gee my position as an editor and publisher of a weekly paper, and naturally I receive a large number of exchanges, besides about ten of the leading magazities to which T subscribe; but in all the assortment the grand old “Tip Top” is the only one of its class which comes to my house, and of all the periodicals it |. is the one most eagerly looked for by my family and myself. 4 We just naturally can’t do without it. EN, I congratulate you, gentlemen, and Mr. Standish, on the ex- cellence of your publication. It is doing great good (not to speak of the entertainment to us older ones) for the American ‘youth which can be done in no other possible way. I beg to ‘remain, respectfully yours, AtLan F. MAtone, advocates, and we rejoice whenever a letter comes to hand from _a veteran Tip-Topper. Please allow us the great privilege of seeing your honored name among those we cherish as our especial friends. iG MeN ges I: (A letter from Michigan.) “4 TL have read “Tip Top” for the last six months. The way I ‘started to tead them was through a friend.» I began with number (595, atid I have read every one tip to number 667, and they are certainly splendid. I certainly love to read of -the character of men like Dick, Frank, Brad, ete. It has given me a lot of good ‘and new ideas as to how to live tight. Always as I am through _Teading a copy, I pass it to thy friends, and I have now five “Yip Top” readers. That is, I have all reading “Tip Top” who can wake eects IT would like to know how ald Dick and Frank are at present? This is my first letter and:I hope it will not be the Jast.. I’ will soon Send you an order for the back numbers, as the future numbers don’t seem to come fast enough to stop my eagerness. With three cheers for ‘ ra Top,” remain a “Tip Top” lover. Totvo A. Ano. - Dick is somewhete atound 20 and. Frank nearing the 30 mark, PV esr interest in “Tiff Top” is gratifying to us, indeed. ' ¢ “Although I’ve been a constant reader of “Tip Top” from -number 1 to date, this is my first attempt to express my grati- tude to you for the many profitable and pleasant hours I’ve spent with the king of weeklies. I, with the rest of the old ‘timers, miss my old friends, Dick Starbright, Hans, Barney, and the Jacks. Hoping to see my letter in print in the near ublication of “Tip Top” good work, I remain an ardent admirer and friend. Pittsburgh, Pa, HowArp VA NCE, JA thousand thanks for your sincere wishes, “Ciprocate, comrade. WEEKLY. | 209 _onds; running broad jump, 13 feet 3 inches; standing broad ‘manuals and lay out a course of physical work. Then you can Indoubtec 1is valued correspondent is one of of Ww ‘ Undoubtedly tl lued co jondent f our warmest for your cfiticism. how can I better. them ? the chest and you will be all right, son. » future, and wishing Burt L. Standish and all concerned in the — many’ more prosperous! years in the biceps, normal, 914 inches; expanded, 11%4 inches; around hips, -36 inches'; calves, 12 inches. ball. We can only re- \ Bp ae eae Bs ar A ane. ane 2B inches 5 i QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, EDITED BY PROF. FOURMEN:, = 4 NOTICE—So many inquiries reach us each week concerning the various manuals on athletic development, which we publish, that we have decided to keep a list of them at the head of this department. Any number can be had by mail by remitting ro cents, and 3 cents postage, for each copy, to the publishers. FRANK MERRIWELL’S BOOK OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT. THE ART OF BOXING AND SELF-DEFENSE, by Prof. Donavan. U. S. ARMY PHYSICAL EXERCISES, revised by Prof. Donavan, PHYSICAL HEALTH CULTURE, ~- - by Prof. Fourmen, ~ —_—_. + cas Pror, Fourmen: Having read most of the “Tip Top” stories, I have decided to write to you regarding my athletic make-up. Iam 16 years old and weigh 132 pounds, and am 5 feet 6 inches” in height. ‘My other measuréments are: Neck, 15 inches; chest, normal, 32 inches; expdnded, 35 inches; waist, 2 feet 9 inches; calf, 15 inches; thighs, 20 inches; biceps, expanded, 12 inches; wrist, 7, inches; forearm, 9 inches. Please tell me my weak and strong points if I have any. I think that I have too much sur- plus flesh. Please tell the how to improve. I would like to become a track and field athlete. My records are: 100 yards, 13 seconds; /220 yards, 45 seconds; 889 yards, 4 minutes 4 sec- pole vault, 5 feet; standing high jump, 3 feet 7 inches; mile run, 9 minutes. Please tell me what I am most fitted for. Hoping to hear from you soon, I am, yours truly, P. B.A: “Washington, DG: You are 12 pounds overweight, and your chest lacks 3 inches ~ of being up to the average. You should send for one of our jump, 7 feet 3 inches; decide what line you are best fitted for. Pror. FourmeN: | have*been a “Tip Top” reader for over 5 years, atid I take the liberty to ask a few questions conterning : my measurements. I am 16 years old; height, 5 feet 5 inches; weight, 120 poutids; ‘waist, 32 ‘inches ; ‘chest, normal, 31 inches; expanded, 33 inches; biceps, normal, 914 inches; expanded, 10% be inches; neck, 13% inches ; > wrist, 6% inches ; hips, 324 inches; calf, 13% inches. What should my méasurements be? I go to school through the day and work until to at night. A. F. Be Ph Lewistown, Pa. ” at > Your weight is the best part of you, for you measure 5 inches too much about the waist, and your chest, instead of 31, should. be 34 inches, I would advise you to rectify. wares faults’ ‘as soon. as possible, friend. ‘| Pror. FourmMen: I have been tailing’ your magazines for over a year, so I take the liberty to. send you my. measurements They are as follows: Age, 14 years; weight, { am not so very fat, but am big. boned. Height, 5.4 chest, normal, 3r inches; expanded, 33 inches; | biceps, Il inches ; wrists, 6% inches; calvés, | 10% inches.. What are my weak points and Hopittg to see this in the: Sori LO ©, E. Si . 110 ‘pounds. feet 4 inches; waist, 28 inches : 13% inches ; ankles, I remain a faithful Tip-Topper, s+ Saco, Me. Your weight is. exactly right. Gain a couple of inches about ‘Baik Fount: As we here: constant readers of the “tip. Top,” we take! the liberty of asking you about our measure ments. E's: measurements are: Age, 19 years; height, 5 feet 6 inches; weight, 123 pounds; waist, 27 inches; chest, normal, inches; expanded, 35 inches ; fram shoulder to. shoulder, 1 inches; neck, 13% inches; wrist, 6% inches; forearm, 914 inches; We both play baseball ahd basket Age, 15 years; weight, 121 pounds; ‘om shoulder — ‘T’s measurements are: + Mr. shoulder, 15% inches; chest, normal, 32 inches; expanded, 34 inches; neck, 13% inches; forearm, 9 inches; wrist, 7 inches; biceps, normal, 9 inches; expanded, 10 inches; around hips, 36 inches; calves, 12 inches. Hoping to’see this in print, we remain loyal Tip-Toppers. J. Erretr Apcock, ; Tuomas LAvery. E’s weight is good, but chest normal should be 35 inches. T. is not so well off, having grown very fast. He should really weigh 148 pounds-and have a chest measuring 38 inches. Let T. get busy. E Pror. FourMEN: Being a constant and enthusiastic reader of Standish’s inimitable creation, “Tip Top,” J. take it for granted I am entitled to ask a few questions, notwithstanding what others may think to the contrary. Age, 16 years 8 months; height, 5 feet 10 inches; chest, normal, 35 inches; expanded, 37 inches; calves, 14 inches; waist, 30 inches; weight, 138 pounds; wrist, right, 714 inches; ankle, right, 11 inches; biceps, normal, 10 inches; flexed, 12 inches. Can I get a good rudimentary knowledge of boxing in Prof. Donovan’s book, “The Art of Self- Defence and Boxing?” One upon which I may establish a good foundation? Am I built for a good runner? Should a growing boy partaké of meats freely? Thanking you in advance, I re- main, A Loyat Tre-Topper. Gadsden, Ala. f You lack several inches in chest measurement. Apparently you would make a better success as a runner than a boxer. Yes, the book will start you very well. I think most boys eat too much meat. It is not at all necessary if they use other food well calculated to build up the body. / Pror. Fourmen: I am a reader of the “Tip Top,” which I have read for about 8 years, and also back numbers. I can never Seein to wait till Friday to get the “Tip Top” (which cannot be beat), and it is the king of weeklies. I wouid like you to pass judgment on my measurements, which are: Age, 20% years; weight, 149 pounds; height, 5 feet 914 inches; chest, normal, 35 TIP TOP WEEKLY. inches; expanded, 39 inches; waist, 33 inches; neck, 1514 inches; wrist, 7 inches; forearm, 11 inches; thigh, 23% inches; calves, 14 inches; ankles, 9 inches; biceps, normal, 11 inches; expanded, 13 inches; reach, 30 inches; hips, 39 inches. Please let me know if | have any weak points and what will be the best exercise for, them. I| believe I am short winded. I do not smoke or drink liquor of any kind. I am in business for myself but manage in my spare time to play mostly all the athletic games. I am now playing basket ball, expect to play baseball this season as a pitcher. Hoping this will not be too long, if so, only print my measurements, and let me know if they are all right, and oblige a loyal Tip-Topper, W.. W. Davis. Newark, N. J. You weigh just what you should, but there is room for better- ment in your chest. It should be 38 inches normal. can gain that easily if you try. my boy. But you I commend your good habits, Pror. FourMEN: Iam a great admirer of “Tip Top” and have read it for years. I can also say that it stopped me from smoking and drinking. I do not take any great part in athletics, not be- cause I do not want to, but because I have not the time. Please pass judgment on these measurements. Age, 17 years 6 months; weight, 148 pourids; height, 5 feet 914 inches; chest, normal, 34 inches; expanded, 38 inches; ‘wrist, 714 inches; waist, 31 inches; neck, 14 inches; thighs, 20 inches; calves, 13% inches; hips, 32 inches; forearm, 11 inches; ankles, 11 inches. I have one great fault and that is sweets. I will eat candy all day long. What is good for pimples and blackheads? Please serd a catalogue. Canada is,a pretty fine country, but it cannot come up to the U. S.A. You will do a. long-legged Yankee from Con- necticut a favor by putting this in print. Long life to “Tip Top” and Burt L. Yours truly, Wma. Towers. Toronto, Can. You seem to be heavy enough, but lack a few inches about your chest, ,which should at least be 38 inches normal. You must cut down on the consumption of candy, as it will injure your digestion sooner or later. ‘ TIP TOP BASEBALL TOURNAMENT FOR 1909 y Bs Ps great interest taken by enthusiastic amateur baseball teams all over the country in our contests for some years past, has induced us to once again enter the field with a tempting offer. at the end of the season, have the highest average—the members of which play the greatest number of games, score the most runs and have lost the least number of games, will be declared the winners. having the higher average will be declared the Tip Top Championship Team of the All-American Baseball - Tournament for 1909, and will receive a beautiful silk pennant bearing a suitable device. receive a full equipment, consisting of trousers, shirt, stockings, shoes and cap for nine members. newspaper accounts of your games also to substantiate the score. notice taken of any score not entered on a coupon cut out of Tip Top. Coupons must be properly made out, one for cach game. So here it 1s, boys: The two teams which, Of the two winning teams, the one Each winning team will When possible send DON’T FAIL TO SEND IN YOUR COUPON AT ONCE. Wo : NAMES OF TEAM. Litt he Cee ee eee eee ee Tre)? eT) ‘ } | C900 OR RGRs hod vc don di sss swerve ccaccsnctbedesuisuboned condeatvedeccenouced f : COSCO EEE RHEE HEHEHE REE HEE EEE EEE EER EEE OEE BED POOR H ROAR EERE SERUM HEHE RE ERO E HEE HH RHEE EERE EEE HHH OREO ee EEO eE eS f , A y, CTI Pe rer eee eee Piet eee ee eee eee eee ee ee eee COCO eer ema eS Hee e TH HAN ERROR eet een seen wt eee eee meen ene w ew en nn neennene j t ii habeas walt tetteatetemeraidilpensttallieicap in pestinrer angie be 1909—TIP TOP BASEBALL TOURNAMENT COUPON. NAMB OP TRAM ss chess igecppibsbs da 3iiog§ BOW Mawend | serie in up LEAR cates ncsans ..-s+-OPPONENT’S NAMB.......+- AlobaasSnbtheaike / POSITION. PUNE hes bade ea cpeeguatancinneead dewarddeVancdnelededesian secveddeedcossne’s Catcher Oi sedesiatthabapnikpacwp Veeck, opitan syiir] ane Cove sina sivcacvakiwsolal ae tat Daly 2d Base 24 Base seeamenwernnrnnennranensenerccscacetevscesenssessenserareescnasacsemmne| SHOP SOP). .n.-eeveeeeeeeeneeeees Tn srdvipecds «cadupesarwanhetepagntnans aa~ COCR R Ee OOS R EERE OEE HE EEE OEE EEE E REE ae R. Field C. Field L. Pleld WINNER. --2.0-<.00-2+-avedsenynreraesasvussersens PINAL, SCORB... «2.5.24 +02enasqyncesyMANAGBR, s.-\-saoceasaseopeedsa-tesstaesesertracseroanie — NAMES OF TEAM, i ee eee ere errr rere reer er eee teem mem eee / LOOM A As WdadupsndlaneVhardlacusn sees deseo Ade cuiagane aunahe odowe : sae nee RR RRR EERE EEO EEE EOE HEHEHE HEHEHE EERO EOE Magaee theisy suas aiselihar ed sy e\sned + onsejne woeeased onacewcncccoseucss A eee eee ee ene ewe eee ne Seem ewan eww ntos Cee enw eter nent wnneree ER EERE EERE EERE EERE RETRO EE OREM EEE H «ewe neenee } jo eee edwosneersesensceace eee we mew neeen een ewene Seem e meee eee wan aeneeee Seyeicts ae renee ene Sn a ae ain ne Le te i il i a etal tae ol M0 RS BOYS! * | If you were asked to name the writer of the best BASEBALL STORIES ae you ever read, wouldn’t you say at once that he is your old favorite, BURT L. *|) £§ STANDISH, author of the TIP TOP stories? “Burt L.” has written for ITHE POPULAR| | MAGAZINE | a gteat serial story of COLLEGE ATHLETICS, of the kind you pee BILL BRUCE OF HARVARD | is the title of the story. It begins i in the: JUNE NUMBER || [f of THE POPULAR. The first big chunk of the story covers thirty pages of | _ the magazine. = ar AE i} ‘THE POPULAR is the biggest. magazine in the world: It is the only magazine: devoted entirely to stories. of action and adventure. (| It is the only magazine which contains complete in each nuniber a full length novel. - ae Nee | cig ‘Each number contains one or more stories of college athletics. Each number contains one or more detective stories, | Re: We ‘ Each number contains two or more Western stories. | It is the only magazine, ares “TIP TOP, in which | the york of Burt Le : Standish has ever appeared. 7 ee rnd | ! Se th 7 \ FIFTEEN CENTS_ ON: ‘ALL NEWS STANDS. STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, SANT YORK | ALL, OF THE BACK NUMBERS OF TIP TOP WEEKLY THAT CAN NOW BE SUPPLIED 7 180—Frank 184—Frank 186—Frank 187—Frank 188—Frank 189—Frank 190—Frank 191—Frank 192—Frank 194—Frank 195—Frank 196—Frank 197—Frank 198—Frank tion, 199—Frank 200—Frank 201—F rank 202—Frank 204—Frank 205—Frank _ 206—Frank 207—F rank - 208—Frank 209—Frank 212—Frank 213—Frank 214—Frank 215—Frank 218—Frank 225—Frank 22 26—Frank 227—Frank 228—Frank 229—Frank ders, 230—Frank 231—Frank 232—Frank Play. 233—Frank 234—Frank 235—Frank 236—Frahk tege. | 237—Frank 238—Frank 239—Frank 240—Frank Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell's Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’ Merriwell’ Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Vim. Trust, “Set.” Sport. Heart. Drive. Generosity. Touch. Stratagem. Limit. Tested. “Flock.” Tempta- Merriwell’s Work. Merriwell’s. Skates. Merriwell’s Ice Yacht. Merriwell’s Sleigh. Merriwell’s Opponent. Merriwell Deceived. Merriwell’s Mishap. Merriwell’s Influence. Merriwell’s, Theory. Merriwell’s Five. Merriwell's Football, Merriwell's Handicap. Merriwell’s Stroke. Meriwell’s Favor. Merriwell’s “Liner.” Merriwell’s Throw. Merriwell’s Wonders. Merriwell's Vault. Merriwell’s Speed. Merriwell’s Rough Ri- Merriwell’s Battery. Merriwell’s Archer. Merriwell’s Double Merriwell’s Find. Merriwell’s Hustlers. Merriwell’s Captivity. Merriwell’s New Pro- Merriwell’s Power. Merriwell’s Policy. Merriwell’s”’ Freshmen. Merriwell’s Generalship 241—Frank Merriwell’s Kick, 242—-Frank Merriwell’s High Jump 243—Frank Merriwell’s “Brassie”’ Shot. 244—Frank Merriwell’ s Shrewdness 245—Frank Merriwell’s Entertain ments. 246—Frank Merriwell’s Mastery. 247—Frank Merriwell’s Dilemma. 248—Frank Merriwell’s Set-Back. 249—Frank Merriwell’s Search. 250—Frank Merriwell’s Ring. oe ee Merriwell’s Party. 252—Frank Merriwell’s Life Strug- gle. , 253— Lenk Merriwell’s Skill. 254—F rank Merriwell’s Club, 255—Frank Meriwell’s Scheme. 256—Frank Merriwell’s Mysterious Move 257—Frank Merriwell’s Hand. 258—Frank Merriwell’s Suspicion. 259—Frank Merriwell’s Trust. 260—Frank Merriwell’s Sweetheart. 261—Frank Merriwell’s Bosom Friend. ; | 262—Frank Merriwell Deceived. -263—Frank Merriwell in Form. 264—F rank Merfiwell’s Coach. 808—Dick Merriwell’s Discovery. 408—Frank Merriwell’s Fire. 415—Dick Merriwell’s Devotion, 418—Dick Merriwell’s Force. 423—Dick Merriwell’s Trap. 432—Dick Merriwell’s Set Back. 433—Dick Merriwell’s ‘'Phantom.” 434—Dick 435—Dick Merriwell’s Merriwell's Dilemma. 436—Dick Merriwell’s Persistence. 461—Dick Merriwell in Constanti- nople. 465—Dick Merriwell in Damascus. 467—Dick Merriwell in Egypt. 469—Frank Merriwell’s Retaliation 472—Frank Merriwell's Handicap. 478—Frank Merriwell’s Method. 485—Dick .Merriwell in Manila. 486—Dick Merriwell Marooned, — 487—Dick Merriwell's Comrade, 488—Dick Merriwell, Gap-Stopper. 489—Dick Merriwell’s Sacrifice Hits 490—Dick Merriwell’s Support. Merriwell’s Stroke Merriwell Shadowed. Merriwell’s’ Drive. Merriwell’s Return. 491—Dick. 492—Dick 493—Dick 494—-Dick 495—Dick Merriwell’s Restoration. 496—Dick Merriwell’s Value, 497—-Dick Merriwell’s “Dukes.’’ 498—Dick Merriwell’s Drop Kick, + 499—Dick Merriwell’s Defeat. 500—Dick Merriwell’s Chance. 501—Dick Merriwell’s. Stride. 502—Dick Merriwell’s Wing-Suit. 503—Dick Merriwell’s Skates. 504——Dick Merriwell's Four Fists, 505—Dick Merriwell’s Dashing Game. 506—Frank Merriwell’s Tigers. 507—Frank. Merriwell’s Treasure Guard, 508—FI rank Merriwell’s Flying Fear 509—Dick Merriwell in Maine. 510—Dick Merriwell’s Polo Team. 511—Dick Merriwell in the Ring. 512—Frank Merriwell’s New Idea. 513—Frank Berriwell's Trouble. 514—Frank Merriwell's Pupils. 515—Dick Merriwell’s Satisfaction. 516—Dieck Merriwell’s Discernment. 517—Dick Merriwell’s Priendly Hand, 518—Frank Merriwell's New Boy. 519—Frank Merriwell's Mode, 520—Frank Merriwell’s Aids. 521—-Dick Merriwell’s Visit. 522—-Dick Merriwell’s Retaliation. 523-——Dick Merriwell’s Rival. ; 524—-Frank Merriwell’s Young Crew 525—Frank Merriwell’s Fast Nine. 526—Frank Merriwell’s Athletic Field. © 527—Dick Merriwell’s Reprisal. 528—-Dick Merriwell Dared. 529—Dick Merriwell’s Dismay. 530—Frank Merriwell’s Son. 581—Frank Merriwell’s Old Flock. 5382—F rank Merriwell’s House Party 5338—Dick Merriwell’s Summer Team. 534—Dick Merriwell’s Demand. 535—Dick Merriwell’s Slabmate. — sctiayo Merriwell’s Summer 587—Frank Mrerriwell’s Proposal. 5388—Frank Merriwell's Spook- 6 hunters. 529—Dick Merriwell’s Cheek. 540—Dick Merriwell’s Sacrifice. 541—Dick Merriwell’s Heart. me Merriwell ners, 545—Dick Merriwell’s Confidence, 409—-Frank Merriwell’s Great Peril 542—Frank Merriwell’s New Auto. 616—Dick 543—Frank 544—-Frank Merriwell’s Young Win- 617—-Frauk Merriwell’s ’s Pride, Lead. 546—Dick Merriwell’s Influence. Management 547—Dick Merriwell’s Top Notch. 548—Frank Merriwell’s Kids. 549—-Frank Merriwell’s Kodakers. 550—Dick 551—Dick 552—Dick 5538—Dick Merriwell, Merriwell’s Merriwell, Merriwell’s Freshman. Progres. Half-back. Resentment. 554——Dick Merriwell Repaid. 555—Dick Merriwell’s Power. 556—Dick Merriwell’s Staying “Push.” 557—Dick Merriwell’s Running. 558—Dick 559—Dick 560—Dick Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Joke. Seven. Partner. 561—Dick Merriwell in the Tank. §62—Frank 5638—Frank 564—F rank 565—Frank 566—Frank 567—Frank 568—Dick Merriwell’s Captive. Merriwell’s Trailing, Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Horse. Merriwell’s Intrusion. Merriwell’s Bluff. Talisman. Meriwell’s Regret. 569—Dick Merriwell’s Silent Work. 570—Dick Merriweil’s Arm. 571—Dick Merriwell’s Skill. 572—Dick Merriwell’s Magnetism. 573—Dick Merriwell’s System, 574—Dick Merriwell’s Salvation. 575—Dick Merriwell's Twirling. 576—Dick Merriwell’s Party. 977—Dick Merriwell’s Backers, 578—-Dick Merriwell’s Coach. 579—Dick Merriwell’s Bingle., 580—Dick Merriwell’s Hurdling. 581——-Dick Merriwell’s Best Work. 582—-Dick Merriwell’s Respite. 583—Dick Merriwell’s Disadvan- tage, 584—Dick 585—Dick 586—Dick 587—Dick 588—Dick 589—Dick 590—Dick 591—Dick 592—Dick 5938—Dick 594—Dick §95—Dick Merriwell Beset. Merriwell's Merriwell’s Merriwell, Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell's Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Merriwell’s Squeeze.”’ 596-—Dick Merriwell’s Vanishing. 597—Dick Merriwell Great Rival. Distrust. Lion-Tamer. Camp-site. Debt. Camp-Mates. Draw. Disapproval. Mastery. Warm Work “Double Adrift. 598—-Dick Merriwell’s Influence. 599—F rank Merriwell’s Worst Boy. 600—Frank Merriwell’s Annoyance. 601—Fr ank Merriwell’s Restraint. 602—Dick Merriwell Held Back. 603—Dick MerriWell in the Line. 604—Dick Merriwell’s Drop Kick. 605—Frank Merriwell's Air Voyage 606—Frank Merriwell’s Auto Chase. 607—Frank Merriwell’s Captive. 608—Dick Merriwell’s Value. 609—Dick Merriwell Doped. 610—Dick Merriwell’s Belief. 611—Frank Merriwell in the Mar- ket. 612—Frafk Merriwell’s Fight for Fortune, 613—Frank Merriwell on Top. 614—Dick Merriwell’s Trip West. 615—Dick Merriwell’s. Predicament. 685—-Dick Merriwell’s Protest. Merriwell in Mystery Valley. Proposi- tion, 618—Frank Merriwell Perplexed. 619—Frank Merriwell’s Suspicion. 620—Dick Merriwell’s Gallantry, 621—Dick Merriwell’s Condition. 622—-Dick Merriwell’s Stanchness. 623—Dick Merriwell’s Match. 624—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Case. 625—Frank Merriwell’s Helper. 626—Frank Merriwell’s Doubts. 627—Frank Merriwell’s ‘‘Phenom.” 628—Dick Merriwell’s Stand, 629—Dick Merriwell’s Circle. 630—Dick Merriwell’s Reach. 631—Dick Merriwell’s Money. 632—Dick Merriwell Watched. 633—-Dick Merriwell Doubted. 634—Dick Merriwell’s Distrust. 635—Dick Merriwell’s Risk. 636—Frank Merriwell’s Favorite, 637—F oe, Merriwell’s Young Clip- per i 6388—Fr ae Merriwell’s Steadying Hand. 639—Frank Merriwell’s Record Breakers. ; 640—Dick Merriwell’s Shoulder. / 641—-Dick Merriwell’s Desperate Work. 642—Dick Merriwell’s Example. Ser ae Merriwell At Gale’s Perry. 644—Dick Merriwell’s Inspiration. 645—Dick Merriwell’s Shooting. 646—Dick Merriwell in the Wilds. 647—Dick Merriwell’s Red Comrade 648—Frank Merriwell’s Ranch. See re Merriwell im the Sad- e. 650—Frank Merriwell’s Brand. 651—F rank Merriwell’s Red Guide. 652—Dick Merriwell’s Rival. 653—Dick Merriwell’s Strength, _ 654—Dick Merriwell’s Secret Work. 655—Dick Merriwell’s Way. 656—F rank Merriwell’s Red Visitor 657—Frank Merriwell’s Rope. 658—-Frank Merriwell’s’ Lesson. 659—Frank Merriwell’s Protection. - 660—Dick Merriwell’s Reputation. 661—Dick Merriwell’s Motto. 662—Dick Merriwell’s Restraint.) 663—Dick Merriwell’s Ginger. 664—Dick Merriwell’s Driving. 665—-Dick Merriwell’s Good Cheer. 666—Frank Merriwell’s Theory. 667—Frank Merriwell’s Diplomacy. 668—Frank Merriwell’s Encourage- ment. 669—Frank Work. 670—Dick Merriwell’s Mind, 671—Dick Merriwell’s “Dip. 672—Dick. Merriwell’s Rally. 673—Dick Merriwell’s Flier. 674—F rank Merriwell’s Bullets. 675—Frank Merriwell Cut Off. 676—Frank Merriwell’s Ranch Boss 677—Dick Merriwell’s Equal. 678—Dick Merriwell’s Development. 679—Dick Merriwell’s Eye, 680—Frank Merriwell’s Zest. 681—F rank Merriwell’s Patience, | 682—F rank Merriwell’s Pupil. 683—Frank Merriwell’s Fighters. 684—-Dick Merriwell at the ‘‘Meet.”’ Merriwell’s PRICE, FIVE CENTS PER COPY 1 you want any back numbers of our weeklies and cannot procure them from your newsdealer, they can be obtained direct from this office. Postage stamps taken the same as money. : : . STREET Q SMITH, Publishers, 79 Seventh Ave, New York City, wl TS ee Rt _ Great ei CRS 150—Frank 167—F rank 178—Frank * 184—Frank 189—Frank 193—F rank 197—Frank 201—Frank 205—Frank 2090—F rank 213—Frank 217—Frank 225—Frank 229—F rank 233—Frank 237—F rank 240—Frank 244—Frank 247—F rank 251—Frank 254—F rank 258—Frank 262—Frank 267—Frank 271—F rank 276—Frank 280—F rank 284—F rank 288—F rank 292—F rank 296—F rank 300—F rank 304—Frank 308—F rank 312—Frank 316—Frank 320—Frank 324—Frank 328—Frank 332—Frank 336—Frank 340—Frank 344—Frank 348—Frank 352—Frank 356—Frank 3590—F rank 362—Frank 365—Frank 368—F rank 371—F rank 374—F rank 377—Frank 380—Frank 383—Frank 386—F rank 389—F rank NUMBERS 1 TO 396 IP TOP WEEK ARE CONTAINED IN THE MEDAL LIBRARY We know that there are thousands of boys who are very much interested in the early adven- tures of Frank and Dick Merriwell and who want to read everything that was written about them. We desire to inform these boys that numbers 1 to 396 are pretty well out of print in the TIP TOP WEEKLY, but all of them can be secured in the numbers of the NEW MEDAL LIBRARY given below. Merriwell’s School-days. Merriwell’s Chums. Merriwell’s Foes. Merriwell’s Trip West. Merriwell Down South. Merriwell’s Bravery. Merriwell’s Hunting Tour. Merriwell in Europe. Merriwell at Yale. Merriwell’s Sports Afield. Merriwell’s Races. Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour. Merriwell’s Courage. Merriwell’s Daring. Merriwell’s Athletes. Merriwell’s Skill. Merriwell’s Champions. Merriwell’s Return to Yale. Merriwell’s Secret. Merriwell’s Danger. Merriwell’s Loyalty. Merriwell in Camp. Merriwell’s Vacation. Merriwell’s Cruise. Merriwell’s Chase. Merriwell in Maine. Merriwell’s Struggle. Merriwell’s First Job. Merriwell’s Opportunity. Merriwell’s Hard Luck. Merriwell’s Protégé. Merriwell on the Road. Merriwell’s Own Company. Merriwell’s Fame. Merriwell’s College Chums. Merriwell’s Problem. Merriwell’s Fortune. Merriwell’s New Comedian. Merriwell’s Prosperity. Merriwell’s Stage Hit. Merriwell’s Great Scheme. Merriwell in England. Merriwell on the Boulevards. Merriwell’s Duel. Merriwell’s Double Shot. Merriwell’s Baseball Victories. Merriwell’s Confidence. Merriwell’s Auto. Merriwell’s Fun. Merriwell’s Generosity. Merriwell’s Tricks. Merriwell’s Temptation. Merriwell on Top. Merriwell’s Luck. Merriwell’s Mascot. Merriwell’s Reward. Merriwell’s Phantom. The NEW MEDAL LIBRARY AY —_—_—_— FIFTEEN CENTS 392—Frank Merriwell’s Faith. 395—Frank Merriwell’s Victories. 398—Frank Merriwell’s Iron Nerve. 401—Frank Merriwell in Kentucky. 404—Frank Merriwell’s Power. 407—Frank Merriwell’s Shrewdness. 410—Frank Merriwell’s Set-back. 413—Frank Merriwell’s Search. 416—Frank Merriwell’s Club. 419—Frank Merriwell’s Trust. 422—Frank Merriwell’s False Friend. 425—Frank Merriwell’s Strong Arm. 428—Frank Merriwell as Coach. 431—Frank Merriwell’s Brother. 434—Frank Merriwell’s Marvel. 437—Frank Merriwell’s Support. 440—Dick Merriwell at Fardale. 443—Dick Merriwell’s Glory. 446—Dick Merriwell’s Promise. 449—Dick Merriwell’s Rescue. 452—Dick Merriwell’s Narrow Escape. 455—Dick Merriwell’s Racket. 458—Dick Merriwell’s Revenge. 461—Dick Merriwell’s Ruse. 464—Dick Merriwell’s Delivery. 467—Dick Merriwell’s Wonders. 470—Frank Merriwell’s Honor. 473—Dick Merriwell’s Diamond. 476—Frank Merriwell’s Winners. 479—Dick Merriwell’s Dash. 482—Dick Merriwell’s Ability. 485—Dick Merriwell’s Trap. 488—Dick Merriwell’s Defense. 491—Dick Merriwell’s Mode’. 494—Dick Merriwell’s Mystery. Published About January 5th 497—Frank Merriwell’s Backers. Published About January 26th 500—Dick Merriwell’s Backstop. Published About February 16th 503—Dick Merriwell’s Western Mission. Published About March 9th 506—Frank Merriwell’s Rescue. Published About Merch 30th 509—Frank Merriwell’s Encounter. Published About April 20th 512—Dick Merriwell’s Marked Money. Published About May 11th 515—Frank Merriwell’s Nomads. Published About June ist 518—Dick Merriwell on the Gridiron. Published About June 22nd 521—Dick Merriwell’s Disguise. STREET & SMITH, Publishers, NEW YORK CITY BEE IIE I SS SS SES SES