LARGEST WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA AN IDEAL PUBLICATION FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH dssued Weekly. By subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-59 Seventh Ave, N.Y. No. 537 NEW YORK, JULY 28, 1906. Price, Five Cents «Don’t make any fighting talk to me, Wiley!’’ snarled Chester. «You're a big bluff. Did you ever strike anyone in your life?’’ «Once upon a time I struck an attitude,’’ answered the sailor. — ir 7 Issued Cae By subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-8 Seventh Avenue, N.Y. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1906, tn the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, De “7 No. 537. NEW YORK, July 28, 1906. Price Five Cents. | FRANK MERRIWELL'S PROPOSAL; OR, Starting the Sport in the League. By BURT L. STANDISH. CHAPTER I. DISSATISFIED GUESTS. _ At ten o’clock on the forenoon of a certain day a _ number of the guests at the Madawaska House saw a __ black and heavy cloud. This cloud, however, was not in the sky. It was on the face of Benjamin Brace, manager of the hotel. The sky was as clear, blue, and smiling as the waters of the lake, which were rippled only by ‘the movements of pleasure-boats and canoes. The season had opened splendidly at Lake Mada- ‘waska, and the hotel was filled in a most satisfactory manner. Nevertheless, Manager Brace had his troubles. ‘He was an obstinate, piggish, opinionated individual who could not bear to be crossed in any matter what- ever. He believed himself a man of great acumen and foresight. It was his boast that he never made mistakes. Hundreds of times he had asserted that, once determined on a line of action, he never altered : course. ball-game?” Hence his troubles this Sunday morning. “Well, where the dickens is Strawbridge?” he muttered, as he gazed down the well-made road that — wound into the valley and disappeared amid _ the wooded hills. “He: told me he’d be here an hour ago. When a man tells me he’ll do a thing I expect / him to do it. When he sets a time to appear I ae him to appear on the dot.” One of the guests, a young man in ducks, ap- proached and spoke to the landlord. : “Good morning, Mr. Brace,” he said. isn’t it?’ . “Good morning, Mr. Haskell,” answered Brace. “Is is a fine day? Yes, I eites it is. I hadn’t no- ticed.” “Hadn't noticed ?” “No. 93 “Why,” iaitgtiéd Haskell, “that doesn’t seem pos sible. Your mind must have been taken up with some- thing very interesting to keep you from observing what a great day it is. When do we get another base “Great day, i The or UE The hotel man made a strange sound deep down in his throat, and then answered: “T dunno.” “Haven’t you arranged a regular schedule for the season? I understand that Springer, of Pineville, has been trying to have such a schedule made out. Of course, you’re going to let us have a chance to see Pineville here. Those boys are rattlers. It'll be a novelty to have another team. I think the guests like the idea. I was here last season, you know, and to- ward the end we became a little tired of seeing Mada- —waska and Silver Springs play all the games. In or- der to vary the monotony, we tried to induce you to bring in a team from somewhere outside the hills. It’s lucky there’s a team within reach this season that’s strong enough to hold its own with you.” “Huh!” grunted the landlord. ‘How do you know there is such a team?” Haskell looked surprised, and then laughed out- right. “Why, Mr. Brace,” he cried, “didn’t Pineville play you a full fifteen-inning draw on your own ground, and, then defeat your team and the Silver Springs team at Pineville the following day? I should say that settled the question concerning young Dick Mer- triwell’s team. Those chaps are ” fast enough, Mr. Brace—yes, indeed. Some of the people here seem half inclined to believe they’re too fast for us.” “Ridiculous! Preposterous! Fudge and _ non- !” snapped the big man, puffing out his fat “Any one who says a _ sense! _ cheeks and glaring at Haskell. thing like that doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He doesn’t know anything about baseball.” | “Perhaps not,” smiled the guest, “but we’vé all been a anxious to see you go against those youngsters again. _ We understand that Silas Springer has done every- _ thing possible to get another game, but, for some sin- gular reason, you’ve declined to meet Pineville.” “Had games enough,” declared Benjamin. “Springer has butted in. We couldn’t break up our plans just to please him. I don’tesee the use of an- other team, anyhow. It makes lots of trouble travel- ing around. It’s hard work to get over to Pineville _ by road.” “But not very hard to get there by water,” said - Haskell. “In fact, by using Joe Cuddy’s gasoline boat - you can take your team to Pineville and back easier than you can get to Silver Springs and return by buck- board.” — _ “Those gasoline boats are unreliable. You never can tell when something will happen to them.” “That seems a poor plea, sir,” said the young man, quite undisturbed by Brace’s surly manner.. “I’m going to tell you the plain facts. I’ve been asked to _do so by a number of the guests. We've talked the matter over, and it seems to us that neither you nor Mr. Strawbridge is treating Pineville just right. You've told Springer you would, play him if he could - ville. WEEKLY, put a team into the field that was strong enough to hold its own with you, yet since your defeat you've re- fused Pineville another game. You've forced Springer to play Slabtown, Even Slabtown defeated Silver Springs, yet young Merriwell’s team has beaten Slab- town twice. Now, Mr. Brace, we want to see those boys here again. Since there’s such a ball-team in — the hills, it’s due us, as courtesy on your part, to let it play here.” “Huh! huh!” grunted Brace, highly displeased and exasperated. ‘I don’t want any one to tell me what's courtesy. I don’t care to have any one tell me what's due my guests. I’m giving them baseball entertain- ment as an extra, and I’m standing the expense. They have no right to be dissatisfied. Te they growl about the way I’m managing this business, 1’ll discontinue baseball entirely.” “Of course, you have a right to do so,” smiled Has- kell. “I think you would make a serious mistake, and I’m sure you would create great dissatisfaction by such a course. Many of the people here are now in- clined to believe that you’re afraid of Pineville. Should you follow the course just mentioned, it would — settle that point in their minds. Of course, I don’t know what the effect on your business would be, but I fancy Pineville would boom, while you would see a falling off here. I’m sort of a baseball crank myself. I enjoy the game. I give you my word, should you discontinue the sport, I’d have to cut my visit at Mada- | waska short and go over to Silver Springs or Pine-. I should hate to do that, sir. I spent a week here two years ago, and the very thing that led me to_ return and remain so long last season, in preference to going to the seashore, was my recollection of the good hot baseball-games you had in these hills. Don’t mis~ understand me, sir. I’m not trying to interfere with your business, but I’m simply telling you how your guests feel about this matter. Of course, you have a few people here who don’t care much for baseball. — They prefer boating, or golfing, or fishing, but they are decidedly in the minority. You ought to consider — it a favor from me that I’m frank enough to tell you © the sentiments of your guests.” ee “All right, all right!” half snapped Brace. pose you mean right, Mr. Haskell. Ah, ha! there — comes Strawbridge at last. We’re going to havea lit- tle business consultation this forenoon. I'll talk this matter over with him. I’ll mention it, Mr. Haskell.” A light buckboard, drawn by a span of horses, had — appeared down the road and was rapidly approaching — the hotel. In a moment it reached the broad front — steps, and William Strawbridge, proprietor of the Sil- — ver Springs Hotel, stepped out. — “You’re late, Mr. Strawbridge,” said Brace. been looking for you an hour or more.’ “Yes,” nodded the new arrival, “I am a little late. - I was BHavoidably detained.”’ Nea “Come in,’ invited the Ma désecalia man ; iene right into my private office. We can talk there.” “Eve “T sup- at TOP CHAPTER II. THE CONSULTATION. The private office of Benjamin Brace was a small, ‘square room off the main office. He closed the door behind them, and motioned Strawbridge toward a chair. He then sat down heavily himself, placed his two pudgy thumbs together, and stared hard at the visitor. “Well?” said Strawbridge inquiringly. “No, it isn’t well!” rasped Brace. “It’s anything but well! We've got to settle this baseball matter definitely. Why, confound it, Strawbridge, my guests are beginning to dictate to me! They’re beginning _ to say I’m afraid to play Pineville.” “Are you?” questioned the Silver Springs man. Brace snorted, “Why, what difference do you suppose it makes to me as far as I’m concerned in my personal feelings?” he demanded. “It’s a matter of policy—a matter of business, that’s all. Between you and me, I don’t give a rap whether my ball-team wins or not, as long as my guests are satisfied and I get the advantage. I _ don’t care anything about baseball. I wouldn’t give a cent to see the two best ball-teams in the country play. I knew there were a lot of cranks who liked the _ game, and that’s why I proposed to you in the first _ place that we should run ball-teams. We started out on a small scale, but it’s getting expensive—it’s get- — ting expensive. i _ _ “So, so,” muttered Strawbridge, nodding. “Be- _ sides, that man Springer is getting in on us. He sees _ the advantage of running a ball-team to attract cus- - tom, and he’s determined to get that advantage. We $ don't want to help him in any way, if we can get out i of it.” “That's right.” - “But I don’t see any way to get out of it” — “Don’t you?” — “Do you?” ~ “You've met Horace Porter?” Aes.” bee's stopping at Pineville along with his son ector. Hector is a ball-player and a crank. The boy had some trouble with young Merriwell when Merriwell appeared at Pineville. That made old Por- r mad. He threatened to leave the Pine Tree Inn if Springer kept Merriwell’s crowd. Springer was forced into keeping them after they defeated your . team and mine, Strawbridge. The Porters are still stopping in Pineville, but they are sore. They came over here yesterday, and they’re here now. They know we don’t want to play with Pineville. They know we want to shut Springer out. Therefore, they have a proposal to make.” 3 “What is it?” “T’ll let them tell us. veranda. I'll call them.” Brace disappeared ponderously, returning in a few mom« ts ‘with a man eae en at his te a | They’re both out on the \ ee man — WEEKLY. 3 was tall and thin, with iron-gray side whiskers and a huge, hooklike nose. His son was short and fat- faced, with bulging cheeks and a nose the exact duplicate of his father’s. “How do you do, Mr. Porter,” said Strawbridge, shaking hands with the tall man and nodding to the boy. “How do you do, Hector. Brace has been tell- ing me of some kind of a proposition you wish to make.” ; “It’s my idea,’ put in Hec, at once, speaking through his nose. “I put it up to the gov’nor, and he thinks it’s all right, if you'll bite on.” “My son Hector,” said Porter, with an air of pride, “is a long-headed chap. He takes after his father in that respect.” “But they say,” put in the boy, “that, outside of my nose, I look more like my mother.” “You do resemble her,” confessed his father, “but you have my mental ability. Now, gentlemen, I know you don’t want anything to do with Sile Springer. I know you don’t want to play his ball-team, and I think I understand your reasons. The Pine Tree Inn is — popular as a resort now. Springer talks of building on an addition. He’s planning to enlarge his place — in order to accommodate more people. Lots of folks prefer Pineville to Madawaska or Silver Springs. — With a baseball-team over there, Springer : will cut into your business, gentlemen.” “We've talked that all over,” said Strawbridge. “What’s your proposition? Come round to that.” “We've been down to Slabtown,” Porter went on, “and I’ve found that I can get a house there for the — rest of the season by paying a fair price for it. There © are no hotel accommodations in Slabtown, you know. The only thing like a hotel is Beaver’s boarding- — house. We couldn’t stop there. But, with a house for our own use, we could get a cook and a house- — keeper and do very well.” “What has this to do with paseralls Strawbridge. a. “Coming to that, coming to that. We’ve had our little trouble with Silas Springer. We’ve notified him that we meant to leave his ranch if he kept the Mer- riwell crowd. He’s kept them. They’re there? and he’s going to keep them. Now, Hector proposed to put in a baseball-team at Pineville if Springer would fire Dick Merriwell and his whole bunch. Springer has rejected the proposition. My boy has com municated with a number of players, and he can have a team ready for business inside of four days. We'll put that team into Slabtown. If your guests are dissatisfied because you're playing games between yourselves and taking in no other team, why you ca just take us in. We'll make a schedule right here : day for the rest of the season. That will let Springer out for good. He won't be able to play with any- body, for Slabtown will support and back the team we're going to put in there. Now, what do you think of that, gentlemen—what do you think of tek stares tad lereaee settee i inquired here. TIP TOP WEEKLY. “Tt might do,” he said, “only for one thing.” “What's that?” cried Hector. “Don’t you know, gentlemen, that there’s still an- other baseball-team here in the Blue Hills?” “Still another?’ exclaimed father and son, to- gether. “Ves,.”’ “Where?” “At Mad Lake.” “Mad Lake?” questioned Horace Porter. there’s no settlement—no resort at Mad Lake.” “There’s a camp there. By a camp I mean a collec- tion of some twenty or more tents.” “Yes, that’s so, that’s so,’ nodded Brace. all about it.” “Who’s camping there?’ asked Hector. “Dick Merriwell’s brother Frank has moved his athletic school from Bloomfield to Mad Lake for the summer. He has some eighty or more boys with him. He has his Bloomfield baseball-team. You know that his team won the county championship this year, de- feating Wellsburg and Pittston in the contest. Now, I’ve heard from Frank Merriwell. He sent me a re- quest to meet him any time at any place to talk over baseball matters. It seems that he wishes to get into baseball up here.” “Well, I don’t see why you have to consider him at all,’ cut in Horace Porter. “Are you compelled to take notice of every crowd of campers that’ come into these hills? They can’t play baseball at Mad Lake. There’s no ball-ground there.” “T’m informed that there is a ball-ground, and a very good one, at that.” “Well, who will there be at Mad Lake to witness a game? Are you going down there to play for the entertainment of a lot of boys? I think you may safely put them out of consideration.” “You think so,” said Strawbridge, “but let’s con- _ sider that point. Our main object in this matter is to avoid catering to Silas Springer.” No one had noticed the fact that the door was slightly ajar. At this point it was pushed open, and a sharp voice cried: — “Po avoid catering to me, eh? So that’s your ob- ject, hey? I s’pose you mean you're goin’ to try to cut me aouter baseball entirely. By golly! you're _ afraid of me. - jingoes! you dassent play my team. By smoke! you'll have to!” Springer entered. “Why, “T know CHAPTER III. FRANK’S PROPOSAL. He was followed by Frank Merriwell. ~ “*Scuse me for comin’ right in, Mr. Brace,” he said boldly. - goin’ to knock on the door. Mr. Brace, this is Mr. Frank Merriwell. Mr. Porter “I happened to hear my name jest as I was They told me you was in Mr. ee. Pe ee : “this sort to-day. ¢ “Never mind the introduction,” Porter. “Cut it out,” advised Hec, through his beaklike nose. “We.usually choose our acquaintances.” Merriwell nodded to Brace, who did not offer a hand, but shook hands with Strawbridge, who was more polite. Then he smilingly surveyed the Por- ters. “Not for the world,” said he, “would I think of forcing my acquaintance on two such particular per- sons, ‘You can skip the introduction without offending me in the least, Mr. Springer.” “I guess, by golly! they’ll be the losers by it,” ob- served Silas. ‘Kinder seems to me we've dropped in here jest abaout the right time, Merriwell. These folks are all sorter fixin’ up baseball business in these parts to suit theirselves. I did think that they had a little sand, but I’ve changed my mind most mas- terly. I did think they was gentlemen to keep their promises, but it begins to look as if I was mistooken. Now, see here, Ben Brace,” he cried, smacking his clenched right fist into the palm of his left hand, “I wanter know if you're goin’ to stick by your word, or. if you're goin’ ter squawk.” Brace frowned blackly. “Don’t talk to me, Springer!’ he grated. like it!” “Don’t ye? Waal, by golly, you'll like it less be- fore I’m through! I’m a plain-spoken man, and when I git my dander up I spit her right out. Mebbe you think I don’t know what all this touse is abaout to-day. How’d you cal’late I happened to be here jest naow? I'll tell ye haow it happened. Somebody heered you | and Strawbridge a-talkin’ over the phone last night, — and they told me you was goin’ to have a meetin’ of © Mr. Merriwell he come up to Pine- ville, and I told him what was goit’ on. Then, we — just gut a gas’line bo’t and humped her right over here. We're here, gentlemen, and, by jinks! we're © goin’ to have some say in this matter.” | ; “Say, Springer, jest lower that voice of yours,” desis manded Brace. “Don’t squawk and shout.” | “Don’t talk to me abaout squawkin’, Ben Brice You’re a squawker, that’s what you are! You give me your word of honor that, if my team was fast — enough, you’d make a schedule with me. Both you and Strawbridge said if we could beat you that day at Pineville, you’d play us all the games we wanted. — That was mighty clever of ye, wasn’t it—mighty — clever! You kinder thought me an easy mark. You — figgered it aout that we didn’t have only jest Dick Merriwell for apitcher, and he’d pitched two power- ful hard games already i in two days, so that he couldn’t © pitch two more games the follerin’ day. He! he! That’s where you fooled yourselves. He did pitch in the forenoon, and he made your old Madawaska team look like thirty cents. He knowed where to git an- other feller to pitch in the arternoon, and them boys jest shet the Silver Springs aout withaout a single run. If you two had been men of your are that interrupted Horace “T don’t wie LOE would ’a’ settled it. Instid of keepin’ your promises, you two pulled off by yourselves, and we ain’t been able to do nuthin’ with ye sence. Is that right? Is that just? Is that honorable? Is that manly?” “IT don’t propose to have any one coming into my private office to talk to me like that!’ snarled Brace. “That’s right, that’s right,” put in Horace Porter. “Invite them to leave. If they don’t leave, put them out.” “He! he! he!” peideered Silas. “Naow, I wouldn’t advise you people to try that business. I useter be a pretty good scrapper myself, and they tell me that Mr. Merriwell is a holy terror on wheels. If you want to put us aout, jest you people pitch right in and try te “Tt’s an outrage, Brace,’ ““That’s what it is,” “Gentlemen,” said Frank Merriwell, smiling in an amused way, “there’s no reason why we should get excited and act hastily. Mr. Brace, Mr. Strawbridge, Mr. Springer, and myself represent baseball-teams here in the Blue Hills. I’m here to-day to make a proposal. Wouldn’t it be a good plan for the four of us to hold a private consultation without witnesses ? “He wants to rin us out!’ snapped Hector. ‘What do you think of that, Mr. Brace? This fellow comes in here and proposes to kick us out!” “No, indeed,” denied Frank. “I have simply made ce suggestion. If the other gentlemen agree to it, I ‘presume you'll retire of your own accord. “They won® agree to it,” asserted Horace Porter. “We were here first, and we had a proposal before this meeting.” “Do you or your son represent a baseball-team in the Blue Hil a Fr “Yes, sir.” “What team?’ “Slabtown.”’ “Well, now, that’s singular,” laughed Frank. “T was in Slabtown yesterday, and I was told there that you had been trying to make an arrangement quite distasteful to the people of that place. They have their own ball-team, but it seems that you wished to ‘put in an’ entirely different team to represent Slab- town. As far as I could learn, there were not more than six or eight people in the place who approved of the plan. They mformed me that any team you put in would not be recognized as the Slabtown team. Those people don’t care to play baseball more than once a week. They wish to be independent, and they’re proud of their own team, which is made up of laboring young men. Yow have not yet organized your team. You have no backers outside of yourselves. Under these circumstances, Mr. Strawbridge, do you wish to consider a proposal from suclf a source?” _ Strawbridge looked perplexed and uneasy. “Of course he does,” said Hector Porter. « Somehow, those words seemed to produce a prompt decision in the mind of William Strawbridge. . “Tf Mr. Merriwell states the Sethe “he ae ’ said Porter. agreed Hector. 3597 zn fy said, a | WEEKLY. don’t think we can take you into consideration, Mr. Porter—at least, not at present.” Silas. Springer grinned. “Tf you don’t consider them naow,” he said, “there ain’t one chance in ten thousand that you will later on. Now, look a-here, Mr. Strawbridge—look a- here, Mr. Brace, you folks ain’t goin’ to knock me outer baseball if you refuse to play with me. Mr. Merriwell has a team over to his camp at Mad Lake. It’s jest as good a team as there is anywhere in the Blue Hills. “Tf you two gents decline to consider me, then the Mad Lake team and the Pineville team will play together jest the same. We kin have jest as much baseball and jest as good baseball as you kin have over here. You won’t hurt me a whit.” “On the contrary, you'lhbe hurting yourselves, gen- tlemen,’’ asserted Merry. “You will recognize this fact if you'll pause to consider the situation. With- out doubt many of your ‘patrons wish to see other games between your team and the team at Pineville captained by my brother. If you refuse to give them such games, their dissatisfaction will soon be evident. In the meantime, Mad Lake and Pineville will be playing, and the people of Pineville will have a chance to laugh at you and call you afraid. Do you think you will like that condition of affairs?” “He’s a slick talker, gentlemen!” snarled Horace Porter. “You'd better not listen to him. If you're going to listen, I shall get out.” “The door is right at your elbow, Mr. Porter,” William Strawbridge, in a mild tone of voice. “What? What?’ shouted Porter. “Is that an in- vitation to go? Is that a hint?’ “This isn’t his office,” said Hector. say about it, Brace?” “When you have a ball-team that represents Slab- town, come around and see us,” said Brace. Hector’s father seized him by the shoulder. “Come on, my boy,” he snapped savagely, “we'll get out! Let them make fools of themselves if they want to!” “What do yee Hector was disinclined to go, but his father pulled him out of the room, and they slammed the door be- hind them. “Naow, Mr. Merriwell,”. said Springer, make your proposal to these gentlemen. they'll listen to it.” “Go ahead, Merriwell,” “we're ready to listen.” Brace said nothing. “My proposal is a simple one,” said Frank. “There are now four ball-teams here in the hills. It is my” opinion that these teams are quite evenly matched. We may have some excellent baseball-games if we unite for that purpose. I would suggest the forming 3 of a league, with a certain set of by-laws, which we can draw up at this meeting, or later, as may be de- cided upon. I would suggest the arrangement of a schedule by which the various! teams may appear at “you can nodded Strawbridge,. the different places in rotation, Instead of doing you~ said Mebbe _ -» time-a. TIP TOP WEEKLY. any harm, gentlemen, I think such an arrangement will be greatly to your advantage. We'll call it the Blue Hills League, if that name pleases you. How does this plan appeal to you?” Strawbridge glanced toward Brace. “Sounds pretty well to me,” he admitted. do you say, Benjamin?” The Madawaska man drew a deep breath. dently it was a hard thing for him to give in. “Well, what can I do if you are willing to enter into ‘such an arrangement?” he finally muttered. “T can’t play baseball with my team alone. I’m forced into it. I surrender.” “Then, let’s settle down right here to-day, and make all arrangements, and draw up our by-laws,’ sug- gested Strawbridge. “Let’s elect our officers and go into this business in a businesslike way. If we’re “What Evi- going to have a league, it will be to our advantage to get it started right away. Your proposal is accepted, Mr. Merriwell.” “He! he! he!” laughed Silas Springer. thought it would be.” “T kinder CHAPTER. IV. THE ITALIAN DOCTOR. By noon the four men in the private office of Benjamin Brace had arrived at a satisfactory un- derstanding. Nevertheless, they realized it would take a large part of the afternoon to draw up by-laws and settle all points of dispute. Ere noon Benjamin Brace had thrown off some of his surliness and seemed resigned to the course affairs were taking. He felt it necessary to invite _ the visitors to lunch. This was served in, a private - room where they could continue to discuss the im- portant matter under consideration. Barely were they seated at the table when the door flew open, and in came a thin, dark-faced man, who _ appeared to be greatly excited and exasperated. This _ man seized Brace by the shoulder, as he cried: “This-a da worst-a hotel I ever stop-a at! All I _ git-a from da guest is da insult. Da small-a child-a _make-a da face at me. Da rest-a of da peop’ da call-a me da dago. I no-a stand-a for it. It be too much-a. In Sicily I come-a from one of da best fam’s. I am da doctor of medicine. I ama man-a of good-a repu- _tash’. I speak- a da English most-a beautiful. How -can-a peop’ tell-a [am da foreigner? Last-a night da young lady at da next tab’e laugh-a at me all da _ To-day two young men da make-a da fool talk to me. Da ask-a me where I keep-a da hand-org’ and da _ monk’, Da ask-a me dat, sir!” yelled the man, thump- ‘ing himself wildly on the eee “T no stand-a it! What you do for me, Mr. Brace-a? You stop-a this insult ie pubeee i demand-a it—I, ee ee cannibals in Sicily. I have-a you move-a me at da ’nother tab’e. : implored. the landlord. “I’m not deaf. I can hear you if you speak in an ordinary tone of voice. I'll take cognizance of your trouble and make an inves- tigation.” “You say-a that before!’’ squealed the man from _ ae Sicily. ‘‘You tell-a me what you do-a, and you do- “a nothing at all-a!” “Well, what do you want?” “Put-a da peop’ out dat make-a da sport of me. No keep-a dem here.” “Oh, yes,” said Brace, with a short harsh laugh, “T’ll fire everybody else in the hotel just to keep you! Now, look here, doctor, I have troubles enough al- ready, and I’m not going to get into trouble with my ; guests on your account. You're super-sensitive.” “Hold-a on! hold-a on!” squawked Borgetto. “Now you call-a me names! Now you make-a da : sport of me! ‘What sort of a man-a you are to roe 7 da hotel ?” “Aw, back up!’ exclaimed Brace, in disgust. “You don’t understand our ways, and you can’t catch on to the twists in our language.” “T tell-a you I understand-a da Rastat most-a fluent.” ifs “The trouble sith you is that you think you under- stand it, and you put false meaningsg to everything you hear. Now, I wasn’t calling you names. I was — simply saying you are extremely sensitive and touchy. — You have an idea that every one is inclined to make sport of you, and you’re on the watch all the time. You seem to me a trifle quarrelsome, Doctor Bore ¥ You go around with a chip on your shoulder.” Quick as a flash the Italian looked at one of his. shoulders and then at the other. : “No chip-a! no chip-a!” he cried. “You rose da false state’! You all-a da same-a like-a da man, Cap’n Wiley. He never tell-a da truth any time: since I come-a to dis-a hotel. One-a day he tell- da lie about how he fight-a cannibals in Sicily. No-a_ I tell-a him so. He look-a’at me with da pit’ in his eye. He tell-a me how da sol- diers go out to da mountains to capture da cannibals. He tell-a me how da cannibals have him prisoner. Den da soldiers surround da cannibals. Da close-a in on da canibals. Da cannibals very much-a hungry and da most ready to eat-a da Cap’n Wiley. Alla da time da soldiers da keep-a da cannibals so busy fight- ing dey never stop-a for da lunch. Cap’n Wiley 1¢ find da crack in da rock where da natural gas escap' . He make-a da balloon out-a silk-a dat da cannib oi :”../ steal from da. os Unrate and bimeby a he § Ti SOr it all ready, he hold-a it over da natural-gas crack so it fill-a, and off he sail-a over da heads of da cannibals and da soldiers, and never stop-a until he _ land-a at Naples. Big-a lie! big-a lie! When I say-a _ 80, everybody laugh-a. Da Cap’n Wiley he git-a mad. He say he challenge me to da duel. He say he _meet-a me at forty pace’ with da squirt-guns. How anybody fight-a da duel with da squirt-guns?” “Look here, doctor,” cut in Brace, “you’ll have to choke off. This is a private dining-room, and we’re discussing important business. I’m sorry if you don’t like the accommodations at my hotel, but I can’t help it. If you don’t like it, you’re at liberty to leave any time you please.” “And dat-a all da satisfacks I get!” cried the Italian, ‘wringing, his hands and clawing wildly at his hair. “I wish-a I never come-a here!” _. “T wish so, too!’ growled Brace, unable to restrain himself longer. “The sooner you leave, the better I’ll be pleased. That’s straight enough, I guess. _ There’s the door! Now, get out quick!” ‘ _ Doctor Borgetto retired with poor grace, chattering , and muttering to himself as he disappeared. *T can’t stand for monkeys and fools!” growled “Now, we'll go on with our business, gen- It was mid-afternoon before all arrangements were . completed and the four managers of the teams in the Blue Hills League had signed the by-laws. These by- laws were mainly the production of Merriwell, who tried as far as possible to cover the principal points that should be covered in such a compact. _ At the end they made a schedule for the following week, agreeing to meet on a later date and complete the schedule for the season. _. Frank Meérriwell’s proposal had brought about the result he desired, and he was thoroughly satisfied. CHAPTER V. CHESTER TRIES TO COLLECT. Chester Arlington came over from Silver Springs to. Madawaska in his naphtha boat. He had been drinking enough to make him ugly, and a glint of anger leaped into his eyes as he encountered Cap’n WEEKLY. “Yes, I’m speaking to you, you ten-cent shyster, you tin-horn sharp, you ordinary bum!” “Chesty,” said the sailor, “I’m a man of peace, else, having spooched those words, you would be a man in pieces. Really, I don’t mind it much from you, you know. You’re simply a gas-bag at best, Chesty. You’re nothing but a blow-hard, and he who , heedeth thy words is a lobster. den offensiveness? chump ?” But why all this sud- What’s gnawing you now, old “Don’t you call me a chump!” cried Chester furi- ously. “You owe me money.” “Ts that so?” “That’s just so.” “Well, my dear, dear fellow, I’d rather owe it to you always than to cheat you out of it. If there’s any- thing I pride myself on, it’s my unimpeachable hon- esty. I may have debts scattered broadcast like seed before a strong wind, but never yet have I failed to recognize a debt when I met it. The truth is that I seldom meet them if I see them coming. do a scientific duck sufficient to make any proximious spectator gasp in astonishment. (By the way, Chesty, will you tell me the meaning of that word proximious; I like the sound of it, and I may want to use it again.)” : ‘Oh, you're an ighorant jackass!’ sneered Arling-— ton. “At best, you’re simply a blatant, loud-mouthed, short-witted creature!’ “My goodness! Chesty, when it comes to spaldeuet offensive appellations, you’re certainly fluent your: self.” “When are you going to pay me back that money?” “I wish you'd tell me. myself. At the sates time, you might explain wits money you mean.’ “You know what I mean.” “I’m a wretched poor guesser.” “You know I loaned you money in Fardale at the time we entered into an agreement to put a baseball- — team into Pineville this season. pay back every cent at the first opportunity.” “So I will, so I will; but Ive yet to see the op- portunity. Mind you, I said the first opportunity. arrives when you're not present. You can’t blame me if I happen to have the coin in my pajamas when you are absent. If you happen to be on hand at that favorable moment, I shall cough up that little | me Let me be- hold an old debt advancing in my direction, and I can I’d like to know the answer — You ghiraberi to 9 Now, Chet, you can’t blame me if the opportunity Tie TOP WEEKLY; are the sum with great glee and gladness; but if you not there, how can I pay you? That will be first opportunity. If that opportunity passes, ac- cording to my agreement, I’m not called upon to pay you when any other opportunity arrives. I did not say that I would pay the amount on the second oppor- tunity, or the third opportunity, or anything of that sort. It must be on the first aaa See !’’ “Your ridiculous and silly talk shows that you’re a fool. You don’t know the meaning of the word opportunity. You wouldn’t know an opportunity 1f one came your way.” “Perchance not,” admitted Wiley. “Yet on many occasions I have embraced an opportunity in the shape of a sylphlike girl. I never dodge such opportunities -as those. I likewise embraced the opportunity when I was given a chance to pitch here at Madawaska after you, my grandiloquent fizzle, were yanked out of the box and kicked to the bench. I went in, toed the slab, did a stunt that kept the gaping multitude gasp- ing with admiration. That’s why I’m still here, Chesty, and that also explains why you are not here. You were given your walking- ate while little - Walter was retained in a snug berth.” “What have you done since then? You were batted out of the box the very next day.” ( “Was 1?” “You know you were.” “T forget little things like that. I have a happy faculty of forgetting the unpleasant occurrences and _ remembering those things which tickle my memory with pleasant delight. “He who hath ears to hear, let him hear.’ Timothy, tenth, sixteenth.” _ “Well, now, I want to tell you something, Wiley!’ snarled Arlington. “You're going to pay me that money!” “You seem very confident, Arlington.” Pee ani _ “Why are you filled with so much unadulterated confidence ?”’ “Because I mean to make you pay. I’m going to follow you up. I don’t. RRSRORS to have a common, cheap skate like you beat me.’ _ “Speaking of skates, Chet, reminds me that I ob- ‘served as soon as I clapped my discerning eye upon i you to-day that you yourself had a skate with you. In the words of the patriarch, Chester, ‘Look not upon the wine when it is red, for it biteth like a rattler and ‘stingeth | worse than a whole nest of bumblebees.’ I now, my boy—I know from sad and bitter experi- ence, © Ive sworn off i swear off ee once a get them into running order once more. month, if not oftener. JI am a person of high moral principles. The great trouble is that those principles get out of mesh occasionally and refuse ‘to work. They remind me of your old automobile, Chet. On numer- ous occasions I’ve observed that your machine gets contrary and balks like a bronco. You can’t seem to do much of anything with it. It’s that way with my high moral principles. After those principles have kicked up a bobbery with me and I’ve departed from the straight and narrow path for the time being, greatly to my sorrow, I awaken from my folly with — an expanded head and a throbbing brain. Straight-— way I begin to oil up those high moral principles and When every- thing is properly oiled and I’m again on the straight~ macadamized boulevard, I throw in the high géar and — go scooting along as smooth as a swimming duck. By the way, Chester, please don’t breathe in my face. It’s making me dizzy.” | Naturally, all this talk had attracted the attention — of many guests on the veranda. Some were dis- pleased and offended, while others drew near and lis- tened with more or less amusement. Among those — who approached was the Italian, Doctor Borgetto, — who, however, seemed both puzzled and annoyed. At: this point the Italian decided to butt in. ee “You give-a him fits,” he urged, seizing Arlington’s : shoulder, and glaring at the sailor. “He make-a me — sick-a! He tell-a da most-a big-a lie I ever hear.” “Hello, Count Macaroni!” chirped Wiley. ‘Good — gracious! your breath is worse than Chetty’s. I pre- fer the odor of whisky to that of garlic. Why don’t . you eat a cardamon seed occasionally? I would sug- gest. the deodorization and fumigation of your stomach.” . '? “My name is not da, Count-a Macarom! | nae the Italian. | oy am “Excuse my mistake,” pleaded the marine marvel -“T remember now that you’re the Baron Spaghetti.” — Chester brushed the doctor’s hand from his shoul- der. | | * “Keep your fingers off me, my man, never did take to dagos.” “Dago? Dago?” squawked the Italian. call-a me dat? You insult-a me!” | Wiley began to grin. | ” he said. YOu by Merriwell, Strawbridge, and Springer. nates Brace was ae to by: several of ie at Bed ‘ 4 y be , Ri TIP TOP WEEKLY. ; 9 who complained on account of the “disgraceful affair” - which was taking place there on the veranda steps. The landlord promptly pushed into the midst of it. “What are you trying to do?” he harshly demanded. “Are you seeking to ruin the reputation of my house? - Quit this brawling. You’re a trouble-maker, Doctor Borgetto, and you'll please me by leaving the hotel as soon as you can.” “You mean-a dat?” gasped Lr Italian. “Yes, I mean it! As for you,” Brace added, glaring at Arlington, “I shall have to ask you to keep away from Madawaska.” “You go to thunder!” snarled Chet. “This is a public hotel, and you can’t keep me away efrom it if I wish to come here.” “T can if you make a disturbance. It appears to be _ your custom to create trouble wherever you go.” In the meantime, Borgetto was clawing at his hair. “All-a right! all-a right!” he shouted. ‘You see _ me git-a out quick-a! Mr. Merriwell, can you give-a ‘me da accomdash’ at Mad Lake?” Frank shook his head. “Oh, no,” he answered, “‘that’s out of the question. We're simply camping there, doctor. We’re not run- ning a hotel.” _ “T bring-a my own camp-a,” buy’ tent-a and bring-a it.” “Td rather you wouldn’t.” “You own-a all da whole shore round da Mad-a Lake?” demanded Borgetto. “I have-a da right to - camp-a somewhere on Mad-a Lake. You can no 1? _ keep-a me away. .I come-a! I come-a! said the Italian. “I “Accept my sympathy, Mr. Merriwell,” chuckled Wiley. “Evidently the count is determined to inject himself uponyyou. It wouldn’t'be so grievously dis- tressing if he could speak English. He ought to have is language filed and then rubbed down with emery- cloth. It would make a great improvement.” — “You put-a me out-a your hotel?” chattered Bor- -getto, turning to Brace, and flourishing his hands. “I ro-a! I go-a! You sell-a me a tent-a?” i “If you'll go, I’ll sell you a tent,” answered the Jandlord promptly. “T’ll furnish you a full camping outfit for the price.” ~ “Good-a! good-a! I take-a it. '-day.” 5 et the meantime, Arlington had descwided the ps. He paused at the bottom and looked back, fix- ag his eyes on Wiley. “T’ll see you again,” he said. “I’m going to follow fou up, you bum, till you pay me that money.” I aye I get-a out ‘The road: may be a long and weary one,” retorted the sailor. “I advise you to lay in a stock of soothing ointment for your tired trilbeys.” CHAPTER VI. A DOCTOR IN DEMAND. Silas Springer was highly elated over the success at Madawaska. He chuckled and snickered as he and Merriwell sat in the motor-boat bore them away. which he cried, “son said you'd bring ‘em to it, and you done so! You fixed it up purty slick, Mr. Merriwell. Naow, we'll have all the baseball we want, and I ruther guess we’re going to make them fellers git up and git.” “By golly,” “We'll make them go some,” smiled Merry. “They may beat us out, but we’ll have plenty of sport.” “Beat us? Beat us?” squawked Springer. “Be — they goin’ to beat us? Ain’t we gut jest as good teams as they have?” “Just as good—perhaps better,” nodded Frank. “But mark my words, Mr. Springer, they’ll not be satisfied with the teams they have at present in case they find us too much for them. Under such cir- curnstances, they'll lose no time in strengthening their teams.” | “But you kinder insisted that there shouldn’t be no’ more changes except in the batteries. You gut that into the by-laws, didn’t ye?” Buy “With one modification,” nodded Frank. “That _ clause in the by-laws stipulates that vacancies made — through sickness or some other unavoidable cause may — be filled by new players. Of course, you and I inteae sy to stand by the agreement we signed. We can’t de- _ pend on Brace and Strawbridge. If they find us too , much for them, you'll be surprised by the sickness that — will break out among their players.” “Waal, we kin strengthen, too, can’t ee If ens try that trick, we kin play the same game.” Chm “We can, and, if forced to it, we will. As long as they are on the level, we'll stay so. The Happy Camp- ers are going to play baseball for the sport there is in ‘it. I believe my boys fast enough to make it inter- esting for the other teams,°and I know my brother’s team, which you have at Pineville, will deliver the goods. In case Brace and Strawbridge get frightened and go back on the agreement, putting in better play- ers or airs caged i na where to get mus of a ; 10 few good men myself. I may take a hand in the game. T can call on Bruce Browning and Jack Diamond any day. Bart Hodge is at Bloomfield, overseeing the building of his cottage there. He’ll come up into the hills, if necessary. Besides Hodge, I know of two or three other good men.” Springer looked a bit downcast and troubled. “You kin get all these players,” he said, “but what be I goin’ to do?’ “Oh, I won't need them all,” laughed Frank. “If you're compelled to strengthen, [ll fix it so that you get the men you need.” : “Waal, that’s . fust-rate, fust-rate,” said Silas. “That's purty fine.. This here league arrangement is goin’ to be a great thing.” “You can get more baseball sport out of a league ’ of this sort than through any other plan,” nodded Frank. “Think you kin take a fall out of Silver Springs to- morrer ?” “The uncertainty is what makes it interesting.” ' Fully two hours before sunset the little boat swung in at the Happy Camp float, and Frank stepped ashore. “So long, Mr. Springer,” hand as the boat moved away. “Good night, good night!” cried Springer, v waving in return. The boys of Happy Camp were eager to know the result of Merry’s mission. When he informed them that a league had been formed and the opéning game with Silver Springs would be played at Happy Camp on the morrow they gave a great cheer of delight. “Wow! wow!” barked“Towser Bubbs. “We've got to do those fellows up.” he called, waving his “We've been practising this afternoon,” » fair. “The field is a dandy.” - Less than an hour after Merry’s return Arlington’s -motor-boat came across Mad Lake and swung in at the float. Doctor Savoca Borgetto sprang off, and - Chester assisted hin’ in depositing several bundles and a suit-case on the float. One of the bundles was _a-canvas tent, compactly tied up with ropes. said Spark- Followed by Browning and several of the ‘boys, Frank hurried down to the float. “How do-a, how do-a,” grinned Borgetto. come-a.” Se _ “T see you have,” said Frank. “You're here, in spite of the fact that you know you're not wanted.” ~“T thought you might enjoy his company, Mr. Mer- well,” laughed Arlington, who seemed to consider Tie EO? 4 WEEKLY. ita huge joke. “That’s why I brought him over. [’m in a great hurry, and I’ll have to hike along.’’ Starting up the motor, he swung out from the float. “You need-a me, \you need-a me,” asserted Bor- getto. “You need-a da doctor. I look-a out for da sick-a.boys. I make-a da boys well.” “Vat vos dot?” demanded Doctor Schnitzle, ap- pearing on the scene, with a long crooked-stem pipe in his mouth. “Vat dit dot man say ven he speeched? I vos der toctor at Happy Camps, undt der vos no udder vun needed alretty.” “That’s quite true,” nodded Merry; “bit this man seems deteftmined to force himself upon us whether we need him or not.” “Coot cracious!” exploded’ Schnitzle. “Dit he not haf any decency yet? I don’d pelief he vos a toctor, at, all. sturgeon.” “Git-a out! git-a out!” shouted Borgetto, in exas- peration. “I am da finest physician dat ever was-a.” “Vere dit you graduation from?” inquired Schnitzle skeptically. ‘You peen vun of dose macaroni toctors vot day haf ofer in Italy alretty now. In dot country efrypody dot learns der parber’s trade is callt a toctor. Yah! Ofer in Italy der parbers application leeches to let oudt der plod, undt so der people call dem toctors. Maype you vos a parber toctor. Not?” “T am-a da doctor of medicine,’ asserted Borgetto. “Da German doctor is no good-a.” an “You peen another!” promptly declared Schnitzle, his| face flushing with exasperation. toctors more patients kill dan dey cure. Yah!” + “Don’t-a you talk-a to me like-a dat!” snarled Bor- — getto, leaving the float and advancing threateningly on — Schnitzle. “Vale,” into his pocket and spat on his hands, “I make-a you take-a it back-a!” avay soon now.’ “Sic ’em, Schnitzle,” chuckled Dale “We're betting on you.” In spite of himself, Merriwell was amused, and he < made no offer to interfere as the two doctors stood — spluttering and snarling and chattering at each other. While this was taking place no one noticed a small boat, propelled by a girl, which approached the float | and stopped there. Fastening a line to a ring-bolt, the girl sprang out and hurried hate Frank. “Oh, Mr. Merriwell,” she said, “you have a doctor here, haven’t you?” Fad 34 Maype berhaps he haf peen a_ veterinary ‘Der Italian said the German, as he slipped his pipe “uf you vant — to try dot chob, aoe had petter a peginning: make a . Spare i a will kill-a your fath’. Ab LOE “Miss Morgan,” said Frank, turning and lifting his cap, “where did you come from?” “Home. My father is very ‘ill. He needs the at- tention of a doctor without delay.” These words were heard by both Schnitzle and Bor- getto. Immediately they both dashed at the girl, of- fering/their services. -“T vos der toctor at Happy Camps,” said the Ger- man. “Uf your varter vos sickness, my attentions vill dood for him.” | - “If you take-a dat man,” chattered the Italian, “he You take-a me, you take-a ’ ordered Schnitzle, jabbing his el- “Tt vos nodt a horse or a tog “Get avay back,’ _ bow into Borgetto’s ribs. - dot vos sickness.” “You punch-a me! You hit-a me!” snapped the Italian. “After I make-a da.sick-a man well I fix-a you!” “You vill nodt make anypody vell!” sneered Schnit- | zie. “Come py me now, young laty. I vill your poat get into, undt we vill haste make your varter to’ at- _ tention. Go, some poy, ence my tent to, undt from it _ my medicine-case bring.’ _ Two of the boys scudded away, returning in a few “moments with the doctor’s case. Seizing the case, Schnitzle stepped into the boat and seated himself in ate stern: P ‘Madge followed, after casting off the line. As she picked up the oars Savoca Borgetto sprang into the forward part of the boat and took a seat. _ “Da Dutch doctor shall-a not kill-a your fath’,” he announced. “I will see-a that he does-a not give-a him da medicine to make-a him dead-a.” | — “Dump him der poat oudt!” shouted Schnitzle, in- ted. “Upsedt der vater into him!” He ii to rock the boat seme gi cael! in case he succeeded in overturning Borgetto. AY “Stop that!” commanded the girl. “I'll take you both. Keep still, please. We must not lose time.” _ Placing the oars in the oar-locks, she rowed away, while the two doctors continued to splutter and snarl at each other. CHAPTER VIL. THE VANISHING OF BORGETTO. WEEKLY. -her ear. ‘ TT in bed, with his wife hovering over him. The old man was pale and weak, while his hair and his beard seemed grayer than ever. The sun had set, and a light burned in the sick- room of the little cabin on the shore of Mad Lake. “All-a right, all-a right,’ said Borgetto, as old Mose Morgan declined his proffered attentions. “You take-a da Dutch-a-man he fix-a you.” “Why did you bring that feller here, Madge?” weakly whispered Morgan, as the girl bent over the bed. “He insisted on coming, father,” she replied. “He sprang into the boat as I was pushing off, and I could not get rid of him.” Old Mose lifted.an arm, placed it round the girl’s shoulders, and drew her down, whispering in her ear: “Watch him, Madge—watch him. looks.” I don’t like his Doctor Schnitzle was triumphant and well satisfied. He turned on Borgetto with an air of (Sree sna “IT peen der accepted physician here,” he said. “Dot settles it. I vos now authority in. You vill got oudt of dis room. Yah!” , ““May-a I assist-a you?” suggested the Italian. “You vill dood it nodt,” retorted Schnitzle. “Ox- citement you vos making py der patient. Oudt you | vill got at vunce.”’ Borgetto retired. - ; The glance of the sick man followed the Italian until he had disappeared. Once more old Mose drew his daughter down in order that he might whisper in me “Don’t let him get. The doc- “Follow him, girl,” he urged. out of your sight. Don’t worry about me. tor will take care of me, all right.” She obeyed this command. It was growing dark on the bosom of Mad Lake when Dale Sparkfair and Bob Bubbs arrived in a- boat at Morgan’s landing. They found Madge and the Italian standing on the shore. “T suppose-a you come-a to take-a me back, . said me. Borgetto. he “You've got another supposition due you,” Lasalle Bubbs. “We’re not putting ourselves to all that trou- ble on your account. How is Mr. Morgan?” “Aw, da Caen he kill-a him!” sneered Bor- getto. In the meantime, Spaticiaie was speaking to Madge. All his usual ee, of manner had vanished. _ “I sincerely hope your father is not seriously ill,” he said, in a low tone. “If such a thing is possible, I’m sure Doctor Schnitzle will bring him round all right.” “I’ve seen father only a few moments since my ‘return,” she explained. “You know his prejudice against strangers. He urged me to keep watch over this Italian.” “Leave the Italian to me,” for him.” Madge hesitated, but anxiety about her finally led her back into the cabin. “You're sort of a misfit here, Spagetto,” addressing the Italian. “You call-a me by my name not-a,” said the man from Sicily. “It is Borgetto, Borgetto—not Spa- getto.” “Wow! wow!” came softly from Bubbs. ‘“That’s a name one can easily forgetto.” “Well, Borgetto,” said Dale, “don’t you think it would be a wise and discreet thing for you to fade away? Don’t you realize in your heart that your room is far preferable to your company ?”’ “Everybody talk-a to me like-a dat!’ snapped the Italian. “You want-a me to go. _much-a quick.” . “That'll be a great relief,’ said Spark. “You can’t do the vanishing act too sudden to suit us.” “T go-a! I go-a!’” rasped Borgetto, flourishing his arms, “You watch-a me! You sée-a me go-a!” Muttering to himself, the man started off into the darkness, followed by the two boys. said Dale. “TI’ll look out father said Spark, ’ ‘We'll watch you go, all right,” chuckled Spark. Not far from the cabin Were a number of low pine- trees. Into the midst of ‘these trees plunged the Italian, being hidden by the darkness, although Spark _ and Bubbs were close at his heels. The boys hastened - forward and looked in vain for the Sicilian. Appar- ently the little cluster of trees had swallowed him, _ and he had vanished like a wraith. After five minutes _ of search Dale and Bob paused on the edge of the tiny grove and stared at each other through the gloom. “He certainly took your advice, Spark, and took it in a hurry,” said Bubbs. Gee whillikins! where did he go Pe” _ “TI wish you'd tell me,” muttered Sparkfair. “As watchdogs, we seem to be two fancy fizzles, Bubbs.” In the meantime, Madge had hurried to her father’s ‘side. He did not observe her as/she silently slipped _ into the room and stood near the head of the bed. TIP FOP WEEKLY. Maybe I go-ai Doctor Schnitzle was measuring out some medicine from his case. noe “You vill took doze powders directions according | o,” he said. “Of dis medicine der glass into you vill Me took vun teaspoonful efry two hours. It peenabilious | ~~ turn you haf.” i. “You don’t consider it dangerous, do you, doctor?” a inquired Mrs. Morgan. “Mine cootness!” laughed Schnitzle, his sides shaking, “it vos chust apout as dangerous as der chickenpoxes. Of course, it peen unpleasant, undt it makes him sick feeling, but ae vill leaf him alretty bretty soon a day or two in.’ “T’m so glad,’ murmured the woman, quding het " Janding. At one-thirty Chester Arlington’s launch appeared with the Silver Springs baseball-team. The Happy Campers were on hand to welcome their antagonists with a cheer, “Hello, Spark!’ cried Arlington, as he sprang | ashore. «] see you are in good condition, for all of, the bath you took a few days ago,’ He walked straight up to Dale and seized his hand. “Sparkfair,” he said, “that was a rotten mean trick — of mine. I’d been hitting it up that day, and I was feeling rather raw. I tried to square up as well as I could by paying Merriwell for the canoe I smashed.” “Let’s wipe the record off the slate and begin over,” suggested Dale. ‘Taken altogether, I consider it for-— tunate for me that you ran us down.” ; “Eh?” gasped Chet, lifting his eyebrows. that again. I don’t see how you make it out.’ “It’s this way,” laughed Spark. “If you hadn’t © bumped us and smashed the canoe, you'd not been coming back here that night. You came back to pay for the canoe. You were just in time to collide with that ruffian, Thurston Hoyt, who had left me in his cave, bound and gagged. The only way to reach that cave was by water. me all right. But water leaves no trail, and Joe was all at sea. Taking this into consideration, s actually feel that I owe you something.” “Say a / Had it been entered by land, my copper-skinned partner, Crowfoot, would have found — x d “Well, on my life I’m glad you look at it that way,” said Chet. “At any rate, we nabbed Hoyt, and they have him in the county jail. appear against him?” “I don’t think it’ll be geckedacy It seems thins he was wanted on several other serious charges, and he’s pretty certain to get a fat sentence witse he’s brought to trial.” A rowboat approached the float. ‘Tt was propelled Are you going to-% “| iPS TOP Hoy a girl, who sprang out and made the boat fast with Pee, line. | “Ah-ha!” breathed Chester, as his eyes fell on _ the girl, “there’s the Queen of Mad Lake. There’s Madge Morgan, Spark. I wonder if she’ll recognize me to-day. I did stand fairly well with her until she saw me smash your canoe. That sort of cooked my goose.” he Both lads lifted their caps as Madge drew near. ___ She bowed rather coldly to Chester, but greeted Spark- : fair with a warm smile. “It’s twenty-three for me,” muttered Arlington. “Oh, Spark, you rascal, wait till June hears of this!” Evidently the girl caught the name June, for she flashed the speaker a glance from her brown eyes, and a bit of color mounted to her cheeks. She offered Dale her hand, which he eagerly ac- cepted. “May I have a word or two with you before the - game begins?” she asked, in a low tone. “Certainly, certainly,” he answered. Turning to Arlington, he said: “Bemis will show you the tent you fellows are to ‘use as a dressing-room,” pg All right, old sparker,” smiled Chet. about us.” The boy and girl walked apart from the others, “T’ve been a bit anxious about you to-day, Miss Morgan,” declared Sparkfair. “Only for my promise to keep away from your place, I’d been over there early this morning, Has anything happened? Have you seen anything of our wild-eyed Italian friend?” “Not a thing,” she answered, shaking her head. “He was gone, as you know, when we returned after sinking the box in the deep hole, and he’s not been seen since. I wondered if he had appeared here,” . ay Nite ” said Spark. “Don’t worry tits oe is here, I ae I didn’t I’ve - “Tt was a good thing you did not hesitate,” breathed Madge. “It was a good thing you struck swiftly and orely. He had announced his intention of examining He had a pistol in his nd. > “And that was my best excuse for swatting him. I - pop- gun promiscuously in my direction. If he does, - going to ae him if Te can reach him,” WEEKLY. “It was very brave and nervy of you. Had I been alone, that man would have succeeded. You’ve not breathed a word to any one about what happened?” “Not a word, Madge. By the way, did you notice a peculiar thing when old Borget’ appeared in the lan- tern-light last night and pointed his gun at us?” “What do you mean?” “J mean the manner in which he spoke, There was not a trace of Italian dialect in his speech.” “T know it, I know it,” breathed Madge. your explanation of that?” “Tt strikes me,” answered Dale, dago about old Borget’, He was playing a part. was in disguise.” “T’ve come to the same ¢onclusion,”’ “What is ‘that there’s no He said the girl. CHAPTER XI. GETTING OUT OF A BAD HOLE. William Strawbridge was on hand when his team came from the dressing-tent in their suits and trotted onto the field for practise. . Horace Porter and his son Hector appeared at the side of Strawbridge’s carriage. “Why, how do you do, Mr. Porter,” said the Silver Springs man. “Didn’t expect to see you here to-day.” “Why not?” questioned Porter. “Why, I supposed you would witness the game at Pineville.” “Not much. We don’t care what happens at Pine- ville. We're not interested in Springer’s team, and since Brace wilted we’re done with him.” “That’s right, dad,”’ croaked Hec, through his nose, — “we're done with him.” “Do you think there’s any question about the result of this game?” asked the elder Porter. “Not the slightest,” asserted Strawbridge. Springs will win easily.” “Who’s going to pitch?” inquired Hec. “We're going to start the game with Arlington. If they bat him, we’re going to put in Pitt Flick. You know what Flick did against the Pineville boys. If our lads had batted any to speak of that day, we could have taken the game easily.” “TI told you, dad—I told you,” “Silver “This is the chance to get even for the money we lost at Slab- said Hec. town. We can make something here to-day if we can find any one willing to bet on the Happy Camp bunch. Better let me have a hundred.” “Think it would be safe, Mr. Strawbridge?” asked Horace Porter. “I think the chances are about ten to one that you will win any money you put up to back Silver Springs.” “Well, I don’t like to throw my money away,” mut- tered Porter, “but if the chances are as good as that, I think I will let the boy have a hundred. You don’t know any one who’s anxious to bet on the Merriwell crowd, do you, Mr. Strawbridge ?” “I do not,” smiled the Silver Springs man. “T doubt if you can find any one here.” “Let me have the money, dad. I'll try it,” Hector. The senior Porter produced a pocketbook and counted out a hundred dollars with some hesitation. “Of course, if I was sure ”” he said. “Oh, it’s a cinch!” cried Hec, as he took the money from his father’s hand. ‘Don’t worry, gov’nor.” Hec started out, looking for bets. In this he was not very successful, for it seemed that the spectators were there for the Purpose of watching the game and not to risk their money upon it. urged The Happy Campers took the field for practise, and Silver Springs gathered at the bench. Young Porter sought Chester Arlington. “TI say, Arlington,” he said, “don’t you know of any one with sand enough to back the Merriwells? I can’t seem to find any one, and I’ve got some money here that is burning my fingers.” _ “Avast, there!” cried a voice, as Cap’n Wiley tee- tered up on the balls of his feet. “What was it lI heard you murmuring in those dulcet tones? Did I understand you to say you were seeking to wager your wampum on Silver Springs?” “What are you doing here?” questioned Hec. Bo “Why aren’t you at Pineville with the Madawaska team?” “This is my day se” was the answer. “I have a sore ear, and I can’t play ball to-day. It hurts me every time I step.” “It’s likely he’s been fired from the team!” sneered _ Arlington. “That’s what’s coming to him, anyhow.” “Prognosticate me no prognostications,” said the marine marvel. “Your foresight is blinder than a _ deaf and dumb man, I'll be right here playing ball in _ the Blue Hills, Chesty, when you have faded into the distant mists. Seems to me I heard this chubby-faced diP IGP WEEKLY. y person with the American- — nose making remarks . _ We'll find a stake-holder, all right.” “Not at all,” declared Hec. like to put up on Silver Springs. any one willing to bet on the other team?” “Ask me!” chuckled the marine marvel. “Why, Porty, I’m boiling over with money I’d like to risk on Happy Camp. My jeans are literally stuffed with long green bank-notes which I am willing to risk on the local aggregation.” “Bah!” said Arlington. name.” “Think you thus?” apugHEG Wiley. sadly deceived you are.’ He produced a roll of bills and displayed the money. “He hasn’t a dollar to his Instantly Arlington stepped forward and made a> grasp at it, but the sailor was too quick, for he thrust the roll back into his pocket. “Nay, nay, Chesty,” he said. those crisp and crackling bills with your fingers, I should have swatted you a terrific bump on the kisser.” ‘Don’t make any fighting-talk to me, Wiley!” snarled Arlington. “You’re a big bluff! ever strike any one in your life?” “Once on a time | struck an attitude, sailor. “Are you going to pay me the money you eis E to pay me at the first opportunity ?” “Alas and alack! the opportunity has passed. bstgncde Too bad. again.” It’s gone now. “You wait—you wait till after this game!” growled: “T’m not going to get into trouble vee you before these people, but you'll pay me what you © Arlington. owe me after the game or I’ll take it out of your hide!’ “T have money rd Do you know of— “Behold how “Tf you had soiled Did you ” answered the © 1 ses cured this accumulation of wealth in a little game of chip last night, and had you been present then, Ate would have delighted my soul to square up. That was” the opportunity. That, Chesty, was the, first oppor- | It’ll never return a “There, there!’ cautioned the wind-jammer. “Make no rash promises, Chet, my boy. You may find your-. Come, Porty, let’s you and — self unable to keep them. me—notice how grammatical I am—let’s you and me ‘draw apart by ourselves and accomplish this wager. Let’s find an honest stake-holder in whose hands w can place the money. I think I have in my possessio something like a hundred plunks, mainly in dollar bil which I secured for the purpose of making my r look corpulent and abundant. I’m willing to ventur it all. Oh, I’ma sport!” the “You're my meat,” laughed Hector. “Come Tit TOP Efe this the batting order of the two teams had _ been given to the scorers, who recorded them as fol- | lows: SILVER SPRINGS, Drake, 2d b. Coleman, cf. Willis, ss. Dobson, 3d b. Shorkley, If. Cooley, ist b. Lovett, rf, Ide, c. _ Arlington, p. HAPPY CAMP. Bubbs, ss. Netterby, 3d b. Bemis, lf. Sparkfair, p. Crow foot, c. Brooks, rst b. Hollis, 2d b. Lander, rf, Barking, cf. Bruce Browning had been agreed upon as umpire. As soon as the home team had finished practise Browning stepped out and broke open a box, produc- ‘ing a new Spalding, which he tossed to Sparkfair. The visitors led off at bat. “Play ball!” called Bruce. _ Herbert Drake, captain of the Silver Springs team, was the first man up. “Go right after him, Drake, old man,” urged Jack Cooley, from the bench. “We'll give Sparkfair his _ medicine to-day.” : _ There was a hush as Dale toed the slab. _ The first ball pitched was wide, and Drake let it a pass. ‘The second one suited him, and he laced it out for a pretty single. ; ~“Oh-ho, Spark!” shouted Bert Lovett, as he danced | down to the coaching-line. “You'll find a few batters up against you this afternoon!” “Don’t worry me, Bertie—please don’t!” implored Dale. “You're distressing me already.” Grim and keen-eyed, Young Joe Crowfoot crept ip close to the home plate. He was alert and ready for business. Ma Dale fancied a signal passed between Coleman and Drake. He believed Drake would attempt to steal. Therefore, Dale pitched a wide ball, which came into Crowfoot’s hands in such a manner that the In- dian boy was in perfect position for a throw. Yrake made a bluff at trying for second, but leaped ick to first as. Young Joe whistled the sphere into the hands of Berlin Brooks, — ee They’re going to try it on the next pitch,” thought -Sparkfair. you're in a hole,” WEEKLY. 22 The runner was swift on his feet, and it seemed that he would reach second base in safety. Crowfoot’s hand came back even with his ear, He lost no time in making a long swing, but snapped the ball toward second with a short-arm throw. Hollis was laying for the runner. On a line the ball sped from the Indian boy’s fingers into the hands of the second-baseman. Drake slid. But Hollis tagged him like a flash, getting him while his hands were yet a foot from the bag. “Out at second!’ announced Browning. A cheer went up from the Happy Campers. “It’s so easy to steal bases on the chief!” laughed Sparkfair. Drake was surprised and disgusted. As he came in to the bench he was muttering: “How did he get that ball down there? I had a good lead. Did I run like a mud-horse, or what was the matter, anyhow ?” “I warned you,” said Arlington. “I told you that Indian could throw like a fiend. You can’t steal bases. on him.” “We'll see before the day’s over,” retorted Drake. Coleman waited until two strikes were called on him. Then he laced out a hot grounder that Bubbs barely touched with the ends of his fingers. | Before the ball could be returned, to the diamond Coleman was safe on second. mer “That’s the way to gp it!” cried Arlington. “Hit- ting will win this game.” ee Willis, the Silver Springs short- -stop, managed to? lift a little Texas Leaguer over the infield. Had Coleman dared try it, he might have scored. ‘ He was held back by his fear that Hollis would get back far enough to catch the ball. When Fred missed it, Coleman stretched himself for third base. ; Hollis secured the sphere and threw to Netterby.. The throw was high, and Coleman slid safely to the sack, Willis had crossed first and was watching for. the : throw. When it was made, he went dashing down to second. Netterby threw to Bob Bubbs, who had covered 2 sack number two. Too late. Willis slid, spikes first, and was soit Arlington began to laugh. “That’s playing ball, Sparkfair!” i. cried. “Now \ TIP-TOP WEEKLY: Dale had heard that Dobson, the fourth man on the Silver. Springs list, was a slugger, and he worked carefully with the fellow. In fact, Dale was a trifle too careful, with the result that, in seeking to “pull” Dobson, he-passed the fellow to first, filling the bases. Then came Shorkley, the big left-fielder of the visit- ing team, After having two strikes and two balls called on him, Shorkley smashed the Spalding into center field. Thad Barking made a great run for the ball, and it struck in his hands low down to the ground. For a moment Thad held it, but it bounded out as he tripped and turned a flip-flop. Coleman arrived home with the first run for the visitors. Willis had been lingering between second and third, Obeying the cries of the coachers, he crossed third and tried to score. As Barking sat up he discovered the ball on the ground two feet away. Catching it up, he snapped it to Bemis, who had run down from left field. Hiram turned and lined the sphere to the plate. It was.a magnificent throw, and Young Joe Crow- foot nailed Willis three feet from the pan. Not only did the Indian boy catch Willis in this manner, but without a moment’s delay he threw to second, observing that Dobson had overrun that sack. Dobson was caught between second and third. He dodged back and forth awhile, but the Happy Camp players closed in on him, and finally he was caught. “Lucky Sparkfair!’’ cried Arlington. | on yourself, Dale! Every one was hitting you!” “That’s right,’ admitted Spark cheerfully. “My benders were out of commission in this inning. All I had was a straight ball and a prayer.” _ “Now,” said Bob Bubbs, “we’ll see what the great mighty Arlington can do on the slab.” Poe Sate CHAPTER XII. THE FATAL FIFTH. As Sparkfair seated himself on the bench he felt a heavy hand fall on his shoulder. Turning, he found himself looking into the Sats Bet eyes of a thin- faced man, » “Step back here a little,” invited the man, in a voice | a “that sounded garecly familiar. “I ae something _ to say to you.” ak ene complied with the Pie ie He sh f “Pin a rose lowed the man, who walked straight toward Madge Morgan. ‘The girl was leaning against the bole of a tree. She seemed in nowise disturbed, and Dale even fancied there was a gleam of defiance and triumph in her large brown eyes. “Boy,” said the stranger, as he halted beneath the tree, “I regret to say that you’re in a serious scrape.” “It'll not be the first one,” answered Dale. “You'd better not be flippant on this occasion. the man you struck with an oar last night.” “Ts it possible you’re the famous Italian doctor?” smiled Dale. “What have you done with your fancy dialect ?” “T’m a secret service agent,’ said the dark-eyed man. “My name is Rockett.” : “Dear me!” murmured Spark. “I remember you very well, Mr. Rockett. I saw you over at Pineville, I believe. You took an unpremeditated bath in Spoon Lake when Arlington’s bubble went in for a swim.” “Are you aware, young man, that you resisted an — officer last night? | grave situation.” [Tm “Tt’s too late to get the weeps over that,” said Dale. 2b “How did I know that you were an officer? You | acted like a crazy dago. You bobbed up with a pistol _ in your hands and threatened us. It was my privilege _ and my duty t6 defend Miss Morgan and myself. I bumped you with the oar, and under the same circum- stances I would repeat the bump. If you had an- nounced yourself as an officer and shown your author- ity, it might have been different.” “You were seeig in destroying proofs ais crim inal operations,” said the detective. i “Let him prove that,” cut in Madge o’ Mad aber “What was there in that box?” questioned Rockett his eyes fastened on Sparkfair. : “Ask me!” said Dale. “I don’t know. I never at know. I never want to know. Miss Morgan r quested my assistance in excavating that box ar taking it out in a boat. I pledged myself not to be too” curious about it, and I am willing to swear under any circumstances that I had no ae whatever con- cerning the contents of the box.” if “But this girl knows,” asserted Rockett. “I do not,” declared Madge. “I was asked to talk that box out and sink it in the deep hole of Mad Lak It’s out there somewhere, No one has ever feats us bottom of that hole.” “Are you aware, e demanded the officer, “that ¢ some Such an act places you in a very ee TIP OTOP “I know nothing about it,” asserted Madge. “Well, your father knows, and I am confident that box contained evidence which would have convicted him of the crime.” _ “Tf that’s all the evidence you have,” said the girl, with a defiant smile, “‘you’ll never convict my father.” _ “Will you show me where you sunk that box?” “As near as I'can. You may search for it from now until doomsday. Unless oe: aes off a3 waters of Mad Lake, IH ll never find it.” _ “We'll see,” said the secret service agent grimly. ‘T’m not going to interrupt this game of ball, but after it is finished I shall insist that you and this boy accompany me in a boat and point out where the box Dale glanced inquiringly at Madge. “We'll go,” she said. “AN right,” - nodded: Spark. ; Miss Morgan.” _ “Dale—oh, Dale!” ca led Fred hols: The first inning is over.’ _ “What’s that?” asked Satie “Why, how did it go?” > “One, two, three for you,” laughingly answered Ar- - lington, as he came trotting in to the bench. “No hits. ot a man reached first. I’m in form to-day, Spark.” Oe Mee Hee Hele “Just as you say, “Come on! in strprise. _ For four innings Arlington was invulnerable. Not single clean hit was made off him, and not a man reached first on an error. After the first inning Sparkfair improved, and it soon seemed that the game would settle down to a itchers’ battle. | Try as they might, the visitors could not add an- ther score to the one secured in the first inning. In the last of the fifth something electrifying hap- ened after two men were out. Bemis hit safely to WEEKLY. 25 The throw to the plate fell short. Ide attempted to take it on the bound and tag Dale, but he fumbled the » ball, and Sparkfair was safe. Crowfoot reached second. 3 From the side lines Cap’n Wiley mournfully called: “Oh, Chetty, Chetty, excuse these few pearly tear- drops! You’re all shot to pieces now! The slaughter will be frightful! My heart is wrung with anguish?’ “Some one ought to smother that fool!’ growled: Arlington, as he again toed the plate. Chester was nervous. .He had lost control, and, as’ a result, Brooks walked. hi Hollis followed with a stinging two-bagger, scor- ing both Crowfoot and Brooks. “My, my, what a beautiful balloon ascension Pr ¢ came from Wiley. “Where is little Hecky Porter? What a lovely bunch of his money I see coming my way!” William Strawbridge leaped from his carriage and hurried toward the field, calling to the Silver Springs captain. | “Look here, Drake,” he said, “you've got to stop this! Why don’t you send that fellow to the bench? You've got another pitcher. Put him in—put him in!” “All right, sir,” said Drake. Cap’n Wiley produced a huge bandanna handker- chief and buried his nose in it; sobbing and moaning as Chester was sent from the field. : Pitt Flick stopped the slaughter by forcing Lawaee to put up an easy infield fly. rhe But the fifth inning ended with Happy Camp shee 7 runs in the lead. , Horace Porter called his son. ee, “Took here, Hector,” he snapped, “I want to know what you think about it now. You said it was a sure thing! You said you couldn’t ie that.rnoney "se “The game isn’t over, gov’ner,” said Hee. “There i are four more innings to play. Just you wait.” “All right, I’ll wait!” rasped the senior Porter. Na “But if you lose this money, don’t ask me for another cent in a month!” i: The sixth, seventh and eighth innings followed e swiftly, both pitchers doing sensational work. ts At the beginning of the ninth, however, the score se - was unchanged. Then Silver Springs gave Happy Camp a ell -Sparkfair hit the first batter, the second man reached first on an error, and, atte ia ne —— } a pass. hansen © the visitors were excited — the spect i tors canara 26 TIP .TOP WEEKLY. The next batter smashed a liner into the hands of Netterby, who leaped onto third and caught a run- ner off the sack, completing a double play. “Once more I can fill my lungs copiously,” mur- murmured Cap’n Wiley. “The relief is almost painful. I think this settles it.” Wiley was right. Sparkfair returned to his finest form and struck the last, hitter out. In this manner Happy Camp won the first game and established her standing in the Blue Hills League. Neither Madge Morgan nor Dale Sparkfair at- tempted to dodge Rob. Rockett after the game was fin- isned.: | *- When Dale had changed his clothes he entered the boat with Madge and the secret service agent. They rowed out to the fathomless deep hole of the lake and pointed out to the officer as near as possible the spot where the box had been cast overboard. “Tl find a way to recover it,” declared Rockett, as they returned to the shore, The eyes of the boy and girl met. and shook her head. Madge smiled THE END. The Next Number (538) Will Contain THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND OF MAD LAKE, The Fishermen—The Haunted Island—A Fiery Head —Phantom Bells—The White Canoe—The Pursuit That Failed—Exploring the Island—Under False Colors— All to the Good-—-Blasted Hopes—The Indian Pitcher—The Diggers—The Capture of. the White Canoe. a ABOUT THE EARLY NUMBERS OF THE (U containing Frank’s adventures. print. Re MEDAL LIBRARY No, 150—Frank Merriwell’s Schooldays, TIP TOP WEEKLY E receive hundreds of letters every week from readers asking if we can supply the early numbers of Tip Top In every case we are obliged to reply that numbers 1 to 300 are entirely out of We would like to call the attention of our readers to the fact that the Frank Merriwell Stories now being published in book form in the Medal Library are inclusive of these early numbers. was No, 150 entitled ‘‘Frank Merriwell’s Schooldays.’’ We give herewith a complete list of all stories that have been published in book form up to the time of writing. We will be glad to send a fine colored catalogue of the Medal Library which is just filled with good things for boys, upon receipt of a one-cent stamp to cover postage. The first book to appéar MEDAL LIBRARY No. ‘ 271—Frank Merriwell’s Chase. 276—Frank Merriwell in Maine. 167—Frank Merriwell’s Chums. 178—Frank Merriwell’s Foes. 184—Frank Merriwell’s Trip West. 189—Frank Merriwell Down South. 193—Frank Merriwell’s Bravery. 197—Frank Merriwell’s Hunting Tour, 201—Frank Merriwell in Europe. 205—Frank Merriwell at Yale. 209—Frank Merriwell’s Sports Afield, 213—Frank Merriwell’s Races. 217—Frank Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour, 225—Frank Merriwell’s Courage. 229—Frank Merriwell’s Daring. #33—Frank Merriwell’s Athletes. 237—Frank Merriwell’s Skill. 240—Frank Merriwell’s Champions. 244—Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale, 247—Frank Merriwell’s Secret. 251—Frank Merriwell’s Danger. 280—Frank Merriwell’s Struggle. 284—Frank Merriwell’s First Job. 288—Frank Merriwell’s; Opportunity. 292—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Luck. 296—Frank Merriwell’s Protégé. 300—Frank Merriwell on the Road. 304—Frank Merriwell’s Own Company. 308—Frank Merriwell’s Fame. 312—Frank Merriwell’s College Chums. 316—Frank Merriwell’s Problem. 320—Frank Merriwell’s Fortune. 324—Frank Merriwell’s New Comedian, 328—Frank Merriwell’s Prosperity. 332—Frank Merriwell’s Stage Hit. 336—Frank Merriwell’s Great Scheme. 340—Frank Merriwell in England. 344—Frank Merriwell on the Boulevards. -348—Frank Merriwell’s Duel. 352—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shot. 254—Frank Merriwell’s Loyalty. | 356—Frank Merriwell’s Baseball Victories. 258—Frank Merriwell in Camp. 262—Frank Merriwell’s Vacation. 267—Frank Merriwell’s Cruise. 359—Frank Merriwell’s Confidence. 362—Frank Merriwell’s Auto. 365—Frank Merriwell’s Fur. fh _ The Price of the Merriwell Books is Ten Cents per Copy. At all Newsdealers } / aia . e we . 7 ' ‘ ; : 7 f ‘ 4 Ube ae SER = Agden! fbligtic® ul (he ian a Bec: NEW YORK, July 28, 1906. a? TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. e (Postage Free.) es Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Each. Bi UF MONE ccucsccccceccedesserss GBC... | ONC FOAL. coceaccesvacececoceeces $2.50 4 months..... Si bbups cavwepows «- , 850, 2 copies one year.............. 4.00 1 copy two years.............. 4.00 _ 6 months........----... eka sivepaeae : How to Send Money—By post-office or express money order, registered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. At your own risk if sent by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary letter. Receipts—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper change of number on your label. If not correct you have not been properly _ ¢redited, and should let us know at once. e ey STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY, Be 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York City. TIP TOP ROLL OF HONOR. Following the suggestion of Mr. Burt L. Standish, that appeared _ in his letter to Tip Top readers in No. 480, the following loyal Tip _ Toppers have won for themselves a place on our Honor Roll for their efforts to increase the circulation of the King of Weeklies. Get in line boys and girls and strive to have your name at the head of the list. Clarence J. Johnson, Washington, D. C. Private Burt Cook, Co. D., 13th Inf., Ft. Wm. licKinley, Rizal, P. I. _ J. de Jong, 357 Ninth Ave., N. Y. City. Steve S. Hawkins, R. D. 8, Box 69, Marion, Ind. _H. M. Benzen, 3310 Nebraska Ave., St. Louis, Mo. Charles B. Havens, 320 Lincoln St., Sayre, Pa. _D. M. Allen, R. R, No. 1, St. Joseph, Ilo. Uncle Josh, Boonville, N. Y. Wm. W. Marugg, Box 46, North Pomona, Cal. ‘The names of other enthusiastic Lip Toppers will be added from time to time. Send in the result of your efforts to push the circula- tion of your favorite weekly and win a place on the Roll of Honor. APPLAUSE. Owing to the number of letters received, the editors of Tip Top ‘cannot undertake to secure their publication under six weeks, Those who contribute to this department must not expect to see them before at time ‘Mr. Standish has expressed the nthe feeling that I have felt Many times about Young Joe Crowfoot stealing out in the night to be free. As Joe said: “The houses of the white man smother ” Iam like Joe. I want to be outdoor all the time, for I it to be free. It pleases me to see so many girls reading the Tip Top, for it roves that Americar gine are fond of athletics. | UNKNOWN. ‘Butte, Mont. Butte readers are coming to the front again in praise of their favorite weekly. : 1 've been reading your Tir Top Weexty for seven or eight in about the same number of different States, I thought I aa reel mes a pia ties, and Ay that it is reat. I get every- TOP WEEKLY. thing there is in Tie Tor planted good and solid in my head, as I usually read every one about twice. Many a Tip Top I’ve carried in my saddle-bag, and read again when it was a couple of months old. A cow-puncher ain’t got a library at hand, you know. Some of your readers want certain characters cut out of Tie Top. I think it best to let them stay, for there are all kinds of people in this old world; and I guess, if Burt L. Standish handles the different characters the way it seems best to him, we will have some interesting reading. As long as I have read Tip Top, I haven’t known Burt L. to swing a bigger loop than he can handle. I first read Tip Top when I was back East. Colbran, Col. A Cowzoy, As you are a cowboy, no doubt you would like the Rough Rider Weekly, too, for the stories deal with life on the plains, and are written by a man who spent several years in the saddle in the cow country. amen geene I have not seen any letters from Winnipeg for such a long time that I thought 1 would write and express my opinion of the grandest weekly ever published. I have just finished reading Tre Top, No. 523, entitled “Dick Merriwell’s Rival; or, Dale Sparkfair at Fardale,” and I think it is fine. Every ‘week they seem to be getting better. It was hard luck for Dick to lose that game, but undoubtedly Dale de- , served the victory, after his trouble with the automobile and his daring leap to catch the flying train. I like all the characters but Chester Arlington, and some time 1 hope he will reform and be a good friend of Dick’s. Mr. Standish certainly is a wonderful writer for young people. All the Canadian Tip Toppers, I am sure, would like to see a Fea character in the “king of weeklies.” I know I would, or one In Tre Top, No. 514, I notice a letter from Frank J. Wallace, Jr., giving his address as Box 1235, Pittsburg, Pa., kindly offer- ing his old Tie Tors to any person who would pay postage on the same. I sent some stamps, but have not seen the Tip Tops. I am not accusing him of doing anything mean, because the letter may not have reached him. I feel certain this is the case, as I know no true Tip Topper would be guilty of a mean trick. _ 112 Cauchon Street, Winnipeg. Bert Crowe. No doubt your letter has reached Frank J. Wallace, Jr., by this time, and he has forwarded the Tip Tops as agreed; for, as you say, we feel that no true Tip Topper would deliberately do anything that he might be ashamed of. I have been a reader of Trp Top for six years, and have read every one to date. I have seen so many letters of praise from my home city, Baltimore, that I thought I would get up the nerve to write a few lines. I cannot find words enough to express my sentiments toward Tip Tor, but will say that it certainly is the best book for boys to read that I know of. I as Mr. Stand- | ish as a writer very much. I like Frank and Dick, but am now beginning @ admire Dale Sparkfair more than either. I hope he gets June. New York City. Joun C. Snyper. This letter sounds a new note’ in the Applause. Do other read- ers admire Dale Sparkfair to the same extent as the writer of this letter? . I write to let the readers know my opinion of Tip Top. It is the king of weeklies. I have read it for three years, and have succeeded in getting | one news-stand to sell them, while I have got several boys to read them by first lending them my copies. ALLEN. R. R. No. 1, St. Joseph, Mo. Your name will appear on the Honor Roll. After having read Tie Top for about the last ten years—that — is, from No. 1 to the present number, I feel that it is my duty to ake my gratitude in having so noble a book as my.constant — reading. There has never been to my kiiowledae alpine in it but wha oe tends to cultivate the morals of the coming generation. ey I know that it has caused me to quit some bad habits, and lots of others that I know to do the same. During the time I have taken the Tre Top, lots of my friends would laugh at me. But now I have perstiaded many to read. . f , } 5 y f f 7 TIP TOP them, after first lending them some and convincing them of its merits. Now, they are as stanch friends and readers of Tie Top as I am. I only hope Mr. Standish will continue to keep up the good work he is doing for years to come. I see many readers wish for old tiumbers which are out of rint, and any letter addressed to me will receive a prompt reply. can supply the following numbers: 35, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 126, 127, 128, 120, 130, 132, 133, 135, 137, 138, 130, 140, 141, - 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152; 153, 154, 155, 157, 158, 150, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 160, 171, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 1709, 180, 181, 182; 183, 184, 185, 187, 188, 189, I90, 191, 192, I94, 105, 196, 198, 199, 200, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, ts; 210, 217, 218, 220,221,222; 223, 224, 225, 227 8, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 230, 237, 238, 239, 241, 242, 243,/245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 2606, 267, 208, 260, 270, 2 274; 294, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 2 292. 293, 5 295, 296, 207, 290, 300, and.all to present 320 Lincoln Street, Sayre, Pa. CHARLES B. HAvENs. Your name will appear on the Honor Roll. Your list of Tip Tors is a large one, and will afford many of our readers an opportunity to complete their files. Having read Tie Tor for some time, I desire to express my appreciation of it through your Applause column. The Merriwell brothers are model young tien, whom the young boys of to-day would do well to pattern after. Good, wholesome eading is one thing we need to-day, when the market is flooded _ with so much cheap, trashy literature. ‘Tir Top fulfils this need in the magazine world. I like Frank, Bart, Bruce, Diamond, Dick, Brad, Hal D., Dale Sparkfair, Joe Crowfoot, and Bob Bubbs. 306 So. 11th Street, Omaha, Neb. J. T. Brxuer. You have grasped the right idea concerning the best kind of reading for the young men of to-day. t We members of the Argus Club write these few lines, with the expectation of seeing it in the Applause column in your next week’s publication. The Petite Club said the Applause column was a fake, and, as we all have been reading the Tip Top for the last eight years, we don’t believe them. The only way to prove to them that we are right is for you to put this letter in print. Hoping to see this letter in your Applause column in a few weeks, we remain true to the Trp Top. Jas. Bieiips, President, Harry Neverworks, Vice-President Ciirrorp Hoperns, Secretary, Jor Doxr, Recording Setretary, GEORGE BICKFORD, Oscar ENGSTROM, Art. ENGQuist, Joun EASEYMARK, Britt Copcas, Joun D1uvpo, JAcK DoeMALL, a JAcK TArrF, . Chicago, Il. | . Members. _ Well, here is your letter. What does the Petite Club say now? _. ‘J am a constant reader of Tre Tor, and think it is the best reading that could be placed in the hands of the American youth, and I have read Henty, Alger, Optic, etc. Burt L. Standish ig the best. I have just finished the last number, and think it is great. I think Dale Sparkfair will make a second Dick Merriwell, under- standing, of course, that I remain loyal to Dick. Young Joe 3 og is all right, as is Bob Bubbs and Hi Bemis. . F. D. No. 1, Kennebunkport, Me. Lestie Boston. ae Fellows, I’ve got a kick coming, and it’s a big kick, too. But, before I tell you what my kick is, I want you to know that no one has a better right to make one than I have. For, did I not start to read Ti? Tor with the initial copy, and have I not read every issue since then? And have I not followed Frank, and Dick, and all their friends through all their lives? So who has WEEKLY. a better kick coming than I? Tm sore because Tip Top is not published twice a week, for it is too long to wait from one week to another for it. I, for one, am in favor of Tie Top twice a week, Artother thing, it would be the first and only one of its kind in the world. Tie Top has been firmly established in the minds of its thou- — sands of readers, and, were it to be published twice a week, I feel sure that both issues would be read by the same number of readers; for, once a Tip Topper, always a Tip Topper. I wouldn't care if it came out daily. A Cuicaco “DRruMMER.” Rockford, Ill. Our friend starts off his letter as if he were very angry about something, but surprises you at the end. He ceriainly knows a good weekly when he sees it., I am a great admirer of the Tip Top. I have read them for a couple of years, and yet I think there is no better paper pub- lished for American boys. I like Dick Merriwell the best of the lot, but, strange to say, I liked Frank Merriwell better when his books were printed. I think Dick takes things too much for granted. He does not think of what is going to happen as much as Frank. I suppose I like him better because my name is Frank. I have a lot of Street & Smith’s publications, and would trade with readers. Has any one got Nos. 39, 40, and 41? Kindly let me know. FRANK BREWER. Box 511, Charlottetown, P. E. I. No doubt some of our readers can accommodate you. Tip Top and its characters’ certainly are the goods. Why, it is — more entertaining than anything. I have ever run across. I have | been reading it for about four years, and I would like to read it — forty-four more. I have got five or six other persons to read it, and they have the same old story to repeat, “It can’t be beaten,” — unless you catch it on a steep hill on a rainy day in an “auto.” J. VINCENT SEEFREED. 319 W. Myrtle Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio. We are pleased to see that you pin your faith on the greatest if boys’ publication issued in America to-day. Having read the “king of weeklies” from No. 1 to date, and — not seeing any letters from this place, I now take the liberty and pleasure of writing you. What’s the matter with you Boon- — villians anyway. Are you all dead? Wake up and get out those pens, and set them going. In Tie Tor, No. 523, I noticed a letter signed “A Bear from | the Bear State,” that expressed my views to a T. I like Dave — Flint the best of all Dick’s friends. Of the girls, June is my favorite and dear little Felicia—where is she? Are we to hear from her soon? 2 Must. draw this to a close now, for I realize there are thou- sands of others a hundred times more worthy than m seeking a little space. A true Tip Topper, “UNCLE JOSH.” - Boonville, N. Y. oy Your name will appear on the Honor Roll. This is the first time I have written to the Applause, although I have been a constant reader of the Tre Top WeEEkty for years. I think it is the best weekly published. I enjoyed the number entitled “Dick Merriwell’s Rival; or, Dale Sparkfair at Fardale,” very much. I think Dale Sparkfair is made of the real stuff, a though, of course, he can’t come up to Dick. Dick met his defeat bravely in the last baseball-game. June seemed to like” Dale somewhat. I wonder what Dick would say if he knew thi I would like to hear more about Doris—sweet, gentle Doris—who has always been my favorite. Jack F. Escanaba, Mich. #. May you always be so enthusiastic. yet I would be willing to read them the rest of my life. 1joy these books as much as any other Tip Topper. I like all the characters, and I think that, if a good, strong boy like Dick, « Frank, would take Chet Arlington in hand, he would be all righ 2714 Wash. Ave., N. Minneapolis, Minn. JAcKIE Brown. You have been reading the best weekly boys’ publication | lished BNET aan pe a er ee ae ee wt I have read Tip Top for about a year and a half, and I think it is the best weekly for boys published. I have read many good stories by good authors, but none as Wm. J. Bort. / ‘ | . good as the Frank Merriwell stories. ~ 1044 Main Street, Wheeling, W. Va. And still the readers show that they like Tre Top. Si: I have read this interesting weekly for eight years, of more, and know there is no other that can equal it. Burt L. Standish should have a crown, for he is certainly the “king” of writers. My favorites are, first, dear old Frank, and then his chum Bart; | then come Tubbs, Singleton, Jolliby, Darrell, and Browning. Dick -} and Brad are certainly O. K. Dale Sparkfair is going to be a second Dick Merriwell, so I think. I cannot think of him as an enemy to Dick, and, say, Bob Bubbs is a “red-hot pipping!” Of the girls, I like June and Doris, I would like to know 1. where Frank and Dick are, and where is Fardale? I will give a good price for Tire Tors from one to ten. Chapin, Ill. J. F. Dyer. a 1 In the next number of Trp Top, you will find out where some | of your friends are. I have been a reader of Tip Top since the first copy, and am ‘sure that I take more interest in its characters now than I did when a young boy. Our news-dealers. get Tie. Top through the San Francisco agency, or did up to No. 522, but since the earthquake we have been without it, and mother and I are anxious to get No. 523. 4 wish you to know that I admire Burt L. Standish above all | other writers of boys’ stories, and believe that he is doing more good in an extremely interesting manner than all the Sabbath- schools I ever attended. I bélieve I have been the cause, indirectly perhaps, of many _ boys’ interest in Tie Top, through loaning them a few copies. I always require them to return the copies I loan, so that I may use them again for the same purpose. While traveling, I have many times left a copy in the hotel reading-rooms, and have seen gray-haired men of high standing reading them. Perhaps it caused them to again remember their own boyhood. - I am ordering a few copies direct from you, and perhaps by that time I can again purchase my copy from our local dealer. As I am not ashamed to read Tre Top, I should be pleased to have you publish what you will of this letter over my name and address, Wma. W. Maruae. - Box 46, North Pomona, Cal. _A very enthusiastic letter from a reader in one of the most beautiful towns in southern California. We remember Pomona as a “prohibition town.” Probably the “city fathers,’ in passing the town ordinances, had in mind the character of Frank, and _ wanted all evil influences kept away from the young men, so ‘ that they would grow up to be like that embodiment of clean | American manhood. How’ delightful to eat ripe figs from the “ ees down there in Pomona along in August! Has the park up on the heights been graded, and planted with trees and shrtfb- ty by this time? What a magnificent view of the surrounding hills from that point! Thirty years ago there was no Pomona, t to-day it is one of the garden spots in the State. Your name ill appear on the Honor Roll. Vy Ee Dale Sparkfair certainly proves his keen-wittedness. I think 1¢ is but a small distance behind Dick in athletic skill and in andling clean sports. I have read the best of all weeklies for about seven months, and I think it is constantly getting better, though I cannot see how it is possible. My favorites are the Merriwells, Brad, Dale, and Joe Crowfoot, senior and junior. I think the Rough Rider Weekly comes second to Trp Tor. I cer- inly admire the bravery and determination of Ted Strong and band in that weekly. Henry DoE te. cadia, Wis. ad Tip Tor and Rough Rider Weekly, and you won’t want any other library. I have been a steady reader of the “king of weeklies,” I ave taken time to give the highest praise to Mr. Burt L. Stand- h and Street & Smith for publishing such a helpful story, I m twelve years old, and I am pitcher for our public ‘school, but fe - TIP TOP WEEKLY. 2 I do not understand how to get those in and outs. How can I put more speed in them? How can I get to be a pitcher? Where could I get a book of how to become a pitcher? Please send me a catalogue. Ceci McPHERSON. Princess Street, Kincardine, Ont. : A. G. Spalding & Co. publish a handbook on pitching at ten cents, which will give you just the information you want. A catalogue of Street & Smith’s publications has been mailed-you. There are more Tip Tors sold here in Stockton than all other weeklies combined. I don’t know what the others would do, but I wouldn’t go without it. My father, mother, and sisters all have to read the Tip Top, and the first thing said when I get home Friday noon is, “Did you get the Merriwell?—and let me see the picture.” 30 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton, Cal. Davip NEWMAN. The Native Sons of the Golden West like to read the greatest weekly in print to-day, Tre Top. . I have been a constant reader of the king of weeklies, Tie Top, from No. 1 to the present date, and I enjoyed reading it so much that I can hardly wait for each week to come around; I have recommended it to several, and I am sure some have been bene- fited by it. Joun BACHMAN. 101 Clinton Avenue, Jersey City, N. J. This reader finds a great deal of enjoyment in the magic pages of Trp Top. I have been reading Tir Tor for three years, and have not written a letter yet. I think Tre Top is a good weekly. I can hardly wait for the next issue. I will read it as long as it is in the market. Is Fardale in New York State? Is this a true story? Lewis JongEs. Rome, N. Y. Look on a map of the United States to find out the location of Fardale. Judging from the actions of Frank and Dick at times, it hardly seems that there is any doubt about the reality of the stories in Tie Top. -I have been reading your famous king of weeklies for about’ four years, and think it the finest book published. My favorites are Dick, Frank, Brad, and Bart. I don’t think Chet A. any good at all, but let Burt L. fix his characters the way he thinks best. I am captain of the champion junior baseball-team of Colorado for three yeats, and think we have the finest team going. I have started eight boys to reading Tie Top. Every boy in my team reads it, and says it is the best book published. M. C, M. Denver, Col. Get your team playing with teams from other towns and cities, and try to win the Tie Top championship for 1906. Although I have never written to the Applause before, I have been a constant reader. of your famous weekly for over four years. I like Frank and his friends very much, but can’t hel liking Dick better. Hal, Ted, Dave, Obed, Big Bob, Billy, Earl, Wiley, and Joe are all right. Brad is “right there with the goods.” Would like to see him land on Chester; I think it would do Chet good. I like Elsie, but I am glad Frank married Inza, and I think Doris is the girl for Dick. Rayne, La. A Loyat READER FROM THE “CREOLE STATE,” The Creole State has a great many readers. I have been a constant reader of Tip Tor for the last year, and never expressed my opinion of it before. Well, I think it is just right. Mama says I would rather read a Trp Top than eat. Well, I guess she didn’t miss it. Poor old Brad! What would Tip Top be without him? I hope Brad and Dick always remain true friends, which I think they will. After Dick, he is my best friend, and then comes Barron Black, as large as life and twice as handsome; indeed, I hope he wins Grace. is my after them. Box 15, Murphy, Ohio. Another epistle from a girl reader GERTRUDE REYNOLDS. ee MEN Of the girls, June ick, and then comes Doris, and all the rest get in line — Bind Bl sa a “a a * Sa at * 9 aS essere tees Setar cea —aa Pror. FouRMEN: Being a constant reader of your Tir Top WEEKLY, I will take pleasure in receiving your opinion of my measurements. They are: Height, 5 feet 81% inches; weight, 150 pounds; neck, 14% inches; chest, contracted, 33 inches; normal, 35 inches; expanded, 37% inches; waist, 30 inches; hips, 34 inches; thigh, 23 inches; calf, 14%4 inches; age, 16 years. I can run 100 yards in 11 2-5 seconds; 220 yards, 26 seconds; 880 yards in 2 minutes 25 seconds; high jump, 5 feet; broad jump, 17 feet. Louis KLEsBA, Humphrey, Neb. Your measurements and records are fair for a boy of your age. Pror. Fourmen: I am 15 years 6 months old; weight, 130 pounds; 5 feet 3, inches tall; chest, normal, 34% inches; ex- panded, 37 inches; waist, 29 inches; thigh, 21 inches; calf, 15 inches; ankle, 9% inches; neck, 14% inches; forearm, 10% inches; biceps, 11 to 12% inches; hips, 35 inches. Two years ago this spring I ran 100 yards in 12 seconds. Is that good for a 13-year- old boy. I have not been timed since then. I would like to be- come a sprinter. Am I built right? I know a young fellow about 22 years old who can run 100 yards in 10 seconds every time. He is State champion. He is comparatively of the same build Iam. I have jumped 4 feet 4 inches in the running high jump. What do you think of A. F. Duffy’s recent action con- cerning his professionalism while at Georgetown? I play left half, or end, on a 140-pound football-team. I like Tip Top and Ted Strong best of all the Street & Smith weeklies. Of all-the characters, I like Bart Hodge the best. GLoomy Gus. Your records are very good for one of your age. You ought to become a sprinter, if properly trained. I cannot take part in any controversy regarding Mr. Duffy’s affairs. Pror. FourMEN: Being a reader of the Tip Tor Weexty for over two years, I now take the liberty of asking you a few ques- tions. Here are my measurements: Age, 16 years; height, 5 feet 5 inches; weight, 118 pounds; neck, 14 inches; chest, normal, 33 inches; expanded, 36 inches; ankle, 914 inches; biceps, flexed, 11 inches; thighs, 19 inches; waist, 28 inches; hips, 34 inches. Savannah, Ga. Si By You need to take on more weight. Pror. FourMen: Having read Tie Top for over six years, I | take the liberty of asking you a few questions. I am 18 years old, height, 5 feet 6 inches; weight, stripped, 145 pounds; chest, normal, 36 inches; expanded, 41 inches; neck, 14 inches; waist, 301%4 inches; wrist, 7 inches; forearm,, I1 inches; biceps, 14 inches; thighs, 22 inches; calves, 15 inches; across shoulders, 21 inches, L. A. Bugs. Santa Cruz, Cal. You are well built for one of your age. Pror. FourMEN: I have been reading Tip Tor Weexty for some time, although I am not a subscriber; but I can speak very highly of the paper. As I wish to become an athlete and enter a field contest, I would like to ask you a few questions 4s to train- ing. I am 19 years old, and am 5 feet 434 inches in height; AND ‘3 mo 5 . Xo PROF. FOURMEN he t ~~ N ae Ca ed ee a ss weigh, 12614 pounds. My chest measures 32 inches normal; 34 inches expanded; right arm, 934 inches, normal; left arm, 9% inches, normal; right arm, 1144 inches, expanded; left arm, II inches, expanded; right calf, 1214 inches; left calf, 1214 inches; right thigh, 1914 inches; left thigh, 1914 inches, 1. Are these good measurements for one of my age who hasn’t trained very much? 2. 1 am weak in my back, and have had my ankles sprained sev- eral times. What are some ways for strengthening them? 3. I am the baseball-pitcher for my high-school team, and would like to know some way of obtaining wide curves, drops, and speed? 4. As I have short wind, will exercising with dumb-bells strengthen it, or what will; what weight and kind of dumb-bells would you advise for a person of my kind? Irvin EArt WEsT. Danville, Ind. 1. Your measiirements are very good for one of your age. Massage your ankles night and morning. 2. Play’a cold spray on your back, and rub hard with a coarse towel. 3. To give you all the information that this question implies would take up more space than can be devoted to it. Get A. G. Spalding & Co.’s hand-book on baseball for what you. want. Pror. FourmMen: As I have read Tip Top for about four years, and this is my first letter, I feel entitled to ask you a few ques- tions. My height is 6 feet; age, 17 years; neck, 15 inches; chest, normal, 36%4 inches; expanded, 39%4 inches; hips, 37 inches; thigh, 21 inches; calf, 1514 inches; weight, 165 pounds. How can I broaden my shoulders? Am I built for an athlete? Chicago, Ill. Otto JOHNSON. You are fairly well proportioned, but should join a gymnasium to get in the best condition possible. Bag-punching will broaden your shoulders. You may become an athlete by proper training. Pror. Fourmen: As I am a constant reader of Tre Top, I will take the liberty to ask you a few questions. My measurements are: Age, 16 years 4 months; height, 5 feet 114 inches; weight, in ~ street attire, 10914 pounds; neck, 13 inches; biceps, 10 inches; forearm, 9% inches; wrist, 61%4 inches; chest, normal, 2814 inches; expanded, 29% inches; waist, 2814 inches; thighs, 1714 inches; calves, 1114 inches. What is best for stooped shoulders? Which is the more healthy—suspenders, or a belt? What is best for a weak waist? T. B. PHILuips. t. George, W. Va. Your build is about right. Always think to stand and sit straight, and your round shoulders will disappear. Suspenders are better than a belt. Take bending exercises for your waist. Pror. Fourmen: Being a reader of that most excellent weekly, Tir Tor, I am sending you my measurements taken at two differ-— ent times, and hope that you will give your opinion of them. September, 1905: Height, 5 feet 3% inches, stripped; weight, 103 pounds, stripped; chest, normal, 30 inches; expanded 32 inches; waist, 25 inches; hips, 32 inches; thigh, 18 inches; calf, 1134 inches; right wrist, 6 inches; left wrist, 534 inches, March, 1906: Height, 5 feet 5 inches; weight, 119 pounds; chest, normal, 32 inches; expanded, 34}4 inches; waist, 27 inches; hips, 33% inches; thigh, 19/4 inches; calf, 1214 inches; right wrist, 6% wie Or inches; left wrist, 6 inches. I have been taking a course in a gymnasium since September, and would like to know what im- provement I have made, and what is still to be made in order that I may become well developed. How much should I weigh? _ Chapel Hill, N. C. A Reaper or Tip Top. “You have “sprouted up” wonderfully in such a short time. For all this you need general all-round development, You should weigh 127 pounds. _ Pror. Fourmen: Being a constant reader of Trp Top, I take the liberty of asking a few questions. I am 17% years old, and weigh about 135 pounds. My measurements are: Height, 5 feet inches; waist, 29 inches; chest, normal, 32 inches; expanded, 5 inches; thighs, 20 inches; calves, 1314 inches; ankles, 10 inches; neck, 15 inches; left forearm, 104 inches; right forearm, 11 inches; biceps, left, 11 inches; biceps, right, 12 inches. What would you advise a boy to do for an all-round development who cannot join a gym.? WALTER SHOBERG. Bluffton, Minn, You are under weight. Train to take on flesh. Use dumb- ells, Indian clubs, and United States Army exercises. You do not need a gymnasium for work with these. Pror. FourmMen: Kindly answer these questions for a constant eader of Tip Tor. My height.is 5 feet 5 inches; weight, 122 pounds; neck, 14 inches; chest, 31 inches; expanded, 34.5 inches; waist, 27 inches; hips, 30 inches; thighs, 19 inches; calves, 12 inches; ankles, 8 inches; biceps, 9.5 tactics ; contracted, 11 inches; rearm, 9.75 inches. 1, Why is a person with large shoulders considered stronger than a person with small ones? 2. Do you think I shall grow any taller? 3. What is the best piece of ap- paratus for me to use at home? Wishing success to Tip Top, I remain a constant reader. MIKE. Boston, Mass. 1..Because he is generally endowed with greater muscular power. 2. In all probability you will. 3. Dumb-bells, Indian clubs, pulley weights, and a punching-bag. _Pror. FourMEN: Please give your decision on the following: There were two out and a man on third base. The man on third started home and the pitcher threw the ball for home, but the man at bat struck it and was put out at first, The runner coming home stumbled and fell, but reached home just after the man on first was put out. The opposite side played to get the n out on home, but missed, Does this run count? It was the hit in the ninth inning, and the score was tied, so you see ’ we do not know whether we beat, or the score was tied, Until I started reading your Tip Top WeExKLy about eight months ago, as an incessant smoker of “coffin-nails.” After reading what _ had to say on the subject, I decided to quit smoking, but, a few attempts, found that my will-power was so weakened by the habit that I couldn’t resist the temptation to smoke. Then it was that I inquired into the matter, and found by reading in WEEKLY. a book of a noted doctor that there was a very simple remedy for the cure of the habit of cigarette-smoking. It is as follows: Let the juice of stewed apples stand until it starts to ferment; then pour into a pan where there is some tea made of sassafras. Mix well, and let stand overnight, Then pour off the juice— without shaking the settlings—into a flask that you can carry with you. Every time you feel that you want to smoke, if you take a small swallow of this, the desire will soon disappear. As it does not taste very well, sugar may be added to make it palatable. I found this a very effectual remedy, and have not smoked for over four months. I wish you would fhake this known to the readers of your weekly, so that any one may be | benefited by it who has found his will-power weakened from excessive smoking. I am, as ever, ANUNADULTERATEDTIPTOPPER. (Signature coyrighted.) I would suggest to cigarette-smokers who wish to break them- selves of the habit that they use will-power; simply say that they intend to give up the use of cigarettes, and then do it. It will be found that the real longing to smoke again lasts only during the first three or four days. After that, you would have no diffi- culty in resisting the craving for tobacco. The moment the man on first base was put out, the game ended, consequently the man on third, not getting home before the other runner reached first base, was out of the game. a Pror, Fourmen: I have read Tie Tor a long time, and take the liberty of sending you my measurements: Age, 17 years; weight, 173 pounds; height, 6 feet 4 inches; chest, normal, 37 inches; expanded, 39 inches; waist, 34 inches; arm, 12 inches; forearm, t2 inches; neck, 154% inches; thigh, 22 inches; calf, 15 inches. I have never trained in any way. I am very active and supple. Where could I find a book that would help me to be- come a contortionist? Will I get to be much heavier? [| don’t think my weight is enough for my height. M. T. R. Corsicana, Tex. You. lack weight for one of your height. You will take on more weight before reaching your majority. “How,to Tumble,” by Horace Butterworth, instructor of gymnastics in the Uni- versity of Chicago, will give you some valuable hints on contor- tion work. “GOLDEN HOURS.” Boys, have you any old numbers of Golden Hours? Will pay liberally for Nos. 1 to 23 to complete my files. If you have any of these numbers, write me. Address Wi.uiams, Station ‘‘O,” Box 24, New York City. TIP TOP BASEBALL TOURNAMENT IS NOW OPEN. The two teams which, at the end of the season, have the highest average—the members of f games, will be declared the winners. Of the two winning teams, the one having the — higher average will be declared the TIP TOP CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM OF THE ALL- | AMERICAN BASEBALL TOURNAMENT FOR 1906, and will receive a large pennant bearing the above device. Each winning team will receive a full equipment for nine nembets, consisting of trousers, shirt, stockings, shoes and cap. worth working for, boys? DON’T FAIL TO SEND IN YOUR COUPON AT ONCE. f - Z - is ees AS. oe S, “4 . , . ~ . ¢ » ’ e * Oe FES ~. - . ° - ~ , by a . 7 * P é ’ . . . . 2 eae “ * - . - F- . F< ee , * ’ : J . e . ty ” . , - , * an ° os * 9 : - , * . - . . o . - . . ue Is this not “ _No notice taken of any score not entered on a coupon. Coupons must be : properly madeout. One coupon for each game. 4 THE iP TOP WEEKLY | eo ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY res HANDSOME COLORED COVERS Never has Burt L. Standish written such interesting tales of the — adventures of the Merriwell brothers, Frank and Dick, as are now appeat- _ Mr. Standish has a world-wide circle of friends and — he is putting forth his best efforts to amuse and entertain them. you have no idea of what a grand feast he is preparing for you, Top’s stories are going to astonish you. ing in this weekly. PRICE FIVE CENTS PER COPY ee te For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postpaid, by the publishers upon receipt of price In money or postage stamps a { . Boys; a Do not fail to get it. a HERE ARE THE LATEST TITLES: §12—Frank Merriwell’s New Idea; or, The American School of Athletic Development. S13—Frank Merriwell’s Trouble; or, School. ‘S14—Frank Merriwell’s Pupils; . Water Polo. 515—Dick Merriwell’s Satisfaction; or, Hot Work at Indoor Baseball. / §16—Dick Merriwell’s Discernment; or, The Heroism of a Coward. '517—Dick Merriwell’s Friendly Hand; or, The Boy Who Was Saved. (518—Frank Merriwell’s New Boy; or, The Folly of Dale Sparkfair. _519—Frank Merriwell’s Mode; or, Winning the Confi- dence of a Wild Lad. _§20—Frank Merriwell’s Aids; or “The Secret Order of Scalp-Lifters.” Fee eee s Visit; or, Hot Times at Farnham all. 522—Dick Merriwell’s Retaliation ;. or, Pirdale "Apethat Farnham Hall. . “coger ‘ieinaaiices s Rival; or, Dale Sparkfair at Far- ale ~ §24—Frank Merriwell’s Young Crew; or, The Mystery _ of the Boat-house. Enemies of the or, The Wizards of —§28—Dick Merriwell Dared; or, The Grapple at Wells- | 525—Frank Merriwell’s Fast Nine; the County. 526—Frank Merriwell’s Athletic-field; or, The Great Meet at Bloomfield. 527—Dick Merriwell’s Reprisal ; Champions. or, Champions of or, The Clash of the 4. burg. 529—Dick Merriwell’s Dismay; or, The Departure of June. : 530—Frank Merriwell’s Son; or, The Mark of the Star. 531—Frank Merriwell’s Old Flock; or, The Reunion at f Merry House. ; 532—Frank Merriwell’s House-Party; or, The Rustle with the Rovers. 533——Dick Merriwell’s Summer Team; or, Baseball n the: Blue Hills. wn 534—Dick Merriwell’s Demand; or, The Draw at Mad- awaska. 538—Dick Merriwell’s Slabmate; or, The Boy from Bloomfield. 536—Frank Merriwell’s Summer Camp; or, The Athletic school in the Woods. 537—Frank Merriwell’s Proposal ; or, Starting the Sport in the League. 3 POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this offics: a Cut ont and fill in the following order blank and send it to us with the price of the ore you want and we will send them to you by return mz _ STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 70 Seventh Awende, Mow York Clty a aaa ee a RN ee 190 ; Gentlemen :—Enclosed find............ cents for ee please send me: ; : eoaeeee.opies of TIP TOP Wa oes sb nlp Rss cian Malmodbe Pee aawnY ae dooaah copies of BUFFALO BILL —NoS.....-.e--02eeeeeceeeeeeees yak SS abiruve “ “NICK CARTER ORs ebizsk ic bos discos wa ceed ok tie Biase Oil aies a des Se “ . “BRAVE AND BOLD NOG, iodad dance Cie cUedeeeeee bd * DIAMOND DICK NOB... ---.0aess-e2--ssserannananesererine a edhe « — ROUGH RIDER IN DMiia and haw cs dw ate enain tie THE FAVORITE LIST OF FIVE-CENT LIBRARIES narenten (n | Vin a map cme met rm | tales can be imagined. MIGHT AND MAIN These are stories of the adventures of boys who succeeded in climbing the ladder of fame by honest effort. Each number is at least one-third longer than the ordinary five-cent library. No more interesting __ BUFFALO BILL STORIES puree. iy | Buffalo Bill is the hero of a exciting adventures -) “hmmnorrme| | among the Redskins. These are | given to our boys only in the x Buffalo Bill bound to interest and please you. Stories. They are = : thousand a 2 ey | but delightful, power of fascina- NICK CARTER WEEKLY We know, boys, that there is (Fi ae) rs Enact ue ue no need of introducing to you |/H= Samat Nicholas Carter, the greatest sleuth that ever lived. Every number containing the adven- tures of Nick Carter has a peculiar, Mar. hfe: Vr rill DIEM | tale pert at7' ee ci me | tion. "BRAVE AND BOLD Bi we a5) Every boy who prefers variety mab Te STORY Eve) in his reading matter, ought to cima ~ || be a reader of Brave and Bold. BA The Rou soorid Wan oe ; All these were written by authors who are past masters in the art Every of telling boys’ stories. tale is complete in itself. Ted Strong was appointed dep- }ingyy uty marshal by accident, but he EC mee resolves to use his authority and rid his rach of some very tough || bullies. He does it in sucha slick |} way that everyone calls him |) —8 “King of the Wild West” and he }| certainly deserves his title. ; ” DIAMOND DICK WEEKLY in MIO) OND Th maki 1) The demand for stirring stories me five | of Western adventure is admir- [rei eae ably filled by this library. Every Ae muha | up-to-date boy ought to read just law and order are estab- a | lished and maintained on our ay ite el ' Western plains by Diamond Dick, | Bertie, and Handsome Harry. | | } how BOWERY BOY LIBRARY The adventures of a poor waif [; whose only name is ‘‘Bowery Billy.” Billy is the true product } of the streets of New York. No boy can read the tales 01 his trials without imbibing some of that resource and courage that makes the character of this homeless boy. stand out so prominently. eri PIP SOP. oe ee, 8 Boys, Frank Merriwell has opened a school of physical devel- He has gathered all of his old:time comrades are wonderfully interesting. tainly the best tales of athletic adventure. opment. and their adventures about him These are cer-