Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 1021) (1925 04 24)

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BOYS, READ THE RADIO ARTICLES IN THIS NUMBER APRIL 24, age No. 1021 Price 8 Cents Bob suddenly grabbed Max Fowler ahd exclaimed: “Now, then, twenty-three. for deat one, two, three!” The third step landed Fowler o on 1 the threshold of the shop, 627 RANA,

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€ Read Page 24 for Radio News and Hints. FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY cription pri . $4.00 per year! Canada, $4.50; Forelen, $5.00. Harry E. Wolff, Publisher, cnc., £64 ates ad Naud os m Price, SE00 pe nea Entered ag Second-Class Matter, October 4, 1911, aM Y., under the Act of March 3, 1879. treet, New. York, N the Post-Office at New York, N. NEW YORK, APRIL 24, 1925 No. 1021 tir OP Wi oF ey BSUNSY oY Price 8 Cents. | AIRST IN THE FIELD ' OR, DOING BUSINESS FOR HIMSELF By A SELF-MADE MAN CHAPTER I.—The Boom at Riverdale. “Say, Joe.” said Bob Channing, looking up from the copy of the Westgate semi-weekly “Times” he was reading, as his chum, Joe Craig, — came walking’ up the gravel path that led from the shady street to the veranda of the Channing cottage, “what do you think? That one-horse little village of Riverdale, ten miles below here, has got a boom on.” “So. I heard my. father say the other day,” replied Joe; “but I didn’t take much stock in the report. Has the ‘Times’ gat something to say about it this morning ?” “Yes; a whole lot.” - “Let’s hear,” said Joe, in a tone of some in- terest. “Why, Riverdale hasn’t even got a bank, T understand.” mk p “That's right. The only thing of importance in ‘the whole place is Graham‘s Mill, employing some sixty people. When the mill was started “six months ago my father had an offer to take charge of the engine-room at a slight advance over his present wages, but as he had bought this - cottage at a margin, though he hasn’t paid for it yet, he didn’t consider he could afford to make any change.” “TY’'m glad of that, old man,” replied Joe, “for I wouldn’t like to have you move away. We’ve -been chums ever-since you came here to live, and I'd feel lost without you.” .“Same here, Joe. Still, now that I’m through school, and have got to get to work, if I had any __ capital a growing place, such as Riverdale “ promises to be from this out, is just the spot I’d like to anchor in and start a business of my ” “Ts that so?” asked Joe, in some surprise. / “Why?” : _. “Because the fellow who is first in the field is the one who stands the best chance of getting : “What kind of business would you like to go “into?” ; ? / - “Y’ve often thought that I’d like to start a _ Stationery and periodical store, with a soda at- __tachment,-and candy and cigars for a side line.” - “That’s.a good business, if you can pet, trade @nough to keep the ball rolling.” ns “Sure it is. Charley Brown, on Main Street, ¥ * : 5 i ~ Fay) at has got such a shop, you know, and he tells me » that he’s doing fine, though he’s got several com- petitors.” “Well, Westgate is a live town, and there-are several thousand people here to draw upon. Now, Riverdale is only an obscure village, and | it will take some years before it gets within. hailing distance of this burg.” ad “Oh, I don’t know. When one of our Western villages takes on a boom, such as Riverdale seems to be started on, it doesn’t take long for it to be- come a place of some importance.” Joe didn’t | take the same enthusiastic view of the subject that Bob did, for he was built on different lines. from his chum. Bob, on the contrary, was a pushing, ambitious boy, always scheming and planning with an eye to the future. : ‘ “Well,” said Joe, in answer to Bob’s last re- mark, “let’s hear what the ‘Times’ has to say about Riverdale.” ‘ : “It has this to say,” replied Bob, picking up the paper and referring to the column in which the news appeared. Then he read out all the particu- lars printed about the boom that the village in question was taking on. Several enterprising — business men from Chicago had picked out River- dale as an ideal spot at which to put up a big bolt and nut works, a carriage manufactory, a furniture factory, and one or two other enter- prises that would employ a considerable num- _ ber of people. Sidney Graham, proprietor of the - Graham Mill, and several of the more important residents of the village, had, in view of the ex- panding interests of Riverdale, recently applied for a charter to establish a bank, and this would be opened for business as soon as the necessary ‘formalities had been gone through with. A printer from Chester was putting in a plant . to establish a weekly newspaper, and several other businesses were soon to be introduced into the place. Altogether, Riverdale bade fair to Shortly take its place on the map, and in the | gazetteers as something better than a mere col- lection of houses strung for the most part on one shady street. The Westgate “Times” did not Ary ate bid. te apprehend that the boom would hurt the growth * | of that town in the least, and it therefore teok the occasion to congratulate the little village co one its coming wave of prosperity. aS Y ee bey

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2 FIRST IN Ww ell, what do you think -of Riverdale» now, Joe? “Tt seems to be looking up and taking: notice,” erinned Joe. “Yake my word for it, that a vear from now - the oldest inhabitant..won’t be able to recognize the village. It will be a lively little town that will make -even Westgate here get a hustle on to keep in the van.” “You talk” just as if you expected to open up there.” “E talk just as I feel, that’s all. I wish T was in the position to take advantage of the situa- _ tion, but I’m not, unfortunately. -Some other fel- low will step in and garner the cream, if he’s smart enough. One of these days, however, I'll be on hand somewhere with both feet, and then V'll have the chance to . =ry out my business ideas as I see fit.” “You'll never get left; I'll bet a hat. I had your head.” : “Oh, vour head is all right, I guess, only we’re not alike. We probably wouldn’t both succeed at the same thing. Find what: you’re cut out for and then put your whole sou! into making that thing a success,:and the chances are you'll come ; out - a winner in the end. Now: let’s go swim- ming.” I wish CHAPTER II.—The*Stolen Pocketbook. “What is the matter, father?” asked Bob Chan- --ning. as he walked into the engine-room of the Westgate Woolen Mills next morning about eleven o'clock and. saw his father seated on a stool with his head buried in his hands. Richard Channing, whose ‘overalls and checked jumper, _ stained with grime and oil spots, plainly showed that he was the engineer of the mills, raised his head and looked at his stalwart, good-looking ‘son. bis “Matter!” ejaculated the engineer, in ‘hollow tones. I’ve lost my pocketbook.” _- . “Lost -vour pocketbook?” answered Bob, rather surprised at the intense emotion displayed by his _ father, for Mr. Channing was not in the habit of carrying mueh more than a collar about him for pocket money. “There wasn’ much in it, was 4, there?” “Wasn’t. much, in. it!” exclaimed his father. in a hoarse voice. “There was twelve hundred dol- aks in it.” : “Twelve hundred dollars!” gasped Bob, in - amazement. _ "Yes. Every cent I had in the bank, I drew it an hour ago, intending to pay off the mortgage on our cottage, which is due to-day. Now the “money is gone—lost. ‘Oh, Heaven, what ‘shall I do?” * : “You say you drew the money from the ‘bank an Raat ago, father?” asked Bob. - es “Did you lose the money on the cewet. ds “No. Ihad it when I came back to the engine- ~ room, for L opened the pocketbook and looked at it just before I took | off my coat and hung it up >on yonder nail.” ar it” must be in- ‘your pocket still.” said Bob, y, starting for “the ree which now nthe tool bench - THE FIELD “It i isn’t.* T Sareea every pocket thoroughly, though I knew positively I put it in the inside — pocket.” - ; “Has any stranger been in here since you ; returned ?” “There’s been no one here but Steve Fowler.” Bob glanced around the engine-room and ob- served Fowler, the fireman, watching them in a — furtive manner from under his shaggy, beetling — ‘eyebrows. He was not a pleasant-looking nor an agreeable man, this Steve Fowler. Bob Channing didn’t like Steve Fowler’s attitude at that mo- |” ment, and a grave suspicion entered his head. = If his father hadn’t- been out of the engine-room since he came back from the bank, and knew — that the money was in his jacket when he hung it on its accustomed hook, and nobody had been — in the place since except the fireman, it struck — the boy that it was quite within the bounds of reason to suppose that Steve Fowler might know something about the missing pocketbook, “Look here, Fowler,” said Bob, stepping up to. the fireman, “have you seen my father’s PORKErs ¥ book anywhere?” “ “No, I haven't,” replied Steve in a sulky anit 4 defiant. tone. “Did you help my :father hunt for 1622" “No. He didn’t ask me to.” ; “What’s that sticking out of your shirt now, ; Fowler?” asked Bob, turning suddenly on the — fireman and pointing at his chest. This was Re pure bluff on the boy’s part, as he didn’t see any — sign of the pocketbook. in question on Fowler, but — his ‘suspicions being aroused, he wanted’ to see how the fireman would take it. Steve. looking _ ‘startled, grabbed his undershirt, which Was half open at the neck, and pulled it over, and edged — toward the door, Bob’s words and the man’s action had a remarkable effect on Mr. Channing. “Steve Fowler,” roared Mr. Channing, spring- : ing to his feet and clutching the fireman by the — wrists as he held his shirt closed, “did you sake, ; my. pocketbook?” g “No, I didn’t.” answered the man, doggedly. — “Let me see what vou’ve got inside your shirt,” — said the engineer, clawing at his assistant’s un- dergarment. Fowler started back with an im- precation and tried to throw Mr. Channing off. A violent struggle took place between them. — Mr. Channing had worked himself into } ‘condi- — tion very unusual for a man of his even tempera- & ment. In the mix-up Fowler’s shirt was torn and the boy, whose alert eye was watching every e move of the struggling men, distinctly saw the ~~ end of an oblong, black object thrust down into — the fireman’s bosom next his skin. Satisfied thas that- was the missing wallet, Bob sprang for- — ward to seize and drag it forth into the light. At that moment Fowler, with a desperate e hurled the engineer away from him with great — force. Mr. Channing staggered against the toc bench and then went down on the floor. Bo however, reached for the wallet,-‘but as _ fingers closed around the end of it, Fowler, with a scream of rage, shoved him away and eae! out of the doorway. Recovering his bal. bov darted after him and saw him making ‘for corner of the yard. It was close to noon, and the time-keeper «i t grossing the yard! teat DED post at the ‘ele

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% ‘gate to take the names of the employees who left the premises during dinner hour. “Stop him! Stop that man!” yelled Bob. The clerk heard him, but not seeming to comprehend the situation he permitted Fowler to pass him. Bob then redoubled his efforts to overtake the ‘fireman. As he could outstrip Steve on a straight course, he overhauled him rapidly, Suddenly the rascal made for the door of the office. ' Fowler reached it a shade ahead of his pursuer, swung it open, passed through, and then slammed it in _Bob’s face. This scarcely delayed the boy more than a moment, but nevertheless it gave the fire- Mian an opportunity to cross the outer end of the office and dart through the main entrance into _ the street. Bob was soon at his heels again and eaught up with him at the corner of the mill fence. “Hand over that pocketbook, Steve Fowler, or TV’ll have you arrested,” cried the boy, reaching out one hand and grabbing the man by the shoul- der. Steve’s answer was to turn suddenly and plant a heavy’ blow on Bob’s forehead, which knocked the daylights out of him for several mo- ments, sending him to the ground. When Bob ‘staggered to his feet and looked around in a dazed way for Fowler,’the fireman had disap- peared. y : - CHAPTER III.—Fire! : - Bob figured that Fowler must have passed up or down the next street, a few yards away, so ‘he began to make inquiries of people in the vicinity. He found a man who had seen the fireman rimning toward the river which flowed =e by the town, and the boy resumed his pursuit in that direction. As Steve’s home was. in this direction, Bob judged that he was making for it, ~ and with that idea in his mind he made a short ent across lots, hoping to overtake him before he. could: reath shelter. ‘When he struck the - #iver road, which was shaded by a great many st trees, there was no sign of Fowler in sight. Look- ing up and down the road, Bob saw his friend, _. Joe Craig, seated on a sawed- off tree stump, fishing. Joe observed the approach of his chum and shouted to him to come over. Bob dashed _ across the road. “ello! what’s the matter!” asked Joe. “You look excited.” _ #Have you seen Steve Fowler down this way within the last few minutes?” asked Bob, dis- regarding Craig’s question. “No,” replied Joe, in surprise. “Why should he be here at this hour?” He stole a pocketbook from my father con- taining $1,200, and is trying to get away with sey : + ‘ “He did!” exclaimed Craig, much astonished. “When?” “My father drew it from the bank this morn- ing, fntending to pay off the mortgage’on our cot- tage with it, He hung his coat up in the engine- Yoom, with the wallet in it. In some way Fowler got wind of the fact that the pocketbook con- sined. considerable money, so he. watched his hance when my father wasn’t looking and col- ed it. JI never thought much of Steve, but I id not think he was bad enough to, rob my her, who, on the whole, has been good to him.” ee : _ FIRST IN. THE FIELD “You can count on me to heip yeu if you only knew, where we might be able to find him,” said’ Joe, Winding in his line and stowing it away in is pocket. e could follow the road down the river on the ance of getting on his trail,” said Bob, in tone that was not over-confident of results. “Let’s do it,” replied Joe, jumping to his feet. ~ “Hello! Isn’t that him now, coming down the river in a rowboat?” Bob looked in the direc-_ tion pointed out by Joe, and sure enough he recognized Steve Fowler, in a boat. pulling lust- ily at a pair of oars. “T’ll bet he’s making for his house to get some clothes befoxe skipping out,” he said. “We'll get behind the hedge and follow him: in that direc- tion. When he lands,,;and is about to enter his cottage, we'll take him by surprise, and get the wallet away from him.” “All right,” agreed his’ companion, and they started off. Occasionally they glanced through the hedge at the river as they went along, and thus kept their quarry in sight. At length they came in sight of the Fowler cottage, which was hardly a presentable kind of habitation after having been in Steve’s possession half a dozen years. It was a one-story-and-a-half affair, sadly in need of a coat of paint, and much out of repair. The Fowler family consisted of Steve himself, his wife, who found it necessary to go out washing for the neighbors about twice a week to make both ends meet, Max Fowler, a disagreeable young bully of seventeen years, and three younp- er children, all girls. “We'd better get a stick apiece to use as a. club, hadn’t we?” suggested Joe, as they drew . near their destination. “Steve Fowler is not an easy proposition to handle.” Bob agreed. that it would be a good idea to provide themselves with a weapon of some kind before tackling the burly fireman, and the boys looked around for something that would answer for cudgels. While they were thus employed they heard a succession of shrill screams coming from the direction of the cottage. “What’s up now?” asked Joe, looking ahead. The screams were childish ones, and seemed to be inspired by terror. Evidently something. un- usual was going on at the Fowler home. “Good gracious!” exclaimed Bob, observing smoke coming out of the front windows. “I do ‘ believe the house is on fire.” : “T guess you’re right,” replied Joe. “The kids are yelling to beat the band. It’s a wonder they don’t run out into the road.” “Steve has heard the racket, and I guess he sees the smoke, too, for he’s working hard at his — oars,” said Joe. “It will take him some little time to reach thé nearest voint of the shore. It looks as if we'll have to lend a hand to save his. home and then settle with him afterward. ae he’s got any gratitude he’ll be willing to give up that money in return for our services. If he hasn’t we'll make him, if we have to knock the daylights out of him.” Even as he spoke the cries of the children grew more shrill and agoniz-— ing, while the smoke increased in density. Bob 3 dashed up to the front door and tried the eee It was locked. “Come around to the back,” ' he-said, making»

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~ 4 CMON Gea? ee ERO TR Pr ee ay 5 break ‘for the rear of the building. On trying the kitchen door he found that locked, too. “No wonder the young ones can’t get out,” he said, excitedly. “Weve got. to break in, Joe.” “That’s what we have to do,” replied jis com- panion. Fortunately, there was an axe standing against a small woodpile, and Joe got it. With one blow he smashed in the lock and the door swung opén inward. Bob rushed inside and made his way to the front room, where he had seen the smoke issuing from the window. A girl -of seven lay shrieking on the rag carpet, her dress on fire, while two younger children stood near by eryine and terribly frightened at their sister’s ee Bob rushed into an adjoining bedroom, tore’ the comforter from the bed and, returning to the blazing room, wrapped the little girl in it, smothering out the flames that had already destroyed the greater part of her lower gar- ments, : Joe in the meantime had found a bucket in the kitchen, and had fetched it full of water from the well in the yard. Bob removed the com- forter so his companion could pour the water over the smoldering clothes of the little girl, who continued to scream with fright and the pain of her burns, from which she doubtless suffered considerably. “The whole side of the room, how- ‘ever, was on fire by this time, and the smoke ‘was bepinning to stifle them. Bob saw the neces- sity of removing the children from the danger that threatened. “Run the kids outside, Joe. Vl follow with this girl.” Craig seized the little ones each by a hand and hurried them out into the yard, sehile Bob followed with the sufferer in his arms. “We've got to try and save the house, if we *’ ean, Joe,” said Bob, laying the girl down near the well. “Stay with your sister, little ones, and don’t dare move away,” he added to the children. The boys looked around the kitchen for more ~ pails, but none were to be seen. ~- “Get hold of that pan; it will have to answer. Tl go into the front for the bucket you had,” ordered Bob; assuming command of the situa- tion. Bob entered the burning room, which “was now. filled with smoke that was pouring out of. - the two front windows, and grabbed the pail.’ He eould see the lurid flames creeping up the win- dow frames, and all about the wall. The boy was ~ afraid that the fire had got too great a headway for them to cope successfully with it. “Y’m afraid it’s a hopeless job,” he muttered to the doorway. “However, we'll do the best we can, and that’s all we can do.” As he left the ‘oom the’ flames seemed to take a fresh hold on ‘the inflammable material at their merey. Ap- parently the cottage was doomed. CHAPTER IV.—Trapped. -. The boys carried two or three pails and pans of water into the front room and threw their ‘contents on the flames without | materially ~ diminishine the conflagration. Bob soon saw that ob jit was useless to continue to pour water on the flames in the room when he saw that the fire had perietiated the attic. ed ALONE the roof was eee catches ina ~ ting about the money he had on his person, hur- Unless the blaze could be. y few minutes. So when they filled their pail an pan again, Bob led the way upstairs, and fo the fire just coming through the floor. Turnin the contents of the pan carefully into the blaz- ing hole, he sent Joe back for another supply o water and then continued the good work with t pailful he had carried up himself. The boys had forgotten all about Steve Fowler in the exci ment of the moment, and now that rascal came rushing on the scene in a badly demoralized state. Joe met him as he issued from the kitchen. — “Get hold of something to carry water and help save vour house,” said Joe as he hurried past. Steve caught sight of his three little ones _ and rushed over to them. At that moment his wife, who was working not far away and_ had at length caught sight of the smoke, came run- ning frantically on the scene, followed by two men. She grabbed the burned girl in her arms and began to ery out for a doctor. Steve, forget- ried away to the house of a physician about half a mile away. The two men started in to assist the boys put out the fire. By the time Steve returned with the doctor the exertions of the four had subdued the flames, although they had a strenuous job for a while on their hands. The front room was badly wrecked, but the house w saved, and that was everything.. Bob had suf- fered the most from the smoke on account of the position he had maintained in the attic so long as there was any danger. he .When he rejoined Joe below his eves were red and swollen, and smarted a good bit. As soon as he got the chance, he drew a bucket of wate’ : and began’ bathing them. ‘The little girl in the’ meantime had told her mother how Bob had saved her from being burned up, and how Joe pas carried her sisters outside the house, and thus saved their lives, too. As soon as his cottage was out of danger, Steve suddenly recollected what had brought him home, and he hastened get a coat and hat and try to steal away, Ji saw him when he started for the river. © “Fowler is trying to skip, Bob,” he said to his chum. “We'd better get after him at onc ; prevent him from getting afloat in the Bob hurriedly dried his smarting eyes, and As Joe started for the road. Steve was making : tracks for his boat. on there, Steve Fowler,” Joe stopped, picked up a stone and flung it poe rascal. It missed him by a foot and fell witl splash into the river. Before Steve could s aboard his boat, which he had moored to an flat-boat that had stranded av. that Deine was upon him. The rascal turned upon the boy with as of rage. Seizing him by the shoulders and erting all of his great strength, he fairly. flu the lad down. the opening of the little cu the after end.of the boat. Bob landed_ jolt that deprived him of consciousness. furious at the attack made upon his « and flew to his aid. He was equally help the grip of the fireman, who swung him ; ‘the flatboat as though. he were a chi panies him on. oe: of i :

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‘ Steve then.“hoticing the sliding door to the cuddy, pulled it over and secured it in place by thrusting the stout. pin through the hasp. The boys were thus made prisoners in the little 4x6 space below deck, and Steve Fowler was master of the situation. With an evil laugh he unloosed the painter of his own boat, and as he stepped into her the small flatboat rocked under his weight. This seemed to suggest a new idea to him. He worked the rowboat around to the ‘beach, stepped ashore, and while he held the line ‘in his hand he gave the other craft a heavy push, which partially set her afloat. A second push completed his object, and the current catching -vhe flatboat began to carry her off into mid- ‘stream, Presently she was floating down with the tide, and Steve, with a grim chuckle, got into his, own boat and, shipping the oars, followed her with leisurely strokes. In the meantime Joe _bad crawled off of Bob and was trying to bring ‘his companion to his sensés, which was not a difficult matter, as Bob was already coming to “himself. _ With the door“of the cuddy shut, the place “would have been wrapped in Cimmerain darkness -but for two small openings about six inches square on either side of the boat that answered for windows. They admitted light and air, and through one shone the rays of the early afternoon “sun. “Well, how are you feeling, Bob?” asked Joe, when his companion sat up and looked around in a bewildered way. “Kind of rocky,” replied Channing. “Where ‘Bre we? T thought that rascal fired me down , into a hole.” -“That’s what he did. He threw you down into ‘the after hold of a small flatboat that was “stranded on the river bank, and wher I went for him he treated me to dose of the same medicine. , He’ S$ as strong as a horse.” _» “Say, this craft seems to be afloat. you said it was’stranded on the shore.” “So it was. It must have worked off, or Fowler pushed it off. I remember now that the old thing rocked two or three times while I was Sooner ge about.” Joe reached for the slide and tricd to open it, but found that it resisted: his best efforts. “Gee! It is secured on the other side, Bob. We’re prisoners for fair. What are we going © do now?” ‘Try and kick the old thing open, if you can,” ‘umed Bob, “I'll help you.” They made an united assault on the door, but found it too stout for the heels of their shoes. » - Bob went to one of the small openings in the side of the cuddy and*Joe to the other, and shea out on the surface of the river, I thought ream was about two hundred yards wide at this point, and though the sense of motion was. ‘imperceptible to the boys, a glance at the river ‘banks showed them that they were slowly mov- ‘ing down the stream. They found that they were about midway in the river. ‘Hello!” cried Bob. “Here’s Steve now, row- te past.us.”. Joe turned around and looked over q _companion’s shoulder. observation hole, a few yards away. » my chickabiddies, how do you: one it ine he asked. gith a erin. Ae The — ‘said Bob. Fowler was abreast, FIRST IN THE FIELD ae “You’re a nice man, you are,” returned Bob, in a tone of disgust. “A fine way to treat us after we saved your cottage from being destroyed and your children from being burned to death. I should think you’d be ashamed of yourself.” “I had to look for myself. You chaps had no business to follow me,” replied Steve. With these parting words he resumed rowing once more, and - soon shot out of range of the boys’ vision. CHAPTER V.—Down the River. “Tt looks as"if our names are Mud at present,” said Joe, gloomily, as the sound of Steve’s oars died away in the distance ahead. - “Tt’s too bad. He’ll escape with that money now, and my father never will recover it,” re-- plied Bob, dejectedly. - “How fast do you suppose we're .going?” “We're floating away from : Westgate .at the rate of three or four miles_an hour, I should think.” “What time do you think it is?” “Around two o’clock.” iB “Tf nobody boards this derelict, we’re likely to float all. the way to Chester,” said Joe. “Yes, and even. beyond,” “Let’s make another attack on the door,” said Joe. They battered away at it with great energy auntil they saw. that it was simply useless work on their part. - “Nothing short of a any effect on that slide,” said Bob. how that rascal fastened it?” “Give it up. I guess it’s held by a hasp and staple arrangement... It. shakes, you can_ see.” Then they fell to examining the two cupboards ~ battering-ram will have “T wonder “in the cuddy. One of them was empty, the other held a few broken dishes, a stout gimlet,.a fish- ing line with several hooks attached, a broken © knife, and-yarious odds and ends of no value. “Tf we could bore enough holes in that door in a circle with this gimlet we might be able to knock a piece out large enough to put an arm through.and thus reach the staple, if it is a staple that’s holding the old thing,” said Joe. “Judging from the apparent thickness of the door, that would be an all-day job,” replied Bob. “However, you might try, one hole and see how thick the wood really is.” Joe tackled the job and worked away for a while like a good fellow while Bob kept his eye on the shore through each “There’s one hole done,” said Joe. “The od is about an inch thick, but hard grained. I hardly think it will pay to keep on.” “We're drifting over toward the north shore,” “Tt. isn’t impossible but we may run aground at one of the turns in the river.” _ window alternately. ‘ “Suppose this old hulk was to spring a leak and — hz bi sie where would we be at?” asked J oe, sud- enly “At the bottom of the river,” replied Bob, with. a faint chuckle. Several times the boat did strike an obstruction, but its progress was in no way | retarded. The position of the sun in the sky“ plainly showed that the wfternoon was drawing to its close, though it would still be Puat for. severe’ hours, At Jength the eo RES

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men say. { ce ee FIRST IN THE FIELD rower and they appeared to be sailing through a good-sized wood. Suddenly, around a bend, they saw two men, not over well dressed, seated on a log near the water’es edge. Each had a paper bundle on his knee, the .con- tents of which they were eating. They caught sight of the flatboat as it swept toward them, ‘and at first they regarded it with some interest; but perceivine that it appeared to be old and abandoned they did not bother further with it. The boys were about to hail them when the nose of the craft hit a projecting bit of the bank ahead and suddenly came to a stop. z “Sing out, Bob,” said Joe, in some excitement at their anticipated liberation. “Those fellows will let us out in a jiffy.” Bob put his face against the opening to do so when he heard one of the men say something to the other that stopped him. : “Why don’t you shout?” said Joe in his ear. “Hush!” replied Bob, turning his head partly around so that his ear was against the opening, and grasping his astonished friend by the arm. “What’s the matter?” quivered Joe. Bob merely held up his hand for silence. CHAPTER VI.—In Which Perseverance Con- quers. “We ought to be able to make a good haul out of Graham’s Mill to-night,” Bob heard one of the “To-morrow is vav-day, and it’s the treasurer’s custom to go over to Centerville the afternoon before, draw the money, and then keep it in the safe in the office overnight. d We've just learned that the regular watchman is sick, and it’s more than likely some greenhorn will be on guard. That will make things easier for us. Pay- day being every two weeks, there ought to be a good wad in the safe to-night, and we’ve got the tools that’ll whistle it open in no time.” “IL agree with you, Jackson,” said the other. “The village! hain’t had a robbery for years, and - the people don’t expect nothin’ of the kind is likely to happen. Although the place has taken a boom on, and seems likely to spread itself to some extent before long, they hain’t made no pervision yet for raisin’ more constables. The _ ‘two who now attend to the night duty are slower than molasses. | At the present moment River- dale is a Yegular cinch for 2 pair of experienced chaps like us.” : f “that’s what it is, Billings,” replied Jackson, complacently. “It oughtn’t to, take us more’n an hour to get into that safe, and then with the~ boodle in our clothes we'll skip out for Chicago and enjoy life while the rhino lasts. “With the proceeds of the Chester job in our” _ grips, which we'll be able to pawn in Chicago withodt danger, and $1,000 to $1,500 in bills from the mill safe, we ought to be able to live high for the next three or four months.” ‘ “You kin bet we will,” said Jackson, taking out _ his pipe, filling it and striking’a light, an example immediately followed by his companion. - “That there factory couldn’t be in a better spot for our purpose,” remarked Billings. “It’s: quite isolated from the regular part of town.” “Tt is at present, but it won't be for long. The A vi Zz: as they swung’ “swung further off Bob, to his great astonish~ — excitedly. railroad is buildin’? a branch that “will soon be finished, and six months from now there will be a dozen more manufacturin’ establishments all around the Graham Mill.” F “We kin come back then and make another haul,” chuckled his companion. ~~. Sra “We'll think about that later on. Say, pard, i# that a boat hauled up in them bushes?” “Whereabouts ?” : “Down there. Don’t you see it?” ; “T see it now. Sure it’s a boat.” pie _ “I wonder what it’s doin’ there? It should be just the thing for us to take charge of. When | we've cracked the crib wé could row up to West- lake in it. and take the first train in the mornin’ East from there.” rae “That will be just the thing. What luck!” replied Billings. “We’d better hide it somewhere else, so that if the owner comes back lookin’ for — it to-night he won’t find it.” yea “All right. You’re younger than me, so just — you attend to it while I finish my smoke.” Bil- — lings accordingly got up, and Bob heard him — moving away, Ten minutes of silence followed, during which Bob whispered. the gist of the conversation he had just overheard to Joe, and — warned him to remain quite still. When Billings returned he told his companion where he had hidden the boat among some rushes a hundred © yards away. At this moment Bob noticed that the flatboat was working away from the bank. It was only the stern that moved, however, and — very slowly at that. As the legs of the two crooks came into the lad’s range of vision above on the bank, Bob overheard the man Jackson says “Hist! There’s some one comin’ this way. It — may be the owner of the boat. We'd better hide.” The rascals rose and concealed themselves among — the tall bushes near at hand. As the flatboat ment, saw Steve Fowler appear from among the — trees with a bundle under his arm. Bob and Joe watched him furtively from their prison pen. : “He stopped here to buy something to. eat at the village beyond—Riverdale, one of those ras- — cals called it. I’ll bet that was his boat the crook took possession of and hid further away. He'll find himself stranded here now. If we were © only able to get out of this place; we could take — him by surprise and get the money away from — him without trouble. I’d just as soon lay him — out with a clip over the head with a stone as — look at him.” Although neither was aware of the fact, two other pair of eyes were én Fowler — at the same time. The eyes, as the reader will — surnvise, belonged to the crooks who had tem-_ porarily withdrawn from the scene. i as “If those rascals who just left knew that Steve — had $1,200 in his clothes, I guess they wouldn’t — leave it long in his possession,” whispered Joe. — Steve continued to eat until he had satisfied his — appetite, then he rolled up the remainder of his provender and placed the package at his feet. — After taking a cautious survey of the neighbor- hood he placed his hand inside of his undershirt — and drew out Mr. Channing’s black pocketbook. — Bob and Joe watched this action on his part with — eager interest, » - aa wy sige Seam “That’s my father’s’ wallet,” whispered Bob, Thies “He’s opening it,” replied dye. “Going to own a er

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FIRST IN THE FIELD | oe he money, I’ll bet.” That was evidently Steve's uention He took the bills out of the wallet and, laying them across his knee, began to go over them one by one, moistening his fingers as he proceeded. While he was thus engaged the boys saw. the bushes parted behind him and the faces of the two crooks appear. : : “Great Scott!” gasped Bob. — “There’s those rascals now watching him. They’ll do him up for that money as sure as fate.” Joe was of the same opinion, though he said nothing in_ reply. ~ After the crooks were fully satisfied that Fowler had a bunch of money in his possession, they stealthily advanced upon him from behind and - suddenly pounced upon him. He was taken com- * pletely by surprise, and the money and pocket- book fell to the grass. Then the man Jackson “struck him on the head with. the butt of his revolver, which he had drawn for the purpose, and Steve was eee out for fair, dropping i] ox in the shambles. eesiltines stopped and grabbed up the seattered “motes which, without counting, he crammed into his pocket. The, rascals then picked up a pair of large grips, which.had_ been hidden in the ‘grass, and, leaving their victim on the ground, silently took their way through the wood, disap- pearing from the boys’ sight. Bob and Joe turned and looked at each.other. Your father’s money is in worse hands than it was before.” said Joe. “You've seen the last ee Bob made no answer, but a look of came over his features. He drew as far as he could, then pushed at it and planted his foot against the of yielding. : Saat ana tien told Joe to try. Joe made the door quake and rattle, yet in the end it defied his “most sturdy attempts to break it open. steady lambasting the door got from the boys ~ Weakened the lower slide until finally one of ~~ Joe’s kicks demolished the outer edge of it com- pletely and the door yielded at ‘the corner where the force had been mostly applied. This success encouraged the boys to keep up the good work, and as it is a known fact that a chain is only as ‘strong as its weakest link, so, strong as this door still was in the main, its ability to hold out vested wholly on the power of resistance offered ‘Dy the weakened end. The boys went for that end i earnestness, and it soon began blow, bending and With intervals a tion of the slide. / It flew upward, snapping the ~hasp in two. ae, gn Beane yelled Joe, seizing the bottom of door and pushing it outward until the upper “Push out CHAPTER VIi—Trying to Prevent A Crime. “Let’s go ashore and see what Steve Fowler is in. He’s been lying like a dead man for more than an hour. J hope they didn’t injure him so seriously that he won’t recover.” beginning to recover his senses when they reached him, and they concluded to let him com- plete the operation. It was just sundown and Bob said they had better go on. to Riverdale as fast as they could and see about cheekmating the two crooks, : “We'll notify Mr. Graham as soon as we find out where he lives that an attempt is to be made to-night to fob the mill office safe: Then it will be up to him to figure out how the rascals may be captured. If they are coppered, I’ll stand a first-class show of getting my father’s money back, and then our afternoon’s adventure will not have been without result.” ; “We can’t reach the village any too quick to suit me,” replied Joe. “I’m almost famished. I could make a square meal disappear quicker than a conjurer makes a pack of cards vanish. I’m hungry enough to tackle a boardinghouse steak, and they sav that’s the toughest thing on record.” . “I think I could do something in the eating line myself,” answered Bob, as they started off in the’ direction of a distant church spire which they believed indicated the village of Riverdale. They soon found that they had a stiff walk before them, for they had to eross several fields before they came to the road that led to the village. By the time they reached the turnpike they. had worked their lameness off, and they now made - better speed. As they drew near a farmhouse close to the road, Joe suggested that they stop there and buy a few slices of bread and a glass of milk apiece to appease their appetites a little. Bob agreed, as he wanted-to make some in- quiries. _So they marched up: to the farmhouse and stated man. who answered their knock. When she ‘learned that they hadn’t eaten anything sirice morning, she told them to walk right. into the kitchen and she would let them have some meat and bread, an apple pie, and all the milk they could drink. At her words Joe rolled his eyes in an ecstacy of delight. They were soon seated at the table, and the way the meat and bread disappeared from their plates was a caution. “You are hungry, aren’t you?” said the woman. “Hungry!” gurgled Joe. “Don’t mention it. I’m so hungry I can hardly stop to chew. Pass that milk jug, Bob. Vd rather have a slice of that than the deed to a hundred-acre farm.” ~The woman cut the pie. in quarters and told the boys to help themselves. — Joe got the first slice, and every crumb vanished . like the dew on the grass before the morning sun. Then he tackled a second slice. While he was eating it the farmer came into the room, and dale. The agriculturalist said it-was. ¥ “Can you tell me where Graham’s Mill is?” _ “Tt’s about a mile from here down the road, and half a mile this side of the village,” replied the. Steve was - their wants to the good-natured wo- Gee! that pie looks good. Bob asked him if the’ village ahead was River-

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i K ma “Kind of lonesome spot at night, isn’t it?” The farmer nodded. “Where does Mr. Graham, the proprietor of. the mill, Jive?” -' “You're going on to ran hy geae as “Then you're bound to pass his house before you get there. He-lives in a fine mansion near the junction of the county road and Main Street. It’s surrounded by a lawn and has_an observatory on top.” - “Thank you,” said Bob. “I guess that is all I wish to know.” A few minutes afterward the ‘boys took their leave of the hospitable farmer and his wife, who refused to take any pay for the food they had so generously furnished the lads. “J feel\like a fighting cock now,” said Joe, when they were on the road once more. “T could have eaten twice as much, but what we had went to the right spot.” “Thats right. An empty stomach kind of takes all the enthusiasm out of a fellow.” “J should say that it does:” : “Tt will be dark before we reach the mill.” “Aye you going to stop there?” “No, Vm going straight on to see Mr. Gra- ham.” Dusk was rapidly fading into the darker shades of night when they came in sight of the mill, which stood about a hundred yards back. from ‘the road. With a line of woods a short - distance in the rear and not a house within <a radius-of a quarter of a mile, it certainly did look lonesome at that hour. -It was a three- story frame structure, with numerous windows for the admission of light and air, and a small brick, ell that the boys easily judged to be the engine-room, for a tall black smokestack pro- - jected through its roof. _- There was no fence surrounding it like that ef the Westgate Woolen Mills; where Bob’s father was employed, so that one could walk right up to the building from any point of the compass. A solitary light shone from a win- dow on the ground floor at ofie corner. The boys afterward found out that this was the office. “T guess there is no one on the premises now but the watchman,” remarked Bob, as they tramped past. “It certainly strikes me as an _ easy place to rob, provided the thieves have the tools and the experience with. which to break into the safe.” Joe agreed with him, and said he wondered the ewners would keep a large sum of money in - what was probably an ordinary safe so far out- side the village with only a single watchman to guard it. ; - 7 “Oh, it’s safe enough under the general run ef conditions in village neighborhoods. Profes- sional cracksmen very seldom are attracted to ‘such small places as Riverdale. Tramps and ‘such’ sealawags are about the only dangerous characters that fioat around here, and they eouldn’t open a.safe if they knew there was a million dollars inside of it, It takes tools and ex- pert knowledge to get the best of any kind of a oy modern safe, and the one at the mill is probably a good one, if it isn’t a large one. The two crooks we are trying to run down appear to be x the village, aren’t you?” rofessionals nrovided with the toolls that will | FIRST IN THE FIELD make short work of any ordinary safe. They ‘drifted ‘to Chester’ somehow, robbed .a house or two there, by their own.admission, and while in’ the town learned something about Graham’s Mill: Then they came on to the village; reconnoitered the ground, learned further particulars that de- cided them to make the attempt on the mill to- night. No doubt they were in hiding in the wood where we saw them all afternocn.” —. “Now that they’ve got hold of that $1,200 be- | longing to your father, they might give up the mill enterprise and light out.” Re “Don’t you believe it. They look upon the mill job as a dead open-and-shut game. They don’t expect. to have the least trouble in getting prom with the money they expect to find in the safe. ; “Then it’s a pretty sure thing that they'll go | there to-night.” : =i “I'd ‘be willing to gamble on it.” “At about what time?” ; “J didn’t hear them mention any, time, but 1 dare say they’ll start in early, as the place is so lonesome; for the sooner they get through the more time they'll have to’set away before they calculate the discovery of the robbery will be- made.” “At that rate there isn’t any time to be lost in arranging for their capture.” “Well, they probably will not get down to busi- ness before ten o’clock. I dare say they figure on taking a couple of hours to do the job. It is now somewhere around half-past seven, I judge. There’s the house with the observatory yonder. - That’s where Mr. Graham lives.. It won’t take | me long to put him wise to the situation.” “If you fmd him at home.” “The chances are he’s at home.” Five minutes later the two boys entered the front gate and walked up the gravel walk to the veranda of the Graham residence. Bob rang the bell, and after an intérval a servant opened the door about six inches, or as far as a steel chain would permit, and asked who was there. “Is Mr. Graham at home?” asked Bob. . “No,” replied the servant, “he is not at home.” © “Too bad!” said the boy in a tone of great disappointment. “I wanted to see him on busi- ness of the greatest importance.” “Who sent you?” ; “Nobody sent me. Can you tell me where I ean find Mr. Graham? It is positively necessary — that I see him as soon as possible.” ee “Who is there, Maria?” asked a girlish voice at that juncture. ¥ ae _ “Two boys who want to see your father on important business,” replied the servant. “Who are they?” “J don’t know, miss. Shall I “Certainly. If we know the I will talk to them.” ’ $i; _ “My name is Bob Channing. My friend here — is Joe Craig. We live in Westlake.” Poke The servant repeated this reply, to the young ~ lady, who, full of curiosity as to the mission of — the young strangers, came to the door and looked out at them. As it was dark outside she could — see little more than their outlines. | “ “What is your business with my father?” ask- — ed Mise Graham, looking at the indistinct figure” 0 On. : s es sk their names ?” let them in, and *

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FIRST IN . “Tt is very important, miss. ay concerns the e.mail” “The mill!” she exclaimed, with a tremor in her voice... “There is nothing wrong there, I » hope?” ; “Nothing at present, I believe, but there will be in a couple of hours or so unless I can see your father and warn him.” “My gracious!” cried the girl. Maria. Excuse me, Mr. “Channing,” said Bob. : “Bxeuse me, Mr. Channing, for not admitting you, but it is necessary that we be cautious at night when my father is away. You say you are from Westlake?” “Yes, miss.” “And you came ‘from there to see my father?” - “No, miss. I suppose I might as well tell you the truth, though it will probably startle you. The reason I wish to see your father is because T have found out that the mill office is to be broken into to-night and the safe robbed.” The young girl uttered a suppressed scream at . this startling intelligence. m- “Bring a lamp, CHAPTER VIII.—Caught In the Act. _ Maria now appeared with the lamp, and the girl taking it out of her hand held it above her head so that the light would fall full upon the _ two boys. As they looked tobe thoroughly re- - spectable and honest, Miss Graham was reas- sured and decided to admit them. | Accordingly the chain was let down, the door opened, and the boys invited to enter, which they did. The girl let them into the dining-room and then introduced herself as Gertie Graham, the mill owner's only daughter, She was an uncommonly pretty and winsome girl, and that fact immediately impress- ed itself on both of the young visitors. ~ Bob having constituted himself spokesman, a position not disputed’ by Joe, who always con- sidered himself as second fiddle where his chum was concerned, Miss Gertie naturally bestowed ‘most of her attention on him. She saw that he was a food-looking, manly boy, with an engaging y Aga and she took an immediate liking for ae tS f “Now, Mr. Ciisiin ttre” will you explain matters o me? You say that you found out a robbery is to be committed at the mill to-night ?” _ “Yes, Miss Graham.” “How did you happen fo discover this plot? _ Bo you know who the men are?” on the mantel and saw that it was on the stroke of eight. _ “To make you thoraigehty understand all the circumstances, T’d have to tell you what brought ae and my friend Joe Craig, to this neighbor- ood. I’m afraid that would take more time than when the two rascals, who I can assure you posi- " ‘ively are professional crooks, may get to work ut the mill, and I have as much interest in hav- ig them captured as your father can have. ‘They sgh in ther possession $1,200 belonging to my er, jand I “am very anxious to recover that ‘Mon ey.” Bob, before replying, glanced at the gilt clock . we can afford to lose, for there is no telling | ‘I think you had a meey remarkable experi- THE FIELD. , 9 “My father and mother have gone to Chester. to visit my aunt, who is very ill. The best thing ~ ° that I can do will be to telephone the head con-° stable, and have him come over here. I will tell him to stop on the way at the homes of the two foremen of the mill, and also at Mr. Black’s, the treasurer’s house, and to-bring any other help he can pick Up,” said Gertie Graham, rising from her chair. “That will answer first rate,” replied Bob. “If we can get half a dozen men together. Joe and I will make eight. That ought to be force enough 9 capture the rascals, particularly if we can ake them by surprise, as I should like to do.” The young lady at once called up the head constable at his house, which adjoined the vil- laze lock-up, and got the officer’s wife on the. wire. She said that her husband was out, but she thought she knew where he was and would send for him at once. Gertie replied that the matter was of the utmost importance, and that if she was unable to find her husband right away she must ring up Squire Hogan and tell him that Miss Graham wanted to talk with him. “T can’t do anything more till either the con- stabie or the justice rings me up,” said the girl, hanging up the receiver. _ “While we are waiting I will tell you as much of my story as I can,” replied Bob, beginning at once to récount in as few words as possible how his father had been robbed of all his savings that morning by his fireman at the Westgate Mill; how he had started in pursuit of the thief, run across Joe, and how they had arrived* at the Fowler home in time to save the rascal’s chil- dren‘ and his cottage from the flames. ' Then he went on to state how Fowler had overcome both Joe and himself, tumbled them ‘into the cuddy, or after hold, of the flatboat, and then sent them adrift on the river, and how they had floated down the stream for the greater part” of the afternoon until the boat was stranded among the shallows of the woods a good three miles to the southwest of Riverdale. The girl ie to his story with great ‘interest and at- ention He was just on the point of introducing the . crooks into his narrative when the telephone bell rang, and Miss Gertie got up to answer it. The head constable was on the wire, and the girl soon put him in possession of all necessary par- ticulars, told him what*she wanted him to do, and advised the utmost haste. The officer prom- ised to be over as soon as he could with a-force sufficient to grapple with the situation. Gertie Graham told Bob what the constable — said, and then asked him to go on with his story. The boy took up the thread of his narrative at the point where the two crooks came on the scene, and told the girl how he had overheard their plans concerning the. proposed robbery of her father’s mill that night. * Then he told her hew Fowler had appeared and how the rascals had knocked him out and taken the $1,200 away from him. After that he détailed the strenuous efforts, finally suecessful, of Joe and himself te break out of their floating prison. x “Then we came on here to notify your father, getting the location of your home from a farmer - along the read, who treated us to “supper.” y j - ates: nec 7

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_ get it back.” “10 ence, Mr. Channing,” said Miss Graham. “My father will feel, when he comes home and learns all, that he is under the greatest of obligations to you. From your story I can easily see that the mill is at the mercy of those thieves, and that but for your promptness in coming here to-night the mill office would no doubt be found robbed in the morning. It seems Strange to me that those thieves should have been able to learn that Mr. Black, our treasurer, drew the money to pay off with from the Centerville Bank this afternoon. I don’t know how much money is in the office safe, but it is over $1,000 at any rate, I hope when the rascals are caught that they will have your father’s' money on them so that you will “There isn’t much doubt but they’l Ihave it, ‘Miss Graham,” said Bob. “They’ve also a lot of stuff in their grips. that they stole in Chester. This can be returned to the owner if we succeed in rounding up the scamps.” j At this juncture there came a loud ring at the front door bell. -Maria, the servant, went to the door and admitted Constable Howard, Treasurer Black, the two foremen of the mill, and one of the night watch. ; Bob immediately told them such particulars as he considered necessary, and advised instant action. Constable Howard and Mr. Black agreed that no time should be lost, and so after the boss had bidden Miss Graham good-night, and Bob particularly had been invited by her to call back in the morning if he and his friend remained overnight in the village, as “it was verv likely they would be obliged to do. the party took up its line of march for the mill. It was now nine o'clock, and they lost no time in covering the. intervening half-mile. ing in the mill office when they came in sight of the place, and a halt was called under the shadow of a big oak tree to determine how they ought to proceed. : “It is quite possible that those rascals are hanging around the neighborhood at this mo- = ment waiting until they think the time is ripe- far them to force their entrance into the mill,” said Bob. “If they should see us walk to the building in a body, that would certainly scare them off and we should have no chance at all to catch them. I think it would be better for us /to remain, right here and watch. We can’t fail two in the rear. _ was decided on, out on the ground and awaited developments. . to see them when they. approach the mill, and- they will be unaware of our presence. My idea is to Jet them get into the buildine. Then two of us can post ourselves in front of the office and That will cut off their retreat. Mr. Howard. his deputy, and either Mr. Black, or myself will then enter and overpower them while thev are engaged at the safe.” -Bob’s proposition was voted the most prudent and effective plan for capturing the crooks, and The sevétr stretched themselves Nothing happened to break the monotony of their _ watch for nearly two hours, and the party were showing signs. of impatience when Joe suddenly called attention to two figures slouching from the - wood in the rear of the mill. _ “Here ‘they come now,” he said, in a tone of suppressed excitement, and in-an instant the ae ee “FIRST IN THE FIELD: The lamp was still burn-° -oners. and the constable took charge of it. ‘tried in Chester, < _.and ask them to notify your people that yo _ The watchman was found bound and | jet seven watchers were on the alert ready tor busi- ness. : : _The rascals carried each a good-sized grip in his right hand, and they drew near the mill with some caution. Finally they halted and held a consultation; then one, leaving his bag with his companion, advanced and’ proceeded to recon~ _ noiter the office through the windows. After a time he made some sign to his confederate and — the other came forward: They halted at the em- ployees’ entrance to the mill, and one of them producing a jimmy proceeded to force the door, © which he effected without much trouble. Taking — their grips with them, they disappeared inside | the building. go “We'd better give them time enough to capture the watchman and get,down to work,” said Bob. “Then we'll creep up and take them by surprise.” Constable Howard nodded, and no move was | made for a matter of about twenty minutes. ' At the end of that time the constable directed the advance to be made. Joe and one of the fore-— men were stationed outside the front door. : Howard turned the knob, opened the door an inch or two, and looked in. The two crooks were at work on the safe. Throwing the door wide open, | the three rushed inside, the two officers covering’ the rascals with their revolvers. ; a oie “Throw up your hands or we'll perforate you on the spot!” cried Constable Howard, sternly. _ Jackson and Billings, taken by surprise, looked into the frowning muzzles of the weapons and, realizing that the game was up, sullenly yielded. “Take my revolver and cover that scamp near-_ est the safe,” said the chief constable to Bob. Then the officer, who was a six-footer 2 wore a very determined look, walked forward an handcuffed the rascals together. “Turn “out their pockets,” said Bob. my father’s $1,200.” : Nearly $900 was found on each of the an cae wd Re want | pris-_ é "Bob then learned that his father would not be able ta .get his money until after the crooks were — “T will turn the money and the two grips ov to the court, where. they, will remain until the case against these chaps has been decided. Then your father can put in his claim for his $1,200, — accompanied by your sworn statement of the cireumstances. I should also advise you to ge an affidavit from the fireman who stole t pocketbook from your father, if he hasn’t ma himself scarce to avoid arrest for the theft, No gentlemen, we'll march our prisoners to the ‘ock- up. You boys can spend the night at the inn. You will have to give your evidence before the | justice in the morning. In order that x parents may learn ‘where you are, for doubtless they are greatly worried over your disappearance by_this time, I'll telephone to the Westrate polie iS: bs both safe here in Riverdale,” a =

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FIRST IN THE FIELD é under a table-in the office, and was liberated. Then the entire party took up its line of march for the village. .— CHAPTER IX.—Bob and Joe Return to Westlake -. Bob and Joe were quartered at the Riverdale Inn that night, and next morning the head con- stable called for them and piloted them to the office of Justice Hogan, before whom the two crooks were arraigned on the charge of the at- tempted burglary of Graham's Mill. The boys gave their evidence, the constables testified to --eatching the rascals at work on the safe, the watchman explained how they had come upon ‘him unawares and gagged and bound him, while Treasurer Black and the two mill foremen stated ‘what they knew about the ¢rime. Jackson. and Billings refused to make any statement in their “own behalf, and were remanded by the justice for trial at Chester at the next term of the court. Constable Howard communicated with the Chester police and ascertained that the home of the president of.the Chester Bank had recently ‘been broken into and $5,000 worth of jewelry and about $8,000 in money stolen. A reward of $500 ‘had been offered by the banker for information -. leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves. ‘A description of the jewelry furnished by the Chester authorities tallied twith the contents’ of “the grips taken frém Jackson and Billings, and | ‘Jeft no‘doubt in the mind of the constable that the men he had captured were the rascals who ‘had robbed the banker’s home. He notified the - Chester police to that effect and claimed the _ reward in behalf of Bob Channing and his friend, Joe Craig. Miss Graham, who attended the ex-_ \ aminati f the crooks at the justice’s office, 3 ped Bob and Joe to return to her father’s ‘home with her and take lunch previous: to their _ departure for Westlake. a ‘cepted. Miss Gertie paid especial attention to ‘Rob, to whom it was eyident she had taken a fancy, and that young man met her advances nore than ‘half way. During lunch Bob spoke ‘about the boom that appeared to have struck the village, and remarked that Riverdale was likely goon to become a lively place. Gertie coincided with him, and in the course of the conversation “mentioned the fact that. her father was about to establish a bank in the village. When she learned. hat Bob and Joe, at the end of their vacation, ‘were going to look up situations for themselves, she said that she was sure her father would be pleased to give them an opening in the bank if they would come to Riverdale. The boys said they would consider an offer. of that kind if Mr. Graham made it to them, but _ Bob added that he would rather go into business on his own account if it were possible for him to “get a start. Gertie wanted to know what kind of business attracted him, and he told her what is plans were if he was in a position to carry them out. She was immediately interested in J s 3 ould gladly help him to reach the goal of his ambition. At this point a friend of Miss Graham’s called see her, and she was introduced to the boys as iss Bettie Martin, a niece of The invitation was ac-_ scheme, and said she had no doubt her father Justice Hogan’s. ll She was quite an attractive brunette, and Joe - Craig was rather smitten with her charms... Miss Bettie seemed equally interested in Joe, so the four young people seemed well paired. $ The boys forgot their intention of returning to Westgate right after lunch, and prolonged their stay. At two o’clock Mr. and Mrs. Graham returned from Chester. Gertie introduced Bob and Joe, and told her parents a few general par- ticulars of the attempted robbery at the mill which had been frustrated by Bob’s timely inter- ference. Bob then told his story all over again. The mill owner expressed the obligation he felt under to the lads, especially Bob, whom he rec- ognized as the leading spirit of the affair, and assured them,that he would testify his apprecia- * tion in a substantial way. Bob replied that as far as he was concerned he was not looking for any reward for doing what he regarded as his plain duty,-especially as he had a strong per- sonal interest on behalf of his father in securing the capture of the crooks. : _ “But I have no doubt you’ would have been just as eager to’ warn me last night even if you had had no personal interest in the arrest of the thieves,” said Mr, Graham. “That’s quite true, sir,” admitted Bob. The boys politely refused an invitation to re- main to dinner, and then Mr, Graham had his coachman take them back to Westlake in his auto- mobile. Before they left Bob promised Gertie that he would come over soon and pay her a visit, and Joe told Miss Bettie that he would try and do the same. The parents of both boys, although their anxiety over their unexplained absence had been relieved the preceding night by Constable Howard through the Westlake police department, were much mystified as to the object that had taken their sons to Riverdale. © ~~ ' “Why, Bob, what in the name of goodness took you and Joe Craig to Riverdale?” exclaimed his - mother when he entered the cottage. “Important ‘business, mother, although we did — not exactly go most of the way of our own free will,” he answered, smilingly. “ “We heard that you and Joe saved the of Steve Fowler from burning down, and lives of his three children.” : , “That’s right, mother.” : “And they say Steve was there himself at the time.” : “He was, mother.” ’ “And what about your father’s money that Steve stole? Couldn’t you get him to give it up after what you did?” . “No, mother. As soon as the fire was out he started to make off, before Joe and I could corner him; then—but I'll tell you the whole story from ~~ start to finish, and then you’ll understand better how things stand. Where’s father?” “i “He hasn’t got home yet. I expect he’s gone over to the police office to see if any word has been received about Steve.” : cottage also the ge, “He can let Steve go now. The rascal hasn't ee > 3 got the money. e- “Hasn’t got the money! What do you mean?. Did you succeed in getting it away from him?” __ “Not exactly, mother; but I think father will’ have no trouble in recovering it, for itis now in ~ the hands of the Chester police.” tes i dares ee

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Ce “Then Steve has.been arrested?” “Not that I know of, mother; but just listen to my story and you will get wise to the situation. It’s a bit complicated as far as father’s money is be a Aaa but it will come out all right in the enc ? Both then began at the beginning, which was at the engine-room of the Westlake Mills, and told his mother all that happened to him and“Joe the preceding afternocn, growing out of his effort to overtake Steve Fowler and get his father’s money back. He had about finished his narration when his father came in, an hour later than his cus- tomary time. ° “Well, young man,” said Myr. Channing, gloom- ily, “what have you to say for yourself? took you to Riverdale, with Joe Craig, yesterday atenioon.,. sand kept you ere the greater part of to-day?” “An effort to recover your monéy was the cause-of it, father,” replied Bob. “T suppose I needn’t ask you what luck you’ve had? The police have not :found any trace of Steve Fowler—the rascal!—so it’s hardly to be supposed that you discovered any trace of him, after letting him get away from you at the fire where it has been reported that you saved his cottage and the lives of three of his children.” “You needn’t worry about Steve: any more,” replied Boh. “Why not?” asked his father, sharply. “Because your money is out of his hands.” -“Ts it? Explain yourself. Do you know where wy money Ash “You do!” exclaimed Mr. excited. “Where is it?” “In the hands of the Chester Ee depart- ment.” “Then Steve was arrected in Chester? Funny that the chief of our police told me less than half and hour ago that Steve had not been heard of.” “Steve was not arrested in Chester.” “Then what do you mean by saying that the Chester police have my money? How could they have it. unless——” “Let me tell you my story and then you’ll un- derstand,” said Bob. “Go. ahead, ” said Mr. Channing, looking hard -at his son. possession of his money. _ “Supper is ready,” said Mrs. Channing at this point. Bob and his father drew their chairs up to . the table, and between bites Bob went all over his adventures again. Mr. Channing listened with interest and growing expectation as the nar- -yative developed. He grew quite excited at the point where Bob described the knocking-out of Steve Fowler by the two crooks, and their taking Mr. Channing showed eager attention right up to the point where Bob detailed the capture of the two rascals at the mill. Then Bob told him what Constable Howard had said about the disposi- ' tion of the money and valuables : taken fr om the | two. crooks. “You'd better write to the Chester authorities at once and put in your claim. Ill write out a statement, showing how the crooks got your 3 What Channing, growing ~ * take it.” From that point on onéy into their hands, and J oe and I will swear, FIRST IN THE FIELD ’ ee Ne to it before a notary. You ean send it on with your letter. When the trial comes off, Joe and I~ will have to go to Chester to testify, and that 4 will clinch your right to the $1,200.’ Mr, Channing regarded- Bob with a proud and ! approving look. A great load had been’ suddenly — lifted from his mind. There was every chance now that he would in time recover the money he had almost’ given up as lost to him forever. . .“Bob,” he said, with emotion, “the next hun- dred dollars I save shall be yours as a nest egg for your future.” : “Thank you, father, Mr. Graham has promised to give me—and-Joe, of course, too—something — for saving the mill from being robbed; and Con- stable Howard, of Riverdale, said that we are - entitled to the $500 reward offered for the cap= ture of the thieves who robbed the residence of Mr. Baldwin, president. of the Chester Bank. He said he put in.a claim for it in our names. So- you see, father, I’m likely to have a es capital | before long.” “You are richly entitled to every cent you get — in connection with this affaix. Don’t you think so, Clara?” he said, turning to his wife. % “IT do, indeed, Richard,” she answered, beams” ing on her stalwart boy. “Father,” said Bob, after a pause, “I wish you” could see your way to moving to Riverdale. You : might be able to get charge.of the engine- roo 5 of one of the new mills at more money than you're » getting here.” “Why?” asked Mr, Channing, in some surprise. “Well, father, as I’ve got to get out and hustle. in a few weeks, I think there is a better chance - for me to get ahead in Riverdale than here.” % “What makes you think so?” “Several reasons, Mr. Graham is going to start a bank in the village im a little while, ene! I’m almost certaih of a position there if I will “Did he make you an offer?” ee “No, but his daughter Gertie said that she was. z sure her father would give me an opening, bie asked for it.” Le “A position in a bank would be better thane anything I could get) for you here. You had better apply for it. You could come ‘oneé a week, at any rate.” . y “J don’t know that I should like to ae Bob away from us,”’. objected Mrs. Channing, with motherly solicitude. " “My dear, the boy’s future must be considered first of all, whatever sacrifice we may be called on to make for his benefit,” said the engineer. - “Then you have no objection to my’ going Riverdale?” said. Bob, whose ambitious thoughts were mingled with a recollection of Miss Mel Ss bright eyes. . f “Not if it will be to your advantage, my so It is only ten miles from here.” “You might sell your interest in this cottage -and secure a position there as soon as the new — mills are completed. Mr. Graham, I guess, could secure you the job as engineer to one of ee He wanted to hire you himself onee, ou tol ah St “Bob's: suggestion is a good one, Richard. 2 his saa who was” evidently: in favor of such ch

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. a change now that it seemed likely that her son might go there. ae ‘ cs will think about it,” replied Mr. Channing, in a non-committal way. — : ‘Bob having finished his supper, put on his hat -and went around the block to call on Joe Craig, and tell him about the possibility of his going to _ Riverdale to live, and to propose that Joe also apply for some kind of a job in the new bank. -. CHAPTER X.—Planning for the Future. “Then you really have made up your mind to ask Mr. Graham for a job in his bank?” said Joe. - “Well, to tell the truth, Joe, I’d rather go into usiness for myself; but as I am not sure that I can do that, a position in the Riverdale Bank ‘would be better than anything else I know of.” “I mean to ask my father if he’ll let me go to Riverdale, too. If he will, you can put in my - application with yours to Mr. Graham. You stand better withehim thanI, for you were really the whole thing last night.” ~ SAl) right,” replied Bob. “It would be fine to have you there, for we could room together and be together after working hours.” : ~-:“Sure. Then we could call on Miss Graham ’ and Miss Martin. They’re nice girls,.don’t you think?” ; ; : ~ “Bet your life they are, but I like Miss Gertie best.” : ' ' “I’m glad you do, for Miss Bettie takes my e,” grinned Joe. “That settles it. becoming rivals.” ee “Not the slightest, old man. : “The boys talked an hour longer about their prospects in Riverdale, and then Bob went home. ~ About a week later Bob received an invitation from Mr. Graham.to come to Riverdale and stay overnight. The mill owner said his auto would ~ meet Bob at the Centerville station on the arrival There is no danger of our a of a certain train. It was about eleyen miles by . rail from Westlake to Centerville, and’ the local “train covered the distance in twenty-one minutes. Bob was tickled to death at the chance to mect Bertie Graham, so he told his parents that, with their permission, he was going to Riverdale, at Mr. Graham’s invitation, the next afternoon. ~ When he arrived at Centerville he was sur- prised and delighted to see Miss Graham seated in the auto. She had done him the honor to come rand meet him. Evidently she was taking a eat interest in the young Westlaker. The ride rom the station to the Graham’ home was the nost enjoyable Bob thought he had ever taken in is life. Miss Gertie, who looked charming in r-best clothes, laid herself out to entertain him, 1d Bob tried his best to do his share. He was ordially welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Graham, and FIRST IN THE FIELD 13 “Thank you, sir. Half of this will go to my ~~ friend, Joe Craig, who, I think, is equally entitled to participate in it.” “That is for you to decide as you think proper, Now, as far as the saving of my money is con- cerned, I think you are entitled to the chief rec- ognition. _I have therefore decided to give you $500, and your friend Craig $100. Here are the checks on the Centerville Bank.” Fy “J don’t think I am entitled to so much,” re- plied Bob, looking at the check to his order, and feeling a certain delicac about accepting it. “Allow me to judge of that, my boy,” answered the mill owner. “Put them in your pocket.’” Bob put the three checks away. “The next question is, do you want a position: in my bank?” said Mr. Graham. “I_should like it very much, sir, provided “What is the proviso?” “T think I should prefer to start a certain busi- ness in this place if, in your opinion, you saw no great obstacles to my ultimate success.” “My daughter spoke to me about that. have your view on the subject.” oe ' Bob accordingly submitted his ideas on the matter nearest his heart. He told the mill owner ° what kind of business he wanted to.engage in, where he desired to establish himself, and just: . how he proposed to conduct it. ”, Let me “Of course, I’m handicapped by lack of ex-.— perience, but Charley Brown, who runs.a similar and successful business in Westlake, has prom- ised to coach me as well as he can if I should manage to embark in it. I feel it in my bones that with a fair show I’ll make’ a success of it. Now that Riverdale promises to be a place of no little importance, I want to be the first in the field in my chosen line. : : ~Mr. Graham was much impressed by his en-” thusiasm and the evident energy of his char- — acter. He saw that the boy’s business ideas were _ good ones, and that really all he needed was the ~ experience. He decided then and there to help Bob achieve his object. He would give him the benefit of his influence in the village, and would back him if the little capital he had now se-. cured was not sufficient to give him a proper start. : ; fir i “Well, Bob,” he said, “I think pretty well of your scheme, and I pledge you my support. When do. you want to open up?” : “As soon as the railroad is finished and the new _ station is built.” ; oF “That will be within about three months, I think, from present indications® In the mean- time I suppose you will start in with your friend — Brown and learn all you can about the business?” “That’s just what I mean to do. I'll give him ~ my services in return for his instruction and ad- vice.” ;

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Ww “That will be fine!” exclaimed Bob enthusi- astically. “They will certainly help you, while your store will be in the most prominent situation in Main street.” “But.do you think I'll be able to stand the rent at the start?” ‘ “Don’t worry about the rent. We will speak of that later. The main point at issue at present is to give you the chance to establish yourself. There is no regular stationery and periodical store in Riverdale as yet, so you will be the first in the field, as you desire. Your general ideas for draw- ing custom are good, and I think with your en- ergy and perseverance you will get along. of course, you will havé up-hill work at the start, as the village is a small one as yet, but there will be a great change inside of six months. Four man- ufacturing establishments are going to be erected and put into operation within that time, and they will employ, I understand, about 2,000 people who will have to live here. I shall have to enlarge my own mills, and hire more help, to keep abreast of the orders that are coming in. All things con- sidered, I don’t think you could start out for your- self under more encouraging auspices,” Bob fully agreed with the genial mill owner, and thanked him for the interest he was showing in his behalf. j “Don’t mention it; Bob. I have taken a liking to you, and want to give you a boost.” Bob then thought of Joe, and asked Mr. Graham if he would give his friend a’ position in the bank. “J will, if only to oblige you. Let me have his name and address.” Bob gave it to him, and then began to speak - about having his parents move to Riverdale from Westlake. : “Do you think you could get my father the po- sition as engineer in one of the new mills?” he asked. “] think I made your father an offer myself when I first started my mill,” said Mr. Graham, “put he did not care to accept it.” < “That was because he had pought a cottage in Westlake'and expected to remain there perma- nently.” ~ ; “J dare say he would have little trouble in sell- ing his place if he wanted to make a change.” “That’s what I told him. And at any rate, mother wishes to come here if I do, and she can’t come unless father does.” “Well, Bob, it is possible that, I may find it necessary to hire another engineer in place of the man I have. hon I. will make your father an offer.”’. F : “Thank you, sir. I will tell him.” After some further conversation they ad- journed to the parlor, where Mrs. Graham and Miss Gertie awaited them. Gertie pare’, on the piano and sang for Bob, and then Bob was induced to sing some himself. He-had a very good voice, and it chimed in well with the girl’s. After a very pleasant evening, Bob retired to the guest chamber and slept like a top until morning, notwithstand- ing that his head was chock full of brilliant antic- ipations for the future. After breakfast he walked around the village -with Gertie. Naturally, he was especially in- terested in Main street, particularly in that sec- tion where the station was to be puilt, and where "3 FIRST IN THE FIELD he expected his store was to be. After lunch he 5 was driven back to the station, and took a train for home. : CHAPTER XI—First In The Fir... After ‘supper that evening Bob went around to | Joe’s house. ° f ; “See what I’ve brought you,” he said to his 4 chum, holding up the $100 check. Joe grabbed it. _ “One hundred dollars, payable to the order of Joseph Craig,” he said. “Gee! that looks good!” — “Sure it does; but this looks better,” replied — Bob, showing Mr. Baldwin's $500 check. “Half of this I’m going to turn over to you after I’ve — got it cashed.” Weare “Why, that will be $350. I'll be rich.” ae “Mr. Graham gave me $500, which plus $250 _ makes $750. That will be enough, I guess, to — start me in business,” said Bob. ss “Then you've made up your mind to go in busi-. ness for yourself?” =. “T have. It’s all decided as far as I am con- cerned. Mr, Graham offered me a position in his bank, but I told him to give it to you, and he’s go-_ ing to do it.” . : : ete “T haven’t spoken to my folks about it yet,” said Joe. “I don’t know how they will take to the idea — of my doing to Riverdale.” ots “Don’t say anything to them until you get Mr. Graham’s offer, then spring that on them.” oe “That’s what Pll do. I don’t see how they can object to me taking a job ina bank. It isn’t every — fellow gets such a chance.” rene amg _ Bob then told his chum the general particulars — in connection with his own business arrangements. “You're right in it, old man,” said Joe. “You — have Mr. Graham.at your back, and he’s the most | important man in Riverdale. How do your folks — like the idea of you going into business in the — village?” ee. == “They raised no great objection when I told — them what Mr. Graham promised to do for me. — They'll probably move to Riverdale themselves — before long.” _“T wish my folks would do the same but there’s” ae ee of that, as my father is anchored © ere. Pie 5c “Come, let’s ‘go down to Brown’s store,” said Bob; “I want to have a serious talk with him.” — Joe was willing, and go they started for the — principal business street of Westlake, and soon — reached Charley’s stationery and periodical store. — While Bob talked business with the proprietor Joe looked over the latest illustrated papers. Brown agreed to let Bob assist him et his store, and i return for his services promised to post him up — in the business se that he could take hold of his — own place, when he opened it up, with some de gree of confidence. Bob started in next morning, and before the week was out he knew a whole lo about the business. — ii cg As a matter of fact, there was not so much to learn in a small country store like Brown’s. He got all his supplies through a wholesale deal=— er in Chester, the goods being delivered in pack-— ages by express at the railroad station, where” he received them. Bob would have one Savane in this respect, for, as he would be located’ next. to the station, the packages consigned to | mo PREGA Nee? ae Re Wt

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FIRST IN. Cwould be practically landed at his d8or, thus Saving him time and trouble. Bob learned that some periodicals and paper- tovered books were returnable if not sold, while thers were likely to become dead stock on his ands if not disposed of before the succeeding ssue came out to the public. He found that he would have to keep a standing deposit with the wholesaler to cover his standing orders unless he ‘got some one to guarantee a certain margin of redit for him, At the end of a month he visited Riverdale to ee how things were coming on there. He found that the railroad station was in the hands of he carpenters, dnd that Mr. Graham was put- ting up his building as fast as possible. Both re expected to be completed, about the same ime. The foundations for two of the big fac- Cries had been started, while surveys had been ade for the others. Ground was being cleared and leveled for 100 small cottages that were soon - to be erected for the working people and their families who before long would be attracted or brought to the vitlage. Other cottages were being built in different parts of the village within easy reach of the sites of the new factories. A new and larger school- use had been planned for early erection, and “many other improvements were under way in the village. Altogether, the place was beginning. 0) wear a prosperous look that was encouraging a ob. ° On the following week he and Joe had to go Chester to appear at the trial of Jackson and illings. The police had got the rascals’ records rom Chicago, where they were well known to the y detectives. Their defence counted for little and conviction was easily secured. They were ntenced to several years in the State prison. gent who supplied Brown, and had a business alk with him. The dealer was very glad to sev ure another customer, and encouraged Bob in every way he could. He.handed him out many ew wrinkles about the business, and made sev- ~ eral suggestions that the boy thought would --prove useful to him. t : Although he handled a line of cigars and tobaceo for the trade, Bob discovered that he ould get a better and more popular brand of su . goods from a regular tobacco dealer, and ecided to patronize that man. He bought a econd-hand sola fountain and two show cases, most as good as new, and was instructed in the “manipulation of the soda water apparatus. These articles were held subject to his order for their smission .to Riverdale. Bob’s father had ceompanied him to Chester in order to get his 1,200 from the authorities after the trial and onviction of the burglars. A certain amount of tape had to be gone through with before . Channing got his money, and then he was ‘more a happy man and paid off his mort- patter the ‘disappearance of Steve towier, his began’ to suffer many privations owing to ss of his income. Max found it necessary ustle on, and he got a steady job; but such a dislike for work that it was @ THE FIELD ne Se a While in, Chester, Bob visited the wholesale -. 15. possession of, so he went to Chester to maké his = final arrangements for opening up. Joe, who had_ accepted, with his parents’ consent, a clerkship - in the Riverdale Bank, which was chartered but not yet ready for business, went to the village to help Bot get his store into- shape. When his stock and fixtures arrived they both worked like beavers displaying things to the best advantage. While they were thus engaged the post-office was moved in next door. Bob had. given an order to the village painter for a pro- jecting swinging sign, to go over the door, read- ing on both sides, “Robert Channing, Stationer and Newsdealer. Cigars and Tobacco,” and the _ painter and his assistant were putting it in place \ when Gertie Graham and Bettie Martin. appeared! and walked into the new store. The boys paused long enough to welcome their charmers. ; : “What do you think of the store as far as *, we've gone?” asked Bob, regarding the half-filled shelves with a certain degree of pride and satis’ faction: : “J think it’s going to be-the most attractive | store in Riverdale,” replied Miss Gertie, en- 5 thusiastically, and Miss Bettie coincided with her. é “T wish I had an interest in it?” said Joe, wistfully, who, now that the establishment. was _an actual fact, regarded the enterprise with dif- ferent eyes than he did when it yas been merely in contemplation. “Well, don’t you take an interest in it?” asked Bettie, with dancing eyes. “Of course I take an interest in it,” replied e Joe, stoutly; “but I mean I'd like to be Bob’s . | partner.” “Maybe you will be one of these days. ‘old man,” spoke up Bob. “When business grows so that I can’t handle it myself, and there’s enough in it for two, then we'll talk about coming to- . gether.” (as “Well, Ishope that time will come soon. As I’m sis going to be your general assistant after I get = through at the bank every day, I'll soon have the —* business down as) fine as yourself.” “Which of you arranged those show cases? hs asked Gertie. “T fixed up this one and Joe spread-himself on that. They look all right, don’t they?” said ~~ Bob. “Splendid!” breath. Bettie seemed to take the greater interest in Joe’s display, whilé Gertie had eyes only for the case that Bob had arranged. ice “You have good taste, Bob,” she ai’, enthusi- - - » existed between Joe and Bettie, ; ae. The girls then began to point out various’ ro changes that in their opinion would add to the . ~ general effect, and Bob was quick to see how much better their judgment was in matters of = ~ display than either his or Joe's. Pr sera “T shall expect you to drop in quite often and lend me the aid of your eritical eye, Gertie,” said Bob, as he made an alteration she had point- ed out which made quite a difference in the look: of one shelf. “7 sha’n’t: faut sto call | when Tm down to lied, gly. “It will b

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16 __. stop for a glass of soda when the weather is warm.” “Ym ‘sorry the fountain isn’t in commission —. yet, or I’d treat-you to all you could drink.” “You're very good, but I'll take the will for the deed. When are you going to dress your win- dow ?” ; “As soon as the painter has put my name and business on the glass.” “What are you going to put in it?” “A general displav of what I have in stock so that folks can get an insight into what I have on hand by looking the window over.” ; At that moment Joe opened up a big package and Bettie, who was standing beside him, uttered in ce Nie of delight. “Gertie,” she cried, at these lovely picture post-cards. I never saw such a nice’ assortment before. Can’t I buy a few of them now?” she added to Joe, in an eager tone. “The store isn’t open for business yet, but I guess Bob will be glad to accommodate you,” replied Craig. —. Gertie walked over and admired the selection of cards greatly. She wanted some herself, too, Both girls then asked Bob the prices of the prettiest, and he said five cents each. “You'll let me make the first purchase, won’t you?” said Gertie: “Sure I will,” replied Bob. “Then give me twenty of those cards, assort- ed,” she said, opening her wallet and tendering the young storekeeper a Gollar bill. “Piék them out yourself, Gertie,” he said. “Do you know what I’m going to do with this bill?” “Put it in your cash drawer, of course,” she an- swered, laughingly. “Not a bit of it. This is the very first money I’ve taken in. I mean to frame it, and keep it always as a remembrance.” “Dear me, do storekeepers always do that for luck?” she asked. ~ “Not to my knowledge, but I’m going to do it just the same, I want you to be my mascot. Will ae YOO. “Why, of course I will, and I hope I'll bring you good fortune.” “Pm sure you will,” he said, with a look that caused her to blush and look down. Miss Bettie purchased ten of the five-cent cards and ten of the penny cards, and Bob said he’ll enroll her on his memory as his second cus- tomer. Thergirls made some other purchases of things they needed in the stationery line, and ‘both said they’d come back later in the day, when the store would be open for business, and buy some of the current papers and magazines which the boys hadn’t yet got out of their packages. Before the young ladies took their departure, Bob showed them the two rooms in the rear of the store which had already been fitted up as a “bedroom and sitting-room for fhe accommoda- - tion of Joe and himself. ' “This is where we’re going to live. We've got an oil stove and a supply of dishes and cooking utensils in this closet,” and he opened the door ‘and showed the girls. “When we don’t care to go out to a restaurant we'll cook our own meals, TU have to get mea lunch, hens anyway, as I “do come here and look’ FIRST IN THE FIELD -of his cireulars in Graham’s Mill, and called es-— , won't be “able to get away in the middle: of the day.” Be “You boys will have a fine time together,” bi said Gertie. “I wish I was a boy ; “I’m glad you’re not,” replied Bob. Ss shouldn’t like you half so much if you were.” . rg Gertie blushed and laughed, and then the two — girls left. At three o’clock that afternoon the — store was all ready for the public, so Bob opened the door, and to the bottom of the swinging © sign that projected from over the door he at- tached a temporary cloth banner on which were painted the words: “OPEN FOR BUSINESS— — Walk In and Look Around.” on Out at the edge of the curb Joe placed a wooden — sign, painted alike on both sides as follows: — “Soda Water—All Flavors. Ginger Ale, Sarsapa- rilla, Cream Soda. Five Cents a Glass.”- “Now I’m ready to do business for myself,” said Bob, with supreme satisfaction: CHAPTER XII.—Bounced. Bob did quite a little business the opening — afternon and evening, and Joe remained with him 4 till noon the next day, when he had to return. to Westlake. Mr.-Graham came in, looked his place q over with an approving eye, and bought some — papers and magazines. People who came to the post-office for their mail dropped in, and most of them made purchases. A new thing always at- tracts attention at first, and this accounted for — the rush of trade on the first day. ; Bob put a standing advertisement in the new f paper which had just started, and he got out a lot ‘of neat circulars which he hired a small boy : to distribute at the doors of all the people in — the place. He also mailed these to the farmers | round about, and the effect was soon” appa: nt in increased and steady trade that came flocking to his store. Mr. Graham, his daughter, and Bettie Martin solicited custom for him among ~ their friends, and they knew everybody in River- — dale worth mentioning, Bob distributed a batch — pecial attention among the men to ‘his tobacco stock. - é In the meantime the railroad station was com= pleted, and a morning and evening. train, con- — sisting of a locomotive, a baggage car,.and one coach, was inangurated between Riverdale and — Centerville on the main line. Work was pushed | on the new factories and ‘oh the other buildings, — and Bob watched their progress toward com-= pletion with great interest. ~ : About this time the bank opened up, the build-_ ing having been complete within a short dis- tance of Bob’s store, and then Joe came to sta dear to the ewerage ce heart, and soon hf all the village »oys: traveling in the direction of his store. ; a Mr. Graham gave him a commission’ to pur- chase a considerable quantity of fireworks which — he wanted to let off at his grounds, and he got — similar, though less liberal, ‘orders \from™ oe wpportast residents of the. ok oi Th _-resul

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FIRST IN was that Riverdale promised to do itself proud in the way of fiery display in honor of . Inde- **“\pendence Day. Soon after the Glorious Fourth passed into oblivion Mr. Graham decided that he must have a new engineer, so he made another offer to ‘My. Channing, which was accepted this time, and he and his wife moved to one of the new cot- tages that had been erected in the village. He found little trouble in disposing of. his interest in his Westlake property for an advance on what he gave for it, and this money, with his savings, enabled him to buy outright the Riverdale cot- tage. One afternoon, when Joe walked into the store after he was through for the day at the bank, he . said: “Who do you suppose have come to the village to live?” “I don’t know,” replied Bob. “Who?” “The Fowlers.” z “Ts that so?” said Bob, in surprise. - “Yes. I met little Nannie Fowler, the girl you saved ffom being burnt to death, outside the pank a few minutes ago. She said that her mother has come to work for Mr. Graham at his i house, ‘and that he’s given them rooms over the carriage house.” “Well, I’m glad to hear that they’ll be able to get along now, for they couldn’t put much dependence in Max as a provider.” “I should. say they couldn’t.” “What about him? Has he come to live here, too? I shouldn’t imagine that Mr. Graham would want him around.” © “Nannie told me*that Mr. Graham got him apprenticed to Mr. Jones, the carpenter, but he hasn’t ‘started in yet.” “T never saw any one ‘that had such a isi against work as he. He'll grow up to be a lazy bum if he doesn’t look out.” -“Jones will make him get a move on, if any- body can,” laughed Joe. ~ «Say, Joe,” said Bob, “do you mind delivering that bundle of tobacco up at the mill?” asked Bob. “The list is on the outside.” z “Sure Tl deliver it,” said Joe. .. “You can go around and get any additional orders the men want to send. There are two late magazines in the bundle also—one for Foreman Jinks and the other goes to Mr. Rich- ards, the head bookkeeper.” “All right,” said Joe, grabbing the bundle and starting off with it on his bicycle, which he got from the rear of the store. He hadn’t been gone ten minutes before Gertie Graham and her chum came in. “Good afternoon, Gertie and Miss Bettie,” said Bob, coming from behind the counter. . “Good afternoon, Bob,” said both young ladies. “Lovely day for a hee up Main street,” grin- ned Bob. 3 “Charming, but Nae warm,” replied Gertie, “J owe Bettie a treat, and so we have come in et “here to get a cream soda each.” ee “It will give me a great deal of pleasure to _ wait on you,” said Bob, going over to the little oe soda water counter. “Ii keep a good supply of ice on, hand, Hie ‘prepared them two Soa of. the Ddeveraxe. . said -her aunt wanted another box of initialed so I can promise you a nice cool THE FIELD They stood and talked. a while and: then Bettie stationery like the last she had got from him. — . “I guess I’ve got another box with the letter H,” said Bob. starting for the counter, Gertie’s aunt’s name being Hogan, wife of the Justices At that moment a newcomer ‘entered the store. “It was Max Fowler. Bob wasn’t at all pleased to see him) but that/fact didn’t bother Max. ae “So this is your old store, is it?” grinned Max, - in a disagreeable way. “Gone into business for . > yourself, eh? Don’t you want a elerk?” ; “No, I don’t want a clerk, Max Fowler; and if I did, I shouldn’t hire you.” : “You're puttin’ on a lot of airs,-ain’t you, ’cause — you are your own boss. Well, you ain’t so much.” “IT don’t want to talk to you, Max- Fowler, )_ You didn’t come in kere to buy anything, so you might as well get out.” “How do you know I didn’t come'to buy some- thin’? Here, give me a couple of cigarettes for. a penny, and look sharp about it.” “I don’t sell cigarettes to boys, ” replied Bob, — coldly. “Think you kin insult me be@ore your cus- tomers. I’ve a good mind to punch your head for you,” said Max, aggressively. “You'd better leave the store. such languag? here.” ‘ “Tl leave when I get ready. and I'll talk as” eZ I want to. This is a free country, and you don’t run this village by a long shot.” s “Look here, Max Fowler, I don’t want any — trouble with you,” said Bob, suddenly turning on his unwelcome visitor with a resolute air that meant business, “but if you don’t go peacefully, I'll have to put you out.” | # “Put me out, will you?” cried Max, defiantly. — “T don’t think you will. If you give me any of your sass, Ill clean you and your old store out- together.” ead Bob suddenly grabbed Max Fowler by the neck and back .and exclaimed: 5 “Now, then, twenty-three for you! Metchate = one, two, three!” The third step landed Fowler on the threshold of the shop, and a push completed his ignomini- — ous exit. He slid out on to the sidewalk and, to the great amusement of several village boys who had been looking in at the window, he came down on the hard flagging with a thump that rattled his teeth and shook him up to a considerable ex- Se tent. x He got. up, shook his fist back at Bob,- and without making any effort to return, slouched off down the street as mad as a hornet, and swear- es ing vengeance against the boy who had ist handed him what he deserved. “That’s the way I treat chaps of his stamp,” said Bob, walking behind the counter and reache ing for the boxes of initialed stationery. ; i> I won’t permit. * CHAPTER XUII. —In the Hands of His Enemse “Here is a letter H wOX,” said Bob, opeting it and showing Bettie that the paper and en- velopes were just what she wanted. ; “Now come over to the fountain and let ne _ treat you ‘toa soda,” ‘said lee Bre my

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“Oh, dear, you mustn’t be giving away your profits in that way,” said Gertie. ; “Never mind the profits, Gertie. The pleasure .of you young ladies’ company is worth more than the soda.” “You say that real nice, Bob, ” jaughed Gertie. “After that, I suppose we'll have to accept the treat.” They adjourned to the soda fountafn just as Joe came back. . “Step up, Joe, and have a drink,” said Bob. ~ “¥ don’t care if I do,” replied Craig, greeting the girls in his usual cheery style, and ;miling This sweetest at Bettie, who reciprocated. » Two ladies came in for a soda at that moment ‘and Joe and the girls moved away to let Bob wait on them. - “You keep fine soda, young man,” said one of - the ladies, after drinking hers. ‘ _“Thank you, ma’am; I try to keep the best: *e __- “Tf like it ever so much better than what I’ve een accustomed to get at the drugstore. I shall certainly come here in the future.” “Would you like to look over the magazines, _ fadies? “You will find them yonder. You are ‘mot obliged to buy unless you find something that attracts you. I have several of the latest novels 4m paper cover, price ten cents, that came in ‘this morning. You are welcome to examine them. & will show them to you.” Bob also called their attention to his stationery ‘and other things that he thought might interest them, with the result that the ladies, who had ‘only come in to get the soda, made several pur- _ ehases, and departed quite charmed by -his po- liteness and obliging manner. He had done even better, for in a small place like Riverdale these ladies were bound to advertise him and his store _ among their friends, though by this time about “everybody in the village knew that there was a first-class stationery and news shop in the post- office at the station. ‘Soon after the ladies left, Gertie and Bettie ‘went away, and then other customers dropped in and were waited on by Joe’ while Bob took his theel and went on a spin up the road to take a Jook at the newsfactories that were almost ready "by this time’ to begin business. During the next few. weeks Riverdale made a considerable addi- ‘tion to its population, for the factories one by . _ one opened up for business. ae morning, when Bob opened up his store t seven o’clock, -he was surprised to see a sheet of paper plastered against the door. It contained the following words, rudely scrawled, half print- ed, half written: « : ““Bob Channing BEWAIRE! You're goin to ‘git HURT; and WORSE before to-morrer night. You’re NO GOOD. You’ve got A BUM SHOP ‘and will have to GO. We don’t want you in this place no more, SEE! So SKEDADDLE or i shee THE CONSEQUENCES. : “The vigilance committee.” “Bob read the strange, “warning” and then car- ied it in to show it to Joe. . EH -“What do you think of that? I found it stuck = the door outside.” Joe read and grinned. : There’ s only one chap in the village who would . alee such a Bok of tomfoolery, and that’s as cablt, closely. i FIRST IN THE FIELD right,” ‘eo nodded Joe. “It’s just like im.” “He’s down om me like a carload of bricks — since I bounced him from the store.” “S’pose he is. He wouldn’t.dare try to injure you.” “Tt’s impossible to say what he might not try to do if he worked himself up to it,” replied Joe, thgughtfully. Do you really think he means mischief?” asked Joe. “Tt’s hard. to tell, but it would be well for us to keep our weather eyes lifting in case he should be plotting some rascality.” That evening Joe went to call on Bettie Martin, and he remained at her house until quarter-past ten. Bob closed up the store at half-past eight and went for a ride on his wheel. He stopped at Mr. Graham’s and spent an hour or more with Gertie. On his way back his wheel struck an invisible obstruc- tion, which happened to be a stout cord stretched across the road, and he took a header that landed him half stunned a couple of yards ahead. When he came to he found himself surrounded by four — boys with black cloths, piercetl with eye holes, over their faces. He also discovered that his hands were bound. 2 “What the dickens does this mean:? ny manded, angrily. “It means that you are in the hands of the vigilance committee,” said one of his captors. Those words recalled to Bob the warning he had found on the door of his store that morning. He- tart recognized the speaker as Max Fow- er “I know you, Fowler,” he said, in an aggressive tone. be something doing you won’t like.” “Huh!” sneered the spokesman of the party. “You can’t swear I’m, Fowler. I’m the leader of the vigilance committee, that’s who I am. We're goin’ to run you out of the village ’cause you hain’t wanted here. The warnin’ you got said you’d git hurt. and worse. You’re goin’ to be treated to a noo soot and rid on a rail, see? If you. come back, more’ll happen to you. vigilance committee hain’t to be fooled with.” “Don’t. imagine you can hoodwink me, Fow- ler,” replied Bob, in a determined tone. “I know it’s you. If you try on any funny business with he de- me, I'll make things so hot for you that you'll — _wish you'd behaved yourself.” “Talk is cheap, Bob Channin’,” taste tie “You'll feel diff’rent pretty soon or I’m a liar. Take hold of him, fellers, and carry. him into the woods.” The four grabbed Bob by the legs and arms, lifted him, and then the pro-— cession moved away toward the near-by woods, into which they soon disappeared. Half an hour later Joe returned to the store and, finding Bob masked boy. away, guessed that he had gone up the road to. Half an hour and his chum did call on Gertie. not show up. “Tt’s eleven o’clock.. dickens he can be keeping himself. I think T’ll take a spin up the road. Maybe I’ll meet him.” AS Joe got his wheel and started in the direction van UuTDS the Graham home. As he reached the sub he almost ran into an object sprawled out in the middle of the Mighyay.. Rasp ope te he looked. “You’d better release me at once or there’ll _ I wonaer where the The

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‘ ay ~ the masked boys. up ed FIRST IN’ THE FIELD 1 “Why, it’s a bicycle. What is it doing here? * feathers. The others squatted on the floor in And who does it belong to? Can it be Bob’s, and he has met with an accident?” He recognized it at once as his chum’s. ~ Thinking Bob had had a tumble and was lying unconscious somewhere near, Joe looked carefully around, but could see no sign of him. He found a memorandum book, however, that he knew to be his friend’s. _ “Something has happened to him, that’s clear,” muttered Joe. “But what? Where is he?” Sud- denly that warning paper of the morning oc- curred to his mind: F “My gracious! Can it be that he was taken off his guard and attacked by that rascal, Max Fowler? If so, Fowler must have had assistance. And they’ve carried Bob off somewhere. ' Now, in what direction would they be likely to have taken him? Probably the woods yonder. Well, it’s. me for the woods at once, on the chance of running across them.” He stood both wheels up against the fence and then climbed it. As he straddled the top rail a bright light suddenly sprang up in the woods. Momentarily it grew brighter, as if a big fire had been started there. Joe could see the flames mounting above the tops of the trees, mingled with a volume of thick black smoke. ; : “There’s something unusual doing yonder,” he breathed, springing into the open space beyond the road and running rapidly toward the wood. ‘ ‘CHAPTER XIV.—A Thrilling Rescue. The four masked boys carried their prisoner _ through the woods to an open space where an old one-story and attic house, long since abandoned, stood. They marched straight into the open door- way of the building and deposited their burden .on the floor. Then the boy Bob suspected to be Max Fowler struck a match and lighted a candle stuck in the néck of a bottle he picked up from ene corner. Bob, looking straight before him, saw a wide, old-fashioned fireplace. An iron erane swung out from one side of the brick wall of the fireplace. \On this hung a big, ancient- re looking iron pot. Underneath the pot was a pile of brush and wood ready for starting a blaze. In a far corner Bob saw a rude ladder that led up to a hole in the ceiling and furnished -communiecation with the attic above. “Fellers,” said the spokesman of the party, “there hain’t no use wastin’ time holdin’ a trial ever the prisoner. He’s guilty, and that’s all is to it.” y thee 2 de say he’s guilty, he is,” said one of , “You're bossin’ the job.” “That's the way to talk. The vigilance com- mittee havin’ found +him guilty, and decided that coat of tar and feathers is the proper kind of punishment for him, we will now proceed to carry the sentence into effect. Afterwards we'll ride him on a rail to the other end of the woods, and. Jeave him with the warnin’ to skedaddle. Barney, light the fire and start’the tar to b’ilin’.. While “it’s heatin’ we'll have a smoke. The prisoner kin ‘say his prayers, or do the next thing.” The _ masked boy alluded to as Barney started the fire der the pot, whi K _we set and, yanked out a pillowcase full of =n. “ EL BR as ah le the spokesman went to a front of the pot, produced cigarettes and started = __ to smoke. Nats “How is the tar?” asked the leader by and by. “Is it bubblin’ yet?” Barney looked into the pot and then shook his head. a 2 “While you’re doin’ nothin’ you’d better getg@ the brush out of the closet,” said the presiding ~~ spirit of the vigilance committee. Barney pro- duced the brush and laid it on ‘the floor. bay “When things is ready,” said the head boy, “I'll ‘ do the tarrin’, see? You fellers kin get busy with the feathers.” ‘ . ee “Are you goin’ to take his clothes off?” asked one of the boys. ; ‘ ia “Some of ’em. It won't do to put it ag’in his skin, for it might kill him, and that hain’. the. purpose of this here vigilance committee.” © 5 “I should say not,” spoke up one of the boys. “A lark is a lark, but it mustn’t be carried’ too far, or I’m out of it.” Fixe *Don’t worry, Jim. I know how far to go and be on the safe side.” Twenty minutes elapsed. fh “How’s the tar now, Barney?” asked the leader at the end of that interval. Barney stirred — the liquid mass and announced that it was in : good shape. Tae “Then take it off the fire and let it stand on the stones to cool a bit.” During all this time Bob had watched the proceedings without saying a word. He had made a furtive but persistent — effort to free his hands, but the cords held him firmly. At length the leader of the party went to the pot, stirred the tar and lifted the stick —_ up to see how it ran. Apparently satisfied that it was of the right consistency, he said: _ 7 “Barney, you and Jim strip the prisoner of his trousers and jacket and then we’ll proceed to — make a guy of him.” The two boys seized Bob and lifted him to his feet. . Bob, however, didn’t propose to tamely submit to. the proposed in- dignity without a strong effort in his own be-* ~~ half. "To remove his jacket they would have to loosen his hands, and Barney called attention to that fact. , oad “Pull his jacket’ down and let it hang over his hands. That'll do,” replied the leader. When Barney startéd to do this Bob wrenched himself away from Jim’s grasp, made a dart forward and kicked the kettle over. -The tar ran over into the fire and blazed up at once. ‘The vigilance committee were staggered by this unexpected happening, and at the same time unnerved by the spreading fire, which soon caught on to the wood- work of the shanty and began to climb the wall, toward the ceiling. The old building was dry and ~ highly inflammable, and the flames made such rapid headway that the four young rascals be- — came panic-stricken and fled for the outer air. as fast as they could. * . ; aS Bob followed them out and took refuge among — the trees. In a few minutes the fire had pene- — trated the attic and the dull glow of the blaze could be seen through the one upper window, — from which the thick smoke came rolling forth. — At that moment, as Bob looked at the doomed —

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20 anit into the opening, bound and helpless as he. was, and shouted loudly in an effort to arouse the imperiled man. The poor fellow, however, seemed to be utterly oblivious of his danger. Bob ~ tugged frantically at the bonds, but the exertion he made only served to tighten the strands. f a his wrists and made them cut into his’ esh. ' At that moment he spied the boy called Bar- ney, who had torn the mask from his face, and was gazing at the man in the window in a help- less, fascinated way. Bob dashed up to him. “ *Here, you,” he cried, excitedly, “cut me loose, . for heayen’s sake, and let me do something to save him.” ; . “T haven’t any knife,” palpitated the young rascal. -. “Put your hand in my pocket and take out “mine. Quick!” Barney obeyed, but it seemed ‘an endless time before the boy had managed to - eut him free. By this time the flames had caught on the roof and burst through, while the whoele interior of the loft, as well as the ground floor, ' was now a blazing mass, so rapidly had the fire seized upon ‘the flimsy structure. The thick, - suffocating, black smoke made by the tar rolled ‘heavenward with the tongues of flame, and - poured’ out of the door below and the window now the victim lay across the sill like a log. — Throwing aside his jacket, Bob ran up to the building and looked for some means of reaching the low. window from the outside. There was none, so far as he could make out. The man _ seemed to be doomed. It was then that Bob spied a long, stout piece of timber half buried in the grass and earth near by.. Turning around and seeing Barney still watching the burning build- ing and the man, whose clothes were already smoking from the heat, he yelled to him: - “Come here and help me get this piece of - wood. ” Bob’s frantie energy infused some ac- - tivity into the boy, and between them they suc- ~ ceeded in dislodging the piece of timber. As soon as the piece of timber was in place the boy drew off, while Bob shinned up the inclined surface like a monkey, regardless of the fierce heat that assailed him. The man’s clothes were now on fire, and his fate rested in the balance. Bob yeached out and grabbed his arms, which hung limply out of the window, with his head bent down. between them. He pulled hard, but the vic- tim was too firmly anchored on the other side. There was nothing for Bob to:do but climb higher. He did so, until he reached the window. Then, clinging with” his knees to the timber, and facing the raging blaze before him that seemed to shrivel up his skin and burn his very eyeballs, he seized the man and drew him over the sill. It ‘was impossible for him to hold the man’s weight as it came upon his arms, and both tumbled to the grass together with a force that rendered’ Bob more than half dazed. At that moment the flames burst through the entire roof and went curling upward, ‘lighting up the clear- ing as clearly as if it were noonday. Rescuer and rescued lay in a position of grave peril, and what would have been the ultimate result we nnot say but that Mr. Graham and his coach- "man appeared upon the scene at the moment Bob ade oe final effort at the peadtove to. save the oomed man. ‘ e a4 3 FIRST IN THE FIELD They stood for a moment aghast at the sight before their eyes. tempted rescue was a daring and almost fool- hardly one. Then as Bob, whom neither recog- nized at the moment, and the man tumbled to the grass, they rushed forward, seized the two, and ‘dragged them out of the danger zone. “Why, it’s Bob Channing!” gasped the mill owner, as he looked down at the boy. Bob made an. effort to rise, partly succeeded, then with a moan fell back rolled over unconscious. CHAPTER XV.—Conclusion,. At that moment Joe Craig appeared and joined the mill owner and his employee. Mr. Graham hurriedly explained what had happened, so far as he and his man had seen the incident. “Why, that man is Steve Fowler, the fireman of the Westlake Mills, who robbed "Bob’s father of $1,200,” said Joe, in considerable astonishment. “What is he doing around here?” Mr. Graham was surised at this piece of news, but the urgent need of medical attendance for the two unfortunates was too pressing to permit him to. waste any time asking Joe questions about Steve. “We must get them both over to my house at onée, and have a doctor attend them. Bob took the most desperate chances to save this man and there is no-telling how badly he may be hurt.” Both recognized that the at-_ Barney had skipped out of sight with the ad: ; vent of the mill owner and his coachman, and so it remained tor the three to carry the victims of the conflagration to the Graham home. cian was summoned by telephone and, while wait- ing his arrival, efforts were made to revive Bob. Mrs, Graham and Gertie, who had retired and were asleep, got up. and dressed as soon as they learned that Bob Channing had been brought to the house in a seemingly dangerous state. Gertie was particularly disturbed and excited, and cried while her mother and father were working over Bob. At, length he was brought to his senses, but his face and hands were in a terrible state. He asserted, much to the relief of all present, that he: was not badly hurt. The doctor, as he arrived and had examined him, declared that his injuries were not at all serious. Steve Fowler’s condition, on the contrary, was very serious, and the physician could not say with A physi- — soon as. any degree of certainty at this stage whether he would recover or not. _ His wife was aroused and Steve was conveyed to her rooms in the second —— floor of the aeons house and put to bed, the icine and directions for his -eare, and promisiug to call in the morning. Bob a doctor leaving me was assisted to bed in the guest’ chamber, and Joe agreed to stay with him during the night to see that he wanted for nothing. mainéd closed for two days, at the end of which Bob reappeared behind his counter, looking rather — Steve by that — the worse for his late experience. time was declared to be, out of danger, but was unable to leave his bed yet a while. When he learned Bob had saved his life, he appeared to_ be grateful. Bob had told his night's ae to Mr. Graham and Joe. — The mill | RTE: aise the ea ¢ The store re” =

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hunt for and arrest the boys implicated in the outrage, especially -—Max Fowler. Barney was caught and gave his pals away, so that the other two were soon in the lock-up, where they were kept a month on prison diet and then discharged. Max, however, had taken time by the f1-elock and skipped_out of the neighborhood. It Was years before he was heard from again, .aftey he had served several years in the reformatory of an adjacent State for theft. When the particulars of Bob’s heroic conduct were circulated through- out the village, he became a very popular local personage, and his store received a big boom. Gertie was very proud to be seen in his company after this, and made no secret of her partiality for him. A fourth factory was opened up in Riverdale about this time and it was reported that other interests were coming to locate in the village which soon expected to be rated as a small town. Bob haying secured a monopoly in his line of business, there was little danger that a business rival would deem it a profitable venture to try and cut into his trade. So the weeks passed away, . fall merged into winter, and 2 new and even more ) prosperous year opened for Riverdale. One ‘afternoon Gertie called.at the store to see if Bob would go skating with her and Bettie. She knew that Joe would look after the place while the young storekeeper was away. Bob agreed to go with her and the three started for a bie pond not far from the Graham Mill. As they passed the mill a man came out of the engine-house, trundling an iron barrow. Bob saw him and re- marked: ' : “Tt never thought to see Steve Fowler working with my father again. He seems, however, to have turned over a new leaf, and I hope he will ~~ Stick to_it.” : “It is better to forgive and forget than to nurse me hard feelings,” replied the girl, softly. “Your j father has been generous toward him, and I think he appreciates the fact, and is sorry for what he did in Westlake that day. At least, Mrs. Fowler told mother so. As for yourself, Bob, they both have strong reasons to be grateful to you, for, - besides saving his life that night in the wood, you helped save the lives of their three little girls. You are the bravest and best boy in the world,” she concluded, enthusiastically. “T am glad vou think so, Gertie,” he responded, in a low tone, “for I value your good opinion more than anything else in the world.” His words. thrilled her, but the presence of Bertie prevented the two from indulging in any moon- ~ shine at that moment. Thev were presently at ~ ‘the pond, where a score or more of the village ads and lassies were spinning over its glassy surface. Bob assisted the girls to put on their skates, and then adjusted his own. For an hour - they enjoyed themselves as only healthy and happy young people can. “One more spin around and then we'll go home,” said Bob. “I'll give you girls ten yards ~ start and then I'l try_to catch one of you.” ‘Gertie and Bertie agreed to this, and then, fully - determined that he should not catch them, for _ they were both splendid skaters, they started for FIRST IN THE FIELD a 21 on the wing. The boy, however, could not over- ~ come the handicap he had given them, and as. they started to round the other end’ of the big — pond they had, if anything, gained a yard or more on him. Gertie looked over her shoulder and flung a little defiant laugh at him, then some-- thing happened. , The strap of one of her skates parted and‘she diverged from her course, slipped down, and — glided straight into an air-hole in the ice. A ery at of terror burst from her lips when she perceived — her peril. but it was impossible for her to avoid it. Crack!—Splash! She fell into the opening and disappeared. Bob, with a gasp of alarm, flew to her rescue. The ice was thin where she oe had gone in, and that made the girl’s rescue hazardous. But Bob didn’t care for that. He intended to save her if he lost his own life in the attempt. As her head appeared above the chill water he was crawling over the cracked surface, looking for her to rise. The moment “he saw her face appear he jumped in and seized her, supporting her with one arm while he struck _ out- with the other. The ice crumbled away as he advanced, and it looked as if he would be chilled to death before he could save her. Help, et however, came at that moment. Two level-headed boys ran up and pushed the end of a log to Bob. — _ “Lay-hold of it, Gertie, and I'll have you out in no time.” She obeyed with chattering teeth, ts Relieved of her weight, he managed to scramble — on to the more solid part of the ice, and then reaching out and grasping her hand he hauled — her out of the whole to safety. eA. Seay “Now we must run all the way to your house * to keep up your circulation,” Bob said to Gertie, — and off they started, the two girls laughing — heartily at the figure they cut. It was a three- quarter-of-a-mile run, and the two girls were breathless when thev arrived. Bob rushed Gertie into the house and handed her over to her mother, and then started for the store post haste, leaving — the girls to make all the explanations. Gertie declared to her mother that Bob had saved her- life, and Mr. and Mrs. Graham overwhelmed him. with their gratitude when he called that evening *to see how their daughter was. Gertie herself thanked Bob feelingly for his courage and pres- ence of mind. y Miese re sh t “That’s all right, Gertie,” he said, putting his lg arm around her waist. “You know I couldn't _ afford to lose you. You know I think you are the dearest, sweetest girl in all the world. You’ve fens been my mascot since I opened my store, and I feel that you’ve brought me luck. Will you b my mascot always, dear? Will you promise to be my wife some day?” : ata “Yes,” fluttered the girl, hiding her face pO his shoulder. And she kept her word, as a mar- — riage noti'> in the Riverdale “Argus” two years. later testified to. When that interesting event happened, Riverdale had become a fair-sized town, and Bob the most prosperous of all the storekeepers in the place. Joe didn’t go into partnership with him because he preferred “to ee work for the cashiership of the bank, which he eventually succeeded to and then married th zirl of his heart—Bettie Martin. £5 hem week's issue will contain “A BROKER - AT EIGHTEEN; or, BOY GILBERT’S WALL PSTREBT “CARER OL Si exe Seis ao le Tun

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po 22 - GUS AND THE GUIDE : : — Or, — Three Weeks Lost in the Rockies By GASTON GARNE (A Serial Story.) CHAPTER XVI. Betrayed By The Sheriff. > “Come on, then,” assented the leader. ‘We - won’t bother with blindfolding, after all, but mind _. you, Gus, you had better die a hundred deaths ~ than to turn traitor to the Gopher gang.” - Gopher Jake now dismounted and walked up to ‘the obstructing wall. ; “Watch and you’ll see something which will sur- prise you,” whispered Belle. _. Gophen Jake fumbled about the wall for a mo- ment, and then Gus saw a door open. : - It was an unusually high door, and was painted ~ black to match the rock. : - Jake then thréw open another door on the other side, and passing into the case, which they had concealed, Gus could see him turning a crank slose to the wall. j Then a long, low car came slowly out upon the - ‘trail, moving on little iron wheels. _. Jake continued to turn the crank until this car was at a point about a hundred feet away from the door. : | There was a mass of wood upon the car, the purpose of which Gus could not at all understand. Lr ake now left the cave, and approaching the ear, began to turn a windlass which was connected - am some way with the mysterious woodwork. , This immediately began to rise like a watch tower, and a great number of thick slats began - to fall into place. Gus got on to it now. : Jt was certainly a most ingenious contrivance, a portable roadway, capable of being wound up to the height of the wall of rock which barred the _. progress of the gang. - It took about fifteen minutes to put it in place, - but once it was in place there was nothing to ' hinder one from riding a horse up the incline. The mystery of the disappearance of the Goph- ers’ trail at the edge of the precipice as discov- ered by Gus and the guide was now explained. - When Gus urged his broncho up the roadway ‘he came out at the very point he had expected. It was the mountain-pass again, the place where he and Silas Stump had spent so much puzzling over the disappearance of the outlaws’ trail. ; . There was plenty of snow here, but it was banked down hard, and was as easy to ride down as a floor. ( . “It’s Gopher Ted!” shouted Brandt, and ,Teddy West fell back. ; : __ “What’s that for?” Gus found opportunity to - whisper to Belle, who still kept at his side. “He stays behind to lower the bridge, as we call it,” replied the girl. “He will go back to the opie ee) ae - + on - a ed eee 3 FAME. AND FORTUNE WEEKLY - 2 ® end of the trail and wait there for us to put it up again when we want to come down.” “Who built that thing?” : “It was built by a mining company who tried to work up a vein of low-grade gold ore nos * “They had a seéret years ago,” replied Belle. process of their own, but it didn’t pay.” “Did they build the tower in the other valley?” “Where you were? Yes. Part of the process consisted in letting the concentrated ore drop from a height through a seis te which ran down there; it was taken away long ago. But we musten’t talk now, or we shall attract attention, “One question more,” whispered Gus, “The hut where I first saw you. Is there another of those queer machines there which took you and your horse down out of sight?” “The whole floor goes down in that hut,” an- swered Belle. “It drops about fifteen feet, and there is a-way of getting down over the rocks into Fire Hole canyon from that point.” °° “Here! Here! Chinning again?” called Gopher George. “If you two are starting in to get up a flirtation you want to cut it out right now, for that isn’t going to be aHowed.” “We were only having a little chat, cap,” re- plied Gus, carelessly. “But if you don’t like it, then it won’t happen again—that’s all.” ‘and that won’t do at all.” “See that it don’t,” said Gopher George. “We | are out for serious business—not for talk.” They had ridden directly into the spruce grove, but as Gus at once observed, not toward,the hut. . The man Ned Rafter rode next to Gopher George, and appeared to be acting as guide. Soon they came to a well-defined trail in the snow where another halt was made. “There it is,” said Rafter. “You see which way they went.” ; Gopher George’s only comment was to call out: “Forward, boys!” and they pushed on to the point near the edge of the precipice, still follow- ing the trail. ; ; Gus now made up this mind that if Silas Stump was not so much of a guide as he had taken him for, that he still had been able to follow the course they had taken during the storm, and to lead the sheriff down that remarkable slope. The Gopher soon came to it. : : Gus shuddered as he looked down that fearful trail, for it seemed really wonderful that he and the guide could have descended in safety in the darkness and storm. : The trail led down the steep incline over the frozen snow. Five feet to the right there was no trail, but just a perpendicular wall of rock extending down into the Fire Mole Canyon, a depth of over 3,- — 000 feet. “Did you and Sile Stump go down that trail on _ the night of the blizzard?” out. vi\ ae “T guess we did,” replied Gus. “Don’t you know?” eae “We didn’t know where we were going, it was so thick. We just gave the horses their heads.” “That’s what we figured out,” replied the leader. “When Jim Gibbons told us you were in the tower opher George called we made up our minds that it must be a case of — blind accident, for no one in their senses would - . ars 7 ee

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} FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY have dared to venture down the Fire Hole rail on a night like that ’ar.” Gopher George now produced a field glass, and for a long time studied the valley below them in silence. ‘The tower and the hut were plainly vis- ible. Gus could see that the water had receded, and the creek had returned to its normal chan- nel. * = ‘He could not see the least sign of life below them, and he judged that it was the same with Gopher George by the the way he hesitated. At length he closed the field glass with a snap, and putting it in his pocket, gave the word to . move. The dangerous descent was made with the great- est care. ; Soon they passed above the snow-line, and then it was easier. In a little while they had rounded up in front of Jim Gibbons’s hut. Gopher George sat motionless in the saddle for a while, looking about in every direction. “Ned Rafter,” he said at last, “there is no one here. Can you have been fooling me?” “Pooling you, cap? Who would dare to do. that?” was the reply. ‘I tell you plump and plain I'm not theenman. I saw the sheriff and his posse from the pass. If they are not here now then they must have gone up the canyon, for they were here surest thing.” _ “The ground is frozen so stiff there can’t be any trail,” said Gopher George. “They have .gone down the canyon, then let them go and be blamed; but if they have gone up, why, it is only one thing, poys—no mother’s son of them must ever leave this place alive.” 3 ; . “T think they went up,” said Ned Rafter. “I saw them heading that way.” Pras oit - “You did, eh?” replied Gopher George. “Well, go on ahead and have a look for them. We'll fol- low slowly.” see “All right!” cried Rafter, and he dashed on ahead. : é ames There was a certain eagerness about his move- ments that Gus did not fail to observe, and he felt sure that Gopher George saw it, too. “Heaven help that fellow if he is doing crooked _ work!”? whispered Belle, as the start was made. ' They passed among the deserted huts, and ad- vanced up the creek. hss Gopher George kept well in the lead, and a dis-. tance of some two miles was covered. “Rafter was still in sight, but now at a consid- erable distance ahead. = 5 Sad All at once Gus saw him throw up his hand in a peculiar way. : : He rode on for a short distance after that, is and then halted and waved his hand to Gopher : Jake. George. “What’s he driving at?” demanded Gopher - “He has given it up, I reckon,” replied Brandt. - “That must mean that he doesn’t see anything of = us th the enemy.” “And tother signal, George—that wasn’t for - the charge. - turned to a stampede, j aa the canyon, leaving barely room .to pass between the two. ae alo Rafter, who sat motionless in the saddle, wax in hailing distance, and Brandt shouted to” him to know what he was stopping for. : = Scarce had he spoken when the man’s treachery — was made plain. k Me ae Out from a broad projection a mounted man - suddenly appeared. - rs Sie He gave a loud cry, and instantly some thirty others came inte view. * “Betrayed!” cried Gophen George. “I’l' have my: revenge.” Quick as lightning. he threw up sent a shot whizzing toward Ned Rafter. It was a long range, but Gopher George there. y 5 With_a wild cry Rafter threw up his hands and! . dropped backward from the saddle, his broncho — dashing away. : But even before this the sheriff had opened fire,. “Down with the Gophers!” he shouted, charg- * ing forward. “Kill ’em, boys! Kill ’em! They’ — are worth twenty dollars a man!” As A whirl of shots followed, which the Gophers{_ were not slow in returning. oes But Gus, who had taken all this in at a glances} could see nothing of the guide. ml his rifle and got! “CHAPTER XVII. ax After The Fight. Beate Gus had been in many a’ cowboy fight in Colo-; rado, and once with his father he had chased a; E gang of bandits, but he had never before been under such hot fire as this. bese The shots flew about his like hail. © © Gus had been given a rifle at the startout, and} is he kept popping away, or some of the Gophers would surely have popped him, but he took good: — care to fire over the enemies’ heads. - iy _ No sueh pains was taken by the sheriff’s posse. in his case, ofscourse, and several shots came hor- ribly close. ‘ \ woes Belle worked her rifle for all it was worth, and’ as for the Gophers, it was just crack—crack— crack! every second. But so uneven a fight could ~ not Jast long. = Sf ho Oo Several of the Gophers went down, Ike Harm ae among the rest. eee a ae Gus counted five of the sheriff's men knocked ® out of the saddle, but still the fight kept up, and the sheriff himself, unharmed, continued to lead Be 34 Now the Gophers’ line began to waver, and when Gopher Jake was shot dead and Gopher George’s horse went from under him the fight. Such of the gang as remainetl unharmed went flying back up the valley like the wind, closely pursued by the sheriff’s posse, who, flushed with victory, were shouting like: madmen. ; eae Gus’s turn came at the same instant, and in the- same way as Gopher George. . His horse was shot from under him, and as he went down the dead animal fell upon his legs and pinned him to the earth. pera de ae was dashing off in, 2 The last he saw of Belle she full retreat with the rest. ‘i T? be continued. hips Es

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FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. ~ - a Interesting Radio News and Hints USE LARGE STORAGE BATTERIES Tt often happens ‘that trouble in obtaining first- @lass results with a radio set is due, not to the receiver itself, but to the fact that the storage ‘batteries are of too small capacity or are charged at insufficiently frequent intervals. A slight fall- “ing off in’ the condition of the battery will not prevent its operating the set, but it will take the fine edge of perfection off the quality of the reproduction, If you want quality rather than cheapness in your radio outfit, it pays to put in “a large capacity storage battery (150 ampere- hours is usually. sufficient) and to have it re- charged frequently “whether it needs it or not.” . HOSPITAL USES RECEIVING SETS A complete radio receiving and special broad- casting apparatus has been installed in the Moun- ‘tain Sanitorium, Hamilton, Ontario. The receiv- ing equipment intercepts entertainment from all parts of the United States and Canada, and when ocal interference or static disturbs the recep- tion, the hospital broadcasts its own program to the patients. By means of a microphone or pick-up device and a special amplying unit addresses by physicians -_ and piano and phonograph music may be sent over the lines to every one of the 300 bedside phone sets. The patients are also permitted to parcipate in the musical entertainments held in the City of Hamilton from which they would ordinarily be shut off because of their illness. Churches and theatres may be connected to the receiving appa- ratus of the hospital by telephone lines; the sig- nals are then amplified in the radio room and “gent over the hospital circuit to the patients. If a patient is too ill to listen of if he does not ~ eare for broadcast entertainment, he need not be disturbed, and in this is the advantage of individ- ual head sets over the loud speaker. The chil- dyren’s ward is connected by loud speaker and there a group of fifty children listen to the after- noon and early evening programs. ? THE TIME TO JUNK OLD TUBES ' With the present-date thoriated filament tubes, - guch as the UV-201-A, UV-199, C-301-A and C-299, ft is no longer a simple matter to tell when the tubes have outlived their usefulness, at least their veal usefulness. With the former tungsten fila- ment tubes, a tube was uSed until its filament burned out. In the case of the present thoriated filament tubes the useful life of each tube is ‘largely dependent on the presence of. a certain amount of special filament material. It is this special filament material which’ is responsible for the prolific emission of electrons, which, in turn, makes the tube perform so well. This special filament material is gradually boiled out of the filament, so to speak, through continuous use, So that while the tube may continue to light, the activating material of the filament will have been ’ exhausted: The simplest manner to test the con- condition of vacuum. tubes is by direct compari- son with new tubes. Thus it is good practice to keep a brand new tube on hand, using this tube. in place of the regular tubes in the set so as to note whether the new tube improves reception. If it does, this may be taken as proof that the tube being replaced is nearing exhaustion. It is well to note that a tube which has become quite poor as an audio-frequency amplifier, may be used as a radio-frequency amplifier with fair results. The reason for this is that the radio-frequency amplifiers are subjected to very small loads as compared with audio-frequency amplifiers. COMPENSATING CONDENSER A device that every radio experimenter will find not only interesting but valuable is the varia- ble neutralizing condenser used in the Telemonic, Melco-Supreme and other sets. This is the Ams- co compensating condenser. While it was designed for use in association with the vario-transformers of the double D type, this device should be of serv- ice in almost every circuit employing tuned radio frequency, as it offers a convenient method of cut- ting, out the capacitive feedback. . These variable condensers, used for this pur- pose, differ greatly from the fixed “neutralizing” condensers used in the usual neutrodyne type re- ceiyers. The neutralizing condensers are prop- erly set when the set is put into operation and are changed only rarely—as when a different set of tubes or type of tube is used. The compensat- ~ ing condenser is continuously variable. The op- ; erator may set his condensers at a point which seems suitable and efficient and leave them alone or he*may use them for the purpose of clearing up reception, strengthening signals, etc. In this case the condensers have some of the operating advantages of a potentiometer. One is needed for each radio frequency stage. ° For use in this manner a variablé condenser of a type different from that used in most radio frequency circuits is essential. If the condenser had two/plates or two sets of plates the change “in capacity would in most instances detune the set. However, the compensating condenser has three plates. The action of the device then is to make it possible to eliminate the capacity feed- ~ back without causing fading. In practice the set is tuned in the used manner without reference to the compensators. Signals will come slightly distorted and perhaps accom- panied by a whistle. The tuning controls are now” left and slight adjustments of the compensating condensers are made. The signals will become - clear and reception will be satisfactory. As the | control of the feedback is in the hands of the op- erator, a ‘set employing this device, assuming that the rest of the circuit is correct, should be ~ very satisfactory as a distance | ela? As the — actual tuning of the set does not depend upon the compensating condensers they do not add ap- preciably to the number of tuning controls, i

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-FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY . GOOD READING; NEW AIR COMPASS SHOW The first public demonstration of the super pioneer earth inductor compass invented by Mor- ris M. Titterington, chief engineer of the Pioneer Instrument Company of 754 Lexingtoh avenue, Brooklyn, was given the other afternoon at the company’s plant. . It is said for the compass that it makes it pos- sible for air pilots to fly in fog or at night, as the - compass will keep a plane straight on its sourse and prevent it from falling into spins, and that it is an improvement over the compass used by the “round the world” fliers and that used by Lieu- tenant Maughan in his coast-to-coast dawn-to- dusk trip. y | The new compass is being used on army planes and one has been installed on the airship Shenan- doah. Recently J. Maurer, assistant chief engi- neer in charge of power plants and instruments of the Navy Department, in Washington, D. C., placed an order for a complete set of instruments to be used on the flying boats that are to take part in the proposed ig POTS flight from Cal-° ifornia to the Hawaiian Islands. STAMPS COMMEMORATE CONCORD ; ANNIVERSARY Postmaster 2 Siar New announced the other day the issue of a special series or three postage stamps to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. These ‘stamps will be issued in the one, two and five- cent denomination and be similar in size to the present special delivery stamps. The portraits or subjects of the stamps were adopted after consultation with the membership of the Lexington-Concord Centennial Committee and are as follows: ; One-cent, General Washington taking oath un- der the elm at Cambridge; two-cent, the battle of Lexington, otherwise known as “The Birth of Liberty”; the five-cent stamp is a reproduction of the statue of the Concord Minute-man at Concord, ‘Mass., and carries with it the inscription: “By the rude bridge that arched the flood _. ‘Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood And fired the shot heard round the world.” The stamps will be first offered for sale to the public on April 4 at Washington, D. C., and at ~ Concord, Concord Junction, Lexington, Boston and Cambri Mass. ne Pegeranest will issue for the first time on April 4 the half-cent stamp bearing the por- | trait of Nathan Hale. had enacted the role, was under observance at the Seharles street jail, Boston, Mass., by_ physicians of the State Department of Medical Diseases, Walters, who was traced to a house in South Bos- Rone nas k tpn Kesey ; ; me a? _ FINGERPRINT ON BOTTLE TRAPS THE ee “LONE WOLF” x The “Lone Wolf,” the mysterious burglar who _ for weeks. preyed on women apartment dwellers in the Back Bay district, vanished from his ac-. * eustomed haunts. James E. Walters, otherwise * ynown as Frank Stevens, who admitted that he - ton and arrested, pleaded not guilty to indictments of burglary and carrying weapons, and indicated’ that he would offer insanity as his «defense. oa aude Bishop in Superior Court, fixed bail at— The identity of the “Lone Wolf” became known through fingerprints left on a bottle in the apart- ment of one of his victims and on a mirror at an- other place where he boastfully wrote “I am the Lone Wolf.” Walters served in the navy during the war, and the naval’ records assisted in the identification. . The “Lone Wolf” first engaged the attention of the Boston police Jan. 5, when he robbed the apart- ment of a young woman whom he lashed to a bed. He remained most of the night in the apartment and left his victim bound when he departed. A ' series of apartment robberies followed, the burg- lar in each case entering the place while the ten- ants were absent and concealing himself until the moment favored his plans. The dread of the ‘Lone Wolf” in a district inhabited largely by business women and college girls became so great that'a large force of plainclothes police was as- cat duty hee ‘ alters was identified by several women wh had been robbed by the wine Wolf.” 2 PLUCK AND LUCK —— LATEST ISSUES —~ 1390 Washington No. 1; or, The Fire Boys of Gr. d 1391 yg sed Bob: or. ‘The Diamond ‘Chat Came by : ress, : 1392 The Gun Boat Boys; or, Running th 1393 4 Saar at Si tee: : Th Pee % 3 ar at Sixteen; or, e Boy Actor's Triumph 1394 Wearing His Colors; or, The Ca t Yootbail Team, e Captain of the Adonis 1395 In ae of Pontiac; or, The Boys of the Frontier Fort. 1396 a= Dudley’s Dime; and, How It Made His For- ‘tune . ne. 1397 Out With a School Ship; or, From Apprentice to Admiral. 1398 Washington’s Black Chargers; or, The Boys Who Fought 'for Liberty. j . 1399 The Ready Reds; or, The Fire Boys of Fairfax, 1400 Talking Tom; or, The Luck ef a Poor Boy. 1401 Always on Time; or, The Triumphs of a Boy En- gineer. For sale by ali newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 8c. per copy, in money or postage stamps. ‘ HARRY E. WOLFF, Publisher, Inc., os. 166 West 23d Street. j New York City ° a ° “Moving Picture Stories” Y. A Weekly Magazine Devoted to Photoplays and Players — PRICE TEN CENTS PER COPY. ls Each number contains Three Stories of the Best Films on the Screen—Dlegant Half-tone Scenes from the Plays —Interesting Articles About Prominent People in. the. Films—Doings of. Actors and Actresses in the Studio and Lessons in Scenario Writing. HARRY E. WOLFF, Publisher. Ince 166 West 23d Street New York City — ne.

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i at -the envelope. “kL, EF, Wilsin, Treas, es “Barry EB, Wolff, Pres, 26 FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY © NEW YORK, APRIL 24, 1925 TERMS TO SUBSCRIBERS Bingle Copies..... ree eee +... Postage. Free 8 Cents One copy Three Months..,..... rad “ §L00- — One Copy Six Months.....+...+ Ci ee 2.00 One Copy One Year.......- fox Bia Mame NR 4.00 "$5.00. MONEY — At our risk seud P. 0. Canada, $4.50; Foreign, HOW TO SEND ’ Money Order, Check or Registered Letter; remittances in any other way are at your risk. We accept Postage ere the same as cash. When sending silver wrap the Coin in a separate piece of paper to avoid cutting your name and address plainly. i HARRY E, WOLFF, Publisher, Inc:, 166 W. 23d St., N. Y. - ITEMS OF INTEREST TORNADO TAKES MINISTER’S CALLING é CARD 210 MILES "A ealling card picked up in Murphysboro by the recent tornado was carried to. Palestine, Ill, 210 miles distant. : The Rev. H. W. Abbott, pastor of the new First rite Address letters to Charles E. Nylander, Sec. Baptist Church, which was destroyed by the. ‘and other loose things. storm, was the owner of the card. On a book- ease in his study in the parsonage adjoining the church were 500 cards. The tornado sucked up the cards along with houses, telephone poles, trees The other day he re- _ ceived a telephone call from a man at Palestine whom he did not know and who said that one of _ the cards liad been found there, ; A check for 800 to apply on the new church, which was lying under the calling cards, was found on the parsonage front porch. ey, : zl z ro : “VOICES” OF INSECTS The “voices” of insects always have been of peculiar interest to mankind. Many naturalists ‘and entomologists have sought to interpret these sounds, and some have claimed to be able to dis- _tinguish between the battle cry of’a cricket, say, and its love song. - their enemies. ~ Now comes Dr, Frank Lutz, curator of insests in the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, to assert his belief that. the sounds of insects mean nothing—even to the insects them- alves, : ; 3 epee squeak, buzz or hum because their body conformation is such that they cannot help mak- ing a noise when they move, he thinks. The sounds they make, he says, probably are often embarrass- ing to them, just as the rattling of the armor of knights of old often betrayed their presence to - A MAN FALLS age basin A PLANE IN ois demonstrate that an aviator eee a eee hute jump from an aeroplane is in no danger of the plane re is on him. Lieutenant M. L. El- % - : ute 2: FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY liott, Operations Officer of the Army Air. Station, Mitchell Field, L. I., sent his plane into a test tail spin from a height of 3,000 feet while two en- listed men dropped off the wings of the plane. Despite the speed with which the heavy De Haviland airplane fell, the men dropped faster and reached a distance of 1,500 feet from the fall+ ing plane before they pulled the cords which opened their parachutes. Then they floated to the ground. ; : ez One, Corporal Arthur Bergo, was slightly in- _ jured when he dropped on some telegraph wires as he was landing at the edge of the field. Ser- geant Randall L. Vose, his companion, landed safely on the field. - The experiment, according to Major William:N. ..-- Hensley, commandant at the field, and Lieutenant Elliott, dispels the theory that an aeroplane out of control will drop faster than the pilot or observer in the event.of an accident occuring at a high altitude and that consequently the pilot or observer is in no danger of being struck by the falling plane. It also demonstrated again that a man can drop several hundred feet in safety with- out opening his parachute and withoutelosing pos- session of his faculties, so that when he is clear of the aeroplane he can use his parachute with safety. ir errr renner een a Statement of the ownership, management, etc., | ré- quired by the Act of Congress of August 24, 1912, of “FAME AND FORTUNE WWHEKLY,” published weekly at New York, N. ¥., for April 1, 1925, State of New York, County of New_York:—Before me, a Notary Pub- P lic in and for the State and County aforesaid, per- becker, 166 West 23d Street, New York, N. ¥.; RB. W. Desbecker, 166 West 23d Street, New York, N. ¥.; CG. W. Hastings, 166. West 23d.Street, New York, N.Y. % 3. That the known bondholders, mortgagees and othér security holders owning or holding 1 per cent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securi- ties are: None, 2 . 4. That the two paragraphs next above giving the — names of the owners, stockholders and security holders, — if any, contain not only the list of stockholders and se- curity holders as they appear upon the books of the — company, but also, in cases where the stockholder or © security holder appears upon the books of the company — as trustee or in any other fiduciary relation, the name of the person or corporation for whom such trustee is act- | ing is given; also that the said two paragraphs cou- tain statements embracing affiant’s full knowledge and bélief as to the circumstances and conditions under which stockholders and security holders who do not — appear upon the books of the company as trustees hold — stock and securities in a capacity other than that of a bona-fide owner; and this affiant has no reason to be~ lieve that any other person, association or corporation has any interest, direct or indirect, in the said stock, “bonds or other securities than as so stated by him. : A. A. WAREFORD, Editor. <~Sworn to and gubseribed before me this 25th day March, 1925. Seymour W. Steiner. (My. Commis expires March 30, 1926.) ¥ : ¢ Re Are

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“FAME AND FORTUNE’ WEEKLY =F HERE AND THERE —s=+ _DECRIES OLD TCOTHBRUSH. If the American people gave proper care to their teeth they would purchase at least 330,000,- G00 toothbrushes a year, and they actually buy only 40,000,000, said William Cortes: of Florence, Mass., President of the American Brush Manu- facturers’ Association, at its annual convention in the Ambassador Hotel, Altantic City, N. J. “There are 110,000,000 people in the United States,” said Mr. Cortes. “The proper life of a toothbrush is three of four months, after which ‘a new one should be obtained if the teeth are to be really cleaned. We hear of many instances where the same toothbrush is used from three to fifteen years. People should buy two brushes and al- ternate their use.- It is more efficient.” — Delegates to the convention favor a revision of the present tariff on brushes to protect the American industry from importation of foreign products. “MOVING MOUNTAIN” STOPS _ Meeker’s aupving mountain,” Meeker, Col., has ' stopped its trek into the Rio Grande Valley after having shifted approximately 150 yards to a broader base, observers declared. » Beyond the phenomenon of the shifting which geologists say is not unusual, except in cases of peaks as high and large as the Meeker “moving _ mountain,” the present meandering of this moun- tain caused little excitement in the region, except to block the highway between Rifle and Meeker for a distance of some 600: yards. The “voyage” will go down in history without damage or destruction. In fact, residents of the region stated that by filling up a gulch in the Rio Blanca Valley the towns of Meeker and Rifle will pe spared the expense of building a bridge to com- plete a projected highway. SACRED ISLAND OF INDIANS FOUND . Discovery of a sacred island containing. ruins jin the ancient Maya Indian civilization in Lake - Gatemaco, in the Mexican State of Vera Cruz, has been made by the archeological exploring expedi- ~ tion of the department of Middle American re- ysearch of Tulane University. n -— A& prief report of the local university’s two explorers, Dr. Frans Blom, formerly of the Car- ynegie Institution, and Dr. Oliver La Farge, made public recently also told of other discoveries, of - jmportance to archeologists. It is said that the two! while in the Mexican State of Vera Cruz had peen the first archeologists to cross the Tuxtla Mountains and had visited the Popoluca Indians, -a tribe which still uses bows and arrows. -— In addition to the sacred island the explorers ajso found ruins and important stone slabs of Piedra Labrada. They climbed Mount San Mar- “tin and found a large stone idol on the rim of an extinct crater. . ie f 200 KEYS SEIZED IN RADY rooklyn nen ity “atbect, arrested two men and seized $5,000 a - in teams of half a dozen or more draw sledges detectives raided an apartment at 155. baseball world’s series.” worth of jewelry and valuables which they identi- - fied as having been stolen from thirty or more homes on the Kast Side, Mantattan. In the apart- ment'they found also a loop of wire on which were strung two hundred dookkeys, the secret, it was asserted, of innumerable. “mystery” robberies. ? ‘The men arrested were William Small, thirty- 9° two years old, end James Scofield, thirty-eight. . Small, the detectives said, was formerly employed by L. Schwartz, a locksmith, at 602 Third avenue, _ ~~ and during the months he worked there fashioned duplicates of some 200 doorkeys. When Small = quit his job last October, according to the police, , he began to rob the homes to which he had keys, ~. in company with Scofield. ; Be Small’s keys were individually tagged with the % names, addresses and apartmentt numbers of per- sons who had been customers of the locksmith _ shop on Third avenue. They shed light, according . _ to the police, on a series of robberies on the East Side which baffled solution. The burglars gained entrance, collected valuables and, apparently, got out through locked doors and sealed windows. It \ was thought at first that a “fingernail” man was at work, but the police believe that Small’s key- wire completely clears up the dark trail. - THE ESKIMO DOG ~ The “husky” or Eskimo dog: is wiry, deep chested ~ and very strong. A team of these dogs, harnessed to a sledge, can cover 60 miles if a day for days | on end. - The Britannica says of this dog: “Throughout the Northern regions of both hem- , ispheres there are several ‘breeds of semi-domes- ticated dogs which are wolf-like, with erect ears and long, wooly hair. The Eskimo dog has been — . regarded as nothing more than a reclaimed wolf, © and the Eskimos are stated to maintain the size and strength of their dogs by crossing them with wolves. The Eskimo dog hag small, upright ears, a straight, bushy tail, moderately sharp muzzle and rough coat. Like a wolf it howls but does not bark. It occurs throughout the greater part of > the Arctic regions, the varieties in the old and ~~ the new world differing slightly in color. They are fed on fish, game and meat. They are good hunt- : ers and wonderfully cunning and enduring. Their services to their owners and to Arctic explorers. are well known, but Eskimo dogs are so repacious that it is impossible to train them to refrain 4 .from attacking sheep and goats, or any small | domesticated animals.” Another tuthority on the subject says that: “Perhaps the mast useful of all the working dogs are those of the Eskimos and other Northern residents—wolf-like dogs, which > that furnish most of the winter transportation in Canada and Alaskan wilds. These devoted, hard- working animals have indeed played a noteworthy part in many Arctic and Antarctic explorations. Dog races are one of the chief winter sports in the Far North and when one of the racing teams — finishes a 412 mile race over the ice and snow © in, perhaps, 80 hours, the excitement of the crows gathered to see the finish is as great as. ;

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a 3,000 WOMEN POSTMASTERS » Almost 3,000 women were appointed postmas- ters of Presidential class post-otfices in the year just ended. : _ Postmaster. General New, in making public sta- tistics of appointments emphasized the fact that recognition of merit in the ranks, retention of ex- »-perienced employees and consideration of women and former service men had characterized the 16,- 824 appointments during the year ended March - - 4. Of the total, 13,285 were made from the eli- gible registers certified by,the Civil Service Com- mission. : : Texas led in the number of women appointed - with 166, followed by California, 154; Pennsyl- - vania, 153; New York, 134. ‘“lowa ranked first in appointments of former ‘service men with 149, Illinois had 140, Minnesota. - . 110 and Nebraska 102. as eee ght ie ; . HE BIRTH OF THE FIRST EXPRESS - . The first express company in the United States was launched just eighty-six years ago, when an advertisement in the Boston and New York - papers announced that “Wm. F. Harnden has -¥Yaade arrangements with the Providence Railroad and the New York Boat Company to run a car _ through from Boston to New York and vice versa, - four times weekly. He will accompany the car himself, take care of all packages that may be - intrusted to his* care and see them: safely de- ‘livered.” As a matter of fact Harnden’s car was entirely imaginary, as he carried the packages himself in a valise. He had long been conductor _ on the railroad and his old associates permitted him to travel without charge. Harnden’s first real competitor was Alvin Adams, who became the founder of the Adams Express Company. LOW RADIO WAVES MAKE METALS TRANSPARENT '. John L. Reinartz of South Manchester, Conn., one of the leading radio amateurs in this country, _ working with radio waves. less than one meter in length, has discovered that these waves make metals transparent. He announced this discovery _ at a conference of a group of scientists in the -- Nenith Radio Laboratories in Chicago, at which - - arrangements were being made to receive mes- “sages from Commander Donald B. MacMillan, explorer, on his next trip to the Arctic regions. _ A decision was reached to use wave lengths as low -as 20 meters. _Reinartz declared-that when his low wave ap- paratus was adjusted for a wave below the 1- ‘meter length the metal plates in the tube became -transparent and that this result was observed immediately, or before the plates even became heated. > *. ; » Scientists assembled at the conference inter- preted this development to mean that the ex- remely high frequency employed approached the_ _ havural vibrating period of the molecules of the metals and that, if the frequency were still fur- increased, ‘not only the metals in the tube ‘ lap ould disintegrate. Pane oe *» FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY . POINTS OF INTEREST. AGED BEGGAR COLLECTS $25 IN- FIVE MINUTES Richard Walsh, seventy-two, of No. 429 East 123d street New York City, was arraigned befo.. Magistrate Douras in Night Court charged wicu soliciting alms on a southbound Seventh avenu- subway train. ’ Wilbur Cahill of the Interborough special po- lice, told Magistrate Douras that in the five nua- utes it took to go from the 14th street to tiie Chambers street station last night Walsh collecteu $25.73 from sympathetic passengers. | Wais.: pleaded guilty and when it was found that he had seven previous convictrons for the same offense Magistrate Douras gave him the maximum sén- ~ tence of six months in the workhouse. * Outside the court room Cahill told reports Walsh had said it was a poor week when he didn’t » average $200 in contributions. 7 WEIGH AS MUCH AS GOLD ; Chemists in several countries are close to suc- cess in the age-old aim of alchemy—the transmu- tation of the baser metals into gold—according to an announcement from scientists at the Universi- ty of Chicago. Mercury is'the metal used in the experiments, and the scientists say now that the MAKE MERCURY x measure of success will depend on the quality of the merecury—or quick-silver—used. Workers at the Kent Chemical Laboratory at the univ_rsity are experimenting with.a new ma- chine. They already have been able by its use to change the weight of mereury put into the ma- — chine, but so far are baffled in their efforts to change the metal’s appearance. now transformed, it is said, has the gold, though it does not. look like it. The statement issued at Kent Laboratory, after referring to “recent reports in the press” waich indicate that Miethe, in Germany, and Nagoaka, in Japan, “believe thcy have converted mercury Weight of into gold-by the use of large currents in a mercury _ are lamp,” reads as follows: The mercury. — “Work has been begun in this laboratory on the ce . method by means of which electrons with thou- — -sands of times higher velocities are shot into mercury in order to see if they attach themselves’ — to the mercury nucleus and thus produce gold, It — is the.opinion of those who have begun this work that even these greater concentrations of energy — to be applied.” : { The statement continued: 2A “That gold happens to be the element which might be produced by such a process is of no seientific and probably of no practical importance, since if any other element could be prepared: i the same .way it would be of the same interest to science, and any gold produced would be enor.

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A STRANGE SEABIRD The fulmar, ae fulmar petrel, longs to a ais of seabirds. The genus includes some 40. species, | | | e | which are widely | distributed strictly. oceanic. “The members - foundland _ the. eggs -- those of any other “ropes. agree in general features with the petrels proper, and all possess and } strong hooked | pills. The general | appearance. is gull like. wings are and the flight powerful, the tail is short and the ‘hind toe reduced toa sharp clawed wart. ‘TEhesbird feeds on __ fishes, mollusks, jell yx fish and on the offal of the New- cod- on the thrown fisheries, debris “from the success- whalers and in fact ‘an ful it is The | long, | indiscriminately | carnivorous bird, with a preference | for blubber. fulmar makes its nests on seacliffs and, though the individuals are’so numerous, it lays only a single egg’ | of a whitish ‘col- or. The, natives of the island of St. Kilda, in the Hebrides, - value above bird, and search for them by the most perilous de- seent of preci- pices by means of The ful- mar is also val- ued for its feath- The | ers, down and the. | oil found in. its stomach, ~ which “4s one of the _ principal prod-| cts ok Bt Kilda. out, Brass safer: Big 3 ft. Telesco Has unusually pow —magnifying over 8 time: Makes people and objects miles Jense away. seem close. Brings new pleasures to home, farm, camp, trayel, sport. See moon and g stars as never before. New Ferry, “Wonder telescope pes in matic buropean optical andeome leatheret ee rotects’ fro! Aron e. an rf ‘armers, auto tou ists and i Eh year ' address * cape. at mand end to keep out dust. Powerful, lenses are pecial cl clear ERP Free Es! ABSOLUTELY FREE! Catalog of Things You Want Sent Free ] of DeZilvo should convince you more than anything we m may ne ote id needless itis to @ er with this dangerous, un- sightly,disfigurin oitre or Bi: * reduced,tell others, i Kolar Laboratories, 21 Kolar le. PLM These Letters Thousands Users “Tam delighted With the ‘Wonder telescope. Today i peye been watch- Ing submarines 3 ) molles off the coast.”” ) Philip Brush, “I Can soe across the f) Mississippi 3 miles : and see people fish- Ing.”——-M. L. pute am nearly 80 Id and if I coul noe et another would not @ $10.00 for 1t.""-—-A. . Walker. ‘I can tell @on the church clock 6 miles away.”—Edward Foster. “Could tell color of Seroplane 4 miles away. Mrs, L. M. Yarbrough. aie ‘ ‘eway.. 2 away lew Send Money and Terry gone 3 Ae with frea Ci dg ‘mare neh 4 milea ‘Raymond Cosanova. No Sign and mail cou- ion below ppg wil ‘arryh come by return mal SEs man special bargain orice of hus few cents postage. ‘action eter or your money | md coupon today! t FERRY & CO., ee a SET NY SN erm Ferry & Co., Dont. 2462 3224 N. Halsted St., 3 Chicago, Hl. Bend me 3 ft. Ferry Wonder Tele- aM scope and Free Car atman $1.85 plus postage on If I am not satisfed Chicago, ijl. tying Case. 1 will you will J i | / tates ailment.When eck has been ‘or freetreatment, ofDelighted .. / Batis 1 ‘| Old Money Wanted Why should you % stay fat when there is such an easy way toreduce? Thousands of men and wemen : each year regain < slender, healthy fig- ures pleasantly and quickly simply by — taking Marmolae Prescription Tablets. These little tablets contain just the right amount of the famous Marmola. Prescription tocorrect the action of your system. As soon’ e8 you try them, you will begin to get slender, and in a short time your fat will disappear. Don't. kill yourself with violent exercises or etarva- tion diets. Marmola Pre- acription Tablets, are what you need. Go to your drug- B gist and get 2 box, or, if you 2. prefer, send one dollar to the Marmola.Co., 1879 General | Motors Bldg., Detroit, Mich. and a box will be sent postpaid. Then try them, Take these little : tablets aoa “directed and in no time people will . ~~ be telling you how wonderfully slender you are getting, .Get your box now, today! PIMPLES | Your Shin @an Be Quickly Oloared of Pimples, Blackheads Ee ig eae Eruptions on the face or body, ar | wae Soatinlensel Perea Sod Oily or Shiny Sinn Task FRE Rite today for a estan bow f a, A Ovman-Tons cured myself yeclt after bein Hae | E.S.GIVENSG,166 Ghemioal Bide., Kansas one City, io. Habit Cured or No Pay M fons cheers ttes, pipe, chewing Sea 4 anteed. Harmless plete treatment sent | mmtrint. Coste 82, Dif it cures. Nothing if it faile. SUPERBA . M-21, Baltimore, Md. — Will pay Fifty Dollars for nickel of 1912 a, ie with Liberty head (not Buffalo). We pay cash premiums for ajl rare coins. Send 4¢ ' for large Coin. Cireular. May mean much | profit to you. NUMISMATIC BANK. te | Dept. 436. Ft. Worth, Tex. 5 THE MAGIC BOX WONDERS] OF JSAND ge FREE eas Bee PE Mone “ = qos telling 24 ST ach srfume Zea sones Miz. € Co. Devt. 380 oe — i

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HERE IS A GREAT CHANCE | FOR YOU | | READ HOW YOU CAN GET THIS GENUINE Lae te ee ee MOVING PICTURE MACHINE Shows the Kind of Pictures You Like Best . Right in ‘‘ Your Own Home’’ We send this splendid, perfect working, high e Motion Picture Machine, with a box of film, already for immediate -use. You can start and ment you get this machine. We also give a 4-space Metal Slide and 50 different Film Subjects which enables you to show magnified still pictures, giving a longer, better and more interest- ing show. This is new equipment never before given. THIS MACHINE IS NOT A MERE TOY — IT’S A JOY! _ | ‘Cam you think of anything greater for a fellow to own than a real, honest-to-goodness MOVING PICTURE MACHINE of hig own, that shows The yery same films ‘that are shown in all the big. “MOVIE HOUSES’? Can you think of a better way of affording your friends an evening’s entertainment than by having them come to your house and admire the splendid pictures you can show on this genuine moving picture machine? This is a remarkable offer and we want you to take advantage of it immediately. And, if you do act quickly, you can also receive AN EXTRA FILM OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN OR BILL HART FREE. Do not delay. These machines are going like hot-cakes, and by our easy plan you should get one of these FREB AT ONCE with very little trouble on your part. © The whole question is a matter of time and you should not delay. You should send the coupon below, properly. filled out, today. Here is your chance to. own a regular fellow’s machine and give a regular fellow’s show right in your own home. Only, do not delay! How You Can Get This Great Moving Picture Machine—|FREE COUPON Read My Offer to You! Movi mee for — Send your name aid address—that ig all. Write name and address |” °™"# Picture Machine Offer very plainiy—mail today—and please use the Free Coupon. As soon A. E. FLEMING, Secretary as I receive your name and address I will’ mail-to you 20 handsome z Dept. 400: % colored pictures manufactured for us by one of the biggest color 615 W. 43d . Printing Houses in the United States. I want you to distribute the ¢ St, New York, N. Y. 20 premium pictures on a 30c. offer among people you know. When ke you: have distributed the pictures on my liberal offer you will have Hong d ho ropton § rg song collected $6.00. Send the $6.00 to me and Iwill immediately send you Hn? "picture Machine and Outht. Free, this wonderful National Moving Picture Machine, with complete Seiad 2 7, outfit, Just as described. ; 50,000 of these Machines have made. 50,000 boys happy. |---------0-------- 22-222 Answer at once, Be the first in your town to get one. : _ A.E, Fleming, Secy., 615 W. 43d St., Dept. 400, New York, N.Y. |... ee

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“Tt happened just thtee years ago. feeling pretty blue. . Pay day had come around again and the raise I’d hoped for wasn’t there. okt began to look as though I was to-spend-my life checking orders at a small salary. “T picked up a magazine to read. It fell open at a familiar advertisement, and a coupon stared me in the face. Month after month for years I'd been seeing that coupon, but never until that moment had I thought of it as meaning anything to me. But this time I. read the advertisement twice—yes, every word! “Two million men, it said, had made that, coupon the first stepping stone toward success. _In every line of business, men were getting splendid salaries because they had torn out that . Mechanics had become foremen and. coupon. _ superintendents—carpenters had become archi- tects and contractors—clerks like me had be- come sales, advertising and business managers because they had used that coupon. “Suppose thatI .. ? at home nights I-really could learn to do some- 4 _ thing besides check orders? I had a hunch to ~ find out—and/then and there I tore out that coupon, marked it, and mailed pee _ . “That was the turn in the road for me. The Schools at Scranton suggested just. the. course of training’ I needed and they worked with me every hour I had to spare. I was manager of our Western office at $5,000 a year. Tearing out that coupon three years ago was the best hunch I ever had.” Pr 2.55 y For thirty years, the International Cotrespondence » * he Schools have been helping men to win promotion, to earn more money, to have happy, prosperous homes, to get ahead in business and in life. ~ You, too, can have the position you want in the work you like best. Yes, you can! the chance to prove: it.” All-we ask-is Without cost, without obligation, just mark and mail this coupon. Do it right now! ee ee ee ee PS RS ling eee ag — <n INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS: Box 4487-D, Scranton, Ponna. Without cost or obligation, please tell me how T can quali nee the position or in the subject before which 1 have marked an Ro Ae BUSINESS TRAINING COURSES : Business Management (Salesmanship What if by studying ~ Industrial Management Personnel Organization Traffic Management Business Law. Banking and Banking Law ~ Accountancy (including C.¥.A.) - Nicholson Cost Accounting ~ paconnneping Private Secretary Spanish a French Advertising at Better Letiors 4 : Show Card Lettering Stenography and Typing Business Hng) Civil Se: era Railway Muil Clerk e Common School ce Mlustrating TECHNICAL AND ANDUSTRIAL COURSES ae coer Draftsman {}] Machine Shop Practice Ci Railroad Positions. eo [JGas Engine Operating ye civ ane an hee , urveying ani pp! ‘ Sete Urey. me “Ott; “Jn six months I was in charge of my division. - In a year my salary had been doubled. And I’ve - Beek advancing ever since, hi { was ee ce Persone residing in Pinade should send this co panels ELSA tH ONE Re Soir Marevians Limite Architect ; Architects’ Blue Prinis Se 2 2a on Contractor and Builder © Architectural Draftsman Concrete Builder Structural Engirieer Chemistry (1). Pharmacy Automobile Work Airplane Engines = : Nayigation Rate Agriculture and Poiltey” a Mathematics ad

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or, From Office Boy to Fame and Fortune Weekly —— LATEST I8SUEa —— é The Chance of His Life; or, ‘Che Young Pilot of Crytal Lake. ; ? i P a for Fortune; or, From Bell-Boy to Million. . aire. ; f° : Out for Business; or, The Smarte: ney in Town. A Ftd of Fortune; or, Striking It Rich in Wall Street. 5 A Through Thick and Thin; or, The Adventures of a Smart nye Le 3 Doing His Level Best; or, Working His Way oe. 2 ee on Deck; or, The Boy Who Made ] ark, ‘ A Mint of Money; or, The Young Wall Street Broker. ; The Ladder of Fame; Senator. 5 On the Square; or, The Success of an Honest Boy. After a Fortune; or, The Pluckiest Boy in the West. Winning the dollars; or ,The Young Wonder of Wall Street. Making His Mark; er, The Boy Who Became President. e sai a ge a or, The Boy Who Was Born ucky. i ree in the Andes; or, The Treasures of the Burted Ly. On His Mettle; or, A Plucky Boy tn Wall Street. A Lueky Chance; or, Taking Fortune on the Wing. * tunate Boy. Chasing Pointers; or, The Luckiest Boy 1n Wall Street. Rising in the World; or, From Factory Boy to Manager. 986 From Dark to Dawn; or, A Poor Boy’s Chance. 987 Out for Himself; or, Paving His Way to Fortune. 88 Diamond Cut Diamond; or, The Boy Brokers of - Wall Street. . " A Start in Life; or, A Bright Boy's Ambition. Out for a Million; or, The Young Midas of Wall Street.- ° : Every Inch.a Boy; or, Doing His Level Best. * Money ta Burn; or, The rewdest Boy tn Wall Street. An Bye to Business; or, The Boy Who Was Not 989 990 Asleep. | Tipped by the Ticker;.or, An Ambitlous Boy in - all Street. 5 995 On to Success; or, The Boy Who Got Ahead. 996 A Bid ae, a Fortune; or, A Country Boy in Wall Street. 997 Bound to Rise;.or, Fighting His Way to Success. 998 Out for the Dollars; or, A Smart Boy in Wall Street. 999 For Fame and Fortune; or, The Boy Who Won Both. 1000 A Wall Street Winner; or, Making a Mint of Money. 1001 The pe to Wealth; or,-The Boy Who Found It Out. 1002 On the Wing; or. The Young Mercury of Wall Street. < 4004 Jnggling with the Market; or, The Boy Who Made It Pay 1005 Cast Adrift: or, The Luck of a Homeless Boy, 1006 Playing the Market; or, A Keen Boy in Wall Street. , i 1007 A Pot of Money: or, The Legacy of a Lucky Boy. 1008 From Rags to Riches; or, A Lucky Wall Street » Messenger. 1009 On His Merits: or, The Smartest Boy Alive. | 1010 Trapping the Brokers; or, A Game Wall Street Boy. 4011 A Million in Gold: or, The Treasure of Santa Cruz. 41012 Bound to Make Money; or, From the West to Wall Street. é 4013 The Boy Magnate; or. Making Baseball Pay. oa 1014 Making Money; or, A Wall Street Messenger’s Luck. © 4015 A’ Harvest of Gold: or, The Buried Treasure of sland, ee Beating the Wall Street Brokers. the Curb;_or, tot Oats of Fortune; or, The Boy Who Struck il, y 4018 The Prince of Wall Street; or, A Big Deal for Big ht On. ee 1020 A Corner ch. Wall Street; or, The Wall Street Boy Who Won. 3 , { Te sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any By Ay BO address on receipt of price, 8c. per copy, in money or stamps, by i? ; ; LEF, Publisher, Inc., yee West ted Btceet hiesalaoligt ‘Now York Clty , PF tiibe Bure j Se The Road_to Success; or, The Career of a fMor- | 1019 Starting. His Own Business; or, The Boy §Who world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A Cau r : OUR TEN-CENT HAND BOOKS Useful, instructive, and Amusing, They contain Valuable Information on Almost » Every Subject. ‘ Ne. 6%. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little book, giving the rules and full directiona for playing Euchre, Srinbage, Casino, Forty-Five, Rounce, Pedra Sancho, Draw Poker, Auction Pitch, All Fours, and many other popular games of cards. ; No. 4. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.— Giving complete Information ag to the manner and meth- od of raising, keeping, taming, breeding and managing ~ all kinds of pets; also giving full instructions for mak- ing cages, ete. Fully explained by twenty-elght fllus- _ trotions, - No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER.—Con- taining full instructions how to become a locomotive engineer; also directions for building a model locomo- tive; together with a full description of everything an engineer should know. : No. 58. HOW TO BE. A DETECTIVE.—By Old King Brady, the well-known detective. In which he lays down some valuable rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures of well-known detectives. No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER,— Containing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work it; also how to make Photographic Magie Lantern Slides and other ransparents. andsomely illustrated. ’ No. 64. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES. —Containing full directions for making electrical ma- chines, induction coils, dynamos’ and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. By B. A. R. Bennett. Kully eae mun daw it : o. 65. f ’"S JOKES.—The most igi oke book ever published, and it is brimful of wind umor. It contains a large collection of songs, jokes, the great wit, conundrums, ete., of Terrence Muldoon, pee and pao joker of, the day. °. \: oe DO PUZZLES.—C three hundred’ interesting puzzles and Gineiiemae! with key to same. A complete book. Fully illustrated. No. 67, “HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS,—Con- png en rere Fad inet reactive and highly . rieal tricks, togethe vi Bra. Anderson, gether with illustrations. ; o. 68 HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS,—Con- eae ee ee pny amusing and aces ; f $ chemicals, : - sSomely illustrated. Su paemae sa, ne No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT-OF-HAND, — Con. talning over fifty of the latest and best tricks Pa “oy magicians. Also containing the secret of bl ilunieated: By A. Anderson. SN ea ° ‘ | ‘e HOW TO WRITE LETTERS CORRE x Fp reg nbd age rtp for writing ete ane any subject; also rules for pu composition, with, Epecknen letters. peop cee = o. 76. 7 RTUNES BY TH 3 —Containing rules for telling fortunes by the a a Uses of thee, ral the ret Palmistry. Also the secret of tellin uture event { f sears, ete. Tiustrated. Pee ERE OE Teeth eee ag No. 71. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICK - Ce ite Cee aS ANS care Tricks aa poctesuen y leading conjurers and magictans. Arran amusement. Fully illustrated, tereirianie orcr No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKE BOOK.—Containing the latest jokes, ancedotes and funny stories of this world-renowned German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome colored cover, containing a Half-tone photo _ of the author. sk No. 83% HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the 3 most approved methods of reading the lines on the hand, _ together with a full explanation of their meaning. Algo pid rida a paket Pap ead REP 4 core charac- er by the bumps on e head. y Leo Hu Koch, A. C.'S. Fully {lustrated. abe eias No. 83. HOW TO HYPNOTIZE.—Containing valuable and instructive information regarding the scence of hyp- notism. Also explaining the most approved methods which are employed by. the re hypnotists of the For gale by all newsdealers, or wilt be sent to any address on receipt of price, 10c. per copy, in money or stamps, by ide 2 HARRY E, WOLF¥. Publisher. Inc. 166 West 23d Street New York Cite 1 ax : rate: ae