Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 1035) (1925 07 31)

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JULY 31, 1925 : No. 1035 Price 8 Cents LLL es he CLES Dar ALLL AAP Zz \y pene ais Kirby flashed the light upon the grewsome figure and then the three saw that it was a skeleton, clothed in a single flowing garment, with its bony arms extended. Jack uttered an exclamation of astonishment. while Daisy screamed and fled.

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FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY -. Yasued psig oA a price, $4.00 per year! Canada, $4.50; Foreign, $5.00, Harry EB. Wolff, Fmbusher, pS est 23d Street, New York, N. Y the Post-Office at New York, N. : No, 1035 NEW YORK, JULY 31, Entered as Second-Class Matter, October 4, 1911, a ae OY Y.,,under the Act of March 3, 1878. 1925 Price 8 Cents. JACK MERRY’S GRIT OR, MAKING A MAN OF HIMSELF es . By A SELF-MADE MAN a CHAPTER 1.—Sandy Maguire Gets an Un- oa expected Bath. - “What’s the trouble, Daisy?” asked Jack Merry, putting his arm protectingly around a pretty, golden-haired girl who sat sobbing, with her: face buried in her hands, on the doorstep of a small roadhouse situated on the outskirts of a good-sized village close to the sea. “Has _ Mrs. Kirby been beating you again?” *“Yes, Jack,” sobbed the girl, raising her tear- ‘dimmed face and gazing wistfully at the stal- ‘wait, sunburned lad who earried a shallow bas- ketful of mackerel under one arm. - “Tt’s a shame the way the Kirby’s treat you. ~ Daisy,” said Jack, indignantly. “Some day I'll » forget myself and tell them both what I think of _ them. I feel like doing it now.” “Oh, no, no, you mustn’t,” she cried, catching his hand in hers. “They would drive you away _ from the house, and then what would I do? I'd be go out on those rocks yonder and jump into the ‘sea. I know I would. I’ve nobody in all the - world to love but you, Jack, and nobody but you ES cares at all for me.” ~ “So you do love me, Daisy?” smiled Jack, with a@ sympathetic look at the little orphan whom the Kirbys had taken from the poor farm and made their drudge. { “You know I do, Jack. You are the only one - who has ever been kind to me. Why shouldn’t I ~ Jove you?” she asked, with a pathetic smile, _ while the tears glistened on-her eyelids like rain- ‘drops in the sunshine. “TY don’t know any reason why you shouldn’t, -and I haven’t the slightest objection. to it. I think just as much of you as though you were my sister. ” ; “Do. you, Jack?” she asked, eagerly. oe Yes, 1 do. Why shouldn’t we be brother and sister to each other? We're both orphans, aren't we?” “Yes, ad x ’ , ibs irl shook her head sadly. weton. don’t even know how you came tobe at the poor farm, do you? fa “No.” “Didn’t you ever ask the matron about vour- self?” “Yes, but she wouldn’t tell me anything.” “Was she at the farm when you were brought there ? “T think so.” 6 192 “Do you know how old you were at ae time ?” “No. ” “You must-have been very young if you can’t remember anything about the matter. You don’t sieees how they came to call you Daisy Kent?” No.” “It might be your real name, and then again it mightn’t. It seems to me the overseer and his wife run the poor farm to suit themselves. I have heard that the poor old people who are forced to live there are‘ half starved and more or less abused, though I never heard you say any- thing about it. 1 guess you’re afraid to tell all you know about the place.” Daisy was silent. . F “Well, I’m not going te question you about it. It’s the business of the village authorities and not mine to inquire into such things. had been my luck to have been sent to the farm If it: I’d have run away sooner than stand ill treat-- ment. The Kirbys know better than to jump on my neck like they do on yours, because there'd be something doing if ‘they did.” Which was very true, for Jack Merry was a spunky lad. .He showed the stuff he was made of the very first time that Cyrus Kirby started in to thrash him for some trivial offense soon after he came to work at the roadhouse, and the old man let him alone after that, though Mrs. Kirby never spared her tongue upon him. It is quite possible that the Kirbys would have gotten rid of him/but that he was uncommonly aseful to them. He never shirked his work, and could do as much and as well as a full-grown man.,'so that on the score of economy Mr. Kirby didn’t want to lose him. “How many fish did you catch today, Jack?” “Oh, a whole, lot. Enough to supply both of the summer hotels. ey were beauties. they. re the worst of the batch.” “They. look» very nice. Mrs. oe will be Mh af af I got a good price, too, for: | Just look at these, age

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2 - JACK MERRY’S GRIT glad, for we have to get dinner and breakfast in the morning for two visitors who are going to stay here tonight.” At that moment the shrill tone of Mrs. Kirby’s voice was heard calling to the girl, so Daisy sprang up quickly and ran into the kitchen, fol- lowed at a slower pace by Jack as far as the kitchen table, on which he laid the basketful of fish, which were all cleaned and scaled ready for the pan. Then he went into the public room of the roadhouse, where Mr. Kirby was reading a newspaper. There were two hard-looking men, “with closely-cropped hair and smoothly-shayen faces, seated at one of the tables eating sand- wiches and drinking beer. Jack went up to the counter and handed Mr. Kirby the money he had received for the fish he sold at the hotels. The old man counted it, noted the amount with con- siderable satisfaction and put it in his pocket. One of the men at the table called for more beer and Kirby told Jack to wait on them. Jack drew a couple of glasses from a small keg and carried them to the table. Both of the men looked at him sharply, as if sizing him up. Jack didn’t like the looks of either of them. In his opinion they didn’t look honest. However, as they said nothing to him, he gathered up the two empty beer glasses and returned to wash them. 3 “Look at the trough outside, Jack,” said Kirby. “See if thére’s plenty of water in it. It was leak- ~ jing this morning.” So Merry went out in front to look at it. It stood about two yards in front of the veranda, which ran along the front of the roadhouse. A team of stout horses attached to an equally stout wagon well loaded with something conceal- ed from view by a tarpaulin cloth stood before it, with water dripping from their mouths. Lying on the driver’s seat, with his knees ~ drawn up and his face covered with a wide-brim- med straw hat, was a boy without a jacket. Jack recognized him as Sandy Maguire, the son of a -yather unpopular small farmer. in the neighbor- hood. He didn’t know any xood of Sandy, nor of his father, either, for that matter, while Sandy entertained a standing grouch against Merry, ‘chiefly because Jack had given him a good whipping on one occasion for bullying Daisy Kent. “Hello, you mutt,” said Sandy from his perch. Jack looked up at him, but said nothing. “Yah! You lobster!” went on Maguire. “How --much does Kirby give you for cleanin’ his spit- toons and doin’ his chores?” J “Don’t get too gay, Sandv Maguire,” retorted Merry, “or I might jump up there and dump you into the road.” : “You won’t dump me in no road, you lopsided mug,” snorted Sandy, defiantly. “I’ve got a club up here, and if you come near me [ll let you have it on the block. You’re a cheap fish pedler, and no good for nothin’. Some day I’m goin’ to _ do you, and I won't leave enough of you to make a decent funeral!” 3 : Jack turned a little more water into the trough, and at the same time patted the noses of the horses, for he was fond of animals. ~ “Leave them horses alone, d’ye hear?” roared _ Sandy. eee ae ees ‘ Jack paid no attention to pam while the ani- eee: oe Ete mals, recognizing a friend, rubbed their heads against his arm. Sandy reached behind him, — picked up the club he had mentioned and shook | it meanacingly at Merry. Jack grinned back at him, and that exasperated Sandy. He jumped off the seat. “Get away from there, dern you!” he snarled, putting first one foot and then the other down — on the wagon tongue and startine to walk out — between the horses with his club raised in a ~ threatening manner. Jack waited until Sandy was almost within reach of him and then drew — back just a little, with a tantalizing laugh. ee “J'll make you laugh on the other side of your ol sa you mutt!” roared Maguire, now hopping mad. ‘Thinking to catch Jack by a quick move, he laid his left hand on the neck of the horse on that side to steady himself and then leaned sud- denly forward and made a vicious swive at Merry’s head. Jack ducked the blow, and throw- ing up his hand, caught the end of the club. Then ~ he gave it a tug to get it away from Sandy. — That caused something to happen that neither expected, and the unexpected was assisted by the horse bending his head down at the moment. Maguire lost his balance and with a yell pitched head first into the trough, causing a small water- spout to spurt into the air. As he let go of his hold on the club Jack also fell backward and rolled on the ground just out of reach of tha water shower. At that thrilling moment the two hard-looking men appeared at the door of. the roadhouse. = f cag CHAPTER Ii.—The Haunted House. — “What in thunder is this?” roared the bizge of the two men, both gazing in angry surpris at the animated picture. before’ them.- Sieh: Sandy, whose body was entirely submerged ex- club still grasped in his hand. Then Sandy’ tow head emerged from the water, like Neptr arising from the sea. After digging the wate from his eyes with the knuckles of both hand he scrambled out of the trough like a drenche rat. r ear “Here, what are you two kids up to?” erie the second man, as both advanced to the wagon. Jack concluded that it was time to beat a ¥ treat, and did so as far as the entrance to th yard and shed, whence he watched the scene safety and not alittle enjoyment, for the catas trophe that had happened to his enemy tickled — him immensely. Sandy, with many expressions of rage, started in to explain the cause of hi mishap to the men. Of course he threw all thi blame of it on Merry. What he didn’t say ab Jack would have made a very small book. — “Well, you oughter stayed. on the seat,” r plied the biggest man, with little sympathy fc him. “You’re a mutton-headed chump to tumble into that water trough. We'll have: to ride back on the goods. now, for we’re not goin’ to ge soakin’ from you. Come, now, up with you the seat, or we'll h’ist you up in WON MRO Ser A ae ae

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JACK MERRY’S GRIT 3 y Sandy, glowerine around in seareh of Merry, - sheok his fist at Jack, and said a lot of things that wouldn’t be appropriate in a Sunday school - elass, as soon as he spied him grinning’ around the corner of the house. Then he climbed on to the seat; while the men got on the wagon and ' picked out the most comfortable places they could find on top of the tarpaulin. Sandy backed ‘the vehicle, jerked the horses around and started up a cross road leading away. from the village, ~_throwing a last malevolent look at Merry. Turn-~ ing the water off, Jack re-entered the house. _ About five o’elock the two visitors returned to ~ the roadhouse from the village. Both were dress- ed in plain business suits, and when Merry saw them-in the public room he wondered if they “were commercial travelers. Half an hour later _ they were called to their dinner in a small room: eff the main one, and Daisy Kent waited on them. At the conelusion of their meal they lit cigars and walked out into the yard. After tak- ing a turn or two up and~down the yard, they came to a stop at the\fence dividing it from the truck patch. They did not observe, or pay any attention to the faet, that Jack Merry was dig- ging up some vegetables on the other side of the ‘fence within a couple of feet of the spot where ___ they stood. — “We seem to have lost the ‘seent, for the time being, at least,” said the stout man, blowing a cloud of smoke. - “Tt is evident that we have. I think we made a mistake by not continuing on by the main road instead of coming down here,” said his com- “Well, you know what induced me to come this “way,” replied the stout man. “This village being out of the way and on the coast would offer the rascals facilities for shipping the goods by water, either to Boston or New York, probably the latter, by a sloop that could easily be chartered or their purpose. Such a course would be much ‘simpler; for water leave: no trail, than to earry their booty by land in the face of almost certain etection at some point en route.” ‘That’s true,” hodded his associate. “Yet the cet that they have not yet arrived here within teen hours after the °r was looted would in- te that they must have taken another route.” ell, let’s go in, pay our bill and order our hitched up,” said the stout man. The two men walked away and disappeared around the front of the roadhouse. ‘I wonder who those men are?” mused Jack, king after them. “Must be detectives after “a gang of thieves from what I ¢ould make out “their conversation. They spoke about a car having been looted. I suppose they meant a eight car belonging to the Shore Line. The ‘obbery may have been committed at Wexham, fteen miles north of this place, where freight ears are shunted on a siding every day. I won- what kind of goods was stolen? Must have a considerable auantity if it would pay the ieves to hire a vessel to take them away in, osing aa stout man’s idea to be correct. I shou t think, h owever, that it would take a pretty on to carry off the contents of a freight he car was any way full.” at moment soi heard Daisy calling to him, so he grabbed the panful of vegetables he had dug up and hastened to. the kitchen. “Go to the stable, Jack, take out the strange © horse you'll find there and hitch it to the buggy in the shed,” said Daisy. “The two gentlemen have changed their minds about staying here tonight.” Fifteen minutes later Jack led the rie around in front where the stout man and his companion were waiting on the veranda. “After stepping into the vehicle each of them handed him a quarter and then they drove off along the road in a direction opposite to the village. About dark Cyrus Kirby told Jack to hitch the white horse to the light wagon. + “T’m going up the cross road to Farmer Staple- ton’s for some bag's of feed,” he said. “Tell Mrs. Kirby to put a dozen of them mackerel in a pan and I'll take them with me.” Merry put the horse to the wagon, got the pan of fish and then led €he rig around in front. There he found Daisy with her hat on, standing on the veranda. “Ym going for a ride,” sparkling with delight. “What, with Mr. Kirby?” cried Jack, in some astonishment. “Yes... He said I could go along for company.” “Well, Vl] be jiggered!” ejeculated Merry. I wonder. what struck him! This is the first time I’ve known him to give you an airing. I guess it’s because the ride to the Stapleton farm is rather lonesome, and because it goes by the haunted house.” “Do you really believe that house is haunted, Jack?” asked Daisy, nervously. “Haunted, your grandmother! don’t! There’s “no such thing.” she said, her eyes Of course I Further conversation on the subject was cut ~ short by the appearance of Cyrus Kirby, who carried a lantern in his hand, which he put under - the wagon seat. He and Daisy got in and drove off. -Half an hour later Jack closed up the house and sat down on the veranda. He hadn’t been there over five minutes when a farm wagon came rattling up. The driver, who was a boy, brought his horses up to the trough to give them a drink. Merry recognized him as his particular friend, Bob Stapleton. “Hello, Bob,” he said, “Been to the village, I see.” “That’s right,” replied Bob. “Glad to see you. Didn’t notice you till you spoke. How’s things ?” : “Same as usual. part of the day.” “What did you catch? Mackerel?” “Yes, about twelve dozen of beauties.” “Haven't you got one or two to spare in the house?” asked Bob, smacking his lips in antici- coming forward. I was off fishing the greater a of a treat, for mackerel was a favorite his. / * «Oh, you'll have all you want for breakfast,” replied Jack. “How will 1?” “Mr. Kirby wént out to your place a little while ago in the wagon after a load of feed, and he carried a dozen of the fish with him.” _ “Did he? Then ma will have some broiled in the morning,” said Bob, in a_ satisfied tone. “Say, what’s the matter with you jumping in 4 vEMS

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4 JACK MERRY’S GRIT and riding out with me? You can come back with Mr. Kirby.” “T° guess I will,” replied Jack. On their way they passed the decaying bee story dwelling, standing close to the road, which - had the reputation of being haunted. Neither lad paid any attention to it, though had they been able to see a stout. wagon, the same which had been driven by Sandy Maguire, standing in the shadow of the kitchen.. When they reached the Stapleton farm they found Mr. Kirby on the point of returning, so Jack bade Bob good-night and climbed into the body of the light wagon, allowing his legs to hang out behind. As they approached the haunted house Mr. Kirby sudden- ~ ly uttered an exclamation and pointed his whip toward the building. Jack and Daisy both looked and saw a ghostly kind of light showing through one of the lower windows. % CHAPTER III.—A Blow In the Dark. “Whoa!” exclaimed Cyrus Kirby, reining in the orse. The three watched the light attentively until _ it suddenly disappeared, leaving the old house _ dark and somber as when they first passed that way. “Jim Davis saw that light the night afore last, and it skeered him the worst kind of way,” chuckled the old man, who did not seem to be disturbed by the” ghostly manifestation. ; “There’s evidently somebody in the house— ‘Maybe tramps,” said Jack. a uv “Well, I’m goin’ to see who is there, for I don’t ' take no stock in the stories that the old rookery is haunted. Here, you hold the reins, Daisy. You can come with me, Jack,” and he reached under the seat for the lantern, the light in which was turned down low. “Oh, dear,” said Daisy, as Merry ianeied off into the road, prepared to accompany Mr. Kirby. “J don’t want to stay here alone.” ; “Then come with us,” said Jack. “ll tie White ' to the fence so he won’t walk away.” He helped Daisy down and the three started through the open gate for the front door of the house, Kirby in advanee with the lantern, the light of which he had turned up. When they reached the front door the old man laid his hand on the knob and turned it. With a’harsh, squeaky noise, that sent Daisy’s heart into her mouth, the ‘door opened slowly and reluctantly, admitting them into the main hallway. The hallway was --intenselv dark, the rays of the lantern illumina- ting little more than the spot where they stood. They advanced a few paces, then stopped and listened - intently. Not a sound reached their ears, though they waited two or three minutes: in perfect silence. “Oh, Jack, don’t let’s go any further,” pred Daisy. “I’m so frightened.” : “What are you frightened about? ~ We'll leave ; ~ the door open. There’s nothing in her to alarm you.” “What's that?” she cried, in terror. “There’s omething white at the other end of the hall. on’t you. see it?” Jack Seu Mr. Eaay followed the direction of So quiv- ~ so he darted gee the horses’ heads, f th sed to st her shaking finger, and did ike out iomethinne white, seemingly floating in the air. Daisy held tightly to Merry’s hand, and followed as a mat- ter of course: The closer. they approached the seeming object the clearer it became that there — was somthing, apparently in mid-air,’ at the end of the hall. “Oh, my!” shivered Daisy, thing, I know it is.. any closer!” “Pooh!” replied the boy, who did not take any stock in things unearthly. “It’s nothing but a white cloth. Lift the lantern up, Mr. Kirby, and let’s see what it really is.” There was evidently something these: besides the cloth—something long, thin and awe-inspi ing. Kirby flashed the light upon the grewsome figure, and then the three saw that it was skeleton, clothed in a single flowing garment with its bony arms extended. Jack uttered a exclamation of astonishment, while iss sereamed and fled. The old man was a bit stag-— gered, and came near dropping the lantern. Jack — grabbed the lantern from Kirby’s hand and wal ed right up to the skeleton. “That’s been hung here to scare people away,” he said. “Was it done as a practical joke or for some other reason?” As he uttered the words a loud seream from Daisy on the outside caused him to drop- the: lantern and make a quick break for the doo he rushed out of the building he saw the struggling with somebody in the road. Da through the gate, he saw that it was a boy whe had hold of the girl. Instinct seemed to tell him that the boy was Sandy Maguiré, though could not make out his identity in the dark. “it’s some dreadful Dear, dear, Jack, don’t £0. x climbed the fence. Merry did not pause “6 a word to the girl, but put after her ou fot full speed. He reached him just as the chap straddled the fence and was pulling up his ler to drop over on the other side. Jack reac out and seized him -by the shoe. “Let go, will you!” howled Sandy, kickin viciously. Jack lost his grip on his shoe ‘and the yot rascal tumbled over on the other side ote fence. Merry, however, was determined to give him a beating, and vaulted the fence. Sandy was up before he could reach him, and dashed awe 3 into the darkness. But his pursuer didn’t lose sight of him, and set a hot pace across the bar field. Sandy, seeing that he was sure: to — caught if he kept on, turned and made for th fence that separated the’ field from the yard of the haunted house. Jack just missed catching him as he wen i the fence and sprang after him. Then iti wa that Jack, as he chased his enemy across’ ‘th yard, noticed the wagon and pair of horses wagon was empty except for a crumpled tarpaulin cloth Shroen carelessly into. it. at the roadhouse that afternoon, and_ it belonged to Owen Maguire, Sandy’s poe See Sandy, looking over his shoulder, saw nt he would be caught before he could hte 0)

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JACK MERRY’S GRIT He didn’t have to wait side. Jack was coming. ‘long before Merry shot around the horses. too. } gees skipped around till he reached the Jack, nothing daunted, In this manner they ‘rele the team twice and Merry hadn’t gained any advantage over his enemy. by mutual consent, paused on opposite sides oi the wagon to catch their breath. “Why don’t you catch me, you mutt, you?” with a ring of triumph in his heads again. “right at his heels. They both, as sneered Sandy, ka Sandy stooped, picked up a small stone and shied it across at Merry. Jack’s face, and made him mad. As Sandy was about to repeat the trick, Merry started after im again. This time he determined to catch the ascal, and so he redoubled his exertions. -round the team they flew, Jack slowly but ely gaining on his enemy. his wild. flight, stumbled and fell. could get up Jack was upon him like a car- It narrowly missed At length Sandy, I won’t do a thing to you, This is the second time you ve nnoyed Daisy, ‘and it’s the second licking you're oing to get for it.”” Sandy yelled, “Murder! A up, you coward!” shouted Jack. Now, I’ve ‘got you. a The words ended in a gasp, for “a atts form ga toward him in the gloom from behind and him a terrific blow on the head. “Sandv, staggered and fell upon the ground: : Ly Jom quite motionless and bereft of con-, building. What building could that a put the haun My hands are bound ad my back and my ankles are tied together. | wonder who it ‘was crept up behind me and ocked me out while I was bending over Sandy? ‘ould it have been his father, who was in the use while I was chasing his son, or was it one ose tough chaps who were at the roadhouse ternoon and who drove off with Sandy up What is Sandy, or his father, or aah men, or the team, doing at this house, nyway. Chip tenad at’ night? : hanging in the hallway? oks mysterious, And why is that as well as suspicious.” vat s the way Jack argued the matter, and on of it he wondered why he had been bound and foot and brought into the house, and _ his ecaptor’s intentions were toward him. uld dimly make out that he was in a small or at least a place having apparently four ; As Jack didn’t at all like the idea of trussed up like.a sheep or pig on its way ‘Ket, he began to make an effort to free his e soon found that this was no easy e rope had been knotted around his hen. had. been. se around -his wrists i 3 that. moment he- -“Hello, there is somebody in the house,” ejacu- lated Merry. “I thought I was left here all alone in the old rookery, but it appears not. I can make out two or three versons walking around. There is something doing in this place—some- thing that can’t—be strictly regular, otherwise why should people be monkeying around a de- serted habitation with the tough reputation this one has? Id give something to know what brought Sandy and his team here. He is in the game, whatever it is. And it isn’t honest work - that people haye to do at night and in unfre- quented places.” : As Merry reached that reasonable conclusion he heard somebody descending a flight of creak- ing steps. The person, whoever he was, stopped outside the door freed a hasp that held it shut, and threw it open. Then in walked Sandy Ma- guire with a lantern. He flashed the light in Jack’s face and saw that he was conscious and sitting up with his back against the wall. “Well, you mug,” he grinned in a highly satis- fied way, “how do you like your new lodgin’s?” * “J suppose I owe this to you, Mr. Sandy ?* -replied Merry, coolly. “V’ve got you where I want you, you mutt, and I’m goin’ to settle scores with you before you get back to the roadhouse.” “You’re a mean, cowardly little beast.” “Don’t you call me names, or I'll kick the stuffin’ out of vou,” growled Sandy. “You'd better release me, for it will save vou the biggest licking vou ever got in your life.” “Don’t you wish I would? Do you see any ee green in my eye? You’re goin’ to stay in. the haunted house all night alone by yourself. Per haps old Green’s ghost will come down here and frighten. the life out of you. He hung himself on the floor above, and his spook walks — a : every night all over the place until the cocks crow.” was having a fine revenge on Jack. ; “Tomorrow mornin’ I’m goin’ to bring a cow- hide over here and give you a taste of it,” went on. Sandy. “Thatl warm you up.if you catch - cold durin’ the night.” Fe 45 Sandy chuckled gleefully as if he thought he Thus speaking, Maguire got up, flashed thm es light around the place which. Merry saw was merely a small section of the cellar of th€ house, roughly partitioned off as a recevtacle probably 9 for chopped wood, a small pile of which, covered — with dust and cobwebs, lay in one corner, ané then backed toward the doorway. “Good-night, mutton-head. Give my respects te the ghost when he calls on vou,” chuckled Sandy. Then he walked out, slammed the door, ak justed the hasp, and presently his footsteps were eS = heard ascending the cellar steps.. Bang! The sound reverberated through the cellar, Sandy had dropped the trap-door at the head ef the stairs so as to make as much noise — below as. possible. Then Jack heard the back door banged to, though he didn’t hear the echoes ~ that went through the empty house above the cellar. After that there was complete silence, and Merry felt. that he was isolated in the og building. He wondered how Mr. Kirby and Daisy looked upon his failure to return after starting — in chase of the’ girl's assailant. ~ No doubt: th - old man, after w Mee oie a | reasonable time. for.

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Fh 7 to show up, had gone on, leaving: the boy to fol- low on foot at leisure. After vowing vengeance against Sandy for the second or third time, Jack leaned back against the wall and began to think again about the wagon and why it had been standing in the baek yard of the haunted house. The more he thought about it the more interested he grew in the matter. Suddenly the brief con- versation he-had accidentally overheard between the stout man and his companion, whom he had sized up as detectives, when they were standing against the fence of the truck patch, recurred to his mind. Then, like a flash, it dawned upon him that perhaps. he had an-explanation of the whole thing. He remembered that when the wagon was drawn up before the roadhouse it was heavily loaded, and that the load was carefully covered with a tarpaulin cloth. ‘Then the two hard-looking men, whom he had supposed Sandy was merely giving a lift on the road, must have been connected with it. It began to look as though the Maguire farm wagon had been used to earry off the plunder from the looted car at “Waxham siding, and that the two men in ques- tion were the thieves. : / - The stolen goods are clearly in this house now,” thought Merry, “for the wagon was empty when I saw it in the yard outside.. They have selected the haunted house to hide their plunder in until the hue and ery has diéd out, -because no one would ever think of looking here for them. Nobody ever comes to the. house, and -hasn’t for years. It is certainly a dandy hiding ‘place. They expect to be able to keep the stuff here in perfect safety until enough time has elapsed to enable them to cart it away without incurring suspicion. It’s a mighty clever scheme, but I guess I’ll upset their calculations for them. i. As soon as I am let go I’ll notify the head con- stable. of the village that I have reason to be- lieve that the stuff stolen from the freight car at Wexham is’ hidden in this house and he can investigate the matter. If the goods are re- covered through me I ought to get something from the railroad. company. That would only be fair. I wish I could release myself before morning. Sandy might bring that whip as he threatened to do, and while I’m tied up in this ghape he could lash me until he got tired. He’s coward enough to take such a revenge.” Merry, alive to the importance, of his probable discovery, made°a more determined effort than ever to free himself. In working his wrists about, the fingers of his right hand came into contact with the knot that happened to be the key to the 3 situation. By twisting his left wrist around and holding it in a certain position the knot came within easy reach of the active fingers of his other hand, and as the knot was tied only fairly - / tight, he soon began to unloosen it. He kept on the job steadily until the kmot was entirely opened up. That released the end’ of the line encireling his waist, which created the necessary et slack for the boy to draw on so that in a little . while he was able to draw one hand out of the wrist loop. The other hand followed as a matter of course. To put his hand in his pocket, pull out his jackknife and cut the piece of rope which held his angles together was an easy matter. - *Jt feels good to have the use of my limbs ee zpos re ‘ -on the floor. ‘the skeleton to one of the big JACK MERRY’S GRIT again,” he breathed, as he stood up, “though my wrists are blamed sore. I’m thinking Sandy Maguire is going to get left this trip, as usual. Now, to get out of the wood: bin. I hope that 'won’t stump me, for it’s: secured on the other’ side by something, probably a hasp.” <e Merry lit a match and examined the fastening of the door.. It was a hasp that held it. The long blade of his knife would easily reach it through the crack made by the yielding door. All the boy had to do was to put the blade under ; the point of he staple and press upward. The — staple popped| out without difficulty, the door ~ swung open and he was free. CHAPTER V.—Jack Merry Verifies His ~ , Own Conclusions. _ _ Jack lit another match when he stepped out into the cellar in order to get his bearings. Look- — 2 ing around him he saw that the cellar was an uncommonly. good one, quite dry, but thickly — covered. with dust and cobwebs. A few yards away were the stairs leading to the trap, and Merry made for them at once, after closing the door of the. bin and replacing the staple. He found no trouble in lifting the trap and was soon standing «in the dark entry on the ground floor of the building. He lit a match to look for a way out, and spied the lantern Sandy had used “T’ll light this and look through the house to see where they have put;the stolen goods. If I — don’t find any that will prove I’ve been away off in my conclusions, but I’d be willing to bet a : dollar to a doughnut that I do find the stuff.” — He lighted the lantern and started up the back stairway built in the entry. He examined every room on the floor above without finding anything visible but dust. The roomy closets were just as bare, too. ; eee “They may have carried it into the attic,” mused Merry, so up into the attic he went. He found nothing but dust, refuse and festoons of dirty cobwebs. } fo ble aie “Gee!” he said, scratching his head in a dis-— appointed way. “I guess I’m not so smart as I thought I was. The goods are evidently not in the house.” tas As he walked slowly downstairs he thought of — ; the skeleton in the front hall. He flashed the light over the banisters and looked down. The uncanny- looking object was still hanging there, like a — criminal who"had just been executed. Jack shook the rope and a most unearthly rattle of articu- lated bones smote upon his ear, while the skele- ton danced a grewsome jig in mid-air. pee “You must have been stolen from some doctor's office,” thought Merry, as the skeleton gradual subsided into solemn quietness again. “I dare say you’re worth money. I guess I'll haul you up and put you out of harm’s way.” t ee 1 Putting down the lantern Jack pulled the. eton up with its polished head and grinning ? teeth. He found that he could easily press the a extended arms down to the skeleton’s sides, 1 pe they worked on Sockets. Jack carefully dragge big closets’ and s it up inside, then he shut the door Onsen ; ? ee

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: a last look areund he desoohtien to the ground z oor and went through all the rooms there, hard- ty expecting to find any trace of the goods, as he did not consider the lower floor as safe a place for the plunder as the upper ones. He was not greatly disappointed when he found the “ground floor as bare as the rest of the house. He was about to blow the light out and take not ‘considered the cellar as a receptacle for the stolen property. Down into the cellar went Merry with the lantern. He knew there was nothing at the back near the bins and stairway, so he went forward. He found no sign of ‘anything like merchandise of any description, but he noticed a good-sized wooden bin that looked as if it had been newly put up. The door was secured by a stout hasp, locked with a new padlock. Al- though Jack was confident that the stolen goods were in the big bin. he wanted to make certain of the fact if he could. one of the planks, and it occurred to him that he might answer his purpose. Legiine around the cellar for some implement to omplisl his ob- ct, he found a heavy cold chisel. Two good lows demolished the knot, leaving space enough for the boy to easily insert his hand with a match in his fingers. Striking the match on the ‘inside, the moment it flared up Jack s~vlied nis eve above his wrist and caught a brief glimpse the-inside of the bin’ It was filled with pack- ages that must have been taken from cases, and se were snugly piled up inside so that they oc- ied about three-quarters of the space in the ‘That settles the question. The goods are here all right. Now it’s up to me to put a spoke the rascals’ wheel and earn the gratitude of 1e railroad company, which I hope the officials l ¢ express in a substantial form,” said Jack to ing no further reason for remaining in the Merry returned to the entry above, blew e lantern light and was on the point of g the kitchen when the back door was -apen without the least warning and two jtered the room. Jack sprang back into try math considerable haste and trepida- ‘hat’s that? 2” exclaimed one of the intruders. That are you. talking about?” asked his nion, whose ears were apparently not as as the other’s. “J heard a noise over by the door. lantern?” e kid said he left it in the entry,” was the “¥ didn’t hear any noise.” ‘ ell, I did. Where’s next room, and Pires took advantage of omentary ‘inaction to quietly remove his reparatory. to slipping up the back stairs. 0: ommencing his retreat he thought he id try to create another diversion by placing antern in the doorway leading: into the out of business. ; you didn’t hear any noise, Baxter,” econd spéaker in ‘a half jeering tone. Lar ee Baxter. his departure when he recollected that he had He noticed a big knot in. shutting | the trap after them. ‘ JACK MERRY’S GRIT 7 “Bosh! selves.” “How do you know there isn’t? We’ve been away from here tliree hours.” “What of it? Didn’t Maguire assure us that nobody ever comes here because the building has. the reputation of being haunted?” There’s nobody in the house but our- “Just the same there was a man, a boy and _ a girl had the nerve to enter a short time after — we finished gettin’ the goods into the cellar. They saw the skeleton in the front hall and the girl seemed to be the only one who was much scared by it. Then that crazy Sandy had to put his foot in it by skylarkin’ with the girl in the road, which caused the young fellow to chase him till he caught him in the yard. Then I had to slug him_to save the kid from a lickin’.” “Of course vou did. And then you helped tie him and carry him down into that bin in the cellar to oblige Sandy, who wanted to leave him here all night by himself, because he thought it would frighten the chap out of his boots. Well, I objected to it on general principles, but what I said didn’t .go, so if any trouble come’ from it it will be up to you.” “What trouble can come from it?” growled the man named Baxter. “Sandy is goin’ to let him #o in the mornin’ after givin’ him a trawhidin’, and that’s all there'll be to it.. Come on, let’s #0 into the entry for the lantern.” While they were talking Jack tiptoed part of the way up the flight of stairs. Baxter started to walk through the door when he tripped ver — the lantern, without breaking it, however, and went sprawling on the floor. He started to swear like a trooper, while his companion struck a match and wanted to know what was the matter. “Matter!” roared Baxter. the lantern in the doorway and I’ve nearly broken my shins over it.” “In the doorway!” exclaimed Larkin. “He told me that he left it against the wall, near the — door.” “He’s. a liar! my path. Pick it up and light it. I hope it ien’t broken.” Merry had retreated the balanc? of the way up the stairs under cover of Baxter’s fall, and now — stood on the landing listening to the men below. Larkin struck a match, declared the lantern was all right, and lit it. about the entry. “Hello,” he cried, “the trap is open!” “Gee!” breathed Jack. the last time I came up.” /“YThat’s more of the kid’s carelessness. ee went down to see the prisoner and forgot to slut it down when he came up. We'll have to dust his whiskers for him,” said Baxter. “I asked him particularly, before we left the = he had closed the trap, and he told me e 1d? heard.” fA “Tf there’s anybody down there we'll knock the daylights out of hina,” replied Baxter, in a *; threatening tone. The two men then’ went down into the cellar, “Now is my time, to skip,” said Jack, gliding +s down: the stairs in his. hess abe feet and maine “Whiy, that kid lefbe It was.in the doorway right in ~ Z ‘Then he threw the light — “I forgot to close it — Maybe _ there’s somebody down the = It would account for the noise you say ie fs

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8 to the kitchen door. where he paused to put on his shoes. _ As he put his hand on the knob of the outer door he heard the trap-door in the entry bang against the wall and the voices of the two rascals coming up the steps. “T haven’t a moment to lose,” breather Merry. “T wouldn’t be surprised but they looked-into the wood bin and found that I had got out.” He opened the door, shut it softly after him and dashed across the yard for the nearest shelter. CHAPTER VI.—The Round-Up. Jumping the fence and dropping behind it he looked back at the house just in time to distin- guish the figures of the two men comin out at the kitchen door. They came a few feet into the yard and looked around, then they walked down to the road and looked around as well as they could in the darkness. The men stood some little time by the road talking, and Merry watch- ed them, wondering what.thev would do next. They finally returned to the house and went in. Jack waited a quarter of an hour longer, and as they did not reappear he decided that they had gone back to the cellar, where they doubtless in- tended to sleep. “Td better be getting on. It must be after midnight. & must go to the village, rouse up the constable and tell him my story. By coming here at once with a couple of his men he’ll be able to catch those two rascals and nail the stolen goods at the same time. Then he can attend to Farmer Maguire and his son afterward.” Jack got on his feet and started for the road. He had a two-mile walk before him - to the roadhouse where he lived, and another half mile “to cover before he reached the constable’s house. He put his best foot forward and cover- -ed the two miles in a little less than half an hour. to Sse you.’ = The roadhouse. was right before him, dark and silent. He turned into the’shore road, as it was called, and started for the more settled part of the village. He had gone but a few steps: when he heard the lively rattle of a light vehicle com- ing on behind him. “Who the dickens is on the road at this hour?” thought Jack, stopping and looking back. He saw that it was a buggy with two men in it. “Can they be the detectives back again?” he asked himself. “I believe they are. I’m going to see, for I’d sooner tell my story to them than to the constable. Besides, it would save me the walk into, the village and back.” Accordingly, Merry ran up to the buggy just as the men alighted. As soon as he was close to them he recognized the two men at once. “Hello!” “exclaimed the stout man. “Who are you? “I’m the boy that lives here,” “Don’t you remember me?” “Oh, yes. You’re the boy who brought the rig answered J ack. around when we left here shortly after dinner. You’re up late, young man. I[ suppose you’ve just come from the village?” “No, sir. I came down the cross road yonder. May I ask you a question?” “Certainly, and we aa probably have a few JACK MERRY’S GRIT “Are you detectives ? 2 “Why do you ask that question?” asked’ the ® stout man, sharply. ‘ “Because I believe you are hunting for some goods that were stolen from a freight car at ae. Waxham siding.” “Ha! What do you know about the matter, young man? Have you seen the wagon?” ; “Yes, sir’ I’ve not only seen the wagon that — carried the goods off, but I know where the ° goods and the thieves are at this moment.” » “You do!” ejaculated the stout man, eagerly. “Let us know all about it. You shall be reward- sed for the information, and if the goods are re- covered you shall be paid $2,000, for that is the amount of the reward which has already been posted for information leading to the capture of the thieves and recovery of. their plunder.” : “Then you are detectives?” said Jack. “I am one of the Shore Line detectives. My — name is Wheeler. This gentleman is Mr. Cook, assistant general freight agent of the same road. We are do here trying to trace the goods stolen fro reight car 2001, at the Wex- ham siding, and if possible to arrest the thieves. Now we will hear your story, if you gee By the way, what is your name?” ' “Jack Merry.” s “We are ready to listen to you, Merry,” said 7 Detective Wheeler, after writing his name in his netebook. E 74 bere? Accordingly, Jack told his story, beginning — -with his run-in with Sandy Maguire at the water trough, when the iiss heavily loaded and cov- ered with a tarpaulin, first came under his ob- servation. He said the two men accompanying — the wagon at the time. had attracted his atten- tion by their tough appearance, and he did not like their looks. After his row with Sandy they — had boarded the wagon and the outfit drove off down the cross road. “You say the wafon belongs to Farmer Owen > Maguire and was driven by his son?” said the — stout man, making a note of the fact in his book. “Yes, sir.” “Very well, go on.” Merry then continued his FoeD from the point — when Mr. Kirby, Daisy and himself saw the light in the haunted house on their way back to the roadhouse from Farmer Stapleton’s, and how — they had stopped ‘to’ investigate it. He told about the skeleton that they discovered in the hall, about his chase of Sandy, about his finding the same wagon standing empty in the yard, and about his being knocked out by a blow from some ye unknown person, who he subsequently found ou was one of the two men who had stopped at the roadhouse. He related hom, when he recovered his senses, he found himself bound and locked in a bin in the cellar. Then followed his interview with Sandy and his subsequent escape. He told % how, impressed with the idea that things were : not just as they should be, he had searched the — house and finally discovered a new bin in the cellar filled with padtkages of merchandise, the character of whose contents he cquld not dete mine. He felt certain, however, that they wer the goods stolen from the freight car. 7 “When I got away from the house the two me were there and I judge they intend to remain — all night in on Siren concluded Merry

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JACK MERRY’S GRIT 9 “J think vou have spotted both the men and _ the goods, young man,” said Detective Wheeler, “and I congratulate you on the excellent chance _ you have of winning the reward offered by the railroad company. Come, Mr. Cook, we must drive to thethead constable’s house and get him out»of bed. Then: we will make arrangements for going to this haunted house with a force suffi- cient to capture the two rascals and regain pos- session of the stolen. property. rou'd better jump in, Merry, and come with us.” _.. They were soon at the constable’s home and had him out of bed in a jiffy. It took but a brief - explanation to get him to fall in with their plans. ‘He hitched up his horse to a light wagon and then hunted up two of the. under constables. The whole party then started for the haunted house. - Jt was now about two in the morning. They reined in under a big oak tree within a short distance of the house. “We'll leave you in charge of the vehicles, Merry,” said the stout detective. “Keep your eye on the front of the house. ‘When you see one of us swing a lantern around in the air it will be the signal for you to drive up the light wagon. Understand ?” “Ves, sir,” replied Jack. Then the five men got over into the adjacent field and quietly approached the haunted house from the rear. : “There'll be something doing in that cellar “pretty soon,” said the boy to himself, as_he watched the constables, detective and freight agent climb the fence, cross the yard and disap- pear behind the building. He kept on the alert for the reappearance of the men and the expected signal. At length he ‘saw them coming around the corner of the build- ing in a bunch, one of them with the lanteyn in his hand. The lantern was swung three times in the air. Jack, who was seated in the constable’s ‘wagon, with the horse and buggy hitched behind, started his horse and drove down to the gate in front of the haunted house. He saw, as he ap- roached; that they had the two men in custody. jth their arms bound behind them, they were Joaded on the wagon, and the head constable took Jack’s place. The stout detective told the boy \e get into the buggy and followed himself. Freigh Agent Cook and one of the constables were left behind to look after the recovered goods. The two thieves were conveyed to the village lock-up 1d put into a cell, Jack being left at the road- house on the way after being instructed by the detective to tell Mr. Kirby that his presence would be required about ten in the morning at the justice’s office. Although all the doors of the xoadhouse were locked, Mervy didn’t have to arouse any of the inmates to get in. All he had te-do was to climb on to the roof of the kitchen, room. E He was soon in bed dreaming of his late ad- - ventures in the haunted house. CHAPTER VII.—Jack Gets the Reward. yr breakfast Jack told Mr. Kirby what had ha’ ened ae at the night, and the old man was ~ ~ and then make his way to the open window ale -yate, Mr. Wheeler, the railroad detective. said “Pve got to appear at the justice’s office this morning to tell my story,” concluded Jack. “T suppose you have no objection.” My. Kirby gave his permission, for he knew the boy would have to go whether he liked it or not. While they were talking the constable’s light wagon passed the roadhouse with two offi- cers having Sandy Maguire and his father in custody. Jack saw them through the window and he chuckled to himself. “Sandy will find that he’s up against it this time for fair,” he thought, as the wagon disap- peared into the village. At a little after nine Detective Wheeler drove up in his buggy. He came after Jack. The boy, got in the vehicle and was driven to the office. of the justice, where cuite a crowd was gathered by this time, the news having spread about the village in a remarkablly short time. A bie wagon, loaded with the stolen property, was drawn up beside the curb. The four prisoners were brought into the room and the examination commenced. A statement of the case, referring merely to the discovery that freight car No. 2001, of the Shore Line Railroad, which had been left at the Wexham siding consigned to a. merchant of that town, had been found by the station agent to have been looted during the night by some parties unknown, who, from the tracks plainly visible about the car, had evidently carried the goods off in a large wagon, was first given by Mr. Cook. Then Jack Merry was brought for- ward and told his story, which proved an en- tertaining one for the crowd present. The pris- oners scowled upon him during the whole time he was in the chair. Detective Wheeler, Mr. Cook, the constable and his assistants followed in order, and when the ‘evidence against the prisoners was all in they were asked by the justice if they had anything to say. Owen Ma- guire swore that he knew nothing at all about the robbery, or that his wagon had been used to carry the stolen property from the siding at Waxham to the haunted house, and defied any one to ‘show that he was in the scheme. Sandy told a story full of contradictions, in which he — tried to justify his connection with the matter, but he did himself more harm than good. The two thieves had nothing to say. The justice decided that there wasn’t sufficient evidence against Owen Maguire to justify his holding him, but the other three were committed for tyridi, Sandy being held as an accomplice. The wagon- load of goods, which consisted of 200 packages of fine silk and velvet dress material, was turned over to the sheriff of the county as evidence to be used against the prisoners at their trial. The stout detective and the freight agent shook hands with Jack when the proceedings were over, and assured him that he would hear from the railroad company in a few days. A report of the affair was, printed in the weekly village paper, which came out that afternoon, and Merry pointed it out to Daisy for her information. To say that the girl was astonished when she read the story would be putting it quite mildly. “Why, Jack,” she said, “if it hadn’t been for you they wouldn’t have caught the robbers ner got back the stolen property!” “T guess that’s right,” replied Merry. “At any

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10 that I was entitled to the reward offered by the company for the recovery of the goods, and that I weuld get it.” “Flow much will you get?” she asked, interest- edly. “He sa‘d the amount was $2,000.” “Two thousand dollars!” ejaculatéd Daisy. to whom such a sum seemed a fortune. “Why, Jack!” “Tf I get it do you know what I’m going to do?” No.” “To begin with, I’m: going to buy some nice, new clothes for both of us.” _ “For me?” cried Daisy, opening her eyes. “Yes. There’s nothing too good for you in my estimation.” “Oh, Jack! You dear, good boy!” and she thréw her arms around :his neck and kissed him. “I do need a new dress and a hat awfully bad.” “You shall have all you want. Then I’m going to quit Mr. Kirby and start into business for “myself.” Daisy’s smiles disappeared at once. “What will I do if you go away, Jack? I'd ‘zather not have clothes, or anything for I’d never take any pleasure in wearing them. I don’t want you to go, Jack. I should be ever so unhappy,” she added tearfully. “Don’t worry, Daisy,” replied Merry, cheerful- ly. “I’m going to take you with me. Will you #0?” “Of course I’d go, but—but——” “But what?” : > “Mrs. Kirby wouldn’t let me.” “Oh, a fis for Mrs. Kirby! This is a free country.” “No, Jack, ’m not free. The poor farm over- seer sioned a paper that gives the Kirbys au- thority over me till I’m of age. They won’t let me go with you, and if I ran. away they could - send the constable after me and have me brought back.” “Ts that so, Daisy? Well, we'll go So far away they'll never get track of either of us.’ “Pm afraid we couldn’t, Jack. Mrs. Kirby would beat me dreadfully when she got me back. and Mr. Kirby. would put you in prison for run- ning off with me.’ “Well, I’m not going to stay here when I get that money, and I’m not going to leave you here to be knocked around by Mrs. Kirby the way she has the habit of doing. That’s all there is about it,” said Jack, resolutely, turning away to attend to his regular duties. . From that moment the boy. began to plan how he could manage to take Daisy away with him when he went. But he found that he had quite a problem on his hands. Nevertheless, with his usual grit, he determined to solve it satisfac- torily. Two days later he received a letter from JACK MERRY’S GRIT the Shore Line Railroad Company, enclosing a. check for $2,000, payable to his order, and a let- ter of thanks signed by the general freight agent ‘of the read. He said nothing to Mr. Kirby about jt, but at the first opportunity went to the village bank, where he was well-known, and asked the cashier to collect it for him. The cashier said he could have the money then if he wanted it, so he took it, receiving three $500 bills, four $100 ones. some smaller bills. When. he got ees Oo Bes roadhouse he hid the money in a corner of his” trunk. That hapnened to be Saturday. Towards evening he told Mrs. Kirby that he had got some — money from the ralroad company, not specifying the amount, as a reward for his services, and that he wanted to take Daisy into the village and make her a present of some new clothes. »Mrs. Kirby, who was a penurious woman, and ‘saw a chance to save money for some time by allowing Jack to spend some of his on the girl, readily. consented. So Jack and Daisy went to the vals lage together, as happy as two turtle doves in — each other’s company. Jack bought Daisy a whole lot of things besides a new ready-made dress, hat and shoes, and then he treated him- self in the clothing line with equal liberality. He also purchased two dress- suit cases, one of Nae a -was for the girl. In fact he used up a good p of a hundred dollars, and considered the money ell spent. When they got back to the road- — ouse, Mrs. Kirby held up her hands in horror 4 at the boy’s extravagance, as she considered it, and she was rather inquisitive to know why he had bought the two suit-cases, “Everybody has them,” explained Jack, “that’ pees I bought one for Daisy and another for my: se mre “They hain’t used except when people go trav- — elin’,” replied the lady, tightening her lips, “and I don’t calculate that neither you nor Daisy is” goin’ visitin’ for a considerable time yet.” ‘ “There’s no reason why they can’t be used to keep things in in the house as well as when on goes traveling. Daisy hasn’t got a trunk, s that suit-case will answer for one as she ‘hasn't, any too much to put in it.” “She don’t need no trunk, nor suit-case, either She’s got a chest of drawets, that’s good enoug You've only been and wasted your money.” — “Well, as long as it’s my money, Mrs, Kirby you needn’t worry. I think a good deal of Daisy, and I didn’t suppose you had any objection to me spending a few dollars on her.” “I hain’t no objection, but I hate to see peopl throw good money away. However, I s’pose kin make use of that suit-case when I visit m: sister Hepsibah.” “Sure. Daisy will loan it to you any time ego visiting.” - Mrs. Kirby was of the opinion that she’d tak it when she felt disposed without going throug the form of borrowing it, but she didn’t say s to Jack. That night when Daisy looked her new dress and hat over in. the seclusion of her room, she felt that she was the happiest girl. in th St and that Jack was the best boy aay, @ ive ‘ } you 3 .: Mr. Kirby never kept his roadhous open Sunday, but Jack alwavs made it a point to ee that the horse trough in front was full of wae so that the summer people at the hotels who w riding on the Sabbath, as many of them d could water thei horses at the trough. Jack attended to this little duty usually after break- fast, which the Kirbys had late on Sunday ing On this particular Sunday Merry was st ing by the trough letting the water run ‘ mies having washed if out, when a

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JACK MERRY’S GRIT ASS he knew very well, came walking up the ’ road with a small basket on his arm. “Hello, Ned,” eried Jack, as soon as he spied the boy, “where are you bound? Fishing off the rocks younder, Ill bet,” he added. _ “Phat’s right,” replied the lad. want to come along?” — “Not much. I get all the fishing I want during the weekdays. I was out three times last week, and there was more business than fun in the aust RiNSi7? ~ “Yes, I cuess so. You fish for mackerel to, sell at the hotels. I s’pose -you’ve heard the news?” “What news?” asked Jack, in some surprise. “Then you haven’t heard?” “Heard what %” “That Sandy Maguire and the two thieves you helped to catch a few days ago broke out of the - county jail some time last night.” ~ “You don’t mean that, do you?” ejaculated Merry, incredulously. Sy vj do mean it. The news is all over the vil- age.” “T can hardly believe it. Ned; you say it’s so, it must be.” ‘ After a short talk on the subject Ned started’ on again for his favorite fishing ground, while ‘Jack ran inside to tell the news to Mr. Kirby. He then carried the intelligence to Daisy, who “was washing up the breakfast dishes in the kitchen. . a “y can’t understand how those chaps could have got out of the county jail,” said Jack. “Prisoners are supposed to be locked up in stout cells with - several officials always on the watchy Those fel- lows, however, worked the trick some ways and I dare say they’ll be “Don’t you but as long as ~ now they’re at large. any rate, I hope so.’ _ The Kibrys had dinner at one o'clock and then announced that they were going to spend the af- -ternoon at the Stapleton farm. They said’ that _ they did not expect to return until after dark, - and that Merry and Daisy could prepare their own tea for. themselves. “Well, if Mr. Kirby thinks I’m going to hang yound the house all the afternoon and watch the old place for him he’s just-as mistaken as if he’d lost his shirt,” said Jack to Daisy after the boss f the shanty and his wife had departed .in the overed buggy. - “But he expects us ‘to, Jack,” replied the girl, a): a was washing the dishes while Merry wiped them. aie don’t care what he expects. ’m worth money “now, and I feel as independent as a hogvon ice. Tow would you like to take a sail with me, aisy? It’s a glorious afternoon, and there’s a andy breeze blowing.” nerd like to go very much, Jack,” replied the 1, with a pleased look; “but I’m afraid Mr. and Mrs. Kirby wouldn’t like it if we left the ouse alone.” “Ho! Don’t you worry about them. « We'll soon be away from their authority, or Tm no rophet.” atters turned out their. stay with the ine plans contemplated. = , are you going with. me?” asked Jack, ‘ last dish was put away. caught before they can get out of the State. At was much shorter eo even Jack’s most 4 “Ye—es, ” replied Daisy, in a wistful, but hesi- tating way. e “All right,” we'll go.” * replied Merry, “get your hat, and He went to his own room, dived down into his | trunk and brought up his money. He wasn’t go- ing to leave that behind him in the roadhouse for fear some thief might break into the place while they were away and go through his trunk. So he took the money and vinned it securely to his pocket. Being thus assured ef its safety, he started with Daisy for the little boat landing where the Kirby sailboat was moored. Jack was a first-class boatman, and Daisy felt per- fectly safe. with him. They sailed away for the monty of the harbor in great spirits, under the influefice of a spanking breeze that sent the boat along at a lively rate. He laid the boat’s course for three islands that lay out on the sparkling bosom of the sea like three gorgeous emeralds. The further they drew away from the shore the more delighted Daisy was with the sail. It was a rare treat for her, because the opportunity was seldom afforded her. “Tt’s nice to be rich, don’t you think, Daisy? Just think how those summer visitors at the hotels here enjoy life. Nothing to do but to eat, drink and be merry all the livelong dav. Maybe some day you’ll marry a rich young fel- low, and then you'll be able to do the grand your- self at a summer resort.” “No, Jack, that will never happen,” replied ~ Daisy, shaking her head. “How do you know you won’t? If you saw some of those dudes at the hotels you’d fall head over heels in love with them right away. They’ve got more style in five minutes than I have in six months. And it’s. the style that catches the girls, too.” “You're good enough for me,” laying her head on his shoulder. " “That’s because’ you haven’t seen any one better in your estimation. However, you rea good little girl, Daisy, and whoever marries you will get a prize.’ “You will always be my brother, Jack, won’t you, yeven if you find a girl you like better than me? “Sure, I will, but I don’t think I will ever like any other eirl better than you. I hope not, at any rate.” “So do I, betause—beearisé T don’t want ‘any she answered, girl to take you away from me,” and she hid her. face in her hands. “Oh, come now, what’s the matter with you? You aren’t crying, are you?” * “No, I’m not—oh, Jack, it would. break my heart if—if. ke “Tf what?” “Tf—I—lost you,” with a sob. “Ym afraid I'll] have te marry you, after all, Daisy, some day,. just to keep you from losing «me, ‘and to keep me from losing you, for I. don’t believe I could get along without you. I’d feel lonescme, that’s why, when I leave the Kirbys, as I’m going to mighty’ soon, I shall carry yoo off with me, even if. I have to steal you.’ ~ “T don’t care if you do run: off with me, if ‘Mr. - and Mrs. Kirby. are never able to find me,” she said, with a wistful smile. — ‘ is “They won’t find either ‘of us, you can gamble il

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12 JACK MERRY’S GRIT | a ‘Leave the girl alone, you little fool,” said Baxter to Sandy. “And let her run away? young Maguire. Baxter wasted no more words on Sandy, but went over and pushed him away from Daisy. “Now, young lady,” he said, “go and sit along- on that. After we get out of the State they will have a sweet time getting us back. Well, here we are now, getting close to the islands. I oftefi fish around here, generally on the seaward side. You ought to see how the mackerel bite when you float into a school of them. You can’t haul them in quick enough. But they’re a mighty skittish fish. They’ll take alarm at most any- Not much!” retorted — ; \ side your friend.” thing, and then, quick as a ‘flash, they’re gone, though a moment before millions of them were skipping about you in every direction.” “J wish I could come out with you some day Daisy obeyed without’a murmur. “Look here,” objected Sandy, “that’s my girls do you understand?” “Shut up and attend to them fish if you don’t fwant me to knock daylight into you,” roared Baxter, in a threatening way. : Sandy subsided and went to the pan in a dis- ~ contented way. The fish were pronounced done, and so the three fell to and ate them with the ravenous appetite of people who had fasted some — time against their wills. When the bones were all picked Baxter ordered Sandy to carry the pan, aboard the sloop and stay there. He added a ~ threat that caused Maguire to decamp in short — order. Then the two men turned their cieee to Jack. .“Now, young feller, this is where we get square with you for buttin’ into matters that didn’t concern you,” said Baxter. “What shall we “dx with him, Jim?” “We might toss him into the water, for one~ thing, and see if he kin float ashore,” suggested Larkin, with a scowl. “No,” replied Baxter, “that’s goin’ too far.” “How about takin’ him in to Boston, and sellin him for a few plunks to the captain of an. out ward-bound vessel? He’d make a good. sailo grinned Larkin, maliciously. “We might do that. And what about the gal We can’t let her go yet awhile. She’d blow on us.” “We'll have to take her along and get rid of her in Boston in a way that wouldn’t put the cop: on our track. We could put her in care of Moth. er Ryan, the boarding-house keeper. She coul be kept a prisoner in the old lady’s house, an held for ransom.” ie The other assented. “That’s what we’ll do with them both hee we can think of somethin’ better before we reach Boston,” said Larkin. “We'll have to tie the . gal’s hands to keep her out of mischief.” - and see you catch them.” “Vd like to have you, but Mrs. Kirby wouldn’t . stand for it.” Daisy knew that was true, and didn’t say any- thing more till Jack ran the sailboat into a small eove and told her he guessed they had time to - go ashore for a few minutes. He stepped out, tied the boat to a rock, and helped her to lana. “Then they walked off hand in hand. As Jack - wanted to show Daisy a few specimens of the . hotel young men, they kept straight on. Present- ly they saw smoke rising in the air. “Tll bet those chaps are having a clam-bake, or something of that sort,” said Jack. “They’d _ sooner eat a rough meal of their own cooking than a first-class dinner at the hotel. That’s where they and I differ.” Jack and Daisy made their way toward the fire, and soon came out into an open space, sur- rounded hy trees, near the shore. The noise they made attracted the attention of three persons seated around the fire, above the hot coals of which several fish were sizzling in a pan. The three in question—two men and a boy—sprang to their feet in some alarm, and were on the point of making a rush for the little sloop moored close to the beach, when they recognized the intruders. “Why, it’s that mutt, Jack Merry, and Daisy Kent, ” eried the voice of Sandy Maguire. “Let’s nab ’em. We owe that lobster a whole lot for : Lag us up. You tackle him and I’ll grab the gir’ Before Jack recovered from the unpleasant surprise occasioned by this unexpected encounter, he and Daisy were in the hands of the Philistines. CHAPTER IX.—Aboard the Sloop. “are these men going to take us away “wit them?” “T'm afraid they are,” replied the boy. “By keep up your courage. We'll find a way somehow to give thom the slip before they will have the chance to harm either of us.” He spoke cheerfully to keep up the pirl’s cot age, but he was by no means so confident getting away from the rascals as he pretended “But what will Mrs. Kirby say when I get back? She’ll give me a beating and maybe lock me up in my room for a week, like she eae ge “Don’t you worry about Mrs. “So, young feller; we’ve got you, have we?” exclaimed Buck Baxter, as he and his associate, Jim Larkin, got a firm grip on Merry. At the same moment Sandv laid hold of Daisy, but the girl this time mustered up enough cour- age to give him a swinging slap in the face. “Wow!” cried Sandy, angrily. “What do you mean by hittin’ me, you little wildcat?” Jack tried to break away from the escaped erooks, but failed. They tripped him up and sat upon him. : “You hold him, Jim, till I get, a rope to tie him with,” said Baxter, starting for the sloop. Larkin had his*hands full doing it, but as he was stronger and bigger than Jack, he managed - to hold his own. Finally Baxter got back with rope and between them they tei Jack so he was - practically helpless. ; the Kirbys any more, I sha’n’t go. back and IL mean to keep you with me.” ~~ Daisy made no reply. She wasn’t, ouite in her mind as tay how - “such an arrange:

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Ya JACK MERRY’S GRIT would work when it was put to a test. She stood in great terror of the lady of the Kirby household, and had an idea that Mrs. Kirby would find her out even if she went to the other end of the world. The two rascals finished their pipes, took a look at the declining sun, which was - setting behind a thin veil of haze, and then order- ed the two young people to get on their feet and walk down to the shore. the rise of the small trunk cabin smoking a cig- arette, and he looked grumpy enough to sour milk. He had come to the conclusion that Baxter and Larkin were not the kind of men he cared to associate with. He almost wished that he was back in jail with the chances of going to some reformatory ahead of him. He was fully - determined to break away from the men at the first good chance. What he would do after that _ he didn’t know. He couldn’t go back to the farm, - that was certain. When he thought he was a safe distance from the scene of his late trouble > he intended to write to his father for money, and when he got it he would go out West and see what he could do there. The sloop lay about twenty feet from the beach. _ “Here, kid, fetch the boat ashore,” shouted _ Baxter to Sandy. . Maguire obeyed the order with no very amia- ~ ple expression on his freckled face. “Step in, vou two,” said Baxter to the prison- ers, in a tone that compelled their compliance with the order. . The two men followed, and then Sandy pushed the boat off to the sloop with one of the oars. “Get aboard,” ordered Baxter, looking at Jack. ‘The boy did so, and Larkin assisted Daisy over . the low side. The ‘prisoners were marched into he cabin and left to themselves, while Baxter, ho seemed to be something of a sailor, proceed- ed to get the boat under weigh with the help of his companions. Then he took charge of the iiler and laid his course, as near as he knew ow, for Boston . harbor. Jack and Daisy, left o themselves, sat on a bunk on one side of the essel. The door of the cabin, looking forward, vith its tarnished brass-bound steps leading up © the deck, had been left open, but they could- *t see anything save a kind of bulkhead beyond hem. The mainsail and jib, well reefed, had ‘beenspread to the stiff breeze, and the sloop leaned well over under the weight of the wind. - _ “Daisy, did they tie your hands tight?” asked ack. “Try and see if you can work them loose.” ‘Pm afraid I can’t, Jack,” she answered. “Try, anyway. I don’t propose to give up the ip until I’m at the end of my*rope. If vou a can free your hands Jl] show you how you can ‘et my arms loose, too.” Thus encouraged, Daisy tried her best to re- herself from the rope which held her wrists ether. While she was thus engaged Sandy came down into the cabin with another cigarette ‘in ‘his mouth. He stopped for a moment at the ntrance and looked back, then came to where the prisoners were seated. : j ““Those chaps ain’t goin’ to do a thing to you when they get in to Boston,” he said, darkly, without his former air of triumph. *pose you came down to crow over us,” re- k, resentfully. “It’s like you to do such t t Sandy was sitting on_ 13 _ “No, I didn’t. I’m dead sore on them, and I’d - like to get square. They ain’t treatin’ me right. They kick me.around as if I didn’t have no feelin’s. I’d stand in with you if I could see any way of doin’ them up.” “You would?” replied Merry, in some surprise. “Yes, I would. I hate ’em!” If the tone of his voice meant anything he cer- tainly showed no friendly feeline for the two crooks on the deck above. Jack looked at him as if he wasn’t quite sure that he could trust the young rascal who had always been: his enemy. Still Sandy appeared to be in éarnest, and Merry had seen Baxter and his companion treat Ma- guire without much consideration. Sandy's grouch against his tough companions apparently overshadowed his personal feelings against Merry, and he appeared to be in a humor for joining issue with the prisoners if he could do so without any great risk to himself. “Well,” said Jack, “if you’re in earnest just fanloosen Daisy’s hands.” “J dunno as I dare,” replied Sandy, doubtfully. “They'd kick the stuffin’ out-of me if they knew I did it.” ° “Well, you needn’t let her loose. Just ease the rope up so it won’t hurt her hands so much.” Sandy consented to do this. “Tf I only knew some way by which I could get square with ghose fellers and you could help - me, I’d let you loose,” said Sandy, as he eased up the rope about the girl’s wrists. “Tf I was free I’d find a way. I’m not afraid _ of either or both of them on ayrv kind of even terms. One of them has got to stand by the wheel in this wind. Suppose the other came down here to look at us, We could both knock him out in no time and that would leave the other chap at our mercy.” , : _Sandy, however, didn’t have pluck enough to risk a fight with either. They had thoroughly intimidated him, and he was afraid of his life of both. Not so Jack. He was plucky enough to have tackled either, even at a_ disadvantage to himself. At that moment Larkin stuck his head down the Companionway and wanted to know what Sandy was doing in the cabin. ‘ “Come on deck right away, you little sea cook,” he roared, “or I'll give you a h’ist with my boot!” Sandy didn’t stand on the order of his going. CHAPTER X.—Cast Ashore. As soon as Sandy disappeared up the steps, Jack said: _“He hasn’t got spunk enough to last him over night. I’m sure if he had any backbone at-all the pair of us could manage to knock those chaps out one at a time. Can vou get your hands out of that rope now, Daisy?” é : +The girl tried and easily succeeded. “Good,” said Jack. my right trousers pocket, pull out my knife and eut the rope holding my hands.” Daisy followed his directions, and inside of a few minutes Merry was free. By this time it — was growing dark, and the wind appeared to — ‘had inereased to a small gale. The sloop was - jumping ‘over the choppy sea at a lively gait “Now put your hand into |

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it; and leaning well to the leeward. The first thing Merry did was to look around the cabin for some- thing that might answer as a weapon, for he was determined to put up a stiff fight against the crooks. The sloop was a small coaster that the rascals had evidently boarded in the night after their escape from the Wexham jail and put to sea in her without taking the trouble to ask the owner’s permission. Bexter seemed to be com- petent to handle her, but whether Larkin had any marine knowledge was a matter of doubt. However, Boston wasn’t much over 100 miles away by water, if they took the shortest course, and with fair luck they stood a good show of yeaching theirv destination. Jack looked through “one of the lockers and found a policeman’s billy under a pile of rough clothing. ; -“That’s just the thing to lay,a man out with,” he said, showing it to Daisy. “Now, if one of those rascals comes down here I'll give him a taste of it.” Night eradually came on and brought with it a further increase of the wind. “Oh, dear, I feel so ill!” said the girl, who was » now white as a sheet from seasickness, which had | pa coming on her eyer since the sloop began to roll., é “I’m dead sorry for you, Daisy. I know what . you are up against, but you'll have to grin and bear it as best you can.” _ 3 arn - “Oh, Jack, Jack, I believe I’m going to die!’ she moaned, after he had laid her in a bunk. ~~ “Nonsense! You’re just seasick, that’s all, but it’s a fierce complaint while it lasts.” - There was somebody else seasick on board, too, and that was Sandy Maguire. He was lying on the deck, between the rise of the low poop, or roof of the cabin. and the. wheel behind which Bexter and Larkin were standing, groaning as if life had lost all charms for him. As the pitching of the sloop increased he stood some danger of sliding overboard, observing which Baxter told ‘his companion to drag him down into the cabin. Merry was’ rather surprised to hear an object come rolling down the steps, land at the foot in a heap and lie there inert,.all the while emitting the most dismal sounds imaginable... It was so dark now that Jack couldn’t see what it was, but he judged that it must be Sandy, for the dolorous > sounds showed ‘that it. was alive. “He’s sick, too,” chuckled Merry, as he steadied himself by holding on to the bunk where Daisy lay, feeling more dead than alive. - Sandy made no effort to alter his position at * the foot of the steps, so Jack went over to him ‘and, finding him all bunched up, raised him in his arms and carried him, as limp as a rag, to the other bunk, and tumbled him into it. “It looks to me as if the weather was growing’ worse and worse,” he said to himself. “I hope those chaps will keep the sloop right side up, for if she was to go clean over none of us would stand much of a show for our lives.” Jack climbed up the steps and looked forward. He saw that both the jib and mainsail were » double-reefed, but even that reduced canvas ‘seemed too much for the sloop. As a matter of faét, Baxter was aware that he was carrying toa much sail under the circumstances, but he dared not leave the wheel in Larkin’s charge in -exder to reduce it, nor was his companion com- \ bn SF + . rs ae ee JACK MERRY’S GRIT ls petent to take it in himself, so things had to go as they were. To make matters worse the sailor, crook had lost his bearings in the darkness that shrouded the sea and overcast sky in an, impene-_ trable gloom, and he could only trust to luck for plenty of sea room. It happened, unfortunately, that he was driving straight on a most inhospita- ble stretch of the New England coast. The wind was helping him on to destruction. too, for it 3 was blowing dead on shore. There was no look- out ahead whose sharp eye would probably have detected the white line of surf as it beat upon. ~— the rocks, though hardly in time to have saved — the little vessel, for it would have been next to - ~ impossible to beat out to sea again from that lee shore. Thus the sloop rushed on to her fate. Suddenly Baxter made out the line of surf him- self, and its dull roar came to his ears during a lull in the gale. He uttered an imprecation and whirled the wheel around. As the sloop swung about the wind, swooning down on her, earried < her over almost on her beam ends. Larkin went — over into the sea like a flash, and Baxter, swept — from the wheel, followed him. The wheel turned _ back when released from his grip and the vessel ~ righted herself, and was swept right in on the rocks, covered at one moment by the tumultuous |. waters, and then. pouring down.cascades from ~ their sides as the waves receeded. = It seemed as if another moment would not only seal the fate of the craft, but that of the three unconscious inmates of the little cabin. The sud- den careening of the sloop had taken Jack off his feet, and’ he fell alongside the locker under- neath the bunk on which Daisy lay. The girl , herself was cast against the side of the cabin, while the miserable Sandy was dumped out of his berth on top of Merry. The vessel took probably a ton of water aboard over her lee side, a when it came rushing down into the cabin, like a minature waterfall, and set the place awash, Jack gave himself and his companions up for. lost. Surely they were foundering out in the wilt sea. But no—the sloop swept up into the wind and darted. ahead again. Jack did not know, though, that a long stretch of rocky shore lay — right across her path. A kindly Providence, however, was watching over their young lives at that moment. There was only one spot for more than a mile up and down that coast where th®y had the ghost of a chance for escape—that was. a chasm in the rocks dead ahead. A great wave — following the sloop lifted and flung her, straight as an arrow, right into that large cleft, the sides of which were nearly perpendicular. Nothin else could have saved them, as, had they struck — the rock outside, the little craft would have been dashed to pieces, and its fragments, with thos in the cabin, have disappeared in the undertow. As it was, the cleft was not four feet more than the width of the sloop, and as the waves hurled her up into it, the boom was thrown fore an aft }with great violence, causing the mast t snap short off, the whole wreck falling across the cabin_ entrance, making prisoners’ of those below for the time being. Fay * ote a CHAPTER XI—The Chasm In. the Cliffs. Jack had just pushed Sandy away from and was staggering to his feet when the

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at shock came, and he and Sandy performed a few odd circus tricks before they fetched up against JACK MERRY’S GRIT the stern-post of the sloop and lay there half - stunned in a foot of water. Daisy had been tumbled all into a heap in her bunk and she lay there shivering with terror, which almost got the better of her seasickness. She was con- scious that something dreadful had happened, for - the motion of the sloop had now ceased com- pletely. At the same time the thunder of the -surf at the base of the rocks filled her ears, * which, mingled with the shriek of the wind as it ~ swept into the chasm, convinced her that her ‘Jast hour had come. Another great wave, strik- jing the stern of the sloop, jarred the craft from stem to stern arid pushed her further into the cleft. Wave after wave succeeded, but their “effect on the craft was as nothing compared with swhat had gone before. As Jack pulled himself together he realized that the sloop was ashore ‘somewhere. He got on his feet, for the cabin “was almost on a level keel, though inclined some- ‘what upward in the direction of her bows. He, - too, heard the roar of the surf, but- the “sound was only what he expected under the circum- stances. Reaching around in the darkness, he , praeries Sandy by the collar and tried to raise im. “Brace up, will you! We’re on the rocks uulder. : ; Oh, Jack, is that you?” she answered, in a eek voice, grasping him convulsively by the arm. “Don’t leave me!” - “You're not hurt, are -you?” he asked, with yme anxiety. ‘ : ety don't Enow but I’m dreadfully frightened. at has happened?” “The sloop has gone ashore somewhere on the coast. Don’t you hear the surf?” “7 hear a terrible roaring. I thought we were ing down into the ocean.” eK fe 2-2 among the rocks, I’m sure, but it’s 1 - the waves don’t seem to be beating st se vessel to any extent. Only upon stera, and not so hard at that.” yessel struck, and then something fell on the k above. I thought the roof was caving in. hat was the mast, I guess, which broke: off. u are sure that you’re not injured in any easy)? : / ’ - “Yes. I’m only sick and weak,” she replied. ell, lie still till I go on deck and take a look round. ‘Those two rascals must have been swept ; ard, or on to the rocks, else. they had wit here, I should think, before this.” . te to have you leave me, Jack,” said wistfully. ‘ }’ve got to see how things stand. It may vy for us to get away from the sloop possible in order ta save our lives, Bay ! ‘Oh, Jack, that was a terrible crash when the - though as. far as I ean make out we seem te be out of immediate danger.” He fumbled around in his pocket for his match- safe, which was practically water-tight, opened it, took out a match and struck it on the bunk. The blue flame lighted up the cabin with a ghost- ly sort of glow. There was nothing the matter with the place outside the pool of water around the sternpost.' Merry went to the companion ladder and started to reach the deck. He soon found an obstacle in his path. This was the canvas of the mainsail, which covered a large part of the deck. Jack couldn’t find an opening anywhere, and he found it impossible to drag the sail aside so he could get out. There was only one thine to do, and that was to cut it, so he whipped out his jaekknife and soon slit a square hole. large enough to permit him to get out. Pushing his head and shoulders -through, he could dimly make out that the sloop was stuck into a chasm of a great, rock wall, whose sides towered sky- ward and-were lost in the darkness. Rising high- er, so that“he could look over the trunk roof of the cabin, he could see ridges of white froth rolling in from the ocean, dashing themselves on the rocks and covering the sloop, himself in- cluded, with clouds of spray. ; “The sloop is evidently high and fast upon the rocks,” decided Jack, “and not in any im- mediate danger of going to pieces. We've had a most remarkable escape. I guess. Baxter and his pal are out of business for good, for there’s no sign of either on deck. getting all that’s coming to them by this time. I don’t see that the three of us can do anything better than remain in the cabin until morning. We'll be safe enough there.” When he returned to the cabin he lit another match and took a second survey of the place. He was uncommonly well pleased to find a lan- tern ‘ready for lighting hanging near the stern- post. He took it down, lighted it and hung it up again. This dispersed the gloom and made © the cabin quite cheerful. Then he looked at his companions. The stoppage of the vessel showed an improvement in their conditions. Both were fast asleep—Sandy snoring like fun. not feel very comfortable, with his lower gar- ments sodden and wet about his limbs, so he thought he would remedy the matter if he could. “There must be a small galley forward under the deck. my clothes,” he thought. He made his way to the bows over the wreck- age, found and uncovered a scuttle hole, and dropping through it, discovered a narrow room, coming to a point at the heel of the bowsprit, furnished with two rude bunks, a small cooking stove and a collection of pans and other articles eennected with a cooking department. There was a supply of kindling wood and coal in a box, and so Merry presently had a bright fire burning, close to which he hung his pants and such other garments as happened to be wet. He placed his soaked shoes under the stove, and then lay down on one of the bunks to wait — till his things were dry enough to put on again. Rolling himself up in a blanket he began to muse upon his latest adventure. The monoton- py Jack did Ill go there, start a fire and dry ous roll of the surf and the whistling wind soon - i - - r- ee ¥ They’re probably. i a

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16 had a lulling effect upon his senses, and before long the somolent god Morpheus had him tightly clasped in his elutches. The next thine he knew was that-it was bright daylight. “My gracious!” he exclaimed, “I must have slept several hours. Here it is morning.” He hustled into his clothes and sprang out on deck to take a good survey of the situation of the wreck. He found the sloop in about the posi- tion he had figured on the night before—cast into. a cleft of the cliffs which at this point rose _ all of a hundred and fifty feet above the level of the sea. He could not tell just what part of the coast it was they were cast away on, but judged that it was a considerable distance to the -east of Boston. Looking out through the open- ing of the rocky cleft, he saw that the ocean was still roughly agitated after the late gale. Wave after wave rushed in and lashed the shore as if it meant to bore its way through under the Ayase of the cliffs. While he stood gazing about ‘upon the seascape he saw Sandy Maguire’s head rise through the hole in the canvas that he had ’ eut away the night before. The little rascal looked around in no little astonishment, and finally emerging altogether from the | cabin scuttle, he approached Merry. 2 “Well,” remarked Jack, “I see you’re on deck again in two»senses of the term.” “We're wrecked, aren’t we?” Where’s Baxter and Larkin?” He looked around in a way that showed he -was not anxious to meet them again. “You know as much about the matter as I do,” replied Jack. : “*ren’t they aboard the sloop?” “No. They disappeared, I guess, about the time the sloop struck.” 2 “Then, they’re dead?” said Sandy, in a tone of satisfaction. ; “If they aren’t they must have as many lives as a cat. Is Daisy awake?” ~— Sandy shook: his head. “Whereabouts are we?” he asked. “Somewhere along the coast.” “What part of the coast?” “I give it up.” as “How are we goin’ to get out of this, hole?” “Climb out, I should say.” “What! Climb up them tall rocks?” “T don’t see how else we’re going to leave the place. If we had a balloon we might sail out, but as we haven’t we'll have to get out the best way we can.” “I never could climb up there,” said Sandy, with a fearful glance upward. “Can’t we get out by the beach ?,” “T don’t see any beach in the neighborhood— nothing but foam-covered rocks.” “Oh, lor’ I wish I had somethin’ to eat.” “I wouldn’t object to a porterhouse steak and fixings myself,” grinned Jack. “Well, Ym going below to rouse Daisy out. She’s slept long _ snough.” q : -\ He found the girl just opening her eves. “How do you» feel this morning, Daisy?” he asked. : - Z _"*f feel pretty good, Jack.” she replied. “Is {t morning?” | he answered. = ‘deck with” me.” * t=, JACK MERRY’S GRIT iuoane a at? it is. ‘Tumble out and come on “That's what it is umble out ‘said Jack, hopefully. “Then we’ll he able ta She was amazed at the sight that met her eyes when he led her up the companion ladder. After many exclamations: of astonishment she — wanted to know how they were going to escape from their predicament. Jack told her that the only way was by the cliff. 5 5 “T never can climb up there,” she said. “That’s what Sandy says, but I guess you both will manage to do it.” 3 Merry had already studied. the face of rock, and he pointed out a rough path by which he | figured the ascent might be accomplished. = “Tl help you, Daisy, and I think we had better start at once, as nothing is to be gained by re- maining here.” _ : o Of course the girl was willing.to go anywhere — that Jack went, for -she had the greatest con- ~ fidence in his judgment, so Merry led her off.tha sloop on to the rocks, and they began the risky — climp together. Sandy, not desirous of remain- ing alone on the wreck, followed their example with a somewhat quaking heart. ; f CHAPTER XII.—Dr. Edward Branch. re Jack, with his arm around Daisy, gradually climbed the precipitous side of the cliff, and after a quarter of an hour of severe toil, arrived at the summit, when they sat down on a boulder to recover themselves.. Looking down, they could — see Sandy, slowly and laboriously, following in their footsteps. The sky was clear, the sun an hour high above the distant watery horizon, and the wind was blowing a six-knot breeze. 2 “Tt’s my opinion, Daisy,” said Merry, as he surveyed the depths below, and the expanse of troubled water beyond, “that we’re just as well out of that.” ; ‘: The girl agreed with him, of course, and then — asked in what direction they- were to go. ; “Straight inland. I should say,” he answered. “The prospect from here of a long tramp be- fore we strike civilization looks good. But, still you can’t tell. We may run across a farm be-) — yond thht rise.” sag The outlook was certainly not encouraging. On one side was the surging ocean, on all other sides a vast expanse of barren, hilly ground which formed the top of the cliffs. By thistime Sandy — reached the summit and threw himself, quite ex- hausted, on the ground. Jack and Daicy were — ready to proceed, but waited for Maguire to re- cover himself. ae oer “Come on, Sandy, brace up!” said Jack at — Rie “It’s time we were looking for our break- ast.” , “ Sie The word breakfast galvanized the young ras- al ‘into action, for he was desperately hungry. hey proceeded ever a flat stretch of verdureless ground and then began to descend a gentle i declivity. As they continued their walk inland they came to a road, and Jack regarded this asa favorable sign that they might shortly expect — to reach a house. They turned into it, and-after proceeding for perhaps a quarter of a mile, they saw a thin whisp of smoke rising above a grove ~ of stunted pines where the road turned off to the right. et 2 “I puess we'll find a house beyond those trees, ok t

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JACK MERRY’S GRIT out where we are, and probably get something to eat.” ; “T don’t care where we aré as long as I can get somethin’ to fiill up on,” said Sandy, licking his hungry chops in anticipation of a meal. They hastened their steps somewhat and finally reached the turn in the road. Here they got a better view of the surrounding landscape, and made out green fields and pastures in the dis- tance, with plenty of trees, but no houses. The house they had expected to find beyond the trees was not there, but, instead, they saw before © them, drawn well out of the road, a kind of covered caravan, not unlike a prairie “schooner,” with a pair of horses staked out on the grass, _and a big dog lying beneath the-wagon. A mid- dle-aged man of somewhat imposing appearance, attired in a curious, long dressing-gown, and a kind of Turkish smoking-cap, was bending over a fire kindled on the grass, whereon a huge coffee-pot was simmering gently. The man was ‘singing to himself as he broiled some pieces of bacon on a gridiron, and he made a rather odd picture in that solitary situation. “Gee! What have we here?” ejaculated Merry, while Daisy looked her surprise. At that moment the dog, perceiving their ap- proach, sprang to his feet and rushed at them, barking furiously. This attracted the man’s at- tention, and turning partly around, he looked at them over his shoulder. Jack didn’t like the war- like attitude of the dog, who looked big and/ ' savage enough to make a meal off the three of them, so he picked up the broken limb of a tree and placed himself in a posture of defense.” ‘ A sharp whistle from the crouching man brought the animal to a growling halt, which, being fol- lowed by a™*word of comman, caused the beast 'to return to his master rather unwillingly. The young people were disappointed in not finding a - house and a possible breakfast. Sandy felt par- ticularly downcast, for a whiff of the frying bacon reaching his nose set his appetite on such ‘an edge that the expression on his face looked like that of a famished hyena. : : “T’ll have to speak this this man,” said Jack “He’s a traveling quack, judging from the: sign on the canvas covering the wagon. He ought to be well acquainted with the country around _ about,” z Leaving his companions in the road, Merry ad- 'vaneed with some caution. for he entertained a wholesome respect for the dog. The strange man _ rose to his feet, frying-pan in hand, and awaited “+ the boy’s approach with some curiosity. His ap- pearance was now. tall, well built and somewhat commanding. His eyes were dark’and piercing, and he was smoothly shaven. “Good-morning, sir” said Jack, politely. ~ “Good-morning, young man. You three young people are aboard early. I see you come from ‘the direction of the cliffs. I wasn’t aware there were any houses for many miles in that direc- ~ tion.” ‘ _, “We haven’t seen any, that’s why we are walk- ing this way.” : _ “Indeed,” replied the man, eyeing Merry curi- _ ously. “May I inquire where you live?” _ _ “Well, we have been living in the village of - Barmouth, some miles down the coast, but we ~ - gre making a change.” ~~ “ X es A - . 17 “Barmouth, eh? I know the place. I stopped there Saturday. It is all of thirty miles from here. So you’ve been living there and you say you’re on the move. Do you mean to say you | have walked all the way to this point, and by the cliff road?” : “Well, hardly that. We came by a sloop as far as a chasm in the rocks along the shore, then, as the vessel was wrecked there last night, there was nothing for us to do but climb the cliff and try to find our way to the nearest town of village. Perhaps you will be so kind as to © direct us. You seem to be a traveling doctor, and probably you know the lay of the land . around here. It will be a great favor, as we haven’t the silghtest idea where we shall be able to find even a farmhouse.” ; The strange man appeared to be terested in Jack’s statement. “If what you tell me is the truth, you appear to be in hard luck. ‘And you have a girl with you, too, You'd better stop and have break- fast with me. I am bound for the village of Whitefield, some miles distant, and it will give me pleasure to give you a ride as far as that place, or even further, if you have no settled plans to your destination.” “T.am very much obliged to you for the invita- tion and promise of a ride, and we will gladly accept your hospitality if we do not put vou to too much trouble.” “Don’t mention such a thing,’ young man. I ~ am a citizen of the world—that is, I am always on the move. The wagon represents my home and my business. My name is Dr. Edward Branch: To my intimates I am known as Doc. You may address me by the latter, but not in public. I hold a diploma from the Philadelphia College of Medicine, so you see I am not ab- solutely a quack, though doubtless my brother physicians would style me one, owing to the un- professional method I am taking to relieve the various ills that flesh is heir to. I have invented a number of nostrums which I compound myself, en route, and sell at first hand among the people. It is my ambition to accumulate a sufficient fund that will enable me to locate permanently in some large town where I can start a laboratory for the manufacture and sale through the trade of my different preparations. There is a fortune init, but it takes money to make money, and therefore I have been obliged to go slow. What 1s your name, young man?” “My name is Jack Merry, sir. Iam an orphan, and so is my_ girl companion, whose name is Pes Daisy Kent. The boy standing in the road with - i her is Sandy Maguire, whose father) is a faymer as near Barmouth. There are good reasons why : it would not be well for him to returz co his home, which it is possibly I may mention later. I hope, however, you will not turn him down on that account, for though he has not been a friend to Daisy and myself* we intend to stand by him for the present.” “J never meddle with matters that do not con- cern me, young man. Go and bring up your ~~ companions. I will have an additional supply of re: bacon put on the gridiron, and a fresh pot of coffee made to supply your immediate wants.” Accordingly, Jack returned to the place where greatly in- A ie

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- Daisy and Sandy were standing, and told them that Dr. Edward Branch had invited them all to ' partake of his al fresco breakfast, after which he had promised them a lift as far as the village , of Whitefield, or possibly further, if they wished ~to go on, Sandy was in esctasy when he heard that he stood a good chance of getting something to eat, and impatiently took the lead up ‘to the fire. Jack introduced his companions individu- ally to the traveling physician, and the doctor _ welcomed them to such hospitality as he had to offer. As a preliminary to the feast the doctor _ distributed three tin cups of hot coffee to his _ hundry guests, and then proceeded to make a fresh supply.. He cut some more bread and hand- _. ed the already cooked bacon to Daisy and Jack. - Merry, however, said he would wait and eat with ~ the doctor, as he knew Sandy was famished, and that it would only be adding to his torture to see the food disappear before his eyes. Dr. Branch regarded Jack’s self-denial with much favor, and -- instantly took a great fancy to him. The doctor did not spare his provender, and when the meal was finished everybody had eaten as much as Daisy volunteered to wash up the “few dishes that figured in the meal, and the “physician accepted her services. with an encour- aging smile. He asked both Jack and the girl -many questions while they were eating, and their replies had suggested a plan to his mind. While Daisy was heating a pan of water over the “replenished fire in which to wash the dishes and gridiron, and Sandy was taking solace in a cigarette, the doctor took Jack aside and laid his _ idea before him. -. “Young man, how would you and Miss Daisy- like to enter my employ for a while? I am in great need of a boy to help me compound my various remedies. The one I had took French leave about a week ago, and his loss has oc- -casioned me considerable. inconvenience, and. I may say also a loss of trade, for he was an admirable singer and mimic, and always drew a crowd by his inimitable performance. Now, I could make use of Miss Daisy, I think, as a draw- ing card. She has a sweet and attractive face, and if she can sing at all I will be able to de- velop her talent in that direction to a consider- able extent,-and I have no doubt I shall be able to find some latent ability in yourself. By vour own statement neither of you have a home or any settled plan of action as yet. I*think you ‘ean’t do better than take up with my proposition. I will pay you a fair wage, and your expenses will be nil. What do you say?” _ Jack was taken by surprise, and for a moment remained silent. With the sum of $1,900 in his possession he was in a more independent position than the traveling doctor dreamed of. At the -» same time Merry had no very clear idea how he - would be able to utilize that money to the best advantage. In thinking the matter over he had pout concluded that the mosé sensible thing for im to do was to find a job first and not risk ae ~~ they wished. ‘Then there was novelty in it. They would ‘up with chests of drawers, a couple of bunks, a _ ‘A piece of white canvas, on which was JACK MERRY’S GRIT have a chance to see a bit of the world «* the doctor’s expense, and he could nick up a ivt_ of experience that would be of great assistance in— the future. - , “I'll speak to Daisy about it,” he said to the doctor. “If she’s willing to go with you, and you can provide suitable acéommodations for — her, it is likely Ill agree to make a trial of it.” This was satisfactory to him, and so Jack broached the matter to his fair companion. i “I'm willing to go wherever you go, Jack.” she. said trustfully. “I know you will protect me, and I could not bear to be separted from you.” “All right,” replied Merry, and he closed ar- rangements with the doctor. : He then confided tothe doctor the cixeum- Stances surrounding Sandy Maguire, and asked him if he would help him to escape into another ' State. Me “IT am afraid I should be breaking the law by giving assistance to an escaped prisoner.” he- said; “but as I am not supposed to know his true character I guess I, can afford to stretch a point as a favor to you.” Elbe tnesins So it was decided to take Sandy with them for the present. The morning was spent by the doctor in trying Daisy’s voice, which he found to be admirably adapted to his purpose, and teaching her a couple of songs to the accompani- ment of a banjo, in the playing of which he was an expert. Finding that Jack was also a good singer, he arranged a duet for them, which they were to learn and practice later. He likewise. — instructed Merry in a dialogue that he and the ~— boy were to indulge in for the entertainment of a crowd after it was collected. Daisy and the ~ doctor prepared the noon-day meal together, and _ after it was eaten Jack and .Sandy harnessed ~~ up the team and the doctor started on the road — to Whitefield. — neh CHAPTER XIU —How Dr. Branch ; Did. Business. : =e The interior of the roomy wagon was fitted "2 collapsible table. two camp chairs, a good-sized _ oil stove on which the doctor usually cooked his — meals, though when the opportunity offered he preferred the more primitive out-door style, and also heated the ingredients used in the composi-_ tion of his nostrums, a mortar and pastle, and various other ‘things. Daisy and Jack sat on © the front seat with Dr. Branch, while Sandy was perfectly contented to ride behind with his legs dangling out and his customary cigarette in. stay in Whitefield, as a description of his per- son might be in the hands of the constables, who would be only too glad to arrest him and earry him back to Wexham, as they would no doubt make something by it. Accordingly, as soon as they entered the main street, the voung rascal became invisible, ard was not seen again for some hours. The ¢ ’ drove up in front. the postoffice and c+» a halt.- A small plat form was unshipped from the bottom of the. wagon and placed at the rear end of the vehicle

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JACK MERRY’S GRIT the doctor’s name and the .nostrums he was offering a suffering public, was placed around it so as to make an enclosed space two feet high, which the doctor, in a flowing robe and white beard and flowing wig, took possession of with a camp chair and his banjo. He played several lively tunes in fine style, and then sang jn a splendid, mellow voice a darky song, that ‘eaught the gathering crowd’ at once. Jack then brought out the table, which was concealed by a black cloth covered with stars, crescents and odd hieroglyphies in gold, on which was a ma- ‘hogany box containing samples of his stock-in- trade. Jack was dressed in the oriental gar- ments of his predecessor, which set off his good looks as well as to cause a flutter among the village girls who. came that way. “Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye! I am the re- nowned and only Dr. Edward Branch, late phy- sician extraordinary to the, Sutan of all the - Turkies, now making, a tour df the United States of America on a mission of benevolence to the people at large,” began the doctor, following, with much more to the same effect. oe : : Then he proceeded to call attention to the vari- ous remedies he had for sale at the low price of twenty-five cents a bottle or box, but which, he assured his audience, were compounded of such rare and valuable ingredients, only to be found in the wilds of Thibet, Hindostan and Chinese Tartray, and which he had brought to America with him, ,as to be absolutely and with- out contradiction worth their weight in, solid gold. The doctor succeeded in disposing of sev- eral dollars’ worth of his stuff, and finding that the crowd was thinning out, he brought Daisy out and exhibited her to the admiring passers-by. - Sitting within the wagon he began an accompanti- ment and the girl sane one of her songs with such effect as to attract a fresh crowd. Then the doctor went outside, and making a new har- -angue, sold a couple more dollars’ worth of his ~ medicines: It happened that a chap*on his way to the dentist’s came by with his jaw in a sling. The doctor spied him at once. “Have you the toothache, my friend?” he in- quired. : — The young fellow admitted that he had a ~ corker. a “And you are going to the dentist’s, 1: sup- pose?” continued the doctor. ~The young man said he was, but wished he wasn’t. ; Shae “Come here, and permit me to examine vour ooth. I will stop your toothache so quick that u won't know you ever had one. My infallible othache remedy is a wonder in its way, and sha’n’t charge you a cent for the demonstra- on. If I do not cure you instantly in the presence of these intelligent citizens of White- field, I will admit that there is something wrong with my method.” , ; ie The doctor.took a bottle of his stuff, a piece of otton in his fingers, and jumped to the ground. he patient looked nervous and declared he was ffering great pain. : “J hope you won’t hurt me,” he said. | There’s no such word as hurt in my diction- the crowd looked on with intense interest while Branch applied the saturated piece of cotton + ig to the aching molar. The young chap happened to be well known in town and this fact added to _ the expectation of the multitude. “Now, press your jaws together and hold them so far one minute,” said the doctor. The patient did so, with aeconvulsion of the face. Inside of fifteen seconds the pain began to abate and in exactly one minute his toothache was gone, He threw up his hat with a ery of satisfaction, and the crowd voiced its approval. “Here’s a dollar for curing my tooth,” said the grateful chap. “Not a penny,” replied the doctor, waving the. money away. “You may buv a bottle of the remedy for a quarter, or five bottles for the dollar to distribute among ~our friends, if you wish, otherwise you are welcome to the cure.” “Give me five bottles,” said the young man, eagerly. { t “Full directions for applying it are on the bottles,” said the doctor, handing over the five phials. : 4 Almost everybody in the crowd wanted a bot- tle now, and Dr. Branch did a land-office busi- ness in the remedy for the next fifteen minutes, for the news of the astonishing cure spread up and down the street with great rapidity, and brought many customers who would not other- wise have joined the crowd. The wagon remained in front of the postoffice all the afternoon, the doctor drawing a fresh crowd at intervals, and _ he added ‘a good many dollars to his exchequer before he pulled up stakes. He afterwards stop- ped at a general store and at a butcher’s and laid in a good supply of food for himself and his people, after which they left town by the main: turnpike. This was the signal for Sandy to re- appear once more at the rear of the wagon. Daisy took charge of the culinary operations, and at sundown announced that supper was ready. ‘It was laid out on the folding table, but everybody Wad to take his\plate in his lap to eat, though there was room for the coffee cups on the table. The horses and dog were fed liberally, and then the wagon went on a short distance further till they sighted a farmhouse. Taking Daisy by the — hand, Jaek, with the doctor's instructions, march- — ed up to the house and asked to hire a night’s lodging for the girl. He readily obtained it: for her and, after paying fifty cents to the lady of the house, returned to the wagon. which was drawn up in the adjacent lane. The horses were — tied to a large’ oak tree, and the dog, which had already made friends with Jack and Daisy, but regarded Sandy with suspicion, curled himself up under the wagon and went to sleep. Jack found the doctor and Sandy playing dominoes when he got back, and took a hand at the game. himself. At ten o’clock the proprietor of the vehicle declar- ed it was time to turn in. To Jack was allotted the bunk formerly occupied by his predecessor, and Sandy made his bed near the rear of the wagon on a couple of blankets. in Merry was told to see that the lanterns hand-— ing at the front and rear of the wagon were all right. .He found they were, and also that the night was a fine one, and likely to remain so. ') Apparently* there was nothing to disturb the — trio but the usual nocturnal sounds of a summer night in the country, and they were soon asleep, Before turning —

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to 20 as was also Daisy, long before that, in a snug little bed at the farmhouse. CHAPTER XIV.—In Which Jack and Daisy Make a Sudden Change of Base. _ Jack was the first up next morning soon after sunrise... He took down the lamps and then look- ed after the horses, giving them a rubbing-down and providing them with food and water. By that time Sandy tumbled out, but there was noth- ing particular for him to do. Dr.. Branch ap- peared at six o’clock and gave Sandy a job with _ the pestle and mortar, which he thought great - fun-at first, but soon wearied of. | “The run on the toothache remedy yesterday ~ cleaned my stock out,” said the doctor to Jack, ~ “so we'll have to make another supply this morn- ing before we go on to Windsor, the next village on our route. As it is more than probable that Daisy will get her breakfast at the farmhouse ~~ we had better get ours right away. Keep your “companion, Sandy, at the mortar, so that I'll be able to get the toothache drops started immedi- ately after breakfast.” So Jack made Sandy get a move on, while the — doctor was preparing the meal, though the young rascal protested that he had a sore arm. ; - “What made it sore? There wasn’t anything the matter with it when you first started in,” said Jack. “1 didn’t know it was sore then,” growled Sandy. é ~ “Well, the doctor says you’ve got to do some- thine for your board and lodging, and for your transportation. You wasn’t asked to do a thing yesterday. If you make a kick now he’s liable to leave you behind at the next village, and in - that ease you'll have something of a job getting out-of the State.” 2 ~ _ left behind, so he got busy, with many grimaces, and finished the job by the time breakfast was ' ready. Dr. Branch sent Jack to the farmhouse to buy some milk and to fetch Daisy. He found her at the breakfast table. She had made_ herself so exceedingly popular with the family that they didn’t want to lose her in a hurry. o Jack wot the milk, and a number of other things which - were pressed upon him, for nothing, and came back without the girl. .The whole of the morning ~ passed. in manufacturing a good supply of the ~ toothache remedy and. bottling it. Sandy was - employed in pasting the labels on and wrapping it up in pink slips of paper. Daisy turned up in time to prepare dinner, and after it was eaten the horses were hitched to the wagon again and ‘they started on for Windsor. _ They reached that village at half-past one, and ‘the scenes of the preceding afternoon were re- ‘enacted. In this manner they proceeded for sev- “eral days and were gradually approaching the ate line by short stages, when something hap- yened that gave Jack and Daisy a rude jar for the time being, and led to the severance of Sandy Maguire’s. relations with Dr. Branch’s caravan. They had entered the town of Cornish, and the : doing business in front of the post- sual, when Jack, who w 529) rat! rs Ee TAR * - |. His words scared Sandy, who didn’t want to be » tor at his business. face and his perturbed manner that something ag cireulating JACK MERRY’S GRIT bills of Dr. Branch’s preparations in the crowd. _ noticed a man on the edge of the gathering who — quite took his breath away. The man, who had just joined the crowd, and was gazing eagerly at the platform where Daisy was singing one of, her songs, was no other than Cyrus Kirby. “Gee!” breathed Jack, watching him with all eyes. “He got a clue to us somehow and has followed the wagon to this place. Now that he’s seen Daisy, and is sure we are with the doctor, he'll et an officer and have us arrested. Even ~ if he doesn’t bother with me he'll assert his au- thority over Daisy, and take her back to Bar- : mouth, and I’l] have to follow, for I never mean to desert her. Something must be done to thwart — 3 his intentions. Perhaps the doctdér will be able — — to advise me. Whatever we do must be done ee quickly, or the game will be in his hands.” Mesh Just then Daisy finished her song, amid loud applause, and retired into the wagon, kissing her — z hands to the crowd. Jack saw Cyrus detach him- 24 self from the gathering and start off down the street at a lively rate. “He’s gone for a policeman and will be back shortly, prepared to enforce his claim. JY must get busy.” : : The doctor was on the platform haranguing, the people. Jack rushed to the front of the wagon, mounted to the dashboard, stepped quick- ly into the wagon and told Daisy to put on het — hat. She looked surprised. “ie “T’ve just seen Mr. Kirby,” he whispered in — her ear. “He was in the crowd outside watching ~ you, while you were singing. He’s gone for an — officer, I’m sure, to force you to go away with him.” _ in “Oh, Jack!” cried the girl, “What shall I do?” = “You must come with me at onee. I'll outwit him by carrying you off myself before he gets back. The Kirbys shall never*get you in their clutches again if I can help it, you may depend — on that.” : Zi Daisy began putting on her hat in a flutter of apprehension and excitement, while Jack rushed- to the rear of the wagon and interrupted the doc- * turning white. 2 “I want to see you a moment on -a very im- portant matter. It is urgent,” said the boy. — _ Dr. Branch saw by the expression of Merry’s — was up. and he stepped back into the wagon at once. ; a ee “What’s the trouble?” he inquired. a “Daisy and | have got to leave you for a while, at least,” said Jack. ees ' “Leave me!” exclaimed the doctor, aghast. “Yes. Mr. Kirby was in the crowd just n and spotted Daisy which she was singing. Some- ; body must have put him on to the fact that she and I are with you, and he’s followed the wagon to make sure. As soon as Daisy retired he start- ed off *hot-foot, and Ill bet he’s gone for* an officer. Well, we mustn’t be here when he gets back. I’m going to take her out of town right. away. Whereabouts in New Hampshire shall we” rejoin you?” : Siete ne ad Dr. Branch was surprised and put out by the” state of matters, but he recognized the necessity. of an immediate change of base on the part Jack and Daisy. 2-9) 8 aes PSs. oF i ae

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JACK MERRY’S GRIT “You'll need money to travel and your ex- penses for a few days,” he said, drawing several pills from his pocket. “Here, take these. It’s fortunate that this town is on the railroad. Go to the station and buy tickets for Rochester, New Hampshire. When you reach that town take the northern division of the Boston & Maine for Wakefield. Put up at the Wakefield House and wait there till I call for you.” “All. right,” replied Jack. “Good-by till I see you again. So lone, Sandy, I'll see you later.” “Where are you and Daisy goin’?” asked Ma- guire, who had not heard the conversation be- tween the doctor and Merry, for it had been car- ried on in a low tone. “We're going out of town on business,” replied Jack. “Come, Daisy.” . He helped her down to the sidewalk and they “started up the street at a quick pace, while the doctor resumed business with the crowd, which had thinned somewhat during his absence. Hardly had they turned the nearest corner. when Cyrus Kirby and a policeman put in their appearance before the wagon. Without paying - and attention to Dr. Branch, they mounted the ‘dashboard, and Kirby, pulling the canvas front aside, looked in. The only occupant of the in- terior was Sandy Maguire, who was seated on a -. gamp stool smoking a cigarette. Kirby didn’t recognize him at first, and not seeing Daisy, he ‘stepped over the seat and entered the wagon to investigate. Sandy looked up, and when he saw Mr. Kirby, he started up in dismay. Then Mr. Kirby knew him. % “What, you here?” exclaimed the roadhouse man, in great surprise. x “Don’t have me arrested, Mr. Kirby,” whined. Sandy. “You’re after Daisy and Jack, ain’t you! Well, they just left the wagon in a hurry, and Jack said they were goin’ out of town on busi- ness.” “Did they go to the station?” “I, guess they did,” answered Sandy, hoping to get rid of Mr. Kirby so that he could get a ' chance to light out. 3 “Officer,” said Mr. Kirby, “do you know when the next train that stops at this town is due at ‘the station?” : ( _ “There’s an accommodation for Boston, stop- ping at all way-stations, that is due in eight minutes.” “All right, I must leave you and try to in- -. tercept it, for I believe the girl and boy I came after ave‘ on their way to catch it. In the mean- time you can arrest this voung rascal here. and take him to the station house. His mame ‘is ‘Sandy Maguire. He escaped from the Wexham ‘jail. Sunday. morning with two professional “crooks.” & Mr. Kirby. sprang out of the wagon and started a hurry for the station. The policeman stepped to the wagon and told Sandy. he’d have to go with him. The young rascal threw up the sponge nd yielded as meek as a larnb. When Dr. Branch e-entered the wagon a few minutes later he gsed Sandy, and wondered where he’d gone to, for the doctor intended to press him into service Merry’s place. Thinking he might be out in sion of him until the doctor casually own the street. seas he went forward and looked around. There - Then the mystery of 21 *his absence was,explained. A policeman holding ee him by the collar was marching him off. Then ae Dr. Branch realized, with some vexation, that he : was once more thrown on his own resources. - CHAPTER XV.—Making a Man of Himself. The train was just pulling in when Jack and we Daisy arrived at the station. Merry had barely time in which to buy two tickets for Rochester : and rush across the platform with the girl to y, the nearest coach when the conductor gave the % signal to the engineer to go ahead. As the cars gathered headway Cyrus Kirby ran into the sta- tion, too late to cut off the young people. Jack, looking out at the window, saw him making in- quiries among the porters and others, and finally stand and look after the train. “That’s where he got left, Daisy,” chuckled Merry to his companion, “though we only got the turn’ on him by the skin of our teeth.” : “Do you think we are safe now, Jack?” she asked anxiously, per “We won’t be safe till we get out of the State. - If he followed and caught us in New Hampshire he’d have to secure a requisition from the gover- nor before he could make us go back, though he could have us arrested and detained all right.” As the cars Sped on Jack began to consider the chances of Mr. Kirby telegraphing to the next town and having Daisy and himself arrested on the train. That was something he had not counted on before, and which had not occurred to Dr. Branch. The more Jack considered the matter the more he thought that it would be the part of wisdom to provide against such a con- ws tingency. It was more than likely that Mr. ri Kirby would adopt such a course. He had the law on his side, and would have no difficulty in earrying out such a plan. “Let’s go into the last car, Daisy,” suddenly. f ; The girl had no objection, and they went, tak-. ing seats near the rear door. The next stopping place was Fairfield, twelve miles from Windsor. - — When the train began to slack up at this place — ‘Jack went out on the rear platform and looked ahead. He saw quite a number of people on the i. station platform. To be on the safe side he de- — cided to leave the train with Daisy on the off side of the car and wait over for another train. — Accordingly, as soon as the cars came to a stop | he hurried the girl off and walked her up a shady street that lay before them. The train remained several minutes at the station, which rather con- firmed Jack’s notion that officers were searching ~ the ears for them. : They walked around for an hour or more and =~ then returned to the vicinity of the station. Leay- ing Daisy at the end of the platform, Merry saun- dered into the waiting-room and looked at the time-table.. He found that another train bound — westward stopped there at 8:10 p. m. : e Returning to the girl, they went to a rest- — aurant and had their supper, after which they — walked back to the station again. The train came in on time, they boarded the last car and duly arrived at Rochester in thirty minutes. Fifteen minutes later they were speeding northward to ward Wakefield. They reached that town at_ little after nine, took a bus for the Wakefiel said Merry, os Tees ae 40

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i 22 House, where Jack registered as John Merry and sister, and they were given adjoining rooms. Here they remained undisturbed for two days, ‘when Dr. Branch appeared and they rejoined the wagon, with much satisfaction.! The doctor told Jack that Sandy Maguire had been arrested at Windsor about the time he and Daisy left the wagon. “Did you see Mr. Kirby?” asked Merry. “No,” replied Dr. Branch, “nor I wasn’t aware of Maguire’s arrest until after the policeman took him out of the wagon and was marching him down the street. I was busy with the crowd ‘in . front, trying to hold them, and did not know ‘at the ¢lose of their next tour. . a ness. the event of my death after we get started you shall have a controlling interest in the business, what happened inside the caravan.’ Jack told the doctor how he and \Daisy had left the train at Fairfield for fear that Mr. Kirby might have telegraphed ahead to have them taken off and detained pending his arrival. “That was a clever move on your part,” re- plied Dr. Branch, admiringly. . _ From Wakefield the wagon moved north from town to town and village to village for several weeks, and then when the doctor thought he had gone far enough in that direction they moved westward and returned south by a different route. Jack and Daisy proved to be of great service to Dr. Branch, and they were such nice young persons that the physician became quite attached to them. Daisy improved greatly in her singing and made a hit everywhere along the route. Jack also proved a winnine card, and frequently har- angued the crowds and sold the doctor’s nostrums alternately with the proprietor of the caravan. He also got to be quite expert in’ helping Dr. Branch concoct his various preparations, which Daisy labeled and wrapped up ready for sale. The young people liked the free and easy life they were leading, and things went on swimming- ly with them and the doctor, “until the outfit reached Springfield, Mass., late in the fall. Here the doctor went into winter quarters at a small house he’ owned, sister. Jack and Daisy were easily persuaded to remain with him during the winter, free of all expense, with the understanding that they were to continue with the caravan when the weather permitted a resumptoin of the tour. As soon as the wagon and horses were stabled Dr. Branch resumed his proper name of Dr. William Smith, and hung out his shingle in one of the windows of his house. Jack, having found that their new friend was a man of honor. con- fided to him the fact that he was worth $1,900. The doctor was greatly surprised and not a little pleased. He had a lone talk with the bov and asked him if he would like to go into partnership with~him in the manufacture and sale of his preparations, the arrangement to go into effect Jack said he thought he would “There’s a fortune in it, my boy.” said Dr. Smith. “You can put your money and services in and I will give you a third interest in the busi- ‘I will also make a will providing that in the balance to go to my sister, and a small share i. ge whom I look upon almost as a daugh- \ presided over by his widowed, SHOWER; OR, THE BOY ECR ER OF WAL: JACK MERRY’S GRIT Of course this arrangement was perfectly sat- isfactory to Jack, and. it was carried into effect at the close of their next traveling campaign, which proved to be the most Successful one the doctor ever undertook. During the next winter a laboratory was started in Springfield under the eee ‘name of Smith Pharmaceutical Company, and all of Dr. Edward Branch’s preparations were put on the market. The doctor, however, decided not to give up his tours. Leaving Jack in charge of the business, a position he proved well qualified to assume, the physician, with Daisy and another a assistant, started out in a brand new and en- larged caravan and toured New York State for seven months, doing a large business. Nothing was manufactured en route as of old, Jack send- ing on supplies by express at intervals as per the doctor’s requisitions. Dr. Smith made it an , important point to thoroughly advertise his prep- - arations by distributing printed matter en route, and putting up signs and posters by the wayside, a that remained for the instruction of the passer- by long after the doctor returned to Springfield. rem The success of the medicines was so great that 23 Jack had been obliged to hire several assistants, and take fresh quarters in the city. By this time Daisy Kent had developed into a still more lovely girl of seventeen, and Dr. Smith had become ex- ceedingly fond of her and Jack, now a fine-look- — ing young fellow of nineteen; had. ripenned into real love that was stronger than that between brother ‘and sister, and Jack one day asked her ~ to become his wife. She had only one answer for the pluck boy had stood by her when she needed a protector the worst way, and that was a favorable one. Finally Dr. Smith incorporated the pharmaceutical company. It was a close corporation, of course, the doctor holding 40 shares, his sister 15 ‘shares, Jack 385 shares, and Daisy 10 shares. The dividends, declared semi-annually, were very satisfactory to all concerned, and the business continued to grow from to month. To-day the Dr. Branch prepar- — ations are known all over the United States, and sold in every drug-store of any importance. Jack Merry is general manager of the business, which occupies six floors of a large building in Springfleld, and where several hundred people are employed in the different departments. Dr. Smith is the president and general adviser of the company, but has little to do with the con- duct of the great business, which is solely look- ed after by Jack himself, in an elegant office on the second floor. Over his desk hangs a picture — of Daisy, as she looked when they returned from that memorable first trip to Maine. In the parlor of his home, hangs a-splendid oil painting of Daisy as she looks to-day, as his happy wife an the mother of three charming children. In *hé. public room of a roadhouse way down in Maine. hangs a handsome ealendar advertising 2 Branch preparations, but neither Cyrus Kirby, the proprietor, nor his wife know that the man_ behind that company is the boy who used to be his boy of all work—a lad who, through pure grit oes sagacity, made A MAN OF HIM- * Pants Geet Me te a a sh rN a SN BS a Dek ts ER ee) ee D : es Next week’s issure will coutdte “h GOLD’ oN c Ag rah

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/ BUCKSKIN BILL, THE COWBOY . PRINCE Or, The Rough Riders of the Ranch By GASTON GARNE (A Serial Story.) CHAPTER VII.—(Continued.) *“Tt’s a put-up job to bilk us!’”’ Dalton exclaimed, springing to his feet in a rage and glaring at Bill. “What do you mean?” demanded the boy, nolly. , “Just what I said,”.was the hot reply. “You arranged to call our your men as soon as they were ahead. isfaction.” -“T'rom me or my men?” “Both of you.” “Charley, do you wish to play longer?” “No, Bill, ’m ready to go.” _ “See here, Dalton, that disposes of Charley. Now in what form do you want your satisfaction from me?” ; The gambler walked over to the boy and hissed; “You are too young to hit, but I’m going .to throw you out the window. Do you understand?” + “Oh, no, you won’t.” “But I shall, though, and I hope it will teach you not to put up any more tricks on me,” and he made a grab for the young rancher. Bill sprang aside. ~ <Dalton missed him, and as quick as a’ flash the boy caught him by the arm and swung the gamb- - ler around on his hip. Using it as a fulerum, the boy turned him over ~-and he landed on his back upon the floor. Every one was crowding around. : | “So you mean to throw me out the window, co "- you?” demanded the boy. “Well, I guess not, Dal- ‘ton, for I am going to fire you out the window.” And seizing the fellow by an arm and a leg, he lifted him up a few inches, swung him around ~ and, exerting all his strength, let him fly. The window was close by. s on : There sounded the crash and jingle of breaking glass, a yell of dismay from the flying gambler, and he shot from the room, carrying glass, frame ‘and everything with him. ; , ~ For an instant there was a deep silence in the room, and then a babel of excited voices rang out. - Upon the table leaped one of the delighted cow- boys and, waving his sombrero, he cried: “Three cheers for Buckskin Bill, the cowboy prince!” ne The response came from every decent man in the room. “Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!” wee And the. next moment all Bill’s rough-riders ifted him upon their shoulders and bore him proudly out of the room, followed by the plaucdixs ° of those who admired his nerve and skill tn beat- man bigger than himself. ~~ FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY — It’s a mean trick, and I demand sat-_ back ter ther cave-up in ther canyon, cause them . may take ‘a notion inter their heads ter come ee When they had reached the street and secured their bronchos, all hands mounted and Bill cried: “Now for the Double X, boys. Our work here is finished, and I don’t want you to get full and . gamble away all your money. There’s two thous- and dollars in my pocket to pay you off to-morrow, boys, and I want you all to take mighty good care that no one gets it away from me, or you'll all go without your wages.” E es guard you and the money all righi, ill. “Very well. “Ves,’? “Then follow me,” and they went dashing through the main street of the camp. As they passed the stockyard fence Bill caught sight of a huge placard hung there on which was. printed : S Are you all ready?” GRAND COWBOY PICNIC on Broncho bustin’, target shootin’, an’ wrestlin’ pees. matches. Come one, come all, to ; Sullivan’s Ranch Saturday, 3 p.m. Rain or shine. | “Hello! There’s a chance to have some fun,” laughed Bill, pointing at the sign, “and, by Jove, I think we can take it in to-morrow. How about it, boys?” Prey “You bet!” “We'll gol” we These and similar shouts came from the rough- _ riders, for they were all experts in athletic sports and counted on trying for the prizes that were offered to the winners. A. few minutes later they had left Four Flush behind them, and went riding down.the: San Jo — trail at a gallop. iciag Bill was in the lead, and they emerged from. a small grove of cottonwood they saw alone horseman come galloping rapidly toward them. He wore no hat, but had a handkerchief tied- around his head, and upon a nearer appreach they saw that it was stained with blood. The rider waved his arm to them, and they reinéd Jn 24 and waited for him to come up. vem CHAPTER VIII. Roping The Girl. “Wank Sawkins, it’s ther first time in my life — T ever wuz licked by a boy. But Buckskin Bill has got us beat ter death, an’ that’s all ther is — about it!” exclaimed Jim Flood, as he and his — lieutenant rode away after their defeat at run-_ ning off the Double X cattle. : sed Sawkins lit his pipe and glanced back at the prairie fire. ; yes “Never mind,” said he, “Better luck next — ‘tirne.”’ £23 Fgh “Ts allour gang follerin’ us?” i “I’ve counted them, and they are all there.” “Well, we'll have ter drive over ter ther north- east if we wants ter keep away from ther fire. — It’s a-spreadin’ this way. Thar hain’t no goi blamed rough-riders knows whar it is, an’ the: ry “f. ane

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white pony. 24 thar lookin’ fer us. new roost.” “Have you any place in view?” “Sure I have. D’yer remember ther deserted ate Buena Vista up thar in Rattlesnake Val- e 7 “By thunder, it’s just the place, Bill. All the huts Tad the old smelting works still stand there. Once inside the place, with its ‘single entrance, we could hold an army at bay.” “Then you jest bust ahead with ther boys fer that ar place, and I’ll take Pancho, ther greaser, an’ go off on a leetle job of my own. We'll jine yer thar afore nightfall, Savvy?” “Where are you going, Jim?” “Thet?’s my business. When ther time comes you'll find out quick enough. Hey thar, Pancho, yer yaller galoot, jist swing yer pony off this way an’ foller me.’ “Si, senor,’ replied tHe Mexican, and, sepa- rating themselves from the gang, they rode away to the eastward. During the ten-mile ride that followed Flood did not say a word to the slender Mexican, and they finally struck-a trail that carried ‘them straight to Colonel George Briggs’s ranch. Flood gazed up at the sun when they reached a mass of rock, trees and bushes, and having reined in, he suddenyy steered his bony mustang among the hoplders, and then leaped to the ground. “Greaser, hide yer hoss pack o’ them rocks.” “Senor, may I ask why we have come uere?” asked Pancho, when he secreted his moun! where no one passing along the trail would be apt to see it. “Yer can ask all yer wanter,” chuckled Flood, as he took a big bite of plug "tobacco, “but Vm blamed if I’ll tell yer.” Rebuffed, yet puzzled and curious, the Mexican made no reply. He merely darted a sullen look of resentement at Flood and lit a cigarette. The outlaw stood watching the trail a few mo- ments, and then climbed up on top of one of the highest rocks. Here he remained for nearly half an hour. Then the distant pounding of horses’ hoofs cn _ the prairie reached his ears, and he shaded his eyes with his hand, gazed in the direction of the sound, and a grin stole over his face. i “I’m in luck,’ he muttered. “I know her hab- its. She’s been down ter ther Flats fer ther mail, an’ hyer she comes now!” The approaching rider was Jéssie Briggs. - Down from the rock scrambled the oulaw, and, taking the lariat from his saddle, he said to Pancho: “Thar’s a gal a-comin’ along ‘ther trail on a She’s got ter pass.between these rocks an’ thet big cottonwood tree yonder. I’m a-goin’ ter try ter rope her. You git behind ther tree. If I miss yer kin plug her horse—see?’” “TJ understand, senor,” assented the Mexican, and away he glided with his rifle, while Flocd . got upon the rock again. While the Mexican was hiding behind the tree the outlaw crouched down on top of the rock. From his lofty perch the villain pou see every “movement made by the ‘girl. athe girl -was Sai 6 unsuspicious of the danger I reckon we'll hey ter find a_ FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY she was running into ap to the *“me she reached the rock. The moment her pony. began to pass it Flood arose from the crouching position he had been ~ occupying. ; He began to whirl the lasso around and around and let it go. : Swish! With a hiss the rope shot through the air. Jessie heard it and glanced back with a startled explamation. The deadly noose dropped over her arms, was — jerked tight, and the tug she gave at the reins brought the pony back on its haunches. ‘ “Help!” shrieked the girl. “Hey, Pancho!” roared the outlaw. ~ Out from behind the tree rushed the Mexican; and brandishing his rifle, he shouted in fierce tones: “Don’t move an inch!” The girl turned as pale as death when she saw who had her. Before she could utter a word there sounded a tremendous crashing in the bushes and Buckskin Bill, mounted on Dandy, burst into view and dashed toward them, shouting: “Let that girl go, you scoundrel!” As his rifie fiew to his shoulder, Pancho ran among the rocks and left Flood to his fate. The outlaw glared at the cowboy prince and, ripping out a fierce cry of fury, he let go the lariat and made a grab for his pistol. “Stop!” . This stern, ringing command came from Bill. | Flood knew he would get shot if he attempted to draw, and flung up his hands in token of sur- render, although he did not have the remotest in- tention of allowing himself to be captured. “Whoa, Dandy!” cried the boy, and the black stallion paused. “Bill, help me to get free!” cried Jessie. Unluckily the boy turned his head for an in- stant to glance at her. As quick as a flash Flood leaped down behind — the rock and made a rush for his horse. Pancho had already mounted his. : “Coward!” hissed the outlaw, scowling at the Mexican. : Ge § “No, no, senor!” glibly answered the other. could do nothing on Foot, and come to get my mus- tang so I could go to your aid.” “Let it go a that. Follow me—quick! coming!” © Through a a defile they ficd at breakneck speed, and just as they vanished Bill came d aah: ing into view. , He dared not pursue the fugitives, iowovent “aes fear others of the gang might be hidden near by and might pounce upon Jessie as soon as bs § saw she. was not protected. : “Lost him!” muttered the boy. Then he dashed back to wher sie, and found her getting rid 0° lasso that was binding her arms. ’ He’s he noose of. the he had left qéa2 aa “Oh, Bill!” she said, in glad tones, as he went © = galloping over to her side. “Thank heaven vane arrived in time.” “Did they injure you?” ae E “Not in the Jeast. You’stopped them too nick ty (To be continued) -

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FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY GOOD READING STAR EQUALS HALF MILLION SUNS Equaling the radiation. of 600,000 stars as ‘ bright as the sun, the S. Doradus, believed to be the most luminous star known, loses two and a half trillion tons of its mass a second, by its ac- tion of producing light, according to Prof. Harlow . Shapley of the Harvard College Observatory. The diameter of this giant of the skies is much greater than -that of the earth’s orbit, which is about —_. 186,000,000 miles in length. The huge luminous body is classed with the stars known as variables, owing to their changing periods of maximum bril- liancy. The report states it has been growing brighter for the past twenty years. THE FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA The Fenian invasion of Canada occurred in June, 1886. On the first of June, Colonel O’Neil, -- with a small force, crossed the Niagara River at 3 Buffalo, N. Y., and took possession of an unoccu- pied work called Forte Erie. On the next day they were attacked at a place called Limestone Ridge by a force of volunteers, and held their position, though several were killed and wounded, and a number were captured. The same night they withdrew, several hundred of them being inter- cepted by the United States gunboat Michigan. to return to their homes, andithus ended the in- vasion of Canada. Colonel O’Neil was not cap- tured by the Canadians. 3 KANGAROO HUNTING Lamb-like as is the face of the kangaroo, tender and soft as are his eyes, he is by no means as gentle as he looks. Like the heathen Chinee, his countenance belies him, and there are few more exciting and withal dangerous sports than kan- - garoo shooting. To the hunter-seeker for some new sensation, a visit to the wilds of Australia in gearch of Kangaroos can be recommended. It requires a fleet horse to run an “old man” down if he gets a fair chance to show tail, and strong well-trained dogs to tackle him when brought to bay. Inside his soft, dewy lips are strong, for- - midable teeth, which can bite severely. ‘His forepaws, weak as they seem, can lift a dog high in the air and crush him to death; while - when lying down, his favorite fighting attitude, he can kick with his powerful hind legs in a man- ner that rapidly clears a circle around him; and woe betide the man or dog that comes within reach of these huge claws, which can make a flesh- ‘wound deep enough to maim the one or kill the other. Of course, we here speak of the great kangaroo, the boomer, or the old man, of the olonists. As a matter of fact, there are some hirty different kinds of kangaroos inhabiting ,yarious parts of Australia, and one species pecu- iar to New Guinea. They vary in size from the tiny hare kangaroo of South Australia, the most agile of its kind, which is but little larger than a rabbit, to the several giant species, whether black, , brown or gray, some of which stand nearly . feet high. x The majority of them were paroled and allowed | 166 West 23d Street THE FIRST CRUSADER The telegraph announces as a fact of high im- portance that the grave of Peter the Hermit has been discoveréd near Brussels. Peter the Hermit’s fiery speeches had the ef- fect of stirring up Western Europe against the advance of the Mahometans for hundreds of years. His theme was “The spoliation of Jeru- salem and Calvary by the infidel _Mahometans,” and he led the first crusade to Jerusalem in 1096. Every little while for hundreds of years there wag a stirring up of these crusades and some wonder- ful incidents occurred. Probably underlying the religious feeling developed was the desire of the Kings of Europe to get rid of the turbulent | younger element that wanted to go to war, and it was considered safer to the rest of the world to send them to faroff Jerusalem rather than have them make trouble at home. Kings of England and France and other coun- tries at times led these crusa@es, and their deeds were the stock of the romances of the period. Every schoolboy has read with interest of Richard I and of Louis IX. The romances of the crusaders live to this day, and some of our American writers have written books that were the best sellers based on these episodes. It is supposed that after all this waste of effort of human life that the crusaders did some good in bringing knowledge to the highly cultivated arts of Asia Minor to the rude barba- rians of Western Europe. In a military way they were failures. The heavily armored knights who cut such a figure in Western Europe with their ponderous swords and lances and their heavy horses were at a ter- rible disadvantage with the agile horses and the keen scimitars of the Mahometan horsemen. It is said that while Richard I’s sword would cut through a bar of iron, Saladin’s scimitar would cut in two a silk handkerchief thrown in the air. Several times these active horsemen have actual- ly cut to pieces the famous knights of old— Knights Templars, St. Johns, and many others. At home these knights became a nuisance because they formed an empire within the State and had . to be physically destroyed, as was done by Rich- ard I of England, Philip of France, Peter the Great, Sultan Mahomet, and others. Therefore Peter the Hermit only lives in his- ~ tory as an inflammatory demagogue who stirred up all Christianity for years into fanatic demon- strations. : va “Moving Picture Stories” A Weekly Magazine Devoted to Photoplays and Players PRICE TEN CENTS PER COPY Each number contains Three Stories of the Best Iilma on the Sereen—Hlegant Half-tone Scenes from the Plays —Interesting Articles Abomt Prominent People in the Films—Doings of Actors and Actresses in the Studio r and Lessons in Scenario Writing. HARRY E. WOLFF, Publisher, Inc. é y ee York City’ ae

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as rAME AND FORTUNE Wkin, NEW YORK, JULY. ai, 1025 TERMS TO SUspSUKipEKs Bingle Copies...../..... .-.. Postage Bree 8 Cents One copy ‘Three Months ate = ie 00 One Copy Six Months.. vote 8 ae 2.00 One Copy One Year,....0.-.0+ a “ 4,00 Canada, $4.50; Foreign, $5.00. HOW TO SEND MONEY — At our risk send P. O. Money Order, Check or Registered Letter; remittances {it any other way are at your risk. We accept Postage - Stamps the same as cash. When sending silver wrap the Coin in a separate piece of paper to avoid cutting the envelope. rite your name and address plainly. Address letters to Harry E, Wolff, Pres. HARRY E. WOLFF, } Publisher, Inc., Charles E. Nylander, Sec. y Epa Waist. Trine: 166 W. 28d St., N.Y. ITEMS OF INTEREST 1,800,000 CANDLE POWER TO LIGHT NIAGARA : The tumbling waters of Niagara Falls will soon be illumined at night with thirteen hundred thousand candlepower of light. This enormous spread of light will come from a battery of 24 36- inch searchlights of an improved type especially. designed for this spectacle. U. S. BUREAU GRANTS 200 PATENTS. DAILY Reports of the Patent Office for 1924 show that applications at the rate of about 300 a day, and that some 200 were granted daily, including de- -. signs and trademarks. Those issued totaled 63,- 062, an increase of nearly 6,000 over 19238, and the number of applications was 101,134. The office reduced the number of applications awaiting offi- - cial action by nearly 12,000 and lowered the aver- age time to four and one-half months for new ‘work and to between three and four months for old work. aS APPLY WEATHER FORECASTS 4 The application of temperature records and ‘weather forecasts to save money in heating build- ings is often brought to the attention of the “Weather Bureau in Washington. One of the most ~ yecent instances is that of a real estate com- pany in Detroit which receives reports of the mean temperature each day over the telephone ~~ fom the local station. The following letter of appreciation has been received by the bureau: - We use this information in connection with heat costs in a building of ay large ground aiea where the steam is supplied by another com- pany. Knowing our occupancy in square feet, the mean temperature each morning and the cost f steam determined from meters we are enabled to work out a heat factor for the building based pon a unit of 10,000 square feet occupied and ne degree difference of temperature inside and outside. Saree : J ae “The big gain which we make by having this nformation is that we are enabled each morn- Sh apa, ig to give the engineer in charge the amount cas = FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY of the heat factor for-the day before, and he is continually attempting to reduce this factor, at the same time keeping the tenants comfortable. It keeps him on his toes as to wasting heat through overheating the building, having radia- tors on the unoccupied spaces or spaces where heat is not necessary, and other reasons. a “Comparing results between this year and last a year up to the week ending January 24th we have — made an actual] saving of over $2,800 on a cost of $8,430 for last year, in spite of the fact that our weekly occupancy has averaged 3,300 square feet per week more than last year and that the outside temperature has been approximately three degrees colder. This year’s cost has amounted to approximately 67 per cent. of last year’s cost, and we feel that it is entirely due to knowing daily what the costs are and being able to take — advantage of this knowledge. Your service is a” real one—refiected in our case in dollars and” cents, and we appreciate it.” ; LAUGHS Sunday-schoo] teacher—Is youx pa a Christian, ~~ Bobby? Little Bobby—No’m. Not today. He’s got the toothache. = A little boy having his musie lesson was asked by his teacher: “What are the pauses?” And ~~ the quick response was: “Things that grow on pussy cats.” of “Little girls should be seen and not heard — Ethel.” “I know, mamma. But if I’m going to be a lady when I grow up I’ve got to begin practising talking: some time, you know.” ie, “You can’t beat Jones for breaking it gently.” “What did he do?” “When Smith went hunting in the Adirondacks, Jones went and told Mrs. Smith her husband was a dead game sport.” — “How did you come by the blaek eve, Dolan?’ asked Mr. Rafferty. “The boys resented it when I called a strike.” “Is it a labor leader you’ are then?” “No, I was umpirin’ a ball game.” Mother—Bobby, why have you stuffed cotto in your ear? Does it ache? Bobby—No; pap said that everything he tells me goes in one ear and comes out the other. I want to prevent this. Teacher—What is an average? Harry—Some- thing that you hit. Teacher—What’s that you say? ° Harry— Something that you hit, sir. Teacher—What nonsense! Harry—Why, I heard you say yourself yesterday that you had been striking an ayerage. tae A man who kept a small shop was waiting a single customer early one morning. His littl boy and he were alone at the time, and the sho keeper was obliged to go upstairs for some change. Before doing so he whispered to_ the little chap’ to watch the customer to see that he — didn’t steal anything. Very soon the proprietor - returned with, the necessary change, the boy sang out, “He watched him!” — didn’t steal anythin Es a4

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POINTS OF MOUS BALL PITCHER PRAISES MILK = PITCHER. A milk-for-health film, being made by the s Walter Johnson, pitcher of the 1924 world x Dee tiers: as a perfect example of what the milk ‘pitcher does for the baseball pitcher. This part of the picture was made just before the opening game of the 1925 season at the American League yy. Washington. ; Bes pa occasion the idol of the fans said to Miss Jessie M. Hoover of the Bureau of Dairying, “J am a native of Kansas; was born on a farm ~ pbetween Iola and Humboldt. When I was grow- ing up we had cows on our farm and we all drank milk. I drink it now when I can get it. It is good for baseball players, especially in the morning and evening. I never take it just before going on the field, but it is fine after the game. Of course, we never eat food just before taking violent ex- ercise. That is the reason we don’t take milk— for milk is a wood. I have four children and they all drink milk. Mrs. Johnson sees to that.” ie. WHOLE WORLD HELPS ‘When next your mind turns to travel, take a ~ jook at the electric light bulb that hangs above your desk, and go around the world with it. Here are sonft things that go to its making: Potash from Germany. _ Feldspar from Sweden, - Manganese from the Caucasus. - Cork and pyvites from Spain. Shellac from *~ ‘ia. Tin from th: ~ ay States. Tungstan fro... Japan. “Sodium carbonate from British East Africa. - Bismuth from Australia. Crysolite from Greenland. ; Cobalt and nickel from Ontario. Molybdenum from Quebec. Nitre from Chile. And back. home om Missouri, calcium, lime, soda and -arsenic from various dusts from Vermont, alcohol from ndiana, resin from Georgia, cotton from Texas, ool from Montana, mica from North Carolina, copper from Utah, Montana, Wisconsin, and New eXico. en enough td show that your electric light is ‘only national but international. 3 OUR FIRST COIN ——, y - After the American colonies had achieved in- ependence the provision of a coinage became ir own sovereign right. The devices for the t coin struck by authority of Congress were scribed by a committee of that body in the owing terms: “On one side of such piece, 13 eles linked together, a small circle in the mid- th the words ‘United States’ around it; the center ‘We Are One’; on the other 1e same piece the following device, viz., the hours expressed on the face of it; a : FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY United States Department of Agriculture, fea again, the lamp draws lead There are things we have missed, but we have ~ sun above, on the side of which is to — from th tage ‘and on the other the year | stands 50 feet from the house. = ar INTEREST 3 ‘1787’; below the dial the words ‘Mind Your Own Business!” The types of the piece were very similar to those of the dollar pattern of the pro- posed continental currency which bears the date of 1776, and which were probably designed’ by an artist who on the earlier piece placed the signa- ture E. G. Fecit. The types are interesting as a commentary on the state of mind of the times. The political hope, for it could be only a hope still at that time, of an inseparable union ex- pressed in the obverse type was probably not less. prevalent than the caution so graphically set forth on the other side that “Time is Flying” so “Mind Your Own Business” affairs. This terse — “expression of practical sense, because so much in the spirit of Poor Richard, has won for the coin the name of “I’ranklin Cent,” but Franklin prob- ably had nothing to do with the designing of it. © - INTERESTING ITEMS Albert Juaron, French inventor, has perfected an anti-aircraft shell containing a net’ which spreads when the- projectile bursts, enveloping the airplane, smashing or stopping the propeller, or breaking the wings, thus bringing down the. machine. He intends to sue the Japanese Goy- ernment, which has announced adoption*of a sim- ilar net shell. Coal discovered while laying a sewer in a busy street in Coatbridge, Scotland, is being dug up at the rate of nine or ten tons a day. The “pit”. is thirty-eight feet deep. , Lead poisoning from eating birdshot deposited in the mud of shooting grounds is a malady that has become quite prevalent among wild ducks in the United States, says the Biological Survey. As early as 1896 the capital of Hungary, Bud- apest, had an organization called “Telefon Hir- mondo,” which broadcast music, news and whole operas by telephone. ie \ Switch lights have been turned out for the next three and a half months on the main line of the Alaskan Railroad for the season of .continuous daylight has arrived’ and there is no further need of the night danger signals. as One of the latest commercial uses of the air- plane was demonstrated at Miami, Fla., where 640 acres were sown with grass seed within a period of twenty minutes. It is estimated that it would =~ take thirty days for two men hand seeders to per- form the task. ; = The Kelley Falls Bridge at Manchester, N. H., is the only bridge in the universe with an angle. It runs straight out from one shore, takes a sharp angular turn and then heads straight for the op- posite bank. : While digging in his cellar, a Lancaster, N. H,,- man found the root of an apple tree which was 14 feet long. The tree from which the root came — o>

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28 FROM ALL POINTS * MOVIES AS CURES Swedish hospitals for the insane are now almost universally using moving picture films selected by psychiatrists as a form of treatment through di- version. Sanitariums for the tuberculous are do- ing the same for the relief of the states of mental depression so usual among convalescent patients. Films are used also for auxiliary training of the tuberculous.and of the deaf and dumb. INDOOR HUNTING Indoor quail hunting with bird dogs, in season and out, is the latest sport at St. Louis, Mo. State Game and Fish Commissioner Wielandy turned _ two dog's loose in the Post Office and express of- fice of St. Louis, and the alacrity with which the “dogs “pointed” out the packages containing con- traband game has prompted the Commissioner to order the purchase of four or five more dogs. ’ They will be trained and eventually will make - daily seafches in the Post Office and express gf- fiees for out of season game birds. ; FIRST CROSS-WORD PUZZLE In the archeological museums of Johns Hopkins University is a copy of what looks like the world’s oldest cross-word puzzle. For years it has been a puzzle to archeologists and the solution now is thought to be as remote as ever. According to _ many students, this ancient brain teaser dates from 2,000 B. C. It is called the Phaestus Disk and is regarded as one of the most remarkable discoveries ever made in the island of Crete, a place particularly rich in archeological lore. The disk is made of terra cotta, and contains on both-sides a contin- uous spiral line of picture writing. Since the writing never has been deciphered, no one can - say whether it begins at the center and runs out- ward, or follows the reverse course. Some years ago a German scholar maintained that he had found a key to the puzzle, but other archeologists refused to accept his claim. STEAM SHOT INTO OIL WELLS TO RENEW FLOW . Steam, heated to 1.100 degrees Fahrenheit and injected at 1,000 pounds’ pressure, is being used - suceesssfully to renew the flow in oil wells that become clogged by’ the congealinge of the salt and paraffin content, says Popular Mechanics. The method produces somewhat the same results as exploding nitroglycerine, but is said to be more effective as it does not drive. the paraffin back into the sand, but dissolves it so that it can be drawn off. With the equipment invented by a -. Colorado man, this process now ean be applied without removing the pumps, Steam generated in a special boiler is injected through a _ three- ~quarter-inch pipe, incased in an outer one two inches in diameter, to insulate it from surround- ing oil. It raises the temperature at the bottom of the well to 240 degrees. Continued for eight ‘ov ten hours, this boiling-out treatment is said to entirely remove the accumulated paraffin. ¢ ane parade at a depth of 2,200 feet, resulted, ac- coiling to reports, in an increased flow of 85 per cent. : , a ; és =f » FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY SECRET SERVICE Grand and Thrilling Detective Stories We can still supply the following numbers By OLD KING BRADY Price 10 Cents r of the above Weekt« 13388 The Bradys and the Subway a Gang of Counterfeiters. 1339 “ and the White Band; or, i. ie Sign of the Sil ver Crors. 1340 ‘* and Lock Box No. 11; or, Solving a Post-Office 1343 Me the nl Crook The © th “and the Yellow Crooks; or, > Cha ee i ee 0 e Chase for the 1342 “ Strangest Case; or, The Skeleton in the Well. 1343“ and the School Boy; or, Hot Work on the tae A al Case. 1 CAN e Forged Check; or, Convi e "ink alan gud ) vieted by an $45 “ Best Trick: or, The Clue in the Glass Jar. 1346 “ and the Cracksmen; or, A Desperate Game for Millions. gy eee an he eae Mine; or, The Mystery of Shaft 0. : 1348 “ .and the Voodoo Queen; or, A Dark Case from San Juan Hill, 1349 “* av the Boy Spy; or, Solving a Seeret of Seven ears. 1850 ‘‘ and the Missing Money; or, Shadowing a Sus- pected Man. 3 151°“ ye Case; or, The Hidden Den of Pell Street. : : 1352 “ and the Double Daggers; or, The Secret Sign 1353 The 1354 1355 1356 Any of the above numbers will be mailed to you, postagé free, upon receipt of the price in mon postage stamps. 2 HARRY EE. WOLFF, PUBLISHER, INC.; ” of Vengeance. and “Old Breaklock”: Crook. or, Eracking ; + or, Trapping a Desperate price of the following numbers is 7 "Cents : “ “ “ On a Raid; or, Rounding Up the Cirens Fakirs, 2 and the Snake Charmer; or, Th the Hindoo Idol. piatGis e After the Bronx Burglars; or, Nabbing the Gas House Gang. > and ee Dumb Boy; or, The Fate of Messenger NO. si and the Blind Chinaman; or, The Wh of Mott Street. 2 ge sabes Tracking a the, gf ‘ : and the Factory Boy? or, The Mys y Mill Pond. peri jaa oeaeree Poisoned Pen; or, Foiling a Desperate Chasing the Black Crook; or, Solving a Fifth ee Mire he . % and the Banker's Boy; or, The Kidna Mratherny Bend. pee After the Gold Brick Man; or, Chasing a Gang of Swindlers. a and the Diamond Heart; a Mummy . Red Glove Clew; or. The Seeret Band of Seven. - and the Man Next Door; or the Mystery House on High Street. : * Cage in Chinatown; or, Tracking the Hip Sing Tong. va And the Mad Barber; or, Solvyi nlar- ecm ving A Singular 4 Six Days’ Chase; or, Running Down a Clever OOK. : i and the Black Dwarf; or, Working Up a Poison’ 3 Clew. Masked Foe: or, The Man Wi a Pinger, nh: With the--eehiae and the Sneak Thieves; or, Running Down the Red Hook Gang. % Working a “Blind”; or, The Secret of the Sealed Room. ; : 3 _ 166 West 23rd Street, New York, N. ¥. Skeleton Arm: or, The Clew In : or, The Mystery of — 4 ey, Or ¥ 2 re

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INOUS PAINT. Make Your Watches, ian able except at an LUMIN rendering it perfectly vis! LIANT IT SHINES. Quite almple to u of your watoh or clock will enable you tons or switoh plates of your elestvig. make your own Luminowe Crucifixes, s, SOc and $1 postpaid. tise y Serpent’s Eggs Bor contains 12 exes. ne lib with m matoh, ench one eradusily hatohes itself into ag snake — several 5 foot long, which ourls and twists bout in a most am. A - Hife-like manner, Price per box, 10c postpaiu, 3 for 25c. CIGARETTE MAKER GORE! Roll your own and save monoy. Makes thom better and quicker besides asying more than half. Use your favorite brand of tobacco. Neat, useful and handy, Pooket aise, weighs Made entirely of metal, niokel-plated. Price 25c postpald, lntod. IDGET BIBLE Met acane\are } eat AU Bis of a post+ ace genuine work fart. Must Be asen to be approai dd. Make good money selling them to friends, church acgunintances, ote, PRICE Se each. 3 for 400, 12 for 1.35, 100 fnr $7.80, Also obtainable in isthor Binding, with gold edgos, Price SOo eaoh, 3 for $1.25, $5.50 cer doz. Magni- fying Giaes for use with Midgot Bible, 150. STAGE j Withabunch of these bills, MONEY itis easy for each person of limited rosperous ¥ flashing a roll of these bills be all that can be desired. Prices, postpaid: 40 Bills 20c,125 for 50c, or $3.50 thousand postpaid, . Wonderful X-Ray Tube a, Awonderfullittie a instrument pro- ducing optical illusions both < surprising and . td Sora aysEntb oan 990 wi tly ¢) Four Augers, tho lend inva load pencil, the in lor Opening in & pipe stem, and many other gimilar illusions. A mystery thut no one has m able to satisfactorily explain. Price 10c, Bfor25e, ¥doson_ 75, Johnson Smith & Co, 1B 3 ‘ ive Quaint and Novel Design JOHNSON SMITH & Le, = Clocks, Etc., The vo: Dept. 405. Exploding Cigarettes sas ae (ep JUST LIKE ORDINARY CIGARETTES, BUT SUCH REAL STARTLERS! Tho bor contains ten genuine oigarettes of oxcallont quality. They appenr ao real. but when each cigarette isubout one-third amoked, tho viotim gots a very gront surprise as it goes off with o loud BANG! A great mirth provoker yet entirely harmless! Price 25c per box. Popular Watch Charms [5c ONLY 8 for 40c; $1.36 doz. Very, pretty Hi Prritted Mystic Skeleton A jointed figure of @ skelcton 14 in. in height, will dance to music and perform va- rious gyrations and movements while the oper- ator may besome Gistance from it. NEW BOOK ON ROPE SPLICING Useful Knots, Hitches, Splices, etc, A most praotien! handbook i giving complete and simple dirsotions for making all the aeoee nestor note hive rigging, splices, eto. Over 100 iifusteations. All about wire rope attachments, Iash- ing, blooka, tackles, oto. 4 37 Horaldio Knots illus- trated. Of great value to X msohanics, riggora, camperas bostmen. Price 20c ppd. y MAGIC FLUT Wonderfully Sweet Toned and Musical ‘Tha Magio Flits, or Humane ) atono, is & unique and novel musics! instru:nent that is, mouth There is just a knack in) playing it which, when once ac- pequired after a little prace fica will enable you to Pf oduce very sweet musie that somewhat & resembles a flute. There ia no fingering, and once you have mastered it you enn play all kinds of music with {ncility and case. When played as an accompaniment to s pisno or any other musical Instrument, the effect is na charming as it ie surprising. Address orders for all goods on this page to JOHNSON SMITH & CO. Dept. 405 RACINE, WIS. A DeLuxe Edition of our new 1925 CATALOG mailed on receipt of 25c. Handsome cloth binding. Only book of its kind. 420 pages of all the lat- est tricks ii ic, the newest novelties, puzzles, games, sporting goods, interesting Foes turiosities In seeds and plants, otc., unprocurable elsewhere. BLANK CARTRIDGE PISTOL << Well made and effective; modelled on latest type of Revolver; appearance alone is enough to scare = burglar. When loaded it may be as effective as & real revolver without danger to life. It takes Protection against Burglars, Tramps & Dogs Price standard .22 Cal. Blank Cartridges obtainable everpe where. Price $1.00 postpaid. Biank Cartridges, by express, 500 per 100. Holster (Cowboy typo) fop Blank Cartridge Pintol, 50c, postpaid. Johnson Smith & Co., Boys! Boys! Dept. 405» Racine, Wis, * BOYS! THROW YOUR VOIC Into a trunk, under the bed or any- as, er, pn friends. oD ip “i where, Lots of fun fooling the teach- policeman or THE VENTRILO” @ Httle instrument, fits in the mouth out offf sight, used with abovel¥ for Bird one can use it. Never Pails. lis, ete. Any- 4 32 page book on vene triloquism, the Ventrillo, ALL FOR 20CENTS Every thin, about the Ku Kiux Kian GY ina clear, fearless manner. Book tells all— How it started and wus oppressed In 1871 J —The New Ku Kiux Kian—How Organ- | ized—How Members ere Enrolled—Oath § of the Klan—Questions for Candidates— Creed—Objects of the Order—Obedience— | Fidelity—Pledge of Loyalty—Ku Klan and the Masons—The Musons—Real K. of C. Oath—The Negro Ku Latest and most Bomiplers Pie et Postp' Klan, Stes etc, on the ¢curlous and {nteresting, iblished. at Klux | Jews—The Klux a 7 yet. Nine hes eparate articles in one, Everyba- dy Gelighted with ft, Odd, Lota 731.00 a of pleasure as weilas very use- ul, Itisadouble Microscope for examining the wonders of nature. It is also an Opera Glass, & Steteoscope, a Burning Lens, a Reading Glass, a Telescope, & Compass, a Pocket Mirror, and a Laryngascope—for examin: ing eye, ear, nose and throat. {tis worth allthe cost to locate evenone painful cinder intheeve. Folds flat et. Something great—you need one. mafl, postpaid. SLEEP ff Don’t miss it. Only 35c or 3 for $1.00 | d fits the pock- Sent by § BABY TANK Goes backward orfore § ward by iteown power. Nothingtowind. What makes it go is a mys tery. It crawls slong, overcoming obstacles. ust slike the larger ‘anks. Performadozens of most amazing “stints.” Runa ton timestongerthan § most mechanical toys, Hand- somely finistied on fiaged in natural colors. 250 postpaid. efrole. The ame notion oan be obtained over «letter writton b Wo have never boen ablo to figura woman, etc. It is fascinating; baffling. Sex indicator Hold tho MAGIC INDI- CATOR over a man’s hand—instantlyit moves § in w straight line, back~ ward and forward. Hold it over a woman's hand and it describes x com- J plete and continuous amanor | out how it’s done—but we've never soon it fall. Many novel and entertains jf ing feats may bo porformod with the Sex Indicator. For example, remults canheobtained with animals, cats, dogs, rabbits, over birda, oh: ‘Alao used to predetermina the sex of chiokens. and birds, eto,, Europa. Price 25¢,0r 3 for 85c, bo. E, Wis. canaries, oto. infact itis sold aaa patented oge tester in similar iokons, eto. JOHNSON SMITH & CO., Dept. 405 , RACIN camous §

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LITTLE ADS Write to Riker & King, Advertising Offices, 530 Broadway, New Y ork City, or 29 East Madison Street, Chicago, for particulars about advertising in this magazine x vi MARRY IF LONELY “Home Maker”: bun- dreds rich; reliable, years experience: de- scriptions free. The Successful Club, Box 556, Oakland, California. AGENTS WANTED AGENTS—WRITE FOR FREE SAMPLES. ‘ Sell Madisen “Better-Made” shirts for jJarge Manufacturer, direct to wearer. No capital, or experience required. Many earn » $100 weekly and bonus. “Madison Mfgrs., 603 Broadway, New Yerk. MARRIAGE PAPER—20th year. with descriptions, photos, dresses. Box 2265, Big issue names and ad- 2% cents. No other fee. Sent sealed. NEW CAMERA takes and finishes photos R, Bostou, Mass. in one minute. Make money selling cam- eras, or taking photos. Exclusive territory. Crewn Co., Dept. 967, Norwalk, Conn. AGENTS—$6 to $12 A DAY EASY. 350 light weight, fast selling popular priced neces - sities. Complete outfit furnished. Write to- MARRY—Free photographs, descriptions when married. Kansas City, Mo. eee EE directory and of wealthy members. Pa New Plan Co., Dept. 36, day—Quick—Now—for -particulars. _ Ameri- MARRY—MARRIAGE DI 1 No 2 7 aa, —) RECTORY with cee eeenets Co., 2472 American Bidg., Cin photos and descriptions free. Pay when E : married. The Exchange, Dept. 545, Kansas ABSOLUTELY City, Mo. no competition gelling Val- Style millinery. Every woman‘ buys. You ee CR Se et San eI Py Hh esa mbep make $25 to $150 a week. Write for Special MARRY.—Write for big new directory with Offer and Exclusive Territory. Val-Style Hat photos - and descriptions, Free, National Co., ‘A81, Val-Style Building, Cincinnati, O. | A ency, Dept. A, 4606, Sta. E.. Kansas City, Mo. BeBe pew GRT_A SWEETHEART. Bxchange jettere DETECTIVES NEEDED EVERYWHERE. | &% y - Exchange ers. Work home or travel, expé#ience unneces- De stamp. Violet Ray, sary. Write George R. agner, former och! ck Govt, Detective, 1968 Broadway, N. ¥. tei te Perera eae eae ee pa. Matha winter oc her tiieietae sits dares ear ahd eta MARRY—Lonely Hearts, join our club. we SILVERING Mirrors. French plate. Easily have a companion for Yon, many worth learned; immense profits. Plans free. Wear | from $5,000 to $50,000. Descriptions, photos, Mirror Works, Excelsior Springs, Mo. introductions free. Send no money. Stand- ard Cor Club, Grayslake, T11. PERSONAL ARE YOU LONESOME? Write Betty Lee, Inc., Box 820 City Hall Station, New York City. Stamp_ appreciated. SWEETHEARTS for everybody. Stamped envelopes for proposal. The Lily Club, Station H. Cleveland, Ohio. y NOTICE—Attractive young lady worth $25,- 000.00 will marry. ClInb, B-1022, Wichita, Kansas. SONGWRITERS HUNDREDS seeking marriage. If sincere enclose stamp. Mrs. F. Willard, 2928 LONELY HEARTS—I have a sweetheart for -you. Exchange letters: make new friends. SEND TODAY for free copy Writer's Di- @Micient, confidential and dignified service. gest; tells: how to write and sell short Members everywhere. Eva Moore, Box 908, stories, photoplays, poems, songs. Writer's Jacksonville, Florida. Digest, G-22, E. 12th 8t., Cincinnatt. PAGES as oo aes Fick econ Ne aia no pay., : for zcente; = =$1.00 if cured. Remedy sent on trial. sect kt at Sommer es , Saaitea a Superba Co., PC., Baltimore, “Md. or HAY FEVER Troatment mailed on trial, State which Ses want, If it cures send $1; f not, don't, Write to: ment... 488 CINCINNATI, OHIO. Address W. KM. STERLINE, 244 Ohio Ave., SIDNEY, O- PIMPLES Now Are Easily Removed at Home at a Small Cost! Banish those unsightly blemishes easily and quickly | Elegant for men after shaving. If you have by using CLEAR-TONE”—a simple home treat- | Piniples, Blackheads, Acne Eruptions on the ment that has cured chronic cases of long years | face or body, Barbers Itch Eczema, Enlarged | standing. Use like toilet water. ves the skin | Pores, Oily or Shiny Skin—never mind how » clear, smooth and without a blemish. Has made | bad—“CLEAR~TFONE” has been tried, tested and many friends with men, women and children. } proven its merits in over 100,000 test cases. Simply send name today for FREE Booklet, “‘A CLEAR-TONE SKIN,” telling how ; i cured myself after being afflicted for 15 years. And I know every embarrassment | one has to endure with a bad complexion. $1,000 COLD CASH SAYS | CAN " e CLEAR YOUR SKIN OF THE ABOVE BLEMISHES. Represent our. big factory HSEAETL beautiful Style-Arch shoesto. women, Ne experience needed. 1 show you how. Fas- cinating work, high earnings. Fine selling outfit. But act atonce. Get filiinformation quich from STYLE-ARCH SHOE COMPARY, Depart. E.S.GIVENS 186 Chemical Building KANSAS CITY, MO. ABOUT ESPERANTO Esperanto was invented by Dr. Louis Zamenhof of Warsaw, as a medium of com- munication be- tween eople speaking differ- ent . languages and first given to —~ the world in 1887. It was built up * of elements found in most Aryan tongues and is easily learned — since the pronun- ciation is phonet- ic and there are. no irregularities or exceptions to rules. It is stated that the grammar (containing bade : terminations and 30 prefixes ae affixes) can be learned in one hour. In any case a student who has | average intel> : ligence can learn a ipe language ane ries ew months. The 5 name: “Esperan- to” means “the . hoping one.” The language was in- _ troduced into Great Britain in 2 1902 /and -has . spread into prac- tically every civil- ized country in the world. — Its. teaching is com- pulsory in Rus- S sian schools and x it is taught in. os many British =~ schools. The In- ternational Asso-_ re ciation of Ex- i Service Men em- ploy Esperanto | as a medium of communication. — A number of — periodicals are published in this — pee eee ic ba many~books hav been printed in i,

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HAT would you do? What would your wife and children do? Suppose your employer notified you to- morrow. that he didn’t need you any longer? Have you any idea where you could get an- other position? - You wouldn’t have to worry if you were g trained man. You wouldn’t have to spend your mornings reading the “Want Ads’ and then trudging from place to place, meeting rebuffs and discouragements, piling up bills, finally willing “to do anything” if only you could get on somebody’s payroll. ‘Don’t have this spectre of unemployment hanging over your head forever. Train your- ~ self to do some one thing so well: that your services will be in demand. Employers don’t discharge such men. They promote them! Decide to-day that you are going to get the spe- cialized training you must have if you are ever "going to get a real job and a real salary. It is easy if you really try. - Right at home, in the odds and ends of spare time that now go to waste, you can prepare for the ‘position you want in the work you like best. For the Taternational Cotrespondeace Schools will train “What would I do if I lost my job?” | “you just as they are training thousands of other men—no matter where you live—no matter what your circumstances, At least find out how, by marking and mailing the coupon printed below. There’s no cost or! obligation, and it takes only a moment of your time, but it may be the means of changing your whole life, ANTERNATIONAL Ope RESPONBeRDE SCHOOLS” . Box 4489-D, Scranton, Ponna. Without cost or obligation, please tell me how T san suse Or the position or in the. subject before which I have marked an X ; BUSINESS TRAINING COURSES Business Management Industrial Management Personnel Organization Trafic Management Business Law Banking and Banking eat Accountancy (including C.P.A.) Salesmanship Advertising Better Letters Show Card Lettering ’ Stenography ne Typing a a ‘Business English ‘ . Civil Service Nicholson Cost Accounting Railway Mall Clork vim Bookkeeping Common School Subjects % Private Secretary. High School Subjecta Spanish O French Tilustrating ©) Cartooniag 7 tEbatlicah AND INDUSTRIAL COURSES ete Architect tee en Electric Lighting Mechanical Engineer Mechanical Draftsman Machine Shop Practica Railroad Positions Gas. Engine Oporating Civil Enginser Surveying and Mapping Metallurgy Steam Enginesring ep Engineering Name... eesersrrorerive Strest DACTOOG 25. ics chvsotovatabecensssdeppees: AEs arcavivniepunanlesastiggssbbiceste EST Ty. Bateredle rime Oey aera ir bes > Peraons residing in Canada should send th Corr sspondence et Canadian, Limited, Architects’ Blue Prints. Contractor and Bullder ; Architectural Draftsman Conerete Bullder ; Structural Engineer_ Chemistry Pharniaey Automobile Work Airplane Engines Navigation Agriculture and Poultry Mathematica

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rohaas OUR TEN-CENT HAND BOOKS Useful, Instructive, and Amusing. They contain Valuable Information on Almost Every Subiect. No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT. —Fully illustrated. Full instructions are given in this jittle book, together with Perms on Swimming and riding, companion sports to Boating. ‘No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES.—Every one is “desirous of knowing what his future life wil) bring forth, whether happiness or.misery, wealth or poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little book. Buy one and be convinced. : No. 29 HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Every boy should know how inventions originated, This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hy- dranlies, magnetism, optics, pRB Re: echanics, No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the mést instructive hooks on gre) ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish, game and oysters; also ples, puddings, cakes and all kinds of pastry, and a gran co}lection of recipes. ’ ‘No. 88 HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and etiquette of good society and the easiest and most approved methods of appearing to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church, and in the draw- ing-room. No. 85. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and nseful little book, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, back-gammon, croquet, domine ete. No. 86. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Contain- ing all the leading conundrums of the day, amusing rid- dies, curious catches and witty savings. No 40. OW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—In- eluding hints on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, equirrels and birds. Also how to cure skins. Copiously iMustrated. Wo. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN'S 10K EBOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the most famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without this wonderful little book. 0. . THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP- SPEAKER,.—Containing a_varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch and Irish. Also end men’s Jokes. Just the thing for home amusement-and amateur shows. No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTRET, SUIpDE AND JOKE BOK.—Something new and very ‘nstructive.. Every boy should obtain this book, as it contains full Instructions for organizing an minstrel troupe. ; No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELECTRICITY. —A description of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism; together with full instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries, ete. By George Trebel. A. M., M. Containing over fifty i/ustrations. No, 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAI“L CANOES.—A randy book for boys, containing full directions for con- efructing canoes and the most popular manner of. sail- ing them. Fully illustrated, No. 49. HOW TO DERBATE.—Giving rules fdr con- ducting debates, outlines for debates, questions for dis- enssion and the best sources for procuring information on the question given. No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS. --A valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, pre- paring, mounting a “sets. No. 51. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Con- ' taining explanations of the general principles of sleight- of-hand applicable to card tricks; or card tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring sleight-of-hand; of ‘rieks involving sleight-of-hand, or the use of specially prepared cards. Illustrated. No. 62: HOW TO PLAY CAKDS.—A complete and ‘nndy lttle book, giving the rules and ful) directions for playing Euchre, Cribbage. Casino, Forty-Five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, Auction Pitch, Al ours, and many other popular games of cards. No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS,— - living complete information as to the manner and-meth- ed of raising, keeping, taming. breeding and managing 1) kinds of pets: also giving ful] instructions for mak- ‘ng cages, ete. Fully explained by twenty-elght {llus- ‘rations. For sale by atl newadealers, or wi be sent to any address on receipt of price, 10c. per copy, money or stamps, by 166 West 23d Street New York City HARRY E. WOLFF, Publisher, Inc. amateur P tees. t ara 4 a. se: d preserving birds, animals and in- 1 ‘Fame and Fortune Weekly — LATEST Issvuks —— sh ay a Million; or, The Boy Who Was Born Lost in the Andes; or, The Treasures of the Buried City. On His Mettle; or, A Plucky Boy in Wall Street. A Lucky Chance; or, Taking Fortune on the Wing, The Road to Suceess; or, The Career of a Wor- tunate Boy. Chasing Pointers; or, The Luckiest Boy in Wall Street. 985 Rising in the World; or, From Factory Boy to Manager. 1 986 From. Dark to Dawn; or, A Poor Boy’s Chance. 987 Out for Himself; or, Paving His Way to Fortune. 988 Diamond ‘Cut Diamond; or, The Boy Brokers of Wall Street. 9s9 <A Start in Life; or, A Bright Boy's Ambition. 090 Out for a Milllon; or, The Young Midas of Wal} Street. : 991 Every Inch a Boy; or, Doing His Level Best. 992 Money. ae Burn; or, The Shrewdest Boy In Wall Street. $ 93 ei sae to Business; or, The Boy Who Was Not sleep. 994 Tipped by the Ticker; or, An Ambitious Boy in | all Street. 995 On_te Success: or, The Boy Who Got Ahead. 996 ape eer a Fortune; or, A Country Boy in Wall reet 997 Bound to Rise: or, Fighting His Way to Success 998 Out for the Dollars; or, A Smart Boy in Wa‘l Street, 999 For Fame and Fortune; or, The Boy Who Won Roth, 1000 A Wall Street Winner; or, Making a Mint of Money. 1001 ahe ne to Wealth; or, The Boy Who Found ut. 1002 o3 ae Wing; or, The Young Mercury of Wall reet. 1004 TRS UBS with the Market; or, The Boy Bh os Made t Pay. 1005 Cast Adrift; or, The Luck of a Homeless Boy. 1006 See the Market; or, A Keen Boy in Wall treet. ; 1007 A Pot of Money; or, The Legacy of a Lucky Boy. 1008 From Rags to Riches; or, A Lucky Wall Street Messenger, ae : 1009 On His Merits: or. The Smartest Boy Alive. d 1010 Trapping the Brokers; or. A Game Wall Street Boy. A Million in Gold; or, The Treasure of Santa Cruz. 1012 Boe to Make Money; or, From the Weststo Wall Street 1013 The Boy Magnate; or. Making Baseball: Pay, 1014 Making Money: or, A Wall Street Messenger’s Luck, 1015 A Elarvest of Goid: or, The Buried Treasure of . Coral Tsland. Z 1016 On the Curb; or, Beating the Wall Street Brokers, 1017 A wie of Fortune; or, The Boy Who. Struck iL. 1018 ete Prince of Wall Street; or, A Big Deal for Big Money. 1019 Starting His The Boy Who Caught On. : 1020 A Corner In Wall Street: or, The Wall Street Boy Who Won. ee 1021 First in the Field; or, Doing Business for Himself. 1022 A Broker at Bighteen; or, Roy Gilbert’s Wall Street - Career. 1022 Only a Dollar; or. From BHrrand Bov to Owner. | Price & Co.. Boy Brokers; or, The Young Traders of Wall Street, ¢ ‘ 1095 A Winning Risk; or. The Boy Who Made Good. 1026 From a Dime to a Million; or, A Wide-Awake Wall Street Boy. 41027 The Path to Good Luck; or, Death Valley. 1028 Mart Morton’s Money; or, A Corner in Wall Street ; Stoeks. 1029 Famous at Fourteen; or, Who Made a Great Name. ; 1030 Tips To Fortune: or, A Lucky’ Wall Street Deal. 1021 Striking His Gait; or, The Perils of a Boy En- gineer. 1082 From Messenger to Millionaire; or, A Roy’s Luck In Wall Street. : Boy Gold Hunters; or, After or, A Wall Street? Boyan” . Own Business; or, s The Boy Miner. of The Boy 1033 The A Pirate’s' Treasure. 1034 Tricking the Traders; Game of Chance. For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 8c. per copy, in money. or stamps, by HARRY K. WOLFE, Publisher, Inc., Pe eae 166 West 23d Bireet : New York City —