Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 12) (1905 12 22)

Page 1

BoYs Wio MAKE MONEY. | DIAMOND IN THE pouch; _R, A BRAVE BOY'S START IN LIFE. 7 Lt MIE: MEM I alse iaacoac 7 oe a} ent —— | the boy ducked aks and then tackled the ruffian low down, football fashion. The consequence ares the, petunia, balagee sand easured his 1 taining the stolen property, we sh aig everal

Page 2

Page 3

‘ame and Fortune Weekly “Beued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per sere. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1905, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, hoary ‘on, D. C., by Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York, fn w ps : lo, 12 ’ NEW YORK, DECEMBER 22, 1905. Price 5 Cents a OR, A Brave Boy’s Start in Life. By A SELF-MADE /1AN.. “CHAPTER I. quehanna River, on the bank of which this incident oc- curred. | Moses Wyse was the son of Jake Wyse, the cracker oss of the Black Diamond colliery, and a cruel ogre in the eyes of all the little boys whose unhappy fate sent them to work - in the screen-room. ‘ 5 Young Wyse had comething of his father’s diepostetons : He loved to torture and bullyrag any one whom his ali ing stature and scowling face intimidated. * And when he couldn’t find a human object to cities upon, he transferred his attention to the dogs and Cape. and even the birds, of the neighborhood.. ‘ | As might be expected, he was a rank coward at heart, If the person who excited his ill will was able to re ist) his aggression he bided his time and endeavored’ to Bet, back at them in a treacherous and underhanded manner. amond breaker hard by. 2 |. And this young rascal had the nerve to think he was. a tle Har! fe sritted Moses, cra, siving the ft mate to associate with Annie Marsh, daughter of John 0 _| Marsh, peenect of the Black Diamond een ee the | IN wanton FRED KING TAKES ANNIE MARSH'S PART. Aren't Wa ashamed of yourself, Moses Wyse, to beat it little fellow « so cruelly! !” cried pretty Annie Marsh, in- mantly, her bright blue eyes flashing a scornful look at a ee lou ish boy, who held a timid-looking lad of eleven be ear, while he clouted him wont the head with | dis ed hand. in’t vurtin’ him,” replied the assent, in a shame- i est teachin’ him manners. ‘The little imp ie. — tears oozing in channels down his ened features, for he was a ‘slate- picker in the

Page 4

2 A DIAMOND. IN -—— THE ROUGH. —————— SSE ee “Well,” he growled, sullenly, “I’ve let him go, and now ‘ you'll let me see you home, won’t you?” He spoke the words eagerly, moisteting his dty lips with his tongue, like some animal contemplating a delicious morsel, “No, I won't.” The refusal was short, sharp and to the point. Annie had no use for Moses. Wyse, and she wanted him to understand that particular fact. The boy’s face turned a livid, unhealthy color, for her words stung him. “You wouldn’t say that to Fred King,” he snarled, in an ugly tone, while his eyes blazed with a jealous fury, “and he’s only a common engineer’s helper, while I “Stop!” she exclaimed, with a flash of her eye which, for a moment, disconcetted him. “You shan’t say a word against him in my presence. You wouldn’t dare do it before his face.” ; “Yah !” he hissed, vindictively. “I hate him!” “Then you’re the only one in the village who does,” she retorted, spiritedly. ; “Am dic “Yes. , Why do you dislike him? treated you fairly ?” ' “No, he hasn’t.” “Who sayed you from the fangs of Anderson’s dog'a few ‘months ago?” “T don’t care, I hate him because he likes ond and you walk with him and give me the cold shake. You think I ain’t got no feclin’s. You think you kin walk over me and wipe itin. But you can’t, I tell you. I won’t stand it. I'll ‘git even with him, and mebbe with you, too, ef you don’t look out.” af He shook his burly head, menacingly, like a wild bull in ‘ a Spanish arena when on the point of charging upon the toreador. : Annie tossed her head with a look of supreme contenipt. . Moses noticed the action, and it roused all the evil that wasinhim. , He took a step toward her and grasped her by the wrist. Hasn’t he always - river?” he hissed. There was such a malevolent intensity in his words that the girl shrank back in spite of her natural courage. He was quick to perceive the effect he had produced, and an uncontrollable desire to follow up his advantage took _ > possession of him. A few moments before he had been foiled by her in his ~ attempt to play the bully with little Bddie Foster. Now he thought she was afraid of him and he would street with him. ee time and circumstances seemed to be propitious. \ “Night was falling, aia hee was little fear of interrup- the machinery was one in the almost deserted 3 “i you. won't, 1 A. few minutes ago a friendly word froin the girl woulwal have thrilled his hidebound nature, now it was all different. y She had contemptuously refused his request. f. And—he knew shie liked Fred King, and would bé prov to let that boy, even in his oil-soaked and cinder-stain: overalls and. jumper, see her on her toad to her father cottage. The very thought of such a thing was enough to ma Moses Wyse furious. « : “Do you know, P’a just as lief do somethin’ to git squa, with you as not,” he cried, glaring down into her face. “Fr like you better’n King ever thought of, but I can’t stand fond you to ride a high horse with me. The more I like yo He the more I kin hate you, too. If you won’t be seen with mich I'll swear you shan’t with hitn. rit kill him first, and ycue too!” VA “Moses Wyse, how dare you!” étted the white-faced gis ™* struggling to free her wrist from his viselike grip. A “Oh, I dare, all right!” he gritted, with a sardont'@ chuckle. = “Yow re a coward, and Tl] never notice you again as Ton = as I live!” “You think you won’t,” he snarled. «Youll promist ie right. now to let me go home with you and treat me bett : in the future or——” y/ He made a significant gesture toward the swiftly an water. “Tl do nothing of the kind,” she replied, ‘desperately. by “Yes, you will!” he cried, forcing her backward!"™. i h “Let me go, Moses Wyse!” if : : you want me to choke you?” Annie had never seen him in such a iinid before. He made no effort now to disguise the true instincts ‘“ his evil nature. “When you answer the way I want.” The mask was off, and she, saw him as he mele was-— i | He seized her other wrist and the now trightenbd gir uttered a shrill scream. _ “Hang it! what did you do that fons ?” he snarled, de “Do you know I’ve a good mind to throw you into the |® thoroughly unprincipled young rascal, We sy “Moses Wyse, are you mad?” ! “Mebbe Iam. And ef I am it’s all ’causo of you.” “My father will make you feel sorry for this,” she said. “Yah! My old man won’t let him touch me.” “Tet me gol” ; “Will you do as I. want you to?” its No! ibe “Then Pii——” “Youll do what, Moses Wyse?” said a ey ee oie i FD. be get ‘square with her since she had refused to walk up the in his ear, as a firm hand was laid on his shoulder, “Fred King!” cried Annie, with a little shriek of 09 light. Pay Outs polvtnal the cracker boss’ 8 eu, the. ine of ry salen hatred blazing in his eyes. 4 “Yes. And jest you let Annie Marsh alone? Fi ay Fe Bid “And supposin’ I won't?” retorted Moses, ferociously. “4 ma ; ce you!” ee replied ¢ the stalwart j 0 ,

Page 5

ie) A eo IN” THE: - ROUGH. t Sze Fanideoeis features were streaked with evidences of| senied to Fred to forge his way to the front in a splendid ‘oulcalling. calling. rent. was an intense moment as the two boys faced each| Fred King had become apydataled with Annie Marsh ~ when he first went into the boiler-room, and that acquaint- ay ance had steadily ripened, with John Marsh’s approval, si until the young people got upon-a very cordial footing. Ler The boy was always welcomed at the Marsh cottage, for he was a modest fellow, and never presumed upon the standing he had attained. “J would give a great deal to have a son like him,” Mr. Marslf more than once said to his wife, and the good woman | was in full sympathy with this feeling. Moses Wyse, who persistently tried to force his undesir- able attentions on Annie, was, on the contrary, not looked upon with favor by the girl’s parents, nor, as we have seen, by Miss’ Marsh herself. Therefore, Moses hated Fred, and had Secas a VOW to do him up at the first opportunity—not fairly and above board, but on the quiet, if he could, for Moses had a whole- some respect for Fred’s prowess. As we have said, the two boys stood face to face that even-, ing on the dusky banks of the Susquehanna, Moses Wyse still holding Annie Marsh by the wrists. “You'll make me, will you?” snarled Moses, whose anger had made him uncommonly bold. Fred didn’t waste another word upon him, but grabbing his wrists with a grip of steel, made him release the girl. “Tl kill you!” yelled the young villain, making a furi- ous lunge at Fred, which the boy easily avoided by stepping quickly to one side. “JT don’t think you will,” answered King, coolly. “T will! I will, if I die for it!” screamed Moses, livid with passion, “T wouldn’t get so excited if I were you,” said the other, placidly. Moses sprang at him furiously and tried to strike him e : the face. ‘e Fred warded off the blow, but made no attempt to re: taliate. ‘ His passivehess encouraged the Joutish hoy to furtlier ¥ effort. He br ek s strength ie full play, and Fred woke up to the fact that matters were going altogether too. far to bé pleasant. “You will have it, eh?” Sm: ash! ! Moses got a straight one in the eye, For the next minute it was nip and tuck between them: Fred catching a staggering thump on the chest from } nis 4 enemy's big fist. “Then bill! i Wyse caught it under the chin and his head went tea {with atjerk. ig ace whieh ran the machinery | “Have you had eee pn sake Fred, as ® Moses pu iy | hands to his j Gps and in back. OHAPTER II. _ IN WHICH MOSES WYSE GniS THE WORST OF IT. lay “Fred King was one of nature’s young noblemen—a dia- fond in the rough. 70, ‘He was sixteen years of age, strong, healthy and every mich the man, from the crown of his curly brown head to cue soles of his welleworn shoes. ) All he needed was the polish afforded by education and ntact with good society. — { At the early age of ten the sudden death of his father in ijfe mines forced him to go to work as a slate-picker in the jense, dusty atmosphere of the Black Diamond breaker, ,yhere for many months he spent long hours daily, astride of narrow ¢hute, sorting the slate from the coal, as both escended in continuous streams from the massive screens 1 rough which they had been sifted in fragments. p/ His companions then had been boys of his own age, many ‘£ whom were prematurely stunted and eventually broken n health by the life they were compelled to lead. ij a 1 urvived this terrible period in his young ca- .#nough he more than once narrowly escaped the awful te which had befallen more than one of the weaker boys, if heing swept from the chute into the pockets—receptacles to which the coal, when freed from all impurities, ran rior to being loaded into the railroad cars for transporta- tion to the market. | King was such a good-natured, sannytoeee lad that he came a general favorite, not only at. the Black Diamond colliery, but throughout the little mining village as well, and when his mother died, leaving him an. orphan, he’ did not care to leave the place. After a time, the ¢ engineer, who had taken a areat fancy m, managed to have him assigned to the furnace-room oehe ere: Here h was employed to do the lowest and dirtiest work n the ace in wheel the refuse to the cinder heap, then to ee —- ers and scale from inside of the boilers on oiled the COPE mies the brass and other parts of the saree” and attend ed to such sbi duties as the “os

Page 6

ae A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. feliia rts wok a ok 295s) EG SRR ek ee oo ee a is aa os att , picked up a big ween of slate and let it drive full at Fred’s head. Only the quickest kind of a duck saved the boy from what must have proved a fatal blow. As it was, one of the sharp corners of the missile tore a jagged wound along the side of his head, from which the blood started freely. Annie, who had been watching the conflict with anxious ~ eyes, uttered a suppressed scream and ran to Fred. The cowardly act, howeyer, so angered King that he rushed upon Moses with compressed lips that told how fully aroused he was. It was thump, biff, smash, thump! for the next minute, and when he let up, young Wyse was reduced to a cowering wreck, and fairly begged for quarter. “Get out of here!” cried Fred, unmistakably in n earnest. “The next time you run up against me that way you’ll have to be shoyelled into a cart and carried home. Go, do you hear !? Moses heard, understood, and slunk away like the cur he ; was, but his black little heart was full of hate and an un- quenchable desire to get square with the boy who had so _ thoroughly humiliated him in the presence of Annie Marsh. . “When I went to the door of the engine-room to get a basin of water to wash up, I heard you scream,” said Fred, in explanation of his presence on the scene, as he took one of the girl’s hands in his to look at her wrist, chated by Moses Wyse’s rough grasp. “I’m so glad you came,” she said, earnestly; “but, oh, so sorry you have been hurt in my behalf. You are bleeding dreadfully,” she added, anxiously. “Can’t I do something i 80 stop the blood 2” . “Tt doesn’t amount to anythin’,” he answered, carelessly. “T will go with you to the engine-house and bathe ‘and bind it up for you,” she said, eagerly. “Well,” he replied, pleased with the concern she showed, “come along.” _ ‘They walked, hand-in-hand, to the engine-room, like a _ eouple of children, and ss oa got a oy of warm water and a bar of yellow soap. He washed the blood out ¢ of his hair and (from the wound, _ roughly, and after that removed the grime and oil from his ‘face and dried it with a coarse towel. _ After that he submitted to the gentle railthitons of pikes, who thoroughly cleansed the wound and bound it up with his handkerchief. “There, you look much: better now, Fred,” she said, : - smiling into his face. done.” “You had better ge to the arggit and have it properly ttended to. ; ay gs if ae g0 along,” he barged, yn a Aiea “Thanks, Annie; that’s as good as a doctor could have Annie’s father had gone home half an hour before, F but for the trouble Fred himself would have been at | nis lodgings eating supper by this time. “Mother will certainly be wondering what has become of me,” she said, as they started off into the village. “Then I guess I’d better not keep you,” said Fred, Te gretfully. “A few minutes more won’t make any difference,” ghe replied, lightly. hy “How did you come atross Moses?” he asked, curiou — “T caught him beating little Eddie “oster, and it m / me so angry that I interfered and made him let the boy gl “Good for you!” grinned Fred, admiringly. f tossing her head disdainfully. him to do so.” * “You don’t like him ?” x “No, I don’t. Haven’t I told you so ia ane “T guess you have, and I don’t blame you.” “He’s a disagreeable, mean-spirited boy,” she said, cat spokenly. “The idea of him grabbing me by the two wrief, and wanting to make me do as he wished. What do y suppose he threatened to do?” she added, indignantly. , | “What ?” “Why, throw me into the river.” “You don’t mean it!” exclaimed eed somewhat asto ished. ; my “He said he had a good raha 0 ei that, and he Spo, earnestly enough to frighten me. When he pushed me bac, as if he really intended to carry out his threatp.screa te “He’s gettin’ to be as bad as his father,” ‘said Fred, ” was up in the screen-room the other day, and the way, Ja, Wyse was beatin’ the little kids. would have made yo blood boil. It was bad enough in my time, but it’s wo under Jake. He acts like a ravin’ cone with those lit slate-pickers.” “Poor little fellows, they have a idea time of ie 9 said, with a shudder. Then they’ entered the drugstgag and “4 druggist fx Fred up in good shape. oiriony A few minutes later the boy Rade Annie good night the entrance to the lane, a stone’s throw from’ her ho and continued on to his own lodgings, | —_—_—_— MEAP TBR LE alt A teas i ee aye IN WHICH A PLOT IS HATCHED AGAINST JOIIN said “You're a nice-lookin’ object, you are ” ‘said. ae, Wyse Senior, as his hulking son Moses slouched into the aon after the mix-up with Fred King. fi The\ Wyse family was at supper, J ake himself ng ip ‘the act of carving a rather tough steak, while the pee Wyses sat around the board in a state of great ale each ‘secretly hoping he would get the Diggtst piece, | sod ‘Mrs. Jake was ae ing 1 the tea. x!

Page 7

a et — A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. 5 — fore, = SS SS mn at hislat’s happened to yer?” continued the head of the beer of a night. Has it brought to his house instead. He Moses flung his cap into a convenient corner and| told Gummitt, the landlord, the other day, that his house ecome of a into his chair. was the curse of the village. That he was making drunk- aurt,” replied Moses, ungraciously. ards of honest miners, and takin’ the bread out of their "red, te) r did, did yer? Well, yer ain’t got no bizness to git | families’ mouths. I go there reg’larly, and I don’t take the ‘Tl see yer in the woodshed after supper.” bread out’r your nor the kids’ mouths, do I, Mrs. Wyse?” ce,” pe’ significance of the final sentence caused Moses to} “Oh, dear, no!” Mrs. Jake hastened to reply. “The aes | | idea!” y ‘Y 4 King licked me, if you want to know, he said,| “There!” and Jake brought his hand down on the table, } as if he had clinched the argument in the right way. “Where’s my hat?” he asked, as he rose from the table. “Where you left it, I s’pose,” answered Mrs. Jake, “Where did I leave it?” “Dunno. Are you goin’ out??? “Yes, I’m goin’ out. What did you s’pose when I asked for my hat? That I was goin’ to bed?” with some sarcasm. “Here you, Moses, jest you hunt my hat up and be quick *bout it, or I’ll take you out in the woodshed and dust your jacket for you, as I intended.” Moses got a hustle on himself, and was so fortunate as. to find his father’s hat under his own. Jake Wyse clapped it on his head, lighted his dirty stump of a pipe and walked out of the door, making a bee-line for the “Miners’ Retreat,” the eyesore of the mining village. The cracker boss was an early bird at the dram-shop, and this gave him the opportunity of a long and confidential chat with Gummitt, the proprietor, for whom he had con- siderable of a liking.’ It seems there had been some talk among the better peo- ple of the village of requesting Mr. Gummitt, a beetle- browed Englishman, to remove to a more congenial locality, — and. Gummitt naturally resented this interference with his rights. He was making money, and didn’t want to move. “You kin lay it all to John Marsh,” said Jake Wyse, wagging his head, sagely. “°E’s a wiper,” said Gummitt, bringing his fist down » upon the bar with a force that set the glasses upon it all : of a jingle. . He meant viper, but, unfortunately, Gummitt’s language was not of the first order. > “Wot right has ’e to go round settin’ people agin me, — that’s wot I want to know?” asked the Englishman, ba a look of virtuous. indignation. of “He ain’t got no right,” said Jake Wyse, pouring out a : fresh glass of whiskey for himself and then forgetiing. pac pay for it. “Of course ’e ain’t. If the miners want to come in eo Gs for a glass o’ beer, or summut stronger, ain’t uit got the right to? I awsk you?” “Sure they have.” Eee “Tt ain’t no bizness o’ mine if they spend more’n they. }kin afford over the bar. This ’ere ds Hamerica, where ev'ry | individool is *is hown boss. They come in ’ere of their ‘how: "i | haccord, don’t they? I don’t go hout an’ drive ’em hiny | f| too, ee hif I did elas oe the other side ei T hain’t TION =| oa if | oy gi! d King!” snarled Wyse, Senior, with an ominous ter in his eye., “That whelp!”” with a hoarse roar. “I ont é wish I’d been boss of the screen-room when he worked pern ipo !” and J ake wagged his head, forbiddingly. “I'd have en the hide off him.” tom which it may easily be understood that Jake Wyse, } Some reason, did not. have any great love for Fred King. 4 You ought to be big enough to put it all over that outta,” ’ went on Mr. Wyse, as he helped his eltlest hopeful vrist the smallest piece of steak. ““Mebbe I am, if I got a fair show.” “Didn’t you get a fair show ?” “No, I didn’t. He struck me when I wasn’t lookin’.” “He did, did he?” snorted Jake, beginning to feel a sort t sympathy for his son. “Give me the partic’lars.” 4 Moses, who- knew his father like a book, began to see a #ficam of hope ahead, and with the view of turning his par- fpt’s anger away from himself, proceeded to give a highly ; t of the affair down by the river. LY, ‘he represented ins as the victim of n unprovoked assault, Abt And King jumped on you just ’cause you wanted to alk home with that Marsh girl, is that it?” “That's it, dad.” . “Tf you can’t handle him, I'll take the first chance and ick him myself,” said Jake Wyse, after swallowing the greater part of a huge cup of tea at a gulp. # “T wish you'd fix him go Adbnie Marsh would are him he shake.” . “Mebbe I will. So she talks to him, dis she?” bs es, she does,” in a tone’ which would imply that Moses egarded this as a real grievance. “What do you care? She ain’t the only gal in this here illage.”? “She’s the best-lookin’, and dresses the iceatt too.” “Yah!” snarled his Zather: “T ain’t got no use for hothin’ connected with John Marsh. He’s proud and tuck up.” 4 “That? s right, J Nee ” suiaiaen the amiable spouse, with snap of the eye, “Misses Marsh don’t think I’m good ugh to ’sociate with.” ie oe said so?” roared Jake, ‘aan a ii Jake, as if} be fresh fuel for his ill humor to feed v upon. heerd 80,” answered. Mrs. J: ake, vaguely. Marshes, make me. sick,” ee Take, as ‘the : ens r ‘village. ae club, do Hi? This bein’ a free country I “aye my righ...

Page 8

6 A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. _ “That's right,” agreed Jake, emptying his glass. “Take another,” said Gummitt, pushing the bottle to- ward him. “Hit won’t cost you nothin’. I look on you as a friend. What would you hadwise me to do?” “If it was me, Gummitt,” said Jake, in a confidential whisper, as he poured out another dram, “I’d try and do somethin’ to get square with John Marsh.” “*Ow kin I do it?” asked the proprietor of the Retreat, looking hard at the cracker boss. “Are you willin’ to try?” said Wyse, regarding the Eng- lishman narrowly. “Him willin’ to do hanythink wot won’t get found out.” “Tf you’re game, I’m ready to help you,” said Jake, in a low tone. “I’ve got it in for John Marsh myself, and ’m only waitin’ for a chance to put it up to him.” “Hare you?” said the Englishman, eagerly. “Then we'll join “ands if you say so, hand put ’im hout of bizness hif we kin.” The bargain was struck on the spot and sealed with an- ae Atal ‘Ave you got hany plan?” asked Gummitt. jo have.” “Wot is it?” “Te’s put all of his earnin’s into that fine cottage he lives in up the lane. You've seen it, haven’t you?” “Fi ’ave.”” ' “The insurance ran out to-day noon, and the letter he writ to the comp’ny to have it renewed never reached the hozt-oilice.” “Wy. mot 2” : “*Catise I got hold of, it—see ?” Jake Wyse pulled an envelope out of his pocket, addressed to the William Penn Fire Insurance Co., of Philadelphia, and showed Gummitt the enclosures, an unsigned receipt and a money-order for the amount shown on it.” “Te ought to have registered that letter. That’s where he was a fool. Now, if his house burns down to-night he’ll lose all, with the mortgage standin’ agin the land, which will wipe him out.” . “But ’is *ouse hain’t likely to burn down to-night,” said -Gummitt. ° “Mebbe not, unless you an’ me put a match to it.” Gummitt one so thick he couldn’t understand what the ea boss was driving at, and it took his breath. a the moment. “Hit’s a State prison hoffense,” he said, in a hushed tone. “Not unless you get caught.” _ Gummitt regarded the proposition with some uneasiness. “Wot hare the chances?” he asked. “T think it’seasy,” said Jake, coolly. “Come into my parlor an’ II] let the old *ooman wait hon the customers,” said Gummitt, leading the way. _ With a bottle of whiskey before them they went over a scheme, and, after an hour’s confab, came to an pare + on to as it into, effect that alee st Then, he heard voi CHAPTER IY. » ri b THE AMBUSH TIFAT DIDN'T WORK, AND WHAT CAME Sar ; ; | mn When Fred King reached his lodgings that evenin} og found a note from one of his.old slate-picker friends, Wiyg - had got a job in Wilkesbarre, asking him to come an con him that night, if possible. The boy considered the question while eating his 2 per, and finally decided to go. As he passed by the “ Miners’ Retreat,” he observed Mo Wyse and a pal hanging around on the outside of the dra shop. The bully saw him and scowled darkly. Just then an acquaintance of Fred’s came: along asked him where he was going.» “To Wilkesbarre,” he replied. “It'll bé late before you get back, won’t it?”, said r friend. ' “T cuess it will,” admitted King, and with that it parted. « Moses, however, had heard the byief conversation. It was close to one o’clock in the morning when Fr came through the wood on the outskirts of the an village. He was whistling merrily to beguile the lonesomeness 3 his walk. i It was not a yery bright night, as there was no moc, and the wind soughed through the leaves and branches. re A timid person wouldn’t have:relished his surroundin’ _ but Fred was built of sterner stuff, and he plodded along unconcerned as though he was on a crowded city thoroug fare. Suddenly something whizzed through the air and white his hat from his head as neatly as if sliced off with a kni “What’s that?” cried the boy, stopping in his tracks then looking after his hat, which as tolled — hedge. Whiz-2-z! A big chunk of coal almost brushed the boy’s nose. wy Fred started back, thoroughly startled at the vigor ¥ the onslaught made upon him. A third missile passed a foot above his head and weriti pieces with a bang against the fénce. It was certainly too serious to: i pleasant for the victiv. | of the fusillade. y Fred picked up his hat, and, crouching in the shadow the hedge, ran forward. Then the bombardment ceased, for the ania of the tack had disappeared. King didn’t go very far, but hid himself, awaiting shinee developments. Presently he heard a rustling along the further hades and then a dark patch came into indistinct view beside the opposite fence, and this was. almost cara ee! joine - | by another. — : a n Mccain

Page 9

A DIAMOND IN. THE ROUGH, ~~ 7 sently two forms vaulted over the fence and came to the middle of the road. dnere did he go?” said a voice, which Fred was willing ar belonged to Micky Gibbs, a pal of Moses Wyse. in| Mno,” replied his companion, who Fred was sure must oses himself, as well as he could make out in the gloom. he rascals!” muttered the concealed boy. “It’s like (cowards they are to get at me in such an underhanded They must have learned I went to Wilkesbarfe, and iyare been waitin’ here to ambush me on the way back. 4i¢ to pickle ’em for it.” ie Aisappeared all of a suddin,” went on Micky Gibbs, as if he dropped inter the ground. Mebbe he’s hidin’ like the stings of a hundred scorpions. “Micky, help me! Knock him down! He’s killmg me!” But there was no help for Moses, for Micky Gibbs was. out of it. Swish! Swish! Swish! “Wow! Wow! Wow!” screamed Moses, siighline to avoid the terrible punishment he was receiving. “You miserable coward! You sneak in the dark!” cried Fred, continuing to lay the whip on his enemy without the least intermission. E “Don’t! Don’t! Please don’t! You're killin’ me!” screamed Moses, in agony of pain. “Would you have had any mercy on me, you whelp?. I believe you two meant to lay me out for keeps to-night. Sup- posin’ either of those hunks of coal had hit me on the head, as you intended they should, where would I have been? You might*have killed me to-night down by.the river with two young rascals had come ‘prepared for business, | that piece of slate if your aim had been truer. And this cky had a stout cudgel and Moses a wicked-looking | is what I get for savin’ a miserable hound like you from ee 7 Saye -| gettin’ chewed wp by Anderson’s bulldog !” d King heard every word they said, and their cow-|, Swish! ,Swish! Swish! project made him mad. “Oh! oh! oh!” howled Moses, dropping on to his knees. ne miserable skunks!” he murmured. “They were} “I'll never touch you ag ‘in. I swear it. Please stop! Oh! o knock me silly with chunks of coal first, and then | oh! oh!” 4 me with a club and whip. I'll just give ’en: a bit of | The cowardly wretch, who had provided the instrument Fise on my own hook and see how they like that.” of his own punishment, shrieked, and yelled, and whined bses and Micky were gradually approaching the _spot | for mercy. dden, beating the hedge and bashes as they is beat the bushes and see,” suggested Moses. “If him we'll lay it on to him good and thick. I are if we half kill him.” But for once the usually gererous-hearted boy was im- “4 es ‘| placable. . s in advance of his companion, | of course, reached Fred first. Vita wild, Comanche-like yell, King rose ie suddenly ¥ under Micky’s nose. rFoung Gibbs was so startled that i let outa smiliar’ kind yell and started to run. red reached for him, snatched the stick ‘out of his hand 1 gave him a good crack over the head, stretching the sh boy halt stunned on the rene Ail the anger and indignation of his nature was aroused by this treacherous attack in the dark, and from which he had escaped only by a miracle. He believed his two enemies would have fairly flayed him alive once they got him into their power, and this feeling left no pity in his heart for either of them. Though Moses cringed and shrieked at his fect, he. con- tinued to whip him with an unsparing hand. ‘The young villain had neyer received such a punishment in his life, even from his father, who oy very little mercy ne. to realize what had oeercd, and he shire the | on him when chastising him. mf tip-lash abowt Fred’s cars, raising a livid wale upon one his cheeks, King was thoroughly indignant before, but he was mad ar through now. A second stroke fell upon his back ait shoulders. with cious force, and Moses had drawn back his arm to inflict i d stroke, when Fred closed on him with a rush. f ou gis he. cried, , furiously. isi Th have x no casi ap on Suddenly Moses ceased his heart-rending cries, and his. head fell over on his shoulder. - “E i He hung limp and lifeless in Fred’s grasp. He had fainted under the Bheek. of the’ drubling i in flicted on him. i This fact brought King to his senses, and to the sober realization that he had gone too far. : He let go of Moses and poime Wyse fell‘in a heap 0 a | the road,’ se | Fred bent over him, with sudden sails: . ee ~The young ruffian’s white face. sae to, epronch ‘| for his fit of ungovernable anger, 13“ Great Scott! I hope I haven’t killed ite y? ~The hoy’s BS voice died away in a horrified whisp r.

Page 10

3 A DIAMOND IN “He’s breathin’ all right,” he muttered, with a sigh of relief. “TI guess he’s only fainted. I must have licked him more’n I intended. But he deserved every blow he got. Why can’t he leave me alone?” Then he noticed Micky rising to his feet a yard or two away. He, too, looked like a mighty sick boy. He had a lump the size of half a hen’s egg on the side of the head where Fred had hit him with his own cudgel. ~ “Come here, Gibbs,” Fred called, peremptorily. The boy stared at him, but seemed rather disposed to take to his heels. © “Come here, I’m not goin’ to hit you again. You want to look after Moses, and see that he gets home.” Micky came up slowly and looked down at his associate. “Ts he dead?” he asked, in a scared voice. “No—only fainted.” “You must have given him an awful lickin’.” “Not more’n was comin’ to him,” mith Fred, start- ing to walk off. At that moment a bright light Ridgely lit up the _ near-by landscape. “Great hornspoon!” cried Fred, as the glare of flames sifted through the trees. “That must be a house afire !” He started for the opening on the wood on a dead run. CHAPTER Y. __ IN WHICH FRED KING I8 ‘CHARGED WITH A SERIOUS CRIME. t The glare of the fire grew brighter as Fred approached _ the entrance to the wood. _ Some house in the village was evidently in flames. cy A moment later he dashed out clear of the trees, and his first glance at a familiar locality assured him that it was John Marsh’s cottage that was burning. EN Nid faite to be on the scene of trouble as‘soon as he ops was in his way, had stumbled over the crouching figure of a man. “Blast: yer! Can’t you see where yer goin?” e, _ “Jake Wyse !” exclaimed Fred, in surprise. =|! mee, «Yer know’me, do. yer?” snarled the cracker boss, rising us jh feet and laying hold of . ve “Where yer runnin’ : help on it oe ‘4 ; gloom. eae De dae Pega Te é ram: a mm: to the lock-hup.” “Good gracious!” exclaimed the boy, “this is rough on| , i men Fred. cut across by a by-lane, and before he knew} ‘tend ’e just come to ’elp.” cottage. : hah be Take ‘Wyse turned his head in the liveeb oti fae aoe : SS jeetct cians | noticed uae ae ‘figure snuggling down in} brought buckets, and a chain was hastily formed to ee 38 | the buckets full of water ae well ies the flam THE ROUGH. asked Wyse, with a wicked look in his eyes. “Don’t know you ought to be in bed ?” “T’ve been to Wilkesbarre, and only just got back,” Fred, struggling to release himself. “Hold hard, I think yer lyin’. I believe you’ve sot | to Marsh’s house yerself. It’s my opinion yer ain’t none, good for that kind of work. What do yer think, Gummit’ “Hi shouldn’t be surprised hif ’e did,” coincided landlord of the “Miners’ Retreat,” who detected the dy. of Wyse’s scheme. “What do you mean?” gasped Fred, amazed at opie accusation. ‘ “T mean just what I say. Ain’t we ketched yon runnin away from the fire?” ® “Runnin’ away from it! Runnin’ toward it you meapilcy “Come, now, that won’t wash, will it, Gummitt?”” “Hi should think not,” replied Gummitt, coming ward. “You seen which way he was runnin’, didn’t you?” “Hi did.” ; “So yer see, young feller, yer mac in the act. along !” “Let me go, will you ?” cried Fred, in desperate eat ness. “We couldn’t think hoff hit,” said Gummitt, laying hand on the boy’s other arm. “We're going to take 3 “T believe you set fire to the house yourselves 17 93 lated Fred, angrily. “The hidea!” cried Gummitt, with a look of virt | indignation. “Did you ’ear that, Wyse?” “You little imp!” roared Jake, giving his prisone rough shake which loosened Gummitt’s grip. At the same moment Fred gave a sudden tug ands himself away from Wyse. “Grab him, Gummitt !” tio The Englishman tried to, but Fred, like an eel, wri gled out of reach and was off toward the sles rod cottas like a ‘shot. “°R’s got eh said bi ei ina cor of disappoi i “Well, let him go. We'll throw enépicion on him an} way by sayin’ we seen him runnin’ from the fire.” “Hall See ‘ And we can say that ’e changed ’ is ple when ’e seen ’e was discovered and ran back pean to a “That’s right. We'll have to go to the fie ourselves, now, or it wouldn’t look well.” ‘ So the two rascals started on a jog trot for John Marsh’sy ed is 44 Quite a number of shied miners had ae the scene of the fire by the time Fred arrived. They were only half dressed, and many ‘of ities hed ames. na

Page 11

Where’s Annie?” asked Mrs. Marsh, anxiously, looking nd and failing to see her daughter. s if in answer to her question the window of a room ‘he rear attic was thrown open. and the girl’s head ap- ted at the opening. its. Marsh uttered a scream. jnd well she might, for it was in this wing of the cot- e the fire had started, and from the looks of things nie Was 8 cut off by 1 the flames from escape by the narrow irway inside, which led to the second floor and her par- is” sleeping-room. | big, strapping miner, who was directing the bucket fade, called for a ladder. ut it happened unfortunately that there was no ladder it the premises. ‘Pather !” screamed Annie. “Save me!” 8. Marsh had been detained from rushing into the age, but, now her husband made the attempt to rescue child” in the same way. was ot impossible as ite case stood, and tis i place was filled with a dense Zee through which und it impossible to force his way, and he thrust his \d out of the nearest window to get air. id this scene of wild excitement@added to every ent by fresh arrivals from the various houses, only ad the ready wit to see a way to save Annie out a tree which grew a few . threw one of its sheltering limbs the window where the terrified girl, surrounded thering smoke, her form thrown into bold relief are of the flames in the room behind her, stood, in piteous accents to be saved. one observed him shin up the gnarled trunk of the work his way upward among the limbs, and make his Ecarefully out that particular branch, which swayed and under his weight until a shout of encouragement from drew’ Annie’s eyes upward, and her little ery of sur- se as she saw him coming out toward her attracted the tion of the crowd alow. on as his object was understood it was padndeaialy sreciated, and a shout went up from the spectators, as las from. the perspiring neighbors who were passing the i with great zeal, th xtended his hands to the girl. ik a window jamb, That's right. Hop steady: satan so Ty) A DIAMOND IN ee @ farther out Fred progressed the iow bent the limb oak, until the boy, anchoring his legs around the nd up on the sill, , Annie, and hold ‘on by. ic an of house and, Cardenas as to the amount us the om whie ‘THE ROUGH. “Yes,” replied Annie, bravely. “There’s no danger if you just hold on,” he said. Then he released her, and she swung by her own grip over thirty feet up in the air. He worked himself backward a foot or so, and, then grasped her under the arms once. more. . “Now let go,” he said. She did so. He swung her the same relative distance ag retreated, and then told her to grab hol 6 again. This plan was repeated again ang got Annie well into the bod, of able to pull a ie beside bered nimbly down and call d for a blanket to put around the girl, who was only attired in her/night-dress. The article was soon got from the cottage, for the fire, now under control, had not reached the main part of the building. In a short time Fred assisted Annie to reach the ground, where her mother was waiting to receive her, deeply grate- ful for her daughter’s escape. ae y As the women folks gathered around the rescued miss, as is usual in such a case, King rushed away to make himself useful in putting the finishing touches to the end of ‘the fire. “You’re a nervy young fellow,” said the big miner ad- miringly to the boy. — “T’ll bet he is,’ echoed another. “And not one of us thought of doing such a nue for ihe "I poor girl,” said a third. “She'd have been burnt to death but for you, ag maine a fourth, “for her room and the room underneath are com- pletely gutted by the flames.” Other miners had their say, too, for all admired bravery f however shown, whether above or below the ground. Fred was quite overpowered by the praise showered indis- criminately upon him, and protested he had only done his EN: duty as he saw it. “That's all right,” said the big miner; “but you were the y only oné to do it at the critical moment You ought to 5 ag | have a medal. i “Aye! aye!” was, the unanimous verdict “of. all within i What do you say, boys?” , hearing. The last spark was. extinguished, and, socias the loss : was consider able, the cottage was practically saved. The crowd was gazing on the ruined wing of the pretty 7. fore, Lanoiad wit Mr. J Tinks the consabl i There he is,” said Wyse pointing. © Jinks ‘immediately walked up to Pred King, an h

Page 12

10 A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. “Young man, I arrest you for setting fire to this | cottage.” J CHAPTER YI. IN WHICH FRED BEARDS THE CRACKER-BOSS IN HIS DEN. 1 ing started back in stupefied surprise, while the biger's a other ycheeaty papa in astonishment. i WV vhat I mean,’ kid the’ constable is crasp on the lad. mder, Jinks,” interposed the big enc stepping ? “T think not,” repliede “Why, such a charge agai the miner stoutly. E “What's: the trouble?” forward.’ “Jinks here has arrested King, who saved your daugh- ter’s life in such a heroic manner, on the charge of firing your cottage. I say it’s absurd.” “Tt is, indeed,” coincided Marsh. you accuse the boy?” “On the evidence of Jake Wyse and Mr. Gummitt. They _ are here, ‘and you can question them. If there is any mis- take, of course I won’t take the boy.” “Well,” said Marsh, frowning wpon the cracker-boss and _. the tavern-keeper, who now came forward, “what have you ~ to say about, it?” “We were comin’ along the by-lane yonder, afore the fire, when, jest as it blazed up we ketched this young feller tunnin’ away from it as hard as he could put, and we ~ nabbed him.” ] “That's a lie!” cried Fred: hotly. “I wasn’t running . from the fire, but toward it, and you know it, ’cause I feil _ over you where you were hidden behind a bush.” “Don’t yer tell me I lie, or I'll smash yer!” retorted Wyse in a threatening way: ean top fe exclaimed John Marsh, pasa his ‘uplifted | s ve arm: “What else is there to your story °”? ty “When he found he was ketched he fought Gummitt and me; 2 and got away. That’s the whole thing, and I kin prove it by Gummitt,” and he looked at the ‘tavern-keeper for confirmation. “Hi ham villin’ to swear to hit,” *’cause Hi was there.” “You met these men, ky: Fred ?” asked Maish, ‘kindly. he ot ‘Remember,’ I haven’t the slightest gba that you had -, anything to do with the fire” this boy is ridiculous,” said asked John Marsh, coming “Qn what ground do} A asserted Gapmitt, $99 “What do you say, boys * rounding them. = i Axe! { aye! “That's right,” came from a dozen mouths. “Yes, sir, I met these Binet and Hey were e hidin’ ae oe ts T came. along.” Cee. “TY should say not,’ coi icided the big miner decidedly. | haven’t yet received my signed receipt : for the coming were appealing to the crowd sur- premium, which I: mailed to the company three days ago.” <= —— ts The} Jhidea!” said Gummutt, throwing up his hands pa ‘i ee s what you were, or I shouldn’t have tumbled * of the ye, » the “You young villain!” began Wyse, but Marsh che? , {3 ou re him. “You’ve had your say; now let the boy, tell. state story.” “That’s only fair,’ said the big miner. et Fred.” mat “T went to Wilkesbarre to-night to see a friend of hail On the way back I was waylaid by Moses Wyse and 1} i Gibbs, who tried to do me up in the wood, in reven spose, bo the lickin’ I gave Moses this, that is, Mave evenin’, “And T’m goin’ to lick you for doin’ it,” cried Wore jext threatening manner. “You’d better not,’ interposed the big miner sig. cantly. “What have you got to say about it?” demanded angrily. , “Well, you jest lay your hand on him and see. Your ought to be big and strong enough to take his own -p& You jest keep out of it.” “Moses and Micky tried to down me with big chunks coal,” went on Fred. “Besides, Gibbs had a club and Mos “Ww a horsewhip. I waited till they at out into the eau, “Spit it out myself. Then I saw the fire through the tYees. ane started for it, tumblin’ over J: ake Wyse, as I said bef if They grabbed me, and said they believed I had set fire the cottage, and were goin’ to tuin me over to the consta when I gave ’em the slip and came on here. That’s whole story, sir.” ii “And I believe you, my boy,” said Marsh,” ; “You'd believe anythin’ from that kid,” said Wyse. fit a sneer, “ cause yere stuck on him. | Well, it ain’t none my bizness. It’s -your loss, and if yer willin’ to stand F it, of qourse yer kin, I's’pose. Mebbe yer thinkin’ of me in a good thing out’r the insurance,’ ” maliciously. » “P*haps you'll explain why you were hiding in the bushes so near this place when the fire started ?” asked Ma ish, significantly, for a strong suspicion against these two me was forming in his mind. : He understood how they regarded him. .“Who says we was hidin’ ?” demanded Wyse, with os ent indignation, “You heard Fred King say 50, didnt you #7. 455% “if “Je was lying to save himself, 2 r “That's wot ’e was,” backed up Gummitt. - “Well, I want both of you to understand I’m going me have this fire thoroughly. investigated,” said John Marsh sternly. “I’m not sure but it will be a loss to me, as I “What about the boy? oe asked Constable Jinks.) “The lad is not. to be pics is John | Mar ‘sh, the} ee aa ean

Page 13

———. ech 9, much obliged to you, neighbors all,” said the engi-| of the Black Diamond colliery, “for turning out and he? x the larger part of my property.” 01] re welcome, John Marsh,” said the big miner, ne ituted himself spokesman for the crowd, “for we all r you’d do the same for us.” 2 : That I would,” replied Marsh heartily ; “though I hope & will be no occasion, for fire is a dreadful thing, and pcasily conquered once it gets a good hold.” bh the crowd broke up and ; home in twos and de and the first to go were Jake Wyse and Gummitt, tavern-keeper. jext morning Jake Wyse appeared in the screen-room 4 villainous humor. the slate-pickers took warning from his appearance and vided anything which might give their boss offense. But it didn’t avail them much. He watched his slaves with the eye of a hawk, seemingly king for an excuse to pitch into them. As a matter of course he soon found the chance, and le Eddjg Foster happened to be the first victim. e rushed upon the little fellow and dealt him a severe with his blacksnake whip across the shoulders before was aware of his approach. ddie cried aloud in pain, and all of the boys looked up looks of unspoken sympathy for their companion. his aroused Jake’s anger to a fearful pitch and, with s, he proceeded to ply the whip with, impartial the others, thrashing every boy in the entire e in the most savage. manner. You little imps!” ‘te foamed at the mouth, “I’ll make nples of every one of you before I’ve done.” Thile performing this task he seemed like a beast of more than a man. é rushed around the screen-room in a rage, and seemed evel in his brutal task. he cries and frantic appeals for mercy only served to a his appetite, the little slaves now began to think he had actually gone 1 and regarded him with eyes full of horror. - always been a cruel tyrant, but never had he gone ha n extreme as on the present occasion. asi ies ed King’s, over the head with his rawhide. This Jad, whose name was Billy Davis, smarting under terrible blow, which for the moment drove him half a with pain, seized a huge chunk of coal, and with it lt the cracker-boss a stunning blow on the head, inflict- "a deep gash, from Which the eas paints treely and “Gown his fice, | 4 1 blow maddened Jake Wyse. 4 "o rushed: forward and seized Davis _ the “Altos with La id, dragged him out on the floor, and began. to rain} upon blow of coo Aes as rest. of the A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. he hit one of the biggest boys, a particular friend | ° ——— hide around him, striking the boys anywhere he could reach them, and with such good effect that they were obliged to draw off. Then Wyse returned to the ald in hand, and recom- menced beating Davis. Eddie Foster, in great terror, ran down and out of the building and almost into the arms of Fred King, who was crossing the yard at the time. “Oh, oh!” gasped Eddie, in a paroxysm of excitement. “Save him! Save him!” “What's the matter, Eddie?” asked Fred, holding the boy up. : “The boss is beatin’ Billy Davis to death. Save him ee Fred didn’t wait to hear any more. 1f:. He knew what an manone bie temper Wyse had when aroused. Word had already reached the engine-room that J BS was in a fiendish humor that morning. Then, too, Fred could hear the most heart- rending shrieks from the direction of the screen-room. He had been through the mill himself and sympathized with the little slate-pickers. ~ So, on the spur ‘of the moment, he rushed’ up into the breaker, arriving there just as Jake, having whipped Billy almost into a state of insensibility, was about to bring the heavy handle down on the poor lad’s head with the inten- . tion of finishing his cruel work. With a cry of anger, Fred dashed forward and tore the eee from. the cracker-boss’s hand. CHAPTER VII. IN WHICH FRED TAKES HIS FIRST STEP ON THE LADDER OF, SUCCESS. “What are you tryin’ to do?” eried Fred, indignant “Kill the boy ?” Jake stood a moment glaring at the brave lad, them he. flew at him, saying: “Pll kill you!” Fred threw the whip down into the “Lion’s “Mouth?—a yawning space in the room, to fall into which meant cer- tain death—and stepped back with compressed lips. There is little doubt but matters would have gone hard : ‘with King if Jake Wyse could have got his hands on oe Ee boy, and Fred realized that fact. ’ “s As Jake came at him like a raging lion, the hey gully | side-stepped, and thus avoided his clutch. 1. He didn’t want to strike “a man if he could pest avoid it. | Wyse recovered himself and followed the bey up, taying to seat between him and the door.

Page 14

aay { ‘ | 12 A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH, Le ARES oe Wee, SPS em Sa er In trying to avoid both this peril and the boss oe Fred King was called into the conference, and apkeihe Fred tripped and fell over the outside chute. give his story of his meeting with Wyse and Gummit# This happened just as Jake made another rush, seeing | the by-lane. e] the boy apparently in his power. . While it was decided that the crime could not be browha The result was Wyse himself fell oyer Fred’s body and| home to the rascals, it seemed plain to the two men o pitched forward into one of the pockets himself. Jake and the tavern-keeper were guilty. 1 Vortunately for him it was full at the moment, and the] As a result Wyse was discharged from the compagnt coal stationary. employ at the end of the current week, while Gummitt 1 k visited by a committee, who quietly informed him thatife would have to sell out and leave the village. The night Fred visited his friend in Wilkesbarre 4 learned that a small farm a few miles from the Black Jhp mond colliery was for sale cheap. u The farmer had died recently, and his widow wantedto leave the State. Fred, by great economy, had saved a couple of hund : dollars, which he had on. deposit in the Miners’ Banl Wilkesbarre. : It was his great ambition to own a piece of good gro While he was scrambling to extricate himself, Fred took Billy Davis in his arms and oe made his way out of the breaker. He carried the boy into the engine-room, and while try- ing to revive him told John Marsh what had occurred, and how he had become involved in the trouble with Jake. . “You had better see the superintendent at once,” advised the engineer, “before Wyse gets in the first word, or you may find yourself in trouble. It is a serious matter for a lad like you to interfere with the cracker-boss.” “TI believe he would have killed Davis but for me.” “Well, explain it all to the super, and I guess you won’t hear anything more from it.” _ Pred took his advice and reported the incident at the} , office. $1,000 at least. ' The superintendent came over and looked at Billy, who|: Finally she said she would take $600 cash. was in a pretty bad way. Fred had had the idea she might be willing to accept $2 ® oye ETS questioned him as to the cause of the trouble, and | 9” account, and the balance in regular installments. i also had a talk with Eddie Foster. But she said she couldn’t do that, as she wanted ihe £ Then he sent for Jake Wyse and asked for his explana- | away. tion, So the boy gave the thing up as impossible for him” buy. \ He mentioned the matter the next day to Mr. Marsh, they had quite a talk about it. . The engineer sympathized with Fred’s object. . He promised to go and see the property, and if it re was a bargain he thought likely the savings bank might induced to advance the necessary $400. He saw the man was somewhat under the influence of ‘ drink, and after listening to his disjointed talk, gave him a call down, and threatened to discharge him if such a thing. occurred again. J ‘A few minutes after the colliery closed for the day, Eddie Foster ‘ran into the engine-room and pois an. opened | letter to Mr. Matsh. Le “ found that on the floor of the screen-room,” he said. a ; “Tt was torn open, so I pulled the letter out and read it. : ‘As your name is signed to it, I guess it belongs to you.” 2 It was John Marsh’s brief note to the insurance company Ain Philadelphia, enclosing the money-order and unsigned receipt for the coming year’s insurance on his cottage. The engineer regarded it in dumb eS for a moment or two. John Marah: was as good as his word. — He visited the farm, and being a good judge of the val of such land in that neighborhood, ba saw that ib was W' worth buying. “Tt will be a great inducement for Fred to persevere : his money-saving habit,” he argued to himself, for he hé the boy’s best interests at heart, the more since he felt th: his daughter Annie probably owed her life to his wit an | bravery. “This place is worth every cent of $1,000, if ne more, and I doubt not after the bank has made tee ar praisal Fred will be able to borrow the sum he requiré to purchase this property. In my opinion a young m cee ae better than invest his surplus earnings in re estate.” ot Mr. ioe thought he owed Ey thy Fred Tite toe hi | acquire the little farm. | So he put the ball i in motion, ae sonst s the ban Poe ee pases favorably on the loan he had hims : r appointe : “You say you found this i in the screen-room ?”” . : Yes, sir.” c + “Very well; Pm much oblige & to! you, ine for bring- be a it to me.

Page 15

- chee IN THE ROUGH. 13 ode cottage, and Fred became the proud possessor of the} tver Farm on the Wilkesbarre road. fe had no difficulty in getting a tenant to work the place whares, and this naturally would be a great help toward ing himself eventually of the debt he had assumed. mehow it got out that Fred King, the engineer’s as- unt, had become a landowner, and many of the miners knew the boy laughed at his attempt to make a start ife by means of a small farm which he could not work ve on himself. : °S’posin’ I am at the foot of the ladder,” said Fred to a p of these men one night after they had been badgering upon the subject of his investment, “I hope to rise to lop some day. Others have done so, why not me?” hen you expect to be a rich man, eh?” laughed the don’t intend to be a poor one if I can help it,” Fred ted. ravo, youngster,” age one of the men with a grin. t you won’t never do it these days unless you have Luck is everything. Wasn’t it luck put these coal ms, as the newspapers call ’em, in possession of these es? How could they pile up the fortunes they’re get- if they didn’t have luck? Tell me that. I haven’t any luck myself. I’ve managed at times to get up a or two, but have always fallen down ere eae, and, now igiving up striving, for luck is against me.” such luck as scheming,” cried another with Ht his Pipe. “The selfish schemer gets up while g honest folks remain at the foot.” . teeny opinion,” argued a third, with a wise shake of ead, gray from years of underground labor, “that lage does it all. You must get somehody to take you @ hand and help you up, or you'll have no chance. that how the manager of this mine got to the top of hdder? I can remember when he warn’ no better me—now look at him?” la od d listened to the men, every one of them more than his age, and of ripened experience in their calling, cfr words made no impression on his mind. ck ig all right in its way,” he thought. “It’s a good ’ Oo be lucky. But a fellow would be a fool to wait for a 0 come, He would be likely to starve before anything dup. believe a boy like me can make his own luck, king advantage of favorable circumstances, like the Farm ‘ale, for instance. I haven't any influential 4) 101 3 Pal to take me by the hand and land me in the butter | "so I have the more need to hustle for myself. If hard} ; ‘Should « come to mé T mean to buck against. it, and. not Wurst real start in. life. From this on ¥ ‘mean to branch soe nag iss and chew the 1 rag as some do, but persevere. on to ih My) purchase of the Clover Farm I look ‘upon as h every chance ntil some. oy I may be able to | CHAPTER VIII. iN WHICH THE BRAND OF CAIN RESTS FOR A MOMENT ON THE BROW OF MOSES WYSE. Jake Wyse and Gummitt disappeared from the mining village on the same day, and as they were kindred spirits it . was generally believed they had gone away together. The Wyse family did not move away, however, and Moses continued to hold his job as a general helper in the company store. Since-the terrible whipping Fred had given him on the night of the fire he had hauled in his horns a bit, but he’ hated King a hundredfold more, and constantly longed for a chance to wreak revenge on him. In this sentiment he was of course backed up by his erony, Micky Gibbs, who earned a living as a mule-driver in the mines—a situation fraught with much danger and excitement. Ever since Fred had been promoted to the engine-room he had, with the advice and encouragement of John Marsh, applied himself diligently to a course of study with the laudable view of rising above the ee ee stances which hitherto had handicapped him. J He made great progress, as he was ambitious to rise in - life, and he felt that whatever success he achieved depended — entirely on his own exertions. About the only recreation he allowed himself, aside from — -an.occasional walk to Wilkesbarre of a Sunday afternoon, after he had attended Sunday school in the little village church, as was his regular practice, was to go two.evenings a week to a singing school with Annie Marsh. It was not because the boy had a particularly musical voice, or that he took any great interest in training it, that Yi induced him to go to the school. Rather was it because he enjoyed Annie’s society to and — from the schoolhouse on the outskirts of the village where — the exercises were held. Sometimes he couldn’t spare the time to accompany her to the school, but he never failed to be on hand to see her home. Since the fire Annie had come to look on Fred will a is much warmer feeling than before. This was only natural since but for his exertions that : night she believed she would have been burned to death. She always felt disappointed whenever Fred failed to i. turn up in time to take her to the singing school. But she was a sensible girl, and felt that her boy-chum had good reasons for not coming to time. °° So she contented herself with the reflection that he surely would be on hand when the exercises were over and the class. broke ° ‘Up. : teaga9 On one of these obcast oa, wees ws the boys a1 . ois had donned Ren Ne and hoods and rushed ou ee the > village ; Fr

Page 16

14 A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. “T think within a very few days, as Mr. Meio is maki his preparations now for another survey.” At this point the elock struck nine, and Fred ecules 2 that the singing sckool closed at that hour. “Will that be all?” he asked, rising and picking up hu cap. “Yes, I think so. If you will wait a moment I will ge along with you a part of the way, as I have some busines: to transact at the office.’ : As the colliery office was on the road to the school, th« boy waited, and a few minutes later he and the spe tendent started out together. . It happened that the singing class broke up earlier tha usual that night, and it also happened that when Fred an Mr. Maxwell reached the road along which they had t walk Annie Marsh and her companions had only jus passed that spot, and consequently the boy missed her Ab perhaps a minute. Unconscious of this circumstance, Fred, after sane from the superintendent at a cross-road leading to if colliery, kept straight on to his destination. | Of course he found the village schoolhouse, Where : singing class held forth, closed and dark. “Too bad,’ he muttered, much disappointed, especial as he had intended to tell Annie all about the new jé which had come to him. % The night was dark, the sky being overcast with blag clouds which threatened a fall of rain. f The wind, too, had risen during the last half hour, cat ing the trees along the roadside to nod toward him, as? they thought he had no right to be out there at that tim of night. q “Of course somebody else had to see her home,” he cog tinued to himself, with a little twinge of jealousy as fancied that somebody might be a boy. “Pll have to eat | myself somehow. I got here as soon as I could, anyway.’ He turned around and began to retrace his steps. © He hadn’t gone very far ‘before he heard voices by t! side of the road. He looked keenly to the right and left ahead and pre ently saw the glow of a bright spark in the darkness, whic vanished almost as quickly as it had appeared. Almost immediately a match flared up, and he saty faces of two boys as one of them lighted a cigarette. And though the illumination had lasted but a momé or two, Fred recognized the youths, 4 They were Moses Wyse and Micky Gibbs, sitting o tree trunk beside the hedge. Fred did not fear them in the least. Nor did he imagine they would bother him on occasion. “They won't care to tackle me again in a hurry, ; | chuckled as he gradually neared the young rascals. But that was where he ae a slight mistake i calculations. Dark as the night was their sharp. eyes identified t t = 3 figure of the ‘ay they fae worse Loe ie - Annie Marsh stood on the steps in a state of some perplexity. “What's the matter?” asked one of her girl companions, “hasn’t your beau turned up?” “T haven’t any beau, thank you,” replied Annie spiritedly. “Oh; my, what a fib!” laughed the girl. “Isn’t Fred - King your beau?” “ “Certainly not,” answered Annie, tossing her head. “You never go ‘round with any other boy.” “What of it? It doesn’t follow he’s my beau because he comes to singing school with me.” ‘Whereupon there was a general laugh at Annie’s expense. “T guess Fred has given you the shake to-night,” said one of the boys, with a grin. “You'd better come along with us,” advised another girl. “You can’t think of waiting out in this lonely spot. He mightn’t come at all.” “Yes, come along; we may meet him on the road.” | That-decided Annie, and she joined the party, expecting to see Fred loom up at any moment. But Fred didn’t appear, and when the party had. thinned _ down to one couple besides Annie, they volunteered to see her to her parents’ cottage. The reason why Annie’s escort failed to be on hand when _ the singing school broke up was because he had been de- tained at the house of the superintendent of the Black Diamond mine, where he had gone that evening in response _ to a request on the part of that official. _ The superintendent had taken notice of ‘Fred, had in- vestigated his. record in the company’s employ, and an opportunity having occurred which he felt would lead to the boy’s advancement in a direction he thought preferable to, the engine-room, he had asked him to call at his house. Fred called and had quite a talk with the superintendent. He learned that the. chief engineer of the company wanted a bright boy to accompany him and assist in making surveys of coal lands. _ “T was talking to Mr. Marsh about you this afternoon,” said the superintendent, whose name was Maxwell, “and «he speaks very highly of you. His intention was to make an engineer of you eventually. “From what I have learned about you, however, I should advise you to accept this op- _ portunity to enter the chief engineer’s office, as it will open wider possibilities for the talents and’ energy I believe you _ possess. What do you say?” ' “As you think the change will be an advantage to me, sir, I will accept it with thanks. While I had made up - my mind to become an engineer, I did not expect always to be one, if I found I was fitted for something better.” ~ aed | ae glad to see you are ambitious. That is the key- Ces = |

Page 17

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. It’s Fred King,” said Moses in a hoarse whisper to his unpanion. “T see it is,” returned Micky, with a malevolent glitter this eye. “Now’s the chance for us to get square with m for wot he done to us in the wood.” “I wish we could,” said Moses through his teeth, but he id his doubts, like all cowards, when the pinch came. Why not?” responded Micky, looking sernfully at his ny. “Ain’t yer game to do it, after the way he done tr up with yer own whip?” “Yah |” snarled Moses, as the unpleasant recollection urred tohim, “If I had a gun I’d shoot him.” “Would yer?” sneered Micky, eagerly. “Wot’s the mat- with takin’ mine?” le young mule driver pulled out an old pistol from his pocket. ‘Here yer are—now take aim at him and Tet him e ity” ut Moses hung back. » ‘Afraid, are yer? and his unpleasant laugh reached 'ed’s ear, for he was now almost abreast of them, “There, ve cocked it for yer, All yer have to do is to pull the "He had * in his aati to do the trick, but his nerve led him. “Take hold of it, can’t yer?” growled Micky, pushing the bapon into his companion’s hand. “Are yer goin’ tp let mM get away?” as Fred passed a couple of yards away. Moses Shook as he made an attempt to raise the re ion of the moment. ] asn’t equal to the crime. *Uh! You coward !” snorted Micky, angrily, giving his m a jerk upward. A loud report followed, and when the smoke cleared Fred ng was seen lying all of a heap in the middle of the road. os CHAPTER IX. HICH FRED IS IMPRISONED IN THE CELLAR OF THE OLD DUTCH MILL. ; “Now yer done it,” jeered Micky Gibbs, who was a thor- aghly bad youth from his boots up. “Yer’ve killed him. I idu’t think yer had the nerve.” Fi didn’t,” protested Moses, his face white with terror, you done it.” “Me!” retorted Micky, with a wicked chuckle. “Ho, ho! es _Ain’t yer got the gun in i hand wot ae the revolver as if it were. a live coal. es up my hand and aay me do it, z nieces RSE PS Ba ee RN 5 ne Ei eg a 15 “You won’t tell on me, will you?” whimpered Moses. “Vl be sent to jail and hanged.” “What’ll I tell on yer fer? Don’t be a fool. [d only git into trouble meself. Come on, let’s look at him.” “I’m afraid. Oh, I hope he ain’t dead.” Micky Gibbs looked down on his tently associate with the utmost scorn. “Yer a nice one, you are. A little while ago yer was jest achin’ for a chance to do him, and now yer’ve done it. yer shiverin’ and shakin’ like a jelly fish. Yer give me a pain.” “It’s awful to think you’ve killed a person,” wailed Moses in terror. Not that he felt sorry for Fred King, but rather for him- self, for he dreaded the consequences of such a deed. Micky had a more calloused conscience ; besides he didn’t » consider himself responsible for the crime. He didn’t hold the revolver nor pull the trigger. Leaving Moses to commune with himself he walked over to the motionless figure that lay in the road and gazed down at it. A thin'stream of blood was welling from a slight wound oyer Fred’s ear, and running down under his collar. “J don’t believe he’s dead for a cent,” muttered young ~ Gibbs. ; He bent down and, pulling open the stricken boy’s shirt, felt over the region of the heart. Bev ! It’s beatin’ all right. He ain’t dead no “more’n me.’ He dragged the unconscious boy into the grass to one side and reported the facts to Moses. \ “He’s only stunned, that’s all.” “Are you sure of that?” asked Moses eagerly. “Sure thing. Goan’ see for yourself.” It was some moments before Master Wyse could muster * up the courage to do it. io “No, he ain’t dead,” he said with an air of relief. “Its 3 lucky for me he ain’t.” is “Wog are we goin’ to do with him? Leave him here ?™ : asked Micky. / ’ $i Moses pondéred a moment. “Do you think he’s much hurt?” he asked. “Naw. He'll come to in a little while.” “And be as good as ever?” “Sure he will.” i This assurance comforted Moses, but in like propor his hate for Fred King reasserted itself. The boy’s death would have been_a great satisfaction to. him if somebody other than himself was tesponsible for it He hated to sce his enemy, as he looked. ed Fred, esca sq easily after all. “Now we’ye got him dead to rights, we can fix bim another way,” he said. “How 2”? inquired Micky. 3% “Let’s carry him down to the Dutch mill.” Ree oa that old Csogloat shack por ee Bes ™

Page 18

i ae A “Wot. fur?’ “So’s to keep him out’r the way. cellar.Z “JT cuess we kin do it. Then we kin come back to-morrer With a whip’an’ give him a lickin’.” The idea of applying a rawhide to the defenseless person of Fred King just suited Moses Wyse’s ideas of retaliation for the whipping Fred had administered to him the night of the fire. ' We kin tie him in the So they picked up the unconscious boy between them and }, started off through various by-lanes with which they were thoroughly familiar until they came out into the open coun- try south of the village. Over this they progressed slowly, taking frequent rests, ~ yntil the old Dutch mill, long since out of commission, loomed up before them. The stream which once upon a time had furnished power _ to turn the rotting moss-grown wheel was now but a mere rivulet, though in the spring it expanded to a stream of some size, . _ The base of the structure, comprising the cellar, was _ constructed of stone, while the two stories above were of _ wood, bearing the stains and scars of many a storm. Moses and Micky carried their burden into the ground floor, which consisted of one big room, beneath the floor of _-which ran the stout shaft, to the outside end of -which was a suspended the water wheel. ms: A trap door at one end led to the depths below. “He’s comin’ to his senses,’ said Micky when they placed - Fred open the floor. “We must get him down below right away.” That the old mill was not unfamiliar as a pee Seto a hole i in. one of thé walls and pulled out a hes and ua a stout piece of rope, together with a box of matches. He lighted the lantern, then went oyer and threw up the rap. There was a hook underneath the floor within reach, to which he hung the lantern. eH ‘7 ely. - faa The desire to reat over the boy ir hated induced Micky | *s ; ‘This produced the ast effect. King opened his eyes with a long drawn sigh and looked. pi about n a confused way. ere the dickens ‘am: 1.2”? he said Jond enough for his! yekled in ret eee as they noticed the look of m his. face. Mais j DIAMOND: IN THE ROUGH. “What game are you fellows up to now? Where have you brought me to? You must have knocked me out in some cowardly fashion to get the best of me in this fashion.” “We've got you where we want you now,” said M with a triumphant grin. “What do you mean to do? You’ve tied me so I camm get back at you, you cowards! Well, it’s a long lane thiee hasn’t a turning. If you dare to ill treat me I’ll do you bo up worse than I did a month ago.’ b “J don’t think,” sneered Micky. “It’s our turn now, aut a Moses is goin’ to make Bee dance to the same music yeRV treated him to. He’s goin’ to lick yer till yer tongue hang out. The crack over the sconce yer give me I'll call ei ar as yer got a wuss one yerself to-night.” Fred was beginning to realize that something was thé, matter with his head. : It throbbed and pained him a good deal. “Then I s’pose you rascals crept up behind me to-nig and struck me down ?” he said angrily, for he entertained @ proper contempt for all acts of treachery. : “No matter how we done it, you went down all right, irt jeered Moses. “You two must be fools if you think you can do anythit np ¢ to me and not get it back again with interest.” “We'll take the chances of that,” grinned Micky. ain’t so much after all.” “T’m goin’ to lick you with a rawhide till I doin bloa 3 from you, if I die for it,” said Moses with vindictive ¢ nestness. “I hate you wuss than anythin’ in the world,”), “If you dare carry out your threat I promise you make you wish you were dead yourself.” The fearless look Fred gave him made him uneasy, : he began to entertain some misgivings as to the, ulti outcome of the affair, Z He hadn’t by any means forgotten the dressing de ms, Fred had given him, and though the thought of it nervy, him on to revenge, still he shivered to think that he wi, perhaps, inviting a repetition of that punishment. q “Don’t mind him,” seid Micky. “Come along. He wol,; feel so cocky after he’s spent a night in this ranch.” — jg. Moses was ready to go, so the two boys returned to floor above, taking the lantern with them and thus leav), Pp Fred in the darkness of the ae tir cellar. CHAPTER X. Raia: IN WHICH JAKE WYSE AND“HIs PRIEND GUMMITT PROP TO ROB THE OFFICE OF THE BLACK DIAMOND COLLIER! a piston if those scamps ally ‘mean & ey i this place all night,” mused Fred. - “Tf they do they'll is oe hadn’t done 80,” he added, once his ea tog he

Page 19

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. i? Moss would satisfy most boys fora long time, but I guess he got so much of it from his father, who had that sort of thing down to a fine art, that it failed to have the proper effect. We'll see what another dose will do.” Fred got up, found a match in his pocket and struck a light on the situation. \ “Gee! This is a cellar, all right, and a pretty musty one. - These steps lead to a trap door. If it isn’t fastened on the ‘other side there’s nothing to prevent me from getting out. Hello! What’s that? There’s somebody walking overhead. Sounds like more than one person.” Clearly a couple of men were crossing the floor above. The noise didn’t last, but the creaking sound which fol- lowed seemed to indicate that the individuals in question _ were ascending a rickety stairway. Then there was silence as complete as before. Fred waited five minutes before he tried the trap door and found that it was not secured. “This is easy,” he laughed softly, as he stepped out of the cellar and let the trap gently back into place. ~ He could dimly make out the open doorway, then he be- came aware that it was raining hard. Peering through the entrance he could see Sats but — intense darkness. He couldn’ get the slightest clue as to where he was. That he was in the old Dutch mill, more than a mile,on the outskirts of the village, was the last thing wich would have occurred to him. Wt But when he cautiously lit a match and’ looked about the room he recognized his surroundings, for this wasn’t the My first time he had been in the old ruin. f “Gee! So they took all the trouble of bringing me out — here, a mile and a half from’the schoolhouse road. It looks as if they intended to keep me prisoner a while. No one would, Saal of looking for me at this place. mee ay foxy pair.” Just then he heard the sound of a heavy pair of picks on the floor above. “J wonder who those men are who went upstairs ¢ a few minutes ago?” mused Fred. “I can’t see what business any- — body has in this building. If they came here. merely to — escape the rain they wouldn’t bother climbing to the loft. om Fred’s curiosity was excited, and as he didn’t, ‘propose to | start for home till the rain let up he resolved to are: ae ‘ the stairs and\see who the intruders were. in | He took off his shoes and made his way to the loft a as noiselessly as possible. The second floor of the mill was divided by a aaah par | tition into two compartments of about equal size, = + ~ One of these had a door which was closed, the other looked q : dark and uninviting hence af voices proceeded tron behind he doe. y ever one of them hit me a fetched me a p by the way by head feels. I don’t see how they jut there isn’t any doubt of the fact. I was uncon- een shot, but rather it was his belief he had been by a club. bad enough to be tied up in a lonesome cellar with- ‘ite miscreants, therefore King came to the con- 3 ‘ee “they really intended to leave him there all ess I ean stand it,” he muttered. “All the same I tay if I can manage to slip these bonds and make my . Then look out Moses Wyse and Micky Gibbs!” s and his crony in tying Fred to the post had passed t piece of rope twice around his body over his arms, _ jn once around his wrists, jamming the latter against 7 it would have held any one who was easily discout- “en his first efforts to free himself met with little ever, was not built that way.’ Brdese if it ag ‘him the rest of the |. aggressiveness. and. persever- o bear on his bonds that he was accustomed to expend 8 daily labor, and his studies, and, in fact, snithine he ttook to accomplish. bis one of the secrets of success in life. nm you have a task before you which looks difficult, get discouraged if, after you make a start, things eem to come your way. Mat it with a vim and keep at it—you'll find St will pea question. of time and patience before you get there. ver is worth while is worth the effort. obably remember the old midi “rf at first you L aia made up his mind that that sis nats to hold him prisoner and it didn’t, pent ‘it took n two isieucey free himeelf of it.

Page 20

18 A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. —— —— space beyond, since he could not tell what obstructidn he. might run against in the blackness. The momentary glare of the match showed that the com- | partment was entirely bare of anything but an accumula- tion of dust and cobwebs; so 0 he entered and tiptoed his way hand. _ ‘Two men were squatting on the dirty floor near the cen- | \ cut. “Hi ’ave,” and Gummitt produced phe of a hag = = ome Both men lighted their pipes and then went into epene re: of the = Jeb they pei on hand. st ter of the room with ‘an overturned box between them on the morning. which was spread a page of a daily paper and the remains of a cold repast, which they were devouring with great relish, A piece of candle stuck into the neck of a whiskey bottle furnished illumination. Fred recognized the two individuals with a start of surprise. : They were Jake Wyse and Gummitt, and both looked as if circumstances were not running in their favor. “You're sure the money his hin the safe?” Gummitt was saying. “Sure. To-morrer is pay-day. The cashier always brings the cash from Wilkesbarre the afternoon before.” “Then we'll make a big ’aul. Hi hain’t cracked a crib since hi left the hold country, but hi know the ropes as well as hever.” It was now past midnight. “T guess it’s stopped. suiaarsc said Jake at last, “we as well be on the move.’ a “Hi’m willin’,” agreed Gummitt, getting on his leg¢ Tt had been Fred’s intention to get away first and his way as fast as he could to the house of Constable do but he saw that this would be a dangerous move, so Reo, solved to wait till the rascals had left the mill. a Jake blew out the light, @ummitt took up his bag of Ho and the twain walked out of thé next compartment aff, on down stairs, the ancient steps shivering and groj under their heavy tread. Fred crept as far as the head of the stairs and list so that he might be certain when they had gone. I§ However, they did not leave the lower floor immedifin They filled and lit their pipes once more, and loi, about the door, smoking for a good twenty minutes i” ‘He reached his hand behind him and brought into view a’| they ventured forth. . bag, which gave forth a rattling sound. Fred waited all of ten minutes after they had sté “?Hre are the beauties wot’ll whistle hopen hany Hameri-| outside, to make sure they were not still around somevi oan safe as was hever made. ‘across in Wilkesbarre. ’H’s laid hup with the rheumatiz or Hi’d ’ave awsked ’im to join hus.” They belong to a pal Hi run|and then he started down. He had only taken two or three steps when, witho slightest ‘warning, the old stairway suddenly coll . “You’ve got a complete outfit for safe-breaking, have beneath him. you?” responded Jake, with a greedy glance at the canvas | bag. _ “Hi “ave.” “And so you’re an expert at the bus’ness,”” ; “Aj ham. ”. “How came you to leave England?” asked Wyse with ‘some curiosity. “Hit got too ot for me hover there, 6 so Hi took me hold *ooman hand me lawst swag hand crossed the hocean.” “Did you try your hand on this side?” “Honly once, hand was sent hup for seven years. When Hi got out Hi came ’ere hand hopened the ‘Miner’s Retreat.’ Hi meant to try the honest lay, but Hi’ve been driven hout, _ hand me hold ’ooman ’as shook me.” ‘ “Well, if you can'break into the-safe at the office of the Black Diamond colliery we'll be fixed for life, and I shall ‘ "have revenge for my discharge.” “?Ow habout the watchman?” asked Gummitt, with pro- - fessional caution. “Pl answer for him, while you attend to your tice ed “Hall right. Your hold ’ooman knows ’ow to make a if meat pie hall right,” said Gummitt, i a his lips ayer the last crust. ip as i Pee id you any tobacco?” Let Nae He was precipitated head foremost to the floor below, a shock which stretched him out stunned and bleeding. CHAPTER XI. IN WHICH JAKE WYSE AND GUMMITT GET AWAY THE “Swad.” For two houts Fred King lay insensible on the 1@ the old mill. : The rain clouds had passed away and the moon was ingelike a big cheese in the sky. The wind had fined down to a soft zephyr which ¥ without disturbing the glistening raindrops hanging dant from the trees and shrubbery. Then it was that the boy began to move upon the planks, andgpresently he sat up with the cama fi of one awakening from a dream. | For the second time within a few hour he asked A self where was he,

Page 21

—e . aoe ‘A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. ‘ 19 a = me downstairs after those rascals, and then something | “Well; well, I'll be down in a moment,” the officer said ened. What was it?” testily, as he closed the window with a bang. staggered to his feet and felt his head. Fred thought Mr. Jinks \took a long time to get into his e concussion had re-opened the pistol-shot wound at | clothes, and he was beginning to feel uneasy over the out- ime, but that had dried again after another flow of | come of the affair, when Jinks appeared with his coat on his’ arm. *m up against it to-night for fair,” he muttered. “Now let me hear all about it,” he said after te recog- en he observed the ruins of the stairway which lay.all | nized his early caller. t him, for now that the moon shone objects could be| Fred_,told his story, which duly astonished the guardian ly distinguished in the room, and the cause of his|of the mining village, as they walked rapidly toward the p was plain. superintendent’s cottage. f [ certainly had a nasty fall. It’s lucky I didn’t break It didn’t take one-third as long to arouse Mr. Maxwell, eck. It’s better to have been born lucky than rich.” and bring him outside fully prepared for business, as it ¢ felt: kind of shaky on his legs, but the'recollection of had the constable. ontemplated burglary at the office of the Black Dia-| He was a man of action, and his active mind grasped the ] colliery acted as a spur to his benumbed energies. meaning of Fred’s words in a twinkling. f ood gracious! I wonder how long I was unconscious?” | “We must arouse the new cracker-boss on our way, and is was a poser. one or two others. These rascals won’t be captured without Iking outside he looked up at the moon as if he|* Struggle, I dare say. I am hardly surprised to learn that ht he could tell the hour by its position in the sky. Jake Wyse is mixed up in this. His record is none too t he couldn’t. good. It’s pretty certain it was he and Gummitt set fire to hose fellows have a big start on me I’m afraid. Well,|- Marsh’s cottage. If we only could have brought it urry along to Constable Jinks’. I don’t believe those home to them we could have put both of them behind the Is will be able to open that safe very quick: It'll be bars, where they evidently belong. I hope we'll nail them luck if we don’t catch them in the act.” now. It will be ten years at least for the scoundrels.” ook thirty minutes for Fred to reach Constable Jinks’ By this time they were pounding on the door of the cot- ge, and nearly ten more before he managed to arousg tage where lived the new foreman of the screen-room, and baniates, five. minutes sufficed to get him outside. Lg th Mr. Maxwell then aroused a couple of the yard men. The superintendent and the constable were provided with - i see Mr. Jinks,” their revolvers. ep. Do you know whe hour it is, young man o»| The others, including Fred, were expected " rely on ; ome asperity. | i ~ {nature’s Weapons—their fists. ¢ o'clock, isn’t it?” asked Fred aiieigualy. As they hurriedly drew near the Black Dinu colliery ock !” exclaimed the good lady sarastcally buildings, they saw a light shining from one of the office ; windows. ‘ “T guess we’re in time,” eried Fred, joyfully, for up to « 3 guess were m » JOY ys P athens. o late as that B that moment his mind had been filled with doubts as to — era * ei afia "thea then.” whether they would be in time to head off the ruffians. ous) mo ate, then. x “What do you mean?” The superintendent halted his little band and explained the tactics he intended to put in practice. ease nd Black i. res bee bi Se break into the offiee Then they advanced again with due caution. ; ct that’s known ene. open the safe for the Drawing close to the office window Mr. Maxwell and Mr ni own to be there. - Ey wish you'd tell Mr. Tinks ath h th ] ; bout ; “and say 1 overhear a the sche sew inks peered through the glass. : ets y Wer on thageah The'stout safe was in full view with the gas jet digit ; ; a iste pa a é “Superintendent's dimly above it as was the usual custom. is But its ponderous door had been blown open by a charge ; V’ an exclamation Mrs. Finks’ head vanished and pres- | of eins and the carpeted floor in pee bak aS y was replaced by the rubicund visage of the constable | with papers and miscellaneous documents discarded by the | a thieves as of no value to them. = is about a ~tobbay. at the Mack “Diamond There was no sign of. the rascals who had ‘wrought te eepily. | damage. SS yourself as quickly ae pee, 1 Vie! “We are too late!” exclaimed the ‘Aincunemmcted in a we fai pas I‘voice of dismayed concern. “The villains have succeeded ir = > a ae oe getting away with their epee ie was ‘over $2 oy _| that gafe. <<.-ia = eas ch | 1 While the others: fate

Page 22

xO A DIAMOND IN THE aa aia at a en ee Se \V hy he did so he couldn’t have explained even to his own | polish me off in great shape. No, sir-ee, bob! satisfaction. reach the city first and put the police on to them.” It was an impulse of the moment that he acted upon. By the read Wilkesbarre was six miles away. As he came around on the other side of the office he al- most ran into a man’s arms. It was Gummitt, who uttered a curse and started to run. Fred recognized him and was on his heels like a flash. “Stop, you thief!’ he eried shrilly. — Gummitt, seeing he was at a disadvantage, dashed his canvas bag of tools full in the boy’s face. Fred was staggered and went down on his hands and knees. As he staggered to his feet he saw both Gummitt and Jake Wyse vanishing around the corner of an outbuilding. Shouting: loudly to alarm the rest of the party Fred started in full chase after the rascals. I to him, Fred could reduce that distance by one-third. Upon that plan he acted. Although his head ached as if it would split open, his blood coursed through his veins at fever pitch, the itd brought all of his indomitable energy to the fore, fully termined to win out. How many boys would have shown such grit under circumstances ! . Yet the lives of all our successful men show exam} Day was breaking when Fred, covered with dust and j spiration, his wounded head swollen and inflamed, read] the outskirts of Wilkesbarre. He had no idea where he might find a police station} he hoped to run across an officer in the streets. i His enthusiastic project for capturing Wyse and Gam mitt had pictured an officer waiting for him at thea \—M corner. . But we are afraid his brilliant scheme would have sa iW miscarried, and the thieves would have easily eluded & but for the fact that Superintendent Maxwell had not the Wilkesbarre police of the robbery and flight of the | exeants by telephone, and half a dozen of the force 9k : patroling the outskirts on the lookout for the rascals.’ Fred ran. against one of these men and was immed taken in charge as a suspect. \ He was hustled off to the nearest station. He tried to explain matters to the policeman, ag appearance was against him. At the station he was subjected to a searching exam tion, and his earnest demeanor and straightforward ani created a favorable impression. Md He insisted that he believed he could lead the offiee™ in the right direction, and that aeley. was likely to prove 9; advantage to the thieves. The officer in charge appreciated this idea, and he’ structed two of his best men to go with Fred, but they were cautioned to keep their eyes on him. . He piloted them toward the neighborhood a ee he believed the rascals would pass. . It was near the point where the Wilkesbarre road = } CHAPTER XII. IN WHICH FRED RECOVERS THE STOLEN MONEY AND Is FITTINGLY REWARDED BY THE COMPANY. é Jake’ Wyse and Gummitt scooted for all they were worth. The former carried a small hand satchel in which was _ stowed the stolen money, and he hung on to it like grim death. They skirted the different buildings until they struck a lane leading into the Wilkesbarre coud: Fred King gained rapidly on them. The boy was determined they should not escape. They reached the turn of the road first, however, and dis- appeared. Then they stopped, pronalitns down and lay in wait for their pursuer, for they knew they couldn’t elude him by ‘eusting entirely to their legs. Fred came on at ao xpeee never dreaming of the trap «waiting him. At the critical moment Gummi{t shot out his foot and Fred tripped and pitched forward like a stone from a cata- pult, landing several feet away in the middle of the road. There he lay half stunned by the shock, while Gummitt «nd his companion started off toward Wilkesbarre at a tapid trot. Fortunately Fred was not much hurt by the fall, though _ it was the third severe layout he had since nine 0’ ’clock of _ the night before. He pulled himself together and started to Bank the ras- i cals to the city, for which he knew they were bound. He had gathered from their conversdtion in the loft of | _ the old mill about what section of Wilkesbarre they would | aim for, and laid his plans accordingly. | man by the arm and whispered. “Pm not going to let those fellows get the best of me if - “Here they come.” Rahs at can help myself,” he muttered sturdily. to himself.| The officer. looked at the sae figures: os am I going to Poet them ‘through the Wood, pial » with My lad’s escrip r of them. y for trees grip in itself into the city limits. A region of factories and tenements. _ Ras zi One of the officers stepped into a convenient doorway 0 the street, while the other, with Fred, entered a by-Tana anc | stood in the shadow of a big factory. _The hoa sun was just aber to a tho! etn sh

Page 23

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. 21 a false mustache adjusted, had his hands in his ts. ey were taking things easy, as if satisfied they had 1 pursuit for the time being at least. t their sharp eyes were on the alert just the same. they entered the lane Gummitt noticed the outline of Sliceman in the shadow of the factory door, and he ac suddenly, grasped Jake by the arm and said some- to him. e gave a start, then they turned around and took the street. ing Fred follow him the officer started on a run after eally pair. » howevér, didn’t obey, but decided to feild the men utting through an adjacent alley. s a lucky move, as the sequel will show. Bl e'and Gummitt passed rapidly up the street, the ficer, from his post in the doorway, identified them ked out to head them off. wo thieves, now on their guard, dashed past him at Weed as the steps of the second officer, the one who Wen with Fred, sounded on the walk behind. @s the most natural thing in the world for them to first turn they came to, which was the alley Fred Pity forward and made a grasp for Jake. will, will you?” snarled. Wyse, recognizing Fred tant, and striking viciously at him. onsequence was the fellow lost his balance and i his length upon the ground, while the valise, ag the ene property, went flying several feet ng you! Let me go!” gritted Wyse, as he tried to } it on your life,” answered Fred, gripping him harder. ‘ ill you for this!” roared Jake, ‘sed ineffectual ithe game was up for him, for the foremost officer a and had a pair of handcuffs on his prisoner in a Tred let go his hold on Jake’s legs and hastened to ighe precious valise. p e time the second jes vieeee) came up Gunite was h the money,” cried the boy triumphantly, and eeling citement and culmination of his plucky efforts 1uch for his young nerves at last, and he fell in him-, ', the officer catching him in his arms. “Yed was: being revived in’a neighboring saloon, serie led off to the station, the officer carrying the 1d, i it wasn’t long before the telephone to the Black | i tale Mery was tell ling the story of the capture of one 4 society. rf tien 8 a eon abate ae ‘money. | es As soon as Fred was able to walk he was taken to Police Headquarters, where he was attended to by the surgeon of the department. Then he was taken to a near-by restaurant and treated to a good breakfast. | “I feel like a new boy now,” he remarked to the officer in charge of the desk when he came back to await the arrival of Superjntendent Maxwell. “He’s a plucky young fellow,” remarked the superinten- dent to the chief of police a little later. “He looks like it. The capture of the man who carried the money was actually made by him, owing to his fore- sight in taking to the alley instead of following the officer he was with.” . “As it’s a matter of $20,000 the company is certain to reward him handsomely,” intimated Mr. Maxwell. “He deserves whatever the directors of your company may think fit to present him. He told me the whole story of his night’s adventures before you came, and I am bound to say his vitality and pluck are most remarkable.” On the way back to the village in Mr. Maxwell’s buggy Fred rehearsed his strenuous experiences of the last twelve hours, and some days later repeated them before the board of dirctors of the Black Diamond colliery. He was highly commended for his conduct, and the board unanimously voted him a reward of $1,000, which was paid to him the same day in the form of a check, _ ; ‘The next morning his successor in the engine-room took his place and Fred reported at the office of the chief engi- neer, prepared to take up his new duties. CHAPTER XIII. 1 IN WHICH MOSES WYSE HAS A SCHEME TO DO UP FRED KING. Gummitt was not caught, so it was presumed he/had- escaped from the State, and probably had gone to Canada. Jake Wyse was duly tried, and, largely on Fred’s evi- dence and his past record, got the maximum penalty, and was sent to the State prison. Moses Wyse and Micky Gibbs kept very shady sphvisoae Fred was within reach of them, and the lad concluded to let them alone as long’as they didn’t bother him. Fred liked his new position under the chief very much indeed. ‘ He had a heey Vaupopniniyy to study and | eoieee lide mind. The rough diamond qualities had agin to wear off fon the day he was emancipated from the screen-room of the | breaker, and the polish had commenced to show itself little by little. after he 1 was introduced to the engine-room, from which tine he saw uch Tore ‘of the J ohn Marsh’ Nj Now the polish vas coming 02 n ore rapid Ly eS Lhasa oe ea ea

Page 24

A 22 qualities of his mind and the energy of the character as- serting themselves. “He is a remarkable boy,” said Chief-Engineer Wesley to Superintendent Maxwell one day a few months after Fred had come under his jurisdiction. “He-is bright, attentive and smart, and dutiful almost to a fault. I like him very much.” : “T believe you,’ replied ‘Mr. Maxwell. “One would scarcely think, to look at him now, that a few years ago he was an apparently ignorant little slate picker. Why, six months ago he bought the twenty-acre Clover farm for $600, . paying $200 down, his savings to that date, and giving a mortgage for the balance. The place is easily worth to-day $1,200. Mr. Marsh is acting as his guardian.” “You surprise me,” said the chief engineer. word for it, that boy is going to make his mark.” One day Fred was in Wilkesbarre and accidentally came across a sale of horses. “Take my He was very fond of animals, and one of his ambitious hobbies was to become the owner of a good horse. A very handsome looking mare was it up while he was looking on. The auctioneer explained that she was afflicted with some disease of the eye, which was apparent to the onlookers, but he did not dwell much on the fact, as a matter of course, but devoted his oratory to calling attention to the animal’s other good qualities. Many would-be purchasers examined the mare with ‘id interest, but the eye trouble deterred them from bidding. Finally the auctioneer offered her for $50, but nobody _ took him up. Then he reduced the price to $40 without success, and the “mare was about to be taken back to her stall when Fred im- pulsively shouted : Said belie give you $35.” “She’s yours, young man.” Fred had only a $5 bill with him, and paid that on ac- count, while he hastened to the mining village to get his _ bank’ book. _ As soon as he could get back to Wilkesbarre he drew the necessary funds and took charge of the mare. Then he consulted the stable veterinary surgeon. “The animal has got an incurable cataract of the eye,” replied that person very frankly. “Will she become blind, do you think?” ' “Tn time, yes.” . Fred asked no more questions on the subject, but took his purchase back with him, and left her at Clover farm. “TI may have made a poor investment,” he said to him- “self ; “but I don’t care, I like that horse.” Bred thought the matter oyer for a week, and finally it _ books treating about the human eye as well as the diseases of horses, and studied the: subject carefully. cy - Finally he decided to treat the mare himself. tt is possible the veterinary doctor was mistaken. At laughinely. ss > ai deat mene 1: g » or the. horse RT pei rime, 1), ae 7 A. DIAMOND IN’ THE ROUGH. hit upon one which had been notably sucessful with human eye. As a matter of fact the mare was not afflicted with 2 cataract, though she had many of one symptoms 0 disease. Fred’s perseverance and gentle care triumphed, and, animal was completely cured in four months. In due course of time a fine colt was added to Fred’, sessions. . The animal was scarcely three months old when was offered $3,000 for him, but refused to sell. Fred was now eighteen years old, and had advance eral steps upward in the chief engineer’s office. Mr. Wesley put a great deal of confidence in him, # work was strictly accurate and well done, and, the could be relied on. Although he had had no actual collision with, Moses Wyse or Micky Gibbs for more than a yea worthies had it in for him just the same. On the principle that all things come to him wh they were laying on their oars, so to speak, hopingy¥ 4 actually watching, for a chance to get back at him. Wy, Annie Marsh had developed into a very charminggg@,, miss of seventeen. | Many of the villagers were of the opinion that she would be the most beautiful woman in the Wy Valley. Fred had always admired her in his way. . ‘Now he was prouder than ever to be seen in her Occasionally of a Sunday he took her out ridi once in a while he would induce her to take a sail y in a small catboat, the property of Mr. Wesley, on lightful Susquehanna. “T shall be off duty to-morrow afternoon,” he sa one Friday evening as they stood talking at the ¢ the lane ee to her home. “I wish you’d tak with me.” It was dusk dnd they stood quite close together shadow of the hedge. “Well,” she replied, a little bit coquettishly, “ really so very anxious for me to go?” “Oh, come now, Annie, you know I am,” pas nestly. “Tl think about it; » sho said, flashing a sate ee at him. n the “Then you won’t give me a decided answer aol a disappointed tone. - “T must ask mother,” she replied demurely. | eat “You know she won’t object, ” persisted Fred. psked “Well,” answered the girl, “coyly, atiee & pause, hen? very pleasant afternoon— the h “Yow'll go,” interjected Fred eagerly. fn the ¢ “J didn’t say so,” she replied archly. oY! Se “But that’s what you were going to say, wasn’t ify wuz “Who gave you permission to catechise me bac : al e & sink then into : “Oh, pee aca ‘Yo ire in me now, be reasonable,

Page 25

pee you won’t give me any rest till I say yes. Most persevering boy I ever met.” Fare. Well, yes. Now are you satisfied ?” fo be. I’ll call for you at three.” Fok for you at that hour.” / i oung people continued their walk to the cot- Fred was invited to take supper. tscarcely turned their backs on the hedge before éckled face, in which a physiognomist would @/ found a redeeming feature, was thrust, through md twigs, and the small wicked-looking eyes fol- Merireating forms of the boy and girl up the lane. @#oses Wyse, not much different than when we saw Bi i si cellar of the old mill, but more than a year ut 1 d face popped up over his shoulder which could histaken for any one but Micky Gibbs. as still a mule driver in the mines, and his am- fully satisfied with the post, for he could beat the 8 to his heart’s content without fear of retalia- ir part. FN hoasted that he had put a half dozen of them Pinmission, and we have no doubt but that he spoke to take his gal on the Ber ter-morrer, did u hat, Micky ?” ink 1 I’m deaf?” replied. his crony, ejecting a tobaceo jui¢e into the lane. e been wantin’ to git ‘square with him for a good in t. we! 999 " ting. Ef yer’d more jackson we'd r done it, too, goin’ to use Wesley’s boat.” Nef lie is?” ‘could go down to the boathouse to-night, break into ee, and with an auger bore half a dozen holes in the fof the boat——” she'd sink,” grinned Micky. — ” returned Moses with a snarl. “We'd plug ’em from the bottom, tie stout cords to the ends of the and then tie the other ends of the cords to spikes rive into out-of-sight places in the boathouse under Nl,” asked Micky, vot then 2” hed the boat out into the tiver, with him and the gal rd, “the cords waned pull out the plugs, wouldn’t x . \ hey wuz strong leer Bo e they’re ae enough, P nodded his esaion The ne inter the. A. DIAMOND IN pat then ?” exclaimed Moses ‘scornfully. “Why, when| THE ROUGH. 23 cock-pit, which is a foot higher. By that time they’d be way out on the river, too far to sail back afore the boat *d sink—see?” Micky saw and grinned. “Yer've got’r great head arter all, Moses. I never’d have b’lieved it.” “Are you with me in this?” “Betcher life I am.” “Come over to my house and we'll make the plugs. We'll stop at the store and Il] hook a roll of cord—we've got a lot of good stout’ stuff there that'll jest answer the purpose.” Then the two heads disappeared behind the shrubbery again, and the lane was as silent as before. / CHAPTER XIV. THE HAND OF PROVIDENCE. After they had got the tools and material together for their wicked project Moses Wyse and Micky Gibbs spent the rest of the evening until close on to midnight in the kitchen of the Wyse domicile playing cards. Moses was accustomed to come in and go out when he chose without question from: his mother, who felt obliged to knuckle to him as he was the chief support of the family, ‘two of the other young Wyses being employed in the sereen- room of the breaker at very small wages. When the clock indicated a quarter to twelve Moses threw down the cards and suggested to Micky that it was time to get busy. “T’m ready,” replied Master Gibbs, lighting another cigarette, an example immediately followed by Moses him- self as he led the way outside. He went to the woodshed and got the parcel. » Then the young rascals made their way to the river by a round-about way, whence they sneaked under the shadow of the banks till they reached Mr. Wesley’s boathouse. It wasn’t a hard matter to force one of the side windows, and through this opening they entered the boathouse. Tt took them more than an hour to accomplish their pur- pose, after which they got out as they had entered and closed the window tight. - Then, they went to their homes to-dream over their ex- | pected revenge. Promptly at three next day Fred knocked at ‘the door of. the Marsh cottage and was admitted by Mrs, Marsh. “Annie is all ready and sdaiies, for you,’ she said with a | smile. . “And I’m on time to the minute,” he ae pining at the clock. “T believe she’d kad, a -conniption fit if ead been fing minutes late.” “The idea, mother!” Keats you awful!” nina : ‘Annie, who entered the room at that moment, looking sim- {ply. charming: in, her, fetching summer hat and white lawn

Page 26

24 A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. “You'll be back before dark, won’t you?’ asked Mrs. Marsh of Fred. “Qh, yes, we expect to,” answered the lad, who looked very handsome and maiily in navy blue coat and trousers, -cambrie shirt, with blue dots, and a wide leather belt and straw hat. , “They’re a fine looking couple,” remarked many a miner’s wife, observing them as they passed along the streets to- ward the Susquehanna. “I shouldn’t be surprised if it will be a match.” Fred had the key to the boathouse. “Let me help you on board?” said the boy, after they had entered. Then he opened the tail outer alache which came to a point like the upper half of a diamond, and gave the boat a stout push. Something seemed to hold her back, and Fred looked to see what it was. : She was apparently clear, for when he pulled the boat inward a couple of feet she moved easily enough. He gave her another shove, harder than before, when she floated clear with a jerk. | “J wonder what was the matter? he thought as he jumped aboard and busied himself hoisting the sail. The catboat darted off beautifully under the influence of a smacking breeze, and under the exhilaration of the mo- ment he forgot all about the matter. “It’s a delightful afternoon, isn’t it?” remarked Annie as Fred took his seat beside her and grasped the tiller. “Qouldn’t be better if it had been made to order espe- ally for us,” he replied, heading the boat down the river. How Moses and his accomplice, ‘Micky, would have grinned if they could have seen those young people start on their fateful \cruise ; but Moses couldn’t leave the store nor Micky the mine at that hour of the day. The boat, leaned to the influence of the wind, exposing a foot or so of her copper sheathing which flashed back the rays of the afternoon sunshine. “Father said this morning that you told him you had a big offer for that pony of yours,” said Annie from under her white sunshade. © / “That’s right. Three thousand dollars. nc “Oh, my! Are you going to sell him? He’s just the sweetest, dearest little thing I ever saw,” she continued en- thusiastically. “No, I don’t think I will—at least, not for that money. uf “Is he worth more?” “His sire is Theodoljte, who once won the Brooklyn Handicap, and I don’t’ know how many other events. _ ought to turn out a hong I consider $5, 000 nearer his figure.” foes “My, my ! Y” said iutne, “youll i a, ‘rich man ane a sf Age mean to be, if I can get the money honestly.” “Pm | sure you ‘won't id be make it any other way,” ” she inswered opr Ra BE He}. “Youre welcome,” laughed the girl roguishlys a) They were now out in the middle of the rij, usly. free before a stiff breeze, yet Fred thought tp Eauli moving sluggishly for her. he rer so she was, but the hoy, of course, neve a pected the cause, Had he glanced into the cabin the truth Co a have become apparent, for it was now half fullf,a and rising higher every moment. 3? But he had no occasion to do that, and so thi ry girl, chatting gaily, went on unconscious of the] bb danger facing them. 2" | _ “What do you expect to Be with your little farm, Annie. 7’ “Maybe I'll live ee one of these days when I} ried,” he answered laughingly. q Their eyes met. mf) Annie dropped hers and ifosheds is Why? h She could hardly have answered that eee a Perhaps there was something in Fred’s eyes wi. read aright. We can’t say. “You know this is a great coal region?” she § questioningly. . “Well, I ought@#to. I’ve lived here long enougy during the past year I’ve seen 4 good deal of wy with Mr. Wesley.” — ~ > “Did it ever occur to you that way down sof maybe hundreds of feet, under the om of Miaka fal B might be coal ?” : “What!” ejaculated the boy in surprise. “Father was speaking about it the other nigh Fred made no reply. / The mere possibility of such a thing struck id dW Smart, bright boy as he was, he had never though matter before. , Yet such a thing was by no means an. improbabilit Clover farm was in the very heart, ey pate Says Wyoming Valley coal region. _ “You say your father suggested the iden’ 54s asked length. “Yes.” i y yal hardly dare hope for such a thing,” he said, trembling with suppressed excitement, “Why, if ¢ found on my ground it would make me a rich | man- rather.” “That's yee father said. te intend to ment matter to you.” “T mean to speak to Mr. Wesley about it.” -“T would if I was ON. oe hie They were nearing a “small ote island § moment. ‘Some bright flowers ‘growing upon it tt attention. } _ She was 1s wonderfully fond, fea

Page 27

} : 7 . h : A " Before he could get up, however, Wyse staggered to his : feet, looked about in a dazed sort of way, and then rushed \ off down to the beach where the eatboat lay. ‘fen you shall have them. To wish for anything is| He tore the painter loose, pushed the boat off, and leaped ; Rent to a command to me,” said Fred, heading the | on board. Then as the eraft gathered headway, he seized thetalles Oward shore. Yit the hand of Providence which was suddenly |and headed the boat down the river. fed out in their behalf? fen’t you good!” she crie “Pry happy. tboat grounde B | ran forward, leaped ashor Hy her painter to a small tree. 7pm he assisted Annie to land an “| toward where the flowers were xuriance. 4 idenly as they made wild looking and villainous, ia i their way. ~ Tea fa d, with a look which made d heavily on the little strip of shingle. CHAPTER XV. e and secured the! cat- IN WHICH THE CURTAIN FALLS ON JAKE WYSE d together they walked growing in all their} Fred King had made an effort to intercept Wyse, but Jake had been too quick for him. Now it was out of reach and,the boy and girl were left on the little island to their own resources. “What are we to do? _He has taken the boat,” asked i Annie Marsh in. dismay. ‘ "Sut one in mind of a starved hyena. Fred bit his lip with chagrin. nie screamed and started back in fear. Here they were, marooned as it were, in the middle of the (gd stepped in front of her, calm and fearless, ready to broad Susquehanna, at a somewhat unfrequented section of “Bt her at any cost. the river. en glance at the stranger convinced Fred he had seen. How they were to get ashore, unless they signalled some -e before, dirty as it was, and disguised by an un- passing craft, and boats were not numerous on the river i growth of beard. that afternoon, was a poser. as the face of a man he supposed was at that moment| In'the midst of these unpleasant reflections he noticed — time in the far away penitentiary of the State. that something was going wrong with the cathoat. ther words it was Jake Wyse. < «What the dickens is the matter with her?” he muttered ed was so surprised that he could not find words with | “It must be that Wyse can’t handle her. Yet that doesn’t | to address this escaped prison-bird. : appear to be the trouble. She seems to be settling in the “D word or hint had reached the little mining -village| water. And Jake, too, is acting like a lunatic. He has Bake was at liberty. turned her shoreward. Good gracious!” he exclaimed a MMe discovery came like @ shock to the boy. moment later, “she’s sinking beyond a doubt.” 6) 4 ’s you, Fred King! You to whom I owe so mmeb.| «oat was & certain fact. whom I swore to kill when I got out of the place your The catboat lurched to port, then pitched her nose for- nal evidence sent me to! And now I’ve got you within | ward, like a duck taking a dive, and then disappeared be- Vl carry out my oath if I swing for it. Yes, I mean neath the surface of the river, carrying Jake Wyse down — WL you here and now.” with her. She was weighted down by her ballast. the aleream of fury Fred and Annie watched the distant bubbles and ever- Lee: asing circles of the water with horrified surprise, but boat again appeared on the wavelets their way through the bushes a rose in front of them and ‘and the famished glare in his he rushed on Fred and grappled Heme incre not a sign of man or of the Susquehanna. ; «Tm afraid he’s gone,’ said Fred at last. “Not but he Wree on top, his hand deserved his fate, for if it hadn’t been for your quickness ~ . nst which Fred could and presence of mind; Annie, I’m sure he would have killed ; On oan _ | me with that knife.” pea Pike ~ &Pon’t talk about it, Fred, please don’t,” begged the girl. x 4 was, and nervy to the hack- child in the infuriated man’s en to the spot with terror. the glittering weapon and raise his| e boy’s breast, and the sight | . Yat pant know how I did it; but I couldn’t let him murder ae. icked up a stone at her feet iil

Page 28

26 A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. * He couldn’t help it, could he? They sat there a long time, until, in fact, the lengthening shadows recalled Fred to a realization again of their unfor- tunate situation. “I wonder, how Jake Wyse got over here from the main shore?” Fred asked himself, “He certainly didn’t swim. Then he must have conte in a towboat, or perhaps 4 raft. Whatever it was the chances are it’s here yet somewhere along the shore. I’m going to»look. Come along Annie, let’s take a walk.” “A walk!” she said in some surprise. “Yes,” and then he told her what he hoped to find. She went with him readily enough, for ‘she was as anxious as he to discover some means by which they might be enabled to leave the island. And they were not disappointed. ' A small skiff lay tied to a stake on the other side of the island. A diver and a derrick-float were brought down 4 Wilkeshavre and the catboat lifted to the surface. ; through the bottom of the boat’s cabin. This explained why she had sunk. 7. Who had done the deedpor why it had been perpe} was ne so easily established. — met of the catboat. when flise were nearing! the 1 wooded island. “The cabin must have been nearly full of water aac time,” he said to oo “What a hicky thing wy wal There was a single pair of oars‘in it. “Come on, Annie. It’s up to me to take you across. I’m _ afraid it will be after dark before I can deliver you safe and sound at the cottage.” They embarked at once, Fred pulled off his coat and got _ down to work, and a pretty tough job he had before him. But he knuckled to it like he did to everything he took hold of, so that the matter simply resolved itself into a question. of time. “Oh, you truants!” exclaimed Mrs. March when the two young people walked into the cottage at half-past eight o’clock. “You have been making an afternoon of it. . Come now, sit up to the table and have your supper.” “Don’t blame us till you have heard our story,” protested Fred. “Hat your supper first, and then you can talk afterward,” laughed Mrs. Marsh. “We'll do both at the same time, mother,” cried Annie, with a little hysterical laugh which drew her mother’s at- tention. “I couldn’t keep still if I was to die for it.” “Why, what happened to you? You talk as if you had met with some unpleasant adventure.” _ “And so we did, mother. I think, after all, Fred can tell you better than I.” And Fred, between bites, told the story of their remarka- _ ble experiences on the river; but he could give no explana- tion for the sinking of the cathoat. That was a mystery to him. The reportthat Jake Wyse had ase bess the State prison only to meet a tragic end in the Susquehanna created considerable excitement in the mining ct when the facts became generally known. | _ When Moses realized that he had unwittingly caused his | farm.” - father’s death—that the trap he had set for others proved] “What would you do if You were mei i asked _a_yeritable boomerang—he had a momentary spasm of re+| eagerly. - “Morse ; but it didn’t last. long, for Moses never had spe “T will consider the ‘matter ‘i advise you later e efor his paternal apa Gas | would cost you something to have the bor aw for the | th ed man an fully eraahe the basin in which the boat floated : ios ‘a attached to each. “The fellow at the back of this job will land in the ; tentiary some day,” he said indignantly, “that 1 is if not hanged for murder before hand.” & He showed the bits of evidence to the chief enginee . Mr. Wesley didn’t waste many words in expressif opinion of the author of the villainous deed. . He was so worked up over the matter that he sq Wilkesbarre for a ‘detective, to whom he offered a han reward if he would discover the guilty party. _ Before anything deyeloped Mr. Wesley and Fred wel on a trip to survey a section of coal land some miles the village. During this trip Fred recalled what Annie had s d Saturday afternoon on the river about the possibill there being coal on his Clover farm, and a asked Mr. ley what he thought about it. ; “Tt would have to-be prospected, probably to. a ‘agg many feet here and there before anything like a dé idea could be arrived at. You see, Fred, the great vein of the Black Diamond branches off a mile to thé of your ground. That fact, coupled with many experir over the intervening ground, which have not been p tive, rather upsets the theory that there might be « your property. Still you can’t always tell for certain, best of us have missed a coal deposit by a narrow m gnd the discovery has been afterward made by acciden would be a great, thing for you if coal was found o7

Page 29

at — A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. _ ‘I don’t think you can se to go into any- aat for some years to come.” , fine little colt, for ue) I was offered $3, 000, “Yep. »” A “T heard a feller say he’s worth $3,000.” “T don’t Vink.” “He’s worth money, all right, and King upaks a heap of him.” “Wot yer drivin’ at?” “S’pose we go over to Clover farm to-night and set the barn afire. The colt will be inside, and his name will be mud—see ?” “And ef we get ketched doin’ it our names’ll be mud, too.” “Ho! Who’s to know anythin’ about it? We didn’t get caught for what we done to the boat, did we?” “That's right—we didn’t. Well, I’m with yer in anyt’in’ that’ll take that feller down, Moses.” “1711 tell yer how we'll do it.” Moses outlined his scheme, which met vet Micky’s approval, : They were to go to the Clover farm about midnight, crawl in through the manure hole, pile the dry hay well up around the colt’s stall, and set it on fire. They calculated not only that the colt would be burned up, but that the whole barn would be destroyed. It was a cruel and wanton act to put in practice, but then it was quite in line with the heartless natures of the two bad boys. They talked over the plan for some time while they fished in the stream, occasionally making a finny capture, and ap- peared to be tickled over the schente. They wouldn’t have been quite so happy if they had known that every word they uttered was overheard by the Wilkesbarre detective, who had been shadowing them for the past three months in the hope of getting the evidence against them he wanted. On account of their doubtful characters, and former open animosity to Fred King they had come under suspicion of the catboat affair. The detectives happened to be sunning himself among the bushes that day, without any particular object on hand, when the two boys came out there to fish. “What a pair of young villains they are!” thought the detective as he listened to their conversation. “So they’re going to fire the barn on the Clover farm to-night, are they? Very good. I guess I’ll treat them to a bit of surprise. Its high time their career was wound up in this section of the State.” ; Having got possession of a aie plan of operations the detective withdrew and went to his boarding _— for’ 4. ‘| dinner. ee Then he made a call on Mr. Wesley. ue “We must arrange to catch those young scamps in the act ae t. into a wild goose chase.” »traid you hayen’t much confidence in the presence my farm,” said Fred in a disappointed tone. ‘ a say yes or no to that, my boy; oa I would aac de some investigation of its Green possibili- val ou are young yet, and you have lots of time before [#i there is coal there it won’t run away. Stick to “PS as you are doing, and when you ee in.a position to the necessary efperiments then it will be Hoe enough N to act,” If was good advice, atid Fred accepted it in the spirit ich it was given, CHAPTER XVI. qi i. WHICH FRED COMES OUT AT THE TOP. ba ‘Sunday and Moses Wy se and Micky Gibbs had the » day to themselves. ey had tumbled out of bed about the time most of the people of the village were on their way to chufch, and a hasty breakfast had.met by previous appointment » door of the old Dutch mill. ey intended to spend the afternoon cs a frequent ay recreation for them. ey kept their improvised poles and fishing lines, to- r with their bait cans, in a secluded nook of the mill, » they knew they could always put their hands on them. ter digging up a quantity of worms for re sae d off for a near-by stream. ‘seen. King goin’ to church this mornin’ with that gal,” said Micky. “He was dressed up to beat the 2 ah !? snarled Moses, for it was like waving a red flag e a bull to mention Fred’s name to young Wyse. 23 tough we can’t get hunk on that feller,” went on . “We thought we had him dead to rights three hs ago, when we took the trouble:to bore them holes in atboat, and blamed ef he didn’t get off scot free.” -ain’t too late yet to do somethin” said Moses. f we only know’d what to do.” d like to drop a chunk of coal on his head,” Moses: re-| ed. vindictively. . uch chance sf doin’ that? ; said to the chief engineer after he had gone over ne dis- fs | covery he had made beside the stream. j ie | “ZT agree with ee was Mr. iabuunde ee ief so as to he able to make ont a clear case against them,” he —

Page 30

- manure hole. . the pile and escape. took out the candle to complete their work. defiant. | » They were bound, tossed into a light. wagon, and the - to Wilkesbarre, where kes made the charge and re were for seven years. f | his colt for $5 000 toa wealthy horseman, who believed he A had gota bargain even at that figure. ‘ha bom Mt A few weeks later he was still further advanced 3 in n the| i : ry “Let’s open that big window yonder,” said Moses. kin get out quicker that way.” eg -candle and lantern from their nerveless fingers. . sternly, ““Yowll have to go with me.” 28 A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. He found him at John Marsh’s. | His pital had been reduced as he had pad Fred was surprised at the summons, and not particularly | cage on his farm. pleased to leaye the society of Miss Annie; but he felt} He-had talked the matter over many tima obliged to report, as requested, at the home of the chief | Marsh as well as with the chief engineer. tO engineer. ‘| While the former encouraged the project, tv®™ C. He was immediately admitted to the ree a 8 between | not favor it greatly, as his experience in the nt } the detective and his chief, and when he learned the par-| did not point to favorable results in that locality: ; ticulars he was not sorry he had come. However, Pred finally determined to proceed, \ About nine o’clock that night Mr. Wesley, Fred and the | competent man to make the investigations. ; detective went out to the Clover farm. It cost the boy all of $2,000, and very many dis Fred’s tenant was called upon to assist in the plan ar- hours, before anything tangible transpired. ranged to capture Moses Wyse and his crony, Micky Gibbs.| But in the end a big vein of coal was discovei At eleven the four entered the barn and concealed them-| feet below the surface of Clover farm and the “I selves near the stall of the valuable little colt. cial future was assured. They had to wait so long before anything transpired that} The Black Diamond company made a tempti they began to fear the young rascals had postponed the} more than a quagter of a million, for the propelfy execution of their scheme. their own experts had verified the estimated valu - It was ‘half-past twelve when a noise was heard at the| coal deposit, and Fred accepted it. . Two years later, before he had quite geached his second year, Fred found himself called upon to fill] tion of chief engineer for the Black Diamond Ca pany, Mr. Wesley having resigned for a more position elsewhere. » A month later he was married in the walt ch Annie Marsh, to whom hé had been engaged two yea! The officers and several of the directors of the Bla mond colliery were present at the wedding, and weré mous as to the beauty of the bride and the en oI character of the bridegroom. At the reception which followed at the ‘Marsh. | Fred was called on for a speech, and responded by.’ among other things, that he had now been in the coal pany’s employ for oyer eleven years, and hoped to for many years more. ph And there were many persons present who re that four of those years he had passed in the slave screen-room, while he was A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. A few maments later Moses Wyse and Micky Gibbs were in. the barn. They lighted a lantern they had brought ih them and looked around the place. “All’s serene,” said Micky, and then they well to work. - In ten minutes they had gathered enough of the hay to suit their purpose, and nothing remained figs to set fire to “Wot fur?” asked Micky impatiently. “It'll make a draft and help the fire burn; i i we “All right,” answered Master Gibbs. Then while one held the lantern the other opened it and At that moment a heavy hand fell on each of their shoulders. ( They looked up in alarm to find themselves prisoners to the detective and Fred’s tenant, and Fred and Mr. Wesley stepped out from their place of concealment and took the THE END. “The game is up, you young rascals,’ said the detective Read “BEATING THE BEARS; OR, THE D VIEST BOY IN WALL STREET, »” which will next number (13) of “Fame and Fortune Weekly.” Moses broke down like a whipped cur, but Micky was whole party, with the exception of the chief engineer, drove locked, up. Subsequently they were rae and sent to the State pele Fred King celebrated his nineteenth birthday by selling of the Black Diamo ond colliery.

Page 31

4 ILD WEST WEEKLY A Magazine Containing Stories, Sketehes, ete., of Western kife. BY AN OLD SCOoOU™. 32 PAGES. | PRICE 5 CENTS. | 32 PAGES. : EACH NUMBER IN A HANDSOME COLORED COVER. All of these exciting stories are founded on facts. Young Wild West is a hero with whom the author was acquainted. ‘ oe daring deeds and thrilling adventures have never been surpassed. They form the base of the most dashing stories ever published. Read the following numbers of this most interesting magazine and be convinced: , : LATEST ISSUES: F 136 ee eo ee ae the Rio Grande Rustlers; or, The Branding q beget West and the Redskin Raiders; or, Arietta’s Leap | 137 ‘outs Mion West and the Line League; or, Arietta Among the : mugglers. « 5 Young Wild West’s Cowboy Circus; or, Fun at the Mining Camps. 138 Yeung Wild West’s Silver Spurs; or, Fun at Fairplay Fair. 6 Young eae West at Pike’s Peak ; or, Arietta’s Strange Disap- | 139 Young Wild West Among the Blackfeet ; or, Arietta as a Sorceress. J peara 140 Young Wild West on the Yellowstone ; or, The Secret of the 107 Pies wild hit asta Six Shots, and the Change They Made at Hidden Cave. ? a an’s 41 ¥ Wild West’s Deadly Ai Ari 108 Young Wild West at the Little Big Horn; or, The Last Stand of 1 Young Wild West “at the jampiie’ On" Pines oe ye ___— the Cavalry. Camp, in the West. 109 Young. Wild West's Big Bluff; or, Playing a Lone Hand. 148 Young Wild West and the “Mixed-Up” Mine; or, Arietta 2 Winner. 410 Young Wild West at Bowie Bend; or, The Ban of the Bandit | 144 Young Wild West’s Hundred Mile Race; or, Beating a Big Bunch. Ba a Hs ‘ sae 145 Young Wild West Daring the Danites ; or, The Seare for a H11 Young Wild West's Ton of Gold; or, The Accident to Arietta. Missing Girl. 112 Young Wild West’sGreen Corn Dance; or, A Lively Time with | 146 Young Wild West's Lively Time; or, The Dandy Duck of the the Pawnees. Diggings. . 113 Zoung awis West and the Cowboy King; or, Taming a Texas | 147 Young Wild West at Hold-Up Canyon; or, Arietta’s Great Victory. Ter, 148 Young Wild West’s Square Deal; or, Making the ‘Bad’ Men iis Young ‘Wild Wests ak enbenice” Sam" oF, She “Half Breeds 149 eg Wild West Cowing the Cowboys; or, Arietta and the 116 young Wil’ West's Covered Trail; or, Arietta and the Avalanche. | 15° Young ‘Wild West and Navajo Ned; or, The Hunt for the Half- ee ee iamond Dagger; or, The Mexicen| , Younes Wild West’s-Vinein Veln: of: Arietta and the Gayest 18 Young ‘Wild Ap Aa at Silver Shine; or, A Town Run by ‘‘Tender- | 152 Young Wild West's Cowboy Champions ; or, The Trip to Kansas i City. - eet. : } : Ari d the | 158 Young. Wild West’s Even Chance; or, Arietta’s Presence of Mind. f19 Young Wild West, Surrounded -by Sioux; or, Arietta an 104 Young Wild West and fe Flattened Bullet; or, The Man Who “ ?. oz Wf Girl Be ou no TO) Pond ena ok ait Puzzle of the Camp”; or ¥ 155 Young Wild We sts Gold Game; or, Arietta’s Full Hand. 21 Young fam West and the Mustangers; or, The Boss of the Bron- } 156 boc a ild West's Cowboy Scrimmage; or, Cooking a Crowd of 4 i 2 ‘Young Wild West after the Apaches ; or, Arietta’s Arizona Adven- 157 one pis i and the Arizona Athlete ; or, ‘The Duel that », ture. Young wid West Routing the Robbers ; | or, Saving Two Million | 158 ie ae Wild West and the Kansas Cowboys; or, Arietta’s Clean “Dolla: 24 Young Wild West at Rattlesnake Run; or, Arietta’s Deal with | 159 Young Wild West Doubling His Luck; or, The Mine that Made a 125 Xoung. Wi Wild West’s Winning ‘Streak; or, A Straight Trail to | 160 Sore Wild West and the Loop of Death; or, Arietia’s Gold Tom 26 Young Wila West's Lightning Lariat; or, Arietta and the Road | 161 Baki Ae Wita West at Boiling Butte; or, Hop Wah and the High- nts. 127 ene g Wild West's Red-Hot, Bide or, Puceed by Comanches. 162 Toe ‘Wita West Paying the Pawnees; or, Arietta Held for 12 D, i est ani e Blazed Trail; or, Arietta as a Scou 5 AN i 120 eaune Wild West’s Four of a Kind; or, A Curious Combination. | 163 Young. Avid West's Shooting Match; or, The “Show-Down” at 130 Young Wild West Caught by the Crooks; or, Arietta on Hand. Sha : 131 Young Wild West and the Ten Terrors; or, The Doom of Dashing } 164 irae: arin West at Death Divide; or, Arietta’s Great Fight. Dan 165 Young Wild West and the Scarlet Seven; or, Arietta’s Daring Hd Young, Wild West’s Barrel of “Dust”; or, Arietta’s Chance Shot. Leap. 138 Young Wild West's Triple Claim; or, Simple Sam, the “Sun- | 166 Yeung ‘Wild West's Mirror Shot; or, Rattling the Renegades. “cx downer.” 167 Young Wild West and the Greaser Gang; or, Arietta as a Sp: boonung Wild West's Curious Compact; or, Arietta_as an Avenger. | 168 ire 3 Wild West losing a Million; or, How Arietta panes Fim 0. HO1g Wild West’s Wampum Belt; or, Under the ig of the Utes. Out (NE TOUSEY, ‘Publisher, 24 Union hennek New York. j IF ‘You WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS 0 our Libraries and cannot procure them from’ ‘newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut cut and fill the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by re- m rm oa es _ POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. RANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. apa Wa 8 aha Bie a.el hg Walled ea'wte'« LAR : Dear Str—Enclosed find......cents for which please send me: 4 “ WILD WEST WEEKLY, Eo rele ue dena ah a wap Camm sgh regieuadl cae 2 4 eH STEER TY BOWS: OF: 9G, DOM chy sicasa-oie levies ae slosh so ¢.aclay Bp eed ou nteeand UNG eal ees ark “ PLUOK AND LUCK, OGTR este meee ted Gay © SUCHE SORVIOM Non sii fo cca hend 6 cm Pac iuel s MineetL alas cardia PRANK badge WEEKLY, Nom cece ecee ees iate tte cer

Page 32

4 These Books Tell You Everything! | 0 nf 1 A COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENOYOLOPEDIA! Hach book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated coves “ Most of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated upon are ‘explained in such a simple manner that an child can thoroughly understand them, mentioned, THESH BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NHWSDEALERS OR WILL PE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRE : THN CENTS HACH, OR ANY T CENTS. POSTAGH STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Address FRANK TO FROM THIS OFFICH ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, MESMERISM. No. 81. HOW TO MBESMERIZH.—Containing the most ap- proved methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of diseases by animal magnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof. Leo Hugo Koch, A. ©, &., author of “How to Hypnotize,” ete, PALMISTRY. No, 82, HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most ap- proved methods of reading the lines on the hand, together with - a fyll explanation of their meaning. Also explaining phrenology, and the key for telling character by the bumps on the head. By Leo Hugo Koch, A. ©. S. Fully illustrated, HYPNOTISM. No. 83. HOW TO HYPNOTIZH.—Containing valuable and in- structive information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the leading hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S. SPORTING. No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete hunting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full in- structions about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and: fishing, together with descriptions of game and fish. o. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully illustrated. Hvery boy should know hew to row and gail a boat. Full instructions are given in this little book, together with. in- structions on swimming and riding, companion sports to poatink ‘No. 47. HOW TO BRBAK, RIDE AND DRIVH.A HORSH.— A complete treatise on the horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for ‘diseases peculiar to the horse. No. 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL CANOHS.—A handy book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes and the most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. By ©. Stansfield Hicks. mn FORTUNE TELLING. No; 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DRBAM BOOK.— Containing the great oracle of human destiny ; also the true mean- ing of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and cape eee of cards. A complete book. No. 23. HOW TO DXPLAIN DRBAMS.—Bverybody dreams, from the little child to the aged man and woman. ‘This little book gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky me unlucky days, and ““Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate. ; o. 28. HOW TO THLL FOR'TUNES.—veryone is desirous of knowing what his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or misery, wealth or poverty. book. Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell the fortune of your friends, No. 76. HOW TO THLL FORTUNES BY THE HAND.— ‘Containing rules for telling fortunes by the aid of lines of the hand, or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future events by aid of moles, marks, scars, etc. Illustrated, By A. Anderson. ATHLETIC. No. 6 HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETH.—Giying full in- struction for the use of dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars and yarious other methods of developing a good, _ healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations. Hyery boy can yecome strong and healthy by following the instructions contained in this little book. — No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self-defense made easy. Containing over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the diifer- ent positions of a, good boxer. Wvyery boy should obtain one of these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box without an instructor. _ No. 25. HOW TO BECOMH A GYMNAST.—Containing full instructions for all kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises. Wmbracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. A handy and useful book. No. 34. HOW TO FENOH.—Containing full instruction for : Noa 3 and the use of the broadsword; also instruction in archery. escribed with twenty-one practical tilustrations, giving the best positions in fencing. A complete book. TRICKS WITH CARDS. No. 51. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing explanations of the general nciples of sleight-of-hand applicable fo card tricks; of card tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring sleight-of-hand; of tricks involving sleight-of-hand, or the use of specially prepared cards. By Professor Haffner.’ Ilustrated. — ees vg ais aye No. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN.—Containial a description of the lantern, together with its history and inventio# Also full directions for its use and for painting slides. Handsome! illustrated. AY Pate Allen. sata No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Containin complete instructions for performing over sixty Mechanical] ‘Trick By A. Anderson, Fully illustrated. . “3 LETTER WRITING. AE No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS.—A most com plete little book, containing full directions for writing love-letter and when to use them, giving specimen letters for young and ol No, 12. HOW TO WRITH LYTTERS TO LADIBS.—Givisi complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subjects also letters of introduction, notes and requests. ae. No. 24. HOW TO-WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLEMEN. Containing full directions for writing to gentlemen on all subjects also giving soaD ee Wy for instruction. ° a 3 . HOW TO WRITH LETTHRS.—A wonderful littl vali °. book, telling you how to write to your sweetheart, your fathe mother, sister, brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody “any body you wish to write to. Every young man and ater youns lady in the land should have this kk ; iar No. 74. HOW TO WRITE LEPTORS CORRECTLY. —Cop taining full instructions for writing letters on almost any subject’ | also rules for punctuation and composition, with specimen } BM eer ear ie li AY : Fant) Sts ah eens Ye

Page 33

— os = ¥ THE STAGE. » 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK BND MEN’S JOKD K.-—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the: famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without onderful little book. ' 2, THN BOYS OF NHW YORK STUMP SPRAKER.— ining a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch tish, Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amuse- and amateur shows. : 45. THH BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE JOKH BOOK,.—Something new and very instructive, Bvery hould obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- 43 an amateur minstrel troupe. ; 5. MULDOON’S JOKHS.—This is one of the most original coks ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It Ins a ‘large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, ete., of hee Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of in’ Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should 4 copy immediately. $ _79. HOW TO BHCOMB AN ACTOR.—Containing com- Instruetions how to make up for various characters on the t; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, .Prompter, Me Aftist and Property Man. By ee Stage Manager. 80..GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKH BOOK.—Containing the lat- €8, Ahecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and opular German ‘comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome ed covet containing a half-tone photo of the author. 2 ‘ HOUSEKEEPING. 6. HOW TO KHEP A WINDOW GARDEN,—Containing tructions for constructing a window garden either in town try, and the most @pproved methods for raising beautiful at home. The most complete book of the kind ever pub- 30. HOW 'TO COOK.—One of the most. instructive books Okihg ever published. It cotitains recipes for cooking meats, fame, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of and a efand collection of recipes by one of our most popular i - \ 1. 87. HOW TO KEEP HOUSH—tIt contains information for dy, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to most anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, ets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. : ELECTRICAL. 6. HOW TO MAKH AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A de- n of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; let with full instructions for making Mlecttic Toys, Batteries, y Geotze Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il- ite HOW TO MAKD ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- hg full directions for making electrical machines, induction dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. » A. R, Bennett. Fully illustrated. me 87. HOW TO DO HLHECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a Ollection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, tT with illustrations. By A. Anderson. i reading (delight ng multi- ean master the i » It is the init. ciety and the easiest and most ap to good advantage at parties, balls, t ng-room, ss 3 _ DECLAMATION HOW TO RECITE AND BO the most po) rae Spee ee t use, comprising Dute et ¢ toget nch rete aa dial ieces, bt Moser oe or should know to become an pfficer No. 31. HOW TO BECOMD A SPHAKER.—Containing fout+ teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become a good speaker, reader and elocuitionist. Also containing gems from all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most ail and concis? manner possible. ss o. 49. HOW TO DEBATH.—Giving rules for conducting de- bates, outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and the best sources for procuring information on the questions given. SOCIETY. No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation are fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it con- . tains a full Jist of the language and sentiment of flowers, which. is interesting to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy without one. No. 4. HOW TO DANCH is the title of a new and handsome little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instruc- tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, aby to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square ances. No. 5. ROW TO MAKE LOVH.—A complete guide to love, courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be observed, with many curious and interesting things not gen- erally known. ‘ No. 17. HOW TO DRESS.—Containing full instruetion in the att of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up, No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the brightést and most valuable little books ever given to the world. Byerybody wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and female. ‘Che secret is simple, and almost costless. Kead this book and be convinced how to become beautiful. : BIRDS AND ANIMALS. i No. 7. HOW TO KHEP BIRDS.—Handsomely. illustrated and containing full instructions for the management and training of the canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, paroguet, parrot, ete. No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGHONS AND RABBITS.—A- useful and instructive book. Handsomely illus- trated. By Ira Drofraw. e No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including hints on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds. Also how to cure skins, Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington © Keene, ’ No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting and preserving birds, animals and insects. é No. 54. LOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving com- plete information as to the manner and method of raising, keeping, taming, breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving full instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty-eight illustrations, making it the most compléte book of the kind ever published. MISCELLANEOUS. No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCINNTIST.—A useful and in- structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also ex- periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and_di- rections for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equaled. No. 14. HOW TO MAKH CANDY.—A complete hand-book for making all kinds of candy, ice-cream, syrups, essences. ete., etc. No st. HOW LO BHCOME AN AU'THOR.—Containing full information regarding choice of subjects, the use of words and the ” manner of preparing and submitting manuscript. Also containing valuable information as to the neatness, legibility and general com~ oe of manuscript, essential to a successful author. By Prince iland, ’ : > No. 88. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A won- derful book, containing uscfulyand practical information in the treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to every cee a Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com- aints, : No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—OCon- taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated, : No. 58. HOW TO BD A DETECTIVE.—By Old King Brady, the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valuab: and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures and experiences of well-known detectives. / No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHDR.—Contain< ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work its also how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and other Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W. Abney. : No. 62. HOW TO BHCOMH A WEST POINT MILITARY CADET.-Containing full expianations how to gain admittance, course of Study, Bxaminations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Post Guard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy should pares to be ~ Cadet. Commies Bad een by Lu Senarens, auther f “How to Become a Naval Cadet.”. 4 Sa nhs Le i No. 63. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Complete in- ‘structions of how to gain admission to the Annapolis Ni Academy, Also consalniOg tovieal eketeh, and everything & 0 und: uildings, historical sketch, and ry thi cing kagw-e a ‘in the United States’ Na ow ed and written by 11. Senarens, author of t Point Militar wand eg Ae

Page 34

FRANK MANLEY’S WEEKLY 922223922GC0OD STORIES OF YOUNG ATHLETES3>22223222 (Formerly “[HE YOUNG ATHLETE'S W EEKLY”) BY “PHYSICAL DIRECTOR” | Issued every Friday. A 89-PAGE BOOK FOR 5 CENTS, Handsome Colored Covers} These intensely interesting stories describe the adventures of Frank Manley, a plucky young athlete, who tries to 4 cel in all kinds of games and pastimes. Hach number contains a story of manly sports, replete with lively incidet) dramatic situations and a sparkle of humor. very popular game will be featured in the succeeding stories, such as ba ball, skating, wrestling, etc. Not only are these stories the very best, but they teach you how to become strong — healthy. You can learn to | sear a trained athlete by reading the valuable information on physical culture they contd From time to time the wonderful Japanese methods of self-protection, called Jiu-Jitsu, will be explained. A page| devoted to advice on healthy exercises, and questions on athletic subjects are cheerfully answered by the aut “PHYSICAL DIRECTOR.” xy 3 at 38 Bt Be SF Be BE OF OF BE OF BFE OF BOE BEE OF OF SE OP OE OF OF OE OF OF 8 OF OF OF Oe Ot ; ALREADY PUBLISHED: 8 Frank Manley’s Lion-Hearted Rush; or, Staking Life on the | Y een Manley's Real Fight; or, What the Push-Ball Game Bpanghe Sue 9 Frank Pewee Mad’ Break Through; or, Playing Halfback for A 1 cher aasleyn Lightning Track; or, Speed’s Part in a Great Wo risis 10 Frank esate 8 Football Strategy; or, Beating Tod Owen’s Fake Ki Frank Manley's Amazing Vault; or, Pole and Brains in Deadly} 11 Frank Manley’s Jap Ally; or, How Sato Played the Gridiron Game. % sey i ' Mend ain BE Meg RS edge 12 Frank Manley’s Tandem Trick; or, How Hal Spofford Fooled the Bi ran anley’s Gridiron Grill; or e Try-Out for Footba’ rit. | 13 ¥F, x Me 1 Whirl 7 w on ae Manley’s Great Line-Up; or, The Woodstock Hleven on the mt eda rash ta aera orhs eattias hagas i um u pane: Manley’ 8 Sweetheart; or, Winnin Out for Kitty Dunstan's# Pant Manley’ % Prize Tackle; or, The Football Tactics that Win. : & Frank Manley’ s Mad Scrimmage; or, The Trick that Dazed Brad-| 15 Frank Manley’s Prize Skating Squad; or, Keen, Real Life on the 4 ford. 16 Frank Manley's Christmas Gift; or, The Luck that Ice Hockey Bro For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents p er copy, in money or postage stampa : FRANK TOUSEY, rtetgaas : 24 Union Square, New Yo THE YOUNG ATHLETE'S WEEKLY BE STRONG! By “PHYSICAL DIRECTOR” BE HEALTE IQ om wo SD py LATEST ISSUES: 23 te poanley, . oe League Game; or, The Fourth of July B ry ” t radfor 12 Nat ake At the Bat; or, “The Up-and-at-'em Boys” on the! 94 Franky Manley’ Match with Giants; or, The Great Game W ; ton “Grown-Ups.” 13 rani Manley s Hard Home Hit; or, The Play That Surprised the] 95 wrank Manley’s ‘Draining Camp; or, Getting in Trim for the 6 14 Frank Marley in the Box; or, The Curve That Rattled Bradford. | og jrack Manlove 3 15 Frank 3 Manley’s Scratch Hit; or, The Luck of “The Up-and-at-'em | 57 a Manley’ 5 Pondeos Rwitne ab: eaten ake he ie Water. } 16 Frank taaton! s Double Play; or, The Game That Brought Fortune. , ag Brank Manley's All-around Game; or, Playing All the Nine Posi- 28 ahi Pegg Bunch of Hits; or, Breaking the Seagon’s | 18 Prank tk "Manley" Bjght-Oared Crew; or, Tod Owen's Decoration Day ar Bree ani 8~ Double Game ; or, The Wonderful — Four! egatta. 4 z 19 Frank Manley’s Harned Run; or, The Sprint That Won a Cup. | 80 Frank Manley’s Summer “Meet ; or, “Trying Out” the Bradfort ; 90 Wrank Manley's Triple Play: or, The Only Hope of the Nine. | 81 Frank Manley at His Wits’ End; or, Playing Against a Bribe? 21 Frank Manley’s Tvaining Table; or, Whipping the Nine into Shape. pire. 92 Frank Mauléy's Coaching; or, The Great Game that “Jackets” | 82 Frank Manley’s Last Ball Game; or, The Season's Excitin; g | Pitched. Bye to the Diamond. "a For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stam? FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New Yo _ IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out _ in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you | “turn mail. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. | OG ad Hee E AS, 8 aes ec haan ea en eae Ste Sis 4-4 dhe. 4 90 8 06 Pere iel aisle este -e eles tehwielelsiedere «@ ® FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union ine New York. Gis Re Nia trans, daa ope sane etree ae Dear Str—Enclosed find......cents for which please send me: ey Fy Sheer 1 (os poopies of WORK ADD WIN, SNOB sidits a addict Eee aes eget Tas “« FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY, Nau ion iueieatie ae iid idles irc ia Sey “sate ee he Rang . “© © PRANK MANLEY’S WEEKLY, gh A ine eat Ve pee ra be «ELD WEST: WEEKLY, Re Fairer veh iemnre ea meee RUen ng ee ce ey \ Fe { PEP yes. hy eae pane eat pan aemee rene: Nuria 3 2 ‘1 Macicnne tink Rakaaok.

Page 35

Fame and Fortune Weeki 32.Pages of Reading Matter aa Handsome Colored Cover STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MONEY By A SELF-MADE MAN PRICE 3S CENTS A COPY This Weekly contains interesting stories of smart boys, who win fame and fortune by their ability to take advantage passing opportunities. Some of these stories are founded on true incidents in the lives of our most successful self-ma men, and show how a boy of pluck, perseverance and brains can become famous and wealthy. Every one of this seri contains a good moral tone which makes “Fame and Fortune Weekly” a magazine for the home, although each numD is replete with exciting adventures. The stories are the very best obtainable, the illustrations are by expert artists, a2) every effort is constantly being made to make it the best weekly on the news stands. Tell your friends about it. i | 7 | 1 A Lucky Deal; or, The Cutest Boy in Wall Street. 7 Winning His Way; or, The Youngest Editor in Gre A New One Issued Every Friday ALREADY PUBLISHED. 2 Born to Good Luck; or, The Boy Who Succeeded. River. we 3 A Corner in Corn; or, How a Chicago Boy Did the Trick, 9 Nip and Tuck; or, The Young Brokers of Wall Stre¢ . 4 A Game of Chance; or, The Boy Who Won Out. 10 A Copper Harvest; or, The Boys Who Worked a D ‘5 Hard to Beat; or, The Cleverest Boy in Wall Street. 6 Building a Railroad; or, The Young Contractors of 12 F $ . For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stamps, ! FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher bn ~ ~ 24 Union Square, New Yor Lakeview. Life. ios) The Wheel of Fortune; or, The Record of a Self-Ma. Boy. a serted Mine. 4 1 A Lucky Penny; or, The Fortunes of a Boston Boy. © A Diamond in the Rough; or, A..Brave Boy’s Start a 7 * IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following Order Blank and send te us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by return mail. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MON SEORAARAle: eC ad ketly el.strexe p61 ales: d) 0-6 d blm alipeliaactis w) © we, Seles apprers ase, eievabele oe! igh als, wwe) ees: 6-0. valionminicaltal's aieistal Renta week ele) ail wie pee 4 FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. J lela ee oe sisielsieveieies OEP PA i Dear Str—Enclosed find...... cents for which please send me: * Ov2 2, COPIES ORM Oy ue AINE): WHALING“ INGREMMMIAS fos crs. 505 hails oa 0) «scare setae Mbaleie « Wieigicsla Sie yo|eid o's obaswltacale easel a eeereeaaam one Slavelgy Sete We UB URE) MAGNE) eH OUR GENE Beppe as Slr Voy NUOS rao ssi. S Seven, gute! sie doe els belle ecoraidel no or mtnere te teen aaa ae reg Me BD AU NASM ANIM OS oF Werte NIOS4 .5':' vi'e)0 ov alstuliors herote e-eise 0 te aliayeh ale. al qvers\allele hnapa ahesafaneraeam . £67 ee WU WADI L VHB LOMA G SONGS Satta yo: 5, 0755 anita ave opoana tae etbt a. whe bbs ato s'islabois Je see aya ancl erereh tee eae aotee| Se EE GE BER ANY BONES OH 27 G. MOSea Huis oussers) otwchitg atzisbis vicracelsrecoils lela wialee in sahetsterty a ralanuareee Aer | Ge> MPT angie ANID: MAROC. NOGr. 4 akis. « aalciatecd qateas vars oR sighs acres ale eta Sia a alert hear ae || Sea haees SI CGH Sy EY Man VAG ENy ) INCOR) 5 ts svutsscapseovaces sealers sinpe. eis eiaieaersiel &, 97h a sai veusirihan aco ate «iatecaha la naloneeane + 6 oath sre ae ey ORBEA G soot 2 YS BG 1008 is Pan ON OI Ga Os 2 cals to) ok erie rane enrern an APcar re: hits c exert ac) oe “pa Coe SOE ROBY N= OBEN Le sg AEN EDS ©) C) RAIN OB iateoay sid erensois age oko sips) sh PERI atone atcha VMRbR ENN cece ext sprain eee Ae Teas | steectaee Pickisak ae ae wna APR EMGGE AMLGUNOh esd ccu'caiSteaeon dese DO RE: je otia tat ci sande Ge A en