Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 215) (1909 11 12)
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mY r MAEM. ae A ae eae A rush of chattering boys and girls toward the fallen tree attracted Bob’s attention from the astonishing discovery he and Will had just made. He turned and beckoned them forward. “Come and see the sight of your lives,” he cried.
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Fame and Fortune Weckly o> Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1909, in the oe of the Librarian of Congress, Waxhington, D. C., by Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New Yor. No. 215. . NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 12, 1909. 4 PRICE 5 CENTS. BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR OR; THE TREASURE THAT LED TO FAME 4 By A SELF-MADE MAN CHAPTER I. “Tt’ll be a hope deferred, I’m thinking.. When the board-° . : ers have got a crack at those peas the dish will look like a ‘BOB BRANDON AND HIS FRIEND WILL. tree struck by lightning.” “There’s more than four quarts here. There ought to “Tt’s a fine thing to be rich, Will,” said Bob Brandon,| be some left.” : reflectively, as he sat on a stool peeling a pan full of po-| “Mrs. Atkins and her husband will see that none are tatoes. wasted. They like peas themselves.” “Bet your life it is,” replied Will Godfrey, who sat on “Then where do we come in?” asked Will, with a jilted another stool opposite him shelling a number of quarts of! look. ane ne 70h ee ™ | “Pm surprised to hear you sie such a question after “You can’t do anything in this world without money,”, our three weeks’ experience here as boys of all work at the ‘said Bob. : Weodhine Cottage.” kt : “Not a blamed thing,” agreed Will. “We were champs to take the job.” ; _ “That’s why we’re nothing but a pat of ar ans “Oh, I don’t know. We were a pair of wanderers, down and me.” on our luck, with nary a roof to cover us, nor a square: | iets _ “We aren’t much better. We have to hustle from day- meal in sight. Any port in a storm, you know.” ey Tight till dark.” “T s’pose we can leave any time we want to? We’ve got “For a measley three fifty per week.” ten dollars and a half coming: to us so far, benees this _ “And our board and lodging.” . week.” _ “Fine board and lodging. An old shake-down in the) “Yes, it’s coming to us, and it will continue to be coming _ garret and what’s left after the boarders have eaten up | to us if we dust ont in the middle of the season. We were everything in sight. It’s a wonder we’ ve got any flesh on hired with the understanding that we wére to stay as long our bones.” — _. as the boarders did. If we left. before fen we were not “Oh, we’re pretty healthy yet. The. doctors say that to get any money.” an people eat too much,” grinned Will. | “Oh, lor’! It was you who made that see 2 “No danger of us eating too much. “k You like peas for “And you agreed to it.” ler, don’t you?” |, “We were fools.” 8 could. eat a quart of “em,” aeahel Will, licking his, “Oh,. al don’t know, We: might have been. worse off if do poking longingly at the mess. he was pus lire hadn’t stopped.” > “Do you expect t + to get any to-day?” Ne ero ie “Not much. We could have Bone to work on some fais matt ay 80." | pete ee Where "d have ha all day long in the hot.
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— sun at less than we are getting here. We have a little time to yurseives in the afternoon. Yesterday I drove some of the boarders over to the lake and I made a dollar.” “What! A whole dollar?” exclaimed Will, enviously. “What did they give yon the money for?” __ “When we got to the lake they wanted to go to Cedar - Island. I told them it would cost a dollar to hire a boat. They consulted and then ante-ed up the price.” “How did you make the dollar, then?” “JT went around to Jerry Long’s cottage and borrowed his boat from Lucy.” “Gee! you were smart.” “That’s business. I’m out for all I can make. I rowed them over—it was worth a dollar to do that—pointed out the site where the new summer hotel is to be next year, and fetched them “Back. Then I returned the boat end ‘drove them back here in time for supper.” _ “You had a snap. I had to work like a trooper most of the afternoon, doing chores, and helping. Kittie and the missus get supper,” said Will. “The boarders want me to take them to the village this afternoon. They have taken a fancy to me. I guess I’ll be on the job as “Mr. Atkings’s leg is out of business.” “Tt ought to be my turn to take ’em,” grumbled Will. “Tt ain’t fair for yon to have all the snaps that’s going.” “You'd better ask Mrs. Atkins to let you take them, then.” “T gee myself doing it. The old griffin taht sit on ~ my neck.” “She might, for she’s a tartar.” At that moment the lady in question suddenly appeared at the kitchen door near which Bob and Will were seated. __ “Kin’t you got them peas shelled yet?” she asked, glower- » ing at Will. “Most done, ma’am,” replied the boy, getting on a big ~ hustle. “Tow about them *taters, Boh Brandon?” she ahead in : a milder tone, for she was more partial, to Bob than to ~ Will, though she didn’t waste, any kindness on him. ie £They’ re coming, ma’am,” answered Bob. . Mrs. Atkins disetipiearéd, and presently the boys heard her jawing the hired girl. “Kittie has a hard time of it,” said Bob, zn “T should say so. She’s jawed at from morning till _ night. That's what we friendless orphans are up against. People wipe their feet on us because we haven’t any friends: Don: never said whether youwere an orphan, tao, Bob.” — ~ “No; I’m not. My mother is dead but my father is ny returned Bob, a cloud coming over his good-looking | - ce. _ “Where is your father! ?” asked Will, curiously. _ °“He’s in S——,” replied Bob, in a gloomy tone. et “Didn't you and he pull well together 2” “Oh, yes. We always got along first rate.” - “Then. how is it he didn’t get you something decent to o and keep you from going off on a tramp?” reese it was out of his power to do anything for Bas iB after a momentary | 2 BOB BRANDON, room in the aga where | pe and Wes CON TRACTOR. “Got a political job, eh? Then I don’t ae why es couldn’t get you something to do.” Bob made no reply. There was a look of dejection in his face that showed the unpleasant nature of his thoughts. That these thoughts were connected with his father there could be little doubt as the cloud had not come over his face until Will had begun questioning him about his. only parent. What the trouble was could only be surmised as Bob wasn’t saying anything about it. In a few minutes both the peas and the potatoes were ready for the kitchen and the boys carried them inside after dumping the skins and the pods in the swill barrel for the pigs to feed on later. The boys were set at other work, Bob being dispatched to the barn to help Mr. Atkins, whose game leg bothered. him a good deal. i Bob and the small farmer got. on very well together. Mr. Atkins was one of those men who are ruled by their — wives. His disposition was meek aid non-assertive. He had nothing to say in the management of the place, except in carrying out his wife’s orders, and giving sundry directions himself, the same as a superintendent might for Mrs. Atkins was the boss of the coop. i She owned the property, and, in her opinion, she owned her husband, too, and treated him much the same as she might any other live chattel. They had been married a good many years, and he had been sat upon so hard, that he had long since realized that he was a mere cipher in the internal economy of the es- tablishment. : Bob naturally saw how the wind blew, and, as e didn’t fancy the lady of the house much, he sympathized with Mr, Atkins. He. was always ready to do anything he could to help him, and Mr. Atkins appreciated it, and was grate: to. him. tee There were only ten acres of ground attached to Hie house, so the amount of farming done on the property didn’t amount to a whole lot. Mrs. Atkins made her money off summer eee ; She advertised accommodations for thirty, but twenty. ‘i filled the house. rags Still, she had been known to stow enti eight ai as at a pinch. ty The season was nip just beginning now, and she had but eight, though four more were expected on the fellow: ‘ ing Saturday. : Bob and Mr. Atkins were busily engaged doing some re- pairs to the light wagon when the dinner bell rang. a “Tl have to quit now, Mr. Atkins,” said the boy, ait was his duty to wait on the table. , Ve Mrs. Atkins had selected him for this service as Be was nin a good- looking and polite boy. Soh In her opinion, Bob added tone to her house, and ghe és was pleased to see that the boy did his a ina highly satisfactory manner. vac Mr. Atkins nodded and. Bob went, divactly, to he little ‘Will slept and put on hi
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BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR, 3 . After washing his face and brushing his hair he pre- sented a very neat and cheerful appearance, and when he appeared in the dining-room with a plate of bean soup in each hand the boarders all nodded pleasantly to him. CHAPTER IT. BOB IS TREATED TO A SURPRISE. “Say, Will, if I had a hundred dollars I know what I’d do,” said Bob to his companion a few days later. “What would you do?” asked Will, curiously. “T’d take the contract for clearing away the trees on Cedar Island for the new summer hotel.” “How could you when Jerry Long has it?” _ “Jerry will never put the job through when the time comes for him to tackle it?” “Why won’t he??? “Because he likes his booze too well. He couldn’t get _ a hustle on to save his life. He'd rather loaf around the tavern than do an honest day’s, work.” “Tow did he come to get the contract, then?” - “Because he’s an A1 woodchopper, and he happened +o be sober and in the humor for work at the time bids were _asked for. He put in the lowest and caught on.¥ “Suppose you could get the contract, how would you earry it out? You’re not a woodchopper, and besides one »man couldn’t do the work.” “Tt wouldn’t be necessary for me to do any chopping. Td boss the work, and ‘see that. it was done right, and as _ quick as possible.” “Would a hundred dollars carry it through ??1) |) “No; but it would get it started in. good shape, and the payments that are to be made on account as the job pro- | » gresses would see it through.” “Well, you’re not likely He get it so what’s the use eh about it?” “Don’t be too sure of that. We'll have forty dolla apiece coming to us when we get through here. If you lend me your forty that would rake eighty, and I might see my way to squeeze through with that.” “You might make a méss of the contract if you did get. it from Jerry and lose all the money. Then we would be in the soup again.” pak “Don’t you worry about me losing the money.” “How much would you expect to make?” «© couple of hundred dollars or so. I’d be willing to ie ihe you twenty dollars for the loan of your forty.” _ “How long do you think the job would take?” 3% “Six weeks, or two months. day as a general helper, so by the time the work was fin- ished and paid for you ought to be worth $100.” “A hundred dollars!’ I’m with you. a quarter of that in all a bes said Will, with some Sse - The foregoing conversation took place on Sunday aft. ernoon while the two boys were sitting at the back of arn sunning themselves and taking things easy. Bob, who had made the acquaintance of Jerry Long ek his Ch ta Iuey during the second week he had odbine ottdse had Taganet bg the contract T’d also pay you agdollar a | I never owned | Lucy, to whom Bob had taken quite a liking, had told him that she was afraid her father wouldn’t be able to . put the contract through owing to his increasing thirst for liquor and dislike for work. After talking the matter over with the girl Bob had suggested that if he could raise énough money to get the work under way he would take the contract off her father’s hands and give her a percentage of the profits. She gladly welcomed his suggestion for her father was under a $100 bond to carry through the contract, and if he failed to do it he would not only lose the money there was in the job, but his friend, who had signed the bond, would have to pay over the $100, and that was oe sure — to cause hard feelings between them. A; there would be between $80 and $90 coming to Bob : and Will around the first of September, the former felt that if he could borrovwe Will’s share he would be able to start the ball rolling in case Jerry Long was unable to take hold himself. So he brought the subject up that afternoon as a fecler _|to see if Will would be willing to loan him his money. Tn case Will showed a reluctance in falling in with his. views he wanted to have time enough to look around and - seo if he could raise the amount ie wanted in some other quarter. The $20. bonus and promise of a dollar a day for his services captured his friend, as we have seen, so Bob felt ‘satisfied that he would be able to tackle the contract in the event that Jerry failed to come to time. Soak At that moment a man, attired in an old and shabby suit of clothes, climbed over the fence near at hand that iis separated the yard from the corn ‘field. . aan THe looked like a wreck, oh his movements were slow: and undecided. He stood for a few minutes Tnoking around him, as if un- certain what to do next. “Hello, who is this chap?” said Will. “T guess he must be a tramp who thinks he can stand this place up for a meal. If he gets anything out of the missus he'll be doing well. She'll ‘probably call on us to bundle him out into the road.” “He looks like a man who is all in,” replied Bob. » would be a shame to turn him away.” The man saw the two boys and advanced toward them. ‘As he drew fear Bob started on his feet: writ a flushed face and rapidly beating heart. The stranger’s smoothly-shaven features were familiar to his gaze. 4 e “Qreat Scott! father,” he exclaimed. “Is that you?’ 2” ‘: The man stopped and stared at him in a bewildered man- ner. “Bob !’? he cried in a hoarse voice. “You here, oe son 2” rte The hands met in a close grip, and bending forward the. B “qt * oe forlorn looking intruder kissed Bob. Will viewed the performance with the greatest amaze- ie ment. | He could not possibly ase the meaning of it. [expense
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4 BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. “Tiseaped |” “Hscaped,” repeated his father. ing all night ever since I gave my companions the slip in the darkness, and skulking across the fields and through _ the woods since sunrise in momentary fear of being recap- tured and taken back to finish the long term that to an innocent man is something worse than death. I did not expect to find you here, my boy, but I thank heaven for this meeting, for I thought it might be years before I could have the joy of seeing you once more—of clasping your hands in mine.” “Oh, father, to think that we should meet thus,” said Bob, with great emotion. “You look worn out and ex- hausted. You must be hungry as well as footsore.” “Yes, I am hungry, my son. I have tasted nothing since I partook of the meager prison supper last night,” replied the man, wearily. “You must not be seen, father,” said Bob, anxiously. “Come into the barn, where you will be safe for a time at least.» I will get you food and drink, and then we will consider what is best to be done, Officers of the law are doubtless searching the country around about for you and the others who escaped with you. Some means must. be ‘taken to hide you until the hue and ery is over. If not found by the authorities you may be able to make your way, to Canada and begin life again under an assumed name.’ Bob pushed open the barn door and led his father in- “side. Then he thought of Will, who was staring at them with all his eyes. +» “Will, come here,” he eaid. Pulling. his frierid inside and closing the door lie suit. “This ig my father.” “Your father!” ejaculated Will. “Yes. Stay with him until I return. Leaving them together Bob hurried across the yard to the house where ie found Kittie Carson, the maid- of all _ work, in the kitchen reading a paper. _ He and Kitty were the best of friends, and there was _ hardly anything the girl wouldn’t do for him, for he had taken: her part several times when abused by Mrs. Atkins, | “Kittie,” cried Bob, “I want you to do me a great fae “vor. ¥ } nee . “PII do it,” she said, dropping her paper. _ *Get me a jug of milk, some meat and bread, and a ieee Sof pie. I want the food for a famished man. ‘And, Kittie, ~ don’t say a word about it to any one.” “But Mrs. Atkins may notice that———”” “Never mind Mrs. Atkins. I'll take all the blame and "see that you don’t suffer for obliging me. Get me the food, quick! Tt is a case of great urgency.” Me Kittie saw that Bob was:feverishly eager to get what “he wanted, so she hastened to do as he asked. She quickly buttered several slices of bread, put meat “between them, and handed them to Bob. Then she ‘got a jug and filled it with milk. - Inside of ten minutes the we was ae at the barn with the ‘provender. a “Here you are, father. at oa say nothing more ‘ill, you are hate 4 9 frat * flay ex what I shall do next.” foe courage to co “my dear boy. eat will put new ‘life i in me, | Bp Thus speaking he fell to eating like the famished man “T have been travel-|he was. CHAPTER IIL. HARBORING A FUGITIVE. While his father was eating Bob drew Will aside, for he saw that he would be obliged to make some explanation of this remarkable state of affairs. “T suppose you are astonished at what you have seen, Wil,” she said. “Somewhat,” replied his friend. be in hard luck.” ’ “He is, It’s the hardest kind of luck. Now, Will, I’m going to trust you with the truth. My father has just escaped from the State prison.” “From the State prison!” gasped his friend. “Yes. He was sentenced to six years for a crime he never committed.” “How did that happen?” “T can’t tell you now. I’ll explain some other time. But you can take my word for it that‘he is an innocent man.” “How long has he been in prison?” “Only a few months.” “When did he escape?” “Last night, with several other men who were serving their time there. He hasn’t had a chance to tell me the particulars yet.” “Does he expect to get clean off?” f “He hopes to, but it is very doubtful, for there is no doubt that word has been sent to\ the police of all the surrounding towns and villages to be on the lookout for ee fugitives.” # “You are going to hide him in the barn here?” “Such is my intention, until after dark.” “ And then he will take his chances along the road ” “No;'I intend to take him to the lake and across to Cedar Island. ‘That’s a good place for him to remain for a week or two until the hunt cools down.” , “How will he live there?” “T’ll see that he gets food.” if “T don’t know how you're going to get it. Mrs. Atkins is so close with everything that she’s bound to miss even i 3 a slice of bread. How did you get the stuff your father is 2 eating ?” ae “Kittie, gave it to me at my urgent request.” aN is “The old dragon will miss it when she gets home ee # “Your father seems to | starts to get supper for the’ boarders, then there'll be the a dickens. to pay. She’s liable to beat Kittie.” “Not if I’m around she won’t and I bist: to be. i shall take the blame myself.” Pais : “She'll demand an eolenan, es beans: a tog “TI give her one.” es “Will you tell her that you téok it for your father?” “Not much. She mustn’t learn that: my ssi ah is on i ‘the premises.” eee “Mr. Atkins might come to the oe haa see shin Pa -“T shall hide co in the loft b Ande ‘the me where b
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_ the barn.” BOB BRANDON, CONTRAOTOR.. | 3 ee “T don’t think it is likely he'll want to do any searching if he should come. We’ve been here all day and if we're asked we will tell him that we did not. see any. one an- swering to the description of the person he is after.” “One of the boarders may have seen your father coming across the fields. In fact, may have seen you take him into “That's a risk I’ll have to run. The chances are that none of the boarders has seen anything that has happened at the back of the house. I believe*they’re all sitting on the front veranda, or walking up or down the road.” “Tt's a good thing that Mrs. Atkins and her husband are away calling. Nothing seems to escape her eye when she’s around.” “Yes, it is fortunate. When they return you and I will put the horse and buggygin the barn so there will be no need of Mr. Atkins coming here,” By that time Bob’s father had finished eating, having swallowed every morsel brought by his gon. “Go outside, Will, and keep watch. Let us know if you see anybody approaching that strikes you as an officer, and give us the tip the moment Mr. and Mrs. Atkins turn up. ” “ANl right,” replied Will, and Bob let him out of the} barn and then secured the door on the inside. “Now, father, you’d better take a sleep, for you are cer- tainly fagedd out. Tl hide you under the hay up in the loft, and Will and I will keep watch.” “Very wéil, my son. But tell me how comes it you are here? Are®you working at this place?” “Yes. I lost the job I had in S——, and T had no Inck in getting another that amounted to anything. So I started to walk to Boston, thinking I would be sure to get some- thing to do in that city.” _ “Walk! Had you no money to pay your way?” “Not a cent. I sold everything that belonged to us both ee bO pay for the appeal your lawyer made, but without suc- Gi 4 2 cess. As it.is I still owe him a balance of thirty dollars, which,I promised to oak him ‘as soon as I could cies to dap.” “You should not yd made the appeal, but kept the “money ‘for*yourself, since I had no chance against the com- _ bination of adverse evidence that was brought against me. a3 was money wasted.” “Pather, I could not let the dlietitet chance go by to gave you, believing as I do, that you are innocent of the erime charged against you.” “Ney dear boy, you are the only friend that stuck bygme _in my hour of adversity. May heaven bless you for it.” “Tt was my duty, father. I should have despised myself had I let you'go to prison without making every effort in my power to prevent at? ~ ©So you had to walk to Boston ?” _ “No, I only got as far as this place. On the road I met Will, Godfrey, who is an orphan, and as poor and - friendless as myself. We hitched together, for we were both bound for the same destination. We stopped here one : morning about a month ago to: beg a meal, and were of- fered a job to help ‘around the place during. the boarding e for Mrs. Atkins, fake runs thi ne- t boa Y to be paid about the first week in September. We took the offer, which promised to land us both in Boston in the early . fall with money in our pockets.” “You did right, my son.” “Father, do you not suspect the man who is the cause of your misfortune?” ; “Alas, I have not the least foundation for suspicions: against any one. All I know is that I never took the money from Mr, Tarleton’s safe that I have been convicted : of stealing.” “T know you didn’t, but I am sure I know lied man ane did.” “Whom do you suspect? 2” “The very last person who should be guilty of any ac- tion against you. ae “And who is that?” t “The man in the office you detected pilfering from the > ‘petty cash drawer,.and whom, .on making restitution, and promising to never ‘be guilty of such an act again, you shielded: from the consequences that would have happened to him had you.reported the matter to Mr, Tarleton. ES prise. “Yes, that’s the man.” “Why do you suspect him?” “Because of the evidence he gave at the trial, for one thing. “He did everything he could to make matters black as possible against you while he pretended to be deeply grieved that circumstances compelled him to testify.” “TJ fear you do him an injustice. How could he have robbed the safe? The combination was known only to me and Mr. Tarleton. That was one of the principal points against me—that, and the urgent age of money to take your mother South.” “Nevertheless, father, I believe he i is the thief. He must have discovered the way to open the safe somehow.” “T fail to see how he could. I never told any one ‘the combination.” ae “Maybe you had a written copy of it in your desk.” “T did have such a copy, but I kept it stowed away at “What, Philip Travers!” cried his father, in some sur- the bottom of a certain ss I never left unlocked es Ws away from the office.” “He may have had a key — to fit the lock e that : : drawer.” “Why should a think that the oabinaied of the safe . wag in writing, and that I kept it in that drawer?” “He may have been looking for something else and found ; the combination accidentally.” “Tt is possible, but not probable.” A 7, els ‘ “Who else, then, could have got into the safe and didlen’ a : the money? Who else but Mr. Tarleton knew that on the — day you left the office to take igor South there was vd $2,000 in bills in the safe?” “No one that I know of.” “Some day perhaps the trath will come to “Aient, and if it ever does the guilty man will be found to be ae Travers,” said Bob, in a tone of conviction. — “Perhaps 80, but I do not accuse e him of any co necto
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6 BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. will aon you aces you may take a few hours’ sleep in comparative security.” ° Bob led his father up into the loft and stowed him away in a snug corner where the hay was stored, covering him lightly with it so that his presence could not be detected except the hay was disturbed. Then he left him and rejoined Will, who was perched on the fence close by keeping a bright lookout. CHAPTER IV. BOB AND THE PRUNES. “You haven’t seen any one that looked as if he was in search of my father, have you, Will?” asked Bob. _ “Two or three automobiles passed by—one with four ‘men inat, but none of them pulled up here,” replied Will. “Several men passed on foot, but none of them stopped either.” “Good. I am in hopes of getting my father to the island “some time before midnight. When all are in bed, and the house is still, I'l go to the barn and take him away.” “Youll have to borrow Jerry Long’s boat. Won't it look strange for you to wake him up to get it?” “T shall take it without his knowledge.” “But he keeps the oars in the house, doesn’t: he?” “Yes, but I'll make out somehow without them. I'll car- ory apiece of wood to use as a paddle.” _ *T£-you want me to go along to help you I will.” “Thanks, Will, but I don’t think it will be necessary.” “Where does your father think of, escaping to—Canada ?” “T didn’t ask*him his” plans, but that seems to be oe: nearest refuge for him.” “Tt’s'a long way to tramp, for I don’t suppose he rs take the chances of riding.” - “He hasn’t any money A pay for transportation i in any ease. I shall give him the three dollars I have, which is the best I can do for him.” “LPve got a half dollar. Will. “You're a good felow. I’ll take it and pay you back when I get it.” At that moment the buggy containing Mrs. Atkins and her husband hoye in sight around a turn in the road. “Here comes the ald: dragon,” said Will. “Ill ran out _ in front and lead the rig to the barn, while you tip Kittie off to the arrival of the missus.” 1 Most, of the boarders were on the front veranda when the You can have that, too,” said buggy drove up. Mr. Atkins turned the horse and base over to Will and ae led it around to the barn where he found Bob waiting. They put the horse in its stall, fed and watered it, 2 oe pushed the buggy into its place in the barn. _.. Then they locked the place’ wp again and went into the i “kitchen to help with the preparations for supper. ; _ Mrs. Wi noticed right away that some of the cold Bob said hs took the food ‘6 feed a poor famished man. You did,” she cried, angrily. keep open. house for every ee who ae gl ad f No, v f “Do you suppose that I}. “How do you know that? A tramp is a tramp, and they — get nothin’ from me, let me tell you. They’re a lot of thieves and vagabonds, and ought to be took up on sight. Why,” she cried, examining the dish, “you have given him enough for two meh. Now I shall be short of meat for supper.” “T’m sorry, ma’am, but I’m willing to have you take the worth of it out of my wages,” said Bob. “The man was almost starving, and I couldn’t send him away in that con- dition.” “What sort. of a lookin’ man was he?” she asked sudden- “Did he have short hair like them jail birds in the We heard in the village that four men es- Maybe he was one of ly. penitentiary ? caped from the prison in S the rascals.” “He didn’t look like a convict, ma’am ; he had too honest a face for that.” “Honest, indeed |”? sniffed the lady. “I’ve heard that many of the worst criminals have the most honest-lookin’ faces in the world. I know of one man who was hanged for murderin’ his wife, and six children and they said he looked as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. Honest face, humph !” Instead of giving Boba further calling down she let it go at that, and the boy congratulated himself on eueaHe off easy. The secret of the matter was Mrs. Atkins regarded Bob as a valuable asset in her boarding-house, and she was smart enough to see that he was a boy she couldn’t go too far with. Rather than run the: chance of losing his services she was willing to make sundry concessions in. his favor. Had Kittie or Will been the guilty party in this case ~ she would have made Rome howl, and they wouldn’t haye heard the last of it for a week. _ Mrs. Atkins made up the shortage in the meat by cutting down the quantity sent in to each guest, and adding to the stewed fruit that was a regular feature of Sunday’s tea, thereby pulling out to her own satisfaction’ if not to the satisfaction of the+boarders. Of course, there was no meat for Bob, Will and Kittie on this occasion, though they were blessed with healthy appetites. When they pulled up at the kitchen table for their tea they-found that their allotment was a cup of tea, two slices of bread, a small piece of stale cheese; and a lonesome looking prune with a quantity of juice for each of them. They didn’t expect a whole lot on Sunday evening, but this layout was the skimpiest they had yet been treated to. — “Suffering snaps! One prune. Wouldn’t that: j jar your vies growled Will. Kittie tittered. Fl She had been Mrs. Atkins’s steady help for two ro a ‘and the lonesome prune was no novelty to her. “How many prunes do you want, Will?” chuckled Bob. “T could eat a dozen. without winking,” he answered. 2 “Where are the prunes kept, Kittie ?” asked Bob. a on Sito “Tn a jar in the pantry.” Pg ee “Are there any more?” “i ; ie «Yes, ” : eg “Did Mrs. Atkins count what are left a, ae ie Ls y
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ao SNES BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. |. a pS a aS bse ig Meas ; “Do you want some more prunes, Kittie?” “Oh, I wouldn’t dare ask for another.” “Kittie, you’re wasting away to a shadow. Your clothes don’t fit you any more,” grinned Bob, as he rose.» As the girl was_quite a plump little thing despite her short diet, she and Will laughed heartily at Bob’s remark. “What are you going to do, Bob? You don’t mean to get the PEEnes, do you?” asked Will, almost staggered at his - companion’s nerve, right after the bread and meat requisi- tion he had made on the missus’s stores for his father. “Yon shut up, Will Godfrey. I’m running this tea oe ble to-night,” replied Bob. - dozen extra prunes all around. -_ Kittie almost had a fit at his sane. But Bob wasn’t through. a got the rest. of the loaf of bread and divided that AP «also, y _ “Now, we’ve got something to eat,” he said in a tone o of satisfaction. “Don’t forget, folkses, to throw the prune stones out before Mrs. A. makes her appearance. v For fear that the missus might ¢ appear unexpectedly the prunes disappeared in a hurry. “Gosh! They tasted good, all right,” said Will, smack- _ Ing his lips. “Want some more?” asked Bob. Sh ne no; do you want us to be murdered ?” replied i | “How did ee go, Kittie?” said Bob. aes “Splendid ; but I’m afraid ‘the! missus’l] miss ’em.” ae “What do you care? You didn’t take them.” _ “But I ate six of ’em.’ “That's all right. Just forget it.” et can’t. T never had seven Dunstes all in one bunch be- ites. igs - ae ay agreed that they had ais a better Rieti than the _ boarders enjoyed. “YT wish you always laid Sat our supper for us,” said Will, “then we'd have enough to eat. Christopher! You ad a nerve to appropriate those prunes, and the rest of the loaf of bread.’ When, the old dragon looks ‘into that jar she'll think another tramp has been this way and dined off her sweets,” laughed Will. - Kittie washed the disiies and the boys dried Siete, - Bob then secured another jug of milk, filled his pockets with crackers and appropriated a hunk of cheese. ; With these things he and Will adjourned to the barn. Bandon senior was ‘still sleeping soundly. ted lantern. Pe ght L 1a Ree! piece. from Wi a n jhe crept down- ‘owt te ae He went to the pantry, got the jar ala ladled out half al. _ Bob didn’t. awake Baers but laid the ssi ps vas to Canada, where, under an assumed name, Zn ge psaeed a jen enou eee z ne three aliens or, which he locked ; Sie ee ees re eaters ‘CHAPTER V. THE THREE CONVICTS. Three hours later two forms issued cautiously from the barn. ' They were Bob and his father. “It was a calm, still and warm July night. The moon was not yet up, which both regarded with ve isfaction. As well as they could tell poe was asleep 1 in Wood- bine Cottage. When they reached the road they. locked up and down. it, but it was silent and deserted. “Come on, father, the coast is ane? said Bob, and down the road they started i in the direction of Clear Lake, rig. miles away. _Mr. Brandon was much refreshed by the sleep he had | had, and easily kept pace with his stalwart son. Tn due time they reached the shore of the lake and Bob went to the spot where Jerry Long kept his. boat bapigie oe to the landing behind his cottage. The oars were not in her, but in expectation of that fait = Bob had brought with lima piece of board to use as a paddle. the place where his father stood waiting for him. ~ ‘Taking him aboard the boy paddled out on ‘the lake and - He unshipped the painter, got in and worked the boat ie made for Cedar Island. se ae It. was slow and laborious work to send the boat along — with only the board as a means of propelling it, but bee reached the island at last and landed. ~ Bob guided his father to a spot that he regarded as” a safe hiding place—a small cave concealed by a growth of - brush close to an enormous bes that towered high. above’ ts its fellows. “No one will ever think of looking for you here, father,” he said. “Better keep close under cover during the day, for there is no telling who comes here. You will find ; a stream of drinking water on the other side, of that big tree. Some time to-morrow night, or before if I can man- age it, I'll bring you a supply of food. Try and make the crackers do quell then.” “TH get along, my son, don’t you OER” replied Mr wie Brandon, in a hopeful tone. “All right. Ill leave you now and get back to the pe house. As I have to be up at five I won't get much as to-night.” Bob recrossed the lake and tied the boat to her mooring just as he had found her. Then he started to walk back to Woodbine Cottage. , After covering half the distance he sat down on a ae log, with his back against a tree, to rest. — His thoughts reverted to his father, a feel fae | and he wondered if it would be possible for him to escape | his identity and make a living for himself. As Bob thought the matter over his eyes ‘grew he: head. an ny ee he fell. ey, ae
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BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. “Tt’s time we started,” said a rough voice. “It’s about three, and it'll be daylight in an hour and a half. The erib ought to be easy to crack by gents of our experience, even if we hain’t got so much as a jimmy about us.” “Whatever you say goes, Tattum,” spoke up another voice. “We're dead busted, and hungry enough to chew aden-penny nail. If we’re goin’ to be took I’d jest as soon be hung for a sheep as a lamb.” “Where in thunder d’ye s’pose that Brandon chap went to?” said a third voice. “We lost him soon after we got clear of the prison walls.. If he shook us he’s a mean liy- ered skunk, for he wouldn’t have got out if it hadn’t been ‘for us.” “I guess he got lost in the shuffle,” replied the first speaker with a short laugh, “and has likely been caught and taken back. He was one of them gents that goes wrong when they’re pinched for the ready. It goes harder with them chaps when they’re found out and jugged, ’cause they ain’t used to bein’ cooped: up.” “fm glad he’s not with us,” said the second man. “He'd only be in the way, and I reckon'he wouldn’t cotton to the lay we’re on, There'll be one less to divide the swag, so there'll be more for us.” “Let's get on,” said Tattum. these diggin’s afore ‘daylight. K _ The three men, who were clearly the three convicts who had escaped from the State penitentiary with Bob’s father, moved away in the gloom. a “Those rascals are going to rob some honse in this neigh- _ borhood,” thought Bob, who had overheard enough of their conversation to satisty him as to their identity and _ the purpose they had in view. “It is my duty to prevent “We want to get out of _ their arrest. They have helped my father to escape, and I wouldn’t give them away if they went about their busi- #pime to put a stop to it.” So Bob followed the men, keeping them in view as they | walked along the road close to the fence, stopping .when | se they stopped, and taking care not to expose himself, or 5) make any mote noise than he could help. In this way they all went along until Bob saw the Wood- bine Cottage looming up ahead, and then he began to P suspect that the par sine house was the object of the ras- , “They entered the yard and made their: way to the kitchen window ‘They had nothing but a stout jack-knife with which to force entrance, but “to professional housebreakers, such as _ these fellows appeared to be, that was sufficient to enable them to open the window. . Bob watched them from arorind the corner of the bie, nd saw the sash yield to their persistent endeavors. . They threw it up and looked inside. — ___ As there was nothing-now to stop them from eniotite : kitchen they scrambled in one after the other, ee . - the window wide open to facilitate | their retreat. After epee a fae minutes Bob made his way over to eo in a comer ° sad oo 5 | hn them from carrying out their project if I can, and secure | ness; but when they contemplate a fresh crime it’s up to Fine "4 y i ref gee: self in by the kitchen door, which he locked, and removed the key. Looking into. the kitchen he saw no signs of the con- victs so he shut the window and went into the entry. ; Here he stood in the dark and listened, his heart beat- ing quickly, for he knew there would soon be a rumpus in the house. He thought he heard sounds in the dining-room, and he made his way to the door, which stood ajar. A faint light shone through the crack and he peered in. The three men. were in there, rummaging around. They had lighted a candle to see by. Had there been a key in the lock Bob would have closed the door and locked them in, bat there were no keys in any of the doors on the ground floor except the two in the front door and kitchen. The rascals ‘were searching rapidly and in a systematic way, but found little that they cared to appropriate. The table was laid for breakfast. One of them cleared a space at the end of the table on which he spread one of Mrs. Atkins’s clean table cloths. They intended to use it to make a bundle of their Ss *der. Bob knew that Mrs. Atkins and her hushand occupied | one of the third floor rooms which they sometimes turned over to boarders when they were short of accommodations. - He immediately started upstairs to arouse the lady and her husband, and inform them of the state of affairs. Reaching their door he knocked softly on it. Mrs. Atkins was a light sleeper, but the boy had to r6- neat his knock several times before he got an answer. “Who's there?” asked the lady, starting up in bed. “Bob,” replied the boy through the keyhole. “What do you want?” “Come to the door and T'll tell you.” Mrs. Atkins seemed in no hurry to comply. “What's wrong ?” she asked. = * so “Thieves in the house,” replied Bob, seeing that she i would not come unless he startled her. | His words did the business. * She was out of bed in a twinkling and pati over oi the door which she unlocked and held open slightly. 43 “Did you say thieves?” she palpitated, evidently much — alarmed. 4 “Yes, ma’am. Three of them. They’re the’ convicts who escaped from the State prison last night.” - “Tow do you know that?” she asked in a tremulous tone. ay “T heard them talking about their escape. fs “Where are they! Py ey a “They were in the dining-room a few minutes ago. Pin going upstairs to get Will to help me tackle them. You'd better wake up Mr. Atkins, though I’m afraid he can’t d #y much unless he’s got a revolver or loaded gun in the room. “There is a aires in our bureau, and a shotgun i in the closet, but I don’t know whether the gun is bens or ee gee Pm eae ifs isn’t.” id / i to be armed.” : Wait ee elt ‘ef, a Mr. Atnins? a bag ae pr i Be
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BOB BRANDON, Mr. Atkins appeared with a small lighted lamp and the revolver. ' “Don’t bring any light,” said Bob, pushing him back. “How can we see the burglars without a light?” replied the small farmer. “Tf you carry a lathp they'll see you a great deal -bet- ter than you'll see them. If they were armed you' "d make a good mark for them. Porn the light down and leave it in the room.” .Mrs. Atkins seemed to see the force of Bob’s advice if her husband didn’t. “The boy is right,” she said, sharply. lamp.” She snatched it out of his hand, pushed him out into _ the landing and shut the door. Mr. Atkins grabbed Bob by the arm, and the boy could “feei him tremble at the prospect of an encounter with the rascals, though the weapon gave him every advantage over ~ them.” “You wait here and shoot if they come up to this Boone af said Bob. “TI don’t think they’ll be up yet awhile, though “Where are you going? Don’t leave me alone,” said Atkins in trembling tones. “Tm going to the attic to arouse Will.” 4 “Tl go with you.” pee SEN ie. hg your place to stand at the head ‘ot the stairs here. Don’t shoot unless you're sure of hitting one of them.” “ Mr. Atkins, however, held on to Bob’s arm. & Tet me go, sir. There is no time to lose,” said Bob, ( trying to shake off his grip. _ The farmer, however, had the funks.on and wouldn’s -. let Bob go. “Give me your revolver, then, and go up and arouse Will 6 yourself. ‘Here, take this club and give it to Will.” if Mr. Atkins agreed to go to the attic on the errand. ‘He readily yielded the weapon to Bob and taking the club started up the stairs that led to the attic. - Left alone Bob listened Aor any ‘sound thay would give ae. an idea where the intruders were now. Not hearing anything he slipped aeansbaies with: the 4 weapon cocked i in his hand and ready for business. “Give me that = ‘i us CHAPTER VI. eile _ BOB’s EXPLOIT. ed at the head of the first flight of ‘stairs and arbi saat coming from the parley, 80 t that the rascals were in there. re hings ia ties had. ahs up. a ea d into the dinin: room. they reappeared and started to ascend man with the candle in advance. A muttere _| the pajamas. {the point of my gun, and also the other fellow ‘if a oe half to at ee head is the CONTRACTOR. _ Sor 5 s We The other two convicts stopped in consternation, The warm reception they had met with was so unex- pected, like a flash of lightning from a clear sky, that they stood rooted. to their tracks. The faint light given by the expiring candle showed their vidal g forms to Bob and he’ fired at the second man. - He, too, fell and the boy could hear him usar and groaning. “Help me, Bill, I’m shot in the thigh,” he said. His companion had started to retreat at the second shot, and paid no attention to his wounded associate. He rushed for the kitchen to make his escape, satisfied that the game was up. Bob darted downstairs after hin’, and saw him pushing up the window in the kitchen. : “Throw up your hands or I’ll plug you,” cried the boy, — covering the rascal with his revolver. % The fellow saw he had no chance so he yielded ie the inevitable. “Mareh this way,” commanded Bob, and the convict — obeyed. ty Sounds of angiteibent and confusion reached their ears. “Walk over to the foot of the stairs,” was Bob’s next order. 4 It was so dark 3 in the lower hall that the boy could barely — keep track of his prisoner, but he warned the rascal that he had him covered with his weapon and that it (ae be well for him to try to make any trouble. “Bring a light,” shouted Bob, in a tone that reached all parts of the house. The husband of one of the lady boarders appeared it of the head of the stairs clad in his pajamas, with a lamp‘ in ; his hand. The light showed him the situation. We The first convict lay unconscious half way up the ie, with a bullet in his chest, which was bleeding freely; the second sat several steps below him holding one hand over his wounded thigh and muttering imprecations over his — hard luck, while “the third stood at the foot of the flight, vat held up by Bob’s pointed revolver.) ra Will now appeared with the club beside the gentleman in “Come down, Will,” cried Bob. , “I saatet ou eee the barn and get some rope to tie this chap I’ve got necessary.” Will slid down the banister with his elub. “Hurry up and get the zope,” said Bob, ee ae rie landed beside him. » gt Changing the weapon to his left hand, but never takin % his eye off his prisoner, Bob pulled the key of the ki | door out of his pocket and handed it to Will. a Will lost no time in fetching a bunch of thin Tope, during the interim two other men boarders ,M
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10 oF BOB BRANDON, CON TRACTOR. Se Finally on seeing the three men at the head of the first flizht he plucked up courage enough to join them. While Will was away on his errand the men above asked |. Bob for particulars, and he explained the situationin a few words. By the time he had concluded Will oe with the rope, and then Bob asked the men to come down and help secure the convicts. They did so, leaving the lamp with Mr, Atkins. When Mrs. Atkins surmised that the danger was over she came down in a wrapper. “Is that man dead?” she asked, pointing at the chap who lay bleeding on the stairs. “No, madam,” replied the gentleman in the pajamas; “Hut he seems to be badly wounded. . Your young man Bob Brandon is a brave lad. He laid the three rascals out alone without any help, He deserves the thanks of all in the house, and he shall have it if I have anything to say.” Mrs. Atkins was surprised at Bob’s nerve, and congratn- lated herself more than eyer in having him about the house, Only for him the cottage and the boarders might have been cleaned out of everything of value. The unconscious man was lifted from the stairs and car- ried out to the kitchen where he was pioppet up on the floor. The other wounded man was placed in a chair there, _ while the third fellow was deposited in a corner, bound hand and foot. “You better get your jacket, Will, and then hitch up the light wagon and drive into the village after the esd con- stable,” said Bob. *T don’t know where he lives,” replied Will. “Then get Mr. Atkins to’ go. Tell him to dress and you'll have the rig ready for we when he gets downstairs.” _ Will went up to see Mrs. Atkins about it, as she was the boss. g She italia ordered her husband to get sues and go for the constable. Will then went to the barn to hitch the ous to the light wagon. ‘ The three male guests and Bob remained in the ee with the prisoners. They managed to revive the unconscious man, and as keh looked as if he stood greatly in need of the services of a ‘doctor, Mr. Atkins was told to bring one back with him. _ Bob was highly complimented for his courage in tackling _ the convicts single-handed, and capturing the entire three, ; "and he’ accepted the praise hestowed upon him with due = SCOUPLERY,. 7: as The guests wanted to know how he discovered that the BS rascals were in the house, Ege “You must have been wide awake, and are blessed with a , pretty’ sharp ears to hear from the attic what was happen- -ing on the first floor,” said the man with the pajamas. « £3 “Bob was rather disconcerted by the curiosity of the three 2% guests, which he knew would extend to everybody in the house, for he did not want it known that he had been out ; $0 late an hour, inasmuch as if would lead to inquiry to his motive in being away, and pee mee be perilous his father. . cin; ; ak of h s window when he saw the three men n order to. get around it Bob said he was awake and | approach the house, and regarding their actions as sus- picious he had dressed and investigated. Ordinarily Bob scorned to tell a lie, and would sooner take the consequences of any act of his than try to evade it by a false statement. : But in the present instance his father’s safety was vitally concerned, and he felt he was justified in adopting any subterfuge that would save his only parent. Daylight was breaking when Mr. Atkins drove up to the house with a doctor. He announced that the constable and a couple of his as- sistants would follow shortly in their own rig and take charge of the prisoners. The doctor examined the badly wounded man, and said that while his injury was serious he did not think the man would die, He fixed him up and then attended to the chap ahoae : thigh had been perforated. By the time he had finished the constable and two depu- ties drove up. : The constable had already heard the main points about the capture of the escaped convicts from Mr. Atkins, who gave’ Bob full credit for the business. After looking the rascals over he said to the boy: “Upon my word, young man, I don’t see how you man- aged to do it all by yourself. You certainly displayed great nerve.” “Oh, I got the drop on two of them with the revolver, and then chased the other into the kitchen where I caught him ag he was about to escape through the window. You see they had no weapons and the gun in my hands did the business,” replied Bob. “That’s all very true, but it isn’t every person who would. tackle three escaped criminals the way you did. You de- serve a medal for your performance.” The constable carried the convicts out to their wagon, loaded them aboard of it, and drove off. Tt was now quarter of five and the sun was rising, so | there was no use of Bob turning in or Will returning to — his bed. By the time they had freshened themselves up with a wash it was time for them to do their morning’ chore. and feed the live stock. Only the guests returned to their rooms, and they were not likely to sleep any more after the sarin events of the morning. Three of the men had to get an early breakfast Lage rate in order to catch a train for Boston. Mrs. Atkins had enough to do to straighten out the par- lor and dining-room, while her husband went out to milk ie the two cows, and Kittie started preparations for breakfast. The three men who.were going away said they’d like to — have Bob drive them to the station in the village, and al-— though this was the business of Mr. Atkins, the lady of ee the house consented to haye Bob take his place. a On reaching the station the men. chipped in five dollars each and presented the sum to Bob as an evidence of their appreciation of his services in Sawn: the cottage from being Mi robbed. eet This was a welcome as ou as unexpected windfall for the boy, -and he sae ee Y laid a Pavons of it out inpre: visions ie his father. Pact i
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BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR, ae 3 He bought a bag, put the stuff in it, and when he got|- They suspected ae the escaped prisoner was somewhere _ back to the farm hid the bag in the loft of the barn. near by. After he had eaten his breakfast he was called out on| ‘They searched the been and another building without re- the veranda and handed ten dollars more as a collection | sults and then went off. to hen up the neighborhood for - from the lady boarders. miles around. t Mrs, Atkins also added a ten dollar bill, as ae was} Next day Bob received a sotietieccitnee letter from the _ afraid it would look bad if she didn’t show some public. authorities of the State prison in relation to the part he’ _ evidence of her gratitude, had played in the capture of the three convicts, enclosing a Bob now found himself in possession of $33 and the | check for $300. Ms _ bag of provisions, and he felt that his morning’s work had} . Bob was delighted at getting the money. been quite profitable. He deposited the check at the village bank and opened Twenty-five dollars of this money he intended to turn|a special deposit account with it. over to his father. i On visiting the village the following Saturday afternoon — The first chance he got to tell Will the full particulars to bring a party of new boarders to the farm house he of how he had got on to the convicts came when they went learned with satisfaction that the fourth eseaped prisoner _ out into the truck-patch together to gather the vegetables had not heen recaptured. needed for dinner. He bought. more provisions to take to his father, and on ' . “Tt was mighty lucky for everybody in the house that the following afternoon he and Will carried the provender ~ you were out last night,” said Will, after he had heard | to the island. Bob’s story. When they visited Mr. Brandon’s hiding place they found “T guess it was; but I don’t want anybody to know that | be. was not there. ; T was out. It might canse suspicion and endanger my They waited around there as long as they could spare ~ father’s safety,” replied Bob. the time, but he did not show up. “That’s right,” Aaiiees WANE San derstand: now “Tl leave the provisions in the cave and try to get over why you told that ghost story about piping the convicts to-morrow,” he told his companion. off from the window. When ‘T was awakened by the two Several days passed before Bob found She cheamee dei -repotts of the revolver downstairs I knew you hadn’t been | t the island again. fee ea room sinee you left soon after line awe first idea| When he did he found that the provisions he had left on was that one of the boarders had been awakened by your | Sunday had not been touched. ; return at tlfat late hour, had taken you for a thief who He hunted the island all over but could find no sign of had broken into the honse and fired at you. I didn’t know | bis father. thet there were real burglars in the place till Mr. Atkins| Pparently Mr. Brandon had left the island. hee came up and told me.” “T wonder how he managed it without a boat,” thought. Bob. “I am sure he couldn’t have gone without bidding Bob and Will had a couple of hours off that afternoon : eet ee ~ between three and five and the former took advantage of Fe BU ao Teer sae ee pa sive ee making hurried departure. I hope he may not be taken, and . the fact to visit Cedar Island with Will, and carry the bag f +H 3 52h De, of provisions to his father. that he will find some safe way of communicating with ” ' There was enough proyender to last Mr. Brandon. for a Kaa : , : ~ week, and. Bob handed him the twenty-five dollars at the Pak a: pee asi wey haa! ve fe - on fo oe same,time, after telling him about the stirring events that OU ah A aor rca ea Rahat 9 dele De aay a WR om his father. had happened ‘to him after they had parted. Ate emt Kak greatly datonished to learn that “his He had found out through the village constable, howeven that Mr. Brandon had not been found in spite of the dili- -enfa arr Hho tases meh pop had escaped from oe gent search made for him, and this-assurance gave him : reat satisfaction. _ “Pl have to be extra careful and, you'd better not visit. . He now believed that his father was comparatively safe me again till next Sunday,” he said. “The fact that the] tyom capture, and ceased to worry about the matter. ae ‘men .-were captured in this neighborhood will likely : “a lead to a close hunt for me, as it wall’ be surmised that the fourth man must be somewhere in this vicinity, too.” ‘ Bob agreed that his father’s reasoning was good, ‘and dyised him to keep in his hiding place all the week. ¢ turned out as Mr. Brandon had said. As soon as the prison authorities learned where the three convicts were taken a posse was ved to. scour that gear orhood for Brandon. . = Sob was interviewed by the prison “officials, al when Sige his name was isle stir rene ‘they ee E ay “CHAPTER VII. BOB'S FIRST CONTRACT. With the departure of the last batch of teaite ‘he: ; summer job of Bob and Will came to an ‘end, and i ie were not sorry. El _ They had worked eleven weeks for Mrs. Atkins ait thie 2 was $38.50 coming to each of them. ‘ i, - Bob, had also received about six dollars: in tips from th : = ne were after. $300 he got it? th le denied hava soem his re put ‘ihe took oe - ck in th Piles © ERA AHEe Bois Re he now had oes a. gtr “You: a have: Baiee eo)
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12 BOB BRANDON, SUR “Yes; 1 am prettywell fixed at ae ae 4 y sopiea Bob. ‘ "Are you going to tackle that job on the island: 2” asked Will. “Tam. I’ve arranged with Jerry to take it off his hands, as he doesn’t care to carry it out, and I’m to give Lucy a percentage of what I make out of it.” “Will the hotel company let you take it ?” “Jerry told me he’d fix that all right.” “You won’t want to borrow my $40 now 2” “No, but I'll give you a job at $1.25 a day.” “All right,” said Will. “I’m your man. you going to stay while the job is on?” “We are going to take a room at Jerry’s and Lucy has agreed to board us. It will cost us $3 a week each,” “When do we go there?” “To-morrow.” : “And when do you expect to island?” “On. Monday.” -“Tf there isn’t any hitch about your arrangements.” “T don’t expeet any. I’m a regular contractor now, and intend to put up my own $100 forfeit that I'll put the work through all right.” Thus speaking Bob pulled some cards out of his pocket which the local printer had struck off for him. Where are wt the work at the He handed one to Will. Z This is what his friend read: yak _ BOB BRANDON, GpNnERAL ConTRACTOR, Jerry Long’s Cottage, Cedar Lake. . “Are you going into the business?” asked Will in sur- prise. _“Surest thing you know, Will.” “What do you mean by General Contractor? Do you intend to bid on any kind of work 2” 2 “ Anything that I feel I am able to tackle with success.” _ “But you haven't had any experience at the business. ‘How will you he able to bid for different kinds! of work ?” | “Tye had some experience. | I worked more than a year _ for a general contractor in S , in his office and I learned _ how he bid on many kinds of work. I was with him when _ my father was arrested for stealing $2,000 from the safe of the office where he was employ ed as cashier and head bookkeeper. % “Say, you promised to tell me about that matter. You say he was innocent of the charge. If he was somebody else must have pinched the money. Didn’t pa point at any one else in the office?” __ “No, because my father was the only one beside the boss who had the combination of the safe. That, and the | Satisfaction Guaranteed. ‘ Fin “effort to prolong her life and perhaps cure her, brought pent my father’s conv riction.” ta “didn't have it,” said Will. “As long as the goods wasn’t ‘vieted.” ay fs tl was | belie d aint; te had hidden abe, money. so t ouldn’t Lied on] him it gn Mr. ‘Tarleton, ‘su oe fact that he needed a considerable sum of money to take my. mother, who was dying with consumption, South, in} ragd & “But if he didn’t take the money he could show that ie found on him ‘s don’t see how hi could have. been con- pe hitn of the theft, sent an oflicer to arrest him and heme him back to § to face the charge.” “Belief isn’t proof,” replied Will. “No, but when Mr. Tarleton swore on the stand that my father was the only person in the office beside himself who could open the safe, and my father admitted that fact, and also admitted that he needed quite a sum of money to take mother South, the case looked black against him since he. did take my mother as far as Richmond before he was ar- rested.” “Tf your father couldn’t afford to take, your mother South, as you say, how did he manage to start on the trip?” “Fle borrowed $500 from an old friend who was on the eve of taking a long sea voyage for his health, and the greater part of this money was found on him, and consid- ered a part of the stolen $2,000.” “Well, he could call on his friend to show that he had loaned. ‘ing the money, couldn’t he?” “No. That gentleman was then out at sea and could } not be reached.” “That was unfortunate,” “Tt certainly was; but still, even if my father had been able to prove that fact, I doubt if it would have cleared him, for the fact that he alone of the office force had access to the safe was the clincher that really convicted him.” “Tt seems to me that the evidence against him was purely - circumstantial.” “That is true; but circumstantial evidence has hanged — many a man.” “That’s right. I have read of such cases; but they habe, pened in England a great many years ago, when: people were hanged for ’most anything from passing counterfeit notes to murder.” i _ “Well, the shock of my father’s arrest brought on a a hem- orrhage that killed my mother, and so the affair was doub- ly unfortunate for us,” said Bob, wiping away a tear. — “Gee! That was tough,” replied Will, OE “T should say so.” “Well, you have one satisfaction—your father didn’t stay long in prison.” “No, but he’s a fugitive from justice, and must hide his identity under a-false name, with the constant fear always over him that he may be recognized at any moment and be taken back to serve his full term, without rebate for- Ea conduct.” “How long was he sentenced for?” _ &Six years.” ik “And how much would have been taken off had. he not escaped ?” “Two years.” a Maas \“I suppose it’s harder for an innocent man to put in four years than for a guilty one to serve six. I know thatis the wey V’d feel about it.”
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BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. sae td my father was too good to, and, like a a the ras- | lot smarter than me, for we both poke in this neighbor- eal turned on him.” “Wasn't any effort made to show him up?” “No, he was not suspected even by my father. _. reason to suspect him, though, and maybe the time will - come when he’ll get what’s coming to him.” oyer to Jerry Long’s cottage by the lake. That afternoon a representative of the hotel company ealled to find out why Jerry desired to transfer his con- tract to another party, and also to find out if that person - was responsible. Jerry said that an attack of rheumatism would prevent him from carrying out the work, and guaranteed that Bob Brandon would do it to the company’s satisfaction. Bob offered to put up a cash bond of $100 that he would put the work through, and after some discussion the con- _ tract was transferred to him. : “TIL begin the work on Monday, and I’ll see that it is finished within the time limit,” he said. “All right, young man. I’ll be down here toward the end of the week to see how you’re making ont,” replied the company’s representative. Bob and Will visited the island and went over the ground once more, and Bob decided just where he would begin . operations. He thentvalled on the men recommended by Jerry whom he intended to employ and made his arrangements with _ them, and hired a pair of oxen to drag the trees away as -. soon as felled, and drag out the stumps after their hold on the earth had been weakened. _ During Bob’s stay at the Atkins farm he had got ac- quainted with many of the village boys and girls. ; ‘When they learned he had taken the contract to clear a part of Cedar Island for the new hotel small parties of _them came over to watch the work after it had got well under way: _ Bob was very popular among them and they took great interest in seeing how he bossed the job. _ The work proceeded rapidly after it was fairly started, _ for Bob was a hustler, and didn’t believe in letting the grass _ grow under his feet when he had anything on hand to do. ; The company’s representative appeared at stated inter- : vals to inspect the progress made, and pay Bob the weekly sum on account agreed upon. _ At the end of two weeks Bob had the ground sufficiently cleared to enable the men engaged to dig and lay the foun- dations of the buil ding to begin their work. ~ He finished his contract in five weeks, or a week earlier han the contract called for, and received the final pay- ment, which was quite a a sum, as it included what had been cept hack, s “Well, how did you come oaks ?” asked Will, when Bob _ had made up his accounts. : ve cleared $275. Twenty per cent. of that I have to 5 a this. ice’ get Tm te ‘worth ‘854 ae be worth $63. T have urn oe to pA eee to Je! ee Aah will hood without a cent.” “Well, you must figure $300 of that as pure luck. If I hadn’t captured those convicts I wouldn’t have got it.” “T forgot about that. Still, counting the $28 you gave |} your father you’ve made $250 any way to my sixty odd. On the following day the boys moved their belongings | What are you going to do now? Start for Boston? _ We can go by rail now.” “Not yet. I’ve got the promise of another pone f “That so? What is it?” “TH tell you all about it as soon as the papers are signed.” CHAPTER VIII. BOB'S NEW CONTRACT. The new contract that Bob had bid upon, and which he had the promise of, was to put up a five-foot stone wall for a distance of 800 feet along the front of the property of the president of the village bank which faced upon the country road. The wall was also to be continued at right angles at both ends back from the road for 100 feet, making altogether 500 feet of wall. Spaces were to be left in two places for gates, the putting in of, which was a separate job. Two other persons had bid on the work, but Bob’s bid was much lower than either. The secret of this was that he had accidentally learned of a place where he could get good stone for the cost of leasing the ground and carrying the material away, while the men who bid against him figured on having to bring the stone from an island in Clear Lake, where there was a lot.of it. Bob found he could get a year’s lease i $50 ed, the taxes on the property, which didn’t amount to much, There were thirty acres of land and a sap tumble- down house. The owner had been trying to sell the property for sev- eral years but couldn’t find a buyer at $40 an acre, what he wanted for it. Bob got a thirty-day option on the lease for $10. If he got the contract he would sign the lease and pay 05 the balance. Tf he didn’t he intended to let the $10 go by default. — , The success he had made with his contract for clearing _ the site of the new hotel on Cedar Island was sufficiently. bi appreciated by the president of the village bank to cause i him to consider Bob’s bid for the stone wall, and when the — boy assured him that he could carry out* the contract ace cording to the specifications for the sum he asked, he wt 1s the job, and the papers were signed at once. ire Bob then signed the lease of the land and ee the #1 ie balance on it. As soon as matters were settled he told Will about. and promised him a job at $1.25 a day. ~ “What will I have to do?” asked Will. : “Pm going to put you in charge of the two. wago chat use Sod Grown the. stone pike the —
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14 BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. “All right,” replied Will. “Tll,do my part all right.” “We'll start to work on Monday. ‘There is no time limit, but it is understood that the job is to be finished before the first snow fall.” When it became known to the other bidders that Bob Brandon had captured the contract for building the wall they didn’t like it a bit. They belonged to the village, and as the boy was only a newcomer, they regarded him as an interloper, and thought he had no right to take work away from them. They held a pow-wow together at the tavern that Jerry Long frequented, and after expressing their sentiments in no uncertain way, they put their heads together and de- cided to do all they could to prevent Bob from carrying out the work. ; Jerry happened to be sitting within earshot of them, and heard what they said. Next day he hunted Bob up and warned him to look out for the two men. . “Thank you, Jerry, for the tip. Tl keep my weather eye lifting never fear. If they try on any tricks with me they'll find I’m a live one,” replied Bob. On the following Monday the young contractor began work on the job. The first day was devoted entirely to bringing up a sup- ply of stone from the leased farm. On the following morning four stonemasons were put to. work building the wall. _ For several days the work proceeded without a hitch. Then something happened. The wagons failed to turn up at the proper time and bpd sent Will to find out what was the matter. _ “The two men who had contracted to do the hauling ae _ not be found, and Will returned and reported the fact to Bob. “Tl bet this is some of Baile} and Caldwell’s work,” said the boy. - Bailey and Caldwell were the disgruntled contractors who had failed to secure the work of putting up the wall. “What are you going to do?” asked Will. “Do you know where the wagons are?” “Riley’s is in his yard and the horse in his stable.” “And Benton’s?” — “J couldn’t tell you.” “Well, you stay here and keep an eye on the masons. rl see what IT can do.” ~ Bob went to the proprietor of the village hotel and asked him if he knew where he could hire a man who could drive a cart. The hotel man referred him to two or three men who were out of work. _< With their addresses in his pocket Bob lost no time in “calling on one of them. ~ He was at home and Bob-hired him for the day, with the me possibility of longer employment. . He took the man around to Riley’s house, ‘and iivioe that Mrs. Riley had no idea where her husband had gone that morning, Bob told her he was going to take the cart ant the horse and use them. “The woman. offered no objection as she knew her husband. do carting for the boy, and me) “the pst Le in charge of the new driver, was soon on its way to the scene of the contract. Bob then went over to the house of the other BEE whose name‘was Benton, and found out where he kept his cart and horse. Securing another driver he gor possession of Benton’s team.and put it into immediate commission. Several hours were lost that morning, but it resulted in no delay to ‘the work, owing to the prompt action: of the young contractor. That evening Bob called on Riley and demanded an ex- planation. “Why didn’t you turn up this morning with your cart?” he asked him. Riley was profuse in his apologies, claiming that he had heen unexpectedly called to the next -town on business. “Then why didn’t you send some one in your place?” - asked Bob, sharply. “T had no time to hunt a man up.” “How did you expect me to get along without your team ?” a Riley scratched his ear and looked foolish. “Tsn’t it a fact that’ you were induced to stay away y somebody interested in putting me in a hole?” Riley. denied that such had been the case. “Well, I suppose your wife told you that I took the lib- erty of using your horse and cart with another driver ?” “That was all right,” answered Riley. “T ain’t kicking.” “Are you going to be on the job in the morning?” “Sure I am.” : “See that you are or you will forfeit what you have earned so, far.” That caused Riley to remember that there was a clause in his agreement to’ that effect and he assured Bob that the thing wouldn’t happen again. “I hope not,” replied Bob, who then left his cottage and went to see Benton. ‘Benton had some lame excuse to actount for his ab-— sence. Wherever he lad been that day he was disgusted to |learn, on his return home, that Bob had appropriated his horse’ and cart and used them with another driver. He made a kick with the man who stabled his rig, but — as Bob had secured an order for the team from Benton’s 4 wife, his kick went for nothing. Bob was satisfied that Benton’s excuse was pure fiction — and demanded to know if he intended to carry out eb hauling agreement. ~ “Of course I do,” he replied. “Well, if you don’t show up in the morning you'll i ; out of it and I’ll pay you-nothing for the work you’ve al- ready done.” ° Benton said he’d be on hand, and Bob departed. On the-following morning Riley and Benton were both — on hand with their carts, and work went on as before. “Vm satisfied that my rivals were at the bottom of this trick,” said Bob to Will that evening on his return to. Jerry Long’s cottage, where the boys continued to board. “Just the same Bailey and Caldwell didn’t make antes |by their trick. In fact, they’re out whatever money they . ee paid the two. drivers to go back on me.” Stead Py Ot, the foll wing Least) two, oof the four masons ail
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BOB BRANDON, to ich inp, and Bob was greatly disgusted over their ap- parent desertion. He laid it to their having been tampered with by Bailey and Caldwell. He at once called at the homes of the men and Gina from their wives that their husbands had started to work as usual. “ “Well, your husband hasn’t silos up on the job, so I'll ~~ have to get another to take his place,” said the young con- € tractor, to one of the women. “I’ve got no time to fool e with men who can’t stick to business,” Bob went to the hotel and telephoned to the next town Bs ti masons to come prepared to work. They appeared in time to go to work that afternoon, and Bob got them a place to stay in the village while the job lasted. -. The two. masons who had been working the. previous week heard that their places had been taken by strangers and they woke up to the fact that they had been persuaded to monkey with the wrong kind of a boy, As they owed the loss of their jobs to Bailey and Cald- ell they called on those gentlemen and made a big kick. The two contractors said they'd make it all right with them as they were figuring on a foundation job which one or the other of them expected to get, and sent them away with an extra $5 bill in their pockets. “There’s no use talking, Bailey,” said Caldwell, “that a, doy i is smarter than we took him to be. We’ve got to try some new scheme if we expect to get back at hia Ae ' “What shall we do?” asked Bailey. ; _&T should aay that the best thing i is to Br) him out of ae way.” “How will we do it?” Hy “Fe lives with Jerry Long at hig: nation by the lake.” “T know he does.” * J ict spends his afternoons and evenings at the tay- lan namé to it, saying hae J ext has ‘been silcati vi ith a fit, and ask Brandon to come over and take charge f him.” “What do you- expect to gain by that et Rivet ‘He'll start for the tavern as soon as he gets the note d we must lie in wait for him along the road with a light : gon. ‘Tl grab him as he goes by and’ you must throw gener over ie head. Then we'll secure and bind him so 4 rive over Hg the railroad. There we'll saad iim into one of the freight cars that will be picked up by the night freight bound to New York. He won’t be discovered till ome time to-morrow, when the train reaches its destina- In the morning ' we'll get somebody to tell the men on. is work at.a disgust e either on aus 'to fake Shia go on. with it. msire? ob that their boss nay ca set aoe left them in’ will ee CONTRACTOR. ever else is needed and you can meet me outside the tav- ern at eight o’clock.” “fll be on hand,” said Bailey. The two contractors then parted to meet later as Sptead on. CHAPTER IX. THE CAPTURE..OF BOB, After work was through for the day Bob and Will re- turned to Jerry Long’s cottage for supper, the former un- suspicious that a plot was on foot to get him away from — the neighborhood that night. Jerry himself seldom came home for supper, as the tav: ern keeper and he were such great friends that Jerry took his evening meal with him more often than not. About eight o’clock, while Bob, Will and Lucy Long — were playing cards in the living room, there came a knock | at the front door. " Will ‘answered the summons and returned with a note for Bob. ys “A boy brought this and told me to give it to you,” — said Will. “He said it was important.” “Tinpor tam, eh? - he waiting for an answer?” asked Bob. “No. He went back toward the village.” k “T wonder who has a message of importance to me me?” said Bob. he “Why don’t you open the envelope and find out pm: hes Bob tore open the envelope and what he. read startled x him not a little. eS The letter was apparently from the tavern Gnae and said that Jerry Long had: been taken with some kind of a — fit and he wanted Bob to come there at once and -_ charge of him, 4 “Get your hat, Will, and come with me,” said Bob, ae to said nothing to Lucy about what. the note contained, as he knew the intelligence would alarm and worry her, _ “Where are you going?” asked Will in some. spe. aaa “Mo the village.” Peete “Gee! That’s quite a walk. What's up?” ae “Til tell vou when we get outside,” ni a So Will got his hat and followed him out of the hoes Bob then told him who the note was from, and what it said. bs “Had a fit, eh? He must be serctig bad for the den . keoper to send for you, It would be tough on Luey if | zi ia should die.” re “Tt doesn’t say in the Ses that he’s as bad as’ that; ut ‘e I thought ’d have you go along, both for company, and so~ — that you could come hack and bring Lucey if it was eer essary for her to come.” As the boys hurried along up the road Will ond up a ‘stout stick that lay i in his path and used ‘it asa walla cane. “Say, there’s a hives and wagon standing at one side “is ith road ahead,” said will, oe a Ce big aS AT wonder what
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caught: us,” said' Bob. “Pll bet: they wouldn’t.” They were now approaching the village, and right dhead: , poe ie telat with ee is gs were on at an} : the stick and Will had to pc back to, avoid ned at him. ia ~ “We fooled them,” chuckled Will. 16 BOB BRANDON, CON PRACTOR. When they got close to it they saw that it was not a breakdown, but just a rig hitched to the fence. What struck both of them as singular was that no one was near it. . Hardly had they passed the wagon when two men, with thick veils across their faces, suddenly rushed at them from the bushes. One of the men held something in his hand that looked like a bag, “Look out! Run, Bob, run!” shouted Will, taking to his heels. Before Bob could follow his example one of the disguised men grabbed him by the arm. The boy whirled around and struck him a staggering blow in the face that caused him to release his hold just as his companion raised the bag to envelop Bob’s head in its folds. Bob then jumped around the horse’s head. The two men followed. The boy, with the agility of a monkey, rushed to the rear of the wagon, and came out into the middle of the road again. He spied the stick that Will had ahepueds in his excite- ment, and picking it up started on the run down the road. He supposed, in common with Will, that these men were footpads and thought their purpose was to rob him. "The man chased him a short distance, but seeing that he was fleeter footed than themselves, they gave up the pursuit and stopped to consult. Bob came up with Will at the turn of the road, some- oe over a hundred yards away. “They've given us up as a bad job,” he said, “Gee! Iwas afraid they had you,” said Will. Rica “They, came near it. When you saw I was almost nabbed you ought to have gone back, picked up your stick and helped me out. However, it’s all right. I got away by slugging the fellow who seized me. I'll bet he felt the blow I gave him. The other man tried to put:a bag over my head, but he didn’t succeed.” “T guess they stole that horse and wagon,” said Will. “T shouldn’t be surprised. I dare say that kind of chaps would steal anne they could get away with,” replied Bobs: 3"! At, that moment they heatd the rattle of wagon wheels behind them. gece Say, they’re coming after us in their rig,” said Will. “We can’t outrun a horse so we'd better hide in the bushes.” Bob thought his companion’s suggestion good, so both ti, left the highway and hid in the bushes behind the Mg ‘fence. The wagon came up at a smart clip, and then rattled iby. The two men who had attacked them were on the seat. Nie te think we're further on.” — ~ “They wouldn’t have made much out of us if they had acute : Ast that it had either gone on to the village or turned into the connecting road. In any case they judged they were no longer in Ss from the two rascals. It happened, however, that the iar men, who the Bees has surmised were Bailey and Caldwell, the rival contrac- tors, after failing to overtake the boys, came to the correct denclusios! that the lads had heard their approach and hid- den themselves in the bushes. | “We have evidently passed them,” said Caldwell, “and they won’t come along till they think we’re out of the way. Now we can play a march on them by driving up, this other road a little way, tie the horse, and then come back here and hide in the bushes close to where they’re sure to pass. We'd better head them off instead of waiting for them to pass, and we must take'care to make sure of Brandon this time.” “Your suggestion is a good one,” said Bailey. act on it.” Accordingly they drove up the other road a bit, hitched the horse and then hastened a to the junction of the two roads. Tn a few minutes they spied Bob and Will coming up the county road, quite unsuspicious of the ambush hin bf in their path. “They think they’ ve given us the slip,” chuckled Cald- well. “We'll give them the surprise of their lives in a minute or two.” “Brandon is on our side, too. ley. Bob was swinging his stick carelessly to and fro aad he and Will came on at a smart pace. Suddenly, without the slightest warning, the men jumped “We'll How lucky Nia repli: Bai- ‘out of the bushes close to Bob. » Caldwell, not caring to take any more chances with is bag if he could help-it, struck Bob a heavy blow with his fist in the mouth, and as he fell back Bailey grabbed hold | of him with both hands. | The boys were taken entirely by surprise, but this time ¥ Will did not run. He saw that his companion was captured, and he stood” by him like a little major. 2 As Bob dropped his stick, for he couldn’t use aie under : the circumstances, Will picked it up. ; Caldwell seized the bag from his, companion’ 8 arm and forced it over Bob’s head. eer 2 “Blame you, let go of him !” shouted ve swinging the stick at Caldwell’s head. Had the blow taken effect the man iad probably have been stunned. i. Tt missed his head and landed on his arm and radia _ He uttered an exclamation of pain and dashed at. Wi ~ Will struck at him again, but i catght the sI and tried to wrench it from him. Will pulled him forward and the a hecame needat u and fell off, which gave the boy a look at his countenance. The lad did not know Caldwell, so he did not recogn: 3 him, but the chanees were he'd know him if he § saw | again. © te ‘ Caldwell, a a jerk, succeeded in eva Somer: he
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BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. 1” a ee Caldwell followed him up so elosely that Will was obliged He tossed the string to his companion and Bailey se- _ to retreat to save himself. cured Bob’s feet. In the meantime Bailey was having a strenuous time Caldwell then: leaped down himself. _ holding Bob, notwithstanding that the boy was raps 2 He and Bailey pulled Bob out of the wagon. _ by the bag over his head. “Lay him down and watch him while I take a fade “Let that chap go, and give me a hand,” he called to | around and make sure no one is about,” said Caldwell. his companion. As Caldwell walked off Will thought that was his chance At that moment Will stooped, picked up a stone and sent | to do something. : oF init whizzing at Caldwell. There were lots of sticks lying around, and Will, pick- Itstruck the contractor on the side of the head, inflicting | ing one up, left the shelter of the wagon and approached a jagged wound, from which the blood flowed freely. Bailey from behind. The blow enraged him and he started for Will with an-| When he got within striking distance of the man he ger in his eye. raised the stick and smote the contractor on the head. 5 - The boy fired another stone at him and ran off to a safe} Bailey fell over with a groan and lay quite still. - distance, “That settles your hash, Mister Footpad,” said * Will Caldwell shook his fist at him and then returned to] to himself. “Now to release. Bob.” where his companion was holding Bob, who was quite ex-| He pulled the bag off his friend’s head and found him hausted by this time. | senseless and panthy suffocated. “Get hold of his legs and we’ll carry him to the wagon,” | “Gracious! Bob looks done up. That bag is the cause said Bailey. of it. Here, Bob, wake up—wake up! We want to get — “Wait till I tie his hands together,” std Caldwell. | away from here mighty quick.” _ He pulled a piece of cord out of his pocket and speedily | As he spoke Will shook his friend to try and bring him accomplished the job. to. _ They grabbed Bob by the feet and carried him off up the} The fresh ‘air, more than Will’s efforts, brought Bob to connecting road. his senses and he sat up. is oF Wa watched their movements and followed them to see} “That you, Will? I thought I was a prisoner with a i what their intentions were toward his friend. bag over my head,” he said, looking around, as. Will ae a He saw them put Bob in the light wagon, mount to the | him loose. a and drive toward him in a hurry. “So you were up to a few moments ago. There’s the jae iby _“T wonder what they’re running off with him for?”{and there is one of the men who helped to carry you off ; thought Will, crouching down in the. bushes to escape ob-|in the wagon, which stands yonder.” ; i ee “And they’re taking him toward the village,| “What’s the matter with him? He looks as if he was I supposed they intended to go through his clothes | knocked out.” set then leave him in the road. It appears they have some} “He is. I did it with as stick. fe eS ther object in view. I must follow the wagon and see} “The dickens you did. Where is the other fellow?” a re it goes.” “Gone off to see if the coast is clear.” eae if that: aaelgont the wagon oa he and rattled up the} “Clear for what?” E: . - “To put you into one of those ae freight cars.” “Freight cars!” ejaculated Bob. “What do you mean Wise “Take a look around and you'll see that we’re Aone a: the railroad.” “How in thunder did TI get here?” ay “Those two chaps brought you here in their wagon. » “How did you come?” ane ~“T caught on behind, hung on with my Handa and. they fetched me too, though they didn’t know it.” ae “You say they brought me here to ant me in a tig car?” said Bob. : ' “That’s what I heard one of them say. ” va es “Why should they want to do that, I wonder?” Ae, “Tt seems funny to me. Have they gone through rade i clothes ?” / Bob felt in his pockets and pulled out two 5 Dill. “No, they haven't.” wae Ne Seer they meant to before ae Lp you “in ihe. ‘car : CHAPTER X. = ough ths main {aerate of the village: ‘hat hour the thoroughfare was quite deserted, though lights in many of the stores and houses. ugon turned off in the direction of the railroad, nae ght cars were stings atin satel empty, filled with freight bound either as New pate Seek Oh a ‘ "Tt } is certainly very. curious. Il, here’s your chance to
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ye \ 18 BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. other when he comes back.. Then we'll carry them in the wagon to the constable and hand them over to him. That will get your name in the village paper again, with mine as your side partner.” : “By George! We'll do it. We'd better tie up this other fellow while we’re waiting.” + Bob picked up a piece of the cord which had been used on his own hands and bent over the unconscious con- tractor. Bailey was not wearing the veil over his face now and _ the boy caught an imperfect’ view of the man’s countenance. He had scen both Bailey and Caldwell about the village, and knew they were the contractors who had ‘bid unsue- cessfully on the stone wall contract which he had captured. The man’s face looked so familiar to him that, taking off his hat, he struck’ a match behind’ it and held it over the contractor’s face. He recognized the man at once. “My goodness!” he exclaimed in a tone that attracted Will’s attention. “What's the matter?” asked Will. “Why this isn’t a crook. It’s Bailey, one of the village contractors.” “Tt is??? exclaimed Will. “Yes, I begin to see a light. V’ll bet the other is Cald- well. 'They’ve been trying to injure me ever since I started ‘on the stone wall, as you know. It is now plain to me that their object in waylaying me to-night was to get me away from this place so they could 8 me on my con- tract.” “Gee! T guess you're right,” said Will. “They've treated me pretty roughly, and it was a low down trick to put up this job on me.” “That’s what it was.” “They ought to be punished for’ it.” “Bet your life they ought.” “Pye got evidence enough against them to put them in a hole.” “You have for a fact.” “We can both swear that they attacked us twice on the county road.” “We can.” “That they puta bag over “my head and nearly suffo- cated me, besides binding me hand and foot.” “That's right. Ill swear I found you unconscious when I took the bag off your head, and that your hands and an- Kles were tied.” ee “Pll tie Bailey so he air get away if he comes to his oS eee and then we will lay for the other. If he turns out to be Caldwell, as I’m sure he will, we'll make him ie eae this night's work.” - Bob tied the unconscious Bailey’s hands sogenies and then they heard Caldwell coming back. -~ The boys hid behind the end of the wagon and watched. Caldwell came tip and at first didn’t see his companion stretched out on the ground, or if he did took him for Bob. “Where are you, Bailey?” he called out in a low tone. - But Bailey didn’t answer because he couldn’t. Looking around he appeared to recognize his associate. ‘| mae out of this. neighborhood ae erent with: Mr Hello! “What ~ you:lying there for?” move | ‘om Bailey. akties “What's the matter with you? Why don’t you answer?” asked ‘Caldwell, impatiently. Surprised and mystified by what he took to be his as- sociate’s curious behavior he bent down and discovered the true state of affairs. He uttered an exclamation of alarm and glanced about for their prisoner.’ Of course he didn’t see him, but he saw the bag lying in a heap on the ground. “Hiscaped !?? he cried. up.” Bob, who had made a running noose out of the remain- “Then he must have done Bailey ing piece of line, crept up behind Caldwell and pic ied it over his head and arms pulled it tight. “Grab him, Will!” he cried, and Will darted forward, seized the contiactor and held him while Bob knotted the rope. “Now, Mister Highwayman,” continued the boy, pretending that he took the contractor for a crook, a ve got you where the hair is short.” With that they upset Caldwell on the ground and sat — upon him. “Tere, let me up. What's the matter with you two? Tm no highwayman.” “Then you're a kidnapper, for you attacked me on the county road with your companion and brought me to the railroad for the purpose of sending me off somewhere in an empty freight car,” replied Bob. Caldwell began to realize that he was in a bad box. That the tables had been turned on him and Bailey by oe iets the boy they had expected to do up, and that the conse- quences were likely to bé unpleasant. “Tt’s all a mistake,” he said. “You mean you and your companion made ite mistake of supposing I was an easy proposition to WE oe Well gee you see, I’m not,” chuckled Bob. “We were only playing a joke on you,” oalt the con-— tractor. ee “Tt was rather a serious kind of a joke. You'll have dhe: chance of making all the explanation you want to Con- stable Howe.” The idea of being carried before the oranaigiite of the village and charged with assault gave Caldwell a cold ° sweat. with you.” “T never. compromise with ‘crooks: ee ' “T’m not a crook. My name is Caldwell, and I belong ‘in the village.” ot “Get out. There’s only one Caldwell in the village and he’s a contractor. He wouldn’t be guilty of such a mean trick as you’ve played on me. L) ete stay The man remained silent for a moment, feeling pretty’ " small. “Pm Caldwell, the contractor, and Pm willing to y this thing all right.” . “Tf you’re Caldwell, the contractor, Be is your frion Perhap’s he’s Bailey, your baetces sival a, it “THe is.” “T suppose you ard Bailey ul the job up on me eae: so that you could d queer : eynolds. Is: bess “Oh, come s now, let me loose and U1l make it all sight 2
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BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. ~ +9 _ “Look here, Brandon, what'll you take to call this thing off?” “Nothing. This is only one of your tricks. You got my _ twe cartmen to leave me in the lurch last week, and finding that didn’t work you got two of my masons to quit wor I. — You See, I’m dead on to you both, and now that I’ve caught |: _ you in this last trick I’m going to make an example of both of you chaps.” i “Tl give you $100 if you let up on us.” : “I wouldn’t take a cent from you. What I want is sat- isfaction, and I’m going to get it. Come, Will, help me »put these two chaps into the wagon, and then we'll see what Justice Mills will have to say about the matter in the morning.” ~ Caldwell pleaded with Bob not to expose him and Bailey, but the boy wouldn’t listen to him. He had the upper hand of the two contractors and he was going to press his advantage to the limit. ~ With Will’s help he got both*men into the wagon, and then the boys, mounting the seat, drove off to the residence of the head constable of the village. ee CHAPTER xi BOB LETS UP ON THE TWO CONTRACTORS. _ “Bailey came to his senses on the way and was aston- ished to find himself and hig companion prisoners in the es of the boy they had tried to get rid of. __ Lying close together Caldwell and he held a pow-wow over the situation. - Caldwell told Bailey that.Brandon intended to hand em over to the constable and charge them with assault. Bailey was much disturbed to hear that. “We're in a pretty bad box,” he said. compromise thig affair.” — _ “We won’t compromise. I tried my best to’ get him to “We must try give $200 myself to be out of this thing. We were Is to engage in it. We didn’t figure on the possible paeens, id re deserved.” Va rather lose $500 than face the consequences.” would abs but I guess we won’t have any say about: think of being delivered over to the constable in e, like a pair « is criminals. ay Gee called out, to Bob. Past to put us in jail and rain us 2 | to ruin me vag my contract Abs: be Beoage ell have to niove away. ‘Tt’s pretty hard to think | “Well, we're sorry for acting against you, and will do anything to make-it all right.” “You are sorry because you have been caught and have the prospect of punishment before your Ses B, ' “We are sorry anyway.” “Tf you won’t have any mercy on us think of our fami- lies. They'll be disgraced if we are sent to prison,” put in Caldwell. “You should have thought of that before you engaged in — the enterprise.” They were now approaching the constable’s house. At the corner of the street Bob. reined in. He had decided not to prosecute the men as he did not want to ruin them, notwithstanding that they had treated - him in such a scurvy way. “T’}] bet I have frightened them clear through, and for the sake of their families I’ll let them go,” he said to Will in a low tone. “Hold the reins.” Then he jumped into the wagon. “Took here, if I let up on you will you promise to let me alone in the future?” i _ “Yes,” cried the men eagerly, “and we'll each give you $500 to square matters.” » “T told you before that I didn’t want your money,” re- plied Bob. “I'll let you go on your promise to behaye yourselves hereafter soward: Tet 2 9 “We'll do that,” replied Caldwell. “We won’t inter- flere with you any more. We’ve learned a lesson to-night that we won’t soon forget. We are willing to admit that you’re too smart for us. We apologize for what we've done to you: You see we were mad that a stranger like you — should get work that we’ considered one of us was entitled to. After this if you beat ug out on a bid we won’t have anything to say, and further, if you want any help from us we'll give it to you.” Bob made no reply, but cut their bonds. “This rig belongs to one of you, I a said the ts boy. ; “Tt belongs to me,” answered. Caldwell. : “Now, look here, did one of you send that message to me to-night about Jerry Long having a fit?” “Tsent it,” replied Caldwell. “Then Jerry isn’t ill?” “Not to my knowledge.” “And the purpose of the note was siciehe to get me out of the cottage so that you ai Bailey could waylay me along the road ?” “T admit it. + “All right. As it’s some distance from here to Jerry’s cottage I’m going to drive there. Then you can have your team and drive back home. You may thank your stars — that I have let up on you. Otherwise vou know what you. would have been up against. 2 see Bob mounted to the seat again and drove off toward the lake, the two contractors sitting i in the body of the _Wagon oe very much relieved to know that they were not going tats S pe the night i in the lock-up, and face Cs {utes in the rae ing Je rry’ 8 sitet Bo ame fhe rig over to peu ine
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Di eae BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. After that Bob had no further trouble with his contract for building the wall on Mr. Reynolds’s property. In due time it was finished to the satisfaction of the owner, and Bob found himself richer by $300, after de- ducting all the expenses of the job, including the $50 he had paid for the lease of the land where he eo his stone. _ “How much are you worth now, Bob?” sata Will. “T am worth $850.” “That’s just ten times as much as I’m worth.” ' “Well, you aren’t kicking, are you?” “No. I’m satisfied. By the way, what are you going to do with that land? It’s ‘yours for more than ten months yet. ” ; “T don’t know that [ll do ii: with it... I simply leased it for the right to take the stone from it, and I may have no further use for it.” “You might have got the stone from. the island in the > lake for nothing. 2s “But think what it would have cost me to bring it from there to the outskirts of the village. I’m $100 in by leas- ing that land, and Mr. Reynolds got, his wall put up $50 cheaper.” “What do you expect to do next?” é “V’¥e put in a bid to build the new church, and Mr. Rey- - nolds is backing me.” Fa “T suppose Caldwell and Bailey are against You,” said © Will. ; _ - “Of course, and also a contractor from the next towp.” “Then I’m thinking you won’t get it.” “What’s the reason I won’t if my bid is the lowest ?” “But will it be the lowest?” “That remains to be seen. I’ve got one advantage : “What is that?” _. “T ean build the cellar cheaper than the other contractors because I can get the stone from my leased ground, and they ean’t get the material nearer than the island in the lake.” “Tt was a fine idea of yours to think of that land. It's a wonder that neither Bailey nor Caldwell ever thought of ‘it in the past.” . “Tis the person who thinks of the best way to do things. . who gets ahead in this world. If you are going to be a te: successful contractor you’ve got to use your brains. Bailey and Caldwell have been working in a rut since they came here. If I had figured on getting my stone the same way they have been.aceustomed to do, the chances are both of - them would have beaten me out on my bid. I knew there "was stone on. Brown’s ‘farm, and I went over there and looked at it to see if it would answer. When I was satis- fied it would I put in my bid for the wall.” “Its funny that/Bailey and Caldwell didn’t know shout ; the stone on the farm as well as you. They’ve been living ~ here for ten years, and ought to be better cana) with iis eve: ekg ‘than you.” tees ay “That’s right. You’ve got to keep up to date to hold your own nowadays,” replied Bob. “Bet your life you have.” When the bids for the church building were opened it was found that Bob’s was-the lowest by $100. As he had Mr. Reynolds’s endorsement he was Rie the contract. The weather being too cold now to permit of pcritanas being started on the foundations of the new chureh, it was not expected that anything would be done till early in the © spring. As the prospect of doing anything to speak of in the Ae : lage that winter was not very encouraging, Bob decided to go to the neighboring town of Mansfield to see what he - could pick up there. The train he and Will boarded was one ‘which had come on from § , the city where he had lived most of his life, and where: his father, had heen employed up to the ~ time of his arrest for the robbery of his employer’s safe, and it was going on to Boston. As The car was fairly crowded, the only two vacant spatat being at one end, behind two men, one of whom was sandy ‘| haired, with a sharp looking countenance. es The moment Bob got a good look at him he recognized him as Philip Travers, the man who he believed had taken the $2,000 his father had been convicted of stealing. | “See that man right ahead of me?” he Reid to Will, grasping his friend by the arm. “Yes,” replied Will. “That's the chap who was my father’ § assistant "ital: ton’s store at the time my father was accused of sania: the $2,000 from the office safe.” : “Ts that so?” exclaimed Will. et “Yes. He is the man I told you I feel sure is the peel thief.” i “You'll never be able to prove it, I guess. ” “Tm afraid not; but the money never do him in good. er ple es “That fact won’t do your father any good.” me uy “That is true, unfortunately.” at the station the man with the sandy hair and panion also got off. Red 1“ CHAPTBRAIRTL 902 iu WHAT BOB HEARD IN THE nia pete. ' to that town. He thought it a bit singular that ooo from S——,,where he supposed the man ployed in Tarleton’s office, but the fact of he had been discharged by Tarléton for hanging around S—— fora couple of m with rather a fast set of, companions, he had bri ‘with one of his particular frien "Travers was soon — in the crowd at ny more.
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- BOB Bese ews CONTRACTOR. TS Fhe ——— —_—— Tt was late in the afternoon, and they decided to put iE up ata moderate priced hotel aoh the night and look for a boarding house next day. As the town was strange to them Bob asked the station agent where they would find a cheap hotel, “There's the Mansfield House on Jefferson Street near the river. You might try that. It has a free *bus which - meets all trains, If you hurry you may catch it,” said the oe Bob and Will hurried out on the street and saw a seedy ~ looking vehicle which bore the name “Mansfield House,’ ihesey up against the curb. : _ They got in and Bob was surprised to see Travers and “his companion seated in it, too. } They were engaged in a close conversation, carried on ina low tone, and the sandy-haired man did not even “lane at the boys. On the arrival of the *bus at the hotel the boys got out hire st, as they were near the door. _ Travers and his companion, however, passed them and ‘reached the counter first where they registered and were assigned to a room. ee They did not go directly to their room, but strolled into » the bar and billiard room. Bob. hung back until they, left the counter, for he did not. care to be recognized by Travers, and then he and Will nt their names on the book and got a room together. rning that supper wouldn’t be ready for an hour, mut in the time walking around that end of the town. er supper Bob said he’d treat to the theater, and ac- rdingly they i inquired their way to the opera house where vey found by the bills that a lurid melodrama called “Bs- ‘From Sing Sing,” was to be given that evening by from New 7 York City. play was full of thrills, but. it didn’t greatly appeal though Will seemed to enjoy it hugely, was out about eleven and then Bob treated ixed up trying to find their way back to the ¢ use, so that it was close on to midnight by ie reached their room. them long to get into bed and Will was inutes. rent with Bob. *t get to sleep to save his life, ing around his arm had struck the partition and tf a sound that’ convinced him it was and wood ith wall. paper. | their : room and the adjoining one on that oe apartment bai had been subdivided on, 5 not ‘particularly impress Boh, and finally, our, he was just dozing off when the door room was opened and’ two persons entered in manner that he was a aaa Fd wakefulness nabbed and taken back, he was never captured.” ‘tending a wedding at S——.! Tt always does ‘me good 0 a get, back at those big wigs ‘who have no merey on gent Ge te saa who had taken ieee of the next room prom- _ ised to keep him awake some time. He heard chairs pulled around and then a brief silence. This was broken by the jingling of glasses and a voice exclaimed : “Here’s looking at you, Travers.” At the mention of the name Travers, Bob’s attention 4 in- stantly became riveted to the next room. It was evident that the sandy-haired bookkeeper and ite traveling companion had been assigned to that room. «The same to you, Jessup,” ‘replied. Travers. A momentary silence followed as the men drank. “Now we'll take a look at the swag,” said Jessup. “We must have pinched all of $20,000 worth of jewelry and cash to-night. I told you it would be as easy as rolling off a log to erack that crib. That will be $10,000 apiece. that little job you did a few months ago when you swiped $2.000 from your boss’s safe, and got another man sent away for the job. That was decidedly clever, Vl] admit. - You never told me how you got hold of the combination of the safe. he and the boss had: the combination. That is what con- yicted him. No suspicion fell on you because you did not have access to the safe. Now how did you manage to get the combination, for you must have got it somehow or you couldn’t have opened the safe and got the money you knew - was there that night?” “Why, I found it accidentally when rummaging in Bran- don’s private drawer. I thought he kept Tarleton’s check- book there, and as I’m pretty neat at imitating ’most any ~ kind of writing’I wanted to secure a blank check and raise ‘the wind that way. I didn’t find what I was looking for, but I found the combination of the safe and copied it down © for future use. The chance came when Tarleton put the _ money in the safe overnight just before Brandon left the office to be gone a week. He told me that he had borrowed — enough to take his wife South but not enough to enable him a to remain away with her. I knew if I took the money that. ‘Ittops Tt was shown at the trial of Brandon that only | ; he would be accused of the theft, buf though he had done —— me a good favor I couldn’t let stich a good chance of feath= ering my nest get away from me.” ae a “Of course you couldn’t.. You’d have been a fool if hee > i had,” said Jessup. “J felt kind of sorry for him shen he was sent away pe s the job he didn’t commit, especially as the shock of his ar- _ es : rest killed his wife, but I couldn’t help him without si myself away, and ‘so——” “Charity begins at home,” chuckled Jessi. “Howeverghe broke prison with three others soon attr ae he was put in the penitentiary, and though the others ‘were. “Well, never mind him now. Let’s go over our sinater The jndge will he a wild man when he finds out that his home was cleaned ort while he and his family were ate rofession when we're brought before them. One gor ihe 2 and. Tessup aes, gle
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22 | BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. induced Travers to join him in the commission of a bur-|as having been burglarized, and he wanted a-detective sent glary of some magnitude. to find out whether the report was true or not. Learning that a certain judge who lived in Mansfield |’ After Bob had been waiting about twenty minutes in the would be absent with his family over night to attend a wed- | little room the captain of the station appeared and asked ding in S- Jessup had evidently conceived the plan of | him to repeat his story, which he did. coming on to the town with Travers and going through the} He questioned the boy closely and became satisfied that. * judge’s house. what Bob had stated must be the truth. They had just returned from that adventure, which ap-| By that time word was telephoned the station that on in- peared to have panned out remarkably well. vestigation it was found that Judge Townsend’s house had During the next fifteen minutes Bob heard them com- | been robbed. menting on the value of different articles of valuable jew-| That positively confirmed Bob’s story. “elry. Taking three officers with him the captain, accompanied © "he asked where the nearest station house was, but gave him | said the policeman.: said he’d come to the station right away and see the boy. Bob pide’ out which was Jessup. — : a : He directed the officer to “telephone to certain people] “You are under arrest, my men,” said the captain, and try to find out which of the judges was out of town. brusquely. : _ wedding, you say?” Court, had gone to S—— that morning to attend the wed-. ding of the daughter of an old college mate, and that he | es be back next day.. After they had returned the plunder to a hand bag they | by Bob, set out for the Mansfield House. took another drink, and then Jessup said it was time for| “Two men registered at this house late this afternoon by them to turn in, as they had left an early call at the office | the name of Jessup and Travers, didn’t they?” asked the so as to catch the five o’clock train for the West. captain stepping up to the desk. 4 ‘They talked over the good time they expected to have| The night clerk looked over the hook and shook his head. in Chicago as they took “oft their clothes, and then they| “No, sir. Those names do not appear on the register.” — got into bed. “Tet me look, please,’ said Bob. After that. silence — in the next room. He ran his finger up the list till he reached his own name and Will’s, Travers and his companion had registered right before _| him, but they had put down false names. “Those are the two men,” he said, pointing the names out to the captain. “They registered under fictitious names.” “How do you know they are the men?” Pe “Because they signed the book before my foc and. ie put our names down. Besides there is the number of the — room down there. That’s the room next to the one given — to us.” een “You're able to identify them, aren’t you?” ~ Lana? kom “Come up with us,” the captain said to the night clerk. — The clerk called the night porter to take his place be- hind the counter, and then the party proceeded upstairs to the corridor on which Bob’s room and the other opened. The captain instructed the clerk.to knock at the men’s door and ask them to open it, This he did and soon Jessup’s voice was heard asking oa who was there: “T’m the night clerk. I want to see you a moneus “What do you want?” ; : “Open the door.” , © It soon became evident that J essup didn’t want to do that. oss The captain grew impatient. He put his shoulder to it and the door sila with a erash, The officers a in to the consternation of the ‘occ pants. CHAPTER XIII. BOB_SECURES HIS FATHER’S PARDON. Bob lay and thought for awhile over the discovery he had made. Then he made up his mind to dress, inquire his. way to the nearest police “station and relate what he had learned. That would undoubtedly lead to the arrest of Travers and Jessup, and the recovery of the stolen property. Taking care not to arouse Will he got up, put on his clothes and went downstairs to the office. The night clerk looked at him with some surprise when |. the information. Fifteen minutes later he was telling his story to the offi- cers in charge. “You haven’t mentioned the name of the judge whose house you say was entered and robbed by these two men,” ny | “JT didn’t hear them say what his name was,” replied Bob. “He’s away in Springfield with his family, attending a Vegi ie5 “Well, go in that little room there and I'll investigate the matter.” The, officer rang up, his superior at his house and gave him the points of the case. The captain considering the matter of canteens “Under arrest!” cried Jessup. “What for?” ae = arg eaee ie toe Townsend’s residence on Pye it happened that the first person the officer called up was able to give him just the information he wanted. He said that Judge Townsend, presiding at the County _ “What have you eas with the ae an officer ees where Antes Townsend lived from I ake a fee wouldn't oie any eae L
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BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. 23 I shall raise your wages as soon as I can afford to. One of these days when I’m a big contractor | hope to. have you for one of my superintendents. Then you'll make good money.” The policemen marched their prisoners off and Bob was “permitted to remain and go to bed, after being directed to report at the station at a certain hour in the morning. On returning to his room’Bob found Will still sound asleep and of course unconscious of what had st gee in the next room. It was eight o’clock before Bob awoke in the morning, and he saw Will already dressed and standing by the win- dow looking out. oe jammed up and while dressing he astonished his com- panion with his story. “Well if that doesn’t beat the Dutch,” said Will. “Then they went to breakfast. A telegraph message had been sent to Judge Townsend -acquainting him: with the’ fact that his fesidence had been robbed the night previous, and asking him to come on as soon as possible. “He took an early train and reached Mansfield about noon. Phen he heard all the particulars. : He identified his property and the two men were held “for trial. Then the judge sent for Boh, thanked him for the serv- ‘ice he had rendered him and presented him with his check “for $1,000. Bob took the opportunity to tell the judge about his father’s misfortune in having been convicted and sent to d the State prison for a crime he had not committed, but A which had been put through by Travers. He asked Judge Townsend if something couldn’t he done establish his father’s innocence. ‘The judge promised to see what could be done. He called at the jail and had a talk with Travers. ~The ex-bookkeeper at first denied that he had had any n the matter, but when the judge promised to make gs easy for tim on the charge he was now held on if he Bob's father by a full confession, he consented before a notary, and signed it in the presence CHAPTER XIV. A GREWSOME DISCOVERY. As soon as Bob and Will got back to Malden allen they took wp their residence again at Jerry Long’s cottage on the margin of Clear Lake. Bob had been in correspondence with Lucy Long while he was away at Mansfield and she kept him informed of all that was going on at Malden. Jerry had had a falling out with his friend the tavern keeper, and in consequence had quit drinking, and was now steadily employed felling trees and clearing several acres of land for Mr. Reynolds. Bob lost no time in getting to work on eA contract. He started a gang excavating for the foundation of the church, and Will, as before, had charge of the stone end of the business. Masons were soon employed and the foundation walls rose like magic. The body of the new edifice was sto be constructed of brick, and this was started the moment the foundation was ready. doors, and other parts Bob sub-let to the head village car- penter, who worked in conjunction with the bricklayers. The roof and small steeple were also to be built by this man, but Bob was responsible for the whole job, and kept carried out to the letter. It was well in May when he finally delivered the church, fully completed, over to the trustees andpit was accepted and paid for. Bob cleared a matter of $700 on “this contract, making him worth close on to $3,000, while Will now had $150 to his credit in the village bank. The young contractor signalized the completion of his most important contract thus far by giving a picnic to his he letter, to the governor of the State, requesting | at on be pardoned and restored to his citizenship. Th ernor, after weighing the facts, made out, Bran- n’ ot sent'it to Judge Townsend, who turned to Bob. May. ne outing was held on Bob’s thirty-acre leased farm., ne ie had secured a job in Mansfield that while Bob worked on sundry small con- | he managed to pick up. getting the pardon the problem that confronted as to convey. the good news to his father. Mr. Brandon had made his way to Can-| The refreshments, which were quite’ anieas: were cheno in the most apenas. Ca- provided at Bob’s own expense, and he paid for the two ‘ light wagons needed to carry his guests to the spot. — the picnic was held in that spot. ing a place especially for the occasion. ‘accommodate the picknickers. . Baste stayed away. \ll, kinds of | games. were aduago 4 in, and everybody Jared th hi The interior carpenter work, wih: as the floors, windows, ' About an acre of the place was,covered by a wood, i : Bob, Will and Jerry Long devoted several days to dae They built a long table and a cet ‘of. benches to a sharp eye on the work to see that the specifications were boy and girl friends of the vulage during the last week in ¥ He put Lucy Long in eh Ae of the arr angements, and 2 \ The day turned one a Spars a one, and no one ‘
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24 BOB oe C Ue ae up and had something to say, chiefly complimentary of} tree attracted Bob’s attention from the astonishing discov- the young contractor. Bob had always been well liked, but he-was now voted ‘ery he and Will had just made. The moment the girls caught sight of the skeleton they the most popular young man in the village, and the smartest | screamed and beat an immediate retreat. one, too. Some of the boys were a bit scared, but most of them As the young contrattor was figuring on a rough stone| did not mind the sight a bit, though tay were greatly sur-_ bridge that the county proposed to pat across a narrow | prised.\ sheng: now spanned by an old wooden bridge that had Bob jumped down and approached the tits followed by been condemned as verging on’ the dangerous, he was not} the bunch. sure that his supply of stone would hold out. The grinning skull was rather a bac ope Shia to So after the dinner he called Will and they slipped away | gaze on at close quarters. from the company and started off to investigate the woods _ to see if any more rock was to be found on the property. Among the hundreds of trees on the farm was one giant oak, more than a hundred years old, which towered * Bob was asked. its fellows, and was a kind of. landmark in that neighbor- | hood. When Bob revisited his property just before he began work on his church contract he noticed that this chap, no longer held itself up as straight as a die, like a stalwart sentinel; but was leaning over at an angle of twenty odd degrees. He had remarked to Will at the time ‘that the tree was weeks, probably as soon as nee by a heavy wind aaatak in the direction of the angle it was Be seal bs every little while. -On the day of the picnic, when the party drove up to the farm, Bob noticed that the giant land mark was no longer in sight. As it was hanging pretty high up the day before the boy -eoncluded that it had fallen during the night, which was the fact. _ “TLet’s go ov and take a look at that fallen tree,” sug- | gested Bob, when he and Will separated themselves from the rest of the party. are was only a short walk to the spot, and. there, sure enough, lay the fallen giant prone on the ground, resting on several small trees ifs weight had crushed to the earth. Its immense roots, covered with earth, pointed skyward ia and'at.a score of other angles, leaving exposed a great hole in the base of the roeky ledge against which it” had stood. _- Bob leaped up on top of the roots while Will. ‘sprang over the trunk, both intent on getting a view of the hole, it had left in the ground and rock. ~ Go TP rong his elevated, perch Bob got a good view ret the hole} _ which extended right into the rocky ledge. Bakes - What he saw in the hole Nai him to Ave an Srl ‘tion of amazement. In the excavation reposed bis small iron es covered “swith thick-headed nails, and stretched out heside the boxes | p ay a complete skeleton of a human being. / “My gracious!” cried Bob. _ At that moment Will got a sight of ae grewsome spec-|. le am ith a startled pte a! +7 picnic ground. — The boxes looked old and mildewed, with great. patches of iron rust all over them. “What are you going to do with them and the skeleton 2” “Tl get a heavy hammer from the blacksmith and see’ 1 if I can batter the iron in,” he said; “hut it will be time, enough to do that to-morrow.” The girls, standing back at a safe distance, were. callin, a for the boys to rejoin them, so Bob, Will and the bunch * the strange scene and returned to the picnie ground. An hour later Bob took Will aside. t “Took here, Will, as soon as the crowd Bes ack th Ay iron bbxek at the foot of the fallen tree, “That's & excite a lot of Soe and bring a bunch of A eae to.my lease Me can take anything off hides the trets and the house. That clause was Fakodelea 4 only the stone, of course, but it is not so stated lease, consequently I have the legal right to take tho away if I choose to. If they were shown to contain ure the man who owns the farm would make: a big Td have a fight on my hands to hold it. Now T to prevent that by taking an option on this pro once. Ten per cent. of the price he wants will do at, $120. I’m willing to risk that on the chance hat Abs is something of value in the boxes.” iN “T think that’s a good idea. You'd better 1 right away about it.” son going to. I'll leave you in charg Thus speaking, Bob started for the ‘tin gait. CHAPTER Be THE TREASURE THAT LED TO FAME. Bob found the owner of the farm, at’ trouble in getting an option on the land _ “How are you going to take niles 4 ce th are under age.” au “Pll get J erry Long to re it: f “As soon as the business. was f . On the’ way he stopped at :
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- BOB BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. 25 IMotorcycles Given Away Free? _ eof REGULAR SELLING PRICE $200.00 = OUR GRAND PREMIUM CONTEST BEGAN IN SET APES DAYS." No. 7(3'C AND iS NOW RUNNING The five readers who send us the aie number of coupons cut soli ‘“sHappy Days,’’ beginning with No. 787 and ending sf with No. 798, will each get an : = M. M. MOTORCYCLE a < A BSoLwUTELY FREE: It is a high-grade machine, guaranteed by the manufacturer to be of 3!¢ horse-power, and capable of a speed of 45 vies per hour. SEE CURRENT NUMBERS OF “(HAPPY DAYS’’ FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION. Don’t miss this ‘chance to get a motorcycle for nothing. ANYBODY CAN ENTER THIS GREAT CONTEST. BEGIN Wow: i. to send them to us. pey. send in, THIS. IS A FAIR AND SQUARE CONTEST. Get -the Coupons! z yb, who had already told Will that he had practically chased the farm. of the old tree. ee him and ae to the ground beside the it aleried rh one. or both of the boxes: i i ae it, and after some trouble. inserted Aa in the i r s Ts a treasure, sure Dees one of the bags and. opened ite ith ten dollar gold pieces, rated | Will, greatly excited. , too, he felt, that, al this money be- Get aS many coupons as you can and save them until The contest closes. The names and addresses of the winners will be published in the paper, with the number of coupons They got the hammer and the chisel and started for the, ob, Fabt re sie was about to begin inane on one of them | BEGIN Wow’: Then we will notify you in **Happy Days’’ EVERYBODY HAS AN EQUAL CHANGE TO WIN Get the Sor TRY TO WIN A MOTORCYCLE — _ Laying down one of the woolen shirts they placed all the bags in it and then carried the treasure to the picnic ground, where they hid it in the trunk of a hollow tree. Then they returned to the excavation and opened the sec- ond box. It contained a similar number of money bags, also coy- ered with old clothes. The boys removed the bags to the hollow tree as before. treasure leaking out,” said Bob. “We'll fill the boxes half full of stones and return the old clothes on top. Then we'll lock them: and leave them for visitors to look at and speculate cver what they contain. Afterwards we'll open ' “Tl tell you what we'll do to prevent the news of a — rthem before witnesses with the hammer and chisel, and — everybody will think the supposed treasure is a fake.” “When they hear I took an option on the land they'll suspect the reason and give me the laugh. However, to he on the safe side I mean to complete the purchase. paving $1,200 to get. i “Bet your life it is,” replied Will. That night Bob and Will took Jerry’s' hand-cart, went to the farm and carried the money to Jerry’s eptee, and | hid it in a hox in the barn under the hay. ‘|. Next’ morning a crowd of villagers visited the spob where _| the skeleton and the two boxes lay. Trak Bob: and Will appeared with, the tools, broke eves the mA a eet “found” one full eee There . must be $50,000 at least in those bags, and that’s wae rib
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. @ week.” a ieee f z with the manager. for the prosecution. of large enterprises like the breakwater. bi extensive effort to find Mr. Brandon, and he was able to - office of the engineer for the district of New England at ' didn’t put in a bid, he applied for a copy of the specifica- 26 : BOB. BRANDON, CONTRACTOR. =. Leaving the boxés open for others to view and comment ' she consented to sell him the plant at about half its value, on, Bob and Will returned to Jerry Long’s cottage. | for a payment of ten per cent. down and the balance in~ Jerry was away at work, and Bob, under her promise of | nine equal payments. oe secrecy, showed the money bags to Lucy. : Bob closed with her, and then hired the office force of They carried the bags up to the room occupied by the | the establishment with a few exceptions, installing Will in boys, and counted it, place of the late general assistant. It counted up $125,000. He called his manager into consultation and they figured Bob then boxed it up for transportation as he ‘intended | out a bid on the government job and sent it in with the. to take it to Boston and bank it there. necessary deposit. “TI shall give you $10,000 of it, Will,” he said. A month later he was awarded the contract on 1 showing “And how much are-you going to give me for keeping | that he had the money and facilities for putting it through. — your secret?” asked Lucy, roguishly. The job was to be finished in eight months, or he would “Tm going to give you a whack at the whole of it when | forfeit a certain sum per day.for every day it was un- we are married,” he replied, whereat she blushed and looked | completed after the stipulated time. 3 pleased, as *most any girl would under the circumstances.| On the other hand, as the work was one of great im- Bob didn’t bid on the stone bridge for the county, but | portance, he would receive a bonus for every day he saved ian to Boston instead with Will and the treasure. through delivery of the pags et work before the eight “Now that I have a bunch of money I’m going to spread | months myself as a contractor, Will,” he said. “Ill hire an office| Bob deterenined to earn some of the bonus, and he aa. i on Devonshire Street and look out for some big job. You} The job was completed three weeks before the eight shall be my chief assistant, and your pay will begin at $10 | months and the government enginecr notified to that: effect. = Tt was now his duty to pale, a final inspection with refs erence to its acceptance by the government. j He reported that the work was first-class in every re- — spect, and that, in his. opinion, the new ‘breakwnater was: the finest in the country. This fact was immediately reported tines all the ie Be ing dailies, and Bob suddenly found himself famous 738 : a contractor. Flushed with his analy success, Bob ‘was seated. in his office one morning when his father walked in upon | him i most unexpectedly. Their greeting may be better imagined than described. Bob would have been thoroughly happy now ‘if he could have found his father. His advertisements inthe Canadian papers had pro- duced no results. ‘With plenty of money at hand he decided to advertise | on a wider plan, and consulted with an advertising agency as to the best method to pursue. - <« Te manager agreed, for a certain sum, to make a very place the advertisement at better advantage than Bob could have done himself. Our young contractor opened an office in one of he big buildings on Devonshire Strect, and began to look up a job that would, in his estimation, be worth his while. One day he read in a certain paper taken by contractors that bids would be received by the government for the con- struction of a breakwater off a certain port. _ Plans and specifications could be seen and studied at the Mr. Brandon explained that he had been working way 3 off in the wilds*of Canada and only accidentally saw Bob’s a 74 advertisement in an old newspaper which he came across. ~ He came on to Malden village at once, and was ‘there directed to Boston. * He was surprised to’find his son at the head of a ae : contracting plant, with a business that might now be ee sidered worth a quarter of a million since his sore success. es “Well, father, it is all due to that treasure J found on my | thirty-acre farm at Malden. Only for that I never wou 2 ; have been able to have worked the breakwater contract, and — ‘that has been the making. of me. I may say, with some.“ truth, that it was that treasure which has boosted me into fame, and no name in my line of business stan ds hi er with the government to-day than pis Brandon, Bsr ace tor.” Portsmouth, N. H. - Ten per cent. of the amount of the bid, either in cash | or by certified check, would have to accompany the bid. Bob decided to have a look in at the job, though it seemed to be one beyond his ability to grapple with. He called at the engineer’s office, read the Spenisceone over carefully and looked at the plans. Deciding that he would figure on the job, even if he tions and got them. THE sae pe - Then he proceeded to ascertain where he would get the material called for, and the ae he would have to pay for A week aie he learned that the plant of abig contractor | was about to be sold by the widow. He called at the dead man’s oflice and hada long talk} ’ He learned that the plant contained everything sedoblel nawideniee send ae price in, money mail to FRANK TOUSEY, - tH, ; i 7 ev eee he called on the ayer and had a talk witht her. St ade a fave : L
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FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. ay sae W ds interest for $300,000, which became the foundation for a much = F ame and Fortune eekly greater fortune accumulated in business. NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 12, 1909, One cannot say that a lost cat finds its way home by in- s stinct, “Home” is a different place for each cat, and no series of mechanical acts will take the animal there. The lost TE RMS TO SUBSCRIB E RS . || animal finds its way home precisely as a lost man finds his. Tt depends on: its sense of direction, its judgment of distance, — Single ROpRER res tas i= Steno evens eweeeeeeenen ens Peeneee ewes eH Se its memory of familiar points. Most four-footed beasts and Ries ca moetis es” RLY Suag most men, once badly lost, stay lost and do not ‘get home at PuOne Copy One Yeats isis. ccscesdyeticcwecsctccsvecss tesees $2.50 all. When they do, in one case 48 in the otlier, itig laresly Postage Free. perseverance and luck. Even the..homing pigeon has to ba put through a long training: before it can find its way home. In fact, this whole problem of homing and migratory in- stincts illustrates nicely the modern way of interpreting ani- mal behavior. There is no “homing instinct.” The animal becomes wonted to some particular tree or hole or human fire- side. This means to him warmth and shelter and food. It is, in short, his home; and if he is a home body, he longs for it when absent, like any of the rest of us. So cat and horse and dog and carrier pigeon return to their abodes, not by virtue of any strange, peculiar instinct, but because they know the way. i HOW TO SEND MONEY—At our risk send P, O, Money Order, Check, |. or Registered Letter; remittances in any other way are at your risk. | We accept Postage Stamps the same as cash. When sending silver A wrap the Coin in a separate piece of paper to avoid cutting the envel- ope. Write your name and address plainly. Address letters to SINCLAIR Tousey, President i Frank Tousey, Publisher Gro. G. H |, Dreasu: Oaks. E. Sxzawbiu, Becretary 24 Union Sq., New York GOOD STORIES. es In the mountain regions of Cuba there are many ridges 3 and yalleys of extremely fertile land, nearly all untouched _and existing practically as they did before the time of the pena, £ JOKES AND JESTS. Mrs, Ferguson—George, what do you have to do when you want to draw some money out of a bank? Mr. Ferguson—You have to put some money in the bank beforehand. That’s opens been my experience. "The following is an excellent method of cooling water: Fill a gallon bottle and then.wet a crash towel or any other cloth and wrap it around the bottle; set in a draught and in a few : hours the water will be found to be cool.. The hotter the = "ero ‘the coolef’*the water. This is the principle of the ice plant. we the moisture is evaporated from the towel' the heat is _ drawn from the water, leaving it cool and pleasant. In Mex- = ico and Cuba a porous earthern jar is used, and water -soaks through, cooling the water within. In country towns butter and vegetables are kept in the cellar in ee cloths and remain * ool and firm, “Yes,” Gussie was saying, “it was the first time I had met him, and he actually called me a fool. Hadn’t been talking to him five minutes, either. Say, what kind of a fellow is he, anyway?” “Well,” said Knox, quietly, “he’s awfully slow, for one “othe brush-cating Hag of the Angora goat is being demon- | thing.” a ‘on the Lassen National Forest in California, where t 1ey are cutting trails for fire guards through the brushy areas on the mountain slopes, The goats have been divided into _ two bands of 1, 500 each, and under care of herders are grazed 4 on areas to be cleared. They have killed nearly all the brush in the course either by eating it entirely or by barking, as ‘ in the case of manzanita bushes, Goats will just as readily attack manzanita as any other bushes where there is little else. The » goats did not begin until about the middle of June, but have" made rapid progress. The trails will be kept. free of _ sprouts | by the goats, saving the Government the labor of poutting 3 them out by hand. “But surely you believe that the sins of the father are visited on the children,” “I guess I do. My gov’nor promised to let me have a tenner this morning, but he lost at henge last night and I didn’t get it.” Official—How could the people get out of this theater in case of fire? Lessee—They could step right out in every direction. Official—There are no doors, Lessee—No; but this old building couldn’t burn more than — five minutes before the walls would tumble out. j 4 vl aes. Norman S. Buck, a member of the lower house of ‘Washington Legislature, died recently. Judge Buck was a oneer resident of this district, and of the Cour d’Alene min- ing district and was widely known and popular, In the late “80s Judge | Buck rendered a decision while sitting on the bench Bein: “Idaho that, attracted, attention’ throughout the nation, as “ft decided the ownership of the Bunker Hill and Sullivan mine, | he greatest silver-lead producer in the world, still said to be worth $10,000,000, and having an annual output of over 53,000,000. The mine was located by Phil O’Rourke and his yartner apa a prospecting: tour ‘in the winter of 1884-85 sult une Warden—A. dying burglar has confessed that he committed the murder for which you were sentenced, and as it was a clear case of mistaken identity, the governor has granted you a pardon. Innocent Man—A pardon? What am I pardoned for? Warden—For committing the murder, of course. Go; but don’t do it again. ~ we \ ‘The reservation Indian was instr Sa his son in the higher branches of salesmanship as applied to the sassafras business. “And now what's the clinching argument, dad, the last word oss never fails to land ‘em?” asked the bright young brave. i Ne De ae “a rest se g of aly Peel Sie ae Herne tha vette vies: 3 2 ay through Garliste, Collage!” eure a “ARG, Man-Foolish-Like-a- Fox—for ‘that was father’s real
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28 . FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. in a humor for conversation, Though, stop; remain and play = to me, but say nothing.” A Brave Boy’s Search “It was my father. You knew him, and saw a resemblance. : You have but spared me that you may wreak a more com- Se plete vengeance——” aA By D. W. Stevens. “Silence! ” : eT ITE : “You would make a pirate of me, that you may add more shame to his name. Tell me, does he still live? Where——” Tom Harden was an American boy; whose father had been| ‘The pirate sprang to his feet in a rage, overturning the little a sea captain, but had been missing for many years. stand on which rested a decanter of blood-red wine, spilling, it That he was dead no.one was sure, and to the finding out} over the floor like blood. 2 whether he was or not, Tom determined to devote his whole} “gijence, I command you! Ha! what is that? Blood! life. Leave me, I say, or I will not answer——” a aa At the age of seventeen Tom went to sea as an ordinary “Does he still live?” sailor on board the ship Triton, bound for the Mediterranean. With a face inflamed with passion the freebooter rushed This was at a’ time when the Barbary pirates swept the} at the lad, dagger in hand. ; inland sea and carried desolation to so many hearts, Tom hastily fled, not caring to risk his life further until One day the Triton, having left Gibraltar, and now laying] he had learned what he so earnestly wished to know. her course for Naples, was attacked by a pirate vessel and| Shortly afterward he heard the sound of the little silver taken, after a severe struggle. bell with which Velasquez was wont to summon him to his The captain was killed during the fight, the first mate side. had leaped overboard to escape a like fate, and many of the Approaching the cabin cautiously, for he knew ae if the sailors lay dead when the pirates at last took possession. . | man meant to entrap him, he pushed aside the hanging gently The survivors were cruelly butchered and their bodies cast! ang peered into the apartment, - into the sea, the ship being then plundered and set on’ fire. The pirate was seated upon a low velvet cushioned chair Tom’s life was spared, the captain of the pirate vessel, 4) nis feet stretched out in front of him, his head thrown back, fierce, swarthy-skinned Spaniard, having evidently taken a lik-) muttering to himself between the puffs of a fragrant cigarette: ing vo him. “What memories that boy’s face awaken! Did he know The boy had fought as desperately as any one, and with his| that hate for his father was all that inspired me to spare: sharp cutlass had given the quietus to more than one of the him, he might not thank me as he has hitherto done.” — pirates, “T thought so,” muttered the lad to himself. Pe as It was therefore inexplicable that the pirate chief should “Did he know the wretched state of that man, how che spare him, when all the rest were killed, but such was his| yiveg on and on, only to suffer, how his tender heart ‘would will, and no one offered oy dared to dispute it. Many of the men and some of the officers cast black looks upon him, and muttered harsh words beneath their breath, but the captain, noting this, eried impetuously, stamping his foot, and grinding his teeth: “Bnough of this! Itis my will that the boy should live. He can serve me, and I wish him to do se. Dare to look black at him, any one of you, and I wiil kill the mutinous wretch _ with my own hand.” The burning: wreck of the once gallant Triton was left behind, and the Vengeance—such was the name 6f’the pirate— sailed away io the coast of Algiers, Tom attended Captain Velasquez in the cabin and made him-' self generally useful, often reading to him of a night, or soothing him to sleep with the sweet tones of the lute, for the boy was a ready musician, and could play on any in- strument, no matter how sirange, almost at sight. Tom could sing, and the pirate used often to ask him to _ do so, the songs he liked best being those which spoke of love .and moonlight, and mossy dells and babbling brooks, ‘as he had no taste whatever for those which described stir. ring events or told of the great ocean. a Tom’s dress was now that of an Arab, and he carried Py sword in his broad, red sash, wore a white turban, and _ with his bronzed face and in his picturesque attire looked for all the world like a true child of the Orient. ig Br One day he said to the pirate, when the latter chanced to be in a better humor than usual: ; - “How was it, Captain Velasquez, that you spared me alone’ } of Na the crew of the Triton?” $3 st iinet “3 For a moment or so the man was silent, and then oe | all that I may enjoy his Seaae a “Oh, the wretch!” thought Tom. “T must ihe! % : Seeing a large mirror in front of the pirate, and - that the latter might see his reflection in it, the boy. si behind the curtain so that he could still hear joa yet seen. a “How I hated him,” continued the man, “for the 1 Dolores bestowed upon him. He would not return for all that I hated him, and resolved to take vengeance him, Then, when the ship left Cadiz, I followed and destroy all, sparing his life that I might—— And now RE omes and—— } Here he suddenly started up and struck the. itt bell violently with his clinched fist. Tom retreated, but presently returned, ‘the. be sounded / once more; and abe Seino aside the ort “T did “abe know iy you would. be pened od get bade me leave you and——” sii _“there—there, tl sit te and soothe ‘me to s to ‘some on | i joved? ie) f es rey s je for his death I wish to be kind to a : :
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FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. a9 Ri Then he stretched himself out upon a cushioned divan, lit a ‘fresh cigarette, and as the sweet notes of the harp fell upon his ear closed his eyes, let his hand fall listlessly by his side, and seemed to be asleep. Tom resolved to keep a discreet silence, but to watch and listen, trusting that the day would at last come when he would see his father and avenge his cruel treatment. The day after the discovery the pirate vessel came in sight of the coast, and toward evening they dropped anchor in a little bay hidden among the rocks. The pirate and his principal officers, febeshen with half of the crew, including Tom, went on shore, and the boy spent ‘the night in the rock-built,castle of Captain Velasquez. The next morning was spent in bringing ashore the treasures contained in the vessel, and Tom was kept busy attending on the pirate. _ Rumors came during the morning that an,American cruiser had been seen in the neighborhood, and Velasquez gave orders ‘to have his vessel so transformed as to present the appearance of an honest trader, in case the cruiser should prove too in- quisitive. e In the middle of the afternoon Tom managed to get away, ‘and plunged into a wood adjacent to the pirate stronghold, mei here he began exploring upon his own account. Beso cccrine the wood was a collection of houses, in which the “wives and families of the pirates lived, for there was quite a colony here, some of the men occasionally remaining ashore, while those who had not been to sea during the last trip took their places. The day was,.warm, and Tom was glad to escape to the shade of the yood, little knowing what a surprise was in store for him. x: Presently he darted up a small animal, somewhat re- ~ sembling a pig, and drawing his sword he pursued it, in sheer wantonness. ; The animal. fled, and soon, to Tom’s great surprise, ran under the | closed door of a wretched hovel, which he had not before diagno Bee: was half hidden by trees, in fact, and covered with creep- ing vines, having no windows and but one door, and Tom might’ have passed it a dozen times without seeing it, had not his notice beem thus strangely attracted to it. _ Rushing forward, he put his shoulders to the door, burst open, finding himself in a small, foul-smelling room, where t a dim: light prevailed. | A flood of light came in at the doorway, and Tom paused ellbound upon the threshold, though at first he could but limly comprehend the sight before him. ; ; Then, as his eyes became accustomed to the light, his other ae became awakened, and he advanced into the slovenly it, a vague alti of disquietude possessing him. ace had an occupant, however, and it was this which : : » cautious about entering. 18 HO" 1 a rough three-legged stool, his hand resting upon . rickety cable, on which stood a water jug, was a man clothed | rags and nearly nude, his head between unkempt hair and beard falling nearly to his knees. pe pe 4) Pobre the man, in Tom’ 8 own dan ‘is hands, and and scantiest food—why do I live on and on without hope— without one ray. of comfort?” “Heaven help me,” thought Tom; “is this poor man——” “Why do I not die? Why don’t these brutes kiil me, or let me take my own life, since all is lost to me? Home, friends, relatives, all are lost to me now, and: my boy—my poor Tom——” “Father!” eried the boy, bounding forward, to save you. It is Tom—your own son!’’ : This poor wretch, fretting his heart away, longing for home or death to come and relieve him, could be no other than the boy’s missing father. He knew it, he was sure of it, The pirate had said that he was still alive, and living the most horrible existence— it could be none else than the man himself. Tom sprang forward, and throwing himself at the man’s feet, seized his hands, and cried passionately: ; “Father!—Captain Harden—do you not know me? It is Tom—your own Tom—come to restore you to life. Look at me—speak to me, or I shall go mad!” For a few moments the man gazed at the boy kneeling before him in a dazed sort of manner, and then the tears began to flow slowly down his cheeks, and his eyes assumed a more gentle look. s “It is a dream,” he murmured. “Ihave often seen my Tom thus, but then the vision has passed from me and left me desolate.” “J have come “No, no; it is reality!” cried the boy, rising and putting his arms about the man’s neck, “It is your own Tom, and I have come to release you from the power of Captain Velas- quez. I know all, but you shall suffer no longer.” “Velasquez! He is a demon! Oh, if 1 could but meet him I would tear his eyes out with my bony fingers! He never comes to me but to taunt me and impose harder tasks, Oh, that. I could kill him!” Tom hastily led his father out into the warm air, and at that moment the two came face to face with Velasquez himself, armed with a gleaming sword. | ; “Fla, you have found him!” he hissed. “It will do neither of you good, for I will kill him and drag you off to be a pirate. The ship is ready to sail at this moment.” “Stand back!” cried Tom, drawing his sword, The pirate rushed upon the brave boy, and the latter, throwing himself in front of his father, parried the blow aimed at his own breast, and then attacked the pirate most impetuously. Expert swordsman as he was, he could not stand up against that terrible onslaught, and he presently began to retreat. “Tom thought of all his father had suffered, of the many crimes committed by Velasquez, and nerving himself for the final struggle, rushed forward, broke down the pirate’s guard, and plunged. his sword to the hilt in the miscreant’s body. \ The wretch fell dead without a groan, and Tom, seizing his father’s hand, hurried toward the shore, where, to his great joy, he saw the American cruiser just entering the bay. In a few minutes he and his father, so strangely restored, were on board the cruiser, whose crew had landed and begun a vigorous attack upon the pirates. 4, Their vessel was destroyed, their village burned, the castle leveled to the ground, and not “one of the men spared, = the women and children! being allowed to escape. Tom and his father returned to America, where the cap tain died shortly after, his health and spirits being beeien aan ‘and least: his: onsen, Boner! had been. at last caw s
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These Books Tell You. Everything! 4 COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! z » ach book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper,in clear type and neatly bound in gn attractive, illustrated cover. at of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects trea ild can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified an mentioned. upon are explained in such a simple manner that see if you want to know anything about the ae 4 THESE BOOKS ARF FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL PH SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRESS FROM THIS OFFICE ON RECEIPT OF PRIGH, TEN CENTS EACH, OR ANY THREH BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE GENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y. MESMERISM. No. 81. BOW TO MESMERIZE.—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. G, S., author of “How to Hypnotize,” etc. PALMISTRY. No. 82. HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most ap- proved methods of reading the lines on the hand, together with a full 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. 88. HOW TO HYPNOTIZH.—Containing valuable and in- structive information regarding the science of hypnotism. Iso explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the leading hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C,8. 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. No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL, AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully illustrated. Elyery boy should know how to row and sail a boat. Full instructions are given in this little book, together with in- atructions on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. No. 47. HOW TO BRBAK, RIDE AND DRIVE 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 CANOBS.—A handy book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes and the most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. By ©. Stansfield Hicks, : FORTUNE TELLING. No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.— Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the true 1can- ing of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and hag aa ey ge of cards. A complete book. o. 28. HOW TO BXPLAIN DRHAMS.—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 and unlucky days, and “Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate. No. 28. HOW TO THLL FORTUNHES.—Hveryone is desirous of knowing what his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or misery, wealth or poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little book. Buy one and be conyinced. ‘Tell your own fortune. Tell the fortune of your friends. No. 76. HOW TO THLL FORTUNES BY THD 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. fe ATHLETIC. No. 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETH.—Giving full in- wtruction for the use of ‘dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars and various other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations. Hvery boy can become 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. Hvery 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 BECOME A GYMNAST.—Containing full . instructions for all kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises. Hmbracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. A handy and useful book. No. 34. HOW TO. FENOE.—Containing full instruction for fencing and the use of the broadsword; also instruction in archery. Described with twenty-one. practical illustrations, giving the best positions in fencing. A complete book. : TRICKS WITH CARDS. No. 51. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing | bod explanations of the general principles of sleight-of-hand applicable | to card tricks; of card tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring | : VRI aleig igiing full instructions for writing letters on Egor Ww. eS 7 ht-of-hand; of tricks inyolving sleight-of-hand, or the use. of ly prepared cards. By Professor Haffner, — Ulustrated, : Se PAS ee ‘grandest assortment of magical illusions ever Contarning full directions for writing to gentlemen on all subjects} No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—En-' bracing ‘all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with il-| lustrations. By A. Anderson. Wek: __ No. 77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.— Containing deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurors and magicians. Arranged for home amusement. Fully illustrated. MAGIC. ; No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and: card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading eard tricks’ of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by our leading magicians ; every boy should obtain a copy of this book,’ as it will both amuse and instruct. 3; No. 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Wxplaining how the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals. The only authentic explanation of second sight. 2 No. 48. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the} ( I ¢ placed before the} public. Also tricks: with cards, incantations, etc. Sate, No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS. —Containing x; one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. By A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated. A ae No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing overh fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also contain-} ing the secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. No. 70. HOW TO MAKH MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full directions for making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. By A. Anderson. oon illustrated. Pea Rae | No. 73, HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing } many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By pes Anderson. Fully illustrated. "Sab aie etecay No. 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONIUROR. — Containing, tricks with Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, ete. Hmbracing | thirty-six illustrations. By A. Anderson. peter Viele No. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART.—Containing a com plete description of the mysteries of Magic and Sleight of Hand,) together with ‘many wonderful experiments. By A. Anderson Illustrated. MECHANICAL. Bane: | No, 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Hvery “poy should know how inventions originated. This book explains ther} all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optic} pneumatics, mechanics, etc. ‘The most instructive book published} _ No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEDR.—Containing full instructions how to proceed in order to become a locomotive en: gineer; also directions for building a model locomotive; together with a full description of everything an engineer should know. 7 _No. 57. HOW TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—F directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither, Aolian Harp, phene and other musical instruments; together with a bi scription of nearly every musical instrument used in neient modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon -S. Witzgera for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines, “4 No. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTHRN.—Conta: a description of the lantern, together with its history and inve Also full directions for its use and for painting slides. Handso illustrated. By Jobn Allen. WE abe Bee No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Con complete instructions for performing over sixty Mechanical By A. Anderson, Fully illustrated. i _ LETTER WRITING. No. 11. HOW TO WRITE GLOVH-LETTERS.—A most plete little book, containing full directions for bbe and when to use them, giving specimen letters for y ~ No. 12. HOW TO WRITH LETTERS TO LAI eédmplete instructions for writing letters to ladies o. also letters of introduction, notes and requests. ec | No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS ‘0 GENTLEMEN, | also giving sample letters for instruction. . ce aaa No. 58. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS.—A_ wonderfu book, telling you how to write to your sweetheart, youl “fa mother, sister, brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody and y. you wish to write to. Hyvery young man and every lady in the Jand should have this book, Spears No. 74. HOW TO WRITH LETTERS CORRECTLY.— bs so rales for punctuation and compasition =
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AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. Eyery should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- mizing an amateur minstrel troupe. _ é No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It ontains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, ete., of Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of he day. HWyery boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should pbtain a copy immediately. i o 79. HOW TO BECOMB AN ACTOR.—Containing com- Plete instructions how to make up for various characters on the eta: together with the duties of the Stege Manager, Prompter, ¢ Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKE BOOK.—Containing the lat- jokes, anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and © popular German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome a cover containing a half-tone photo of the author, ; HOUSEKEEPING. . 16. HOW TO KHEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing instructions for constructing a window garden either in town : ge antes, ‘and the most approved methods for raising beautiful ers at home. The most complete book of the kind ever pub- 0. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books g ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, , and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of nd a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular ‘No. 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSH.—It contains information for body, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, mcketa, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. i% ELECTRICAL. : 6. HOW TO MAKH AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A de- ion of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; er with full instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries, By George Trebel, A. M. M. D. Containing over fifty il- tions. . 64. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- full directions for making electrical machines, induction namos, and cape move! Mens ° be worked by electricity. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. y 67. HOW TO DO BLECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, er with illustrations. By A. Anderson. Se Bie ENTERTAINMENT. HOW TO BECOMB A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry The secret given away. LHyery intelligent boy reading fof instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multi- | every night with his wonderfu}. imitations), can master the nd create any amount of fun for himself and friends, It is the book ever published. and there’s millions (of fun) in it. . HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.— valuable little book just published. A complete compendium mes, sports, card diversions, comic recitations, etc., suitable jor or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the than any book published. 85. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little taining the rules. and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, ote croquet. dominoes, ete. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches ings: , 5! How TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little tiving the rules and f«. “irections for playing Euchre, Crib- lasino, Forty-Five, Ra, ce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, on Pitch, All Fours, and trany other popular games of cards. . HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hun- uzzles and conundrums, with key to same. A ‘ally illustrated. By A. Anderson. WA ETIQUETTE. : y TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF HTIQUETTH.—It ret, and one ee every young man desires to know + iness. in it. } OW <0 appinesy Containing the rules and etio-iette ciety and the easiest and most approved methods of ap- ‘d advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church, and -room. ; ‘ \ } Ook. a in teresting ste book. | West No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPHAKER.—Containing four teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become a good speaker, reader elocutionist. Also containing gems from all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most ‘simple and concis? manner possible. r4:) No. 49. HOW TO DEBATH.—Giving rules for ducting de ~ bates, outlines for debates, questions for discussion, ‘and the best sources for procuring infogmation on the questions given. SOCIETY. No, 8. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts ana wiles ot rn ee ‘fully explained by this little book. Besides the various metho handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it com- tains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is interesting to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy withvut one. _No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome littie book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instruc tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, ae to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square ances. No, 5. HOW TO MAK 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 instruction in the art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the selections of colors, material, and how to haye them made up. No, 18. W TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the brightest: and most valuable little books ever given to the world. Hverybody wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and female. The secret is simple, and almost ecostless, Read this book and be convinced how to become beautiful. BIRDS AND ANIMALS. No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated and containing full instructions for the management and training of the canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, patoquet, parrot, ete. No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A. useful and instructive book. Handsomely illus- trated, By Ira Drofraw. ‘ No. 40. HOW TO MAK#H AND SET TRAPS.—Including hints on how to catch moles, weasels, otter. rats, squirrels and birds, ee how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington eene. No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting and preserving birds, animals and insects, No. 54. HOW 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, ete. Fully explained by twenty-eight illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kind ever published. MISCELLANEOUS. No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—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 MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for mabing 3H kinds of candy, ice-cream, syrups, essences, etc. ete. . No. 84. HOW 'TO BECOME AN AUTHOR.—Containing full information regarding choice of subjects, the use of words and the manner of preparing and submitting manuscript. Also containing A |valuable information as to the neatness, legibility and general com- position of manuscript, essential to a successful author. By Prinee Hige'3s, HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A won derful book, containing useful and practical information in the treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to every family. Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com- plaints, ‘ No. 55. HOW. TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Con- taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated. No. 58. HOW TO BH A DETECTIVE.—By Old King Brady, - the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valuable and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures and experiences of well-known detectives. No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHHER.—Contain- ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work it; also how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and other Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De bney. i No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY CADET.—Containing full explanations how to gain admittance, course of Study, Examinations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Post ‘Guard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy should ker to be a Cadet. Beata Po written by Lu Senarens, author of “How to Become a Naval Cadet.” ; No. 63. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Complete in- gr
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__wm Latest Issues ma “WILD WEST WEEKLY” _ A Magazine Conrarnine Srories, SKETCHES, ETC., of \\EstERN Lips Cotorsep Covers 382 Pages Price 5 Cxn'ts 360 Young Wild West Att a Stampede; or, Arietta and | 365. Young Wild West and the Choctaw Chief; or, The Hidden the Cow Girls. Valley and the Lost Tribe. 361 Young Wild West’s Hottest Trail; or, The Gold Cache of| 366 Young Wild West Followed by Fiends; or, Arietta and the the Desert. Plotters. : : 362 Young Wild West’s Rifle Duel; or, Arietta’s Cross Fire. | 267 Youns Wild West and the Cactus Queen; or, The Bandits 363 Y Wild t “Domi Dick”; The B hi ee ee oung Wild West and “Domino Dick”; sede @ Pronene | 368 Young Wild West in Death Canyon: or, Aueteat and the cere 3 s Bad Break. Mad Miner. 364 Young Wild West Trapping the Horse Thieves; or,|869 Young Wild West’s Crack Oavalry; or, The Shot = Won Arietta’s Quick Work. - the Day. cH “THE LIBERTY BOYS OF °76” _ ConrTAIniInGc REvoLUTIONARY Storrs. : a Cotornp Covrrs 32 Pagus Price 5 Cants: . 454 The Liberty Boys and the Tory Bandit; or, The Hscape of 1459 The Liberty Boys in Kentucky; or, After the Redskins and | the Governor. — Renegades. 455 The Liberty Boys on Time; or, Riding to the Rescue. 460 The Liberty Boys’ Dashing Charge; or, The Little Patriot 456 The Liberty Boys’ False Guide; or, A Narrow Hscape from of White Marsh. on Defeat. 461 The Liberty Boys and Old Moll; or, The Witch of Red Bos ra 457 The Liberty Boys Up North; or, With Arnold on Lake Point. } ; Champlain. 462 The Liberty Boys’ Secret Cave; or, Hiding from Tyron. 458 The Liberty Boys 7 Howe; or, The Twin Boy Spies |463 The Liberty Boys and the Jailer; or, Digging cae of Op. of the Bronx. tivity. “SECRET OERVICE OLtp aNp Youna Kina Brapy, Derectrives i Cotorep Covers - 32 Paqgus Parca 5 Costs 557 The Bradys and the “Black Boys”; or, The Fate of the Six| 561 The Bradys’ Fatal Night; or, The Mystery |0 oe the Mai ad Jive. Masks, Sheriff. 558 The Bradys After the Bomb Throwers; or, Smashing the; 562 The Bradys and the Idol’s Hye; or, The Clew of the ory | Anarchist League. tal Cross. ody , 563 The Bradys Chasing. the Red League; or, Ronang optics 559 The Bradys and the Man Trappers; or, The Trail of the “Seven Sevens.” ise Bowery Bunch. i { ty | 560 The Bradys and nJoss House Jim”; or, Tracking a Chi- 564 The Bradys and, the Belt of Gold; or, Lost « on ‘the e2 , nese Crook. ’ White Way. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS a of our Wecklies and cannot pr ocure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you w ant met we will send them to you I return mail, POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAMB AS MONRY. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union cee New York. — iF ade &swae dice Gena Drar Sir—Enclosed find...... cents for which please send me: BA 4 ae we .++.copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos........ Fore Hoag evra fe gi lte dst witigi, ae ee ae » fe = - Maa “ ALL AROUND WEEKLY, Nos.. Bis cite’ ROR oe COR Le eae, « WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos ag piueiety EA NS Bey grime No “ THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ’76, Nos........... Nias sare Renee ale EN 4, 1A) “ PLUCK AND LUCK, Le a ee eee Spe NG Fee ae eee ONC ee es Pee 88 ~
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Fame. and Fortune Week STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MONEY By A SELF- PRICE 5 Ots. Af MADE MAN COLORED COVERS ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY 32 PAGI This Weekly contains interesting stories of smart boys, who win fame and fortune by their ability to take advantage of passing opportunities. Some of these stories are founded on true incidents in the lives of our most successful self-made men, and show how a boy of pluck, perseverance and brains can become fam- ous and wealthy. : eR : 4 ALREADY PUBLISHED. pry "8 148 Out with His Own Circus; or, The Success of a Young Barnum. ; 179 From Mill to Milliors: or, The Poor Boy Who Bacame a Stee 144 Playing for Money; or, The Boy Trader of Wall Street. Magnate. yh 145 The Boy Copper Miner; or, Ted Brown's Rise to Riches. 150 Three Game Speculators; or, The Wall Street Boys’ ‘Syndicate — oe pipe off ropes he The Boy yee is an Ab Leh 181 A Stroke of Luck; or, The Boy Who Made Money in Oil. 7 Striking it Rich; or, From Oflice Boy to Merchan rince. 2 Li 4 Se eee rou . Tt a re * 148 Lucky im Wall Street; or, ‘The Boy Who Trimmed’ the Brokers. | 183 On tha Gola Coo eadeh oF; Picking Up Money in Wall St 149 In a Class by Himself; or, The Plucky Boy Who Got to the Top. ; + or, e reasure i) ieee at P 150 Bulling the Market; or, The Hrrand Boy Who Worked a Corner, | 184 Lured by the Market; or, A Boy's Big Deal in Wall Street. (A Wall Street Story.) 185 Trading Tom;. or, The Boy Who Bought Everything. After the Big Blue Stone; or, The Treasure of the Jungle. Little Jay WVerkins, the Broker; or, Shearing the Wall Street “Lambs,” The Young Coal Baron: or, Five Years With the Miners. Coining Money; or, The Boy Plunger of Wall Street. Among the Tusk Hunters; or, The Boy Who Found a Diamond Mine. A Game Boy; or, From the Slums to Wall Street. A Waif's Legacy; or, How It Made a Poor Boy Rich. lighting the Money Kings; or, Th? Little Speculator of Wall Street. A Boy With Grit; or. The Young Salesman Who Made His Mark. Ted, the Broker's Son; or, Starting Out For Himself (a Wau Street Story). orere 2 te vee eto eo Ct cS Cine os Cros or) 161 Dick Darrell’s Nerve: or, From Engine-House to Manager's Office. 162 Under a Lucky Star; or, The Boy Who Made a Million in Wall Street. 168 Jack's Fortune; or, The Strangest. Legacy in the World. 164 Taking Chances; or, Playing for Big Stakes. (A Wall Street Story.) 165 Lost in the Tropies: or, The Treasure of Turtle Key. 166 Ten Silent Brokers; or, The Boy Who Broke the Wail Street Syn- dicate. 37 Only a TFaetory Boy: or, Winning a Name for Himself. 38 Fox & Day Brokers; or, The Young Money-Makers of Wall Street, A Young Mechanic: or, Rising to ame and Fortune. Banker Barry's Boy: oer, Gathering the Dollars in Wall Street. In the Land of Gold; or, The Young Castaways of the Mystic Isle. Eastman & Co., Stocks and Bonds: or, The Twin Boy Brokers of Wall Street : 3 The Little Wizard: or, The Success of a Young Inventor. After the Golden Eagles; or, A Lucky Young Wall Street Broker > A Lucky Lad; or, The Boy Who Made a Railroad Pay. 6 a Gee to Last; or, Six Months in the Wall Street Money Market. Dick. the Boy Lawyer: or, Winning a Big Fee. 3 Broker Dexter's New Boy; or, A Young Innocent in Wall Street. For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, 1n money or postage stamp; FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained fro m this office direct. in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you want and we will send them to you POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. ob 0 6a SRE Bele OFS wee wm ewe eee ae ee sits 46 8 6 return mail, eC ce er FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square. New York. beater Pars days avy Renata Dear Str—Enclosed find. .....cents for which please send of WORK CAND: WIN, Nos. sdc:s8s% eee . -copies “« “ WIDE AWAKE WEEKLY, Nos:........ Mew die 4 oe WC WEIS AL AN ESI, INOS cease sora ee uy fo DEB eB ERA YB ONES Our Gs INoss set. apie tit aie ede Clee ALND LAU Gies INOsia ater « 28 dons spelen aN apo CLUE ES NEY MEDC ec RINO Bales ood andiatishartyele .-.. “ © FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY, Nos. “ “ Ten-Cent Hand Books. Nos... J haces srs Soe a pe eee ome a Te Street and No... a 186 4 Favored by Fortune; or, The Youngest Firm in Wall Street. b ‘ Jack Jasper’s Venture: or, A Canal Route to Fortune. st 188 After Big Money; or, Turning the ables on the Wall Brokers. 189 A Young Lumber King: or, The Boy Who Worked His Way 190 Ralph Roy's Riches; or, A Smart Boy's Run on Wal! Luck. 191 A Castaway’s Ilortune; or, The Hunt for a Pirate's 192 The Little Money Maker; or, The Wall Street Boy Who the Market. 193 Rough and Ready Dick; or, A Young Express Agent's Luck ; 194 Tipped off by 'elegraph; or. Shaking Up the \\ all Street “Bears. 195 The Boy Builder: or, The Rise of a Young Mason, ‘ 196 Marty the Messenyer; or. Captu ing Comin \ all Street. 197 The Stolen Bank Note: or, The Carver of a Boy Merchant. 198 Digging up Dollars; or. The Nerve of a Young “Bull” Operator. 199 A Runaway Boy: or, The Buried ‘Treasure of the Ineas. 200 The Old Broker's Heir: or, The Boy who \\ on in \\ all Street, 201 From Farm To Fortune: or. The Buy who mace Money in Land. 202 Ragged Rob of \\ all Street: or, $5v 000 Froma Dime. 203 The Boy Railroad \Masnate; or, ‘the Contract that Brought a Mil 204 Dandy Dick, The Boss Boy Broker: or, Hustling for Gold in Wall 205 Caught By Cannibals; or, ‘The Treasure of the Land of Fire. 206 The Little Operator: or, Cornering the “Bears” of \ all Street. « 207 Air Line Hd; or, Building a Telegraph Line. 208 A Boy of the Curb; or, The Secret of a ‘Treasure Note, 209 Ss aaa Boy to Steel King; or, The Rise of a Young . Builder. : a i 2.10 nee Box of Bullion; or, The Boy Who Solved a Wall 4 Myster: 11 Claim No: 7; or, A Fortune From a Gold Mine. ie 12 Out For Big Money: or, Touching Up ihe Wall Street Traders 13 ‘The Boy Ice King; or, Coining Money from the River 4 14 Four of a Kind: or, ‘the Combination that Made Wall Sireet 15 Bob Brandon, Contractor: or, The Treasure that Led to Fam. 16 2 » 2 9 216 A Boy Irom the soutn; or, Cleaning Out a Wall Street Crow 1; 24 Union Square, New Yo: Cut out and a ie cee mM + i) im oO pM EO Wr oa co: soe see ee