Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 261) (1910 09 30)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
N ~SepT SOthigio. When he reached the end of the bridge the frightened horse swerved from his course, brushed down the frail fence, and dashed into the creek. Ed had barely time to spring out of the wagon when the rig struck the water.
Page 2
Fame and Fortune Weekly STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MONEY o* Issued Weekly—By gst kee $2.50 per year. No. 261. Entered according to Act o Congress, Wartengna, D. C., by Frank Tousey, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 30, 1910. Congress, in the year 1910, in the oe of the. Librarian lisher, 24 ‘Union P sical tg New Yor v PRICE 5 CENTS. - -Ed, The Express Boy i HIS OWN ROUTE TO FORTUNE a . By A SELF-MADE MAN CHAPTER I HOW ED GOES TO THE AID OF A SEA NYMPH. “Hello, Ed, what are you doing down here at this time in the morning?” asked Bob Sedgwick, looking at his friend, Ed Andrews, in some surprise. " “Watching the bathers,” replied Ed, carelessly. “Watching the bathers, eh? That's something new for ~ you. At this hour ie ’re usually going around taking or- ders for your uncle.” _ “Not taking any this morning,” said Ed, with a frown. “T gee you're not. What’s up? Been having a run-in ' with the old man aga? Must be something serious this time.” “You've hit it, Bob; and it is serious.’ He ~ “What's the trouble?” - “Mr, White lost or mislaid a pocketbook this morning which he said contained two hundred and fifty dollars. He accused me of taking it.” “Accused you?” . “Yes. He acted as crazy over his loss as the Wild Man of Borneo. ‘He made me go to my room with him ae open my trunk so he could search it.” _ “Did he find his pocketbook in it?” chuckled Bob. -“T should say not; but he found RS dollars I had saved up, and he ‘gies it. ” “He did! What right had he o do that 2” as AO right; but that doesn’t make any difference with af kicked, of ¢ ome, and fearon ny money Hacks He refused to return it. He said he believed I had stolen it, a little at a time, from the store till.” “Gee! That’s rubbing it in on you. mean that, though.” , “He acted as if he did. At any rate, he used it as an excuse to freeze on to my savings.” He didn’t really ee s always treated you pretty mean.” “And his wife is as like him as one pea is to another.” “Too bad your real aunt died. She always took your part.” “Yes, She was the only friend I had after my father went West to make his fortune.” “He died out in the wilds without making it, T think you told me.” ; “Yes. He was =e pretty well, so aunt told me, and used to send Mr. White regular monthly remittances to pay for my clothes and keep; but he was persuaded to go off prospecting in the Southwest. with two or three friends, and the party was caught in a terrible snowstorm some- where in the mountains of Colorado, and all perished. gy oy ie Ed always looked very solemn and sad when he spoke of — his father or mother, and so Bob changed the subjects: “When your uncle wouldn’t give up your ten ‘dollars iat. what did you say to him?” oa “T told him flatly that I wouldn’t do oe sioke of i work for him till he gave me back my money.” ee “He wouldn’t return it so you quit and came do: 0 Maa | here ?” . 8 iF: “That’s right.” aia) to Bee any day?”
Page 3
“Til go back at dinner time and see whether he’s changed his mind. It is possible he will have found his pocketbook by that time, in which case [ may get my money back.” “S’pose he hasn’t found his wallet, and won’t give you| back your money?” “JT won’t go back to work till he returns my funds.” “He might turn:the screws on you.”, “How?” “Keep you out of the house till you yield.” “Then Pll take my trunk and leave him for good.” “Where will you go?” “T don’t. know.” “He might not let you take your things. You're pretty useful to him, and he won’t want to lose you.” “7 don’t care what he wants. The idea of lim charging me with taking his pocketbook when he hasn’t got the least bit of evidence against me, and then on top of all, robbing me of my savings, for it is robbery for him to seize what, does not belong to him. If he dares to stop me from taking my trunk, if it comes to that, I’ll go to the justice and make a complaint against him.” + “Well, Ed, if you have to get out, fetch your trunk over to my house. My folks like you, and they'll let you. stay . with me till you look around.” “Thanks, old man, that’s kind of you to invite me, but I hope I will not be obliged to take advantage of your offer.” “Don’t fail to do it if matters come to a crisis with you. | V’ve got to get on now. I’ve got a message to take over to my aunt. Ill drop in at the store this ee to see if you’ve gone back to work.” Thus speaking Bob walked off, leaving his friend seated on a low bluff overlooking the broad Atlantie, which at this point curved into the sandy shore with a bold sweep, forming the shallow harbor of Rockhaven, that of recent years had come into some local prominence as a summer resort. — It was now about ten o’clock, and there were a number of bathers, mostly of the fair sex, gamboling and swimming about in the light surf. ‘There was one in partioules who had attracted special fs notice from Ed. _ She was a perfect little beauty, both in face and figure, aie about sixteen years of age. She was the most graceful little swimmer he had ever seen, and she could dive like a porpoise. Shé was more daring than the others, would go out as far as the end of the life-line, and hang there with her feet _ beating in the heaving water, apparently enjoying the sen- + gation; but was always immediately recalled by a well- dressed gentleman on the shore, who appeared to be her es - father. | _Ed admired her antics greatly, because he was a first- class swimmer himself. He'd have given anything for‘the honor of her acquaint- ance, and the privilege of swimming around with her. bee? But she was far removed from his humble sphere in life, ve social: quncing, § which indicated that her parents were well | ate Ag it t length ae came out of we water and stood lee to her father. Bec as Mane e Rie : % ED, THB EXPRESS BOY. for she appeared to be a young lady of some considerable . rey Lassie er, TST a ee ee Evidently he thought she had been in long enough, for he pointed to the bathing-houses and laid his hand on her shoulder, as if urging her to go in and dress. She objected, and danced around him in a frolicsome way. Finally she tagged him and ran camed the bluff on which Kd sat a little distance out from the beach. , The gentleman chased her, but stood no chance of over- taking her. The lower part of the bluff was composed of bare rocks, piled up in a confused line, running out for some distance. At this point there was a dangerous undertow, of which all the bathers had been warned. In addition there was a ¢ign stuck at the foot of the rocks with the word “DANGER” in capital letters. Ignoring the sign the girl began to clamber up the roéRs,. laughing in high glee at. having outwitted her father, and then started to scamper out over them. Her father shouted to her in a tone of great concern. “Come back, Dora, come back.” She paid no attention, but mounting the highest rock in the bunch made a motion as if she intended diving off it. Ed, knowing the peril of that place, sprang on his feet and shouted to her. ; She turned around and looked up at him, apparently thinking he had a great nerve to. addregs her. Seeing that she disregarded his call, he hurried further out on the bluff to watch her in ¢ase she did jump in.’ | “Dora, Dora, don’t jump,” cried her father, anxiously. The girl apparently wished to tease Him, and made 'another bluff to dive. This time she leaned a little too far over, her shapely foot slipped on the rock, and she pitched downward in an ungraceful way, striking the water awkwardly with a splash, and disappearing under the surface. Her father, in great dismay, rushed up on the rocks, and , when he reached the top of them he saw to his honor his child rise for a moment, without movement, a streak of >» blood showing across her forehead, where she had rs a rock under the water. Then she was borne oceanward by a receding wave. Z Hd ‘saw all that the distracted father did, only plainer, for he was directly above the girl. He perceived that she was mgeacen and that unless a good swimmer went to her aid she would soon be drowned. | There was no good swimmer near enough to be of any use but himself. Throwing off his jacket, and kicking off his shoes; Shee dove straight down into the sea, and ‘struck out for the Hepeties girl. Vira 7 CHAPTER II.’ IN WHICH ED SAVES THE SEA NYMPH. a The girl’s father was filled with agony. Though no swimmer he was on the point of plunging into — the sea after his child when he saw Hd sie himself from _ the top of the bluff. | “Save her, oh, save ee Dora 19 cried the gentleman,
Page 4
ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. eS hc Eid didn’t hear his appeal. It would not have urged him to greater effort if.he had. Already he was denying the water like a fish in the wake of the pretty miss. The waves, howeyer, were bearing her out almost as fast as he was going himself, aided by the sweep of the water. Already both were beyond-the end of the bluff, and the case looked kind of desperate. It is doubtful if Ed could have saved her had she not recoyered consciousness and made some effort herself to keep on the surface. She was in no condition, nor had she the strength to save herself. She saw Ed at last trying to reach her, and began swim- ming feebly toward him. No one knew better than herself that her hope lay in hint: At last he reached her. ; “Ton’t catch me,” he said. “I'll save you.” * “T will do as you say,” she replied, makgng no move to ‘grapple him. Seeing that he had a reasonable creature to deal with, Ed felt that half the battle was already won. “Put your arms around my neck, miss, behind me, and hold on, I%l do the rest,” he said. __ Dora obeyed, feeling perfect confidence in the brave boy = rho. had come to her rescue. Ed then struck out for the shore, taking long and easy strokes. Dora’s father had watched Hd’s efforts to save his daugh- ter with mingled hope and anguish. He feared that the boy’s plucky efforts would be fruit- less. For awhile he had lost sight altogether of his child, and his heart stood still as he pictured her lifeless body floating out to sea. But following the boy’s head with his eyes he at last ~ made out Dora’s face on the surface of the water only a _ short way ahead. Then he saw the two heads come together. . “Brave boy! Noble boy!” breathed the agitated father. . “He has reached her. And now he is bringing her ashore. No reward wil! be too great for me to bestow on him for rescuing my darling.” : The tide being against Ed, he came on but slowly with his precious burden clinging to his neck. ov But he took his time, and husbanding his strength, for ee »geded all his energy in this crisis, “He aimed for the end of the bluff, as the nearest point, Sows the tide ran strong there. The gentleman made his way there to give him a helping ‘hand when he came within reach. The rocks ran out into the water here, and before he was quite up to the point he felt them underneath. They were too slippery to trust, and the undertow was ~ very strong, so he kept on swimming till he got close in. “Give me your hand, my brave lad,”’said the gentleman, -! reaching out. Ed, who was well naa exhausted, did so, and he was dragged out of the water onto the rocks. “Oh, fa edie father us cried Pete disengaging herself from Ea; and springing into the gentleman’s arms. “Tam safe.” “Thank heaven, my darling, you are,” he replied, strain- ing her to his heart. Then he turned to Ed, who was leaning, all done up, against one of the rocks. “Young man, you have saved my daughter’s life, and 1 I am very g grateful to you,” he said, The hoy made no answer. Tt was too much of an effort for him to open his mouth. The excitement of saving the girl having passed, the re- action had set in and Ed felt as weak as a cat, and looked as white, almost, as the collar he wore. Dora was not near so bad as he. She had been resting during his swim, and felt alaqaét as chipper as when she went overboard, She looked at her preserver, and taking his inert hand in her shapely ones, said: “You saved my life, and I shall remember you as long as I live.” Then she noticed how fagged out he looked. ey “Father, we must help him to the shore.. He looks ter- ribly exhausted,” she said. “Thank you, miss, I’ll be all right soon,” replied Ra, in a whisper. He sat down on a rock and leaned his head against it. “Poor boy!” said Dora, sympathetically. “He might have lost his life trying to save me. Run and get some brandy, father; I'll stay with him.” . “Tt isn’t necessary,” said Ed. “Let me rest awhile and T’ll come around. The tide was hard to buek k against, that’s why I’m so used up.” In a few minutes Ed said he was made to go on to the — beach. “Before we go tell me your name, my lad,” said the get tleman. aN “Ed Andrews.” 2 “My name is George West, and this is my daughter Dora. I am glad to reward you handsomely for saving my. child.” gies We “I don’t want to be paid.” ee “P’m not going to pay you; I couldn’t do that if T tried. But I’m going to make you a present. Here, take this as evidence of what I mean to do for you.” He pressed a roll of bills into Ed’s fingers. “No, sir; I’d rather not take any money from you,’ ” ob- jected Hd. “You must take that. It isn’t much. You haye Senet your clothing, and you will have to get a new suit.” “These are my old clothes I’ve got on, and they aren’t worth much. A ten-dollar bill will get me a much better suit.” \ “Keep the money, anyway. It’ll come in handy ya E you.” ees The last sentence brought to Ed’s mind his rather dee Me ful situation at his wncle’s store, and the possibility of him sf being obliged to get out into the world and hoe his ore ox TOW. . It struck him that a little money would come in handy ste under the circumstances. oat “Well, sir, I'll borrow it of you. That’s he condition under whieh iy qh ae it,” he ‘said.
Page 5
As Dawe _ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. “Nonsense! I intend to give you a great deal more than that,” said Mr. West. «nN o, sir; I don’t want anything for saving your daugh- ter, It was my duty to do that if I could.” »» “Let him borrow it, father, if he wants to have it that way,” interposed Dora, feeling a strong interest. in Ed, and greatly. pleased at his delicacy. She. was sure he was a nice hoy, and it-was a great satis- faction to her to feel that she owed her life to one whose sentiments.seemed to be above the common. Mr. West yielded the point, though it was not at all likely that he intended the money should ever be returned to him. The matter having been settled to Ed’s satisfaction, he shoved the roll in his pocket, intending to count it later on. The outside bill was a ten-dollar one, and he judged from the size of the wad that it must amount to one hun- - dred’ dollars. That was a lot of money in his estimation, and he felt rich to have it on his person. The three then walked over the rocks to the beach. “You'd better go home at once, my boy, and change your clothes,” said Mr. West. “Tell me where you live so that I can call on you when I return from Boston.” “T live with my uncle, Abel Ware He keeps a general store on. Main street.” The gentleman wrote down Mr. White’s name and occu- pation in his memorandum book. “My wife and daughter are stopping at the Wave Crest Cottage at present. Mrs. West is something of an invalid, and is not able to get around much.’ She will desire to thank you for the priceless service you have rendered Dora, - go you must call there this afternoon if possible,” he. said. “T may be busy this afternoon,” replied Ed, thinking that perhaps he might go back to work if things got _ straightened out at the store. - “Then call this evening after supper.” - “Do,” begged Dora. “Won't you?” To refuse to do anything that so charming a gizl as if Dora West asked of him was not to be thought of, so Ed agreed to call that evening. Indeed, he was secretly delighted at the idea of visiting the young lady, for she had made a most decided impres- _ sion on him. It was a pleasure to feel that he had) rendered her a great service, for which she was evidently grateful, but he did not expect to see her again after she left Rockhaven and returned to her home. He walked a short distance up the beach with his new! friends, and then started for the store to change his|- _¢lothes, feeling rather dubious about the reception he ; “might receive from his uncle, whose business had suffered ‘considerably through his absence, not to ape of the pock-| ~ ethook sar CHAPTER Tl. ED 18 ARRESTED. Abel White was behind the counter. waiting on a cus- a LR when Ed looked in at the front door, and there were oe two other customers. standing around, one of whom was a} boy who was fees: aes of f dies that the paortieepes had opened that morning, and incautiously left exposed within reach of a pilferer. Ed concluded not to face his uncle then, so he went around to ate back of the house to reach the stairs that way. He had to pass through the kitchen, and he expected to meet Mrs. White there. She had sharp ears, though no sharper than her tongue, and she knew his step the moment she heard it. “Where have you been all mornin’?” she demanded acidly, when he stepped into the room where she was pre- paring’the noon meal. “Down at the shore,” replied Ed. “Oh, you have. doin’ to yourself? You look as if you’d been in the water.” “T have. I jumped in to save a young lady from drown- ing.” i ord “You saved her, I spose?” “Edad.” “And sp’iled your clothes. for? Don’t you know you had to go out and take the or- ders?” “Vd haye done it if Mr. White aa given me back the ten dollars he took out of my trunk.” “He thinks that money belongs to him.” “He has no right to think any such thing. Did he find his pocketbook?” “No, he didn’t,” snapped the woman. ought to give that book up. If you don’t you’ll be put in jail.” oe it “Why, White can’t put me in jail without proof that I | stole his wallet. As I didn’t steal it, I’m not likely to go to’ the lock-up.” “T thought you was there by this time.” “You did? What made you think that?” “Because Abel sent for the constable and told him to hunt you up.” For the land’s sake, what have you been What did you leave the store. “Tonio tang “Peers to me you nel “That was a mean thing for Mr. White to do. It shows 2 that he hasn’t got much feeling for me, though his first wife was my aunt.” . . “And ain’t I your aunt, too? Though I reckon you ain’t no great honor to me. full of money from his uncle will do wuss,” and the aDaick glared at Ed. “So you believe I took it, too?” “Who else could have taken it but you? Abel acciden- tally left it in the atone this mornin’, and there wasn’t no one in there but you.” A boy who will steal a pockethook “There were a number of customers.” wa eee “They wouldn’t take it.” “How do you know one of them wouldn’t take it if “e temptation was put in his way?” “They wouldn’t dare.” “Well, I don’t say any of them took it. I’d hate to think | that . anybody who deals with us is so dishonest. | ‘T feel sure that. Mr. White mislaid it, and iam find it when he looks in the right place.” 4 “Abel knows wh he went back for it.” | e he left it, and it wasn’t bei when :
Page 6
ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. & So you've got back, ch? Where have lie been?” Kd told him. “Well, I’ve hired a new boy.” “That's as much as to saw that you don’t want me any more,” said Kd. -“T don’t want no thief around my place.” “You have no right to call me one without some evi- dence.” “You took good care to hide the evidence.” - “All right. Since. you are determined to condemn me unjustly, I’ll-take my trunk and leave your house.” “No, you won’t take nothin’. .And you won’t leave, nuther, till the constable takes you away,” said the store- keeper, in a determined tone. “Took here, Mr. White, if you think to ride rough-shod over me you'll find yourself mistaken. I’m going to my room to change my clothes, then, 1 shall pack my trunk. bank, Some time this afternoon T’ll send around for it. Tf you refuse to let it go, Tl lodge a complaint against you with the justice.” “You will, eh?” replied the storekeeper, showing his teeth. “T will. You’ye sat on my neck for a. good many years, but there is a limit to ev erything. I shall make my own way in the world after this.” “T guess not. You'll. go to jail for stealin’ my pocket- Tfevou want to give it up now before the constable comes, I'll let you off, and you can*go to work in the store agin, but Tl deduct tr om your pay the fifty cents T’ll have to pay the boy for goin’ ar ound for the orders.” “And you'll return me that ten dollars you took out of my trunk?” “Tl think about that.” “T’ll wager you'll return it if T have you up befere the justice,” said Bd. “How dare you threaten me!” roared the old man, glar- ing at his nephew. “T’m only telling you what you may expect if you keep ~ my ten dollars.” “T reckon that money belongs to me. If you’re bad enough to steal a pocketbook with two hundred and fifty |1 Simtalts - ‘forte € A dollars in it, you're bad enough to sted] from the money drawer. At any bis T’ve missed said one time or another.” “T don’t believe you ever missed a aia If you had you'd have kicked like a steer at the time, and everybody in ‘the house would have known about it.” You remember me speakin’ to you about my missin’ __chinge from the till, don’t you, Maria‘ 2” he said to his - wife. You never said nothin’ to me about it that T kin re- " anentber; ” replied Mrs. White, who, whatever | her faults, cgi lie to oblige her husband. “T reckon your mem’ry must be gettin’ had, Maria,” said Mr. White, disappointed because she hadn’t backed him up. | the old. man, ovilleniely ill ra ease. “My mem’ry is as good as yours, and mebbe better, ” Te- torted his wife, tartly- Women ain’t a a head as good as a man,’ _ Monted - 5 Neither observed his departure, and they were beginning » to have it hot and heavy when a customer entered the store, and Mr. White had to retire from the field to wait on him. Ed removed all his wet clothes, put on dry ones, and was about to count the roll of money he had received From Mr. West, when:he heard steps on the stairs. He returned the money to his pocket, and was in the ‘act of opening his trunk when the door opened and in walked his uncle and Jones, the constable. “How do you do, Mr. Jones?” said Ed, politely. “How do you do, Ed? I suppose you know that your uncle charges you with taking his red pocketbook, in which . he says there was two hundred and fifty dollars?” The constable’s tone was friendly, for he liked Ed An- drews, and did not believe him eapable of theft. : “T ought to know it by this time, Mr. Jones. He ought to be ashamed of himself for accusing me of stealing when he hasn’t got any proof against me.” “Fe believes you took his wallet, for he’s sworn out a warrant against you, and, the justice gave it to me to serve,” said the constable, _ é “Then you’ve come here to arrest met 2” said Ed, flushing up. “That's about the size of it, though I regret that my ; duty compels me to do it,” replied the constable. “You — will be examined before the justice this afternoon, and if Mr. White can’t show good cause for haying you arrested, you can sue him for defamation of your character.” “What's that?” exclaimed the storekeeper, feeling as if somebody had poured cold. water Babies his back.’ “Sue me?” ats ‘ “Yes,” replied the constable. “You ‘have: charged the hoy with stealing your pocketbook. You must be able to produce better evidence than your mere belief that he — took it, or you are likely to get into peuble 3 he should take the matter up with a lawyer.” Mr. White was aghast at this seiner saith) phase = the case. . “T ain’t got no real proof ag’in him,” he faltered: “put s don’t know anybody else who could ‘Rive taken it. ” “T have been instructed to tell you to appear saint him at two o’clock or he'll be discharged.” “Mebbe it ain’t worth while takin’ him i in till is gets some ae evidence.” ns “T’ye got to execute the warrant.” ENE “Tl withdraw the charge for the present,” said the... store-keeper, nervously.” yo ae “You'll have to go before the justice to do.that.? ms “T can’t do that now. I ain’t got nobody to tend store. | Mrs. White is cookin’ dinner and can’t leave his: Ne ae “You can do it at two o’clock.” “All right. You needn’t arrest my stiohioayt “T’ve got to arrest him on the ec at * on 3 al “Phe justice will discharge him.” “Kin he sue me, then?” Tet iy : “That will depeniy. a3 you. had him arrested umneset a8 poe id sp = “But I’m willin’ to wait till I es more eridehoe:* Cees aie you’ye aot some evidence ies" him? pte
Page 7
“J dunno. I found ten dollars in his trunk when I searched it.” “That was money I have been saving up,” interposed Ed. “TI shall ask the justice to make him give it back to me.” K “Hadn’t you better search his clothes?” said Mr. White. “He may have the pocketbook on him now. He told me he was goin’ to pack his trunk and take it away this afternoon. That looks kind of suspicious.” The constable looked inquiringly at Ed. -“There’s nothing suspicious about me taking my trunk away when he told me he had hired a new boy and didn’t want a thief around the house. move, doesn’t it ?” said Hd. “Tf there’s any searching to be done, I’ll do it at the lock-up, not here,” said the constable. Ed thought of the roll of bills in his pocket, but he was not worried, for he knew he could account for the money being in his possession. “T’m ready to go with you, Mr. Jones,” he said. ~ “Come on, then. Lat be just in time to dine with me.” So Ed and the officer walked off leisurely together, eid though they passed many people on the street who knew Mr. Jones and his vocation, there was nothing in the man- ner of either that gave them the least suspicion that the boy was a prisoner. CHAPTER IV. ED 18 BROUGHT BEFORE THE JUSTICE. The lock-up was next door to Mr. Jones’ cottage. It consisted of a small office and three strong rooms with iron doors and barred windows, all on one floor. In the rear of this building was a barn where the con- stable kept his horse and light wagon. ~ Jones took his prisoner into his office. He opened a Beaks that he took from a drawer of his desk. _ In it he Crieced Ba’s name, address, occupation, the - charge against him, the name of his accuser, ete. eu Nig ” he said, “it is my duty to search you. You may hand me whatever you have in your pockets, and T will put them down in the book.” “Very well,” said Bd. “To begin with, here is a roll of 7 ~ money. Count it, please, for I haven’t had a chance to do __ that.yet. » oh The constable:looked astonished, “This isn’t the money—” “My uncle claims he lost? No. It’s my own, and, for- _ tunately, I can prove it. I saved the life of a young lady ‘i at the beach this morning, and her father loaned me that “money. ah - “Toaned it to you! pes __ “He wanted to give it to me, but I wouldn’t take it ex- i Be is ee pt asa loan. Ag I didn’t know but I’d have to leave the store after the charge my uncle made against me, I thought Be a aes Be fend to have a ‘Aittly sn? to fall back on,” That looks as if I had to et p “Then you ve if : ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. “There is two hundred and fifty dollars here—exactly the amount your uncle says*was in the pocketbook he lost. Rather singular coincidence, isn’t it?” said the a with a frown. “T admit that it is, but as long as I can aecount for it, what’s the difference?” replied the boy. “You say that you saved a young lady’s life at the shore, and her father gave or loaned you this money?” ; “¥es,”” “They are summer visitors, I suppose?” SNCS “Where are they stopping?” “At the Wave Crest Cottage.” “That’s one of those tony boarding places down near the shore. What is the gentleman’s name?” “George West, and his daughter’s name is Dora.” “Tell me how you saved the young lady,” said the con-_.. stable in a tone of interest. Ed related the incident. “By George! That was a plucky thing for you to do. You are ey idently a good swimmer or you couldn’t have done it.” “T can swim as good as any boy around here, and snr than most.” “Well, hand me whatever else you have in your ile ets.” Ed did so. — m The constable made a note of everything, and then placed them in his safe. “Now we'll go to dinner.” “T’m glad you didn’t search me at my room. Mr. White would have claimed that money as his.” “That wouldn’t have made it so, as long as you can come isfactorily account for it.” “He’s got ten dollars of mine already. I’m going to ask Justice Smith to order him to return it to me.” “Why did he take it from you—on suspicion that it was part of the two hundred and fifty?” “No. He took it because he said he believed that I had ’ been robbing his cash drawer of small sums at different times.” The constable whistled. “He seems to have a hard opinion of you, even if you are his nephew.” “He never accused me before of taking any money from him.” “T see. The loss of his pocketbook has kind of soured. him against you all of a sudden.” ' “Looks like it; but he never treated me decently 3 since . my aunt, his first wife, died. T’ve been trying to make up_ my mind for some time to leave him for good.” “You thought of leaving the village, then?” A) I did, but I've changed my mind since I’ve got that money.” tide z “Ves 2? fy oy Be “T intend to go into business for sayeete y “For yourself, eh? What at?” “Well, I’ve got an idea that an expresse route ee this village and Hampden, on the New York, New Have & Hartford Railroad will pay. Pes ; ‘ a betas PY hustle ae Ba, ‘for Bnek N Bh
Page 8
cae wagon.” him with their goods. cross—you know Buck—told me that he intended going into that business himself.” “Buck Norcross!” cried Ed. money to go into anything.” “J met him a couple of hours ago, and he told me a friend had loaned him the money he wanted to make a start.” “He got it nigh sudden, then. He was loafing around the store this morning while Mr. White was cating his breakfast; and he told me then he wished he had a hundred dollars so*he couid go into business. I asked him what kind of business he could go into on a hundred dollars, but he wouldn’t tell me. Buck has got such a hard reputation that I can’t imagine who would loan him a hundred dollars on his word, for he hasn’t any security to put up.” “Well, I don’t know anything about it. He told me he had the money, and was looking around for a horse and ~ “Why, he hasn’t any “Considering that I’m in trouble, he’s likely io get ahead of me. There isn’t énough in the thing for two to take it up.” : “J think you'll have the advantage of him anyway. He'll have a go@l deal of trouble getting people to trust He’s been in jail, you know, and that gives one an awful black eye in a village like this. soci L'were you P’d go ahead without reference. to him. Ad- doing that occasions his presence eter: NS vertise in the News as soon as you're ready to begin, and make a personal call on all the business houses that are likely to need your services.. As soon as you get started Tl sp&ak to people I*know and recommend you as an un- commonly smart young fellow to patronize.” + “Thank you, Mr. Jones. That’s kind of you.” . “Don’t mention it, and now we'll got into. the house and | eat.” _ Ed knew Mrs. Jones well, and she gave him a hearty | welcome. “T suppose: you'll he ned Mary, when Be tell you how it happens that we have the pleasure of Eid’s company to-day,” said her husband. “The fact, is he A vunder ar- rest.” : , “Under arrest!” exclaimed Mrs. soles oh, had quite a mea opinion of the boy. “Why, what has hedone?” “Tt isn’t what he’s done, but what he’s charged with replied “the con- stable, “the isn’t Sr oitar of killing any ome is he?” laughed Mrs. Jones. __ “ffardly. His uncle is the complainant. Mr, White has “an ‘idea that Ed stole a pocketbook of his which he alleges contained two hundred and fifty dollars.” ‘said Ed, gratefully. ~uncle’s pocketbook. TI am sure he must have mislaid it, and - will find it before long. Being greatly put out over his “Bd steal a pocketbook! I don’t believe it, ” said Mrs. Jones, energetically. “Thank you, Mrs. Jones, for your good opinion of me,” -“T assure you that I did not steal my. loss, he made me thé goat because he had to blame some- hody. ” It’s been his custom to blame me for everything hat has gone wrong at the store, but this is the limit, and don’t | a to give him sprcttee chance to sit on my| never suspicioned he took it,” said Mr. White, nervously 2 Bee eo et - ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. ay “Cause he was His enthusiastic description of that young lady’s many charms made the constable’s wife laugh, and she remarked that she was afraid Ed had lost his heart to the fair ied sprite. “Now, Hd,’ said the constable, “Ill have to report to _ Justice Smith that when I searched you according to cus- tom I found two hundred and fifty dollars in your pocket. ee As that happens to be the exact sum that was in your | uncle’s pocketbook, I think we had better call on Mr. West, explain the trouble you are in, and get him to come to the justice’s office and testify that he gave you that amount of money at the time you saved his daughter from drowning.” “I'm afraid the justice will hive to take my word, as Mr. West went to Boston shortly after I left him and his: daughter,” replied Ed. “That’s awkward,” said the ‘cheb, scratching his chin. “When will he.return? This evening?” “T couldn’t tell you; but very likely he will, as Boston is not such a great way from here.” “Well, Miss West saw her father give you the money, didn’t she?” “Yes? “Did he mention the amount at the time?” “He did not. He just pulled the roll out of his pocket and stuffed it into my. hand.” “She could testify to the fact, at any rate.” She could, but I wouldn’t like to ask her to come to the justice’s office,” said Ed. Boalt gratitude for saving her life T should think she: d- be plad to do anything that would help you out of the | serape you are in.’ “I have no doubt she would, but I feel av ‘erse to dime” her just the same.” “You must realize that under the circumstances the jus- ‘tice will require that your statement of how you obtained the exact sum of money which your uncle oe Ma in his pocketbook he corroborated.” ' “That can be done when Mr. West sets back. y “But in the meantime the justice will remand you back - to my care until the matter is satisfactorily settled.” _ “T can’t help that, Mr. Jones.” “Well, it’s getting on to two now. Smith’s office,” said the officer. We'll go over to Mr. Ed’s arrest not having got abroad, there was nobody in €: the justice’s office when they arrived there. Abel White turned up at two. * He at once showed a disposition to withdraw hes com=" ie plaint. “What did you make it for if you didn’t have sufficient ee “You | don’t appear very well disposed toward your nephew, who aad evidence to substantiate it?” demanded Smith. has been living with you a number of years.” “T reckon he took my pocketbook, but I can’t Boe: i meee a in an injured tone. aoe “Has your nephew conducted himself in a way i arouse replied the old man, your stispicions concerning his honesty?” ; “Tye missed money from my till at odd aoe but I “Then why do you suspect him now?” ‘in aati store while my ponketoak Ww fev "3 ay, 1 es “a
Page 9
§ ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. there, and when I come to look for it it was gone. else could have taken it,” said the store-keeper, doggedly. “What have you to say to this charge, young man?” asked the justice, looking at Ed. “T never: saw his frockesbooks and don’t know anything about. it, sir,” “When did you: leave your poeketbook in 1 dhe store, and where 2” asked Smith, turning to Mr. White. -“When I went to breakfast-this morning. my desk at the end of the counter.” “You were in the store when your uncle went to break- fast?” asked the justice of Ed. “Yes, sir,” replied the boy. he goes to his meals.” “Were you alone?” “Part of the time I was. and I waited on them.” -“Do you remember who the customers were?” “Yes, sir. There was Mr. Whipple; Miss Green and John Persons—that’s all, except Buck Norcross. He was in there while I was waiting on the customers.” “Buck Norcross, eh?” said the justice, who, in common with the rest of the community, had no great opinion of that individual. “What did he want in the store? Did he come to buy anything?” “He bought a plug of navy tobacco, and then stood around chinning about the hard deal the world was giving him. He said if he could get one hundred dollars things would be different with him.” ’ “He said that?” said the justice, knitting his owe: “Yes, sir. He said he knew of a business he could put it in and make money.” As Norcross had never shown any great desire to ghey I left it on “T always stay there when Then some customers came in his time to good advantage, this statement on his part| ‘ seemed a bit surprising. “Hum!” said Justice Smith. “You didn’t notice, I suppose, whether Norcross went near your uncle’s desk?” “No, sir; I didn’t pay particular attention to his move- ments while I was waiting on the customers.” “Qould he have reached the desk without going behind the counter?” “Yes, sir; but he had no business to go near it.” As Buck Norcross’ reputation for honesty was not above suspicion, it was ‘clear that the justice had some doubts about that person’s movements while he was in Mr. White’ 8 store. + “Well, Mr. White, do I understand that you wish to withdraw your charge against your nephew?” he said. “TY reckon I do for the \present,” ne the storekeeper, reluctantly. ©. oy “Before the charge is - dismissed, “your honor,” inter- ~ posed Constable Jones, “I wish to say that I found the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars in ‘Ed Andrews’ pocket.” . The justice looked asvane while Mr. White suddenly frightened up. ] know’d he stole my bealetionk: ” said the store- ” keoper. = 5 Sreowever, is explained how ts got ie money,’ he on - the constable, ee . “How. did you get it, young man?” sas) Justice Salts Nobody ‘seco Mr. West. who had heard about Dora’s narrow escape, and were told his een e as eseue of Dora West, and A / Mr. West had given him the money, or, rather, loaned it to him. “Y don’t believe no sich yarn,” said the store- -keeper. “Tow did he happen to git just the amount that was in my pocketbook?” “It is a rather remarkable coincidence,” admitted the justice; “but if your nephew’s statement is true it can easily be corroborated by Mr. West himself. Where is he stopping ?” “At the Wave Crest Cottage, with his wife and daugh- ter; but he went to Boston this morning after I sayed his daughter,” said Ed. “Fumph !” exclaimed the store-keeper. “He'll return this afternoon, late, I suppose?” said the justice. “T suppose so,” replied Ed. “Under the circumstances I will continue this examina- tion until to-morrow, and parole the accused in the custody _ of the constable, unless you are still disposed to withdraw the complaint,” said the justice to Mr. White. “T reckon I won’t withdraw it now,” said the store- keeper. “I know’d the truth would come out. said——” ® “That will do, Mr. White,” said Smith, abruptly. “The case is continued. Mr. Jones, you will be responsible for the production of the young man to-morrow. You vad he had better call at Wave Crest Cottage this evening and’ The court is adjourned.” CHAPTER V. ED IS DISCHARGED FROM OUSTODY. Maria - y. Ed had supper that evening with the constable and his ° wife, and soon afterward he and Mr. Wave Crest Cottage. They found Mr, West, his wife and daughter on the ve- randa in company with other guests. As soon ag Dora saw Ed she jumped up and came. for- ward to greet him. “Tm go glad you called, ” she said.’ for you.” “Miss West, allow me te make you acquainted with Mr, Jones, the village constable,” said Ed. Jones started for' “We were looking — The young lady said she was glad to know Mr. Jones, but\to say the truth she would aye much preferred thai “ees Tid had come alone. “Come now, Mr. Andrews, I want to introduce you to fhe my mother. She is very desirous of meeting you, as’ she wishes to thank you for saving me from a eu grave,” said Dora. Accordingly Ed was introduced to Mrs. West, who didn’t . ha look very strong. The lady hastened to express her gratitude in ae terms. ‘Ed then introduced the constable to Mr. and Mrs. West. “Mr. West after that introduced Eq to the other gesté, rious to see her picky rescuer. oe Sa
Page 10
ED, THE: EXPRESS. BOY.. As soon as politeness would permit, Ed told Mr. West that he would like to see him privately for a few minutes. “Certainly,” said the gentleman, and with the constable they walked down to the gate, but not before Dora had said that Ed must not go away without seeing her again. “Mr. West,” began the boy, “I’m in a bit of trouble, and you can help me out.” “Trouble!” exclaimed the gentleman. “I’m sorry to hear that; but if I can help you out of it you may depend on me doing it.” Ed then told him how his unele had had him arrested on the charge of stealing his pocketbook, which he ayerred contained two hundred and fifty dollars. Mr. West expressed the surprise the announcement caused him. __ “My unele has no evidence against me, and the charge would have been dismissed by the justice but for the fact that the roll of money you gave me this morning was found on me when I was searched by the constable. “AN T want you to do is corroborate my statement that you'gave me two hundred and fifty dollars this morning.” _“T will willingly testify that I gave you a sum of money amounting to something over two hundred dollars, but I do not remember the exact amount that was in the roll,” a ee Mr, West. “As long as you are sure it amotinted to more than two panied dollars, sir,” said Constable Jones, “T think that will cover the gemini: Ed bears a first-class reputation in _ the village, and I for one don’t believe him guilty of taking his uncle’s pocketbook. Tt was a singular coincidence that ‘the money you gave him should tally with the sum that Mr. White asserts that he lost. But for that fact Justice Smith would have discharged him, for there was no real ~ evidence against him. The justice desired that I should isk ~~ Justice Smith’s house on my way home. my house to-night, so try and. get there not later than half- » past ten,” said the constable. call with Ed and see you this evening in order that you might call at his office in the morning and substantiate _,Hd’s story.” ““T will do so with pleasure,” said Mr. West. hour?” “As you may wiih to take the boat for Boston in the “At. what _ morning, which leaves at nine, I can arrange with the jus- tice to meet you at eight.” “Very well. Where is his office?” “Three blocks up Main street, on the other side. cane will show you.” “T will be there at eight o’clock.” “Axi right, sir. Now, ‘a, T'll leave you here and call at You will sleep at Any- “T'll be there by that time, Mr. Jones,” replied Ed. '. The constable took his departure, and Ed and Mr. West returned to the veranda, where the boy. ‘passed’ a pleasant A iret ng, chiefly in ‘Dora’ s society, jen young lady seemed quite taken with Ed, and they got on swimmingly together. - possible, he’d be at the iéiich in the; morning about ten to go in bathing with hens eet eyo: She said she’d be delighted to have his ‘compaiy, for | as § uch a meets swimmer that s she'd feel a safe with i ~ He ‘said, if it 8 Kd then wished her and her parents. good-night, and oe his way to Constable Jones’ cottage. Mr. West called at the office of Justice Smith go morn- ing and convinced that gentleman that Ed had come by the two hundred and fifty dollars in.a perfectly legitimate way. The constable was present at the interview, and the jus- tice told him to bring Ed around at two o’clock, when Abel White would be on hand. rf d The officer returned home and gave the boy permission to put in his time as it suited him, but to be back at the cottage at half-past twelve for dinner, Ed shortly afterward started for Wave Crest Cottage. . Dora was waiting for him, and they went to the beach together, Ed promising Mrs. West that he would look out” for her daughter in the water. The young people spent an hour in their bathing aie and enjoyed themselyes hugely. Kd taught Dora.a few new wrinkles in the. swimming line, and she declared. that it was a first-class treat to have him with her. She wanted him to take her down in ihe afternoon, but he told her he had some business on hand, and she would have to excuse him. After dinner Constable Jones and Ed went to the office of the justice, and found Abel White waiting. “Have you secured any further evidence against your nephew ?” asked Smith. “T reckon I don’t need any more. on him,” replied the store-keeper. “You are in error, Mr. White. That money rightfully belongs to Andrews,” said the justice. | “How does it?” snorted Abel White, in great surprise. Wy here would he git two hundred and fifty dollars, tust the amount that was in the pocketbook?” — “You heard his explanation yesterday.” “That was nothin’ but a cock-and-bull story.” “On the contrary it was quite true. The gentleman who presented him with the money called here and up cor= roborated his story.” — “Huh |” grunted the store-keeper. My money was found “As there is no“evidence on which to hold the prisoner, © I shall discharge him from custody,” said the justice, writ- ing the word “Discharged” across the complaint. Mr, White looked thoroughly disgusted. \ He was still more disgruntled when Ed told the justice that his uncle had taken ten dollars of his money from his trunk, when he searched it the previous morning on Pear suspicion: that his pocketbook was hidden i in ve and me) ag Y : to give it back to him. “As Tm not going back to live with Mr. White any more, T hope you will order my uncle to return me the ten dol- - - lars,” concluded Ed. Justice Smith questioned the ee ee sta stag % money, and Mr. White had to admit that ie had no real right to the ten dollars. i “Very well, then I direct you ” set it as your nephew at once.” : ahaa | ents got no ten calles with me? protested the: old man. “Phen give i it ie ta when he ae on you and demands
Page 11
10 ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. ' Outside Mr. White tried to make up with Ed, for he didn’t want to lose his services, as the boy was much more valuable to him, and cheaper, than any other boy he could get to take his place. Ed, however, had made up his mind to quit him, and wouldn’t listen to his proposals. His uncle had ‘laid the last straw on his back when he accused him without proof.of stealing his old red pocket- book, and had him arrested. The boy had his mind made up to start his own route to fortune, and now that he had capital enough to make a start he proposed, to lose no time getting on the job. “T’ll give you another dollar a week,” said Abel White, as a temptation to alter his determination, though he hated to yield up to that extent. ; “No, sir, I wouldn’t work for you again at any price,” replied Ed, resolutely. “Tt ain't Christidn-like to bear a grudge ag’in your uncle,” almost whined the store-keeper. “T don’t hold any grudge against you. through with you.” ‘ “You're down on me-’cause I had you arrested. I'll al- low that I acted a leetle too quick. Somebody stole my pockethook, and I thought it was you, seein’ as you was in the store at the time. If you leave me yow'll put me ina hole.” “JT can’t help that. I didn’t start this trouble. If you hadn’t accused me of stealing your pocketbook, and then - taken my ten dollars, I should be still working for you. _ Now you'll have to get another assistant, for Tm going into business for fiiyselt 2 “Eh? Goin’ into business for yourself? What are you | goin’ to do?” asked the old man curiously. “JT will send you my business card after I get started, and you can patronize me if you think it is to your inter- est,” replied Hd. “Huh! !” exclaimed Abel White. “Tt is time that I did something worth while, future depends on myself.” “You'll make ducks and drakes of that money the gen- tleman gave you for savin’ his darter. Better give it to me and let me keep it for you till you git of age.” “Don’t you worry about what will happen to that money. I expect to return it to the gentleman out of the profits of my business.” “Huh!” ejaculated the store-keeper again. don’t mean to return to the store ?” “No, sir. I will call at the house this afternoon or to- morrow for my traps and the ten dollars you owe me, plus half a week’s wages, As you may be busy in the store, you better leave the mone¥ with your wife to give me.” “Huh!” said Abel White for the third time. “Now good-by. I’ve got business to attend to, and can- not talk to you any longer,” concluded Ed, nodding to his uncle and walking off., I am simply since my « “So you CHAPTER VI. eo: i ED ‘GUTS READY FOR BUSINESS. ‘Phe first thing Ed did was to call at the home of his Faasich Bob Sedgwick. - Bob was iowottring of a antes, ~ hod a Tittle shop - fitted up in the loft of the barn. — Instead of going around to the back door and asking for Bob, Ed went straight to the barn. He expécted to find Bob in his shop, and he was not disappointed. “Hello, Ed. You haven’t made up with your uncle yet, eh?” said Bob, judging from Hd’s presence at his house at that time of the day. “No. T’ve quit him for good,” replied his friend. “That so? your trunk, I thought maybe you’d patched things up.” He went the limit this time, and I’m through with him. What do you suppose he did?” “T couldn’t guess,” replied Bob, laying down the ham- mer and looking at Ed. “He had me arrested on the charge of stealing his pocketbook.” As you didn’t come around yesterday with “Go on; you don’t mean that,” almost gasped Bob in” surprise, “7 do mean it, house.” “Well, your uncle is meaner than dirt. However, got off all right or you wouldn’t be here now.” “Yes, Justice Smith discharged me for want of evi- dencas I'd got off yesterday afternoon but for the fact that two hundred and fifty dollars, the exact sum that my uncle claimed was in his lost pocketbook, was found in my Dock sh by the constable.” “Two hundred and fifty dollars! How came all that! money in your pocket ?” asked Bob, clearly astonished. “T put it there.” “You did?” “Yes. The money belonged to me.” “Where did you get it?” CA gentleman by the name of West, a summer visitor from Boston, loaned it to me for saving his daughter from I spent last night at Constable Jones’, you ae ae drowning at the beach yesterday morning soon after you — left me.’ “Ts that a fact ?” said Bob, in surprise. “Tt is,” and Ed proceeded to relate the incident in ques- tion to Bob. “Gee! You’re all right, Ed. So you made two hundred and fifty dollars by saving the girl ?” Mr. West wanted to T don’t be- “No, I only borrowed the money. give it to me, but I wouldn’t have it that way. lieve in taking pay for saving a person’s life. Wife is one thing that’s above financial consideration. Mr. West no doubt considers his daughter of more importance than all he’s worth. He couldn’t really pay me for the service I rendered him, so why should I accept such a sum as two hundred and fifty dollars?” “T suppose you borrowed the money to see you suaunl in case you broke with your uncle altogether ?” “T borrowed it with an eye to business. I’m going to start an express route from here to Hampden.” “Tyo you mean that?” “T certainly do. some time, though I had little expectation of ever realizing i Pye been figuring on the matter for — my idea, because I saw no way of securing the capital to start with. Now that I’ve got hold of all the money. T ‘need, I’m going to begin business right away.” rise oe “y wish T ces a in with mp Be saath one of the ¥ A question. Ei Sigel pee dy ate: Boe.
Page 12
ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. “There’s only a living for one in it to start with; but I hope to build it up into a money-making venture.” “T suppose you mean to make regular daily trips to Hampden and back in a wagon, carrying trunks and mer- chandise back and forth?” “That’s the idea. It’s a wonder to me that no such route has been established before, for it would be a great convenience to this place, particularly when the summer. boat from Boston has stopped running. During the sea- son most everything is brought down on her, but she only makes one round trip a day, leaving here at nine and Bos- Aon at four. Tt takes her three hours. Now the stage that runs between this place and Hampden carries, besides her passengers, only the mail and express matter and baggage. Often the latter has to be brought here on a special team, “when there’s a rush of visitors. The store-keepers have had to get all their stuff down by boat, or send specially tg - Hampton for it if they order it from the city by rail. So you see there’s a good opening for a regular express busi- ness between here and Hampden, and if I don’t tackle it somebody else will pretty soon.” “T euess you can do well at it. You're strong and used ‘to work,” said Bob. ol mean t6 push it for all it’s worth.” .. “Where are you going to live—here or in Hampden?” ~T**{ shall live here, and make two trips a day.” “Two trips? That's going some. Do you think you can tap that up?” _ “Why not? I guess a good horse can stand it, and if he “can, V’ll hold up my end. My idea is to leave here at seven in the morning so as to connect with the train that reaches Hampden at nine from Boston. I expect to be able to leave Hampden at half-past nine, and get back at twelve. Then Ill start on my second trip about three, so as to meet the five o’clock train. That will bring me back here at eight in the evening.” “That looks like work.” _ “Well, I’m not going into this thing for amusement.” “T don’t see how yowll be able to make two daily trips in winter when there is snow on the ground, not to speak of _Tunning into a snow storm once in awhile.” “Oh, it may not be necessary to make a double trip in the winter. 1 might do it occasionally, then, if the eondi- tions admitted of it, and I had enough business to-war- np ty” d » €You’ll have to have two horses, won’t you? One for the nahi trip: and one for the afternoon trip. One horse “S¥ould soon give out, I should think.”. SeteV es. T guess I will.” é “Then yowll have to have a stable to put them i in, anda ' place for your wagon. I'l] ask my father if you can use our barn. It’s plenty big enough to accommodate you, and you could board with us, too. How would that suit: eles p? “First rate. I’m willing to pay for the use of a part of and lodging.’ ed . “You ean bunk in with me, and my mother won’t charge . yen barn, and whatever yo folks sabe is right for board | 11 “Tll ask my mother now, and my father when he gets home after business,” said Bob. “Nothing like doing things up quick.” Accordingly, Bob left the loft and went to the house.: He was back in about ten minutes. “My mother says you can stop with us,” he said. “She said there won’t be any difficulty about you getting the use of the barn either if you stop with us.” “Tm glad to hear it. I was afraid I might have some trouble finding a stable to suit me. The horses and the wagon will be safe here, and so will any stuff that z may have to hold over night.” “Are you going to have an office where orders can be left?” asked Bob. “Sure, J’ll have to. Main street.” “Where are you going now?” “To look up a couple of good strong animals. Vl get desk room in some store on The wagon I'll have to buy in Hampden.” “You'll start up as soon as you get your team?” “Of course. I’m not going to let the grass grow under my feet.” “Well, we eat about six. I'll look for you at SER time. How about your trunk?” “Tl go for it to-morrow, probably.” Ed went away to look up the two horses he needed in his business. ‘ Tn the course of an hour he had found what he wanted and bought them, leaving orders for them to be taken to Bob’s house. Then he purchased some feed for them and aa that sent, too. The next thing he did was to visit the office of the Rock- haven Weekly News and order 500 business cards. He furnished the following copy: ED, THE EXPRESS: BOY, OFFICE: TIM FLYNN’S FEED AND GRAIN STORE, MAIN ST., Ts prepared to carry trunks and small packages of mer- chandise between Hoghiares and Hampden at Tedernable rates. : Two trips daily, setenclias with the 9 A. M. and F P.M. trains from Boston.’ Prompt seryice guaranteed. — GIVE ME A TRIAL. Ep Anprews, | o Proprietor. ‘Then he made out the following advertisement to be in- serted in the next and succeeding issues of the paper: ‘ * NOTICE! NOTICE! NOTICH! NEW EXPRESS ROUTE BETWEEN ROCKHAVEN ~ AND HAMPDEN. TWO ROUND TRIPS DATLY. : . Connecting with the 9 a. M. and 5 P. M.. trains from ried. Bt. asdeable rates. Prompt service and satisfaction Fi guaranteed. ss ED, THE F EXPRESS BOY, Office Tim Eye es and Grain St
Page 13
12 By this time it was after five o’clock, so Ed returned to Boh Sedgwick’s house, and found his friend reading on the veranda waiting for him to show up. He told Bob what he had done, and Bob told re that the horses and the feed had both arrived and were in the barn. “Tl take the stage in the morning and go to Hampden to look up a suitable wagon,” said Ed. “TI guess I can find what I want there.” “You're a hustler, all right, Hd,” said Bob. “Another chap, after working as steadily as you have for so long at White’s store, would take a lay off for awhile before jump- ing into such a strenuous business as an express route.” “Can’t afford such a luxury at present: Besides, Mr. Jones told me that Buck Norcross told him that he was ' going into the same scheme as I’ve taken up with, and it won't do to let Norcross get the start of me.. I want to be the first in the field, and then maybe Norcross will change his mind.” “Did Buck really. say he was going into the @xpress business ?”” “He. told Mr. Jones that he was.’ “Where is he going to get the money.to ae mb with? He hasn’t got a cent.” : “T believe he’s found a backer.” “Anybody who loans him money has my sympathy, for the chances are he’ll never get it back.” At that moment the bell rang for supper and the boys went in. PERE DALES TEN CHAPTER VII. BUSINESS RIVALS. That evening Ed paid another visit £0, Wave Crest Cot- tage. He received a cordial greeting from Mr. and Mrs, West, and a warm one from Dora. He told them about his plans for the fie and Mr. West thought the express route an excellent idea. “You ought to do well at it,” he said, “for you'll have the field to yourself, and in my opinion such a route is much needed by the business people of this village. If you need any money, don’t fail to tell me, and Vl let you have it. ”? “T guess I have plenty. If the wagon costs more than I have figwred on, I dare say I can get time on a portion of the price.” “Better let me loan you another hundred, for that seems to be the only way you'll agGeDt Boney from me,” said the . gentleman. tie After some talk Ba agreed to arto one hundred dol- lats more, and he got it. ' “When do you expect to start in?” asked Mr. West. “On Monday morning. I gle believe I’ll be in shape ; before then.” -. “Will-you take me with you on your ‘fast sca 2” asked “T’ll be your mascot. It’s a good idea to have one, ; said Hd. ‘Dora. for then you *re sure to succeed, Mie Ai ‘ ieee “Why, you wouldn't ride on a ~ wag gon, would you,| Hampden?” he ee } | for false imprisonment and got damages. start an express route to Hampden... ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. “T would with you,” she replied sweetly. “It is very kind of you to say so, but as I shall start out at seven in the morning, you are not likely to be up at that hour.” 2 “T’ll get up in time to go with you on your first trip, even if you started at daylight,” she said. “Well, if your father and mother are willing you should go, I'll t@#&e you and feel delighted at the honor.” “Very well. J shall hold you to your word. You'll call | for me on Monday morning at seven o’clock ?” “Yes. You will. get back here ahout noon,” That matter being settled, they began talking about something else. Ed went to Hampden next morning on the stane, found just the wagon he wanted, and bought it. He also purchased the harness he needed. He got back to Rockhaven about seven o’clock and found that Mrs. Sedgwick had kept his supper warm in. the oven. Next morning was Saturday, and taking one of hig horses he rode to Hampden, harnessed him to the wagon and got back to the village in time for dinner. Then he and Bob drove to Mr. White’s store. He packed his trunk and loaded it on the wagon. : He entered the store and asked his» uncle for the ten dollars and two days’ wages. The old man handed him the money very grudgingly" “When are you goin’ in business, and what are you goin’ to do?” asked the store-keeper. “T’m going to se on Monday. ‘There’s my business card,” “The express Picnasg eh?” said the old man, in sur- prise. “I reckon you won’t make nothin’ out of it.. Buck Noreross was in here awhile ago and said he was going to I promised to patron- ie him, for he said he wouldn’t charge me much. You won’t stand no show ag’in him, for he’s a man, while you’ré - only a boy. People won’t have confidence in you.” “Do you think they'll have any confidence in him?” ° asked Ed. / “Why not?” “You know what his reputation is in the villas “He isn’t so bad as he’s painted, I guess.” Pane not; but when a fellow has been in jail for steal- ing “You was in jail, too, wasn’t you?” _ No, I wasn’t. I stopped with Mr. Jones ‘i his house. I wouldn’t have been arrested but for you. It’s lucky for. you I wasn’t put in the lock-up, or I might have sued you — Did you find — your pocketbook yet?” “No, I haven’t. If you ‘didn’t take ‘it somebody ae did, and i ig spendin’ my money. Who did you tell the dus: tice was in my store that mornin’ ?” : Ed mentioned the perpen, winding up with Buck Nor cross. “T don’t eleva! none of them would take it. Besides, how could they with you there?” _ “Buek is the only one I'd suspect of an such a thing? ‘ies “Why would you suspect him?? ' “Because he isn’t to be trusted.” _ Sekine you didn’t see him nea my desk, did: you
Page 14
“7 can’t say that I did, though he hung around that end of the room while I was waiting on Mr. Whipple. He was talking to me when the store was empty. He said if he had a hundred dollars he’d go into business and make money. A couple of hours later he met Mr. Jones and told him that some friend of his had loaned him the money he - wanted to go into the express business. If I was you I’d try to find owt where Buck got the money so soon. You might find some connection between it and your missing. pocketbook.” The old man looked a bit startled. “Do you really think he took my pocketbook ?” he asked. ~ “¥ don’t say he took it. I only say that it’s funny how he got the money be wanted so soon.” Haying spoken his suspicions, Ed bade his uncle good-by and drove away with Bob, leaving Abel White in a re- flective mood. Ed spent the rest of the day visiting the business people of Rockhaven, soliciting custom for his express route, leav- Ing’ his card in each place. ' A good many people had also seen ‘his advt. in the News, which was published that morning. Among the number was Buck Norcross. That individual was rather disconcerted when he read it. ~S#fe- knew that Ed had left the site rather suddenly, and supposed he intended to quit the village. When he saw that the boy had embarked in the very “business he had in view, he was somewhat staggered. He swore some under his breath, for though he did not regard Ed as a dangerous rival on account of his youth, still there was a possibility that the: boy might hurt him at the start. “He must have got some money out of his uncle,” he -Muttered. “I wonder how he came. to take up with the ex- press business? J didn’t say nothin’ about it to him. | Well, _ he’s only a boy. He won't be able to make it go. As soon as I get started I'll do him right up. People would rather have a man like me take charge of their stuff than ‘an _eighteen-year-old kid. What does he know about the ex- press business anyway? Goin’ to make two trips a day, . too. He can’t, do it with no horse that steps on two feet. “That shows what: a lobster he is’ I can see his finish right how. I ought to have put an advt. in the paper, too, though ‘T ain’t ready for business yet. Well, I’ll do it next Satur- day. Tl put in a bigger advt. than his, and have it printed on the same page. I’ll begin it this way: ‘Buck Norcross’ siapress, The only reliable institution of its kind in Rock- haven. Beware of imitators that promise to do a lot and perform nothin’. Norcross’ express will carry anythin’ at bottom rock prices. One trial will prove that Buck Nor- cross knows his business from the ground floor up.” That ought to squelch Ed Andrews and put his express route on the bum.” Ed was on his way home, as he now called Bob’s house, - when heysaw Norcross in front of the Rockhaven House talking to one of the habitues of the billiard and pool room. Buck saw | him, ate and hailed him when he was on the ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. % 1s pretty shrewd notion that Norcross wanted ‘to say some- thing about his business announcement in the News. — “Nothin’ is troublin’ me, but I guess somethin’ will be troublin’ you afore long,” replied the man, pointedly. “What do you refer to! £2 “You put an advt. in to-day’s News statin’ that you in- tend to carry on an express business *tween here and Hampden,” “What if I did? Anything wrong in that?” “T s’pose you think you can do it?” “Yes, I think I can make a success of it.” “What do you know about runnin’ an express pote: You’re only a store boy,” sneered Norcross. “That's one of my business secrets.” “Tt’s my opinion you won’t last more’n a week.” “Tm sorry you have such a poor opinion of my abilities.” “T ain’t sayin’ nothin’ ag’in your abilities as a store boy. But you have a I reckon you’re smart as any boy at that. nerve thinkin’ you can run an express route.” “Suppose I have, you’re not particularly ere are you, whether I make a success or failure of my venture?”” “Look here, Ed Andrews, what put it into your head to take up with the express business?” “Why do you ask! ” ‘“Because I’m goin’ into the business myself, and there isn’t enough in it for two.” | fTf you think that, you'd better stay out of it, then,” said Ed, calmly. “Why, confound your impudence! I thought of the ‘busi- ness first, and you ain’t got no right to try and cut me out of it,” roared Norcross, angrily. ' “How do you know you “Thought of it first?” “T know I did. Didn’t I tell you the other mornin’ at the store that I was goin’ into it?” “No; you never mentioned the express ehathead said if | you had a hundred dollars you’d go into business and make money.” “Well, I meant the express business.” “How could I tell what you meant? I’m not a mind reader.” “T must have let somethin’ out that put you.on to it.” “No, you didn’t give me the slightest hint of what you wanted the hundred dollars for.” “Then how came you to think of the same thing?” “T’ve been thinking about the scheme for more than six months back.” “You never said nothin’ to me rae it when { came into — the store.” 3 “Tt isn’t caer for me. to tel people what Pm think ing about.” .. “Well, you’re a fool to take up with that business, for as soon as I start in myself there won?t be nothin’ for you “fa 1 do.” “Pll take the chances of that. . When. de: you Rage to start?” “That’s my bacon” pean Aideaniees “You'd better begin soon, Buck,” laughed - na, 4 “or rn ye have everything i in sight, and then it won't be worth your while getting in on the job.” “That go?” sneered ore: ' the as co Se You * iM a ‘You'll find the bei on cs 5
Page 15
14 “Tf I do, I’ ne aall out to you,” aWueltod Ed, who thee walked away. —_— CHAPTER VIII. ED'S SUCCESSFUL START. Ed’s express route had been favorably commented on by the editor of the News, who referred to his advt. in another part of the paper, and said that his project would fill a long-felt want. Before the boy met Buck Norcross he had called upon a dozen or more business men in the village, handed them his card, and told them that on and after the following Monday he would be prepared to carry between Rockhaven and Hampden any package of merchandise, not too heavy to handle in a light wagon, at reasonable rates. He received many promises of encouragement in his en- terprise, for most of the store-keepers were glad to have a daily express route established between Hampden and the village. In one store a farmer, who was making some purchases, asked him what he’d charge to carry three barrels of pota- toes from his farm, along the road he would traverse, to a Hampden grocery | store, “Twenty-five cents a barrel,” pepliod Ed. “Well, you can call on your way Monday morning and get them,” said the farmer, telling him where his place was. “I’m pretty busy harvesting now, and I can’t afford to send a team to town with those potatoes.” “All right, sir,” replied Ed, registering his first order. “You might as well take a box of goods for me that Mr. Hickey,” that was the name of the farmer, “has just bought,” said the storekeeper. “It will be right on your way. How much will you charge me?” ~ “How big is the box?” asked Ed. The store-keeper told him. ' “Tt will cost you a quarter, Mr. Pratt.” “All right. When do you leave Monday morning?” “Seven o'clock. Can I get the box at that hour? not, I'll call for it to-night.” “The store is open at seven.” _ “Allright, sir. Vll call a few minutes before that time,” said Ed. “Well, I’ve got a dollar’s worth of business to commence with,” thought the young expressman, as he walked out of Pratt's grocery store. “I expected that I If wouldn’t have anything to take on my first trip. A dollar] isn’t much, but it’s better than nothing. Besides, it shows that I’ve made a real start.” Before F Ed reached the Sedgwick house he picked up two more commissions, amounting to nearly another pater to take to Hampden. At the supper table he told about his encounter with Buck Norcross. “Buck is sore because you’ve gone into the business that he picked out,” laughed Bob. “He expected to enjoy a _ monopoly, and now you'll cut into his profits. You'd better keep your eyes skinned, for he’s~just the ee fo lay you ioe ue ey trick to even with Bho nae ma lb soe, a a), Bisse a EXPRESS BOY, f doth to the merchants when he goes around soletking business, but I don’t think his talk will carry far.” “He can’t hurt you that way. He’ll try to do it, of course, but you needn’t mind that. What I mean is he’ll try to work off some scaly, underhand job on you, hoping to put you out of business: He isn’t to be trusted, so you want to keep your weather eye lifting all the time.” — “T’ll keep a watch out for him.” “Tf I was you I’d insure the wagon and horses. They represent the bulk of your invested capital. It won't pay you to take any chances,” said Bob. Ed thought his friend’s suggestion good, and said he would adopt it. Next morning when Eid woke up the rain was pattering heavily on the root, That fact reminded him that he would have to buy a- water-proof garment to protect himself soa a possible . rain storm. He would also need an oiled covering to protect the goods he was carrying under like circumstanees. It also struck him that he would need a couple of lamps, but there was no immediate hurry to get them. “Tt’s cost me over the original two hundred and fifty dollars so far to fit myself out; I wonder how Buck Nor- cross expects to start on one hundred?” thought Ed. “Maybe he’s got more than one hundred. It wouldn't. | greatly surprise me to learn that he is the party who got away with my uncle’s pocketbook, and the two hundred and ~ fifty that was in it. I tipped Mr. White off to the possibil- ity of it, now it’s up to him to try and find out whether there is any truth in it.” The weather cleared during the afternoon, and Ed went over to Wave Crest Cottage. ‘ He took Bob with him and introduced him to Dora, ~ Bob was quite struck with the girl’s good looks and piquant manners. The three took a walk together along the biol, which | was pretty well populated with afternoon bathers. They decided to take a dip themselves. “J won’t get another chance till next Sunday,” said Ed. They spent half an hour in the water, Hd and Dora.- swimming out beyond the end of the life-line. : Bob didn’t dare venture out so far, and waited impa- tiently for them to return. = “Suppose you aught a cramp out there, you'd be ; in a nice pickle,” he said. “Tt would be the first time I caught such a thing, then,” replied Ed. eid “There’s always got to be a first time to everything.” “Miss West would probably have been able to ea seine me back as far as the end of the life-line,” said Ed. “T’d have done it,” said Dora, with a confident look. Shortly afterward they left ge water and dressed Ghd selves. “Tl call for you ‘shortly ates seven in the weieiaie 8 said Hd, after they had escorted the girl back to the cottage. | ip ‘hope you will be up and ready for your ride.” “Tl be ready. Mrs. Buller has promised to have break- fast ready for me at half-past six, and one of ze be aati said she'll wake me at six.” : ir a AML right. Ww 8 ‘up to you. ibe. on ae unless the of fe \
Page 16
we “T hope it doesn’t rain like it did this morning, for I should be greatly disappointed if I missed going on your _ first trip to Hampden,” said Dora. “She’s a mighty pretty girl,” remarked Bob on their: way back to the house. “That’s right, she is,” returned Hd. “You made a ten-strike when you saved her. Only for that you wouldn’t have got your start in the express busi- hess,” “That's true, too.” “How long shall she and her folks stay here?” “Mill the first week in September, I believe.” “Where does she live-in Boston?” . €V a9, ” “You might get an invitation to visit at her home later on. » a Py airdid I eotldn’t accept on acuta of my busi- ness.” “You ci hire somebody to carry on the route for a week.” Ed shook his head. “T couldn’t afford to take any chances with my bread and butter even for the pleasure of visiting such a nice girl as Dora West.” — oT guess youre right, Ed. If a fellow doesn’t look after «is business, his business won’t look after him,” said Bob, - opening the gate. . They went to the barn to feed the horses, and when this duty had been attended to they went into the house to supper. Fd was out of bed at half-past five next morning, and found that the morning was a lovely one for his first trip. He took that as a favorable augury, and anticipated an enjoyable ride with Dora. . He had the wagon all ready standing in the yard when - Bob’s mother called him at half-past six to a light break- fast of coffee and rolls. Fifteen minutes later he was on his way to Pratt’s grocery store to take on the box of groderies he was to- deliver at the Hickey farm, where he had to call for three barrels of potatoes« “Pen minutes after seven he drove up to Wave Crest Cot- tage and f6und Dora on the veranda waiting for him. — You're looking lovely this morning, Miss Dora,” he “ gallantly said as he helped her to rout to the seat. _ “Thank you for the compliment, ” she answered blush- er “Tgn’t it a delightful morning?” Bd ad:mitted that it was, and off they started. “T’m not starting out empty- -handed after all,” he said, _ pointing to the box and bundles in the wagon. “That’s good,” she said. “And T have an order to take on fhnee barrels of pota- toes further on,” he continued. “Better still,” she laughed. “My father said he felt sure you would succeed in this venture of yours. He said you had the pluck and energy to make your fortune in time.” Pra glad he taal so good an opinion of me.” -“T am sure you deserve it,” she replied. “When I re- turn to Boston you must write to me frequently and. als | } ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. ne know how sia are peetting along. law Know T take a rH have you help me out.” i os , 15 great deal of interest in your success. I promise to answer your letters promptly, though I suppose they won’t be as interesting as yours will be to me.” “Anything you write is sure to be Pista to me,” he said, earnestly. “You said that very nice,” she answered with a blush. “You may change your opinion after you have received one or two of my poor attempts at correspondence.” “No. My opinion will never change except for the bet- ter, es Dora thought Ed remarkably gallant for a country boy. They esiveredd on various topics until the Hickey farm was reached, when Ed turned in at the long lane and ae up to the yard. He delivered the box of groceries, taking a receipt for the same from the farmer, who a him load on the three barrels of potatoes. Then he resumed his route, ae they reached Hampden just as the Boston morning train was coming in, Hd drove up to the station, though he had nothing in prospect. He wanted to hand the agent a few of his cards to tack up around the station. The stage was on hand taking on the mail bag and a number of express packages that had come down by the train. There were several passengers also hound for Rockhaven. The stage had also brought three or four gentlemen who wanted to go to Boston by the train that stopped thirty minutes later, which would reach the city ahead of the boat from Rockhaven. While Ed was waiting to see the agent the driver and proprietor of the stage put everything. 4n his vehicle but a large and heavy express package, which he declared he couldn’t take. “You'll have to send that on by somebody else.” he said to the express agent. “I can’t handle that nohow.” “Can’t you load it on behind with the trunks ?” asked the agent. “No, I can’t. It’s too heavy for the rack. TI wouldn’t chance it.” “All right; but your contract holds you. If you can’t earry it you'll have to pay somebody to do it for you.” “T’1l lose money on that thing.” “That’s your funeral, not mine,” replied the agent. “T’ll take it to Rockhaven for you, Mr. Owens,” said Ed. » “Here's my card. I’m in the express business now my-. selt.? “Hello, Ed. I remember I saw your advt. in the saps Saturday. How much will you charge me?” “Titty cents.” “All right. Where’s your wagon ?” “Yonder.” “Fetch it wp and I'll help you put it on.” ‘Ed brought his wagon up to the platform and the box was goon on. “Deliver it at ae express office ian you get back, soon are you going?” “As soon as I make three deliveries.” ‘ Hee 3 “Good. I often have freight eases here that T can’t, take, e
Page 17
16 “Thank you, Mr. Owens. Every little helps.” “Sometimes there are more trunks than I can take. You can give me a lift with them, too. When I have to hire a man to make a special trip I lose money. You will come in handy for me, as you intend to run the route regu- larly.” Owens handed Ed et a dollar, and, mounting his seat, started off. Ed then ’ lech iohed the station agent, and that man promised to put anything in his way that came along. ' Ed delivered his bundles and the potatoes in town, and started on the return trip, reaching Rockhaven about noon. “Thank you very much for the ride,” said Dora, as she alighted at the cottage. ee] thank you very much for the pleasure of your com- pany. Good-by.” He drove around to the express office, left the case, and then went home for his dinner, well satisfied with the start of his own route to fortune. * —_—_—- CHAPTER IX. you,’ IN TROUBLE, After dinner Ed went to Flynn’s store to see if any or- ders had been left. He found two letters from store-keepers asking him to eall. ‘He did so. They had nothing for him to do, but wanted to know his rates and have a talk with him. They had customers along the road to Hampden, and it yas a loss to them often to send their wagons out that way. Ed made a special prey ena with them to carry all their out-of-town deliveries. fle drove around the village to places he had not yet visited, and caught on to a couple of bundles for town. There was no especial need for him to meet the Boston train that afternoon, but he thought he had bathe keep to his schedule anyway. He reached Hampden at five minutes to five, and found that the train had met with an thie and would be half an hour late. He delivered his packages and returned to the station. Soon afterward the train rolled in. - The stage was waiting, of course. » ~ _ There was a bunch of people for the village, and an over-plus -of trunks. ‘Owens turned four over to Ed, who agreed to take them for a quarter each. There was a big package of nerchancline which ‘und eome down by, freight. i ~The ‘agent hunted up Ed and told him he ‘er been i in- Ge ‘structed by telephone to hand it over to him. ' Hd slapped » ‘it on his wagon and followed after, the st ong ae aaiohy On the way he figured up. the results af his. work and d found: that his oa amoun ted to ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. 7 a ‘ “That’s a whole lot better than I expected for my first. — day,” he thought ;'“but I hope Vl do better to-morrow.”) — Several days passed and Ed did pretty well. He knew it would take time for his route to become a ; % recognized institution. As soon as the business people of Rockhaven got used the route he would begin to make money. line. Apparently Buck Norcross was taking his time. in gels £ ting started. Buck had purchased his horse and wagon, but he goon 4 found that hardly anybody offered ae os Septet as ment. age. He was given to understand that eile put into operation by Ed, the Express Boy, filled the bill © “He makes two regular trips a day,” said a man ee approached for custom. “You only propose to make one, and you do not claim to make train connections. We don’t need two express routes in the village, anyway.” So far he heard nothing from the opposition express | A “He’s only a boy, and is liable to bust wp any moment,” — replied Buck. . » When he busts up you can call ecaa and T’ll talk to i ’ said the man, who distrusted Norcross on account of — his unsavory reputation, and didn’t want to do any business te with him. On the second day Buck got one small package to bees to town, and he looked at it in disgust. on “Tt doesn’t pay to make the trip for a measly\ quarter,” : he said, “TI won’t take it till T get. something else.” Buek got nothing else that day and he didn’t make Fis; ‘ trip. , Next morning he offered +6 earry a trunk for ‘a quarter. As this was half what Owens charged on his stage, he got the commission. So Norcross made his first trip with a fifty-cent load, and he was far from pleased, particularly as he knew Rd had carried a big load that morning. » “T’ll have to pickle him,” he muttered. me,”’. Hah ‘All the way to Hampden he turned various plans over in 0 his mind for putting his young rival out of business, but : none of them seemed safe enough to pull off§ As he neared the town the stage passed him, and Owens, 4 who knew him well, eyed him curiously, wondering who 3 he was driving the wagon for. He had not heard that Norcross was starting ai express ~— route of his own. Half a mile further on he met Ed, with a number of packages. in his wagon. He nodded curtly to the boy and kept on. He was unable to scare up anything to bring back, eee after spending an hour in a saloon, drinking up the pro- | ceeds of his first trip, he started back, - feeling that the world was giving him a rough deal. There was a bridge spanning a wide but shallow ered about a mile outside of Rockhayen. — = ul head.) “He's got the 4 bulge on me somehow, and I’ve got to do him or he'll do As Norcross ipa across it an Ade suaenly poved
Page 18
ia | ED, THE ee) EXPRESS BOY. Tt “Tf At works it will do Mister Ed up in great cane % muttered. that day. _ Next day was Saturday, and marked the end of a suc- cessful first week for Ed. Business . was increasing, as new customers employed him, . andthe old ones expressed their satisfaction over his prompt and capable way of doing business. "When he left Rockhayen that morning with a load, he had a copy of the News in his pocket. As he drove along after the stage he opened it and glanced over its columns. The pore oe among the locals struck his atten- tion: ae ee ene eae Oe eS ae ee LOS ee ee aT We are pleased to learn that ‘Ed, the Express Boy,’ ~ doing very well with the Rute he éstablished on sees f= We know Ed, and it always was our opinion that he was the smartest boy in the village. He has taken hold of the ; express business with a vim, and is pushing it for all it is worth. We can. recommend him to any one wishing the services of an expressman as efficient and trustworthy. His : ale will be f6and on the opposite page.” ae a CO eS ee = ~ ©T must ent that out and show #48 Nts Dora,” thought age ‘ Further down in the local column he spied the follow- ing: . Bi _. “Buek Norcross has purchased a horse and wagon and gone into the express business between this Wwillage oe _ Hampden. Sn, 1s advt., calling attention to the fact, printed on th opposite page. ‘Buck says he will guinanes satisfaction to all who favor him with their patronage. Give him a trial.” ‘Ka hein as he read the item. | | “Buck has only made one trip in three days,” he: ‘said tb himself, “and then he wasn’t overloaded. I’m afraid he isn’t. hustling very hard. He'll haye to do better than that i he hopes to, make a living out of the business.” By this time the stage had disappeared in the distance and Fd had the road to himself, A mile further on he eame up with a farmer's light 3 wagon that was stranded. ‘The axle had broken and the farmer was trying to repair damages. A trank stood beside the road, and on iteweére seated a neatly dressed woman and a little girl. They had been rusticating with:the farmer for a couple of weeks and were on their way to get*the 9.30 train for Boston, but under the circumstances the chanceseof them reaching the station at Hampden in time was not over brilliant. i y “Whoa,” cried Ed, reining in his horse. ay See to you, sir?” said Ed, addressing the farmer. “J dunno. This here axle is ‘broke ies ulate o heer to ae A era ie la He kept on to the village and looked up no more business’ “Can T be of |, re ae up the bank to the road. “Tf you'll take this lady, her little girl and the trunk to the station, Pll give you half a dollar.” “All right. I’m in the express business, and I’m going right to the station now to meet the dows Boston train,” said Ed, getting down. He assisted the lady and the little girl on to the sea the farmer helped him with the trunk, and he started on . again with an unexpected half a dollar in his pocket. “Tt is very fortunate that you came along,” said the. lady. “I should have missed the train for Boston, and would have had to wait in Hampden for two or three hours for the next one that stops there. My husband ex- pects us up by the morning train, and will be at the depot: to meet us.” “Tl get you to the station in plenty of time,” replied Ed. He found the lady a very pleasant person to chat with, end the time passed quickly away. The down train was just in when they reached the rail- road. Kd helped the lady check; her trunk*and then bade her good-by. “Tye got one trunk too many,” said Owens, as Ed came up to where the stage stood. “You'd better take charge of it. Deliver it at the Grapevine cottage.” Ed nodded, and as soon as it was in hia wagon he started: into town to make some deliveries. He got one package to carry back. Then he started on his return to the village. Everything went merrily with him till he drew near the — bridge we mentioned. Then a big red object, with a hissing stem, came through the air and dropped into the road. Before Ea could rein in i} exploded with a loud “Feport that proved it was a giant firecracker. His horse shied to one side and then started on at head- long speed. When. he reached the end of the bridge the frightened horse swerved from his course, brushed down the frail fence and dashed into the creek, | Ed-had barely time to spring out of the wagon a mas rig struck ‘the water. j CHAPTER X. THE FORKED TONGUE OF GOSSIP. There were three persons standing on the bridge at the { time, and they witnessed the accident. The horse dashed across the creek, dragging the wagon after him, which, fortunately, did not turn over, the weight of the trunk probably having something to aa with this, 1e stream, which was not more than four feet deep at this point, took the speed out of the animal, and two of the spectators ran down and Pau, ae him, leading — ut | picked oh the ee and a ns, Jad e package had bounced out when Ed jumped, = cool water and the trouble-of hauling the ‘vehicle across -
Page 19
cc “T’m much obliged to you for catching my horse,” he said to the two men. “It is mighty lucky for me that the wagon was not smashed and the trunk dumped into the ereek, That would have put me in a nice fix. I wonder who threw that big firecracker into the road? He must have known it would startle any horse that faced it. Looks to me as if it was done intentionally. Of course, some boy did it. No man would have been guilty of such a trick.” “TY don’t know about that,” replied one of the men. “I saw a man skulking into the bushes a little while ago, and he-had a round red object under his arm. I didn’t notice what it was, but since the explosion, I believe it was the " firecracker that set your horse off.” “Did you see the man’s face?” asked Ed. “Not very clearly, but I think I’d know him if I saw him again.” “Describe him as well as you can.” The man did so. ~ » Tt struck Ed that the description fitted Buck pious pretty well. “T wonder if that rascal played that dirty trick on me?” he thought. “If he did, and I could prove it, ’'d make it mighty hot for him.” He looked his rig over and was greatly pleased to find that it had suffered no injury whatever. “That was a fortunate escape I had,” he thought as he drove on. “If Buck did that he’s the meanest rascal on earth.” He hadn’t gone far before he saw a horse and light wagon standing off the road up.a lang The animal was tied to the rail fence. “That looks like Buck’s rig,” he said. . He reined in, got down and entered the lane. _. After looking the rig over he couldn’t swear that it was Buck’s, though he believed it was. He made a note of it for future reference. _* Then he drove on and reached the village without fur- _ ther incident. _ He delivered the trunk and the package, and then went to dinner. | a At the table he related the accident that had happened to him. S oa / ®That was Buck Norcross’ work, I’ll bet a hat,” said Bob. “I told you he'd play some Aaaty trick on you if you didn’t look out.” _ “He can consider himself fide that I haven’t any. real “evidence against him, or there'd be something doing he wouldn’t like,” replied Ed. As he was starting out on his afternoon trip he overtook Norcross driving in the same direction with a load of empty fruit crates he was taking out to a farm. ; He had secured the commission through the purser of the steamboat. Dick looked at his wagon tharply and saw it was the identical one he had seen up the lane near the bridge. ee 4 “He: was now conyinced of Buck’s connection agith the 2 outrage. Saag 3. his convictions wouldn’t ie his rival any harm, 80 far ag bringing him to justice. ei served, oie to ee him>on his es sgainat a : ii a * and put his rig up. a| striking him that it would hurt Ed if the news got - ow ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. “Hello, Ed,” grinned Buck, “J reckon I’ve got a bigger load than you this trip.” “T see you have. Got any more big firecrackers in your pocket?” “Firecrackers !” returned Buck, with a guilty flush. “What would I be doin’ with firecrackers ?” “Tf you don’t know I can’t tell you,” replied Ed, driving on. “Looks as if he suspected me,” thought Buck. “Well, I don’t care. He ain’t got no proof that I done anythin’. Too bad the trick missed fire. I don’t know hw his horse went across the crik without doin’ any damage to the wagon. . I thought the rig was goin’ to smash. That would have put him out of business and given me a chance to pick up his customers. Well, the thing failed, so’ Pll have to try somethin’ else. I’ve got to bust his route up eesion, or he’ll come out on the top of Oe heap, and that ogee t suit me at all.” Buck delivered his load of ares and recely Me tie ey He didn’t go on to Hampden as he had no prospects of making anything by doing so, so he returned to the valet Then he went to the hotel and lounged into the billiard’ room. . An old crony of his. was playing pool at one of the ta- bles, and Buck nodded to him. 7 After awhile the man quit playing md seated himeéif | beside Norcross. “How are things coming? Doing much with your ex- press route?” he asked. “Not a great deal yet, but I look to see ‘business pick up next week,” replied Buck. “It takes time to establish a new business.” hein) “How about that chap who starfed in the same. biz— Ed, the Express Boy, he calls himself? He’s bound to hurt you.’ ; el Buck uttered an imprecation. : “T’d like to do him up... What right had a to start oppo ven sition to me?” Ba “Oh, this is a free country, that’s. ‘why laughed the other. : “Tt’s too blamed free. Boys oughtn’t to be allowed to . butt in where they’re not wanted.” his “He used to work for old Abel White, didn’t he?” if : r “Yes.” ap oe “White is his uncle, I think?” : He is.” “How came he to cut loose from the old man?”- rf: “How should I know? Maybe it was -because- the old oe duffer thought he stole his pocketbook with a bunch of | money in it.” “Did White lose a pocketbook wit “He did.” “How much money?” ‘ “He didn’t tell anybody, or the n village, | jae did you learn about) the express sonst: zh “T wouldn’t be surprised, i ee Norewesht
Page 20
go into business with. “It costs money to buy a horse and wagon. I know it cost me more’n two hundred for mine.” “Tt did, eh? Where did you get the spondulix, Buck? I never knew you to be in funds before. How did you make the raise?” asked his crony, curiously. “Don’t you worry about how I got it,” growled Nor- cross, uneasily. “I borrowed it.” “Borrowed two hundred or more, eh? Where did you find the good friend?” “Never you mind where I found him.” “Expect to pay him back out of your profits ” chuckled the other, who hadn’t much confidence in Buck’s integrity. “Of course I expect to pay him back. Do you s’pose he’d lend it to me if I hadn’t promised to return it?” “It’s easy enough to promise,” grinned his companion. «o Abel White lost a pocketbook with a wad in it, and - “you think his nephew swiped res a “J didn’t say he did; but him startin’ in business right * after looks kind of suspicious. Where would a kid like him get two hundred and fifty dollars to buy a horse and wagon?” “Maybe his uncle loaned it to him.” _ “Tf yon knew Abel White as well as I do you'd know he didn’t do no such thing. He wouldn’t lend anybody ten dollars. He’s an old skinflint.” ~~“ don’t suppose anybody else would lend the boy so much money.” | ‘ “People ain’t lendin’ money to kids who ain't respon- _ sible.” -. “Then he must have pinched that pocketbook. It’s a wonder White hasn’t made a big fuss over it, and taken the horse and wagon away from the hoy.” “That’s his business. It wouldn’t do for me to say any- _ thin’ about Ed stealin’ his uncle’s pocketbook, for people would say I was jealous of him because he was runnin’ an express route in opposition to me; but if you was to hint around about the matter it would set folks to talkin’. That : would give him a black eye, customers would lose confi- “a ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. 19 0 FSF Tn a small village like Rockhaven, news of any kind cir- .culates fast. Reputations are torn to shreds in short order on the flimsiest of pretexts, 4 Half of the inhabitanis.had lots of idle moments, and they were unhappy unless their anes were on the wag _ at those times. By the time that Ed was s eating his supper with the Sedg- wicks, in happy unconsciousness of what Dame Rumor was saying about him, a great many of the villagers were talk- ing about the pocketbook that Abel White was reported to have lost, and wondering why the news had not been ° printed in the paper that morning. The general opinion seemed to be that the store-keeper was keeping his loss quiet in consideration for his nephew. In the course of seyeral hours Jra Bunker’s statement, with its added insinuations, had developed amazingly, so much so, indeed, that he would scarcely have recognized it as his original version, The fact thai” Ed had been able to invest two or three hundred dollars in an express route lent almost positive confirmation to the prevailing suspicion that he was guilty of stealing his uncle’s missing pocketbook. Store-keepers who had begun to patronize the hustling young express boy heard the unsavory gossip and began to wonder if there was any truth in it. Some of them looked askance at Ed that evening when he went around picking up commissions for Monday morn- ing. No whisper of what was going on reached the boy’s ears, however, and he arrived home still ignorant that any scan- dal had attached itself to his name. CHAPTER XI. THE MAN AT THE BARN. dence in him, and then I’d get ’em. That would give me a]: * Vit, see?” “ “] see what you’re getting at. Well, if it’s any favor to you Tl mention the matter here and there.” “That's right. It'll be a favor. Me and you are good _ friends, and if you help me along I won't forget it,” said - Buck. “Come over to the bar and have a drink.” Norcross’ crony, whose name was a Bunker, accompa-~ _ nied him with alacrity. They had several drinks, for which Buck paid, and then es went outside. Before dark Bunker had told a number of persons that _ Abel White had lost a pocketbook containing over two hun- ~ dred dollars, and he hinted that the store-keeper’s nephew might have taken it in order to get the funds to start _ es so Sa route. | Nobody in the village bad bothered themselves shea S “how Ed secured his capital until Bunker began circulating | _ his insinuations, then they began to wonder if there wasn’t some truth in the suggestion, for two hundred or more ie dollars wag a lot of money for a store boy to have, especially _ when it was ee: remembered pase hie had deere -. tee Next morning Ba went to see Dora, and Bob wand with him again. The young expressman reported the results of bis first — week io the Wests, and Mr, West said he had done fully as well as could be expected. “In fact, you have done better than I thought you would,” said the gentleman. “Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither can a business be put on its feet in a week. It’s the hustler who succeeds these days, and I guess you have no lack of energy.” Dora and the boys went bathing, and then Ed and Bob went home to dinner. That afternoon Ed paid another trip to the Wave Crest Cottage, but he went alone, and had Dora all to meee which suited both of them very miuch. He was invited to stay to tea, and did. In the dusk of the evening he and the girl went of a walk. getting late he took a short cut ee, a ata of woods j with ae young, ee ; $ ot a or ae interested were they in one another's society. that sf : they walked further than Ed had intended, and as it was ~
Page 21
20: that they sit down for a few minutes if they could find a suitable spot. They soon came to a fallen trunk under the shade of a sweeping tree and took possession of it. Pretty soon they heard the voices of two men who were approaching them. Ed. recognized the tones of one as belonging to Buck Noreross. He told Dora to remain silent till they had passed. The men came up and stopped within earshot. “How much are you going to give me to bring you that quart of gasoline, Buck?” said Norcross’ companion. “Tl give you half a dollar for it. That.will pay you, for it ain’t worth more’n ten cents,” replied Buck. “What are you going to do with it to-night?” “Tm going to use it on my wagon.” “Never heard of anybody using gasoline on a wagon.” “There are lots of things you never heard of,” growled Buck. “T’ll allow there is. Say, have you heafd what’s going around about Hd Andrews?” “What?” “They say he stole a pocketbook from his uncle contain- ing several hundred dollars, and used the money to start his express business.” “T wouldn’t be surprised if he did. He must have got the money somehow,” replied Buck. ' “T never thought he’d do anything like that,” said the other. “He’s always had a good reputation.” “That’s because he never had a chance to stcal any- thin’ before.” _ “Tt ain’t proved yet that he stole any money. Seems to me his uncle would have had him arrested if he had pinched as much as people say.” “T guess Abel White doesn’t want to ees him.” “JT don’t know. about that.. I’ve known Abel White a long time, and I ain’t heard him speak any too well of his nephew. It’s my opinion there ain’t nothing in that story. Abel White thinks more of a dollar than most people do of ten. If he lost a pocketbook containing any money at all, let alone several hundred, he’d ‘have made such a fuss that ‘the whole village would have heard about it.” ~ “Well, he lost his pocketbook, and there was two hundred and fifty dollars in it,” said Buck, in a positive tone. “Did he tell you about it?” “Maybe he did, and maybe he didn’t.” “You speak as if you knew it was a fact. ae “Tt is a fact.” “Did. he say that Hd ‘hsadasel took 2”, “TY ain’t sayin’ whether he did or not. ”* “He must have told soupeory or the yarn wouldn't have : “got around.” “Maybe he did.” “If ba took that money, which seems to me doubtful, and put it into the express business, he got away with it more than a week ago. It’s funny nobody knew anything eee generally get around about it till last evening. ie hen. they happen.” “Abel White busied it up.” Eee ee path. .| that the money I used to start i route was advanced to ee sab SS “Yes, I suppose it was,” incredulous tone. “There ain’t no need to talk about it now. Let’s move « on, Don’t forget to bring that gascline over to my house as soon as you can.’ “Tl do it,” said the man, whom Ed had already recog- nized as a small store-keeper named Abbott, who dealt in bicyele and automobile supplies, as a side Hine. The men parted, Norcross going in the direction Hd and Dora had come, while the siiradass: 4 turned off by a side. | “You heard what those men said,” remarked Ed to Dora when they were once more alone. Rarer “Yes, It’s a shame to think any one would agcuseaupe i of stealing a pocketbook with money in “it,” vent the mete girl, indignantly. pee “Tm afraid Mr. White couldn’t keep his Joss a ie Pe any longer, and has let it out. He must have insinuated | his suspicions concerning me, for he can’t get it out of his 2 erop that I took his property, though he knows well enough — ary me by your father.” “As an uncle he seems to be very small potatoes,” i “Now you have an idea what kind of man my business iB rival, Buck Norcross, is. Do you ‘wonder that I feel con- vinced he threw that firecracker which frightened my nppaee is yesterday and nearly wrecked my outfit?” *e “T do not.” ‘ ah, “T also believe he is the person who stole my uncle’s pocketbook, for ner was in a nye i the time Me. White ed two Howie latch fa confided to the sea the infor: mation Abst he Bad ey ibe ie: ‘to, star rt his
Page 22
ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. ‘know what he was talking about. I'm afraid he intends to do something to injure you.” 5 “Tt certainly looks that way. I shall keep a sharp watch on him, for he isn’t to be trusted. If you’ve rested long enough we'll proceed.” They reached Wave Crest Cottage fifteen minutes later. Ed remained half an hour on the veranda talking with Dora, and then bade her good-night. The clock pointed at half-past ten when he got home. He went to his room and found Bob in bed and asleep. It was a bright moonlight night, with a light wind, which rustled the branches of the big oak outside the. win- dow; +, He Jeisurely edie: without a light, and then instead of tutning in sat down beside the open window, for it was a pretty warm night. _ a His thoughts were divided between his express route and the faa Dora. He could not conceal from himself that he thought a great deal of the girl. All girls he had ever known paled beside her charms. ‘She was his beau-ideal of a young lady, and he wondered if she would ever be more to him than she was now, _ He was afraid not, and while mooning over her he fell _. asleep, fe awoke with a start and heard the clbek downstairs striking the midnight hour. _» “T ‘have been sleeping i in this chair more es an hour. ‘Yd better turn in,” he said, looking casually from the win- dow. E The window faced upon the Bis oe with the barh at the _. back. ; His glance took in both yard and barn. ' He saw a man with a can in his hand and a bundle un- der his arm, just disappearing around the corner of the barn. “Ed was wide awake in a moment. The man’s presence on the Sedgwick property at that hour looked decidedly suspicious. Bag ea have to go down and see w hat he’s up to. TH can’t be. anything good, ” he ejaculated. Hurriedly dressing himself he stole downstairs, let him- self out through the back door, and softly walked over to he barn. : Going to the corner he glanced cautiously hea but saw no one in sight. ~ -“We must be at the back, unless he mounted the fence |, F and made his way over to the next street. He might hayes - done: that, though I don’t see any reason for pee making 2 thoroughfare of this property,” thought Ed. ss - He slipped along the side of the barn and took a look. The stranger was on his knees before an opening he a evidently made in the rear of the building. There was a pile of shavings beside him on which he was pouring the contents of the tin can. — er 7 + a4 shavings in through the hole. i ; re, what i in thunder are ‘you doing 99) rd. ae pled: ag plated ik pon. ‘the boy. that Ed cognized him as Buc HAPTER XU. Beira THE CRIME THAT FAILED. “Buck Norcross, what are you doing?” cried Hd. The man sprang to his feet with an imprecation, snatched up the almost empty car and flung it at the boy’s head. Then he turned, sprang over the back fence, and Het as fast as his legs would carry him. Ed dodged the can and rushed to the fence. He saw that it was useless to attempt to try and over- take the man if he wished to do it, which was doubtful. ” He knew the fugitive was Norcross, and that answered all purposes. He went to the hole, picked up a handful of shavings and smelt them. The odor of gasoline was strong upon them. He put his arm through the opening and pulled out a handful of the shavings. There was quite a pile of them inside, Noreross’ purpose was evident. He had meant to’set fire to the barn, and his object was to destroy Ed’s two horses and his wagon that were housed inside. Had his plan su¢ceeded, another horse, belonging to Mr, Sedgwick, would, in all probability, have lost its life, while a buggy, and much other property, would have been de- stroyed in common with Ed’s Aer ger “The scoundrel!” exclaimed Ed ever thought he was. I must bring Bob down here right away before anything is disturbed, and show him the peril we were up against.” He hurried back to his room, aroused Bob, told him to dress and come down to the rear of the barn. “Why, what’s the matter?” asked the astonished Bob. “Do ag I tell you and you'll find out,” replied Ed, dart- ing out of the door without further explanation, and re- turning to the barn. Bob, convinced that something very serious had hap- ‘pened, lost no time in getting into his clothes and are for the back of the barn. He found Ed waiting for him. Bob had entertained the idea that he would see a dead body stretched out on the ground, but on his arrival noth- ing like that appeared to be around. “What's the trouble, Ed?” “See that hole and that pile of shavings?” said Hd. “Sure I do. How did that hole come there?” “Put your arm through the hole and see what you feel. r Bob did so and pulled out a handful of ene “Smell them,” said Ed. “Phew! What’s on them?” “Gasoline, one of the most inflammable of finer. me “Was somebody trying to set fire to our barn?” asked é _ Putting down the can he began shoving the ‘cai Bob, waking up to the situation, - a eaught him at it not a seeage ks evied Ed, al too soon. Guess who the rascal was.” — ep iaan | “I couldn’t. Did you recognize him?” “You've “guessed it, +3 Goya CME Ce was Buck Norcross.” ‘You don’t mean ae vate: Bob. raed “He’s worse inet T
Page 23
& 22 ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. “T do mean it.” “He saw you and made his escape?” “Yes. He flew over that fence and ran toward the next street. He's probably some distance from here by this time.” “Tf you can swear that it was he we will have him ar- rested. This is a mighty serious matter. Mr. Buck is lia- ble to get ten years for this attempted crime. {f his plan had gone through, your horses and ours would have been burned, not speaking of your wagon, our buggy, a lot of other property, and the barn itself. Even our house would have been threatened with destruction. Buck has settled his own hash this time.” “Will you go and bring Constable Jones here, or. shall 1?” ~ “Tl go if you want me to.” “Then chase yourself. Ill stay here and watch.” « Bob hurried off to get the constable. He was gone three-quarters of an hour, and he brought Mr. Jones back with him. The constable had secured all the particulars from Bob, and was quite prepared for the evidence of attempted arson Ed had to show him, “Ti’s a clear case that a fire-bug has been at work here,” said Jones. “Bob told me that you came upon the rascal suddenly and recognized him as Buck Norcross.” “Yes, it was Buck all right. I can swear to that.” “Well, in the morning you must call on Justice Smith and swear out a warrant against him. I’ll take it and hunt the man up.” - The shavings were removed to a hole in the ground and set on fire. Bob got a board, and a hammer and nails, and closed up the hole in the wall of the barn. ~The constable took charge of the can, which still con- tained perhaps half a pint of gasoline, to use as evidence. Ed then told about the interview that he and Dora West had overheard between Norcross and Abbott, the store- keeper, that evehing in the wood. “You'd better call.on Abbott first thing in the morning, ~ and you'll find that he will admit supplying Buck with a quart of gasoline to-night. He didn’t suppose Norcross wanted it for any bad purpose. I heard him ask Buck what he was going to do pee it, and that rascal said he wanted it for his wagon,” said Ed. “Pll call on Abbott,” said.the constable, who then took his leave, while Ed and Bob returned to their room and went to bed. Of course, Bob’s father and mother heard the particulars in the morning with no little consternation, and agreed that it was an act of Providence which had enabled Ed to frustrate the raseally design. _Ed had to give up his morning trip to Hampden. After breakfast he went to Fustios Smith’s house and told that gentleman all the particulars. ‘Together they went to the office of the justice, and Ed swore out the warrant charging Buek Nath) with at- a tempted | arson. ‘The warrant was handed to the’ constable fe serve. pe | Jones had already called on Abbott, and that man a sai “T did it as a particular favor, for I don’t, as a rule, sell anything on Sunday,” said Abbott. “What’s wrong about it?” “Nothing wrong about your part of the business, but Noreross used the gasoline for a bad purpose.” “What did he do?” . “You'll learn later,” replied the officer, walking away. When Ed left on his afternoon trip, with a big load, Norcross had not yet been arrested, as far ag he knew. Constable Jones had visited the cottage, where he lived with his married sister, and failed to find him there. He searched his room, and among other things discoy- ered a faded red pocketbook which bore the name of Abel White. “So he was the thief who stole this from the store-keeper and got Ed into trouble,” muttered the officer. He examined the pocketbook, but there appeared to be ~ nothing in it now. It was clear that Noreross had used the two hundred and fifty dollars it had contained. ~ ON Jones put it in his safe when he got back to his office, intending to restore it to Mr. White, with an explanation of how it came into his possession. Then he started off again to try and find Buck. In the meantime Ed went on to town, made his delivers. ies, collected several big packages at the station, and came back, arriving half an hour later than usual. : Long before that the whole village had heard about — Buck Norcross’ attempt to fire the Sedgwick barn in order to put Ed, the Express Boy, out of business. H No great surprise was expressed that Buck should do such a hing. His reputation was bad, and those who knew him tell ens believed him capable of any crooked piece of work, Constable Jones had been unable to find him up to nightfall, so the general conclusion was that he had ey skipped for parts unknown. ’ gee His horse and wagon were in the stable where he kept a them, and were likely to remain there indefinitely. Thus Ed was relieved of a rival in his business, though | the boy had not regarded Buck as a dangerous factor, for the man seemed utterly unsuited to engage in any, oceupa- te tion requiring push and energy. en At supper Bob told Ed that he had called on Dora that ie afternoon and told her about Norcross’ attempt on the barn, “What did she say?” asked Hd. “She said it was most fortunate that you happened to wake up in time ae see a rascal and defeat hie purpose. “You can bet it_ I’d have been in a pretty bad hol if my horses and the een, had been destroyed. T gue: Buck has played his last card against me. If he when he’s well off hell get out of the State, for he’ to get a stiff sentence if he’s caught and brought to Buck’s desperate act so overshadewedl the gossip abo Ed that the latter was lost si ight of in the shuffle, and notl ng more was said about Abel White's stolen pockethook. Fd geen to have ae! wh do ves his a et or oe
Page 24
ED, THE EXPRESS BOY. 23) mingly, though Ed found the hours long and the work | asked Ed, springing from his seat and then tying his own hard. horse .to the fence. The proprietor of the stage looked up. AoE aS a “T didn’t expect you along so soon, Ed,” he said; “but | you haven’t come any too quick. I don’t know how it hap- CHAPTER XYIl. pened. All 1 know is that the bridge suddenly gave way and threw the stage, with me on it, into the creek. I never THE ACCIDENT AT THE BRIDGE. noticed any signs of weakness in the bridge. There must shave been a defect in that stringer, or the end has rotted Another week elapsed and summer was drawing to aj away without any signs. At any rate I’m ina nice pickle.” close. “T saw a sailboat with three men in it sailing away from Ed felt sorry for this, as it meant the near departure | here as I came up. It’s a wonder they didn’t stop to help ‘of the Wests for their Boston home, and the withdrawal of | you out,” said Ed. - Dora from his society. “They? ve gone to send on help,” replied | Owens. “The Nothing had been heard from Buck Norcross, so it was | boat was tied up close by when the bridge went down. The believed that he had left the county for his own good, and} men ran the boat alongside of the stage as you see it and roth the State. helped me get out the mail bag and the express box, which We have spoken about the bridge which spanned the | they took into the cockpit. They said they'd take them on _ éreek at the point where Buck Noreross had made a dase} to the village for me, and send back men and ropes to drag tardly but futile effort to bring Ed’s express business to| the stage ashore.”” a smash-up. “Who were they? You knew them, of course ?” This bridge had been built a good many years, but hav-| “No, I never saw them before, though one of them, who ing been well constructed, had ead the test of time and| had a handkerchief bound around his ‘face, as if he had.s a . the heavy weight of the “Htage coach which traversed it | swollen jaw, looked kind of familiar.” _ twice a day in both directions for a long time.. “It may be all right, sir, but if T had been in your shoes sae afternoon, just at dusk, the stage was returning to I wouldn’t have allowed them to take the box and bag Rockhaven as usual after making connection with the five away, unless they did it by force! You are responsible for o’clock Boston train. ~ the mail and the express box, and if those chaps ran away _ Owen carried no passengers or trunks on this trip, for with both it would put you in a pretty serious predica- die people were coming to the village at this end of the | ment.” _ season—the exodus from the village summer cottages hay-| “You are right, Ed; I am sorry 1 oes make them land _ ing already set it. them on the shore.” = There was nobody on the seat but Owens himself, and in! “That’s what you onght to have for you might the compartment behind his legs was the express box and haye recollected that I was coming on behind and could | the mail bag. have taken charge of them for you. I can’t drive across ee TY a Mee SF Pe $ < P He had taken his time this afternoon, which enabled | this bridge in the shape it’s iny iI can wade my team - Ed, following on behind him with a fair load, to almost | over. This is the spot where the aceident happened to me, i catch up with his single horse. or rather where Buck Norcross tried to put me*out of busi- — “Get up, old nag,” chirruped Ed to his horse; “don’t | ness. My rig went over by itself that day, but fortunately — you smell oats waiting for you in the barn?” there were three men on the other side who caught the At that moment, through the calm evening air, came a| horse in time, and so no damage resulted. I'll drive down - crashing sound, followed by a shout, which the hoy seemed | the bank now, cross over, and then see if IT can do anything «to recognize as Owen’s voice. for you,” said Ed. . “Something has happened to the stage,” thought Hd.| The young expressman got over on the other side without Before coming in sight of the bridge, Hd caught a view | wetting any of his packages, the water barely coming up the creek ahead where it swept around in a semi-cireular | to within an inch of the bottom of the wagon. _ turn, and he saw, through the gloom, a sailboat, with three) It was quite dark by that time, ‘ atone i in the cockpit, scooting over the water away from| Owens had succeeded in releasing his horses. » place where the bridge crossed. Ed led them up to the road and tied them heside his A few moment/later Ed reached the bridge and rained i in| own team. he cause he couldn’t cross. “T don’t see that- we can do anything with the stage — The far end of the a on one side was eee down | without help,” he said. “Tt will have to be lifted up on its at an angle. wheels, and then maybe you'll find that one of the axles When the bridge deine the aa had Hear flung | is broken, or perhaps a wheel. This accident happened at gainst the railing, which, not being intended to withstand | a bad time. - The next vehicle coming this way is liable to h a shock, had given away and snapped off like a pipe-| drive on to the bridge, and go ‘into the ereek like you did, dumping the stage into the creek, where it lay on its side in four feet of water, the two horses still attached is though standing i up, and apparently ‘uninjured. lrenched to. ae it was. trying to eae the will haye to stay here and warn teams of the danger. I | | suppose ra better do that, as you ave wet through, and might catch. cold in the cool night air. Take my rig and ; drive into the yillage, leading your horses behind. Stop Eh ee: ral the ahcge. house ae take apa Pe Send ite back here before the driver notices that it?s“broken down. One of us
Page 25
24 ED, THE EXPRESS. BOY. | \ with a.couple of red lanterns, and T’ HM put one at sind end of the bridge, The help those men promised to send ought to be here by that time.. You'd better go to the post-office and express office and see if the bag and the box reached their destinations all right.” Five minutes later Owens started for the village in Ed's vehicle, with his two horses hitched on behind, leaving the young expressman to watch at the scene of the accident. CHAPTER XIV. CROOKED WORK. Ed walked to the edge of the bridge, lighted a match, knelt down and held the light at'the point “where the end of the stringer had rested. He made ‘the startling discovery that the heavy beam had been sawed nearly throdgh about a foot from the end of | the bank. The weight of horses and stage had caused the slight remaining portion to snap off in a jagged way, letting the end of the structure down with a run. _ Ed pondered over the subject without reaching a conclu- sion until.he heard the sound of wheels approaching from the direction of the village. — He looked down the road and saw a light wagon coming driven by one man. / fd hailed him as he came up. “Hello, what do you want?” asked the familiar tones of the village constable, “Ts that you, Mr. Jones 2” asked the young expressman. “Yes.\ Are you Ed Andrews?” “You've hit it first guess. Get down, I want to show you “something.” ra / The constable alighite oe ieogr eah’t drive across the bade, Mr. J mes said Ed. Wy “7 no “Take a’ “at and you'll see why not.” “Why, it’s broken down. How did that happen?” * Some scoundrel sawed the stringer through. The bridge went down with the stage on it. There’s the vehicle |. in the water. Owens got a cold bath, but was not hurt; neither,were his horses. I forded the creek myself with my rig, and Owens has gone on to the village in it. I remained here to warn ee that eame along of what was before therh.” 4 “Tucky for me you did,” said Jones. “TI should have ‘driven straight ahead in the darkness, supposing the bridge was all right. You say somebody sawed: a string piece ” “1 do; Come here and I’ll show you.” Ed struck a match and soon convinced the officer of the ) truth of his statement. -. “Who eould have done stich a dastardly thing as that, and what could have been his object,” said the constable. Ed told the officer the particulars as the reader apGne them. aN ‘ He Sidhe 8a there was a sailboat 1 w eo men in it 1 in | way, for there is hardly any'Wind. ‘I’m goin ee ton in the direction of the village as I drove up on the other side. ss “And Owens let them carry off the mail bag and the express. box ?” ; “Vas,” “That looks suspicious to me. He was’a fool to let men © who were strangers to him sail away with such important property. Maybe it was they who brought about the acci- dent in order to get hold of the express hox and mail bag. If that turns out to be so I feel sorry for Owens. Both the Government and the express company will hold him’ strictly accountable, which means he’ll be ruined if the ar- | ticles are not recovered. fy “T’m afraid you've hit the nail on the head. Whoever sawed the stringer had an object in doing it. I couldn’t imagine what that object was till you suggested the mail * bag and the express box. Something ought to be done to ~~ overhaul that craft right away. The chances are the boat is out on the Atlantic by this time, bound for some nearby port. As soon as I get back to the village I shall call at the post-office... If the bag hasn’t arrived, that will convince me it has been stolen, and the towns all the way to Boston, as well as down the coast, 4 have to be communicated a with. Of course, if the mai ag is gone the express box _ has gone, too. Here comes another wagon. “Maybe it’s mine with Bob.” puesta Tt was his team, with Bob on the seat. \ Bob brought two red lanterns with him, and after he had expressed his surprise at the condition of the bridye, the s fi lanterns were attached to a piece of wood and stretched across each end of the bridge as a danger signal. The constable had important business in town, and he iy went on, fording the creek, while Ed and Bob started for * the village. Ed drove straight for the post-office, where he found — . Owens in a great stew over the non-arrival: of the eres bag. “What had I better do?” asked Owens, hictivtasal, a n i Ed made several suggestions, and then he and Bob went off to make the deliveries on tha wagon, after. which they a went home, as Ed was mighty hungry by this. time. a airs It was too late to call on Dora then, for it was witch ten i o'clock. tle ee However, Ed couldn’t resist the temptation to ann és n 1 ei to the cottage to see whether‘she had gone to bed, and, it so, to leave an explanation of his failure to show up tha evening. To his great deli he pnd Dora and her father si ting on the veranda, | ji ‘Have you been sitting here all evening?” man Ea “Yes, ” pti “Did you notice a sailboat come out of Hie mou the er eek yonder and cross the harbor toward. the ocean pr “Yes, I did; about an hour ago. She had a big dia shaped patch on her mainsail,” replied Dora. “That was the boat. Which sayeibnse ae she go? “To the north.” “That's toward Boston. She cane ave: pert T jumped in after you that The I who got
Page 26
ES Re ED, THE EXPRESS 25 BOY. - goods with them. She-must be captured or Mr. Owens will be in the soup badly.” . Ed started on his mission at once, and in twenty minutes - was at the end of the point or bluff. Half a mile away, lying close in shore, was the sailboat. Apparently she was anchored waiting for a slant of wind, for it had fallen a dead calm. At that moment he saw a rowboat put ashore from her, His curiosity was excited, and he started down the bluff in her direction. ‘The boat entered a small cove and was lost to view. Ed started on the run, and in about five minutes reached a clump of bushes at the back of the cove. _ Looking down into the place he saw the boat moored to _ the beach. _ The three men were on shore. While one held up a lighted lantern the other two were dustriously digging a hole close to the bluff. “T wonder if they’re going to hide their plunder there?* thought Ed. “Maybe they are afraid that thev’ll be _ tracked before the wind comes, and they wish to put all _ evidence against them out of sight, ‘intending to return later and remoye their sw Tl bet that’s it. ‘They couldn’t do anything that would suit me better.” _ Ed watched them complete the hole. “Then they dragged the express box from the boat and oh buried it. e. ‘There was no sign, however, of the mail bag. _ | When they finished their job they entered the boat and returned to their craft. iS ees —— CHAPTER XV. _ CONCLUSION. Well, the express box is safe for the present,” thought aT wonder what they hayé done with the mail bag? ess they’ve opened that, rifled the registered letters of phat. cash was in them, and then sunk the bag overhoard. If they have done that they have cooked Mr. Owens’ e, I fear. 1 wonder if the chap who held the lantern was Buck Norcross? I couldn’t see his face, but he looked that fellow. He’s got-a nerve, if it is him, to hang ound this ‘teighborhood when ue s wanted for a serious good purpose could be served iby remaining = any fer 80. Ed oe for the ase oe ae up the Denes box and carry it is the eee the way he stopped at the constable’s home. ke that official up and told him that he had located Lilboat, with the bridge wreckers aboard. j nchored near the shore about half a mile north of t. There is no wind, so the rascals can’t make scape. If yow ll scare up two of your deputies, Bob join you at the cove in half an hour or so, and} ble to take the crooks into camp. I think one of ck Nofeross.” Ed went ae Fifteen minutes later Ed tied his horse to a tree near the cove. The sailboat was still at anchor in the same place, for the calm continued. As Ed pulled a spade and Bob a small coil of rope out of the wagon, they saw another vehicle approaching. Constable Jones was driving, and he had two of: his deputies with him. A smal] rowboat was in the wagon, one end of it project- ing out at the rear. The wagon was tied up’ alongside of Ed’s, and the boat carried down into the cove after the young expressman had pointed the anchored sailboat out to the constable. “What are you going to do with the spade and the rope, Ed?” asked Jones. “By the time you get back with your prisoners you will learn, Mr. Jones,” replied the boy. The boat was launched and the constable and his depu- ties started for the sailboat. At the same time Hd started, to uncover the buried ex- press box. “They have reached her, Ed, and.are going on board,” Bob said. “And I have reached the top of the express box,” replied Kd, shoveling away as fast as he could. “Let me continue the good work while you take a rest,” said Bob. “The pleasure is yours. Take hold,” laughed Ed. Bob finished the uncovering of the heavy express box, and then the boys put a rope around it and fitenene it out of the hole. They both dragged it to the wagon and lifted Re in. They returned to the cove in time to meet the constables disembarking their prisoners, one of whom was Buck Nor- cross. “Neither the express hox nor iii bag was aboard the sailboat,” said Mr. Jones, “and these chaps deny that they know anything about either. However, T'@iscovered a registered envelope addressed to Mr. Bowels, on Main street, so I know they did have the mail bag, d got rid of it somehow. What bothers me is where they ave hidden the box.” “That's unnecessary. I’ve got the box in my wagon.” © “Good boy. ‘The express company will probably reward you for recovering Ae The prisoners were loaded on the constable’s wagon and taken to the lock-up, while one of the deputies returned to the sailboat to take charge of it. Ed turned the express box over to the constable, and then he and Bob went home. re Although he had but a short night’s sleep, Bd was up at his usual hour next morning, and on his wey to Hampden on schedule time. When he reached the pak which he haat to ford, he | found Owens and a couple of men at work extrieating the ‘stage. He told the stage proprietor that the express Sox had been recovered, but that the mail me! Had: eee been. eded no further “cope to hestir rifled and then sunk overboard. | ie that ay in Noreross,” said Ed. “The three. Tascals are: in jal and: ‘one a them is. Buck
Page 27
26 ~ es Se: “Yes, with the help of the calm, which put their sail- boat out of business.” - When Ed got back to the village he found the whole place ringing with his praises. That afternoon a representative of the Boston post- ED, THE EXPRESS 4 the BOY. | : << acs v3 Hd was astonished. So was the constable when the boy showed it to him, “Show that letter to your friend West and ask his ad- vice.” Ed went straight to Wave Crest Cottage and Bhoved the office came to Rockhaven to make an investigation, and he} letter to Dora’s “father: handled Owens without gloves. of He took the carriage of the mail away from him, and learning that Hd ene Dia! the hoy who had aided in eap- turing the rascals, had established: a regular express route between the village and town, he told him if he could fur- nish a satisfactory bond he eal have the contract on the came terms as those accorded Owens. id took the post-office man around to sce Mr. West, and that gentlem an willingly agreed to go on Ed’s bond fon the | required amount. As Mr. West was a responsible Boston merchant, the deal went through, and from that time Ed became the official mail carrier. \ Owens’ bond was forfeited by the Post- office Depart- ~ ment, and the stage owner had to make good to his bonds- man, The express company sent Ba. a present of $200, took the express carriage from Owens and gave it to the boy, though Hd wrote a letter.to the manager of the company, begging him to let Owens keep it. Buck was duly triéd and got ten years in State prison. But a great surprise was in store for Ed, the Mxpress| ° Boy. On Sunday morning following the event just narrated, Constable Jones met him near his house: and called him into his office, “T want you ‘to take that pocketbook to your uncle with thd explanatory letter I’ve written. I have no time to see him myself. ” to “All right, [Il ah ie Ed; “but I don’t expect he will apologize to me for his unjust accusation and for hav- ing had me arrested.” . “Here it is,” said the officer, taking the wallet from the safe. # fid opened it. ; “Tt’s empty, I see. Mr. White will have to levy on Buck’s horse and wagén to recover a portion of his two hundred and fifty dollats. Hello, here’s a flap: containing something.” He pulled out a folded sheet of note paper, strongly creased, and opening it out, was surprised and interested to see his father’s name signed to it. ‘The note ran as follows : «Dear BrorwER-in-taw Aset: I have heretofore only ‘sent you money for my son Ed’s keep and education. As Tam about to embark on a journey of no little peril, I have “deemed it wise to sell out all my interests here in Denver aud send the money to you for the future benefit of my ierefore enclose Beate a draft ae ee 000, made é bu The gentleman, after hearing fhe boy’s story oF his life with the storekeeper, came to the conclusion that he had — better call on Abel White with Hd. Be Fes He did so. ‘ “Tsn’t it a fact that you haye in your possession hat sum of five thousand dollars, not counting ten years’ interest, belonging to this boy?” he asked White. © “No it isn’t,” snapped the store-keeper. into your head ?” “This letter,” replied Mr. West, displaying it. Abel White willed and was obliged to own wp, for My i West declared he would put the case in the hands of Jus- tice Smith. ae The result was’ Ed found himself worth over $6, 000. On. the first of December he bought out the stage route, for Owens no longer had the heart. to run it, especially as. there was nothing in it during the winter months. i Ed didn’t start the stage till late in spring, when the first summer people began to move toward Rockhavens———— He employed a young man to take charge of Mt for him. ae He now had a regular office in the village, and was ru ning two express wagons on his route, driving the one him- belt" that carried the mail bag and the express box, - a3 The Wests came down early: that season, and Ed and Dora were much together. At the close of that summer he was engaged to Dova,. hwith her parents’ consent. vo ee That fall he was appointed agent for the express: com pany at, the yillage, and next spring had so yeas busine that he had‘ to put on another wagon. Although now twenty years of age, he was still called Ed the Express Boy, and te own route to eee was an” assured success, Muck “What put that THE END. —~ Read: “THE STOLEN BONDS; OR, HOW WALI |S9REET WILL MADE HIS MARK,” which : YY : ee: : ‘
Page 28
FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. “4 Fame and Fortune Weekly| NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 30, 1910. Single Copies............. .05 Cents One Copy Three Months... -65 Cents One Copy Six Months...... $1.25 One Copy One Vear........cccccccesseeee seecceccevsceevsss $2.50 ee Postage Free, HOW TO SEND MONBY—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 wrap the Coin in a separate piece of paper to avoid cutting the envel- ope. Write your name and address plainly. Address letters to SixoLATR rai hee Frank Tousey, Publisher Saass i Wrusiroma, Soe i 24 Union Sq., New York Ozag. E, Nywanpee, GOOD STORIES. Contrary to a widespread belief that hard woods give more heat in burning than soft varieties, the scientists at Wash- ington are contending that the greatest heating power is pos- sessed by the wood of the linden tree, whichis very soft. Fir _ Stands next to linden and almost equal to it. Then comes pine, - hardly inferior to fir and linden, while hard oak possesses ~-tight per cent. less heating capacity than linden, and red - beech ten per cent, less. “Julien Touchard de Mauves, le plus petit conscit de France.” Such was the annguncement placarded upon the win- dows of a shop on a fete day in the town of Argentan in 4 France during last summer. By paying a small charge one 5 might enter and look upon this extraordinarily little man. _ By English calculations he is 3414 inches in- height and weighs : 44 pounds. Although he appears like a child of four, yet he is over twenty years of age. On the latter account he has necessarily to respond to the call of his country. ' Blau gas, named for its German inventor, has come into re- narkable prominence lately because of the uses to which it an be put. The gas liquefies under pressure, shrinking to -400th of its normal volume at atmospheric pressure. It is, therefore, transportable in steel bottles as easily as oil or alcohol, and is usable in places where gas could not otherwise be readily supplied. For car heating and lighting, in welding ‘and metal cutting tools, for high speed soldering, it is inval- le. It contains most of the same elements, although in dif- ent proportions, as ordinary illuminating gas, and is simi- larly made, but is carbon monoxid, and therefore is non- Soisonous. Also, its chemical inertia is so great as to make practically non-explosive. cheaper to produce ous BOSE FaOne. iv scat separating - machines had all to be tea by hand. In © new comprehensive apparatus, however, all the feeding is one automatically, and inasmuch as a pile of 9,000 sheets, : i otes, Nee be accommodated in the magazine at tinuously for three hours at average speed without stopping to replenish the supply. The new combination machine not only concentrates the operations of a whole group of machines ‘| but it does things that have not heretofore been done by any machine. After the numbered and sealed bills have been cut apart it gathers these bills together right side up as skil- fully and much more quickly than any human being could-do it, and ere it passes them out for-the “ultimate consumers” it counts them and apportions them in packets of 100—-something that has heretofore involved manual labor. JOKES AND JESTS. Stella—I wish I Ella—I have seen twenty-five summers, was near-sighted as you are, Tits range of explosion is one- Ifth of acetylene and one-third that of Peanaey, coal gas, - with the gold ae \ Mrs. Askit—Does he mingle with the best society? Mrs. Knockem—No; he just elbows, pushes and shoves. First Summer Girl—Who is that clean-shaven, handsome boy? Second Summer Girl—Oh, he’s an actor. First Summer Girl—No; T mean the other one. Second Summer Girl—Oh, he hasn't any money either. “Yes,” said the drug clerk. compound prescriptions at night.” make mistakes working in semi-darkness?” I took in a plugged quarter once.” “Tam called up occasionally to ‘“Isn’t a man likely to “You bet he is! He—Do you know there is to be a grand ball for charity, and I am thinking of taking you. Have you ever danced for char- ity? She—Certainly. Do you not remember that even before we were engaged I never refused your invitations? ™ Mzesg Three months ‘after facing the parson together they were seated at the tea table. “Do you love me still?’ queried the young wife, after the manner of her kind. “Of course, I love you still,” he answered. “Now, keep quiet while I read the paper.” ; / The pompous judge glared sternly over his spectacles at the tattered prisoner, who had been dragged before the bar of jus- tice on a charge of vagrancy. “Have you ever earned a dollar in your life?” he asked, in fine scorn. “Yes, your honor,” was the response, “I voted for you at the last election.” “Can you give bond?” asked the judge. “Have you got anything?” ‘“Jedge,” replied the prisoner, “sence you ax me, Yl tell you. I hain’t got nuthin’ in the worl’ ’cept the spring chills, six acres.o’ no ’count land, a big family, a hope —~ of a hereafter an’ the ol’ war rheumatism.” ‘Life ain’t nothin’ but disappointment,” groaned the Chronic Grouch, “Cheer up!” urged the Cheerful Mutt. “Didn’t you git $50 fer puttin’ yer picture in the paper as havin’ been cured o’ all yer ills by Bunk’s Pills?” “Yes, I did. ‘An’ now all my relatifs are askin’ me why I don’t go to work, now *th’t rm CMMNGd Te) sate Net . Mrs. Smith’ (of Tooting)—The front steps are dreadfully dir ty. cook. Cook—They are that, mum, but the new girl won't clean ’em till her trunk arrives. Mrs, Smith—Indeed. Zs And why not, pray? Cook—Well, mum, _ she es she neyer é cleans steps unless she’s wearin’ her beat black hoses stockings
Page 29
28 FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. FATE OF THE PENNIES By D. W. Stevens. What pecomes of all the pennies? It seems to be with them very much as it is with pins— nobody knows where and how they disappear. Yet they van- ish in some fashion, Last year the Philadelphia Mint coined 94,000,000 pennies. It would take a good-sized building to hold so many, but they did not begin to supply the never- satisfied demand for more. Just now the establishment refer- red to is hard at work manufacturing further supplies, and so it will continue. _ Bronze cents are subject to more accidents than happen to any other United States coins. It is said that a penny changes hands in trade ten times for once that a dime passes from one pocket to another. Being of small value, these little pieces are not taken much care of. There are a thousand ways in which they get out of circulation, and thus the minting of them has to be kept up continually. The metal blanks from which they are made by the simple process of stamping are turned out for Uncle Sam by contract by a factory in Con- “necticut at the rate of a thousand for $1. As they come from the machines, fresh and new, they look like glittering gold. One may get a notion of the number of pennies lost from .the history of the old half cents. Of these 800,000 were issued few years ago, Where are they now? A few are in the cabi- nets of coin collectors. None have been returned to the mint for recoinage or are held by the Treasury. Nobody sees them in circulation. All of them except a few hundreds saved by curio hunters, have absolutely disappeared. Of the old cop- per pennies, 119,000,000 still remain unaccounted for, save that once in a long while one sees a specimen. There are ‘more than 3,000,000 bronze two-cent pieces somewhere out of 4,500,000 of them that the government issued. Of nickel three- cent pieces nearly Ve 000, 000 are yet outstanding, although it is seldom that one of them is come across. .In the Treasury department the ddestion came up as to the weight of a dollar bill. Scales of perfect accuracy were brought into requisition, and the surprising discovery was ‘made that twenty-seven one dollar notes weighed exactly as much as a twenty dollar gold piece. The latter just bal- ances 540 grains. However, the bills weighed were perfectly crisp and new. Trial made with soiled notes, such as come in every day for redemption, showed that twenty-seven of them weighed considerably more than the $20 coin. Bvery paper dollar on its way through the world continually accumu- lates dirt, so that after a year of use it is perceptibly heavier. The actual weight of paper money which the Treasury sends _ by express every year to all parts of the country is in the aggregate enormous. Since July ist it has dispatched $38,- 000,000, nearly all of.it in small notes, to the South and West for the purpose of ‘moving the crops. ‘The banks lend this cash to the farmers on whatever they grow, and thus the pro- duets of the field are harvested and shipped. Speaking of the redemption of paper money, a very novel and interesting application was made the other day to the _ division of the Treasury which has this business in hand. The story, as it came out, was as follows: An ingenious youth employed to sweep out a New York _ bank devoted attention for a considerable period to gathering i pup the erumbs from the tills in the shape of corners and : » other bits” ‘of notes such as get torn off and fall about in any| place where dollars are counted. in the ‘course of time he. got! t 0 together a quantity of scraps of the sort sufficient to fill a pint measure,/and he sent them on to the Redemption Bureau at Washington in a box, with the explanation that they had been eaten by mice. He stated the amount at $200, and asked for new bills in exchange. His little game was betrayed on the face of it by the fact that the pieces forwarded represented, if anything, not less than $1,000. The usual affidavit was de- manded from him, swearing to his loss; but he had not thought of that requirement and lacked the nerve to give it luckily for himself. Oy: Undoubtedly the redemption division does sometimes get swindled, though not often. The women experts eniploysa to. examine the money sent in are wonderfully skillful. It is marvelous how deftly they will poke over a few charred frag- ments of notes and set an accurate valuation upon them, The other day a poor woman in Ohio sent a wee corner of a $20 pill, with a pitiful story about her baby’s having burnt it, Hardly more was left than a fragment big enough to show the figures of the denomination, but she will get the money back. Mice are great destroyers of paper currency, and some . of the most hopeless specimens that come in have been chew- ed up for beds by those little rodents." Sometimes a pill box full of Pape pe tee ashes will arrive, accompanied by ae certificate stating the amount represented. Of course, such a case is hopeless. It is usually a kitchen stove catastrophe. Kitchen stoves burn up more cash every year than is lost — in any other one way. People will confide their hoards to — them for hiding, and when they are lighted the greenbacks — go up in smoke, The greatest sum ever consumed by fire in this country was $1,000,000. That amount went up in smoke — at the Sub-Treasury, but the government was able to replace” it at the cost of paper and printing. It has been estimated that one per cent. of all the paper money issued is lost or destroy: ed. Of the old fractional currency, it is reckoned that 80 000,000 has been totally lost. A few days ago an old colored man from across the Potomac — in Virginia brought to the Treasury an extraordinary looking — lump of metal. He said that it was a lot of silver dollars, halves, and quarters, which he had put in a tin can some years back and hidden in the stone wall of a barn by removing a stone and plastering up! the orifice. When recently he took out the’ box, he found that trickling water had rusted it ala most away, covering the coins with oxide of iron and eee { them together in a mass. Assistant Treasurer ‘Whelpley had — the lump put into acid and treated with lye and sawdust, so — that the silver pieces came out as pretty and bright as” when they. were minted, and the old man carried them, away de- : lighted. é One day a $5 note on the ‘National Bank of Rhode Tatadid at Newport came in for redemption. On the face it looked quite new, but the back was washed perfectly clean, so that not a mark was left on it.. The joke of it is that the Bureau of En- graving adopted the brown back for such bills on the grou x that it could not be washed off, as the green back can’be. 1. was intended in this way to prevent counterfeiters from Ree curing Treasury paper by rendering notes of small denomina-_ ‘ tions blank with acids and printing big ones on them, : ig the first time that confidence in’ the sa ty ¢ ee i ae Tt was i in the fall of 1851, and See ai nc a Cal., timber
Page 30
: , FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. 29 - to desperation by hunger, the men determined to attack the | martyr, and an occasional groan was. all the coraplaint that ferocious animals. The heart of Thomas Seabring failed as the little party drew near the bears, and he sought safety, by ' climbing a tree, The other men, S. K. Wood and Isaac Wilson, ‘threw prudence to the winds and advanced within fifty yards of the bears. Wood fired his rifle, and the nearest bear fell, biting and tearing the ground as though in the agonies of death. While Wood was reloading his rifle Wilson brought down a bear. Five of the grizzlies retreated up a ravine, but one shaggy monster remained with its fallen companions. She ‘sat erect on her haunches and turned her fierce eyes on the -men.as though daring them to battle. Wilson, awed by her aspect, ran for a tree, while Wood tried to reload his gun, but found himself unable to ram the ball down on the powder. While in this predicament, the grizzly ‘that had not fled rushed at him. Wood succeeded in getting — a small buckeye tree and used his gun to beat the bear off, as she attacked the tree with the intention of shaking him out of it) While he was engaged in fighting off this bear, »=, Wood, to his horror, saw the animal he had wounded rise anu rush toward him. No blows he could inflict on the wounded animal could check her. At the first spring she made the trees break, and the bears jumped for Wood. He gained his. feet and made with all speed down the mountain to where another small ree stood, about thirty yards away. He reached the tree with the woundet® bear at his heels, and seizing the trunk, he ‘swung his body around so as to give the bear room to pass him, which she did, plunging headlong down the mountain about: twenty yards. Before Wood could, with his failing A swing himself into the tree, the second bear bounded up and seized his right ankle, ia bear returned, and as Wood fell she snapped at his face, He dodged and she caught his left shoulder. Then commenced a terrific struggle. The maddened animals tugged in opposite directions at Wood’s ankle and shoulder, and he was in imminent danger of being torn to pieces. He fought as best he could, but each exertion he put forth only -dntensified the rage of the bears. When he was almost faint- ng with pain the bear that had not been wounded dropped nis ankle and trotted slowly after his companions up the ra- ne. Then the wounded bear let go her hold on his shoulder. ood sank back on the ground and lay perfectly quiet, as though dead, hardly daring to breathe. The grizzly stood ma- jestically over him, watching for the slightest movement and narling with rage. The pain that racked the man’s frame vas frightful, and he risked his life in an effort to assume easier position. At the first movement the grizzly roaring ‘uriously, rushéd at him. She shoved her nose close to his oe and anaes at him, but Wood was again motionless, and ound that his right hip was dieascated: and his left shoulder ‘chewed to the bone, while his clothing had been stripped m his body, and his flesh had been clawed in a hundred ; eS. Inch by inch he wae dragged himself from the the latter of whom had been left to guard this camp, him and carried him to their quarters. ‘meat of the bear that had been killed. They were lost in ountains, but finally Wood, despite his agony, insisted g tied to a horse and accompanying his friends in ch fo a path to civilization. ‘During the ten days é step the horse that Wood rode caused, tur ! ot anes rider, sah Wood bore i it. like al By ‘this time the wounded. = his adventure to some acquaintances, Jight democrat. escaped his lips. Finally they found a road out of the mountains, and reached the farm of Mrs. Mark. West, thirty miles from Sonoma, where Wood was cared for, and in six weeks was able to join. his friends in San Francisco. The injuries inflicted by the griz- zlies made Wood a cripple for life, and eventually were the eause of his death. rrr fr pe ss _ BATTLE WITH A COPPERHEAD. Captain D. G. Colby, a sewing machine agent, whose home is at Volga, Ind., has just recovered from a dangerous illness caused by the bite of a huge copperhead snake, with which he had a most thrilling encounter while canvassing in Orange County, a hilly, rocky section in that portion of the State, which is said to be infested with snakes of all kinds, especially those of a venomous nature. It is a singular fact that Cap- tain Colby, who, previous to his illness, was fair of skin, has undergone: such a metamorphosis in the color of his com- plexion as, to be hardly recognizable to his most intimate friends, it having changed during the brief period of his sick- ness to a tawny yellow not unlike that of an Indian. “For some time past I have driven a pair of fractious young horses,” said the captain, while relating the story of “and use for, a halter an inch rope, which I generally carry in the back end of my About an hour before entering Paoli, where I was to remain over night, I stopped under the shade of some low bushes to cool off my ponies, as the weather about that time, as you all remember, was somewhat warmish. “After about an hour’s rest I whipped up my horses, reach- | ing Paoli about dusk, and driving up to the hotel barn I jumped out, and was in the act of taking the halter from the hind end or the wagon-box for the purpose of tying my ponies until the hostler could put them up for the night, when I felt a sudden stinging pain in the right arm just above the elbow, — and at the same time a tightening sensation as though that member was being wrapped with a cord. I quickly withdrew my arm, and to my horror discovered in the dim light that 1 had been bitten by a copperhead, and that the venomous crea- ture had coiled itself about my arm, and with head erect and tongue darting from its horrid mouth was preparing for a. second stroke with its fangs, when, quick as thought, I grasped the reptile about the neck with my left hand and closed my fingers upon it with all the strength I possessed, when a loosening of the awful compress’ convinced me that I had strangled the life out of his snakeship, and that all I had to do was to fling him from my arm, which act I lost no time, I assure you, 1n performing. I stamped upon the reptile with the heel of my boot to make sure of its death, and was un- heroic enough to faint away immediately thereafter, and was -~ found a few minutes later in an unconscious condition by the hotel hostler, and with the assistance of Landlord Mc- Knight was carried into the house; when I at once regained my consciousness, and possessed sufficient presence of mind to order from the bar a pint of Bourbon whisky and to drink every drop of it, as by that time I could feel the poison dis- cembatating itself through every part of my system. “The liquor bad no effect upon me whatever, and in a/ quar- ter of an hour I threw myself outside of another pint, when the. physician who had been summoned put in an appearance and ordered me to bed, where I remained for nearly two weeks \ under his constant care, hovering most of the time between life and death, and living over in my delirium the horrible ~ ‘ exper ience 1 had undergone, The copperhead, ta nenared, was: found to be 5 feet i aware, aed re
Page 31
- These Books Tell You Everything! A COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! Hach book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated cover. Most of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treat tipon are explained in such a simple manner that child can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjects mentioned. THESH BOOKS ARH FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDHALERS OR WILL BH SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRESS FROM THIS OFFICH ON RECHIPT OF PRICH, THN CHNTS HACH, OR ANY THRED BOOKS FOR TWHNTY-FIVH CENTS. POSTAGH STAMPS TAKEN THER SAME AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y. 4 MESMERISM. No. 81. HOW TO MESMBRIZE.—Containing the most ap- proved methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of digeases by animal magnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof. Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. S., author of “How to Hypnotize,” ete. PALMISTRY. No. 8. 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 HYPNOTIZE.—Containing valuable and in- penis pl information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the . leading hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S. SPORTING. ‘No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH—The most complete hunting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full in- structions about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, together with descriptions of game and fish No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully B illustrated. Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat. Full instructions are given in this little book, together with in- structions on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, 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, CANOES.—A handy book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes and the most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. By CQ. Stansfield Hicks. FORTUNE TELLING. No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DRHAM BOOK.— Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the true mean- ing of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and curious games of cards. A complete book. No. 23. HOW TO HXPLAIN DREAMS.—HBverybody dreanis, 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 boa “Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate. No. 28. HO O TELL FORTUNES.—Bveryone 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 convinced. Tell your own fortune. ‘Tell the fortune gages friends, No. 76. HOW TO THLL FORTUNES BY THE HAND.— Containing rules for telling fortunes by the aid of lines of the hand, or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future events. by aid of moles, marks, scars, etc. Illustrated. By A. Anderson. THLETIC. No, 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETH.—Giving full in- struction for the use of dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars and Yarious other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations, Hyery boy can one bg and healthy by following the instructions contained this little ‘ ‘ J No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self-defense made easy. Containing over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the ditfer- ent positions of a good boxer. pam boy should ebtain one of “ these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box without an instructor. ne No. 25. HOW TO BECOMH 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 boo! k. No. 84. HOW TO FHNCH.—Oontaining 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. A TRICKS WITH CARDS. No. 51. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing explanations of the general principles of sleight-of-hand applicable to card tricks; of card tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring ‘ sleight-of-hand; of tricks involving sleight-of-hand, or the use of - @pecially prepared cards, By Professor Haffner. Illustrated. No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Hm- bracing all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with il- lustrations. By A. Anderson. 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 TRIOKS.—The great book of magic and card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading card 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. No. 22. HOW TO DO SHCOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Hxplaining how the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the boy on the stags; also giving all the codes and signals. The only authentic explanation of second sight. ; No. 43. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the public. Also tricks with cards. incantations, ete. No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS.—Containing over » one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. - y A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated. No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over 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 MAKE MAGIC TOYS. ntaining fylk—- directions for making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds, By A. Anderson. ed illustrated, No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS,.—Showing _ many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. F No. 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR. — Containing — tricks with Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, ete. Hmbracing thirty-six illustrations. By A. Anderson. : 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. No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Every boy should know how inventions originated. This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, mieten, optics, ‘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. iS: _No. 57. HOW TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Full directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither, Molian Harp, Xylo phone and other musical instruments; together with a brief de« scription of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient or modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon §. Hitzgerald, xt for twenty pao bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines. ~ tig No. 59, HOW TO MAKH A MAGIC LANTHRN.—Containing a description of the lantern, together with its history and invention. Also full directions for its use and for painting slides. Handsomely illustrated. By John Allen. eerie No, 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Containing — complete instructions for performing over sixty Mechanical Tricks, By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. : : , LETTER WRITING. No. 11. HOW TO WRITH LOVE-LETTHRS.—A most com plete little book, containing full directions for writing love-lette and when to use a Ween epi letters for young and ol No. 12. HOW TO ITH LHTTERS TO LADIBNS.—Giving complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subjects; -also letters of introduction, notes and requests. eae No. 24. HOW TO WRITH LHTTORS TO GENTLEMEN. Containing full directions for writing to gentlemen on all subjec also giving sample letters for instruction. : Negher: No. 53. HOW TO WRITH LETTERS.—A wonderful little book, telling you how to write to your sweetheart, your father, mother, sister, brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody and any- — body you wish to write to. Hyery young man and every - roung lady in the land should have this book. _ Je a oe No. 74. HOW TO WRITH LETTHRS CORRHCTLY.— : taining full instructions for writing letters on almost any su }also rules fpr punctuation and composition, with specimen let: 4 ‘ Hey Ve ERED - ; . ‘ hs ie
Page 32
F THE STAGE. No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKH _ BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the - Most famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without this wonderful little book. : No, 42, THH BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPHAKER.— _ @ontaining a varied assortment of — apes hes, Negro, Dutch and hgack —_ Bae ence jokes. Just the thing for home amuse- ment and amateur shows. : _ M No. 45. THN BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE _ AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. Hvery -. boy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- [4 na ag an amateur minstrel troupe. — _ _ No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKHS.—This is one of the most original - Joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It _ Contains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, etc., of _ Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of ne bade day. Every beset can enjoy a good substantial joke should obtain a copy immediately. + No. 79. HOW TO BECOMB AN ACTOR.—Containing com- plete instructions how to make up for various gharacters on the stage; together with the duties of the Stage aan Prompter, _ Scenic Artist and preety, Man. ey a See tage Manager. No, 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKH BOOK.—Containing the lat- est jokes, anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and ever popular’ German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome ; bi cover Containing a half-tone photo of the author. - Colore HOUSEKEEPING. ull instructions for constructing a window garden either in town Se eOnutry, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful , Sag at home. The most complete book of the kind ever pub- No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books m cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, eh, game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular cooks. No, 87. HOW TO KEEP HOUSEH.—It contains information for _@verybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, brackets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. ELECTRICAL. | No, 46. HOW TO MAKH AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A de- Bcription of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; together with full instructions for making Hlectric Toys, Batteries, . By George Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il- trations. No. 64. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- ‘taining full directions for making electrical machines, induction coils, dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. _R. A. R. Bennett. vy illustrated. , ie “No. 67. HOW TO DO HLECTRICAL TRICKS.—Oontaining a rge collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, together with illustrations. By A, Anderson, art, and create an greatest book ever No. 20. HOW " structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also ex- ‘periments in acousties, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and di- ; rections for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equaled. No. 14. HOW TO MAKB CANDY.—A complete hand-book for maying all kinds of candy, ice-cream SE alee ete. ete, o, 84. HOW TO BHCOMH AN AUTHOR.—Containing full information regarding choice of subjects, the use of words and the manner of preparing and submitting manuscript. Also containing valuable information as to the neatness, legibility and general eom- position of manuseript, essential to a successful author. By Prince -Hiland, ‘ No. 38. 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< laints, piNo. 55. HOW. TO COLLNCT STAMPS. AND COINS. —Con- taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated, ih o. 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. 5 No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHDR.—Gontain- ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to. work it; also how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and other ae Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De Ww, mney. / ; No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WHST POINT MILITARY CADHT.—Containing full explanations how to gain admittance, course of Study, Hxaminations, Duties, Staff of Officers, lost Guard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy should know to be a Cadet. Compiled and written by Lu Senarens, author of “How to Become a Naval Cadet.” _ * els No. 68. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL GCADET.—Complete in- structions of how to gain admission to the Annapolis Naval Academy. Also containing the course of instruction, description ‘of grounds and buildings, historical sketch, and everything a hoy ‘should know to become an officer in the United States Navy. Com- piled and written by Lu Senarens, author of “How to | est Point Military Cadet.” ) “PRICE 10 CENTS EACH, OR 3 FOR 25 CENTS. Become a
Page 33
ws- Latest « Issues “We “Pluck ‘and Luck’”’ Containing Stories of Adventure. ‘CoLoRED CovERS. 32 PAcEs. Price 5 Cents. 639 Bob the Bell Boy; or, Working “Front” in a Big Hotel. By Jas. C. Merritt. 640 The Boy Who Made Himself a King. (A story of strange adventures.) By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. 641 The Round the World School.. (A story for American schoolboys.) By Richard R. Montgomery. 642 Fred Lenoir; or, Stirring Scenes in the South. By Howard Austin. 643 The Winning Team; or, Football Frank, the Champion. By Howard Austin. “Wild West Weekly’ A Magazine Containing Stories, Sketches, Etc., of as Life Cotornp Covers. 32 PAGES. Price 5 Cents. 409 Young Wild West in the “Land of Dead Things”; Arietta and the Vultures. 410 Young Wild West’s Lightning Leap; or, A Desperate Duel on Horseback. 411 Young Wild West in the Golden Valley; Indian Sign. or, or, Arietta’s 412 Young Wild West’s Marked Mustang; or, Trapping the}: Horse Thieves. 413 Young Wild West and “Puncher Pete”; the Dynamite. 414 Young Wild West Almost Beaten; or, The Secret of the Blasted Pine. 415 Young Wild West’s Buffalo Hunt; Ride. ~ “All Around Weekly” Containing Stories of All Kinds. CoLorED CovERS. 32 PAGES. Price™5 Canis. 43 Matt the Avenger; or, Fighting the Mexican Bandits. 44 The Wizard of the Waves. A story of life and adventure on land and sea. 45 The Golden Skull; or, A Boy’s Adventures in Australia, 46 Pacific Dick. A stirring tale of the Indian Isles. 47 Cyclone, the Horse .tunner; or, The Young Lassoer of the ; Plains. 48 After the Big Diamond; (A story of India.) 49 Marked Men; or, The Best Card Last. or, Arietta and or, Arietta’s Awful or, The Star on the Arm. For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, —-. “Secret Service” Old and Young King Brady, Detectives, COLORED Covers. 32 Paaus. Pricg 5 Cents. 604 Pe ee Chinese Clew; or, The Secret Dens of Pell reet. 605 The Bradys in a Fog; or, Tracking a Gang of Forgers. 606 The Bradys’ Little Spy; or, Dark Work in the Slums. 607 The Bradys and the Broadway Gamblers; or, The Search for the Knights of the Moon. 608 The Bradys’ Sewer Secret; or, Weird Work Underground. 609 The Bradys and the Hanging House; or, A Mystery of the Palisades, 610 The Bradys’ Dead Witness; or, A 7» A Clew from the Grave, - “The Liberty Boys of "70" A Magazine Containing Stories of the h fades CoLorED CoyERs. 32 PaGEs. Price 5 502 The Liberty’ Boys’ Underground Camp; or, In Steunige = Quarters. : The Liberty Boys’ Dandy Spy; or, Deceiving the Governor. 504 The Liberty Boys’ Gunpowder Plot; or, Failing by an. Inch. 505 The Liberty Boys’ Drummer Boy; or, Sounding the Call to Arms. 506 The Liberty Boys Running the Blockade; or, Getting Out” : of New York. ; 507 The Liberty Boys and Captain Huck; or, Routing a Wicked Leader. { The Liberty Boys and the Liberty Pole; or, Stirring — Times in the Old City. Se a The Liberty Boys and the Masked Spy; or, The Man of — OE eas ‘ “Work and Win’ Containing the Great Fred Fearnot Stories. CoLorep Covers 32 PAGHS. Price 5 Cuts. 612 Fred Fearnot Hunted; or, A Plot That Was Hard to Solve. 613 Fred Fearnot and the Boy Boxer; or, Giving a Pugilist ° ¥ Points. 614 Fred Fearnot’s Temperance Play; or, Fighting Drink with the Drama. % 615 Fred Fearnot’s Death Slide; or, Down the Great Moun- : tain Flume. 616 Fred Fearnot’s Call by Wireless; Played Him False. 617 Fred Fearnot and the ie Quartette; or, Jim, Jack, Joe, : and Jerry. or, The Friend Who. j IF You WANT “ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Weekles and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office diréct. Cut out and fil 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 tb POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. , return mail. oe eee b Oe dele ataeiee Salis eee ee FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New ‘Tork. leraree.eceieicieceremmmncnieieece ae 300 L@ Dear Stz-—Hhclosed find...... cente for which please send me: tee Pies a of WORK AND WIN, NOR AS Tea Ga Meialahe slecela werk jeteran eres Ds #90 w CORM0: Ore eTARC Leelee ere lerele-9 628 2 60 ne: sce © © ALL AROUND WEERLY, Nos... cps eeeseeeseneens 3 ie wee f “ WILD WEST WEEKLY, do a eas Pre ec en Rae ike “ “ PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos...... SECRET rg res Nos... “ae eeee Ly “ “ v,eoe : “ “ see eee peewee ee wen eos reese ose seeooe THE LIBERTY BOYS OF "76, Nos... sme ss eeee ; 4 ee eeerste es eee nee ee eee 2800 UNE Or 8 BES, OATES ESTE OO 05 8 OF8 O88 Oe - ie & Ele ipe cee \b la, 600-864 ecereke "a fe, wan Be i A I ao ¥ ?. ‘ Ten-Cent Hand Bbdk’ Manis (oe across), 9 ems eae eed Mame. eees sees esrecenge ee Street and No. ewnmerensv eres ol ee ee ae) 4 2°08 & 0 OO WEEN 80 Eee AT RES SI RISEE Saw Ore OSO 8 BO oe ee . j ‘
Page 34
Fame and Fortune Weeki STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MONEY By A SELF-MADE MAN COLORED COVERS y vin yo PRICE 5 Ots. ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY 32 PAGES 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stamps, by | Claim No, 7; or, A Fortune From a Gold Mine. This Weekly contains interesting stories of smart boys, who win fame and fortune by their ability to take 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- advantage of passing opportunities. ous and wealthy. ALREADY PUBLISHED. Digging ‘Up Dollars; or, The Nerve of a Young * 3ull” Operator. A Runaway Boy; or, The Buried Treasure of the Incas. The Old Broker's Heir; or, The Boy Who Won in Wall Street. | From Farm to Fortune; or, The Boy Who Made Money in Land. Ragged Rob of Wall Street; or, $50,000 rom a Dime. 234 8 The Boy Railroad Magnate; or, The Contract That Brought a Million. Dandy Dick, The Boss Boy Broker; or, Hustling for Gold in Wall Street. Caught By Cannibals: or, The Treasure of the Land of Fire. The Little Operator; or, Cornering the ‘‘Bears’’ of Wall Street. Air Line Ed: or, Building a Telegraph Line. A Boy of the Curb; or, The Secret of a ‘Treasure Note. From Foundry Boy to Stee! King; or, The Rise of a Young Bridge Builder. The Missing Box of Bullion; or, The Boy’ Who Solved a Wall Street Mystery. Out For Big Money; or, Touching Up the Wall Street Traders. The Boy Ice King; or, Coining Money from the River. Wour of a Kind; or, The Combination that Made Wall Street Hum. « 249 Bob Brandon, Contractor; or, The Treasure that Led to Mame. 250 A Boy From the South; or, Cleaning Out a Wall Street Crowd. Hal the Hustler; or, The Feat That Made Him Famous. 251 A Mad Broker's Scheme; or, The Corner That Couldn’t Be Worked.| 959 Dollars From Dust; or, The Boy Who Worked a Silver Mine. BZ Billy Black, the Broker’s Son; or, The Worst Boy in Wall Street. | ._. Adrift in the Sea; .or, The Treasure of Lone Reef. 25: The Young Wall Street Jonah; or, The Boy Who Puzzled the 254 Brokers. aoa 18) Wireless Will Bor, The Suecess of a Young Velegraph Operator. Wall Street Jones: or, Trimming the Tricky Traders. Fred the Faker; or, The Success of a Young Street Merchant. “ek The Lad From 'Frisco; or, Pushing the “Big Bonanza.” A Wall Street Story. 259 The Lure of Gold; or, The Treasure of Coffin Rock. 260 pater Maker Mack; or, ‘he Boy Who Smashed a Wall Street | 261 “Ring.” 262 Missing for a Year; or, Making a Fortune in Diamonds. Phi! the Plunger; or, A Nervy Boy’s Game of Chance, A Wall Street Story. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, of our Weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the weeklies youewant and return mail. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Cid. 6) 6) eo) ele fl ete'y 6 6 6 00 16 6 60 6 6 6 6.8 6 wi6, 6.6, 0/070 016 6 0:16 0:0 Of 0) oe 65) \0 06d 6 010.6) 06 0.6 0700 61014 shee IF YOU WANT ANY FRANK, TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. par Srr—Enclosed find......cents for which please send - ws<.copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos.........0000e5 2...08* © ALL AROUND WEEKLY, Nos....+++.-+. aes “< f WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nosiw.....0..54-, .. “ “ THE LIBERTY BOYS OF '76, Nos.......: Bag) Rear PLUCK. ANDi LUOK. Weal <i is ganic Lyte Ae SHORT SBRVICH, Moscile si. tkwnl «om wee © © FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY, Nos... ce. “ “oT en-Cent Hand Books, @los...2. 0d. occ cine ENT TIO MME teitcls a) fodce ete. sors pakacelnets area SERCO (DUG NOD y tucte scene 3} Up Against a Hot Game; or, Two College Chums in Wall Street, ’ Benson's New Boy; or, Whooping Up the Wall Street Market. Samson, the Boy Blacksmith; or, From Anvil to Fortune. Bob's Big Risk; or, The Chance That Came But Once. me in the Gold Bields; or, The Treasure of Van Diemen's wand. “Old Mystery,’ the Broker; or, Playing a Daring Game. Street Story.) ‘ Capital—One Dime; or, Boring His Way to Fortune. (A Wail A Big Contract; or, The Poor Boy Who Won. Driven to Work; or, A Fortune from a Shoe String. The Way to Make Money; or, Taking Chances in Wall Street. Making His Fortune; or, The Deal of a Lucky Boy. The Stock-Exchange Boys; or, The Young Speculators of Wall Street. — Seven Bags of Gold; or How a Plucky Boy Got Rich. 1% Dick, the Wall Street Waif; or, From Newsboy to Stock Broker. — Adrift on the Orinoco; or, The Treasure of the Desert. Silent Sam of Wall Street; or, A Wonderful Run of Lueck. * Always on the Move; or, The Luck of Messenger 99. Mae Happy Go Lucky Jack; or, The Boy Who Fooled the Wail sip Brokers. ‘ Learning a Trade; or, On the Road to Fortune. 1 ee Buying on Margin; or, The Boy Who Won the Money. (A Wall — Street Story.) y ae Joe Darcy's Treasure Hunt; or, The Secret of the Island Cave. A “Live” Boy; or, Quick to Get the Dollars. (A Story of Wall Street.) nn A Barrel of Coin; or, The Luck of a Boy Trader. Driven to the Wall; or, The Nerve of a Wall Street Boy. 7 Johnny, the Parcel Boy; or, The Lad Who Saved the Hirao ae Going the Limit; or, A Big Risk for Big Money. (A Wall Street Story.) Up to Him; or, Running His Father's Business. F : “Back Number Bixby’; or, The Boy Who Was Up to the Minute. (A_ Wall Street Story) é 7 : A Young Barnum; or, Striking It Rich in the Show Business. The Brotherhood of Gold: or, A Daring Wall Street Game. Hd, the Express Boy; or, His Own Route to Fortune, The Stolen Bonds; or, How Wall Street Will Made His Mark. 24 Union Square, New York BACK NUMBERS | orfice direct. Cut out and fill ® we wiil send them to you by wee meee ewer eee ere eee eee eee saeeee weer eee see ee ese eesesess sess nsos F PLowniet scorn aus seme