Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 285) (1911 03 17)
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Mar. 17251911. le 85. FAME scents. : ANS: [ “Ott with you!” snarled the driver, forcing Dick backward. “Do you want to kill me?” cried the boy, clinging to his burly aggressor. “Hold on, there, what are: you doing?” shouted Duke, running beside the truck with arms extended. «
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SENARENS, 347 WINTHROP ST., BROOKLYN, N. Y. OUR TEN-CENT HAND BOOKS Each one 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 treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that any child can thoroughly understand them. No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST. DREAM BOOK.—Containing the great oracle —-A useful and instructive book, giving a com- 9 of human destiny; also the true meaning of plete treatise on chemistry; also experiments almost any kind of dreams, together with in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemis- charms, ceremonies, and curious games of try, and directions for making fireworks, cards, colored fires, and gas balloons. No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILO- book of magic and card tricks, containing full QUIST.—By MWarry Kennedy. 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Fame and Fortune Weck STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MONEY ss) Isnued Weekty-—Fy Subscription $2.50 fer year. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1011, in oe office of the bape Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C., by Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New Yark. No. 285. NEW YORK, MARCH 10, LOLT. PRICE 5 CENTS. Dick and His Chum OR, MAKING A FORTUNE FOR THE FIRM By A SELF-MADE MAN ‘ CHAPTER TI. | scheme goes up. You are perfectly competent to take the , job. You served a year’s apprenticeship on the schooner DICK AND HIS CHUM. - | Jason. Then you took the examination for mate, and backed by Qaptain Fox’s influence you got your certificate, “What are you going to do now, Dick? Your uncle’s | That gives you authority to act as captain, doesn’t it?” sudden death has upset all your calculations, hasn’t it?” “Yo,” (said Duke Darrell to his chum, Dick Ransom, as the two “Very good. 'That-will save the firm the wages of a _ boys stood on one of the wharves of the little town of| skipper, and that’s a very important item just now, for my Buckport, on the shore of Lake Erie. late uncle’s business, I have discovered, is rather on the © Dick did, not reply for a moment or two, then he turned | hog, to use a slang expression, and it will be a case of _. and looked Duke in the face. , economy and hustle to build it up again. The fact is since “Want to go into partnership with me?” he said, in a] wages have gone up, and a have come down, my business-like tone. uncle had a hard time making ends meet.” zs “Into partnership !” exclaimed Duke, in some surprise.| “I suppose you have spoken to your aunt and she is “Tn what kind of business?” going to let you have the use of the schooner for whatever “Ransom & Darrell, Cargo Contractors. Office, Judson’s you can afford to pay?” said Duke. Wharf, How would that sound?” said Dick. “T have agreed to give her $50 a month, and that carries “Do you mean that you intend to run your late uncle’s| with it the contract to take scrap iron across the lake tor business on your own hook?” Clapham, in Canada. Well, are you with me in this ~ “On both our: hooks, if you will go in with: me.” thing ?” “But T have had no experience ‘at it, and you haven’t had] “Giro T am.” a whole lot.” “Don’t let that fact worry you. 1 know enough about} morning. As soon as that has been attended to we will ye a anes business to run the risk of tackling it.” have a sign painted and attached to the shed my uncle used’ us? nes standing advt. in the paper, and arrange to have the serap _ € Not as. much as you think, T only stand 40 keep the | iron brought down to the wharf, and have it a sowed a, two hands » oh and. as. captain. eee lin? Tve only: got $125.” ee teas are to be ‘captain i the stant off, otherwise the ne ther in ea Vil match “you: vith ie Tike amount. “Then we'll have the partnership papers drawn up in the ee “But according to the regulations. pr got to have al “Hold on, * How much money do you Buin me to pt i ae “But it will take more capital than we can raise between for his office, and get out some business cards, and puta Z
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2 worry along on that we'd better give ap the ghost at once.” “Youre going to keep the two hands who belong to the schooner ?” “Yes. hey’re good chaps and will pull with us. Vi speak to them, as the firm is an accomplished fact.” “And Captain Jinks will have to look for another job?” “Naturally, as we have no use for him.” “He ought to have no trouble in getting one, for he knows his business.” “Very likely.” “Have you said anything to him yet on the subject?” “No. Time enough to break the news to him when we have started the firm.” “He’s living aboard the schooner, isn’t he?” “No; he’s stopping at the Bates House, but most of his traps are aboard the vessel.” “He must have money to put up at a hotel. T ffchiee why he does’ it when he can stop on the schooner just as -well as not?” “T couldn’t tell you. ‘It’s only lately ‘the’s been develop- ing this bit of extravagance—since he’s been oe the schooner across to Canada and ‘back.” “Your uncle didn’t pay him any more for those lige than for sailing the vessel to Cleveland, or other ports on ” this side, did: he?” “J don’t imagine that he did. Why should he? He got so much a month for his services as skipper. It would make no difference with him where he took the schooner,” said Dick. “He received his wages just the same, I suppose, if the vessel missed a cargo and stayed tied up at the wharf? ms “Of course he did.” “How long has he been in your Jate uncle’s employ?” “About four months. Ever since ‘the was let go by Thonwpson & Obv., of Brie.” _ “Why did Thompson & Co, let him go?” “The claimed he wanted a raise and they said they couldn’t afford it.” _ “Tf thtat was the reason T don’t see how he could do bet- ter by shipping with your uncle. If-business wasn’t good with him, as’you say, he eouldn’t afford to pay fancy wages _ to Captain Jinks,” _ T think the question of wages was not the cause of his _ severing his relations with ‘Thompson & Co., for my uncle paid hin less than’ he got from the Thompson firm. The fact was, as I saw it in an Evie newspaper at the time, he | was suspected of ‘emiuggling some eases of brandy from the Canadian side.” “Ts that so?” eS: The schooner he was master of was engaged for some time in carrying tts across to, Clapham, Thompson | & Co. having secured a:big contract to deliver the coal on ~ the other side of the lake. The custom house officials at Erie got wind of the fact that small quantities of cognac proposed to take it off her hands himself, were introduced on this side, duty free, and their investiga- tions led to the seizure of the coal schooner on suspicion. ei. search, however, failed to disclose anything irregular about her, but Thompson & Oo. had reason to feel much aoged ¢ over the unfavorable ey raed were a inks DICK AND HIS CHUM. That will give us a working capital of $250. If we eancbt that the action on the part.of the Government was an out- rage, and he hinted that it was incited by a man im the revenue service he was at enmity with. Thompson & Oo. threatened to bring suit against the Government, but after an interview with the chief inspector of the district, they changed their minds, apparently, for no snit was brought. It was about this time that Captain Jinks quit Thompson & Co. because he alleged that he wanted more pay and couldn’t get it.” “Do you think there was anything in the matter with respect to the captain?” “T couldn’t tell you. As far as the facts went there was nothing to show that he had smuggled anything across the lake, but still the fact that he left the employ of Thompson & Co. on the heels of the affair might strike a person as rather significant. From what I have seen of him since he’s been with my uncle, T can’t say that I like the man.” — “He’s made two trips aeross the lake for your anele, which seems to show that Mr. Judson did not take much stock in the alleged smuggling business,” said Duke. - '“That’s right, but a revenue official has been on the wharf watching the schooner when she got back here each time,” replied Dick. “‘Tt’s their business to do that, anyway, isn’t it “Yes, I guess 50.’ “You ve got a load of serap iron, you say, to take to Clapham. When the vessel returns an inspector will be on hand just the same as if Captain Jinks was in command.” You’re not going to ay to “What’s the difference ? smuggle anything across the lake.” “FE should say not. T’m not looking for trouble.” “Say the firm, for if you were caught at. anything like that I'd be in it with you. Well, let’s go home. It’s time our suppers were ready. Tell your folks what you’re going: to do. T’ll inform my aunt that we have come to an agrec- ment to run the business. To-morrow we'll charter the» schooner from*her in due form for six months, with the privilege of a renewal.” \ The two boys then left the wharf, which, like the schooner, was a part of the Judson estate, and walked 4 the street. A couple of blocks above the wharf they parted, atten’ 4 making an engagement to meet at nine on the following: morning, and each went his own way. CHAPTER re CAPTAIN JINKS. i ey KA When, Dick reached the cottage of his tke uncle, Mr. oi Judson, where he lived, he found Captain Jinks”in the lit- 7 tle parlor talking with his aunt. A The skipper had called to find out what Mrs. J eee was r 3 going to do with the business. = If she was going to dispose of it, with the schooner, he ¢ In fact, his main purpose was to perma, her to ne out ‘ to him at a reasonable figure. Hf she couldn’t make up her mind to do that right away i he intended to charter the schooner, and rent the use of ‘the: watt, so that he could run the business | himself op id
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DICK AND. the field, and was rather taken aback when the lady told him that her nephew, Dick Ransom, had proposed to run the business if he could arrange with a friend of his to go in with him. Captain Jinks was disappointed. As he did not have a very high opinion of Dick’s busi- ness abilities, he told the widow that he thought it was ridiculous for her to enter into any business arangement with an inexperienced hoy. The business would probably go to the dogs and she would be the loser. Mrs. Judson, said she was willing to take a chance in or- der to try and help her nephew along. Her husband, she said, had brought him to Buckport with the view of eventually turning the business over to him, and she believed he was entitled to a chance now that ~ her husband’s death interfered with the original arrange- _ ment. Then Captain Jinks had a luminous thought. The boy would, of course, retain him as skipper—at * least he figured so, since it would be necessary for him to have a captain on the schooner. Having the inside track, in a way, he could manage to put the business on the “bum, ” which would disgust the _ boy and caugé him to throw it up. Then he (the captain) \would doubtless be able to buy out the widow on still more advantageous terms. ’ ‘So Captain Jinks changed front and agreed that Mrs. Judson was doing the right thing in giving her nephew a chance to show what he could do with the business. The i bgt te had reached this stage when Dick ap-} peared. He bowed to the captain, and the captain got up and - shook hands with him in a friendly way. Mrs. Judson left them together while she went to see how : the hired girl was getting on with supper. “Mrs. Judson has just told me that you are thinking of |: taking charge of your late uncle’s business,” said the skip- “per, with an encouraging smile, . “Yes, sir,” replied Dick. “T don’t hoa but it is.a good idea, for you seem to be a -smart hoy, and you have acquired some insight ~~ the - business since you came here.” “T have an idea I can get along—or rather that the firm will get along.” “Then you have secured a partner?” “T have.” ' “Some man experienced in the business ?” “No, he’s a boy like myself, but he is de competent to ; attend to his end.” - would not have a man to buck up against. “Oh!” smiled the captain, quite pleased to find that he “ Another, smart young fellow like yourself, I suppose?” ~ “He’s as smart as they come, in my opinion,” replied _ Dick. Rue suppose. it will take you a few days to get pees into shape.” ae guess we will be able to get into shape by to-morrow night. There is a load of scrap iron going over to the Clapham, foundry, The sooner it gets off the better. I lon’t believe in going to sleep over a contract.” Z 5) AIS CHUM. —— “Quite right, young man,” replied Captain Jinks, effu- sively. “When do you think of putting it aboard?” “To-morrow afternoon, if nothing prevents.” “Very good. I will be on hand to see that it is loaded all right.” “T think your month is up to-morrow noon, isn’t it, Cap- tain Jinks ?” 8 i Eee “You had no arrangement with Mr. Judson as to your terms of service, I believe. He told me that he hired you from month to month.” “That’s right. I’ll sign with you on the same terms, or Tl sign a three or six months’ engagement to remain with you for that time. Six months would suit me best, as Ive just had a good offer from Thompson & Co., of Erie, to re- turn to them. I wouldn’t like to put you in a hole by leav- ing abruptly when you needed my services, so if you will : draw up a paper engaging me for six months I’ll stay with offered me higher wages.” The captain looked as if the milk of human kindness was irradiating from all his pores, and that he really considered - it a pleasure to make a personal sacrifice in the interest of ey the new boy firm. “I’m very glad to hear that Thompson & Co. are after you,” replied Dick, though privately he doubted the skip- per’s statement. “I advise you to close with them at once.” Captain Jinks stared at Dick in a siege ints kind of Way. This wasn’t what re had expected. : He had been merely putting up a bluff in order to im- press the boy with the idea that it would be to the new firm’s interest to enter into a term engagement with him to run the schooner, : nothwithstanding the faet that bied hn? & Co. have Then he would be in a good ete to carry but his private purpose. of his weatherbeaten countenance. “T mean that you had better take up the offer you say Thompson & Co. has made you,” answered Dick. “But you need a captain for your schooner,” said Jinks. “T know that. I have got one in sight.” “Have you made arrangements with somebody else without consulting me?” cried Captain wiiae looking angry now. “What difference does that make to you? You have a better offer which you have only to accept.” Captain Jinks fairly glared at the boy. Se “But I prefer to remain with you,” he said. “That is impossible. My partner is going to take charge of the schooner, and that will save the firm the wages we otherwise would have to pay you. My uncle’s business was not flourishing, and I wouldn’t undertake to run it unless I eould economize.” © “J don’t think it’s a fair deal you’re giving me. I’d be willing to come down in my wages to sg with: the schooner.” > | “Why should you want to do that when Thoinpest & Co, hag offered to take you back?” ‘ Sunes Jinks felt that he had speianived bamselt, and “What do you mean?” he seutignad, the smile dying out
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as DICK AND HIS CHUM. that fact made him all the more disgusted with the situa- tion. He hardly knew what to say. Finally he blurted out: “The offer had a string to it that I didn’t like, and I was going to turn it down anyway.” “T am sorry,” said Dick; “but the plain fact is we can’t afford to hire you.” “Why can’t you, if I make it an object to you?” “My partner holds a. certificate as mate, and it is for the interest of the firm for him to rtm the schooner,” re- | plied Dick. ~ “TY don’t believe the Board will allow a boy to. take full charge of the vessel.” “Why not, if he’s competent to do so?” “That will have to be proved.” “A trip or two on the lake will prove it.” “Then you don’t intend to have me?” “Under the circumstances the firm will have to dispense with your services... You had better remove your things to-morrow when you call at the office for your pay, other- wise we'll have to send them to you at the hotel.” Captain Jinks muttered an imprecation under his breath and walked jerkily up and down the room with his hands in his pockets. Dick could see that he was as mad as a hornet, but he eouldn’t help that. He had no use for the skipper as the case stood. “You may regret this, young man,” said Captain J inks, darkly. - “What do you mean by that?” demanded Dick, quickly. “Tf your partner should lose the schooner through inex- perience your business would come to an abrupt end,” was the reply. ‘ “As he is equally interested in the firm with me he will take more than ordinary care to see that he doesn’t lose her. At any rate, I’d as soon trust her to him as any cap- _tain on the lake. He’s thoroughly competent to sail any fore-and-after that floats.” “You're making a great mistake, but that’s your look- ” said. the captain, grabbing up his hat. At that moment Mrs. Judson came in and told Dick that supper was ready. She invited the captain to stop and partake of it. He declined the’ invitation, saying he had an engage- ment, and made a hasty exit. Dick and his aunt then adjourned to the dining-room. \ “of CHAPTER III. STARTING BUSINESS’ On the following morning Dick and his chum met as agreed and proceeded to the office of a lawyer who had } done some business for the late Mr. Judson. Dick introduced himself and his friend, and stated the - object of his visit. . The lawyer drew up a partnership agreement in dupli- a eate for them, and both signed the papers in his presence. | rag MME? Sift ugh MRSA a tee ets te 4 Sea The boys then each took a copy and started for the wharf where the schooner lay. They went aboard and Dick galled the two hands into the cabin. One was a young Irishman named Tim Flynn, the other a rather raw lad known as Fritz Hoogfeldt. Tim was a good sailor, but F ritz was only learning the business, Dick had done both of them several favors, and they were ready to stand by him through thick and thin. They knew Duke in a general way as Dick’s particular friends and they liked his genial, hearty manners. Before the arrival of the boys they had been discussing the possibility of being obliged to look for another berth. They had an idea that Mrs. Judson would dispose of the business and the sloop, now that her husband was dead, and that would probably throw them out of a job. “Tim,” began Dick. - “Vis, sor,” coming. “And Fritz, I wish to let you both know that Duke and myself have this day entered into a partnership to take over | my late uncle’s business and run it ourselves.” “Furroo!” cried Tim, evidently quite delighted, for it indicated that his job and Fritz’s were safe for the present. “Tn the interest of economy we have had to let Captain Jinks go.” “Begorra, I’m glad of thot, ain’t you, Fritz?” said Tim. “Yaw, I ped you,” replied the Dutch youth, without any visible emotion. “And who are yez goin’ to have for skipper?” asked Tim. “Duke will be the captain, and have full charge of the schooner. He has passed his examination and holds a mate’s certificate. He is well acquainted with the lake, having served two years on board Captain Fox’s schooner, as you know. He is perfectly competent to run the vessel.” “Begob, thot’s foine. That suits you, doesn’t it, Fritz?” “Yaw, I ped you,” replied Fritz, impassively. “Your wages will go on just the same, and I expect you eg to do the best you can for the success of the new nero “Be the poker, it’s mesilf that’s willin’ to wurruk like a “And Fritz nagur for yez,” said Tim, enthusiastically. . will do the same, won’t you, Fritz?” “Yaw, I ped you.” “That's all,” said Dick. “Now step up ee get your ae | month’s wages.” j They stepped up and were ae : “T'll bet the cap’n didn’t loike to lose his aisy job, “ sai Tim. replied Flynn, feeling that something was “He told me that he had an offer to go back to Tice & Co., ‘of Erie, but I don’t take any stock in that bag ; ment, » said Dick. “Do yez know, Mister Dick, thot if yez kept him toate) yez would run a chance of trouble wid the revenue in~ — spectors,” said Tim, with a mysterious wink. “How is that?” asked Dick. ° quieke sts 2 “What makes you ‘think 80 ” gs a nat a “T belave he intinded to do a, little smugglin’ on he .
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DICK AND HIS CHUM. ea ae “Bekase on the last trip, faith, he sounded fritz Aas me, on the subject, so he did.” “He did?” “Yis, sor. Didn’t he, Fritz?” “Yaw, I ped you.” “What did he want you to do?” - “Well, sor, he said there was a power of money to be made be gettin’ cog-nack into the States from Ca-narda free of juty.” , “He told you that, eh?” “Sure he did.” . “And how did he propose to accomplish it? He couldn’t - . land it here in Buckport without getting caught, and then the three of you would fetch up in jail.” “He didn’t intind to land in Buckport.” “Where then ?” “Sure that’s a saycret he wouldn’t till us.” “He wanted you chaps to stand in with him on the scheme and keep your mouths ¢losed?” | ™ “Thot’s it, He said we’d make three toimes what we were gettin’ in wages.” “What did you tell him?” “T towld him we'd consider it, 'Thot was to gain toime so I could tell the ould man, your late uncle, I mane; but, rist his sowl, he was dead whin the schooner got back, so I held me peace till I saw how the cat was goin’ to jump wid our jobs.” “Well, Captain Jinks will have to do his smuggling ip some other craft, for he’s out of this one for good. It seems evident to me now that the smuggling business he was suspected of while in the employ of Thompson & Oo., of Hrie, has some foundation, in ‘fact. I guess he ran one or more batches of French prandy on his schooner before his operations were taken note of, for he seems to be well Supplied with money. He must Hake received warning not to bring any on his last trip, for when the inspectors | _ boarded the vessel a mile from shore, and made a search _ of her hold and cabin, nothing subject to duty was found aboard.” shoe guess he’s a foxy old rooster, and hard to catch, » said . Duke. “Well, come on, Duke, we have business to attend to. I want you to go to the printer’s and order some business cards for the firm. Vl make out a copy at the office. You . must also see a sign painter and give him an order for a - wooden sign to attach to the top of the shed. I'll wait ~ around the office for Captain Jinks to call for his pay, then | I hope he'll carry off his duds that are on board the ; schooner. After I have finished with him I’m going to call . on the house that gave my uncle the contract to carry the y. scrap iron across to Clapham, and see about getting the stuff down here early this afternoon. As soon as it is de- livered, Tim, you and Fritz must get a hustle on and put _ itinto the hold,” said Dick. ee: - €Yis sor,” said Flynn. . “Fritz.and me’ll attind to. thot, won't we, Fritz?” as “Yaw, I ped you,” oiled’ the Dutch youth. Dick aad Duke left the schooner. es aes ae Avs that’s a ee, Ay ” said Duke. “why does he always say ‘Yaw, I ped you?’ Why doesn’t he vary it a little?” “He doesn’t know much English, though he and Tim seem to understand each other first rate. As he knows you and I are not familiar with the Dutch language, ‘he hasn’t much to say.” “Will he understand me when I order him to do some- thing on the schooner ?” “T. guess so, if you illustrate your meaning with a sign. At any rate, if you’ pass the or der to Tim he’ll make Fritz understand it? Fritz, however, knew a whole lot more ae than Dick thought. He was rapidly picking it up from Tim, for they were as thick as peas in a pod. “Yaw, I ped you” was merely the first English words that Fritz put together, and he repeated them until the expression got to be a habit with him. The boys went to the little shed at the head of the wharf which bore a tin sign of “orricr,” and ‘entered. It contained a small safe, two desks, half a dozen chairs, and other necessary furniture, including a small stove to keep the place warm in the winter. Dick sat down at the desk he had occupied while working for his uncle and wrote out the following copy for the printer: RANSOM, & DARRELL, Cargo CoNTRACTORS, Office: Judson’s Wharf, Schooner Polly. Buckport, N. Y. “There,. order 500 cards with that on it,” he said to his partner. “Then go to a sign painter’s and leave an order for a one by four sign. The lettering will be ‘Ransom & Darrell, Cargo Contractors,’ in white letters on a ‘black surface. ” “All right,” said Duke, and he started off on his mis- | sion. Fifteen minutes re as Captain Jinks made his appear- ance., “Morning,” amie the skipper; in a sulky way. . Dick counted out his wages and faa a receipt toward him to sign. The captain signed it and took his money. \ “Are you going to pack up your sash now and take them away??? asked Dick. “You seem anxious to get rid of me,” replied Captain Jinks, in an unpleasant tone. “You mustn’t take it that way. The fact is as the schooner will probably sail late this afternoon my partner. wants to bring down his own traps and put the state- room in order. “Humph'!” granted the ees 4Fl- go iia peck up and send my belongings to the hotel.” “Do you expect to return to Thompson & Co. er “No, I don’t,” replied Jinks, with some energy... Then he passed out of the ofice and walked down. to. the, schooner. “Fe’s sore on me for fair,” chuckled Dick, looking alter” hanes “Well, it isn’t my fault, Ransom & Darrell aren’ ti in re 1 hes
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6 DICK. AND HIS CHUM. ietsions for Captain Jinks’ benefit. At this stage of the game we've got to keep expenses down as low as possible. As Duke is a good skipper himself, and I can handle the shore end, what use has the firm for Captain Jinks? None at all. Besides, his weakness for smuggling makes him decidedly undesirable. J trust when he leaves with his duds that we won’t see him again.” But the firm, individually and collectively, was destined to seé more of Captain Jinks than they cared for. When Duke returned and announced that he had at- tended to his two commissions, Dick said they would go to the savings bank and draw out the amount each was fe put into the firm. The greater part was then deposited in another savings “bank by Dick under his own name, as they were not old enough to be accepted as depositors in a business bank. a After that Dick called on the business house which had contracted with Mr. Judson for the conveyance of the scrap iron across the lake, and left word that it be sent to the wharf as soon as possible, as the schooner was to sail that p. m. While Dick was thus engaged, pone was getting his traps aboard the vessel. The iron was duly delivered in rough bags, and Tim and Fritz rushed it into the hold with the aid of a block and tackle. _ About the middle of the afternoon the telephone bell in the office rang and Dick answered it. An occasional customer of Mr. Judson’s wanted to know | if the schooner was going to sail soon. “Yes, sit; late this afternoon,” replied the oy. “Ts she going across to Clapham rae “She is.” “Then I should like to send a valve of cases to a store in Oldport.” Oldport was a Canadian town about ten miles east of - Clapham, and it would be an easy matter for the schooner to put in there on her way to Clapham. “We'll take them, sir,” replied Dick. “Same rate as before, T suppose ?” “Yes, sir. Deliver the cases on the wharf as soon as _ possible.” ‘He was assured that they would be sent down at once. Hardly had he hung up the receiver before the bell rang again. “Well, who is this?” asked Dick. “Johnson & Co., of Washington street. Is this Judson’s office ?”” “Yes, What can we do for you?” “Tg your schooner going over to Clapham this eee “Going late this afternoon.” “Gan you take a load of erated Sraaeety if we ian it down right away? : ' “How much of a load?” The party specified ae vk and approximate | td yctae ; “Yes, T guess we can make room for it 2 “What will you charge us to deliver it on the Clapham _ wharf?” 2 Dik mentioned the amount based on the man’ 8 de hp “ment, aa : “All right. Send in your bills as soon ‘as you get the goods, so we can mail the originals to-night.” Dick said he would and rang off. “We're going to do better eo trip than we had any idea of,” he thought, with much satisfaction. “This extra freight that we did not count upon will be so much clear gain. Ransom & Darrell are beginning well. May our luck continue.” . Just as darkness was falling over lake and shore the Polly schooner pulled out from her berth on her first trip for the new boy firm of cargo contractors. recede from Buckport, with the cheerful reflection, that he was in business for himself at last. CHAPTER TV. THE SEA NYMPH, were done, and was told they were being struck off at gs moment. pose,” he said. “Fifteen minutes, perhaps,” was the reply. So Dick waited, seated by a window which overlooked a side street. The clitketty-clack of a couple of job presses, going at full speed, reached his, ears, partly drowned at times by the pounding made by an energetic stone-hand in planing down a large form. Then came the rumble of a cylinder press starting up, and Dick could feel the floor of the wooden building quiver from its vibrations. ‘While Dick sat there he saw Captain Jinks and a well- dressed man come out ‘e a saloon on the other side of the way. They remained datking awhile on the sidewall, and the particular curiosity. bushy sidewhiskers. seal dangling from the buttonhole where the chain ‘soye up. thumb inserted in the arm-hole of the vest. sidered himself a person of considerable importance. — he would recognize him if he ever saw him again. Fe Finally the captain and the stout man parted, each going in a opposite direction. parently aimless way around the side entrance of the saloon ‘pace after the stout man. | , _ His sagt haa aie: trom a careless later to an ind And Dick, standing on the wharf, watched her gradually. | “Then Vl wait for them. tt won't take long, I sup- young cargo contractor watched them, though without any — He stood with the flap of his coat thrown open and a The skipper’s companion was a stout, red-faced man with sia) He wore a heavy gold watch-chain across his vest, wtih B28 The boy had never seen him before, but he was sure that — Next morning Dick visited the printer to see if the cards © — Altogether, he gave Dick the impression that he con- . 1 A shabby-looking man, who had ‘been hanging in anap- building, suddenly straightened up ‘and ear. ia a rapid
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DICK AND HIS CHUM. : / 2 ———___-— CT ANN ual of energy attracted Dick’s notice, and he watched him | thing in advance. as long as he was in sight. “J never saw a person change so quick as that fellow did,” thought the boy. “I wonder’ what struek him? Looked to me’as if he was after the man the captain was talking to. Perhaps he intended to touch him for the price of a drink? Yet it could hardly be that, for he might have braced both him and Captain Jinks while they stood in front of the saloon. Well, it’s nothing to me at any rate.” Presently the printer brought Dick a package of cards, with a specimen of the job on the outside. The work was perfectly satisfactory to the boy, who paid for it and left. Then he went around to see the sign painter. The man was just putting the finishing touches on it. It looked all right, and Dick told him to fetch it down to the wharf and put it up when it was dry. » » The young cargo contractor then made his way to the shart and entered his office. He took a bunch of cards out of the package and put them in his pocket. ‘Then he sat down at his desk and wrote out the following advt., which he intended to insert in the Buckport Daily Argus: .. RANSOM & DARRELL, Cargo ConTRACTORS, Office: Judson’s Wharf. 7 Full cargos of freight carried at exceptionally low rates and with despatch on the fast schooner Polly to any port on Lake Erie. Low rates to Canada. Thsurance arranged | for. ‘Terms on application. Telephone, No. 632. : Half an hour later Dick went to the newspaper office and arranged for standing publication of the advt., then he ‘started to make a tour of certain manufactuyers who shipped their goods by water to lake ports. . About four o’clock he returned to the office and was sur- sided to see Captain Jinks sunning himself in front of the door. . The captain nodded in a friendly way to the boy. He seemed to-have got over his grouch. _ He followed Dick into the office. _ Ransom,” he said, “T’ve got a berth. ” “Tm glad to hear it,” replied Dick, but wondering why | _ the skipper should come around to tell him about it. Tee al figs going out on a gentleman’s‘yacht. He has engaged me to run the boat for the rest of the simmer. It’s what I a call a soft snap,” said the skipper. _ ti «Soft snaps are not easy things to batell..6 on to. “Allow. me to congratulate you on your good fortune,” said Dick. J called to see if I can berth the yacht at your wharf - when she’s in port,” said the captain. “The gentleman ex- pects to pay for the accommodation. 1 thought T’'d give you the chance to make a little extra money.” “J have no objection to renting docking privileges, but I don't suppose you will use it nto: ” replied Dick ss “Not a great deal, for we will be out on the fie most - of the tae, but the owner wants a. regular place where he} saat Now name your fig re and gy will pay iu some- an lay up at when he comes ashore to attend to business: T’ll bring the yacht around in the morn- ing.” Dick set a reasonable price and the captain nodded his aceeptance. “Give me a receipt for $10,” he said. Dick wrote it out and Captain Jinks passed him over the biil. The skipper then lighted another cigar and asked the ox what he had in view for the schooner when she returned from Clapham. “Nothing as yet, but I have two or three days in. which to scare up a cargo,” answered Dick. “You ought to get along, for your expenses are small. You get the use of the schooner for nothing, I dare say.” “No, we don’t. We have hired the vessel, as well asthe wharf, from my aunt at a fair rental. She is entitled to as much from us as anybody else would pay her.” “She won’t push you for payment if you should get be- hind,” said the captain, blowing out a cloud of smoke. “We don’t intend to get behind if we can help ourselves. We have capital enough to give the business a fair trial. If we can’t make it go we'll get out of the field.” “Just so,” said the captain, flicking the ashes from the end of his cigar. “Well, I guess I'll be going. You'll see. the yacht around here in the morning.” “All right, sir. Good-afternoon.” At that moment the telephone bell rang. One of the men he had called on that day wanted to see him at his office right away. “All right, sir, I'll be over directly,” sas Dick, hang- ing up the receiver. He put on his hat and locked the office. : The result of his visit to the shipper was a fair-sized cargo of goods to be delivered on the wharf at Port Eid- yward, in Canada. He secured it by underbidding two other cargo con- tractors, which he was able to do owing to the light ex- pense he was under in comparison with his rivals. Dick told him he expected her back the following day. ‘When the young cargo contractor went down to the of- fice on the following morning he saw a small sloop-yacht making in for the wharf. Captain Jinks was aboard of her directing the crew of two, and by his side stood the stout, red-faced man Dick had seen ae to aie opposite the printing office the day previous. The boy Gondaion if this person was the’ owner. He looked prosperous enough to be so. Dick stood at the door of the office and watched the sit come alongside the wharf. ' As soon as she was made fase Captain Tinsks and the stout man retired to the.cabin. ; play eee Shortly afterward the stout man stepped ashore, walked mir up the wharf, and then took his way up the street, Dick went to his desk and was oy with his books hits the telephone rang. wid A shipper, who had seen » his nar: that morning in n the mat Argus, wanted to know. something about his rates to Erie. He said if he quoted low enough tees he would put Re ogee mes in fg, hae Fae eae 7
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j _ the wharf again. is) Dick told him to hold the wire while he looked up his uncle’s rates. When he found what Mr. Judson had been charging he made a cut under that and so informed the shipper. “All right,” was the reply. “I will communicate with you in a few days.” As Dick hung up the receiver aptain Jinks walked in at the door. “Good-morning, Ransom,” he said. me bring the yacht in?” “Yes,” replied Dick. ) “Come down and take a look at her,” said the skipper. “T suppose you saw Dick had no objection to doing that, so he locked up and| accompanied the captain. - “She’s a fine looking boat, don’t you think?” said Cap- tain Jinks as they Btoud on the wharf and looked at her symmetrical proportions. Dick admitted that she was. -“She can go some, I can tell you,” went on the skipper. “She looks as if she was fast,” said Dick. “There’s nothing under sail on the lake that can match her in speed except her twin.” “Why, is there another like her around here?” “She has a duplicate somewhere on the lake, I couldn’t| say where. This one is called the Sea Nymph,” said the captain, calling Dick’s attention to the name on the stern. “The other is the Sea Foam. They’re as like as two peas in a pod. Come aboard.” Captain Jinks showed Dick all over the yacht. She was handsomely fitted up, and Dick judged she had cost a good price. Her name was not only displayed on the stern, but on both sides of her sharp bows, and also on the front of her eabin, above the door facing forward| _ | The skipper called his attention to the name several times, and frequently referred to the Sea Foam as resem- bling her even down to the smallest: particular. . “We may lie here several days or we may leave on very short notice,” said Captain Jinks, when. they stopped on “Tt all depends on the owner’s business or whim.” _ “Was that stout, red-faced man the owner?” Dick asked. “Yes. His name is Grasp—D. B. Grasp. He’ s worth a - lot of money. “T should imagine he was well fixed to own such an ex- ‘pensive boat.” “That's a mere bagatelle. He could buy ra dozen like it if he wanted to’and not miss the money.” The captain left Dick at the door of his office and re- turned to the yacht. When the young cargo contractor left his office close to rh sundown that afternoon there were no signs that the ea oe gone, a PS de iN would leave her moorings soon. When. he Bet down next morning he saw that she was & } CHAPTER V. \ TROUBLE ON A TRUCK. Dida eleven 0’ felock that ash pe ia came in to the DICK AND HIS CHUM. Dick saw her through the window and he rushed down to meet her. ; To his surprise he saw that she carried a deck load of lumber. Duke had evidently picked up a return freight, and his partner was tickled to death over his luek. He wondered what Duke had received for tninging the load over. ‘His partner was not familiar with the scale of prices aby the office, for Dick had had no time to post him. However it didn’t matter. Whatever he had arranged for was practically clean gain, for Dick had expected the schooner would come back with- out a cargo. . She had certainly made good time with such a heavy load aboard, but that was because the wind was strong and in her favor all the way across. Duke waved his hand to Dick, and so did Tim and Fritz, when they saw him coming down the wharf. He responded and waited impatiently for the schooner - to reach the dock. d “Hello, Duke,” shouted Dick, when the vessel was within easy hail, “T see you have brought over a load of lumber.” “And a hold full of shingles,” cried Duke back. “Gracious! How did you manage to get it?” “Tl tell you when we get alongside the wharf.” - At that moment Dick saw a custom house inspector com- ing down the dock. _ He knew the man, having met him often since he had heen with his uncle. “A load of Iumber, Ransom,” said the inspector, when he came up. “Yes, sir, and my partner says he has shingles in the. hold,” replied Dick. “Your partner !” exclaimed the inspector, in some sur prise. “Yos, sir. Didn’t you see our sign above the office?” “T didn’t take special notice of it. Did your uncle leave you his business? “No, but it was caidedetuod between us that T was to be- - come his partner after a time, and that eventually the busi- ness would come to me.” PUNKS “His death brought things Bons quicker than you ex pected, eh?” “Yes, sir. I made an arrangement with my aunt to take the business off her hands altogether, provided I could get. my friend Darrell to go in with me. He was willing to — join hands, and so we buckled up the other day. He’s | a licensed mate, and is how acting as skipper of the Pee i That saves us the wages of a regular captain. A penny ‘saved is a penny earned, you know, and everything counts ae when one starts out for himself.” “Thats right,” nodded the inspector. Duke now stepped on the wharf and Dick introduced him to the revenue official. After a short talk all three boarded the See and Duke produced the cargo manifest, which showed, to whom > it was consigned, its declared value at wholesale, and baa 9 Oh matters connected with the shipment. | - One of the documents was handed to the inspector, Its phe ege he oa attested before a pet on the
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oa ts other side, and the inspector saw it had been’executed in the proper form. “By the way, Ransom, how came that yacht to. moor at your wharf yesterday?” ! “Why, the owner has arranged with me to let her come in here till further notice,” replied Dick. “He’s a wealthy gentleman named Grasp. The arrangement was made through Captain Jinks, former skipper of the Polly. He is now captain of the yacht.” “Indeed. She had another captain when she came here from Erie, and anchored off Smith’s Dock two days ago. T don’t see what a pleasure eraft like her wants the use of a dock for. Such craft usually anchor off in the stream. So her owner’s name is Grasp. What's his first name?” “1. B. are his initials.” “He’s the senior partner of Grasp Brothers, importers and wholesalers of wines and liquors, of Hrie. I dare say he’s rich enough to own a small yacht.” “T was on board of the vessel yesterday. craft. Her name is the——” She’s a splendid DICK ane HIS CHUM. < 9 Duke said he had made a quick trip across and put in at Oldport to land the two eases of goods. He then continued on to Clapham, where he discharged the crockery and the scrap iron for the foundry. Before he had completed this he was waited on by the agent of a big lumber company of that place. Owing to a disagreement with the cargo contractors who had been carrying their product to Buckport and other places in the States, their output had been held up. Learning that the big cargo contractors had entered into. a joint agreement to raise the ratés.on lumber and other articles connected with the trade, the eompany decided to try and find an independent firm which would carry their product at the. old rates. The agent had a talk with Duke and told him there was . a fine chance for his firm to get the contract at the old rates. He suggested that the head of the firm come over and see the president of the lumber company about it. Duke encouraged the agent to believe that the firm “Sea Nymph; yes, I know,” ee the inspector. would take up the matter. “Perhaps you've seen her twin?” “Her what?” The agent then wanted him to take a load over anyway at the old rates, and as an inducement offered him free “Her twin, Captain Jinks told me she has a duplicate loading for'that consignment, which the company was anx- exactly like her in every way but in name. the Sea Foam.” * “Never heazd of her. register,” “She’s somewhere about the lake on a pleasure cruise.” _ “Very likely,” said the inspector, dryly. _Jinks is the skipper of the Nymph now?” “He is, He told me it was a fat berth. I should judge that it is. I’m glad he got it, for he felt sore at me for letting him go.” “Between you and me, Ransom, you did the right thing in changing skippers on the Polly,” said the revenue man. “Why do you say so? Because he was suspected by the government a few months ago of smuggling while in the employ of Thompson & Co. of Erie?” “There was good ground for suspicion. The revenue of- - ficials failed 6 wba him with the goods because he doubt- + Slee) received warning on the other, side of what was going - to’ happen.” : * “Surely he never fideenothd to land liquor at Erie on itie sly?” “Oh, no. He knew better than to try it. The govern- “ ment: has good ground for believing that he landed two lots of cognae at some spot along the lake shore on return trips ‘ _ from “Port Hdwatd. At any rate, Thompson & Co., after a conference with the chief inspector, deemed it prudent to let him go.” Dick might have informed the inspector about the over- tures Captain Jinks made to Tim and Fritz while he was skipper of the Polly, to stand in with him on contemplated _ smuggling operations, but concluded not to do so, seeing that the captain had secured a good berth and was not ‘likely to find a chance to engage in any smuggling busi- ness for the present. When the revenue man went away a report the arrival of -¥. his aria, for: a ee of his ae to. canes mee the Polly with a load of lumber and shingles, Dick asked | She’s called| ious to get across to Buckport. Duke accepted his proposition, for he saw a very Soll T must look her up in the marine} profit in the transaction, so the Polly was brought around to the company’s wharf and loaded with great dispatch. | “Now, Dick, I think you’d better go across with me on “So Captain] the next trip and close a contract with the company before. somebody else gets their hooks in,” said Duke. “Tt is true our firm has a ten-day option on the contract, which I se- cured from the agent as an inducement to carry the cargo, but we are not in a position to fight the company if it , should find it to its interest to throw the option out.” — “What's the matter with: you closing the contract your- self? As a member of the firm you can do it as well as a1 can,” replied Dick. “Well, I think the company would rather deal with the head of the house. Besides, it is such an important con- tract that I might put my foot in it somehow, not being up in the taatiiens like yourself. . You can, get your cousin Tom to look after the office while you’re away. In any case you won’t be gone long,” said Duke. Realizing that it would be a big thing for the fea to secure the contract with the Canadian Lumber Co., agreed to go across. “T have a cargo waiting to go to Port ‘Edward, so we'll have to, get the lumber and shingles on the dock without delay. The Buckport Lumber Co. will doubtless arrange with the custom house as soon as we notify them of the ~ arrival of the cargo, and send their teams to take it away | before we have got it all out of the schooner,” said Dick. . A gang of men was hired at once to help Tim and Fritz 3 F unload the Polly, and Dick notified the shipper, who had arranged to send a moderate cargo to Port Edward by the © the Polly, that the schooner was at her wharf unloading and would shortly be ready to take his merchandise on board, anes The shipper, whose name was Dayie, replied that the goods would be sent to Judson’s wharf after one o'clock, ae foe ces & Darrel ran natin heir first are poe OAR Sa Facer © Dick hig %y Pi
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10 One of the cargo contractors who had been underbid for the Port Edward consignment was so mad over losing the order that he determined to try and get back at the new firm. He put up a job, with the help of one of his employees, to prevent the goods reaching Judson’s wharf when they were expected. The employees called around and saw the driver of the truck which was to do the hauling. A couple of glasses of whisky and a $5 bill won the driver over, and he agreed to carry the loads to the dock of the rival firm instead of to Judson’s wharf. To further complicate the matter the goods were to be loaded on one of the firm’s schooners. All this would cause delay and trouble, and the rival con- tractors hoped that in the end they would carry the con- ‘signment across on their own terms. , It happened, however, that a friend of Dick’s overheard the arrangement made in the liquor saloon with the driver and tried ‘to notify Dick by *phone. ‘Dick and Duke were home at dinner at the time and he *_couldn’t reach the former, _. Feeling that the matter was a serious one, he started for Diek’s house. He met Dick and his chum on the way back to the wharf and told his story. “That’s what I call a raseally trick,” said Dick. must put a spoke in it at once. “We Come along, we'll go around and see the shipper about it. The driver will prob- ~ ably lose his job, but that will serve him right.” They turned around and started back. A heayily laden team was coming down the street. Dick saw it bore the name of the shipper who was to send the goods. by the Polly. “Pll bet that’s the first load intended for the schooner. Instead of going to see Davis we'll follow the truck and see if the driver really intends to carry his load to the ee Wharf instead of to ours,” said Dick. “All right,” agreed Duke. ‘ So they hustled along close in the wake of the truck, which was proceeding leisurely. ‘Two blocks further on the driver turned to the left in- stead of to the right as he should’ sresta done if he was going to Judson’s whack: “That settles it,” said Dick, in a tone of energy. must stop his little game in the bud, Duke, and make him turn around and take the right direction, ? Dick sprang forward and shouted to the driver. fe PES man, who did not know him, reined in to see what he wanted. f e “You're going the wrong way with that load,” ae Dick. “What's that? py dads the driver, ‘aggressively. Dick repeated his words. _ “Who the thunder are you, anyway?” snarled the driver. “f’m Ransom, of Ransom & Darrell. That load you have there i is one of several intended for our schooner, lying | at Judson’s wharf., You’re not bound in that direction, so turn around, as you have no time to lose.” “ “Go to the sae aay, y cried. the pieee re ake his team a5 again, ie “ We alae is our. tran card. ‘This truck i is ‘lo DICK AND HIS CHUM. Dick saw that the fellow intended to keep on, so without more ado he seized one of the spokes, climbed up on the side of the truck and moved’ around to the seat in front. “Look here, you do as I tell you or I’ll notify Mr. Davis right away and you'll catch it in the neck when you get back.” “Get down or I'll smash you!” replied the driver, who was a husky chap, and he looked bad just then. “No, I won’t get down. I’m on to your scheme to take this load, as well as the others, to the Bradley wharf. If you want to Bava your bacon you'll turn around and go the right way.” “Blame you, you young imp, I'll fix you!” roared the driver, furiously, dropping the reins and seizing Dick by the arms. The horses, alarmed by the racket, started ahead " a, quicker gait. “Off with you!” snarled the driver, forcing Dick ‘nae ward. “Do you want to kill me?” cried the boy, clinging i his. burly aggressor. “Hold on there, what are you doing?” shouted Duke, running beside the truck with arms extended. The driver paid no attention to his remonstrance, and the situation looked pretty desperate for Dick. CHAPTER VI AFTER A BIG CONTRACT, j It is hard to say what the outeome would have been, for the driver was half drunk and in a dangerous humor, ifa policeman hadn’t noticed the condition of things, and run- ning out into the street, seized hold of the horses and stopped them. z That gave Duke the chance to jump up to the basoe iy of his chum. gare He grabbed the driver by the throat anid forced him back ‘on the seat. eh “You big ruffian, what do you mean by attacking my “Let go. partner in this cowardly way ?” he cried, angrily. of him, do you hear, or I’ll have you taken to the station- falling over into the street; Dik lent his aid to his partner, and smashed the driver ; two or three times in the face to make hipy let go of Duke. — The scrap attracted considerable attention from passers-— by, who stopped to look on, but none offered to interfere. The policeman called on a bystander to hold the horses, ie which he had stopped, and then jumped up on the wagon. ae “What's all’ this trouble about?” he demanded. The sight of the officer partially sobered up the driver. ie | “It’s the fault of them chaps,” he said, sullenly. — “that’s 4 lie,” replied Dick. are cargo contractors, with an office on J udson’s wharf. aed ‘house, and then you'll be charged with murderous assault. a i Duke’s words only made the driver more furious, and Me: | releasing Dick, he caught hold of Duke. de _ They struggled around on the seat in great danger, ‘of on “This young fellow and ee
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DICK AND HIS CHUM. a7 merchandise from George Davis, of Bank street, and in- tended to be sent across the lake to Port Edward on our schooner. You see the direction he was taking, don’t you? He should have turned the other way to go to Judson’s wharf. We happened to be on our way back to the office when we saw him turn into this street. So I hailed him and told him he was going the wrong way. He paid no attention but kept on. I jumped on the truck to remon- strate, and then he attacked me and tried to throw me off. That’s the cause of the trouble.” “Were you bound for Judson’s wharf? asked the po- liceman of, the driver. “Maybe I was,” growled the man, cowed by the officer. “Don’t you know where you are driving? If you don’t Pll have to run you in as drunk and disorderly.” “Yes, I know where I’m going,” replied the driver, sulkily. “This isn’t the way to Judson’s wharf. If you’re bound there you'll have to turn around and go that way,” said the policeman. “All right, sir. Whatever you say,” returned the driver. “Do you want to make a charge of assault against this man?” asked the officer of Dick. _ “Not if he’ll turn around and drive the right way,” re- plied the boy. “Tl drive to Judson’s ‘wharf, ” said the man. “See that ydt do,” said Dick. “I'll go with you.” Seeing that the case was apparently adjusted, the po- iceman got down, and so did Duke. The driver sullenly turned = team and started on again. _ “Maybe Vl get ee with you for this,” he said, dak, to Dick. “J wouldn’t make any threats if I were you. If I report your conduct to Mr. Davis you know what is likely to hap- ‘pen. I know all about the arrangement you made with an employee of Phipps & Morris to queer our firm on this shipment. You were a fool to side in with those people, heard about the matter.” . _ “T was promised a job with. Phinis & Morris at higher pay,” replied the man, sullenly. “Oh, you were? And for that reason you were willing to play your apteat employer a dirty trick. Now look here, when you've dumped this load on our dock are you going to bring the others here or have we got to watch you? Sooner than take that trouble I shall telephone Mr. - Davis at once from our office.” “Pl bring the goods all right if you fon’t: say anything.” “All right.. I’ll give you-the chance to make good. If - you keep your word then Mr. Davis won’t learn through us that you tried this crooked | game.” by MTT do the right thing, ” said the man, now evconghly subdued. — The truck soon reached the wharf and the goods were un- ‘ ‘loaded at the most convenient place not already taken up _ by the piles of lumber and stacks of ‘shingles that had come off the Polly. due dee but the eee Toad arrived late on account of lost for you would certainly have lost dates job when Davis. The truck driver brought the rest of the consignment in jesihur nh: in order to werk the a gee Dick and his partner, however, kept the force of long- shoremen to finish the work, paying them overtime rate in consequence, as they wanted to get the schooner away with- out loss of time, for much could be gained by starting that ‘evening instead of holding over till the next forenoon. Dick went home to supper, and then arranged with his “ cousin to look after the office while he was away. Dick had his supper on board with Tim and Fritz. Tim was the cook, and he wasn’t a bad one. Fritz could also cook after a fashion, having picked up the rudiments of it by watching the Irish lad, The loading was finished about dark, Dick paid the long- shoremen off, and the hatch was put on and secured, On the stroke of nine the schooner pulled out from boa wharf and headed across for Port Edward. It was a fine starlight night. A light breeze just ruffled the surface of the lake and wafted them along at a slow rate—all too slow for Dick, who was anxious te get across as soon as possible, settle the contract with the lumber company, and return to the of- fice. “We're doing a whole lot better than we expected at the start,” said Duke, as the young partners paced the deck from the rise of the low cabin roof to the open scuttle for- ward whence access was to be had to the combined fore- castle and galley. Tim was at the wheel and Fritz was resting below, for he had to relieve Tim at midnight. NX ea.© replied Dick, “We've started in fine. The load we have aboard is an unexpected one. So was the eargo you fetched across. If we secure the contract I am going over to close, we may consider. that the business has all the ear-marks of success.” “Seems funny that opening with the Canadian Lumber 1 Co: should happen just at the time when we are. ready to snatch at it, doesn’t it?” se “Stich opportunities are likely to crop up any time. What firm was doing their af ye PL “Jepson & Co.” “That is the biggest firm of cargo contractors in Buek- port. You say that this firm and several others haye com- bined to force a raise in freight rates?” “So the agent of the lumber company told me.” “And the lumber company kicked? Naturally a rise in charges would hit them hard, for they ship a large amoynt of their product across to Buckport and other towns in the States. The combine must have come to an understanding with all the other cargo contractors of any importance in ; order to feel confident of winning out. They didn’t con-” sider the late Mr. Judson’s outfit as worth their attention. That is where they are likely to lose the Canadion Lumber Co., one of their best customers—that is one of Jepson & Co.’s best customers. If we corral that contract there is - going to be a howl from Jepson loud enough to make — things hum in Buckport.” “What can they do about it?” “Denoynce us as cheap skates.” _ ; “What do we care for that? ss iy hepa is the life ee trade.” : ie ts “Tt used to be, but the up-to-date merpady ds to stifle com- i Ae ¥ pe
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cart “We are,” grinned Duke. 12 DICK AND “T know. That’s why the prices of everything, even the necessaries of life, have been rising steadily for the last ten years or more. I suppose the combine will try to force us out of business, but I don’t see how they can do it. We’ve got a wharf, and we’ve got a schooner. How ¢ are they going to down us?” “I don’t know. . My aunt has a clear title to both, and she is not likely to listen to any overtures, however flatter- ing, that have for their object the busting up of our firm. We will probably receive offers to sell out to Jepson & Co.; or to come in with the combine,” “What good would that do the opposition? If we sign a contract with the lumber company they would have to stand by it if they took our business over, and we’d have to stand by it if we went into the combine.” “We're not going to sell out, nor are we going into any combination. Our firm is going to remain an independent one, just as we started,” said Dick. “That's right,” agreed Duke. “Whatever you say goes with me.” ? By daylight next morning the Polly was close in to Port Edward, and an hour later hauled into the wharf she was accustomed to lie at in Mr. Judson’s time. : After breakfast several hands were secured ,to help im _ and Fritz discharge the cargo, which was duly inspected by the Canadian custom house officers, to whom Duke fur- nished a copy of the cargo manifest. The consignees were notified of the arrival of the goods, and then it was up to them to take charge of it after set- tling whatever charges was on it. It was after dinner before the Polly left the dock en route for Clapham. _ She reached that port before dark and came to anchor in the stream opposite the town. ‘Dick judged that it was too late to see the head of the Canadian Lumber Go., but he decided to go ashore and see what the place looked ‘like. Of course, Duke was ready | to go with him, and they got Fritz to put them ashore in ‘the small boat. ‘They walked around the town for an hour and then entered a restaurant to get their supper. Here a surprise awaited Dick. — They were in the midst of the meal when, rerteg casu- _ally around the large dining-room, the _boy’s eyes rested on a table apart from the others. — Here, dining together, he saw Captain Jinks, D. B. “Grasp, the stout, red-faced owner of the yacht Sea ‘Nymph, and a well-dressed gentleman, who looked like, a French- man, They reached, the dessert stage, and were re drinking, smok- | ing and talking together in great good humor, CHAPTER VIT ? Mig IN A FOG. Os «Say, Duke,” said his chum. i _ “Hello,” replied that lad, looking up. “Who, do you suppose is eating here? iM ae mean wn, else us we Inow, or, rather I know ieee HIS CHUM. “Give it up. Have you spotted some friend from Buck- port?” “Qaptain Jinks.” “You don’t say. Where is he?” “At that table yonder.” Duke turned around and looked. He knew-Captain Jinks by sight, and recognized him. “He’s in pretty swell company,” he said. . “The stout man, with the red face, is D. B. Grasp, of Grasp Brothers, Erie, Pa., the owner of the yacht Sea Nymph, so we may conclude that the yessel is anchored somewhere in the basin.” “He’s the chap that the revenue inspector said was in the est business 2” BON ag “The other gentleman is a Frenchman, I’ll bet. He’s got the mustache and imperial that so many of them wear. He’s the swellest-looking of the bunch.” “The captain certainly seems to have the snap he spoke of,” said Dick. “T should remark. Mr. Grasp is democratic in his tastes, I guess. Most rich yacht owners would not care to asso- ciate with the captain of their craft on terms of equality.” “Captain Jinks acts like a man who felt himself on a level with his companions. ‘There’s nothing backward about him, He didn’t lose anything because I let him go from the Polly, though he felt pretty mad over it at first.” “A fellow can never tell what he may fall into in this world. Lots of people drop into better jobs after being sacked. It ought to encourage a fellow when he’s down on pour,’ who had come together after a long separation, It was and the yacht owner were his guests. 2 The three persons in question passed out of the’ vodkonad ence in Clapham had been noted by Dick Ransom and his chum. It was dark when the boys left the restaurant. They walked around town an hour longer, seeing the boat at nine o’clock. an opaque mantel over the wharves. dock. “They looked for the Lone ag esilga to. find big Duke. schooner | Fale BN ease | Thats what well have fo 0 do.” Pie ae i ee o his Tucks to think that the dawn always follows the darkest hh “Not for every one, though the sentiment is all right. There they go now, the three of them, just like old friends — the Frenchman who paid the bill, so I suppose the captain sights by gas and electric light, and then repaired to the _ wharf where Tim had been ordered to meet them with the — Under such conditions the boys, who were not very well. acquainted with the water front, got kind of mixed up in their Seige and as a Pots anes they got ¢ ie the § ot “Tim ought to be here, for it’s after nine,” said Dick. “Maybe he couldn’t find the right wharf in the fog,” said 5 Ke Adee think of that. What shall we do ie ‘he: pe show up? Hunt up a boatman to take us off ae the 2 rant without Captain Jinks becoming aware that his pres- ? A fog had settled down over the lake since dark, and it had worked its way in to the Canadian shore and tung like ay
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DICK AND HIS CHUM. “The question will be where shall we find one?” “Do you see that misty red light yonder?” “ ae es.” “That's a dram shop. I heard that they hang out there, day and night, when they’re not on the docks.” “We'll wait awhile and give Tim a chance to find the wharf.” “Come to think of it, are we on the right wharf our- selves?” said Duke. . “7 couldn’t swear to.it, but it seemed to me that we came straight enough.” “We'd better make sure. Suppose you wait here till I run up to the drinking house and inquire?” “All right. Run along. You'll find me right here when you get back.” Hardly had Duke’s form vanished in the fog, which grew - denser every minute, than a cab rolled down on the wharf q ‘and proceeded slowly till it got near Dick. _ Then it stopped and three persons got out. The cabby turned his rig around but did not go away. The three men were clearly feeling good, and had evi- dently been drinking freely. - They talked louder than they probably intended, and ~ their.tones easily reached Dick’s ears. He had no difficulty in recognizing them as Captain Jinks, Mr. Grasp and the aristocratic-looking Frenchman. “Tis a beastls, night,” said Grasp. “Couldn’t be better, Mr. Grasp, for our little enterprise. . You can’t see a yard ahead of your nose, consequently no inquisitive agent of the American government will be likely to see the goods come off to the Sea Foam to-night.” “Sea Foam,” thought Dick, “the captain has got names a bit mixed. He means the Sea Nymph, of course, But what does he mean by saying that no inquisitive agent of _ the American government will be likely to see the goods come off to the yacht. What goods’ does he refer to? Can this be another smuggting enterprise? Tt looks like it. If so, how happens it that the wealthy Mr. Grasp is appar- 7 ently mixed up in it? I shouldn’t imagine he’d care to ‘ ae ‘authorities. And the Frenchman! He must be interested ‘in the business, too, otherwise he wouldn’t be hand-in- _ glove with the skipper and Mr. Grasp. I seem to have made quite a discovery.” “That’s all right,” hiceoughed Mr. Grasp, in: sath to _ the captain’s remarks; “but if there is no wind to take us across we'll. have to stay here till to-morrow night.” “Oh, I think the wind will spring up along toward mid- iy iy night. The Sea Foam is a swift gailer, and will take us to] Gt ‘Cooper’ s Cove in three hours in any kind of a decent _ breeze. As long as we get there before daylight we'll be all right, and if the tail end of the fog hangs along the Ameri- can shore to cover our movements the ioe so much the better,” said Captain Jinks, “The main thing, monsieur,” » said the @esushiinn, ad- Sy, - dressing Grasp, “is to get the goods on board your yacht without. observation, then no tell-tale dispatch can be sent _ over to warn your government of the run. It is these secret service men who are the greatest difficulty in the way. hey. have my place ae ty i oi ‘may go anywhere without question. take the risk of getting into trouble with the revenue e spotted, for they know that T have many American customers: = ie and oe it is slrinens 13 ing to me if those who purchase my’ goods try to get it into the States free of duty.” . “Monsieur Castaing i is right, Mr. Grasp. The chief thing is to get the liquor aboard the yacht without the fact ber coming’ known,” said Captain Jinks. “A pleasure boat If her owner chooses © to anchor in Cooper’s Cove, or bef Indian Head, no one‘will take special notice of the fact. Still we lave provided” against all contingencies, Suppose a Sectet Service agent spots a consignment of liquor being put aboard the Foam, he will notify the chief inspector on the other side of the fact, and the Foam will be watched for. But if the Nymph is later seer making for an anchorage somewhere along the shore she will not be suspected, hecause the Nymph has not been seen in Canadian waters, although the very picture . of the Foam,” and the captain ended his speech with a chuckle, “Why all this talk, Captain Jinks? We have gone all over that before. Where is the boat from the yacht that was to meet us at this wharf?” said Mr. Grasp. “She has not yet arrived. : I tne we are rather early,” replied the skipper. | “Confound it! Must we hang around this wharf for an indefinite time? The fog is thick enough to choke me. T told you to have the boat here by nine o’clock, and it must be half-past that hour now,” ” eried the owner, in an irrita- ble tone. “T left the order with’ Roberton, and he is not a man to neglect his duty, sir.” “Then why isn’t the boat here?” “The fog is probably the cause of it. It’s not easy to fetch the right wharf in a mist that one can cut with a — knife,” said Captain Jinks, “That is quite true,” agreed the Frenchman. “And how about finding the yacht after we leave the wharf?” said Mr. Grasp, who seemed to be working himself into a bad humor. “Are you sure it will not be as bad as ~ hunting for a needle in a haystack?” “No fear of that, Mr. Grasp,” replied the captain, reas- suringly. “Robertson will bring a small compass with him, and will take the bearings of the yacht hefore he leaves her. That will enable us to make the Foam as ens as though there was no fog.” _ “Flere is your man now, monsieur,” said the ecadivia. i) observing a figure in the fog close at hand. Captain Jinks turned around and looked in the direction indicated by the Frenchman. vs “Ts that you, Robertson?” he asked. ‘s No reply came from the figure, which drew back fucther into the mist. The captain’s suspicions that they haa: a listener were 9 suddenly aroused. He made.a dash for the intruder and succeeded in grab- bing him by the arm. “Who are you, and what are you doing here?” he asked, sharply, as he noted the fact that the res erent to be a boy. | 7 “T’m waiting for a tbat from our schooner” was the muffled reply. 4 “sn Boalt from your schooner —what schooner ” Pia WS aah eal ee SS) Sal J EASE SMe «7 MER) ey niet Oe rere PAN Mayers des EY) SMa A is Pe Jae OES vet Wes. oh eS oF > iz
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DICK AND HIS CHUM. oe OT OOOOOOEETETEyEOEOooeeEEDS near ee ae “An American schooner, if you want to know. This is Barnaby’s dock, isn’t it?” “No, it isn’t,” snapped the captain; Wharf.” “Then I’m on the wrong spot. Let go my arm and “Not before I see who you are, young man. You may have overheard talk not intended for your ear. Come with me,” and he dragged the boy over to the spot where his companions stood. “Ts that Robertson ?” asked Mr. Grasp. “No it isn’t. It’s a boy who says he was waiting for a boat from his schooner. I’m afraid he’s been listening to our talk, and we’ve been saying things not intended for the _ears of a stranger. He-may be in the employ of the Secret Service people for all we know. Have you got a match- safe, monsieur? If you -have I wish you'd strike a light and let us see who this chap is.” “Tf you want to know who I am, Captain Jinks, you needn’t sirike a light to find out,” put in the boy. “Ha, you know me?” cried the captain, with a nervous thrill, “T ought to, as T’ve seen you often enough in Buckport.” “Your voice sounds familiar. Who are you?” “Tm the head of the firm of Ransom & Darrell.” _. “What!” roared de Jinks, aghast. “You’re not Dick Ransom ?” “Tm puceg else, Copiain Jinks. Aren’t me? Prd “is Central “T was.” “And you saw us get out of it ui “¥ did.” “Have you been listening to our talk?” “TI couldn’t help hearing some of it.” “How much did you hear?” “Well, I heard a good part. = “Thor you know what we’ve been talking about?” “You've beentalking about your yacht, the Sea Nymph, though you seemed to mix ber up with the Sea Foam, which you told me in Buckport was her twin—as near like her as one pea to another.” “What else?” “Why inquire? about.” é You know what you were talking “This young man evidently is, acquainted with our — plans,” said Captain Jinks, turning to his friends, “What are we to do about it?” “Who is he? You seem to know him?” said Mr. Grasp, in a husky voice. *“-You know that I ran the schooner Polly for Mr. Ju es up to the time of his death?” said the skipper. “What has that fact got to do with this boy?” — “This young fellow is Judson’s nephew.” “Oh, he is?” said Mr. Grasp. “Then I suppose he’s all right. Hle’ll keep his mouth shut as a favor to ‘yeas Vil you glad to see: make it all right with him.” “You hear what Mr. Grasp says, Ransom?” said the As he spoke ‘the heros flashed a match, and through | captain. the halo of light that hung for a few moments in the fog, “Dick Ransom’s face stood out quite clear and distinct, proving that he was without doubt the person he claimed to be. CHAPTER VIII. | DICK IS OFFERED A BRIBE. “Dick Ransom!” exclaimed Captain Jinks, hess astonished. “What brings you to Clapham?” “What do you suppose, captain? Business.” “Business !” “Yes, and very important business, too.” “Does that account for you being on this wharf, in the ' fog, at this hour ?” : “Incidentally it does. As I told you, I am waiting for a boat from the Polly, which is anchored off yonder some- where. The boat was to call for my partner and myself at ‘nine o’clock, at Barnaby’s dock.” “This is not Barnaby’s dock,” said the captain. “J thought it was until you told me just now that it was Central Wharf. That accounts for the fact that the boat hasn’t shown up, though I’ve been waiting these twenty minutes for it. I believe the adjoining wharf to the right - is Barnaby’s. As I am in a hurry to ‘get aboard the schooner I’ll wish you good-night if you will remove your grip from my arm.” “One moment, Ransom. You say you ve been here bus minutes??? “About that time.” pee “You were here when that a, arrived, opt” ” f A “T heard him.” “Whatever you accidentally heard you'll keep scare about, won’t you?” “T never like to make rash promises,’ » replied Dick. “But you wouldn’t injure me, would you?” “T should be sorry if the truth injured you, captain. zt “Mr, Grasp wll pay you to hold your tongue.” “I’m not for sale, Captain Jinks.” “Oh, we’re not trying to buy you. We are merely ee ing you not to mention what you heard to-night. As a young gentleman you are in honor bound ae maintain strict silence about whatever you heard 1 us say.” Dick remained silent. f He felt that his predicament was an embarrassing one. | His sense of duty told him that he ought to report the | facts to the American revenue service; his sense of honor < demanded the silence requested of him. But these men were to engage in a dishonorable transae- x tion themselves. ‘S If he remained silent would he not, thereby become, : : party to the act himself? Why should his sense of honor compel him to act con- be trary to the dictates of his conscience? He had not voluntarily enacted the part of a Paul Pry. is — $ He was waiting on the wharf for the return of his chum, ~ who seemed to have been away an unusually long time, _ Under the conditions he could not be expected to move af away from the rendezvous hecauie these men eae fos a their own accord. , Tf they were so foolish as to talk hoes their secret ae fairs bse his Aepting that id sed lookout not his.
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DICK AND HIS CHUM, Fn 8 Sn RET EN a ee a oe All this passed through Dick’s brain in a very brief space of time. Thought is as swift as a flash of light, almost, at times. “Well,” said the captain, “you agree with me, don’t you? You understand that it would be very dishonorable on your part to disclose private conversation unavoidably overheard by you?” “T think that depends on the nature of the conversation,” replied Dick. “How so?” : “Tf a person overhears others discussing the execution of a dishonest scheme against individuals or the government, isn’t it his duty to warn the party at whom the conspiracy is aimed ?” “Do you mean to say that we were ee a dishonest project 2” “Ts it honest to try and defraud the American govern- ment of its revenue dues?” “Young man,” broke in Mr, Grasp, in a blustering way, “don’t you know that the excessive protective tariff exacted by the American government is an outrage?” “Tt may be, but I don’t see that we need discuss that fact. The government having seen fit to levy a certain tariff on brandy, for instance, any person who tries, by secret means, to evade the payment of that tariff, is prac- tically trying to cheat the government out of what it-is en- titled to collect. Can you deny that?” Mr. Grasp stared at Dick as well as he could through the fog. The boy’s argument seemed to be a clincher. “Hem! What special interest have you in the American government, young man?” “The same interest that you, a citizen of the country, is expected to have, sir. We are both bound to obey its’ laws and regulations.” “T suppose you expect to make something by putting the revenue authorities on to our plans?” sneered the yacht owner. “That fact didn’t occur to me, sir,” replied Dick, calmly. “No? You wish me to understand that it is simply a case of conscience on your part, or duty, as you remarked just now.” “You can call it what you like.” “Suppose I hand you a $100 bill, would that latiety your seruples??” > “ “No, sir. I don’t take bribes.” “Hem ! I'm not offering it to you as a oe but as a present.” -_ “T’m not entitled ie any present from you.” “But if you will engage to say nothing about what you : “overheard on this dock, 1 will give you the $100 as an evi- dence of my appreciation of your discretion.” “Tt would be to all intents and purposes a bribe for me "to hold my tongue, so T must refuse to accept it.” “Well, what are you going to do about this matter?” snorted the yacht owner. “That will depend on what you do.” - “What do you mean?” ~ “Do you intend to try and smuggle a nitty of cognac. ie into the States with the ig of your yacht, the ‘Sea ema fe, 15 “My yacht, the Sea’ Nymph, is not in Canadian waters, therefore it would be impossible for me to use her in a smuggling enterprise.” “Not in Canadian waters! Then how happens it that her skipper, Captain Jinks, is in Clapham ?” “T brought him over here to take temporary charge of my friend Castaing’s yacht, the Sea Foam.” “Oh!” exclaimed Dick. “Then you propose to use the Sea Foam for your smuggling venture?” “If we make the venture the Sea Foam will be used ; but, since you have ovérheard our plans, it is likely that we will give it up, or at least postpone it to some future occasion. It wouldn’t pay us to take any desperate chances. There isn’t money enough in it.” “It’s a wonder you would use a vessel so like your own that if the revenue authorities got wind of your intentions they might make trouble for the Sea Nymph,” said Diek, who did not believe Mr. Grasp was telling the ekact truth. “Suppose I have no choice in the matter? In any case the revenue people are at perfect liberty to overhaul my own yacht whenever they see fit. They will find nothing eboard of her that will incriminate me.” At that moment another person appeared on . the scene. It was Duke Darrell, who had been away a long time. He approached the group, and Dick recognized him through the fog. “Tere I am, Duke,” he said. partner, Mr. Darrell.” _ The appearance of Duke was not relished by the trio, but they did not give any evidence of the fact. “This is Mr. Grasp, owner of the yacht Sea Nymph; Mr, Castaing, a resident of this town, and Captain Jinks, whom you know in a general way,” went on Dick. “Glad to make your acquaintance, gentlemen,” said Duke. “TI suppose you are waiting for a boat to take you off. to the yacht 2” “Tf you refer to the Sea Nymph, ais is not on this nie of the lake,” grunted Mr. Grasp, in a sulky way. ; “We are waiting for a boat to take us off to Mr. Cas- taing’s yacht, the Sea Foam,” said Captain Jinks. “Oh!” exclaimed Duke, in some surprise. “Seeing you iceland; this is my — -| here, captain, I supposed, as a matter of course, that the Sea Nymph was in the harbor.” “Hem! Quite natural. explain Mr. Grasp decided to leave the Nymph at anchor off Indian Head and come here by rail. He brought me — with him for company’s sake,” said the captain, glibly. — Another figure was now seen approaching from the end | of the dock. It proved - be Robertson, who had been belated by the fog. Captain Jinks recognized him. oy Sica here at last, have you?” he said. es, sir. We had to feel our way in the fog.” eh, Mr. Grasp, are you pally to go aboard a SN Bg “We wish you good-evening, Mase men,” said the cape ie tain, turning to the boys. apo That was a plain hint for them to 0. Ee “ood-evening,” replied Dick. ““Qome along, Dake, How about our boat?” ey P, ; ni i Grin \ yy, f 4 For reasons which I ‘asd not nee:
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16 DICK AND HIS CHUM. fob POS AI ORIEN TSE RDS CO A EI EEE SS, SRE REST SN SET TN EPA TW ARISEN NS OE EIR TEL TOES D1 SER ETT NIE SEE PP TURE LI “Tt’s waiting for us at the next wharf. This is Cen- tral Wharf.” “So Captain Jinks told me.” “We made the mistake in the fog and. darkness,” said Duke. “Barnaby’s Dock is next to this in that direction,” and the speaker waved his arm. “T know. Glad we made the mistake.” “Why ?? asked Duke, in some surprise. “Tl tell you when we get in the boat.” “T suppose you refer to the fact that you met Captain Jinks and got an introduction to hig swell friends?” “Yes, I refer to the coming of that party to this wharf. They arrived in the cab you saw standing there directly after you left.” “JT noticed the cab, for it passed me,” said Duke. “T guess the Frenchman is going away in it as soon as he has bidden the others good-by.” Just as they reached the head of the wharf and turned _ to the right the cab dashed by them, and turned off to the left along the water front. Barnaby’s Dock was only a few yards distant and the boys were soon upon it. Duke led the way to the steps that ran down: ‘to the _ water, and there they found Tim with the boat. In a few minutes they were afloat, and, guided by a compass, which the Irish lad had taken the precaution to bring with him, they were soon on the way to the schooner. CHAPTER IX. 1 DICK DISPLAYS HIS PROWESS. é “What do you suppose I discovered after the arrival ' of those men on Central Wharf?” said Dick. “I give it up,” answered his chum. _ “Those men are about to run a quantity of cognac across _ the lake in the yacht and try to smuggle it into. the States at some point known only to themselves.” /» . “You don’t mean it!” cried Duke, in astonishment- cian “Tjisten, and I’ll tell you how I found the scheme out,” said Dick, who proceeded to tell Duke a that happened in mo hig hearing on Central Wharf. ; “Well, I'll be jiggered. So they. delat you, and then tried to bribe you to keep mum. What are you going to igs do p9 “PI have to consider. ‘| T har dly think they'll ‘attempt to ~ carry their plan out now that they know Pm on to it, and what my attitude on the subject is.’ You can’t tell what they'll do,” said Duke. “phis is just the night to get;a lot of goods aboard a vessel without _ the fact leaking out, It is clever of Mr. Grasp not to em- - ploy his own yacht on this shady enterprise. It is clear ~ that he brought Captain Tinks, here to sail the areneh nen 8 boat to the place decided on for landing the goods.” Tm not sure that Mr. Grasp is not going to employ his _ own yacht,” said Dick, “T have only his word and the Seal tain’s that the Sea Nymph was teft anchored off Indian \ ad, which lies on the State line between New York and Lara How Ae we know that, the lb areas is ah SS FF SF owner of the Sea Foam, or that that yacht is within fifty miles of this place? It was to the interest of those men to try and deceive me as much as they could.” “'That’s right,” nodded Duke. “The Sea Nymph may be here after all.” — “T’d be willing to bet something that she is,” said Dick. “Td like to prove it.” “So would I, but that is out of the question im this fog. We don’t even know where the yacht, be she Foam or Nymph, is anchored.” “We may learn in the morning if the calm keeps up, for it will be impossible for her to get away without a breeze of some kind.” “Then T hope the calm holds. curiosity about that vessel.” “You've been aboard of the Sea Nymph, and should know her like a book.” “But if she and the Foam are twins there is only one way to tell one from the other.” “What is that?” see “By her name, of course. The Sea Nymph has hers in four places—on the stern, over the cabin door facing for- ward, and on either bow. It is probable that the Sea Foam has hers displayed in a similar manner, and probably in the same kind of lettering. If the calm holds we can row around in the morning and locate the yacht. Then we will be able to satisfy ourselves as to her real identity.” “That’s a good idea,” said Duke, as the boat ran along- side of the Polly. They turned in soon after they got aboard and were shortly asleep. Td like to satisfy my . When they turned out in the morning the sun was sbi hye ing and the air was as clear as a bell, but not a breath of wind was stirring. While waiting for breakfast Dick got the telescope and surveyed the shipping in the little harbor for the purpose of finding out where the yacht he was interested in lay, for it seemed pretty certain that she had not heen able to leave her anchorage during the night. Duke joined him and inquired if he had made her out. “Yes, there she lies yonder near the point. but too far off for us to see her name even with the ‘aid of this spy- glass,” replied Dick. “Then we'll have to row over thaye>? said Duke ; “That would attract their attention, and. they would ee feel sure I was up to something.” “How are you going to learn her name—by inquiring along the water front?” “We could do that, of course, but I’d prefer to get my | knowledge at first hand. T’ve an idea.” “What is it?” : “There won’t be much use of our going to the office of the Canadian Lumber Co. ‘much before ten. After break- fast. we'll take a stroll over on the point, and that should bring us close enough to the yacht to be able to make out her name with the naked eye.” I “First\ rate. We'll do it. It will ‘be a nice walk for us, and besides we'll be able to see what the country Jooks like beyond the town in that direction,” said Duke. i So the cae was. fea ge me nae fell to talking about ;
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DICK AND HIS CHUM. nT their chances. of catching the lumber carrying contract, which was bound to prove a good thing for the firm. Dick was afraid that the fact that sy were both boys would operate somewhat against them. It was an important contract, and the lumber company would want to deal with what they considered a responsible firm. “But we carried one load over for them all right and j in good shape,” said Duke. “That ought to show that we can fll the bill.” “One swallow doesn’t make a summer, old chap,” re- plied Dick. “The company was anxious to get that load across and were willing to take chances to do it. It is quite a different matter for them to bind themselves to an agree- ment to employ us regularly. Naturally they will want to know who they are dealing with.” “From what the agent said it appeared to me that it was a dead sure thing for us to get the contract.” “Did you tell him that the head of the firm was a boy like yourself, and a year younger ?” “No, I did not. I merely told him that T guessed our firm would he perfectly willing to accept the contract on the company’s terms. I said T would bring you over to talk the matter up with the company, and sign the: papers if the deal went through.” “Doubtless he expected that I was a man, who had been in the business for years. As he saw that you were in charge of the schooner he may have thought that you were not a member of the firm—only a salaried namesake of Darrell.” “T told him that I was the tail end of the firm, and 1 promised to put the matter up to you.” “Which you have done. Well, we must trust to luck. I’ll give the president of the company a good game of talk, and try my hardest to land the contract.” _» Tim called them to breakfast and they went into the cabin to eat it. After the meal was over, Dick called Fritz and requested him to row Duke and himself to Barnaby’s dock. The boat was floating astern and He Holland boy pulled it around to one side. Ten minutes later Dick and his shan stood on the dock. They started at once for the point, taking in the water front sights on their way. In the course of three-quarters of an hour they were ‘‘ walking out along the shore of the point. At last they got as close to the yacht as they could go, and they made out her name on her stern: quite plainly. Tt was the Sea Foam. “Well, are you satisfied?” asked Duke: “The captain and the owner of the Nymph did not lie after all when they] said that the Nymph had been left on the other side of the lake.” — “I’m glad ’ye seen the Sea Foara, She certainly is*the dead image of the Sea Nymph, Leaving out the name, I defy anybody to tell them apart. Why, Tll be blessed if she hasn’t even got the long scratch in her stern-post that} - I noticed the Sea Nymph have.” - “That’s funny. I wonder how she could get a similar scratch in the same place. ca ae taal tog me. It’s hearing the likeness: to the limit, T eich: 1” think. However, as long as there are two yachts of twin construction, that is evidently the Foam.” - “Say, look here, what evidence have you that there are . two twin yachts, anyway? Have you looked them up in the Marine Register ?” “No. The best evidence I have is the fact that I am looking at a yacht now that is the dead picture of the Sea Nymph, and ‘is not the Sea Nymph. Apart from that I have only Captain Jinks’ word and what Mr. Grasp said last night. - Duke rubbed his = and looked though at the water. He was about to say something when sidieaty a girlish scream echoed through the morning air behind them. “Something is up,” cried Dick, making a dash for the top of the point, closely followed by his chum. They heard no further outcry, but when they reached the summit a stirring spectacle met their eyes. A daintily-dressed girl was struggling in the arms of a trampish-looking rascal. She had evidently ridden out to the spot, for a saddle- horse was standing close by, looking at what was transpir- ing before him. Dick judged that the man had pulled the girl from her saddle, which gave rise to the scream. é now held one hand tightly pressed across her mouth : to prevent her repeating her cries. Dick didn’t stop to consider what he should do, He dashed at the rascal with compressed lips and smashed him twice in the jaw in rapid uote making © his teeth rattle like a pair of castanets. — / The fellow was not prepared for so vigorous an attack and was forced to let the girl go in order to defend him- self. Dick went at him hammer and tongs, for he felt sure the scoundrel could offer no valid excuse for his conduct. The rascal was bigger and huskier than the plucky young cargo contractor, but the boy’s skill in the art of self- defence more than equalized the difference. He put it all over the chap inside of two minutes, so that the ruffian was glad to take to his heels, and he did not stop running as long as he remained in sight. _ The girl had watched the conflict with bated breath, her admiration for her bold young rescuer growing with each blow he struck at the author of her predicament, and when the rascal threw up the sponge and fled she rushed up to. Dick and seized him by both hands. “How can I thank you sufficiently for your brave efforts’ in my behalf,” she said, earnestly, giving him a look that made his blood heat more quickly than usual. i peer _ She was an uncommonly pretty girl, and her flushed face RES: and sparkling eyes added to her natural beauty. “You are welcome, miss,” replied Dick, rather flustered sige by her engaging manner, and the brilliant eyes that gazed ET into his in such an impulsive way. “What a plucky boy you are!” she eqained: admiringly. pte c “And to think that you actually put that man to flight. ns Won’t you tell me your name?” “Dick Ransom. I’m se New York, on a sid This is mF chum ots i MA an American, ate I live in ‘Buok- is
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as DICK AND HIS CHUM, ner, Duke Darrell. are?” Perhaps you will let us know who you “We are cargo contractors of Buckport, N. Y., and we want to have a talk with him in relation to getting a con- “My name is Vivien Grey, and I live in Clapham, or| tract to carry the company’s ol dee to the States,” said rather on the outskirts of the town. You are on a visit| Dick. ‘ “Why you're only a couple of boys,” sneered the clerk. to this place, I presume?” ’ “Yes, a short visit, on business.” return if you can find the time. I know my father and “You haven’t the ghost of a chance to get any contract “I should be pleased to have you call on me before you| from us. We want men to handle our business.” “We have already handled one load of your material, _ mother would be glad of an opportunity to thank you for through an arrangement made by one of your agents in this rescuing me from. that trampish man, whb, but for your | town, and as we put that through all right, I guess we can opportune arrival, would have robbed me of my purse and | such jewels as I have on my person.” “T am not sure that I will be able to find the time unless you would care to see us this afternoon. We expect to re- turn to the States before night.” otf you will say what time you will call I will beat home,” “Say three o’clock.” “Very well.” . “Now you will have to tell me how we are to find your “dita: We are strangers here and not familiar with the town” 4? The girl gave him explicit directions which he was sure they would be able to follow. Then he assisted her to mount her horse, and she rode off waving her hand to both the boys. \ CHAPTER X. THE TURNDOWN AND WHAT FOLLOWED. _ “She’s a corking fine girl, Dick,” said Duke. “Bet your life she is,” replied. his partner, nga 2 after her. _ “Yow ve made a hit with her.” « “What good will that do me? After to-day a wide lake , will lie between us.” “There is nothing to prevent you from paying her a fly- ing visit once in a while.” 5 “Nothing; eh? You forget T have our busines interests “to look after in Buckport.” | “A fellow will strain a point when there's a pretty girl in the case,” langhed Duke. + Oh, she'll soon forget all about me.” - “YT don’t think so. She seemed to take a great fancy to 4 "you. And T don’t wonder. Most girls admire pluck in a o chap, and you certainly polished that ruffian off to the ‘qiten’s taste. I was ready to help you, if necessary; but there was nothing doing for me.” “Well, let’s start back for town. by the time we reach the office of the lumber company.” |. An hour later, after inquiring their way, they reached the offices of the Canadian Lumber Co. , They 5 were located on the second floor of an office. build- gy one of ne best business ite in Petia Tt sill be ten o elock pas wish to see ‘the one said Dick. o : What do yon wish to see him about?” Sey earner Bee ey are ie eal ST a ee ee a a ee a handle your business as well as any man in the line,” re- plied Dick, with as much dignity as he could assume. “When did you carry this load you mention?” asked the clerk. “Three nights ago.” “What is the name of your firm?” “Ransom & Darrell.” “T will look the matter up.” “Tn the meantime we should like to see the president.” The clerk hesitated. “Tl take your names in to him, but it isn’t at all cer- tain that he will see you.” “Why not? I thought this company was anxious to imake a deal with an independent contractor,” said Dick, handing him one of the firm’s cards. “We are, but the persons we arrange with must be per- fectly responsible. We cannot afford to. make permanent terms with\people whom we are not sure we can depend on to carry out their engagements.” _ “Tf we make a contract with this company we'll carry it out to the letter. That’s a way we do bystneee replied Dick. “The president makes all contracts, and he will let you sidering offers from other independent contractors. Take a seat until I return,” and the clerk walked away. In a few minutes he came back and announced that Mr. Grey, the president, would see them. “Follow me,” he said, and the, boys followed him into a well-furnished office, the door of which was marked “Private.” desk, examining some papers. near his desk. “Am I to understand that you are the firm of Ransom & fingers. “Yes, sir,” replied Dick. “Which of you is Ransom?” “That is my name,” said Dick. The president frowned slightly. “Tiow long have you been in business?” truthful admission was likely to spoil all their chances, “Several months, sir, with my uncle, the late Mr. Jud- gon.” va “Yes, sir.’ know if you stand any chance. I believe he is already con- A fine-looking, middle-aged gentleman sat at a roll-top 2 He looked up at their sane and pointed to chairs Darrell?” he said, holding the Hoye en card in his "Not quite a week, gir,” said Dick, feeling that fe, ee experience have you had i in cargo contracting?” _ ey udson, ert ? I’ve heard of him. So he was tise uncle? ” “And ee have taken, aces of his business, re suppose? ” tes 5 ;
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~ » dent el ee eee = Res Ra ga BIE cr Nir ae to » application. ee Se ee eee ee Oe DICK AND HIS CHUM. 19 “We have.” “What facilities have you for the traffic?” “"i*he schooner Polly, one of the fastest and stanchest vessels on the lake, and a wharf at Buckport,” “You have a lease of the wharf, I presume?” “Yes, sir, for as long as we want it. It belongs to my. aunt as also.does the schooner.” _“Tt seems to me that you are both young and as yet in- experienced in the business.” “That is true ag to our years, and partly so as to our ex- perience, but J can guarantee that if you will make a contract with us we will make good.” “What guarantee can you give?” i “Our words.” Mr. Grey smiled. “T have no doubt you mean well, young man, but can you furnish a bond for $10,000, with responsible sureties?” “Vm afraid not.” “Then it is only a waste of time for me ic consider your Our export trade to the States is very con- siderable, and we could not think of intrusting it to a firm of contractors who were not financially responsible.” “We carried one load for your company the other day. The arrangement was made through you agent. We put it though all right, and on your own terms, save that we - got free loading, which I understand is not customary. Your agent explained to my partner at the time the trouble you were haying to make a fresh contract with Jepson & Co. He said that all the important contractors had combined to raise the rates, and encouraged my part- ner to believe that we stood a good chance of getting a contract with this company at the old terms. That is what brought me over to see you.” “The fact that our agent hired your vessel for one load, or even had he done so for several, is quite a different matter from making a regular contact. As we would be obliged to keep our end of the agreement, it is necessary that we have a guarantee that you would keep yours. Since - you cannot furnish the bond T mentioned [ will Be obliged to decline your offer.” ‘The gentleman touched a bell’ id a boy sibcodi the room. “Show these | young men out, William,” he said. _, Dick and his chum rose, bowed to fhe president and fol- lowed the boy outside. Ata window of the ante-room stood a young lady, who turned around as they appeared. The boys recognized her as Vivien Grey. She recognized them, too, and advanced with a smile,| the smile being particularly directed at. Dick. “This ig an unexpected) pleasure, Mr. Ransom, ” she said, ~ pointed for your visit to our house. You were saline busi- _ ness with my father, I suppose ?” “T did not expect to meet you before the time ap- : “Your father! Is your father the prigend of this % company re api: Mn ead “He is a fine-looking gentleman,” said Dick ~ “J think so,” she said, archly.. “We called to peal and late some | - business with dag com- ws pany—we are cargo contractors, but your father didn’t think us quite responsible enough to give us even a trial.” “Indeed! Are you able to do this business i in a suitable way! 999 “We know we are, Miss Grey.” “Then sit down here and I will speak to my father on the subject.” “No, Miss Grey. I am much obliged to you ‘for the offer, bat it would hardly be fair, or business-like, to avail ourselves of your intervention: We thank you very much, indeed.” “Well, of course, if you don’t wish me to help you I must not; but I have considerabie influence with my father, and as you have put me under a great obligation, it seems only right I should try and repay you. ‘ However, aside from that, my father, when, he learns what you have done for me, will wish to thank you, so do please wait till I run in and see him.” Without waiting for a reply she tripped into the private office, and the boys felt obliged to await her return. After the lapse of six or seven minutes she ‘appeared at the door and beckoned to them. “You go in, Dick; T’ll wait for you,” said Duke. “I~ am not concerned in the rescue of the young lady, and so there is really no need of me going in.” “All right,” said Dick, starting forward.. A This time the president of the lumber company got up and shook the boy by the hand. “You have placed my daughter and myself under great obligations to you, Mr. Ransom,” he said. “Had I known I was so much indebted to you I should not have dis- missed you and your partner so abruptly. Sit down.” “Father, can’t you do some business with this young man and his partner? He assured me that he was able to do whatever he undertook.” “Well, well, Vivien, I will see,” replied her father. ‘He began questioning Dick again about his facilities for carrying lumber and its by-products, and asked him om questions about himself. Finally he said that he would give the firm a provisional contract, which he would make a regular one if he found them able to keep their end up. “We will waive the matter of the bond. You had hetter take your vessel- right around to our wharf. 1 will tele- ‘phone the superintendent to give you a cargo for Erie, which we are anxious to get oe” I will give you the bene- fit of free loading this imé as a bit of encouragement for you.” 2 “Thank you, sir. I promise you that we will do our work as well as J jepson & Co., and that we will give you every satisfaction.” “T trust so,” smiled Mr. Grey. Dick then took his leave, Miss Vivien remaining, “Shake, old man,” said Disk, when he returned to oe chum, “The president has reconsidered the turn-down he gave us and T am to. come back in an hour and sign a ag provisional contract with the company, the same to be- come permanent if we make good.’”” (he “That's fine!” cried Duke, delighted at the news)... ae eet the meantime you will take the schooner around to Rae
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“20 DICK AND HIS CHUM. * the company’s wharf where the superintendent will give you a cargo which you are to carry to Erie.” “To Erie!” “Yes. It’s a longer run than to Buckport, and will net us more money. 2” “Fine!” said Duke. “Come on, now. I’ve got to kill an hour, and I'l] do that by walking down to the dock with you, where you can get a boatman to put you off to the Polly.” “How about yourself? Will you join the schooner at the company’s wharf?” “T will, after keeping my engagement with Miss Grey. Pll go with you to Erie, and from there I'll take the train to Buckport.” _ By that time the boys were on the sidewalk, when they started for Barnaby’s Dock. / CHAPTER XI. DUKE EXPRESSES AN OPINION, * In the course of an hour, Duke returned to the office of the lumber company and was immediately shown into the president’s room. The contract was ready in duplicate, and only awaited the signatures of Dick and President Grey to make it sce wie These were son attached, and after a short talk with the head of the concern, Dick took his leave. It was about lunch-time, so the boy entered the first restaurant he came to and ate a light meal. Two hours later le reached the Grey mansion, situated on one of the'best and most, exclusive streets in the suburbg of the town, and rang the bell. Tt was evident that he was expected, for he was shown into the parlor by the maid, and in a few moments Vivien Grey appeared, attired in a fetching afternoon gown, which set her beauty off to great advantage. She gave him a warm welcome, and then aaa him if}, he had signed the provisional contract with her father, and if the schooner had been/ taken around to the: com- pany’s wharf. He assured her that this had all been done, for he had ‘given his partner directions to sail the schooner around if the wind was pong: enough, otherwise to hire a tug to do it; At this point Mrs. Grey entered ‘the parlor, and Vivien introduced Dick to her. The lady expressed the pleasure she felt in tees one who had been so kind to her daughter in a dreadful emergency, and concluded by thanking him for the ser- vice he had rendered her only child. _ After some conversation, Vivien asked Dick if he would like to go over thei property and see the grounds and uildings, and he said he would. She got her hat and they went outside. The Grey property was quité an extensive estate, sick oe originally been purchased by Vivien’s grandfather, hey ae since, when he started the suite ieee The business had grown largely under his management, and had developed into the Canadian Lumber Co., a ‘cor- poration, practically controlled by the Grey family. When the founder retired from the presidency and ac- tive participation in its management, his son, Vivien’s father, took his place, and pushed the company: still fur- ther to the front. © Their export trade to the United States had grown stead~ ily within the last few years, and Jepson & "Conn laving retained the contract for carrying it made a good thing out of it. During the last year or so wages had gone wp and com- petition had brought rates down. The big cargo contractors made less money in conse- quence, Old man Jepson decided that the best way to end this unsatisfactory condition of things was to call his business rivals together and propose the adoption of an uniform and higher rate of freight charges on lake traffic. All the important contractors liked the idea, so a com- bination’ was formed, and a scale was adopted that met — with general approval. This was put, into effect on the day that Jepson’s lum- ber contract ran out. There was a howl from shippers, generally, and from the Canadian Lumber Co. in particular. Mr. Grey proceeded to look for another firm of con- | tractors to haul their cargoes, but, to his disgust, found that every reliable firm wanted the advanced rate—the same as Jepson & Co. demanded for a renewal of their contract. Such was the condition of affairs when Duke made his first trip across, and was pursuaded by the lumber com- pany’s agent to take a load over to Buckport. This had led to the boys opt Ein the provisional con- tract, as we have seen. _ Dick walked around the Grey estate with Vivien and admired the way it was kept in shape. _ After the walk they sat on the spacious veranda at the front of the mansion and talked together until Mr. Grey . came home. Dick then said it was time for him to 80, but was. =, | pressed to remain to dinner. He did so, and about dark took his leave. Mr. Grey told him that he could easily get a ae at Central Wharf to row him around to the’ company’s wharf where the schooner was taking on a cargo of shingles and a deckload of lumber, “eae He ¥ _ When»he reached the wharf he found a number of boat- ‘men there, for it was a fine starlight night, and he soon ~ made a bargain with one of them. Tt was quite a row, but the boatman was used to such things, and in due time put him alongside of the Polly. — Duke was on deck talking with Tie and. Fritz, and keeping a lookout for the coming of his partner. “Had a good time, old man?” ke asked Dick. “Sure thing! T spent about four hours at the Grey’ Baia T’ll bet thére is none like it home. It’s a swell place. around this neighborhood. They made me TOmaNy is din- aa ner, and I had a fine lay-out there.” genes #1 wean im made seein as solid - possible with ae
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DICK AND HIS CHUM. _ Miss Grey, for the better you stand with her the better our chance will be to make a steady customer out of the lum- ber company.” “Come now, Duke, if we can’t push our way ahead by our own Exeroey we don’t want to have a young lady do it for us.’ “That’s. right. course ?” “Sure haren’t you loading up here on the strength of it?” “@Gracidus! old man Jepson will be hot under the collar when he learns that we are hauling the export trade of _ the Canadian Lumber Co.” _ “I’m not worrying about the probable state of Mr. Jep- son’s feelings on that subject. He has enjoyed the monop- oly long enough. It’s time there was a change in favor _ of another firm.” " “Jepson & Co. made a lot of money out of the lumber- carrying business at the old rates. We ought to be able _ to do the same.” _ . “We will, old man, This is where we make a fortune for the firm.” “By the way, I have news for you.” “What is it?” “The yacht has sailed.” “That so?” Yes. She was under way eer we pulled up anchor and started for this wharf. I watched to see what course _ she took.” You got the provisional contract, of 4 “She headed for the States, I suppose???» ® “No. She rounded the point and steered west.” : “Tf she’s got a lot of brandy aboard I guess that was _ only a blind.” i “We have no evidence to show that there is any teusay _ aboard. I should think that, knowing you are on to their game, they would postpone their purpose for awhile. I don’t #hink it would pay them to run extra risk.” ’ “Mr. Castaing, the Frenchman, appears to be the owner of the Sea Foam. By permitting Mr. Grasp to use his ‘vessel for illegal purposes, it seems clear that he is di- ~ rectly interested in this smuggling business,” “TI wish we were ready to sail this moment,” said Duke: 7 “So do I. We could rum across See the night and _ thus save a day.” - “T was not thinking about that.” “About what, then?” “Pd like to try and get across’ before the yacht. We ‘hone F to pass Indiam Head on our way to Erie, though the proper ~ course takes us a Jong way off shore. My idea would be to lay close in, at the sacrifice of a couple of hours’ time, and pass the Head. close enough to see if the other yacht ~ is anchored there, as Mr. Grasp said it was.” “T see no particular reason for doubting his statement.” “Tam not satisfied that he told the truth,” said Duke, with. -a wise look. “Why didn’t he leave her at our wharf? Having rented the privilege, I should think that is where he would have moored her. venient point for him to take a train for Buffalo, where he’d have to go to reach Clapham by rail, while Buckport Gatch gling ventures. Indian Head is not a con- loud If the Be oe was Peaks 85 our wharf 1 no. on -| think we'd fing, the eta anchored cre pee pane QL 4 ture, pale her presence off Indian Head might look sus- ~ picious.” % “That’s true enough, but Mr. Grasp doubtless: has his own reasons for leaving the Sea Nymph off the Head. If judge it is part of the game. Maybe he figures that her | presence there will draw the attention of the revenue people to the spot, and away from the neighborhood of the place he has selected to land the brandy at.” “T didn’t think of that. The idea is not a bad one. I - had a different view of the matter.” “What is your view?” “You may think it foolish, for you appear to be con- vinced that there actually are two yachts so much alike that they resemble each other down to an accidental scrateh across the rudder-post.” “Why, don’t you believe there are two—the Sea Nymph . at Indian Head and the Sea Foam on this side?” “J won’t say that there aren’t two, but I do say that I have strong doubts of the fact.” “T might be inclined to agree with you only I have seen each yacht with its own name on the stern, and on one oftthe bows at least.” “They say a leopard cannot change its bas and that seems natural, but what’s the matter witha yacht changing its name? The dexterous use of paints and brushes would soon transform Nymph into Foam, and the reverse, The change could be effected put on the lake in a short time. The Sea Nymph, after leaving the American shore, could easily sail into Canadian waters as the Sea Foam, and who, but those on board would be the wiser?” “By George! the idea never struck me. How came you to think of such a thing?” “Your remark about the scratch on the rudder-post of the Foam. You said you had seen a similar scratch on the Nymph’s rudder-post. It doesn’t seem natural that two yachts, no matter how much alike in their construction, could each be scratched in the same place,” replied Duke. “That’s trie. I was surprised myself by the fact. [ wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Captain Jinks’ story of the twin yachts is a fake, and that the Sea Nymph and the Sea Foam are one and the same boat,” . Just so. There are secret service agents of our gov- ernments in Canada on the lookout for suspected parties. Captain Jinks is a suspect since his former supposed emugs . Ai large quantity of cognac was seen to be taken aboard of the Sea Foam in Clapham Harbor, more than seemed necessary for private consumption, the agent would notify the chief inspector on the other side of the fact. Then the Foam would be watched for, and — if an attempt was made to land the cognac on the sly it | ‘| would be seized and the captain and owner arrested. But ; suppose instead of the Foam appearing, the Nymph shows - up. There is no report of her having been seen in Cana- dian watersy consequently why should she be suspected ~ of having cognac aboard which the skipper proposed to put ashore without notifying the ipa authorities ? See the point?” “T do, and it gives color to your sasiolia ah “diane could run over to Indian Head now [ South t fd : ; Bs) PAY EIT AEWA AS Rae Se SE Hay a
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7 he 22 DICK ‘AND , is the place where Mr. Grasp intends to land the cognac I believe he took aboard the Foam last night under cover of the fog.” “But, Duke, the Foam left here over six hours ago, bound west. She’s a fast sailer. She could easily reach Indian Head before us, even by a roundabout way, and there we would find her with her name altered back to the - Nymph, if your idea is the correct one, so you see your scheme for detecting this supposed ruse, even if we could earry it out, which is impossible under the circumstances, would amount to much,” said Dick. Duke had to admit that his chum’s statement of the case was about right. They continued to talk about Mr. Grasp and his smug- gling enterprise for awhile longer, then they turned in for the night. CHAPTER XII. DICK AND THE REVENUB INSPECTOR, The loading of the Polly was not finished until after dinner on the following day, and then she cast off from the wharf and started for the town of Erie. The wind was light and she did not make very ‘gee time,. though she did betier than the majority of fore- and-afters of her tonnage on the lake would have done under the same circumstances. With the setting pf the sun the wind came on a bit stronger, and as they were almost off Indian Head the boys decided to run in and.see if the Sea Nymph. was at anchor there. They got well within range of the promontory as dark- » ness closed in, but could make out no vessel, through the telescope, lying under the lee of the Head. _ Still that did not prove that the yacht might not be there, further inshore. After running in within half a mile of the shore, with- out having their curiosity rewarded with the sight of any eraft at all, Duke hauled the schooner. around on the wind and shaped his course direct for Erie. “I don’t believe the yacht is there,” said he. “Tt’s too, dark to make sure of the matter,” replied) — his chum, “Tt seems to me that we ought is have seen her through - the glass if she was there,” maintained Duke. Dick did not dispute the fact, though he maintained - that the yacht might be there for all that. A couple of hours passed and they were approaching Erie when Tim, who was acting | as look-out, forward, an-| ‘nounced a sail ahead, As it was a clear night, and they had their lights prop- “erly displayed, there \was little likelihood of the oncoming -eraft running into them. Duke ordered Fritz, who was at the helm, to give the 4% stranger plenty of sea room, and 80 the two ors came | - bowling toward each other. . Peo “Ts a. yacht,” said Duke, as ws xapsined the: vessel | “through the pate, rh is? {and so the shippers were anxious to send their. goods by | another load of lumber and shingles. M4 J point than. ‘this, sear he told ast HIS CHUM. “A yacht!” cried Dick, growing interested. the Seam Foam or Nymph.” When the two craft came abreast, an eighth of a mile apart, Dick, looking through the glass, declared she was Mr. Grasp’s yacht, or her twin, if there was one. “Coming from the west, you can depend on it she is the craft that was‘in Clapham Harbor,” said Duke, “If she’s got cognac aboard she is going to land it to-night. Too bad we can’t make out her name. If we saw Sea — Nymph on her bows or stern I wouldn’t have any doubt at all that the name is changed at will, and that she has no duplicate on the lake.” The yacht swept by and soon left the Polly astern. An hour later the lights of Brie loomed up on the port bow, and in due time the schooner was anchored off the ciby. Next morning they hauled in to a wharf and was boarded by a custom’s officer. The people to whom the lumber was consigned were . notified of its arrival, and Dick hired a gang of men bag { unload. Shortly adtonwacd he bade his chum good-by and took a train for Buckport. He reached town in about an hour and hurried home. — His aunt was glad to see him back, and was rejoiced to learn that his trip to Canada had been a great success for the firm. She said her son had told her that several shippers had - been asking térms for freight to various points, and had been given Mr. Judson’s scale of prices, which was lower than the increased charges of the combined. contractors, “Perhaps — the Polly. They were waiting to learn when she would arrive. After dinner, Dick went to the office with his’ eae and looked over the memoranda that ay had written down “4 for his information. ie He found that all inquirers had silane for that side Yi of ‘the: lake—one of them as far as Cleveland. ES 1a He called up the scrap-iron people and inqnired when they wanted to send their next shipment to the Clapham. Bs: Foundry. %) i He was told not for a week at least. Bea. He then ‘called up certain firms who were see to. hear from him and asked particulars concerning their Caan penntent "He closed with three, and notified the man who had’a cargo for Cleveland that the firm’s engagements a them from accepting a cargo for that port for a week, con- sequently it would be necessary for him to apply ‘to BEN body else. The Polly arrived during the night, ‘end’ early i in the forenoon merchandise began arriving for her to. gee to Erie and another place further on. Py Oe She was ready to sail at dark. Dick gave his chum, instructions to hired direct " re Clapham after getting rid of all his cargo and take on sy “ Advise me by telegraph if the cargo is for ry be
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i eect ce aioe Sak ree CS Ra oo aaalQQ“QQN“N“R“R“R(RCrrrT TCE eee SS ooo His partner promised to do so, and an hour later the Polly was gone. When he got to the office in the morning he found the Sea: Nymph moored at the wharf and his friend, the cus- tom-house inspector, on hand. “Good morning, Mr. Blake,” said Dick, politely. atone morning, Ransom. ‘The pncht is here again, I pee.” — don’t you think? a TI observe. ce Yes. » “Had the pleasure of seeing the owner and the skipper ?”, “The latter, yes. Mr. Grasp remained at Erie.” STt'3 9, winder the yacht wouldn’t remain there, too, I don’t see why she should come on Been aboard of her?” . here.” “That’s the owner’s business, Maybe he let Geaaks Finks, come on to see his family, and he will join the yacht b Yiu ya here himself, as it is hardly an hour’s ride by rail,” said the inspector. _. “Nothing suspicious aboard, I suppose?” said Dick. ~ “No, not that I could make out.” “The Sea Nymph must have stopped somewhere between _ Brie and this port, or else she sailed beyond this place and has now returned here,” 3 POMCT se Le gl Pe ee AA wa Evi. inspection, have you?” =, “Why do you say that?” asked the inspector. “Because the Polly, with myself aboard, passed the _ yacht, or her dead image, at nine o’clock, p. m., the night before last, a few miles this side of Erie,” “Indeed | I Weard. you were over at Clapham on busi- ness.” ~ “Yes, sir, and I did quite a good stroke ‘of business in that town. Perhaps it may interest you to learn that I met Captain Jinks and Mr. Grasp there.” ~ “T am not surprised to hear that.” _ ©They were stopping aboard of a yacht which they called the Sea Foam, the twin of the Nymph, and they told me that they ad: left the latter yacht anchored off Indian Head.” “Then they went to Clapham by rail. Rather singular they should do that when they could just as well have sailed _ there in their own craft.” Sor thought. You did not hear why they went to - Clapham?” — 6 No: 2 “J think T can tell you. They went there to call on a - French gentleman, named Castaing.” “Ah! That’s the big eh or iniporter: Grasp Brothers get their foreign wines and liquors from him. Hardly a week passes that something in that line does not pass though the Erie custom-house for them.” | “You have no suspicion that some of their imported stock reaches their warehouse without passing Government Bie ‘Inspector Blake winked his eye solemnly at vacancy, a fad! then asked Dick why he made such a remark. “Because I have reason to believe that the real object 4 oer Grasp’s pas in sdake iano fs with te Jinks, se: Foam.” ie pee is you | to tell 1 me all ne rae but the DICK AND vane CHUM. ul Se ee ee ee She seems to be a newvessel on the lake, for she is not - listed in the last edition of the- Marine Register.” “T am not sure but the Sea Nymph and the Sea Foam are one and the same.” “What makes you think so?” “Their extraordinary likeness, down to an accidental scratch on their rudder-posts. ‘Twas in Clapham, and only that I saw the word Foam on her stern I would have sworn she was ie ymph, A, “This is interesting intelligence. Go. on.’ “Come into the Gites and I will tell you my story,” said Dick, unlocking the door and Jeading:.the way in, Dick sat down at his desk’ and the ieepeaeet took a seat close to him. “You know, of course, there was a fog on the lake the: other night?” began the young cargo contractor. “Yes. It was not very thick here, though, and it is mot ~ an unusual occurrence in the summer,” replied the in-’ spector. “Tt was thick enough in Clapham,” said Dick. “It was owing to that fog that I came into possession of the in- formation I am going to tell you.” “Dick went on to say that he and his partner were dining in a big restaurant when they discovered the presence of Mr. Grasp and Captain Jinks in the Canadian town. Then he told how he and Duke walked down to the water-front to connect with the Polly’s boat, but owing to the fog they missed their bearings and walked out on Cen- tral Wharf instead of Barnaby’s Dock, which adjoined it. “We didn’t find our boat there, and after waiting awhile, Duke left me to find out if we were on the right wharf or not,” went on Dick. “While he was away Mr. Grasp and Captain Jinks arrived in a cab, accompanied by Mr. Castaing.” Dick then told the inspector. all he had overheard the men say about the smuggling enterprise they appeared to have on the tapis. He explained how, the captain detected his presence aftér awhile and grabbed him, and what took — after that. “So Mr. Grasp tried to bribe you to heey mum, eh?” said the inspector. - ©That’s what he did, but I haven't learned to take bribes yet,” answered Dick. Jinks and Mr. Grasp went off to the yacht?” “They did, while Mr. Castaing rode off along the water- front in the cab.” “Do you know if the yacht cee away: during the night?” — i “She did not, because there was no wind and she, couldn’t have sailed if Mr. Grasp had, wanted her to ever so bad.” The inspector rubbed his nose and appeared to be con- sidering. “Your story, the truthfulness of which I cannot dani, furnishes another link in the case the Government is—. enough for me+to say that certain people are under sur- T saw the Sea Foam while - “And after you and your partner left them, Captain :| but there. I mustn’t be telling stories ont of school. Ibis Hetteek: and we ee to eatch them napping baie ae We. have been. adored, vations the: Sea_ Foam. long. Lalu tek eg cath 54 ee ges ae
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q : 24. DICK AND HIS CHUM. of the window of the printing office, where the stout, red-} malicious grin, as he took a cigar from. his pocket ae faced man, whom he later on learned was Mr. Grasp, was| lighted it. followed by a seedy-looking individual who ‘had been} “No, sir; but we need another to accommodate the add lounging in the immediate vicinity. that is coming our way,” replied Dick. “I had to turn a Tt now struck him that the seedy man was a revenue|cargo for Cleveland down’ yesterday because we were un- inspector in disguise. able to handle it, owing to the fact that the Polly had as He did not mention the fact to his friend, Blake, but} much as she could ahtend to.” said: “Say, what are you giving me, Ransom?” said Captain “There is no doubt in my mind that both Mr. Grasp and| Jinks, staring at the young cargo contr actor in an incredul- Captain Jinks are engaged in’the smuggling business at; OUS way. odd times. I am not sure that they carried out their plans} “The truth. Do you doubt it?” on this occasion for the reason that they knew I was on; “It doesn’t seem reasonable. Why, Mr. Judson didn’t Bick suddenly recollected the incident he witnessed out dae he hen skated wibae for your business?” asked the skipper, with a to, them. My partner, however, believes that they did take have any too much business when he died. Where in © cognac aboard that night under cover of the fog, and thunder would you catch on to such a rush?” that they landed it at Indian Head, or some other spot,| At that moment the telephone bell rang. : That} Dick put the receiver to his ear and found that a skipper — wanted to know.if he could carry a load of canned goods to Port Edward for him. “T can’t take another cargo for two days at least un-. less I can secure an additional vessel,” Dick replied. “I’m — going to try and charter another schooner sic aavay. if T succeed I'll let you know.” Captain Jinks listened to his words and he eee to | have some fresh thoughts. . “Apparently you are doing better than I imagined, 3 ps said, as the boy hung up the réceiver. “We are doing first-class,” replied Dick. . et “Did you reallyemake any arrangements with ay hum- , shortly after we passed their Me tou in the schooner. would prove they have good nerve.’ “A smuggler without nerve wouldn’t amount toemuch,” replied the inspector. “TI am of the opinion that your part- ner is right. Well, I must be going. I am much obliged to you for the information you have given me. Too bad you could not have communicated the facts sooner. Had we nailed the people with the goods you would cave been‘ entitled to a substantial peared? Good morning.” f CHAPTER XIII. ma CAPTAIN JINKS AGAIN. Shortly after the departure of the inspector, Captain | ber company ?” ws Jinks walked into the office of Ransom & Darrell. “We ae enough to keep us pretty busy for some time ,, “Good morning, Ransom!” said the captain, suavely. — | to come.” He “Good morning, Captain Jinks!” replied Dick, politely.| “Jepson & Foyer try to queer you. ” ce ae “T see you are back on your old stamping-ground.” “How 2? a “Qh, there are more than one way of skinning a cat.? “Jepson & Co. had better leave us alone. Phipps & Mor. ‘ris tried to work a little game on us, but it didn’t 04 through. We are able to fight back every time.” - Captain Jinks made no answer to that. , He looked out of the window and stroked his chin again “By the way, Ransom, have you told any one about that conversation you overheard in the fog on Central. bask ‘ the other night?” he asked. “Yes, sir, I'am on the job here,” The captain looked out of the window dail stroked .his ‘chin, reflectively. “T dont wish to pry into your hsiiess, Ransom, but it seemed strange to see you in Clapham.” “T don’t mind telling you that I went over to secure a cargo contract—a big one—otherwise you wouldn’t have seen me there,” replied Dick. “T don’t know of any“big contract you could get there unless—you refer to the Canadian Lumber Go., and I don’t think you'd stand any show with them.” “Why. not?” “Jepson & Co, have the inner track there, gh that. firm is the most important in this town.” “Jepson & Co.’s dealings with the itabots company has come to an end by reason of the increase they made in their rates.” “But you couldn’t anything with the Cassia peo- ae They wouldn’t make any arrangements with a boy tm.’ Dick. y - “Well, you ‘didn’t do anything with them, did you 2” “Do you know of another tesa we can aia cap: real trouble. rail watched right along. I. tell you this out of consideration — x ay a “What doves want with another schooner? Is the pert ey ae: ike you have aun athena i a nonenye eh i “tain?” ia b T have nothing against you, captain, except the reputation you have acquired in the alleged smuggling line,” eae “Alleged—that’s just it. Nothing has ever been nev 7 “You seem to know all about it, Captain J jules,” smiled] against me.” } : If I were you, Captain Jinks, I’d quit before you get into» “T told my partner.” “Any one else ?””: ee ital “T decline to say whether T have or not? eed “T take that as an admission that you have,” said the captain, nervously. “Suppose T have? It was clearly my Sabha i y “Tt wasn’t a fair deal to go back on your friends.” i “Mr. Grasp isn’t a friend of mine. As for yourself— “No, but if you play with fire you are likely to be me You are under suspicion, and are. heing
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DICK AND HIS OHUM. bamtally. Pia I believe you have, be satisfied and get| out of the crooked. business, question of a short time before you'll be yanked out by the Government, and then you'll be sorry you didn’t take my advice. You are clever, no doubt, but there are clever men opposed to you. In the long run you'll get it in the neck.” “I’m sorry you gave us away, Ransom,” said the cap- tain, with an injured look. “It was an unfriendly act. We might have had a load of cognac aboard the Foam at the time, and we'd have had to send it ashore.” _ “Are you sure that you didn’t take a load aboard atter you and Mr. Grasp parted with me?” “Certainly not, Do you think we were fools?” exclaimed _ the captain, energetically. “You were on to us so we —couldn’t afford to take chances.” Dick laughed. The yacht lay for several days at the wharf and then it lod west to Hrie.. j Before she left the Polly returned to Buckport with a full cargo of shingles and a small deckload of light lumber. _ She was unloaded as soon as possible and then loaded up with boxes of canned goods for Port Edward, for which paliice she sailed hat night. Duke was instructed to communicate by *phone with the Canadian Lumber Co. on his arrival at Port Edward to see if they had a load ready, if not he was to come directly . back to Buckport?” 7 Op the following day Dick received a visit from a repre- sentative of Jepson & Co. _ We understand that you are doing the hauling for the ‘ Canadian Lumber Co.,” said the visitor. “We are,” replied the hoy. have made with you?” ‘ “Possibly,” replied Dick, who wasn’t giving out informa- tio to his rivals. us r “How did you get it?” _ “That is one of our business secrets.” - “¥ou are only a pair of boys. Do ‘ihe expect to make he business go?” ( _ “We hope so. Pa . _“This is the Judson plant you have, eh?” “Yes, sir. Mr. Judson was my uncle.” - “Me left it to you, I suppose?” | “No, sir. He left it to my aunt. But it was understood it was to come to me.” - “You are doing business at the old ites I believe?” “At present, yes.” uae “How would you like to come in avith the big nae VN, sir. “We are pothe 65 remain independent ootitrac= 6: ” e ‘And try to secure este asp ane rates,” ug ae ee your pase. _“@ood day, Mr, Brown!” I wish von good day.” i 25 ees and by that time the scrap-iron people were. - If you don’t it is only ajready to ship another load to the Clapham Foundry. Dick had a lot of business in sight which he could not touch without securing a second schooner. There were two vessels for hire in Buckport, but the ‘owners wouldn’t entertain an offer from him, which showed that there was influence at work against the firm. He went down to Erie, but found that there was noth- ing doing there. Then Duke told him that there was a good schooner in Clapham advertised for charter which he might get if he went over and talked the matter up with the owner. He decided to do so, and that afternoon he sailed once more for Canada. —— ‘CHAPTER XIV. CONCLUSION. — They reached Clapham next morning, and while Duke was discharging the iron, Dick started out to call on the owner of the schooner, the Prince. The owner was willing to make a deal with him if he furnished good reference. Dick took the liberty of referring to President Grey, of the lumber company. The owner of the schooner said he would call on Mr. Grey, and Dick could Bei for his answer that after- noon. Dick took his leave and snade a call himself on Mr. Grey. ~ The lumber man was pleased to meet him again, and said he was glad to hear that the firm of Ransom & Dar- rell was doing so well. He said he would recommend the firm to the owner of “T suppose this is merely a temporary arrangement they | the schooner that Dick wanted to charter. Then Dick had his lunch at a restaurant and made a flying visit to Vivien Grey at her home. The girl was delighted to see him again, and induced him to stay longer than he intended. ‘Duke got orders to take the Polly to the lumber com- pany’s wharf for a load of shingles that was to go to Hrie. He commenced loading up next morning, but owing to delays the cargo was not all on hoard before five o’clock. After supper they left the harbor. The sky was overcast and it was blowing half a gale from the eastward. “We're going to have a dirty night,” said Duke. -©T fear so,” replied Dick. “Looks stormy, and a storm on this lake is generally a corker.” As time passed the wind blew harder, and the sea grew tougher. _ By ten o’clock a heavy gale was on. | Suddenly through the darkness and the ruck of “the | storm a yacht loomed up close astern of them. She was going through the water like a racehorse. “The Sea Nymph!” cried Dick, after.a good look at her. “You mean the Sea Foam, for that’s the name I see through the glass,” replied Duke. rs Dick took the glass and was convinced. The yacht swept by like the Bey cic cree Dutchman de Duke sgh ae two ages i ahi with a fair load i‘ jand was ita wi i
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26° — === ESL EON eaBee Eta Lied ERT o ea So “She’s going some, all right,” said Duke. DICK AND ae oieahios He called up the office in that city and asked to be put “And we're going some, too,” replied Dick. “I wonder|in communication with the gustom-house authorities. if she has any cognac on board this trip 2” Tt grew darker and stormier. The schooner tossed and rolled heavily. Fortunately, she had no deck load this time, and the shingles were light. Duke stood the trick at the helm himself, with Fritz to help him. About midnight, when off Indian Head, a troublesome sea came over the starboard quarter and smashed the com- pass hood, putting the instrument out of business. » Duke lost his reckoning and ordered the maihsails low- ered and the jibs closely reefed. Half an hour later the Polly went ashore inside of In- dian Head. ; . She struck in a good sandy place, fortunately, and slid : out of reach of the heavy surf, but it would take a strong tug to drag her off later. Dick and Duke took lanterns and stepped ashore to see how badly she was beached. While they were examining their predicament, Dick called his chum’s attention to a light that looked as if it came from a house on the shore. “T’ll go there and find out where we are at,” he said. So he handed his lantern to Duke and started. Tt took him half an hour of rocky walking to reach the - vieinity of the light. Then he saw that it came from the deck of a vessel, and he soon made out that the vessel was the yacht that had passed them on the lake. His curiosity was excited, not only by the fact that she was anchored well up in a bite of the shore, but because goods were heing taken out of her. He proceeded to watch the operations, and soon made out where the cases of cognac were being taken to—a cave, - the entrance to which was covered by a dense growth of _ shrubbery. , Here was a discovery he could turn to his personal ad- vantage. By putting the revenue authorities onto the secret hid- ing-place in time to nah the goods he would come in for half of the value of the confiscated liquor. But how was he to do this in time? ‘He had no idea of his whereabouts. “The only thing he could do was to start ahead into the darkness on the chance of finding a house and learning from the tenants how to reach the nearest town. ‘In an hour he reached a farmhouse, and after some diffi- culty aroused the man who lived there. Then he learned that his schooner ade have gone ashore inside‘of Indian Head. He also learned that there was a village on the railroad a mile away by the road to the east. He started for the village. When he reached it it was dark and silent as a cemetery. He blundered around the streets till he found the prin- cipal one, where he discovered an inn. A aroused the proprietor and upon inquiry fonnd it chad telephone communication he Brie. x 4} won out. ie? LISHER, 24 UNION SQUARE, New York City will: receive ‘the a ied order iB) return mail, An hour later, close on to morning, Dick tit in com- munication with an official. What he told that man induced the revenue officer to get busy, and he promised to meet Dick at the inn as soon as he could get a ‘locomotive to bring him and his men down. Six men, including the official, appeared soon after day- light at the inn, and after some further explanation the young cargo contractor led the bunch right to the cave where the yacht was anchored. The party entered and found a large lot of smuggled cognac in place—many thousand dollars’ worth, and ee: ; senting at least three cargoes. Then the officers went aboard the yacht and sareotale Captain Jinks and also Mr. Grasp, who was in his private stateroom. They protested that they were guilty of nothing till the . officer told them that they had been in the cave and seen 4 its contents. The cognac was removed to Erie and later on sold, Dick receiving $3,000 as his share of the affair. | At the trial the fact came out that the Sea Nymph. and Sea Foam was one and the same vessel. Mr. Grasp escaped with a heavy fine, but Captain Jinks went to prison. In the meantime the Polly was pulled off by a powerful tug from Erie, the cost of which knocked a hole in vile re- cent profits of the firm. ; Dick afterward made good the loss-out of his reward, i, as he thought that no more than right, seeing that the a misfortune of the Polly Jed to the reward he got. Long before Dick got his reward the firm had two schooners employed in their business, and was malting, 3 money fast at the old rates. “% The combine united against them and tried to ‘athe them out of business by reducing rates, but Mr. Grey and — the lumber company backed them up, financially, and they : r b : ie . fi They soon had to put on a third s te and their» nervy and aggressive way completely foiled the OPE tion. In a year or two they were on the high road’to fortune. — Dick.also was on the high road to happiness, for he was the acfnowledged fiance of Vivien Grey, Gpugiier of the | 4 wealthy Canadian. ai Dick and his chum are: still partners in the iieineas es this day and both are wealthy, having made a fortune fo r the firm. i Heche), Next week’s issue will contain “OUT. TO WIN; oR, 4 THE MYSTERY OF SAFE DEPOSIT BOX No. 666. 9 (A Wall pee at ) ser PPM - SPECIAL NOTICE:—Alll back numbers of this oe are always in print. If you cannot obtain the ones you want ftom any newsdealer, send the price in mone postage stamps by mail to FRANK TOUSEY
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TO OUR READERS: We have advertisementsin this issue. We have chosen our advertisers; they are reputable and high class, and we stand back of every article advertised in our columns, and back of every advertiser. HY you have any com plaints to make that have been unheeded by the advertiser make them to us. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, se? WESHIPvAPPROVAL | without @ cent defosst, prepay the frei end allow 10 DAYS FREE TRIAL. 1¥ ONLY COSTS one cent to learn our unkeard of prices and marvelous agers on highest grade 191x model bicycles. FACTORY PRICES ate Y endl you wits for our aie Art Catalog and Jéarn our tvordes-/1? proposstion on first sample bicycle going to a edie \PRIBER AGENTS scmiv ae b\ money exhibiting and selling our bicycles. ie Geil cheaper than any other factorye ‘WS TAMMER | (20) 22.2051 (Ars FREE Attend eo eta eane. school till you get my ples to mad ae, Send 2¢ erie efor large EE book and special rate gest postage and we will also send you pa rey schoolin the world free by natural this handsome ring Freer. Address thod. Write today. , Pres., Htteiesiom Schoaf ine. 868 First Sts Milwaukeo Ws, LANGLEY ART CLUB, Depty 4zch CHICAGO GET A FLY-O-PLANE The most ingenious of all aerial toys. Itis not only a toy, but a game that will interest both old and young. The only flying toy without mechanism. This featherweight toy is so shaped that when spun between the hands, as illustrated, it will travel swiftly and straight in whatever direction itis inclined. Catching it is as ‘much fun as shooting it. When played by a number BE Seg Ay oct yak a ene ate BN persons out of doors, the sport becomes both exciting and invigorating. MUSIC FOR LYRIGS—-LYRI¢S FOR MUSIC : It ARRANGING, COPYRIGHTING AND PUB- LISHING for writers, All work new, or- ; se ginal, high-class and guaranteed. MSS. “5 - Plies Like revised. Trade and professional names furnished. Terms reasonable, Splendid re- Bird ferences and ‘nany HITS. Price (Oe : ES, Coastor-Brake rear wheels, 5 rapite na all sundgles at half usual prices, sy Mot Walt; write foday for our special offer. MEAD CYCLE CC., Dopt. p-282 GHICAGG 22) LEARN THe BARBER TRADE sf rae IT’S EASY? POSITIONS WAITING, The OLD MASTERS now supplant- ed by the MOLER GRADUATE who is 28 carefully prepared as a Doctor. .-Good wages after few weeks. Our manual for home study. Established 1899. 83 branch- es ali leading cities. Por'informa- \tion regarding any ound, write MOLER SYSTEM OF COLLEGES Chilcaga,ili. Dept. T. N. ‘| R, A. Browne, Suite 125, 729 Sixth Ay., New York M AGI POOKET TRIOK, FREE. Including catalog. Send 6 cents. 2R0 W. 89th St., New York. ; I will send ag long as they last my 250 Book So STRONG ARMS ia i, - Delivered For 10c in Stamps or Coin PR Fr Ilustrated with 20 full-pare halftone cuts, show- 3s ree. ing exercises that will quickly develop, beautify, and gein great strehgeth in shoulders, arms, and hands withont any apparatus. PROF. ANTHONY BARKER 1781 Barker Bldg., 110 W. 42nd St., New York i 6 99 COINS, STAMPS ,.2, 227,20 Fete, matter how ‘common. Save all before 1889 and ete Ten cents for LARGE Premium Book, which may mean a fortune to yor. M. Wayne Marr, Dept. 1013, Sora Springs, Ia. Draws Dandy Pay ot doba a} ch The Model Flying Niachine A New Principle in Flight : IF SO, You can become an AUTOMOBILE EXPERT Iike | A novelty for grown-ups. Fee ten eran e> AVACWOSIDE Forrate Shs { $50 per week, and are never out ofajob, Ina few weeks’ } f tee can train Zou ond assist ; ae to better your posi- f Small down payment $i arts you. Valusble It is strong and durable. \preeran( a Made of thé finest steel. =| BUFE mee Correct in its, proportions. : re 5 NEW 1911 PATTERN Signet Rings, just like iltustration, ware! ranted to wear, Initial engraved FREE, — One sample ring by mail, postpaid, Jc. ag BT RING ©O., Dept. D.xX. nambers Sty e New York Vity. A toy for young folks. ee Travels 1-4 ofa mile laterally. Rises 600 feet in the: cy em Aviators use them to test the - wind. Price, Complete with 2 | ; ——_———— a aN UNBREAKABLE ‘GOGGLES—25e. - Blyers, 60 cts. postpaid a RENAE TAR EET # = ra i rl Piece Fleribled slay - ‘CHAS. UNGER | GA Sam ASR a 3 daira 3s 4 eee ae Neds Frc nobinaon ti fi. & City | Peg ee ‘s
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is held securely by means of stiff spring metal strips. the bottle has been filled, it is closed in the usual way by |’ $8. Fame and Fortune Weekly NEW YORK, MARCH 17, 1911. _ TERMS TO SUBSCRIBERS Single Copies............ ane ese ccccstecccocececseanescccess +05 Cents One Copy Three Months.....ssscsecsscscessessacess eagenes .65 Cents + One Copy Six Months.........00006 pdaanaadeced Redecite oan $1.25 Ome Copy OM€ VEAFsisc.csccsscccevcsccrsevsssevscrsseosns $2.50 Postage Free. HOW to SEND MONEBY—At ourrisk send P. 0. Money Order, re dr Registered Letter; remittances in any other ay are at your risk. We accept Postage Stamps the same as cash. When sending ee wrap the Coin in a separate piece of paper to avoid cutting the envel- ope. Write your name and address plainly. Address letters to Frank Tousey, Publisher 24 Union Sq., New York GOOD STORIES. | Some time ago we referred in this column to the novel method of raising kegs of nails from a sunken vessel in the Mississippi River by the use of electro-magnets. This method has suggested to the Navy Department that torpedoes which have gone to the bottom because of some defect can be raised in a similar manner. Hereafter, in practice firing, when a torpedo is lost, the approximate point at which it sank will be marked with buoy, so that the region may be explored with electro-magnet, and the torpedo be thus recovered. The lifting power of the magnets will not have to be very great, owing to the buoyancy of the torpedo in the water. SINOLAIR Tovsnr, President N. Haavinas, Treasurer Onag, E. Nycaxpme, Secretary In order to overcome the difficulty of cleansing a milk bottle thoroughly, a “bottomless” bottle has recently been invented. The device consists of a tube formed like a bottle, but open at each end, so that all parts of the interior are readily accessi- ble. When the bottle is to be used, a paraffined paper disk is fitted into the larger end of the tube to serve as a bottom, and After means of a paraffined paper cap. The caps and bottoms, being made of paper, may be discarded after use, and new ones may ‘be employed with every fresh use of the bottle. ““A curious natural phenomenon has been observed in the lower Hmmen Valley above the Lake of Brienz, Switzerland. The other day the inhabitants woke up to find that it had been snowing both in the valley and on the slopes of the surround- ing hills. About six inches of new snow was lying, and as far as the eye could see it was not white, but of a grayish black color, as if a thick coating of dust and soot had accumulated upon it. It was much blacker than snow which has been lying _ a week in a city exposed to all the smuts of the surrounding chimneys, whereas of course in the Hmmen Valley there was nothing to soil it. The only explanation which any. one can offer of the phenomenon of black. snow is that it may be due to voleanic ash brought by winds across the sea and the moun- tains from Hitna, which has lately been in eruption. Red snow, of course, is a fairly common phenomenon in the Andes and was remarked by Darwin. So far no other part of the Alps except the Emmen Valley. seems to have had the un- ee sae experience of a fall of black snow. Few of us have ever been enabled to familiarize ourselves : with the color of pure gold, for the ‘reason that gold, for prac- : teal purposes, must ‘be aor It is a curious fact that while | ; PY Pie ta he : - ie x ; Wass H i FAME AND FORTUNE WEBKLY, | that which is in quartz. ‘to-day, after she told me seven times to sit down and behave We might naturally expect to find pure gold richer in color than the alloy, such is not the case. Indeed, pure gold is con- siderably paler than the alloyed metal, wherein there is a small proportion of copper or copper and silver, a circum- stance that gives it a reddish tinge. Then, too, all gold is not alike when refined. Austrian gold, for instance, is distinctly redder than the metal found in California. Furthermore, placer gold is yellower than gold taken from quartz—one of the mysteries of metallurgy, since the gold in placers comes from _ It is said that the purest coins ever struck were the fifty-dollar gold pieces once in common use _ on the Pacific coast. The coinage of these was stopped by rea- son of the great loss by abrasion and also because it was easy to remove the interior of these coins and to substitute baser metals. The California fifty-dollar gold pieces were octagonal in shape and were the most valuable coins ever minted and circulated. oe JOKES AND JESTS. Teacher—Can you tell me what a dromedary is, Tommy? t Tommy—Yes, ma’am; a dromedary is a two-masted camel. “Miss Biggs is interested in you, pa.” “How so?” “Why, myself, she said she wondered what sort of a father I had.” Vt } “Some scientists,” began Mr. Gay, significantly, “consider 4 kissing dangerous. Do you?” “Well,” replied Miss. Smart, Es) “I think it would be for you. My big brother is, within call.” 3 Alice (aged five) —Mamma, my appetite says it’s time for dinner. Mother—Well, dear, go and see what the clock says. ad f Alice (some second later)—The clock says my appetite is a } minutes fast! ae ' He A colored woman of notoriously bad character, was arrested — in a Southern ‘town and taken to the lock-up. As the white © ‘ policeman was conducting her through the street, they ieee a colored man who was leaning against a post, who said to ~ the prisoner: “Nebber you mind, Mandy, I'll tell Sam. John- — sing, who has been payin’ yer attenshuns, dat I see des walk- in’ erlong der street, arm- in-arm wid a whites man.’ - Me i The smart boy recently referred to in the papers, who sent “<j his application for a post by telegram, and again telegraphed - ‘d in explanation: “No time write full these days fierce comp.” a —and got the job in consequence, ix surpassed by the wide- . a-wake lad who rushed breathlessly into a city office and — gasped, “Please, I’ve come after a situation as office boy.’ 2: Ps “We've got an office boy already,” was the answer. “No, re you haven’t, sir; he’s just been run over,” said the lad. He, va too, left the ranks, of the unemployed on the spot. ‘ na yi The Main Cause—*De objec’ ob dis hyar itbeliats ” aad Ke the chairman of a gathering of colored people, “is to considah — inter de financial en de pecuniary affairs ob dis chu’ch, - Will ‘de committee on finances pléase give its repo’t?” Thereupon the chairman of the committee mentioned, rose stity an said, with great gravity: “De committee has only to repo dat it has made a long en car’ful investigation inter de fing 1 cial en pecuniary affairs ob de ehurch, en dat de main. e principal cause ob de’ paul bein’ so low is” de j ran |
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THE DOCTOR’S RIDE By Col. Ralph Fenton One wet, dismal afternoon in November, Dr. Huntoon re- ceived a summons to Brance’s Valley from. Mrs. Pellew, whose little boy had fallen from the roof of a shed, and broken his arm. ‘It was seven miles to Brance’s Valiey, and the road was a very lonely one, but country physicians are accustomed to visiting patients at a distance, and Dr. Huntoon’s practice frequently took him half a day’s journey from home. So the seven miles’ jaunt appeared to him but a short ride, and his horse was an excellent traveler. ' _ The break was a bad one, and the little patient was not in condition to be left until nearly ten o’clock. Then the doctor prepared to start on his ride home. Mrs. Pellew urged him very earnestly to wait until morn- ing, for the night had closed in dark and dreary; the rain still fell in a slow steady pour, and the prospect of a ride of seven miles could not be very cheerful, even to one accus- ‘tomed to being out at all times, and in all kinds of weather. “Do stay,” she said, as she opened the house door a little Way and looked out on the night. “It is dark as pitch, and _ raining harder than ever.” : “T can’t think of such a thing,” answered the doctor firmly, | “I might be needed at home} fellow’s yarns,” as he pulled on his overcoat, at any moment. This coat will protect me even if it rains like a second deluge.” “But I should think you would be afraid,” said Mrs. Pellew, who was a very timid woman. “No money could hire me to : ride down that dark road at night, and only one house between j _mine and yours, too!” “Afraid!” laughed the doctor, “afraid of what?” — AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. 29 | listening atieutivcly for a moment he became convinced ate he was mistaken in this. “It must be a man walking in my track,” he thought. “But why does he follow me so silently? Perbaps, after all, it may be a-robber. I will get out the money.” And he smiled, remembering what Mrs. Pellew had said. He turned in his saddle and strove to penetrate the dark- ness behind him. But in vain. He could distinguish nothing, and, still the steady, regular tramp never ceased, “Halloa, there! Who are you?” he called, loudly. But there was no answer save the mocking echo of his own voicé from the hills, and the vik ah Maeaning of the wind through the rustling pines, “Deaf and dumb, perhaps,” he muttered. “But why on ear!h does he follow me? Ill start off on a gallop when I get to a level bit of road, and leave him behind.” The mysterious presence annoyed him. To be followed in such a manner, even by a man, on a dark, wet night, was anything but pleasant. Such company was worse than none at all, The doctor felt angry at himself as the heavy tread con- ~ tinued to follow him. Then the memory of Mose Bruce’s story of the wander- img spirit came to him and set his nerves on edge. “To think I should give even a thought to that drunken he muttered, under his breath. He determined to make another effort to elicit an answer | from the man he felt sure was following him. So, just as he reached the level piece of road for which he had longed, he turned again in his saddle and shouted: “Who are you? .Why do you follow me in this senseless manner?” t His tone was ‘eae, for he was beginning to grow angry “Of robbers, and—and—of ghosts,” answered Mrs. Pellew,|2t the fellow’ 3 obstinate silence. hesitatingly. - She expected to be laughed at, put she was not mistaken. The doctor was much amused. “I have just fifty shillings in my pocketbook,” he said, “and the robber who asks for it may have it and welcome. He ‘ would deserve more than that if he ventured out on such a hight as this. As to ghosts, I don’t believe in them. I’ve pt ridden over these roads, day and night, for fifteen year S, and _ never saw or heard anything that I could attribute to a super- eit natural agency. The night is dark and ugly enough, but I 5 shall be at home and in bed by midnight, 1711 wager.” naa} “But Tom Bruce said a spirit followed him down that road |. a! as far as Mose Brown’s, one night,” ventured Mrs. Pellew. - “The spirit of his brandy flask, I guess,” said the doctor. ‘He bade the little woman good-by, gave her some final di- feotions about the boy, and then opened the door and’ vault- ed on his horse, which stood waiting for him in the rain. “The road for several miles lay up-hill, and, impatient as the - doctor was to get home, he was sufficiently merciful to his old ‘mare to let her walk. — He allowed the reins to lie on her neck, and, sitting back | Tan his saddle, he abandoned himself to thoughts of a case of blood-poisoning which. had been brought to his notice that ee a a a soled’ ‘nimselt and listened, anti heard distinctly the one viewie ‘of feet close at the. mare’s heals, Again he waited for an answer, and again the echo of his own words was all he heard. » “Won’t answer,” he muttered. “Well, good-by, then.” He touched his mare’s flank with his whip as he spoke, and she at once broke into a. gallop. But it was not “good-by” by any means. ‘The mysterious presence was not left behind. The steady, regular tramp still fell at the mare’s heels, go- ing faster-as she went faster, and slackening its pace as she slackened hers. j The doctor began to feel a little uneasy. He had said he was not superstitious. But there is a grain of superstition in us all, no matter how courageous we may be, and) Dr. Huntoon, in spite of his belief to the contrary, was no exception to the rule. As he. found that the mysterious presence continued to cling close to his mare’s heels, he knew, of course, that it could not be a human being who followed him: and, in spite of his efforts to keep his thoughts upon his patients and their ailments, all the horrible stories of ghosts and spirits which he had ever heard came thronging into his mind. “TY will know what it is!” he muttered. And laying his hand on his mare’s rein, he brought her to a suden standstill. . Instantly the footfalls ceased also. For a moment there was almost a dead silence. The moaning of the wind through the trees, and the dreary drip, drip of the rain were the only sounds to be heard. The doctor made no further effort to repress the fear which stole over him. t Never before Bed he hed auch an experience. eee ff i= Ps Renn
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pe He felt oppressed with the sense of a palpable dread, and he shuddered as he started his mare again, and heard again, as he expected, the regular tramp, tramp close behind him. He made up his mind to bear it as best he could until he reached the house of Mose Brown, which was then about three miles distant, and only a mile from the doctor’s own house. f But “bearing it” was not so easy, he found. The darkness, the slow, dreary fall of the rain, the wind ' whistling and moaning through the pines, and that awful pres- ence, with its heavy, regular tread, all conspired to shake the doctor's boasted courage. Great drops of perspiration stood on his brow, and cold chills erept down his spine as he heard, mile after mile, that ceaseless, regular tramp close at the mare’s heels. He became wrought up to such a state of nervous. excite- ment at last that, just before he reached Brown’s house, he urged his mare into a run, and the spirited animal, partak- ing of her master’s excitement, did not stop to have the gate opened for her, but cleared it at a bound, and stood quivering | before the door of the house. Old Brown heard the great clatter, and throwing up the window, looked out. “Who's there?” he called, “And what’s’ wanted?” “Come down here,” shouted the doctor. “And be quick.” Brown hurried into his clothes, and was soon at the decor. “If it isn’t the doctor!” he exclaimed, as the flickering light of the candle he carried fell on the horse and rider, “Weil, : I declare! And what’s the matter now?” With shaking voice the doctor told his story, and tried to} convince his neighbor of its truth. But eit smi mly | as he said: “All your imagination, doctor. You've been sitting up late! of nights, and got nervous. ie ain’t no mysterious spirit on this road, I’ll take my oath. * AN the same I want to investigate this matter,” said the doctor. “Get your horse and 4 lantern and come with me. We will go back'over the road a piece, and you shall hear the \ noise for yourself, and this time we will see something.” Brown grumbled a little at being obliged to go on such a fool’s errand, but he went to the stable to get his horse, — As he came round the side of the house a few minutes later with a lantern in one hand and his horse’s bridle in the nek he said, grimly: “I’m ready; but we won’t find no ghost, I’ll bet ye.” “T never believed ‘in spirits before,” answered the doctor; “but this could be nothing but a ghost.” They advanced together to the gate. “Halloa, what's this?” cried Brown, as he held the ition high in the air so that the light fell full upon the gate. There, on the other side, with his head held high and his eyes a little startled by the light, stood a yearling colt, waiting patiently. : _“There’s your ghost, doctor,” cried Brown, bursting into a loud laugh. “He’sewaiting for you. Start out, and you'll hear } his ‘tramp, tramp’ close to your mare’s heels.” As the doctor‘heard his words, repeated he flushed painfully. He saw it all in, an instant. ‘The colt had been lost on the road, and had, naturally enough, followed his mare for company. When the mare walked the dolt had walked, and when the _ former galloped the latter had assumed the same pace. “Brown,” Said the doctor, “I'll attend you and your family free for the next five years if you'll’ promise to say nothing about this affair. Td never hear the last of it if it onee got out, : x * ; ¢ t t bres Brown promised. gf ih ae 3 : -PAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. {less than half an aad and its value is aw sane do’ a He put the colt in his barn to be kept until inquired for iy the owner, and the doctor went the rest of his way home undisturbed by the “mysterious presence.” He did not even tell his wife of the adventure. But, nevertheless, the story got out. Brown’s ability to keep a promise depended entirely on his a ability to keep sober, and this he sometimes failed to da, ; A couple of weeks after the doctor’s ride, he went to Brance’s Valley and sold a cow to such advantage thet he thought he could afford to indulge in an extra glass of beer. He took just enough to make him talkative, and the conse- quence was that the next time the doctor visited the valley he was greeted on all sides with questions about hig ride from Mrs. Pellew’s, and it was long before he heard the last of his strange ghost. He ie — pg SIX-INCH SPIDERS. A great many plants, animals and insects which are familiar within our more temperate climate attain a larger size in the hot tropical regions of the globe, and none, perhaps, are more remarkable than the different classes of spiders. You “have been told of the huge, black, hairy-legged tarantula, with his great, staring, bead-like eyes and long, cruel forceps or nippers, who lurks in dark corners and stows himself in the — toes of your boots and other unexpected places; but as a general rule he can be avoided, and the web he spins in- terferes but little with any one. But there are other spiders, equally large and formidable, that spread their nets across ; roads and paths, much to the occasional discomfort of ‘un- a wary horsemen or short-sighted folks on foot. oe Up in the mountains of Ceylon and India there is a fellow of this kind that spins a web like bright yellow silk, the central - net of which is five feet in diameter, while the supporting lines or guys, as they are called, measure sometimes ten or :) ; twelve feet long; and riding quickly in the early morning, you may dash right into it, the stout threads twining round your _ face like a lace veil, while as the creature that has woven it — generally takes up his position in the middle, he generally catches you right on the nose, and though he seldom bites _ or stings, the contact with his large body and long legs is anything but pleasant. If you do forget yourself and try to catch him,.bite he will, and though not venomous, as his jaws are as powerful as a bird’s beak, you are not likely to forget the encounter. The bodies of these spiders are very hand- somely decorated, being bright gold or scarlet underneath, ies while the upper part is covered with the most delicate slate- vs colored fur. So strong are the webs that birds the size of larks are frequently caught therein, and even the small but powerful scaly lizard falls a victim. ni Often have I sat and watched the yellow or edanlbs mon- i ster, measuring, when waiting for its prey with its legs stretched out—fully six inches, striding across the middle — of the net, and noted the rapid manner tn which he winds his stout threads around the unfortunate captives. He usually eat throws the coils about the head till the wretched victim is first blinded and then choked. In many unfrequented dark nooks of the jungle you come across most perfect skeletons of small as: birds caught in these terrible snares, the strong folds of which prevent the delicate bones from falling to .the ground after Bi the wind and weather have dispersed the flesh and feathers. iN An ingenious jeweler in Turin has made a tiny boat forme ’ of a single pearl. Its sail is of beaten gold ‘studded with dia- ie monds, and the binnacle light is a perfect\ruby. An emerald» TY serves as a rudder, and its stand is a slab of ivory, | It weig “Wry ws 9
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THE RACKET Our Price $2.25 Each DELIVERED FRED These Racketes sell regu- larly for $3.50 Don’t miss this chance to buy low in advance of the season. ’ ONE NOW Vek 13 {-2 oz. "TBE frame of this racket is bent and treated by a@ new process, to insure great toughness and olas- ticity. It is strung at a high tension, witha special grade of light auge tournament gut, Intended for hard play, it will give good service, and is guaranteed, N. BEOL, 100W. 117th St. N.Y. City The Dissolving A Sethe & held the SX You offer it to your friend, and when he at- NGitempts to take it, the penny suddenly van- eee aes any trace and is immediately reproduce rom some quite unexpected place....-++++++++- Price, .10¢ CHAS. UNGER, 316 UNION ST., JERSEY CITY, H, J. ; The Wonderful Cigarette-paper Trick.—A piece of cigarette-paper is torn into smal pieces in full sight of the spectators. Th _ pieces are rolled into a small ball, and when eT is unfolded the paper is found restored to its original size. A most surprising experi~ r penta eecepeeeccsenseseeeeees «PLICG, 10c CHAS. UNGER, 316 UNION ST., JERSEY GITY, H. J. > ¥ 1 | HAPPY DAYS ESTING STORY PAPER PUBLISHED | PRICE 5 GENTS A COPY ISSUED ON FRIDAYS it contains a new serial _ every week “Happy Days” is a handy-sized 16- page weekly, and is printed on a heavy quality of white paper, with «*good, clear type. It is handsomely illustrated with fine half-tone pic- tures, and contains stories by the best ~ guthors in the world. Besides a long instalment of the new story that be- gins each week, it contains numerous chapters of the preceding serials, It |’ also contains a comie sketch, a batch ‘of new jokes, short stories, anecdotes, poems, and a correspondents’ column in which questions are answered on any subject. We have placed in its © --eolumns every feature that is likely to interest our readers, and are con- stantly adding new and novel ideas. — - Jn short, the paper is kept right up to date. Not an interesting feature fs omitted to make it the very best on the market. It gives its readers \ a larger quantity and a better quality of reading matter than any other - gimilar publication. * * * * * FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, W. Y. Bc acey ce hae BERKLEY | Look Here! Splendid Premiums _ Given Away Free! Savé the front cover page headings and’ dates of this weekly; COM- MENCING WITH THIS NUMBER. «In the near future we will give you desirable premiums for them. Any. one sending us 25 headings of this weekly will get a valuable gift. The numbers of the publication need not be c¢on- secutive. All we require is 25 headings within 20 weeks. (This offer closes July 23, 191. me Each 25 headings will get you something you will like. Each 50 headings will bring you something much better, And each 100 headings—— Oh, my! Don’t Miss This Great Chance! Save The Headings! Save The Headings! \ _ This is not a competition. Every one of our teaders can get a fine pre- mium. We will describe the premiums in a later issue. Tell All Your Friends About OurGrand Offer, BEGIN NOW! BEGIN NOW! Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Sq,., N. Y, CARTER AEROPLANE No, | or anything In the room. Themost perfect little aeroplane made. The motive power is furnished by twisted rubber bands contained within the tubu- lar body of the machine. Itis actuated by a propeller at each end revolving in opposite directions. Variation in height may be obtained by moving the plan and the balance weight. It can be made to fly either to the right or the left by moving the balance sidewise before it is released for flight. Price 35 ots. Each, Delivered AGENTS WANTHD—Liberal Commission Wolff Novelty Co. 29 W. 26th St, N. Y, at ohaleoate + mu oe Made in Different Colors Once blown up, they remain in- flated, until you open a valve in the mouth tube. LOTS OF FUN! PRICE SO cents apiece delivered © free. Postage stamps taken the same as money. TAS UTE Sinclair & Lewis } 247 Winthrop St. Brooklyn Parenten Manca 27, 1906. The price includes a patent inflation pipe,
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ws Latest ~~ “Secret Service” Old and Young Peay Brady, Detectives. COLORED Covers. AGES. Price 5 CENTS. 330 The Bradys and the snake Charmer; or, The Search for the Hindoo Idol. 631 The Bradys after the Bronx Burglars; or, Nabbing the Gas House Gang. 682 The Bradys and the Dumb Boy; or, The Fate of Messenger No. 9. 638 The Bradys and the Blind Chinaman; ath: The White Slaves of Mott Street. 634 The Bradys Tracking a Skeleton Arm; or, The Clew in the tree. “Work and Win” Containing the Great Fred Fearnot Stories. COLORED CovERS 32 PAGES, Price 5 CENTS. 687 Fred Fearnot’s Hundred Mile Race; or, Ten Hours on Skates. 638 Fred Fearnot and the Shipping Clek; or, = pelea an Hon- est Boy. f 639 Fred Fearnot on Snow Shoes; Moose Lake. ~ 640 Fred Fearnot and “Hard Luck Harry; or, The Boy Who Was Always in Trouble. 641 Fred Fearnot’s Lightning Drive; or, The Champions of the Rink. “All Around Weekly” Containing Stories of All Kinds. CoLorED Covers. 32 Pagss. Price 5 CEnts. Hunting the Wolf Killers; or, Perils in the Northwest. Dick Gordon; or, The True Yankee Sailor Boy. Brave Bradshaw, the Express Messenger; or, Through by Night with a Million. j “King of the Iee”; or, Astray in the Arctic. Luke the Driver Boy; or, The Young Hero of the Coal Mines. Mail Train Matt, The King of the Bagineers The Magic Rifle; or, Fighting for the Lone Star. or, The Old Trapper of 66 67 68 69 70 TL 72 Issues “Be “Pluck and Luck? Containing Stories of Adventure. CoLonmD CovErs. 82 Pacps. PRICB 5 CENTS. 663 Old Ninety-Four, the Boy Hngineer’s Pride; or, Life and Luck on the Rail. By Jas. C. Merritt. 664 The Timberdale Twins; or, The Boy Champion Skaters of Heron Lake. 665 The Boy from Tombstone; or, The Boss of a “Bad” Town, By An Old Scout, 666 Rob Rollstone; or, The Boy Gold Hunters of the Philip- pines. By Allyn Draper. 667 Driven into the Street; or, The Fate of an Outcast Boy. _ By Richard R. Montgomery. “The Liberty Boys of ’76” A Magazine Containing Stories of the American Revolution. CoLORED CovERS. 32 PAGES. Price 6 CENTS. 529 The Liberty Boys’s Watch Dog; or, The Boy Spy of the Hills, 530 The Liberty Boys Routing the Rangers; or, Chasing the Royal Blues. 531 The Liberty Boys and the Indian Queen; or, Dick Slater’s Close Call. 532 The Liberty Boys Spying on Howe; or, At the Enemy’s Stronghold. 533 The Liberty Boys’ Dangerous Game; or, The Plot to Steal a Prince. ; “ “Wild West Weekly” A Magazine Containing Stories, Sketches, ete., of Western Life. COLORED CovmERs. 32 PAGES. PRICB 5 ‘Cunrs. 434 Young Wild West Roping the “Ghost Dancers”; or, Spoil- ing an Indian Outbreak. ; 435 Young Wild West Capturing a Claim; or, Arietta and the Gold Pocket. 436 Young Wild West and*the Deadwood Deadshot; or, The Man who Was Hard to Beat. 437 Young Wild West Rescuing a Ranchman; the Renegade Cowboys. ‘ ; 438 Young Wild West Betrayed by a Etehiatt ; or, Sealed in ne / Aztec Tomb. By An Old Scout. ‘ pest | or, Arietta and ! th eacamcae a For sale by all newsdealers, or, will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage. suerte, by FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union SuNare, N* Yr IF You WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill > in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you want and we will send them to you by verre mail, POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN’ THE SAME AS MONEY. dew awene i eee eee eeees C10 ole oe 000 00 6G 66 06 el0/6's 0 cine 0 ote 0068 0 69648 6 ee) FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. eee e ene eeeceeneeaeeeeeees 19. ; Dear Str—Hnclosed find .cents for which please send me: j 7 «,. copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos.... “ © ALL AROUND WEEKLY, Nos.... WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos.:..... ey . seer eee mee mere w ero e ar ese sess sere esse He ee edn eeg el H-\Vhe gs eeere die de Halee. 0 00 wees bd 006 bo 0 ae 66 sisle swiss sie Hib 600, ¥'0, 8lo.» 6's 0.0.6 0. ei) eves Seem meee eee tere rereseeseceesooessereeereraresesesenige hte ORE TIBERTY BOL ORG, N08. Us Gs so. ovac eb vena Wek bd MAMET he he ee ata. ee PUCK, AND: LUCK: Nos. iis PURE CII a cue ia suas’ “ SRCRET SERVICE, Nos.s... 2+. ae doe yrn'd dco 0'¥ dias da, 0 OR Aa Met CRE ea a «en Via eo .... * “ FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY, NOS... cs eecesevecetsecnenccertreeeeeseseeceeees ie ase. “ Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos... Reap Oey Rs Weed cla ewi0ik demeehates SPS Mena oph Yee oie. Couper ah BEM Mm eo es es eeesereree reverts Stent and ee ae fd eeellath abs é
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{ It is the duty of every American boy to own a rifle and learn how to handle a gun, and send a bullet whiz- zing straight and true to the mark. { The favorite rifle of the live Amer- ican boy is the Daisy Air Rifle. Millions of boys have learned to shoot with the Daisy. You will find it a trusty and faithful companion in your jaunts into the fields and woods. Daisy Special 1,000 automatic re- peater, with blued barrel..... $2.50 1,000-Shot Daisy Automatic Ma- WAZ1NS TING, Mier sae asec sue, o SZ00, 1.7 Other Daisy Models, 50c. to .... Little Daisy,—the new pop-gun for CHUdren <iciscrccscevekckeris Py 25 { If your dealer cannot supply you, any of the above -guns: sent, express paid, from. factory, anywhere in the { The Daisy is a real gun, modelled United States on receipt of price. in the lines of a real magazine rifle, but with this i tant difference,— : Te sheets with Caunneated aie ieatent BOYS, WRITE FOR THIS IN- k TERESTING STORY, my of powder. LOOK AT THE DAISY SENT FREE, J y * — { We have published one of the fun- “a BEFORE YOU BUY. niest, breezie Car 2st stories ever written { The different Daisy Models are _ for boys, called, ‘‘The Diary Of A H ay sold by the leading hardware and sport- Daisy Boy.’’ We have printed an ing goods dealers in every part of the edition for free distribution, and want fA Dey United States. Go to your nearest every boy or every parent of a boy dealer and ask him to let you look at to write for a free copy. To every any of these Daisy Models. He willbe ‘boy we will send also a complete set glad to let you look at them, even if of rules of drill and hints on marks- you can’t buy right away. manship, SETAC uli SSS ~~ DAISY MANUFACTURING COMPANY OFFICE AND FACTORY, 306 UNION ST., PLYMOUTH, MICH., U.S.A. Largest Manufacturers of Air Rifles in the World B Oo Y S LEARN TO PLAY WHILE YOU’RE YOUNG. GROW UP TO BE A BAND LEADER... We gnarantee to teach you through the mail. Our graduates in avery State are playingin bands and orchestras, or in churches and gatres at good salaries, Anybody who reads English can learn our fit, W < NE. When sold return $2.40 and p'e lessons. They are easy but thorough. kt ae PoaLse madera DIES Is tre machine and films with 63 HIVEN TO PUPILS views. BLUINE at 10c each. THIS IS / GREAT OFFER. You can easily earn good money with this splendid outfit. Write TODAY for the BLU- y IVE FREB this genni big hE moving allgaaes MOVING PICTURE REE machine, with 2 fine films with M A Cc H § N E 63 views, for selling only 24 pe! i f BLUINE MFG. CO., 151 Mill St., Concord Junction, Mass. |. — —____—_— ’ e will send you a beautiful Boys Scout F z Imperial B-flat cornet to prac- : . % . ° tic. on and give it to you AB- eta rm Suits SOLUTELY FREE when you have finished your first quarter of lessons, which you can easily pay for weekly. Cornet sent on ap~ proval at your express office. Satisfaction guaranteed. We teach and supply all brass band instruments. Write your address on postal and we'll send our illustrated catalog, testimonials, full particulars and sample lesson. Remember the cornet costs you not a cent and the lessons are simpler, lower in cost and better than you can get any- where else, Anyone can afford our splendid course. Write today to INTERNATIONAL CORNET SCHOOL, 45! MUSIC HALL, BOSTON, MASS. Handsome dur- B able Scout Suits t just like pic- ture, firm,strong khaki, Scout Suit color. Suit con- sists of Coat, Trous- ers, Leggings, and Hat, Coat has brass buttons, trousers are full length, leg- gings lace up, hat has wide stitched brim. We give Boy’s Scout Suit complete for selling Only 24 pieces of our goods, each at 10e, Write for goods. When sold, return $240 and we send this full Seout Suit. FRIEND SOAP CO., SHIRT, Hand- some gray flannel, broad shoulders, very long three button frout, double sewed, PANTS, well made, very strong, wide belt straps, knee elastics, CAP, Snappy new 1911 League shape, BELT, new style, bright colored, patent nickel buckle. Write for 24 packages BLUINE tosell at lc. each, When sold return $2.40 and we send this splendid baseball outfit, Contains Complete Novel, 6 short stories, all illus- trated, and numerous live departments of interestand value to all boys. Every- thing new in Scout work fully described. Published twice a month, 16 pages; 10 x 1244 inches. Subscription $1.20 @ year. 3 mos. 25 cts. Sample copy free for postal, giving address. gents wanted, GEO. S. BARTON CO., 7 Water Street, Boston, Mass., Room 518, - Rea Dept. 200, Boston, Mass: poke st — ou : ; Extra Premium aa W ey er iere Any three letters you want OR Sah) SELLS ON eet nach dass se me Uap OUR BIG IVE , roturn ourmoney within ten days, eutakod WILL OU SIGHT. t money within ten day: ne Mfg. Co OF 22Cal. Hunting Rifle, will kill gameati00 yas. Given | YOU CAN Blui an yk: for selling 80 packages PERFORATED RT : PREMIUMS) BLASTER at t0c. NEW, LONG-NEEDED, BABY. BARN THIS short az ealibre cartldges,. Sten bare andtrame, z 152 Mill Street, F j ‘ 0. ._ Sen . . _ Giy a FOR BOYS.| $0 to sell. “Extra Present, BOOK on HUNTING, | RIFLE IN ‘ago paces Bulge cach. Write for Blue. Concord Junction, | A.L.P.CO,| 4: Philbrick Co., Dept 45 Melrose, Mass. A DAY. BLUINE MFG, CO; 4 5g Ul! St., Concord Jct,, Mass, Mass.
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Fame and Fortune Weekly STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MONEY By A SELF-MADE MAN COLORED COVERS PRICE 5 Cts. ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY 32 PAGE ge ; This Weekly contains interesting stories of smart boys, who win fame and fortune by their ability to take advantage of passing opportunities. Some of these stories are founded on true incidents in the lives of our most successful self-made men, and show how a boy of pluck, perseverance and brains can Lecome fans- ous and wealthy. THE ISSUES ALREADY PUBLISHED CONTAIN THE STORIES LISTED BELOW 4 AND MUCH OTHER INTERESTING MATTER. ; 222 1 y y ‘ , The Boy Who Puzzled the); 255 Johnny, the Parcel Boy; or, The Lad Who Saved the Firm. a aed a ee ae 4 256 Going the Limit; or, A Big Risk for Big Money. (A Wall Street ; 223 Wireless Will; or, The Success of a Young Telegraph Operator. Story.) t 224 Wall Street Jones; or, Trimming the Tricky ‘Traders. 257 Up to Him; or, Running His Father's Business. _ ‘wees , 225 Fred the Faker; or, The Success of a Young Street Merchant. 258 “Back Number Bixby’; or, The Boy Who Was Up to the Minute. (A 226 The Lad From ’Frisco; or, Pushing the “Big Bonanza.” A Wall Wall Street Story) : 9 Street. Story. 259 A Young Barnum; or, Striking It Rich in the Show Business, ye 227 The Lure of Gold; or, The Treasure of Coffin Rock. 260 The Brotherhood of Gold; or, A Daring W all Street Game. ¥ 228 Money Maker Mack; or, The Boy Who Smashed a Wall Street |261 Ed, the Express Boy; or, His Own Route to Fortune, f “Ring.” 262 ‘The Stolen Bonds; or, How Wall Street Will Made His Mark, i 229 avert 4 for a Year; or, Making a Fortune in Diamonds. 263 A Favorite of Fate; or, After the Head Hunters’ Treasure. mm 230 Phil the Plunger; or, A Nervy Boy's Game of Chance. A Wall|264 Master of the Market, or, he Boy Who Cornered the Stock. (A Story — Street Story. of Wall Street) : . ‘ ie 231 Samson, the Boy Blacksmith; or, From Anyil to Fortune. 265 Landing on His Feet; or, The Pluckiest Boy in the World. 232 Bob's Big Risk: or, The Chance That Came But Once. 266 $50,000 from a Nickel; or, The Boy Who Was Lucky in Stocks. 233 Stranded in the Gold Fields; or, The Treasure of Van Diemen’s | 267 Born Lucky; or, From Miner to Millionaire. ts nT 4 BS Land. 268 Hal Holman’s Tip; or, Scooping the Wall Street Market. i 234 “Old Mystery,” the Broker; or, Playing a Daring Game. (A Wall | 269 A Boy of Business; or, Hustling for the Dollars. Rene. Street Story.) 270 Smart as They Come; or, The Boss of the Wall Street Messengers. — 230 gia ea oer a or, rae His Way to Fortune. 271 A Pirate's Treas re; or, The Secret of the Three Wrecks. 236 Up Against a Hot Game; or, Two College Chums in Wall Street. | 972 7 Yo. : . The Fir Sept the Brokers Guess- — 237 A Big Contract; or, The Poor Boy Who Won. 4 oe oon all Gorse Stored. a * om ae 238 Benson’s New Boy; or, Whooping Up the Wall Street Market. 273 Adrift in the City: or, The Fate of a Wait ome 239 Driven to Work; or, A Fortune from a Shoe String. 74 A Tittle Ste ibe ay 9» The Bor With Money to Burn, (A Wall 240 athe Way to Make Money jn 0hs Taking Chances in Wall Street. Sireek Story as ad aaa : v : big 2 aking s Fortune; or, e Deal of a Lucky Boy. : aT ES nail oes nih > £42 The Stock-Hxchange Boys; or, The Young Speculators of Wall Street. ene Tea Nae Ter Oe ene eee Eee ee = mi 94° 2, ry c . . » a - j » ti ¥ “ 243 Seven Bags of Gold; or How a Plucky Boy Got Rich. : 277 Newsboy Partners; cr, The Little Money-Makers of the Battery, 244 Dick, the Wall Street Waif; or, From Newsboy to Stock Broker. 278 A Box of Coin; or, The Old Broker’s Secret. (A Wall Street Stor ny a gA6 rl 2a va Beas ee The apeesiee oi ee ra ae kK 279 Ralph, the Runaway; or From Farm to Fortune i zr 246 Silent Sam o a reet; or, fonderful Run of Luck. ANP Layeat ter (elie a | co, ESAS Tri tok . Wall w 247 Always on the Move; or, The Luck of Messenger 99. 250) 5 oe ips ‘ore Bepuing the Atk ee aes wall 248 Happy Go Lucky Jack; or, The Boy Who Fooled the Wall Street|/9g1 an Orphan Boy’s Pluck; or, Winning Against Odds. Ai Brokers. é 282 Long & Co., Boy Brokers; or, The Liigley Wall Street Firm, 249 Learning a Trade ; or, On the Road to Fortune. _ ..|283 In the Diamond Fields; or, ‘the Boy Who Made a Great Find 250 Buying cnet or, The Boy Who Won the Money. (A Wall|284 A Boy With Ginger; or, The Lad Who Won the Dollars. re ory. ‘ of Wall Street. 251 Joe Darcy's Treasure Hunt; or, The Secret of the Island Cave. 285 Dick and His Shun: or; Making a Fortune For the Firm. 252 A “Live” Boy; or, Quick to Get the Dollars. (A Story of Wall |286 Out ‘To Win; or, ‘the Mystery of Safe Deposit Box No. 666. Street. ) Street Story.) i 253 A Barrel of Coin; or, The Luck of a Boy Trader. . 254 Driven to the Wall; or, The Nerve of a Wall Street Boy. For sale by all newsdealers, or wiil be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stam FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this orfice direct. Cut out and fll, - - 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 by y return mail. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. cot FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. sie-u's Oiarv a:s-eva'g 8 eiO Ribas a ase ee Dear Srr—Enclosed find......cents for which please send me: j ....copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos.........: Herds spotters 6 aes sis bb <'Siniei cre wile «elie 016) ova, aleuelale ofall safe anie eae Suma re iy = Ale OAR OUIN DD | Win DICE | INOSises. sus cas eats oe = ib)G 0! ont ip elt «uenetineiclis Sarena ates eta ea Sea WibD WEST WEEELY,. Nos... . PE EY Breet yt lee ca RSA Ie Cae ove in 9 pecan vd ania ae se pian! oe BEL HEB BTN BOYS ON W6cNUussloiind gin. a's x vc Taree ts apeeld sin nid bik <3) 9, aca a a Beer ey al APE OY CAIN: Any Clie, “INGA: ofan aeipan eet s se ccalbts stave, aN sai ovaid ays wheelers scalinee apnea age oe EAE 5p Mane 9 ORIN OID V MOE. UNOS. leg elvis Ft ateuale Meas soa eax t pow“ “FAME AND, FORTUNE WEEKLY, Nosy... .0. 0.600% ead: ta pe Nen-Cent Jtland’ Books, .Nosic . sa: Se SRR Ree cer: BGO ehiiae sonst ckvever tes. pealbtredt QO WO. 2 20s Pete aids nerd