Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 401) (1913 06 06)
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nterod at the New York, N. No. ule NEW YORK, —OR— COLLEGE CHUMS IN BUSINESS. By A SELF-MADE MAN CHAPTER I. THE TWO COLLEGE CHUMS. “Nick!” is “Dick! » ‘ W-._ “Shake, old man. Mighty glad to see you,” said Dick e Be grasping the extended hand of his Conese. chum, fick Norcross. “. “You’re not more glad to see me than I am to see you,” be said Nick. “What are you a. here?” “Looking for a job.” “Sovgm Ty? “The advertisement indicated that only one position was “open. We can’t both get it.” i “That stands to reason; but as there’s a room full of appli- enna cants ahead of us neither of us may get it.” te ea alc won't be the first time I’ve been turned down since I aes started to find something to do.” “Nor me. But I thought your rich uncle who was paying your ‘way through college had a fine position in prospect for Foal SOU. ' -—- *So he had, if I had put in the four years, as he expected me to. But you know the first year saw my finish just as it ‘saw yours. The fact that you are looking for work like me Bi that your rich aunt has treated you the same as my uncle handed it to me, because I had to pack up and come home in disgrace, as he put it.” “You're a good guesser. My respected aunt handed me $100 and told me she was through with me.” “My uncle dismissed me from further consideration with ay the same amount.” “We ‘seem to have fared exactly alike,” grinned Nick. “And we are now both looking for the same job.” “Tt wish there were two jobs open in this place and we “both got them, so we could be together.” “So do I, ‘but a fellow can’t always have his wish.” _< #¥ou're ahead of me and have the first shy at the position.” _ “Tf one of those chaps int the room is selected I won’t get ‘any shy at it.” nH fag didn’t you get hers in find to take the head of the Mh, ol ee % ix Why didn’t you?” A: was delayed.” — . “The advertisement said sash at daar: I came ten minutes - pefore that hour and all those fellows were here before me.” ‘the early. wird catches this worm we'll not be in it.” : i tee chance at it. There’ ahah number one to on ees, that isbn mean amc and Fortune Wee STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MON 5 Toone Weekly—By Subscription §2.50 per year. Hntered according to Act of Congress, tn the year 1918, in the often in et ibrarian of iin Be Washington, D. C., by Frank Tousey, Publisher, 168 West 25d 1 Y., Post Office as Second-Class Matter. ty treet, New York. JUNE 6,° 1913. “There goes number two,” “I didn’t see number one come out.” being held till the whole bunch is given a hearing. i, or one of the others, pan out bettgr than he, ng. will to make way for the lucky one.” “Number three is going in now. chance. re “T think we’re all entitled to that atich consideratio coming here.” The line melted by degrees and the two college chum 1 ofte reached the door communicating with the mana er’ office. In five minutes it was opened and Dick wad. admittec Sa you duck, old fellow,” said Nick, as his friend p inside : Dick found himself in the presence of a well-dre shrewd-looking man, seated at a roll-top desk, the p: holes of which were choked with papers. tatty The man pointed at the vacant chair beside his desk. “Name, please,” he said. 2 “Richard Danvers.” K “Agi e?” ; be “Nearly nineteen.” ny “What counting-room experience hate you had?” “ None. ” ‘ The. manager put down his stylographic pen and, at the boy. “I think our advertisement said ‘some expeniented “T admit it did, but how is a chap to get experiom he gets the chance to accumulate it?” “That’s true enough, but we do not profess to be : garten. Where have you worked?” “ti Only been out of college about a mont! “Nowhere. “Oh, I see. Did you graduate?” “No, sir. If I had I wouldn’t be looking for sis os “You would have aimed higher, eh?” " “A position would have been aren for me.” “By whom?” “My uncle.” : “Why hasn’t he vabelied for you?” “Because I got into a scrape that led to my ater college. To punish me he turned me loose to hee way without help from him.” “You are frank in admitting this handicap. “T never go behind the truth.” — “Stick to that, young man. It is a valuab mE! méan to.” “You were living with your pies ake 4
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STRIKING A GOOD THING, Ree RR STORED PORT SR NRE SORE SRA eo RRR OY eer acento AO: A ARREARS SETS WBA PEROT “From which I infer that your parents are dead?” “No. He told me another clerk would be neéded within a “They are.” Sie : jmonth, and he had concluded to let me have that job. Good “Where are you living now?” jidea, I think, to break a fellow in in advance. .Then he’s , “At a private. boarding-house on Prescott street.” | ready when you want him.” ; . “AS you have bad no business experience I’m afraid—how “That's right. Luck has turned:our way-at last, I intend rour nerve?” to prove to my rich uncle that I can get on. without his . | backing.” “Nerve, sir?” “And my wealthy aunt will discover that I can exist ‘with- “Are you plucky? What would you do if brought suddenly oe ‘ace to face with a strenuous situation?” {out calling on her pockétbook.” “I'd mect it as my judgment suggested.” “Shake again,” said Dick. “ii your employer’s interests were at stake would you, “Say, did the manager ask you if you had good nerve?” stand by your guns?” “Yes. Kind of surprised me the way he seemed to make | - “I certainly would if that, were possible,” said Dick, re-|a point of it. I did not know that a mere clerk was expected _ solutely. to be supplied with an unusual amount of courage. J wonder _ The manager took note of his speech and manner, jotted | if he expects us to sleep on the premises and protect the safe? _ something down opposite the applicant’s name, and pointing | What do you suppose he asked me?” : to a closed door told Dick to step into the next room. “What?” a _He did so as the manager called out. “Next,” to the office} “He asked me what I would do if brought suddenly face to _ boy on guard at the door, who immediately admitted Nick. |iace with a strenuous situation.” : ; : The interview between: Nick and the manager was very| “What answer did you give him?” grinned Nick. similar to that in which Dick had figured, “T gave him to understand that J’d meet it like a man. I _ . the manager was not a little surprised at the fact that| wonder what he was driving at?” ' Nick had also been dropped from college for some escapade,| “I know.” ' which led to his banishment from his aunt’s home, just as| “You do?” _ Dick had been discarded by his uncle for a similar offence,| “He told me.” ; and also that Nick had no parents either. “What did he tell you?” {oon my word, young man, you and the young fellow who| “The firm is building a road ten miiles from here and em- ; Preceded you appear to be in the same boat. May I ask if|ploys quite a number of men—foreéigners mostly. They're Ay you two are acquainted, and from the game college, and paid off every two weeks, That takes quite a bunch of money, concerned in the same lark that brought you into all your}The cashier pays them on the spot. You will have to go “teouble?” ; with hint as a. bodyguard, with a gun in your pocket, to “Yes; sir, We were chums at college,” replied Nick. help protect the money en route.” f _ “I thought so. What college were you turned out of?” “The manager told you that?” _. Nick told him. . “Yes.” ate _“Dhe very one I graduated from. It is a rather poor recom-| “The work is being done ten miles from here, you say, mendation you and your friend bring with you in the hope of |} @nd he fears that some time the cashier might be held up securing employment here, and yet } think I will give you|on the way. Is that the idea?” a ' : two. a trial.” “That's the idea,” ia -o “What, both of us?” ¥ ate “I see the point now. \ Well, I guess the manager will find, “Yes. This is a large contracting firm. We have a big|I can hold my end up if anything like that happens. Wate _ oad job on just now some ten miles from this town, and we|trawel in a high-power car, | suppose, so in order to hold us ps: . Hones the ag get “T suppose eat is satisfactory to you?” — be, gee ty “Yes, sir, I did not expect much in the way of wages to ; mise ee a begin with. What I wanted was a position with some pros- _ THE COLLEGE CHUMS INTRODUCED INTO BUSINESS. pects, so that I would work up.” : bss Nick glided across the room and seated himself beside his| “I think you’ll find that here. Our business is expanding. — -ehum. ; Promotion is certain for those who deserve it. Those who. _ “Shake, old chap,” he said, in a'low tone, “we're both slated | only work by the clock are not likely to get‘ out of their rut, _ ‘for @ trial here.” © ae, and they are always in danger of being stiperseded by others. . “Both?” ejaculated Dick, in pleased surprise. more wide awake to their own interests, We have one or o the manager informed me,” returned Nick. “He said|two chaps in the office who I fancy won't last. They wouldn't emake good we'll stay.” = eae be there now if—but no matter. If you measure up to my Mercy, that's good news! I didn’t think I'd be taken on,|anticipations, your wages will be raised in a month.” and was surprised when I was sent in here, which appeared| “Thank you, sir. It won’t be my fault if I don’t prove valu- to indicate that if no more desirable candidate turned up I|able to you. I think I can say the same for my frie wou) atch on. So you've been selected, too? Maybe he}cross. You'll find him. up to the Malate. Ye e ecide between us after he has gone through the| “I trust I shall,” smiled the manager. “N bunch, PR BASSAS De ES. ite going to: ‘turk you Over -te/the- elles ; ¥ y ss fo Aa &) vi
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STRIKING A GOOD THING. - rudiments of office work. The rest will be up to you. Your pay will be the same, for the present, as Danvers’.” The manager tapped a bell and the office boy appeared: “Tell Mr. Brown I wish to see him,” said the office mogul, The boy passed into the drafting-room and so on to the ccounting-room, He caine back with the cashier and paymaster. “Mr, Brown,” said the manager, “this is Richard Danvers. He is slated for the position of assistant paymaster made vacant by the resignation of Jordan.” “T thought Vickers was to have the position,” ventured the cashier. “He told me he had spoken to Mr. Bradley, and that the senior partner was in favor of advancing him.” “Do you want him for your assistant? Would you prefer to take him on your semi-monthly trips?” said the manager, sharply. The cashier looked embarrassed, os hardiy expect to have any say in the matter, sir,” he said. “Never mind that. I have asked you two questions. I would like a frank reply. I will add a third one—do you think Vickers is the kind of young man to depend upon in a possible emergency?” .“Sinee you insist on an seene sir, I will ‘say no, to the three questions. My hesitation was due to the fact that Vickers stands well with the head of the firm.” “JT understand. Mr. Bradley spoke to me about giving Vick- ers the position, but I vetoed it at once and he did not insist when I explained my opposition. This young man will fh all the requirements of the position in my estimation, but he is fresh from college and has had no business training, 1 turn him Uver to you to look after. In a week let me know how he is getting on.” ; “Very well, sir,” said the cashier. “As we shall have another opening shortly T have thought proper to‘hire this other young man too. ‘His name is Nich- olas Norcross. He is also from college and ignorant of office routine. . * him. in his department. newcomers are to receive. with you.” The manager, whose name the college chums’ presently Jearned, was Thomas Kent, turned to his desk, and the two new employees | of the contracting firm of Bradley, Nichols & Co., followed the cashier to be introduced to their new scene ot action, That is all. CHAPTER Iii, " -YIOKERS. There was a craning of necks among the clerks in the - eounting-room when the. cashier came in with the two new men. One new hand was expected, for everybody knew that the ’* manager had advertised for a clerk, not necessarily to fill the vacancy left by the withdrawal of Jordan, because Henry Vickers, who stood well with the head of the firm, owing to the fact that he was a distant family connection of Bradley’s, had told around that he was to be made assistant to the cashier; but two new hands were not looked for. The ‘cashier called. Fox, a sandy-featured, sharp-looking ‘young man, | “who was not popular in the’ office except with -Viekers, to his desk, introduced him to Nick, and had a short ; k with him. ; ‘ ‘Fox nodded and told Nick to follow. . ‘Then to the surprise of the office force Dick was installed at the desk lately used by Jordan. This could mean only one thing—that the newcomer was , to take up the late assistant cashier’s work. _ Furtive glances. were cast at Vickers to see how he took “this unexpected state of affairs. . Privately, the other clerks enjoyed a secret satisfaction at ‘the look of consternation and rage that came over the face of Vickers at that moment, for he was cordially detested by the rest of the force, Fox, perhaps, excepted. He had a sour disposition, was inclined to be indolent, and had sneakish and bullying propensities. hile he had never been put to the test the opinion pre- that he was a coward, and was not above resorting to trick to avoid responsibility for his shortcomings. never missed. anything | that was eoing. on, saw was eatabitehod Hand him over to Fox, with instruction to coach Here is a memo of the wages these Take them away. ‘a big firm that seems to be growing.” He chuckled to himself and then started in to put “Nidk at € work at the vacant half of a tall desk near by. After that he sauntered over to Vickers’ desk, : “Looks like you have been ‘dumped out of the promotion vou Be expected -by the new hand,” he said. “I thought you were sure of annexing that desk.” , “Oh, I guess that fellow was put there merely for the time being,” said Vickers. “It would be an outrage for a new man to step in here over my head, not to speak of the rest. Mr. Bradley promised to speak to the manager about giving me the raise.” “Why didn’t Bradley give it to you saat boss.” “Kent makes all the appointments.” oes “But if Bradley told him to make you assistant cashier pak Kent would have to do it, wouldn’t he?” Neca as “b suppose he would, but he doesn’t like me.” ° é Rec “Kent don’t?” he 2 Ean “No. ‘He’s soured on me for some reason.” “Then you can gamble on it you’re out of your raise. That chap must be some friend of Kent's, for a new man is not! kely to step into that job without he has a pull with the anager.” “Tf that is so I'll get square with him,” gritted Vickers. Tie’s the head “Who, Kent?* grinned Fox: “No, the new fellow,” said Vickers, glaring in Dick's dire: ¥ tion. “Better not get caught at it, for if he’s. a triend of the manager’s you may get the G. B.” “Yes?” sneered Vickers. “I guess Bradley would have some- thing to say about that.” f “Well, if you: hadas big a pull with the head boss as I thought you had seems to me there ought to be no. question. . about you getting the assistant-cashiersbip.” sey “I’m going to see about it as soon as Bradley comes back tail from Cincinnati.” “He won't be back for a week maybe, and that will give the : new.men the chance to break in in good shape. Bradley, maybe won't care to do anything then, particularly if the chap is a friend of the manager’s. Kent mae a ‘bigger bay with the firm-than you have.” | . “Oh, blame Kent!” hissed Vickers, Fox walked off chuckling. y He was the professed friend of Vickers, but it may. ‘be doubted if he was his real friend. =e i] Then they went around a great deal together of nights, ead eS Fox steered Vickers into many questionable resorts. Vickers believed Fox would do anything for him he wanted, but whether Fox would was yet to be proved. a He might if he saw anything in it. ; iy The morning passed away and when noon arrived the clerks began going out at intervals to get their lunch. - in Vickers and Fox went out together about half-past twelve. abs The cashier told Dick that he had better go at that hour, as he went himself at one, and one of them seins be in the . office to attend to visitors. 5% im es “Can Norcross go out when I do?” said Dick, ; oy, “I guess so, unless Mr. ox has given him something se cial to do,” replied Brown. : Dick went over to Nick’s desk, sini “Did Mr. Fox tell you when to go to your lunch?” tes “No, he said nothing about it,” said Nick: i% “Then put on your hat and come on.” The two passed out together,. They went to a nearby restaurant and took ih , table 3 near. the door, They did not notice that Fox and Vickers sere two. tables away. “How do you like it as far as you've got?” said Nick. | “First rate. How are you coming on?” “All right.” “How do you find that fellow Fox? I don’t. fancy bh much, do you know. I’m glad I’m not under him.” “He’s treated me all right so far,” said Nick. “There's clerk at the desk between mine and the railing-—Fox ‘seem: friendly with him—who looks like a sneak to ag, ‘ That: means we must give him a wide berth.” “I noticed that fellow. He looks grouchy. I never gat erks h friendly with those kind of people. TBp other like decent enough fellows.” - “T spoke to one and he was very plasuank * “Weil, we’re a pair of lucky birds, old man. Wi They finished their meal and returned to ne stopped for the heat at five o’cloc
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pint the 4, “whether he did or not?” hands put away their books and papers, and wént to get their Fox was a kind of sub-boss, and he should have passed a few words with Dick, to get acquainted with him. He didn’t go near him, however. Vickers was standing outside when Dick and Nick came out. . “Say, I’d like to see you a minute,” he said to Dick. “Certainly,” replied Dick, pleasantly, though he didn’t like the clerk’s manner, which was somewhat aggréssive. * Nick stopped, too. “JT don’t want you. You can go on,” said Vickers, in a nasty tone, to Nick. Nick looked at him, said nothing and moved off slowly, stopping near a lamp-post. Vickers turned to Dick. “What's your name?” he said, glaring at the new assistant cashier. “Richard Danvers. What’s yours?” “My name'is Vickers. I want to know if the manager hired you as assistant to the cashier?” “So I understand.” “So you understand?” sneered Vickers. “Don’t you kno »“Ym only on trial, but I expect to make good.” “Oh, you expect to hold on to the job?” “Why not? When you first started in you expected to hold on, didn’t you?” “I knew I’d hold on.” “Then you were experienced in your line when you came to the office?” “That has nothing: to do with it. Bradley’s.” »“Ts that so?” said Dick, regarding the clerk with new in- terest. -“That’s so,” said Vickers, expanding his chest. “If I were you I wouldn’t be certain of holding down the job you’re in. Ive taken a fancy to it myself, and when Bradley gets I'm a relative of Mr. ; back from Cincinnati I’m going to see him about it. Probably you'll be put at my desk: If you are I’ll put you wise to any- ans that’s not clear to you. Get me?” “Thanks,” responded Dick, dryly. en he recalled what had passed between the manager 5 ge the cashier about Vickers and the job of assistant cashier. The clerk had already asked for the position and his appli- ' cation had been turned down hard by the manager, wip clearly had no great opinion of him. “You’re welcome,” said Vickers, in a condescending tone. “You think I'll be switched, then?” said Dick, with an inward chuckle. “It’s a safe. bet that you will when I see the head of the ‘house. «) - . “Don’t you like your present job?” ' “T like it well enough, but there’s more money in the job of “assistant cashier,” “Well, I guess the change won’t happen till you sce Mr. -. Bradley. You say you’re a relative of his?” — “Yes; my mother was his second cousin.” b “Tt's a fine thing for a clerk to have a pull with his oss.” As Vickers was about to terminate the interview he remem- _ bered something. “How came you to catch on here?” he asked. “I answered the Manager’s advertisement in the paper,” said Dick, - “How was it you were picked out of the big bunch I saw in the waiting-room?” “My luck, I suppose. Somebody was sure to be successful, and I happened to be that one.” “JT heard you were a friend of Kent's.” - *You mean the manager?” “Who else?” “No. I never saw him until I was admitted to his room.” “Oh, come now, none of that. He wouldn’t put a newcomer over my head and the heads of the other clerks, unless he ‘knew you and wanted to favor you.” | ' “T've told you the truth. I mever saw Mr. Kent before this morning.” “That won't go down with me.” - “Pim. sorry zoe doubt my word. You can ask ne to- orrow.’ a STRIKING A GOOD THING. hats, Dick and Nick got acquainted with several of their _ office companions. } coveted apa had expected to get... Arak pa ; CHAPTER IV. THE DYNAMITE BOMB. A week passed and the two college chums showed up so ~ well in the counting-room that Cashier Brown made an enthu- siastic report about them to Manager Kent. That latter gentleman ~was not particularly surprised, for he had sized the two boys up as comers, and that was the reason he had overlooked their business inexperience, “You think they will do, eh?” he said. “T am sure they will, sir,” replied the cashier, “This is pay day down the line.” “Yes, sir.” “You will take Danvers with you, of course. Observe how he conducts himself. Give him to understand that, while nothing has ever happened on these trips of yours, no one can tell when something unpleasant might happen. Then take note if he is alert and watchful during the entire trip. If any effort is ever made to hold up the pay car it will be in the nature of a surprise, and will happen at some lone- some point, of which there are several between the outskirts of the town and the new road.” The cashier nodded and soon after withdrew. The office closed at three on Saturday. At that hour all books and papers had been put in the até, and the clerks, with their pay envelopes in their Lacie were filing out on the sidewalk. All except Dick, He was still in the counting-room rhea ‘the cashier. ‘Mr. Brown was about to assume the role of paymaster to the workmen employed on the new road ten or twelve miles out of town. They quit for the week at half-past four. ; A high-power automobile stood outside the door ready to take Brown and Dick to the money distribution point, | The cashier drove the car himself. Popes? For reasons which we need not explain he did not care to : use a chauffeur on these trips. Nick hung around the door to see them off, and when they came out, Brown with a grip full of bills and Dick with the flat pay-roll book, he was invited to ride on the back seat, ay invitation he accepted with alacrity. ‘The trip was made in quick time, particularly past rea secluded parts of the road. During the ride the cashier showed Dick, who was familiar with automobiles in a general way, the particular points of ~ the machine they were using. By the time they reached the ground he was confident he .- could run the car as well as Mr. Brown. - | The auto came to a stop in front of the door of the small . portable office of the superintendent on the work. It was a rough frame structure that. could easilye be taken apart for transportation and re-erected at another spot. There was a second building of the-same order, but larger, which was known as the tool house. It was after four o’clock and the superintendent was look: ing for the arrival of the paymaster. Hach man’s pay was in an envelope with his name on it, and when the hands knocked off they formed in line, in alphabetical order, under the direction of a ‘foreman, and were. marched up to the automobile. The paying of the men proceeded rapidly, and without any mistakes, for the cashier knew most of the men by their faces, and was able to call their names with precision as he held out the pay envelope to the right man, and it was Dick’s duty to check off each name as it was called. The men boarded on the outskirts of a large village about a mile away, and when five o’clock came not one of them was in sight. Boel The watchman was on hand to look after the building, and: the superintendent’s motor car was waiting to take him and 7 a clerk back to the town. Fossa On the return trip the cashier let Dick run the car, and he proved he could do it as well as anybody. . salt They reached town at half-past five, and. Dick and ‘Nick = got out within three blocks of their boarding-house, for Nick had removed to Dick’s domicile after the chums secured their i , jobs. i Vickers in the meanwhile was impatiently PELE 2 the AB; return of the head of the firm in order to make a squeal because a new employee had been given pe ponttton: he
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, STRIKING A. GOOD THING. tine. 5 ——. Mr. Bradley was expected back that Saturday evening, but he didn’t come until the following Wednesday. He appeared at the office on Thursday and Vickers got an * audience with him. It did him no good. He was referred to the manager and Vickers knew better than to make a kick to him. The result was the clerk blamed everything on Dick, and he told. Fox he was going to get square with him. “What are you going to do?” asked Fox. “Never mind. I’ve got a scheme that will pickle him good and proper.” “Why don’t you tell me what it is?” = “I’m telling nobody.” “You’re getting mighty close all at once.” “Sometimes it pays to be close,” said Vickers, in a mysteri- ous way. “All right. Please yourself, ” said Fox. help you.” “Maybe you can when the time comes: I’ll let you know,” ian Asem and nothing more was said on the subject at at time. % At the end of the second week of the chums in the office Mr. Kent called Dick to his office a complimented him on the progress he had made, “TI expected you would pan out, Dana "he said, “for I don’t often make mistakes in judging the capabilities of a person; but I hardly thought you would come to the front so quick. Your friend seems to be holding his end up, too, and I shall push him ahead. Mr. Brown told me that he : couldn’t ask for a better assistant than you, and that he feels . safer on the qpen's pay day when he goes down the road.” “I've tried to do all I could for Mr: Brown, for I like him,” said Dick. “As to the trip down the road the firm can depend on me to back up the cashier to the last gasp if anybody tries to hold the car up.” The manager nodded approvingly and dismissed him. On the following Friday night Mr. Brown went to his , i weekly lodge meeting. While on his way, home around eleven o’clock, as he was , passing up the shady and silent block in which he lived he was attacked by four men, whose faces were hidden by hand- kerchiefs, knocked down and severely hurt by a blow from a slungshot, which cut a bad gash on his head. He was later discovered by a policeman lying unconscious on the sidewalk, with his pockets turned inside out’ and his wateh and chain gone, “fie was taken to the hospital where his wound was stitched up and he was then brought around. ‘He was put in a ward for the night, and word sent to his house informing his family where he was, Next morning the surgeon found him in a high fever and a he had to remain where he was. m His wife sent word to Manager Kent that it was impossible ae for him to appear at the office that day, His absence entailed;extra work and new respozisibilities ‘on Dick, his assistant. + . Dick responded moire and the manager was much pleased with the way he attended to things. Unfortunately this was pay day down the road, and Dick would have to go-down himself with the money and pay off. Kent called him into his room and had a talk with him ¢ on the subject. “I. guess I can pay the men all right,” .said Dick. superintendent will help me out.” “You'll have to take a clerk with you to look after your duties,” said the manager. “Of course. If you’ve no objection Id like to take my friend Norcross with me. We are a;good team.” : , “Take him by all means. I’ have a detective go with you as an additional precaution.” “All right, sir. I don’t imagine the car is likely to be held up on this particular trip, but the less chance we take the better.” ' “My idea exactly,” replied the manager. When Dick returned to his desk he called Nick over. “Owing, to the absence of Mr. Brown I’ve got to take the money down the road this afternoon to pay off the men. I shall. want you to come with me and attend to checking off the pay-roll.” woe AT} right. “I thought I might Bey “The ‘ gia. Tm willing. You don’t start until the office ‘money between his legs, and as Nick plumped down beside “No. I asked the manager if I could take you and he said I could.” “Are you ready to go to lunch?” i “I’m not going out to-day. I’ll have the office boy fetch me a bite.” “T can give your order at the restaurant and a waiter. ae bring it here on a tray.” “Maybe that would be better.. Come to think, I’m kind of hungry and a sandwich would hardly fi me up. Have the restaurant send me in roast. beef with the side dishes, and any kind of pudding they have on the bill, and a om of coffee,” “Yll attend to it, old man,” said Nick. Fifteen minntes after Nick went out the waiter appeared with Dick’s dinner. He ate it standing at his desk, but had to leave it several — times to attend on visitors with bills. During the afternoon Fox asked Nick, who was now Jnown to be Dick’s chum, who was going down the road with Dan- vers to pay off, “Tm going with him,” replied Nick. “You are? Then he’s going to pay off himself? I cistehtl the manager would go or send me,” said Fox, a bit pond a on “All I know about it is what Danvers told me.” Shortly afterward Fox made a trip to Vickers’ desk and told him what he had heard from Norcross. Vickers grinned wickedly. i “Glad to hear it,” he said. “Why?” “If Danvers is crooked he'll have the. chance to steal the” men’s pay.” “T guess he’s straight cnough,” said Fox. “How do you know he is? He’s only been here three weeks. Ho’ll have a chance this afternoon that isn’t likely to happen again. I hope he takes advantage of it; then maybe I'll get. his desk, which I consider mine by right. y. “Tf your chance of getting to be assistant cashier depends, on Danvers going wrong I’m afraid you'll wait a long time’ for it.. I’m a pretty good judge of men, and I’d bank on his honesty, though I don’t like the fellow,” said Fox. “Tf you don’t like him what do you stick up for him for?” snarled Vickers, who didn’t relish Fox's words. “TI thought I’d let. you know what kind of a chap I’ve lead him up to be, as you don’t seem to know him.” “Bah! Your opinion 4s not infallible,” sneered Vickers. “He'll take over $5,000 down the road with him this after- noon. That's something of a temptation. We'll see if ‘he! turns up on Monday.” There was a significant ring in his tones that Fox. noticed and he wondered what was behind it. . : Before he could say anything more to Vickerg the office, boy came up to him and said that the manager wanted to see him in his room, . Three o’clock came and the office was closed. : Dick, carrying the grip with the laborers’ pay, followed by ~~ Nick, with the book, came out and crossed to the auto in which sat a chunky, smooth-faced man on the rear seat. > This man was the detective the manager had sent for and : to whom Dick had been introduced a short time before, Vickers, who was hanging around, noticed the presence of the man in the car, and he wondered who he was. °° 4. It did not occur to him that the stranger was an officer, still he didn’t like to see him there. : One would suppose it was a matter that aia x not dahticia ‘ him, but it happened that Vickers was specially marisa by eee 6 the afternoon’s trip of the auto. 4 € : In what way he was interested the reader may deared 1 t Dick jumped in the chauffeur’s seat, placed the bag x of 4 him he turned on the power and they were off. When they reached the road the boys got out their revol-_ Y vers and placed them where they could lay their hands ithe upon them at a moment’s notice. Sy The detective leaned back with one hand in his ‘sack coat pocket on the butt of his weapon, and his eyes: con- stantly on the alert. In this way they proceeded for five or six miles, passing — several cars going in the opposite direction. ; Bowling alone at good speed they reached a lonely, stretch Si of the road. ; As there was nothing in sight ahead, Dick put the car at her fastest gait—a, forty-mile an hour clip. They shot along like a flying meteor.
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te them until it came to a rest-—a taut line across their path. A small black object dangled from the center of it. . Dick uttered an ejaculation of warning when he saw that the obstruction was a rope. : Aaa the dangling object in the center was he had no lea. “A hold up! Look out! Brace yourselves for a shock!” he shouted to Nick and the detective, both of whom saw the obstruction, too. _ There was no time to shut off speed in the hope of avoiding : contact with the rope: Indeed, Dick had no intention of shutting off. At the speed they were making ho believed the car would tear its way through the rope, but that would mean a heavy _ shock to its occupants, who might be pitched out unless they ' prepared to stand it. The words were barely out of Dick’s mouth when the front Pare bart of the car hit the rope. The impact was far greater than Dick had supposed it would be. In spite of their grip on. the car they we zee d into and ~ through the air like stones from a catap ning over and over like circus acrobats, with a blaze of lurid light and . the roar of a heavy explosion in their confused ears, CHAPTER V. ; TRACKING THE THIEVES AND THE MONEY. : -. Dick landed with a crash in a thick mass of. bushes. “He was unhurt but badly shaken up. Nick landed in the middle of the road all of a heap and lay. there, stunned. ' There was no sign of the detective, AS cee the car, the explosion had reduced it to a shapeless wree d The rope had been torn to pieces, saye the two ends, each attached to a stout tree on either side of the road. On the side of the highway lay the grip that held the money, _ turned on its side, but apparently not materially damaged. Re “Out ‘from the bushes on each side came four hard-looking “individuals, They paused for a moment to survey the wreck they had vd “proight about by means of the rope and a dynamite bomb, "Look for the’ money- -bag—quick! * eried one, who appeared tobe the’ leader, - #Yve got it,” replied another, swooping down on the grip. . “Good!” said the other. “Is it busted?” “No. It’s right as a.trivit.” “Fine and dandy. The machine has gone to blazes, as we expected it would; now where are the three, passengers—the two boys and the man?” ,. “There's one of thém’ lying in the road yonder.” . “Looks as if he had passed in his checks,” “Shall I go and look at him?” “No. He may be only stunned and in that case will come to of his own accord. It he’s dead it’s his funeral.” “Here's the man in the ruins of the car,” said another. “I know him. Me’s a detective. See if he’s dead,” said the _Teader. The officer’s face was cut and “bloody and his eyes were clos ed, : No; his heart beats quite strong,” said the man who looked him over. $ “Where’s the other boy?” ~ . No one could say, for he wasn’t in sight. : “Come on, let’s make trasks for the lake. We've got the _ money so the job has been a success. The crowd down the . yroad will have to go without their pay to-day, and the super- intendent will have a riot on his hands,” said the leader, taking the bag from the hand of the man who had picked it up and pushing his ub through the bushes, followed by the other three. The rascals had only lost a few minutes in the road, but those few minutes, as the sequel will show, counted against ‘ s that brief period of time Dick pulled himself to- extricated, himself from the bushes into which he his has been a hold-up for fair, That rope did tter than I Bes on it would: eer rs aed oe that would have & Suddenly Dick saw something rise from the road ahead of follow them out ot the lake. ‘pelieve that he would reach the island unobserved. /because their wages are not as 1 ‘cad make out, J seem to » he all’ STRIKING A GOOD THING. Se right. I wonder how Nick and the detective have come out. I must see, Then there’s the bag of money. My gracious, [ mustn't overlook that. I wouldn’t dare show my face in the office again if I lost it.” she As Dick started to push his way into the road he’saw the four men and he noticed that one of them had the money bag in his hand. “They've got it, the scoundrels!” he breathed, drawing back so they couldn’t see him. “How shall I be able to recover il, without a weapon?” ; It didn’t look as if he stood the ghost of a show of getting it back, as there were four men in the bunch, and it was probable they were armed, too. ° He saw them leave the road and take to the bushes that fringed the. woods. He must follow them, for it would never do to let them get away with the money wthout an effort on <af part to prevent them. i He was responsible for the firm’s facia and though he could not be blamed for what had happened so far, he would be expected to do his best toward getting the money away from the rascals who had secured it through their sharp trick, He called to’ mind the manager’s words—‘“If your em: posers interests were at stake would you stand by your guns?” ; That decided Dick. It was his duty to track’the rascals and recover tho bag: and its contents if it were possible in any way for him to do it, no matter what risk, he had to face. He hoped Nick and the detective had escaped serious injury, but. he could not, possibly phn. oi their fate and keep track of the rascals, too. He started after the four men, aeping well behind, ne he was obliged to do, for it was broad daylight. : Had they gone anywhere but through the woods he dovld hardly have escaped théir- notice, and that would ss dav feated his purpose. ; ‘The woods ran almost all the way to a large lake whieh was a Mile from the road. When he reached the edge of the timber he could: go no farther without attracting the rascals’ attention. So he stopped and followed them with his eyes; considering what he should do. They walked straight to he shore, where a’ small Nee: was moored, and boarding it put i and headed for an island, in the middle of the lake. Mae, “They've got it on me now,” wilt Dick to hitnself, bak, can’t I wonder if they're going to i that island?” ; Dick did not lost sight of them, and as they did not diene their course he soon became certain that they meant to jand z on the. island. 23 And that is whee they did, running the craft into a small |cove, where they made her fast, lowered the anil and landed: They disappeared among the trees. , After waiting awhile Dick walked down to the shore and — locked off at the island, wishing he were able’ to Bet there’ somehow. Luck befriended him, for he saw a UE fa) -boat tied to a tree: near the water’s edge. He went over to it, and to his satistaction saw a pair of oars lying along the seats. It didn’t take him many minutes to untie the mooring line, ‘step in and start for the island. He pulled hard, hoping that his movements were not ob served by the rascals. Sy He aimed to land at a point as far away tecue the cove. where the boat lay as he could go, Of course he had his back to the island as he proeéedéd, and could not tell what was going on there, but as he drew is near his destination he cast frequent glances seach his: shoulder. ay He saw nothing moving any where, and was encouraged to by the: four men, His watch told) him ‘that it was after four, and he that the superintendent of construction on the ro was looking for the coming of the pay-car. about that tim “He'll be disappointed, and the men will : to predict that there will te eaoudioge er oman
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STRIKING A GOOD THING. In a few minutes the boat’s bow grounded on the peach and | the cabin and cook-room gave them time to get 80 near that Dick sprang ashore. fe pulled the boat along until he found a tree near enough ' to the water to tie it to, then he walked into the woods that | eovered the island nearly all over. ‘ He went forward with caution, for he did not want to come upon the four men unawares. At Iength he came to a small open place in which ‘stood a one-story shack. ; “I'll bet those fellows are there,” “he said to himself. Keeping within the shadow of the trees he walked around the building. It had a door in front, a window on each side, and the rear was a blank wall. One of the windcws was partly open at the pottom. Dick took advantage of the fact that there was no window BY in the back wall to advance in the direction. ; Then he made his way in a crouching attitude to the open window. He heard the sounds of men’s voices inside. Also the occasional thump of a heavy hand upon a table. As he listened he soon became convinced’ that the men were playing cards. ‘He judged that they had cut the money bag open, divided its contents and were gambling with their spoils. . He would have liked to look in at the open window in order ‘to get a sight of the men to make certain they were the same fellows he had seen in the road with the money bag in their “possession, but it was too risky in broad daylight. The iInmoney being now presumedly divided it was harder to recover than ever, What was he going to do about it? Tt was certainly a big problem. ° Be thought the situation rapidly over as he atodd there, Hah could thitek of no scheme that would help him even a little. bit. At length it occurred to him that by sailing the sloop back to the shore of the lake and taking the rowboat with him, he could morcon the men on the island. ‘Then if he could beat up enough men to take to the island and capture the rascals he would Bee able to get back the ~~ firm’s money. ( It seemed to be mia 2 only thing he could do that prom- ised results. “Here, now, none of Ae, Steve Bunker: You had that ace up your sleeve,” came an angry 7aIch through the open win- aay, at t oment. ? “You're a Har, Bill Dooling,” returned the other, with an wom~duuprecet tas G gay } ou aia, » poared Dooling. “I saw you pick it out. J Tswon't stand for no trick dike that. Take your hand off that Po oad . money. It’s maine. cs - ‘Phe sound of a blow followed. "That was: le prelude to an awful scrimmage between the “two, in the midst of which the table went over with a crash. Lee Dick ventured to take a peep through the window. : A regular mix-up was going on inside between two of the men while the other two were trying to separate them. The four chairs were overturned and a bunch of money oS "and: a ‘deck of cards were scattered on the floor. Dick left the scene at the height of the hubbub and made _ his way to the sloop. ni Sot CHAPTER VI. _. * wERNING THE TABLES ON ‘THE ENEMY. ‘When he reached the cove he stepped aboard the sloop and found the cabin door half open. ; ‘Looking in he saw four bunks that had recently been slept : ay for. they were disarranged and untidy. There was a door in the forward part: of the cabin which : led into a space in the bows. Dick went and opened the door to se¢ what was beyond fh and found it was a: small stove, ; of ‘écoking utensils. ; e he had no time to waste he did not pursue his inves- ns further, but returned to the cockpit, intended to hoist the sail first, then untie the mooring and spring ‘on board, leaving the light wind to carry e sloop free of the cove. \ int were not carried out, for, to his dismay, he of the rascals close by. he time he: reached’ the little had wasted: over a’ ‘survey of a shallow box full of sand, and a number ‘a sort of kitchen, as it was équipped with. “heard no. mands denoting ® pared in the culiz nal it was now impossible for him to leave the sloop without being” seen. “My gracious! » he ejaculated. “What shail I do now?” On the spur of the moment he retreated to the cabin, but as he realized this was no place for him, he pushed on- into ithe cook-room and closed the door. He heard the men come on board, and in a Moment. or two the mainsail and jib were hoisted and the slcop glided out on the lake. Pia Nata “I’m in it up to my neck now,” thought Dick, “and llable, to discovery at any moment. . Well, I don’t care. I’m stand- — ing by my guns. I may not be able to recover the firm’s money, but I’m going to try for it just the same, I don’t know how the rascals will handle me when they smoke me out, but if I’m to judge by the method they used against the fa pay-car I fear they won't treat me gently.” Pat The men remained in the cockpit.and Dick hoped hey . would stay there. ; After a time he ventured to open the door a little way and peered in, The cabin door being open, he could see the chap at the helm, and the legs of another man near by. He wondered where the men were going with the sloop. fis He saw the island slipping behind astern, and from the _ irection it lay he judged the craft was bound for the north-. ern énd of the lake. After awhile two of the men entered the cabin and started a game of cards, and they were presently joined, by a third, Having plenty of money they played for good-sized stakes, For an hour matters remained, unchanged, and then the sloop entered the narrow stream which fed the lake. sae The sun was setting by that time, and the card game, which had been conducted with varying luck to the Partich pants, broke up and the tlirée men went outside. ooh ie ~ As darkness fell over the scene Dick lookéd for one of the men to enter the cook-room to prepare supper, for he had noticed the presence of various supplies in cans and boxes, | including eggs, bacon, bread, and such: Neate: What he looked for shortly came to pass. . et One of the rascals entered the cabin, passed through aid opened the door communicating with the cook-room. The place was so dark that he did not see the boy in there, and as he had not lighted the cabin lamp it was equally tae out there. Dick possessed himself of the stove lifter to defend’ himself with. While the man was reaching for the matches the’ boy deter: mined to strike the first blow, as that would give him bic advantage. The moment the little blaze flared up he struck out at. the man’s head. ; The blow caught the rascal on the side ‘of the temple. and ( ob Ne he fell to the fioor, stunned, ¢ The match fell from his fingers, expired as it hit the stove and left the little compartment as dark as it was at first. — Dick was ready to strike a second blow, but when he saw the man did not move he knew he had been put out of bush” ness for the time being.’ & He looked through the door to see if the noise had atiractal: the attention of the others, but it had not. He shut the door, pulled a match out of his vest pocket, struck it-and looked at the unconscious scoundrel. “What shall I do with him?” he thought. “He is liable to, come to his senses at any moment,” He saw he had given the fellow a nasty blow, for the poiitt.. of the stove-lifter had cut a zed wound, from which. the - blood was flowing freely. Seeing a small lamp suspended in a bracket, Dick took. 1% down and lighted the wick, which he turned low. ci The next thing he did was to search the rascal’s pockets sand he foun big roll of bills in his sack coat pocket,. ae two more wads in each of his pants’ pockets. : ; He dropped the money behind the coal box. ; ’ He gagged the fellow with a dirty cloth, and tied wits hands behind him with a piece of brown cord, after taking a revol- ver from his hip pocket. This done, he shoved the man in front of the door, which he left open, after extinguishing ‘the lamp. wa eA “Half an hour passed and then one of the ottier : into the cabin and saw no. sign of a light in the <o where the still senseless chap had gone to cook sw Evidently he thought that was strange, particule: 2
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8 STRIKING A GOOD THING, _. “What in thunder is the matter with Glenn—has he gone _ to sleep?” he remarked. “Ph? What are you talking about?” asked Steven Bunker. ; “Ym talking about Glenn.” iF: “What about him?” “He seems to be mighty quiet forward, and there isn’t a spark of light coming from the cook-room.” _ “He’s got the door closed,” said Bill Dooling, who was steering. . “S'pose he has, the light ought. to shine through the cracks, and I don’t see any.” “Go there and see what’s the matter with him, then.” This conversation was distinctly audible to Dick in the cook-room. The man in question, whose name was Myers, entered the cabin and strode forward. “He reached out his hand toward the Rade and found it was open, That was a big surprise to him, for he saw all was dark within the cook-room, and that showed him something was wrong with Glenn. < “What in thunder is the matter with you, Glenn?” he de- _manded, taking a step forward. His foot came in contact with Glenn’s body, which ob- - structed the doorway, and losing his balance he pitched for- “ward and struck his head on the edge of the stove. < That was the trap Dick had spread for the first one that se came there, and it succeeded. - Half dazed by the shock, Myers uttered an imprecation, mingled with an ejaculation of pain; as he slipped on his knees. "Then Dick ‘struck him with the butt of the revolver and laid him out, ‘Dragging him into the room, the boy found * a revolver in his pocket, too, and took possession of it. ‘Searching his other pockets, he found several rolls of “money, which he added to the other bunch behind the coal- He tied the man’s hands behind his back, gagged him and shoved Him to one side. The ease with which he had disposed of two of the enemy greatly encouraged the plucky lad, There were only two more, and one of om was occupied with the helm. “The noise made by Myers was heard by the others, but they suspected nothing wrong, and nothing more happened _ for ten minutes, when it occurred to Bunker to go and see _ bow things were getting on in the cook-room. Dick expected that one of the two in the cock-pit would joule when the last man failed to go back and report how “Glenn was making out with the supper. ‘Bunker, seeing everything dark forward, could not under- stand it, except that the cook-room door was closed tight; put even at that there should ‘have been a gleam or two of light filtering through the cracks, and there should be sounds of business in the galley. _. He bumped against the cabin table in the darkness, and with a muttered imprecation he stopped, fumbled for a match “in his pocket and striking a light, took down the lamp and ‘lt it. - Dick had not expected this move on his part and ft upset his plans somewhat. With the glow in the cabin Bunker saw that the door of the cook-room was open. He also saw the form of Glenn # streached across the entrance. ; ar) say that he was staggered would but mildly express his feelings. hat in thunder is up here?” he growled. Glenn’s face was not visible he did not vee motionless figure was he or Myers. Whichever one it was, he could not see the other! He stared at the door, like a person confronted ny #® start- : nig situation. He could see that there was not a spark of fire in the stove, not a sign of supper underway. ; Myers, where are you?” he called out. woo being dead to the world like Glenn, didn’t hear the LOW whether i he had heard it he couldn't have. answered it, owing to ‘ a across his mouth, er got no reply, of course, and was more mystified looked down at Glenn and Fecognized ie rod e to ‘the oR: “ALS Glenn,” he said. and where in creation is Myers?” , Dick saw he ati act quickly if he would maintain his advantage. Accordingly he BS forward and struck Bunker down with the butt of the revolver. The rascal collapsed under the blow and fell over Glenn. Dick hauled him into the cook-room and found a still bigger amount of money in his pockets, which he put with the rest. ‘ The boy added a third revolver to his collection, after which he tied Bunker’s hands, but did not gag him. Dick now felt certain of the ultimate result, for only one Man remained to be overcome—the fellow at the helm. This was Bill Dooling, and as-he had a clear view of the cabin, he had seen Bunker fall. The table being in the way, he had not seen anything fur ther, though. “What's the matter, Steve?” he called out. He might have saved his breath, for he got no answer. The strange silence that reigned forward whero his three companions had goné greatly puzzled him. “Steve! Why don’t you answer my hail?” he shouted again, Not a sign or a sound from even one of his friends came back to nim. “There’s something blamed queer going on in the cooking- room,” he muttered. “There’s three of them gone in there, and you'd think they were dead ones for all the attention they pay to me. I’m getting hungry. Supper ought to be ready by this time, but hanged if I can see a thing doing in the cook-room, ; When several minutes passed and matters remained as they were he grew angry, as well as impatient. Grabbing a rope, he tied the tiller and started for the cook-room, with the air of a person who meant business. Dick stepped out and confronted him with leveled revolver. “Throw up your hands,” he said, “or I’ll shoot.” Dooling was taken completely by surprise and started back. “Who the mischief are you?” he asked. oa “No matter. Up wit ‘your nds and be. quick about it.” Dooling reached for 3 SUN, | Dick fired at his right arm and the. peace gave a yell of pain, for the ball had broken his foré His language was something fierce, who had the drop on him. “Turn around, you scoundrel, or I'll put a ball through your head next,” cried the resolute boy, ‘who, however, had no intention of carrying out his threat. - Between the pain of his arm, and the hopelessness of fepistr ence, Dooling gave in and faced about. j Dick stepped forward and took his gun away from him. | Holding the cold muzzle of his weapon ie hah th the “What's happened to him, te glared at the boy, back of the ruffian’s head, and threatening h ith death if he stirred, Dick went through his pockets a: t the rest of the stolen money. a Bidding the rascal Tie down on the nearest bunk, he tied his ankles together and left him. Thus, he had turned the tables completely on the scoun- drels, made them ail prisoners and recovered the whale" ¢ of the stolen money, he ‘ CHAPTER VII. DICK TAKES CHARGE OF THE SLOOP. Dick went out into the cockpit.and found the sloop alenne herself, The wind was light and she was not making much Heatiwar The landscape all around was dark and lonesome. | There was not a light in sight. ay Dick hadn’t the remotest idea where he was or where he was going. At any rate he wasn’t going any farther in that direction. He untied the rope that held the tiller and, put the sloop about. ; He had no great knowledge of hoat sailin beat ‘he had no trouble making the change, though he executed it awkwardly, and nearly got a crack from the boom when it swung across the cockpit. ? With the boom out to starboard, and the sloop headed back ~ for the lake some miles distant, he tied the tiller again and } re-entered the cabin. Dooling lay groaning in the bunk from the pain of his. wound. : Dick meee no sympathy, on him, : S
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Seb ele A GOOD THING. Going into the cook-room, he collected the money he had Sa sesame eer a The fants of the light gave Dick his first idea. of the — thrown behind the coal pox. and brought it out to the cabin | width of the stream he had been following, and the general table, where he proceeded to sort out the bills of different | character of the banks, which were low and bordered with denominations and lay them on separate piles. Then he counted the whole’and found the sum correct, with about ten dollars over, which belonged to the rascals. This overplus he put in his‘vest pocket to turn over to the police with his prisoners. The firm’s money he wrapped up in a newspaper and tied it up with cord. - “{ never thought when the boat left the island that I’d come out ahead in this way,” he said to himself. “I’ve captured the whole bunch single handed and got the money back. I don’t think the firm will find any fault with the way I’ve acted. I couldn’t avoid the hold-up. Nobody could have es- caped it. I don’t see how the car could have made the terrific noise it did on striking the rope. The gasoline tank must have caught fire and blown up. Yet even at that, I don’t see how it could shave made such a terrific noise unless my ears deceived me,” Carrying the package of money out into the cockpit, Dick released the tiller and took charge of it. The current being now with the sloop, she went on some- what faster, Dick was feeling decidedly hungry by that time. After steering awhile he returned to the cook-room an& began foraging for a meal. A pie and part of a loaf of bread were the only articles available offhand. He took both out to the cockpit and ate as much as he wanted. “Now I feel better,” he said, smacking his lips. His thoughts recurred to his chum and the detective, parti- cularly the former, and in the light of his own narrow escape from the car he began to have some grave doubts about the fate of his companions. “I hope they escaped with slight bruises,” he said to him- self. “I should feel very sorry if Nick were badly hurt.” “~The river narrowed at a point he was approaching, but in the gloom Dick did not notice it. Suddenly the boat ran on a part of the left bank and stopped, with a jolt that threw the boy forward. “I wonder where I’ve. got to?” he asked himself. He left the tiller and went forward to investigate. There was so little light that he could not make out the shore, although he was practically on it. He looked around the sloop for something to push off with, __ but there was nothing he could use for that purpose. «“This is kind of rough,” he said. He struck a match and locked at his watch. It was after nine. “There doesn’t appear to be a house anywhere around, for I don’t see a light. The only lights I’ve seen since I took charge of this boat were a long way off, and only a couple at that, one on cither side of this river. I had no idea the country up this way was so thinly settled. It’s too bad I’ve run into this dilemma, for I don’t see how I can get out of it before morning, maybe not then. To-morrow is Sunday and the few people up this way won't be stirring around. I feel ‘as helpless at this moment as a fish out of water.” Still his spirits did not flag, for he felt he had done a big thing in capturing the four scoundrels who had destroyed _ the automobile and got away with the firm’s money, which he now had in his possession, _ His adventure was sure to be printed in the Sterling papers, and he cit not doubt but he would be complimented by the ‘manager and the firm. He returned to the cockpit and sat there. The mainsail and jib flapped softly in the night wind. Figuring on his position, he judged he was, still some dis- tance from the lake. Suddenly he heard a curious sound at a distance ahead. ‘He listened intently and as it grew clearer, showing that it was approaching, he made it out to be the noise of some kind of ~ngine. “Sounds to me like a motor boat, ” he said. ‘this way. I'll get the people.in it to help me o - Looking eagerly down the dark stream, he saw a light come in sight, as though rounding a turn in the river. The lignt proved to be of the search variety, and it was bei g flashed on each bank alternately. 2, chug, chug, chug! came on the boat, which now Dick as sure was a naphtha launch. © It vas making pretty good speed and the. light rapidly drew spot where the see was stuck. j wry 7 Bam S , it’s coming ) - Poe MO RET oe BETES ICS IS er se A ie Mire Ty ee ane 4 Seat als ied eet oe ie lel a pase Bs heal er eet he eae fe DT Re reeds and cattails. In a few minutes the light flashed upon. the dark sides of the sloop and her weaiher-beaten sails. After that the light remained stationary, bringing the boat , out into relief against the dark background. “They’ve spotted the sloop,” thought the boy; “now rt get out of my predicament, for that launch ought to pull this boat clear without any great trouble.” The launch was headed straight for the stranded boat, and it didn’t take her many minutes to come’ up. The persons aboard of her easily saw Dick seated in the et stern, but they did not know she was aground, though they. might have had some suspicion of the fact, noticing that her sails were hoisted. “Winally the chugging sound ceased and the launch came on. under her momentum only. * In this way she ran up close to the sloop. “Hello!” shouted Dick. “Want to do me a favor?” “Who are you?” came back.the reply. “My name is Dick Danvers, I’m aground here, and want to be helped off.” “Danvers, eh?” came back the voice. cashier for Bradley, Nichols & Co,?” “Yes.” : “How in thunder did. you get up here, and what are you doing in that sloop?” “What do you want to know that for?” returned Dick, as the launch ran alongside. He saw there were four men in the boat. . Two of these, who were in the bow, stepped aboard the sloop. & “Because we’re out hunting for you and the rascals who blew up the pay-car this afternoon. They got away with the money, and until this moment we supposed they had got away with you, too.” “Are you detectives from Sterling?” “We are.” “Tm glad to hear it.” P “You haven’t answered my questions.” E Baroy “Show me your badge so I can make sure of your identity ; and I’ll answer all the questions you chose to put to me." =~ The officer displayed it and. Dick was satisfied. “Who's that groaning in the cabin?” said the detective. “You’re not alone. Benson, step inside and see what’s going on there.” st ag Il find the men in there who blew up the car,” said (4 “What's that?” said the officer, staring at him. “I’ve captured the four of them single handed and recovered the money from them,” said Dick, in a tone of -pardonable exultation, ° “Ts this true, young man?” asked the astonished detective. “You'll find it so. The fellow you hear groaning’ si was obliged to shoot, for he started to draw his gun on me. ‘The others I got easily by a little sharp work on my part. a put) : each of them to sleep with a tap on the head. You'll find those three bound and gagged in the cook-room. They were ce still insensible the last time I saw them.” ‘ “Upon my word you're a corker, young fellow. how you did the trick.” “Tt was a question of do it or get done myself,” sald Dick, x “Are you the assistant — I don’t ee and I won out. Here’s one of their revolvers. three are under that seat with the package of money.” “The fact that you are so far from the scene of the ha indicates that you were in the power of the rascals, ‘or time.” ‘Su “The indication is wrong. .I was at no time in habe oes 2a I followed them to the island in the lake, and from the island. ._ they carried me unawares up this river as’ far as I let them go. When I’ve told you all the facts you'll understand the case.”! “T’ll hear you in a few minutes. Well, Benson?” to ‘his assistant who reappeared at the cabin door. — Benson reported that he had found a wounded fda an’ one of the bunks with his ankles, tied, and had discovered th three wS r them unconscious, with a gash over his temple.’ ‘That corroborated Dick’s statement.
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STRIKING A GOOD PEING. ceeee Sra * He then ordered the sloop’s sails lowered and a towing line attached to her bows from the stern of the launch. ' Ten minutes later the party was on the way down the river, ‘the detectives remaining on the sloop with Dick. CHAPTER VIII. VICKERS IN A FUNK, , “Tt took ah hour to reach the lake, and twenty minutes more to proceed to a small wharf, from which the detective’s party had embarked to scout the lake and, if need be, the river, for @ sloop which had been seen making for the island with four men on beard soon after the outrage in the road. The launch belonged to the owner of the farm bordering on the lalke, and he had loaned it to the detectives, sending a ' Man with them to run it. Dick learned that Nick, and the detective who accompanied them in the car, had been discevered by the oecupants of an automobile going toward town. ; Nick was coming £6. his senses at the time, but was severely injured. He told the few facts about the hold-up that he knew, A hunt was made for the bag of money, which was not found, but the detective. was taken out of the ruins of the €ar unconscious. ‘Nick insisted on a search for his friend Dick, and the oecu- pants of the car spent some time looking for the assistant ¢ashier, but failed to find any trace of him, He, Jike the bag of money and the scoundrels responsible for the crime, had disappeared, Nick wanted to continue the search himself, condition to undertake it. “He and the detective were carried to the hospital in town. The party in the auto then went to the station house and ng, ified the police about the outrage. - An. officer was gent to the hospital to interview Nick. The boy was better but very shaky when he arrived there. The hospital authorities, at Nick’s earnest request, had notified Manager Kent by ‘phone at his house, and that gen- tleman arrived about the same time as the officer did. “Nick told his story, and he insisted that his friend Dick must have been carried off by the rascals concerned in the outrage, who had clearly got the money. ‘The manager was in a great sweat over the affair. It was then after six o’clock, and he judged that there had _ béen high jinks among the workmen down the road, owing to ile failure of their pay to reach them. It was too late now to duplicate the money and take it down, for the bank had been closed hours since. He expected to see the road superintendent come tearing into | town for an explanation, and he rushed down to the __oiflee to wait there for his coming. On the way he stopped at the station house’and arranged for several detectives to go to the scene of the hold-up, and - gtart from there to trail the robbers to their hiding-place, oh wherever that might be. -. °He offered a reward of $1,000 for the recevery of the stolen - money Such were the facts that Dick learned from the chief detee- tive on their way to the private wharf. ' The detectives, four in number, had eome out in a fast car. Two of the officers had gone off in the direction opposite to he lake, and where they were now only themselves knew. The auto wa3 at the farm of the man who owned the launch. “Into it were bundled the four rascals, handeuffed, with Dick on the seat with one of the officers who acted as the chauffeur, with the package of money at his feet, The ride back to town was made in record time, as the road ‘was clear, and the party duly landed at the station house. _ Manager Kent was notified that the robbers had been caught and the money recovered, and he hastened to. the station house to learn the particulars from Dick. - The young assistant cashier showed none of the bad effécts ' the hold-up, as did Nick and the detective who se gone in “The pay-car. - Mr. Kent was surprised at his chipper appearance after such strenuous experience, and congratulated him on getting off so well. He was still more surprised when. Dick told him his story, in the presence of the chief of police... but was in no It will be a big feather in your cap with the firm. You are a boy of nerve and action, and no one eould have’ one better than you. I die. aint a reward of §L 000 for y George!” it is quite clear that “you saved the vnoney (Eat in.” the recovery of that money, and I shall ask the firm to pay it over to you,” said Kent. “No, sir, and consequently I'm not entitled to any: reward. Were I not connected with the firm then I might, with pro- priety, claim the reward, but as it is you can see yourself that 1 am out of it,” said Dick. The manager nodded, but said he was entitled to some special acknowledgment in consideration of his zeal. Dick insisted to the centrary anti so the matter rested. It was after midnight when he reached his boarding-house and found Nick absent, The two daily papers, next morning, printed the hold-up sen- sation in full, and it was in every ove’s mouth around break- fast time. After his morning meal, Dick hurried to the hospital and was admitted to see his chum, whose head was in bandages, though he was feeling pretty good. “Well, old man; you look as if you’d been through a battle,” said Dick. “I consider myself lucky to be alive. The detective is in a pretty bad way. How in creation did you come off, 59 easily? You haven't a scratch.” “Because I landed in the bushes, I suppose. land? ‘ee ‘In the middle of the road, thirty feet or so from the wreck of the car.” “Tt's a wonder you escaped at all. Where did you How about the “gtk tive?” “He was picked out of the wreck. .He had three ?ibs, an arm and a leg broken.” ’ “Mercy, he got it bad. I thought it was the gasoline tank caused the explosion, but the police said it must have been made by a dynamite bomb, judging from the looks of what (— is left of the car, If that is so the three of us are lucky to be alive now.” sy “I should say so. I’ve been reading the story in the paper, and I'm bound to say you did a great business recovering the’ money and capturing the four scoundrels without hekpecor i) even a baked other than what you picked up aboard the sloop.” “There was a lot of luck in it. One boy can’t do up four — men, armed with guns, except througl a fortunate streak. Things just came my way.” “That's all right, but without nerve and pluck you couldn't have carried the thing through,” said Nick. “Well, I guess Vil go along with you. I don’t see any reason why I should remain longer here. The surgeon has rebandaged my head, and it won’t have to be touched again till to-morrow mMornigst I can come back then and have it attended to.” ; The house surgeon allowed Nick to go, and the boys went away together. There were two persons in Sterling who read the story at the hold-up without enthusiasm. One of them was Fox, who didn’t like Dick Danvers nor Nick Norcross, for that matter, and was not pleased at the wis idea of the former distinguishing himself, wu The other was Hen Vickers, who waz both lon and alarmed. And he had reason to be, since he was the real binttgaden of the outrage, not only on the pay-car, but on Cashier Brown, whom he had assaulted in order to prevent him from going, out with the money that Saturday. if the affair had gone through with full success, hikes was to get a fifth share of the plunder. Ag the case now stood he would get nothing, and was in danger of being given away by his captured associates. He was shaking in his shoes when Fox, who suspected he had some. connection with the hold-up, ough on him: about nine in the morning. ; “Hello, Vickers, ‘why are you looking so wears about the gills?” asked Fox. ei “Oh, I don’t feel well this morning. Stayed up too, gta: } last night and drank too much hot stuff,” replied Vickers, sf with a sickly grin ¢ ot “That so? Have you read the over yet?” otter: “Yes, ” ya “What do you think about the hold-up? It ¢ came off at last, ane and it has given the new assistant cashier a chance to. cover ¥ himself with glory. There never was much chance of you getting that. position, but now you Lg hens ihe sabat Bs be Vickers made no reply. | “What do you think of Danvers, now?” ; oe hate him worse than ever,” Eames Vv coker
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hes. sii ties ‘Sr STRIKING A GOOD THING. “TI guess that fact won’t worry him much,” chuckled Fox. “Maybe it will yet.” ; “Not much chance. You can see by the newspaper story what kind of a chap he is. He isn’t safe to monkey with. You wouldn’t tackle him, at any rate.” “How do you know I wouldn't?” j “Because you haven’t got the sand, dear boy.” “You don't know me,” “Tf I don’t it would rather surprise me. what do you know about that hold-up?” “What do you mean?” asked Vickers, with an uneasy look in his eyes. “You knew it was going to be pulled off, didn’t you?” “IT knew it? Say, what are you trying to spring on me?” “You told me a week or so ago that you had a scheme up your sleeve that you were going to work on Danvers to get square with him. Yesterday we had a short talk at your desk and your remarks were rather significant. It’s my opinion that you engineered that scheme, and that you're sick this. morning because it failed.” “You're dreaming,” blustered Vickers. “Perhaps I am, but if it’s: the truth I wouldn't care to be in your shoes. The four men who tried to turn the trick are in jail, and if they have a partner on the outside they might find it to their interest to blow the gaff.” . “What is all that to me?” asked Vickers, in a shaky voice. “T don’t know that it’s anything to you. I just mentioned it, that’s all.” “You said it as if you were making a crack at me. you to understand I had nothing to do iekiea the matter, you take me for a fool?” “Candidly speaking, my dear fellow, a do, # replied Fox, with refreshing frankness. a sensible chap wouldn't be guilty of, and that is why you're unpopular at the office, and why Kent has his hooks into you. Take it from me, chappie, you’re not going to last unless you have a mighty good pull with Bradley.” “Don’t worry about me not lasting. I'll stay as long as the office does,” snarled Vickers. “Well, are you going to stick here all day or are you coming “down -the streét with me?” said Fox. Before Vickers could reply there came a knock at the door. “Comie in,” he said. The landlady opened the door.. “Here’s a note that was left for you, Mr. Vickers,” she said. The young man walked over and took it. : He carried it to the window, tore it open and read it. Now, look here, I want Do _“To Hen Vickers:—The job was pulled off in good shape, put the morning paper shows just how it-ended in a failure, landing yours truly and pals in jail. We look to you to hire a lawyer to get us out of this scrape, for we ain't got a red ~ ourselves to pay one to take the case. See that you attend to it or something might happen to you. If we have to do time for the hold- “up somebody else will have to face the music, too; When we're brought before the magistrate we'll waive examination, and that will give you time to get busy. If you fail to come to time, you know what you can expect. Enough said. Steve BuNKER.” | Vicker’s hands trembled as he read the note. What was he going to do? He had no money to hire a lawyer for the men. “The only thing he could do was to pack. up and skip the town before the men squealed on him,” That was the last thing he wanted to do, but there seemed to be‘no help for it. He shoved the note in his pocket and turning to Fox, said: ““T feel too rocky to go wat this morning. I'll meet you this evening at Gilligan’s.” “Oh, all right, * said Fox, carelessly. “T'll be there arene ‘eight, ¥ q He opened the door and walked out, satisfied that Vickers knew more about the hold-up than he would admit. CHAPTER IX. VICKERS SHOWS THE BRAND OF CHAP HE Is. “As soon as he was alone Vickers started to pack his trunk. Suddenly a thought struck him’ and he stopped. ASR ae remembered that when Cashier Brown failed to appear the office on the morning previous that pcaapia te Kent had “You've done lots of petty things |: ‘|.sistant cashier. ' now in. You have blocked me at every turn, and I hate you ‘hate you, do you understand?” hissed Vickers, with bloodshot. the combination so he could open it himself on Monday morning, as Mr, Brown was not expected to be in shape to resume work for several days. Vickers knew that there was over $1,000 in the safe at that moment. Tf he could find the slip with the combination he would be able to open the safe and take whatever money was in it. He would then be able to hire a lawyer to defend the four men, and that would keep them from squealing on him. He reasoned that Danvers ‘had the slip in his desk drawer. A chizel would force open the drawer, and if the> pager: was there the rest was easy. It would be easy to get into the office through a-back win: dow from the yard, for the catch of one of the windows was broken and there was nothing to prevent the lower sash from being Yaised from the outside, and Sunday morning, when there were few people stirring in the business district, was just the time to turn the trick, He decided to attempt it. Of course there was some risk to the affair, but he regarded it as small. The landlady’s husband was! a carpenter and he could easily get a stout chizel from him. The scheme looked so good to him that he lost no time dm: carrying it out, oo got the chizel without difficulty and started for the office Reaching the neighborhood he sneaked up an alley, climbed - over the fence into the yard, and going to the window with ny broken catch he lifted the sash and clambered’ into the office. ~ He thought he heard a sound and stopped to listen. All was silent, and reassured he went to Dick’s desk and began operations on the locked drawer. In a few minutes the lock snapped with a sharp report and he pulled it open. Pushing some papers aside his heart gave a bound of paar faction when he spied the slip with the combination ne corner. Holding it in his fingers he went to the same. He turned the handle of the combination to a certain num. ber and heard the tumblers drop. - Then hé reversed the motion till the pointer on the. disk * indicated another number. He repeated the operation for the third time, seized the : other handle and with a smart turn of his wrist pulled the door of the safe open. Flushed with success he came face to face with the inner, door, which he had forgotten about, and which could only eat opened with its key. He stared blankly at it. ad The key—where shall I find it? I must have. it,” he said alou ‘ ‘ Danvers, 2 “What is the meaning of this, Vickers?” demanded the ; assistant cashier. “You here?” hissed the clerk, starting back. “T have a right to be here, as I came on a spacial erran for the manager; but you—by what right are you here, at that safe? You have broken open the drawer of my desk and taken out the combination, and but for my coming you would prob: ably have found the key to the inner door and used it as. you have used the combination. What's your object? Is it — robbery?” “Blame you, what right have you to catechise me? Why | 4} did you come to this office? But for you I wouldn’t be in the fix I am eyes, “IT am sorry you entertain such feelings toward ‘me, fot I have done nothing to deserve them,” said Dick, calmly, “You lie! You have done everything. And now you thin you have me in your power and are gloating at the though’ You intend to expose me to the manager, who is looking. some excuse to discharge me. And he will expose me Bradley, and that will complete my ruin. Before van triumph thus over me I will kill you!” Vickers rushed suddenly at Dick and struck him a ‘te ‘ blow in the face, which sent him reeling to the floor. ©. Then he seized a heavy ruler and. struck Dick on. eae Be with it, stunning him. - He was about to follow it up with other blows. wh \ the denied of his rage, pe have tation Dick had fot Bin hia | K a He turned around and found himself face to face with Dick i But for you I would now be asx
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STRIKING A GOOD THING. eee ea naan aan nine liyes of a cat, when he heard a noise at the street door. ae stopped and looked fearfully toward the counting-room Or; is He heard the sounds again. Springing on his feet he rushed to the door, took the key from the outside, where Dick had left it when he let himself in, and locked the door on the inside. Then, with feverish energy he seized the unconscious Dan- vers and dragged him into the drafting-room, dropped him on the floor and closed the door. - Crouching like a wild beast beside it he strained his ears for a repetition of the sounds at the outer door. ‘He heard the sounds of footsteps in the hall outside and} then the knob of the counting-room door was. rattled. S ie There was a pause and the steps retreated toward the street oor. Vickers waited in fear and trembling some moments, but heard nothing more. Slowly, and with the cat-like tread of a thief in the night, he glided toward the windows overlooking the atreet, the blinds of which were pulled down. d _ Pulling one blind an inch aside he looked out. The street appeared to be deserted. Then he glanced sideways toward the stoop of the build- 2 ing where the entrance was. There he saw. Nick Norcross, half sitting and half leaning against the iron hand rail. “He came with Danvers and is waiting for him to come “ite: What shall I do?” muttered Vickers. .“Well, I don’t have to go out that way. I can escape by the window that I entered through. I must hurry matters. I must find the ey to the inner door of the safe, clean out the money drawer s and leave town at once before Danvers comes to his senses and puts the police on my track.” , He went to the drawer in Dick’s desk, tossed out the papers in feverish haste and finally found the coveted key - wnder the bank-book. ie It was but the work of a moment then for him to open the . funer steel door., _ Books and papers confronted him, and several drawers, as -well as the square steel compartment called the subtreasury, in which the money was. kept. The key to this he found in one of the drawers and quickly opened it. ----‘ A large bunch of bills lay before his eager eyes. ‘i He rolled them up in two parts and thrust them into his 4 e “hip. pockets. ( In the drawers where he found the Rey was about $15 in spllver change. He dumped this into another pocket. Having secured all he came for, he locked the inner steel ‘door and tossed the key under the safe, after which he closed ‘and locked the outer door. . Then he sneaked to the front window again and looked out. Nick had-left the stoop and was leaning against the railing on the sidewalk, .. Vickers grinned fiendishly at him through the slit. in the ~ blind, ye “You’ Il wait there some time, I guess,” he gritted, malevo- lently. . - He crossed the room, opened the door and looked into the drafting-reom, _ Dick lay there still insensible. - “Ugh, how I hate you!” hissed Vickers, glaring down at cya tpt “You're the cause of all my troubles. I wish you were dead.” Then the thought struck him that he might have killed the assistant cashier. . He shuddered at the idea of being a murdered, and shivered at the thought of the possible consequence to himself in that ' case. "No one saw me strike him down. No one can accuse me,’ te muttered, looking at the motionless lad. “TI’ll leave na window open to give the idea that some rascal made his way in that way. If Danvers is found dead it will look as if the Man who came in by the window killed him. But suppose he is not dead? That when found he has life enough in him to accuse me of the crime? Then I’ll be hunted down by the ‘police and put in jail. I must prevent that. I must finish him and make sure that the truth is never found out.” F Vickers started back to get the Tuler to complete his mur- work. — sn he returned with it: 9 the m dropped ie” » ‘ r He x , doa his nerve failed him} me?” Intense as was his hate against Danvers he couldn't strike him as he lay there helpless at his mercy. As he hesitated a sudden idea struck him, Across the hall from the office was a small store where oil, benzine and a brand of paint was sold. “Tll get in there and set the place on fire, and with such inflammable stuff at hand the building will go up in no time. Danvers will go up with it and then I’ll be safe. But sup- pose that Norcross should come in and catch me while I’m about it, then I’d be in a worse fix, than ever. I know what Til do, I’il lock the front door.” He went to the office door and listened. All was silent in the hall. He unlocked the door and stepped out.. Reaching the hall door he found that the key was not in the door, as he expected. ae did not dare open the door to see if it was on the out- side He peered through ‘tite keyhole and the lock looked clear. He wondered what he could find to brace the door. f He went back to the counting-room and looked out of the front window. ‘ Nick was not outside any longer. Looking around, Vickers saw him standing on the opposite orner. He was glad he was out of the way, so he couldn’t hear the noise he would have to make to break into the paint shop. Getting the chizel he used it like a jimmy and broke the lock of the door, which was only an ordinary brand. Before getting down to work he took another look at: the corner and saw that Nick was still there. He was talking, to the policeman on that beat, who had come along. Vickers saw a pile of cotton waste. He took the cover off the big metal ‘can that held at least fifty gallons of benzine. He soaked bunch after bunch of the waste in it and threw it on the floor. Another idea struck him, but before axsentine it he looked out of the window again, and saw Nick still in ‘conversation with the officer. He carried an armful of the cotton waste into the counting- room and placed it on a chair, which he shoved-under the ~~ desk nearest the drafting-room door. : Returning to the paint shop, he filled a quart measure with benzine and carried it into the office and soaked the cotton with it. He brought a second armful of the waste and put it into a closet, the door of which he left open, and soaked ss with another quart of benzine. ; Then he took another look out of the window. fa) There was no change on the corner, f : “T’lr give them a surprise in a few minutes,” he chucked. He splashed a dozen gallons of benzine on the floor and walls of the paint shop, and he carried a lot of it into the counting-room and distributed it where he thought it would - do the most good. “Nothing like making a thorough job of the thing while one is about it,” he muttered. a Everything was now ready for the blaze to be started and ck he took a last look from ‘the window. ‘ Nick and the cop were still talking away. i . “That’s right. Chin away, you chumps. /Youw'll soon be busy enough when the fire takes hold,” he grinned. Striking a match he touched off the pile of benzine-soaked waste, which he showed close to the big can of the fluid. There would sure be an explosion presently. Then he rushed into the counting-room and ignited ‘tet stuff on the chair and in the closet. “Now to make my escape,” he said, turning bab hc Soa window. At that moment the door of the drafting-room openéil sae | Dick appeared in the opening, a bit groggy, though not ‘ i p H' ¥ F much so but he comprehended the SItHetion. CHAPTER X. VICKERS DISAPPEARS, ; “Great Scott, man, what are you doing?” cried Dick, seiz~ ing Vickers by the arm. : The rascal turned with a cry of dismay. E “You again!” he- hissed. “Will you never cease to cross. ~ “Gross you, you. Scoundrel! You are ures the’ ofee 4
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STRIKING A GOOD THING. 13. has ,prompted you to commit such an infernal deed? Come now, help me put it out.” “Blame you! Take that!” He struck with his fist at Dick, but the boy easily warded off the blow and grappled with him. At that moment a tremendous explosion shook the building, blowing the windows, front and rear, out of the paint shop, which was instantly converted into a sea of flame. The burning fluid ygn out into the hall like a blazing river. Black, stifling smoke poured out of the two windows. The explosion startled Nick and the policeman, and they looked around. It needed but a glance to show that the paint shop was on fire, and blazing furiously. The officer started on the run for the next corner, where there was a fire box, to turn in the alarm, while Nick, know- ing that Dick was in the burning building, rushed across the street, expecting to meet him coming out. But he didn’t come out and Nick rasa, in to find him, though he was taking chances by doing so. In the meanwhile a desperate struggle was going on be- tween Dick and Vickers. They swayed to and fro near the door of the drafting-room. Dick’s foot caught on the sill and he lost his batance, pull- ing Vickers with him, - The ras¢al’s coat cnneht in the handle of the door and pulled it to with a bang. The two hung in the ir for the fraction of a minute, then Vickers’ coat became detached. Fy eae With a shock that shook the room Dick and his enemy fell to the floor, the latter on top. nee “Help! Help! ” shouted the boy, realizing his disadvantage. ay -At that moment the door flew open, admitting Nick and a eloud of smoke. , “Holy smoke! What’s all this?” cried Nick, when he saw the struggling pair. “Help! Help!” cried Dick, who found it impossible to shake off the desperate of Vickers, that rascal being determined to choke him*to death if he could. - “Nick did not recognize Vickers at first, but he knew that the under one was his chum and that was enough for him. He seized Vickers by the collar and pulled him backward. Dick rose from the floor with him, for the rascal did not let go his hold. . Then Nick recognized the clerk, “Vickers!” he cried, in astonishment. “You here. Let go of Danvers. What are you two scrapping about with the building on fire. Let go, both of you.” “"“~Dick at this point broke Vickers’ hold on his throat, and that enabled Nick to pull the young scoundrel off his chum. ‘With a howl of rage Vickers smashed Nick in the face, send- \ ing him staggering backward, then he dashed through the door into the blazing counting-room that was full of stifling black smoke, threw up the window and blindly crawled out of it, ‘and dropped into the yard. : He lost no time in getting over the fence into the alley and making off. > Already the fire-alarm ‘bell was sending its deep tones out - - wpon the’ Sunday morning air, and a crowd of people were rushing in the direction of the smoke that indicated where the fire was, - Several fire engines were on their way to the scene, and ‘their clang and rush added to the géneral excitement. ' Dick and Nick realized that they were in a bad pickle, for the smoke was of such a stifling character that they. could hardly see or breathe. “Come on, Dick. We can’t escape by. the front way. IFol- low me through the manager’s room to the exit on the side street,” said Nick, opening the door beyond and dashing through it. -_-:Dick followed him and shut the door to bar out the smoke. They passed on into, the ante-room beyond, which faced on the side street. . The door was locked, but the key was in it, and it was a 5 sims matter to turn it and shoot the two bolts. Nick did this and opened the door. Then they rushed out, and found a score of people already congregated at the corner, with many others running that way _ from all directions. hs Dick looked something like a wreck after his struggle with Vickers, and Nick, owing to his bandaged head, didn’t look a whole lot better. Wwitan, thes. reaahiod the corner, the flames were in full: pos . / wanted about twenty minutes of the noon hour. session of the paint shop and the floor above, and could be seen through the main entrance and through the blinds of the counting-room. “I’m afraid nothing will be saved in our place,” said Dick, “or in the office above. You can stay and look on if you want to, but I’ve got to telephone the news to Mr. Kent. This is the second piece of hard luck the firm has been up against inside of twenty-four hours.” Dick started for the next corner, where he knew there was a public telephone, and was presently in communication with the manager. They only exchanged a few words, because the moment Mr. Kent learned the office was on fire he wanted to get to the scene without delay. Dick returned to the neemborhacs of the fire, but he couldn’t find Nick. Most of the engines were on nae by that time and they were scon at work. They had a job before them, and they finally got the flames’ under control, but not before the building was gutted from : roof to cellar. The. ell, where Mr, Kent’s room was, partially escaped he general ruin, and the firemen kept the blaze from encroaching - on the adjacent buildings. The investigation by the fire chief, aided by the story of the policeman on that beat, showed that the id had started. sheng the explosion in the paint shop. There was a strong smell of benzine on the’ side occupied by the contracting firm, but this was not considered extra~ . ss ordinary under the circumstances, and until] Dick told his — story later to Manager Kent, who was amazed at the figuring of Vickers in the affair, no suspicions prevailed that the fre was of incendiary origin. “You say that when you entered the counting-room. you found Vickers standing before the safe, the outer agen of which was open?” said Mr. Kent. “Yes,*sir,” said Dick. ; iz “How did he get the combination?” ae st : “Broke open my drawer and took it. He must havo. sai you give it to me yesterday.” “T had a poor opinion of Vickers, but I never thought. him a rascal. He was trying to get at the money, of course, but eS suppose he didn’t succeed. The safe is now in the cellar, and I noticed that the outer door was shut, as it ought to be. You" closed it after catching him ‘in the act,” “No, sir, I did not. I had no chance to do it,” and Dick told of the knock-out he got from Vickers. What happened until he recovered his senses he was i rant of, he said, but when he returned to the counting-room ie found it on fire and Vickers spreading the blaze. ve He said the explosion in the paint shop followed, and nar-- rated what happened between him and Vickers up to the for- ; tunate appearance of his chum, when Vickers got away. . ‘Kent immediately took Dick to the police headquarters, where he told his story over again, with the result that /de-_ tectives were sent out to find and arrest Vickers. They failed to find him at his lodgings, but they anagverea: evidences there whieh showed that the ¢lerk nes made a hasty departure. The police in the neighboring towns and attieg were then as requesied to look out for him. Of course there was no work for the office force afte fire until new quarters had been hired and fitted up, ai took a; little while, On Monday morning, however, -as Soon as the bank. Manager Kent. drew the money necésSary to pay th hands off, and sent Dick with it in a hired car, with his body guard. The stolen money was not available because the polit : tained it as evidence against the four men who had commi ted the outrage. The road superintendent had learned all abeut the hold-up on Saturday afternoon, and sent an explanation to the labore with the assurance that they would .get their at Monday , morning. Nick had recovered the pay-roll book from the oe of. the ; car, and so when he and Dick reached the ground they. were — ready to pay off. ; The men were at work and the superintendent did n § to have the men called off simply to. get their pay, as oN on. i i eae 7 Dick and Nick dined with the superintendent es ihe the village and ss returned to town.
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STRIKING A Slat atte CHAPTER XI. THE EXPRESS PACKAGE. . Dick found a letter waiting for him. ’ Much to his surprise it was from his uncle. That gentleman had read about his nephew’s strenuous ex- ‘perience in the pay car, and the chase and capture of the four Yascals, and seeing that the hoy had secured a good position ' without help, had come to the conclusion that he amounted to - something after all, notwithstanding his college escapade, and ‘was now disposed to resume frietdly relations with him. “You're lucky,” said Nick, “I wish my aunt would capitu- late. the same way.” “She probably will if you give her time,” replied his chum. “What are we going to do with ourselves for the next few days?” “Give it up. I may call on my uncle and smoke the pipe of -/ “peace with him.” -#T would since he seems disposed to let, bygones | be by- gones.” The boys ascertained that their, services would not be’ re- _ quired for that week, so Dick packed his grip and started for his. uncle's home. His uncle, whose name was Foster, lived in a fine house on (the suburbs of Buffalo, and Dick-received a cordial welcome. ‘He told Mr. Foster all about his business experience with the firm of Bradley, Nichols & Co., and his uncle nodded his head approvingly. in guess you’ve sowed all of your wild oats, nephew,” said r. Foster. “J guess I have, for my bent is now full of business. ideas,” said Dick, “I'm glad to hear it. You'll: find me willing to help you ow. ” “Thanks, uncle, but I guess I can get along without _ ‘any help. now. A chap never knows what he can do till he’s put to £6, ‘You really did me a favor by making me hoe my own iy. Whon I found I had to depend on my own resources I got down to business, and the result is quite satisfactory to ‘Still, I would prefer to tackle some enterprise of my own to working for other people. A man never can make much money till he goes inte something worth while on his own ac- eit,” 7.1 ‘There's time alee for you to think of that, nephew. You’ re young yet. Get all the experience you can. before you figure on branching out into your own business,” said his uncle, n. ‘the following ‘day Dick learned from the papers that ‘cargo contractors of Buffalo had formed a coalition and made a demand for jnereased rates for the carrying of coal in jeular across the lake to Canadian ports. ‘his demand was being resisted by the shippers, and as a ult no new contracts were being made. - Outside of those who had current contracts still to complete he cargo contracting business was at a complete standstill. Dick made a tour of the wharves to investigate the situation, hich interested him. smh) i ‘Been in the business for many years, and he told the boy that he contractors were trying to work the squeeze game on the ippers. “The season for shipping next winter’s coal has just com- enced, and the contractors think they have the shippers un- er their thumbs. To a certain extent they have, for they control lake traffic. But wait a bit till some smart chap comes - with a bit of money, and stands in with the shippers, he contractors will alter their tune,” said the man. - “Is there money in the ue nees at the old rates?” asked ick, interestedly. Neg ‘nere’s a fortune in it for those who can get freight right along. fh “Let me know all the facts about the business.” “Are you a reporter?” ; «No. J’m connected with a contracting firm in Starling.” 4 “Come here to investigate the situation, I suppose? Well, ae Vl p put you wise to the facts from the ground floor up.” _ This he did, and for the next half hour Dick was busy mak- a ing ‘notes. and asking questions. Then he ¢alled on the superintendent of a big coal shipping ind hi ie atalk with him. 1 consummate nerve, represented himself as the of the frm of Danvers & Rectan which At one dock he got into conversation: with a man who had|’ GOOD THING. bse thinking of embarking in the cargo contracting business at Buffalo, and he wanted to know what deal he could make with the shipping house for the exclusive privilege of carry- ing all their coal across the lake. The superintendent said the house was in the market at. the old rates. If a responsible contractor came along and offered to accept those rates he would get the contract for the season. As an inducement to such an enterprising individual or firm all wharf charges at both ends wotd be waived during the run of the contract. Dick found out all he could, and was satisfied that there was a fine opening for somebody. The scheme appealed to him, but unfortunately he had no money. Nevertheless he followed the matter up and found a large coal-earrying sloop for sale or charter’ The man who owned her had died two months previous, and the widow, as executrix of his will, wanted to sell or rent the vessel. Owing to the tie-up in the trade she was willing to make easy terms, Dick found out what her terms were, and promised to con- sider the offier. He went back to his uncle’s house, thought the matter out in. all its bearings, and came to the conclusion that if he could raise $1,000 he would resign from Bradley, Nichols & Co., get Nick to do the same, and go into the business with his chum), He believed it was a good thing, if properly worked, and that under existing conditions he and Nick ought to make a bunch of money, At lunch he outlined his plans to his uncle and asked ira for the loan of $1,000. “You certainly have lots of nerve to think of embarking in a business you have had no experience in. You are not lacking” in assurance, either, in asking me to back you up in the busi- ness.” “T don’t want you to back me, only loan me a thousand dol- lars.” i “That is equivalent to backing. you, fori you should fail; how would you-be able to repay the loan?” “Don’t you worry about me failing, Uncle Forter. When I take hold of a thing I put it through for all it's worth,” said’ Dick. “Well, I will not deny your energy, and I guess you are. am- bitious; but I think you are trying to undertake something, beyond your abilities.” “Nonsense, uncle. It’s a good thing. It’s a good idea for a fellow to grip hold of an opportunity when it comes his ways ee “Certainly, if it’s something he can hold on to.” “What's to prevent me and my ehum holding on to this?” “Your inexperience.” “We were as inexperienced as two kids when the manager of the contracting firm gave us the chance to show) what we could do. We made good right off the reel.” “But that was a different proposition. You were taking no financial risk.” : “And working for small, wages.” » “You have prospects of an increase.” ; “I know it, but I’m ambitious to do better now that I see the chance that may not happen again. A new firm of cargo eontractors, especially a young one, would stand no chance here if it wasn’t for the tie-up. Here is the epnnen for situs yers & Norcross.to get their hooks in.” “Danvers & Norcross ought to have an initial capital at least to begin with. To start into what I consider a risky ven- heey ture on borrowed money is the height of foolishness.” “Oh, all right, uncle. If you block me TI can’t do anything. Yl have to let the matter slide and resume work with Brad- _ ley, Nichols & Co, next Monday,” said Dick, greatly disaps pointed. egy - Nothing more was said about the project, and’ Dick went. out, feeling that a good thing was slipping away from him and ‘his chum as well. That afternoon when he got 1s ie received a letter, from Nick. That lad was in high fobs ; 3 He had ventured to call on his aunt, had been han ré- ceived and finally taken hack into her. good graces” when she found he was doing well. Next afternoon Dick was walking along a side’ business: : ‘street, where every other store in the block » ‘appeared to to be devoted to the aes peaks and Bo eas ware ibe ness, ‘ A
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® When an Adams express vehicle, drawn by a single horse, and carrying two employees pretty well caged in, drew up before the entrance that led to whe upper floors of one of the build- ings. The driver remained th the wagon while the other young man, opening a narrow iron gate behind the driver’s seat, sprang out with a book and a moderate-sized package strongly done up and sealed in several places with red wax in which Was iminpressedthe company’s stamp. The man ran into the entrance and proceeded upstairs. Two smocth-faced chaps who were standing at the window of the jewelry shop adjoining the entrance held a brief ex- change of words and then followed him. Somehow their actions struck Dick as being suspicious, and he stopped and looked up the stairs. Suddenly he heard a scuffle and a muffled ery for help. Satisfied something was wrong, he started upstairs, and reached the landing in time to see the expressmian in the grasp of the two men, ‘At that moment one of the fellows got the sealed package away from the expressman and started up the next flight two steps.at a bound. ~. ™be other held on to the expressman and appeared to be choking him. Dick jumped to his reseve. The lone rascal dropped the now unconscious expressman and turned to defend himself. The racket attracted the attention of a clerk from the loft on that floor and he wanted to’ know what was up. “Robbery,” cried Dick. “Help me capture this fellow.” The rascal didn’t wait to be caught, but tearing himself {Tee from Dick’s grip ran down the flight and disappeared into'the streét. Dick did not attempt to follow him, but ran up the next flight to try and find the man who had got away with the ‘package, “There was no sign of him on the landing, and Dick kept on to the top floor. , He was not there, but a Sst ladder to a scuttle suggested ay his line of*tetreat. ; -- Phe scuttle was closed, but Dick saw it was not caught on the under side, so he wags satisfied that the thief had gone on the roof. He threw open the trap and looked around. The roofs of the adjoining buildings were all on a level, and it was an easy matter for amy one to run along them in either direction to the corner, and continue at a right angle as well. Dick’s inspection at first developed no one in sight up there. . There were numerous wide chimneys, behind any one of which'a man could conceal himself. Dick continued . to look, ‘first one way and then the other, STRIKING. A GOOD THING. ae He beat the boy to the scuttle by si a block, disepps down it and closed it after him, When Dick reached it he found that it was fast. The thief had marooned him on the roofs. The only thing Dick could do was to hunt for another se that was not fastened. it took him some time,to find one, and then he discove that it opened into an empty loft and that he’ would have. drop. ten feet to the floor. This he did, but unfortunately he lighted on a. loose bot which flew up and struck him such a heavy blow on the | head that he fell back. unconscious, — CHAPTER XII, STRIKING A GOOD THING, , ; When Dick regained his senses he was in darkness A a had been senseless several hours during whith night allen. He had'a big lump on his forehead from the effects of blow from. the beard. “My gracious! How’s this? Where am'I at?” He struck a mateh and looked around, a He saw he was in the vacant loft into which he had dropp “Tt must have been unconscious some time,” he sald. His watch told him it was after elght. 6 Everything dark, aroun without result. All at once-he saw something flutter half way to the corner and made out that it was the end of a sack coat. “V’ll bet that chap is hiding behind that chimney. If he is Yl have him out of there mighty soon,” said the boy. He stepped up on the roof, left the trap open and started |. for the chimney in question. The moment he did so a figure came from behind the chim- ney and started on the run across the roof, “TI thought you were there, you rascal,” getting a gait on. “You were keeping a sharp lookout and saw me come up. If I can get my hands on you I’ll make you give up that express package.” The follow with the package proved pretty Spry, ainbede, and Dick was not able to overtake him at first. - After a_run half way around the square the snail started to try the scuttles along the roofs, and that gave Dick a chance to close in on him. Finally he tripped over a low fire wall, and before he could et up Dick was on him. They had it hot and heavy for a few minutes, but Dick was “an athlete and more than a match for the thief. : During the struggle the package got away from the fellow, Dick released him and pounced on it. ‘ | “Now you can go,” said the hoy. “This goes back to the express company.” > #0) remember you, young feller, and will fix you for this,” ‘t he thief with a scowl, ck paid no attention to him, but atarten: tor the ae vo the open scuttle was. — j jef went in the opposite direétion on a psu: Daa ane Dick aie not. ee his ‘object, ple It soon eer siutteced the boy, ‘ . i ‘struck a good thing for both of them: j “Tmust get out of this place; but can I at this hour?” thought. ee. He looked around and saw a door by the aid of mate It was closed by a spring-lock, but as the catch Was on inside he had no trouble in getting out. f He marched down the silent and dirty stairs to thie, g floor and the street door, and then he found, as he had f that he was locked in, The street outside was silent, and though he waited fo one to,come along, intending to attract their attenti pounding on the door, no one showed up Then he tried to find a rear way’ out, ‘but failed, though went jnto the cellar. The building appeared to He: Baek es ‘thougi he could for certain, as the doors on each floor were locked. — Finally Dick had to give up and put in the night there. About seven he made his presence known to a pass but half an hour passed before he wag liberated fromi the bi ing by the porter next door, who wanted to know how he to be in that vacant building. Dick told him his story, ; “The robbery of the express package is in all the | said the porter, “The express company has offered a of $2,500 for the capture of. the thieves and the reco the, package, which containg a-large amount oF nse! monds.” “They'll get the pakke back as ‘soon as I oan office, but the police. will Have to catch, Hee thieves, Dick. The porter gave him directions how to find ‘the expr fice, and he started for the place at oncé. _ On the way he stopped at a, restaurant,’ for. he. was » hungry, not having had his dinner. the evenifig, before, ate a big breakfast. 4 ‘ When he reached the express office, and explain errand, he was taken right into the manager's office. To that official he handed over the potkase intac his story. : He was complimented for his pluck a Genersy, that the reward would be paid to him it espective ture of the crooks. He explained how he happened to be in ‘Buffalo Vv uncle, and told the manager that with the reward mon intended embarking with his chum in the carg business as a competitor of the combine that now the situation on the water front. After a long interview he left with the company’ his pocket, and before going to his uncle’s hou telegram to Nick telling him to come on at onc Mr, Foster had been wondering where his nep but his wonder increased when Dick turned up w about the express package and the’ check, The afternoon newspapers had the story, detectives were somewhat disappointed tor to win the reward themselves, Nick arrived on the follows is ae kal ‘plans, Hi a: oO bts
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STRIKING A GOOD ‘THING. - pees ; Norcioss was enthusiastic over the scheme, and they signed articles of partnership without delay, rented a small room for an office down near the water front, and chartered the sloop that Dick had his eye on. Dick then interviewed the manager of the Atlas Coal Com- pany. the superintendent of which he had talked to a few _ days’ before, and made a contract to carry 100,000, tons across the lake to Wellington, in Canada, on ‘the old terms, with free docking facilities at the company’s wharf in that place. * On the Buffalo side all Dick had to do was to- have his sloop ‘brought to the company’s shute and loaded without charge. _ He promised to have the sloop on hand next morning ready ‘to take coal aboard, He was able to do this, for he knew ‘hide he could secure the former skipper and small crew of the sloop at once. While he was attending to these matters Nick was buying supplies for the passage across, and having the vessel over- mauled to see that everything was in ship-shape for the trip. When night fell the captain and crew were aboard with their traps and signed for an indefinite timé at, their regular wages. - The coal company had promised to send a tug at daylight to fetch the Siren, which was the sloop’s name, to the coal shute. "The tug was promptly on hand and the sloop was hauled to the company’s place, where no time was lost in beginning loading her. Nick attended to the furnishing of the little office with a cheap rug, 2 roll-top desk, and sundry other necessary arti- oS also got a painter to furnish two tin signs—one for the treet doorway and the other for the office door. : ‘These signs read: “Danvers & Norcross, Cargo Contractors.” a ‘Word. was carried to the offices of the different members o the Cargo Contractors Combine that the Siren slocp was load- ig coal at the Atlas Company's shute. As the Siren was known to haye been in the market for sale or hire, it was supposed that the Atlas Company had either purchased or chartered her to use on their own account, and nothing was thought of the matter. Agents of the Combine, however, were sent out to block any irther move on? the shippers’ part to get any more vessels to help them out. git is true that a number of diahansand sloop owners were fou tia to follow Dick’s lead, but the Combine had little fe ear that their interference would amount to much, neir craft were all very small and could not catry much meet le Siren, however, was as large as any sloop on the lake, the members of the Combine kicked themselves for not inking to secure her first. _ dt.was arranged between the chums that Dick was to cross Jake with the sloop and attend to business at the other @ while Nick remained in charge of the Buffalo end. ‘We and Dick sent, their resignations by mail to Bradley, Nichols & Co: informing the tontracting firm that they had pene into business together in Buffalo. “They didn’t: Fay what kind of business, leaving the firm to ess. a ick told Nick. to look around and see if the firm could se- ive a second sloop at as reasonable a figure as the Siren had n obtained. oy That was about all Nick would have 'to do, except order some j printing, until Dick got back. The Siren wus au reaay to start late that afternoon, and as @ was money, Dick bade his chum and partner good- by and vent aboard. - The sloop cast off from. ‘the shute, was towed outside, and then set all her sail, The wind and weather favoring her, she made a quick trip across to Wellington, here her coming was expected, as the ager in charge had been advised by telegraph by the Atlas pany. | ras made the dock under her own sail and was made fast. Dick had to pay the unloading gang, as that was part of we agreement. The men’ were furnished by the manager at Wellington, ‘While’ she was discharging her coal, Dick went ashore to see e town and, learn facts connected with his business, a had another object, and that was to try and secure a re- n, cargo, Owing to the tie-up on the American side here was a lack of raft a Wellington to take lumber and shingles across to 1 ufialo, ‘so Dick had no. difficulty in securing a full load. He ¢ uld have forced a high rate on oa a he offered to make a contract for steady hauling at the old rates, and the Wellington Lumber Company closed with him. This action on his part ensured a return load while the coal contract lasted, which was likely to be some time. That made ‘handsome prefits for the chums’ firm ¢ertain at the outset of the enterprise. When the Siren returned to Buffalo and hauled into a cer- tain wharf to unload the lumber, the Atlas Coal Company put up a kick over a day’s time lost at each end. Fortunately when the contract between Danvers & Norcross and the coal company was drawn, the latter had neglected to specify the exclusive use of the sloop, though they took #6 for granted that was understood. Dick pointed out that in contracting to carry coal across at the old rates the firm could not. afford to let the sloop come back empty if a load could be got at once on the other side.’ As the Atlas Coal Company was dependent on the new firm at that moment, the matter in dispute was’ not pressed, on Dick promising to use the utmost dispatch in every way. The situation was still worse at Buffalo, for the Combine had refused to make any, compromise, believing it would win out. help one another out. There being nothing in Dick’s contract that compelled him to take coal from shutes other than the Atlas Company, he was approached on the subject. He gaid the firm had no-objection to making a supplemental contract covering the ground if the coal combine would indi- vidually agree to give him the preference in hauling at the old rate over all competitors, Dick’s object was to insure ateady. business for the firm in case the cargo contractors backed down. He came to a satis- factory agreement with the ‘shippers, and then tried to run out the new firm. Dick’s proposition was daredt to in writing, and the supple- mentary contract was. signed. “That makes success certain, old man,” said Dick to Nick. “Buy a small, second-hand safe and put. the contracts*in it, We need it anyway to hold our account books, ready cash and other things, When our profits begin to mount up we'll rent a safe deposit box.” - “Tl do it,” said Nick. thing.” CHAPTER XII. DANVERS & NORCROSS HAVE: A-FIGHT ON THETR HANDS. That afterncon when the sloop was waiting for the tug to come alongside to tow her away from the coal shute and start f her on her way to Wellington again, a young man fies aboard and asked for the captain. The skipper who was on deck, asked him what he speed. “Will you take me across the Jake for a reasonable sum?” said the young man. “Why don’t you go by rail? You can go in quarter » of the time, if it’s Wellington you want to reach. Besides, we. Bene t take passengers, anyway,” said the captain. The doctor has ordered me to take a ‘water trip for my” health.” “Then why not take the steamer for Cleveland or Toledo?” “T don’t) like steamers.” Ht don’t admire your taste Wnen you pick out a dirty coal sloop.” “Oh, any kind of a sailing vessel suits me.” “Does. it, now? Well, step over to Simmons Wharf. Maybe the captain of the schooner Maria will accommodate you. We have no accommodations for you.” The young man did not seem anxious to go over to the. schooner Maria, which, not being in the coal-carr ying business, presented a cleaner appearance, “We have certainly struck a good i The coal shippers had combined themselves and agreed tow Just then the tug came up and: the captain leit him to at- tend to business. While the attention of all hands was engaged the young man glided down into the cabin, and after-remaining there a \ Fey minutes he came out and met Dick at the door. “Hello, who are you?” said Dick. a “Me? Oh, my name is Smith,” replied the young chap, i “What are you doing about this sloop?” Soaaaaer “Just breught a bundle tothe captain from his wife,” “Oh, all right,” said Dick, accepting his ciues na the truth. , At that juncture the captain came up. “You here yet?” he said to the young fellow. p “wet ashore, Stir yourself or che have to =sim for it, for we're casting | 6 a ‘ off.” mai ah a
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t. : : as STRIKING A GOOD THING. The visitor took a flying leap and hurried up the narrow wharf. “What do you suppose that chap wanted?” said the skipper to Dick, “He brought a package to you from your wife, so he told Ine,” said Dick. “I met him coming from the cabin.” “Coming out of the cabin? Why, confound his nerve. I wonder what took him there? He asked me to take him across the Jake. He said his doctor had advised him to take a water trip for his health, I’d like to know what took him into the cabin. I believe he went there to steal something. Your com- ing probably spoiled his little game. I wish I’d caught him coniing out; he’d have heard from me.” g “Well, never mind him. Are we ready to start?” “We are. I was only waiting for you to come aboard.” a m aboard now, so you cast off,” said Dick, entering the eabin. He sat down at the table and got out a bundle of papers to look them over. While he was thus. engaged the sloop got under way. He was still employed consulting the papers and figuring away on a waste sheet when the tug cast off and the sloop procedeed under her own sail, Shortiy afterward the captain came into the cabin. He walked across to a locker, wut paused as he was about to open it. “Did you ‘bring a clock aboard, Mr. Danvers?” “No. Why do you ask that question?” “Because I hear the ticking of a clock.” “So'do lI. I supposed you’d brought one aboard.” “No. If that. isn’t a clock I can’t imagine what it can be.” “Tt sounds over in that corner near the floor.” The captain went over to the spot and, looking down, discov- ered a small object covered with a piece of newspaper. He picked it up and tore off some of the paper. It wasn’t a clock, but a tin box. The ticking came from the interior of it. “Blamed if I can make out what it is,” said the skipper. “There must be one of these small cheap clocks inside of it. I wonder who brought it aboard. I guess I’ll open it and see. Nothing but a clock could make that ticking.” Dick stared at the tin case which the captain was about to open, an his brain there flashed a suspicion that this thing ight be a dynamite bomb, with a clockwork attachment for atte it off at a certain time. He snatched it out of the captain’s hand, ran out ot the cabin and threw it overboard. The tin-box struck a floating piece of wood and exploded. “it was.a bomb,” said Dick to the startled captain. “A homb!” ejaculated the skipper. “You heard it explode, didn’t: you?” “A deaf man might have heard that. eet in. the cabin?” “Tt strikes me that visitor we had brought it.” “Why should he or any one else bring it aboard?” “To blow the sloop up.” “Por what reason?” “This is the only vessel carrying any coal to speak of across the lake on account of the tiegip. The cargo contractors com- } bine might have employed that young man to bring it aboard in order to put us out of business.” Tho captain nearly had a fit. “What an infernal piece of business! Every,man aboard here might have been killed or drowned, if it had gone off in the cabin.” “Quite likely. It isn’t the first bomb I’ve run against.” Dick told the skipper about the pay car episode. “T must say you've a good nerve,” said the captain. “Why, if that thing had gone off in your hands there wouldn’t have been enough of you left to sweep up.” “Well, don’t say anything about it to the men, who are evidently wondering what caused the explosion in the water, - we might not be able to get them si stay with us after this | rip.” “T won’t say a word.” : When he went on deck a little later one of the crew spoke to him about the explosion, but he Deamensat the densest igno- rance concerning it, The run was made in-good time, the coal discharged, a load of shingles taken om at the wharf of the Wellington Lumber Company, and the sloop returned to Buffalo. | Dick reported to Nick, and also to the manager of the Atlas Coal Company the attempt made to blow the sloop and cargo Boe told his suepiete he Hil ae aig the authors of the out- | How in thunder did it The police were notified, a AckeMiption of the young. man furnished them, and detectives were quietly put on the scent. When the shingles were unloaded the sloop was towed . around to the coal shute to get her third load. ae. The tie-up situation was unchanged, both sides standing by their guns, ie The coal shippers had succeeded in securing another sloop Yo carry their black diamonds across to the Canadian shore, and ~ were running the vessels themselves. ses To that extent They had scored on the cargo contractors, but — even at that, and the assistance they got-from the miscella- neous small craft, they were only able to move a small part of the coal that usually went across. The firm of Danvers & Norcross were doing first rate, — Nick told his chum that he had been waited on by a com- — mittee from the cargo contractors with a proposal that the — new firm should join hands with them, and help bring the — shippers to terms. q Nick said he had refused to consider any proposal without — first submitting it to his partner,"who was the manager, so | the committee said they would call on Dick when he got Back in from across the lake. re A watch was kept for the return of the Siren, and when atts ss was docked .to discharge the shingles the cargo contractors’ — committee called at the firm’s office again and saw Dick. +
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STRIKING A GOOD THING. unt'to the temporary treasurer and it. would be paid with- ut question, - The boys, however, declined to accept this concession. They said busines was business, and all they wanted was the face of their contract in view of the fact that they were losing a certain amount of time to the coal people by reason of taking the return cargos. On the afternoon in question, Dick, as soon as ke landed, Tushed off to the place where the men he hired congregated. __. Some of the men were there, but they refused to go to work. It didn’t take Dick long to find out from his partner that he cargo contractors had at last succeeded in buying the men nb by paying them the wages they Would receive for their or. This was a serious state of affairs to the young firm. if they couldn’t get laborers to unload their shingles and ‘umber in Buffalo, they would have to quit taking the return ‘cargo, and they would be out their profits. Dick called on the manager of the Atlas Coal Co. and asked im if he could help the firm out. As it, was necessary to get the sloop around to the shute § soon as possible. the manager said he would draft some of is yaen for the purpose. i the men objected to working that night on top of their day's toil, with the next day's $ labor in prospect, even if it was halfa aay, \ © ps they said they were not aecustomed to handling very and didn’t want to do it. test was reasonable and was finally allowed. ck and Nick took the bull by the horns, went to a amo ey marched their workers down to the wharf and put ‘had taken the precaution to telephone for police pro- to ward off possible trouble. as lucky he did so, for word was soon passed among the men that the Siren was being unloaded by a miscella~- jous gang, and they sent Souaserics and a bunch of toughs to frighten them off. “athe snd Nick saw the outsiders coming and s¢ented trouble. his worked for a fhtte! and then a rush was started to throw the two boys and throw them into the harbor. foremost two were shot down by the boys, who were up for business, bnt that only turned the assault into a ‘ous riot, and threats of vengeance were hurled at Dick ick as the ruffians tried to get at them ‘on top of the ‘ whither they had retreated and kept up a fire on the unding several more. he toughs hurled brie: and bottles at the boys, and they pies a pers been slaught ad but for the arrival of the police The oe and crew, in the meanwhile, were holding off ) rascals from the sloop, “hich they threatened to burn, fs test excitement Bre} yalled. however, routed {4 enemy in a summary way clubs and then formed a line across the head of morning ‘the tug hauled the Siren around to the shute one of the coal shippers, and she began taking in her cargo. The boys spent most of the day in bed, but Dick was on to go away with the sloop as usual. turn,” said Dick to his partner. “Better be careful in your selections, and work as quietly as you can, for sition will certainly try to do us.” eargo contractors combine were,now hot after the young put the members of it were afr ald to proceed to extremes. knew that if they put the sloop out of business they @ looked on as the persons who engineered the job. n’t that: they cared for that, but they did care for tho oor in case their tools were caught ae forced to wa be ee looked aria for somebody who ey be thorough- uch a person in Hen Vickers, who had drifted to losing all of his ill-gotten money. on his luck and desperate enough to -under- | ey when he bois it was) beste. against Danvers & Norcross, whose presence in Buffalo in a business of their own was a great surprise to him. When the sloop came back with a load of shingles, Nick had a@ gang of men ready to unload. Among them was a bearded man, whos natural complexion had been bronzed by the costumer’s art and made to look . older than it really was. This man was Vickers, and he secured work with Danvers & Norcross. without being recognized. by Nick. Work proceeded under Nick’s supervision, Dick haying Rone to his uncle’s. At midnight work was stopped for an hour, and Nick pro- vided a supper for the gang. The bearded man ate with the others and then he disap- peared. His absence was not noted, or at least no one Wee mitt thing of it. much stuff remained to be discharged. Nick in the nieanwhile had gone into the hold to see hai d While he was there he saw the bearded man sneak down in f a suspicious way; being alive to danger from an unexpected fe quarter at all times, he watched the man, - Vickers looked cautiously around, .and not seeing Nick, and believing the coast was clear, he took a bundle from under ; his coat, opened it and took out a lot of highly inflammable cotton waste which had been specially prepared beforehand. He shoved this in between two piles of shingles and struck a match. The next instant he received a stunning blow on the head from Nick’s fist that stretched him out as flat as a pancake, His beard became disarranged, and Nick, seeing it was tele snatched it off and saw who the rascal was. “Henry Vickers!” he cried. “Yes,” hissed the scoundrel, jumping up and drawing. a small bulldog revolver. “But you shall not live to expose me.” : He shoved the gun against Nick’s left breast and pulled — the trigger. But a kind Providence was watching over the boy at that moment. The cartridge proved to be defective, and did not explode when the hammer hit the cap. It was the only thing that saved Nick’s life. “Hard luek!” gritted Vickers, trying to recock the weapon. But his chance was gone. Nick knocked him down and pounded him into unconscious- ‘| ness, and then he was handed over to the police. He was sent to Sterling to stand trial for his crimes there, and the attempted crime aboard the sloop wag held ba oo be! brought later, insuring him a long term in State p ‘The rest of the. night passed without event. That was the last attempt made against Danvers & Nor ay cross by the cargo contractors combine. Before the sloop returned from Wellington. on her next trip, the contractors threw mae their hands and agreed to accept — the old rate. That ended the tie-up, and ¢he water front of Buffalo re- sumed its wonted activity. An effort was made to cut out the young firm by the old ones, but the shippers vetoed it. Further, Danvers & Norcross got the tip to seeure another sloop, and they would be given all the hauling they could attend to. They didn’t lose any time in attending to the matter, anil within a few days added the Calliope sloop to their business, and their profits increased in proportion. If we had the space we could show how the colleg chums grew rich in their business venture, but as we have not, we must leave the reader to follow their successful career in, his imagination. Many years have elapsed since the events we have narrated, and Dick and Nick are now on the top rung of the cargo con- tracting business of Buffalo. Dick became heir to his uncle’s wealth and Nick to his aunt’s, © and the addition of this money to their resources helped them ahead, but still their whole success started from the first piece of good luck in striking a good thing. Next week's issue will contain “ AMONG THE ‘SHARKS’; OR, THE LIGHTS AND BE ADO WS Or ve basis 1
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- submission to the Dowma, forbidding the raising, prepara- tion and sale of opium in all parts of the empire. Since _ the anti-opium edict in China it was learned recently hun- _ dreds of Chinese have started opium cultivating in sete - just across the border. Throughout the eastern part of Siberia it is no extraordi- _ nary sight to see peasants in the hilarious stages of intoxi- cation brought on by eating bread. In ‘the region between _ the sea and the river called Missouri the humidity of the _ climate as well as the soil is remarkable. In many parts the humidity is so intense that there grows upon ears of corn a species of fungus. As a result of this the bread - made from the corn gives all the results of an overdose of aleohol. Whole districts are sometimes inebriated by this oe ete kind of “alcoholic” bread. ; aaa merchants are losing brads abroad by failing 4 “46! put full postage on letters to foreign traders, complaints - to the Department of Commerce say: From Marseilles the commercial agent has written, saying French importers _ report about half their American correspondence comes 4 with a two-cent stamp affixed, whereas the rate is five ~sents for the first ounce and three cents for each additional ‘ounce or fraction thereof. From Argentina, Australia and _ Africa similar complaints have been received. The depart- ment suggests the use of a special colored envelope ‘for for- eign correspondence would Prevent the oversight. The most powerful single ‘unit electric locomotives that e been designed up to the present time are now being uilt for a Swiss railway. These locomotives, ten in num- er, weigh 168 tons each, total, and would have a weight on their ten” drivers (adhesive weight) of eighty-five tons. - They are capable of developing 2,500 horse-power at a speed fifty miles an hour, with a possible increase of speed to eventy-five miles an hour, for an uninterrupted run of one nd one-half hours, and. can exert a aia pull of eight- thousand kilograms from the standstill. urtis G. Beldwin, of Niet ive: Kan., has just invented | out eutting. Four horses push the machine over the field, and a small gasoline engine drives the thresher. ‘men are required to operate it: oné drives the horses the other. ties the sacks of threshed grain and looks ft the engine. A machine was made and tried several nths ago in a wheat field. It threshed from 25 to 30 eres in a day of ten hours. The pringiple of the machine against the standing grain, and forces it “against vlinder, which threshes off the grain,» depositing ugh, from which it is elevated by an auger to thed ¢yclinder, which rethreshes it. The chaff is nd the clean grain. falls into a sack, or may be | a tube. into a Wagon. oe. alongside, ig blown. oe FAME AND FORTUNE. WEEKLY. CURRENT NEWS The Russian Imperial Council is drafting a measure for machine that threshes standing grain in tia fald withe | menagerie, arrived i in the morning in the store of William | Bartels & Co. Bill Snyder, head keeper, was advised to. Only | bring a small army with him, since the snake, on his way- A strong blast of air from a revolting fan} _hease made ready: dor, iis: ae oie From the moneys appropriated for the Navy Department there is each year expended. $30,000 for libraries.on war vessels. Each ship’s library includes 300 books, mostly technical, and on that account more or less expensive, A “crew's library” is usually made up of about 500 books of fiction and of others of an entertaining character. Each year it becomes necessary to replace about one-third of the — books.. The changes are made upon the recommendation of those in charge of the ships, but it has developed that this is not a satisfactory inethod, as much depends upon the points of view on literature possessed by the responsible persons. So it is proposed’ “to standardize the libraries by making the changes in Washington, applying them gen- . erally to all ships. It is further held that this plan would work for economy, effecting a saving of from Bo 000 to aes $15,000. ae as are Port Elizabeth is the leading center of the South African. ostrich feather trade. Probably the best feathers inthe world are produced within this district. Notwithstanding vigorous and repeated efforts in other lands, this industry’ is largely monopolized in a comparatively small section of | Africa. Many reasons have been advanced in explanation, such as climatic conditions, excellence in breeding and sus perior knowledge as to care of birds. Local experience, — however, shows ‘that birds do not thrive in all sections even of this limited area. Breeding: certainly appears in most _ instances in the product: of the bird. On the other hand, many birds of more or less indiscriminate breeding pro- duce magnificent feathers. Many important problems ap- pear to be yet unsolved in the scientific production of os- trich feathers, which. has received a great deal of attention, The principal one is the defective bar inso many feathers otherwise comparatively perfect, These bars. are not oa in wild bird feathers. : = Sixteen feet of snake was added to the Arsenal menagerie in Central Park recently after eight men had had the battl of their lives getting the 165- pound python into a gunm sack and out again. The snake, which had been “ordered six months ago by the replenishing department of the across the ocean, had shown an insurgent disposition, § en men alighted with Snyder from a motor, car a1 later and entered the Bartels store. ‘The python, releas from its crate, threshed wildly. around the floor. It. not until the primate house in the menagerie was reach however, that the real battle began. With the eight clinging desperately. to its alippery. body, - the syuirmed and wriggled and lashed. The keepers : thrown from their feet time and again, ‘but. mana, ed retain their grip. Tiring at last, when the men we : exhausted, the shake placidly waved ake into the glas da,
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20 FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. THE BOY DIVERS or, THE MYSTERY OF THE SUNKEN SHIP By GASTON GARNE (A SERIAL STORY) CHAPTER XXIII (continued). Then three of the six men suddenly disappeared through a small door in the large one, forming the portal they und protected. ¢ “Our comrades have gone to the prisoners. Our orders are to kill them rather than allow them i) escape!” con- _ tinued the guard who had last spoken. “And you may carry the doar by assault, but that will be the signal for tlae prisoners’ doom,” he added. It seemed that.a dilemma which could not be overcome had presented itself. Dick looked apprehensively in: the Tear. He saw Onslow’s band sweeping down toward the ware- house. _ But some of the ruffians had halted at the cabin which Vadna and her father had been seen to enter. ‘The smugglers had surrounded the building. . There was scarcely any time given Deems or Dick for further argument with the ouard at the door of the ware- house. Almost the ensuing moment the vanguard of Onslow’s charging cohorts fell upon the band of Deems’. _ As the contending forces were nearly equal in point of numbers, it seemed that the issue of the combat upon which the fate of the divers and the young girl they wished __ to save depended, must rest upon the superior valor of the faction who had agreed to aecept a ransom from them,: There were a few men of the black schooner on that ves- sel which lay at anchor in the hidden harbor in plain _ sight of the storage house. » Seeing those men moving upon the deck, and feeling how necessary it was to rally to his suppert every fighting man to be relied upon, Onslow hastened to dispatch on of his men with a,message to the men of the vessel. He ordered them to come ashore at once and join the tanks of his men. __ Deems smiled in derision as he saw Onslow’s messenger hastening toward the deck. He Teadily surmised his pur- _ pose, and he said to Dick: “All the men on’ the schooner are with me. The vessel __ is already virtually in the possession of our band. Let the cs others try to board her and the schooner’s guns will be turned.upon them at once.” | _ But suddenly the door of the large prisop room in which they were shut up opened. In tigen the three is games who had left the outer ier ; “Tf the traitors enter the warehouse at that moment you die!” declared the leader of the guards. The prisoners felt they were in the very shadow of doom. ‘The sounds of combat without went on. Then— crash! crash! crash! came the noise of an assault upon | the door of the storage house. Meantime, Dick, as the guards were swept away from the door of the storage house by the mad charge of Deems’ men, who heeded no order now, though he sought to. re- strain them, saw a sight which caused his heart to quake. He had glanced toward the cabin in which Vadna and her father were hesieged. He saw the building was wrapped in flames. Yes, the structure had heen fired by the smugglers’ They had vainly essayed to force an entrance. The de- fenders had repulsed them several times. Deadly shots had been fired from the loopholes. Men had fallen. The survivors were filled with rage and the thirst for yven- geance. Dick uttered a ery of horror as he saw the structure which sheltered the devoted girl, who was more than all the world to him, given over to the consuming element. Fe bounded away. Madly he sought to reach the burn-- ing cabin. At the same time the door of the storage Bouse fell with a:crash. + CHAPTER XXIV. CONCLUSION. Before the storage house the battle had been fierce. But the hest fighting men among the smugglers were arrayed on the side of Deems. ‘I'he issue of the conflict remained _ not Jong in doubt. The followers of Onslow were beaten back. The victory was won when the retreat became a rout. Then Deems showed he was not deficient in policy, 3 Loudly he proclaimed amnesty to all who would join him. os Many were not slow to avail themselves of Deems’ offer, Presently all the smugglers who had clung to the waning fortuneg.of Onslow, save only a dozen men who were stub-_ bornly defiant of the victors, had joined Deems’ party. Onslow and the few men who remained with him be a hasty retreat, but they went toward the burning ie whither Dick had directed his flying footsteps. | Deems believed that the prisoners in the warehouse doomed — the door fell. Pee did Hh, doubt
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FAME. AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. Sy en aes guard who had entered the prison place would shoot down the captives now before deliverance could reach them. Having ordered a band of his followers to enter the storage house, and reseue the captives, if by any possibility “they ‘had escaped the bullets of the guards, with the rest of his command, Deems followed Onslow’s party. The brave boy; who. had so recklessly advanced toward the burning cabin, was meanwhile discovered by the men who besieged the domed building. They discharged a volley of bullets at the lad, but as he saw they were about to fire, he threw himself flat upon the ground and the missiles of the eoeay passed harmlessly over him. Then, discovering that their comrades were routed and in flight, the men who besieged the cabin took to their ~ heels. Dick reached it. The same moment, almost, the hice was dashed. open and through the flames dashed Captain. Lynn, bearing Vadna in his arms. The men who had assisted in the defense of the cabin closely followed Vadna and her father. But they were not yet out of danger. _ Between them and Deems’ band came the desperate little a heacled by Onslow, who was still intent upon captur- _ ing lie youhg’ girl and her sire. _ “We must capture the castaway and the girl. The young diver, too, must fall into our hands. With the __ three, as hostages, we can compel the arch-traitor to make _ terms with us yet!” cried Onslow, waving his hand at Deems. re But, making a swift detour, Dick and the party from ‘the cabin sought to flank the enemy and reach the band in pursuit of Onslow. Just as it seemed they were about to be cut off and cap- tured; the band, led by Deems, eame so close upon Onslow’s party that despite his frantic efforts to restrarn them, they a in every direction. Onslow was deserted. ag Pind at that moment a shot from the ranks of Deems’: ‘men struck him, The arch-villain fell and did not stir. Charging up to the party with, Dick, Deems and his men found that Onslow was no more to be feared. ’ The smuggler chief was dead. A ringing shout at that juncture reached Dick. The voice was that of old Dan, the veteran diver. Dick uttered : an answering cry, as turning toward the storage house he - gaw that the three friends who had been ee ity there had issued forth, unharmed. - They came rapidly to meet Dick. A most joyful reunion ensued. * Old Dan explained that when the dod fell the guards shad been about to fire upon him and his companions, when into the prison room, shouting: massacre you all if you harm the prisoners !” That. message was the. reprieve of the prisoners. The rds lowered their weapons. The men 08 ae revolu- ) . Phe prisoners were saved. 1 eta tbe Racm and ‘said: ‘He drew it forth and led the way to the old temple. ‘tion took command. one. of their comrades, who had been, lett without, rushed -. “Deems’ men have won the fiche and they swear they'll slight change in the terms of your ransom. They declare you must deliver the treasure of Sebastian to them at once. : Then I’swear you shall all be taken away on the black schooner and landed on the Florida coast, where-you can easily make your way to Seminole Village. Do you | ~ agree?” ; “Tt shall be as the men demand. . Follow me!” The lad had Sebastian Onslow’s: letter’ in his pocket, Con- sulting the dead man’s message, he said, when the temple was reached: “Took under the seventh stone of the stairway leading ~ to the main entrance.” Provided with the necessary impléments, the smugglers eagerly set about the task of removing the stone. The treasure was found and divided among the band. An hour later the prisoners were all taken on board the black schooner. The vessel was manned by a crew of picked men from Deems’ party. The leader of that fac- at The vessel set sail. pak Tn due time they were put ashore one night near gins inole Point. Then’ the black schooner sailed away and the vessel was-never more seen by them. _ Naturally there was great rejoicing over the safe return of the boy divers and their comrades. With as little delay as possible Captain Lynn fitted out an expedition to recover the gold from his ieee treasure — ship. - The voyage tothe locality was safely Anges and after some preliminary under-sea explorations by the boy div- "8 ers and the veteran, the sunken ship was found. ~~ a The brave boys and old Dan then set to work with as will to recover the treasure from the sea. They were fa- vored by fine weather and at last the task was done. Laden with the recovered gold, the steamer of the sub- maring treasure-hunters returned homeward, and Vadna’s future, that of. her benevolent foster- father and alt her friends, was assured. Some years later an event which has heen Pane Scat place. It was, of course, the marriage of Dick and Vadna. Then the former abandoned the perilous calling of a diver, becoming the partner of his MAUres Seber in a line of sa southern steamers. srs ‘Mark Seaworth was captain of the finest: vessel owned by on Lynn & Co. a Old Dan retired about that time from the active pursuit of his dangerous profession, having accumulated a com- fortable fortune. Bi Se Bn ag. THE END... ; i OUT NEXT WEEK! ——A New Baseball | Serial— : Nae BE SURE TO READ HAND IN HAND REG ue THE LUCKY LEGION By Gaston Garne. - IT WILL INTEREST YOU INTENSELY ~~ > OUT NEXT WEEK! —
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AMATEUR RUNNING RECORD BEATEN. - FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. FACTS WORTH READING | placed on flat boards and conveyed to the clay “hops, The world’s amateur running record for fifty miles was| where the “imarbles” are made. _ beaten at Stamford Bridge Athletic Grounds, London, England, recently, by E. W. Lloyd, who ran the distancec in 6 hourg 13 minutes and 58 based: J. H. Dixon, the holder of the record since 1885, in that year ran the fifty miles in 6 hours 18 minutes and 26 1-5 seconds. Lloyd’s record is 4 minutes and 28 1-5 seconds better. IN FAVOR OF FORTIFYING THE CANAL. As a result of the visit of the members of the House ' Naval Affairs Committee to Guantanamo, Cuba, and Pan- ama, it would seem that the members are in favor of ren- - dering the canal impregnable, and placing a garrison at Panama of sufficient strength to prevent a hostile force from making any attack upon the canal. throughout. its entire length. ‘Col. Goethals stated before the House Mil- itary Committee last January that a garrison of 25,000 men would be needed, for this purpose. This is a large force; but when we consider the magnitude of the inter- ests involved, it does not seem to be, excessive. SKI-MAKING IN NORWAY. _ This is the latest out-of-the-way industry to be described in the versatile American consular reports. The consu] general at Christiania states that Norwegian skis are not made in factories, but by carpenters who devote all their time to this pursuit,.in summer laying up a supply for the following winter. They make them in their homes, by hand, and sell direct to the users or to retail stores. Lately Germany has begun to make skis by machinery. The best ‘skis are made of green ash, the next best of oak, and the _ cheaper grades of fir and pine. They vary in length, the rule being that skis should be as long as the distance from the ground to the height the wearer can reach with en- tended arm and finger tips. The “bindings” for skis are ' made by local harness makers and sporting goods factories, and are of pigskin. Skiing poles are made of ash, oak, or --bamboo. Near the point a ring of wood encircles the pole, to which it is attached by leather strings; this is to keep the pole from sinking more than a few inches into the - snow. : MAKING MARBLES. S “Most of the “marbles” so beloved of the small boy are made of clay; the “glass alleys” are made of glass; while Oag ss to some extent, enters into the manufacture of spec- ial and fined “marbles.” - The clay is cast into a “pug-mill, “chaser,” and, as the heavy wheels revolve over the clay, it drops, in pulver- ized form, into a bin beneath the mill. Thence it is lifted, by an endless elevator, to storage bins, - The next step is to force the stiff clay through the per- forated base of the pug-mill, from which it emerges in the form of clay strings, the diameter of which is regulated the: round holes in the base of the mill. These rolls or s of clay are pulled from the pug-mill when they have feted a length of about eighteen inches. They are i Bee o When the eubes have been cut, they are placed in an or- dinary tin pan and turned over to the workers, generally girls. A handful of cubes is picked up and these are placed, one at a time, in a grooved plaster-of-Paris mold. The size of the groove also depends upon the size of the “marble’”’ to be made. When there is one clay eube in each groove a plaster oblong block is adjusted in position on top of the cubes and pushed forward and backward until the clay cubes become round and rolled true. This oper- ation is one that consumes but little time. The top block is lifted and the clay “marble,” in its “green” ees is placed in a tray. A worker who hag acquired skill in her work can, is said, make from 25,000 to 30,000 a day. “Marbles” are counted by weight ; aleo by the cubic foot. The small clay “marble,” measuring nine-sixteenths of an inch in diam- eter, weighs six and one-half pounds to the thousand, and is colored at the rate of 200,000 every eight minutes. LARGEST ARTIFICIAL HARBOR IN THE WORLD. Rotterdam’s new harbor, which is rapidly nearing com- pletion, will be the largest artificial harbor in the world, the water having covered 766 acres. It was in 1907 that the municipality voted its construction, and work was at once commenced on those portions lying without or beyond the Maas dyke. As for the polder land within the dykes, a law of expropriation had to be passed. As soon as that “4 was passed, in 1911, work could be commenced there as — well. Meanwhile, in the outer dyke portion, a basin of 125 acres, of which 106 acres is 28 feet deep, was com: pleted and at once taken into use. Indeed, as early as 1908 the first sea steamer moored there. So, as s00n aS the expropriation had taken place, work was commenced on the portion within or. behind the dyke. This ate rola but slowly at first, for it had to be done “on the dry,” they say there, by excavation, which can only pas a maximum of 45,000 cubic yards in-a week (while. dredging ‘machines can in the same time remove 85,000 eubic yards). But there was no other way, for if the water had been let — in by piercing the dyke, all the low-lying Jand behind it would have been flooded, so the portion of the polder des- tined for the harbor, some 230 acres, had first to be en- closed by a dyke that joined to the existing Maas dyke. at each end. This new dyke is 16 feet high and about % 900 : feet long. .Behind it is a raised roadway 33 ‘feet wide, where a railway is planned to run right along the harb About 1,400,000 cubic yards bf earth went toward construc- tion of the dyke and road, the earth: being excavated from the harbor. ; The last excavator stopped work in October last, a dredging machine was at once set to work to dr away the portion of the Maas dyke that stil] separat outer from the inner portion, thus letting the wa the new basin. Since then work has pro When ota tates Nees harbor will have a
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Ki a CHAPTER IIT (continued). Pies guess'so,” said Smith, as he tottered away . “Only put @ somebody in my place to-night.” : “Don’t yez worry; I’ll see to that.” _ Just then a steamer whistled for an open draw, and Mike got to work at the capstan. .? f “Mike, * said Mark, as he also took. a hand at the bar, - “that man looked pretty sick. I doubt if he gets back here by to-morrow night.” “Vm. afther thinkin’ that same “ mesilf, boy.” cen ‘Who will you get to take his place?” |, - Be jabbers, I may haye to sthay all noight mesilf.” St “Does it require experience to work this drawbridge ?” 3 “Shure, no more than yez see now.” a “Fave: you any objection to my taking the job?” _ Mike ulmost Gropped his capstan bar. “You?” he gasped. “Shure, , Yen are jokin’, Mark. It’s not, a foine enough job for you.” ““Ten’t it?” said Mark, almost gaily. “Well, I’d have eu know that beggars are: not always choosers. I am a eggar, or, at least, a pauper, just now, and I’ m willing to work at anything.” Mike spat on his hands. ~“Ayrah, it would be hard work for yez, ad. Gi: “Oh, then, you are not willing.” /-OWitlin’ 7 ” ejaculated Mike. “Shure, it’s falsiatitea I am. But mebbe yez will do betther after a while.” Oh, I expect to. But this shall be my start.” ©The job is yours, lad.” ett 3 “And will Mrs. Maguire give me board?” “Shure, me house is pg to yez foriver, lad, an’ not a} Mark finally convinced the generous iesiman that is vas. necessary that he should be allowed to pay his board, ah Teves taupe were completed. Beton the dlay was oe had Gin a pit at Nees om that moment he began to rise. Pluck and pr ogress me his motto. He was faithful in his duties as ree at the bridge for a eS Then « came a ia in ea ' FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. MARK, THE MONEY: MAKER ae See HOW A SMART BOY GOT RICH By ED KING (A SERIAL STORY) He had received eighteen dollars per week for his work. When the month was ended he had saved up fifty dollars after paying his board and buying a few necessary articles a} of clothing. It was really a small sum, but to Mark it was a big start. At this juncture Smith had recovered sufficiently to go back to work. So Mark was once more out of a job. But his heart was light. He had the nucleus of his pros- . i So the day he bade farewell to the Ma-— pective fortune. guires he set out with gay spirits to seek new scenes and new fortunes. The whole-souled draw tender and his wife wept when Mark took his departure. “J will come back to see you some day,” the lad declared. “Rest assured I shall never forget your kindness.” ez are always welcome,” declared Mike, earnestly. Sea Mark now changed his mind about leaving Westvale suid ever. The reason for this was plain enough. The county fair was to be held at Westvale that wake: From all parts of the country people were flocking to ot great cattle show. Mark’s mercantile instinct told hee: that ees was an opportunity. He had fifty dollars in capital with which he could purchase a small stock in trade and do some business ss at the fair. So as he walked on toward Westvale he plating his i enterprise. So absorbed did he become that he took the longest road and found himself much.out of the way. Shs walked on until past the noon hour. Mrs.. Maguire had given him a little luncheon, and he cast himself down hiss a tree by the roadside to eat it. aa When he had finished eating drowsiness came over him a mes if and he fell asleep. He wag awakened by voices. Mark rose upon his elbows and rubbed his eyes, looked about him. Nobody was in sight, but “Nes heen Sf voices raised in anger and profanity, At once he boone wide awake. Much PEG 3S he crept through the thicket toward the scene of argument. - Ina few moments he reached the brow of a declivity of sand and bushes. He heard the grating of steel on. ae and partly distinguished the forms of two men. vi A moment later they came into view and walked straight if = toward him, A sense of fear seized Marit: . _eHAPE ER _ v. mee 4 i
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7 rae. a style well caleulated to inspire one with distrust and “fear. . ¢ _ in a nasal voice. - dence about. us. “Because it’s too risky. in ashes before morning. mills of Westvale. One was short and stout, with a heavy jaw and a forbid- ding, brutish face and red hair. He was dressed in a seedy suit and wore a slouch hat. His companion was tall and lanky, with an abnormally long nose. He had ferrety eyes and a hang-dog manner which indicated the criminal. Truly Mark felt that he had never seen two greater speci- - mens of the type of villain in his life. The stout man carried a long-handled spade in his hand. Mark crouched down in the thicket, and for a moment thought of fleeing. But the next moment the two strangers turned to the right and passed through a growth of scrub. - “Tt will be safe enough hyer fer a day or two,” said the stout man. be all right.” “Tf we lose it, it7ll be your fault,” said the tall man, of the country now.” “Yas, that’s your style. my revenge afore I go.” “Youre a fool!” “Waal, you’re another! But I tell you I’m goin’ ter hey But it’s an easy thing enough ‘ter do. I ain’t afraid ter show my head in Westvale agin. They can’t prove nothin’ agin us. They ain’t got no evi- But ye’re a confounded coward.” “I’m prudent, and you’re rash. I don’t mind crackin’ a . safe, but when it comes to incendiary work, then I’m out of it.” “Why me You never heard of a firebug that ‘didn’t get caught.” ~“You make me tired! D’ye think I’ve waited these years ter git square with Joe May, ter give up ther chance now ?” “What did he do ter you?” “He did me a wrong onct, when I was a young man. He swore agin me in court. Blame him! I'll see his malls Oh, I’ve got the plan all laid.” ~“T don’t care how mitch ye do to him. Only I know ‘the hounds are after us, and we’re taking a great risk. I want to git out of the country. ‘ There’s too tne charged agin Darius Small.” “There ain’t more agin 7H than agin Boss Haley. , Come on! Let’s get out of this.” The two crooks pushed through the underbrush and reached the highway. Mark held his breath with excite- _ ment and apprehension. _ He would ‘have been dull indeed not to have gathered fearful revelations from the words of these two men. ; He understood that Boss Haley, the cracksman, had a _ grudge against Joseph May, the rich millionaire of West- c we, and father of Jack and Gertrude May. “He meant to consummate his revenge by burning the Tt was a horrible revelation. Forgotten were his plans and all else in Mark’s ee est in this matter. seized with the impulse to at once speed to West- the Lepr ae made sure bea) the ake ie “T’ll shove the spade into ther bushes, and itll}. oy ye'd taken my advice we'd been outt White met him at the door, I wish to place in your hands. FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. | : But just as "he was about to set out for Westvale at full — speed a sudden thought came to him. What had the two villains eo doing with a spade in the sandy hollow? Curiosity overmastered the young listener, and he:found footprints and’ a mound of sand under a bush. What was. under that mound? Had the crooks buried : some evidence ofa crime there? , It was a grewsome thought. But Mark wag a lad of courage. It did not take him long to decide what — to do. : He searched in the bushes and found the spade. Then he went back and began to uncover the excavation which had been, filled in by the two crooks, Three feet from the surface the spade touched a hard substance. There was a metallic click. fy Mark hastily threw out the sand. In a few moments the truth was known. He knelt down and lifted from the — excavation a long and deep tin box which had a handle. The cover was lightly fastened. Mark raised it and — beheld that which gave him a tremendous surprise. es The box was packed with bank-notes of high denomina- — tion. Thousands of dollars were in the ’box. For a few moments Mark was weak in the knees. He, ; looked about him guiltily, as if his actions.might be ob- — served, and as though he might be adjudged a thief. It was safe to assume that Haley and Small had not Sone ; by all this money honestly. . It was ill-gotten booty. But what should he do cans it? This was the question which Mark found it difficult wa i answer. He wiped the perspiration from his brow. — Not for a moment did the temptation offer itself to possess himself of the treasure. It was a fortune, and would have ‘given him a nity start in life. But Mark knew right from wrong. “Tt is stolen property, and should be returned to its owner,” he decided. Then a thought came to him. He would take the bor of money to Westyale and surrender it to the authorities. They might find the rightful owner. So Mark took the box on his shoulder, for it was auiihe heavy, and started. He reached the highway and wenllceth eg on as fast as he could. A lorig stretch of lonely woods intervened before he ee to the outskirts of. Westvale.. Mark’s nerves were sorely tried on his way through this dark region. But he finally emerged safely and entered the outskirts of the town. He was now again in a quandary. He kn that the box would attract attention. Would it be reco nized and he adjudged a thief? ; But nobody stopped him, and Mark kept. on until | reached the house of Mr. White, the town constable. — “Why, Mark Morton!” he exclaimed. had left the country.” Mark thought the constable’s words stage “Oh, no, Mr. White,” he said. “I have been at work on the Magog drawbridge. But I have something he hic canee nb — and ageistence, fc sae
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FAME AND’ FORTUNE WEEKLY. FROM ALL POINTS A British expedition, under official auspices, is now en-| gaged in the difficult and dangerous task of exploring the _ little known territory about the headwaters of the Irawadi, the great river of Burma. _ parties, one under Mr. J. Barnard, and one under Mr. F. ~V. Clark, and will be in the field for about 5 months. - It is estimated that the 25,000,000 tons of shipping ‘which rounds Cape Cod during the year will be so far bene- - fited by the opening of the Cape Cod Canal that it will be perfectly willing to pay a toll for the use ofthe canal. The 11,000,000 tons of coal shipped annually to eastern ports » will-find the inner and sheltered route of great advantage and probably the greater part of this, or such part as is carried in barges, will avail itself of the canal. An agricultural laborer’ at St. Osyth, near~Clacton-on- Sea, Essex, England, earning $4 a week, has been acquaint- ‘ed with the fact that $100,000 has been left to him by an old schoolfellow who emigrated to the United States many years ago and died there recently, A Matlock wheelwright, named William Thompson, who states that. he inherited $60,000 from an uncle in Utah, hag received almost two hundred letters this week from women who want to marry uim or from impecunious wellwishers anxious for gifts or loans. Many of the writers inclosed stamped, addressed envelopes, which Thompson, who declares he can neither read nor write, is having returned in consequence. Jt is not often that one hears of such novel use being ade of a railway locomotive as to extinguish a fire in burning building, but a locomotive was recently so em- oyed on the outskirts of a western town. About thirty- five feet from the railway tracks stood a: structure con- ructed principally of wood. This caught fire, and as it would have been impracticable to await the coming of he town fire company, a considerable distance off, the engineer of a train then standing idle on the track con- ived it to be his duty to put out the fire. Accordingly > steamed up to a point opposite the burnig building, med on all his Steam, and blew out the fire in a few inutes. Steam will, in many cases, smother fire. Gea Fes Weather Bureau estimates that in the four. days’ rainstorm which devastated certain towns and villages in the upper watershed of the Ohio River, sufficient water ll to cover fifteen million acres of land to a depth of one ot. This represents between five and six thousand billion ons of water. In the presence of such eccentricity of ure, the works of man, whether they be restraining rvoirs or artificial banks or what not, become mere pyg- and utterly futile for restraint. A four-day rainfall ‘ill cover such a State as Ohio witha depth of seven f control by any appliances that are known in the of engineering ee es Se ere ee | : te to mitig $f te ster. thy “ea qe - ‘ - oY ts he ; a a Ree” SERENE 2 ale oe ea The expedition consists of two’ All, we can hope! i ‘these are connected to the seats. 25 Recently herring by the million were in Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The locks of the Delaware City terminus were so filled with fish that vessels had trouble in passing through. The same condition exists’ at the Chesapeake City, Md., end. - Many vessels that pass through the canal en route to and from Philadelphia and Baltimore are of such dimensions that their sides scrape the walls of the locks... As a result, thousands upon thousands of herring are crushed with the passage of each boat. Residents of _ Delaware City and Chesapeake City seized the opportunity to reduce the cost of living and caught: many tons of her- ring. The reason for the scarcity of shad this season is a mystery. It is believed the blame for the scarcity of shad will be placed on the unprecedented number of herring 1 in Northern waters this spring. Government officials state that, by the time the Panama Canal is opened, ships may sail through terraced green’ lawns instead of the bare yellow earth slopes now in evi- - denge. The reason is not altogether an esthetic one. It is, believed that seeding the sloping sides of the canal through | the cuts with a strong grass may preyent the slides now so frequent and will reduce the wearing effects of the trop- ical rains. An expert botanist from, the Smithsonian In- stitution has been intrusted with the task of testing this. theory, and the Department of Agriculture has co-operated . to the extent of shipping to Panama thousands of pounds of grass seed. It is pointed out that, even though it be impossible entirely to prevent the occasional big slides, it is almost certain that the planting of grass seed will result - ; in a great saving by holding the ground from starting | ex- cept under great pressure and iy reducing the erosion which brings down a tremendous amount of earth in the course of a year. Auction sales are accompanied by a great deal of noise, ° and in order to do away with this an electrical method has appeared in Holland which seems quite promising, and the sales are now carried on almost in silence. It is now ap- plied to selling eggs by auction, according to the custom | which prevails in the agricultural centers throughout the country in the wéckly markets. Eggs are auctioned off in 1,590 lots, and on the new plan each bidder has'a numbered 2 seuh with a push button and wiring. The seller is: sta- tioned in front of a large dial having prices ranged around — S it from lowest to highest. There is also a large board con- taining like numbers which can be electrically lighted, and- After the proper an-_ nouncement of the lot of eggs as to quality and weight, the seller starts the hand slowly moving around the dial. When at any figure, the buyer presses hi button and the. corresponding figure on the board lights up, and his num- ber is registered by an annunciator. As the hand moves on, aoe next bidder can oe. a ee number, ae he cee
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FAME “Fame dad Fortune Weekly. NEW YORK, JUNE 6, 1913. TERMS TO SUBSCRIBERS Single Copies One Copy Three “lem nag One Copy Six Months. One Copy One Year J Postage Free. HOW TO SEND MONEY—At our risk sond P.O. Money Order, Check or Rogintéred Letter; remittances in any other way are at your risk. Wa accept Postage Stamps the same as cash. When sending silver wrap the Coin in a separate piece of paper to avoid cutting the mien ope. Write your name and address plainly, Address letters t Cee ie chs syetree t Frank Tousey, Publisher * Omas, E. Nenannén, Seoretary 168 West 23d St, N.Y. BRIEF BUT POINTED ITEMS In Tibet sheep and goats are used as pack animals, and a flock of these animals, well loaded, journey from there “to the Rampur Fair, in India. he hardy little beasts take over a month on the long and arduous journey, traversing on the way several high passes, where other pack animals would be useless. _ The cotton handkerchiefs supplied to French soldiers _ have now printed upon them a number of sanitary pre- cepts: to be observed on the march and during a cam- ‘paign, and are further decorated with pictures of officers of all grades, so that a French private can tell at a glance - 16 what grade any officer he may see belongs. ‘The following note, signed “Christian,” was received re- - eently in the office of the Collector of Customs : of Customs—Dear Sir: ‘duty which was not paid on 3 gallons honey which was misrepresented by a party who brought it to me from the West Indies a short time ago; believe a gallon is allowed _ free, therefore am paving on the excess 2 gallons; it pays ‘to do right at all times, whether you are rich or poor.” ey Three Americans may attempt within the next, few borow of Philadelphia, Joseph M. Callahan of Pittsburg, and Benjamin H. Schlomherg of New York. Durborow The other two are life savers. Callahan has. ming Club. professionals. bP aN Are post system, according to statements subrnit- Interstate Commnierce Commission by counsel panies in their final arguments against the, express rates proposed by the commission. | AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. “Collector Tnclosed please find forty cents for! months to swim the English Channel, the goal that the} mum? Mis world’s best distance paddlers have ever held in sight.| did you know? Buteher—I noticed you was Paymg half. The candidates for the gruelling test are Charles Dur-/a pound more ‘at Sea e ik oye is an amateur, and a member of the Philadelphia Swim-! to everybody but your little brother. Why don’t been attached for seven years to the iilantse City squad | ma, little brother ayer takes it. iy eee companies have been hit hard by the operation ' to carry - owt.” “What did he sas?” “He pr | Walker D, Hines asserted that for the five companies he = represented—the Adams, American, United States, South- ve ern and Wells Fargo—application of the proposed rates to; — =... | present business would reduce revenues about $26,000,000 RE !a year, or 5.85 cents on every dollar’s worth of business” | done, and this would be ‘Absolutely destructive. B. F. Fairchild, of the New York Chamber of Commerce, for “ | the express shippers, attacked Mr. Hines” argument as ; ‘purely theoretical and hypothetical,” and insisted that sk proposed rates would yield an ample ‘révenue. He | maintained also that the present allowances made by the: express companies to the railroads for transportation: 1 service were excessive, JOKES ‘AND JESTS. Muggins—Henpecke has a wonderful admiration for if that youngster of his. Buggins—Yes, the aaiee eee talks back to his mother. Languid Leary—Don’t you wish ye had an nteuebitee Pete? Perambulating Pete—Rathor have: ‘a ae. baby gf in’ ’em’s too much like work, REY Tom—She’s. as sweet as sugar. Dick—Adulterated sugar? Tom-—-No; why? Dick—I thought it must be, she has such a sandy complexion, as, CSR res i % oe ¥ Foote Lighte—Was ‘that London inelodsérna: redlistia! Sue Brette—It was, indeed! Why, the ie on se bebe seemed to be in a fog nearly. all the. time. tnt New Maid—The grocer and the fake: left the ene and cream, ma’am. Mrs. Housekeep—I hope they ‘are | fresh. _New Maid (blushingly)—Well, they each stole im kiss, ma’am, ~ % oe A shipwrecked sailor said they were out\of provisions an open boat, for 20 days. “How did you live?” “Sure, sir, we dined on one of the officers. It was the first mate we'd had in a month,” wa sri Butcher—You’ ve six or uti, new boarders, ain't FOUy limdiet—Less. They came yesterday, H 1 ‘ Mamnia—_Why, Baie, you've ofteted: your pana _it to him? Susie (with innocent candor )—Becat be delighted. ‘Carrying them out,’ he said, ‘fra het quieter than erie them out.’ ” cade At fier the companies had suffered a loss’ vith the ‘nsual “1 ae pardon ént. in’ Sh eens pack pee business—a right, my man; don’t you 2 ieto ;
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A, COWBOY AND HIS OUTILiT. By Paul Braddon. _ the story of American frontier life, the cowboy, will soon _ be known no more. There «will be great farms devoted to _ stock-raising for many years to come, but the cowboy of the unfenced range has lost his occupation. The range has been covered. first on one. side and then on another. by. the - flood tide of homesteaders, wntil there is no place left in the Southwest, save on the waste lands of the Indian Ter- _ritory and a part of western Texas, where cattle can be raised and kept on the range, subsisting on the grass and water that nature supplied spontaneously the year round. No Man’s Land, which from its not. being subject to entry ' would, one would think, haye been the last stronghold of the cowman, as the cattle owner is called, and his assistant, _ the cowboy, has been cut up into homesteads, and but one Clear Creek, about fifty-five miles from Meade, Kansas, - remains, and he has but hundreds of cattle where once there were tens of thousands. >The cowboys resisted the grangers, as they call the set- on desperately... They drove’ their herds across the set- - tlers’ flelds, they rounded up and.drove off the settlers’ Little bunches of cattle and horses, they shot his sheep and _ hogs, they shot the settler himself. One case is on record _ where two settlers were bound in chains, saturated with y: kerosene, set on fire and burned to death. But the advance a of the settler was not even checked by the efforts of the cowboy. The ie could and.did shoot as well as = : -and hog that fell before the advancing herds of vaitle pat their attendants it is likely that ten steers paid the cost with their lives, while quite as many cowboys as settlers died violent deaths. With the cowman. it was a question of “profit. As he got hemmed in by the settlers he found not aK only the feed for his cattle cireumscribed, but he found the ‘increase in his herds seriously cut oft by the Winchesters of _ the settlers, in spite of the vigilance of his cowboys. ‘There was nothing for it but to sell out and go into some mes business. People all ov er western Kansas and No Man’s Land are of stories and reminiscences of cowboy life. In fact, aty of the citizens of these Western villages served as rhoys at one time and another before they became mer- mts, mechanics, professional met, ete., in some favorite ocation for a town site. One hears on every hand ex- ssions that were technical in the cowboys’ camp. Tand- Osgood calls his guests to breakfast in the morning ‘3 ow ith the song that dae cowboy sings while riding around his cattle at night to keep them from Boney ey ightened ond stampeding, thus: — fay- --8-a—¥ 0- 0-0-o—Hay-a-a-a-a—Y 0-0-0-0 + Break- et 121 psogthing is tied up it is said to be roped, from ch the cowboy applied to the use of the lasso. ehold goods : are termed an outfit, So is his FAME AND FORTUNE WHEKLY. One of the most. picturesque characters to be found in| _ cattle range worth mentioning, that of Ludwig Kramer, on | ee too, is the clique he associates with socially. He belongs to a poker outfit if he plays cards with regularity, or to a pious outfit if he goes to church, People in the Hast have often read of the cowboy hii on a spree “shooting up the town,” or lynching a horse thief, but not very many know anything about the real life of the cowboy, and of what his outfit is composed or what it costs. The most important article in the cowboy’s outfit is the chuck wagon, or the wagon over which the cook presides. It is a common prairie schooner with hoops over it to stretch a canvas roof on, so that such. perishable goods as salt, sugar, and flour can be protected from the weather, At the back is a cupboard, where such things as baking pow- der, pepper, coffee, dishes, etc., are kept. There are pots and frying pans-a-plenty, and the larder is always well supplied. Bacon is generally preferred to salt pork, and ~ fresh beef is kept constantly on hand by killing a steer » from the herd as the occasion requires. The owners of the herd supply the food, and such tools as shovels, axes, etc. The shovel, it is interesting to know, is generally of - much more use than the axe. When taking.a wagon across the streams it is often necessary to cut down the banks on © each side to form an inclined plane, for perpendicular banks three or four feet high are common. Then, too, the streams very often run underground. The bed of a creek may be covered with sahd and gravel burning hot, but by digging two or three feet—sometimes as much as six or eight—pure, sweet water may be had in abundance. Timber for fuel may be had in some parts of a range and . not in others, but when it is abundant the cowboy’s cook generally prefers the ancient buffalo chips, whieh he calls - Kansas or prairie coal, Next to the chuck wagon among the needs of the cowboy is his pony. The Texas pony is a marvel to an Eastern man, It weighs from 500 to 600 pounds only, but it canters away for forty or fifty miles with a well-grown man—say from 150 to 170 pounds weight on its back, and © then rustles for its feed, and comes up fresh for another canter of the same length next day. The cowboys tell of much greater feats of strength and endurance than this. Each cowboy, however, is supplied with six ponies by the owner, because while a pony can stand seyeral days of hard — riding in succession, it is more economical to have aes on hand, and ‘give* each a chance to rest between rid es, me The ponies are worth only from $20 to $30 each. They = sf, a vicious lot, and buck ecstatically every time they are mounted. ‘he gentleman of whom Mark Twain tells whe recommended a mustang because it could outbuck anything a in the Territory, if such a gentleman eyer existed, was — probably honest in what he said, for the cowboys here say that the more vicious a pony is the more hard riding it can — stand. The cattle owner supplies corn for the ponies, and they get two feeds a day of from six to eight big ears at a feed, The Saginaw Company, down on the Narilt Fork of the Canadian. in Oklahoma, has 3,500 cattle, and. keeps ‘ten cowboys and a cook to care for them. ‘The company that has leased the Cherokee outlet has many thousands. more There is, therefore, -quite a bunch of ponies with such | an, outfit, and a wagon has to make frequent trips: to a country ees corn is bees ed to keep them supplied ‘ith ec
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ee a) FAME AND FORTUNE. WEEKLY. The cowman supplies the cowboy with four blankets, | Aa because snakes cannot bite through them. Then, toa _ saddle, bridle, and lasso, as well as ponies, but the cowboy ; the cow boy usually has a set of slickers, Slickers are called — who fas any style about him scorns both the saddle and the , oilskins by seafaring men. lasso furnished by the company. The company saddle is simply a substantial skeleton costing not more than $10. The cowboy buys his own, and it costs $50 at least. It is made of stamped and embroidered leathef, and everything about it is of the very best quality. ‘One firm in Wichita, | Kansas, has made a great fortune by first, making the very | best saddle that can be made by human skill, and then charging three prices for it. because he is sure of getting the best saddle made. Other essentials of the cowboy outfit are’ the repeating | rifle and the six-shooter. A good rifle costs $25, and a good six-shooter but little less. The cowboy must have iyory or other fancy handles, and the mountings must. be of gold and silver. deadly in the right hands. - To return to the pony trappings, the spurs of a cowboy ‘are worth mentioning. A. cheap pair made of maleable east iron can be bought for twenty-five cents. The fancy spurs cost from two to five dollars a pair. They are plated with silver, and engraved in fancy designs, sometimes, but the part to which the cowboy directs his attention when buying is the rowel or wheel, and the bell. The wheel must have long and substantial spokes, The bell is a little piece of steel shaped like the clapper of a bell. It is secured to the fork that holds the rowel. For business purposes it is dropped in between two spokes of the rowel and thus pre- vents the rowel turning. Having done this, the cowboy can drop down over the side of his pony, catching the rowel in his saddle to support one end of his body, hanging | to the pommel with one hand to support the other, and! ° working the trigger of the six-shooter under the neck of, his pony to make things interesting for the enemy. days when Indians were in the habit of stampeding herds at @very opportunity the rowel and-bell were of hay importance in a running fight. The article of wearing are which: is the pride of the | -cowboy’s: heart is his hat. A good broad-brimmed hat can- not be bought for less thap $6. The very bests costs $20. That is for the hat. The hat band is bought extra. A leather band with a clinking brass chain attached may ‘be had for a dollar. A cord of braided gold lace, such as a cowboy would wear in society, costs from $7.50 to $10. But it is not altogether as a matter of fangy that expen- “sive hats are bought. The broad brim is a great protection to the back of the neck and the face when'riding in a storm * across the range. A storm on the range is like a gale at sea. The wind sweeps unimpeded over the level prairie, and drives the rain or snow against the cowboy almost with the force of a charge of birdshot. The best hat—the one that is at once warm and waterproof—is good enoee on such occasions, but none too good. 'Singularly enough, the cowboy cares as little for the quality of his suit ‘of clothes as he does about the cost of his pony. A $12 suit of store clothes, such as would cost _ $9 in New York, are good enough for him, while his suit of flannels: will not cost him above $4, In some parts of the country, leather trousers that are laced, instead of The cowboy pays the price | most respects, but not infrequently he has enough exeite- But this weapon, although fancy, is) They are made of duck, and — are made waterproof by a soaking in oil. As might be inferred from what has been written, the ‘pill of fare of the cowboy consists chiefly of bread and — bacon, and beef and coffee. Butter and milk are almost. unknown, although there are thousands of cows on the ~ range. The daily experience of the cowboy is monotonous in: ment in fifteen to last some men a lifetime. By day he — must keep the cattle moving slowly about so that they will — have some exercise. One herd of 800 in the Peoria reserva- — tion, which the reporter saw, had a range of ten miles. — “They were driven over ‘most of this and back once a day: At night, when the cattle lie down to sleep, a small bunch — ‘like 800 will be left to care for itself. With a herd like the — Saginaw Company’s, 3,500 strong, two men rode constantly — around the herd all night singing in a monotonous chant — “Hay-a-a-a—Yo-0-0, Hay-a-a-a—Yo-o-0.” To stop for a minute was extremely dangerous, for the cattle, missing — the song to which they were accustomed, would become — uneasy. The cowboys stand watches of two hours’ Stic es : at night. ’ Sometimes through carelessness, but often in silt care, the cattle will become alarmed. It is as if they saw a ghost, the cowboys say. In an instant there are thou-"~ sands on their fect, and away they go on a mad gallop, — straight to destruction, if they cannot be turned. This is _ the moment that tries the nerve of the cowboy. He must get them to circling—running in a circle—and there is but In the } | sewed up on, the outer s¢ams, are in use. ‘They cost from | % pate and are valued because they wear well, the. if ae one way to do it. ‘They will blindly follow a leader, and ihe must be that leader. Spurring his pony into a wilder — gallop than that of the cattle, he must ride in ahead of fl frightened herd and continue without a tremor in his voice his song of ““Hay-a-a-a—Yo-o-0; hay-a-a-a—Yo-0-0,” ev ; though it is his own death knell, for should his pony slip on the wet grass, or put its foot in the hole of a badger or a prairie dog, he will go.down under the feet of the fright- enéd cattle, and have the life trampled out of him before he has time to think. A good many cowboys have died that way, they say, but no one has ever thought of ae a monument over their graves. Sometimes there are cattle in the herd that will ; ni follow the cowboy leader as he strives to make them cire These tangents, as they are called, must be shot down in- stantly, and it is for this reason the cowboy must learn m handle the six-shooter aswell as the lariat. The cowboy generally sleeps in the open air. He we evawl under a chuck wagon in case of a rain, but he ugual ‘sleeps out. When the cattle remain in a definite loc fora length of time he may build a house or shanty w there is timber. Tents are used sometimes. There is one thing about the cowboy that is grea y. t his credit.. He pays his debts. Frank Palmer, a 1 City merchant, said that he had trusted them to th ex of $10,000, at least, and out of it all eae. lost but one bill
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Already the United States Navy has lost the second po- “sition in rank among the naval powers.. Germany has sur- passed us, and now we are confronted with the probability of having to give place to Frafice, whose navy under the new administration has taken on new life and is advancing ‘by, leaps and bounds. The relative positions of the two fleets in 1916 will be France, ten dreadnoughts, the United ‘States, eight; France, ten superdreadnoughts, the United States, five.. In that year the total displacement of dread- noughts and superdreadnoughts will be 376,000 tons for Frace and 310,000 for the United States. © Major General von Lewinski, the Prussian military at- Pele to Bavaria, was killed at Munich by a supposed lun- atie, who fired three revolver shots at him. A sergeant of police was also killed. The man, whose name is Straffer, ‘attacked the general on a crowded street, first firing several shots at him and then turning his weapon on Police Ser» geant Pollender, who dashed to the officer’s assistance. The policeman was killed by a shot through the heart. ‘The assailant was meanwhile seized by a crowd of people ‘who tried to lynch him and succeeded in seriously i injuring - before he was rescued by the police and arrested. . A-factory in Grenoble, France, utilizes the water of a _Teservoir situated in the mountains at a height of 200 yards. The water reaches the factory through a vertical e of the same length, with a diameter of considerably than an inch, the jet being used to move a turbine. eriments have showed that “the strongest.men cannot t the jet with the best tempered sword; and in some istances the blade has been broken into fragments with- ut deflecting a drop of the water, and with as. such, ¥i- ence as a pane of glass may be shattered by a blow from jron bar. It has been calculated that a jet of water a ‘small fraction of an inch in thickness, moving with suf- ficient velocity, could not be cut by a rifle bullet. A new industry to overcome local option conditions in jwer Delaware has developed at Lewes and at the Dela- e Breakwater. Mackerel fishermen from New England ports are supplying the “dry” section with liquor by selling pints and half-pints concealed in mackerel. “But a fish nd get a big drink,” is the slogan of the fishermen, and it ig: etting them considerable money. When Governor Mil- cently approved an act prohibiting the shipment of ior into Kent and Sussex counties, “dry” sections, the ulous residents of Lewes and vicinity became alarmed. e Webb bill had previously stopped interstate shipments =a ooze.’ 2. Ingenious Yankees, on a mackerel boat from New _ England laid in a large supply of “booze” before - Delaware and opened a large number of fish and Jes of liquor inside. Then the fish “4nd con- were offered for sale. There was soon a big demand eee mackerel, fiphereion: learned of the FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. ye) miniature ‘submarine, GOOD READING In the night and day non-stop motor run which the Chicago Automobile Club plans to leave Chicago on June 25 to go to Boston, one of the rules is that no time is to be’ allowed,for the changing of tires or tire repairs made on the way. In other such runs time has been allotted for changing tires or for fitting non-skid devices. The mem- bers of the rules committee have figured it out that with detachable and demountable rimg im such general use * changes can be made with very littlé loss of time and that with proper preparation a contestant will not be forced to make many changes. Fifteen minutes will be allowed at each control for relief of drivers and observers and for replenishments of fuel, oil and water. No work will be permitted on the cars when on the road, but in the time allowed in the-control the driver may add to or draw from oil and grease in the various cases without penalty. Many of the manufacturers said that with pressure feed’ gasolene systems it would be impossible to fill the tanks with the moters kept running For use ‘on controls a gravity tank will be allowed on cars of this type. There will be a penalty of 25 points for the first minute of each motor stop or fraction thereof and one point additional for each suc- ceeding minute or fraction thereof. The Navy Department has on free exhibition on the first and second floors of the east wing of the State, War and Navy Department Building a collection of miniature models of the various classes of vessels of the navy that is of especial interest. and well worthy of inspection. These miniature vessels are constructed at the Washington Navy Yard at a cost of from $3,000 to $5,000 apiece and are exact duplications in all the minute details of the vessels they represent. The models are constructed on a scale of quarter-inch to the foot; that is, a ship that is actually 400 feet long is represented in a model 100 inches long. Ar- ranged in the corridor of the first floor of the department and open to the public inspection are models of the battle- ships North Dakota, South Carolina, Florida, the old and new Maine, Mississippi, Oregon, the destroyer Roe, the cruiser St. Louis, the smaller vessels Annapolis, Wheeling, Dubuque and Cumberland and the collier Neptune, with - her strange, bridge-like looking top hamper. Two models | are shown of the Connecticut class of battleship, one being a sectional view showing the interior arrangements of tur- rets, engine and fire rooms, and the structural subdivision of the vessel. Of particular interest in this collection is — an exhibit of relics recovered from the old Maine at the time when she was raised from the bottom of Havana Har- bor, and a detail model representative of the destructive effects of the explosion that destroyed that vessel on Feb. — 15, 1898, together with a miniature submarine. The xe- mainder of the exhibit is on view on the second floor cor- | ridor, and contains models of several historical vessels, among them being the flagships Olympia, the Sa (formerly the New York) and the echaaeiae togeth
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80 WIDOW OF MAXIMILIAN STILL IN FAIRLY GOOD HEALTH. The health of the Ex-Empress Charlotte, of Mexico, a ‘ sister of the late King Leopold of the Belgians, who was reported’ by several newspapers to be dying, continues fairly good. She took a walk in the park on April Ist Princess Charlotte, daughter of Leopold I., King of the Belgians, was married in 185%, when only seventeen years old, to Maximilian, the Austrian archduke, who was. in- and in 1867 was shot. duced to accept the crown of Emperor of Mexico in 1863, and met the fate that has so often overtaken those who would be rulers of the Mexicans. He refused to abdicate, The. death of the Hmperor: de- ranged the mind of the Empress, and ever since she has been mad. Maximilian. was a brother of the present Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria-Hungary. $50,000 OFFERED FOR FLIGHT ACROSS OCEAN. ‘A prize of $50,000 for the first aeroplane to cross the Atlantic is offered by the London Daily Mail to encourage waterplanes, which are considered the best aircraft for Britain. The offer is open to any person who first crosses the Atlantic from any point in the United States, Canada, Newfoundland to any point in Great Britain or Ireland in seventy-two continuous hours. The flight may be made in the reverse direction, “Comte de Lambert, of Paris; declares that within ten , years the full distance from the United States to Great Britain will be traversed by waterplanes between sunrise and sunset of a long summer day. ‘The Daily,Mail also announces a prize of $25,000 for the first flight of a waterplane of British invention around England, Scotland ahd Wales within seventy-two continu- “ous hours. { THE KAISER APOLOGIZES. “Phe German Emperor’s trouble with his tenant, Hel- niuth Sohst, on his estate at ‘Kadinen, has been séttled amicably, after being before the courts for several months. Sohst is to receive $30,000 as compensation, while a letter sent to him. from the Emperor’s secretary is understood to contain: his majesty’s explanations and regrets. It is stated that Sohst is to receive the Order of the Royal Crown as a token of the Emperor's retraction of the statement he had made that he had “thrown out his tenant A because he was utterly inefficient.” ‘The tenant has consented to vacate his farm voluntarily Bk before the expiration of his lease, which has another five _ years to run. ‘The settlement was formally arranged by the Agricul- tural Couneil of the province of West Prussia, but the _ eredit for’it is understood to be due to the Crown Prince, who. undertook to inform. ~ father of the extent to which | e! had sti ie and of the necesy of making amends to ei FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. ARTICLES OF ALL KINDS ‘spect for their neighbors’ property. As a matter of looking after. ; the Hewsitins ea are 80 ee Hades by thet Mare a > ¥ DEA eastside dates FOND OF READING OF HIS ROBBERIES. @ Frederick Marks, who is under arrest in Boston, charged with forgery and larceny, confessed the other day that it was the risk he took and the pleasure he derived — from reading the newspaper stories of his daring, not the — actual need vit money, that induced him to swindle t Red [Hook National Bank in Dutchess County, New Yor out of $8,900 and a Boston broker out of $15,000" means of forged drafts, Marks was arrested. in J ackso ville, Fla., a few days ago by detectives who trailed. from Boston. He had $7,000 in cash in his possessio: The forged draft which Marks deposited in the Red Hook Bank was for $12,000, and he averted shspicion by 2 nia for the full amount of the draft. At Red Ho he posed as a retired farmer and easily won the con dence of the bankers. From here he went to Boston engaged a suite of rooms in a fashionable hotel there. He said he did this because he knew the police would not look for him there. He spent money lavishly, changed his: name to Frank Lamoyne, and grew a mustache. aid it was easy to evade the police and deceive bankers. by: sufficient display of prosperity, having bought $15 00 worth of negotiable bonds from the Boston ‘broker and — turning the paper into cash at a bank half a block # CROP WATCHERS OF CHINA, In China the fields are not protected by hedges or fences} the country lies quite open and is everywhere easily acces sible, This is not to be interpreted as an indication o peculiar hofesty of the people or of their exceptional thieving abounds. Large numbers of the people are ry poor, and this class in order to subsist have freque course to stealing. As the time ofvharvest approac the fruits and cereals are ripening orchards and fields are bands. The farmer knows this, and hence everyb obliged to stand guard over everything. Almost eyer has its watch tower, says a writer in the Wide Wo Magezine, and these frail tenements are never des night or day, until od harvest has teen tae tee sole and whenever they may be required. Fields of kaolian, or giant millet, are watched by a professional “cro er.” This stalwart plant grows a height of ten to fift impenetrability. ‘This accounts for the eight of the’ tower—a light wooden structure. The watcher must, vigil is to be of any use, be higher than the Even so it is exceedingly diftic his they can
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tat home. Small Send. to-day 2-cent stamp for particulars 0. A. SMITH, Room. L8i -$2 Almost anyone can learn cost. and proof. Bigelow St., Péoria, 11L MAGIC COINER, A mystifying and amusing trick. | Tin blanks are placed undep the little tin cup and apparently coined into dimes. A real money- maker, Price, 200. c. BEHR, 150 W. 62d St., New Work City. THE FOUNTAIN RING, A handsome ring connected with m 2 rubber ball which is concealed in the palm of the hand. A gentle > squeeze forces water or cologne in the face of the victim while he is bh examining it. The ball can be. in- stantly filled by immersing ring in ¥ water same as a fountain pen filler. NE Price by mail;,postpaid, 12¢. each, Hi, &. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’kiyn, N.Y. ae TRICK FAW. A lady’s fan made of colored slik ‘cloth. The fan may be used and. then shut, and when it opens again, it falls in pieces; shut and open again and it is perfect, without a sign of a break. <A great surprise for those not in the trick. Price, 35c. by mail, postpaid. i. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’kiyn, N. ¥, _ Ayvad's Water.Wings ; 2; es) aed Rees to| swim by one. trial Frice 25 eonts, Postpaid ‘These Water ngs take up no more room than a pocket-hankerchisf. They weigh 3 ounces and sup- rt from 50 to 250 pounds, With oa pairanyone can garn to swim or float, Horuse, you have only to wet them, blow thom up, and bd together the two Ting marks under the mouthpiece, H. EF, LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’klyn, N. Y. . ITCH POWDER, Gee whiz! What tuo yeu can have with this stuff. Moisten the tip of your finger, tap {t on the contenis of the box, and & iittls bit will stick. Then shake hands with your friend, or drop & speck down his back. In a minute he will feel as if he had the . seyen years’ itch. It witli anake him eeratch, rear, squirm and Gmake faces, But it ie perfectly harrnless, as ft is made from the seeds of wild roses. The horrible itch stopz in a few minutes, or can be checked immediately by rubbing the spot ' with a wet cloth. While it is working, you will be apt to laugh your suspender buttons of. The t joke ef all, Price li cents a box, By! praall, postpaid. WOLIE NOVELTY CO,, 29 W. 26th St. N. ¥. ~6GOOD LUCK GUN FOB es Lie real western article, ; carried by the cowboys. It is, made of fine léather, with a highly nickeied buckle, The holster con- tains a metal gun, of the same pattern as those used by ali the most famous scouts, Any boy wearing one of these fobs will at- tract attention, It will give him an air of western romance. The prettiest and most serviceable watch fob ever made. Send for oue to-day. Price 20 centg each by mail postpaid. M, V. GALLIGAN, 419 W. 56th St., N. K. a Accuracy: _ Penetration The World’s Record Holders Remington-UMC .22 cal. cartridges haye broken two records in two years. The present world’s 100-shot gallery record, 2484 ex 2500, held by Arthur Hubalek was made with these hard hitting .22’s. They will help you, too, to break your best shooting records. Remington-UMC .22’s are made, too, with hollow poiat bullets. This increases their shocking and killing power. ~ r Remington- UMC—the perfect shooting combization REMINGTON ARMS-UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE CO. "i McC OER. aa pe OF Spa Ee ees Ke ee f ei The Remfagtoe-UHC oubs make a find y 293 Broadway, New York City 1 offer a genuine, guaranteed remed skin, throat irritation, asthma, i rh lack of ambition, falling out of bair, baldness, and many other CCO H for tobacoo or snuff habit, in 72 hours. It is miid, pleasant, strengthen fing. Overcomes that peculiar nérvousmess and craving for clearettes, clgars, pipe, chewing tobaceo or anuff. ‘Ono man in 10 cin use tobacco without apparent Injury; te the othe: in cevera! ways, dausing such disorders a8 nervous dyspepsia, sleeplessness, £25, belching, gnewing, or other uucom- fortable sensation in stomach; constipation, headache, wenk oyes, loss of vigor, red apota on ronchitis, heart failure, lung trowble, caterrh, melan« cs! eholy, neurasthenia, impotency, Jose of memory and will power, irapure (poisoned) blood, rheumatism, lum- bago, sciatica, noutritis, heartburn, torpid lHver, loss of ap polite, bad teeth, font brenth, enuervation, lassitude, sorders, t cure yourself of tobacco or snuff habit by sudden stepping—don't do it. The correct method is to eliminate the nicotine polson ‘from the system, strengthen the weakened, irritated membranes and nerves and genuinely overcome $ EGR ET the craving. You can quit tobacco and salon yourself thousand times better while feeling always tn robust health. CONQUERED i 3 DAYS iT r9itis polsonous & seriously injurious to health STOP RUINING torturing to attempt You R LIFE My Tt is unsafe and FREE book tells all about the wonderful # days Method. Inexpensive, relinble. Also Secret Method for conquer- FRE E ing habit in another without hia knowledge. Full partioulars including my hook on Tobreco and Snuff Hable mailed in plain wrapper. ff Don't delay. Keep this: show to others, This acy. may not appesr again. Mention if you smoke or chew. address : EDWARD J. WOODS, 534 Sixth Ave., 223A, New York, N. Y. Rider Agents Wanted Mo? ineacn town to rideand ee At O; A Saar cas Write for mn latest speci Mies’ uarantoo 1913 Models to$27 with Coaster-Brakes, Puncture-Proof trea M 1571 & 1912 Models SF {fo $i2 HW all of beat makes.... @ Second-Hand Wheels cod ga newerars G2 to $F eat FACTORY CLEARING SALE i We Ship on Approval without a Y 18 Bay's CREE THIAL: TIRES, coaster-brake roar whips lee a / \amps, sundrios, parts and repairs at half usu BO NOT BUY until you get our cate. Write now. R188 Chicago, It. Wizard Repeatinig pmo LIQUID PIST OL ‘Will stop the mo: ious dog (or man) with- ont permanent injmry. Ti Perfectly safe tocarry without danger “fh of leakage, Bires and recharges by —_ pulling the trigger, Loads from any Liquid. No cartridges required. Over six shots in one loading, All dealers, or by mail, 5Qc. Pistol with rubber cov- ered holster. 6c. Holsters separate, L@c. Send money order. No postage stamps or coins accepted. PARKER, STEARNS & 60., 273 GEORGIA AVE., BROOKLYN, H.Y. Brighten Your Wits with our brain tickling puzzles. Sample for 10 cents or three gocd onés for 25 cents, Catalog included, WONDER NGVELTY CO., Dapt, {, Box 123, St. Paul, tian, LOTS OF FUN FOR A DIME " Ventriloquist Double Throat | \ (oa Nickel-pl atey 5 in. long, Fits roof of mouth; always invisible; greatest thing yet. Astonish and mystify your friends. Neigh like a hoise; whine like a puppy; sing like a canary, and imitate birds and beasts of the field and forest. Loads of fum. Wonder- fulinvention. Thousands sold. Price: only 10 centa; 4 for 25 cents, or 12 for 50 cents Double Throat Co.Dnt. k Frenchtown.N.L ae ih ee cad nD es 3 WW aa- \ I will send as long as they last my 25c book STRONG ARMS for 10 Cents In Stamps or Coln Illustrated with 20 full~ page, half-tone cuts, show- ing exercises that will quickly develop, beautif. and gain great strengt in your shoulders, arma and hands, without any apparatus, iH ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, I wiil be pleased to an- swer any question on de- veloping or reducing any other: part of your body, without. additional charge. PROF. ANTHONY BARKER 1788 Barker Bldg., 110 W. 42d St. N.Y. Established 28 years in New York Clty Eight Games for !0c Chess, Checkers, Fox and Geese, Nine Men Morris, Authors, trenlucion Gane See sh aay Donne a whole year's amusement and the whole thing for only LD i Ce) Send 10c today and get all eight games KEARSLEY CO., 117 Winston, Los Angeles, Cal BASEBALL OUTFIT FREE: ae Tere ts your Ai Ciao BOY. 1 chance to gen on 4 Soqe7 & fine bassball outfit, consist es of complete suit. including shi b pante, cap and belt, good quality, of big datcher’s mitt, Reldor'y diovee catcher’ ee Coxtra eS strong and durable) and rubber center ball,..big leaguo sale of fine chest protector. Will Nok, Send y name and wo will send ut 3 at 25 Hectares tN ves te us ou CoO) or ¥ le will pen ye outta relplonae WRITE TODA 'Y} T take back what you can’t sell. extra welleewed, or combinatto’ Cost One Cent, OU sot of our fine picturesto Fart the YM. O, Seitz, 2aco1 Chicags
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MYSTERIOUS SKULL. Shines in the dark. frightful ghost ever shown. The most A found. Not only will it afford tremendous amusement, but it is guaranteed to scare away bur- Slars, bill collectors, “and bcok m agents. It cannot get out of order # and can be used repeatedly, Price, 4x5 inches, Lic.; Spy: mail. WH. ¥. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’klyn, N. Y¥: Tho greatest fun-maker e@ chem all. A small ameunt of this powder, whon Blown in a roem, will cause everyone to sneeze without anyone knowing where it It fs very light, wil float in tho air for some’ time, and aeerace every neok and cerner ef a roem. t is perfecttly harm- less. Cachee’is put up in betties, and ene bettle contains enough te be used from 1? te 16 times. Price, by mail, 10c. each; 3 for 25a, WOLFF NOVELTY CO,, 29 W. 26th St., N. ¥. comes from. JUMPING JACK PENCIL. ue This pencil is made up in handsome style and <A S ~looks so inviting that look at it, every one will want to The natural thing to do is to write with it, and just as soon as your friend _tries to write, the entire inside of the pencil file back like a jumping jack, and ‘Mr, Nosy’ will be frightened stiff. It is one of our best pencil tricks and you will have a hard job trying to keep it. Your friends will try to take it from you, Price by mail, post- paid, 10c, each. Cc. BEHR, 150 W. 62d St., New York City. NEW SURPRISE NOVELTY. Foxy Grandpa, Mr. Peewee and other comical faces ar- tistically colored, to which jp attached a long rubber tube, connected with a rub-~- ber ball, which can be filled with water, the rubber ball belng carried in the pocket, a. alight pressure on the bulb causes a long stream, the re- sult can easily be seen, Price, 15¢., aL ee Postpaid. . WOLFF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. ¥. GOOD LUCK BANS. Ornamental as well as useful, Made’ of highly nicksled brass, Xt held; just One Dollar, hen lied .t opens itself, Remains locked until refilled. Can be used os a watchcharm. ‘Money refund- od if net satisfied, Price, 10s. by mail, 1. Senarens, 347 Winthrop St., Brooklyn, N. ¥. IMITATION CIGAR BUTT. It is made of a composition, exactly resembling a lighted cigar. ‘The white ashes at the end and the imitation of to- bacco-leaf being perfect. You can carelesaly place it on top of the tablecloth or any other ex- ; pensive piece of furniture, and await the result. After they see the joke everybody will have a good laugh. Price, 10¢, each by mall, postpaid; 3 for 25c. ©. BEHR, 150 W. 62d St., New York City. AUTOMATIC COPYING PENCIL, The importance of carrying a good re~- Mable pencil need not be dwelt upon here. It is an absolute ne- cessity with us all, The holder ot this pencil is beautifully nickeled with grooved box-wood handle, giv- ing a firm grip in writing; the pencil .auto- matically supplies the lead as needed while a box of these long leads are given with each pencil, The writing of this pencil is indelible the same as ink, and thus can be used in writing letters, addressing envelopes, eto, _. Bills of account or invoices made out with this pencil can be contd the same as if copy- ing ink was used. It is the handiest pencil '-on the market; you do not require a knife _to keep it-sharp; it is ever ready, ever safe, and just the.thing to carry. . Price of pencil, with box of leads complete, only ‘Wo.; 3 for 25c.; one dozen 90c, postpaid. more startling effect could not be | | & TRICK MATCHES. : Consist of 2 Swedish safety box, filled with matches, which will not light. Just H} the thing to cure the match borrowing habit, Price, &c., = postpaid, WOLFF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. Y. POCKET SAVINGS BANK. A perfect little bank, handsomely nickel plated. Holds jusi five dol- lars (50 dimes). It cannot be opened until the bank is full, when it can be readily emptied and re- loeked, ready Every parent should see that their children have a small savings bank, as the early habit of saving their dimes is of the greatest importance, dom. forgotten in later years. Price of this little bank, 1@¢.; 3 for 2&c., mailed postpaid. Cc. BEHR, 150 W. 62d St., New York City. TRICK CUP. Made of natural white wood turned, with two compartments; a round, black ball fits on those compartments; the other is a stationary ball. By a aa . Httle practice you make ‘ the black ball vanish; a great trick novelty and immense seller. Price, 10c,, postpaid. WOLFF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. ¥. THE AUTOPHONE, A small musical instru- ment that produces very sweet musical notes by piacing it between the lips with the tongue over the edge, and blowing gently Into the instrument. The notes produced are not unlike those of the fife and flute. We send full iy ; printed instructions whereby anyone can play anything they can hum, whistle or sing, with very little practice, Price, 10c.; 3 for 265c., malled, postpaid. Cc, BEHR, 150 W. 62d St., New York City. eh MAGIO PIPE. Made of a regular corns cob pipe, with rubber figures inside; by blowing through the stem the figure will jump out. Made in following fig~- ures: rabbits, donkeys, cats, chickens, ete. Price, 10¢., postpaid. WOLFF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. ¥. MAGIC MIRKOR. Fat and lean funny faces. By looking in these mirrors upright your features become narrow and elongated. Look into it sidewise and yvur phiz broadens out in the most comical manner. Size 844x2% inches, in a handsome imi- tation morocco cage, 3 Price, 10c. each, postpaid, LANG, 1815 | et. Centre St., B’klyn, N. ¥. Ry THE CANADIAN WONDER CARD TRICK. Astonishing, wonderful, and perpl ge! Have you m seon them Any child can work them, and yet, what they do is so amusing that the sharpest people on earth are fooled. We cannot tell you what they do, or others would get next and spoil the set and read the directions, “The results will startle your friends and utterly mystify them. A genuine good thing if you wish to have no end of amusement, Pricesby mail, 10c, WOLKEF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. ¥. ‘ fun. Just get a PICTURE POSTALS. Thiy consist of Jungle sets, Map and Seal of States, Good Luck cards, Comics, with witty sayings and funny pictures, cards showing cele- brated person’ buildings, ete. In fact, there is such a great variety that it is not possi- ble to describe them here. They are beautifully emboss- h ed in exquisite colors, some with glazed surfaces, and others in matt. Absolutel the handsomest cards issued. ae 15e. for 25 cards by mail. ‘ WOLFE NOVELTY CO., 20 W. 26th &t., N. Xe WOLFF NOVELTY CQ., 29 W. 26th St, Ne We Habits formed in early. life are sel-'' to be again refilled. : STAR AND CRESCENT PUZZLE. eet The puzzle is to sepa- rate the one star from the linked star and creg- ~ cent without using force, ~ Price by mail, postpaid 10c.; 8 for 25c. y. #. WOLFF, NOVELTY Co, 29 W. 26th St. N. X. THE INK BLOT JOKER. Fool Your Friends, —The greatest: novel« ty of the age!) Have a joke which makes — everybody laugh, More fun than any other novelty that has been shown in years. Place it on a desk, tablecloth, or any piece of furniture, as shown in the above cut, near some valuable papers, or on fine weartig apparel. Watch the re- sult! Oh, Gee! Price, 15¢e. each, postpaid, C. BEHR, 150 W. 62d St., New York City. af SNAKE IN THE CAMERA To all appearances this little startler is a@ nice looking camera. — The proper way to use it is to, tell ~ your friends you are going .- to take their pictures. ‘% Py we Of course they are - tickled, for nearly) Vk everybody wants to pose for a photograph. You arrange them in © |@ group, fuss around a little bit, aim your camera at them, and request the ladies to, — look pleasant. As soon as they are smiling ae and trying to appear beautiful, press the spring in your camera. Imagine the yell — when a huge snake jumps out into the crowd. Guaranteed to take the swelling out of any one’s head at the first shot. Price $5 cents, by mail, postpaid. 4a. F, LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’klyn, N. ¥ Se eee ELECTRIC, PUSH’ BUT TON.—The base is made of — maple, and the center piece - of black walnut, the whole thing about 1% inches in diameter, with a metal hook on the back so th es it may be slipped over edxo~ ¢ the vest pocket. Bxpose — o view your New Electrio Bell, when your friend will” push the. button expecting. to hear it ring, As soon as he touches it, you will see some of the liveliest dancing you ever witnessed. The Hlectric Button is heavily charged and will give & smart shock when the’button is pushed. Price 10c., by mail, postpaid. WOLFF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St. N.Y. THE MAGIC DAGGER. = .. A wonderful illusion. —” i To all appearances it is an ordinary dagger which you can flourish: around in your hand and suddenly state that you think you havo” lived long enough and had better commit © © suicide, at the samo time plunging the dager’ up to the hilt into your breast or side, or you | can pretend to stab q friend or acquaintance, Of course your friend or yourself are not in- jured in the least, but the deception is perfect and will startle all who see it. z f Price, 10c., or 8 for 25c. by mail, postpaid, ~ C. BEHR, 150 W, 62d St., New York City. 4 THE MAGIC CARD BOX. One of, the best and cheapest tricks for giving “parlor or ~ stage exhibitions. The ‘trick ~ wikis performed as follows: You mirequest any two persons in | your, audience to each select | a card from an ordinary pack ~ of cards, you then produce a small handsome box made to imitate pebbled leather, which anyone may examine as closely as they will You now asi one of the two who have se-, lected cards to place his or her card inside the box, which being done, the lid is shut, and the box placed on the table. You then state that you will cause the cards to disap- pear and upon opening the box the card has vanished and the box found empty. The other card is now placed in the box; the lid js again closed and when the box is opened the first card appears as strangely as it went. Other tricks can be performed in various ways. Yo may cause several cards to disappear after they are placed in the box, and then you can — cause them all to appear at once, You may — tear a card up, place it in the box, ie lifting the cover it will be found whol a entire. In fact, nearly every trick of appear-. 35 ance and disappearance can be done with Magic Card Box. Full printed instructioy by ‘which anyone can perform the diffe tricks, sent with each box. eek ' Price, 20¢. by ma! WOLEF NOVELTY 00. 20 W. 26th St.