Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 402) (1913 06 13)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
= “ - te aw The door opened,admitting Joe and the policeman. “There’s your prisoner, officer,” said Joe, pointing at the well-dressed man bound in the chair. “What’s the charge?” asked the cop. “Swindling. He’s a money shark,,.and a mighty mean one, too.”
Page 2
STORIES OF BOYS nc and Fortune Weekly WHO MAKE MONEY rding to Act of Congress, in the year 1918, tn the offica of the k Tousey, Publisher, 168 West 28d Street, New York. ~ Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Bntered acco Pd Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C., by Ex Fran “ Entered at the New York, Y., Post Office as Second-Class Matter. No. 402. NEW YORK, JUNE 13, 1913. Price 5 Cents. AMONG THE “SHARKS” ———() R———. THE LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF WALL STREET By A SELF-MADE MAN CHAPTER I. OUR HERO GOES TO WORK FOR A MONEY-LENDER. “Nicholas Croft, room 605, sixth floor,” said Joe Thompson, looking at the wall directory of the tenants of the Anchor Building, in Wall Street, one morning. “That’s the gentle- man. I hope I get the job.” Joe took the elevator up, got out at the sixth floor and was directed to the end of the corridor running toward Pine >street. He found 605 without trouble. “Private.” The door bore the sign: “Nicholas Croft. Money Loaned.” Joe opened the door and walked in, coming to a stop at the railing which divided the room in two parts. The outer half, where he stood, was supplied with four chairs, a cuspidor, a map of Greater New York on one wall, and @ bird’s-eye view of the Borough of Brooklyn, with a view of the ocean in perspective. The inner-half was furnished with a big, somewhat rusty- looking safe, a tall desk, at which sat, perched on a stool, a _white-haired old man, busy over a thick ledger, a roll-top desi with a chair behind it and another beside it, at the sec- ond window, a copying-press, a letter file cabinet, and other articles that go with a counting-room. a The old gentleman dismounted from his perch and came ‘to the rail. ¥ “Ts Mr. Croft in?” asked Joe. “Just come. You want to see him?” “Yes.” - “What is’ your business with him?” No. 604 was lettered simply and received this letter from him, asking me to call.” _ The old man took the letter and disappeared through a door that communicated with Room 604. . & ee came back in a moment and told Joe to walk into the i eae boy did so and found himself in the presence of a ‘well-dressed man, with dark features, a black mustache and a somewhat foxy look. - He was seated at a roll-top desk by the window overlooking, “like those in the outer room, a court. The room was furnished with a rug, a bookcase, a fair- sized. safe, and other things, which included several chairs, a lounge, and pictures on the walls. Croft pointed at the chair beside his desk. “Your name is Thompson?” he said. — s “Yes, ‘sir. ” “TY answered his advertisement for a clerk and cell “What experience haye you had as a clerk?” “None at all, as I mentioned in my letter. I told you I had been employed by Justin Davidson, stockbroker, for about threé years as his messenger.” Croft pulled Joe’s reply to his advertisement out of a pigeonhole and ran his eyes over it. “IT see. You have a recommendation from Mr. Davidson, I suppose?” “Here it is. from business.” T would be with him ike if he had not retired Croft read the recommendation over, which was couched in the usual style, but spoke very highly of the boy. “T’ll give you a trial, Thompson, at ten dollars a week. If you pan out the way I want you will get more later. I want a confidential clerk—one on whom I can thoroughly depend. You understand?” said the money-lender, rubbing his hands one over the other while he fixed Joe with his black eyes. “Yes, sir. I guess I can fill the bill.” “T hope so. I am dealing not only with brokers but with all sorts of persons who require loans of money. The busi- ness has its peculiarities, and you must get used to them. Remember, that my interest is to be your first consideration at all times.” “Of course.” “You will take charge of the miscellaneous loan end. I make the loans, of course, after which they will come under your jurisdiction. You must keep a sharp watch over your department. Most of the loans are paid in instalments, and: Jit will be your duty to advise me when a borrower defaults in his payment. Excuses receive no attention whatever in- this office. The money has got to be paid. Now, we will go outside and I will initiate you into your duties.” He led the way to the desk beside the window, asked the old man for the key and opened it. The raising of the top automatical on either side of the bottom’ of the desk. Croft opened the top drawer nearest him and showed Joe. that it contained a‘card index system, in which the names of the borrowers in his department were kept in the Loren in which their accounts became due. In. the next drawers, with other things, was kept a book. + index, from A to Z, of the customers represented in the ecard index. In the big safe the money-iender kept an index case, in a which was a record of certain information extracted from borrowers when they applied for a loan. It was on this information that Mr. Croft decided whether or not he would Jet the applicant have the money he wanted, _ Brokers and other oe who got. loans on ‘approved secur ly unlocked the drawers
Page 3
Q : | AMONG THE “SHARKS.” aaa eS SSeS aaa : that hour had to call on the following day if they wanted fo of the steak made Joe’s mouth water. — ity did not appear in this list, and with them Joe was to have | Jarly in your department, must conform to our rules and nothing to do, directly. regulations. Understand?” eh The old bookkeeper kept the run of those accounts. “That seems to be all right. new on a block of stock. } piace, and why he felt so good when he went. home that after: When Joe worked for Broker mevideos he got off for the | noon. day around four. It was. about six when he entered the five-room: fat they ’ His office hours were now nine to five. ; occupied. Mr. Croft went away about four, and visitors calling aft¢?/° His mother was in the-kitchen cooking supper and the smell do business with him. { They always had plenty of meat, for Grace got it) ata redue- When five o’clock came that day Joe handed such things tion froma the regular retail rate, which was high at her | as went into the safe over to the old man, who put them away. ' store, owing to the class of customers catered to, and she — ‘He took advantage of the chance to get a little better ac i prought some home with her every evening. Y quainted with his office companion. “Mother, I’ve got good news for you,” said Joe, jubilantly. His name was Hale, and he seemed to be a pleasant sort efi “Pm glad to hear it,” smiled the little widow. .“Have you rt man got a position at last?” “Joe rather liked him aaa tua sentiment ‘seemed to be: rez “Yes. I’m a clerk now at ten per.” é turned. “This is two dollars more than you got with Mr, Davidse: ee it that he said he wouldn’t have another woman in his ; “What, so soon?” i a very smart young woman, and she did things up the way’ Buildiag.” offi Boh “Girls will get married when they get the chance,” laughed ; haa: | “I don’t know how nice it is, but it seems to he all wae? He told Joe that his predecessor was @ young woman who’ You will be able to make up what you lost.” | a had held her end up to the satisfaction of Mr. Croft, but she| “It will take me six months to do that, but by that time left to get married, and the money-lender was so put out; I may get a raise.” “My new boss intimated as much. 3 “You must have got a nice place.” “Of course,” smiled Hale, “but Mr. Croft didn't want Miss ‘as far as I can judge from my limited experience, I’m with © ‘Richmond to leave because she was 60 useful to him. She was Nicholas Croft, a- Wall, Street money-lender, in the Anchor he liked. ‘There: was no nonsense about her, I never thought|. “That sounds good,” said his mother. : ; : : j Anything that had the ring of the financial district’ sounded | -@ woman could r “He stopped abruptly. oct , Bood to her, ay ‘ zs “Cotld what?” said Joe, : : “I got along all right to‘day, so I think I'll hold on: “ “Could be so business-like, ‘ said Hate. 3 £ “T {rust you will. We ¢ an’t afford to have you idle.” __ -“That isn’t ‘what he was going to say. first,” thought ‘Joe, * “JT shoula say not. Liv ing THES days is a’ very serious ‘who was a shrewd obse: Ger aed hope T will at ve Mr. Croft | proposition.” qual ‘satisfaction, * he said, aloud. A ri ~ “Tt is, indeed I wish I cout do ‘something myself to. ] ‘The old man gave him a. eurions’ look. eke ee things out.” j You'll have. to if you” éxpect to last, » he said, » : f “You do enough, mother, in attending to tis holies’ 1 ig i intend to do: my best.” ; | Grace’s duty and mine to act as the providers. T hope s ome ou are not ae une with aeutiment, A suppose?” {day to be able to hold the whole end up myself and let Grace ‘Sentiment! What ang | mean?” (have a rest. It ig really too bad she has to work.” ‘The old man. scratched his chin and- looked hard at the boy. ' 4 Ever so many girls have io w h “She doesh’t complain. n what I mean after you've ae here’ awhile,” , ‘to help: iness is “carr ed on here it - : a ‘support their families. Tt wasn’t so wh Then the girls helped around the ain a oo in the last few shoe etc i
Page 4
AMONG THE “SHARKS.” ee ee 8 morning and evening, are girls: going to, or coming from,| “All right. The note goes back. My orders from Mr. Croft work.” ; . | were te deliver it in person.” At that juncture Grace came in and was soon in possession| “" du from Croft?” said the youth, with a change in his of the good news. m ais “Ym awfully glad that you’ve got a position at last, Joe,” » am. I have the honor to be his general Joan clerk,” she said. ‘Why didn’t you say so at first? You must be new there,” “You aren’t any more glad than I am. We'll be able to go “Tam.” somewhere of an évening, now, and take mother.” “What is your name?” “T hope so, How much pay are you going to get? As much| Joe told him. as before?” “Wait a minute and I’ u tell Miss Baker. ” . “Two dollars more.” A minute later Joe was ushered into the private room and “That's fine,” the presence of a lady of perhaps thirty, who had a very busi- _ The little family sat down to the evening meal in excellent | ness air about her. ‘spirits. “T’'ll take the note you brought,” said the lady. . The ten dollars Joe was to receive looked big to them. “It is for Mr, Steel.” “I heard a sad story to-day,” said Grace. “The butcher in} {Jam Mr. Steel,” said the lady, with a slight smile. charge of our branch store on Seventh avenue lost his little| “You mean you represent Mr. Steel?” boy some months ago. Prior to that his wife had been sick aj The lady nodded and held out her hand, long time and the expenses of her illness used up all his ready “T transact all the business in this office. Mr. Croft should money outside of his wages. He found it necessary to borrow | have told you. How long have you been with him? money to pay the cost of the boy's funeral and the doctor’s| * This is my second day. ,; bill. Somebody referred him to a loan agent and he got $150 I see, You are new. Whom did you work for before you on the strength of his position, without security, He arranged | went to Mr. Croft?” to pay back so much a week. One Saturday night he lost his| “A stockbroker named Davidson.” week’s wages on his way home, and he wrote the loan man, When you call hereafter on business for Mr. Croft ask for asking for a little time. Next day a collector called on him |Miss Baker. Now, I will take the note. and demanded the amount due, plus $8 charges. The butcher| Jo¢ handed it to her and she opened and read it. protested, but it did no good. The loan man threatened to}. She went to a large safe in the room, pulled out a certain call on his boss and demand his money if he didn’t pay up. drawer, the interior of the safe being fitted altogether with The butcher borrowed the money on his wages and paid up. | drawers, like a jeweler’s safe, only the drawers were deeper, But this only put him in a worse position, and in a month consulted a card index, returned to her desk, wrote some he defaulted ip bis payment to the loan man again and was} thing on a pad, enclosed it in an envelope, addressed it to ' charged another $8, Finally the loan man agreed to cancel | Mr. Croft and handed it to Joe. the old note if he would make a new one, which put him| , On his way out Joe noted the fact that all the employees of deeper in his debt. The butcher felt compelled to do it, Soon | the office were women except the red-headed boy, who seemed ~ afterward he got sick and was away from the store two weeks, |0 think a whole lot of himself. - He was dunned and abused. by the loan man, with charges Ta, ta, Thompson,” he said, with a grin. _ piling up against him which he couldn't pay at all. After} Joe nodded off-hand and left the office. making an effort he threw up his hands and shot himself,” “That's a fresh lad,” he thought; “but you might expect “That was tough,” said Joe. that when he’s thrown in with a lot of women.” boom “On the top of that the loan man tried to get the bogs fo ree rried. back to the. oiice end handed in bis notp: tg _ pay him something, but he was thrown out of the store.” “Good. Served him right. What did your boss have to.do/yri55 Baker. with his employee’s debt?” “Nothing, but as there was a week’s wages coming to the butcher ‘the loan man thought he could intimidate the boss into paying it to him. Afterwards when it was sent to the _ widow the loan man called on her and threatened to have her She told me she was It. As she appeared to be I took her at her word. She said you should have pe me. » \ The ghost of a grin wreathed Mr. Croft’s mouth. i “You'll know next time,” was all he said, as he took the AY arrested if she didn’t give it to him. People in the house nate, ; interfered in her behalf and the loan man had to get out, but they say he used awful language, denouncing the dead man as CHAPTER III. ANG swindler, and nearly driving the poor woman crazy,” said |. FRANK HAVENS. Grace. | “About one o'clock that day, just after Joe had returned from '. “If U’d been there I think I’d have kicked him downstairs,” |his lunch, a young man of perhaps twenty-one years of age, said Joe, in a burst of indignation. came {nto the office and asked for Mr. Croft. . “Tm afraid there is no law that will reach those men. He) genuous expression of his face. ‘using bad language.” this young fellow. _ “T suppose he would have got off with a small fine.” “When do you expect him in?” said the caller, politely. “Byen so. He would have been hit in a tender 'spot—his “He is likely to be in any moment. That gentleman sit- “We took up a collection for the widow to-day in both | seat.” stores, I gave fifty cents. It was as much as I could afford} The young man sat down and Joe returned to his desk. _ “Maybe the sacrifice you made in 80 good a cause got me| what seemed to be a significant way, and looked up. he job. Who knows?” said Joe, “A sort of casting your| The bookkeeper motioned him to come to his desk. bread on the waters. “Want to see me, Mr. Hale,” said Joe. her.” he belongs to your department. There isn’t the least bit of “You're a good girl, Grace, and I’m proud of you,” said Joe, |use of his waiting to see Mr. Croft. He'll only be referred issing her. “It is the poor who always help the poor.” to you to attend to. If I’m not mistaken, he’s come here Next morning Joe carried a note from Croft to another | looking for an extension of time on his current note, which -amoney-lender, whose office was on Broadway. will be due probably to-morrow or next day. You can ‘tell: by “Well, what do you want?” asked the red-headed office boy, | looking his name up in your card index. Go back to your ho confronted him. desk and make yourself acquainted with his account as it “T want to Bee. Mr. Stesl,” safd Joe, “I've brought a note stands, and then call him to your desk and hear what he hi yr him.” ‘to say. You'll find he’s after an extension. If he wasn’t he Hand me the nite and I'll take it in,” said the youth, . |wouldn’t be here a a or ye in advance of. bis time. Non ENG: you won't,” replied Joe, “I'll take it in myself.” | of our debtor » They: “ - think 80 will,” leered the bot ui the auburn | hold on to 1 “TI didn’t see Mr. Steele,” he said. “I gave your letter to 3 “Oh, no, he could have had you arrested for assault. You} “Not in at present,” said Joe, regarding the visitor with can’t take the law in your own hands.” some interest, because of his looks and the frank and. in- ; pocket.” ting yonder is waiting to see him. You had better take a _*I don’t know,” said his Sister, “I felt so sorry for that; “Yes. That young chap who just came in and asked ‘for Hh poor woman I would have gone hungry a whole day to help | Mr. Croft is one of your debtors. His name is Havens, and should have been pulled in for creating a disturbance and | Joe had never met any one who attracted him so much as t more, in fact, for I did not know Joe had got a position.” Presently he heard old man Hale hemming and hawing tn a
Page 5
? t " 4A e; | AMONG THE “SHARKS.” ' don’t know what is,” he thought. Nes ot Jess ap tf place?” : —— ‘you are better acquainted with the business. Remember, in dealing with this young man that you must keep up a Stiff front. He will doubtless hand you some hard luck story. ‘That's what we always get from these people when they find ‘the Shoe beginning to pinch. If we were to give an inch} they’d want an ell. Don’t let anything this chap tells you; move you to yield an ‘eyelash in the way of accommodation. Mr. Croft won’t stand for it, so you’d only hurt yourself in his estimation, while you'd do’ the young fellow no good. T} tell you this, Thompson, because’ I rather like you, and I want you to hold on here. Recollect, there is no sentiment in business in general, and least of all in this office.” The old man turned to his ledger, and Joe, feeling a bit uncomfortable, for at that moment across his brain flashed | the sad story his sister had told at the supper table the evening betore about the butcher and the loan shark, returned } to his desk. He knew that Mr. Croft was not supposed to be a loan shark, but a regular Wall Street money-lender, whose dealings were presumedly fair and above-board, and. along the same legitimate lines as those of a bank; but for all that the depart- ment over which he had charge savored strongly of the loan- shark methods, as he was beginning to find out. Had he looked into a few of the information cards in the big safe he would have discovered that the security on which these small loans had been made was the prospective wages .of the borrower, and that each one had given some reference, which had been looked up before he got the money he wanted. Had he studied the cards closer he would have noticed that while his security was what might be called intangible, and not to be compared with real security, still the loan was hedged about by certain safeguards that could be brought to bear upon the debtor if he tried to “welch.” -Had Joe Known more about his department he would have been a great deal more uncomfortable, for he was not at all in aecord with loan-shark methods. He was to learn many things before long, and among others _ that his boss was indirectly connected with the loan-shark trust, which was doing a land office business not only in ‘New * York and vicinity, but in every State in the Union, vi3y +: Joe tool: out his index book and looked up “Havens.” .” From this he learned that the young ‘man’s name -was Frank, and that his payments were due on a certain date. That date was two days hence. Evidently old man Hale was good at guessing. It was easy to find Frank Havens’ card in the index box. It was near the front, and gave briefly all the particulars ‘of I}, ‘his Ican, with the list of the. various credits on the back. He had originally borrowed $75 and had agreed to repay it In eleven monthly instalments of $10 each, which included interest at six per cent. and other eosts. The “other costs,” not specified on the card, were six times) the legal rate of interest. Joe was paralyzed when he noted that the borrower wis’! assessed $35. for the loan of $75 for eleyen months, though éach month the debtor reduced the loan by an eleventh nat of the total extortionate amount, ‘“Holy mackerel! If this isn’t on the Joan-shari iden, 3 “A fellow must want the ‘coin pretty bad when he’s wales to pay that much for the | - use of it:” ; Turning the card over he saw ‘that Havens had promptly paid five of the instalments, or $50, and still owed $60. Perhaps for. some reason Havens wanted to pay another slightly in advance of the time, or perhaps he Ww ‘ranted two or three days’ grace on the next payment. »From what Joe had heard about the loan-shark business he understood that the fraternity were not in the habit of - giving any grace. At léast not without some compensation, . Toe went to the rail and beckoned to the visitor. “Your name is; Frank Havens, I believe?” he said. “Yes,” said. the young man, ina tone that showed his “natural refinement, - “Step inside the rail me ‘tell me your business. I have an idea that if you wait to see Mr. -Croft he ‘will refer you to ie _ -me,ias T have charge of the miscellaneous loan department, £0. you will save time by seeing me,” said Joe. : “When I was here last a young lady was at that desk,” said ‘Havens, as he Smeal inside. - PT have.” i % See! eae suns dosin. sty: “5 ie Mere “Have you taken her next eae wy will ‘be due the: ‘day after ee not acquainted with the debtors in your. department Joé nodded. “It will be impossible for me to meet it for a week, so I called to ask for that much time.” “I'm afraid we cannot grant your request,” said Joe, in as kind a tone as possible. “We conduct our business on systematic lines, and Mr. Croft does not care to make any Pee Everyone is treated alike. I am sorry, for I'd like to help you out, but I’m only an employee, and a new one at that, and have no say in the matter.” “But you say you have charge of this department?” “Phat is true; but I have no authority to make any con- a cessions. If I did Mr. Croft would veto them, and I would | get @ calling down.” | “Tf you can’t do anything for me I'd better see Mr. Croft, | anyway. Perhaps when I show him how utterly impossible it is for me to pay under a week at least he will give me a chance. I have heretofore paid up promptly.” “Phe record shows that you have,” said Joe. “T have returned two-thirds of the money already—I mean the money actually loaned to me. When I have settled the loan I will have paid $35 in interest and charges.. That is a big premium to give for a small loan, but circumstances com- pelled me to do it, for I had to have the money, and I had ho security to give except the statement that I was steadily employed at good wages. I have used up the money I had put aside to pay my instal- ment. That’s why I can’t pay until next Monday.” My mother has been taken ill and ~ At that moment Nicholas Crott came in and passed into his private room. Old man Hale went in after him. He came out in a few minutes and told the man who was waiting outside the rail to go inside. After an interval of fifteen minutes the man came out and went away. Croft followed him, holding a paper in his hand. | Havens got up and intercepted him. “Well, what can I do for you?” said Croft, coldly. He recognized Havens and suspected he was after a favor. The young man stated his case, “Hum!” said the money-lender. the matter over with my clerk, I suppose?” “Yes, but he told me he had no authority to grant any: 5 concessions.” “He is in charge of the department. grant no time that settles it. I never interfere with the action of my clerk. He knows his business. If he didn’t he wouldn’t be here, desk. Havens hesitated and then stepped back to Voots desk. The boy had heard all that passed between his boss and the ‘ Visitor. He saw that Croft had thrown the responsibility on him, and yet he knew he could not act in the matter as he would haye liked to. The boss’s words, probably intended for hig ear, “He knows his business. his job. He felt sorry for the young man, but he had to cossider himself. * “Charity begins at home,” and so when Havens made cheliae / other appeal to him he felt obliged to turn it down, and the * zee man went away looking very down-hearted. CHAPTER IV. JOE MEETS AN ACQUAINTANCE. On his way back Croft “stopped at Joe’s desk. “You gave the young man to understand that he must pay e, up promptly, I suppose?” he said, in a cold, business-like tone, oe “Yes, sir; that appears to be the rule of the office.” “Tam glad to see that you understand the rule and stick ty SY it. That is what I hired you for. We never make conces- sions of any kind under any circumstances. asked to see me in the first place, I understand?” “He did. ‘an account with you. told me that I was the person he should see, as it would do him no good to see you, I called him to my desk and heard mw ‘what he had to say.” Hy “That was right. I don’t ‘wish to be bothered by any a € these peopie who have small leans running with us. I sae “Talways paid ber the money as it came due,” he went on, you to take care of them and give them their answer, - As v7 ‘Hale will see » that they reach’ your bageaes ‘Don’t was M2 i) “You have been talking . If he said he could : Good day, sir,” and Croft passed on to the old man’s ‘ If he didn’t he wouldn’t be here,” carried with | them a significance he could not disregard and hope to retain — The young man “ I told him to wait, as I was not aware he had ‘3 When Mr. Hale, who recognized him; ‘ =
Page 6
AMONG THE “SHARKS” of your time with them if they are not prepared to pay up. Give them to understand in the fewest words that they must settle on the day their note comes due or it will be protested and the costs will be added to their account.” Joe nodded. “This young Havens’ note—is it due to-day?” said Croft. No, sir. Not until the day after to-morrow.” “Very well. He has two days to find the money in, so he has no cause for complaint. Should he fail to pay by one o'clock Saturday, when we close up, you will notify me the first thine on Monday morning. Understand?- Joe understood, and the money-lender returned to his room. _ The boy went on with his work, but he didn’t feel good. - The pathetie face of Frank Havens haunted his thoughts. He feared that the young man wouldn’t meet his note on Saturday and that would pile up trouble for him. “T wish I’d caught on with a broker instead of this place,” he thought. “I’m afraid Mr. Croft is a Shylock. I wonder if any other Wall Street money- -lender is in the miscellaneous loan business, too. There is a whole lot more profit in lending small sums at exorbitant profits than in the regular ' business. By lending his money out on the instalment pay- Ment plan, he can loan the same money over several times, -and each time make a big rake-off in expenses. I wonder _What those expenses are? I must ask Mr. Hale.” He did later on and Hale told him that the borrower was charged from $2 up, according to the amount of his loan, for investigating his referefces, though his charge was only made once—that is, when the borrower paid up and then wanted a new loan he did not have to pay that expense charge again. Halo said that he was charged a bonus in proportion to the sum wanted, which included everything. ' “Then T sifppose the $35 Havens has to pay in connection with his $75 loan figures up about $25 bonus?” said Joe. The old man nodded. “Isn't that kind of rubbing it in on a chap?” “He is not compelled to borrow the money, nor is he even compelled to pay the charge for investigating his responsibil- ity, if after having made the application he declines to take _tke loan.” ' “Tt seems to me that the more a person needs a loan the worse he gets soaked.” “Will you tell me where a man without tangible security to put up can borrow money at the legal rate?” “Nowhere that I know of unless he can get it from a rela- - tive or friend,” said Joe. “Phen what is a man going to do if he positively must have money to settle some pressing claim, or to pay an undertaker for keeping his wife or his child out of potters field? The lean brokers came into existence to fill that want. If their charges are specially high it is because they are taking a ’ certain element of risk. If they loan money on furniture they’ve got to take the chance of the borrower defaulting in ‘his first payment, in which they’ve got to go to the trouble _and expénse of taking possession of it and selling it at auc- “tion, and second-hand stuff of that kind doesn’t fetch much. rat oy If, like Mr. Croft, and others, they loan money on the} strength of a man’s situation and the wages he earns, they yun the risk of his losing his job and possible departure from “the city. The people who pay their loans up promptly have * got to stand for the swindlers, just as a tradesman charges his bad debts proportionately around among his customers who always pay their bills.” “Your argument is good enough in its way, but in my opin- ion the preportion of money lost by a loan broker is small in eomparison with the provision he makes to offset it. For _ every dollar he loses he easily clears twenty.” “You forget that it costs something to run his business—in rent, clerk hire, advertising, and other expenses,” “Yt costs every man in business something to run it, and “most men in regular trade are satisfied with a reasonable profit. ‘For instance, Mr. Croft does not look to make a profit ‘of two or three hundred per cent. on what I call his regular Joan business. He must be guided by the rate of money as .,/ offered, or asked for, at the Exchange or he wouldn’t do any ' pusiness. If the banks have lots of money to loan out the rages “rate will be low. If the banks have little or no money to put ~ out, it will be high, and the money-lenders will have a field day,” said Joe. “Yon seem to understand something about the matter,” said the old man. “+ “7. haven’t. heen’ ‘in Wall Street three years for. nothing. t believe in picking up all the raat ation I can.” “You’ re a pretty smart pee 2 I promise you.” Next day a dudish clerk that worked in an office next to .| that occupied by Mr. Davidson when he was in business, came ded ‘sap ‘Apply your, books and aor documents in the E “SHARKS.” - 5B smartness to Mr. Croft’s interests and he'll take care of you, into Mr. Croft’s place. Joe knew him and he knew Joe. “Hello, Atkins, what can I do for you?” him at the rail. ; The dude clerk seemed greatly taken aback and looked con- used. “What are you doing here, Thompson?” he asked. “Working here, of course.” » “The dickens, you say! “Since I got the job.” “When did you get the job?” “The other day.” “TI would like to see Miss Richmond.” “She’s not here any more.” “No?” “No. She left to get married. I am attending to her de- partment now. Have you come to pay your instalment, which is due to-day? I’ve been expecting you, for I saw your name in our card index, and it bore the date of to-day. Come inside land take a seat.” Atkins walked in rather sheepishly, for he felt mortified that Joe should know he had borrowed money on the instal- ment plan. : “Look here, Thompson, you won’t give me away, will you?” he said, anxiously. “Give you away! How?” “You won't tell anybody connected with our office that I am dealing with Mr, Croft. I wouldn't hear the last of it. If the boss heard about it he might not like it, and hand me a lecture.” “Don’t worry. All business done here is private and con- fidential. No one shall learn from me that you are doing business with this office. I want $10 from you and you can have your note for this month to tear up.” Atkins handed over the bill and received his note stamped paid. “This is a better job than, you had with Davidson,” said = Atkins, putting his canceled note in his pocket. “There’s more money in it,” replied Joe. “You're a full-fledged clerk now.” “Full-fiedged, am I? Then maybe 1’ll sprout a pair of Wings soon,” grinned the boy. “A mustache, you mean.” | “Not for three or four years yet, if I do then.” “How do you like the position?” “All right,” said Joe, carelessly. : “This is the first time I ever got money on my face,” said Atkins. “I got a tip on the market and I borrowed the money to make a killing.” “Did you make it?” ; “No. A screw worked loose in the deal and I lost hat ‘of My margin.” “And now you are paying the” piper.” “Yes. It’s a dear way to get money. I’ll be glad when Vm through coming here. I borrowed $100 and the accommoda- | tion will cost me $40. As I lost half of the $100, I’m $90 out on the tip.” “T got hold of several tips while working for Mr. Davidson and some of them were winners, but I never had any money! to put up on them. There’s money to be made in the market; if a fellow has luck, If I had $100 to spare I’d slap it into the first good thing I came across. I might get a financial start that way.” “More likely you’d drop your money as I did,” said. Atkins, getting up. “That’s a chance a fellow has got to take if he speculates. Well, so long. I'll see you again next month—if I’m here.” “You expect to be here, don’t you?” “Yes, but there’s no telling - how the cat will jump ake. days. ch a oe | “Then you don’t feel sure of your job?” “T can hold it if I try hard enough.” aie “You’d better try hard, then, for ba cn aren’t picked up every minute in Wall Street.” “That's right,” nodded Joe. “It took me two “weeks and two days to annex this.” Atkins took his leave and Joe went on with his work. Next day was Saturday and Joe hoped that Frank Havens ey would appear and ‘pay his instalment, but he didn’t | come' |up to the time Joe got his pay for a ae it hig! said Joe, meeting Since when?” ’
Page 7
AMONG THE “SHARKS.” “T feel sorry for Haven put on his hat. “Defaulted in his instalment, has he?” “Yes. He hasn’t shown up with the money and I'll have to report him to Mr. Croft Monday morning.” “A collector will call on him Monday with a demand for sy balance of the loan in full, and the fees amounting to 7.49,” “Tf he can’t pay the $10 instalment how can Mr. Croft ex- pect him to come down with $67.49?” “Mr. Croft won’t worry about that.” “What will he do if Havens can’t settles?” “You or I will be sent to call on his employer.” “What has his employer got to do with the matter?” : “Mr. Croft holds an assignment of Havens’ wages as secur- ity. His pay will.be attached.” . “Does he get pay enough to cover the amount he owes?” “No. An arrangement will be made with his employer by which we will collect a certain proportion of his salary on each pay-day.” “Then Mr, Croft is sure of getting his money?” “Reasonably so,” said the old man, starting for the door, “Tt’s sheer robbery!” muttered Joe, as he walked out. 8," he said to the old man, as he CHAPTDHR V. JOB FINDS A PRIZE, Joe walked down to Hanover Square to take an elevated train there from the station to 125th street and Sr avenue, “where he always got off, As he was crossing Hanover street he saw an oblong én- _ velope lying in his path. '. He picked it up, for it looked bulky to him, and he thought somebody might have dropped en important document or two. It was a plain envelope without any writing on it and had 2 rubber band around the middle. ' ‘el Joe removed the band and opened the envelope, Inside was a bunch of bank notes. -*"Gee! Here's a find,” he muttered. this?” i As Joe cume out on the Square he saw a couple of aint stenographers ahead that he knew. _' He hurried forward to intercept them, There was quite.a crowd of clerks bound for the salon stairs, the latter with their pocketbooks, containing their “week's wages, In their hands. ' One of the two girls Joe knew, Miss Sandérson by name, was carrying a small bag, made of ‘steel spangles, joined closely together, swinging from her fingers in a rather care- less way considering that it held her purse with $16, as well ' as other things. : Joe was yet several yards behind the girls when a dapper looking young fellow, who had been edging up to them, sud- denly snatched the bag out of Miss Sandergon’s hand and started across the Square at a dead run. The girl screamed, people looked around, and some con- ee _“T wonder who, loat - theft, started after the rascal at full speed, shouting “Stop Prieea 929 1-5 8 Gade _ street. ie Glancing around he saw that the boy was closing in on al ce ia Be darted into a doorway mad ran back into the yard. “e _ Joe spotted the place and followed him. Nar 5 ‘The crook was. scaling the fence when he aie to the back eeoor,/ % ~1 ee Dhe boy followed him over and through a passage to the : “next strett. \ ‘The rascal, while running, had opened es bag, pulled out the. purse and “dropped the bag in the passage, ores, _ Joe picked it up, shoved it into his side pocket and cou 1ed the pursuit, for he wanted to. land the erook in tho ‘ation house, The dapper young man spall’ Tun ag Wall’ as Joe, and he oe South street well in the lead and vanished around the corner, ‘ hen Joe turned dudbierane he did not see him anywhere, a clear he’ had entered another Caursyy otherwise he n't have got out of ‘sight. syne eo eae he had gone into ‘6 Ke fusion ensued, in the midst of which Joe, who had seen the ‘The crook reached the street. corner and made for South | mae “Say, did you see a well-dressed young fellow come around ‘| the corner on the run?” he asked them. “Surest ting yer know,” replied one of the kids. “He went in dat’ door.” “Thanks,” said Joe, and he went into the same doorway. He looked up the narrow stairs but could see no one, then he Ciel, the hall sais to the rear and looked out in the yar No one was there, The crook might have came there and sealed the fence into the next yard on either side, p : Tf he hadn’t come there he had gone upstairs. Joe returned to the stairs and went up. The second floor was occupied by-some business. Joe tried one of the doors, found it unlocked and looked in. Two or three employees were there at work, but the dapper young man was not visible. : There was no hiding place in the hallway, so Joe tried the next floor, which was the top of the house. m When he got up there he found the object of his hunt seated on a box smoking a cigarette. ¥ The fellow jumped up, but there was no escape for him, for Joe had him blocked. if i He sat down again and watched the boy come towards ~ im. i “So this is where you are, is it?” said Joe. e oe are you talking to?” asked the crook, blowing GS ees clou oY, “You. You're a thief and you’ve got to go to the station house with me.” ; “Say, you’re dippy, aren’t you? What kind of gaff are you giving me?” “You snatched a girl’s bag away from her on Hanover | Square.” ; "Pe “T guess you’re dreaming, young fellow.” “We'll let the police decide whether I am or not. with me,” and Joe grabbed him by the arm, “Hands off. Do you want to get hurt?” ' "He tried to Shake the boy off, and finding Joe’s grasp too ae strong he aimed a short blow at the lad’s face. } Joe ducked, seized him about the waist and in the struggle they fell behind the box, with the boy on top. On the floor Joe saw a lady’s pocketbook empty” ‘of its contents. The boy understood at once that the rascal had taken it out of the bag before throwing that article away. After reaching that floor he had cleaned out the pocketbook, and whatever had been in it was now in his possession. The only way he could bring any proof against the crook — was to shove the pocketbook into his pocket without his knowledge so it would be found on him when he was searched at the station house. But it was going to be some job to get him to the police station, In the tussle that took place between them Joe got the % wallet in his pocket, At that moment a door opened and two men came out. Joe called out to them and they stopped, : “Is there a telephone in the building?” Joe asked. “I’ve caught a thief and I want a policeman sent for to take him ts to the station house.” Va “I’ve got a ‘phone in my shop,” said one of the men, as the two camé up. “Then eblige me by telephoning for a cop to come up to this floor to get this chap,” said Joe. ' “Don't you do it. This boy is crazy. Take him off me,” 'said the crook. vag “He stole a young lady’s bag on Hanover Square and I've a followed him to this place.” a r. Come’ Sp. * ei a3 ee oe ye Set i Bpele ‘a bag Td have it.” “He threw it away after taking out what was in it and. Y picked it up.” ‘The dapper young man declared that there wasn’t a word © ‘of truth in Joe’s statement. “Send for a policeman and he’ll straighten the matter out,” said Joe, © i The man decided to ‘phone for a policeman and he went, ie into the shop and did so, a: The men were curious to see the end of the adventire and waited for. the arrival of the policeman. i t aM the. meanwhile Joe hung on to his pri “That's all rot,” said the crook. a A ia mer, by ki of fifteen minutes the Be, arrived. _him/to arrest the crook, and explained : young ma: ed his innocence. DR gioteet
Page 8
The cop said he would escort, them both to the police station and let the accusation be sifted out there. This suited Joe, and it had to suit the prisoner. Anyway, he didn’t see how any charge could be sustained against him. He was prepared to swear that whatever money was found in his pocket was his own, and he guesed no one could prove that it wasn't. ’ The office took Joe'and the accused te the station house and lined them up at the desk. It happened that word, had just been received over the ‘phone about the robbery on Hanover Square, with a general description of the thief given by Miss Sanderson and her friend, so when Joe told his story the dapper young man, was regarded with suspicion by the man at the desk. _doe suggested that he be searched. This was done, and the empty pocketbook and a roll con- taining $16 was found on him. The crook wv which he ist dropped behind he box in the building where he had taken refuge. He declared the charge was a frame-up, and that Joe had put the wallet’ in his pocket. The captain was called to pass on the case, and after hear- ing the facts, and looking the young man over, he ordered him to be locked up and taken to the Tombs. “He wiil be brought into court in the morning,” said the captain to Joe. “See that you are there to press the charge. You say you know the girl who lost the pocketbook?. Bring _her and her friend down with you so they can identify the prisoner if they are able to do so. In the meanwhile we'll see if he nes record.” Joe promised to be on hand and after handing the bag over to the captain returned to Hanover Square to take a train home. On his way up town Joe recollected the envelope he had ' picked up’ on Hanover street, and as he had a whole double _ seat to himself he took it out and counted the money. It amounted to $875, and there wasn’t the slightest clew . fo the owner. “T don’t see how I'm going to return this money to the per-: ‘son it belongs to,” mused Joe. “I’m honest enough to do it if I could. If I can’t do it, why, of course, it belongs to me as the finder. Perhaps it will be advertised for. I must “watch the papers. If the owner turns up [ guess he'll be * willing’to pay a fair reward for getting it back: It would ge if I lost that amount of money.” “When he got home he showed the envelope ‘and the money to his mother, telling her how he had come in possession of it. | “My gracious!” she exclaimed, “that’s an awful lot. of _-Maoncy, Joe! How are you ever going to find the petaen who ‘Jest it?” “I think it is very doubtful finding him. I hope he can _ 2fford the loss of it. It will be a great lift for us, this money. as: guess we need it more than the man who dropped it; but we can't call it ours agin we've given the owner a chance to . declare himself.” - Joe put the money awey in the bottom of his trunk and _ pieked up the afternoon paper to finish reading the news. At six o’clock his sister came in for her supper. _ She had to go right back, for on Saturday | evenings the - butcher shcp was open until eleven o’clock. Mrs. Thompson had supper ready when Grace appeared and the little family sat down to it without delay. Joe told his sister about the money he had found. “And you don't know who the owner is?” she said, some- what excited at the idea of her brother coming into posses+ 3 aon of such a lot of money. iy “T haven't the slightest notion,” replied Joe, } “Then you will keep it, I suppose?” ~ «7m not going to throw it away.” “Of course not. If you keep it I hope you 6 FEROS AS me. I need a new hat and gown.” - "TL couldnt forget you, sis, for I see you every day.” “Don’t talk foolish. You know what I mean.” ey: aig I find I can honestly hold on to the money I'll see that. / you and mother are both provided for,” “You'd better give most of it to mother. person to have it.” ~ » guess she is,” said Joe. She is the ne went On a” biock farther to see the baseball scores that sted up’ in. the aan of the uptown: offi ¢ newspaper. ros AMONG THE “SHARKS.” oe Piers As he was crossing Seventh avénue he saw a very pretty ‘girl ahoad ef him hurrying along, At that moment an automobile whirled somewhat recklessly around the corner from One Hundred and Twenty-ffth street _ and bore right down on the girl. She sprang back, slipped and fell upon the crossing. _ She uttered a seream of terror as the machine rushed upon her, the man on the front seat making a desperate, but futile, effort to stop the car, Fortunately Joe was close behind the young lady. He reached forward, seized her in his arms and swung her out of the reach of the forward wheel, just in the nick of time. CHAPTDR. VI. JOE AND MARIE HAVENS. The girl gave a gasp and fainted dead away, while a crowd. vas much taken back at the sight ‘of the wallet, ibegan to gather. Joe lifted the young lady and carried her to the sidewalk.. “Don’t crowd around, gentlemen,” he protested. “The young lady isn't hurt. She has fainted, that's all. Stand back and give her air.” The crowd grew momentarily larger with fresh accessions, and those behind pushed forward to learn what had happened, so that Joe and his burden were in at center of a very small circle. Joe lifted’ the senseléss girl again and pushed his way> forward till he reached a store, which he entered. “Will your fetch a glass of water?” he asked the clerk.” “This young lady had a narrow escape from an automobile on the corner and has fainted. That crowd outside ought to be chased. There’s nothing for them to see that should interest them.” Joe sprinkled the girl's face with the brought, and she presently opened her eyes, stared up inte her rescuer’s face. “Oh!” she exclaimed, with a deep blush, “please Jet me go.” Wwhy, certainly,” said Jos, releasing her. “I, had to hold i ¥ou while you were unconscious. I brought you here to. get ie out of the crowd -that gathered around us when I pulled you away from that automobile.” “it was you who saved me! I am so grateful to you, in- deed I am,” said the girl, earnestly. “That's all right. I was behind you when the car rushed areund the corner and you slipped trying, to avoid it, Ii = grabbed you and got you out of the way just. in time. ees Eds gaa bound to say you had a narrow squeak of it. You fainted . away in my arms; so. you see I-had to hold you up. I couldn’t | let you lie there in the street, could L for the crowd to gape at?” I don’t know how to hiss. ade : water that was after a sigh, and “No, no: you were vane kind. you enough. oy “Don't try. I am very happy to have been privileged to render you a service,” said Joe, looking admiringly at the lovely face of the girl, which somehow put him in» mind: ‘of : somebody else he had met somewhere. “You will tell me your name and where you live. brother wil! want to thank you,” she said, “My name is Joe Thompson,” sald the boy, and he added his address. “Will you write it down for mas I’m afraid I will not remember it. J am so nervous and excited that I’m hardly able to go home.” “Tl see you to your home, if you wish. live?” She mentioned a number in One deo aad and Twenty-first street, near Eighth avenue. “Ti take you there, Miss 1 “Havens,” she said, f “Havens!” he exclaimed, in, surprise, and the. ‘resomblasos' sa “My Where do you pa) she bore to Frank Havens flashed Se him at once, “You _ say you have a brother?” VRE, the Raa Ney eens: “Yes,” - WGN vn da i in “Tg his name Frank?” — “It is. Do you know him?” she geked, eagerly. “I have met him, but I cannot say that we iy taal acquainted in a business way—that is, if the poy oa I refer to is your brother; but I think he must bes pin you — ; : bear a strong resemblance. ho: Dims 2 -55° Mi oi sf ter supper he walked as far as Lenox avenue along bee dies i : Hundred and Twenty-filth street with his sister, and then| ay do look very much alike in our faces.” Oe aeenes, oat oe jr tp alge ni A ie from 2 work on”) ; then gala
Page 9
“This is an unexpected pleasure. obliged to you.” the clerk for the water, led the girl out on the sidewalk, now clear again, the crowd having dispersed without -the assist- ance of a policeman. They got very well acquainted during the few blocks’ walk. Miss Havens said she was cashier in a large grocery store, and that her brother worked for a stock brokerage house in Wall Street. Joe in return told her he worked in Wall Street, too, and that his sister was cashier in a butcher shop on Lenox avenue. “I should like you to meet my sister,” he said. “She is a splendid girl, and I know you would just suit her. I hope you will permit me to introduce you.” “T shall be pleased to meet your sister. I am sure she is a nice girl. When my mother gets well you may bring her around to see us. My brother will, in the meanwhile, call on you and thank you for what you have done for me.” “Your thanks are enough, Miss Havens; but I shall be glad to know your brother better. I took quite a fancy to him when we met. He is a mighty fine young fellow.” The girl smiled in a pleased way and said her brother was the best young man in the world. By that time they had reached the entrance to the modest flat where the Havens‘family lived, and after ringing the bell and hearing the door lock click, Joe doffed his hat and said goodby to Miss Havens. He walked slowly back to One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street, his mind filled with a vision of the fair girl he had saved. After studying the ball scores he went into a drug store and looked up Miss Sanderson’s address. | He knew her father’s name was Edward, and that he was a bookkeeper. . Spotting what he guessed was the righ. address, which. was on One Hundred and Seventeenth street, he went down there, and ringing the bell of one of the floors in the fiat house, was admitted and found he had struck the right place. 8 AMONG THE “SHARKS.” “Why, how do you do, Mr. Thompson?” said Miss serge Come right in.” “I will for a moment. I called on a little matter of busi- ness.” “Business! Dear me, what is the business? glad to see you, though.” “You had a bag stolen from you to-day on Beamer Square.” I'm awfully “Yes, I did. How did you know? I lost $16 and some othe” things.” ° “TI was right behind you and your lady friend at: the time. I saw the fellow pinch your bag and I chased him. end I caught him and he’s in jail.” By bye: - “Ts it possible! And I'll get my bag back? Um anitully. “Don’t mention it. ‘go to the Tombs police court with me in the morning, and we must take your friend along.” Miss Sanderson called her father in, introduced Joe and a explained the case. Mr. Sanderson said he would accompany the party. Joe stayed an hour and on leaving said he would be on hana _at ten in the morning, and he hoped Miss Sanderson would have her friend ready. They appeared at the court next morning and the two girls identified the thief, as did Joe, and Miss Sanderson identified her bag and stated what was in it at the time of the robbery. -The crook was held for the action of the grand jury. Subsequently he was tried, convicted and sent to prison. . On the following evening the bell rang in the Thompson flat and Joe, after pushing the button, went outside to see who was coming up. Tt was a young man whom Joe presently recognized as _ Frank Havens. “How do you do, Mr. Havens. I’m glad to see you again. é Gore in the parlor,” said Joe, leading the way. “I didn’t know it was you to whom my sister, as~ weit as my mother and myself, are so greatly indebted,” said ‘Havens, ! ‘grasping him by the hand. “My sister told me you said we twee met, but as you did not say where, though iF sup ee orked ne to |. it was somewhere in Wall Street when she said you 4 down there, I was rather puzzled to place you. Allow 1 In the I called to say that you will have ‘to! | xpress the sratttude is feel for the great service. you . ren- | ‘dered my sister. I assure you I shall not forget it, Jay no more about it, Mr: Havens. Your sisteb’ me and that covers the ground, I hope, though, that A shall Tit will save you some extra Sees pcome. friends, for I’m bound to say that I like you t, ‘shall is glad to Moe ip wee as ; een ‘a for you look like a good fellow,” smiled Havens, in his genial way. “T want you to know my sister,” leaying the room. He returned in a few moments with Grace, and introduced the two. Havens was somewhat impressed by Miss Thompson's beauty and winning ways, and was soon on good terms with the young lady. After remaining an hour Havens got up to take his leave. said Joe, jumping up and “You must come around soon again, Mr. Havens,” said Joe. “Yes, do,” said Grace, who was greatly taken with the visitor. A “And bring your sister. I want Grace to meet her,” said oe. “TI will, as soon as our mother is well again. Marie told me that you wanted her to become acquainted with your sister. I am sure she would like you very much, Miss Thomp- son,” he added to Grave. “Thank you for saying so, Mr. Havens,” said Grace, giving him one of her. swectest smiles. “IT shall be delighted to know her.” ; Havens bowed and then took his leave. it. was a disagreeable task for Joe to report to Mr. Croft next morning the failure of Frank Havens to make his pay- ment on Saturday, for he knew it would lead to unpleasant results. He was more interested than ever in the young man on account of his sister, and he was in a funk all the morning lest he should be sent around to call on Havens’ employer with the demand for the payment of the whole debt, with the additional costs. Joe, however, was too new to the office to be sent cn his a mission. Miss Richmond, his predecessor, had executed the business on several occasions quite effectively. She was a young woman of good nerve, and not a particle. of sentiment. Had. she remained with Croft she would undoubtedly have. risen to the post of manager of the office, and she would, have made an ideal one for the place, particularly in connection with the miscellaneous loan department, which was growing. ' Old man Hale was dispatched on the errand. Havens worked for a broker named Forrest, who thought a good deal of him. Hale entered the office and asked for Havens. When the young man came out to him from the counting- oom Hale presented his demand for the balance of the loan. and $7.49 charges. Havens was a bit staggered. “My note has five months yet to run,” he protested. “A default in any payment makes the whole amount das payable on demand,” said Hale, “with costs.” “What are the costs for?” Hale. explained. . “That's an outragious charge!” said Havens, indignantly. - “That's our regular way of doing business.” “T won’t pay such preposterous charges, and I can’t pay the amount in full, I will pay the overdue instalment now, if you will give me a receipt for it.” 4 “Must have the $@7:49. Can't take a cent less,” insisted the old man. , “T don’t know how you're going to get it. I can pay at this time.” “T'll have to see your employer, then. We hold an assign- ment of your wages, and when I return to the office and report to. Mr. Croft your failure to settle he will get out an attach- ment.” ‘ “TT understood from Mr. Croft that all loans were. private jand confidential, and that under no consideration would my employer be informed about mine.” . “As long as you paid up your instalments regularly your loan would remain a secret, but now, when it becomes neces- — sary to attach your wages, we are obliged to see your em- — ployer, as he will be required to hold a part of your pay back each week to honor the attachment.” Ten dollars is all. “T call that a rascally act,” said Havens, with some energy. sc Hale shrugged his shoulders. é “Is Mr. Forrest in?” he asked. ' ae “He is. You intend to speak to him, then?” BE I: “That’s my orders. If he agrees to waive the attachment ‘Will you show the into his room?” — z ‘3 “There's the office > boy. Ask him to cannot ce you
Page 10
7 . 42 AMONG THE “SHARKS.” _ Ne AS PE 9 Havens, who saw that the old man was determined to put his programme through. The boy showed Hale into the private room. Five minutes later Havens was summoned by the broker. ee “This man tells me that you owe Nicholas Croft, the money- Jender, the sum of, $67.49, and that you refuse to settle. Is it so?” asked Forrest “To a certain extent it is true, sir,” said Havens. “Six months ago my sister was taken seriously ill and I found it necessary to/ raise $75 to meet the expenses of her sickness. I called on Mr. Croft and secured the loan, but as I had no security to offer, and as I wished to pay it off in monthly instalments, I had to sign a note by which I bound myself to repay him the sum of $110 in eleven equal instalments of $10.” “Do you mean to say that he charged you $35 interest for , the use of $75 under the conditions you have stated?” “No, sir. He charged me six per cent. interest on the $75 for eleven months, or about $4.18. To this he added $2 for investigating my reference. There were some fees for draw- ing up the papers and recording them, which brought the amount up to $10. Then I had to pay $25 bonus. That makes the $35. It was an exorbitant charge, but as I agreed to it I am not protesting against it now. What I do protest against is the $7.49 that has just been tacked on to the $60 balance I owe because I was unable to meet my last instal- ment, due on Saturday. I am ready to pay the $10 now, but this man refuses to accept it. He insists on having the six remaining instalments, and the $7.49 added, because of my. failure to pay the $10 on Saturday.” The broker whistled. f “Tam to understand that Croft charged you altogether $35 for the loan of $75, the entire amount to be returned to him in eleven equal payments of $10, and because you have let one ‘of these payments lapse for two days he is demanding a forfeit of $7.49 additional?” “Yes; sir.” “You will kindly give me. an itemized account of the $7.49, sir,” said the broker, turning to Hale. “Protest fee, $1.49; brokerage, $1, and collection fee, $5,” said the old man. “And you expect to collect that, plus the $60, from me?” Hale said that Mr. Croft felt reasonably certain of doing so. “Return to Mr. Croft and tell him, with my compliments, that I’li see him. to the mischief, first,” said Forrest, with some energy. “Then Mr. Croft will get out an attachment on the young « man's assignment, and there will be additional charges to pay? ~The broker rang for his office boy. “Show this man out,” he said, sharply, and Hale went out. - Then Forrest turned to Havens. "I am sorry you were so foolish as. to go to a man eho appears to be something of a loan shark while presuming to ‘be simply a regular money-lender. bi didn’t you ask. me for the $75?” “JT didn’t like to ask you for it, sir,” replied Havens. “Well, you made a mistake. I would have been glad to help you out. Now to settle your indebtedness to Croft I. shall ‘offer him $$0 in full, that will make $80 in all, $5 being twice as’much as he is rightfully entitled to, with the gentle hint that if he insists on carrying out his own programme that every broker in Wall Street shall learn, within twenty-four hours, the kind of side business he is engaged in. I doubt if he will care to risk the publicity.” Forrest was as good as his word, and. sent the letter, and his check for $30, with the demand for the return of all the documents in the case. Groft accepted the check and returned a receipt for the debt in full. : He knew better than to fight ‘the matter. CHAPTER VII. IN THE HANDS OF CUPID. full and directed him to tear up the index card relating to ake account, the boy wondered how the young clerk had effected the settlement. He was greatly pleased that Havens was out of his hoss’s|. clutches, and he most earnestly hoped that the fact’ that he was clerk to the money-lender, and in charge of the Shylock | "department, would not give him a black S78: ‘ahewe Havenses. : ; He was already” more than half in love with Marie H : ae was’ ‘oaiaious Gu know her better, Be Sse -| have to do as the Romans do.” the} sonar} During the week several Wall Street employees came into the office and paid instalments.on their accounts. Joe watched the lost and found column in several of the morning dailies, but did not see the envelope with the $876 advertised, so he began to figure that the money was as good as his own. On Thursday he learned that A. & D. was being cornered by a syndicate that intended booming it. ’ Without saying anything to his mother, he carried. $500 of the money he had found down town with him on Friday morning, and when he went to his lunch that day he went around to the little bank in Nassau street and put it up as - margin on 50 shares of A. & D., at 85. When he went home he saw by the market report that the price had gone up a point. When the Exchange closed at noon next day it was up half a point higher. As he left the Anchor Building about one o’clock, with his: pay in his pocket, he met Havens on his way home. “How do you do, Mr. Havens?” he said. “Glad to see you, Thompson,” said Havens, and they shook hands, cordially. “How is your mother getting on?” “Very nicely, I am glad to say.” “@lad to-hear it. I see you settled up with Mr. Croft.” “Yes. My employer did that for me, and saved me money.” “The $7.49 charges? Between you and me, that was an outrage.” “He saved me from that extortion and $30 more.” “Thirty dollars more? How did he manage it?” that was all he’d get. That made $80, so that I only had to “T owed Croft.$50. Mr. Forrest sent him $30 and told him ~ pay $5 for the accommodation, which was all Croft was en- . titled to, Mr. Forrest said. He’s a robber. Excuse my frank- ness, seing he’s your employer, but that’s my opinion of him.” “Tt wouldn’t be right for me to express my opinion of him, as Lam working for, him, but I’m free to say that I don’t like lis methcds.. I’ve only been with him two weeks, and I intend wtp leave him as soon as I can pick up another job. I am not suited to the loan-shark business. I hated like sixty to refuse your request for a few days’ time. It was a fair and reagon- able favor under the circumstances in which you were placed. But I had no alternative. I had to do as I was teld or be discharged right off the reel, and I could not afford that, for Ywas out two weeks previous to getting the job. and we needed the money.” ; “T don't blame you, Thompson. When you're in Rome you “T’m glad you don’t hold it against me.” “Certainly not. Do you suppose I would harbor anthendly feelings toward you after what you did for my sister?” “Oh, never mind that. I,would like to stand with you on my own merits. You will know me better after’ awhile if you are willing to keep up the acquaintance.” “I shall ke glad to keep it up,” said Havens, thinking of him. “When will you bring your sister around to see 1 $2” “If my mother continues to improve I might bring her’ around to-morrow evening.” “Do so. My sister is quite anxious to see her.” Grace had so expressed herself to her brother, but under- neath it was a desire to see Frank Havens again, which visit. Marie Havens also showed a desire to make the acquain- tance of Grace, but if the truth were told she was more La ous of meeting Joe again. Havens said he would surely bring his sister if he could, the fair Marie soon again. They went up town, together on the Third avenue line, | though Havens lived on the West Side and always took the pa Ninth avenue elevated; but it struck him that by having to! When Mr. Croft told Joe that Havens had settled his lo} walk across One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street he would and have a few words with her. would be satisfied if he brought his sister on the promised and Joe shook hands with himself at the prospect of seing : pretty Grace Thompson, who had made a great impression on pinay, be able to drop into the butcher's Bie where Grace worked |
Page 11
x fy Poguishly. 16 AMONG THE “SHARKS.” this would.give him to see Miss Thompson and so ee went The hands of the clock Kept going around unusually fast, ‘on to the butcher shop. Joe thought, and when they pointed to half-past ten he relue- Grace was delighted to see Havens, and Joe, remarking that tantly announced that it was time to go. he wanted to get a newspaper on the corner, left them together. When Havens rejoined him he told Joe that he would take him into the grocery store to see his’ sister, and Joe replied this would suit him firgt rate. They went on to the store and Havens went in with Joe: “See who I’ve brought to give you a cail,” said Havens. O? course Marie was pleased to death, and Havens thought up some excuse to go to the corner and wait for Joe. Thus the two young fellows were playing into one another’s hands, both having the same object in view—each using his own sister as a baiv to get the other fellow’s sister--which was a very beautiful game when you come to think of it. After spending a few minutes in Miss Mavens’ society, during which he said he hoped she and her brother would eall at his home on the following evening if their mother’s condition permitted it, Joe left and rejoined Havens. it was then nearly three o’clock, and Joe proposed that they go to the Polo Ground and see the ball game. Havens had no objection, but said he’d like to go home first and see: how his mother was, so they both went to the Havens flat. Mrs. Havens was very mvch improved, and was abie to see Joe and thank him for the service he had rendered her dpughter, : Then the young fellows went to the game. On the way up Havens suggested that as he had visited Joe’s home perhaps it would suit Joe to call with his sister on the following evening at his house. *Turn about is falr play, you know,” he said, laughingly. < Joe agreed, for as long as he met Marie he didn’t care at which ‘house it was. ‘Accordingly it was arranged that Joe and his sister were ‘to do the calling instead of Havens arid his sister, and che toid his sister when they met at the supper table. Anything sulted Grace so long as she met Frank, though she pretended to hesitate over the arian geet. Joe, thinking she wanted to back out, butcher shop, her heart going pitapat at the SDCMETE. of pane ing a whole evening in Havens’ sctiety. Both she and Joe put on all the extra frills they could after tea next evening, and started for their destination. “Miss Havens is a fine girl,” sai@ Joe; on the way. . se “Have you lost your heart to her, brother, dear?” laughed . Grace, -*Pooh! What nonsense! I've only seen her once—t mean twice. Havens took me ‘into the store where she works yar terday afternoon, but I only stayed a minute,” “How many seconds ‘were in that minute?” said Grace, “What are you blushing about?” te “T ain’t blushing,” protested Joe. “What's the matter with you?” “Yes you are, You're as red as my sash ribbon.” - “No such thing. You're dreaming.” ~ Grace lauzhed tantalizingly. { “Tf you peck at me about. Miss Havens we won’t go there to-night. Uli take you into a moving picture show instead.” Joe was only bluffing, of COLE ‘but Grace got sober right. _ away. i he” bare thought of not abate Frank, after getting: Hersett t is needless to say that they received a royal welcome, and ‘up regardless: on his account, gave her a little shock, and she stopped poking fun at her brother, it it also unnecessary to say, though we do it, that Frank and A eae put on a few frills themselves in order to look their Shey had eich decked their mother out with a few frilis, foo, though she only stayed a short time in the parlor, as she. i not feeling quite well enough to help entertain visitors. Frank and Mario guessed they could do that all right. The law of attraction operated quite suceessfully, drawi ‘Frank toward Grace and Joe toward Marie, and neither young |’ it: ash seemed to find any fault w ach. i was also eae ‘to ‘the other side of the room. | Frank an ad Grace occupied the lounge, | or rather one side of it, ‘aie toe and sparta” had to. put ler to “make believe they h talked about, h hat being re insisted on her ane ~ and finally she said she would, and she returned to th up with chairs, but in’ Seg 400, gs pechent “Oh, it’s early yet,” said Havens. “The clock is fast, anyhow.” Perhaps it was but it usually kept exact time. Joe subsided willingly enough for fifteen minutes more when he called time again. Grace, seeing that it was a quarter of eleven, sprang up and declared that they really must go, Another quarter of an hour swung around while Grace was getting her hat on straight, and talking to Frank at the same time, and Joe was doing-a lot of whispering to Marie, which brought blushes into her checks and shy glances from her eyes, Finally they got started, after Frank and Marie had prom- ised to call on them on the following Sunday evening, if noth- ing prevented. “How does Frank strike you?” asked Joe, as they stood on ~ One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street waiting for a car, “He's very nice,” said Grace, demurely. “Bet your life he is. I wouldn't mind having him for a brother-in-law,” “Why, Joe!” cried Grace, in confusion, “The idea!” “It’s a good idea, and from the way he hugged up close to you to-night, and you seemed to like it, it might happen.” “Joe, I'm surprised at you,” cried Grace, Rives like a red rose, “Fa! Who's blushing now?” grinned Joe. “Not me,” said Grace, holding down her head. “Then you must have a rush of blood to the head. We'd ‘hetter see & doctor about it,” “You horrid thing! Here’s the car.” “Say, Grace,” whispered Joe, confidentially. awful nerve to-night.” “How?” ; “I asked Marie if she would take me on as her steady.” . eid you? How nice! She’s a sweet girl. What did she Bay? ” 3 a “She wouldn't answer at first, but when I pressed her and. told her—well, no matter what I told her—she said that as. IT had sayed her life she couldn’t refuse me, and so—it’s all right. I’m dead in love with her, sis.” “IT had an “I have no objections to her as a sister, if it comes to that,” — said Grace. m “Thanks, but I hope it will be a four-handed match, for I~ neyer saw a fellow yet I thought good enough for you till I met Havens. Take it from me, he's all to the good, and if you don’t hook him I'll be awfully disappointed.” i Grace said nothing, for girls are a little chary about making confessions, even to the best of brothers, but she thought a ,|ereat deal, and her thoughts centered on FWrank-—for it had. ‘been a case of love at first sight with her, and Havens wasn't far behind in his feelings toward her. ay ‘CHAPTER VIII. JOE MAKES A HAUL IN THE MAREET, ' When Joe went to lunch next day he stopped at the Hx- ‘change and ran. into the haan hed entrance to get a look at the blackboard. ; A. & D. was about the same a8 it closed on Saturday. ; It went up half a point more that afternoon, as Joe saw ae ‘ the market report in one of the afternoon! papers. ’ On the next day it slowly glided up to 88. SAGE “Looks like a pretty good spec for me,” thought the boy, who had given up the idea of the owner of the $875 turning: up to claim it. Late that day a clerk he knew came in to see Mr. Croft, -but the money-lender had gone home. “Are you working here, Thompson?” asked the visitor, Whose name was Tom Cady. ; “Looks like it, doesn’t it? replied Joe, “How did you catch on?” “Qh, I caught on all right. Did you call to make a loan?” “Perhaps I did, but I don’t want you to give it away.” “Business done in this office is. private. and confidentt unti]l——” ; Joe shut up suddenly like a ‘cam, for. nt caught ‘himse saying too much. his Batt when?” asked ites cur ue ae
Page 12
“AMONG TH E “SHARKS.” re “That's what I supposed, but as you know me, I thought maybe you'd tell somebody I got money here on the instal- ment plan.” “If I did, and Mr. Croft heard of it, I’d probably be fired, so I’m not saying anything that is likely to get me into trouble. Have you borrowed here before?” S “Yes. I got $25 awhile ago for two months.” “How much did you have to pay for the use of it?” “Seven dollars.” “What do you want now?” “Witty.” “For how long?” “One month.” “Come in to-morrow when .Mr. Croft is here and I guess you'll get it. Then your name will go down in my card index with the others.” Say, tell me something. Did Jake Pratt Bet some money here the other day?” ¢ “Anxious to know?” h * Yes. He owes me a fiver, but, says he’s broke.” “{ couldn’t tell you anything about it.” “Why not?” “Because I told you awhile ago that no information was given out.” Cady looked disappointed. “You might oblige a fellow on the quiet. about | it,” he said. “Nothing doing. ¥ “Well, I'll be in to-morrow: What is the best time to catch the boss?” “Ten to four. He doesn’t often go out.” Cady nodded and left. f Next day A. & D. jumped to 91 and began to attract a good deal of attention. ‘Money was tight and Mr. Croft had many brokers in look- ing for it. As long as they had the right security they got it, for Croft had a big bank account to draw upon. That day he was sent around to the Steele office again, and this time he asked for Miss Baker. ‘The red-headed boy wasn't in at the time, but he met Joe as he was going out. f “Hello, Thompson, with a 'P, how are you ieactatlag? he grinned. ‘ “You're a fresh guy. What's your name?” “Jimmy Jones, I belong to the original Davy Jones family. eard of him, haven't you? He’s the feller the sailors put up with wheh they're lost at sea.” “You seem to be a humorous sort of a kid, you re allowed to go around loose.” “Tm a jokesmith, Iam. I’m locking for a partner to go into, vaudeville. Here’s a new one. What’s the best way to "tell a bad épe?¥ “Tt depends on what you have to tell it. The best way is— _preak it gently,” and Joe hurried to catch the elevator, leav- ing Jimmy Jones looking after him with a look of disgust. Next day was Thursday and A. & D. began to boom in earnest. It went to 98 with a rush and had’ the brokers in the Bx- - change standing on their heads. Joe shook hands with himself when he saw the excitement “Gn the Exchange at half-past twelve and the figures on the blackboard. “Things are coming my way in great shape,” “Tm $600 to the good, with more in sight.” . A, & D, closed at 98 3-8. Phere ‘was every prospect that it would go above par ‘next I won't let on \ ‘It’s a wonder he Mok sci It was up to 105 1-2 when Joe went to Tunch. “I guess I'll sell out before it takes a downward turn. looks very topheavy to me now. value,” he thought. So: he sold out before he returned to the office. figured up his profits at $1,000 and something over. still had $375 in his trunk. Tt It’s way beyond its” normal: +7 t f i: do I have money enough to pay him. mS put. 3600 int D. shares ‘the other day and sold out fetta h nd ip When he went home early next any he handed his mother | $300 bs) it, saying that he hadn't heard Soc et from the: “My goodness! How fortunate you were!” : “Tl allow I was lucky to get the tip that did the business.” At the supper table he tossed his’ sister $75. ; “Get some glad rags with that, Grace, so you can strike a . winning gait with you know who,” he said. “Is that part of the money you found?” she asked, as ‘she captured the bills. “Yes. I made $1,000 yesterday in the stock market.” “You didn’t.” “Oh, all right, if you know better than I do about it, we'll let it go at that.” “But I want to know whether you're joking or not.” “No, there’s no joke about it, but if you want me to tell you one T’li——” “Don’t trouble yourself on my account. So you really and truly made $1,000 in the stock market yesterday?” “The deal culminated yesterday, but I’ve had it onthe stocks for over a week.” : “Dear me, you’re rich.” “Yes, I’m rather well-to-do for a poor chap. It isn’t quite. enough to buy an automobile or get married on with safety.” “I’ve heard of people who have done both on a good deal less.” “JY don’t doubt it. Autos are getting cheap and some girls are, too.” “*T don’t hold myself cheap.” “That's right. Now, I hope you’ll use that $75 to good ‘ad. vantage.” : “T certainly will. What have you given: mother?” “Three hundred dollars.” “And how much is coming to you from that little bank?” “Fifteen hundred.” “And what are you going to do with that?” “ook here, sis, you're as bad as if you were my wife.” “Tm your sister and that’s just as important until you | get a wife, I “onsider it my duty to see that you do what I consider right.” “Well, I'm going to ‘use that money to make more.” is don't approve of you’ taking risks.” *Secing that the money belonged to mie, and I’ve deshon you $75 worth, I think you might permit me to'do as I think © “proper.” “Tf the $75 is a bribe perhaps I'd better not ‘take it.” “V’ll wager, now you've got your fingers on it I couldn't Separate you from it with a crowbar,” laughed Joe. “IT hope you will be careful with that $1,500,” said his sister, as she put on her hat to go back to the shop, “Don’t you worry about it. IJ’ll look out for it.” Then Joe put on his hat and went out. The Havenses—brother and sister—called on the followine. evening and were received with open arms, metaphorically - speaking, though during the visit both Frank and Joe man- ‘aged to put one arm around the partiou le object of their attention without any strenuous objection from the young. lady. a Remarking that the gas seemed unusually bright that — evening, Joe said he thought he would turn it down just a |mite if the company had no objection. As nobody seemed to be particularly concerned on the subject he turned it down about half, which threw the room into a sort of twilight. ."That’s the way I get, back at the gas company when an extra pressure is turned on,” said Joe. Frank Havens thought it was an excellent idea, and thedaee. ing his arm across the back of Grace’s chair, asked her if she didn’t think so, too. As she turned her head to answer him thelr faces, quite — iy accidentally came together. ‘The young lady eried “Oh!” and Joe, who had made to steal a kiss from Marie. without producing any wanted to know what was the matter. “Nothing,” replied Frank, from across the room. ‘sister bumped her mouth against something, that’s all.” is “Tt hope the shock didn’t hurt you, sis?” sald Joe. — | Grace was too confused to reply, and Joe, being fully ‘occupied with his charmer, let {t'go at that. xo Frank and Marie stayed till eleven, and Lectiomiicad that th Frank kiss you tomight?” said, Joe, after jhad passed a lovely evening, started for : , eried ‘the sir, blushing turlousty.
Page 13
ia ~ of: boys who impressed people favorably. 12 AMONG THE “SHARKS.” kissed her, as I will admit I did several times. like a major. She’s the finest girl in the world—next to yourself, I mean.” Grace gave Joe a playful box on the ear and ran out of the room. “What a foxy puss you are!” chuckled Joe*to himself, “If Havens didn’t kiss you half a dozen times this evening at intervals Ili allow ’'m a poor guesser.” Then Joe turned out the gas and went to bed. CHAPTER IX. JO" PROVES THAT HIS HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE. Next. morning about eleven Joe paid his third visit to the Steele office. .Miss Baker was engaged and he had to wait. “Say, Thompson, with a P, how would you like to work over here?” said Jimmy Jones. “J'd rather be excused,” said Joe, “Why not? What's the matter with this office?” “T haven’t insinuated there is anything the matter with it.” “Just look at the girls I have under my charge. Aren't they fine, say?” “Under your charge? That's pretty good. One wotild think yeu were the boss.” “T’m the boss of this room.” “That’s news to me. I thought you was the office boy.” “J condescend to run errands to oblige Miss Baker, but I don’t have to.” At that moment an electric buzzer went off and Jimmy made a rush for Miss Baker’s room. In a minute he came out, grabbed his yim and lett the office. A poorly dressed little woman, with tearae ‘in her: eyes; came out of the inner room and started slowly for the: boa dor door. She looked like one who had just lost the only. friend sit had in the world. __ Joe looked at her with sympathetic interest. “He guessed that she was. a customer of Steele’s who had - found it impossible to mako her payments on time and was being handled without gloves. He felt sorry for her, as well as for everybody who: tie around to a loan shark with the expectation of recohiiae some. consideration. Miss Baker being now disengaged, he went in to see iar She received Joe with a smile, for he was. one of those kind . He handed over the note and she went to the safe to consult her card index. sed By this tims it was easy for Joe to understand that his boss. ; had some arrangement with this loan concern through which he secured information concerning persons applying to him for money. Joe had some curiosity as to the identity of Steele. ‘So far he had not seen him in the place. Mites Baker was evidently the manager, and had full charge. oe got his answer in a few minutes and started back for his office. He found the shabby woman standing by the elevator in a dazed way. ~ “Going down, ma’am?” he said, as an elevator stopped, and she made no move to get in it. i ‘resy” she replied, in a hollow voice. Joe helped her in and assisted has out when the cage ca reached the ground floor, = aK one pay it?” “Ten dollars and $7.49 more, heaven, what sh: st she didn’t seem to know how to get out of the bulging. ough the entrance was in full view, he offered to escort | ¢ to the street; "Siie went with him’ slowly, and Joe heard her sob. “You are in trouble, ma’am. Will you tell me what it is? It T can help you I will,” he said, in a ‘kind voice, She put her hands to her face and moaned, » : “Come now, speak up. Maybe ‘I‘can. help you.” “Mo, no, you can’t.” Shei 6] gaw you up in Steele's office. You owe him money and - “Yes,” she. faltered. “How much?” They are going to take my niture, and my husband is sick in bed. { have three ren. and there ete for gee? to the house, — Now, you didn’t hear. Marie make any exclamation when 1| She stood it | cblivious of her surroundings. jin dollar bills. The woman was clearly distracted and so dazed as to be “You asked for time up stairs and the young lady wouldn't t give it to you. Is that it?” “Yes.” “You explained how you were situated?” “Yes, oh-yes.” “Didn’ t she sympathize with you at all?” “No, no, She abused me,” “Abused you!” “Yes, She said I wanted to swindle them out of the money. That they wouldn’t: give me a minute after three to-day. They would send a wagon at that hour-to my place and if the $17.49 was not paid they would clean out my place.” “How much do you think your furniture is worth?” “Tt cost $200 on instalment. I borrowed $25 to pay the last $10 we owed on it and pay my rent. I was to pay back $30 at $5 a month, and I paid $2 down as a fee. I have paid $20 and only owe $10. My husband took sick three weeks ago, and I had to spend all the money I had with none coming in. I couldn’t pay the $5 this month and a collector called on me and demanded the whole $10 with $7.49 charges. I couldn’t pay it and came down to Mr. Steele’s office to explain my situation. It has done no good and now we'll lose all our furniture, and my sick husband will be put on the bare floor, and my poor children——” She broke off with a fit of sobbing. “You're in a bad position, ma’am. You gave a chattel mort- gage on your furniture to Steele as security for the loan?” “Yes. The woman insisted on’ it.” “You mean the young lady manager ih Stéele’s office?” “Vos.” “How came you to go to Steele’s office for a loan?” “T saw his advertisement in a morning paper.” “IT see. And the young lady manager has threatened to take $200 worth of furniture away from you, though you only owe Steele $107?” bist ep “You've got till three o’clock to pay the $17.49?” ; “Yes, but I haven’t a dollar, nor do I know where to get one, I can’t pay and there is no hope for us.” “You come with me and I'll lend you the money to settle your account, and you can pay me when you are able, a little at a time, or any way you please,” said Joe. The woman stared at the boy in unbelieving wonder, | i What had he said? | He would lend her the money and det her pay him back i her own way? a Surely he must be joking, and ohn thouent it cruel, 16. he | joked with at that moment. “Come along, ma’am. I haven’t any time to lose, as I have to get back to my office.” “Where do you want me to go?” said the woman, in a se confused way. “To a place where I have money coming to me. get you $25, your children, as well as yourself and your sick husband. Come along.” He took her by the arm and led her down Pine street to Nassau, and down Nassau to the little bank. pwn That will pay what you owe the loan man, and ,_ |leave you enough over to get some food in the house to feed She went along like one in a dream, hardly knowing what hy she was dving. “Come in, ma’am, This is the place,” said Joe, Reaee her : ; inside. Telling her to wait till he returned he opened the ‘door oe the cashier’s department and saw that gentleman at his desk. — is “here's a bunch of money coming to me on a stock deal ‘which I closed out on Friday afternoon,” he said to the T didn’t cashier. “It amounted to $1,500 in round numbers. come to colleet it; but I’d like to get $25 on account, ten of it J ust look the matter up on let me have: the mohey, please.” . ‘While the cashier was attending to the matter Joe stepped 2 to the door and asked the woman to/walk in, which she did, — : in an awe-struck way, like a person unaccustomed to such “Wg | surroundings. ks “What's your name, ma’am?” he asked her. ' wicca “aura Porter,” she replied. “Where do you live?” blocks of his home. ‘Now, ma’am, I’m going to writ ad for pee money, and you a wil yu. : nt “out an ordinary. nate of the She gave her address, which happened oe be within a * gate
Page 14
{ AMONG THE “SHARKS.” 13 for any security. .I am going to trust you, for I believe you | sorry for you, and came over with me. Now here is my name are honest. At any rate I will give you.all the time you want to pay it in. You won't be able to pay anything until your husband gets well and goes to work again.” The woman remained silent for she was still all up in the air, as the expression is. It seemed’ incredible to her that she was really going to get the money. It didn’t seem natural that a stranger, and a boy at that, would help her out of her trouble. She and her husband had had a hard struggle with the world since their marriage, which was a happy one in the spiritual sense, and both had found the world selfish and] unsympathetic to those down on their luck. While she stood near the door trying to grasp the situation, Joe borrowed a pen and @ piece of paper and wrote out the note. He read it over to her and requested her to sign it, which she did, mechanically. “Here is your statement, Thompson,” said the cashier. “That shows you what is due you. I can let you have a check for the whole of it now, less $25,” handing the boy the bills he had asked for. “I don’t want a check. Have a certificate of deposit made out to my credit for the balance. I will call for it to-morrow noon.” “All right,” said the cashier. . “Here’s the money, ma’am,” said Joe. “I will count it for you. Three five dollar bills and ten ones. That's $25, you see. I will put it in an envelope for you: When you pay the man who calls with his final demand, be careful to see that you get back the chattel mortgage that you signed and your original note. Then tear both of them up at once. No, keep them till i call this evening, so that I can see that everything is all right. Those sharks are not to be trusted. Understand, ma'am?” he said, handing her the envelope. “Yes, yes.” Oh, you are so good. You have saved us. Heaven bless you!” she burst into tears, sank on her knees and seizing his hand kissed it fervently. “Don’t kneel to me, ma’am. Kneel to your Creator to-night and thank Him. trouble. I don’t want any thanks. them anyway. Come, now, hurry home and buy food for your children and yourself. Now that your furniture is safe, you’ll come out all right, I hope.” He led her outside and started her on her way. It was a kindly act on Joe’s part. “The woman might be undeserving of his sympathy for all he knew, but he didn’t think so, for she had an honest and pathetic face, and he believed in her. He didn’t worry much about getting back the money. If it was never returned he would charge it to profit and loss and Jet it go at that, for it wouldn’t break him. A good act always brings its reward in the consciousness of well doing. -Joe, however, got his reward in a more substantial way. That afternoon, on his way home, he got hold of a tip on L. & D. that had all the earmarks of a winner. .. “I'll get in on 100 shares to-morrow,” he told himself. Then he started in to read his afternoon paper. At supper he told his mother and sister how he had invested the $25 that afternoon, and they both approved of what he had done. Grace was so interested in the case that she asked him if ‘ she could call on the Porter family with him. - “You surely can; sis. Get your hat on. there now.” It was a very cheap flat house they entered and the Porters lived. on the third floor. Joe rang the bell and they went up. Mrs. Porter came to. the door, and when she saw Joe she rushed up to him and called him their preserver. Joe and his sister entered the living-room, where they found the three children, clean and neat, but not strong looking. “The man called for the money, I suppose?” said Joe. "Oh, yes, promptly at three o’clock. I paid him and he seemed surprised. He gave me back all the papers I had signed and went away. Here they are.” Joe looked the documents over and found them all right. “Now destroy them, ma’am, and never go to a loan shark again as long as you live. They are Shylocks, and will have their pound of fiesh at all hazards. I'm going over he is asleep I don’t like to wake him up.” course not, ma’am, This is m sisters Bie, felt very How is your husband?” . “He is better to-night. He wants Pe see and thank’ you, but : tin I’m doing this to help you out of your! I haven’t time to listen tolquently called upon to visit brokers with calls for them to and address. If you need a little more money before your husband gets to work call over and see me or my mother. Neither of us will let you suffer. That's all, ma'am. We will go now. Good evening.” And as brother and sister passed out of the room the grate- ful woman called down a blessing on both their heads. CHAPTER X. MORE SHARKS ‘IN Next day on his way back from lunch Joe went to the little bank and got his certificate of deposit. Then he gave in an order for 100 shares of L. & D. at 90, the market price. The bank took his certificate of fepent back and made out a new one to him for $500. With that in his pocket he returned to the office. Joe noticed that Mr. Croft had a number of broker visitors that day, which was a sign that money was tight at the banks and the rate high. The money-lender was in excellent humor. Three Wall Street clerks came in and applied for loans. On each occasion Joe carried a note to Steele’s office and left it with Miss Baker,.and on the following day the red- headed boy came in with a note for Mr. Croft, as he had done on several previous occasions since Joe had come on the job. Joe had little to say to him when he, came around, for he WALL STREET. didn’t, like him much. Jimmy, however, had taken a shine to Joe and always wanted to talk to him. As Joe was always busy when he called he didn’t have much chance, except when Joe called at his office. Every day one or more cards were added to Joe’s card index and "eats in his books from memorandums furnished by of oe had now been over a month in the office and the money- Iender seemed to like him well enough. - At any rate he found no fault with him. ; He was on good terms with old man Hale, and. was fre- t take up their loans, which they always did promptly. Joe pumped Hale occasionally for particulars about. the loan shark business in general, but the old man was very cautious in his replies. : He always found some excuse for the sharks, and Toe quit talking to him on the subject. The week passed away and L. & D. remained almost sta- tionary. ‘Joe was satisfied as long as it didn’t go backward, for he was satisfied that it would shortly make a good advance. On Saturday he and Havens met in front of the Anchor Building at one o’clock and went over.to Newark to see a ball game. This brought Joe home rather late, and he found his sister mie been home, eaten her supper and had gone back to,the shop. Having nothing particular on hand, he thought he’d go around and see how the Porter family were getting on. He received a great welcome from Mrs. Porter and found that her husband was out of bed and doing very well. Mr. Porter expressed his gratitude to him for advancing the $25, and assured him the money would be repaid as soon as posible. : “There’s no rush about paying it,” said Joe. “I can wait. When you get $5 together that you can spare your wife can — bring it around and give it to my mother; but don’t. inconve- nience yourself, ug “I won't be satisfied till i have paid the loan,” said Porter. “Tt was a great fayor for you, a stranger, to do for us, and I shall always remember it.” 3 “Well, I must go. Here are some bananas and ‘oranges f your children,” said Joe, handing him a package he had ; brought with him. ; Porter thanked him for the fruit and then Joe left. On the following evening he took Grace to call on the <i Havenses. : ‘As it was a pleasant moonlight ‘night the young people. decided that a walk would be preferable to Saha in das a house. : i.
Page 15
“4 : AMONG THE “SHARKS.” During the foliowing week L. & D. got a move on and went |vestment Co. never purchased or sold the actual stock for by degrees to 95. their customers. ‘It closed at 95 1-2 on Saturday and on the following Minaay They gathered in the commissions both ways, and charged went up to 97. the interest on the money they were supposed to advance but As he was coming froni lunch he met Cady, who had secured | never did. @ loan at the office. If the customer won they paid it, and if he lest, as he did He’ was looking particularly happy. most of the time, the company wes ahead on the whole trans- “Say, Thompson, I made a good thing off that loan I got action. from you,” he said. ; Joe had been two months with Croft when he found out that “Glad to hear it. You have got to pay enough for the use |another sharkish enterprise had been started up on the same of the money.” floor where he worked. » ; a bought ten shares of L. & D, with it and have just sold It bore the high-sounding title of The Inter-State Land out at a profit of $65.” Improvement Company, and the promoters of it had rented the “How came you to buy L. & D.?” Joe asked, curiously. entire Wall Street front of the floor, fitted the rooms up in “T heard a broker tip my boss/joff to buy it, and I judged it |} gorgeous style, and were flooding the country with circulars Must be a good thing.” offering some very fine land at bargain prices, on the instal- '“That is what you wanted the money for?” ment plan, with a discount for ali cash. Veg! Their advertisement appeared in two or three of the maga- _ “You ought not to have sold out so soon. It’s going higher.’’|zines, and in numerous papers. “What makes you think it will?” The company, which was incorporated under the laws of beg heard it would go up fifteen points probably.” New Jersey, had an alleged capital of ten millions. “Do you get hold of tips in your office?” : | Joe got hold of one of their circulars and noticed that the “T hayen’t as yet.” : president’s name was Nicholas Steele. “Then where did you learn it was going up fifteen points?” | Soon afterward he saw a bundle of bonds of the land im- “T don’t care to say where or how I found it cut.” provement company in the big office safe, and he wondered . “Do you speculate any yourself?” whether the boss had bought them or had loaned eee) on “T won't say whether I do or not. A fellow can’t ‘do much | them. sréeculating on ten per week when he has to turn moat of it} He made inquiries of brokers he knew about the Couibaay. into the house.” but none of the traders appeared to have any great opinion “That's right: So you think I sold too soon? I was airaid|of the ten million concern. , oa hold on any longer, for you never can tell how long a rise Joe, who was an observant lad, noticed that the number — will last. Seven dollars a share is pretty good profit as|of girls employed by the company was increasing, and getting, stocks go. I believe a bird in the hand is worth two in the acquainted with one of them, he found out that most of them bush.” were engaged in the publicity department, as it was called, “But you might. have, made ‘double if you'd held on a few addressing circulars. to thousands of people whose names and — days longer.” addresses. were taken from elite directories, and purchased . “I don’t think L. & D, will go much higher. I went broke from people who made it their business to collect such names six months ago by holding out for the last dollar.” ~~ and addresses in order to sell them at so much a thousand. — ' “Keep track of the stock and see if it doesn’t go up around Joe secured, through the girl, one of these circulars, and 105,” said Joé,who then walked off. found that it set forth the land improvement business in The very next day L. & D. jumped to 102. glowing shape. -_ On Wednesday it went to 108, and Joe sold out, making The company announced that iE had secured several thou- $1,800 profit. : - Sand acres of splendid land in a”certain State on the line of He told his folks about his good luck, and they were Bur.) the projected extension of.a big trunk railway, and had laid prised at this second fortunate deal’ panning out so well. | it out in town lots for business and residential purposes. Ritts “How much are you worth now, brother, dear?” asked Having bought the track cheap for cash the company was Grace. ; laying out streets, parks, erecting public buildings, and others - “Twenty-three hundred dollars.” wise bringing into existence a magnificent town, where lots - “And a couple of months ago you were’ scratching for car would be sold at a price that in a year or’two would return — u ; ake oc. 4 the investor ten times, and in many cases thirty times ths “That's quite true. I owe it to that lucky find in Hanoyer| original cost. - ik street. iY As the best lots were going like hotcakes it behooved the . (“The envelope with the $875?” boda fet 3} $500 I put up on A. & D. gave me we ‘start a “was looking for.” “Do you intend to keep on speculating?” "Yeg)" ESV ou might los @ all your money again.” oe ~ “There is a chance, of course, but I intend to be mighty careful what I put my money up on.” reader of the circular to get a move on if he expected to get in on the ground floor with the fortunate many. ps It was about this time that Joe noticedariseinL.&C@. — After watching it for a day or two he concluded to take a E chance on it, but he wouldn't buy more than 100 shares. Meeting Atkins on the street around one o'clock they got ed to talking about the market and Joe found that the clerk was in on ten shares, having borrowed the money this time ‘$rom) © “have it. | Several days passed and the stock, which he had bought at Ds "There were other shat in’ the financial ‘district besides 78, went up to 81 and a. traction. : » loan ones. At that figure he sold out at a profit of $300, and it was fortunate that he did so, for before the Exchange closed it dropped to 79, and next day kept on down to 77, where it anchored, . “Three hundred dollars is better than nothing,” he told his Yi mother and sister that evening. “It represents thirty weeks’ ~ 3 3 wages.” iy : “Any pe at all is better than losing,” said hig sister. 0 | edo right,” said Joe, grabbing his hat and starting Lor sony e door, The men who ran bucketshops came under that title. _ People who speculated at such establishments took an addi- tional ‘Yisk over and above the ordinary chances. in Wall - Street, which were always against the ‘outsider. — fa Jt wasn’ 't Jong before Joe found out that his boss was a silent partner in one of these “shops,” and was getting a sub- secre rake-off for the use of the money he had advanced to This bucket ‘shop was advertised mndgt ‘the name ot the Mut al be, bg napus Co.” i i ' CHAPTHR XI. ON SPECIAL SERVICE. S “Thompson, » said Croft, one afternoon, “come in the office,” Soe followed his boss into the private room. ; lled| “How do you like it here?” asked the money-lender eyeing Tee. him Uaparbly., i Lien WBS well,” % replied the sabi siaoge that wasn’ Aa a + eal
Page 16
AMONG THE “SHARKS.” ‘16 1 oa ae a Things had pats running smoothly since the Frank Havens affair, but for all that Joe did not like to be connected with a place where small borrowers were soaked such high res for loans. Although this department seemed to be but a’small part of Mr. Croft's business, still it) was growing, and Joe was afraid that his ¢mployer’s side business might get into the news- papers in case he attempted to squeeze another clerk whose eniployer might resist it like Broker Forrest. “As you have done very well since I hired you, I am going to raise your wages to $15,” said Croft. “Thank you, sir,” said Joe, greatly pleased at a fifty per cent. raise. When five o’clock came around old man Hale, who had been. _ advised about the boy’s raise, congratulated him. “Croft seems to be pleased with you,” he said. “Nothing escapes his eye. He has seen that you stick close to business, and that is what he likes to see in‘a clerk, A chap who was always looking for lunch hour or closing time to come ‘arounu wouldn't stay here very long.” “T believe in doing what I’m hired for,” said Joe, Iie meant that he believed in returning a full day’s work for a full day’s pay. He forgot for the moment that there were some things in his line of duty that he didn’t believe in, but so far he ha not heen called upon to test the matter, except in a ‘Small way in the case of Havens. Hale took his answer in the full literal sense, and’as he had been told by Croft to find out just how Thompson stood in relation to his department, and how far he could be de- - pended on, he was pleased with Joe’s reply, for he rather liked the boy, and hoped he would fall into the spirit of the business. Croft usualy left the office at half-past twelve on Saturday. At that hour he called Joe into his room. , “Steele, with whom you know I have some dealings, is short handed to-day, and he asked me to send you around to his office to help him out,” said the money-lender. As Joe had expected to go to a ball game with Havens that, afternoon, and as the sun was shining warm and invitingly, he did not relish being obliged to give’up his half holiday for the benefit of a money-shark. Then he remembered he had five dollars more in his salary énvelope than he had heretofore been receiving, and so he felt that he could not ‘refuse to do anything Mr, Croft re- quested of him. “All right, sir,” he said, as cheerfully as he could. “You will get your lunch now and report to Miss’ Baker,” said Croft. It was; always Miss Baker. _ Putting on his hat, he left the office, ‘Havens was at the door down stairs waiting for him. “Going home to your lunch or shall we eat down town?” asked Havens, . “T’m not going home,’ and you'll have to excuse me from accompanying you to the game to-day.” “How is that?” said Havens, in surprise. “It’s the finest spring day we’ve had. An ideal one for a ball game. Where "are you going?” “Got to work this afternoon.” “That's hard luck. Are you rushed with business?” “Tt isn’t that. Croft has loaned me to a friend of his named ae Steele, who is a regular money-shark. He’s short-handed to-day and I’m to give him a lift.” “This is something new, to loan one’s employees, on a half) _ holiday at that, I should be inclined to object, and I think I'd be justified.” -“Oroft has just raised my wages $5, so I don’t feel that I can ob ecti” ohat's a horse of another color, That's a good raise.” “He can easily afford it. He said that another raise would probably come at Christmas,” a _ “Then { don’t blame you for being ica to work over- Bs time.” “7 wouldn’t mind it so much if Croft kept tie to do some- thing in the office, but I don’t care much to transfer any re of my services to a Shylock like Steele,” “Where's his office?” _ “On Broadway, near Pine.” : hae vp ‘Ten minutes or so later Joe entered Steele's office. , There was no one in the outer room but Jimmy Jones. 1 he dently, gone away for the day. < ello, ; mmy, is Miss: fag goe home?” sa yor ‘was prepared to go. | street, Joe went in and found Miss Baker reading a magazine. - “Mr. Croft told me to report to you,” said Joe. “Here is a bill for $83.25 1 want you to collect. This woman has failed to make her regular remittance, and has had the impudence to write us a letter full of the usual excuses. She owes $75 on her loan. The balance is charges. Here is the riortgage on her personal effects; As our,regular wagon is busy on another job, you will have to hire one near her’ cot- tage. Present the bill and if she can’t or won’t pay, order x the moving man to-take her things and put’ them on the " wagon. Follow the attached schedule and be careful to check the things off. If anything is missing demand to know what she has done with it. If her answer is not satisfactory go to the nearest police station and swear out a warrant against her | for trying to defraud’ us of a part of the property. If you f should get the money turn it in here on Monday morning, If. not, take the goods to the Arizona Storage Warehouse on’ street. Here is their card. That is all, except ‘to impress on you that you're to stand no nonsense. As you're new at this business, I'll send Jimmy Jones with you,” said Miss Baker, handing the dismayed Joe the documents, and slamming her desk shut. Joe stood irresolute as the young lady went to the wash stand to douse her hands preliminary to putting on her hat. ; ‘He looked at the papers in the case and saw that ‘the Rae name was Mrs. Hdith Taylor. “Tt’s rather hard to take a person’s furniture gone ona. Saturday afternoon, don’t you think, Miss Baker?” he ven- — tured. “What's that?” she sald, BAe turning and looking at him. ; Joe repeated his remark. “What is it to you?” said Miss Buren, tartly. ! “It's nothing to me. You.are giving the orders, I thought I’d mention it,to you, that’s all.” - ; “You have nothing to do but carry out your instructions, Thompson. We shall hold you responsible for sin DEOPEr La exécution,” said Miss Baker, “Do you have much of this thing?” : “Much of what thing?” demanded the young lady. 2 “Taking people’s property away hcl them tor a small debt.” ; Miss Baker’s eyes narrowed down. me “Are you going to carry out my orders or aren't you?” she gnapped. Sap *T suppose I'll hehe to, pets te as Mr, Croft directed me Sores) come here and help you out; but I’d like to remark that l@as not hired to do this kind of business, and for other people,” said Joe, _ “Oh, indeed!” sneered Miss Baker. report your refusal to Mr. Oroft.” : ~ “Neyer mind. I'll call on this Mrs; Taylor and get the money for you,” said Joe. oh “I fancy you won’t get the money, so see that you take every article mentioned in the schedule. If one thing is unac- counted for, have the woman arrested. I will see. to it that she is put through.” “You mean one thing of value. I notice there are some + 1 important articles, such as kitchen table, mentioned in th schedule.” Y “IT said one thing in the schedule, everything. See that you get them.” Miss Baker had got her hat on straight by this time an : ‘ ‘ Tal gha 3 “Tl let it go over, ‘nl aed Our mortgage covers He perceiving the uselessness of further argument, walked outside, Jimmy had his hat on waiting oem him, for he had previ ously received his orders. mi Miss Baker cameé out of her room, said “Good afternoon a bit stiffly, and | left the office. “Ready to go, Thompson, with a Pp” grinned Jimmy. or m ready, ” replied Joe, quietly, '*Gome on. We'll take the Third avenue line at Fulton Tm paying all expenses.” “TI suppose you know where we are going, then?” said Toe 5 Bg 8 know we're going up in ‘the Bronx.” — of ATG: ‘collect money. us eee vatios “Tf you collect any you'll be lucky. “You'll ‘find it’s a Nags ape the: Bieds and See ciae em to. the ee ‘Stor age, Hy yar eee coll ae and that the o:
Page 17
is subject to this chattel mortgage.” 16 AMONG THE “SHARKS.” “Got his hands full, so we called on you. It will give you . experience.” “I'm not locking for that kind of experience.” Just then the elevator stopped on its way down and ithey got in, and Jimmy continued to chuckle and gurgle all the way down. CHAPTER XII. THE WIDOW. —~ “When you’ve got through laughing I’d like to ask you a question, Jimmy,” said Joe. “Go on and ask it,” said the red-headed youth. “Have you ever seen Steele?” “Have I? I should twitter,” grinned Jimmy. “What sort of looking man is he?” . _ “Why do you want to know?” “Just for curiosity. I’ve seen a number of-sharks in the Wall Street district and I’d like fo know if he resembles the - family.” “You’ve got a nerve to call him a shark. you——” “Well, if he heard me what difference would it make? ‘I’m not working for him. I wouldn’t work for him for a hundred a week.” That sent Jimmy off into another fit. “Oh, mother! Hold me or IJ’l) faint,” he gurgled. “What in thunder are you laughing at, any way,” said Joe, half angrily. “fT suppose there’s no use of learning anything about Steele from you,” continued Joe. “I half suspected that Steele is a myth, anyway. I’ve never seen him at the office: . Miss Baker appears to be the whole shooting match. She gives her orders as if she were the only boss in the place. I don’t see how any woman, unless she has a marble heart, can con- duct a loan-shark business. I suppose you can guess the orders I’ve got to execute this afternoon?” If he heard “Impossible! The understanding was, when I signed the mortgage, that it was to cover only the contexts of my parlor, which I value at over $300.” “I’m sorry, ma’ai, but the mortgage covers everything. Didn't you read it over before you signed it?” “The young lady in the office told me that the paper to be valid had*to take note of everything in the house. She as- sured me it was a mere matter of form and that 1 need not worry myself about it.” “Unless you can produce a witness to that agreement I’m afraid your statement will be of no value in court if you should bring an action against Steele on the ground of fraud.” “My niece was present and heard what passed at the inter- view. Here she is now,” she added, as a girl of ten came into the room. “Ask her.” “T have nothing to do with the matter, ma’am, but ’m will- ing to ask her as a matter of form.” Joe asked the little girl and the miss stated positively that what her aunt said was true. - “Since you haven’t the money Ill have to take all the furni- ture. Then you can bring an action in court for the recovery ‘of the major part of it.” His words brought on a scene and the widow declared she’d die before she’d let the furniture be taken away. Joe saw that he was going to have a very disagreeable task on his hands if he tried to execute his orders. As he was not in sympathy with the loan shark he saw a. way out of the mean business for himself, and he also deter- mined to help the widow win out. “Madam, I find that I have no legal authority for removing your furniture this afternoon. That will throw the matter over until Monday, when the regular collector of Steele will call and try to, take possession of your property. I am-not connected with Steele, having been merely called in to execute this business, and I am very well pleased to discover that I am not obliged to do it against your protest. Stecle’s regular’ -}man will undoubtedly call on Monday prepared to seize your . “You've got to cart the widow’s furniture away if she coat come to the scratch with the money. If she knew anybody si¢2 could borrow it from she wouldn't have come to our shop in the first place, so you can. gambie on it the furniture wili have to go.” “Don't you think that’s kind of hard on her?” said Joe. _ “Sure, it’s hard,” admitted the red-headed boy; “but what have we got to do with that? If you don’t carry out ‘your orders, the regular collector will, on Monday, and you'll lose -your job with Croft.” “Why should Croft discharge me on account of Steele?” “He would. What Steele says goes with Croft, and what Croft says goes with Siecle, and what Miss Baker says goes “with beth of ’em.” ‘They reached ae Fulton street station and walked up to the platform. _ A train was iuat coming in and they got aboard. In the course of three-quarters of an hour they were carried up in ihe Bronx and got out at the station nearest the street @2 which the widow lived. } ' “Dhere’s a van over on that corner,” “T see it, but we might not need it.” “You'll need it all right,” nodded Jimmy, confidently. “I'm going to visit the lady first.” “You'll have to come back here for the wagon, so what’s the * said Jimmy. | - use of walking when you can ride?” ' With great reluctance Joe crossed over and made an ar- rangement with the owner of the van, conditional on circum- stances. Then they rode to the Widow. Taylor’s home, which they ya found to be a detached cottage. > Jimmy remained outside with the van people. while Joe ; ‘rang tae bell and was admitted by the woman he had come to sve, wno was a pleasant-featured little lady of perhaps forty. She turned pale and looked distressed when she saw that a dig van had halted outside her door, -- *Are you Mrs. Edith Taylor, ma’am?” asked Joe, politely. “Yes,” she replied, in a scarcely audible tone. “) have called to collect the $33.25 Ses you owe Steele. “Can you pay it?” ise ‘Sne shook her head in a melancholy way. ' “in that ease my orders are to remove your furniture, whic A. “But you can’t take all of it. The debt is shall a furniture is worth over.$500,” said the widow. Bs M syeispomions: st41 to ee ap that furniture. If I were you I’d see a lawyer as soon as possible and find out if some steps cannot be taken to block Steele. If you can manage to hold on to your property until Monday night I will. call with $100 and bring a chattel mortgage, covering only the contents of your parlor, as indicated on this schedule, for you to sign as security for the loan I make you. I shall-charge you only the legal rate of six per cent., without any of the extortionate fees, and I will allow you six months - in which to pay the money. That will enable you to square up with Steele and save trouble.” The widow expressed her grateful appreciation of Joe’s offer — | and said she would accept it. She said she had no money she could spare to consult a ~ lawyer. “Well, ma’am, I am acquainted with a young lawyer and Tl bring vour case to his attention and get his advice,” said Joe. “You had better lock your house up tight on Monday” morning «nd keep away from it all day. The collector will then be unable to do anything, as he cannot force his way your place. Of course you could obtain the same results by barricading yourself in, and making sure that all the doors and windows were tight.” ; Joe then bade her good afternoon and rejoined Jimmy.. “You were a long time in there,” seid Jimmy. pay the money, did she?” “No, and she refused to give up the furniture.” rae won't do her any good. Tell the men to go in and - get it.” ~ “T have no authority to do that.” “You've got the mortgage, haven’t you?” ane but it’s got to be backed up by an order from the cour “i ge ve taken out furniture before without having any court order,” ¢ “Then you did it illegally.” “Ho! We got it all right, and we’ll get this stuff, too.” “No, we won't. I’m not going to be arrested for taking. goods without proper authority. furnished me with a legal paper authorizing me.to act.” “T guess you don’t want to take the stuff.” “Tt isn’t a question of whether I want to. or not. ~“¥ou’ll get into trouble with your boss.” A “T can’t help that. I’m not going to get into trouble with e police.” pey that das was ror $2, 600. in cash, he wasn’t wo I can’t.” into. “She didn’ df ‘ { Ny By, * Miss Baker. should have =
Page 18
AMONG THE “SHARKS.” . - pan Se a ees aoe 17 doubted Ican shark, and he didn’t believe it was fair for Croft to expect him to work for another person when he didn’t want him. ie eg talk with Mrs. Taylor had disgusted him still more ith the loan people, uit was not’ an expert judge of house furnishings, but it _ Seemed to him that the furniture and ornaments in the little parlor alone were more then enough to cover the amount. of the loan. In his opinion it was nothing short of an outrage for the loan people to contemplate carrying off everything in the _ cottage, leaving the woman without even a bed to lie upon, _ to satisfy their greed. If the lady’s statement about having only mortgaged the contents of the parlor was true, and her niece’s corroboration backed her up, the Steele concern were guilty of a plain swindle, and he thought the head of the office could be pro- secuted for it. At any rate he intended to ask his friend, the lawyer. “All right,” said Jimmy, “you'll see where you'll land.” Joe told the furniture man that there was nothing for him to move, and asked him how much he owed him. “Five dollars,” replied the man. “You'll take two, won’t you?” said Joe. “No, I won't.’ “Very well, then we’ll drive to the precinct station and have the matter adjusted. » “Gimme three and I’ll let it go at that.” “Pay him three dollars, Jimmy.” “Pay him yourself. My orders were to pay if the job was pulled off all right.” Joe wasted no time in argument, but handed the man $3 , of his own money, and the wagon drove off. “Now you can go home, Jimmy,” said Joe. “Ail right. I see your finish,” and the red-headed ney walked away. CHAPTER XIII. ‘ f CONCLUSION. It was four o'clock when Joe started back for Manhattan. He got off at One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street and went home. After turning in the larger part of his pay, he went around to the house of his legal friend to see if he was at home. — ‘He found he was and he laid ‘the Widow Taylor's case before him. The young lawyer, whose name was Adams, told him that. he guessed the mortgage on the whole of the widow’s property squeeze a customer. 8 “The paper goes in court every time unless the yictim can E toh prove: that a swindle has been worked on him,” said Adams, _ “A person’s own statement will not offset the fact that their worth of property they possess. The law presumes that the person who affixes his signature to any document has read it beforehand and is fully acquainted with its contents. If he Mailed to do it, or was unable to understand what it implies, that is his loss, for no one should sign a paper without know- _ ing all about it. In this case you tell me the lady’s niece was present when the paper was signed and that she heard the young lady in charge of the loan office assure Mrs. Taylor that the mortgage only covered the contents of the parlor, and that the other articles were inserted merely as a matter of form?” : “Yes, ” said Joe. | © “Jt seems to be a swindle. several similar cases.” _“Td like to see Steele prosecuted for it.” “The only way to reach him is to let his representative take the goods, and then get out a warrant for Steele’s arrest. That will bring the whole thing into court. If Steele knows | he is in the wrong, and that the widow is prepared to push _ the case, he’ll soon try to compromise. i publicity the worse way, for it hurts their business.” At any rate I’ve known of the loan” sharks fought it out they’d win.” *e es not in a position to hire a lawyer and fight.” evening and the young er supper he called fo: togethe was one of the scaley tricks adopted by the loan sharks to - signature is attached to a paper mortgaging every dollar's. Those people hate, “T think, myself, that if everybody who had a case against _ “They probably would, but as most of the loans are made] At # eon: small sums, to people who have no resources, the victims| — Joe asked Adams if he would call on the widow with im: ‘i f The interview with Mrs. Taylor convinced the lawyer that the Steele concern was trying to swindle her, so it was ar- ranged that when the regular eollector called on Monday she was to allow him to take all her.things. When they had been carted away she was to call at Joe’s house that evening and notify him. Arrangements would then be made to prosecute Steele. Sunday merning’s papers contained a surprise for Joe. The Interstate Land Improvement Company had been raided by the post-office department, and a warrant was out for President Steele. The charge was using the mails with intent to defraud. The company’s offices were now in the hands of the Govern: ment, which was making a thorough investigation. “Good!” ejaculated Joe. “There are likely to be two Steeles ail next week, but I suppose they won’t stay there any Ba er than they can send out for bail. I suppose I won’t last now with Croft when he finds out that I am behind the prosecution of his friend, the loan shark. Well, I don’t care. ° I can afford the time now to look for a decent job. A wad of-money behind one makes a considerable difference in his © prospects,” Joe went to the office on Monday morning with some, doubts as to whether he would stay any longer than it took Croft to fire him. He picked up the mail that lay on the floor and took it Tato the private room. - After that he sat down to await the appearance of old man Hale so that he could get his books to work on. Hale always appeared promptly es nine, but this morning he was not on hand. At ten minutes of ten a young lady. came in and asked. if Mr. Croft was in. “No, he hasn’t come yet, miss, but I expect him any mo- ment. Will you sit down?” She did so, and fifteen minutes passed without either a Hale or Croft making their appearance. d Joe wondered what delayed Hale. © “Maybe the old man is sick, » he thought. a funk if he is.” ‘Then it occurred to him to ask the visitor if she came fonts Hale. a He: went to the rail and asked her. “Yes. Mr. Hale is my father. He is very sick. brought a note to Mr. Croft.” “Tf you don’t want to see Mr. Croft personally, you can leave the note with me and I will hand it to him when he- comes in.” “My father told me to give him the note personally.” “Oh, all right. He ought to be in soon.” Eleven o'clock came and still no Croft. . Several brokers had been in to see the money-lender, iba they had to go away without sceing him, Then Jimmy Jones marched in. He had a note in his’ hand. ello, Thompson with a P!” he Reg engaged?” "Mr, Croft hasn’t arrived yet,” replied Joe. “Holy smoke!” ejaculated Jimmy, He. stopped | ‘and looked at Joe. ; “Why. don't: you finish what you were going to say?” sald oe. \ “T was a ile thinking “Why don't you laugh, then? ever you are thinking.” But Jimmy wasn't in a laughing humor, “Where's Hi Hale?” he asked. | “Croft will bp in- I aye “Ts Mr. Croft dis 2 ag You appear to do that when- : “Sick,” said Joe. Bee “Si ck!” he said, ‘staring at Hale’s desk and the closed safe, Joe made no reply, but went on reading the morning paper. Jimmy walked around the office for a few minutes and then rushed out. — Miss Hale was tired ‘of waiting and finally said: “Can I put this mete on Mr. Croft’s desk?” BY Sure. - Come right in. That’s his room. Go in.” “She went in, came out in a few minutes and went away. “here won't be much business done here to-day at eo nomnent Croft came in. peas RG ed. and looked at Hale’s desk and the safe. Tae eS ee gz here?” he said, and Joe noticed That he i “I wonder if——" — : ° je Joe to himself. cata
Page 19
Next morning Joe was down to the office early. oh put it-on your des i entered his room and closed the oor. He carried the mafl into the private room, as usual. _ Ina few minutes he came out, On the floor near the desk was a piece of paper. Has any Visitors been mere Jocking for me?" Resa He picked it up and glanced over the writing: Three brokers.” : ; | Then he’ uttered an ejaculation of astonishment, “Any one else?” Selenite ; The note showed him that Croft was none other than the - Sima Sones from Steale's office,” f much-wanted Steele. al eee ee else?” ses Haha @ rasa He put the note in his pocket. " % | ye > } ee i et “ ” 2 Croft looked iced: sige wa Croft comes here to- ney I'll see that he’s pulled in,” he 4 After staring: vacantly at Joe tor half a , minute he returned | Ten o'clock came and Lawyer Adams walked in. ¥ - i nv follow Rae’ oe ‘i 1 “T’'ve got a warrant for Steele’s arrest,” he said. — - ee Bibs im in, | “Hand it te me. I may be able to use it,” saia Joe. an :: wish. you'd open the safe, air, so can get to work,” At that moment Jimmy came in. f he sala “Croft in?” he said. | “There: will be no work to-day,” said Croft, “but I shalll “Hasn't er ” * 1. ome back f hi ‘ ag whet you to stay. here and attend to visitors, ‘Tell all callers Jimmy grinned in igor a io that’ I have gone to. Omened, and Won't retu in | ‘for Beveral “TLL wait till he does.” . Gag oo aceritadsi PARE ie 2 Bf 3 f ' “Té you hear from Steele let. me know,” said Adams, as they — We oe sir,” a _ | walked over to the door, and Joe promised he would. 4 en you 80. to lunch Jock: ‘up the office. Ten minutes later Croft cautiously opened the door of his ; Croft Te-entered | his room and Toe heard we fur ‘the key | private room. in‘ the door, : “Come here, Jimmy,” he said. FA ‘Jimmy went in and stayed five minutes. 4 oe Fig “Croft wants to see you,” he said. S52) Joe went, in. ; “T shan't want you any more, Thompson. Here's “your 3 | week’s wages. You can go.” f # Something is certainly “up,” ‘thought Joe, os wonder what 8? ; Kis, sive on reading his paper. © uarter of one he decided to. go to Junch, @ put on his hat Jimmy camein. ~ “Has Croft got here yet?” he asked.) = “Gone to* Chicago and wou if return fo: ay “AN right, Mr, Croft, but I want you,” “What do you mean?” j “YT mean you are Steele and I have a ei Ae for. ‘your | arrest.” nt Quick as a wink Joe picked up a coil of thin rope. that lay. ‘on the desk ‘and threw it quickly around the saeney: ‘lender to revent him from getting away. — He ‘drew it’ tight. and aottea it while Croft. toared for mmy. i Rushing out by the private door, Joe made tok’ the office of | the Interstate Land Improvement ‘Company, aad bigs int that ‘to ‘Sweeney. J 4 ‘hat ‘is my: instruction.” 8 been ei theres Some with me—quick! I want you to arrest a man I have aw warrant for. He showed the officer the warrant as he pulled him Bione: : the meanwhile Jimmy hed come in answer ‘to Croft’ He started to release the money- ‘lender. i ; door opened, admitting Joe and the policeman. ; e's your prisoner, officer,” said Joe, pointing i ssed. man found in the chair. “What's the charge?” asked the cop. y : a rindling. He's a money shark, and a sight mean 0 policeman took him away; ae his identity was. agen dem 10n strated in the police court. The Government stepped in and wanted him, and arran, ments were made by which he was to be prosecuted on bs ; _ | charges. % He Wa gave himself from: thé.firat he’ settled with Mrs. Tay + through Lawyer Adams, and she not only got her furniture | back, but $1,000 for withdrawing her charge. : Croft’s office was taken possession of by the Government.) ‘|and Joe started to look up another position. ‘ - He found one as clerk with a broker, in a few days, and i proved 2 good one. ‘ Croft was tried, convicted and sent to the Atlanta peniten he lary for five years. A year later there was a double wedding, in which Joe an | Marie and Havens and Grace figured as the principals. Mrs. Thompson went to live with Joe and Mrs. Havens w .| het son, but they. subsequently tock, turn, about among ‘thei children. And now we will close our story, since our hero has ee ‘all connection with the foxy bunch of swindlers, and he i glad that he is no eneee sey ap the Wein recs a : ¢ Next Bie issue will petals: “IN, BUSINESS RoR SELF; ‘OR, Poe ee Bik ioe: MADE luaseeks MONEY. is
Page 20
. CURREN A few more than 200 chickens the other night saved the -+fruit crop of a farmer of Blanchard township; Ohio. . Taking a tip from the weather bureau that frosts might. be expected and fearing that his 800 cherry and apple trees might freeze, the family ransacked the hennery for every chicken that knew how to sit upon a limb. Rach was carried to a tree, some of the larger ones containing six or - eight chickens, where they remained all night. When the trees were examind the next morning it was found that the frost had not touched any of the blossoms. The warmth of the chickens had saved the day. Other trees in the neighborhood were frozen. : SEE ? All precedents were broken recently when Miss Nellie 8. Lee, a Chinese girl who was lately graduated frgm Yee, student in law course at the University of California. Chinese brides have been wedded heretofore at the home f the bridegroom in Chinese fashion. This couple was married by a Presbyterian minister at the home of the 7 girl’s father, who is a retired merchant. There was a gteat wedding.feast of roast pig and chicken and many _ sweetmeats, after which the couple drove away in an auto- -mobjle for a tour of the State. The bride wore a hobble skirt and the bridegroom looked like an American college Great things are expected throughout South America ind especially in the Argentine Repyblic, from the tariff eductions promised by the Underwood bill. It is felt that if the proposed reductions on meat, wool, hides and grain become law a great era of prosperity: will begin for that country, according to a man prominent,in political commercial spheres there. Business throughout South America is practically at a standstill just, now, and the at part of the blame for this is placed upon the Huro- ean situation. The business of this country lacks system, fficiency and economy. The opening up of the great mar- ts of the United States would immediately be followed 4 a great commercial boom here, according to leading iness men. Lp dh hundred Boy Scouts tried to clean the Nepperhan FAME AND FORT high school, was married at her parents’ home to Julius T.) ', the other day, in connection with a weck’s clean! hotel: ity campaign. The river flows through the centre of tho|'sister « ity and for years has been a catchall for rubbish of every| th ke ‘ UNE WEEBLY. T NEWS” A crude copper hook, beaten by hand out of native cop- per, and possibly of prehistoric origin, was unearthed by city workmen on the Stanley avenue sewer about twenty fect below the earth’s ‘surface at Fort William, Ont. The hook is:about seven inches long, and the loop of the hook © proper is two and a half inches in diameter. Its sides are flat, beaten four square, and show the imprint of a small, . flat-faced hammer, and, though slender, the copper hook -is so exquisitely tempered that when bent under pressure it immediately springs back into its original position like. | the finest steel. It is unquestionably a relic of some Ameriean aborigine, but whether it was fashioned by an ~ . ‘Indian*or by his predecessors, the mound builders, will have to be left to the judgment of archeological experts. - Sec ak tea Aes | Treasury agents here have received information con- cong ti alleged smuggling frauds at the port of Bos- ton, Which may involve several prominent Back Bay women and cause a reopening of the Grand Jury inquiry, which was supposed to have been closed. Special Agent Chand- ler admits that his latest information gives the smuggling case such a turn, but refuses to say who is involved. and who furnished the facts. He said his information came from two Back Bay dressmakers. An investigation has shown that the facts are apparently true. The women who -| first “tipped” Chandler did it of their own free will and’ said their reason was to protect certain Boston dressmakers whose reputations, are beyond question. As far as can be learned the Back Bay women inyolved in the case imported gowns for themselves through the influence of persons on the docks, ; 52 sie 4 By the will of South Jersey’s richest woman; Mrs. Jane Fortesque, which was probated at Mays Landing, New. ~ Jetsey, the other day, the bulk of her estate, almost $1,- 000,000, is Jeft to her young’secretary, Armond T. Nichols.
Page 21
20 we THE LUCKY LEGION By GASTON GARNE FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. HAND IN HAND ‘(A SERIAL STORY) CHAPTER I. THE CLUB MEETING. _ Fairview Academy had just closed its doors, and the boys were out for a long and happy vacation. It was the beautious month of June, and all Nature was in glad response with the happy impulses of their boyish hearts. _ “Hurrah!” cried Harold Mayne, turning a flip-flap on the green sward. “No more study for two months, fel Jows. Lots of baseball, fishing and boating. I say, when does the Lucky Legion hold its regatta ?” _. “The week after the Fourth of July,” replied Fred Fair “T thought it was the week before.” “The week after. As I am secretary of that club, I ought: to know.” » “Give it up, then,” cried Harold. tell me, Mr. Secretary, when the Legion holds its next meeting ?” Sy SE ean,? -eome, and whose name was Alden French. held to-night in the club-house parlor.” . “Ah!” exclaimed Harold with interest. comes before the honorable body?” “Many things of importance,” cried Fred Fair. “A regatta committee must be appointed, also we must name -acommittee on baseball. Besides these things we will be called upon to consider a new application for membership “Who is the applicant?” arses Benton !” _ Alden French shrugged his shoulders and Rinetlody “Tt is even up that he will be blackballed,” he said. Harold Mayne eer up and his hands ome eyes flashed. i “Tndeed!” he hee sharply. “I trust nothing of the kind will occur. I know that Roger Benton is a poor boy, but he is respectable and upright. He is a good ball player, a fine oarsman and ww ill be a valuable aequisi- tion, to our club.” ‘Alden French turned a olde critical gaze mipon: the speaker. “We must strive to eigihtae a high standard,” he re- pin plied. “Personally T have nothing against Benton, but _ “you know one vote is all that is necessary fe ni blackball, and Jim Smith will cast that.” ee (is beer Case p me ee by ae Harold dayne, C “Perhaps you ean’ replied a tall, sallow-faced youth who had just “TE will be “What business “}new: ne was based: op ‘upon. unanimous Pie aS ously. “He is the only blot upon our membershiu roll. A fine fellow he is to draw an invidious comparison. Why, Roger is head and shoulders above him in evety respect.” ee] have little interest in the quarrel between Benton and Smith,” ‘said Alden, testily. “I am only regarding the welfare of the elub.” “Well, nothing can detract from. its welfare by electing : Roger a member,” cried Harold, earnestly, “and I for one shall work for him.” “Let us drop it now,” cried Fred Fair.. “We must get in some baseball practice if we play the Riverdale Rovers on Saturday. ; Come on, fellows! _Somebody’s out there knocking up flies now. I’m after one.” “Ym with you!” cried Harold, and away they scam- pered. Alden French followed more slowly. The latter youth was the pampered son of the mag- nate, or wealthy man of Fairview. Bred and raised a young aristocrat, he was the victim of certain airs and — ways of superiority which are usually.at variance with the democracy of boy life in general. Though French was friendly with all the Fairview nee he was in nowise as popular and well liked as Roger Ben- ton, the sone farmer boy, who carried on the small fruit — farm, which his father at death had left, heavily encum- bered with debt. His mother, who had always been his — counselor and guide, was Roger’s only known living — relative. a Two years previous the boys of Fairview had organized a club, which they called the “lucky Legion.” It was — in every sense a boys’ club, and had for its chief purpose the fostering and perpetuation of manly sports. Through — the generosity of Mr. Hiram French they had been given — a plot of land on the lake side, and the magnate had also — erected for them a smart little boat-house, with club rooms — and other appurtenances. There was a hit of an initiation'ceremony introductory _ to the club, and a tinge of free-masonry in its sisi - Yet it was not wholly a secret society.’ But each member wore a badge symbolizing two clasped — hands. Beneath ‘it were the words, “Hand-in-Hand.” ; To be a member of the “Lucky Legion,” and wear one — of these gold and azure badges became the ambition of © every youth in Fairview or the country about. But the — constitution was stringently drawn, and the election of a IS ee ae ee ee eG ie sl Paieath fs iE ah aie gt penal Bib 5h ee) Bik esi) tant eS he
Page 22
can’t pitch. ~ Angry words were on pe lips, but Fred put up; his hand. ; “man ‘to coerce Lae teeie vote,” retorted Smith. desire. to membership. Having signalized himself as a . pitgher on the Fairview Nine, he had won many friends, and these were eager to make him one of the elect of Fairview’s popular boy’s club. While in school Roger had won the enmity of James Smith, the son of a Fairview banker and money lender. Smith was a bully, with a most cruel disposition, and Roger had interfered in his drubbing of a smaller boy. Smith was the only member prejudiced against Roger. _ So it may be seen that Alden French’s declaration that Roger would be blackballed was not far wrong. Alden was the president of the Lucky Legion. ¥ When Harold and Fred Fair reached the diamond they found that the fellow who was knocking up flies was no other than Smith. significantly : “We're going to have a new pitcher: for the Riverdale game, Mayne.” i “Ts that so?” asked Harold, coolly. with Benton ?” : “Tam going to introduce a resolution at the club meet- ing to-night that no man not a member of the Lucky Legion is to play on the Nine. I have got plenty. of assurance that the majority will vote to pass it.” “That. remains to be decided,” said Harold, contemptu- ously. “I warn you that I shall not vote for it.” “Nor I,” put in Fred Fair. “What is the matter “Humph! You fellows are dead stuck on n that pauper,’ ‘ae sneered Smith. “TI think it’s about time that. some of the club members had a chance to’ go into thé pitcher’s Dox “Yourself, for instance,” said Fred. ‘ Smith’s eyes flashed angrily. . “T insist upon pitching: in the Riverdale = going to have a chance.” - “What's that?” asked Alden French, who had just come up. “Show us that you are better than Benton and we’ll give you a chance.” “Give me a try and I’ll show you,” declared Smith, eonfidently. “If I can’t pitch that countryman down, then V1 treat.” “You shall go in the first inning,” said French suddenly. “No, no!” cried Harold and Fred in one bréath. “He Don’t do such a fatal thing.” I am “Hold on!” he cried shitéply: “For a loci time there has been much talk about the employment of outsiders to play on the Lucky Legion Nine. Now I mean to see ‘that, the members first have a chance to fill the position. ete This complaint shall be ended.” “But Roger Benton will be made a member of the club] before the game comes off,” cried Harold. “He is not a member yet,” cried Smith, significantly. _ “Tf you blackball him I’ll circulate a petition for your “expulsion as a dangerous sand: obnoxious element,” Eniod ‘Harold, hotly. SARian tae } “Saye your threats. The by-laws of the club allow no’ sibs AND Blatant: heen ae . But not until this | season had he ventured ea aspire} He scowled at Harold. and _ said) “Y have more curves than that jay!” he cried savagely. RL of the Nine, and my word is law. Smith, your claim has a tight to ‘be considered: You shall have a chance. But iftyon fail to maintain your position I don’t want to hear further word of complaint from you, or you'll sit on the bench the rest of the season. Let this end the discussion.” And it did end it. But Harold whispered to Fred that it.was two to one that Smith would get knocked out of the box in that.one inning. And the secretary agreed with him. The practice that afternoon was tame and listless. minds of all the boys were occupied with the coming meet- ing. After supper they gathered in little knots about the town, diseussing club politics. It was generally agreed that a*lively meeting was in prospect. At the appointed hour the assembly-room at the elub- house was filled with the boys. Outside on the balcony, overlooking beautiful Lake Mascuppie with its forty miles of mirror-like waters, Jounged others. A busy hum of conversation filled the air. But when the president ascended to the chair and called the meeting to order all came in.and the doors were closed. It was a secret session, and no report of the proceedings must go forth. Some preliminary matter was disposed of. The secre- tary read the minutes of the previous meeting, and then several matters of appropriation were passed. The first real issue was brought to the surface by James Smith. He gained the floor and began his speech. Silence most profound reigned while he spoke, Smith led off with a pointed criticism of the manage- ment of the ball team. He argued upon the injustice of: securing outside talent which crowded out members of the, ‘lub. He derided the claim that the club had no member as well qualified to fill the pitcher’s box as Roger Benton. “We are descending from our dignity and imperiling our unity,” he declared, “in employing a pauper like him to usurp-a privilege which belongs to. ny club member, — who may choose to strive for the position.” “For shame! for shame!” shouted a number of bby hearers, and an uproar arose. soon put a stop to this. Then he said: “Mr. Smith, the chair takes exceptions to your state- ment. ‘The management of the ball team are always ready Can you name a-can- to give preference to a club man. didate ?” “T am one!” cried Smith. ae At this, certain unruly members raised a hooting ery. ' ,But the gavel soon again quieted them. Smith’s face | Was flushed and angry. The’, « But the president’s gavel _ “As a member of this club, I demand and iti have: my Tights,” eis ae CHAPTER IT. THE BALL GAME. chairman. must limit your remarks.” | At this half.a dozen other members were on fet fost. : (Ga ul bay Chairman! !” was the cry. But the presiding officer — feallea them _| five New and gaye Smith the ‘floor for a brief “No one has yet questioned your privilege,” replied ¢ the fi “But you must not monopolize the floor. Tr oe
Page 23
eh FAME AND FORTUNE WES “PACTS WORTH READING BIG FALLING OFF IN ARMY RECRUITS. Tt was learned recently that there had been a great fall- ing off in the number of army tecruits since the rule in- creasing the length of service to four years with the colors and three years with the reserve went into effect on the first of December last. The officers of Fort Slocum, the chief station for the drilling of recruits in the Depar tment of the Hast, admit that there has been a decrease of 50 “percent, The other day only three ‘men reported at Fort Slocum, when the average was seventy-five on Fridays and Saturdays before the new rule went into operation. The ‘men refuse to join when they learn they are required to serve three years with the reserve. LIVED FIFTY YEARS STRAPPED TO A WALL An octogenarian nun by the name of Maria Benedetta _ Frey has just died at Viterbo, Italy, from paralysis of the - lower spine. _ Fifty years ago her death was considered inevitable, and the doctors were convinced that.it was impossible for her to bear the excruciating pain or to remain motionless, as ‘was necessary, more than a couple of days, but they strapped her head to the wall.and in this unnatural posi- tion the nun lived for half a century, never complaining. The people considered her case a miracle, as the nun showed a prophetic spirit, predicting many events, such as the conviction of Camorrists, the assassination of King Humbert and for this year the death of the Pope. — | When the nun celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of her - illness the Pope sent Cardinal Cassetta with an auto- ‘graphed blessing and instructions to celebrate mass at her _ bedside. ‘Before her death the Pope sent his blessing with a message asking her to pray for him. The nun may be beatified in the near future. .- HOW PEOPLE TRAVEL FREE ON RUSSTAN STATE RAILWAYS ak ~The statistical report of the State Railways of Russia, S just published, shows by an amusing array of figures that for some people, at least, it costs litte indeed ‘i: travel by rail in Russia. | - Among the dismissals and sai aa rariciets fofitatet in the course of the year, 315 guards and 133 subordinates dis- missed, and 6,575 guards‘and 10,473 subordinates fined, are all catalogued as having helped wayfarers along their way without sufficient regard for the law, which dense that journeys. by railway in Russia, as in England or Siam, ‘shall be paid for. But these odd 20,000 punishments. can aanaeey be said 4 nect the needs of the case, as in the course of a year nearly a million passengers defrauded. the State railways management. The exact number is 904,118. paid later of free will, and for the ‘payment of thorities were compelled to. 8 to law. Altogether | as much. as $500,000 was found to be due for. fares unpaid. Nearly the half the money “was | paid: at once, a q' itter was ai ‘the | ee ed nee for (288 in aia! wei ett nations 0 the Naturally most of the guards and subordinate.employees received slight commissions from the passengers they helped, Caleulating that only 4 third, or at the highest estimate a half, of the cheap travelers are caught, the effect on the railway balance sheet must be very considerable. It is amusing. to note, however, that for the time being the department expresses itself almost satisfied. In earlier years, it is explained, the number of passengers without tickets who got off free was much greater. TWO THOUSAND BOY SCOUTS T0 BE ON DUTY AT HYGIENE CONGRESS. One of the novel features announced for the Fourth In- ternational Congress on School Hygiene to be held at Buf- falo is the attendance of 2,000 boy scouts in full regalia. These scouts will be seen throughout the city the Jast week in August as guides, interpreters, special messengers, and» specially appointed aides to the guests and officials, not only from this country, but from all the leading nations of the earth. As the foreign delegates step off the train at the Union: Station, they will be met by special scout guides, wearing badges, which, as the case may be, will read: “I speak German,” “I speak Polish,” “I speak Spanish,” “I speak Russian,” “7 aieol Italian.” These scouts speaking foreign tongues, it is helieved, will be of great service to ~ the visitors from abroad, Peery aie Special guides will be appointed to cohaiat partion’ visiting points of interest inside the city, and those neigh- boring places sueh as the locks at Lockport, and Niagara Falls, Seouts will be on special duty at the various ses- sions of the Congress, serving as aides to the officials and ‘to: the various distinguished guests who are Ste taseth from day to day. 3 The chairman of the Buffalo reception committee which is planning for an elaborate reception to the delegates ig Mr. G. Barrett Rich, Jr., Scout Commissioner for Buffalo, under whose Siséction scouts will serve in their various roles, ek In addition the boy scouts of America will be repre- sented by the following: John Satterfield, President Buf- falo Council; Hon. Harry L. Taylor, First Vice- -President Buffalo Council; William H. W alker, Jr., Secretary But- falo Council; Haw ard Bissell, Treasnter Bustalo Council ; G. Barrett Rigk: Ab 2 Seout Commissioner, Buffalo; — ‘Thomas I’, Cook, Norman P. Clement, BE. D. fail he Daniel Upton, W. W. Zurbrick, Robert A. Tift, of Buf- — falo; Dr. Luther H. Gulick, Dr. George J. Fisher; Lee F. Fi aviinsent William D. Murray, James E. West, of New: York, and Colin H. Livingston, of Washington, ae The Congress is held under the patronage of President Wilson and will consider various means of improving | the” health and efficiency of school children not only in th
Page 24
€ FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY, = 9 >> 85 MARK, THE MONEY MAKER HOW A SMART BOY GOT RICH By ED KING (A SERIAL STORY) | CHAPTER IV (enittaacd) ee Mr. May, president of the bank, gave an exultant cry: 29 “Come in,” said the constable, as he stared at the tin box.| 400d for you, White! You have got the rogue! Mark entered the house and deposited the box’ on the ~The constable advanced and placed the tin box on the : table. Then he said: f see it i pies 2 we sight of the contents. “Mr. May, wait until you have heard this young man’s “Where did you’ get that money, Mark?’ he gasped, Legs ogee ag tiesy oo aa Bik tas back codes ee ee see eee dent’s lowering gaze was fixed on Mark. : ay Se eas Suen mean,” he said. ass | think there is plenty of evidence that he is such,” “Don’t s know that there has been a warrant out for Coe oe Sleatep te: in that tin box . rest 2” , vik erly, daoppe. i : : Mig) eae) was on his feet. They were most in- soot PS at “The stolen funds of the bank?” gasped Mr. May, “Took here, Mr. White,” said Mark, sternly. “I demand ‘Yes, sir.’ a “Ob, then he has seen fit to make restitution.” Mark strode forward now like a young lion. Scorn and 2 anger blazed from his handsome eyes. i “Mr, May,” he said, tensely, “your words are unjust ae cowardly. You are a wealthy man, and ‘I am only a poor | boy, but you shall not with impunity accuse me of being ay thief. I will resent it, sir, to the furthermost limit of ay being.” Quivering with surprise and fury, Joseph May ead ; at him. an explanation.” “Why,” said the constable, “you left town suddenly, after assaulting Jack May and Dick Stevens in a brutal manner, as they aver, You neglected to pay your board, and when if the bank was tobbed two nights later, a linen cuff bearing _. your name was found close beside- the shattered safe. You were at once suspected.” .. Mark grew faint and sick, He had never known before | Ke what it was to have a criminal charge brought against him. “Never mind, my boy,” said the constable, kindly. “Take a glass of water. You are faint. 1 have no doubt you will pzove your innocence.” “JT am certainly innocent,” said Mark, “and I can prove it. Am I under arrest ?” - *T have the warrant, but before I serve it, tell me your story.” _ Mark did so. The constable, who was a kindly man, listened. ‘He was deeply impressed. “J am convinced of your innocence, Mark,” he said. ‘And your report of the plot to burn the mills is of the eatest moment. Precautions must be taken at once.” “he constable looked at his watch. have a plan!” he continued. “The directors are jst holding a meeting at the bank. Let us go down there e, I “will not arrest you until after they have heard - wee ye b> CHAPTER V. ri MARK GETS A START. + y greg S. That was a powerful statement for Mark to make to the es magnate of the town of Westvale. But, fearless in his knowledge that he was in the right, Mark’s whole being rose to the maintenance of his honor.’ | It should not be impeached ey en by such a man n of power: gag as Joseph May. “You use rather violent language, sit,” said the bonki: president, in a voice shaking with fury. eee you will: try to assault me ag you did my son.” “Tf you will ask your daughter Gertrude about. ‘that 5 affair,” said Mark, “she will tell you who was in the right “Nothing can justify such a violent. =i ate a8 you. made upon him.” » : 5
Page 25
2 me FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. “Put, tut, May,” said Mr. Bsiley, one of the directors. “That is foolish talk. et justice be done. judge the young man let us hear his story.” “T think Mr. May will change his opinion,” said Con- stable White. “But for Mark’s plucky work this bank might never have recovered a penny of this money.” With this Mark told his story. It had a thrilling effect upon the directors. They instantly crowded about Mark and offered him words of praise. But Joseph May stood sullenly aloof... “He tells a pretty good story,” he said. investigate it further.” _ “Nonsense, May!” cried Bailey, angrily. “This boy is all right. He certainly would never have brought this money back if he had stolen it.” “Why his marked cuff found by the safe?” asked May, “T can explain that,” said Mark, quietly. “And I will call Mrs. Price to corroborate me. Before I left Westvale my linen was stolen from the back yard washing reel in Mrs. Price’s yard. One of the burglars may have gotten possession of it. “There you are!” cried Bailey, jubilantly. “But I shall “I know - Mark is innocent. We all remember when his father, Jim Z f you have done us. . greenbacks in that box. ~ in taking it.” é «By ne k are way this bank to recover forty. hor Morton, was one of our best men. This lad is bringing you information which will save your mills.” “T don’t believe a word of it,” sneered May. “It is only a put-up job. I shall at least not go to the trouble of taking any precaution whatever.” “Then the mills will be burned,” cried Mark, with ’ ‘ap- prehension. “Oh, I assure you it is all true. Surely, gen-~ tlemen, you will some of you do something.” “White,” said Mr. Bailey to the constable, “have an am- bush ready for those rascals to-night. Catch them, and then we will have the truth.” » Mark turned toward the door. “Do I have permission to go?” he asked, with dignity. There was a movement among the directors. Then Mr. Bailey said: “Tf these fede are ceased to-night, Mark, you are entitled to a reward of five thousand dollars.” “A reward |” ejaculated Mark, overwhelmed with the force of the thing. “Oh, gentlemen, I ask nothing for my services. I am already repaid. - “As president of this bank, I object to the paying of that ' yeward to one of the guilty parties,” said Mr. May. “Be careful, May," said Mr. Bailey. been proven guilty.” “Nor yet proven innocent.” _ With this May left the room. "Mr. Bailey gripped Mark’s hand. “Don’t you fear, my lad,” he said. “You have plenty of friends in Westvale. We are sensible of the great service There are forty thousand dollars in Five thousand of it belongs to “Mark has not yet “No, no!” said, Mark, proudly. . “T cannot accept ahi '. “Nonsense! The reward has been advertised. You are | The directors were all extremely cordial and when Mark of the chutlish action of Mr. May. The story of the recovery of the stolen money was kept quiet, and not allowed to leak out. Constable White ar- ranged guards about the mill so as to trap the incendiaries. Mark, now no longer under arrest, went at once to Mrs. Price’s boarding house. The landlady was astonished and delighted. She had been his champion from the first, and had affirmed her belief in his return. “Mercy alive, lad!” she cried in a flurry of delight and excitement; “Have you come back? I’m so glad. And I knew it was all a lie.’ “Mrs. Price,” said Mark. “I’d like the same room, and something to eat. Here is the money I owe you.” The landlady was beside herself with joy. “Oh, never mind the money, my boy,” she cried. never thought about that.” “T know you hayen’t,” said Mark. and here it is.” “T’m glad you are prospering.” “Well, I have a little start,” said Mark, “and I hope to do better. I am going to try and make some money at the county fair.” “That makes me think,” said Mrs. Price. “There is a gentleman at this house who is advertising for a partner in an enterprise there. I think it is a sort of bazaar, with refreshment tables and shooting gallery. I know him to be an honest man.’ “T shall be glad to go in with him,” said Mark, Eee “Ts he in at present! nes “T think he is in his room,” said the landlady. “T’ve “But I owe it to you, “Bsther,” Before we | left the bank his nerves tingled with pride and joy, in spite — to a maid, “go up to Mr. Paulding’s room and cee if he — ig in.” The maid quickly returned. “He will be right down, mum,” she said. In a few moments Mr. Paulding appeared. He. wags & brisk, busy little man of middle age. He at once took a faney to Mark. “Just the man I want,” he said. of twenty-five dollars as a guarantee of good faith. I will furnish the capital and give half the profits.” “That = satisfactory “to me,” said Mark, “and here is the money.” Mr. Paulding explained that he owned the tent and all — “T only ask a deposit ~~ f the fixtures of the bazaar, and he deemed it fully as‘eco- nomical to take in an equal partner in the profits es to hire an assistant who might -be dishonest and steal more. + “T think we can mak “Tt is wholly equable,” he said. several hundred dollars each.” Mark was in-exuberant spirits. he joined Constable White and the force of detectives ge were in waiting for the mill incendiaries. That night’s work vindicated Mark conipletely. US, Sf Haley and Small were captured right in the act, and © entitled to it. You make no prgtilice of pride or principle also made a confession later of the bank robbery. The a ‘But I have not earned TED os ais eg It was sur ely. worth fiv ae es, you have. yusand dol-| a fee ‘mills were saved from destruction, for the villains had their — plans well laid, and failure Sia not mai Pee by - (To be. Continued) Later on in the on ee ‘4 na eG ; R He i ‘y we
Page 26
FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. | ~~ 25 FROM ALL POINTS With the score 0 to 0 in the’sixth inning, an angry cow temporarily broke up the baséball game between Machine Shop and Juniata Shop of the Pennsylvania Railroad Clerks’ League at Altoona, Pa. When Bossy chased Earl Barry, an outfielder, the thousand spectators were amused, but they prepared to hunt cover themselves when the players left her in undisputed possession of the field. The cow then charged the Juniata team, tossing the players’ bench and a pile of red sweaters into the air, after which she scattered the crowd and, vaulting a hedge, dis- appeared.. ‘A bill te regulate the operation of flying machines has been signed by Goy. Foss of Massachusetts. It will go into effect on June 15. The measure makes it unlawful for any person to operate an air craft unless licensed to do so by the Massachusetts Highway Commission. No license shall be granted unless the applicant has passed an examination by the Highway Commission, to include a flight of not less than 100 miles in a standard type of machine, No ma- chine, under the bill, may fly over a city at an altitude of less than 3,000 feet or over a town at an altitude of less than 500 feet. - * The cannery schooner Sadie F. Galler, lost at sea eigh- teen .vears ago, has been called back from the port “of missing ships. Walter McCary, of Tacoma, Wash., a sub- marine diver, “stumbled” upon the vessel in sixty feet of water near Chignik Lagoon, Alaska, recently, and is pre- paring to take out of the wreck nearly $50,000: in tin bullion with which she is laden. He is on his way back to Alaska to salvage the cargo of the Galler. MeCary was placing a fish trap when he found the wreck. Scraping away the weeds and barnacles, he uncovered her name ~ poard. Investigation showed the schooner had cleared from San Francisco for the canneries eighteen years ago and foundered off the Alaska coast at a point far from her ; present resting place. McCary reached an agreement with the owners and consignees under which he will get 50 per cent. of the salvage. “Had I pitched my school would have won the pen- — nant, but it’s too late now. We've lost.” ‘Willie Leiser, ~ fourteen years old, champion pitcher of St. Paul (Minn.) grade schools, somhed the words, buried his face in bed = clothing and died of a broken bear Willie attended class jah school the other Wednesday. That afternoon he won his third consecutive victory, pitching a two-hit, no-run game. Thursday’s battle was to decide his school’s pen- nant chances. He worried, causing a headache, and was ’ detained at home. The new pitcher lost the game. When the principal and comrades called on Willie he was still ~ confined to his bed with a headache, “What’s the score?” They told him, and a moment later he was dead. fee he cried. oe Physicians | say death was due to & broken heart. os spies sn gcd ey (peat suit over the b rd. : Play- - signs is very small. There are few who have not seen the ordinary sign of a jeweler—-an immense imitation of a watch—hanging over the front of the store. But it is safe to say that the num- ber who have ever detected anything curious in these same ' At 8:18 p. m., April 14, 1865, Abra- ham Lincoln was assassinated in Ford’s Theater, at Wash- ington, by John Wilkes Booth. Since that fatal night every one of these watch signs that has’ gone from the . factory of the only man who makes them has shown the _ hour of 8:18. The man in question says: “I was then working on a sign for Jeweler Adams, who kept a store on Broadway across the street from Stewart’s. He came -runnning in while I was at work and told me the news. left to ivilic Di i“ end fc a ‘Paint those hands at the hour Lincoln was shot, that the deed may never be forgotten,’ he said, pointing at the sign I was making for him. I did so. Since then eyery watch sign that has gone out of here has been lettered the same as that one.” A crime, the daring of which recalls some of the ex- ploits of the recently guillotined automobile bandits of France, was committed the other day, when an automobile dealer named Dardéne was shot by an apparently well- to-do customer, who asked the. dealer to conduct a trial spin to Senlis, about thirty-two miles from Paris, where, he said, his relatives would purchase the car. When en- tering the forest of Senlis the customer, on some pretext, got Dardéne to stop the car, and then fired six.shots from a revolver at him, pushed him out of the car, calmly re- started the motor and drove away. Dardéne, who was very seriously wounded, was able to tell what had hap- pened to some peasants who rushed up on hearing the re- ports of the shots. A man calling himself Davington, who was staying at a Paris hotel, is suspected by the police of being the bandit. He returned to Paris in an automobile, took his wife, who was waiting for him at the hotel, and disappeared without leaving a trace. On the recommendation of the Prince Imperial, Arch- duke Franz Ferdinand, the Austrian government has de- ~ . termined to emancipate the navy from the control of military landsmen. Investigation shows that millions in dollars have been wasted because the votes of army officers in the council of the War Department have hindered proper economies. Austria is now ambitious to: build a navy second to none in the Inland Sea. Heavy appropria- tions are to be asked for dreadnoughts and cruisers for service in the Mediterranean, while many new coast defence ships are to be put in commission on the Danube. Hitherto the navy has been administered as a department of the War Office. This old-fashioned arrangement has long — been criticised. Archduke Franz Ferdinand holds that the — great lesson taught by the Balkan war is that specialists oe must be intr tod with the free conduct of each arm of ue i the service. "The only question, he says, which should be. S is how. much the nation can afford /
Page 27
Oe Oe oat t Mayet iy tee 4 26 | FAME. AND HORTUNE WEEKLY. : SSS Fame and Fortune Weekly NEW YORK, JUNE 13, 1913, TERMS TO SUBSCRIBERS +05 Cents .65 Cents Postage Free. HOW TO SEND MONEY—At our risk send P.O, Monry Order, Checle or Registered Lettor; remittances in any othor way are at your risk. . We accept Postage Stamps the same as cash. When sending silver “wrap the Coin in a separate piece of paper to avaid cutting the envel- Write your name and address plainly. Address letters to t Frank Tousey, Publisher 168 West 25d°St,, N. Y, ope. fincram Tousry, President N. Hasrines, Treasurer Cuas, BE. NyLaxpxer, Secretary BRIEF BUT POINTED ITEMS During the last three months the number of registered owners of automobiles, in New York City, exceeded the 100,000 mark, or 23,000 more than were registered during the same period in 1912, according to Mr. May, Secretary of the State. The registration fees collected reach within $8,000 of the Ne dollar mark. About 44,000. “chaut- feurs are licensed. J “ Amdrija Mircovich was shot to death by the State at Carson City, Nev., May 14, for the murder of Anton Gregovich, a formes State Senator at Tonopah, a yeart It was the first legal shooting of a prisoner in Ne- Mircovich walked to the death chair and faced the lrauzzles of three rifles. As one report the rifles cracked and two bullets pierced his heart. One rifle had heen loaded with a blank caftridge. The body was buried in ‘the grave dug for Nimrod Urie, murderer of Jean Quillici ~ jand his wife, who escaped death ‘through the pardoning ‘board. ago. vada. ip % magnificent golden eagle, measuring scyen feet from tip to tip of wings, was electrocuted on the power trans- jmission lines near White Biuffs, Wash. Lineman H. J. ‘Allard, in locating the difficilty with the grounded wites, - » found a dead rabbit hanging lim] sly on the. network of the power lines,’ On the ground ba ath he found the dead eagle. The big bird had captured the rabbit out on the desert and had flown to the 66,000-volt wires to enjoy his ‘feast, when the great spread of his body formed the deadly |. elreuit which caused his death, leaving his prey i Ss where he had placed it in his flight. | Par A ‘sectet agreement between: Russia and China was signed recently, according to the Peking correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph,” of London, ander whieh China " concedes Coes autonomy to Outer Mongolia, whose frontier has been delimitated. This agreement, which the correspondent says is certain to create a storm throughout China when it becomes known, saves Gobdo and Uliassutai, besides all the Kirghiz country and extreme northwestern Mongolia. Autonomous Mongolia ' will Theasiire more. than half million square miles, and no suc 1) surrgnder has! been chronicled since © 1898, ee the Port Arthui Te ed ty, 23 jward and warmly grasped the hand of his rescuer. Mt ayor Gaynor, of New York, recently conferred medals upon the members of the New York fire department who had done heroie work during the past year, The first man honored was Seneca Larke, Jr., a full-blooded Indian, of Engine Company No. 20. While the Equitable Building — fire, at 120 Broadway, was in progress on the morning of January 12, 1912, Larke advanced unfalteringly into the peril zone and sawed through two one-and-one-half-inch bars behind which was William Giblin. Larke reseued | Mr. Giblin at the peril of his own life. A stream of water . was played over his head constantly while he worked, to fight back the flames’ which threatened to envelop him. | Stone and debris were falling around him, but he never faltered in his work until he had saved him. Mr. Giblin was present. As both a department and a Bennett medal were pinned on Larke’s uniform, Mr. Giblin stepped for- Cheers resounded in the yoorn as the two men stood with hands clasped, JOKES AND JESTS. Customer—-Waiter, this steak is like leather. Take it away. Waiter—Can’t change it now, sir; you’ve bent it. _ “Dey. used ter say,” said Uncle Eben, “dat Satan laid in wait foh folks, but nowadays it pears like he’s kep’ Diey by folks engi at his do’bell.” nate “De trouble *hout de man “at borrows trouble,” said Uncle Eben, “is dat he wants to pay some of it.to every- body he meets, whether it’s owin’ to ?em or not.? NS Bobby—Mother, tell me a fairy story. Mother—I. can’t. Go ask your father what detained him dommnniwa: 50 lato last night; that will be one. -— _Mother—That young man comes much sagas in the evenings now than he ‘used. to in the summer, doesn’t he, Laura? he ee yes, ma; but, you knox, it. gets 2 dark much earlier, now. -“T used to like the smell of cigar smoke before we w ore ou married, but now I despise it,” cael: T bought an alto. — gether diftokent brand of cighra thot than Lam: able to da now.” ras “What sort of people are these who are dont uate a tsocking divorce?” asked the reformer with an agonized groan. “Married people,» principally,” Bhi an Biber! ul Adigt with a coarse guflaw. Bes Curious Person—Does it cost much to run. one of aneeae 4 things ? Owner of Automobile—W ell, on one or two ocea- ‘sions it has cost me as high as $25.a minute.’ It depends o on the town you ha appen to be pornibg if in. és et The employer was bending over a table looking at ‘th directory: The new office boy slipped up ‘quietly and poked ja note into his hand, The surprised employer. opened. : read: “Honored Sir—Y ts a
Page 28
FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. \ THE IVORY TRADERS. — By D. W. Stevens. Tom Luff was first mate and part owner of the brig Fearless, and one of the jolliest, boldest tars that ever spun a yarn or reefed a topsail. His craft was in the ivory trade, and so it happened that one day in February, alter a long and tedious voyage, ‘Tom looked over the taffrail as they entered the Congo and watched the cances oft the natives swarm about the ship with much satisfaction, for half his journey was over, and ‘if this trip proved as profitable as the last the sea would know him no more, but sweet Nellie Blinn should double his joys and divide his sorrows in a snug little home far away before another twelve months rolled round. Captain Budds, Tom’s superior officer, knew of his mate’s hopes and longings, and shrewdly determined to utilize them. . The ivory trade was very profitable, but the inland trip to make the necessary purchases was a beastly piece of business. Usually the captain had performed it, taking with him half a dozen of, his crew for a guard and a hundred or more river negroes for porters, but he desired to escape the hot and dangerous jaunt this time, and with this idea ac- costed the mate : Sag I’m off the hooks—I’m strained oe out of trim. T need docking; and am not fit to make the up-country _ trip for a week. But the Congo is a bad place to lie longer than one must, and J will tell you what I have been think- ing. You might do the buying this time, seeing that you are interested, and in a hurry, too, and let me keep ship. ‘Yon will do as well, if not better, than I could Tnyself. What say you?” - Poor Tom was too deeply in love to hesitate long. Anything which would hasten his return home he was willing to do, and so it was arranged that he should depart for the ivory maris the day following. - Five of the sailors accompanied him, and with them ‘went eighty Congoes, to carry the barter and bring back the purchases. _ Early morning found him upon the move, and le guides, porters, and guards, in three days he had trated forty miles into the interior to the native village. saat ~ Oyampa, meeting with no adventure other than the loss of one man while crossing a stream. At Ovampa barter was had for two days, and twenty of the blacks turned back with two sailors to convey the ivory ‘purchased to the brig. 4 The others continued some fifty miles further into the country towards Batta, where large stores of the precious commodity were to be had. — Here again trade was successful, and almost without an closed his purchases, and started with sixty well-laden ne- groes | towards the coast again. d be on | Cee then baits and Re af unpleasant moment, aside from ‘the terrible heat, ‘Tom, ~ He had been absent twelve days; in twelve days more ies : abet cn en -jone, being shorter and to the sort of the other, passing the country of the Yungos. For five days he moved steadily qeaes for five nights his men slept without alarm, But upon the morning of the sixth day, a Yungo runner overtook him on his. way from the hill country to the vil- lage of Banza, where the chief of the tribe dwelt, and reported bad news. The Jinjes, a fierce and warlike nation from the east, were approaching the coast, burning, killing, eating all he- fore them, Already: hundreds of captives were in their train; they had. sacked the village of Batta, recently visited by the © ivory buyers, and knew of their presence in the country; and the cannibal warriors were in hot purmult of the white men. Through all its bronze Tom’s face turned pale. He looked about him. “Sixty unarmed, cowardly blacks, now half palsied with fear, three sailors with repeating rifles and cutlasses, and himself, to protect two thousand pounds’ worth of ivory and their own lives from an army | “How soon will they overhaul us?” he asked the Yungo. “Before night,” the man replied, through an interpre- ter. “And they will surely kill us if they catch us?” he con- tinued. The. fellow nodded vigorously, and then added; ““And eat you, too.” Tom turned to his porters. “fivery nigger for himself. Oarry the tusks as 4 ta as you can right along the traildowards the river, then hide them in the bushes. The man that delivers his upon ship- beard shall have double pay. Save yourselves as best you may. Go.” Then, addressing iinet to the three sailors, he said; “Boys, it’s not much use fighting, and it is too far to run. We must hide. Perhaps the black thieves may mise ‘us after all.” The men agreed with him, and having made sure thet the potters had disappeared, Luff and his com: tutned northwards from the trail, and plunged into the most impenetrable forest to seek ‘the deepest covert poa- sible. “It's a poor chance, mates,” said ‘Tom, “for those villains — can follow Ui like hounds; but if they find us, we will fight — until we die, anyhow. Don’t let them capture us, for they are cannibals,” The others readily assented—no man likes to be cooked and eaten—and they continued their laborious flight. An hour brought them to a more open country, and two hours to a great plain covered with tall grass and reeds, near the center of which rose a castle-like mags of ragged rocks. Sei Tom uttered a ery ‘of joy. “he very place. If we can scale that, boys, we can defy the beasts even if they find us. We have fifty rounds — of ammunition 3 each, and our rifles will carry better than — their bows. i Once sheltered in these rocks we are ‘a bait dis will be after us W Pe - ee crew ale
Page 29
aa ea : E 28 Following the brave mate, ales dashed awk the tall! Under Luff’s orders the little quartette waited until the grass, thoughtless alike of reptile or beast that might there lie concealed, and were soon at the foot of the ledge. ~ Then they surveyed it carefully from all sides, and, to their great joy found but one possible point of ascent... “Sling your guns, my hearties!” cried Tom. “Sling your guns and mount!” : Quickly obeying him, they scrambled like monkeys up the ragged side, creeping, crawling, climbing with hands FAME AND. FORTUNE WEEKLY. ert great © surging mass had swept close up to their citadel, juntil a single file of climbers strove to ascend the very path by which ney had reached the summit, then they fired. ) Volley. after align of .balls from the repeating weapons | pierced the unprotected enemy. The scalers were swept away as foam before the esd of the wind, the lines about the foot of the rock wavered, and feet, until at last they stood together upon a little, writhed, and then broke, and as the leaden storm continued shelf almost at the summit. Then they halted. oS There. elf. “Only one at a time can use that staircase, and we’ll *tend to him before he gets here. We’re out of range of their arrows and spears, and before they can starve us the, himself upon the ground. captain will be here with the reseue party. Boys, keep | up a good heart We are safe. Arrange a watch and put me in, but I must rest now,” and closing his eyes, he was instantly asleep, It lacked two hours of night. Dick Longstreet, one of the men, proposed that both the, others should also sleep, while he alone watched. the whole mass of savages, with great cries of rage and Now let ’em come!” said Luff, seating him-/j fear, fled a second time towards the shelter of the forest. The night attack was repulsed. : “We can rest now until sun-up,” said Tom, throwing “We must have finished a good number of those beasts. They won't come again soon. It’s a—by heaven! What’s that?” He sprang to his feet again, and pointed towards the distant forest. A sudden flame had sprung up and was running one the dry grass. “The demons have fired the jungle. If the wind holds “One’s enough,” said he, “and I'll wake ye, at moon-; it will drive the flames directly upon us here.” rise.” “But there’s no grass up here,” assured Dick Longatreet. Seating himself where his eye could cover the country | “The fire cannot.climb these bare rocks,” over which they had just passed, the sailor began his vigil. “No,” replied the mate, “but the terrible heat end dense He felt sure that the Jinjes would follow teak and | he' smoke will suffocate us, and beneath the cover of the fire was particularly anxious to draw trigger on the first Miack head that appeared in the tall grass below. . Longstreet had been in Africa before, and it was’ said had suffered capture and imprisonment once by some of ‘these very coast tribes. _ It was revenge which animated the man now. me He had not long to wait, for his suspicions. were correct. - The Jinjes ‘did follow them, and just as the sun disap-_ peared behind the distant mountain-tops in the Quango} | country, he saw a dark line of warriors issue from the “forest, and begin to wind slowly across the plain towards his post, . Without moving, a deadly glance lit his eye, and he| raised his heavy rifle to his face and waited. But not for long. “When the advance guard of the negroes was within a; hundred yards of the rock Longstreet pressed the trigger, The roar of his piece was mingled with the startled cries | of his companions behind him, the wild death-shriek of _the wretch who was hit, and a mad chorus of yells from the astounded Jinjes, who instantly filled the air with a Aight. of arrows and‘then fled towards the forest, but not until a’ second, a third, and even a fourth had bitten the dust be- | fore the sailor’s unerring aim. The battle was fairly "apaned. ox LS shot well, Dick,” said Tom, as he examined his own. - ‘weapon, “and we must all do so, No bullets to waste here. _ The villains will make a charge just in,the twilight. If we tip ’em over fast enough,: then they'll keep away until ; : seine : tes - The mate was right. — ‘ ust ‘as the sun had fairly hidden ore the blacks} issued from the woods in great numbers and dashed; ig etm the eee towards the rocks, es, and 9 avi ng the blacks will attack us again. We are lost!” _ No one replied to the fateful words; but all watched the oncoming destruction, spreading wider and wider, lighting up the whole sky, sending forth dense clouds of smoke and radiating intense heat. * Phe breeze still drove it towards the white men’ g dius, and beyond the fire could be seen the negroes following fast to the assault. : . “Heavens!” groaned poor Tom, “we are surely lost!” But Longstreet had suddenly arisen, and with a sailor’s wweather-wise eye, was scanning the dark hgpvene above {and beyond the fire. “Tt comes! It comes! The wind shifts! See!” he con- tinued and he pointed towards the plain below. “The flames turn! Ha! now, villains, you shall be roasted in your own furnace!” and he shouted aloud. It was true, The wind had suddenly shifted, ee was now blowin; gale from the opposite quarter of the heayens. The fire, urged backwards, was already surrounding thie: swarming, writhing army of the Jinjes, whose cries of ter- 'rér and despair rang above the roar of the flames, and in — less time than it takes to tell it, the fierce and ‘deadly : danger that had menaced the white men had proved their i ealvation. —- The forest and plain became a great furnace, and, the African army was in the midst. sy * % * * % % * %* Midnight looked down upon a blackened country, gleam- ing here and there with bits of flame, and dull, dying coals | morning showed the sailors an open pathway of escape. And as they trod the yet heated earth, and clambere over the charred ruin of the forest, all about them lay the ; rs blackened, twisted, burnt remains of their eneniles,. sad $e Big oe war mbar was no more. = ae
Page 30
\ and their dependencies ig prohibited in a bill which Gov- ernor Foss approved recently. The penalty is a fine not to exceed $100 or six months’ imprisonment, or both. Vaccination of a cat against smallpox is the experiment successfully performed for Andrew Fellows, of Berkeley, Cal. The cat is a Maltese, and a family pet. Members of the Fellows family were vaccinated in accordance with | The family being: the recent advice of the health board. made immune, Fellows was concerned about the cat. physician undertook the operation. The cat -was yac- ‘ cinated on a front leg. The abrasion was bandaged, and, to prevent the tabby jae scratching the wound, iy other claws were wrapped in cloth bandages. A An urn containing a collection of gold articles, attrib- uted by experts to the seventh and eighth centuries before the Christian era, was uncovered the other day by well diggers on an estate in the vicinity of Eberswalde, about twenty-seven miles from Berlin. The urn, wich is among the most aneient finds ever made in Germany, contains seventy-eight articles, weighing five pounds. These. in- clude bowls, bracelets and rings, supposed to be ef Phoeni- cian origin and to have been imported to Germany by _ way of the Baltic. Randall W. Dickinson, the adopted son of Samuel T. Dickinson of Norfolk, Va., and a student at the Abington Friends School in Philadelphia, has fallen heir to $250,000 from an uncle whom he never saw. William’ Randall Russell, a wealthy Pennsylvania farmer, made the boy the beneficiary of his will when he died last February. The hoy was taken from an orphanage seven years ago by Mr. Dickinson, a merchandise broker. He believed’ until re- cently that he was the real son of Mr. Dickinson. At ‘the suggestion of his adopted father the boy will not be told of his inheritance until he is older. ** Just before the Pennsylvania nautical schoolship Adams ‘sailed from the League Island Navy Yar d. on her summer cruise to Europe William Copeland, one of the cadets, narrowly escaped death in a plunge from the masthead. Copeland and fifteen other cadets were filing a sail when the foot rope broke. All except Copeland threw themselves over the yard arm. and hung there. Copeland fell into ‘the water, but fellow cadets rescued him. The accident was only the first of a day of mishaps. The vessel went aground in the channel and two tugs were obliged to pull} her off. Matthew White, of New York City, a retired malt manufacturer and father of Matthew White, Jr., a writer, : lost his life recently in a fire that destroyed hig summer home at Monterey, Mass. “ington, and her maid, the other occupants of the house, bi sere by jumping from a second ‘story window to ‘the 5 FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. | GOOD READING ~~ ; The carrying in any parade of any flags other than the national emblems or the flags of friendly foreign nations. drew a revolver and placed it to his temple. A daughter, Mrs. I. T. Whith-| 29 piazza roof and then to the ground. Mr. White was asleep on the third floor, and is believed to have burned to death in his bed. Mr. White was seventy-five years old, and until his retirement a few years ago had been the active head. of a business established by his father at Albany. He also had real estate interests and mining properties in the West. He came to hig simmer home about May 1. A letter from George Washington addressed to Colonel Pickering, in 1789, brought $101 at the sale of the Gibson collection of autographs of Presidents of the United, at! Philadelphia recently. The next highest price was for a letter from Abraham Lincoln to Secretary Stanton, which brought $63. A signature of John Quincy Adams was sold for 25 cents. Other specimens of Presidential penman- ship scld as follows: James Monroe, $7; Martin Van Buren, $9; Andrew Johnson, $5.25; U. 8. Grant, $16; Grover Cléveland, 50 cents; William McKinley, $3, and Theodore Roosevelt, $11. A letter written by Woodrow Wilson from the White House on March 20 last to Madi- son J, Coiyein was sold for $5. This is said to be the first Wilson letter on public sale. The will of Miss Margaret Vandeusen, who died at Middletown, Connectiut, a few days ago, was filed here, and-revealed how Wesleyan lost a fortune because eight or ten years ago a student stole Miss Vandeusen’s cat, to be used for experimental purposes in the biological labo- ratory. Miss Vandeusen had owned the cat for many yéars and she was heartbroken when it disappeared: At first she did not believe the students had taken it, but thought it had merely wandered off, but finally definite knowledge came to her of what had become of it. It was then that she changed her will, cutting off without a penny the university which was to have taken most of her estate. Miss Vandeusen was the last of her family, and as far-as is known there are no relatives to contest this disposition of her property. Her estate is estimated at from $100,000 to $150,000, | Domingo Rosillo, the Cuban aviator, flew to Havana. from Key West, Fla., recently, and won the prize of $10.000 offered by the Cuban Government to the first Cuban aviator to make a fight across the Florida Straits, Rosillo made the trip in 2 hours and 25 minutes. Augus- tine Parla, another Cuban aviator, intended to try for the ‘prize at the same time as Rosille; but high winds and an accident to his aeroplane forced him to give up the at- tempt He Was so incensed at his failure that he tried to kill himself. As he saw his rival speeding away Parla A friend struck up his arm and the bullet went wide. Parla pro- poses to make another attempt on Tuesday next in the hope of winning the second prize of $5,000. Rosillo was flying at an altitude of 2,000 feet when he arrived in sight of Haven © He circled ihe city before alighting and was: acclaimed with Semana by pr: achieally the entire nee lation of the: otty.
Page 31
ee FAME AND. goRnoNE WEEKLY. ARTICLES OF. - L KINDS NATURAL. HISTORY EXPLORATIONS IN BORNEO For more than ten years past Dr. W. L. Abbott, of Philadelphia, has been exploring the Malay Archipelago, and presenting all his collections in natural history and ethnology to the Smithsonian Institution. ‘The latest an- nual report of the Institution announces that althongli Dr. Abbott has been obliged, through illness, to abandon personal participation in this admirable undertaking, he has engaged the services of a collector and provided funds for continuing the explorations he had begun in Borneo. The field work will be carried on in eastern Dutch Borneo, the natural history of which is practically unknown, and from which there are at present no collections in American museums. A rich harvest is expected. RICH HERMIT: FOUND DEAD. August Muller, man of mystery and hermit of Tamal- pais, Cal., was found dead in his cabin recently.. For fifteen years Muller lived, a miser and recluse, on the slopes of the mountain. From ‘the condition of the body Dr. Sawyer, the Coroner, believes that Muller had been dead for two weeks. In addition to a dozen lots Muller is believed to’ hare possessed a large amount of coin, hidden in the vicinity. of his cabin. Muller’s hut and adjacent holdings are under the supervision of a deputy constable, and workmen em- ployed by the public administrator will turn over every inch of the ground in an effort to locate the missing treasure. After leaving his wife in Germany and fleeing the Con- tinent for political reasons, Muller wandered to this coun- try and worked as a gardener. He never saw his wife in. Several weeks ago while buying some supplies in ‘Mill Valley the hermit mentioned the arrival of a daughter from Germany. Later he complained that his daughter was disgusted with his mode of living and that she had left him and was visiting in San Francisco. But the actual knowledge of this daughter is scarce: a number of fragmentary, tales of a beautiful woman possessing a siren’s voice, who. has been seen wandering about the: mountain in the vicinity of Muller’s cabin are current in Mill Valley. The recluse’s hut has been closed for two weeks and people were speculating as to the: reason until John Me- Adams notified the authorities. Muller was 70 years old. BOY SUNSTRUCK IN Dee: round on the part of two companions ‘who followed - him for three hours over the sands of the ‘Mojave desert after he had been sunstruck, -recéntly,. saved the life of Fred Gartz, son of an Altadena millionaire. peria. | FURY OF A DESERT § STORM, A trayeler from the Sahara gives his enpasiente ‘as follows ; “On our way we encountered that terrible avbevianae. a desert storm. It came down upon us with hardly any pre- monition, save of an oppressive stillness of the air and a stifling temperature. ‘Then all of a sudden the whole Sahara seemed to rise into the air and pelt us with bar sands and pebbles. Within five minutes my mouth was parched with thirst and my watch choked with sand. The din of the storm was indescribable, and the flying particles ee stung like whiplashes on hand and face. Our horses: were nearly mad with fright. For hours the insufferable chok- ‘ ing wind blew with its scorching breath, and then the — heavens opened and emptied what seemed to be half the sae Mediterranean on our devoted heads. From parching — heat the temperature sank to a little above freezing in a Ze few minutes, and then the rain came down like a sluice, — the great drops splashing the sand back up to our! comets x bellies. Finally the storm vanished as quickly as it ‘ somes by and the sun came out and smiled at our sad plight. With- ie out a werd we all stripped to the buff and wrung out our — water-logged garments. As we sat our poor horses like centaurs, waiting for the sun to dry our clothes, I caught Abd er Rahman’s eye, and for the first and last time heard him laugh aloud. For a full minute we sat rocking in — our saddles with mirth, until gradually our wits and our | bodily warmth came back to us. I do not pretend to know — how these things happen, but almost within an hour or two the desert all about us was green with little plants spring: | ing into life, and in the pools formed by the water in | hollows frogs were croaking aes miraculous Fact of th
Page 32
‘GIANT SAW PUZZLE. This puzzle penile twenty-one pieces of wood nicely finished; take them apart and put them — together same as illustrated. Everybody would like to try it, as it. is very fascinating. Price, by ab postpaid, 25, ach, H, FE. LANG, 1815 Canite st., B’kiyn, N. ¥. DELUSION TRICK. A magic littie box in three parts that is very mystify~ % ing to those not in the trick, hua A coin placed on a piece of i paper disappears by dropping a nickel ring around it from 7 the magic box. Made of hard wood two inches in diameter. Price, 12¢; M. V. GALLIGAN, 419 W. 56th St., N. ¥. ITCH POWDER. Gee whiz! What fun you can hare with this stuf. Moisten the tip of your ager, tap it on the contents of the box, and a little bit, will stick, Then shake hands with yeur friend, or Sen a speck down nis back. In a minute he will feel as if he had the even years’ itch. It ert ey him eeratch, roar, squirm and make facoa, But st ts perfectly harmless, as ft is made from’ the seeds of wild roses. The horrible itch stops in a Jew minutes, or can he checked Immediately by rubbing the spot with @ wet cloth. While tt is working, you will be a t to Jxugh your’ euspender buttena em. ont joke of all, frico 16 cents o box, ae mail, pestpaid. WOLFF NOVELYY GO., 29 W. 26th St, N. ¥. = COMICAL RUBBER STAMPS. A complete set of five Brotesquea little people made of indestructible rubber mounted on black walnut blocks. The fig- ures consist of Policoman, Chinaman, and other leurhahble figures ‘as shown in pictures, Ag each figure is Tmeantea:| on a seperate block, any boy can set up 4 regular parade or circus by. print- ing the figures in differ- ent ‘positions. With each set of figures we fend a bottle of colored ink, an ink pad and ‘ full instructions, Children can stamp these pictures on their toys, picture books, writing aper ad envelopes, and they are without oubt the most amusing snd entertaining ie otten up in years. Price of the com- Wicks set of Rubber Stamps, with ink and oor pad, only 10c., 3 sets for 26¢., one dozen $0c., by mail postpaid, _ L. fonarens, cei Winthrop 8t., Crooklyn, N. ¥. £ JUMPING TELESCOPE, This is an oblong tube in exact imi- tation cf a tele- scope. By looking through it, reveals one palate mest fied picture of dgneer or othe subject. It pone tains on the side a button, which the aes victim is told to press for a change of picture. Instead of ‘gnother picture appearing, the entire inside part shoots out, a8 shown fn illustration. It fe entirely. harmless, but gives the victlm a onuine scare. € rice, 15e, each; 2 for 26e. by mail, postpaid, BUBBLE BLOWER. aes \. With’ this device, a continuous Beri bubbles can: - s It is a woodtn, shaped blower, = og a syrmall VABL in which there is a. Diece of soa Big with eater, and a ree farly. eis 2 you ir When torati ome Vet in the tric “ment to chanse tho views, when a strea ppd rcer Hammerless 20 REPEATER - SOLID-BREECH | HAMMERLESS SIDE-EJECTING Sure Safe Shooting for Man or Boy—And a Simple Rifle to Care For 7 The Remington- UMC .22 Repeater is rifled, sighted and tested for aecuracy by expert gunsmiths. It shoots as you hold. The simple, im- proved safety device on every Remington- UMC .22 repeater never fails to work. Accidental discharge is impossible. The Remington-UMC .22 Repeater is easily cared for. In taking down, your fingers are your only tools. The breech block, firing pin and extractor, come out in ove piece—permitting the barrel to be cleaned from the breech. The action handles .22 short, .22 long or .22 long rifle cartridges--any = SS XN inion d 4 proval, yretgh?t brepatd, anywhere in U. or all eat the same time without adjustment. Remington-UMC—ihe perfect shooting combination RENINGTON tora had id CARTRIDGE ¢ e 299 banana’ Row "York city “TH AMATHWR CKARTSMAN,” 106. New book. Tells how fo make an Way redals: New Depart Ce , ia, win oon rick naira: | oulty. ENO tu puncpers Seer Meet nie sone es saninlis, hey Eine fs 8 r ii a coutsmnent and shone Mya rh one a §S—-OLD COINS WANTED—8 Y models seman niew £7.75 Paid for KARE date 1853 Quarters Hig hand machines and $)g without arrows. CASH pram- Ke e send age die roe pac for, New ‘Wustrated Coin Value ‘ty >», ayer Ax Get Posted and make money eaxy. ¢. pLARKE &C0., Colin pital Brule Ge ee new eer. N. * P i Tike: x ertis ever, gilag. . Write tt now, : arts, JUMEENG CARD.—A | Rider ites’ ae ep SP eer RANGER” BICYCLES aeroplane, *anoe, satl-bont, tele. 7 wt MILLER & COy, Ste Pau, pln, i sessed i FOR nocther wheels. Guaranteed Sues, jums paid on Hundreds of ofd coins, ie Dealers, Box 71, Le oy, : E Connter B rake Rear Wheels, tampa’ pretty little trick, easy to | peshiakaaute Perel be ih enna: , Have tmnporled. voller chains, sprockets and \FAGTORY PRICES osi.ezes — are less Keep all inoney daved before 1895 ani Wigs bicycle or a pair of tlres from at ‘3 fi you v catalog aud sundries half usval perform, Iffect: A select- | yy I cade ne) Veet ed card returned to the | MEAD GYGLE GO., Bept, R139. CHICAGO. deck Jymps high into the RE rerricg air at t Bend dime; birthdate. mand, performer’s com- in held’ in one hand. Price of apparatus, with enough cards to per- form the ae t0e. told, also past, FUTURE WATCH RING & CHAIN EE PREG, Sire soe ean CACHOO Of SNEBZING POWDER. | veh wih Bando meee ae ; The erentest tunemakar cf | ai ch fo hd "sh ical ee a *. brasil amennt | fink P wdetal hee a { ° Ls powder, whon own | BX ‘ in @ .reem, willl causo we a ted od ie gill send he ring and E, A, DEWANDELER Betroit, Miche everyene to sneeze without anyone knowing where it cemes from, It ia very edt, will feat in the air fer some time, and penetrate overy neo and cerner ef m roem. It is perfecttly harm- leas, Cachexe is put up in bettles, and ona | bottle contains enough to be used Srore 16 te 15 times, rive, by mail, 1c. each; 3 for 25a, WOLFE NOVBLTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. ¥, SURPRISE KINEMATOGRAPH, es; eS) on Gee sea Rie eee = ee et a ig@|, 160 knowledge, ye aes 'e Ye The greatest hit of the Eotnedge % cutie, 4 ph ti Rie season! It consists of o fectly harmless. oan mated “small metal, niekeled tube, many years, '’ his fs dose geunine with a lens eye view, ‘Tre ent, medically endorse! on which ahows a pretty bal- proved by aqseelon of testimonials, oo! let girl in tights. Hand x and Addresss artloulars, Irae. stpaid, - | ROW. }, wo LB, NowYork,N.¥e it to a friend, who will, be delighted with the first pic- ture; tell him to turn the screw in center of instru- Yentriloquist Denble Throat , Tits roof of niouth; always invisible; great \ thing yet. Astonish and mystify your friends, Neigh like a horse; whine like a puppyt si like q canary. and imitate birds and beasts o Wonder. Price: only | 10 cents: 4 for 25 cents, or 12 for 5¢ cents, Double Throat Go.Dpt. K Frenchtown, Nk bel ee squirts into his face, much to his af ast. tograph’. in ane eration every time. with water {nan inatant, ready for A a customer, Price 25¢. by mail, WOLEE NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th st. the fleid and forest. Loads of fun. fulinveation, Thousands sold. ao AND Gl is Make BIG monny pee ive Gi eye ean or ¥ riba aie wns given, Full instructions and orth = eee a dime. da open ia: Pa Pepsi pride, BBO; by wig sign of a break. , > by others ask for cheap wheels. Other rellable ; second. goosseoond: N10 OAYS FREE TRIAL Wh witout @ canter advance. DO NOT BUYe : where a Ne eee Rigney, Selling our te ne J.D, Kuwanves. 27 Jackson Biyd., Chicago. Lous OF FUN FOR A DIME ee ee err BEWEDT sont to you on FREE TRAM It ik curos, send 91,00; 4% not, apa. ‘Give exprespotiice, Write ve iy. W. ed Bteriine, 837 Ohio Ayo, 8 Idneys OMe Valuable } samp
Page 33
locked \ ~ a8 @ Wwaote ed if net s by mail. Senarens, 347 Winthrop St., Brooklyn, N. ¥. NAIL PUZZLE. Made of 2 metal nails linked together. Keeps folks guessing; easy to take them apart when you know how. Directions with every one. Price, 6c., postpaid. WOLFF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. ¥. VANISHING CIGAR. This cigar is made in exact imitation of a good one, It is held by a rub- ber cord which, with the attached safety pin, is fastened on the inside of : the sleeve. When offered to a friend, as it is about to be taken, it will inatantly disappear. THE MAGW CIGAR CASE. ; A beautiful and per- and sealskin leather; cigar case alone. It eigars and instantly handed to a person, who, upon opening it, finds only an empty case. The box has a secret spring and a double case, and can be operated only by one in the secret. Full printed instructions sent with each case. Every smoker should have one. Price, 20c.; 2 for 85c. by mail, postpaid; Aue, dozen by express, $1.50; OBE, 150 3. 62d St, New York City. NORWEGIAN MOUSE. P A cyery large gray mouse, measuring 8 incnes from tip of nose to end of tail. The pedy of mouse is hollow. Place your first finger in his body, and then by moving your finger up and down, the mouse appears to be running up your sleeve. Enter a room where there are ladies, with the mousé runn’nag up your sleeve, and you will see a rapid scat- tering of the fair sex. Many practical jokes can be perpe- Price, 10c. each by mail, postpaid. | trated with this small rodent. C. BEHR, 150 W. 62d St., New York City. GOOD LUCK PUZZLE. It consists of three horse- shoes fastened together. Only a very clever person can take off ‘+he closed horseshoe from the two 4 linked horseshoes. But it can be done in a moment when the secret is known. Price, by mail, 10¢c. each. H. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’klyn, N. Y. * ROUGH RIDER DISC PISTOLS. _ Made of nicely col- bred wood 5% inches long. The power i+ furnished by rubber bands. Ten discs of cardboard with each ; pistol. Price, 6c. each, | 2 postpaid, WOLEFT NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. Y.| diameter are heard of in stories only. We have them imitated by prodigious spark- ling stones which will deceive @. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’kiyn, N. Y. | MAGIC PUZZLE | KEYS. i separate them, but | when learned it is easily done. Y Price, 6c., postpaid. / IMITATION the glance of any spectator. Two keys interlock- J ‘” 1. . WOLFF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. ¥. Diamond rings or studs gf Price by mail, postpaid, small ed in such a manner ; THE JUMPING FROG, GIANT DIAMONDS. i half-inch and one inch in size, 25c. each; large size, 3%e. each. it seems impossible to This. little novelty creates a world of laughter. Its chief attractiveness is that it’ tekes a few seconds be- fore leaping high in the air, " so that when set, very inno- cently along side of an unsuspecting person, he is suddenly startied by the wonderful activity of this frog. Price, lig. each by mail | postpaid. tx | H. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St.. B’klyn, N. ¥. ALUMINUM DRINKING CUPS. | These handsome little cups are very handy in size, do not leak, and are Satin finished. When com- pressed, can be carried in the vest pocket. They hoid a good quantity , of liqu‘d, and are vory strong, light, , yet durable. Price, 147. each, post-} paid, WOLFF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 25th St., &. ¥. SURPRISH PERFUME BOTTLE. Those in the joke may freely smell the perfume in the bdottte, but the uninitiated, on removing the cork will receive the contents and clever joke. — : Price, 10¢c. each by mail, Ms'| paid; 3 for 25e. Rapeey i | eee i. F. LANG, a 1815 Centre St., Bailyn, N. ¥. X in his hands. . th n is hands. This it. $ SNA aes poste | | ea Price, 10¢.; 3 for 25c. mailed, postpaid. H. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’klyn, N. Y. A NEW SQUiRT BADGE. : Great fun for the mil- lion! Wear it buttonhole and then press the bulb and watch the other fellow run. Price, 14e. Cc. BEHR, 150 W. 62d St, New York City. TMs ELK WEAD PUZZLE. Just out, and one of the most fascinating puzzles on the market. The stunt is to separate the antlers and re- join them. It looks easy, but try it and you will admit that it iaaevithout exception the best puzzle you have €ver seen. You can’t leave it alone. Made of sivered metal. Price, 12¢.; 3 for 30c., sent by mail, postpaid. H. F, LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’kiyn, N.Y. MARBLE VASE. A clever and puzzling effect, easy to do; the apparatus can ‘Z be minutely examined. Effect: A marble can be made to pass frome the hand into the closed Sak vase, which a moment beforo was shown empty. Rhis ig a beautiful enameled turned wood yass. ¥ Price. 20c, M, V. GALLIGAN, 419 W. 56th 8t.. N. x, MAGNETIC TOP. A handsome metal, highly magnetized toy, A horseshoe and a spiral wire. furnished with each top. When spun next to the wires, they Be, THE ing movements. can make wires of dif- ferent shapes and get F the most peculiar ef- Sobene fects. Price, 6c., post- paid. @. Sennrens, 247 Winthrep 8f., Brocklyn, N. Y. THE CLOWN STYLO, Made of aluminum, | satin finish, guaran- teed not to leak. This stylographic sink pen- is Made on a new plan. It cannot cor- ell rode aid will outlast and outclass any simi- lar pencil on the market. It is a_ splendid Each ons ed with a filler, and a clip to hold it writer, and is easily kept in order. pag: ur vest pocket. _ Price, 240. each, yostvaid. H. ¥. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’ikiyn, N. ¥. + APID CIGARETTE MAK. This jittre ar icle should be in the ‘pocket of every smoker. With it a perfect cigarette can be made in ten seconds. You will find them equal in appearance and far su- quality to commercial ones, at less ape ter of the cost. With our cigar- _ nm your possession, you can smoke ‘arette at pleasure, as it's just as cigarette as to flil a pive. Hvery cigarette maker is handsoinely Price, 15e., or 3 for 40c. by Px CO., 29 W. 26th St. N. ¥. fect cigar case, made | of imitation alligator — worth a quarter as a} ean be shown full of . in your | make the most surpris- | You | LINK THE LINK PUZZEE, : The sensation of the day. XS) Pronounced by all, the most “fy batfling and scientific novelty out. Thousands have worked at it for hours without mas- tering it, still it can be done in two seconds by giving the links the proper twist, ‘but un- Jess you know how; the harder you twist them the tighter they grow. Price, 6c.; 3 for 15¢.3 one dozen, 50c., by mail, pee sane WOLFF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. ¥ WINDOW SMASHERS. The greatest sensation, just from Paris. A most wonder- ful effect of a smashing, breaking, falling pane or glass, It will electrify every- body. When you come home, slam the door shut and at the same time throw the discs to the floor. Every pane of glass in the house will at once seem to have been shat- tered. Price, by mail, postpaid, 35¢., a set of six plates. iH. F, LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’klyn, N. Y. THE FIGHTING ROOSTERS. A full blooded pair. of fighting game cocks. These liliputian fighters have real feathers, yellow legs and flery red combs, their movements when fighting are perfectly nat- ural and lifelike, and the secret of their movements is known only to the operator, who can cause them to battle with each other as often and as long as desired. ‘Independent of their fighting proclivities they make very pretty mantel ornaments. Price for the pair in a strong box, 10c.; 3 pairs for 25c. by mail, postpaid. WOLFY NOVELTY CO., 29 W, 26th St., N. X, pocket trick, easily i i | _YE PEG JUMPER. to be performed by | any, one. A miniature eh paddle is shown. Cen- tral holes are drilled through it. A wooden peg is inside of the upper hole. Showing now sy A very. effective - both sides of the paddle, the performer causes, _ by simply breathing upon it, the peg to leaye the upper hole, and appear in the middle one. Then it jumps to the lower hole, back to the middle one, and lastly to tho upper hole. Both sides of the paddle are repeatedly shown, Price by mail, 15e. Cc. BEBR, 150 W. 62d St., New York Cityw DEAD SHOT SQUIRT PISTOL. If you shoot a man with this “gun’’ he will the ancient excuse—"'T didn’t know it was loaded.” It loads easily { ~ with a full cnarge of water, and taking aim, press the rnbber bulb at the butt of the Pistol, when a small stream of water is squirted into his face. ‘The best thing to do then {is to pocket your gun an ; run. There are “loads of fun” in this wicked little jeker, which looks like a real revolver, trieger, cock, chambers, barrel and all. Price only Je.; 4 for 25c.;-one dozen 60c. by mail | prstnaid. 4 HM. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’kiyn, N. ¥. THE HIDEOUS SPIDER. these handsome brutes. His body is 3 inches long, 3 beautifully enamel- ee ed green, with white ridges, low speckles, bulging eyes, and a, big red mouth. He is armed with six legs and two upright feelers, made of flexible spiral springs. A dark, invisible thread attached to his body lets you shake him friends’ eves, when the less wiggle Ber ace natural, Hfelike manner. Guaranteed to make any lady howl and to scare the bravest hero on earth out of his hoots. i Price by mail, 10¢. each. | WOLFF NOVELTY CO., 29 W. 26th St., N. ¥, © A beautiful charm, to be. worn on the watch chain. It compass, to which is attach- e ed, by a pivot, magnifying glass. Whe: in use the magnifying glass fits closely the compass and is not seen, protected by a { somely silver-nickel plated and burnished, pre- senting a very attractive appearance. you have a reliable compass, nifying glass, anc one. , Price, a powerful not nside | MINIATURE COMPASS CHARM, The compass is & powerful mag- Th ise Pasleian novelty, entirely wee is an novelty, entirely “25. by mail, postpaid. | H. ¥. LANG, 1815 Centr in the air before yeur- consists of a true and perfect glass crystal, and is hand-— i Site pie Gis ac, “St, Biklyn, N.Y. be too mad to accept~ Fun for every=. body with one of © yelas) Here =
Page 34
TuUNWveEeE WwEEERI.YZ {A (383 Old Hazard’s Hrrand Boy; or, The Nerve That Won the Money. J 884 Check 765; or, The Strangest Tip in Wall Street. ic Who Made His | 885 A Short Cut to Fortune; and The Smart Boy Who Found It. ‘4 886 Broker Brown's Boy; or, A Tough Lad tress Missouri. (A Wall 386 A Boy Broker's Dollars; or, The M story of Wall Street.) , 857 one os) Apprentice ; or, Pie Si os ar’ rer *. eee at if A Th ll Street + 2 Ss i apices Street story.) : e@ Mystic ar or sure of tie g Caves. y 860 Working the Money Wark : or, The Deals of a Wall Street Boy. 887 The Odds Against Him; or, A Boy With Grit. , 861 The Bor Gold King: or, The Gieatenth {ne In the Worl 71388 A Boy With ere: or, A Fortune From a Dime. (A story of 862 A aoane Broker’s Money; or, Trapping the Sharpers ‘ef Wall fog BS one ne : ee - hie is od ree s Own Business; or, From Erran oy to Bo 863 Dollars and Cents; or, From Cash Boy to Partner.. 890 The Banker's Plot: or, The Mysterious Boy From Cripple Creek. 864 Jimmy, the Office Boy: or, A Plucky Wall Street Plunger. 891 After a Missing Million; or, The Treasure of the Wreck. 865 Pte y § on Time; or, The Perils of a Young Mail Contractor. __ 392 A ms From the Streets; or, The Old Broker's Protege. (A story 866 The Missing Bonds; or, A Lucky Boy in Wall Street. : all Street.) : 867 Hunting for Treasure; or, ‘The Pirate's Chest of Gold. 293 A ae Hustler; or, The Boy With the “Goods.” 368 vipa ,000 Reward; or, The Fortune of a Bank Clerk.” 394 Mat, the Money Maker; or, A Strange Lad in Wall Street. 869 Bought at Auction; ‘or, re Pai that Led to Riches. 395 “Out For Byerything” ; or, ‘the Boy Who Was Willed a Circus. 870 The Young Copper’ Kin; cone Boy Who Went the Limit. a x! 871 Ralph, the Reporter, or satery of Assignment No. 10. 896 In Wall Street to eis or ane Boy Who gue ‘el Money. 872 A Lucky Risk; or, The N Meets of a Wall Street Office Boy. 897 A Young pipnees on Wrecked on a Treasure Islan 878 The Race for "Gold ; or, After an Aztec Treasure. 898 Bill’s Bond Syndicate; or, A Fortune From a Two-Cent Stamp. 374 Th ped to Win; or, The Wall Street Messenger Who Made a For- Ws Ba (Sah ela Story.) guael Sicha hicks ie i @ Boy o Vanished ; or, ¢ Treasure . 875 ve Boy Salesman; or, Out on the Road for Success. 400 A Born Broker; or, The Success of a Wall Street Boy 876 A } Young. Money Broker ; or, Striking Luck in Wall Street. 401 Striking a Good Thing; or, pe Chums in Business 377 ie ie Way to Fame; oo me Success, of a Young Dramatist. ane Among the ‘‘Sharks’’; or, i ad and Shadows of Wall Street. ack ‘0 Wall Street Chums. 408 In Business for Himself; or, mg d Who Made the Money. 1 Old ‘Trunk. 404 Charlie of the Curb; or, Beating the Money Brokers. ss of Himself. Ke ba Sp o Became a tack Broker. 2 For sale by all ‘newadealers, or will be sent to. y address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stamps, by FRANK asiohlat Publisher, Pa of our weeklies and parler procure m from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Write out and fill in your Order and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you want and we will send them to you by return mail. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THH SAM AS MONEY. FRANK TOUSEY, Eepianes, - - - - ~ + - - - - 168 West 23d St., New York. > nv oO UR cE Iv-C Ev “Er. _ No, 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELEO garding the Camera © ETY.—A description ef the wonde ‘al HAND BOOKS @how to work it; also with figures and the magic of numbers. By how to make Photo S Geko Magic Lantern A. peas rhage or gs uses of electricity and electro magnetisnay re Slides and ether Transparencies. Handsomely % Bis To RITE LETTERS ther with full instructions for oe illustrated. cone ECTLY.—Containing full instructions ric i Batteries, etc. By George abel, eaten 63. HOW TO BECOME A WEST for writing letters on almost any subject; io Containing over fifty illustra- MILITARY CADET.—Explains how also rules for punctuation and componition, re admittance, course of Study, Hxami- with specimen letters. now TO BREAK, RIDE AND mae ons, Duties, Staff of Officers, Post Gua: No. 15, HOW TO BECOME A CONJURER. HORSE.—A complete treatise on | Police Regulations, © Department, and al —Containing tricks with Dominoes, Dice, ‘Describing the most useful horses ® boy should now es, be a cadet. By Lu Cups and Balls, Hats, etc. Hmbracing thirtye ‘ee Sea , the best horses for the road; Senarens. sie illustrations. By A. Anderson. Slso valuable recipes for diseases peculiar te No. 68, HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL No. 76. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES BY the horse. — ADET.—Complete ins THE HAND.—Conteining rules for telling for- No. 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL | admission t A Naval Academy. | tunes by the aid of Mnes of the hand, or the hanaeer handy book for boys, containing Also contain 1 course of instruction, de- | secret of palmistry. Also the secret of tell- directiens for censtructing canoes and the 4 ; and buildings, historical | ing future events by aid of moles, marks, ‘most popular manner of sailing them. Fully | sketel 4 Eraont & bey should know te | scers, etc. Illustrated. ust od. n officer in th> United States Navy. No. 77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS HOW TO DEBATE.—Giving cules 3 narens. WITH CARDS.—Containi deceptive Card onducting debates, outlines for debates, fo. 64. HOW TO“MAKE SLECTRICAL Tricks as performed by lea ing conjurers and c for discussion, and the best sou: MAC .—Containing full directions for agicians. Arranged for home amusement. tor: procuring informatien on the questions making bees eae ‘machines, induction coll ally illustrated. ? dynamos, and many neyel toys to be worke 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND AN- | py electricity. By R. A. R. Bennett. Fully Bie @ complete description of the A valuable book, giving inatru: r illustrated. 7 mysteries of Magic and Sleight-of-Hand, to- in; , mounting and pr No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKES.—The most gether with many wonderful experiments, By _ nd insects, a original Joke book ever PORE, and it is | A. Anderson. Illustrated. WITH | brimful of wit and h . It contains a No. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR. planations of the gen- large collection of rongs, jo —Containing complete instructions how to ppt hand peeccenle etc., of Terrence Muldoon, the grea make up for various characters on the stage; nary morist and practical joker of the day. ae ees Sr ratte ae aaa ry. Ma 0. an, PUZZLES.—Con- | *"No’s0, GUS WILLIAMS’ JO OOK. © Containing the latest jokes, auedopae and funny stories of this world-renowned German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome col- ored cover containing a haif-tone photo of Ninetructive saad’ Bie si Simpy oo i ee ' e Piet bare MESMERIZE.—Contain- igs ig 0 ! aie ks, together with illustrations, By A. An- ing "ihe, most approved methods of momner: * } ism; animal magnetism, or, magnetic healing. rful little book, telling you ao <0 to wi No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS. By ‘Prot. Leo Hugo, Koch, A.C.S., author of" pao ar eee see cei ticks pit setmitar ay, |! me fe Speen te , brother, oyer; an n fa ev d [ys vy y ‘ and waybody you wien (2 writs fer | A Andersen, Mandaomely ilurtrae. colt fis ees 20,80, eats bee EP AND = ; TO DO SLEIGHT-OF-HAND. | jny'the lines on the hand, together with a fulh —Giving com: oipte o information as to. the | a er fifty of the latest and best explanation of their meaning. Also expiain-— ner and method of cing ali inde tam- r magicians. Also containing the {ng phrenology, and the key fm tellin: her ali kinds of pe md sight. Fully illustrated. ath he the binnpe one tie thaad: ee: ding 5 7 = TO eg MAGIO TOYS.— | Hugo Koch, A.C.S. Fully illustrated. all, directions finda Folly ine. | No. 88. HOW TO HYPNOTIZE.— Containing bs , HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND ly yaluable and instructive information regard- —Centaining valuable information re- | - go TO 00 MECHANICAL ing the science of SEDO ny sl sabe r the collecting and arranging of ing com, ete instructions | 128 the most approved metho which are 1 by the leading hypnotists of the Ce rs a ne vixty Mechanical ‘Tricks, wena ere i Fos Sg ses, naan of the me pot SIXTY eae y Aeaeetisoes ON, orntian regarding choice of mabresine ica, wit of the 4 subjects, ‘the use of words and the manner of ‘0 TRICKS WITH iy < ibm rh = : : 2, curious tricks 530 id 5 eae gale by all ‘newsdealera, or wile ot _ FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher,